Pretty
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Index
Letter From The Editor
4
Introduction
6
Sand Springs Schools Construction
10
Arts and Crafts
12
Pretty
14
Arvest/Boulder Networking Event
16
Fall Foliage
18
Fall Leaves Activities
21
Link Up: Tulsa Symphony
24
Sand Springs Coat Drive
26
Utility Flower Boxes
28
Boulder Be Love
30
Here we are, at the end of 2020, the year that shocked us all. When we started this year, no one could have anticipated the events that would unfold throughout. We have been through so much, and yet, we have also gained much as well. At the beginning of the year, how much did we appreciate a simple meal out? And how much did we take for granted getting to see our friends and family as much as we wanted? Everything that we encounter on a daily basis has been given new light. Going outside for a stroll was a given just a few short months ago. Going to the mall to clothes shop was something we did for fun. And getting to see family for holidays was a foregone conclusion. Every moment we have with family is precious. Every stroll, a breath of fresh air. With every action we take, we live; and actually live. So many times throughout our lives we fall asleep to the seemingly mundane. But there is nothing mundane about the lives that we lead. As cliche as it sounds, every day is a gift. What we choose to do with that gift is up to us, and the choices we make. The decisions we make and our actions ultimately lead to who we are and who we become. So choose today to live, be alive, and see the amazing details of our daily lives.
Donald Myers 4 WeAreSandSprings.com | 2020
Send us a letter or email: 118 N Main St Sand Springs, OK 74063 info@wearesandsprings.com 918-521-1810
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2020 | WeAreSandSprings.com 5
P r etty
In this We Are Sand Springs magazine we explore the word "Pretty." While there are many meanings for the word in old English and the origins of the word, we utilize the word heavily in our day to day language. Yet, can we comprehend the word in all of it's complexities throughout our daily lives? While the word is complex, the meaning in our lives can be infinitely more complex. However, somewhere inside our humanity, we were made to recognize pretty things around us. In the family gatherings, in nature, and in the minute details of our daily routine, if we take a moment to look through truly objective eyes we can find these things to be pretty.
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What a tremendous blessing to live in a wonderful hometown community like Sand Springs. A place where people work together, play together, and collaborate together to do great things for our community. Surrounded by the beauty of rolling hills, picturesque lakes, and an abundance of trees that are absolutely beautiful this time of year, Sand Springs provides quality of life opportunities that rival any city in our state. The leaves are turning beautiful colors and dancing in the wind as they fall to the ground in anticipation of the fun holidays ahead. This time of year is one of my favorites because it brings out the warmth and generosity of everyone and inspires us to be better corporate citizens. I believe the physical beauty of our town is only topped by the beauty of the giving spirit, history, and legacy of its people. A spirit of kindness and generosity is what our community was established on by our founder Charles Page. That same spirit is very much alive today. In the midst of hardship, struggle and destruction from a tornado, flooding, ice storm and a global pandemic, we saw and continue to see neighbor helping neighbor, business helping business, churches helping churches, and families, friends and others coming together unified with a powerful resolve to help restore our community and heal from these adverse events. Seeing our community’s passion for others, unity to help, and unrelenting supportive spirit warms my soul and makes me proud to be a Sandite. This time of year I like to count my blessings and try to reflect on all of the things I’m personally thankful for. One of the blessings I’m most thankful for is the honor to serve and represent you, the generous and kind people of our community, at the state capitol. Serving as your state representative the past ten years has been a true blessing because it has allowed me to have a unique perspective of the great people who make up our community. I love to share with leaders from across the state about how wonderful you are, and how you make a difference in the lives of others. You are all a sparkling example of what love looks like, and I am extremely grateful for your trust and support. May your hearts be filled with joy, and your holiday season truly blessed!
Jadine Nollan
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CHARLES PAGE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN ACADEMY & STEM CENTER SAND SPRINGS, OKLAHOMA The Freshman Academy & STEM Center is a 58,000 SF addition to Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, providing much needed facilities, an updated main entrance, and façade for the building. A full masterplan study of site options was created to gain community support and Bond approval, while also ensuring the best location and design for the previously separate Ninth Grade center. This new design adds 24 classrooms including 4 fully outfitted STEM classrooms. The new grand lobby, learning stair, multipurpose commons and break out spaces promote Sand Springs’ desire to improve collaboration amongst students. The renovation extended to include updates to adjacent corridors, classrooms, administrative spaces, restrooms, and public spaces.
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During this season it is important to activate our creative spirits as the daylight is shorter and COVID-19 has our families at home. Using household items can be the perfect way to start the creative process with your kids! Making a ring toss from paper plates to toss onto upright paper towel rolls, adventure journals from treasures found on daily walks around the neighborhood or spinners made from buttons and string are all great ways to engage with the kids at home. Setting up a station at the counter while you're cooking lunch is a great way for kids to learn while being involved in a fun process with a delicious reward at the end! 12 WeAreSandSprings.com | 2020
Whether you are bored out of your mind, need something new to try or are running out of ideas, take a fresh look at your household items and try to think of new ways to use them for fun activities and crafts. Don’t limit yourself to your craft closet, venture into the kitchen for Fruit Loop snack necklaces or outside to build an airplane from sticks and leaves! Anything is possible when you put your mind to it, let’s get creative Sand Springs! When you and your family come up with a fun idea, share it with us on social media and include #wearesandsprings . We look forward to seeing your brilliant creations, happy crafting! 2020 | WeAreSandSprings.com 13
Pretty is a word that is often thrown into sentences and phrases when we are at a loss for the right word. According to Oxford Languages, as a noun the word pretty is informal, meaning “an attractive thing, typically a pleasing but unnecessary accessory”. When spoken as an adjective it means, “attractive in a delicate way without being truly beautiful or handsome”. Pretty can also be used as an adverb meaning “to a moderately high degree; fairly”. When we think about pretty things it often equates to natural beauty, the falling leaves of Autumn or the soft snowfall of Winter. Pretty takes on a persona of soft imagery with a delicate tone. Pretty can be overused and overlooked in the English language however it holds much more meaning in six little letters than we give it credit for. Many times feelings of joy and happiness accompany pretty. A sense of warmth, appreciation and acceptance all wrapped up in a word that we merely push from our lips with little to no effort. Two syllables that we speak over our town, personality, our children and grandchildren. When we use pretty as an adverb we could say that the community of Sand Springs is pretty nice, or pretty grateful to live in such a lovely town. Or perhaps that winter will be here pretty soon and Sand Springs will be showered in snow with fireside conversations. Pretty is used all the time in all types of conversations and doesn’t seem like it gets enough appreciation. We can all agree the COVID-19 pandemic is pretty awful and has taken over the majority of our lives this year. However, when we step back and look would not you say that it has opened your eyes to the pretty things of the outside world? People working together to create a healthy environment, gatherings being moved outdoors where we can see the beauty of seasons changing in front of us rather than sitting behind closed doors, and the need for relationships being made more important than ever before. Pretty amazing… don’t you think? So what does pretty mean to you? Have you ever truly thought about the word? What emotions, feelings or memories does it bring to the forefront of your mind? Next time you are about to say “pretty” take a second to ponder the implications of your word choice. Maybe it’s time we opened our eyes to seeing the truly pretty things around us that have been created and are being created as we breath. Turn to someone and spark up a conversation about what is pretty in their life. 14 WeAreSandSprings.com | 2020
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Networking Event Arvest Bank invites you to join them for a networking event December 3rd at Boulder Coffee. FREE Drinks while supplies last on behalf of Arvest Bank. Come and go from 8am-10am at 118 N Main St. Sand Springs, OK 74063. We can't wait to see you there!
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FALL FOLIAGE As the seasons change Oklahoma is a forerunner in stunning fall foliage. Travelers miles away pack up their vehicles and make the journey to see the vibrant colors and smell the fresh autumn breeze. Fall in Oklahoma opens up many opportunities for
outdoor
family-friendly
adventures.
Make great memories with the whole family hiking through Keystone Ancient Forest or take your significant other for a stroll around Sand Springs Lake Park. Hop in the car, roll your windows down as you cruise through downtown Sand Springs taking in the changing leaves and fall decor. There is no better time to have family photos taken by one of our many talented photographers in the area.
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With COVID -19 glooming over this season, it is easy to feel a bit under the weather. However, we encourage you to take a walk outside, feel the warm sun and breathe in the cool breeze of this beautiful town. Sand Springs, Oklahoma is a great place to experience autumn in full swing with family and friends alike. Before you know it autumn will have come and gone and it will be time to pick up your Christmas tree from Pleasant Valley Farms.
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Fall Leaves Activities As the weather starts to get colder, and the leaves start to turn, and Thanksgiving comes closer, we can all start to put on sweaters and scarves. And with those clothes come the nestalgia of winters past. As children we spent time making arts and crafts with anything on hand. Making drawings that hung on the refridgerator, and turkeys from leaves that sat on the counter well until Christmas. Turkey crafts, made with real fall leaves, make quick and easy Thanksgiving crafts for kids of all ages. Take this time with your kids to make all kinds of crafts with the beautiful Fall leaves we have all around us. We've given some examples on this page, but we have so much more on our Pinterest page, check it out @wearesandsprings. Be sure to post your creations on Facebook and tag @wearesandsprings so we can see everything you've done! 2020 | WeAreSandSprings.com 21
Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/SanditeLearning/ to watch the weekly District Dialogue and get all updated information on the Sand Springs Public Schools. For all information regarding Covid-19 visit Sandites.org
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Recently, 30 public school system leaders across the country were recognized for taking significant steps to improve their schools and advance their careers by successfully completing the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program®. Among these to receive the certification, was our own Sherry Durkee. The program, administered by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is a collaborative effort with AASA state affiliates, the National School Boards Association, and business and corporate leaders. Through its in-depth curriculum, dynamic in-person and virtual sessions, one-on-one mentoring, Capstone Project and long-term professional networks, the program delivers the comprehensive leadership opportunities that superintendents need. “In these uncertain times, excellence in leadership in our nation’s public schools has never been more vital to our children’s wellbeing,” said Daniel A. Domenech, AASA executive director. “In light of the pandemic, the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program® provides superintendents with opportunities to engage in a world-class professional learning opportunity. I am pleased to congratulate these outstanding education leaders for completing the program.” “The challenges that lie on a superintendent’s plate can be daunting. That’s why the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program® was created,” said Mort Sherman, AASA associate executive director, Leadership Network. “The program provides a pathway to enhance a superintendent’s leadership and business skills in order to excel on the job.” Congratulations Sherry on all your hard work, and commitment to the children of Sand Springs. 2020 | WeAreSandSprings.com 23
Link Up
is a program created by Carnegie Hall that “Link’s Up’ students from around
the world with their local Symphony. Students sing, play recorder, dance and perform with the Symphony for the performance. This is the fifth year that students from all five Sand Springs Elementary Schools are able to be a part of this highly participatory program. In a typical year, third graders from Sand Springs Schools would attend the concert at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and perform with the Tulsa Symphony. This year, due to Covid-19, we will be having virtual concerts with our third and fourth grade students due to the fact that fourth grade missed their performance last year. This year, students will explore elements that make the Orchestra Rock and learn pieces by Igor Stravinsky, Peter Tchaikovsky, Gustav Holst and Giuseppe Verdi. Students will also sing O Fortuna
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( O Fortune) in Latin from Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. The students and teachers all enjoy the concert and the wonderful opportunity the students are given. I love teaching the curriculum to the students and seeing the joy when they get to perform with the Tulsa Symphony. Students in the Sand Springs schools are very lucky to get to participate in this program with the Tulsa Symphony. Their participation is made possible due to the generous support of the Sand Springs Symphony League. If you would like to get more information about the Sand Springs Symphony League please go to sandspringssymphonyleague.com or on Facebook-Sand Springs Symphony League or call the President Dianne Dinkel at 708-710-9858 If you would like to make a donations please mail it to Sand Springs Symphony League P.O. Box 1287 Sand Springs, OK 74063
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The colder temperatures are officially setting in, especially during the night hours. Our pets do not need to be left outside for long hours during the day and we need to be sure we are taking the proper precautions for our animals, not only at night, but all throughout the day. We love our four-legged pets and their lives are at-risk if we are not intentional with their care during the winter. Here are some helpful tips to keep our animals safe and healthy during the cold months of the year. Keep Pets Inside As the temperatures continue to drop in the fall and winter months, we should take this into consideration for our animals. Short-haired animals do not have enough hair to keep them warm enough, so they should not be left outside all through the day, and definitely not over night. Our pets with longer hair and thicker coats are able to bear the temperatures a little more, but still be aware of the time they are spending outside. Letting your animals out to use the bathroom, or taking them on a short walk are a couple of mindful ways to give your pets the exercise they need, but also keeping them from being out in the cold temperatures for too long. With freezing temperatures and wind chill, animals lives are at risk. By simply keeping them indoors as often as possible, we are protecting our animals. Bundle Up, Wipe Off In order to keep our household pets warm while being outside, we should be bundling them up when they go on a walk, when they are let outside to play, or even if they are going out to use the restroom. Another thing to be aware of when taking pets on a walk in the winter months is the rock salt, or snow melt that is in neighborhood roads and driveways.This can irritate your animals paws, so to prevent your animals from ingesting those chemicals, or their paws becoming irritated, wipe their paws off right after their walk. Outdoor Animals It is important to be aware of the animals that are living outdoors during the winter months. Stray cats, neighborhood cats, or other small wildlife will typically crawl in the hoods of cars to keep warm. It is always smart to bang on the hood of your car to scare off any cat, or animal that could have crawled up in the engine. Speak Out Wintertime neglect is often a concern and should be addressed. If an animal is being neglected, or not being properly taken care of during this cold season, approach the owner of that animal with your concerns. If you continue to see neglect take place, call your local animal control or county sheriff's office to communicate your concerns. Pets are deserving of proper care throughout the cold season and your role in that is so important.
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Have you been cruising through downtown when suddenly a box catches your attention? Not just any box, an electrical box disguised as a flower paradise! These boxes used to be an eyesore that took away from the historic ambiance of downtown Sand Springs. “We got the idea from a conference that was held at the University of Oklahoma’s Institute for Quality Communities.,” said Brad Planning Director/Neighborhood Services Director, City of Sand Springs. “The idea behind it was to take something that is generally forgotten about and often times aesthetically unpleasing in the form of a steel box and create something interesting, appealing, and unique. We have Completed 7 of the originally planned 10 utility boxes..” This is one of the many ideas transforming the downtown area into a thriving atmosphere. Sand Springs is constantly looking for new ways to improve. “If you have suggestions for how to improve the community we are currently doing a community survey that runs through Nov. 23rd ” said Bates. “You can find department contact info at www.sandspringsok.org to reach out to the appropriate person with your idea or concern. There is also a report a concern function on our City website as well.” 2020 | WeAreSandSprings.com 29
Saturday 7:00am Sunday 4:00pm Boulder Coffee 118 N Main St. Sand Springs, OK 74063
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Be Love Yoga Studio is now holding classes at Boulder Coffee in Sand Springs! Classes will be starting December 5th and continue throughout the holidays. The drop in rate will be the normal $15 and will get you a FREE drink at Boulder Coffee after the class. Visit beloveyogastudio.com to book your class!
e
Miss Tiritas Dance & Performing Arts Studio Classes from ages 2 and up • Baby Bop • Ballet Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop• Lyrical • Voice • Piano Musical Theater • Pilates • Yoga Aerobics • Hip Hop Abs
www.MissTiritas.com
918.241.5637 19 West 41st Street | Sand Springs
$10 OFF Enrollment
Serving Sand Springs Since 1990 • Not Valid with Other Offers • Offer Expires 12-31-2020
Miss Tiritas Dance & Performing Arts Studio
918.241.5637
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