SUMMER 2018
McAlester living A DOCTOR in a different vein
festivals
EVENT PLANNING
Summer
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McAlester living NEWS-CAPITAL NEWS EDITOR
Adrian O’Hanlon iii EDITORIAL DESIGNER
Marsha Erwin STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kevin Harvison MANAGING EDITOR
James Beaty EDITORIAL STAFF
Lacey Sudderth Derrick James SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Amy Johns Heather Scott Connie Poole ADVERTISING STAFF Dr. John Martin Hayes, right, is joined by Ultrasound Technician Kevin Hamby, left, in Hayes’s McAlester office as they perform procedures utilizes during the treatment of venous medical issues.
Photo provided by Heather Scott LaMon Photography
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Reina Owens Connie Poole Jana Weddle K atina Legg
SUMMER 2018
CONTENTS TSET Healthy Living Program
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Top 10 Nature Songs
50
About Town
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A DOCTOR IN A DIFFERENT VEIN
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ROBBERS CAVE
SUMMER FESTIVALS
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FOODIE AT HEART
EVENT PLANNING
NT NNING
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F E A T U R E
S T O R Y
Dr. John Martin Hayes, right, is shown with Ultrasound Technician Kevin Hamby as they perform a patient-prepping procedure for a venous medical treatment at Hayes’ McAlester office. Heather Scott | Contributed Photo MCALESTER LIVING
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“W HE N YOU GO TO A D OCTOR, THE D OCTOR’S NOT GOI NG TO LOOK AT YOU R LE GS , U NLE S S Y OU B RI NG I T TO THE I R A TTE NTI ON” — M A RTI N HA YE S
A DOCTOR
in a different vein
Author: James Beaty | MANAGING EDITOR
Martin Hayes is a doctor in a different vein. Most people don’t think about prob-
pronounced Venus, just like the planet,
What they did know is that some of
lems with their blood vessels until
and refers to blood veins.)
the blood vessels in their legs were
they have an issue with them. That’s
In a typical case, Hayes can treat the
growing larger, as in varicose veins,
when Dr. Hayes can offer a solution to
condition beginning with an incision
and seemed to be branching out and
a problem some patients didn’t know
that’s about the size needed to inset
spreading, as in spider veins, both
existed until visiting his office at the
an IV, he said, referring to intravenous
typical with people who have Venous
Warren Clinic in McAlester.
therapy.
Disease. Other symptoms include
Hayes is a general surgeon with
It’s a procedure he said can benefit a
from the top of the ankle to about
hospital privileges at the McAlester
patient’s general health and quality
midway up the calf. Some suffering
Regional Health Center. He performs
of life, since both varicose and spider
from Venous Disease say their feet or
a number of surgical procedures at
veins are indicative of Venous Disease.
legs hurt, burn or itch, although the
the facility, but one day every week he
Some of the patients he sees have had
condition can be concentrated in a
devotes to treating what is medically
the condition for years — although
single foot or leg.
known as Venous Disease. (Venous is
they were not aware of it by name.
discoloration of the lower leg, usually
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In severe cases, the skin becomes inflamed and produces ulcers that resemble an infected area. However, unless the ulcer itself becomes infected by an outside agent, the condition is not a bacterial infection that should be treated with antibiotics, according to Hayes. Rather, it’s a condition caused by inflammation. “It can get infected, because it’s an open wound,” Hayes said — but since the wound stems from inflammation, he said an infection is not the source of the problem. Often, conditions related to Venous Disease remain undiagnosed by a patient’s regular physician — who usually doesn’t examine a patient’s legs unless told there’s a reason to do so. “When you go to a doctor, the doctor’s not going to look at your legs, unless you bring it to their attention,” Hayes said. When the patient’s initial doctor does become aware of a problem in the legs, it’s not unusual for that doctor to refer the patient to Hayes. “About half of my patients are referrals,” he said. Heather Scott | Contributed Photo
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Dr. John Martin Hayes used a local anesthesia prior to treating venous issues on a patient.
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The condition is caused by what’s
Hayes said the valves in the blood vessels in the leg, when performing normally,
known in the medical field as
keep the blood that’s supposed to flow up from the legs and back to the heart, from
venous reflux — literally a flowing
back-flowing to the legs due to the law of gravity.
back of blood through the vessels in the legs.
“The valve closes to keep that from happening,” Hayes said. However, if the valve has been stretched or damaged in some other way, it may not close properly, or not at all,
Hayes noted that the blood flow
resulting in the blood pooling in the legs, because it’s unable to follow the blood veins
originates at the heart, goes
back to the heart. That can cause blood veins in the legs to become enlarged. In many
throughout the body and then
cases, skin discolorations occurs, which can range from pinkish to red and brown.
returns. Blood vessels have valves
Swelling of the legs can also occur, along with the itching or burning sensations.
that help with the blood flow to and from the heart — but when
Ironically, the foot seems to fare OK throughout the process in many cases. It’s the
those valves don’t operate proper-
portion of the leg above the ankle and below the knee where many of the resultant
ly, because of damage or disease, venous reflux disease can occur. Here’s what the California Pacific
problems occur. “It tends to be around the ankle,” Hayes said. “The veins in the foot are still working.” Hayes said the order of symptoms typically proceed along the followings track:
Medical Center says about the condition on its website. “Venous reflux disease develops
• Spider veins. • Varicose veins.
when the valves that keep the blood flowing out of the legs and
• Edema (swelling).
back to the heart become damaged or diseased. This can cause blood
• Inflammation, skin discoloration.
to pool in your legs and leads to symptoms such as pain, swollen
• Healed ulcer.
limbs, leg heaviness and fatigue, skin changes and skin ulcers and
• Active ulcer.
varicose veins.”
“ V EN O U S REF LU X D I S E A SE D E V E LOP S W HE N THE V A LV ES T H A T KE E P THE B LOOD FLOWI NG OU T O F T HE LEG S A ND B A CK TO THE HE A RT B E COM E D A M A G ED O R DI S E A SE D ” — M A RTI N HA YE S
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Courtesy Photos MCALESTER LIVING  
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Dr. John Martin Hayes, right, makes a point to Ultrasound Technician Kevin Hamby, left, while Hamby uses an ultrasound device to pinpoint a problem area in a blood vein.
Heather Scott | Contributed Photo
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Even with people with
vein and produces heat,
varicose veins and spider
which Hayes likened to
veins, most of the veins
a microwave oven pop-
are still normal, according
ping popcorn. “It has an
to Hayes, although the
antenna and a metal coil,”
healthier veins may not be
he said. The procedure uti-
visible from the surface.
lizes a radio wave to heat the equipment at the vein’s
Hayes said he’s taken addi-
trouble spot.
tional courses of medical The treatment When Hayes attended medical school in the mid-tolate 1980s, a procedure known as venous stripping was the norm for treating Venous Disease.
study since graduation
Through the procedure,
and he is a fellow with
the problem vein causing
the American College of
the “leakage,” or the re-
Surgeons.
verse flow reflux of blood back to the legs instead of
That procedure called for removing the vein that appeared to be abnormal. “In the old operation, venous stripping, they would take it out,” Hayes said of the damaged or diseased vein. That was not seen as causing a problem with the blood flow. “It’s like going down the street,” Hayes said. If one street is closed because of a water main break or another problem, you take another street and continue to your destination. Likewise, the blood in the leg will simply
Hayes works with
up to the heart, is seared
ultrasound technician
together through the heat-
Kevin Hamby, who uses
ing process. That enables
high tech equipment to
the blood flow to find
locate the trouble spot in
another vein — or another
the veins — and makes
street, to use the analogy
it possible for Hayes to
of the closed road — back
pinpoint the area he
to the heart.
treats through a procedure known as radio frequency ablation.
take a different route through another vein, he said.
“We use a local anesthesia, so they don’t feel the heat,” said Hayes.
During the ClosureFast procedure used by Hayes,
How long does the proce-
he makes a small incision
dure take on average?
no larger than that needed to insert an IV. A tube,
“About 20 minutes per vein,”
which is up to 100 cen-
Hayes said. If a person
timeters long, is inserted
has several damaged or
into the vein through the
diseased veins, Hayes typ-
newly-made incision.
ically does not do multiple procedures on one day.
Attached to the tube
Also, if a patient has a bad
is piece of equipment
vein or veins in both legs,
connected to the catheter that enters the troubled
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“We generally do one leg at a time,” Hayes said
F E A T U R E
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Ultrasound Technician Keith Hamby, left, uses ultrasound equipment to help locate the trouble spot in a vein while Dr. John Martin Hayes, right, stands by and interacts with the patient.
Heather Scott | Contributed Photos
Dr. John Martin Hayes uses a local anesthesia prior to treating venous medical issue on a patient.
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How does the recovery typically go?
S T O R Y
“People that have leg pain because of their occupation should give them a try,” Hayes suggested.
“They have some soreness along the vein,” Hayes said of patients treated with the pro-
Even people with normal blood flows can benefit from wearing
cedure. Because nurses often have to spend
compression stockings art certain times, such as when trave-
long periods of time on their feet alongside
ling on a long trip when they won’t be able to move their legs
doctors, Hayes has performed the procedure
around much, Hayes noted.
on several of them who’ve developed problems in their veins.
“If you’re traveling, they can help,” he said.
Speaking of the recovery time, Hayes said
Moving around from time-to-time could help keep the blood
“I’ve had nurses come in during the morning
flowing the way it should. The problem is not being constantly
and then do their evening shift.”
on your feet, but being on your feet — or sitting — for long periods of time in a stationary condition.
At-risk Those who are at at-risk for Venous Disease include individuals who sit or stand
“Walking helps; developing the calf muscle helps,” Hayes said. “That helps push the blood back up.”
in a stationary spot for long periods of
That’s why a postman, for example, is less likely than his col-
time, such as assembly line workers, those
leagues back at the office to develop a Venous Disease condi-
operating checkout counters, teachers, truck
tion. The constant motion helps with the blood flow.
drivers and office workers. The list is long, and includes women who are pregnant in some cases. The more pregnancies, the more
“People who walk a lot don’t tend to have the puddles,” Hayes said.
likely the veins are to stretch out, according to Hayes.
Hayes noted there are many veins in the legs. Only a small percentage of them are concentrated along the legs’ surface,
Can those suffering a milder form of the
where varicose veins and spider veins are visible.
condition do anything to help themselves, short of surgery?
Performing the procedure has become a sort of family tradiHayes mentioned several things, including
tion. Hayes’ brother operates the Vein Center of North Texas
sitting with one’s feet elevated. “Get in the
in Sherman. Hayes figured that he’s performed the procedure
recliner and crank it back,”he suggested.
thousands of times and noted his brother recently completed
(If anyone needs another reason to hit the
his 10,000th procedure.
recliner and elevate the footrest, there it is.) Another thing that’s been found to help is wearing compression stockings or socks.
Although some may think of varicose veins and spider veins as primarily a cosmetic problem, that’s far from the case as far as
Asked about the compression socks, Hayes
Hayes is concerned.
pulled his pants leg above the top of his cowboy boots. Since, as a surgeon, he must stand in one spot for a certain length of
“That’s a very minimum part,” Hayes said. “That’s not what I got into it for. I got into it because it’s a very common condition
time, Hayes often wears the compression
and treatment is available.”
gear himself.
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H IS T O R IC A L
W IL BU R T O N
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V IS IT
H IS T O R IC A L
W IL BU R T O N
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621 HWY. 2 North Wilburton, OK 74578 (918)-465-0111 Fax: (918) 465-0015
R O BBE R S
C A V E
ROBBERS CAVE offers outdoor getaway Author: Derrick James | STAFF WRITER
R ob b ers Cave St ate Park i n Wi lb u r t o n i s k n own as a “ hi dde n ge m ” — o ffe ri ng lo cals a n d travel e rs ali ke a s ce ni c natu re get away.
The lore with the cave is associated as a place where
buildings that were used as headquarters for different
Civil War deserters and outlaws — such as the legend-
scout troops. The site was named Camp Tom Hale in
ary Jessie James, the Younger Brothers Gang, the Dal-
honor of a McAlester businessman and supporter of
ton Gang, the Rufus Buck Gang, and Belle Starr — hid
the Boy Scouts.
from the law. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps Company According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, the or-
1825 was organized at the park and under the super-
igins of the park began in 1929 when Wilburton news-
vision of the National Parks Service, built a bath-
paper editor and state representative Carlton Weaver
house, cabins, trials, group camps, shelters, and roads
donated 120 acres of land that surround the cave to
throughout the park.
the Boy Scouts of America for use as a camp. John Narvall, then warden of the McAlester State Penitentiary, arranged for a group of inmates to improve the site for the Boy Scouts to use. The inmates used locally-quarried rock to build a kitchen and several
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After a 1936 name change from Latimer State Park to Robbers Cave State Park, the CCC and the Works Progress Administration created Lake Carlton, named in honor of Carlton Weaver.
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R O BBE R S
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Photos provided by Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
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Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Southeast Regional Manager Merle Cox said the park currently offers activities for everyone who is planning a getaway. “We have the paddle boats, the kayaks, aqua water cycles, a swim beach, a pool during the summer, riding stables that have guided tour rides, the trails that go around the cave and through the park, cave tours, and other guided tours and hikes,” Cox said. According to Cox, the park also has 26 cabins, two yurts, a lake hut, and a 20-room lodge available to rent. The park also has 85 RV sites, primitive campgrounds, and two equestrian campgrounds where people can bring horses and ride the more than 70 miles of trails in the park. MCALESTER LIVING
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“TH E P A RK IS R E L AT IV ELY LA ID B ACK , W E D O N ’ T H AVE M U C H AC TI V IT Y IN TE R M S O F LA W E N FO R C EM ENT ” — M E R LE C O X
For the all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts, new trails and campgrounds have been put in place. “The trails have been open for a little over a year,” Cox said. “We just installed an ATV campground and even though there isn’t water yet, there are electric pedestals at each of the 26 sites.” Cox said that the campgrounds make it easy for people to unload their ATV, side by side or even Jeeps to ride the 240 acres of different trails that have been made for off-roaders.
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On why Robbers Cave is different than other state parks, Cox said that most of the clientele that comes to the park like the outdoors and respects the outdoors and has very little issues. “The park is relatively laid back, we don’t have much activity in terms of law enforcement, most of our major incidents are going out and finding people lost on the trail or someone that gets injured,” Cox said.
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R O BBE R S
C A V E
Upcoming events for the park include the seventh annual Friends of Robbers Cave Antique Tractor & Implement Show held on June 30, 2018. With live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, and activities for all ages. A “Parade of Power” will be held at 2 p.m. with awards given to first, second, and third place, in addition to people’s choice awards in numerous categories. Cardboard Boat Races on Carlton Lake will be held August 11. The annual and free event begins with judging at 11:30 a.m. with a free hot dog lunch at noon, followed by the races at 1 p.m. There will be first-, second- and third-place awards given in three age categories: 12 and under, ages 13-17 and 18 and older. There will also be awards for best design and the “Titanic Award.” For cardboard boat rules and regulations, call the park office at 918-465-2562.
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R O BBE R S
C A V E
The largest event that is held at Robbers Cave State Park is the annual Robbers Cave Fall Festival — which is scheduled to be held October 19-21. The three-day annual festival features handmade arts and crafts, quilt show, carnival games and rides, plus a variety of music and food vendors. The Fall Foliage Cruise takes place on October 20, featuring hundreds of restored and customized cars. Cox says some of his fondest memories of the park have occurred during the festival. “You get to see a lot of different people, between 70-80,000 people attend the three-day event and it’s a lot of work but it’s a lot of reward.” For more information, the park office can be reached at 918-4652562 or toll-free at 1-800-654-8240.
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D IN IN G
IN
MC A L E S T E R
summer dining in
McAlester
summer MCALESTER LIVING  
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D IN IN G
IN
r eats MCALESTER LIVING  
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S U M ME R
F E S T IV A L S
festivals MCALESTER, SURROUNDING AREAS OFFER VARIETY OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES Author: Lacey Sudderth | STAFF WRITER
Summer is fast approaching — which means people are look ing for fun and interesting activities to do with the whole family.
summ
The city of McAlester Tourism office has a growing list of events for its 2018 event calendar,
which means there will be new and exciting things to do with your family all summer long — right here at home.
McAlester features two cultural festivals each summer which include the annual Italian Festival
held in May and CultureFest in September, both geared toward showcasing the wonders that various different cultures have to offer.
Lovera’s Handcrafted Food Market in Krebs now features a monthly event known as “Second Saturday” where event-goers can experience handcrafted arts and crafts as well as a special cheese tour showcasing Lovera’s award-winning cheeses.
Old Town McAlester hosts a flea market every month where antique lovers can find hidden gems such as vintage handmade furniture items and more.
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F E S T IV A L S
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Staff File Photo
S U MME R
A C T IV IT IE S
second Here is a short summary of some these
“This is to celebrate our culture,” Rachel
events you and your family can look for-
Duffy said. “The Italians that came to
ward to in the upcoming months.
Krebs were gardeners and artists and
it was everything they were about. I
SECOND SATURDAY
think producing has become a dying
The “Maker’s Market” in Krebs is a way
for locals to have the chance to experi-
ence the culture and art of southeastern Oklahoma, according to event organizers
art and if we get this going and get the
community involvement the kids are
“WE W AN T T O
going to carry it on.”
Shawn and Rachel Duffy, of Krebs.
The event will be held at Lovera’s Handcrafted Food Market in Krebs—also
Shawn Duffy said there will be a wide
variety of vendors that will sell items
known as the Little Italy of Oklahoma
that include plants, baked goods,
and is free to the public on the second
hand-made jewelry, cheeses, paint-
Saturday of each month until October from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Shawn Duffy has been the head cheesemaker at Lovera’s since 2008 and said
event-goers will be able to participate in
two Lovera’s cheese tours — the first tour
at 10 a.m. and the second tour at 2 p.m.
cheeses and give the community a chance to try it by offering a behind the scenes look at how we craft our cheeses and sample our finest selections,” Shawn Duffy said. Duffy added during the event, event-goers will also be able to shop for local produce, arts and crafts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from local farmers, gardeners, artists and artisans as well as listen to live musical entertainment and watch live art demon-
S UCCES S O F O U R CHEES ES AND GI V E
THE COMM U NI T Y A CHA NC E T O T R Y IT BY OF F ER I NG
“We have exciting things planned for
A BEHIND T H E
satur each month including a “Jamboree”
for October—which will have several local musicians present,” Rachel
Duffy said. “We are involving people
“We want to promote the success of our
strations.
ings and more.
PROM OT E T H E
of all ages so we can help educate the
public of all the amazing artists and
musicians in our community that they might not know about.”
Shawn Duffy said those wishing to
participate in the cheese tour must register at www.loverasmarket.com/ events.
For more information contact Lovera’s Market at 918-423-2842.
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S CENES L O O K AT HOW W E CR AF T
OUR CHEES ES
AND S AMPL E O U R
FINES T S EL ECT I O NS ”
—S HAW N DU F F Y
S U MME R
A C T IV IT IE S
urday MCALESTER LIVING  
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A C T IV IT IE S
“WE A RE ADDI NG CH ALKFEST WH IC H WIL L HA VE FOUR AGE DI VI SI O N S. EVEN T G OER S W I LL B E AB LE T O W A TC H TH E A R TISTS W ORK ON T HEI R P I ECE S DU R IN G THE EVENT ” — MARY HELFE N BE IN
4
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alkfest S U MME R
A C T IV IT IE S
CULTUREFEST
The sixth annual CultureFest is set for Satur-
Cajun, Chinese, Mexican and Italian food
day, Sept. 22, and Sunday, Sept. 23, in down-
trucks at the event as well as traditional fes-
town McAlester, featuring everything from
tival foods, according to Helfenbein.
music and dancers to food, arts and crafts
and for the first time this year, a German vil-
Helfenbein said the event is partnering with
lage.
Parents Club Inc. to bring the first “ChalkFest” art contest to the event this year.
The event is set to begin on Saturday at 11 a.m. and extend until 9 p.m., and Sunday from
“We are adding ChalkFest which will have
noon to 4 p.m., said CultureFest Event and
four age divisions,” she said.
Entertainment Chairman Mary Helfenbein.
Helfenbein said chalk artists will have a
“This event is something our community
chance to meet professional artists who will
should be really proud of,” Helfenbein said.
demonstrate concrete drawing techniques
“CultureFest lets people experience each oth-
and other useful information.
er’s cultures in an educational and fun way. It brings us all together.”
“Event goers will be able to watch the artists work on their pieces during the event,”
Helfenbein said belly dancers, a Mexican
Helfenbein said.
music group and several varieties of music and dance from other cultures are expected
The awards will be handed out on Sunday for
at the festival this year.
the best chalk art, she added.
With all of the entertainment presented free
“ C U LTU R E FES T LETS PEOPLE E X P E RI E N CE
of charge, the only cost to those attending the
E AC H OTH E R ’ S C U L T URE S I N A N
event comes from food and vendor products.
E DU C ATION AL AN D FU N WA Y . I T B RI N GS U S ALL TOG E TH E R .” — MAR Y H E L F E N B E I N
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Germany S U MME R
A C T IV IT IE S
Helfenbein said she is most excited to introduce the German village this year.
“The global village has been my vision for the future,” she said. “Germany will be our first country.”
Helfenbein said the village will consist of German food products, German decorations, educational information and exhibits as well as a German band and dancers.
cultu
“ T HE G LO B A L V I LLA GE HA S B E E N M Y V IS IO N F OR THE FU TU RE . GE RM A NY W ILL BE O U R FI RS T COU NTRY” — M A RY HELF ENB EI N
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ny
S U MME R
A C T IV IT IE S
The German village backdrop will be painted by artists featured in the McArt Gallery of Fine Art on Choctaw Avenue. “Each year we will add a new country to the global village,” Helfenbein said. “We are very excited and this has been our goal from the beginning we just had to generate more interest.”
lturefest MCALESTER LIVING
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festivals Helfenbein said she feels CultureFest is getting more attention and people are starting to get excited about the
event more and more each year.
“We want to see this educational and fun festival grow more and more,” Helfenbein said.
She added if anyone is interested in volunteering, sponsoring or becoming a vendor to visit the CultureFest website at www.culturefestok.wix/mcalesterculturefest.
The CultureFest event is put together by the efforts of The
McAlester Area Arts and Humanities Council and volunteers and the CultureFest committee meets the first Tues-
day of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the McAlester Tourism office at 119 E. Choctaw Ave in downtown McAlester. Other summer activities
The city of McAlester Tourism office provides an event calendar each year to keep the community updated on all the events happening in or around McAlester. June activities
Classic Car Show and Poker Run is set for Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2, at Sam Wampler’s Freedom Ford in
McAlester.
Sunbelt Classic baseball tournament is set for Friday, June 8, to Wednesday, June 13, at Mike Deak Field in McAlester.
summer July activities
McAlester Independence Day Fireworks show is set for
Wednesday, July 4, at the McAlester Expo Center.
For a full list of events, visit the “community calendar” tab at www.cityofmcalester.com.
“W E W A N T T O S EE T HI S E DUC A T IO N A L A N D F UN FE S TIV A L G R O W M O R E A ND MO R E” — M A R Y HELF ENB E I N
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Keeping McAlester Healthy
OHH named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals The prestigious Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals® annual awards program has named Oklahoma Heart Hospital as one of the highest-performing cardiovascular hospitals in the nation.
As a 2017 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals award winner, our leadership team, medical staff and employees - together as a team - have met national benchmarks for the highest balanced performance in the U.S.
McAlester Clinic
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“I LI KE TO CONS U LT WI TH PE OP LE A ND HE LP THE M P U T THI NG S TOGE THE R” — D E E D E E B A LL
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DETAILS
among important aspects of event planning Author: Adrian O’Hanlon III | NEWS EDITOR
Communication is key in event planning. Deedee Ball owns McAlester-based Ball Designs, which offers event planning services for weddings, graduations, parties, gender reveal parties and more. She said in her 20 years as an event planner, she has collected linens, plates, crystal and other items that might be good for certain events to offer the best experience possible. “I like to consult with people and help them put things together,” Ball said. “I love it so much that I dream about it, you know, I think of it and I’ll have to wake up and like write some notes down, but I’ll dream about an idea or colors or something unique. It’s just my passion. A picture of her in fourth grade in a puffy blouse setting a Thanksgiving table was an early indication of her passion. Now she said communication with people about their vision of an event is key to making it a reality. She said discussing ideas for an event with the client helps her get a better picture of how to bring that dream to life. Kevin Harvison | Staff Photos
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Color coordination is important in event planning — but so is staying under budget. Ball said her ideas of mixing glass and silver pieces in combination with budget restriction sometimes lead her to using what venues have in store or her own pieces she has collected over the years. However, she also optimizes charm at an event by thinking about the details. When planning for a recent wedding reception, Ball said she added little, thoughtful items to help the event be a little more memorable. “I’ll make mental lists all the time,” Ball said. “So say it’s hot and everyone’s coming in from outside and the ladies are going into the bathroom … so I thought I’d put it in the ladies’ bathroom, some little refreshing things.” Ball said she put spray-on antiperspirant and a candle in the bathroom, but also wanted to have “a little something” for management and cucumber wipes.
“I L IKE MAKI NG SURE T HAT TH E
For other events, Ball said she sometimes
PEO PLE T H E P ART Y’S FOR A R E
asks more talkative people to insert some conversation into a part of the room that
HA V IN G A GOOD T I ME B ECAU S E
seems a little quiet to help everyone have
SOM ET I MES T HEY’RE NOT —
a good time.
J U ST MAKI NG SURE AB SOLU TELY EV ER YB ODY I S ENJOYI NG I T ” — D EED EE B ALL
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What’s top priority when planning a wedding?
But plans sometimes go awry — like when Ball’s air conditioning quit working before she was set to host a baby shower — so she always tries to be prepared.
“I just feel like it’s my job to make sure that the couple’s very
“Sometimes I’ll have something really, really planned out in
happy with everything that they’ve asked me to do and then
detail and then all of a sudden something falls through,” Ball
to take it a step further and I want their guests to talk to them
said. “I like coming up with Plan B, Plan C — like to stay calm
about how much they enjoyed their reception, where they’re
in the moment. I just feel like … all of the different things I’ve
ready,” Ball said. “If someone has some plans, they’re engaged
done through the years, I feel like I can help problem solve
and they’re getting married next year, you start to break down
through special events that are really important.”
the timeline.
She gave another example of when she hosted high schoolers
She said the timeline spreadsheet usually starts with booking
for prom pictures and their boutonnieres “weren’t right,” so
a venue, then a photographer, then coordinating dates before
Ball pivoted to solve the problem.
much more.
“I just went out in our backyard and cut some of the stuff
What if things go wrong?
down,” Ball said of fixing the boutonnieres.
“If things go wrong, I want to be the buffer — the mediator,
So are all clients hands-on or just provide guidelines?
the one who can help solve it,” Ball said. “So the bride isn’t stressed out over something that was beyond her control.”
“It depends on what they want,” Ball said. “Some people just want some ideas and they want to do it themselves. Some people want you to do all of it because they don’t want to do any of it and they just want to know that it’s taken care of and say ‘call when you need a credit card.’”
“I LIK E COM ING UP WITH PL AN B , PLAN C — LIK E TO S TAY CAL M IN THE M OM ENT. I JUS T F EEL L I K E … ALL OF THE D IFFERENT T H I NGS I’VE DONE THROUGH T H E Y EAR S , I FEEL LIK E I CAN HELP PR O B L EM S OLVE THROUGH S PECI AL EV ENT S THA T A RE REA LLY IM POR T ANT ” — DEED EE BALL Kevin Harvison | Staff Photos
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PR O G R A M
Pittsburg County TSET Healthy Living Program awards 105 at annual event Author: Lacey Sudderth | STAFF WRITER
The Pittsburg County TSET Healthy Living Program held its annual partner recognition event at the First United Methodist Church in McAlester on Thursday, May 24.
TSET stands for Tobacco Settlement Endowment
Pittsburg County Health Department Regional Di-
Trust which serves as a partner and bridge build-
rector D’Elbie Walker said it was an honor to look
er for organizations working towards shaping a
across the room at the crowd of leaders who attend-
healthier future for all Oklahomans, according to
ed the event.
the organization’s website. “As I look across the room I see community leaders The event was intended to show recognition to
and change agents — each one of you is making a
schools, congregations, nonprofits and businesses
huge impact in these sectors that these ladies work
in Pittsburg County that have incorporated healthy
in daily,” Walker said referring to the TSET wellness
living policies or promoted healthier living in their
coordinators.
communities, according to TSET Wellness Coordinator Michelle Mabray who opened the event by
Some community leaders present during the event
recognizing those who have contributed to the pro-
included City Manager Pete Stasiak, McAlester
gram.
Public Schools Superintendent Randy Hughes, Indianola Public Schools Superintendent Adam New-
“Without your dedication, our work would not be
man and District 3 County Commissioner Ross
possible,” she said.
Selman.
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H E A L T H Y
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PR O G R A M
Compass Capital Management CEO and founding member of the TSET Board of Investors Jimmy Williams
Kevin Harvison | Staff Photos
Walker emphasized TSET’s involvement in helping
Williams spoke about community involvement and
create healthy communities where people want to live.
the importance of partnerships. Williams used his “Capability Multiplier” which is
“As we focus on different communities and towns
taking initiative, valuing everyone, self confidence,
across the state and across the nation that are healthy
fostering innovation and networking as an example
— many people look for a community that is healthy to
of how community members can get involved.
move to — these ladies work diligently to make Pittsburg County one of the healthi-
“ C OMMU N ITY
est communities in the state
DE VE LOPME N T STAR TS
and with your help we will
WITH AC TION . IT TAK ES
continue to do that,” Walker said. Compass Capital Management CEO and founding member of the TSET Board of
BOOTS ON TH E G R OU N D
“We have to value everyone,” he said. “We have to take initiative on actions and have self-confidence and maintain it through our leadership. We also have to be innovative and
FOR S OME TH IN G WE
foster that innovation and
DES IR E TO OC C U R ” —
take ownership and promote
JIMMY WILLIAMS
Investors Jimmy Wil-
what our projects are that are good for our community and the state and lastly, we
liams served as the keynote
must enhance our capability
speaker during the event.
through networking with others who have capabilities better than our own.”
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TSET
“I T’S V I TA LLY I M PORTA NT T O HAVE A COM M U NI TY THA T I S T HRIVIN G ” — JI M M Y WI LLI A M S
Williams
also
during the summertime
congregations, individu-
sized the purpose of
because the community
als, schools and nonprof-
TSET, which is to help the
provides things to do to
its who have contributed
citizens and youth of the
keep children active.
community
empha-
state of Oklahoma — be-
come healthier. “Community
to the wellness of the
—and the
community and incorpo-
“It’s vitally important to
rated healthy living poli-
have a community that
cies or promoted health-
is thriving,” he said. “It is
ier living.
develop-
important to have things
ment starts with action,”
for the kids to do that is
Pride In McAlester Exec-
Williams told the audi-
positive entertainment.”
utive Director Stephanie
ence. “It takes boots on
Giacomo was awarded
the ground for some-
Williams concluded in
the 2018 “Hero of Health”
thing we desire to occur.”
saying the community
award.
must have vision. Williams spoke about the
“Thank you for always be-
health issues in the com-
“If we don’t have a vision
lieving in our organiza-
munity and how having
in our leadership we will
tion,” Mabray told Giaco-
vision and community
perish,” he said. “If we
mo. “Every time we have
partnerships can help al-
don’t train those in the
an idea you are the first
leviate those issues.
next generation to gain
person we go to. Thank
that same vision and
you for sharing our mis-
“We have issues with obe-
have the confidence to
sion to create a healthy
sity and cancer that are
create what their goal is
and sustainable commu-
even attacking the youth
for our community, we
nity, from grant writing
of our day,” Williams
will perish.”
to project planning and
said. “If we really want
supporting policy and
a community that is the
Wellness
Coordinators
advocating and educat-
dream community, we
Mabray, Karlita Lott and
ing our community, you
have to live our passions.”
Courtney
are an amazing asset to
Owen
con-
cluded the event by preWilliams said he truly
senting 105 recognition
loves living in McAlester
awards for businesses,
our community.”
Healthy Living MCALESTER LIVING
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OH,
THOSE NATURE SONGS Author: James Beaty | MANAGING EDITOR
Ah, those songs about nature. Really, they are not all that plentiful — unless you include songs about the birds and bees, of which there are thousands, if not millions.
While some songs are about the more pleasant aspects of Mother Nature, there are also songs regarding her unleashed fury — and occasionally both aspects of “Ole Mar’m Nature” are covered in the same song. Here then is a group of songs that cover nature, in all of nature’s myriad majesty. The criteria is that the song has stood the test of time — or is at least beginning to measure up as a timeless standard. Here they are: 1. “Rocky Mountain High” — John Denver Could there really have been another contender as loaded with nature imagery as Denver’s ode to the city from which he took his name? He changed his name to John Denver from the original John Deutschendorf Jr. after hearing advice that it might be difficult to get a name that long onto a record label. Denver wrote numerous songs that are peans to nature, but this one, co-written with Mike Taylor, packs them in, with image-on-image of nature’s splendor. Denver told the story many times about how the song had been inspired when he and some friends were in the Rocky Mountains to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower on what Denver called “a moonless, cloudless night.” Denver once testified in Washington that those who believe the song is about drugs have obviously never experienced the beauty of the Rocky Mountains for themselves.
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In the song, he details the journey of a
2. “What a Wonderful World” — Louis
young man: “He climbed cathedral moun-
Armstrong
tains; he saw silver clouds below; He saw everything as far as you can see.”
Sometimes the best songs are the sim-
That’s OK with Armstrong though, who
plest. While Armstrong is rightfully cel-
closes the song with the line “Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”
Denver sings in another verse “Now he
ebrated for his expertise on the trumpet,
walks in quiet solitude, the forest and the
his gravelly voice is also a major part of
streams, Seeking grace in every step he
the American musical experience — one
The song, written by Bob Thiele, using
takes; His sight has turned inside himself
that Armstrong shared with other na-
the pseudonym George Douglas, and by
to try and understand, the serenity of a
tions on his world tours.
co-writer David Weiss, didn’t even make
clear blue mountain lake.”
On what has become one of his most en-
the top 100 in the United States when
during songs, Armstrong plays nary a
released in 1967 — reportedly because
note on his ever-present trumpet, Instead,
an executive at ABC records didn’t like it
Colorado Rocky Mountain high; I’ve seen
he sings backed by an orchestra and cho-
and withheld all promotion. However, in
it raining fire in the sky; The shadows
rus. One part of being a musical genius is
the United Kingdom, where the song had
from the starlight are softer than a lulla-
to know what each song needs. Armstrong
no such obstacles, it shot to number 1 and
by: Rocky Mountain high, Colorado.”
made the right choice with this one, de-
became the top-selling record of 1968 —
It all climaxes with the chorus: “But the
pending solely on his voice to rhapsodize
eclipsing other groups with big hits that
Denver changes the third line of the cho-
about the wonderful things of this world,
year, including The Beatles and The Roll-
rus each time he repeats it, once singing
such as “trees of green and red roses, too.”
ing Stones.
the lines “Talk to God and listen to the casual reply” and on the last verse singing
Ah, but what a voice it is! Satchmo has
“What a Wonderful World” came to the
“I know he’d be a poorer man if he never
long been one of my favorite singers
world’s attention again in 1988 when it
ever! He can convey more emotion in a
was included on the soundtrack to the
single note than many singers do on an
Movie “Good Morning, Vietnam.” This
saw an eagle fly.” Although the song hit the top 10 in 1973,
entire song. He goes on to sing about see-
time it rose to number 32 on the U.S.
its popularity continues today. In April
ing “Skies of blue and clouds of white; The
charts and has since become a standard
2017 “Rocky Mountain High” earned a
bright blessed day and the dark sacred
—impressive for a song that struggled to
gold certification from the Recording In-
night,” all the time thinking to himself
reach 116 on the charts upon its first U.S.
dustry of America” when its digital down- “What a wonderful world.”
release.
load sales hit 500,000. Armstrong then switches to the bridge,
Weiss was once quoted as saying he had
singing about how the colors of the rain-
written “What a Wonderful World” with
Shower that inspired the song in the first
bow are also on the faces of the people go-
Armstrong in mind, because of the leg-
place is set to pass by earth again later this
ing by. “I see friends shaking hands, say-
endary singer and trumpeter’s ability to
year, with experts declaring the nights of
ing saying “How do you do? They’re really
bring people together. These many years
August 11-12-13, 2018, as most likely to
saying ‘I love you,’” Armstrong intones,
later, he’s still doing it.
One more thing — the Perseid Meteor
offer an optimum viewing experience —
before closing with some lines about the
hopefully providing people today to expe-
coming generation: “I hear babies cry, I
rience a sort of “Rocky Mountain high” of
watch them grow; They’ll learn much
their own.
more than I’ll ever know,” he said.
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3. “Five Feet High and Rising” — Johnny Cash Nature is about more than flow- “Well, the hives are gone, I’ve lost ers and sunshine — it has another
my bees; The chickens are sleepin’
side too, as Johnny Cash so memo-
in the willow trees, cow’s in water
rably pointed out is his song “Five
up past her knees, three feet high
Feet High and Rising.”
and rising,” Cash sings. Dire as the situation is though,
Cash’s song is based on a real-life
Cash finds a little humor in it as
incident from his childhood when
the water reaches a depth of four
floodwater threatened, then over-
feet. He sings “Hey come look
took, the family’s Arkansas farm,
through the window pane. The bus
forcing them to flee from the ris-
is coming, gonna take us to the
ing waters.
train, looks like we’ll be blessed with a little more rain, four feet
Cash modulates the song up a key
high and rising.”
with each new verse, symbolic of the rising floodwaters. He also has
When the water’s at the “five feet
to sing each verse a bit higher than
high and rising” level, the fami-
the preceding one, adding a bit of
ly learns the rails are washed out
anxiousness to the record. It’s a
north of town and they’ll all have
masterful use of music, utilizing
to “head for higher ground.”
only Cash’s acoustic guitar, along with the bass and lead guitar of
Cash would point out in a spoken
the Tennessee Two who accompa-
introduction song he added in lat-
nied him on the recording.
er years that “My mama always taught me that good things come
When the song begins, the water’s
from adversity if we put our faith
already two feet high and rising,
in the Lord.” He said the family
washing over the wheat and oats,
didn’t see much good in the flood
with the family thinking about
when it caused the family mem-
trying to make it to the road in a
bers to leave their homes.
homemade boat. “But when the water went down, we With each verse, Cash asks “How
found that it had washed a load of
high’s the water, mama?” and
rich, black bottom dirt across our
“How high’s the water, papa?” and
land,” Cash said. “The following
the water rises another foot with
year we had the best cotton crop
each passing set of lyrics.
we’d ever had.”
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4. “Jean” — Rod McKuen the album, “Something” and “Here I liked the music and singing of Rod
waltz time that became a massive hit
Comes the Sun.”
McKuen from the first time I heard
in the era of psychedelia.
On the latter song, his ode to the sun
him. Sure, he had an unconventional
breaking through the clouds fol-
singing voice, but so did lots of oth-
Still, I much prefer McKuen’s origi-
lowing “A long, cold, lonely winter”
er singers I liked, such as Leonard
nal version, which conjures for me at
seems to send its heartfelt emotions
Cohen, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson and others. McKuen also sold millions of poetry books, but it’s his songwriting I really admired.
least, visions of a lush Irish hillside. “Jean, Jean, roses are red, all the leaves have gone green. And the clouds are so low, you can touch them and so, come out to the meadow, Jean.”
His song “Jean” is the title song from the movie “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” which snagged British thespian Maggie Smith the Best Actress Academy Ward for movies released in 1969. McKuen’s song “Jean” also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, but
McKuen focuses on the hopes and dreams of youth in the next verse, working his way to the bridge and the lines “Till the sheep in the valley come home my way; Till the stars fall around me and find me alone, when the sun comes a singing, I’ll still be
alas didn’t win the top honor.
waiting.”
McKuen’s single recording of “Jean”
red roses and green leaves, before
He repeats the lines regarding the
didn’t get much of a reception from
closing with “while the hills are
the record-buying public when re-
ablaze with the moon’s yellow haze,
leased , failing even to chart in the
come into my arms, bonny Jean.”
Bubbling Under the Hot 100 category. Still, you can’t keep a good song
5. “Here Comes the Sun” — The
down. When the singer Oliver need-
Beatles
“Good Morning Starshine” from the
After living in the shadow of John
musical “Hair,” his producer tapped
Lennon and Paul McCartney, as far as songwriting credits and album tracks were concerned, George Har-
A singer with a more conventional
rison brilliantly came into his own
voice, Oliver took the song all the
on the last album The Beatles ever
way to number 2 on the pop charts
recorded, “Abbey Road.” In doing so,
— surprising even the singer himself, who noted Jean is a song in a 3/4
he contributed the two best songs on
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or whatever listening device is being utilized. Harrison sings to his “little darling” about smiles returning to people’s faces and he voices how “it seems like years since it’s been clear.” The bridge begins with an instrumental played on acoustic guitar, then repeats the lines “Sun, sun, sun, here it comes,” over and over again, adding some handclaps, which serve as a rhythmic accompaniment as well as a sort of applause about the clearing weather. As the bridge ends, Harrison hits an ascending group of chords that manage to sound like the sun breaking through the clouds. Harrison would not have to stand in anyone’s shad-
ed a followup to his previous hit
“Jean.”
shimmering through the speakers,
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ow again, releasing his epic three-record album “All Things Must Past” not long after the breakup of the Fab Four.
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bobcat why he grins? Can you sing with
Any why not? McCartney gets to do some
all the voices of the mountain? Can you
fancy finger-picking on his acoustic gui-
paint with all the colors of the wind?”
tar and joined one of his most memorable
This song, from Walt Disney’s 33rd ani-
melodies with some poignant lyrics. Mc-
mated film, “Pocahontas,” was inspired
The song won the Academy Award for
Cartney used a style utilized by another
by a letter Chief Seattle sent to the U.S.
Best Original Song at the 1995 Oscars, and
songwriter of sorts — Johann Sebastion
Congress in the 1800s, regarding how
also won a Grammy and Golden Gold
Bach — in his “Bourrée in E Minor.” Al-
man should live in harmony with nature.
Award.
though the pieces do not sound similar
Lyricist Stephen Schwartz and compos-
to me, they both feature the melody and
er Alan Menken incorporated the feeling
Vanessa Williams performed the vocals
bass notes being played in unison, with
and mood of the letter, if not the actual
on the award-winning recording. Wil-
the Bach piece written for lute and McCa-
words, into “Colors of the Wind,” which is
liams, incidentally, once stopped by the
rtney playing his song on the same type
the showstopper musical number of the
News-Capital offices for an interview
of Martin D-28 guitar favored by many
movie.
during her reign as Miss America.
bluegrass and country artists in the U.S. as well as discerning rock artists such as
In the scene, the Pocahontas character
7. “Blackbird” — The Beatles
is chastising Captain John Smith for the
Stephen Stills. It’s a style of playing perfected by jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery.
way the Europeans are treating the land,
One of the best songs off The Beatles’ so-
resources — and people — they have en-
called White Album — which is officially
Although the original story went that
countered in America.
named “The Beatles” in their 1968 nod to
McCartney wrote the song after hearing
minimalism in album cover art — “Black-
a blackbird tweeting (remember when
“You think you own whatever land you
bird” has proven a staple in Paul McCart-
tweeting meant the sound a bird makes?)
land on, the earth is just a dead thing you
ney concerts through the years. He even
while on a meditative retreat with the
can claim. But I know every rock and tree
played it during his Wings Over America
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh,
and creature, has a life, has a spirt, has a
tour in the 1970s, when it was one of only
India, it later evolved to where McCart-
name,” she sings.
five Beatles songs he played during his
ney said he wrote it in recognition of the
entire concert at the Tarrant County Con-
struggles of African Americans on behalf
vention Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
of civil rights in the 1960s.
“Have you ever heard the wold cry to the blue corn moon or asked the grinning
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“Blackbird singing in the dead of night,
unleashed in the form of a catastrophic
live at an outdoor concert in Tulsa at the
take these broken wings and learn to
Mississippi River flood. The song opens
then-functioning Driller Stadium in a
fly, all your life,” McCartney sings. “You
in a major key, but Dylan uncannily
great concert with Willie Nelson. I still
were only waiting for this moment to
sounds as if he’s singing in a minor key,
remember Dylan band member Don-
arise.”
which provides tension fit for a song
nie Herron — originally of the Nash-
about the mighty river over-pouring its
ville-based group BR-549 — smiling as
banks.
he kicked in some rollicking banjo work
The recording features an actual blackbird warbling in the background as McCartney extols the blackbird to fly “into the light of a dark, black night.”
following the first verse of the song. “High water rising, the shacks are sliding down,” Dylan sings. “Folks losing their
Dylan played lots of his best numbers
possessions and folks are leaving town.”
that night, including a rare perfor-
“It’s tough out there,” Dylan sings. “High
with resplendent versions of “Visions
It’s a song that works on a lot of levels.
mance of “Tombstone Blues” along
McCartney would later write and record
water everywhere.”
of Johanna” and “Don’t That Twice, It’s
a song titled “Bluebird” on his “Band On
All Right” along with an encore which
the Run” album recorded with Wings —
Things get even spookier in the third
included “All Along the Watchtower.”
the band he formed after the dissolution
verse, when Dylan intones “High water
He even played his 1980s masterpiece
of that other one.
rising, six inches above my head. Cof- “Blind Willie McTell.” fins dropping in the street, like balloons
While “Bluebird” is a great song, it doesn’t soar as high as “Blackbird.”
made out of lead.” He continues with
“High Water (For Charlie Patton)” fit in
“Water poured into Vicksburg. don’t
right along with Dylan’s other great
know what I’m going to do. ‘Don’t reach 8. “High Water (For Charlie Patton) “ — Bob Dylan
songs.
out for me,’ she said. ‘Can’t you see I’m drowning, too.”
Charlie Patton, of course, was the great, gruff-sounding Delta blues singer who
Don’t listen to anyone who tells you Bob
It reminds me of a night I once spent in
inspired Dylan so much that Dylan said
Dylan did all of his greatest work in the
Vicksburg, with the mighty Mississippi
around the time “Love and Theft” was
1960s and ‘70s — or even in the 20th
River rushing by within walking dis-
released he would like to do an entire al-
Century. Dylan started the then-new
tance in a relatively secluded area. As
bum of Charlie Patton songs. Since Dy-
millennium with one of his best albums
the water flowed by in the Mississippi
lan’s last three albums (really five, be-
ever, titled “Love and Theft.” The album,
darkness, with the nighttime breeze
cause “Triplicate” is a three-record set)
released on September 11, 2001 (yes,
fluttering leaves on the branches of
all consisted of songs mostly recorded
that September 11) features Dylan per-
overhanging trees, I thought for an in-
by Frank Sinatra, it’s obvious the Nobel
forming in a variety of styles, ranging
stance how cool it would feel go for a
Prize winner does pretty much anything
from the blues to boogie, from pre-rock
nighttime swim in the nearly-mythic
he wants to in the studio these days.
jump tunes to jazz-tinged ballads.
river. Then, I gauged the strength of the current, and decided that might not be
Hey Bob! Don’t forget about that Char-
On “High Water,” one of the album’s best
such a good idea, after all.
lie Patton album.
songs, he sings about Mother Nature
I once saw Dylan perform “High Water”
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9. “Nature Boy” — Nat King Cole Nat King Cole won high regard as a jazz pi-
strange enchanted boy, they say he wandered
anist with the King Cole Trio long before his
very far, very far, over land and sea.”
leap to stardom as one of America’s top vocalists. During his stalwart career, he record- “Nature Boy” became a smash hit, shooting to ed a number of standards, including “Nature
number one on the charts and enabling Cole
Boy” — a song that helped Cole in the transi-
to dissolve his jazz trio and pursue a solo ca-
tion from jazz master to pop star.
reer in pop music (although many jazz fans didn’t consider that a good thing).
The lyrics about “a strange, enchanted boy” is joined to a beguiling melody, with the song
The song is well-known for its closing lines:
credited to Eden Ahbez, a composer who was
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is to love
born with the given name George McGrew.
and be loved in return.”
Shortly after he arrived in Los Angeles in 1941, he landed a job as a pianist in a raw food
“Nature Boy” went on to be recorded by every-
restaurant and soon became an advocate of
one from Frank Sinatra to David Bowie to
the diet himself. Ahead of the hippy move-
Ella Fitzgerald.
ment by about 25 years, he changed his name to Eden Ahbez and grew a beard and long
It’s even found new generations of fans, with
hair — something not commonly seen in the
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga including it on
1940s, even in L.A.
their 2014 album “Cheek to Cheek.”
While living in a cave in the Palm Springs
Cole’s recording of “Nature Boy” has received
area, Ahbez wrote a beguiling new song he
a Grammy Hall of Fame Award — not bad for
called “Nature Boy.”
a song written and composed in a cave.
Trying to make it as a songwriter, he managed to get a copy of his song “Nature Boy” to Nat King Cole in 1947. When Cole’s manager refused to look at it, Ahbezs slipped the sheet music to the song to Cole’s valet. Apparently, Cole had a lot of confidence in his valet’s musical taste, because he tried the song out and immediately came to love it. When Cole tried to find Ahbez to tell him he wanted to record the song, he could not locate the reclusive songwriter. He finally was located from his new vantage point — living under the famed Hollywood sign on a hill that overlooks the city. The song opens with “There was a boy, a very
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10. “Mother Nature’s Son” — The Beatles For a band from the gritty city of Liverpool
series of “doo-doo-doos” with the Martin’s
in industrial Northern England, The Beatles
brass and string arrangement adding to the
wrote a fair amount of songs about nature.
overall effect, before McCartney’s final couplet, where he’s in a field of grass, where
Leave it to the group, or in this case, Paul Mc- “swaying daisies sing a lazy song beneath the Cartney, to have a song-filled double album
sun.”
jammed with songs that lots of people know by heart. In this case, the album is literally
In cases anybody’s missed the point, follow-
named “The Beatles” — but people still know
ing another instrumental-humming inter-
by its nickname, the White Album.
lude, McCartney closes with singing “Mother Nature’s son” one more time.
By the time of its release, McCartney and John Lennon were mostly writing songs
By the way, John Denver included an effec-
by themselves, although they continued
tive version of “Mother Nature’s Son” on his
with joint credit for every song, sharing the
album, “Rocky Mountain High,” showing how
Lennon-McCartney tag even if most of the
songs about nature flock together.
songs were solo efforts by this time. Meanwhile, George Harrison placed one of his all-time best songs on the album in the form of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and even Ringo Starr got into the act with his country number, “Don’t Pass Me By.” On “Mother Nature’s Son,” McCartney’s lyrical content is minimal, but it works. The song consists of three couplets, with McCartney playing an acoustic guitar and added orchestration by The Beatles’ remarkable producer, George Martin. The vocals, while brief, are effective: “Born a poor young country boy, Mother Nature’s son. All day long I’m sitting, singing songs for everyone.” McCartney continues the mood with his second couplet: “Sit beside a mountain stream, see her waters rise. Listen to the pretty sound of music as she flies. The melodic McCartney then segues into a
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FOODIE AT HEART Author: Amy Johns | Publisher
FETTICCINI ALFREDO
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
to a boil over medium high heat and add cauli-
•
1 lb. uncooked fettuccine noodles
•
3 small heads cauliflower
It’s t h e ti me o f year
•
6 cups vegetable broth
w h e re I begi n t hi nk i ng
•
6 cloves garlic, minced
ab o u t tr y i ng to eat
•
1 tablespoon butter
•
1 teaspoon salt
•
pinch of nutmeg
wat ch p e opl e take t hei r
•
pinch of black pepper
fi rst b i te into s o met hi ng
•
1 tablespoon olive oil
I h ave m ade. My f ri end,
•
1/4 cup heavy cream
S u san Wi l l i ams always
•
1 cup starchy boiling water from
h ealt h i er. I enj oy p re p ari ng del i ci o us fo o d. It b ri ngs me s uch j oy to
says h e r s uper power i s p re pari ng fo o d
Chop the cauliflower. Bring the vegetable broth flower. Cook until cauliflower is soft, about 15 minutes. In my experience, the longer you cook it, the smoother the sauce will be. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saute for 4-5 minutes or until soft and fragrant. As the garlic and cauliflower are cooking, bring
pasta pot
a large pot of water to boil and cook the fettuccine according to directions on package, reserving some of the starchy water to add to the sauce later. Transfer cauliflower to a blender with about 2 cups of the broth. You may need to do this in
fo r ot h ers. She i s an
batches depending on the size of your blender.
i n c re di bl e co o k. I
Add the sauteed garlic, salt, nutmeg, and black
d e c i d e d to do s o me res earch i nto fi ndi ng
pepper and puree until very smooth, about 5
h ealt h i er ways to
minutes. Once the mixture is moving, stream
p re p are s o me of my
the olive oil into the blender. Add more broth
favo ri tes ; Fettucci ni
or water if the mixture is too thick to move
A lfre d o, Spa ghetti
through the blender. You want it to turn through
w i t h M eatbal l s and
the blender easily. When puree is very smooth,
C h i cke n Parmesan. I
transfer back to the butter/garlic skillet.
te n d t o bel i eve heal t hy eati ng w i l l never be
Add the cream and cook over low heat. Add the
as d ele ct abl e as more
starchy pasta water (or regular water if you’re
trad i ti o nal vers i ons.
not making pasta) and keep warm until ready to
B eli eve i t or not , I
serve. Combine noodles and sauce in a large pot
fo u n d mysel f co mpl etely
or skillet and serve immediately.
s u r pri s ed.
Source: Pinchofyum.com
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SPAGHETTI & TURKEY MEATBALLS
CHICKEN PARMESAN
INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS
•
8lbs tomatoes, cut into chunks
•
•
1large onion, chopped
•
1/4cup plus 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, divid-
•
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
ed
•
1 teaspoon olive oil
•
5cloves garlic, roughly chopped
•
Coarse salt and ground pepper
•
1/2teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1
•
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
small dried hot pepper, chopped (op-
•
1 large egg white
tional)
•
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, (6
• •
into pieces
1tablespoon plus 1 tsp salt, preferably sea salt, divided
to 8 ounces each) •
2cups Italian bread, torn into bitesize pieces
2 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread, torn
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella (3 ounces)
•
1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, in
•
3/4cup 1 percent milk
•
1lb ground turkey (93 percent lean)
•
1egg, beaten
•
1/2lb whole-wheat spaghetti
DIRECTIONS
•
1Grated Parmesan or Romano (op-
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, with rack in upper
tional)
third. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum
DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 400°. In a large baking dish, combine tomatoes, onion, 1/4 cup oil, garlic, pepper flakes (if desired) and 1 tbsp salt; cover; roast 45 minutes. Remove dish from oven; mash mixture to break down tomatoes. Cook, uncovered, until sauce is thick and reduced, 45 minutes. In a bowl, soak bread in milk until it absorbs liquid, 10 minutes; add turkey, egg and remaining 1 tsp salt; mix until just combined. Gently roll meat mixture into 16 equalsized balls. In a large nonstick saucepan, heat remaining 1 1/2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Sauté meatballs, turning occasionally, until light brown, 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce to meatballs; reduce heat; simmer until cooked through, 20 minutes. Cook pasta as directed on package. Serve sauce over pasta; top with cheese, if desired. Source: Self.com
puree •
1 garlic clove, minced
foil; set aside. In a food processor, place bread, Parmesan, oil, and a pinch each salt and pepper. Pulse until coarse crumbs form; transfer to a shallow bowl. Place flour in a second shallow bowl; season with salt and pepper. Place egg white in a third shallow bowl, and beat with a fork until frothy. 2. Dip top side of a chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip same side in egg white, letting excess drip off, then in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere. (Do not bread other side.) Repeat with remaining chicken and transfer, breaded side up, to prepared baking sheet. Bake until breadcrumbs are crisp and browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle with mozzarella. Continue baking until chicken is opaque throughout and cheese is lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, place tomatoes, breaking them up with your fingers. Add garlic; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until sauce has thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Serve chicken with a generous amount of tomato sauce. Source: Marthastewart.com MCALESTER LIVING
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