Etown December 2011 by Etown Magazine

Say Hello Beautiful New Kitchen So Fun, Its Looticrous

Fashion Foward

III

Photos by Rachel Hancock Story by Cody Fleming

Watermelon Campbell parlayed his passion into a unique treasury of special keepsakes and memorabilia that puts Enid on the map. Maybe his obsession with rare items that chronicle the past comes from his fascinating background: his family started twelve newspapers, and several of his brothers and sisters were in the Camel Brothers Circus, the third largest circus in the world at the time. His personal fate and fancy was with the railroads. But first he took a detour: he was working for the railroad in 1939 in Memphis, when he got laid off and decided to pursue work in Louisville. World War II interrupted his plans. He volunteered during World War 2, where he served on several very dangerous missions. “I left New York with 58 ships and came back with eight,” he recalls. Later, he was two days from Okinawa, when his ship was hit by a typhoon. They decided to go full-speed ahead in the opposite direction, and when the storm cleared, they were nearly right where they had started. The typhoon had dragged them back that far. But his love was trains and soon he began collecting memorabilia. Having a stepfather who was an engineer helped, as he began a collection of railroad china. “I’m trying to get one piece of all the patterns ever made,” he says. As a result, he has the largest collection of its kind in the world with only a few pieces left to add. And that is only the beginning. The collection has grown into one of Enid’s premier tourist attractions. After Campbell and his wife built the house where they’ve lived for the past 25 years in just 29 days, they went to work establishing a local railroad museum. They refurbished an old building, working day and night, so the railroad wouldn’t bulldoze it. The railroad company was so impressed they gave them the building. Campbell says if you want to see anything railroad-oriented, he’ll be able to show it to you at his labor of love, the Railroad Museum of Oklahoma, on North Washington Street. “Our goal is to have the best tourist city in America, and in my opinion, we are pretty close,” he says. They have railroad paper money from 108 railroads dating back before the federal government started printing its own currency. “We have 6,000 old railroad postcards from throughout the United States. We have railroad clocks and timepieces. We have many books about railroads, and over a thousand videos from all over the world. Anything the railroads have that they retired, including maps and stock certificates, we have it,” he says. A born-again believer who teaches Bible class at the YMCA, Campbell is also a past president of the local chapter of the American Numismatic Association, representing coin collectors, and a national director for the National Railroad Historical Society for the past 25 years.

Econtents

DECEMBER 2011

PAINTING BY

SARA

by M a

rit W atson

Say Hello Beautiful New Kitchen

In the August edition of Etown Magazine we presented part one of our first BEFORE and AFTER kitchen remodel.

SCRIBNER

Napoli’s Italian Restaurant With A Family Flair

UNcensored

Imagine going to a company meeting where all of the attendees were not only your co-workers, but also your relatives. This is how the meetings at Napoli’s are run.

an Enid have A preview of Etown’s baby sister, for the 16transplant, yr. - 24 yr.Idemographic. been impressed with the abundance of artistic talent showcased within this community. A short stroll near the downtown square might take you to the SoSymphony Fun, ItsorLto ooatilive cromusical us theater performance of “Cinderella” at the Gaslight. It might also take you Scribner’s Gallery & of Studio to gaze upon the artistic Game nights are always popular amongst into friends, especially with all the creative creations of Sara Scribner, other local artists. games available. Board gamesher pit husband husband Shane againstorwife, parents against children, friends against friends, and yet, everyone laughs throughout the evening.

Recently, Sara was recognized by Southwest Art Magazine as one of 21 artists under 31 to collect now. This is no small achievement! Sara had been encouraged by her friend Greg to enter a piece of work in the competition for several years. This Enfinally joyin g TheSouthwest Wine EArtxpMagazine’s eriencecall to artists and promptly earned recognition for her talent. The piece of art year she answered Wine hassubmitted been a popular beverage throughout history, and Truth is referenced in From many texts she for the competition is titled, “And Sprang His and Beak.” It truly is an amazing piece of art that captures quotes as far back as written history goes. Yet,robin drinking can definitely bewoman. a differentSara experia moment between a truth-speaking andwine a raptly listening explained that in Native American culture, the encerobin for those who don’t really know toonly choose serve wines and those do.beak is also associated with listening to the spoken is thought to be a sign to how speak theortruth. The color of a who robin’s word. I find the concept of Sara’s painting innovative and whimsical.

FaSara shihas onenjoyed Fowdrawing ard IIIfor as long as she can remember. Her parents encouraged her to explore art which she did through high school and college. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. Sara considers her art to be Realism but enjoys many different styles. She paints primarily DEBAUwith CHoilEpaint RY: but Enalso id Suses PCcharcoal. A’s 12tWhen h Anasked nuaabout l Wher ineplans for the future, Sara replied, “Well, Iajust tod keep ndwant Foo Fepainting. stival I have always wanted this for myself.” She and her husband, Shane, enjoy traveling together and gain for popular their work from their travels. Saraand also finds myth and folklore to The Wine and Food Festival hasinspiration become a very institution in Enid, a chic classy night on the town in a town where BBQ and livestock shows/monster truck ralbe great inspirational sources for her work. lies/baseball games/blah (pick one or replace with something else if you can think of something more appropriate) often dominate the event scene. If you haven’t strolled into Scribner’s lately (or ever)... you should. Sara may have already created the piece of art that you have been searching for! Or if you have something in mind, she 4 also accepts commissioned work. If you would like more information on Scribner’s Gallery, you can visit their website at www.scribnersgallery.com or their Facebook page (Scribners Gallery

Dannette Frantz grew up and graduated from Alva High School. She and her husband Kyle, an Enid native, moved back to his hometown seven years ago. He went to work for Triangle Insurance Company, and she had an organizing business in Tulsa that she brought to Enid. It has been very successful and continues to grow. Frantz Helping Hands is best described as an estate and moving company. “We go in and offer support for the families, and give them spiritual help. The girls that work with me are all Christians. We don’t push Jesus on families,” she says. The couple has a son Rob, who plays football at Enid High and also is on the speech team and involved in the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics at Autry Technology Center. They also have a daughter Megan, who is a sophomore at UCO in Edmond and is active in a sorority. As a family, they are ecstatic about being back in Enid; they love everything about it. Dannette stays busy with activities such as Junior Welfare, while Kyle can often be found umpiring and officiating little league sports. “The kids love him,” Dannette says. One thing Dannette really appreciates about Enid is the close proximity of family. Her in-laws are four blocks away in one direc-

tion; her grandmother is five blocks away in the other direction. Her sisterin-law lives five houses down from their home. She wouldn’t trade it for the world. She loves having their family close. She loves how Enid is like one big, friendly, caring community. “You see so many people you know just jogging down the street,” she says. People will e-mail her about a problem, and she can pray for them. “People know that I’m a believer in Christ. It’s a gift I can give the community, and the people I work with.” “Emmanuel Baptist is an amazing church,” she continues. “There is so much friendship and love and grace at Emmanuel that it overflows. When I’ve needed anything, it’s been there before it’s even asked. The women’s Bible Study is great, along with the Celebrate Recovery program, which is unbelievable.” She has been rewarded by seeing lives change through Celebrate Recovery. “Rob and his friends from church eat out every Wednesday night, and they’ve done it since they were freshmen,” she adds. “Our faith in Christ is everything. It’s like you get up every morning and thank God for that day,” Dannette says. She points to how this has influenced her children: her daughter at UCO goes to Life Church and puts God first, family second, and herself next in line. “My son plays Christian music in the mornings. I turn on his car and it’s Christian music,” Dannette says. “I know that his walk with the Lord means the world to him. He wants to be with the Lord. He cares that his friends know the Lord. He’s such a compassionate young man.” She continues, “My husband is our leader and has shown us how to love the Lord. He goes into his office quietly early in the morning to read his Bible. To have a husband who comes from a Christian home, a home of faith, and carries it on in our family, that is such a blessing. Here about six years ago, I was taught by a wise man that when you fall, which we all do, just do the next right thing. I feel I am a blessed Christian.”

December 2011 Volume 5, Number 6

Managing Director Editor-in-Chief Art Director Project Coordinator Etown Promotions Director

Frank Baker Cindy Allen Theotis Pace Lynne Benkendorf Cathy Nulph

Writers

Dave Kinnamon Bridget Nash Cody Fleming Christy Northcutt Liz Cady Trina Walker Marit Watson Cara Jo Loper Erika Casburn Megan Lynn Sutton Candace Krebs

Photographers

Muncy Photography Rachel Hancock Kelly Tompkins Nancy Killam MotoPhoto Cammeron Kaiser

Account Executives

Cathy Nulph

ON THE COVER Bethany Mason -Photo by Dawn Muncy

SUGGESTIONS Do you have an idea for future stories for Etown? We’re always looking for good ideas of people and places to feature. If you have a suggestion, give us a call at 580-548-8186 or e-mail fbaker@eaglemkt.com. Etown Magazine • P.O. Box 1192 • Enid, OK 73702-1192 • 580-548-8186

I was recently reading a self-help blog by a mother of 12. She commented that she was always waiting for the right time to workout. If she couldn’t fit in an hour workout, she wouldn’t go. She’d start on Monday with this rationale and by Friday she still hadn’t made it to the gym, taken a walk or put on a workout DVD. She was waiting for it to be the “perfect” time.

As this mother learned, there is no “perfect” time. Instead of waiting for a time to achieve ALL her workout, she changed to doing SOME. I loved and appreciated her change of mindset. She started with doing some on Monday, some on Tuesday, some on Wednesday and so on. By the end of the week she had achieved a workout schedule that met her needs and her life. As the holidays and the New Year approach, look for a little time to slip in “some” of your workout. Can’t do a full hour? That’s ok, try for 20-30 minutes. You’ll keep your strength and energy with just a few short workouts. You might find that once you start that short workout, you do have the time and desire to give a little more. This holiday season remember to be realistic. Whether it’s

about your holiday expectations or your workout schedule. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Do what you can and be satisfied with your effort. Like Charlotte Siems, the blogger from Stillwater, OK, realized “Over time you’ll feel and look better with your steady “some” than your mostly nothing!”

Happy Holidays! Christy Northcutt Fit Chicks, Owner and Instructor Nationally Certified AFAA & NETA Group Fitness Instructor IDEA Health & Fitness Association Member StrollerFit® and Restore the Core™ Certified Fitness Instructor Youth Fitness Certified Instructor Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Specialist Questions? Email christy.northcutt@fitchicksenid.com

Photos & Story

In the August edition of Etown Magazine we presented part one of our first BEFORE and AFTER kitchen remodel. With the transformation complete it is now time for the reveal! This exciting project came about as part of a give-away to raise money for the Enid Symphony Association. Douglas Newell, Music Director for the Enid Symphony Orchestra, was instrumental in the conception and planning of the project. “We were brainstorming fundraising ideas when one of the board members suggested giving away a home improvement certificate,” he said. “I knew how popular remodeling shows on HGTV had become so I suggested going to local business and artisans to donate materials and labor.” The scale of the project grew as busi-

nesses showed an amazing amount of support and willingness to work for a project helping the symphony. “To witness the generosity of so many local businesses supporting our symphony and our community was amazing,” said Douglas. “People were so quick to work it into their schedules.” “I love to see things put together,” he said. Douglas compares building to creating music. “As with music when every musician has their part to make a cohesive performance, when building, everything has to be in-sync and refined,” he said. Douglas acted as the contractor for the project. Having a love for building, this was a role he enjoyed. Organization was key. The six-week turnaround was very fast for a project of this scale. Interior designer, Molly Player, ASID,

was instrumental to the outcome of the kitchen. Douglas knew Molly was living back in Enid after running a successful interior design company in North Carolina. He was thrilled that she was willing to donate her time and talent to the project. With Molly’s design experience Douglas knew the kitchen transformation was off to a good start. After graduating from OU with her interior design degree Molly spent several years in Colorado with the number one interior design firm in the country. Molly later worked as an on-line consultant for Good Home and has since owned her own design company. While Molly had never participated in a give-away kitchen remodel before, she approached the project as she does all her clients. Molly met with winners, Jana and Will James, to get an understanding of their taste, and lifestyle. After taking measurements of the space and getting a feel for the clients she created three designs. The classic simple look of one particular design incorporated the painted wood finish of the couple’s existing dining room furniture. This style maintained the light, airy, coastal feel Will and Jana both love. “Every client is so different. I see how they live and I get to know them. I don’t like to influence my personal taste on them. I give them a scheme and work it around their style. I give them options,” said Molly. With the plan selected, Molly worked up a finished schedule detailing who would complete each part of her design and in what order it needed to be completed. Douglas worked with the businesses and artisans to make sure each step happened according to schedule. With the entire kitchen being gutted from top to bottom it was a race to the finish to make the six-week timeline. Every person involved went above and beyond putting in extra work to see the project through to completion. Even homeowner will put in around 200-hours to help finish the project. His carpentry skills were put to work as he built an additional bar, not part of the original design, and helped with tile work and other projects throughout the process. Having planned to remodel the kitchen at some point anyway this was his opportunity to get the kitchen he had Jana had dreamed of. Will says B & J Appliance were great to work with, even upgrading appliances from the original plan. The granite counter tops from North American Stonecutters slated for the main body of the kitchen were extended into the bar area built by Will. The unexpected additional granite completed the space beautifully.

The new kitchen is now open into the dining area due to the removal of a short wall where the old refrigerator stood. A load bearing column was incorporated into the design of the open eat-in bar. The removal of drop-down fluorescent lights opened the space considerably. New pendant lights from Grand Avenue Lighting add style and function. The blue-green glass tile backsplash mixed with tumble stone tile create a light, cool space that is still warm and family friendly. Blue glass canisters and a new Kitchen Aid mixer from Dillards complete the look. Jana now has the kitchen her whole family can be in together. “I love the new space,” she says. Ultimately, the goal of the kitchen project was to get a family a new kitchen but it was also to raise money to help the continued operations of the Enid Symphony Orchestra. Douglas is most proud of the high quality of all the work and materials put into the project. “We could not have done this without our sponsors who gave us their time and energy,” he said. Being a nonprofit organization the symphony relies on donors and fundraising. Their $300,000 budget pays musicians, guest artists, and staff, as well as upkeep for the symphony hall. The kitchen remodel give-away raised $8440. The Enid Symphony employees 80 musicians who come from across the state to perform a variety of music from Broadway and jazz, to pops and classical. These talented artists travel great distances to perform in Enid’s beautiful symphony hall with guest artists from across the country. Enid’s symphony is a source of pride for the community and continued support will keep it here. By supporting the symphony the Enid community can continue to enjoy the culture and artistic talent of the annual Enid Symphony Orchestra 2011-2012 Subscription Series, the free family concert at David Allen Memorial Baseball Park and Symphony Saturdays. These are free open rehearsals for young people and master classes by guest artists including Valerie Naranjo and New York Polyphony for Enid Public School students. ALL of the sponsors went above and beyond to make this kitchen remodel a success. Their donation of materials and time...much more than originally planned in many cases, helped to pull off the impossible. Special thanks go out again to Athey Lumber, Grand Avenue Lighting, B & J Appliance, Sherwin-Williams, Sherri Curtis painting, Bass Kitchen and Bath Remodel, Uptown Florist, A to Z Flooring America, North American Stonecutters, Don’s Custom Carpentry, Rogers Supply, Dillards, Dense Mechanical and Molly Player, ASID.

n important principle of success in all walks of life and in all occupations is a willingness to “Go The Extra Mile”; which means the rendering of more and better service than that for which one is paid, and giving it in a positive mental attitude. In a world where mediocrity is becoming alarmingly common, it's a refreshing change to encounter people who are willing to go the extra mile. Paramount Homes Associates make it a habit to exceed everyone’s expectations by always going “the extra mile” and thus giving customers a positive and memorable experience in their real estate transaction. Going beyond what others expect of you can never be a bad thing. It's a great principle to live by no matter who you are or what you do. The attitude of Paramount Homes Associates is

something that shines out beyond the boundaries of the average agent.

There's nothing that beats the feeling when someone surprises you by “going the extra mile”.

Paramount Homes Associates pay attention to detail and consider all the small things that really make a Real Estate transaction successful. Paramount Homes Associates put in the extra time and go the extra mile to do what isn’t part of their job description and overdeliver on what is asked of them. As you will hear, in the testimonials, these outstanding agents stuck at it until they achieved the ultimate in customer satisfaction. Paramount Homes offers all the special

services and all the small touches that make dealing with them so pleasurable. When talking to friends, mention Paramount Homes and recommend Paramount because they are the real estate company who stands out. When it comes to success, the people who are willing to go the extra mile will be the ones who help you to obtain your goal of a home purchase or sale that much faster! Call one of our outstanding Associates Today! Paramount Homes Real Estate Co. 580-2376200 or email: paramounthomesre@suddenlinkmail.com Courtesy of Paramount Homes.

"I have so many stories over the past 17 years. I have giggled and chucked remembering some of the

situations that have come up. The one that comes to my mind first.. , is the couple I showed 52 houses over the course of 3 years. Finally we found the home of their dreams . After closing I went back to my office and on my desk, was a bouquet of 52 LONGSTEMMED RED ROSES!! And the sweetest note saying A rose for every house we looked at. All I could say was WOW" -Pat Cronkhite

"I stuck by a seller for 15 months having their house under contract. It was a nightmare of a short

Scan here to view all Enid Listings

sale that had title issues. The title company had given up getting it resolved and left it on my shoulders. I had countless hours on the phone with previous lenders that had been taken over by several companies since the mortgage wasn't released some 5 years ago. We lost the first buyers before the title issues were resolved. After the title issues were fixed and getting new buyer, had to help the sellers resolve FHA requirements on new loan for new buyers. Closed within a matter of days before property going to sheriffs auction." -Shawn Shadduck

Story by Erika Casburn Photos by Cammeron Kaiser

meeting company a to g in o ly magine g re not on endees we tt a e th e f o tiv s. This where all o your rela ls a t u b , rs are r un. orke Napoli’s your co-w t a s g n ti as the e mee ess, works in is how th s u b e eas and head of th iscusses id Tony, the d y il m fa urant. as the the resta g head gur u in lv o v cisions in easy task. makes de nt is no ra u ta s re opening a s towards p And r unn te s t rs fi ony. The his entire Just ask T relocating d e d lu c g the li’s in . Choosin id ing Napo n E to s m Dalla hand, is family fro the other n o , u n e enjoy. the m food for seems to y n o T g that ith quality somethin flavors w t n re fe if works g d Combinin the family g in th e m to ts is so es down ingredien en it com h w t u b th ith e er, the one w on togeth is y n o T t, e omen at if I lik the final m “I know th s. d u b te s s. , “ he say decisive ta will like it r e m to s u it, the c

up in Growing ny and o T , a i n a Alb ate his family isine, as u c n a i n a b Al cuisine. n a i l a t I s well a

It was always Tony’s dream to open an Italian restaurant. Now, here in Enid, his dream has come true. Napoli’s is a classic Italian restaurant. The music, cuisine, and wine set the mood for enjoying a meal with close friends and family. Kids who come to dine at Napoli’s have many options on their menu including Lasagna, Ravioli, and Spaghetti. There is also a place in the restaurant for kids to play while they’re waiting for their meals, or while their parents finish drinks and have a chance to talk. In addition to the family friendly environment, Napoli’s also has TVs tuned to sporting events. Also offered for the sports fan is a full bar, and a variety of beer. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious family friendly meal, or are in need of a place to watch the next football game, Napoli’s can accommodate you. Not only will you be giving yourself and your family a treat, but you’ll also be supporting a local family owned business.

PAINTING BY

SARA

by M a

rit W atson

SCRIBNER

an Enid transplant, I have been impressed with the abundance of artistic talent showcased within this community. A short stroll near the downtown square might take you to the Symphony or to a live musical theater performance of “Cinderella” at the Gaslight. It might also take you into Scribner’s Gallery & Studio to gaze upon the artistic creations of Sara Scribner, her husband Shane or other local artists. Recently, Sara was recognized by Southwest Art Magazine as one of 21 artists under 31 to collect now. This is no small achievement! Sara had been encouraged by her friend Greg to enter a piece of work in the competition for several years. This year she finally answered Southwest Art Magazine’s call to artists and promptly earned recognition for her talent. The piece of art she submitted for the competition is titled, “And Truth Sprang From His Beak.” It truly is an amazing piece of art that captures a moment between a truth-speaking robin and a raptly listening woman. Sara explained that in Native American culture, the robin is thought to be a sign to speak only the truth. The color of a robin’s beak is also associated with listening to the spoken word. I find the concept of Sara’s painting innovative and whimsical. Sara has enjoyed drawing for as long as she can remember. Her parents encouraged her to explore art which she did through high school and college. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. Sara considers her art to be Realism but enjoys many different styles. She paints primarily with oil paint but also uses charcoal. When asked about her plans for the future, Sara replied, “Well, I just want to keep painting. I have always wanted this for myself.” She and her husband, Shane, enjoy traveling together and gain inspiration for their work from their travels. Sara also finds myth and folklore to be great inspirational sources for her work. If you haven’t strolled into Scribner’s lately (or ever)... you should. Sara may have already created the piece of art that you have been searching for! Or if you have something in mind, she also accepts commissioned work. If you would like more information on Scribner’s Gallery, you can visit their website at www.scribnersgallery.com or their Facebook page (Scribners Gallery & Studio). She is truly a talented artist worth collecting. Now.

By Julie Hildabrand Photos by Dawn Muncy, Muncy Photography

Looking to make his mark on the downtown scene is 28-yearold ‘Josh the Barber.’ Located next door to the Felt Bird on Broadway, Bluejay’s Barber Shop & Beauty Bar has already turned heads and gained return clients despite being open only a few weeks. Owner Josh Ward has gone to great lengths to ensure that a trip to Bluejay’s provides its customers with an experience that is unique and comfortable. “We do cuts, hot towels and lather, and straight razor shaves.” Josh explains about bringing back a kind of lost art. “A barbershop in the 50s and 60s is where everyone went to get their hair cut – men and women. Then beauty salons opened up and some women began going to those and it kind of separated. Then all of a sudden the Beatles become popular and they’re growing their hair out. Barbers couldn’t cut long hair – short and shorter is all they did so when the guys came in with the longer haircuts, barbershops started suffering. Especially coming off of Vietnam, they wanted to grow their hair out and live a free life so during the 70s and 80s, barbershops started dwindling down and salons just morphed and took over. Now, bringing it back with my training, I can cut short, long, everything. If you want to just get your hair trimmed, come on in! “ The spirit of this effort is clearly seen in the design and decoration of this barbershop. The bright colors and eclectic style will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. “I like to somewhat mentally live in the past. I love the 30s, 40s, and 50s. I cherish what I would consider the good times. I love to watch old movies and think about what it would be like to live like James Dean or Audrey Hepburn.” The idea of opening up a traditional barbershop is also a product of Josh’s enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit. “I’ve dipped my hand in every cookie jar you could imagine,” Josh joked of his widespread interests. This artist has co-owned a shoe company, been involved in the tattoo scene, and sculpts ice and watermelons in his spare time; however, since falling in love with barbershops and going to school to master this art, Josh will focus on being your barber.

“When you come in here, I want to create a place where a guy can be a guy and get the razors because there are so many things that women can partake in and I want to add those things for guys too in a way that feels manly,” Josh explains of the atmosphere he wishes to create. “A lot of the shaving techniques that I know, I learned from older barbers and sitting down and talking with them after 40 years in the business getting to know what are the tricks of the trade. I learn from them and I love their stories.” When speaking with Josh, it is clear that Bluejay’s is so much more than a business for him. He wants to do his best for his cus-

tomers. “I’m a big supporter of service. I want to promote a place where you get good service – where you are not rushed and you give a few bells and whistles here and there and you’re treating people right. Everyone deserves a good haircut by a person who cares to do a good job.” Josh looks forward to building relationships with his customers and understands that his job will transcend simply cutting hair. “In our business we are all kind of unlicensed psychiatrists. People will spill their guts to you and talk about all kinds of stuff.

And maybe they have no one else to talk to. They’re just traveling through their day and just need someone to vent to. So I’m here to listen and that’s part of the job,” Josh adds. “I like that, you get to know people. Now I’m starting to meet new people, but in 3 to 5 years, I hope to know everyone’s name.” Josh had an opportunity to open up his barbershop in Oklahoma City but when considering locations, he was convinced of Enid’s downtown charm and its growth potential. He is eager for entrepreneurs to continue to come in and add things like soda shops and diners to lure more people to this area.

“Building a community is always something I have been interested in; and maybe its somewhat superficial but like an old Mayberry-type community. You know? Back the way these buildings were designed in the early 30s and 40s where people had businesses in here and people came downtown to shop,” Josh imagines. “I think if we work together we can do a lot for Enid and sort of get that spirit back. We have to cherish the feel that Enid has because you never know when big industry may come in and Enid will triple in size and lose that.”

While Josh’s passion focuses on the barbershop, he wants people to remember that this is not just a place for guys. Over half of the shop is devoted to a women’s beauty bar with rental booths for hairdressers. “I guess it’s a misconception about barbers, but I can do men and women’s hair. I can cut and color like the best of them. I want to focus on the barbershop side but I hope that one day I can do a shave and then switch over and do a cut and color,” Josh explains. “I want this to be a trendy place for women too. The husbands can be on the

barbershop side while their wives get their hair cut and styled on the beauty bar side.” Speaking with Josh was exciting. It is clear that he truly enjoys what he does and he is determined to be here for decades to come. “Enid is growing…and I’m going to be a part of it.”

Story by Candace Krebs

Photos by Enid Lego Builder

Uncensored Artist: The Enid Lego Builder

Enid Lego Builder is an anonymous artist who puts up artwork around town and posts clues about how to find it on a Facebook page. Though graffiti is a controversial form of self-expression, Lego Builder claims to love Enid and recommends many local stores, restaurants, musicians and businesses in an on-line profile. Much of the art seems aimed at illuminating the community’s unique history, such as pictures of astronaut Owen K. Garriott, which appeared along the street named in his honor. Without revealing identity, the Builder agreed to answer a few questions via email. Responses were received from an i-phone.

Q. Where did you get the idea to become an anonymous graffiti street artist in Enid and what motivates you to do this?

A. I asked seven to 10 random people who Owen K Garriott Road was named after. Most didn't know, or their answer wasn't an astronaut. I knew right then I wanted to design the "Spaceman" art that is still on two poles on Garriott Road. I want the people of Enid to get out and about. We have so much to offer. We have museums, markets, First Fridays, great sports, fun parks and great food. Enid isn't just a city, it is our home.

Q. Describe your art in your own words and why you chooseto pursue this particular art form

(drawing, painting, sculpting, etc.)

A. I use stencils that I draw out and spray onto paper and then "glue" up with a paste I make using flour and water. It's easier to have the art all ready to be plastered up rather than standing on a busy street spray-painting onto a wall.

Q. Why the title Lego Builder? Do you actually build things with Lego blocks? A. Actually, I didn’t originally call myself the Enid Lego Builder, but on I Love Enid’s Facebook page somebody called me the Builder and then Enid Lego Builder, since I use the LEGO head in my art. It is an iconic image across America’s generations. I think probably 80 percent of peo-

ple know LEGOs and what they look like. So why not use something most people recognize?

Q. Your street art seems to be getting a largely favorable response. Why remain anonymous? Could you really be arrested for this? A. My art has a lot of likes, but also some dislikes. It has been called graffiti and that word usually means vandalism. I never mean to harm anything, and I was confused when I saw the City of Enid using a grinder to grind off paper on the big electrical boxes along Garriott. All they needed was some water and maybe a brush. I remain a mystery so if somebody wanted to press charges, they don’t know who I

am. I believe I could be arrested or majorly fined for what I am doing. But it also adds to the fun! I have been hiding the LEGO head magnets around Enid, and it's fun being a mystery to the people who follow me.

Q. You seem to be using various techniques to push your graffiti in the direction of something eco-friendly and nondestructive of property such as biodegradable paper and water-soluble paste. Is this a trend in the world of graffiti art? How is graffiti in general changing?

A. I really don't know a lot of artists using the paper/paste method, because it can be messy and takes preparations. I use it, as I stated, because I don't want to damage Enid. I try to recycle a lot. I recently painted flowers on soda signs I found in the trash. The paper I use for my magnet hunts are either something found, or laying around, or donated by a follower who left it for me. (I make sure I’m not being watched when I go to get it.) As for how graffiti has changed, it seems to be more accepted in the new culture. Generations change and with that has come acceptance. The artist Banksy opened up the world to political art and to art that wasn’t just “tags” (or signatures) on the side of train cars or industrial buildings.

Q. You’ve indicated that you’ve achieved many of the goals you had when you started your Facebook page, including getting people out to discover and re-discover Enid; amassing 500 Facebook friends; and getting into a mass media publication like Uncensored. Have you set some new goals for this project or for yourself as a working artist?

A. The goals I set actually haven't all been accomplished. I still haven't reached that 500 mark. BUT I have gotten a lot of families and people out. When I hide the art/magnets/pieces, I usually do it around something iconic to Enid, i.e., landmarks, parks and statues. One of my major goals is to be widely accepted by Enidites.

Q. Do you have any advice for other artists trying to do something creative and meaningful? A. Follow your dreams and take chances. When I was out putting art up I can honestly say I was a bit nervous. Standing on Garriott plastering up paper as cars zoom by was taking a chance. I didn’t know what people would think of what I put up, but I did it. Take a chance. Follow your imagination. Believe in yourself.

1. Amy Platner , Mike Stuber, Eli Berry, Angelica Berry, Tammy Wilson & Marty Wilson 2. Bea Paul and Andi Holland 3. Kathi Box, Richard Crump & Shelia Brown 4. Stephen Chambers, Don Johnson & Mary Suzan Chambers

Photos by April Danahy

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center Gala

Desk & Derrick

Club of Enid's 50th Anniversary

1. Tammy Watkins with posters of the 50 years 2. Grandmother and Granddaughter, both members 3. Tammy, our Vice President, thanking our speaker, Joe Griffen, CEO Hiland Partners

Photos by Rachel Hancock

Grays Local & Live

1 3 6

1. Wess & Jolene Gray 2. Nikki & Barry Johnston 3. Carla Watkins & Mike Pierce 4. Cammeron & Lilian Kaiser & Lisa Selix 5. Christa Evans & Cara Carson 6. Lee & Steve Nafus 7. .Rudy & Chris Truttman 7

Air Force Ball

Story by Bridget Nash Photos by Rachel Hancock

1. Michael & Leslie Akins 2. Dave & Mary Ruffin, Dan & Jennifer Fugazzi, Don & Ann Ailsworth 3. SMSgt. Mitchell & Cheryl Lawrence 4. Ian & Jessica Morris 5. Christian & Stacey Martinez 6. Rosanna & MIchael Carradine

Many United States Air Force representatives and city of Enid representatives attended the Air Force Ball Sept. 17, 2011. The ball was held in celebration of the 64th anniversary of the United States Air Force and the 70th anniversary of the partnership of the city of Enid and Vance Air Force Base. During the first six years of the 70-year partnership, Vance was an Army Air Corps base, before the Air Force became its own branch of the military. The theme for this year's Air Force Ball was "Proud Past, Promising Future." "We had many members of the Enid community there," said 2d Lt. Christian Martinez of Vance Air Force Base. Many guests of honor were in attendance including guest speaker Oklahoma Senator Steve Russell; former mayor of Enid Ernie Currier and his wife, Deb; and one of Vance Partners in the Sky, Mary Feightner. During the event toasts were made to the Colors, the Commander-in-Chief, the Chief of Staff of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force as well as to all deployed soldiers, Airmen and Marines in harm's way. Toasts were also made to the people who make the Vance and Enid community a great place to live and a silent toast and table setting ceremony was given in honor of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. During dinner, local pianist Delores Woods provided music and after dinner Col. Russ Mack, the 71st Flying Training Wing Commander, and youngest airman in the audience, Airman Sierra-Arenas cut a cake

with ceremonial swords which symbolized the past and future of the Air Force. Sen. Steve Russell, guest speaker and author of the book, "We Got Him!", spoke to those attending about his involvement in the capture of Saddam Hussein and the importance of attaining your goals by overcoming obstacles. Sen. Russell was presented with a plaque by Col. Russ Mack and was thanked for his service. After the singing of the Air Force Song those attending stayed and danced until midnight to music provided by a local deejay, DJ Urk. There were many sponsors who made the event possible including main sponsors Security National Bank and Paramount Homes and Real Estate Company. "We wouldn't have been able to have the event had it not been for the sponsorships from the Enid community," said Martinez.

6 29

Photos by Nancy Killam

Mueller Fest

A celebration of all things Mueller.

1. Lloyd & Peggy Bixler, Lucy Lon 2. Kari Hill, Mark Mueller and Nancy Killam 3. CeCe Daugherty 4. CX3 Bassist 5. Mark Mueller, Donna Hess, Larry Hess, Ron Painter 6. Slick Willie and the Right Cats 7. Mike and Mark Mueller 8. Slick Willie and the Right Cats, perform

Game nights are always popular amongst friends, especially with all of the creative games available. Board games pit husband against wife, parents against children, friends against friends, and yet, everyone laughs throughout the evening. Is there any better way to bolster friendly competition? In fact, the only difficult decision is choosing which game to play. Ten years ago, friends John and Charla Enns and Ken and Brenda Carpenter ran into just that issue at their casino themed New Year's Eve party. They wanted a game that would keep with their theme and result in fun, entertainment and interactive competition. However, they went about their game decision in a dramatically different way. Instead of picking an existing game, they let their imaginations run wild to create a game that encompassed the best of all game aspects.

"We needed a game that everyone could play at the same time and be involved, so we created our own," says John. Thanks to that New Year's Eve night, the four friends took the first steps towards designing their very own board

game, and so began the four-friend partnership and the journey towards board game creation. While their finished game, named Looticrous, is easy and fun, com-

ing up with all of the rules, logistics and strategies required quite a bit of thought and planning from all four of the partners. Designing the game first involved

numerous mockups and visits to their graphic design artist, local graphic artist Kevin Friesen of Friesen Designs, who helped to put the concept into creation. Says Brenda, "We had a lot of mockups. Our first one was drawn on paper, and then Kevin took over. We had 2 or 3 professional mockups and a prototype done then." The process didn't end there; in fact, that was just the beginning. Once the prototype was completed, the four partners had friends and family play the game to give feedback and even had a class at OSU use the game for a marketing project. Davinicis Coffee House also hosted game nights in which people could sign up to play the game and then give their feedback as well. Most of the feedback had to do with clarification of rules, game-piece landing spaces and typographical errors, and every bit of feedback was essential to perfecting the game. The main sticking point for the four creators was that the game had to be different and exciting. "There are many different features to Looticrous," explains Ken. "No player is sitting around and waiting

for his or her turn; instead, everyone is always playing and always involved." Looticrous blends the aspects of a regular board game and casino betting, so each player is involved and placing bets while another player rolls the dice. A quick read of the description details the excitement to be found when playing: Players compete to see who can roll the dice and win the most money. Collected chips can then be leveraged through betting on opposing players to win even more money! The game accelerates as the stakes get higherâ&#x20AC;Ś and you become bolder! "In other games, players race to the finish, but in Looticrous, the person with the most money wins, not necessarily the person at first to the end," details Charla. As players near the end of the course, the scramble for more money really begins. Looticrous has players making risky decisions while placing bets for other players' dice rolls, collecting points and chips with each betâ&#x20AC;Ś if it is a good bet, that is. After the rules were set and the prototype approved, it came time to name their game. The clever name Looticrous proved to be a bit elusive as each partner was a bit stumped on what would be the perfect name for their new game. And then, as John was driving home one day, it hit him: Looticrous! The play on the word ludicrous combined with the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategy to obtain as much loot as possible was catchy and appealing; it stuck! Though there was cause for celebration to piece together that end piece of naming the game, the real time consuming part began after that point: the trademark and patent. Obtaining these two things required attorneys, filing, waiting, more waiting and even more waiting. As Charla recalls, most of the ten years it took to finally produce the game had a lot to do with this process. Since big name board game companies require one to go through a broker, which is a lengthy process and expensive, John, Charla, Ken and Brenda decided to market the game themselves, and in a community like Enid, which embraces hometown ingenuity and entrepreneurship, Looticrous has a fighting chance against the big names. Looticrous can be found locally at Hastings located in both Enid and Stillwater, the Basket Kase, Bucks Party Shop, and Hooked on Books located in Weatherford. Of course, the game is also offered online through the Looticrous website at looticrous.com. The game is just another example of Oklahoman creativity, and the entire game is made in the USA, which was a key point for John, Charla, Ken and Brenda. Though it costs more to produce a USA-made product, the four wanted a quality board game, and they also wanted to control the volume of games ordered, focusing on quality over quantity. The price of the game takes into account the 600 poker chips, the sturdiness of the board and the quality for each Looticrous game produced. The four partners attest, "To us, it's one of the best party games out there. It gets loud and rowdy, because everyone is engaged all of the time. It can create a riot, but in a good way." Guess that's why the motto is "so fun, it's Looticrous!"

Photos by Rachel Hancock

Enid High School Class 71 Reunion

1. .Jan Steward, Mary Coley, Brett Stratton, Connie Corvel, Melanie Glasser-Montooth 2. Bob King, Patrick Schibi, Sandy Schibi 3. Kathy Windler, Pam Arsenault 4. Mary Coley, Tom King, Barbara Baker, Sheryl Gunning 5. Debbie Dunbar, Brenda Peters-Grauberger, Donna Graham, Cherilyn Chiaro

Photos by Rachel Hancock

Enid Davis Cup

Historically, the Davis Cup is a tennis competition between two countries. The Enid Davis Cup is between the two tennis clubs: Oakwood Country Club and Enid Tennis Association. This year was the fourth time the Enid Davis Cup will be played. They are held in the spring and the fall. In the Spring, they are held at Oakwood Country Club and sponsored by Dean Shaw. The Fall Cup is hosted by ETA at Crosslin. For this Cup, the sponsors were Shane Jackson and Dale Kosted. “Country Club players and ETA players like playing at both facilities because they get to know each other and have a variety of people to play against. It is fun to play someone different and have a friendly rivalry with the other club,” said Jim Shaughnessy, Oakwood Country Club tennis pro and ETA President. In previous years, the club with home court advantage has won the Cup. This year was no exception. With 46 players meeting at ETA’s court at Crosslin Park on October 16th, ETA won 11 matched to 8 matches. “The Enid Davis Cup helps generate tennis participation and excitement between the two tennis clubs in Enid,” said Dwayne Campell, ETA treasurer and Country Club Tennis Committee. The Enid Davis Cup is a tennis tournament for advance adults, but Enid does have tennis programs for all levels of players. The Satellite Tournament a tennis tournament for beginners just learning the game. Tennis Across America, which is a clinic that is done twice a year by Jim Shaughnessy. It is free to anyone wanting to learn about tennis. Enid will host its first high school tennis tournament on April 2, 2012. Eight of the best girls and boys teams in the state will be at the tournament. If you are interested in tennis, Enid Tennis Associations can help you get involved. There is a $10 annual fee plus nominal league fees. League fees for ETA help improve the courts at Crosslin.

Dave Callant

Rick Hockmeyer

Enid Davis Cup Action

Oakwood Country Club League

City League

Photos by Rachel Hancock

Turpin Tunes

at Enidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gaslight Theatre 1. Jake Morisse 2. Lindy Chambers & Sylvan Reynolds 3. Scott Carson 4. Mike Danahy & Gerry Allen 5. Jake Morisse

Main Street At Scribners

Photos by Rachel Hancock

1. Dave McCoy, Sylvan Reynolds & George Davis 2. Cathy Nulph & Lori Waken 3. Brett & Mike Flemming 4. Paula Nightengale & Sharon Hume

By Cindy Cindy Allen Photos By Dawn Dawn Muncy Muncy

Wine has been a popular beverage throughout history, and is referenced in many texts and quotes as far back as written history goes. Yet, drinking wine can definitely be a different experience for those who don’t really know how to choose or serve wines and those who do. Enidite Bud Smith, president of Liberty Federal Savings and Loan, is one of those wine enthusiasts who has taken the time to learn about wine -- and most importantly -to experience the many joys wine can bring. “I never drank,” he said. “I went through high school, college, the military and was a tee-totaler. But, as we (he and wife, Judy) progressed forward and we had wine under the right circumstances, all of a sudden we started appreciating the wine experience.” Since that time, Smith has taken a strong interest in wine. He and Judy enjoy trying different kinds of wines, and they really enjoy visiting the vineyards of Sonoma and Napa Valleys and finding those unique and boutique wines. He also enjoys experiencing the different kinds of wines that come from France, Spain and Argentina.

Bud believes too many people get into a rut when it comes to their tastes in wine. He shared that concern with a small group of wine tasters who joined Judy and him in the basement of their home to learn a little more about the different kinds of wine. Two of the participants told Bud right from the start they only like white wine. Before the evening was finished, they were both raving about the pinot noirs and cabernets Bud opened and served. Bud encourages wine drinkers to really branch out and make it a point to try different wines. “You gotta try new experiences,” he said. “You may have some bad ones, but you’ll get some really good ones.” Bud says the key to experiencing wine the proper way is to savor each wine for the aroma and the taste, and to also find the right foods to pair the wine with. It doesn’t matter whether the wine being served is a white or red, Bud says the first thing you must do is expose the aroma of the wine. The best way to do that is to swirl it in the glass a few minutes before drinking

it.“You have to swirl it to let it breathe,” he said. “You want the real bouquet, and to get that bouquet, you have to swirl it.” Bud served several types of wines in varying price ranges to his guests. He pointed out wine doesn’t have to be expensive to be good, but it is important to pay attention to the wineries, the grapes they use and also the flavors they use in producing the wines. Bud keeps a written journal of the wines he experiences, and he also keeps a journal on the wineries he and Judy visit. He has learned about how sunlight and temperatures at the wineries affect the taste of the wine. He also encourages consumers to check the alcohol content, particularly with white wines. White wines under 12 percent alcohol are slightly sweet and on the light side. The higher the alcohol, the fuller the body, for both red and white. The serving temperature of a white wine is very important, and something many wine consumers overlook. Bud said white wine is often served at too cold of a temperature. “Chardonnays are very sensitive,” he said. “You have to determine what temperature

best suits the wine. I start somewhere in the 5758 degrees (for serving white wine). I will let it breathe and warm up a bit.” Just a few degrees affects the taste of the wine, and white can be served even around 60 to 61 degrees. Bud warns that if a white wine is served too cold, it doesn’t really have any taste. As far as reds go, Bud recommends pinot noir red as a casual drinking wine, and he also recommends pinot noirs that come from wineries in Oregon. “The beauty of pinot noir is it is most flexible,” he said. “You can have it with fish or chicken, where many of your cabernets will be a situation where it can be overwhelming if you don’t drink it with (a food pairing such as beef ).” He also recommends using an aerator to help the red wines breathe. Air can be good or bad for wine, he said. If someone opens a bottle and doesn’t finish it, there are items that can be purchased at wine and party shops that help preserve open bottles for a short period of time. Another important factor, in Bud’s opinion, is to serve the wine in the proper wine glass. He recommends the Riedel brand of glass. It’s an Austrian brand, and the company is considered a world premiere manufacturer of wine glasses made of 24-percent lead crystals. Bud said he prefers stem glasses, but many younger people like the stemless glasses. The most important thing to Bud is to experience new and different wines, and he also obviously loves sharing his experiences with his friends. “Sharing the experience with someone else, I get more joy out of that,” he said. “I like bringing something new and special to someone and to have people walk away having a different perspective on wine.”

Bud’ s R ecommended W ine List (most ar e a vaila b le locall y) Good ine xpensi v e wines (betw een $10-$15)

• Bo g le (Gr a ton, Calif or nia) -- Petite Syr ah, Mer lot Ca ber net Sauvignon and Char donna y • Cha teau Julien (Car mel, Calif or nia) -- Mer lot • Hob Nob (F r ance) Pinot Noir • McManis (Ripon, Calif or nia) -- Pinot Noir • W illiam Hill (Na pa, Calif or nia) -- Char donna y • J. Lohr (San Jose , Calif or nia) -- Char donna y • Ar tesa (Na pa, Calif or nia) -- “Elements” Char donna y or Red

Good mid-r ang e price wines (betw een $16-$26) • • • • • •

Ar tesa (Na pa, Calif or nia) -- Pinot Noir J. Lohr (San Jose , Calif or nia) -- Ca ber net Sauvignon or Mer lot St. F r ancis (Sonoma, Calif or nia) -- Mer lot Peju (Rutherf or d, Calif or nia) -- Mer lot or Ca ber net Sauvignon Bor sao W iner y Tr es Picos (Spain) -- 2008 Gar mac ha (r ed b lend) Cha teau St. Mic helle (Washington)

If you want to be a true connoisseur of wine, or you just enjoy seeing some beautiful country and tasting some interesting boutique wines, a wine tour might just be a good vacation trip for you. Bud and Judy Smith of Enid have taken many tours in Sonoma and Napa Valleys, and each time they go, they say they learn something new about wine and experience some of the most beautiful country to be seen. Napa and Sonoma are world famous for their fine wine and vineyards and beautiful scenery. Sonoma bills itself as California’s first wine country where the California wine industry began. It is home to more than 60 wineries, all which are just a short distance apart. These wineries are located along a 17-mile stretch in Sonoma Valley. Sonoma Valley is just 45 miles north of San Francisco, California and also features a flourishing art scene, history, charming shops and restaurants. A typical wine tour, Bud says, would be going up the main Highway 29 through Napa Valley, which is more commercialized than Sonoma, Bud highly recommends taking the Silverado Trail, located on Napa Valley’s eastern side and extending northward from the town of Napa to Calistoga. Silverado Trail runs parallel to the main Highway 29 thoroughfare. At their widest distance, the two roads are separated by about 3.5 miles. Bud recommends a stop at William Hill Winery. “ It has a beautiful view of wine country," Duckworth Winery is also on the trail, where Bud says, "all the wines are just fabulous." "There are a lot of really good boutique wines that are excellent," he said. More than 40 wineries reside on the trail, and they blend into the landscape. Bud said the wineries along Silverado Trail tend to be small and well dispersed. If you stay closer to the Napa Valley main road, La Crema Winery is on the north part of the trail, Bud said. Artesa Winery is one of the Smiths' favorite stops, and they rave about the view and countryside. The winery is set high into a hilltop with panoramic views of Napa Valley, San Francisco Bay and its own estate vineyards. Bud also recommends Artesa as a stop on any wine tour because the wines are very good and are available in an affordable price range. Going on a wine tour is just another part of enjoying a total "wine experience," Bud said. There are many wine tour options, and he recommends doing a little research before booking a wine tour. A good way to start would be researching some of the Smiths’ favorite wineries and locations on the Internet. Be sure to allow yourself a few days to experience the region and the wine tours that are available. All the wineries offer a variety of wine tasting experiences.

Bud’s Recommendations

• Artesa Vineyards and Winery, 1345 Henry Road, Napa, CA. Web site: artesawinery.com. • Duckhorn Winery, 1000 Lodi Lane, St. Helena, CA. Web site: duckhorn.com. • La Crema Winery, 235 Healdsburg, CA. Web site: lacrema.com. • St. Francis Winery, 100 Pythian Road at Highway 12, Santa Rosa, CA. Web site: st.franciswine.com. • Peju Winery, 8466 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA. Web site: peju.com. • William Hill Wnery, 1761 Atlas Peak Road, Napa, CA. Web site: williamhillestate.com.

Photos by Rachel Hancock

Enid Noon Ambucs & News 9â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Visit to Enid

8 1. Kelly Ogle & Amanda Taylor 2. Amtryke presentation 3. Alan Clepper 4. Jeff Funk 5. Frank Baker, Amanda Taylor, Kelly Ogle, Mike Stuber & Tammy Wilson 6. Ernie Currier 7. Lisa Powell & Andi Holland 8. Ambucs & News Channel 9 with Amtryke recipents

Oakwood Mall MAIN STREET, BARE ESCENTUALS & STARTEK

present

Oakwood Mall is proud to present Fashion Forward featuring Angel Delight, Buckle, Dillard’s, Steel Lily, Regis, and Riddles. With over 50 specialty shops and Anchor stores: Dillard’s, JCPenney, Sears and Goodies; Oakwood Mall offers a variety for anyone’s shopping fix. Fashion Forward is a great opportunity to display the variety of fashion, food, creative talent and other merchandise we have to offer from each anchor store to all that is in between. Oakwood Mall would like to thank its customers for shopping local and supporting the Enid economy.

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Mat Pilates in 8-week sessions, Tuesday & Thursday at 9:20 am OR Monday & Thursday at 6:30 pm

Call 242.1861

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Kyla Culbert

Hungry Bowl Pet Food Drive

Because of its success (4,513 pounds of food collected in the last two years) the Hungry Bowl Pet Food Drive, sponsored by Bark Avenue Pet Taxi and Sitter Service begins its third year this December. Donations from the drive benefit the Enid SPCA Food Bank, which provides aid to families who struggle financially. These struggles can range from a loss of income to simply being on a fixed income. This aid drastically reduces the number of pets that might be surrendered to shelters not because of a lack of love, but because of a lack of funds. The food drive concept originated with Pet Sitters International. Kyla Culbert owner of Bark Avenue organizes and coordinates the event locally each year. Bark Avenue is a full service pet care business that offers many services; both visits to your home or a place to leave your pet while you are out of town, to a round

trip taxi to the groomer when you cannot break away from the office. Bark Avenue's (or Culbert's) backyard hosts a cozy pet hotel, complete with DVD & CD players, beds, blankets and toys to make pets feel at home while away from home. Kyla's love of creating a better world for pets and pet lovers alike extends beyond Bark Avenue. She is also an active supporter of the Enid SPCA. “While I am fortunate to work with very responsible pet owners,” says Culbert, “those who work in the area of rescue are to be commended. Food drives and fundraisers are what I can do to help further their very worthwhile causes” Her efforts were seen this past summer during the second annual Bark in the Park event, which she coordinated. Culbert has committed to sponsor these events each year and will add another next year hosted by the law firm of Gungoll and Jackson titled “Take Your Dog To Work

Day”. For this event, an entry fee for contest participation will provide donations to the SPCA as well as other activities. Many businesses have already contributed to the Hungry Bowl Pet Food Drive by donating goods to set up the collection sites: Atwood’s, Eagle Marketing, Emrick’s, Evans Pharmacy and the UPS Store have donated supplies to get the drive up and running, others contribute by hosting collection sites. This year collection boxes can be found at Evans, Finer Physiques, The Groom Closet, JB Liquor, Jumbos East, Jumbos West, The Pet Salon, Pet Sense, and United West. Each year collection dates for the drive are December 1st- December 15th. With a goal of 2,800 pounds, Kyla is hopeful that this year’s food drive will be more successful than ever.

Story by Megan Lynn Sutton Photos by Erika Casburn

DEBAUCHERY:

The Wine and Food Festival has become a very popular institution in Enid, a chic and classy night on the town in a town where BBQ and livestock shows/monster truck rallies/baseball games/blah (pick one or replace with something else if you can think of something more appropriate) often dominate the event scene. It’s not often that I get a chance to put on the ritz, so when the hubby and I saw that evening attire was recommended, we classed ourselves up as best we could! The event was held at the conference center (is it called something specific?), decorated for the occasion in swanky black table cloths, an ice sculpture, and lots of bling. Longtime Enid residents, socialites, Air Force chaps, and most of the town’s notable patrons mingled side by side tasting the best that Enid has to offer in food, wine, and homemade goods. And all for a great cause – 100% of the proceeds from this event benefit the Enid SPCA and its many programs that benefit Enid and its pet population. Businesses from around the region flocked to the event to flaunt their best offerings, among them Buck’s Party Shop, one of the event’s sponsors. “We have participated in the event all twelve years,” says Lee Nafus, owner of Buck’s, “it has become a great success for the SPCA and we are happy to be a part of a great cause.” The SPCA was able to organize this event so many years ago with the help of Enid’s restaurants, businesses, and wholesalers that have always jumped at any chance to participate in town events and

Enid SPCA’s 12th Annual Wine and Food Festival

Beth and Larry Leslie

Carolyn Wagner and Heather Falen

Chuck Pulis and Don Haley

show off their goods. We sampled great food from Costello’s, Napoli’s and Angel Delight Bakery, among many, many others. Popular out of towners included Cupcakes To Go Go from Edmond and The Cheese Factory from Kingfisher, and the wine and liquor exhibitors had several offerings from local vineyards and breweries. From my very unofficial polling, the big winner of the night was Panevino’s chocolate bacon truffles, which were gone within an hour! With hundreds of tickets sold and as many in attendance over the three hour event, the SPCA has hit the mark with one of the most successful fundraising events in Enid that appeals to everyone. Because who doesn’t like puppies and kitties… and wine?

Bradley and Megan Sutton

Etown’s Core Theotis Pace, Cathy Nulph, Lynne Benkendorf, Frank Baker I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed being a part of Etown Magazine. This has become a truly collaborative community magazine. Virtually every story written or event covered in this issue comes from ideas and input from readers and advertisers. That’s why I’m most serious when we run the copy in each Etown asking you for your ideas. It’s a huge help. While the core group of Etown and Eagle Marketing is relatively small, 62

you can see from these pictures that the number of folks who help write, photograph, edit, design and proof Etown is most sizable. And they’re wonderfully witty, unusual and most distinctive folks. You’ll recognize faces that have other full-time gigs but are gracious enough to come play with us from time to time. It’s a glorious time to be in Enid. We have more young people moving into positions of leadership in our community that at any time in the past that I can

recall. Their energy is amazing, needed and just sheer juiced up, gonzo fun! And there are many of the rest of us (yours truly included) who love this town and will continue to help boost Enid by being involved in any way possible. Buy local, think local and get out and participate. Although, if you’re reading Etown...I’m kind of preaching to the choir.

Happy holidays!

Frank Baker

Rachel Hancock, Cammeron Kaiser, Wes Grey Nancy Killam

Richard & Holly Taylor

Erika Casbur n, T rina Snyder -W alker

Lish Glasser, Dave Kinnamon

Sara Dye, April Danahy

Wow I cant believe Etown will be going into its 5th year. I am proud to bea part of a great group of people . Thank's to all our advertiser's and reader's for letting us into your heart's. I will be seeing you around Etown.

Cathy Nulph

Not Pictured Dawn Muncy, Muncy Photgraphy, Martin Bowles, Moto Photo, Amber Bailey, Candace Krebs, Christy Northcutt, MollyHelm, Megan Lynne Sutton, Paige Wadley, Liz Cady, Michaelene Malan, Becky Hodgen, Marit Watson, Jaime Hildabrand, Julie Blaiser, Mallory Ruetter, Megan Wagner, Eric Castillo, Bridget Nash 63