Surrey Late Winter 2013

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LEADERSHIP 101 Debbie Long shapes leaders in Rogers County Late Winter 2013 Vol. 5 No. 3 • A Claremore Daily Progress Publication

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Surrey Taking You Places Today!

Leadership 101 — Page 12

Vol. 5 No.3 n LATE WINTER 2013

6 12 Main Street Revival — Page 6

16 20 21

Main Street Revival Downtown Claremore is alive and well with new businesses and shops. See how Claremore’s Main Street has experienced revival.

Leadership 101 Debbie Long spent 18 years helping shape potential leaders in Rogers County. Long invested in making the community better through her role in Leadership Rogers County.

Outwest Decor Jenny Meeks has opened Outwest Decor after 22 years working at a Hallmark store.

Willow Tree Mall It didn’t take long for Willow Tree Mall to find its place among the unique businesses on Main Street in downtown Claremore.

Oologah’s Main Street revitalized Oologah is taking history to make a historic transformation in the town’s main street.

Oologah Main Street Revitalized — Page 21

22 24 26 Breakfast Tacos — Page 26

Nesting Necessities & Boutique Cari Bohannan and Susan Todd were already business owners and artisans when they opened Nesting Necessities & Boutique.

Small Town Jewel Inside the doors of The Sugar Boutique there is a warm, yet modern-style of contemporary flavor.

Breakfast Tacos Angela Henderson shares an on-the-go breakfast — Breakfast Tacos.

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Main Street Renewed If you haven’t been to downtown Claremore lately, it is time you visited. There has been a revival. New shops have popped up offering a variety of services and amenities. There is a hustle and bustle down on Main Street.

Tom Fink and Rebecca Hattaway give an overivew of how Main Street Claremore Inc. has been reviving downtown. Claremore Main Street’s Cindy Bissett has been able to attract new businesses that are bringing new shopping opportunities to the city.

Take a look at how Main Street Claremore was formed and the annual events it sponsors like Dickens on the Boulevard and the Lilac Festival.

Discover some of the shops in Downtown Claremore, including Willow Tree Mall, Nesting Necessities & Boutique, Outwest Decor and The Sugar Boutique. There is a revival going on downtown.

Salesha Wilken has discovered that Oologah has RANDY COWLING transformed its Main Street by highlighting its history.

Tim Ritter shares a profile of Debbie Long, who has spent nearly two decades guiding men and women along a path that will enhance their leadership abilities and allow them to connect with volunteer opportunities in Rogers County.

Long, who served as executive director of Leadership Rogers County after 18 years, has a unique perspective on the challenges that face volunteers and organizations who are seeking volunteers. Learn about Long’s lengthy tenure as the key player in leadership development.

Angela Henderson gives readers a way to take breakfast-on-the-go. Her receipe for Breakfast Tacos is simple and presents a tasty confection for any busy family.

4 Surrey Late Winter 2013

Surrey Taking you places today!

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Published Bi-monthly by The Daily Progress SEND COMMENTS TO: The SURREY @ The Daily Progress P.O. Box 248 Claremore, OK 74018 315 W. Will Rogers Boulevard Claremore, OK 74017 E-mail — rcowling@claremoreprogress.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION: 918-341-1101 addir@claremoreprogress.com All copy and advertising in the Surrey are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced.

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Main Street l a v i v e R

Downtown Claremore is bustling with new shops and activities

6 Surrey Late Winter 2013

Since 2002, Claremore Main Street has helped preserve and restore the downtown district through design, economic restructuring, promotion, and organization of downtown Claremore.

Downtown-based events such as Dickens of a Ride, Dickens on the Boulevard, the Lilac Festival, and more have helped bring activity and interest back to downtown Claremore.

A Sense of Place

Claremore Main Street enhances, supports downtown

By Tom Fink In 1964, singer Petula Clark crooned about the virtues of going downtown in song.

“When you're alone and life is making you lonely You can always go - downtown When you've got worries, all the noise and the hurry Seems to help, I know - downtown Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty How can you lose?

The lights are much brighter there You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares So go downtown, things'll be great when you're Downtown - no finer place, for sure Downtown - everything's waiting for you.”

While Claremore Main Street Director Cindy Bissett may not sing about downtown, she’s spent the

past 10 years extolling the virtues of a vibrant downtown.

“Downtown Claremore is more alive than it’s been in years — with businesses new and old, there’s something for everyone — restaurants, antique shops, bike shops, bookstores, art galleries, and more, and we’re just getting started,” she said.

Claremore Main Street has been in existence for just over a decade, but its story began more than 40 years ago.

Bissett explains: “Back in the 1960s, there were a couple of things going on that started the slow decline of downtowns,” she said. “For one thing, interstates were becoming more and more prevalent, which meant fewer people were driving by or through small communities — they were literally getting ‘byContinued on page 9 Late Winter 2013

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Claremore’s downtown district officially became a ‘main street community’ in 2002 — Cindy Bissett

passed’ in every sense of the word.

“In response to this, there was an exodus of many downtowns — an outgrowth to the edges of communities and towns, as businesses pulled up stakes and moved to be closer to the highways and interstates,” she said. “You can appreciate this (move) as a way for them to keep their businesses going, but in doing this, many downtowns across the country were getting deserted — within a few years, they went from being the heart of the community to being ghost towns, or at least, ghost downtowns.”

Further, many business owners remaining in the downtown areas were trying to keep up with the explosion of strip malls and shopping centers, installing metal facades over their historic architecture and making other storefront changes which often let to “aesthetic inconsis-

Cindy Bissett Claremore Main Street Inc. tencies” in the downtown area.

Recognizing this trend, the National Trust for Historic Preservation developed a pilot program to help preserve and reinvigorate downtowns — a pilot program would greatly benefit Claremore’s historic downtown area.

“Claremore’s downtown district officially became a ‘main street community’ in 2002, after applying (in 2001) to the

Oklahoma Main Street Program,” Bissett said. “Once accepted into this program, training, resources, and technical assistance for preservationbased commercial district revitalization was made available to Claremore (downtown) and we slowly started seeing life coming back to downtown Claremore.”

The Oklahoma Department of Continued on page 10

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Annually, Main Street sponsors Dickens on the Boulevard.

Reinvigoration helped by Oklahoma’s Main Street Program Commerce, joined the movement to preserve historic downtowns in the 1980's, through the creation of Oklahoma Main Street Center within the Department.

Bissett said the reinvigoration of the downtown area was helped by Oklahoma’s Main Street Program through its comprehensive methodology to revitalize the community’s older, business district, i.e., downtown Claremore.

“The underlying premise of the ‘Main Street Approach’ is to encourage economic development within the context of historic preservation in ways appropriate to today's marketplace,” Bissett said.

“The ‘Main Street Approach’ advocates a return to community selfreliance, local empowerment, and the rebuilding of traditional commercial districts based on their unique assets: Distinctive architecture, a pedestrian-friendly environment, personal service, local ownership, and a sense of community.”

The ‘Main Street Approach’, Bissett said, focuses on four key areas —design, economic restructuring, promotion, and organization — which combine to address all of the commercial district's needs.

“From the beginning, the Main Street Program has worked very

closely with banks to create a low interest low program to help them get established and create those local ‘mom and pop’ businesses which produce the majority of the sales tax that stays in our community,” she said. “In this way, downtown businesses have become increasingly available to potential merchants. Since Claremore Main Street began, there have been 23 property sales in the downtown area.”

As Claremore Main Street worked with downtown merchants, the area experienced a rebirth of sorts, with new attention and activity coming to the downtown area.

“We work heavily on promoting what’s going on downtown — on bringing events, both new and returning ones — to downtown Claremore, to give businesses there more exposure, create a sense of excitement at ‘going downtown’, and really bringing back a sense of fun and community to downtown Claremore,” she said.

Over the years, Claremore Main Continued on page 18

10 Surrey Late Winter 2013

LEADERSHIP 101

Building leaders across Rogers County

By Tim Ritter

W

hen it comes to Leadership Rogers County, Debbie Long has gone beyond the ‘call of duty’ and conquered many fears in her life. For 18 years — dating back to 1992 — Long was the Executive Director of Leadership of Rogers County.

Though she’s retired from her position, she still can’t stay away from helping give back to this great organization.

“Being a business owner, Leadership of Rogers County really taught me a lot about Claremore that I didn’t already know and it helped me network, build relationships,” Long said.

12 Surrey Late Winter 2013

The Tulsa native, who now resides in Claremore, was among 12-to-14 business professionals to go through the first Leadership of Rogers County class in 1991.

“I was nervous at first, but also excited about the opportunity,” Long said. “Leadership of Rogers County became an entry way to helping me get business contacts, as well as other connections to statewide, local and county resources.”

It (Leadership of Rogers County) provided Long a stepping stone to becoming more involved in a community she’s grown to love and appreciate over the years.

“My interest in Rogers County really peaked when I got involved and took on the role as Executive Director,” Long added. “I feel like I’m more of a

I was nervous at first, but also excited about the opportunity.

— Debbie Long

Claremorean now and have that sense of ownership.”

For many years, Long worked and lived in Claremore, but never really felt like she belonged. It wasn’t until she stepped out of her comfort zone and became more of a ‘leader’ in the community.

“I developed an interest in politics, and got involved in local government,” said Long, who was on the Claremore City Council for six years.

Leadership of Rogers County was first started by the Claremore Chamber of Commerce, but has grown over the past 25 years into its own organization.

“Our classes start every September and run through April. We like to have between 12-to-18 people in a class, ranging from small-business owners to corporate CEOs and even college and high school students,” Long said.

Leadership Rogers County helps people develop confidence, conquer fears through teamwork, network and educate members on the different entities of Rogers County schools, government, industries and medical facilities.

Debbie Long served 18 years as executive director of Leadership Rogers County.

Continued on page 15 Late Winter 2013

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Since 1990

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You have to be flexible, and have a boss that is understanding.

— Debbie Long

Long said she was pretty intimidated at first, because she in a class with CEOs. But being a people person, her ability to interact and be herself allowed her to overcome that anxiety. “...Going through Leadership of Rogers County helped me become a more confident person, and pursue my passion in helping give back to Claremore,” Long added.

One former class member — Tad Jones — got inspired to run for public office through Leadership of Rogers County, according to Long.

Long noted that over her 18-year role of being the Executive Director, she tallied approximately 2,000-plus hours of voluntary time toward Leadership of Rogers County.

“You have to be flexible, and have a boss that is understanding,” Long said.

As the owner of Promos Advertising in Claremore, flexibility or persuading the boss that she needed to be away on the second Wednesday of each month was never a problem for Long.

“When you have a passion for something important, you want to see it grow and be an inspiration,” Long said.

It’s often stated that ‘attitude reflects leadership’.

Each spring participants in Leadershsip Rogers County travel to the state capitol.

Long’s positive attitude and love for Claremore is one of the many reasons why she and her husband, Eric, have never moved back to the big city of Tulsa.

“We have everything we need here in Claremore,” Long said. “I hope Claremore never becomes a suburb of Tulsa. It would ruin the small-town charm of Rogers County.”

Long does, however, see planned growth as a con to Claremore.

She looks west toward Owasso and sees a community that is pros-

pering with industry, great eateries and shopping malls.

“We can have those things in Claremore, but we need people at whatever level to get involved and have the passion to make it happen,” Long said.

Stepping out — with a leap of faith — and taking on the huge role of Leadership of Rogers County, Long conquered the anxiety of the unknown.

“I became more optimistic, and developed my abilities to work with Continued on page 25

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FURNITURE & HOME DECOR Outwest Home Decor

By Rebecca Hattaway Jenny Meeks worked at the Hallmark store in Claremore for 22 years before deciding to venture out on her own.

She opened Outwest Home Decor on Main Street on May 1, 2004.

“I turned 62 and said, ‘you know, I think I’m going to try this on my own,’” Meeks said.

She knew from experience that western, lodge and country items sold well and decided that would be her store’s niche.

Outwest carries decorative

16 Surrey Late Winter 2013

pieces, picture frames, pine cone items, weathered wood furniture, rugs, bath accessories, bedding and draperies — just to name a few — all in themes from hunting and fishing to wildlife and Native American.

Like most small businesses, Meeks was hit hard by the recession, but things are slowly picking back up again.

“I’ve seen an increase since September,” she said. “It’s showing signs of improvement. I’m very encouraged; my Christmas was good.”

She said the one-on-one relationships she has with her customers have been the highlight of owning her own small business.

“My customers are like family,” she said. “I go out of my way to

Jenny Meeks find things people are requesting. I do a lot of special ordering. It’s always been about the customers.”

Outwest Home Decor is located at 418 W. Will Rogers Blvd. They are open seven days a week: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

We’ve always got something going on downtown, and downtown is what it’s all about.

— Cindy Bissett Continued from page 10 Street has been active in clearing the “sky trash” (old signage, ugly electrical wiring, etc.), upgrading several local businesses storefronts for greater “curb appeal,” worked to bring in new lighting for improved aesthetics and security at night, worked on sidewalks and ‘bump-outs” at the intersections to increase accessibility and foot traffic, and more — no small feat, considering Bissett is the sole salaried employee of Claremore Main Street.

“Volunteers are really the life blood of Claremore Main Street — we couldn’t function without them,” she said. “None of the improvements or activities that have happened in downtown could have happened without the volunteers — they’re really indicative of the kind of grass roots feel of Claremore Main Street — they plan the events, they work the events, they help do the work when a merchant needs help, we’ve even got our own ‘facade squad’ who works with business owners to take down old (facades) and puts up new ones.”

Despite its limited budget and non-profit status, Claremore Main Street puts aside money annually for matching grants to enable (downtown) merchants to create appropriate signage, as well as awarding energy efficiency grants to assist business owners in bringing their sometimes dated buildings up to date.

“Some of the buildings we’ve got (in downtown) are 60 or 70 years old or older, so their electrical or plumbing systems need some work,” she said.

Dr. Ali Tarabi D.D.S., P.L.L.C.

18 Surrey Late Winter 2013

Dickens of a Ride “Through grants, we’ve helped them to do just that and thereby, remain active and healthy as a component of our downtown landscape.”

As Bissett looks to the future, she says she expects only “continued good things” for downtown Claremore through Claremore Main Street.

“Of the things I’m most proud of that we’ve done — and there are many — is changing the zoning downtown to allow for residential above commercial properties,” she said. “This has opened the door for there to be apartments for rent on main street again and with Claremore being a college town, there’s always a need for housing here. I’m extremely proud of how many of the upper floor areas have been renovated to allow residential apartments. We’re looking forward to hopefully seeing even more of that in the future.”

Bissett said she also looks forward to upcoming events — among them, the St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the Lilac Festival, various fund-raising events at the Expo Center, and more “evening events” — as well

MAIN STREET REVIVAL as new activities, such as the ‘Cash Mob’ program, wherein groups met at local businesses, similart to a ‘Flash Mob’-type atmosphere.

“The ‘Cash Mobs’ are fun,” she said.

“We’ve got a group of 50 participants who meet every other month and agree to spend $20 (each) at a local merchant’s shop, whose name we draw,” said Bissett.

“After this, the merchant pays it forward and makes a donation to a lcoal charity.

We’ve had a few of these so far and they’re a huge hit with the merchants and the ‘mob-

sters’.”

But whether it’s with “mobsters,” festivals, or murals, Claremore Main Street’s focus will always be on historic preservation, renovation and economic development of the downtown area.

“We’ve always got something going on downtown, and downtown is what it’s all about,” she said.

Persons interested in volunteering or wanting to know more about Claremore Main Street may contact Bissett at (918) 341-5881 or e-mail her at mainstreet@claremore.org.

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ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES Willow Tree Mall

By Rebecca Hattaway It didn’t take long for Willow Tree Mall to find its place among the unique businesses on Main Street.

Opened on June 1, 2012 by Annette and Harold Wicker, along with Annette’s parents, Kathy and Greg Campbell, Willow Tree started out with 12 vendors. Now there are 80.

The Campbells owned Crafters Cove in Grove for four years while the Wickers were business owners in Tahlequah.

“We were all sitting around the table one Sunday over dinner and decided that opening a store in Claremore was something we

20 Surrey Late Winter 2013

wanted to do,” Annette said. “That night my husband and I couldn’t sleep so at 1:30 in the morning we drove downtown to see if anything was available. We opened three weeks later.”

She said the response has been positive from the beginning.

“It’s just been fantastic. Our location helps a lot,” Annette said.

“I’ve had so many people say, ‘this is just what Claremore needed,’ ‘this is so much fun,’ and ‘I have to come back because I don’t have enough time to see everything.’”

Willow Tree Mall has 6,000 square feet of antiques, furniture, handmade merchandise, collectibles, vintage items, and much more.

“We are truly a variety booth

mall. We dabble in a little bit of everything,” Annette said. “We try to give the small business person an avenue to display their products without having to open their own store.”

In September, they opened Plaster Paint Company inside the mall.

“It offers an affordable option to the current chalk paint brands on the market,” Annette said. “We are also adding business suites upstairs. Business growth is good for everyone.”

Willow Tree Mall is located at 522 W. Will Rogers Blvd. They are open seven days a week: Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

HISTORY SPARKS GROWTH Oologah’s Main Street transformed

are waiting to greet you in Wanda Sanders Square.

The statue created

By Salesha Wilken in 1995 by local artist Sandra Van Zandt Oologah is taking history to and funded by many make a historic transformation donors through the in the town’s main street. historical society.

What some may consider hisThis statue stands tory in the making has become where the towns a movement led by business water pump previowners. ously stood. Among Several area businesses the business renewal, have been remodeling or have other changes to the completely renovated old build- street stem from seving to continue the legacy of eral historic restorathe Oologah Historical Society. tions. One of the most From the Rural Water District well known partners 4 to the newly opened Doug’s of the Oologah’s reGrill businesses are calling vival is Sanders. main street home.

Sanders has played Other businesses, to name only a few include a law office, realtor and the Oologah Chamber of Commerce call the street home.

The businesses have been investing and renovating the buildings for a few years, according to Pat Simerly local museum volunteer.

Many of the structure have historical significance she added.

The old Methodist Church from the original Main Street of Oologah now serves as a home to many of the businesses.

The town that is famous for being the birthplace of Will Rogers has spent more than 20 years rebuilding the area’s history. Taking a walk downtown leads you to Will, The Cherokee Kid and his horse, Comanche

an integral part in the revival including the renovation of several buildings along the main street corridor, according to Simerly.

Sanders led the effort to restore the Bank of Oologah that is now listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Originally built in 1906 the building was dedicated and fully restored in 1985.

The bank is possibly the most well known Continued on page 23

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SPECIALTY STORES Nesting Necessities & Boutique

By Rebecca Hattaway Cari Bohannan and Susan Todd were already business owners and artisans when they opened Nesting Necessities & Boutique on Main Street on Nov. 20, 2012.

“We’ve had a good response so far,” Todd said. “We offer a lot of different items.”

From plus-size clothing to jewelry and handmade items, Nesting Necessities provides its own unique offerings to local shoppers.

“There is so much here, I don’t Cari Bohnnan and Susan Todd. think you need to go out of Claremore as much,” Todd said. “There piece and choose the color,” Boreally is a good variety of busihannan said. nesses downtown.”

Nesting Necessities carries MaiNesting Necessities carries son Blanche chalk-based paint and Lenny and Eva leather cuff Miss Mustard Seed milk paint. bracelets with interchangeable Nesting Necessities & Boutique sentiments for kids, teens and is located at 407 W. Will Rogers adults. They also offer LivyLu cusBlvd. They are open Monday tom made sweatshirts for Clarethrough Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 more Zebras, Sequoyah Eagles, p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to OU, OSU and Oklahoma City Thun5 p.m. der.

“Our home decor has also been good sellers with unique picture frames and box signs,” Bohannan said. “Our metal and wood monograms have also been popular.

They range from 12 inches tall to 48 inches tall.”

They also sell furniture and offer custom painting.

“We carry unfinished furniture that customers can buy and finish themselves or they can bring in a

22 Surrey Late Winter 2013

History in the making led by local businesses Continued from page 21 restoration on the street, however it was not the first. The Oologah Historical Museum was opened in 1988 and is housed

in what is believed to be the oldest commercial building in the downtown area.

The building has been used as a grocery store shoe repair

and millinery shop and its roots can be traced back to the 1890’s.

Originally known as Mart Reed’s General Store the building was restored and opened as the museum in 1988.

Since that time the museum was expanded in 1992 to provide more room for exhibits, according to Simerly.

Other historical structures have been renovated in the area including the old train depot that now serves as a local residence.

Through all the changes the main street has not only survived, but also flourished.

The expansion of the Oologah Post Office in the 1990’s helped meet the demand of the growth in the area.

The main street renewal is spreading to other areas of town and many new businesses have developed.

Future growth and development is on the horizon as plans to develop a mid-sized grocery store move firmly into sight. Residential growth has also been impacted along with the local school district.

Oologah-Talala Schools has grown substantially since the 1990’s adding several new building and amenities.

In addition, the four-lane expansion to State Highway 169 has increased traffic and opportunities for the community.

The highway provides a faster commute into the Tulsa Metro Area.

All together a movement that started to preserve the rich history of the town of Oologah has sparked into the key to future growth.

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Small-Town Jewel Chic and sweet boutique, the fashion you crave

By Tim Ritter Inside the doors of ‘The Sugar Boutique’ . . . there’s a unique, yet modern-style of contemporary flavor.

Since August 2012, Claremore resident Dayna Melton and her daughter, Hillary, have brought ‘pizazz and style’ to the downtown area.

Located on the corner of Hwy 66 and Will Rogers Blvd., The Sugar Boutique is every ‘woman’s dream’ when it comes to gift shopping.

“We have a variety of apparel and accessories to offer our customers,” Melton said. “A lot of the merchandise ranges from scarves, colored skinny-legged jeans, leggings and dresses.”

“Plus, our customers like the boutique style apparel — bubble necklaces and stylish watches — with affordable prices.”

A lot of the merchandise, according to Melton, is unique and exclusive. For the woman who loves to dress up, The Sugar Boutique caters stylish purses and jewelry, as well as blouses and skirts. The clientele has shown Melton and her daughter, Hillary, that small business is what drives small-town economy.

“Our goal is to continue to 24 Surrey Late Winter 2013

grow and expand our business, which overall helps the city of Claremore and bring people into town,” Melton said.

“Since opening, we’ve had customers visiting from Bartlesville, Northwest Arkansas to Tulsa, and the feedback has all been positive.”

The Sugar Boutique is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In February, the hours will be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

“Customers are excited that Claremore has a place to shop for birthdays and special events,” Melton said.

“Our customers are able to shop local and receive the same apparel and accessories that the Tulsa area offers.”

Melton also added that customers have asked about shipping our product to family members or friends in other places.

“Yes, we ship,” Melton said.

For information on The Sugar Boutique, visit their Facebook page:: the sugar boutique, Twitter: sugar_boutique and Instagram or call (918) 2834000.

Co-owner Hillary Melton

LEADERSHIP 101: Debbie Long There is always something new — projects and products — in my line of work.

— Debbie Long

Debbie Long with her grandson Broden.

Continued from page 15 all types of people, even in division,” Long said.

“We have great leadership in Rogers County, but it’s also disheartening to see the smaller communities needing more help to cultivate younger leaders.”

Outside of her involvement in Leadership of Rogers County, Long also operates Promos Advertising, which provides merchandise to corporate and collegiate clients.

“There’s always something new — projects and products — in my line of work,” Long said. “This year, we provided 85,000 rally towels at the OU-Notre Dame football game.”

And, when she’s not working, her time is treasured with her 2-year-old grandson, Broden, who Long says is an absolute joy to have in her life.

“I’m his G.G.,” Long added.

But, whether she’s leading by example in Claremore, or playing with Broden, Long goes the distance in seeing people grow.

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Breakfast Tacos

By Angela Henderson Happy 2013, readers! If you’re like most Americans, including me, you’ve made a resolution or set a goal to lose weight this year.

I’m going to let you in on a little weight loss secret: eat breakfast. My mother used to say, “Eat breakfast like a king; lunch like a prince; and dinner like a pauper.” Before the holidays, I was doing the exact opposite. I ate breakfast like a pauper and lunch like a half-starved maniac, with fistfuls of snacks liberally sprinkled in between. I banished my scale to the back porch because I didn’t like what it was saying to me.

Most people I know skip breakfast. They either don’t like it or don’t have time for it. Some people I know eat their way through the convenience store on their way to work. Take a good look at 26 Surrey Late Winter 2013

the nutritional value of those breakfast sandwiches. Some have nearly your entire day’s worth of calories inside!

I developed this Breakfast Taco recipe a few years ago to help me kick-start my day. It really is quite easy and simple to make and leftovers store very well. Plus, my family loves them. We even have them for dinner every now and then.

Here’s what you’ll need: Cooking spray 1 bag frozen Ore-Ida hash brown cubes with onions and peppers 2 c. cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon or cubed ham or Canadian bacon 6 eggs, beaten 1 ½ c. Mexican blend cheese 8 whole wheat, corn, or flour tortillas Aluminum foil Salsa (optional)

Gator Tamers, Noodlers & Fishermen Outdoor Show scheduled March 1-3 at Claremore Expo Mark your calendars for March 1-3 for the Outdoor Sporting Expo to be held at the Claremore Expo Center. This special show will be of interest to enthusiasts of all ages and outdoor genres.

“Oklahomans and our surrounding neighbors know and appreciate the great outdoors, evidenced by premier lakes, world class fishing, hunting, biking, camping, hiking, archery and the popularity of RV’s ATV’s, BMX and more. We are excited to see this show in Claremore,” said Ron Burrows, Claremore Expo Center Manager.

“Our facility is the host to a wide variety of shows and Festivals and this new Outdoor Sporting Expo is one that we are so pleased to add to our show schedule.”

Exhibitors and vendors may apply now by contacting the host organizations Claremore Main Street, Claremore Chamber, Claremore Expo Center or visit www.claremore.org for applications.

The Outdoor Sports Expo will feature over 90,000 square feet of indoor exhibitor space. “Our goal is to provide vendors and sponsors with very affordable space so that they can showcase their products and services. Admission will also be family friendly as well, according to Burrows.

In addition, to the exhibitors and vendors, committee members are busy confirming seminars that will represent the best of hunting, fishing, BMX, and more. “We are excited that a majority of our celebrities are now confirmed for appearances, demonstrations and seminars.

Celebrities to date include professional angler Tommy Biffle and Champion Noodler Kaleb Summers” said Cindy Bissett, Executive Director of Claremore Main Street. Biffle is a well-known professional bass fisherman who has fished the pro-circuit and B.A.S.S. series for over 25 years. He is a member of the BASS Millionaires. Biffle also has his own signature bait “The Biffle Bug” and owns Lakeside Polaris in Wagoner. Summers is a Claremore native who became a record holding champion this summer. In addition to his noodling skills, Summers operates his own guide service. The committee has just con-

Gator Boy Jimmy Riffle

Champion Noodler Kaleb Summers firmed the addition of Jimmy Riffle, star of the A & E reality television Show “Gator Boys.” We are also excited that we will have a BMX Stunt Team from North Carolina “Rise Above” and champion Charlie Merz whose specialty is archery and deer hunter reports Chamber President Dell Davis. The show will also feature special giveaways, The Bass Tank and more. In the meantime please continue to check the website www.claremore.org for updates.”

The Outdoor Sporting Expo will be March 1-3, at Claremore’s Expo Center. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday andfrom 10 .m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The show is presented to date by: Claremore Physicians Immediate Care, Advance Imaging and sponsored by TTCU The Credit Union, Visit Claremore and Tulsa RV. For more information regarding exhibit space or available sponsorships contact Claremore Chamber or Claremore Main Street at (918) 3415881.

Late Winter 2013

Surrey

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Begin by liberally coating a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Heat over mediumhigh heat and add hash browns with onions and peppers.

Cook until browned, adding more nonstick spray, if needed.

Add the meat and cook until heated through and combined.

In a separate skillet coated with nonstick spray, cook eggs until they are nicely scrambled. Fold scrambled eggs into potato-meat mixture. Top with cheese.

Scoop about ž cup of mixture into 8 tortillas. Fold in half and wrap in aluminum foil. Place the finished tacos on a sheet pan and heat in the oven briefly (about 300 degrees) for 10 minutes. Serve with salsa or any other toppings you like.

Avocados and tomatoes are particularly good when they are in season.

Only make the number you think you and your family will eat.

Store the remaining filling in a container separate from the tortillas. Then, each morning, scoop filling onto a tortilla, wrap in foil,

28 Surrey Late Winter 2013

Heating tortillas in foil before serving.

Breakfast tacos are perfect for on-the-go lifestyles. and bake until warmed through.

These are particularly easy to eat while on the run in the morning. Just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to eat them while applying mascara and driving. I speak from experience.

Angela Henderson