Serving Northern Oklahoma
MARCH 2021
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Home Buying in the “Covid” Market Pioneer Tech Trains for Essential Careers PCDA’s Business Pitch-off Returns
March 2021 1 VIEW DIGITAL EDITION AT PONCACITYMONTHLY.COM
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MARCH 2021
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VOL. 2 NO. 3
FEATURES
ARTS
Pioneer Technology takes a BITE out of the future
The Art of the Brew
7 BITE Information Technology 14 Pioneer Women
Live Musical Theatre Performance
52 Home Buying
in the “Covid” Market Real Estate Rebounds, Despite Pandemic
HEALTH & BEAUTY
38 National Women’s History Month
FOOD 11 Taste of the Town
21 ART SPACE
34 Sounding Off
Music in & Around Ponca City
EDUCATION
19 Education Corner Spring Break
29 Pioneer Tech Trains
for Essential Careers Pandemic Proof-Your Future
BUSINESS
26 PCDA’s Business
Grand Cafe
Pitch-Off Returns Have a Great Business Idea?
Pub-Style Grub for St. Patrick’s Day
Turtle’s Donut Shoppe
50 Soft-Boiled Scotch Eggs
HUMOR & ENTERTAINMENT 24 Stew on That
by Rachel Stewart
24 Crossword Puzzle 40 Crossword Puzzle Answers 54 Ponca City Monthly’s GeoCash
CALENDARS
13 Chamber Link
41 Business Spotlight
BOOK REVIEWS
2 Children’s Book Review 3 Celebrating Dr. Seuss 33 Adult Book Review 1st Case
GARDENING
44 Backyard Gardener
March Chamber Events
So “Mulch” to Talk About
Publishing Company MyMediaMatters Marketing Agency Editor-in-Chief Kelsey Wagner Associate Editor & Advertisting Director Robyn Ryan Staff Writers Carey Head Jennifer Vaughan Brenda Baugh Jay Wagner Lauren Payne Ad Designers Robyn Ryan Kelsey Wagner Magazine Designer Andrew Hicks Copy Editor Sherry Cable Staff Photographer Jay Wagner Office Manager Brenda Baugh Contributing Writers Paul Muehlberg Rachel Stewart Patrick Jordan Adam Leaming Lorrie Layton Kat Long Steve Scott Traci Thorpe Zac Ladner Nancy Laffey Kera Kester Annette Newcomb Circulation Manager Brenda Baugh
4
March 2021
© MyMediaMatters, LLC, dba Ponca City Monthly 2021. For permission to reproduce any article in this magazine, contact admin@ my-mediamatters.com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
Letter from the Editor Normalcy – what is normalcy?
In January, when the COVID-19 vaccines began rolling out, the idea of returning to some semblance of normalcy began to sneak into the far reaches of my brain as a real possibility. My mind began to race with questions. What will I do when things are back to normal? Am I ready for that? What happens when no one is wearing masks and I have events to attend every weekend? But I spoke too soon, of course. Just as I started to hope – BAM — two weeks of historically sub zero temps, 10 inches of snow and rolling blackouts snapped me back to reality. The idea of normalcy slipped out of reach, yet again. Though I am dismayed, and slightly disheartened after a crazy February that normalcy may never return, the fact of the matter is, it will. It is inevitable. The question is, what will I do with it when it arrives?
In the year 1920, America was reeling from not only a post-World War 1, but a global pandemic of Spanish flu. Life was anything but normal. Warren G. Harding ran his presidential campaign on a “return to normalcy campaign,” saying, “America’s present need is not heroics, but healing; not nostrums, but normalcy; not revolution, but restoration; not agitation, but adjustment; not surgery, but serenity; not the dramatic, but the dispassionate; not experiment, but equipoise; not submergence in internationality, but sustainment in triumphant nationality.” Harding won the Presidency by the largest margin to date at the time. Warren Harding died during this third year in office, and the consensus was that his administration accomplished very little, but perhaps little was what was needed at that time. As we enter into our second year of a global pandemic, and when it seems that life has nothing but curve balls, let’s all remember that when the time comes, and life returns to normal, no news is good news. When that time does finally arrive, let’s all sit back together, and bask in the beauty of the mundane.
editor@poncacitymonthly.com
Serving Northern Oklahoma
MARCH 2021
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Home Buying in the “Covid” Market Pioneer Tech Trains for Essential Careers PCDA’s Business Pitch-off Returns
VIEW DIGITAL EDITION AT PONCACITYMONTHLY.COM
ON THE COVER
Photography by: Ashley Ballinger, Speak Now Film Co. Design by: Kelsey Wagner Pictured on the cover: Debra Rue Pioneer Women, Page 8 March 2021
5
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March 2021
BITE
Information Technology
Pioneer Technology Takes a BITE out of the future while preparing students for a sustainable career
S
BY ZAC LADNER
even years ago, I left my math and science teaching position and joined Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) as their Business Information and Technology Education Information Technology (BITE-IT) Instructor. I took an unconventional approach to becoming a teacher which as serendipity would have it, gave me the initial qualifications I needed to teach a BITE program at PTC. I never planned to be a teacher; I planned to be a businessman and received my Business Administration degree through NWOSU. Through a series of events, I was led to teaching. I was hired by Ponca City Public Schools in 2001 and taught math and eventually science until leaving in 2014. When I left I really wanted a new challenge. A position opened at PTC I didn’t feel qualified for. My wife, Kendra, pushed me to apply for the open BITE-IT position. I did not have any networking experience, nor had I built a computer at the time I applied. The biggest plus I had was that bachelor’s degree and my business certification to teach. During my second interview, I was asked what I would do if I didn’t know an answer to question. My response, “I’ll Google it.” Those three little words, along with the desire to learn, helped land the job and PTC took me in and the training began. Upon being hired to teach Information Technology, I had a daunting task. I came into a program with dwindling numbers, equipment that needed upgrades and I needed a way to pique the interest of prospective new students. How do I turn something so nerdy into, “Hey, I want to do that!” I needed some razzle dazzle to start the ball rolling. That hook was virtual reality (VR) at the start. We purchased VR headsets to showcase the fun stuff. The trick is, VR headsets don’t run smoothly unless you build a nice custom PC that we just happened to do. The hook was set. Prospective students started signing up in droves for the IT class. The VR started the snowball effect, but it is not the prime focus now. Today’s students showcase some of the tricks they have to learn in the Cyber Security curriculum. Future students are shown live threat attack maps. These interactive maps show everything from simple phishing attempts to denial of service attacks. From that point, we pull up our Bluetooth sniffer and show how we can capture data from their cell phones or smartwatches they may be wearing. That scares every teenager we see and makes them want to be able to do the same thing! Our typical tour for prospective
continued on page 9 March 2021
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students ends with showing a video of a real-time website clone of Facebook and how easy it is to steal someone’s username and password with a few clicks. All of this sounds ominous, but you have to learn the malicious methods of attack so you know how to stop it. If you don’t know how a cyber attack is carried out, you can’t do your job. I have always been that teacher that likes to develop a connection with students. I feel like if they like you, respect you and get to know you, they will work for you. I am always looking for that teaching moment outside of the standard curriculum. With the start of each school year, my students watch Randy Pausch give the Last Lecture. In that lecture he talks of head fakes, which I like to employ in my teaching. I typically get students that are introverted and not real talkers. We will have game days from time to time that force them to interact with people and hopefully break out of that shell. The other noteworthy annual event we have in class is Meatvember. Meatvember came about my first year at PTC. I had a class of all male students and we were talking about food one day. Cooking up and grilling. Not one of my students had ever cooked on a grill. Talk about blown away, we rectified that. The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I brought my grill and set it up on the back lot. Students brought food, we cooked and we ate. The kids had a great time and learned a skill I know many have carried on. Some of the best lessons can be those that just come about from a conversation. Opportunities for experiences are another great plus to the programs at PTC. The IT program has two Career Tech Student Organizations (CTSO). All students participate in Business Professionals of America (BPA) and the high school students participate in Cyber Patriot. These CTSO’s allow students to showcase their skills in competitions with peers all over the country. Many of my students come from a meager background and have not had the opportunity to travel outside of Ponca City. I will never forget the student I took to Tulsa for a state BPA competition who had never seen an escalator. Talk about an awestruck student. We ramped that experience up a hundred times by taking them to Orlando and staying on Disney property or hopping on an airplane for Los Angeles. The excitement is palpable! Today’s students have a choice of career paths to choose, which can open doors and enable many doors to open. Everyone that comes through the program experiences the same first year. These students take IT Essentials, Network Client Operating Systems and Server Pro Install and Storage. Possible certifications that can come out of the first year are CompTIA A+ and Microsoft’s Modern Desktop Administrator Associate. Second year students have options and must make a decision about what career path to choose. We offer a Networking route or a Cyber Security route. Both pathways lead students to in-demand, sustainable careers for their future. The Networking path is comprised of Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum that is made up of three classes (Introduction to Networks; Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials; and Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation). Taking this path allows the student to learn how to configure, operate and troubleshoot switched and routed networks. We use Cisco routers and switches that allow students full hands-on to setup and troubleshoot as they work through the material. The goal of this career major is to earn CCNA certification. The second path we offer is Cyber Security. This curriculum is provided by Marcraft and has some great
features for learners built in. The two eye-catchers of this curriculum are the Physical Access Control panel and the Industrial Process panel. These both stand out, but are just a fraction of what is offered. This curriculum teaches students Enterprise Network Security, Industrial Security Systems, Healthcare IT Security and how to be an Ethical Hacker. CompTIA’s Security + certification aligns with the cyber major. In the fall of 2020, we implemented an evening program for adult students who are driven to jumpstart a new career in IT. Students are given access to the curriculum to complete at home and then come to PTC on Wednesday evenings to have access to live equipment. Having an evening option reduces the daytime waitlist, but also allows a person to have a 9-5 job and advance or change his/her career paths. Career opportunities for my students are great. Locally, I have had many students employed by multiple casinos, public schools, the hospital, ADPC, Evan’s and Associates, CT Technologies and more. Although not a local company, TeleComp has also snatched up several students that are able to work remotely or travel. For students that crave the big city, I have had several that are enjoying great careers and moving up the ranks at the Dell EMC in Oklahoma City. Pay for these students typically starts out around $14 an hour, but the sky is the limit if they are willing to get their certifications.
How do I turn something so nerdy into,” Hey, I want to do that!”
Coming to PTC when I did and taking over the IT program has been an amazing experience for me. I wake up every day excited to go work and see my students. The pandemic has affected some of our activities this year, but we have made do. I look forward to the days we can travel again and have our guest speakers back in person. (It’s just not the same over a Zoom call). Those days will return, and I will continue to help my students develop experiences and opportunities to prepare themselves for a future full of possibilities!
March 2021
9
time for a fiscal check-up check-up check-up Now is the time for a fiscal check-up Markets fluctuate. Markets fluctuate. finances and investments line up with your life goals and retirement expectations.
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FA Name Call today for aAdvisors free consultation, Wells Fargo ,Title LLC and we’ll Compliance-Approved Ferguson, Mulligan & Poet, LLC explore investment strategies designed to Address and Suite Number (580) 762-6890 • 1926 Lake Road • Ponca City, OK 74604 help you protect yourself City Name, State Zip today, tomorrow and XXX-XXX-XXXX • 8XX-XXX-XXXX into the future.
Markets fluctuate. 1926 Lake Road George Ferguson:FA Name Pat Mulligan: Craig Poet: Bryant Ferguson: Suite #3 Relationships Title shouldn’t. Managing Compliance-Approved Senior Financial Senior Financial Financial Address and Suite Number Ponca City, OK 74604 Web or E-mail Address FA Name Compliance-Approved Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT Title FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value FAand Name Address Suite Number Fargo Advisors, Advisors,LLC, LLC,Member MemberSIPC, SIPC,isisa aregistered registered broker-dealer a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells & Company. Wells Fargo broker-dealer andand a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells FargoFargo & Company. Compliance-Approved Title ©2010 LLC. All rights reserved. A1266 ©2010Wells WellsFargo FargoAdvisors, Advisors, LLC.Name, All rightsState reserved. 1010-2902[74021-v2] [74021-v2] A1266 ~Wells FargoWells City Zip1010-2902 Principal Advisor Advisor Advisor Address and Suite Number We’re with you every of way. xxx-xxx-xxxx • 8XX-XXX-XXXX City Name,step State Zipthe (580) 762-6890 City Name, State Zip Web or E-mail Address XXX-XXX-XXXX • 8XX-XXX-XXXX XXX-XXX-XXXX • 8XX-XXX-XXXX Web orSuite E-mail #3, Address 1926 Lake Road,Web Ponca City, OK 74604 or E-mail Address Investmentand andInsurance InsuranceProducts: Products: u NOT Insuredu NOuBank NO Bank Guarantee MAYValue Lose Value Investment u NOT FDICFDIC Insured Guarantee u MAYuLose
(580) 762-6890
Investment and Insurance Products:u NOT u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Investment and Insurance Products: FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value WellsFargo FargoAdvisors Advisors, LLC, Member isby registered and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Fargo Advisors thetrade trade nameSIPC, used byatwo two separate registered Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, and LAdvisors, to R:[Practice Craig Investment Insurance Products: ubroker-dealer NOT FDICbroker-dealers: Insured u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Wells isisand the name used separate registered broker-dealers: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, and Poet Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered Wells LLC, and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo &&Company. Name] ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 0509-2351 [74021-v1] Investment and Insurance Products: u NOTbroker-dealers: FDIC Insured uFargo NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non-bank affiliates ofA1266 Wells Fargo Company. [Practice Name] is a separate entity of WFAFN. ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. All rights reserved. 0512-3417 [74029-v3] A1015 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. [Practice Name] & Patrick Fargo Advisors, LLC,Member Member SIPC, registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells & Company. Fargo Advisors, LLC, SIPC, isisa aregistered broker-dealer andLLC. a separate affiliate ofMulligan, Wells FargoFargo & Company. is Wells a separate entity of WFAFN. ©2013 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, All rights non-bank reserved. 1113-03428 [74029-v4] A1015 Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, registered broker-dealer a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Advisors, Member SIPC, isisa aregistered broker-dealer a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. is a separate entity ofFargo WFAFN. ©2010LLC, Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. and All and rights reserved. 0512-3417 [74029-v3] A1015 ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All reserved. 1010-2902 [74021-v2] A1266 ~Wells FargoWells ©2010 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. Allrights rights reserved. 1010-2902 [74021-v2] A1266 Name ©2010 Advisors, LLC. ~Wells FargoWells ©2010Wells WellsFargo FargoFA Advisors, LLC.All Allrights rightsreserved. reserved.1010-2902 1010-2902[74021-v2] [74021-v2]A1266 A1266Financial Advisors;
Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Compliance-Approved Title Member SIPC. Ferguson, Mulligan & Poet, Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), George Ferguson, Addressentity and Suite Number LLC is a separate from WFAFN. CAR 0420-01303 Branch Manager, City Name, State Zip XXX-XXX-XXXX • 8XX-XXX-XXXX Web or E-mail Address
Vice President
First Impressions Matter! L to R: Craig Poet & Patrick Mulligan, Financial Advisors; Investment and Insurance Products: u NOT FDIC Insured u NO Bank Guarantee George Ferguson, Managing Principal
u MAY Lose Value
Fargo Advisors, Advisors,LLC, LLC,Member MemberSIPC, SIPC,isisa aregistered registered broker-dealer a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells & Company. Wells Fargo broker-dealer andand a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells FargoFargo & Company. ©2010 Wells All 1010-2902 A1266 ~Wells FargoWells ©2010 WellsFargo Fargo Advisors,LLC. LLC. Allrights rightsureserved. reserved. 1010-2902 [74021-v2] A1266 Investment and Advisors, Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured [74021-v2] u NO Bank Guarantee u MAY Lose Value Advisors is the the trade trade name nameused usedbybytwo twoseparate separateregistered registeredbroker-dealers: broker-dealers: Wells Wells Fargo Fargo Advisors, Advisors, LLC, and and Wells Fargo Wells Fargo Advisors Advisors Financial Network, LLC,Network, MembersLLC, SIPC, non-bank liates of Wells Fargo & Company. Poet, LLC is a Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Members SIPC,affinon-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo &Ferguson, Company.Mulligan [Practice&Name] isseparate a separate entity of WFAFN. ©2013Wells WellsFargo FargoAdvisors AdvisorsFinancial FinancialNetwork, Network,LLC. LLC.AllAllrights rights reserved. 1113-03428[74029-v4] [74029-v4]A1015 A1015 entity of WFAFN. ©2013 reserved. 1113-03428
You’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression. Are people wowed when they walk into your business? Whether you have a small boutique or a large company, we have many options, including carpet tile, vinyl tile or planks. The possibilites are endless! Give us a call soon and let us help you make a statement!
– 3-Generation Family Tradition –
301 W. Grand • Ponca City • (580) 765-4456 Hours: Monday - Friday 8-6 and Saturday 8-2
10 March 2021
509 N. 1st St. • Ponca City • 580-762-1736
Showroom Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 5:30 pm, Sat. 9 am - 2 pm
T e h n t o w of TASTE
Grand Cafe for Breakfast or Lunch Story & Photos Contributed by Nancy Laffey
There is something special about dining at The Grand Cafe, the little restaurant on the corner of Fifth and Grand Avenue in Ponca City. In all my 36 years in Ponca City it has been there, under several different names and owners, but in my mind and memories it has always been The Grand Cafe. It is a great spot for breakfast or lunch in our busy downtown. I pop in regularly for one of their fresh grab-and-go salads with a nice portion of homemade ranch just the way this Okie likes it. They are made daily for busy folks like me. It’s a real treat to slow down a bit and take in the newly remodeled space that is very clean and inviting. Grab a tall table in the corner and take in the big picture window views of our beautiful downtown architecture in the Library or City Hall while the friendly staff dotes on you. The cute little restaurant has a nice menu of staple dishes, but when I dine out, I always consider “The Special” or ask my server about his or her favorite thing on the menu. I assume if a restaurant has a special, it means they take pride in the dish and want to make it your next favorite food. The Grand Cafe has a large chalkboard on specials for every day of the week. There are plenty of specials to try and keep you coming back for more. The Saturday special this particular day was The Reuben served with my choice of fries, and I chose curly. I like to order food that I wouldn’t usually make myself, and those hand-cut, fresh curly fries were the right amount of curl, cooked to just the right bite. They were seasoned with salt and pepper, which I loved, but still required ketchup; I just can’t eat a fry
without it. The specials, and I do best part of the have favorites that Grand Cafe special was the keep me coming Reuben itself; it 423 E. Grand Avenue back. I think the was excellent. The Ponca City most unique special marble rye bread Open: they offer is the was perfectly butMonday - Saturday fried tacos. These tered and toasty, 7am - 2pm are flour tortilla and the meat to shells that have cheese to kraut ratio was just right. I love biting been deep fried into a crispy into a sandwich that’s not so vehicle for the freshest taco crammed full of stuff that I filling staples. Next time you struggle to look presentable are shopping or working while trying to eat! No, this downtown, make a plan to sandwich was delightful, special, tasty and easy to enjoy while enjoy this Ponca City staple and let them make you feel special maintaining my manners! with their friendly staff and I have tried almost all the delightful dishes!
March 2021
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12 March 2021
MARCH EVENTS The Chamber’s Receipt Campaign continues through March. Collect your Ponca City receipts. Please put your name and phone number on each receipt. Then bring them to the Chamber Office located at Fifth and Grand Avenue. You could win big! TUESDAY, MARCH 2 Ponca City Business Council will meet at 8 a.m. at the Chamber Office THURSDAY, MARCH 4 Education and Workforce Development Committee will meet at 4 p.m. at the Chamber Office WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 Ponca City Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol TUESDAY, MARCH 16 Ambassador Committee will meet at 8 a.m. at the Chamber Office WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 Finance and Executive Committee will meet at 11 a.m. at the Chamber Office THURSDAY, MARCH 18 Community Development Committee will meet at 10 a.m. at the Chamber Office WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24 Chamber Board will meet at 11 a.m. at City Central Summit Room THURSDAY, MARCH 25 Tourism Bureau will meet at 9 a.m. at the Chamber Office THURSDAY, MARCH 25 Party at the Palace Planning Meeting at 4 p.m. at El Patio FRIDAY, MARCH 26 Ponca Politics Committee will meet at 11 a.m. at City Central FRIDAY, MARCH 26 Oklahoma Legislative Update at 12 p.m. at City Central
For other events taking place, go to visitponcacity.com
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www.PoncaCityChamber.com • 580-765-4400 March 2021
13
Pioneer
Women Live Musical Theatre Performance Written & Directed by Debra Rue, coming to the Poncan Theatre in April
Story by Kelsey Wagner/Editor-in-Chief Photos by Ashley Ballenger/Speak Now Film Company
Debra Harden Rue comes from a long line of Pioneers. Debra’s mother grew up on the shores of the Salt Fork River after her grandparents purchased a parcel of 101 Ranch land after it had gone bankrupt. That property is still in Debra’s family to this day. Debra’s great-grandparents on her father’s side also have deep roots to the area. Her great-grandmother, she recalls, was a progressive woman for her day. She was the Train Depot Agent in the town of Autwine, which was located just west of Ponca City. Depot Agents were responsible for the day-to-day operations of the depot, including sorting mail, managing the depot store and greeting travelers. The small town eventually burned to the ground, but her great-grandmother’s memories live on through her journals. Pioneering women are in Debra Rue’s blood. Debra spent years living away from Ponca City, with some of those years spent in New York, writing and directing plays for Broadway. In all the years she spent away, her thoughts would often drift back to the Pioneer Woman Statue and her hometown of Ponca City, and how it linked back to her own family history.
14 March 2021
After attending the opening of The Will Rogers Follies musical Broadway show in 1991, which focuses on the life and career of famed Oklahoma humorist and performer Will Rogers, it struck her someone one day would likely write a play about the Pioneer Woman and the 12 statues and how the statues were commissioned. The story of the Pioneer Woman and the contest to select the statue was too interesting to not be told. Yet, years went by, and no such story was ever written. So, Debra decided she would be the one to write the story. “That’s how the story was born. Coming to school every day, I would pass by the Pioneer Woman; and in New York, I would pass by the Statue of Liberty; and they were both an inspiration,” says Debra. The Pioneer Woman Statue was unveiled to the public on April 22, 1930, so the year 2020 marked 90 years. Debra’s father, only 5 years old at the time, was in attendance at the unveiling ceremony and only remembers that it was crowded and there was a great, big picnic that day.
“The show is going to start out on the unveiling day, and then we’re going to float into the different vignettes of each of the 12 ladies,” says Debra.
The Pioneer Woman Statue, the musical and the 90th anniversary celebration are all monumental landmarks for Ponca City. Debra says she hopes the musical will help honor that.
Debra Rue grew up in Ponca City and always knew she would move back home. So in 2019, after decades of the busy hustle bustle of New York City and then Fort Worth, Texas, Debra and her husband decided it was finally time to come home to Ponca City, and it was time to write the story of the Pioneer Women.
“I think the Pioneer Woman Statue is the most important part of Ponca City, because it represents not only what we do now, but also what we have done in the past. The bravery, the willingness to put a foot forward into the future - I think that’s probably the most important point that she brings out. That, coupled with her son, her taking him by the hand and leading him, the willingness to be a leader,” says Debra.
Debra began writing her story and planned the musical debut to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the Pioneer Woman, but the global pandemic proved to be too big of an obstacle to overcome, and the play’s debut was pushed back to April 2021.
With live music by Prairie Fire, Native American dancers, the Oklahoma Kid trick roper and professional choreography by Kara Kem, and over 30 characters, the show is going to be a fun,
continued on page 16
“ I think the Pioneer Woman Statue is the
most important part of Ponca City because it represents, not only what we do now, but also what we have done in the past, the bravery and the willingness to put a foot forward into the future,
” -Debra Rue March 2021
15
continued from page 15 entertaining experience that audiences will not want to miss. Safety and social distancing protocols are in place for both actors and attendees, and every precaution is being taken to ensure that those who choose to see the play in person can do so safely. Rehearsals will take place in March, with the live theatre performance taking place April 23-25. Each show is precluded by a Historical Prologue. The show runs approximately 1.5 hours with an intermission. Tickets are on sale now at poncantheatre.org. Tickets are limited, and special Orchestra Seat Tickets are available and include a post-party after the April 24 performance. For more information, contact Debra Rue at: cougarue@sbcglobal.net.
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“We must innovate to remove these barriers for our female students. One way we’ve looked to this challenge was with the NOC and the UC partnership to offer in-person weekend classes.”
Education Corner Spring Break
Story Contributed by Adam Leaming/ CEO, University Center/Contributing Writer Photo by Lauren Rene Payne Welcome to March where we begin to embrace the promise of a swift and warm spring. In March we will recognize the one-year anniversary of the pandemic in Oklahoma and the forever altering impact it has made on education. It seems like years ago, but the digitization of the workforce, the changing of how we organize, meet and educate has changed. What’s transpired in the past 12 months is a testament to the dedication and work ethic of our leaders, community and neighbors. But where are we one year from the beginning of the pandemic? In Ray Schroeder’s article, “Online Learning to the Rescue,” he notes that higher education enrollments were down nearly half a million students in the fall across the United States. Where did these students go?
The digitization of our schools and moving our young people from classrooms to the living room created a new issue for our community. The UC students were having to decide between going to class or leaving their children at home. It’s not only higher education that’s seeing an exodus of women from seeking their degree, but it is a national workforce problem. In a Bureau of Labor Statistics report from October, data showed women leaving the workforce increased significantly over 2020, with over 865,000 more women than men were leaving the workforce in September alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics pointed to a sobering fact that in the fall the United States saw that the number of women in the workforce had fallen to 1988 levels. Sadly, this trend continues today as the pandemic trudges along.
For the UC at Ponca City, our enrollment dropped nearly 18% compared to a year ago at this time. Are we concerned? Absolutely. But, are we surprised? Hardly. Nearly every journal article we read pointed to the winter months as the time when community spread would most likely see its peak. I was thrilled we could offer services for as long as we did in the fall months. We accounted for this in our planning for the year and will be able to provide the same levels of service in the spring as we had in the fall. What I was not planning on was how one group of students appears to be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and how this creates a barrier to higher education enrollment.
What does this mean for our institutions as we move forward? We must innovate to remove these barriers for our female students. One way we’ve looked to this challenge was with the NOC and the UC partnership to offer in-person weekend classes. Instead of being gone for multiple days a week, students can enroll in Friday evening classes and Saturday classes, earning their credits over the course of a dozen weekends. In addition, the UC Foundation raised a record number of scholarship funds for 2021 to help lower the financial burden our students face when deciding to enroll in higher education. Digitization of higher education continues to evolve, and I believe we will see new ways to deliver a rich and meaningful experience in the coming months.
The UC has an enrollment that is predominately female. In my eight years, the lowest percentage of students we’ve had in a semester that were female was 72%, and most times it’s over 75%. When you also factor in a large majority (over 60%) of those females have at least one child and are employed, then we can start to imagine the sacrifice in a typical nonpandemic year it takes for an individual to decide to return to school.
But we must not lose sight of the heroes of the pandemic. I tip my hat to those who have nobly answered the bell, our female students, who are at home helping protect our youth, ensuring their participation in their online learning and helping drive down our COVID-19 numbers to help us return to a new normal in the near future.
March 2021
19
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Vortex Alley Brewing owners Jim (Jimmy) Allen, Marc Spaulding and David Thomas
hen most think of art, their immediate thoughts are usually about the visual arts, such as painting or sculpture. Merriam-Webster defines art as “something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings.” By this definition, art is so much more than a painting or a sculpture. So, if this expanded way of thinking about art and what is considered to be art includes a wider range of mediums, types and forms, then who is recognized as an artist? Could a brewer of craft beers be considered an artist? After speaking with the owners of Vortex Alley Brewing, the answer is, “yes.” David Thomas, Marc Spaulding and
Jim (Jimmy) Allen have been friends since their early teens. These childhood friends have always loved drinking beer, talking about beer and brewing beer at home. Since November 2017, they have shared their artwork with Ponca City by the opening of their downtown brewery. Vortex
continued on page 22
March 2021
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Art Space continued from page 22 Alley Brewing is a gallery dedicated to exhibiting these masterpieces that are “created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings.” Feeling like having a beer? What type? What flavors do you like? Sweet? Sour? Etc. So many questions about a beer. This very condensed f o l l o w i n g information will help make a wellinformed decision when you head down to Vortex to have a tasty, adult beverage (only if you are 21 or older). The types of beers are lagers, ales, stouts & porters and special categories. The difference between a lager and ale is the type of yeast used. The type of strain in a lager ferments at a cold temperature and is a
bottom-fermented beer. A lager’s taste is considered crisp and dry, but will leave the drinker feeling refreshed and rehydrated. Pale, pilsner, amber & red and dark are just a few of the subcategories to be found in the lager family. Ales are the opposite of lagers. So, ale is ferment at a warmer temperature and is referred to as a top-fermented beer. There are so many strains of ale yeast that it is difficult to give a simple taste description across the canvases used to create ales. Multiple choices of yeast plus the introduction of the endless flavors that can be used for this category, the options are endless. The more common ale subcategories are cream, pale, amber & red, India
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pale ale (IPA), dark, brown, Belgian-style and last, but not least, wheat beer. These categories range in color, sweetness, bitterness, etc. With so many options, order a flight of beers (4-oz. serving of multiple beers on tap to be sampled) and try all the current flavors the local brew artists are offering and exhibiting for your enjoyment. Enjoyment of this next category is welcomed and encouraged by true beer lovers. Technically, this category should be included with the ales, but with the rich flavors, lack of bitterness and very dark color, stouts & porters need to stand on their own. The roast, chocolate and coffee flavors of stouts & porters generally have been thought of as a beverage more suitable for the colder months. With the popularity growing with this category, more and more stouts & porters are being enjoyed at summer events. The two
subcategories are oatmeal and imperial. Difference is one type has a small amount of oatmeal added which gives it a thicker body and a more earthy flavor while imperial refers to the 18thcentury stouts & porters that were being consumed all over Russia and was the favorite of Catherine the Great. No need to be part of the imperial family or be royalty to try any and all of the batches created by Thomas, Spaulding and Allen. After the three artists have collaborated and sculpted their next work of Hop Art, they proudly display and share it with their patrons. The imaginative named beers and one-of-a-kind flavors are displayed on the wall right behind the bar. Where do these life-long friends, who share a passion for beer get their inspiration and begin the creative process collaboration? Talking about beer while drinking beer with each other, then do it again and again.
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Humor & Entertainment
Stew on that By Rachel Stewart
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. SEUSS! by Patrick Jordan
ACROSS 1. Identical or fraternal sibling 5. Cincinnati baseball team 9. Spring event when snow melts 13. "What a disaster!" (2 wds.) 14. Business VIP, for short 15. Conscious (of) 16. Some computers, briefly 17. Bart Simpson's older sister 18. "Well, for ___ sake!" 19. 1957 Dr. Seuss book (5 wds.) 22. They're connected in drawing pictures 23. Assistance 24. On the go 27. Take care of, as flowers 29. Burned briquet's coating 32. Innocently unsuspecting 33. Covered with lubricant 34. "It's yours ___ extra cost!" (2 wds.) 35. 1960 Dr. Seuss book (4 wds.) 38. "Downton Abbey" noble title 39. Oak or elm 40. Bring forth, as an emotion 41. Golfing great Ernie ___ 42. "Mermaids" and "Moonstruck" star 43. Elevates 44. Savings plan for the golden years (Abbr.) 45. Automobiles 46. 1954 Dr. Seuss book (4 wds.) 54. Wall-climbing plants 55. A single time 56. Sphere on a necklace 57. Steering wheels on ships
58. 59. 60. 61. 62.
Takes a chair Installed, as carpet Raw minerals Check for spelling mistakes Commits a blunder
DOWN 1. Cartoon cat who chases Jerry 2. "Would you repeat that?" 3. Ruler unit 4. Took a sudden plunge (Hyph.) 5. Make a comparison 6. Leaves the building 7. Lucille Ball's partner ___ Arnaz 8. Read a bar code 9. Woolen suit material 10. "Thirty days ___ September..." 11. Wallpaperer's calculation 12. W, on a weather vane 15. Sap-sucking garden pest 20. Group of witches 21. Country singer ___ Tucker 24. One of four on a square 25. Christmas song 26. Wedding cake levels 27. Striped jungle cat 28. "So what ___ is new?" 29. Three Musketeers member 30. Boa or copperhead 31. Residences 33. Shrek, for one 34. Wise to do 36. Film actor ___ Hawke 37. Approaches 42. Christian symbol 43. Least commonly found 44. Count at a checkout counter 45. Spiny desert plants
March is Women’s History Month, and instead of boring you with all of the really amazing and vital and important things women have done in our world, like literally growing human beings and extra organs, and having to fight for our basic human rights to vote and own property and have bank accounts, and work even harder to be successful in our jobs and earn respect and also juggle taking care of our families and homes, instead of talking about all of those things, I thought I’d give all you men out there the answer to that one question you’ve always wondered: what do women want? It’s honestly very simple. We want you to give us attention and affection, but not that much, and don’t smother us, except when we’re in the mood to be smothered. We want you to support us, even when we’re wrong, except that we aren’t ever wrong and how dare you say that. Feed us, but don’t make us choose what to eat, take the initiative to pick what we eat, unless we’re in the mood to pick, and then let us. Get us
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That’s pretty much it, I can’t believe so many movies have been made about this topic. Go celebrate the awesome women in your life!
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Kermit the Frog's greeting (Hyph.) Above Incite to anger Coil on a fire truck
Crossword Answers on Page 40
24 March 2021
5
stuff, it doesn’t need to be expensive, a flower you pick on the side of the road, except in situations that call for a bigger gift, then do that, but don’t spend too much money because then we’ll be mad you spent a lot of money without checking with us first. Clean up around the house (it isn’t just our job to take care of housework!) but do it the way we want it done otherwise we’ll just have to redo it then we’ll be upset that you cleaned but we’ll be also upset if you don’t clean. Support our independence in all areas except the areas that involve trash and changing the oil in our cars. Recognize that when we vent to you about a situation that most of the time we just need to vent and no action is required by you to fix the situation, except the times that we want you to take action to fix the situation, and decipher this on your own we don’t want to have to tell you what to do, you should just know.
50. 51. 52. 53.
It's about 50 miles from Ponca City Use as clothing A barber cuts it Gambling statistics
At the
PONCAN THEATRE 104 East Grand Avenue (580) 765-0943
APRIL 23-24
7:00 P.M. Historical Prologue 7:30 P.M Pioneer Women
APRIL 25
1:30 P.M. Historical Prologue 2:00 P.M. Pioneer Women Tickets - $20 Orchestra Seat Ticket - $50 (Includes post-party for April 24th performance) Tickets - $25 after March 1st FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT cougarue@sbcglobal.net
March 2021
25
PCDA’s Business Pitch-off Returns Have a great business idea? Annual competition returns with a grand prize of $5,000 Story & Photos contributed by Kat Long/PCDA, Small Business & Information Coordinator This is the Fifth-Annual Pitch-off. Started in 2016 as a concept pitch sponsored by Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA) to gauge interest for a full-fledged business plan pitch off. Three small businesses pitched their concepts indicating Ponca City was ready for a full-fledged Business Plan Pitch-off. The Business Plan Pitch-off is open to any business or start-up with a business banking account, including Doing Business As (DBAs), who operate within Ponca City limits. PCDA is a trust of the City of Ponca City, and is supported by a ½ cent sales tax by the citizens of Ponca City.
Technology in 2016 and a strong advocate for small business in this community. Her help was invaluable to refine the Pitch-off concept and the first Pitch-off criteria and scoring in 2017. This type of competition could not happen without the judges from our community. They have rotated each year, but every bank, business and education facility contacted is always eager to participate. A special thank you to our local banks RCB Bank, First National, Equity and most recently Community National for your representatives’ time and talent to review business plans and take time to attend the pitches.
attached for guidelines and “Small business is the backbone of small See 2017 was a high-growth year for small incentives for the 2021 Pitch-off. These town economy; of any economy really. incentives have not changed much since businesses in Ponca City. Pitch-ers included KB Enterprise (the high scorer Encouraging entrepreneurs, and giving the beginning. A $5000 value seems and recipient of the incentives), Vortex be the golden point for most small them the tools and information to grow to Alley Brewing and Elizabeth’s Mosaic businesses coming out of the concept and hire employees, is really what Glass & Gift Shop. Vortex Alley Brewing phase or transitioning from a home opened later in 2017 and continues business to brick and mortar. PCDA is all about.” to be a driving downtown business The cash infusion of $2000 is what most - Kat Long force. KB Enterprise took its free year businesses focus on, but the equipment of rent in the incubator to grow their and advertising budget gets the most return on investment. Assistance manufacturing business and is currently developing a third product for small businesses with brainstorming sessions, strategic planning, line. Other businesses who have Pitched include GameMaster’s Guild, employee recruitment and succession planning is what PCDA staff located on First Street between Grand and Cleveland, and The Grand specialize in. Staff time and talent also includes help pulling customer Cigar & Lounge on Second Street. Incentive recipients include Jason segmentation and targeted lists, and staff time and skills are available Junkens, owner of Titan Preparedness for the 2019 Pitch-off and to all our businesses in Ponca City. Shannon Sommers, owner of Aesthetic State of Mind for the 2020 Pitchoff. Titan Preparedness is currently officed in the Business Incubator If your small business start-up or home-based business is ready at Pioneer Technology Center, and Aesthetic State of Mind opened to expand, now is the time to build that business plan. Two zoom in July in downtown Ponca City at 104 S. Fourth Street in Jodi Cline’s presentations in March are available for entrepreneurs ready to take building. that next step. Email klong@goponca.com, or sign up for the PCDA Partners with PCDA for the Pitch-off concept and development are newsletter at goponca.com to find out more information on these Pioneer Technology Center Business Services, especially Ben Evans, presentations. current Entrepreneurial Services Coordinator. His predecessor Bonnie Cook, was the Incubator & Entrepreneur Manager at Pioneer
2017 Participants: Kelsey Wagner and Brad Fredrick, KB Enterprise (high score), Elizabeth Stark and Dave Thomas.
26 March 2021
2020 Participants: Shannon Sommers, Aesthetic State of Mind (high score), Rod Jenkins, CORETeam, Brad Matson, ITG Creative and Paul Schatte, Paul’s Foods.
A Family Affair
There is something special about dealing with a family owned and operated business. Their business is more than just a job – it’s a family affair! The same can be said about our team at Frontier Siding & Windows. We treat customers like family because our commitment to our clients is what makes us successful. After 45 years in Northern Oklahoma, we are still family owned and managed by the Shepard family. Thank you for supporting us!
The Renfro Family Foundation would like to thank the Ponca City Police Department, Ponca City Fire Department, Ponca City EMTs, AllianceHealth and all medical personnel for keeping our community and our families safe and well. Additionally, we thank all those in education, secondary, higher education and Vocational Technology for all you are doing. A special salute to all our Veterans and those serving in the military, for our freedom. Carl Renfro President
Randy Renfro Treasurer, CPA
Rick Renfro
Secretary, Restaurateur
Cindy Gorrell
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• Cashier/Cook (Grand Cafe) Apply in person – 3rd floor of Marland Mall, 417 E. Grand, enter through alley, PLEASE BRING 2 FORMS OF ID. You may also email Jennifer at sclhrassist@sclok.com BENEFITS • Starting pay is $8-12/hour, based on experience • Raises/promotions available • BCBS healtth insurance • Insure Oklahoma available • Paid life insurance ($10K) • Company-matched 401K • Paid vacation • PTO • Paid training - CPR, MAT certification • Referral bonuses • PPE & safety equipment • Covid vaccine clinic
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Pioneer Tech Trains for Essential Careers Pandemic-Proof Your Future
Story & Photo Contributed by Traci Thorpe/Superintendant, Pioneer Technology Center The recent pandemic has highlighted many issues, while bringing attention to our preparedness within our country. It stressed our supply chains, bombarded our health-care providers, crippled business and industry, challenged our education systems and resulted in other major impacts. There is no doubt there will be long-lasting effects as some repercussions are already apparent, while others have yet to be revealed. One of the certainties discovered in recent months is the need for frontline jobs with critical skills essential to running our country and maintaining our daily lives. As we look to the future, we must maintain a qualified workforce for employers. Training and filling workforce needs for essential jobs are a priority to ensure critical operations and services can proceed without disruption.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an avenue to meet the demands of providing a skilled workforce. The programs offered in Oklahoma’s career and technology education system train for workers or support in these essential careers.
With the widespread availability of jobs and excellent salaries, a change of perspective is needed by those seeking education and training. Attracting a younger generation to skilled trade areas has been a goal for many businesses and industries, with some success. We must move forward from the
continued on page 30
Trinity Burnett displays homemade Italian entrees.
March 2021
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Pioneer Tech continued from page 29
either/or dialogue and begin working together to create bridges where individuals can transition from skilled training options into careers or higher education pathways. As young people plan for their future career options, essential careers should be part of the discussion. Job stability is a major consideration, and looking at the jobs that were retained and continued under the most straining conditions is something the younger generation should seriously consider. Pioneer Technology Center provides affordable training for those
By encouraging the younger generation to pursue education with exceptional value, we are helping them graduate debt-free, as most CTE students do.
essential careers, in fact, nearly all of our programs fit the criteria for “deemed essential,” defined in Governor Kevin Stitt’s recent executive orders related to the pandemic. By encouraging the younger generation to pursue education with exceptional value, we are helping them graduate debtfree, as most CTE students do. Their next step is entering an essential job career, which we know kept our country afloat for months. This continuity of service to both the economy and employees means that CTE classrooms, full of future essential employees, also provides a stronger economy and a quicker return on the investment for students.
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CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW BY LORRIE LAYTON Theodore “Ted” Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) was born on March 2, 1904. School children, educators, librarians and book sellers celebrate his birthday every year as part of Read Across America. Dr. Seuss won many awards, including the 1984 Pulitzer Prize, an Academy Award, three Emmys, three Grammys and three Caldecott Honors. Some of his made-up words are now part of our culture and dictionary. i.e., Grinch, anyone? After college Ted pursued a career as a cartoonist, with articles, illustrations and cartoons published in a multitude of magazines, including Life, Saturday Evening Post and Vanity Fair. During World War II, Ted worked as a political cartoonist for PM, a New York daily newspaper. In the mid-1950s, Americans became concerned that boring school primers were a major reason that children didn’t care to read. A director at Houghton Mifflin challenged Dr. Seuss to write a story that first-graders would love, using only 225 words out of a list of 348
Summer and Fall Enrollment Opens in March! Schedule your appointment to enroll today online @ www.ucponcacity.com Scholarships and financial aid are available!
2800 N. 14TH ST. • PONCA CITY • 580-718-5600 32 March 2021
Celebrating Dr. Seuss words. The Cat in the Hat, published in 1957, Dr. Seuss’s response to that challenge, was an immediate success. In 1960, Dr. Seuss’ publisher bet him that he couldn’t write a book using 50 or fewer different words. The result of that bet was Dr. Seuss’ best-selling title, Green Eggs and Ham. Is it possible to choose just one Dr. Seuss book? I cannot. Some of my boys’ favorites were The Foot Book, Yertle the Turtle, If I Ran the Zoo and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. See? I can’t choose just one! Another excellent book I would recommend is Dr. Seuss Goes to War. Historian Richard Minear compiled more than 200 of Geisel’s political cartoons and added commentary to help place these cartoons in context of the national climate of the time.
ADULT BOOK REVIEW BY LORRIE LAYTON
1st Case
by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts James Patterson is a prolific and talented storyteller. Working with several co-authors, he has written multiple series geared for adults, teens, middle-schoolers and kids, as well as nonfiction and stand-alone novels. I have enjoyed several of his series, so when I spied a new Patterson novel that looked suspiciously like the beginning of a new series, I just had to check it out. (Please pardon the pun, all you bibliophiles out there.) In 1st Case, Angela Hoot is a true genius who has recently gotten herself kicked out of MIT’s graduate school because she used her impressive hacker skills to teach another MIT student a well-deserved lesson (and got caught). Angela manages to land on her feet thanks to her mentor, who arranges an internship with the Computer Analysis Response Team (CART) in the FBI’s Boston Field Office. The CART team functions as the tech side of a CSI unit.
Five months into her internship, Angela is summoned to her first murder scene. The parents and sons had been shot; the teenage daughter asphyxiated. This is the third family murdered with the same M.O., which means the FBI could be looking at a serial murderer. Angela is told to begin her analysis by focusing on the daughter’s cell phone. Since her murder differed from the others, they believe her phone will have information key to the murders. That assumption is proven correct when Angela discovers an impressively sneaky app on the phone that could only have come from a hacker. Despite being warned not to allow the crime scene to affect her, Angela becomes heavily invested in the case, both emotionally and intellectually, as the possible impact of this app escalates from murder to national security. Good book!
THE PONCA PLAYHOUSE presents Based on the novel by Mark Haddon
MARCH 12-14 & 19-21 at Ponca Playhouse 301 S. First Street
Adapted by Simon Stephens Directed by Sam Stuart
SPECIAL LIVE STREAM NIGHT ON SATURDAY, MARCH 20 TICKET FOR LIVE STEAM IS $20
May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow and may trouble avoid you wherever you go. HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!
TICKETS SOLD ONLINE @ PoncaPlayhouse.com beginning Tuesday, March 1… Adults $20, Students $10 Limited Seating; Mask must be worn during entire performance.
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Sounding Off
Music In & Around Ponca City Story & Photos Contributed by Steve Scott
At this writing, the PC Live Music Entertainment Bureau is at Taco Stop on West Grand Avenue. I took the opportunity of this impromptu dropin to wallow in past memories of just how delicious inexpensive Mexican food can be, especially during my years as a struggling musician. Those were the days prior to DJs and disco, and there were a lot of places for local bands to ply their trade entertaining the masses in not only Ponca City, but other towns close by. If your band was good, you were always booked. After being stalled for nearly a year because of the pandemic, I know our local musicians are “ready to roll up their sleeves,” get vaccinated and get back to work bringing good times to town again.
THE BANDSTAND Immensely talented singer and musician Larry Newsom continues to rack up road victories, performing weekly at various locations across northern Oklahoma. He is still a regular at Zannotti’s in Stillwater, as well as, The Office in Enid and the Spotted Hound in Weatherford. When was the last time you enjoyed Larry’s show? Well, that’s too long! You will find posts of new, original songs, along with all of the upcoming performances listed on his Facebook page. Venerable hit-playing rockers Mother Kelly are staying low as they find their groove in this pandemic era. I give them a nod for endurance, as we are all ready for them to emerge and pack the clubs and the dance floors. The Hayes Brothers Band is back to weekly rehearsals after a short holiday break. The set list is changing with new songs being added, including both originals and covers. Dirty Erin is ready to push the boundaries of live
34 March 2021
Morrison 33
entertainment with their highly creative, daring and surprising performances. They just signed on for an outdoor festival in early summer. Details are forthcoming. Be sure and check out the band’s Facebook page, or on the internet at Dirtyerin.com. Ridin’ High, Northern Oklahoma’s premier dance club on Coleman Road in Ponca City, just celebrated two years of providing awesome drinks, a friendly atmosphere and live entertainment. Coming up is the Roy Weathers Band on March 6. The karaoke nights are very popular. Peruse their Facebook page for current events. Back2Sighs is booking week-to-week, and still hosting karaoke, as well as live bands on weekends, including New Dynasty and the Zen Okies.
musicians has amassed a lot of accolades and has a huge number of fans. Besides playing popular local clubs, M33 touts performances at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, the UCO Jazz Club in Edmond, The Gathering of Nations Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as the Ponca City Oktoberfest, Kay County Free Fair in Blackwell and the annual Charlie Adams Day festival in Newkirk. The band is comprised of four members: Cody Bemo (guitar and lead vocals), Bill Wetzel (bass guitar and vocals), John Simpson (drums and percussion and vocals) and Randy Jackson (lead guitar and vocals), all with decades of musical experience. M33 refuses to be categorized. Their backgrounds are diverse, and they have been influenced by many different artists. Therefore, their set list includes original compositions, as well as favorite covers. Bring your dancing shoes to a Morrison 33 performance – you won’t be sitting, because the music is just that good. In addition to working on the new album, M33 continues to practice as they can, so they are ready to “blow the doors off the town.” You can keep up with Morrison 33 on their Facebook page, and check out some of the new songs at www.reverbnation. com/morrison33/songs.
I attended a board meeting of the North Central Oklahoma Arts Council, and they are lining up the music acts for the annual Full Moon Concert Series, held each year May through September in Tonkawa. I believe we are seeing The lineup is looking great! Details soon. a significant reversal in
FINALLY Now, you might wonder what makes me get up in the morning, especially during these most challenging times. The truth is, I am just as passionate about playing live music as I have ever been. I credit having the opportunity to play with some of the best, most talented and professional musicians on the face of the planet.
Living in a topsy-turvy pandemic trends. universe continues to If this continues, our local affect Astoria and Vortex lounges. Astoria is offering entertainment venues should unique food entrees that come back to life soon. you can eat in, take out or have delivered. Vortex started bringing food As an eternal optimist, I believe we are seeing vendors with their trailers to the bar on weekends. a significant reversal in pandemic trends. If this With the recension of the Governor’s order affecting continues, our local entertainment venues should bars and restaurants, can live entertainment be too come back to life soon and we can all turn ‘21 into far behind? the Roaring 20s, giving everyone that boost of life
LOCAL STARS
that we don’t have right now.
This month I’m featuring the band Morrison 33. Formed in 2008, this group of professional
If anyone has information on live music events, please write me at smscott54@hotmail.com.
PRIMARY CARE
WOMEN’S HEALTH
BRAD LISTON, D.O.
EVA CASE, APRN
TRACY OGDEN, APRN
TAMMY DEXTER, APRN, CNM
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HEALTH &
Beauty
National Women’s History Month Story & Photo contributed by Kera Kester, NASM Certified Personal Trainer
March is here so it’s that time again! There are various upcoming events that probably come to mind. Some of you can already hear the thundering audiences and victory cheers during March Madness on the March 14. Others can taste and smell the mouthwatering aroma of National Ravioli Day on the March 19. Then there are those of us preparing our hearts for the deeply deserved honor we will bestow on loved ones for National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 28. Today, I want to honor National Women’s History Month! There is so much beauty in where we currently are because of the societal, cultural and historical contributions of courageous and thoughtful women! The best part – this celebration can mean something to everyone! As a lady, you can take this time to feel extra appreciated and inspired. On the other hand, you can be the encouraging guy cheering and admiring your moms, sisters or friends doing their thing! I am extremely passionate about the industry I am in. Therefore, I am loving this golden opportunity to shout out some of the movers and shakers in fitness! I am thinking of: • Margaret Abbott – the Olympic events we love to watch, she was the first American woman to ever win one!
• Ellen Latham – this single mom turned getting laid off from her job into a blessing. She is the catalyst for the development of Orangetheory Fitness. This fun 60-minute workout pushes its participants into the EPOC zone (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption). No wonder it is a multimillion-dollar gem! • Jane Fonda – whether we love her movies more than her workout tapes is an impossible decision. Not everyone has created national workout hysteria for aerobics fitness like she did in the 80s and 90s. The very first tape she did in 1982 was the highest selling video ever. Props to this woman of many talents!
There is so much beauty in where we currently are because of the societal, cultural, and historical contributions of courageous and thoughtful women!
• Alice Walters – this trailblazer was a food activist and big voice for sustainable, local and organic foods. Her nonprofit The Edible Schoolyard (established in 1995), allowed students to plant, harvest and cook fresh food as school activities. She helped many kids see how food, the world around us and health all come together.
• Serena and Venus Williams – talk about a powerhouse duo! A whole new style of play in women’s tennis was introduced with their powerful athleticism and amazing builds. Serena has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles. That is more than any other female or male during the open era! Venus has won seven grand slam titles, five Wimbledon singles championships and four Olympic gold medals. If that isn’t enough, she has been a huge voice in the sports industry for gender equality and is CEO of two companies! • Lise Lindahl – shall we talk fashion!? Many women were uncomfortable running before her brilliant mind created prototypes for what we now call the sports bra. Cue the Hallelujah choir!
38 March 2021
• Michelle Obama – yes, I am talking about her 2010 Let’s Move! Initiative. Healthier foods were brought into schools; families were supported in affording healthy meals; and kids were encouraged to have fun being physically active!
• Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks-Rock – these beautiful ladies founded Black Girls Run to combat obesity in the African American community. All races are welcome to their community group jogs and seminars that are continually lighting a fire to their growth as an unstoppable force!
• Jacki Sorensen – from the dawn of ages, women have enjoyed wild dancing with microphone toothbrushes until we break a sweat! Inspiration caught fire and moved her to invent aerobic dancing in 1969. Whenever we walk into our next Zumba class, we have her to thank! • Kathrine Switzer – in 1967, Switzer became the first woman to run a marathon. Hiding her first name to disguise her female identity, her undercover stealth did not last long as she is now a widely known trailblazer! These are just a few of the amazing examples out there that we tip our hats off to. However, I would not be able to live with myself if I didn’t give big claps to the other real MVPs – YOU! The steps and actions you take to progress health in your life and the lives of others deserves HUGE props and all the clap emojis! We have beautiful minds along with resilient, strong, endearing characteristics. You are a phenomenal creation, so keep living like it! Wishing you all of life’s best and joyful hearts overflowing with love!
I would love to help you with your real estate needs. Call, text or email and let’s get started! 411 N. 14th • Ponca City 580-765-0825
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So many ways to get fit! Basketball/Pickleball courts Racquetball courts • Aquatic area Walking and jogging track Kidzone • Ruby Nutrition Cardio machines/ Free weights Group fitness classes
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d r a Y k c a B r u Yo Fun Store!
STEVE MINER
QUALITY QUALITY POOLS POOLS & & SPAS SPAS
Since 1979
was recently selected to receive the
115 E. Highland Ave. 2223 N. Boomer Rd. Ponca City Stillwater
Gary Martin City Employee of the Year Award.
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This is an annual award given by the Chamber of Commerce. Steve is a long time City Employee who has excelled at his job. Steve also gives his personal time to projects benefitting Ponca City.
405-377-0808
We’ve renewed our focus on serving just your pool and spa needs.
Kelly & Cheryl Johnson myqualitypools.com
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Congratulations Steve Miner on this outstanding honor.
PONCA
CHAMBER OF
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COMMERCE
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T H E C A T I
The Gary Martin family presented Steve with a gift basket during a City Commission Meeting in February. Presenting the gift from Gary’s family are, left to right, Steve Stobbe, Ethan Stobbe, Janet Martin and Wendy Stobbe. This was really kind of the Martin family to do.
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Crossword Puzzle on Page 24
40 March 2021
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Turtle’s Donut Shoppe Offers Sweets, Builds Memories Owners ready to rise to a new location
Story & Photos Contributed by Carey Head/Staff Writer For just shy of 60 years, patrons of the donut shop in Crestview Shopping Center have made sweet memories of warm donuts on cold mornings. The retail center at Seventh and Brookfield has housed a bakery in the building’s distinctive curved façade since Roy and Bessie Mae Essary opened Essary’s Donut Shop in 1962. The Essarys sold their donut business in 1980 and retired. Since then, the donut makers and bakery names have changed. But, according to Shannon Schieber, a donut shop in that location has remained a constant.
Glen Estes joined the Turtle’s team in 2005. He manages the front line and makes breads.
Three generations of Ponca City High School students filed in before practice, before class, before fully awake. Over the years, a book or two for homework has morphed into backpacks often as broad and hefty as the students carrying them. The line of customers waiting their turn often snakes out the door. In 2002, Shannon and husband Jeff purchased the former Mickael’s Bakery-Ponca City business from Jeff’s sister, Mickael “Miss” Schieber Lewis. At the time, Shannon and Jeff were seniors in college and newlyweds.
Owner Shannon Schie
for our sandwiches are cooked in-house; soups are homemade.” Shannon and Jeff trade opening the donut shop for each business day. Driving in from their Newkirk farm and ranch operation, the door is unlocked by 3 a.m. to make the day’s donuts. “Jeff and I make the donuts every day. Cake donuts first because there are a variety of flavors. Then we make the other donuts with yeast dough,” Shannon explains.
ber places shaped “Miss announced mounds of bread doug It takes an hour to make h into loaf pans in they were moving to preparation for rising one dough with an hour’s . Stillwater and we saw rising time for the yeast it as an opportunity donuts. After cutting into to jump ahead in life,” Shannon says. “If shapes including bear claws, pinecones, someone had told me this is what I’d long johns, twists, and cinnamon rolls, the be doing when I started college I would donuts are fried and glazed. have said, ‘I don’t think so!’” Tammy Emery is the donut fryer. Customers All see her when she is reloading the case. “She donuts has a heart of gold, that one. Doesn’t know are made anything but work and work some more,” in-house Shannon smiles. and fresh every day. Glen Estes, along with Marsha Glover, work “Everything the front. Glen joined the business in 2005. is from “Glen does the front work and makes the scratch,” loaves of sandwich and specialty breads. He Shannon can do anything that Jeff and I can do.” says. “Meats
continued on page 42 March 2021
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Turtles continued from page 41
WILLIAM S. BIVIN CFP®, President & Investment Advisor Representative
JULIE BROWN
FPQP™, CRPC® Investment Advisor Representative
JASON C. BIVIN Investment Advisor Representative
Fiduciary Investment Advice & Personal Financial Planning 412 S. 14th Street • Ponca City • (580) 762-1121 Advisory services offered through Bivin & Associates, Inc., an Oklahoma State Registered Investment Adviser.
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42 March 2021
Customer Lindsey Mattheisen and Turtle’s team member Marsha Glover work together to get the Mattheisen family’s donut dreams fulfilled in this photo taken February 11.
In the 19 years since they opened Turtle’s Donut Shoppe, extraordinary memories have been created by the Schiebers and their customers.
Operations for Ponca City Public Schools, says the district purchased the shopping center in 2008 from the Marilyn Cook Trust. According to Bret, the district purchased the entire property ot from Fifth to “We’re n Seventh streets, t Bu Overbrook to leaving. ing v a C o m a n c h e . e l e r we a Demolition of the t e tha shopping center the spac ery v o will make way for s n e has be improvements to .” s u o be announced as special t part of an upcoming bond issue.
“We so enjoy our customers,” Shannon smiles. “We had the pleasure of having Roy and Bessie Mae as customers for quite a long time. We’ve always had a group of senior citizens that are very special to us. Stan Wheeler was one of our most loyal customers ever. Came to our donut shop every single day we were open, and he was in town.”
Bret Smith, Executive Director of
The Schiebers have leased the bakery space in Crestview Shopping Center since 2002. Although the school district hasn’t asked them to leave, Shannon knows it is necessary.
As she reflects on the bakery’s planned move to its new location at 1911 N. Seventh Street, Shannon’s voice softens. “We’re not leaving. But we are leaving the space that has been so very special to us. End of an era in that location is sad to me.” Especially poignant is the memory of eldest son Iden and how he loved helping with this family business. “Our son … stinkin’ loved the donut shop. He loved fixing salads,” Shannon says. Iden had been a regular at the bakery since infancy. Shannon recalls Iden “sleeping in his car seat back there while we were making donuts. He went to work with us as much as he could. Don’t know if he wanted to spend extra time with Mom and Dad or to get out of doing farming chores.” Jeffrey Iden Schieber died on Dec. 15, 2016, as a result of an ATV accident on his family’s farm. The 12-year-old was a sixth-grader at Newkirk Middle School.
Among the popular menu items are (top) Turtle’s Beef and Cheddar sandwich and (bottom) “chicken salad” sandwich.
Thinking of Turtle’s cozy interior and cramped kitchen, Shannon admits the move to the new location will be nice for staff and customers with its larger space, drive-up window and outdoor seating.
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“We’re awfully close outside the donut shop, but we’re awfully close inside the donut shop. It’s a pretty tight space,” she says. “Still, there is just a sadness in that this is where we spent a lot of time with Iden. When it’s something that you can hold onto and a space that you occupied with someone and then they’re not there … It’s going to be tough.” Customers will be relieved to learn the menu will stay the same, including the very popular chicken salad. “We’re a very traditional donut shop. Our variety is not huge because we honestly believe in doing a few things and doing them really well,” Shannon says. This farmer, rancher, sale barn operator, donut shop owner and mother of five is well-practiced in counterbalancing bitter with sweet.
“A new fresh space? It will be nice. But we certainly won’t forget our memories. We’ll try to take them with us as best we can.”
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March 2021
43
Backyard
Gardener So “Mulch” To Talk About
Story & Photos Contributed by Kat Long/Contributing Writer As you read this, you may have celebrated Fat Tuesday, or Ash Wednesday or both and are in the middle of Lent (for some of us). Why am I starting with this? you might ask. Well, for those who begin the Easter celebrations with Lenten practices, Lent is an interesting proposition. Not to dwell too much, but Lent is a time for some to give things up (think chocolate or sugar or bad habits) for the forty days leading up to Easter. But for me and many others, Lent has always been a time to work on being a better person in some way. Volunteering or sticking with a set health or personal regimen every day of Lent, personal development, righting bad habits; you get the gist. Some thought is required, much like gardening, and certain plans and supplies have to be on hand to guarantee success for a 40-day project. Speaking of supplies, here is what has been happening at the Long house to get ready for Spring. Types of Mulch As everyone knows, I espouse to the “no till” way of getting my planting beds ready. Along with the usual spaces covered with cardboard (see below), I am adding piles of pine and straw on top of the cardboard this year in late February/early March. This will break the cardboard down and add more material under the dirt, which will get put on top of these piles in late April when I get ready to seed and plant. Straw is a great mulch to use in the yard: it doesn’t mat, even when piled high around plants; it allows the plants plenty of air circulation and rain, and it breaks down in one season. Straw is a better bet than hay as hay still has seeds that can germinate and take root in
44 March 2021
your garden. Hay wasn’t too much of a problem when I had chickens because they do love the hay seed. I use hay bales in their bedding for that very reason.
Other types of mulch, and these two are near and dear to my heart, are newspaper and cardboard. Both of these can be used under a more eye-pleasing mulch such as wood chips or traditional mulches, but I use these two types of paper products to prep the ground for spring planting. When using newspaper, stay away from the slick and colored pages. These types of newspaper often contain heavy metals in the ink and paper that will be detrimental to your plants and soil. Use cardboard without plastic coatings and remove as much tape as possible. I collected a lot of cardboard from all the Christmas packages, got most of it on the
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ground and emptied one of the rain barrels to wet all of it down. When laying down cardboard and newspaper, keep in mind the Ponca City wind will not be your friend during the process. Have water at the ready to saturate the paper/cardboard (especially if using during summer) as well as bricks or rocks to anchor corners and edges. I use two to three layers of cardboard and overlap the edges by at least three inches. Newspaper can be used before or after planting as it is easier to place around newly dug plants in the garden or just dig a hole through the newspaper. Straw or your favorite mulching agent on top of this paper layer will ensure very little weed growth and a nice nutrient punch to the soil as the growing season continues. Other organic, defined as derived or made from living matter, mulches to use include partially composted deciduous leaves and grass clippings. If you
compost, and mix your leaves and grass cutting in with everything else, think about a separate bin for leaves and grass cuttings. They are high in nitrogen and give a lovely boost to plants when used as mulch. Caveat for leaves and grass cuttings is to make sure they have not been sprayed with inorganic lawn fertilizers or herbicides. I get donations of these things from yards known to be safe: Beware of the bright green and red sprayed yards.
CHUCK
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Seed Starting I have yet to start outdoor seeds, as this process is part of my end of March to-do list (if I start any at all), but others in the gardening community have picked their seeds, mixed their medium and are gently singing “Grow for me” to their seedlings. I have friends texting and asking about types of basil, loofah seeds, etc. Keep in mind that seedlings like warmth and moisture, so window ledges aren’t a prerequisite to
continued on page 46
SPRING IS ALMOST HERE! I would love to put my many years of real estate experience in this market to work for you! Call or text if buying or selling property is in your plans.
CENTURY 21 GROUP ONE
FRANCES COONROD
580-761-1712
Frances.Coonrod@gmail.com March 2021
45
Gardening continued from page 45 use high, even lighting over the top of them instead of trying to use natural light from a window. Window light from one direction can make seedlings “leggy” and weaken the overall plant.
germination. A great way to retain moisture during the germination process is to saran wrap the top of the seedling tray or wrap in a plastic grocery bag, trapping warm air and water droplets in with the seeds. And when I say seedling tray, you can use a cardboard egg carton just as easily as a plastic tray; just put a plastic bag or some type of barrier under to stop water from seeping out the bottom. As your seedlings grow, remove the plastic and
Keep the gardening magazines handy as the weather might not be a gardener’s friend this month. March is always an interesting windy/rainy/ maybe cold kind of month. Maybe. And mark your calendar for Saturday, April 10th and attend The Seed Swap @ City Central The Link, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Bring seeds to swap or just come and pick up seeds and chat with some gardeners. We have a lot of fun and you might learn something. And of course,
Happy Gardening!
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Extra Care Offered by Hospice of NCO (Not required by Medicare): • Massage therapy • Community bereavement support including Butterfly Wings (formerly “Raindrops”) support for those who experience a miscarriage or infant loss • Pet Therapy • We Honor Veterans Program • Community equipment loan program • Educational in-services to the community
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46 March 2021
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On behalf of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce Terri Zerby as a new team member. Terri recently Terri Zerby relocated from Norman, Oklahoma, where Family Service Consultant she worked with special needs children. 580-340-6053 - Cell She is a wife and mother to four children 580-765-4411 and has a passion for serving those in her community. She will serve as our family service counselor focusing on prearrangements and cemetery inquiries. Terri is dedicated to serving our community’s needs with integrity and compassion. She is eager to meet and help assist you with all your prearrangement needs.
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RACK LOCATIONS PONCA CITY • • • • • • • •
Chamber of Commerce, 5th & Grand Ponca City RecPlex, 1604 W. Grand Homeland, 2005 N. 14th Homeland, 904 S. 4th Ponca City Discount Foods, 2405 N. 14th Equity Bank, 3rd & Grand City Central, 400 E. Central Walmart, 1101 E. Prospect
48 March 2021
• • • • •
RCB Bank, 14th & Highland El Patio, 731 N. 14th First National Bank, 1501 E. Prospect Osage Casino C-Store, 64464 US-60 Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters, 1217 E. Prospect
TONKAWA
• Venture Food Market, 1315 N. Main • NOC Student Union, 1220 E. Grand
BLACKWELL
• United Supermarket, 1221 W. Doolin
NEWKIRK
• Apple Market, 601 W. South All advertisers have magazines too! Always available online (for free) at poncacitymonthly.com
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Soft-Boiled Scotch Eggs with Honey Mustard Aioli Pub-Style Grub for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe & Photo by Paul Muehlberg/Contributing Writer Scotch eggs, a traditional Irish pub food, is coated in sausage and breadcrumbs and then deep fried until deep golden brown and crunchy. These are great appetizers to
serve at your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a cold beer from Vortex Alley Brewing! Have a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day!
INGREDIENTS • 2 garlic cloves, peeled • Kosher salt as needed • 1 cup mayo • 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard • 1 tablespoon honey (or more if desired) • 2-3 tablespoons parsley, chopped • Canola oil or other neutral cooking oil as needed for frying • 6 large eggs, room temperature • 2 large eggs, for dredging
• 1-pound bulk breakfast sausage
(I love Blue & Gold) • 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs • 1 tablespoon honey (or more if desired) • Chives and chili flakes for garnish
Prep Time: 20 minutes Inactive:1 -2 hours Cook Time per batch : 7-10 minutes
DIRECTIONS Step 1: Make the Aioli Roughly chop the garlic and sprinkle with a ½ teaspoon of kosher salt (you need kosher salt here to help breakdown the garlic into a paste). Using the back of a chef’s knife or other large knife with an 8” blade, press and smash the garlic repeatedly until a smooth paste is formed. In a small bowl, add the mayo, mustard, garlic paste and honey. Season with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt if needed; stir to combine. Garnish with a pinch of chopped parsley if desired. Step 2: Prepare the Soft-Boiled Eggs
Fill a large saucepan with enough water to fully submerge the eggs. Set the pan over medium high heat and bring to a simmer. Gently lower the eggs into the water and simmer 5 minutes (set timer for 5 minutes after the water returns to a simmer). Remove the eggs from the pan and place in an ice bath for 5 minutes. Gently peel the eggs under cool running water and return the eggs to the ice bath until completely cooled 1-2 hours. Divide the sausage into 8 equal portions. Smash 1 portion of sausage in the palm of your hand and add the egg to the center of the sausage. Fold the
50 March 2021
sausage over the egg and gently work the sausage with your hands to fully cover the egg. Repeat with remaining eggs. Step 3: Dredge and Fry the Eggs Place the flour and panko each separately into two separate shallow baking dishes. Add 2 eggs and 1 tablespoon of water to a small mixing bowl; whisk until well combined and no streaks are visible. Using one hand for the flour and panko and another for the egg dredging, coat 1 egg in the flour; shake the excess flour off and then dunk and roll the egg in the egg mixture allowing the excess to drip off. Next roll the egg in the panko; set aside for frying. Repeat process with remaining eggs. Heat oil to 350 F in a heavy-bottomed pan, such as a Dutch oven. Fry eggs in batches for 8-10 minutes maintaining a temperature of 300 F. Remove eggs using a spider or large slotted spoon when golden brown and the sausage is cooked through. Place on a paper-lined plate. Repeat with remaining eggs allowing the oil to recover to 350 F before frying the last batch. Garnish with chopped chives and chili flakes. Serve with the honey mustard aioli.
March 2021
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Home Buying in the “Covid” Market Real Estate Rebounds, Despite Pandemic
Story & Charts Contributed by Annette Newcomb/President, North Central Board of Realtors Almost a year into the pandemic it is no surprise COVID-19 has rates. The median sales price increased between April and May from affected almost everything. Real estate markets throughout the $87,000 to $117,450. country have been influenced, including our How did less showings, less online searches local real estate market. Longtime, local realtors and less offers presented transform into a have had the opportunity to work in buyer’s North Central Board of Realtors toilet paper COVID-19 market? Several things. markets, seller’s markets and many years of Board of Directors First, the already low mortgages rates became level market conditions. We are now working in even lower. Second, the federal government what is best described as “COVID-19” market. In President: Annette Newcomb provided COVID-19 stimulus that allowed some many ways, it’s similar to the toilet paper issue of local employers to keep their doors open, spring/summer 2020. It was in high demand, but President Elect: Steve Hermann more employees to continue working and gave there was a low supply and many bare shelves. Treasurer: Vie Bottger more households confidence in their ability to Likewise, there is a demand for housing, but the pay mortgages or lease payments. Finally, our shelves are sparse, so to speak. Secretary: Marilyn Gregg state government deemed real estate activities However, the real estate market in our area looked as critical. This allowed real estate agents, 2-Year Director: Robin Smith different at the beginning of the pandemic. Many appraisers, lenders and title companies to community business owners were worried about continue to work. It also allowed sellers, buyers 1-Year Director: Michele Evans the economy when COVID-19 first became and renters to close on transactions. Past President: Mary Beth Moore such a large part of our lives. Some businesses Additionally, our community business leaders were forced to temporarily close, and countless State Director: Donna Reid were true bosses, carrying out business in employee hours were reduced or eliminated. flexible, unique and safe ways to bypass a Very scary times, indeed. Since real estate industry portion of the economic effects of COVID-19. is heavily influenced by environmental, political, Realtors and property owners hosted virtual open houses, scheduled social and broader economic forces, there was genuine concern that private video showings and benefited by distributing listings on social the real estate market could take a severe dive. There was reason to be worried. When COVID-19 detonated last spring and for a few weeks after, real estate closings were blowing apart, closings were postponed and buyers were not doing as much looking – which was fine because many sellers were not allowing them in their properties anyway. Things were feeling a bit shaky for the real estate industry. According to data gathered from Realtor.com, home showings per listing in the U.S. were down over 40% in April 2020 compared with the same period in 2019, and other measures of housing demand such as online search activity, inquiries for agents and presented offers for property were also down. At the onset, things seemed pretty bleak for our local housing market. According to data from North Central Board of Realtors (NCBOR), there were 22 fewer residential closings recorded in April 2020 than March 2020 with only a slight increase from April to May. This was overly concerning, considering spring is usually one of the busiest times for listings and sales – or better known as “selling season.” Thankfully, there was a surprise, silver lining. Historically, a lower demand for real estate sales would be accompanied by lower prices, but we didn’t see that with local spring home sales in 2020 due to the combination of low inventory of properties and super low mortgage
52 March 2021
media pages and websites. Realtors, lenders, appraisers and closing companies utilized electronic communications, evaluations and signings. Importantly, supply for items such as masks, hand sanitizer and antibacterial sprays became easier to find. All these factors added up to more consumer confidence. Locally, residential sales started to increase through spring and early summer. Statistics from NCBOR show 32 closed residential properties in April compared to 60 in September. There was a slight slowdown of residential closings in December 2020 (43) and January 2021 (40), but still a robust amount of closings compared to pre-COVID-19 numbers in December 2019 (38) and January 2020 (31). Does this mean we are now in a “real estate bubble”? No, it does not. Currently housing inventory and interest rates are low, and demand is steady. Locally, our residential units sold have been consistent to higher than 2019 demand, and the low inventory has helped maintain a healthy median sales price and a lower average days on the market for most new listings, but it has not driven up pricing to a point where values will drastically fall if demand wanes and/or supply increases. Examination of NCBOR data from April 2019-January 2020 (before the pandemic) reveals 422 residential closings with a median sales price of $122,027. Fast forward one year to April 2020-January 2021 (during the pandemic) and see 493 residential closings with median sales price of $134, 401. With extraordinarily little new home construction, our local residential inventory will most likely stay lower than usual until demand slows down a bit. (Hello, COVID-19 toilet paper market.) Here are a few tips to help today’s home buyers: Use a real estate professional to help find a home. Real estate professionals will help clarify what a buyer wants most and will spend their time and use their market knowledge to find options that meet the specifications. In a
competitive market such as ours, listings may sell quickly, and a number of sellers receive more than one offer on the same property. A well-informed real estate agent advises buyers on
continued on page 54
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Home Buying continued from page 53
Ponca City Monthly’s very own geocache-style game where following the clues can lead you to
50 in Chamber Bucks.
$
GeoCashing Story by Jay Wagner/Staff Writer This month’s Geocash was found by Charlotte Sheiver. We’d like to congratulate her on her $50 reward in Chamber Bucks, which was awarded to her for the return of our special code! We’d also like to recognize a few other special geocachers who located our stash and added their name to the list: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Angie & Brantley Brewer (Winners) Lori H. Erin A. Mandi M. Elizabeth & Kami Threlkeld Becky Williams Deb E. B. Hendrickson
Good luck to next month’s geocachers and happy hunting on your next GeoCashing quest!
Angie & Brantley Brewer, Winner of February’s GeoCash
Contest Rules:
Be the first to find the cache, and bring in the special code for your prize. Also, inside the container will be a collectible coin to keep! The cache will only be hidden for a limited time for each issue, so hurry to find it fast! If you are the first to find the cache, please retrieve the special code and coin but leave and sign the included note saying that the treasure has been found. Once the deadline has passed, the code will no longer be valid for the prize. A new PC GeoCash will be placed as the next issue of Ponca City Monthly is released. Winners may not win more than once per calendar year.
March Clue:
My family moved to Oklahoma After my life got its start I graduated from Shawnee Where I found my love for Art As I was preparing for marriage And sewing my dress I decided to enter my name Into a special contest I was tasked by some daughters To create a design I worked hard and I studied and the winner was mine! I soon moved to Ponca City Where I lived out my days You won’t have to look hard To see my art on display
Get preapproved for a loan before looking for your dream home. There are several reasons why this is an important first step. A preapproval directs buyers to their price point so there is no waste of time looking at houses outside the correct price range. In addition, a lender can give a borrower a helpful estimate of closing costs and down payment required for the loan type for which they have been approved. Buyers should have funds needed for closing before putting in an offer. Surprisingly, with many loan types and programs, buyers may not need as much savings as they might assume. Many sellers today are requiring preapprovals before a potential buyer can enter their home and will not accept an offer without one in hand. Buyers should have a current preapproval letter ready on short notice to submit with a purchase offer. Be prepared to act quickly when you find the right house. This market does not allow for much time to analyze a property. (You snooze, you lose.) A real estate professional can quickly give information about a property’s current market value so a buyer can make an informed offer right away. Buyers should have their preapproval letter or proof of funds available to submit with an offer.
Location of February’s GeoCash at the Spring on South Avenue
Difficulty: Terrain: Size: Deadline:
Bring the Special code to:
54 March 2021
presenting the most advantageous offer possible (and it is about much more than the offer price). They will also help with negotiating and directing buyers through the process from showings to closing. Realtors are familiar with local inspectors, lenders, appraisers and closing companies and can direct buyers to reputable companies from which to choose.
→→→
Easy (located in 10-15 minutes) Easy (mostly flat surfaces) Small (size of a golf ball) 20th of each month
My Media Matters / Ponca City Monthly City Central 400 E. Central, Suite 203
Considering selling? The time is now! With higher median sales prices and low, low average days on the market, why wait? Thinking of buying? The time is also now! Although it is a bit challenging with fewer homes to choose from, the historically low mortgage rates make it worthwhile. Contact a local real estate professional to discuss COVID-19 safe measures and activities that will help you meet your real estate goals and take advantage of our hot local real estate market. If you have any questions regarding real estate in our area, call North Central Board of Realtors at (580) 765-4845. NCBOR champion private property rights and home ownership, ensure local REALTORS are educated and adhere to the NAR code of ethics, manage the NCBOR Multiple Listing Service and are stewards of the local community.
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Offices also in Tulsa, Stillwater & O March 2021
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Maci’s Not a Talker, She’s a Doer!
CONNECTING ANIMALS IN NEED WITH PEOPLE WHO CARE.
Unfortunately, in today’s world. There are 3 kinds of people. Critics, who have something to say about everything. Talkers, who talk a big game and never get involved. And the Doers. They sit quietly. Don’t criticize. But take huge actions. It’s the doers who change this world. And when they do that, that’s why we never forget them. Rhea, Terri and all the people at the Northern Oklahoma Humane Society. Thank you for dedicating your lives to helping animals in Northern Oklahoma. Maci, you are a DOER. It was my honor to meet you today!
Are You a Critic, Talker or a Doer? IT REALLY IS THAT SIMPLE.
These ads are not being paid for by NOHS. A “Doer” asked to support us in this way.
56 March 2021
Donate today to help these dogs and YOUR Northern Oklahoma Humane Society.
580-767-8877 • nokhs.com