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Index Letter From The Editor
4
Introduction
6
Letter by City Manager Mike Carter
7
Senior in the Spotlight: Sara Nance
10
Tips for Virtual Learning
12
Where Are They Now?
14
self care in quarantine
16
A Look Back: Main Street “MAINiacs”
18
The Anti-New Year’s Resolutions
23
Sand Springs From Above
24
Happy & Healthy
26
Boulder Be Love
28
How to Serve & Volunteer
29
I struggled a little to write this letter. I kept thinking to myself, if our theme for this magazine is “Together We Rise,” then what does that mean for where we currently stand? I mean I know that 2020 was a rough year to put it mildly; but if WE, TOGETHER, need to RISE… then that puts us at the same level. If 2020 was that bad, and we still need to rise, that means we haven’t made any progress. It was slightly contradictory in my mind for a while, but then it dawned on me, it’s not a statement of geography or circumstance, it’s a statement of mindset. Together we rise. When we think of it in the context of mindset, it’s something that transcends time. It is a mindset that was, is, and will continue to be. We rose through 2020, into the position we currently are, and it is how we will continue into the year. So many times we feel we must go it alone; and as cliche as it sounds, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. In fact, we, as individuals cannot live our lives in silos. There is a saying that is typically associated with the economy but I think it also applies here: “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Everything we do, everything we pour out into the community of friends and family that surrounds us lifts ourselves, and everyone around us as well. So go out today, lift up someone around you, and with everyone’s effort, Together We Rise.
Donald Myers Send us a letter or email: 118 N Main St Sand Springs, OK 74063 info@wearesandsprings.com 918-521-1810
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You Belong Here. Enrollment Now Open. Tulsa Community College knows planning for your future is important now more than ever. To help you feel safe and secure we’re offering a variety of courses - from fully online and online live to blended and face-to-face classes - to support your need to learn, while keeping your future plans and your health and safety, on-track and on-budget.
TulsaCC.edu
January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 5
Toget he r We R i s e
Sand Springs is a one-of-a-kind community. Truly, there are qualities, individuals, and principles in Sand Springs, Oklahoma that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Part of what makes this community unique is the community itself. While there are thousands of lifelong Sandites, there are so many others that are transplants, making Sand Springs their home. It is not the differences that make us a community, it is our ability to come together. Our theme for this We Are Sand Springs Magazine is “Together We Rise� which takes the meaning that each of us as individuals are not what make this community succeed, it is the coming together of the entire community that allows us to rise from the ashes of a year like 2020. So let’s do exactly that. Together, let us come, and rise into 2021 Sand Springs.
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CITY OF SAND SPRINGS Letter by City Manager Mike Carter
I started my career in Sand Springs with an interview for police applicants. Daniel Bradley asked me why I wanted to be a Sand Springs Police Officer and I said, “I want to make a difference here”. A couple of weeks ago, I met with our City Council as an applicant for the position of City Manager, and my answer has not changed. To be clear, I was content being the Chief of Police, but when several people approached me and suggested that I would be a good fit in the position of City Manager, it began my internal debate about why I would want to do the job. The following are some of the answers that came to my mind. First, I love Sand Springs. I have lived here for 26 years with my wife, Debbie. We raised two kids, Zachary and Emma who both graduated as proud Sandites from Charles Page High School. This is our home and I do not see that changing. I have had numerous offers to take positions elsewhere, but the people that live here make it impossible to consider leaving, and that is a good thing. Second are the people I work with. Not only at the police department, but every department in the city. We have some of the most dedicated and talented people I have ever met, and to be chosen to lead them is one of the greatest compliments of my life. I view it as my job to provide the tools and the quality work environment that they deserve. Third is that Sand Springs is considered one of the best City Manager jobs in the State of Oklahoma. This is mainly due to the stability and professionalism of our City Council. It is rare to find a City Council that is able to function with such unity as ours. When we all think about what kind of boss we would like to have, our Council embodies those traits. In many places it is partisanship, arguing and name calling that dominate the meetings, which is not the culture in Sand Springs. They love Sand Springs, and show that in how they conduct themselves and serve their constituents. This has been true my entire career. Fourth is that I want to see progress. I live, work and play here. This means I want to see the things that all of us want to see. We cheered when our team got Colton’s Steak House to come here. We were beyond excited when we knew that we were going to get a Chic-Fil-A. We have seen the path to success, and we want to duplicate that to go after a home improvement store and other sit down restaurants. We want to see our local small businesses thrive like Okie Spice, Yellow House and Boulder Coffee have. We also want to see our community have wonderful places to exercise and recreate in, such as Case Community Park and the Keystone Ancient Forrest. Our roads, and other public infrastructure are the backbone of our community and we need to plan for improvements, to make sure we can keep the quality of life that we have come to expect. And yes, we need to keep up with our public safety departments to keep our citizens safe. We also need to support and highlight the wonderful schools in Sand Springs. Our community is blessed with educators who go out of their way to provide the best education possible for our young people, and we need to support that so our students continue to have a high level of opportunity. How do we accomplish this? I have been a firm believer in community policing. We should employee methods involved in community policing, like listening to our community, partnering with our local business, schools, and our faith community and base our decisions from the perspective of servant-hood. We need to plan and execute those plans with the help of and to the benefit our citizens. The ultimate goal for Sand Springs should not to be like Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Owasso or any other community, but for each and every day going forward to be a better Sand Springs. I am honored and blessed to be in Sand Springs. I do not take that for granted and I am thankful everyday.
January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 7
Eat Local Support Sand Springs Businesses, Eat at Sand Springs Restaurants. www.wearesandsprings.com/eat-local
8 WeAreSandSprings.com | January 2021
January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 9
Our first Senior in the Spotlight for 2021 is a hard working, strong willed young lady who has her mind set on being the best in her class. Sara Nance is a born and raised Sandite with pride in her academics and extracurricular activities. While COVID - 19 has muddled her junior and senior year, she has kept her spirits high no matter what comes her way. Join us as we celebrate Sara in her Senior year at Charles Page High School.
because it is senior year and a lot of our events got cancelled”. Through Charles Page high school Sara is able to take a leap forward and gain internship hours through a partnership between the school and Boulder Coffee. Sara says she loves creating new coffee drinks and even plans to open a coffee shop of her own one day. Sara has been enrolled at Tulsa Community College the past two years and has been taking classes to
Sara is creative at heart. While artistically talented
give her a head start as she plans to attend Oklahoma
and involved in advanced art classes her true passion
University and major in Business. Even though she
lies in playing the snare drum. Awarded the position
may be graduating from high school, she’s not quite
of section leader of her high school drumline, her hard
done with drumline and plans on pursuing her passion
work and determination has paid off. She fell in love
on the drumline at OU.
with the snare drums when she was in the 6th grade and has been playing ever since. In addition to playing in her high school drumline she is also the president of Business Professionals of America, the Secretary of National Honor Society and was a selected member in the National Arts Honor Society at Charles Page High School. When talking with Sara, she said that COVID19’s impact has been focused on her extracurricular activities like indoor drumline and band competitions. Sara shares,“I would say that’s what is most upsetting 10 WeAreSandSprings.com | January 2021
In her free time Sara spends her hours at her church with her youth group. Taking after her father, who owns a lighting company, she runs the light and sound board for Catalyst Youth on Wednesdays and helps whenever she can for services and special events. Sara says, “I love going to church on Wednesdays”. She is a devout christian and enjoys using her gifts and talents to serve the Lord. Over the last two years Sara has been able to travel to Mexico with her church and family on mission trips to help build houses for the residents.
volunteer.” “I don’t regret it, it has made everything more enjoyable. It helped me find a lot of friends and really bond with the community.” High school flies by, and before you know it graduation will be here. Sara we are proud to call you a Sandite and outstanding citizen in the community, we hope all goes well for you in your last semester and as you continue on to OU!
Looking back she has had several teachers that have influenced her in the Sand Springs school system. Mrs. Bartgis, her sophomore math teacher, has had a big impact on her last few years in school. She is, “considered one of my favorite teachers. We would just sit there and talk and she really poured into me. She would just volunteer her time with me, and that is special”. Looking forward she recommends to all Sandites, “Join a lot of organizations and don’t be afraid to
“Join a lot of organizations and don’t be afraid to volunteer.” “I don’t regret it, it has made everything more enjoyable. It helped me find a lot of friends and really bond with the community.”
January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 11
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s 2020 came to a close our students experienced a new way of learning we never imagined possible, completely virtual. While we adjust to this new way of learning and living here are a few tips to keep you in the top of the class. SET UP A WORK SPACE. Everyone needs a workspace. When diving into multiplication tables or learning what the core of the earth is made of it’s impossible to focus when you don’t have a proper work station. Distractions enhance when learning from home. Take time to have each child create their own work station. Keep essentials close and remove distractions so they can be comfortable while being productive in the virtual classroom. TAKE A BRAIN BREAK. You know it. I know it. Staring at a computer all day is tiresome and can often lead to headaches and being restless. Grab a calendar and schedule out times in the day where the kids take a brain break before their next assignment. This will help kids remain focused, concentrated and better equipped to retain newfound information.
Using popsicle sticks have kids write down their favorite brain break activities such as playing tag, coloring, snack time, playing a game or going on a walk. Gather the popsicle sticks and put them into a jar. Now during your brain breaks they can draw from the jar and have ample ideas to get out some energy and have a successful break!
STAY IN TOUCH. The hallways of elementary, middle and high school are where many new friends and memories are made. While we cannot spend as much time in person it’s important to help your kids stay in touch with their friends. Whether that is setting up FaceTime calls, meeting at the park or scheduling lunch dates, making an effort to connect your kids with their friends can make a massive difference in their behavior and overall health.
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Setting up a work space, taking brain breaks and staying in touch with friends are all great ways to take on virtual learning in 2021. While it may be tricky working out the kinks in the system, remember to be patient as it is all new to teachers and faculty too. Happy learning!
The New Age of Leaning:: Leaning Virtual .
January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 13
Where Are They Now? Ward & Linda Sherril Ward and Linda Sherril have been married for 53 years as of 2021. While talking with Ward I could tell that even after all these years he still has a very special love and affection for his bride. The couple grew up in Sand Springs and attended Charles Page High School together but it wasn’t until much later that they became interested in each other romantically. During his high school years Ward, a major basketball star, was the senior class president, made the all-state basketball team, and was the Oklahoma Tulsa World Basketball player of the year. He went on to attend Oklahoma State University on a basketball scholarship and got a B.S. and M.S. in Biology. Linda, two years younger than Ward, was a cheerleader for the Sandites. She was very focused on her studies as she too went on to get a degree in Biology from OSU. After Linda had graduated from high school, just before the start of her freshman year at OSU, Ward remembers seeing her standing on the front porch of her family home in Sand Springs. Turns out they only lived a few houses away from each other! “Actually my sister encouraged me to call her and ask her out on a date,” Ward remembered. That was back in 1965 and the Sherrills have been together ever since. After graduating from OSU they went on to work and live in Kansas, Ward as a basketball coach and teacher and Linda as a Biology teacher for Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. In 1982 the couple traveled 14 WeAreSandSprings.com | January 2021
back to Oklahoma together to live and work, Ward as a Principle and Linda as a teacher. Ward also held the At Large position on the Sand Springs City Council for two terms. The Sherril’s have two children who are also Charles Page High School graduates. Their son Brad has a degree in Criminal Justice and daughter Dawn has her B.S. and M.S in Speech Pathology, both from Northeastern State University.
"Write down some goals and focus on those, focus on your Christian life, listen to the mentors, the older people who mentor you and guide you, follow your dreams, work hard and take opportunities when they come”.
In 2009 the Sherrils decided it was time to end their work in the school system and begin the adventure of life as retirees. And adventure they did! Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Casa Grande, Arizona, Pensacola, Florida and many other beautiful landscapes all seen from the dashboard of their new motorhome. After a few years of enjoying their adventures together the happy couple decided to sell their home in Sand Springs and settle down in a condo near Langley, Oklahoma. The Sherrils poured out compliments of their time spent in Sand Springs. The community, families, and teachers prepared the Sherrils for their college years. Ward says, “The coaches I had through the system, my head basketball coach was Cecil Hankins who was around for years. My teachers through elementary, junior high and high school, you know my penmanship is really good and people comment on that, but it’s because of the teachers I had. They all prepared me for my college major and my teaching of Biology”. At the end of our conversation Ward shared some words of encouragement with current and future Sandites, ”Write down some goals and focus on those, focus on your Christian life, listen to the mentors, the older people who mentor you and guide you, follow your dreams, work hard and take opportunities when they come”. Whether it’s school, work or marriage Ward shared a piece of advice as we focus on rising above. “There are so many ups and downs all the time...you get up the next day, you stand up and suck it up and you just go back to your day again. Overcome the obstacles”.
“There are so many ups and downs all the time...you get up the next day, you stand up and suck it up and you just go back to your day again. Overcome the obstacles”.
January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 15
The CDC defines quarantine as “the separation and restriction of movement of people who have potentially been exposed to a contagious disease to ascertain if they become unwell, so reducing the risk of them infecting others.” While we are not in active, city-wide quarantine currently, there are subsets of people in Sand Springs that spend time in quarantine due to exposure. This happens at all levels of community but the effects are the same. There are two types of stressors when dealing with a quarantine, stressors during quarantine, and stressors post-quarantine. During quarantine, stress is throughout the entirety, fear of infection, frustration and boredom, inadequate supplies and inadequate information are all a reality during. Post quarantine stressors deal mainly with finances and stigma. The inability to work or do all of schoolwork creates a “financial” debt that needs to be repaid or made up post-quarantine, with stigma of being quarantined being a less obvious or direct stressor on those who had the unfortunate experience of being quarantined. While quarantine is necessary to mitigate the spread of Covid, the effects can be harmful on us, our kids, and everyone’s mental health.
There are several ways to cope with quarantine and Covid during this time: 16 WeAreSandSprings.com | January 2021
1. PLAN. Have a plan for each day. Starting out the day with no goals, nothing to do, and only Netflix to keep you busy is one of the easiest ways to get into a slump. Make a list of what you want to accomplish. If you are experiencing symptoms, be realistic and make sure to include time to rest. Do you want to finish reading that book? How about start that online class you have been putting off for years? Learn a new skill? Clean the bathroom? The list goes on and on, but the most important part of making a plan is making sure that you have the resources handy. Try to get all the supplies you need for the entire time so you don’t need to go into a store unnecessarily. Make sure you keep your phone and computer chargers handy if you are keeping yourself to one part of the house.
2. LIMIT MEDIA. Have a plan for each day. Starting out the day with no goals, nothing to do, and only Netflix to keep you busy is one of the easiest ways to get into a slump. Make a list of what you want to accomplish. If you are experiencing symptoms, be realistic and make sure to include time to rest. Do you want to finish reading that book? How about start that online class you have been putting off for years? Learn a new skill? Clean the bathroom? The list goes on and on, but the most important part of making a plan is making sure that you have the resources handy. Try to get all the supplies you need for the entire time so you don’t need to go into a store unnecessarily. Make sure you keep your phone and computer chargers handy if you are keeping yourself to one part of the house.
3. MIX IT UP. Staying at home can feel extremely restrictive. We often start to feel boredom, monotony, and sometimes depression. In order to minimize these feelings, consider shifting the textures of your environment every few days. Change the type of music you listen to every few days, light a scented candle for a few days after that. Read different books, go onto the back porch if possible, changing the environment around you during quarantine/covid is essential to making sure we keep our heads on straight. Indulge in self-care treatments, long baths, meditation, or yoga. Changing the focus of your days helps to stimulate your mind, body, and soul.
4. U S E M I N D F U L W O R D S . It’s easy to fall into pessimistic thinking during quarantine/ covid. We can oftentimes shift into what’s called black and white thinking (or all or nothing thinking). Our inner dialogue can get a little scary sometimes with words like “always” and “never.” Being resilient during a trauma like quarantine requires a cognitive shift, choosing positive words to redirect perspective. If you find yourself, or a loved one in quarantine, make sure that you are doing everything in your power to ensure coming out of quarantine is a smooth transition on your mental health. We can all agree that quarantine is a kind of trauma, but it doesn’t have to define who we are or how we respond, we get to choose. So choose well! January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 17
A Look Back: Main Street “MAINiacs” by Ruth Ellen Henry, Main Street Director 1991 - 1997
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The Main Street Garden in its early days. Clyde Cabioc and his brother, Oakley Cabioc built the beautiful fence and archway with materials donated by the local Armco Steel plant.
“I especially enjoyed the article in last month’s WE ARE SAND SPRINGS entitled Pretty. The photograph of the Inez Kirk Memorial Garden was gorgeous! It transported me back to some of the best days of my life. I firmly believe we all need to reflect and cherish those GOOD DAYS in life we’ve been privileged to enjoy as we close out one of the most trying years in not only our history, but also the history of our world. The Inez Kirk Memorial Garden was formerly The Main Street Garden….not located on Main Street, but on Broadway at McKinley Avenue. Why Main Street Garden? Let me tell you a story. Then City Manager Loy Calhoun called me on December 1, 1991 to see if I might consider working with one of the most brilliant men I have ever known, Public Works Director Vernon Smith, to write an application for Sand Springs to become an Oklahoma Main Street Town. The paperwork had to be delivered to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for consideration on January 3, 1992. THIRTY DAYS to SELL A CITY!!!
January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 19
F
ebruary 1, 1992, Sand Springs was officially declared one of our state’s Main Street communities. Our
goal: To revitalize our city’s Historic Central Business District…our Downtown. I was hired to direct the program. No human being was EVER more excited! Our downtown was at a 47% occupancy rate. Problems consisted of empty buildings, businesses struggling to exist, deteriorating streets and sidewalks. Problems require solutions. The most powerful tool we possessed was the POSITIVITY of our people. The City made its commitment. The Chamber of Commerce made its commitment. The property owners (along with the business owners) made their commitment. Some of the most energetic and dedicated people I’ve ever met made their commitment and a volunteer force like no other was born. Those devoted volunteers became known as The Main Street MAINiacs because they were CRAZY ABOUT SAND SPRINGS. My job was made easy and was wonderful!!
The day my mom, Marge Edwards, went down with me to meet my OK Main Street mentors for the first time. Feb. 1992
Business began to flourish once again. Festivals, parades, tree plantings, flowers, colorful awnings, fresh paint, and exciting new businesses increased the excitement known statewide. Historic buildings were restored. Thank you to David and Jane Mick, The Sand Springs Home and Erwin Phillips’ family. Dr. James Rankin bought the historic Stricklen Building and brought it to be a showplace not only for his veterinary hospital, but also for his family home. Business began to flourish once again. Beautiful street banners, lights, and decorations at each season made the view from the Keystone Expressway far more enticing. A vacant lot on the corner of Broadway and McKinley was left badly scarred by a fire which consumed the Sand Springs Leader Newspaper office. This shell was not PRETTY - a new project was born.
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Dr. James Rankin purchased the historic Stricklen Building and restored it to become the Rankin Vet. Hospital. His next goal is to make a WW II museum in the lower west part of building in memory of his father Roy Rankin.
The Sand Springs Herbal Affair and Festival was,
and remains, a highlight each spring. Every April thousands of plant lovers, along with as many food lovers, come to enjoy beauty, entertainment, great food and fellowship in the heart of our city….our historic downtown. A “Pocket Park” seemed the perfect project. Thus began THE MAIN STREET GARDEN. Mike and Janice Trower renovated the building just east of the Garden and built "Michael's Gallery of Fine Art".
A committee consisting of Sandi Byerly, Mary Sue Overbey, Ruth Leib, Ed Everett, Lana Voss, Dr. Steve Fooshee, and Dr. James Rankin “began the plan.” The Sand Springs Home donated the land. Jim Parker, his crews and City workers started delivering the soil. More MAINiacs than imaginable worked night and day to bring the corner to life. Supportive citizens purchased personalized brick pavers to assist in this project. Many are in the center of the garden. Others donated trees, plants, statuary, even the gazebo to honor the memory of loved ones. Clyde Cabioc and his brother, Oakley Cabioc, built the beautiful fence and archway with materials donated by the local Armco Steel plant. This “PRETTY” garden is now named as a memorial park to one of my best friends EVER and surely one of Sand Springs most successful, courageous, and truly beautiful City Managers, Inez Kirk. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MY MAINIACS.
Main Street "Maniacs" bag.
May their love for our city be a constant encouragement to each of us to SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS. They’re counting on you.
I love Sand Springs…..FOREVER!! January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 21
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22 WeAreSandSprings.com | January 2021
At the end of every December there is a panicked rush of thought process. This thought train is attempting to solve something, something that we haven’t thought about for most of the year. What do I need to do for a New Year’s Resolution??? While there might be a few people who are able to stick with a single New Year’s resolution, a majority of people aren’t able to stick with it past the first few weeks in January. Why is that? Is there something biologically that makes us incapable of keeping a commitment to ourselves? This can’t be the case, because we find all throughout history that we are fully capable of committing to things, even ourselves. Do we simply lack the wherewithal or passion to follow through? What is it that we don’t have that seemingly others have that enables them to accomplish more within a year? I don’t think it has anything to do with willpower, biology, or passion. It’s simply a matter of mindset. There wouldn’t be many out there that would consider setting a New Year’s Resolution to be procrastination, but think about it for a moment. Why do tomorrow what we can do today? We sit around waiting for an arbitrary date, January 1st, to make a large change in our lives.
The Anti-New Year’s Resolutions We all have heard the story of the tortoise and the hare, yet we don’t apply it to our lives. Slow and steady change in our lives are the changes that last. Fast and furious changes lead to burn out, which we all have experienced. Take a moment and close your eyes, I know it’s silly, but do it just for a moment. We have all of these things in our lives that we know we don’t want in our lives. The habit we’ve been wanting to quit, the relationships that we know aren’t healthy, whatever it may be, think of those things as water. When we look at a map, there is a definite border between the water and land. So many times in our lives we know exactly where the water is, but have no idea where land is. If when we close our eyes we focus, not on what we don’t want in our lives, but what we want our lives to look like, we can fully define who it is we want to be, and more importantly, how we can get there. Definite the borders of who you are and who you want to be, that is what separates land from water, that’s what separates the “you” you want to be from all the things you know you don’t want or need in your life. The last point I want to make is this, have you ever been at a pool with a zero point entry? Most pools have steep sides, the ones where you have to jump into the deep end, and if the water is cold, we have to scramble out to the side so we can get out. But zero point entry pools have a sloping entry, like the beach. You can put one foot in the water, get used to the temperature, and then step forward and put another foot in. Whoever thought of this for pools was a genius! When we take this example and put it into our lives, starting with something that is easily achievable and continuing to move forward allows us to maintain the progress we have made thus far, without jumping out of the pool altogether. All in all, I’m not against New Year’s Resolutions, they are a good practice for us to continually keep our life in check. We simply need to make sure we are utilizing the date and practice to make the most benefit in our lives.
Think about this for a moment as well: Every day, every hour, every minute, even every second, we have a new beginning. A chance for us to change direction. The reason we start and fail in January is because we haven’t set ourselves up to succeed. We spent all December gorging ourselves on Christmas dinners, desserts, and all types of vices; yet we expect that January 1st we were supposed to change on a dime. January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 23
S AN D
All Photos by Joe Stephenson Photography 24 WeAreSandSprings.com | January 2021
SPRIN G S
F ROM
A B OV E
January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 25
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midst the clouds of Covid- 19 it can seem difficult to embrace the mantra of “happy and healthy”. But with these few tips, you can be sure to prepare your body for whatever comes its way!
HAPPY AND HEALTHY TIP #1: HOP ON THE VITAMIN TRAIN! Ladies and gentlemen it's time to hop on the vitamin and mineral train. Taking a daily vitamin bolsters the immune system, helps organs do their job well, and supports growth and development. While our country walks through this pandemic, it's important to prepare your body for anything that may try to attack. Keeping your immune system functioning properly with the nutrients it needs is just the thing to keep you on top of the happy and healthy list! *Try to find a vitamin with Aloe Vera in it. Aloe Vera aids in the absorption of the nutrients in your body. Oftentimes we take a vitamin and it travels through our body so fast it doesn’t have time to fully absorb before it leaves the body.
HAPPY AND HEALTHY TIP #2: GET SOME SUN! While it may seem like a no-brainer, being outdoors has great benefits for us physically and mentally. Breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sun on our skin and simply being in nature can bring out the best in us! In fact, when you take breaks from work try taking a walk outside! As you spend more time outside, you may notice a decrease in depression, reduced anxiety and stress, and increased concentration! We could all use a little bit of that right?! While you're outside try going for a walk, doing small sets of exercises and taking deep breaths. These small things can make a big difference in your overall work and home life!
HAPPY AND HEALTHY TIP #3: BUILD YOUR COMMUNITY! As of late, we have been forced to separate from one another. This has taken its toll on the population in a way we never saw coming. It is important to remain connected to your community so that we can fulfill the need to be near one another and be a part of something bigger. We all crave to be noticed, interacted with and engaged in meaningful conversation. Find new ways to connect to your community whether that be meeting friends for a picnic in the park, zoom calls with grandparents and cousins or a handwritten note to an old friend. Spend time creating and rebuilding your community, it will positively impact your well being and keep you on track for a happy and healthy 2021.
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Vitamins, sunshine, and community are three great ways to stay happy and healthy in 2021. Don’t underestimate the power of the small, everyday happenings that create a happier and healthier you. Stay strong Sandites!
January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 27
Saturday 7:00am Sunday 4:00pm Boulder Coffee 118 N Main St. Sand Springs, OK 74063
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!
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How To Serve & Volunteer
t some point between unwrapping the last Christmas gift and flipping the calendar to a brand new year, many Sandites make a list of resolutions - a firm decision to do or not do something - to start once January begins.
Some set a goal to spend more time outside, some desire to read a certain amount of books, and some want to give back to the community where they live. Volunteering can be done by anyone from elementary school students to senior citizens, and it’s ideal for everyone including families, colleagues, and individuals. While you may anticipate that your efforts will help the organization you choose to volunteer with, you’ll reap the benefits, too. Learning new skills, building relationships, and discovering a sense of purpose are all advantages of volunteering. If you resolved to do more good in 2021, there are plenty of opportunities around Sand Springs to share your time and talents. And where else is better to volunteer than a town founded by the very dedicated philanthropist Charles Page?
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SALVATION ARMY:
Sand Springs Community Services: Dedicated to assisting and empowering clients experiencing economic crises, Sand Springs Community Services offers basic needs assistance to provide programs and resources that move families toward self-sufficiency. The organization helps adults and children in Sand Springs with temporary and emergency assistance, but the work is ongoing. (In 2014, Sand Springs Community Services assisted almost 6,500 clients.) In addition to volunteer opportunities for events hosted by the organization, Sand Springs Community Services also accepts donations of food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, coats and shoes, computer equipment, and more.
TULSA BOYS HOME: The largest residential treatment facility for troubled boys in Oklahoma, the Tulsa Boys Home provides premium care to boys with behavioral, emotional, and substance abuse issues who need placement outside their homes. Volunteer opportunities include mentorship, educational tutoring, and assistance with marketing and fundraising.
The Salvation Army is an international charitable organization that provides disaster relief, adult rehabilitation services, and assistance to children, families, and individuals. In the Sand Springs area, volunteer opportunities exist for the organization's homeless shelter, called the Center of Hope, and at its Boys & Girls Club. At the Center of Hope, volunteers are needed for everything from hosting entertainment events (like a movie night!) to motivational speaking to life skills training, which could include subjects like nutrition, budgeting, or computer classes. With the Boys & Girls Club, volunteers are needed for coaching and training youth athletes, teaching music or leading Bible studies, or providing administrative support for tasks like data entry, organizing, and basic cleaning.
Though the promise of a shiny new year often motivates people to change their habits and behaviors, you can sign up to volunteer with any of these organizations at any point during the year. But if you want to kick off 2021 feeling good about the good you’re doing, reach out to a local organization today and get involved. There’s no telling how your role as a volunteer will impact your life, but countless studies show the pride and sense of accomplishment it gives you makes it a worthwhile venture. So, go ahead, add it to the top of your 2021 resolutions - your 2022 self will thank you for the difference you made for your fellow Sandites! Editor’s Note: COVID-19 may impact the volunteer opportunities featured in this article, so be sure to contact your selected organization for more information. Orientation or training may be required, and you may be asked to submit an application about yourself and/or your experience.
KEYSTONE ANCIENT FOREST: Many Sandites enjoy hiking and wildlife spotting at the Keystone Ancient Forest, which features 1,360 acres of 500-year-old cedars and 300-year-old post oak trees, but the City-run nature preserve relies on dedicated volunteers to assist during open hike dates. Volunteer trail guides help staff the parking lot, monitor hiking events, and even hike alongside visitors to help interpret the forest landscape. 30 WeAreSandSprings.com | January 2021
"No one has ever become poor by giving" - Anne frank
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 02-28-2021
Miss Tiritas Dance & Performing Arts Studio
918.241.5637
January 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 31
32 WeAreSandSprings.com | January 2021
