Oklahoma Living April 2010 by American MainStreet Publications

APRIL 2010 www.ok-living.coop

The missing link in local

• National Fiddler Hall of Fame • Plantation shutters made in Stillwater

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF OKLAHOMA April 2010 VOL. 59 NO. 4 www.ok-living.coop

Edible landscape Have a yard you can eat . . . . . . . . 10

Future Fiddlers The National Fiddler Hall of Fame educates the next generation . . . . 18

Food preservation The missing link in local . . . . . . . 21

Plantation shutters A Stillwater shutter company is weathering the economy . . . . . . . . 30

Home again Oklahoma Living’s most requested story, reprinted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Departments Commentary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Co-op Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 News Briefs Oklahoma Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 This ‘n’ That . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Oklahoma Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Trading Post . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Oklahoma Eats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Photo Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

ON THE COVER April Harrington of Earth Elements Farm turns fresh Oklahoma produce into over 300 different canned, frozen and baked goods.

C O M M E N TA R Y

Home energy efficency is now part of the supply solution

educing energy consumption at home has a direct, obvious and positive effect on your monthly electric bill, but it also plays an important role in reducing the need to Chris Meyers construct costly new General Manager, generation facilities. Oklahoma Association And that helps keep of Electric Cooperatives everyone’s monthly bill affordable. From the time the utility industry was born, America has experienced rapid development and growth, and much of that progress has been powered by electricity. In the past there were relatively few barriers to keeping up with consumer demand. Fuel for electric generation was plentiful and cheap. Infrastructure, such as power generation plants and transmission lines, were not terribly difficult to plan. Since building infrastructure and producing electricity was relatively cheap and easy, little thought was given to energy efficiency in the home or business as a serious part of any supply solution. While not widely publicized, the utility industry’s army of engineers has made dramatic improvements in the efficiency of their generating stations and overall operations. From the plant all the way to the “smart meter,” delivering electricity is a bet-

ter, cleaner system than it used to be. The industry continues to make improvements, and there are promising technologies on the horizon. These changes will have a huge impact on the supply side, but they won’t be enough to meet demand growth on their own. Keeping up with demand is getting very difficult on the supply side for a number of reasons. Traditional fossil fuels are under attack for their carbon emissions. Nuclear power, while carbon free, has its own set of problems. Renewable generation options are still expensive and have limited availability during peak periods, and planning the location of future transmission facilities is getting very difficult. Something has to give—and soon—on the supply side. With such constraints on building additional infrastructure, it makes sense to slow the growth of electricity consumption. The best energy efficiency programs are designed to shape usage patterns in a way that allows utilities to meet consumer demand while deferring the construction of new power plants. In this edition of Oklahoma Living, as in every edition, there are good, power saving suggestions for lowering your monthly electric bill. By doing so you are also helping with the supply side of the equation. Look for more energy efficiency programs and incentives provided through your electric cooperative; they have experts available to help you save energy and reduce peak consumption. OL

Small changes add up

Glen English CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

ometimes the little things in life mean a lot. Simple steps such as turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging appliances when you’re not using them and raising the temperature on your thermostat a few degrees as our weather warms up, when done together, can help your family rack up big electricity

savings. There’s a valuable online resource you can use, provided by Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives, a national alliance of electric co-ops, that not only identifies simple energy-saving tasks but also illustrates the savings they produce. TogetherWeSave. com uses savings calculations to motivate and in4 OKLAHOMA LIVING

spire small changes in behavior. Intrigued? Check it out at www.TogetherWeSave. com. You’ll be asked for your ZIP code; this helps us provide accurate electricity rates for your home. The Virtual Home Tour provides a good starting point. As you move through each of the six rooms, clicking on areas highlighted in yellow prompts you to take various interactive energy-saving measures and shows how these changes translate into savings on your electric bill. A visit to the attic, for example, recommends adding insulation. Slide the arrow up the scale to add extra inches of insulation and watch the exciting en result. Adding nine inches saves up to $143 a year. Add 15 inches, and that figure jumps to $241. Want more in-depth information on energy efficiency? TogetherWeSave.com also includes a library of short videos on various topics. Finding ways to help you save energy dollars during tough times is important to us. Valuable tools like TogetherWeSave.com are just one more way we are looking out for you. OL

Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives Chris Meyers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Manager Max Ott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President John Bruce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice-President J. Chris Cariker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary-Treasurer

Staff Sidney Sperry . . . . . . . . . . Director of Public Relations & Communications Chelsey Simpson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Managing Editor Larry Skoch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advertising Manager Christy Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office Manager Emilia Buchanan . . . . . . Communications Assistant Tricia Dameron . . . . . . . . . . Communications Intern, Recipe Editor

Editorial, Advertising and General Offices P.O. Box 54309, Oklahoma City, OK 73154-1309 Phone (405) 478-1455 Oklahoma Living online: www.ok-living.coop

Subscriptions $2.88 per year for rural electric cooperative members. $5.75 per year for non-members. Cooperative Members: Report change of address to your local rural electric cooperative. Non-Cooperative Members: Send address changes to Oklahoma Living, P.O. Box 54309, Oklahoma City, OK 73154-1309. Oklahoma Living (ISSN 1064-8968), USPS 407-040, is published monthly for consumer-members of Oklahoma’s rural electric cooperatives by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives, 2325 E. I-44 Service Road, P.O. Box 54309, Oklahoma City, OK 73154-1309. Circulation this issue: 317,898. Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and additional mailing offices. The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives is a statewide service organization for the following electric cooperatives: Alfalfa, Arkansas Valley, Caddo, Canadian Valley, Central Rural, Choctaw, Cimarron, Cookson Hills, Cotton, East Central Oklahoma, Harmon, Indian, KAMO Power, Kay, Kiamichi, Kiwash, Lake Region, Northeast Oklahoma, Northfork, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Ozarks, People’s, Red River Valley, Rural, Southeastern, Southwest Rural, Tri-County, Verdigris Valley, and Western Farmers Electric Cooperative.

CO-OP LIVING

Ask Willie! If you have a question for Willie, send it to: editor@ok-living.com, ATTN: Willie Dear Willie,

Mother Memories Contest Maybe she was your template for womanhood or the person who taught you what it really means to be a good man. Is your mother a mover and a shaker or a legendary cookie baker ... or both? We want to hear your mother memories!

Rules:

Tell us about your mother and be entered to win a $50 credit on your electric bill. Pictures are welcome but not required. Write down your favorite memories in 400 words or less, and send them to: editor@ok-living.com or

Oklahoma Living Mother’s Day, P.O. Box 54309, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. Entries must be postmarked no later than April 5. Winners will be published and announced in the May issue.

The January ice storm hit one of Oklahoma’s smallest co-ops the hardest. Harmon Electric extends their gratitude to the following co-op employees and contractors: Central Rural Electric Dewayne Drury Shawn Jones Bryan Payne Bruce McKinnis Hunter Robinson David Johns Kyle Williams Cimarron Electric Ron Pennington Doug Farrow Chris Baily Joey Musil Mick Hart Larry Livingston Reed Emerson

Jeff Hyatt Mark Snowden East Central OK Electric George Grider Tom Snell Pete Hogan Kenny Hamon Kay Electric David Corn Jason Lenon David Webb Kris Perkins Jay Tripp Kiamichi Electric Dennis Dolan Edmund Thompson

My family has been making some improvements to our home. Lately I’ve heard of tax credits or rebates for home energy efficiency projects. How can I find out if any of the work we have been doing is eligible for a tax break? Hopeful in Hennessey Dear Hopeful, You may be eligible for federal tax credits, depending on the type of improvements you’ve made. Hopefully you held on to your receipts! The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 included tax credits for 30 percent of the cost—up to $1,500—of energy efficient updates to your primary residence. These credits expire at the end of December 2010. Some eligible products include windows, doors, garage doors, storm doors and storm windows. To qualify, windows and doors must have a U-factor of less than 0.30. The U-factor measures how well a window, door or skylight prevents heat from escaping; the lower the number, the more efficient the window. This information is on the product label, but if you aren’t sure, search window and door ratings at the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) web site. The NFRC is the only federally recognized organization for determining the energy performance of windows, doors and skylights. Other products are also eligible for tax credits: insulation, roofing, HVAC, water heaters and biomass stoves. Be sure to check individual product

Terry Summers Chris Alexander Justin Wade Chris Upton Northfork Electric Glen Tignor David Tignor Tony Carter B. J. Carter Dustin Lowrance Johnathan Hartman Tyler Heinsohn Travis Reeves Heath Martin Ron Waldrop Northwestern Electric Carl Breyer Brian Snider Tim Alfson Lee Overton Kurt Halling

Rick Lyons Riley Latta Shayne Hamilton Heath Maley Larry Stebens Clint LeForce Cory McAtee Jaret Dowler Brent McDowell Mike Boston David Leach Jarrod Randall Ty Stahlman Trevor Howard Heath Person Donnie Johnson Steve Lawrence Robert Bohling Chris McGraw Donnie Irvin Jerry Maedgen

specifications by searching “tax credits” on www. energystar.gov. Be advised the credit cannot carry over, but the cumulative credit for separate purchases can be split between the 2009 and 2010 tax years. For example, if you receive a $900 credit on your 2009 taxes for installing energy efficient windows, you could still receive up to a $600 credit on your 2010 taxes for improvements you make this year. More substantial projects such as residential wind turbines, solar energy and geothermal heat pumps qualify for a 30 percent tax credit, which expires in 2016, and has no upper limit. To get started, gather your sales receipts and look for 2009 IRS Form 5695. In addition to these federal tax credits, in late April Oklahoma will implement a mail-in rebate program to help residents replace older, inefficient appliances with new Energy Star-qualified appliances. Rebates are scheduled to be available starting April 22, in coordination with Earth Day activities, and will continue until funds are depleted. Eligible products include refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioning units, central air conditioners, among others. If you’ve been considering replacing your washing machine, for example, the state will give you $200 if you replace it with a high-efficiency unit as long as you provide proof that you properly disposed of your old appliance. Rebate amounts differ, so check with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for details: www.okcommerce.gov/appliances. There is also more information about the program on page 6 of this issue. OL

Tri-County Electric Mike Burge Eric Leisher Cody Meyers Ruben Sanchez Dewaine Osborn Brett Naglely L. J. Ogden Robby Paden Josh Hussey Paul Kearns Contractors: R & R Construction KINCO James Electric East Bay Electric Cox Montgomery Bird Electric KDM Rogers Electric

Also, special thanks to Betty Motley, who organized cooking and meals, did laundry and baked cookies for the Harmon Electric crews! In addition, Northfork Electric would like to thank Wootton New Holland, a tractor and equipment dealer located in Carter. During the story Wootton used their tractors to assist Northfork in their recovery effort, and they even opened their offices to the line crews so they could get warn.

APRIL 2010 5

Gadgets, gizmos and other energy drains Despite advances in efficiency, energy use continues to increase By Megan McKoy

dds are your home has a satellite or cable box, a DVD or Blu-ray player, and at least one big-screen television—maybe even two or three. Add to that an Xbox, Wii, PlayStation or other video game console, and your entertainment center is ready to go. Indeed, most of us depend on a large number of electronic gadgets these days, and not just for entertainment. Personal computers, stereos, alarm clocks, coffeemakers, battery chargers, cell phones, microwaves… the list goes on. Most of the electricity used in the average home goes toward heating and air conditioning, water heating, and lighting—all of which are significantly more energy efficient than they were just a decade ago. Yet our demand for new electronic devices means we continue to consume more electricity every year—a whopping 15.6 percent rise since 2000. Younger American consumers spend more time playing games, listening to music and watching TV on cell phones than talking on them, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. “Despite anticipated improvements in energy efficiency, any energy savings are likely to be overshadowed by rising demand for technology,” cautions Nobuo Tanaka, executive director for the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA), an autonomous body. He estimates that by 2030 consumer electronic use will climb threefold— equivalent to the current combined

residential electricity consumption of the United States and Japan. However, there are ways to avoid the coming energy pile-up. For exam ple, cell phones are now extremely energy efficient because of consumer demand for longer battery life. “Many mobile devices are already far more efficient in their use of power than other products that run solely off a main electricity supply,” explains Tanaka. “Because extending the battery life of a mobile device is a selling point, manufacturers placed an emphasis on designing products that require very little power. This shows us what can be achieved.” If consumers demand that manufacturers reach the same level of effi ciency with other electronics—such as gaming consoles, televisions and even alarm clocks—IEA believes energy use in this sector could be cut in half. Electric cooperatives are already active on this front, performing homeenergy audits, offering financial assistance for weatherization and various energy-efficiency projects, as well as educating consumers on the benefits of purchasing energy-efficient appliances. Making consumers aware of how many energy dollars small electronic devices drain from a family budget is just one more way co-ops are working to keep electric bills afford able for rural Americans.

Appliance Accountability Computers and monitors were the first products to receive an energy-

efficiency rating from Energy Star, a program launched in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Since then, more than 60 categories have been added, from dishwashers and windows to DVD players. Energy Star–rated products deliver the same or better performance as comparable models while using less energy. Although actual energy savings depend on what’s being replaced, new Energy Star appliances save significantly more energy. For example, switching out a clothes washer made before 2000 with a 2010 Energy Star model could save a consumer up to $135 per year on his/her electric bill. Replacing a refrigerator made before 1993 could save up to $65 annually. However, 44 percent of refrigerators that could be retired and recycled are converted into a second fridge, given away or sold, keeping inefficient technology in American homes. In the wake of Energy Star’s success (more than 2 billion Energy Star–rated products have been purchased), DOE has been pushing for more items to meet efficiency standards. In January, manufacturers sent energy use data on more than 600,000 residential appliances in 15 product categories to the department. “The Department of Energy’s newly enhanced enforcement efforts are improving the quality of energy-efficiency information available to the American consumer,” reports DOE General Counsel Scott Blake Harris. “Moving forward, we’ll aggressively pursue all manufacturers who fail to comply with these certification requirements or whose products violate the country’s energy-efficiency standards.”

Silent Energy Drains Oddly enough, many electronic devices draw power while waiting to be used. Very likely, your big-screen TV, DVD player and stereo burn kilowatthours even when turned off. According to IEA, this standby (or vampire) load accounts for more than 5 percent of residential electricity demand. Although the amount of standby power used by individual appliances may be small—often between 0.5 6 OKLAHOMA LIVING

Traditional entertainment forms like books are being replaced by electronic devices like Amazon’s Kindle. This trend toward entertainment through technology leads to more power use. Source: Amazon.com

watts and 10 watts—a typical home may have 20 appliances on standby at any given time. For the last decade, IEA has encouraged appliance manufacturers around the globe to cut this wasted power to no more than 1 watt. The Energy Star program takes this measurement into account when certifying many appliances.

Cash for Appliances Thinking about replacing an old refrigerator or washing machine? Oklahoma was approved for a $3.5 million federal grant provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for appliance rebates. The program is designed as an incentive for Americans to switch from energyguzzling, outdated appliances to new Energy Star–rated alternatives. The program begins April 22 and is open to Oklahoma residents who are replacing certain existing appliances in their single residence homes with Energy Star appliances purchased from an Oklahoma retailer. Rebates range from $50 to $250. Eligible appliances include clothes washers, refrigerators, room air conditioners, water heaters, central air conditioners, gas furnaces, ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps. For more information, visit www.okcommerce. gov/recovery. OL

CO-OP LIVING

Children are often missed by the census By Katie L. Reim

ince the first census was taken in 1790, children have been undercounted in every census. Eileen St. Pierre, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension personal finance specialist, said the census is a very important data collection undertaking by the U.S. federal statistical system and children are the age group most often missed during this collection. “The reasons why children are missed can vary. Many live in hard-to-count neighborhoods. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 20 percent of children live in hard-to-count areas. Past census forms only had space for complete demographic information on six household members,” St. Pierre said. “But the 2010 census form has space to list up to 12 household members, increasing the likelihood all children can be counted.” The Census Bureau’s Demographic Analysis states young children are the most often missed age group. In the 2000 census there was a net undercount of more than 1 million children under the age of 10 and more than three-quarters of a million children under five were missed (4 percent of the

total population of this group). St. Pierre said states and local communities rely on census information in planning for schools, child care, health and other critical services. “With an undercount of children, the result is reduced funding for needy families,” she said. “Census counts are used for over 140 programs that distribute more than $400 billion of federal funds to states and local communities. These programs include child-focused programs such as Head Start,

State Children’s Health Insurance Program, Special Education Grants and Improving Teacher Quality State Grants.” Recent trends suggest it will be harder to get an accurate count of young children in 2010 than it was in 2000. Minority children have higher undercount rates and their numbers have risen since the last census. More children live in families with one or more undocumented immigrants. The housing crisis has caused more families to double up in one housing unit or live in other nontraditional housing situations. Child advocacy groups can partner with the Census Bureau to promote participation in the 2010 census. “Advocates can connect with Census Complete Count Committees to educate the public about the high undercount rate for children and provide support for a more united effort to make sure children are included in the census,” St. Pierre said. For more information on the 2010 census, visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s Web site at http://2010census. gov or contact your local Cooperative Extension office: www.oces.okstate.edu. OL

APRIL 2010 7

CO-OP LIVING

Are in-home displays fad or future?

The ability to see real-time energy use could help you save money By Brian Sloboda, Cooperative Research Network

lectric utilities now have more than $3 billion at hand for deploying smart-grid technologies, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Most of the technologies and equipment purchased by utilities will be invisible to the consumer. However, the in-home display, a key component of tomorrow’s smart grid, may wind up on your kitchen counter or hallway wall. In-home displays are devices that inform home owners of the amount of electricity their homes are using in almost real time. The devices are connected—either directly or wirelessly—to your electric meter. In-home displays are being developed to provide a variety of information related to your energy use, including how many kilowatt hours you have consumed and how much money you are currently spending on electricity. Placing these devices inside homes could give consumers the real-time feedback they need to save energy. For the first time, you could see how much it actually costs to run your air conditioning or holiday lights. And with in-home displays, you might

8 OKLAHOMA LIVING

be less likely to find surprises when you open your monthly bill. Research conducted by the Arlington, Va.–based Cooperative Research Network (CRN) shows that most consumers who have an in-home display use less energy than those without one. Research also shows, however, that most homeowners stop paying attention to the devices after a few months. As with many electronic devices, they become part of the background noise of everyday life. Yet it appears that seeing the devices for just a couple of months has a long-term effect on a consumer’s electricity use behavior. Even after they stop paying attention to the devices, most homeowners still use 1 to 3 percent less energy than before.

Types of In-Home Displays

Displays connect to your meter either directly or wirelessly.

A small but growing number of utilities are conducting test pilots of in-home displays in order to better understand the effectiveness of these new products. To participate in a pilot, most homeowners must fit certain demographic characteris-

tics. Even though preliminary research shows that homeowners who have an in-home display use less energy, little is understood about who responds best to the devices or precisely how these consum-

CO-OP LIVING ers are cutting back on their energy use. These questions must be explored prior to a utility deploying an in-home display on a large scale. Consumers who want an in-home display don’t have to wait for their utility to offer one, however. Several third-party manufacturers offer in-home displays, which will report electricity use for the entire home or for one specific outlet. Consumers will need to program their electric rate into the device and make sure the device is installed correctly for it to work accurately. The devices will give homeowners an idea of how much energy they are consuming and how much is saved when, for example, they install energy-efficient lighting or turn down the thermostat. A whole-house in-home display, such as the one sold by Black & Decker, simply straps onto the outside of the meter and sends a signal to a countertop display. You will need to pick a model that works with your type of meter. Other devices, such as the Energy Detective (available at www.theenergydetective.com), connect to the breaker panel. These devices should be installed by a licensed electrician. Once installed, homeowners can accurately see how much electricity their homes are using. You can expect to pay $75 to $150 for an in-home display like these. Some devices allow you to connect only one appliance or power strip to the display. These devices are less expensive and can demonstrate how much

vary greatly, so if you purchase a display, you should verify that it will work with your meter and whether it will require professional installation. A few of Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives offer this technology in some form. Cimarron Electric provides displays for members with prepay accounts, and Oklahoma Electric and Central Rural Electric allow members to view energy use information online. Other co-ops might offer these services in the near future—so if you’re interested, look for infor mation in your co-op newsletter.

The Future In-home displays like the PowerCost Monitor™ are being developed to provide a variety of information related to energy use, including how many kilowatt hours you have consumed and much money you are currently spending on electricity. Hopefully this information will help consumers make easy, money-saving changes in their energy use.

e nergy many home devices are using. They can also show that many appliances continue to use energy even when they are turned off. These types of inhome displays cost $35 to $90.

Where to Get an In-Home Display In-home displays are available through several websites and some retail stores. Features and cost can

The question of whether in-home displays will catch on and become permanent fixtures in the American home is still open. Over the coming months, several utilities will begin pilot studies that will help determine the future of this product. However, for anyone who wants to take a proactive approach to understanding electric consumption (and who is willing to monitor the display regularly), the inhome display may be worth exploring. Knowledge is power, and understanding how you use energy could help you save some. The Cooperative Research Network monitors, evaluates and applies technologies that help electric cooperatives control costs, increase productivity and enhance service to their consumers. OL

APRIL 2010 9

Cultivate a garden of food and beauty Edible options diversify the typical residential landscape By Nan K. Chase

either snow nor rain nor heat, nor gloom of shady overhanging trees can stay these five fantastic edible landscape plants from becoming standards in the Oklahoma garden: crab apple, yucca, sunflower, native rose and pawpaw. “Forgiving,” I call these attractive plants. That’s another way of saying they aren’t terribly fussy about temperature or soil, don’t fall prey to pests or diseases and don’t need much pruning—and yet they all produce delicious food while adding garden drama throughout the year. At their blooming best, they attract birds, butterflies and beneficial insects into the yard, filling space with subtle motion. Fragrance, too. By paying attention to each plant’s favored growing conditions and matching them to particular microclimates, as I call them, any gardener

can pick and choose the strongest candidates for their yard. Some of these plants can even fix problem spots in the garden. Yucca grows best in thin, sandy soil, for example, where moisture can dissipate quickly, as at the top edge of walls. The lovely pawpaw tree needs shade to get established, so it is ideal as a specimen plant at the edge of woods or in deep shade. But eating yucca? Crab apples? Roses? Yes, yes and yes. Rose hips—the rather dry, seed-filled fruits of rose bushes—contain many times the vitamin C of orange juice and can be made into tea, syrup and sauce for basting roast meats. Yucca roots provide a delicate starchy food, and their magnificent flowers can be sautéed with onions for a savory relish. And crab apples yield delicious juice that will keep all winter if pas-

teurized or made into jelly. Here’s a short list of plants that can do well throughout Oklahoma without a great investment of either time or money, but which offer great rewards in beauty and fresh food.

Crab apple Prettier than it sounds, and more fun to eat, the rosy fruit of the crab apple tree (Malus coronaria) adds tang to apple pies and other standard apple dishes, and it makes an outstanding pinkorange jelly that’s works equally well on buttered toast or as a glaze for meat. Of all the many crab apple varieties, the Callaway Crab yields perhaps the sweetest fruit—quite juicy when ripe in early fall and wonderful as a childsize treat. Plant a crab apple tree or two for bright spring color, which can range from white to magenta, with many pink shades.

Yucca The yucca plant (Yucca filamentosa) looks good year-round—in summer with six-foot arrays of white flowers, in winter with snow resting in the evergreen crevices, and always with delicate curling filaments along the spiky leaves to soften their edges. Naturalizing freely, the yucca withstands frigid temperatures and high winds, as long as water doesn’t stand on the roots. Yucca can also tolerate blasting heat. The tuberous roots, cleaned and cored, can be boiled and then mashed or grilled and served as a delightful potato substitute. Yucca “fries” are good with spicy sauces.

Sunflower Sunflowers come in all shapes and s izes, annual and perennial, and thrive in habitats that favor either sun

Salty Roasted Sunflower Seeds Harvest ripe heads of Mammoth Russian or Russian Giant sunflowers as they begin to dry but before birds eat the seeds. Continue air drying the heads indoors on paper until seeds are completely dry, then rub individual seeds to remove them from the flower disk. Rinse seeds in water to remove dust, and soak overnight in salt brine—one half cup of salt to four cups boiling water. Drain. Bake at 180 degrees on a cookie sheet or in baking pans for two to three hours, turning seeds every half hour to ensure even baking. Do not overcook. Cool and store in clean jars.

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OPPOSITE LEFT: Crab apple blossoms attract butterflies and yield tangy child-sized treats. Crab apple jelly is great on toast or as a glaze for meats. Photo by Rebecca D’Angelo. OPPOSITE RIGHT: A signpost of summer—sunflowers feed birds, pollinators and gardeners alike. Photo by Nan K. Chase. ABOVE: A curling filament on a yucca leaf. The yucca has edible roots and blossoms. Photo by Nan K. Chase.

or shade, damp ground or dry. The best varieties for eating include the annual Mammoth sunflower grown from seed (Helianthus annuus), which grows up to 12 feet tall on thick stalks and produces pounds of seeds, and the perennial Jerusalem artichoke (or “sunchoke,” H. tuberosus), which grows as a wildflower and stores its starch in edible roots. Jerusalem artichokes are particularly attractive in a large yard, where their early-autumn blooms, tall and bright, attract goldfinches until first frost.

Native roses Roses bring cheer into the garden all year, especially hardy naturalizing species like the wrinkled rose (Rosa rugosa); bright red hips encased in ice look like glowing rubies. White or pink flowers can bloom throughout the growing season, and the bright green foliage looks fresh, even as other perennials begin to lose their allure in late season. Rose hips are packed with vitamin C, which is too tart to eat fresh but

excellent when cooked, strained and sweetened for further processing. Simply dried, the hips make a healthful tea that’s fine with honey.

Pawpaw The small tree called pawpaw (Asimina triloba) glows golden in autumn, with its large drooping leaves visible here and there in the forest. When grown in sun, the pawpaw can produce a lot of fruit; but young plants need protection from sun until established, and the long taproots must receive ade quate water. Pawpaw fruit is not well known in stores because when ripe it is too fragile to ship. The flavorful pulp of the beanshaped pods—sometimes one pound apiece—is creamy with tropical overtones. A beautiful native plant, pawpaw needs cross-pollination for fruit. Nan K. Chase is the author of Eat Your Yard! (2010, Gibbs Smith) and enjoys finding new ways to enjoy her own edible landscape. OL APRIL 2010 11

OKLAHOMA OUTSIDE

Traffic-stopping blooms

Basic tips to keep your azaleas looking beautiful this spring By Allan Storjohann

know of only one flowering plant that will cause a traffic jam: the azalea. Regardless of the location, whether it’s a narrow residential lane or a well-traveled thoroughfare, cars will line up in many Oklahoma communities this month to see the properties that have skillfully planted this marvelous spring-flowering evergreen. If you are a plant lover, I would imagine you have taken a drive or two into town to see the neighborhoods that are intensely planted with cheerful azaleas. Some of these special spots have showcased azaleas and other spring flowering trees and shrubs for more than 50 years, and the crowds keep coming! How have they kept the plants healthy and happy for so long? What are the secrets for success with this princess of all flowering shrubs? Some time ago, I followed a long line of cars to just such a special neighborhood in Oklahoma City. Every home in the housing addition was adorned with beautiful mature azaleas. The intensity grew as we drove along, increasing in measure from one house to the next until ultimately we arrived at what appeared to be a gigantic block party. Liter-

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ally hundreds of people were in the front yard in apparent wonder over the number and size of the plants. They were everywhere and absolutely jawdroppingly beautiful. The owner of the house was Jack London, a retired nurseryman with a serious passion for azaleas. His yard, which he opened to the public each spring during the peak bloom, was home to 600 specimens. Jack loved to share the secrets behind his success with anyone who would listen, and I took advantage of his knowledge on numerous occasions over the next ten years. It’s been 30 years since that first traffic jam encounter, but I still remember the tips and advice I received. The following are excerpts from some of the notes I took while visiting Jack.

Location First of all, azaleas bloom best when they get plenty of bright light. I could tell which of his plants received good sunshine in the morning and midday—they were much fuller with flowers than those in shadier spots. Morning sun, afternoon shade,

Azaleas do well in dappled light under trees and in spots with plenty of morning sun and afternoon shade.

OKLAHOMA OUTSIDE or dappled sunshine through thin canopies of tree branches are all good light situations for azaleas.

Soil Because azaleas die mostly from root rot resulting from poor drainage, it is critical that they are never placed in wet or poorly drained environments. The best way to establish a new plant—if the soil is poorly drained or is a tight clay—is to set the root ball on the surface of a newly dug bed and mound a prepared blend of equal parts of pine bark, peat moss and pecan hulls all around the plant roots. A wall or edging can hold the planting mix in the azalea bed.

Fertilizer Jack suggested fertilizing azaleas around the time they complete their bloom cycle. This way, they won’t form green shoots and leaves too early, covering up the beautiful blossoms. Many azalea fertilizer products are available that are specially formulated to lower the pH of the soil and provide necessary micronutrients.

Azaleas thrive in acidic soil. Pecan hulls are an ideal mulch because they decompose slowly, allow for ventilation and add acid to the soil.

Pruning

Jack’s plan for mulching was simple: Every fall, when they became available in bulk quantities, he applied a one-and-a-half-inch layer of pecan hulls around his plants. In the early summer, he would reapply as needed. Pecan hulls are slow to decompose, allow water and air to freely enter the planting bed and tend to acidify the soil.

Jack also taught me how to prune an azalea properly by selectively removing branches that are too tall. The trick is to follow the tall branch all the way down into the shrub to its connection to the next largest branch, and to cut it off flush. He warned me never to shear an azalea and to sterilize the pruner

between plants. Pruning after mid-July will remove the buds formed for the next spring’s bloom, so try to accomplish all pruning before the end of June!

Mulching

Thousands of cultivated varieties of azaleas have been developed over the past 50 years. Outstanding hybrids for Oklahoma can be seen in bloom at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove, Honor Heights Park in Muskogee, Woodward Park and the Linneaus Garden in Tulsa, and the Dallas Arboretum in northeastern Dallas. I hope you arrive early, before the traffic jams start this spring! OL

Reach Over 600,000 Readers Across Oklahoma with an ad in Oklahoma Living. Call Larry Skoch at 405-475-1455 APRIL 2010 13

T H I S ‘ N ’ T H AT

Readers seek information about towns: Cookson, Fawn and Welling Since 1969 the Oklahoma Bluegrass Club has been hosting family-friendly concerts. The next concert is Saturday, April 3, at Kerr Middle School in Del City. For more information call Pat Pogue at 405-760-3064. The Texoma Spring Garden Fling will be in Durant, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information email gingerleibcmg@yahoo.com. The Oklahoma State Beekeepers Association will meet April 10 at the Guthrie Fairgrounds. For more information visit www. okbees.org. Meno Fire and Rescue along with the Ringwood Masonic Lodge are holding their 32nd Annual Pancake and Whole Hog Sausage Supper on April 10 at the Meno gym from 5 to 7 p.m. They will be serving pancakes, whole hog sausage, homemade maple, blueberry, and Dutch honey syrup. Donations are encouraged. Oklahoma Blood Institute will be on hand to accept blood donations from 4 to 7 p.m. The Heartland New Day Bookfest will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 10 at 3001 S. Boulevard, Edmond. For more information visit www.hndbookfest.com. First United Methodist Church in Bixby is hosting Serendipity Market, a craft and vendor show and used book sale, Saturday, April 17, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., 15502 S. Memorial Drive, Bixby. For more information call 918366-4463. The 5th annual Rough Rider Cowboy Trade Day, Dutch Oven Cook-off and Barrel Race starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, at the Craig County Fairgrounds in Vinita. Reserving booth space now. The Dutch oven contest is open to any team, but you must be pre-entered by April 13. Contact Christy at 918-694-6127 or christyjo2003@ yahoo.com. The 11th annual Kids For Kindness Festival will be Sunday, April 18, from noon to 6 p.m. at Reaves Park in Norman. The free event offers children’s art and educational activities, tree climbing, a bounce house and ladybug release. For more information call 405-366-7229 or 405-366-5472. Sylvan Learning Center in Oklahoma City and Norman will host a free ACT practice test on Saturday, April 24, at 9:30 a.m. For Oklahoma City please call 405-842-7323 and Norman 405-321-6460 to register by Friday, April 23. Sylvan Learning Center of Oklahoma City is located at 1710-G Belle Isle Boulevard. Sylvan Learning Center of Norman is 16 OKLAHOMA LIVING

located at 3750 West Robinson Street. The 9th annual Smallmouth Rendezvous & Fly Tying Extravaganza will take place April 30 and May 1 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church in Tahlequah. Learn fly-fishing skills and see fly-tying demonstrations and competitions. Free admission. For more information call 918-456-9858. Inspiration Hill gospel concerts begin Saturday, May 1, at 7 p.m. The church is 2.5 miles north of Wellston at 880669 S. 3330 Road. Featured guests are the Tulsans Quartet, Nannette Vaughn and Vicki Binion. A love offering will be taken and concerts are held the first Saturday of each month, May through October. Did you attend school in Bokoshe? Join us on Saturday, May 8, at 4 p.m. for visiting and dinner. For ticket information call Martha Bell at 918-654-3722. Also, please remember Decoration Day at Old Bokoshe Cemetery is May 8 and 9. I am looking for a lady I met while attending East Central University in Ada in 1958. Her maiden name was Patsy Schutte. She lived in the Cromwell (Butner) area. She had a sister named Janie. Please contact Jimmie Nell Turpin at 580-892-3703. I am searching for a Johnny Lee album “For Lovers Only.” My husband was the guitar player and it was sold mainly at Gilley’s Club in Pasadena, TX. Contact Earlene Parker, 450383 Neosho Blvd., Afton, OK 74331 or 918-782-2735 or 918-782-7275. I am looking for any descendants of John W. McCarty, husband of Louise Carlton; Leonard McCarty, husband of Ida Bell McNeill; and Granville (Pete) McCarty, husband of Neva Hicks Wigley. They were from the area of McCarty, Wynnewood, Paoli and Pauls Valley. Pete and Neva’s son, Billy Don, was my dad and was from Pauls Valley. If anyone has any information, I would love to know. Thanks, Don McCarty, 42839 East County Road 1570, Wynnewood, OK 730989534. I’m looking for a reasonably priced 1987 shaft drive LT 230 Suzuki four-wheeler. I’ll be using it for parts, so it need not be running. Wilson Rice, 2067 N 3865, Dustin, OK 74839 or 918-716-0748. I have morning glory seed I would like to give away. If you are interested, please call or write me: Joan Stockstill, PO Box 944, Westville, OK 74965 or 918-723-5793. If the lady that wanted a copy of the music to Black Hawk Waltz would contact me, I

would be glad to send her a copy. Joyce Martin, 11025 E. 166th St. N., Collinsville, OK 74021.

before July 15, 2010 at petryfamilyreunion@ yahoo.com or PO Box 2741, Beaumont, TX 77704-2741.

I am looking for any descendants of Michael David Johnston/Johnson, married to Paralee Alabama McMahan/Mcmann in Selma, AL, in the 1850s. They lived in Texas and Polk County, Arkansas, and in the Choctaw Nation in the 1900 census. Michael David was a farmer, Methodist minister and doctor. He and Paralee had at least 10 children, many living in Polk County and Oklahoma. The children were Sarah, James M., Izora C., Lee Watson, Mittie, Laura Bell, Florence A., Lucinda A., Albert Sidney and Emma Mae. These children married into families of Randolph, Bivins, Smithwick, Spencer and others. Michael David was buried in Valliant Upton Cemetery in Valliant in 1903. Any information would be most appreciated. Please call Kay Johnston, 918-787-6145, or email lakehouse1952@att.net.

My church is seeking copies of an out-ofprint song book: “New Songs of Inspiration” Volume 10, copyright 1977 by John T. Benson Co., assigned 1982 to Stamps Baxter Music. Any amount of books will be appreciated. Contact Saundra Francis, 31100 W. Beaver Mountain Rd., Stigler, OK. 74462 or call 918-967-8973.

We recently moved out east of Checotah and have been told there was an old town on our place. It was called Fawn and they had a post office from 1898 to 1916. A man named Marian Coons established the town and built a store with a gristmill. The town was a stopping place for the farmers between Briartown and Checotah. Local people called the town Coon Town. I would like to find more history about the town. If anyone has information at all I would appreciate it. You can call me at 918-463-2352 or e-mail me at motrailrider@lycos.com. I am searching for information on a person by the name of Bios Steele. Mr. Steele would have been my great grandfather. Mr. Steele and his wife Pettie Bean, had a daughter, Ella Steele, who was my grandmother. Pettie Bean was a member of the Seminole Tribe. After her husband’s death, she made her home near Little River, southwest of Seminole. I understand my great grandfather Steele was killed in Sasakwa, OK. I have no knowledge of where he is buried. Grandmother Ella was born about 1888, so I’m talking about people born in the mid-1800s. If anyone has any information about my great grandfather, please contact me. Mary McCormick, 2039 North Ideal Street, Seminole, OK 74868. I would like to locate and purchase highimpedance headphones by Trimm, Signal Corps, US AAF or military issue. Please contact Lloyd Williams, 1808 Palm Drive, Grove, OK 74344. Calling all Petrys, Pitres, Petris, Petries and all related to the Petrys. Get ready for the Petry Mass Family Reunion to be held in Beaumont, Texas, July 15-17, 2011. We need to be able to contact all relatives with information on reunion agenda. Contact us

I’m looking for pictures of Cookson, Oklahoma before it was moved from the Tenkiller Lake area. The time period would be between the 1920s and early ’50s. Presentday Cookson is three miles northeast. Please contact Don Ballew at donballew@sbcglobal. net. You are invited to join Jag Sodhi for simple yoga exercises and enjoy relaxation, flexibility, health and peace of mind. Starting every Saturday from April 17 to June 12 from 10–11 a.m. at Lavender Valley Acres in Apache. For more information please call 580-588-2855, website:www.lavendervalleyacres.com. Please bring your own mat/cushion, wear comfortable clothes and consult with your medical doctor before practicing yoga or any exercise regimen. I am looking for a record or CD of Merle Haggard and Vern Oxford’s album “I Sure Need Her Now.” Wynema Brooks, 8414 E. 150 Rd., Stuart, OK 74570. I am looking for descendants of Patsy McGill (maiden name). She had three brothers: Marvin (who died at a very young age), Alvin and Calvin. I think Patsy was raised by her grandparents after her mother, Sypha, died. I think her father’s name was James or Jim. They were from around Daisy, OK. I think she may have married a Henderson and lived around Henryetta. If anyone has any information please call Patsy Lott at 918-4240007 or write to Patsy Lott, HC 75 Box 405, McAlester, OK 74501. I am looking for a Christian song that goes something like, “Walking the sea, the stormy sea, Jesus walking the sea.” If anyone knows the name of or has the words to this song, I would love to have them. J.A. Glenn, 1502 W. Seneca Street, Okmulgee, OK 74447 or e-mail me djg756@sbcglobal.net. I am looking for any old pictures and stories of Welling, Oklahoma. I am particularly interested in the railroad depot, schools, barbershop and churches. You can contact me at marshacoles@wmconnect.com or Marsha Coles, 26522 E 818 Road, Welling, OK 74471. I am looking for a gear sprocket for an Oliver #471 muck spreader. Please call Michael at 405-203-4902 or 405-348-7780. OL APRIL 2010 17

Future fiddlers The National Fiddler Hall of Fame honors great fiddlers and encourages the next generation By Laura Araujo

he popularity of fiddling goes back to a time when portable music didn’t involve iPods. According to Shelby Eicher, the vice president and education director for the National Fiddler Hall of Fame (NFHoF), fiddling was first introduced to this country when immigrants from Italy, Germany, Spain, Scotland and Ireland came to New England with their violins. As the instrument moved across the frontier, many new styles of fiddling emerged. Western swing, bluegrass, jazz and country are just a few. “Fiddle music was designed for dancing,” Eicher says. “The only way people could entertain themselves was to play music and dance.” The NFHoF is a Tulsa-based orga nization whose members want to ensure that future generations have the same opportunity to enjoy fiddling. The NFHoF was established in 2005, the vision of Bob Fjeldsted, the organization’s president and executive director. Fjeldsted has been part of the Oklahoma Fiddle Association for more than 20 years and currently serves as superintendent of its Northeast chapter. The group’s mission is “to honor individuals for their contributions to fiddling; to preserve, educate and promote the art of fiddling and its historical and social significance.” “Education is really the key to our organization,” Eicher says. “We serve the public in promoting the fiddle, showing them the history of where the fiddle has been throughout American history and where it’s heading as well. We are preserving the art form by teaching our kids.” Teaching the centuries-old art form to a new generation is one of Eicher’s personal passions. He got his first violin when he was five years old and began lessons at age eight. His grandmother had five great-uncles who were fiddlers; she played the piano, and they had a dance band. She took Eicher to festivals with a tape recorder

18 OKLAHOMA LIVING

so he could learn music by ear, just like the country’s first fiddlers did. But most of today’s fiddlers don’t have a rich family tradition to draw on, so the NFHoF’s outreach work is important. One of the group’s programs involves visiting schools in the Tulsa area. They present a program that teaches about the history of fiddling, which includes Oklahoma state history and a reenactment of the KVOO radio show that Bob Wills broadcasted in 1941 out of Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa. The group has received a donation from the Williams Foundation that will enable them to reach out to rural school districts as well. “The arts are the first area to struggle in a down economy, especially in rural areas,” says Bill Hurtle, NFHoF treasurer. Those interested in having the program come to their school can find more information on the NFHoF web site: www.nfhof.org. NFHoF also offers fiddle workshops and camps throughout the year. “We schedule top fiddlers to teach when they come to town,” Eicher says. 2010 Hall of Fame inductee Buddy Spicher will be teaching on April 24 while he is in Tulsa for the induction ceremony. Hot Club of Cowtown will host a workshop the day before the ceremony. In coordination with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, the NFHoF is planning a summer fiddling program as well. Two five-week sessions will be offered in Tulsa for students in grades 12 and younger. NFHoF board member Jana Jae is offering a fiddle camp in Grove during Labor Day weekend. The NFHoF also provides instructors for the Tommy Allsup Fiddle Camp at Northeast Technology Center in Claremore. According to Hurtle, the group does not currently have a scholarship program established, but is working to set one up for future years.

Shelby Eicher plays the fiddle for students at Hayward Smith Elementary School in Owasso. Education and youth outreach are key to the NFHoF’s mission.

For those who do not live in the Tulsa area, the NFHoF is taking a dvantage of technology to make educational opportunities available nationwide. Aspiring fiddlers can use the national registry of fiddle teachers on the NFHoF website to locate

Fiddle or Violin?

an instructor closer to home. Or students can sign up for online lessons, which take place via Skype video chat. The website also includes a “lick of the week” instructional video clip, a “recording of the month,” advice on (Continued on page 21)

Why the different names for the same instrument? “It’s like calling a car an automobile,” Shelby Eicher says. Fiddling is often associated with a broad range of styles, including Cajun, Celtic, bluegrass and blues. Traditionally, most fiddlers did not learn how to read music but played by ear —although many of today’s fiddlers do read music. Violin playing is often associated with classical music. However, one of the world’s premier violinists, Itzhak Perlman, who played for the movie Schindler’s List, affectionately refers to his violin as a fiddle, says Eicher.

(Continued from page 18)

how to purchase a violin, workshop schedules and many more fiddling resources. The NFHoF fulfills another aspect of its mission statement each year by inducting musicians who have made major contributions to the field of fiddling into the hall of fame. To date, eight individuals have been honored, including the father of western swing fiddling, Bob Wills, and country music star Roy Acuff. Three more will join their ranks April 23 during the organization’s inaugural gala at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. This year’s three inductees are Buddy Spicher, a Nashville-based country fiddler; the late Rufus Thibodeaux, a Cajun fiddler from Louisiana; and the late Joe Venuti, one of the first jazz violinists. Hot Club of Cowtown, a group well known for its jazz and western swing fiddling, will be the main act. Also performing will be Rockin’ Acoustic Circus, a band that is gaining attention at both the regional and national levels. Three of Circus’s six members were part of Oklahoma Stomp!, a band the NFHoF organized for young musicians. The inauguration is open to the public, and tickets are available at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Box Office or www.tulsapac.com. According to Eicher, the organization does not have a permanent location, but plans to

establish one within the next year in Tulsa’s Brady district. For now, the group gathers at the Ida Red Boutique in Tulsa’s Brookside district on the third Sunday of each month. Fjeldsted invites everyone to come listen—or play. OL Rick Morton, Shelby Eicher and Mark Bruner reenact the KVOO radio show as part of an education program. Photos by Esten Hurtle.

APRIL 2010 21

The missing link in local Entrepreneurs are always looking for the next big thing they can bottle and sell; April Harrington found 300. Or rather they found her. By Chelsey Simpson Photos by Katie Kerr

22 OKLAHOMA LIVING

t the age of 20, April Harrington graduated with a degree in fashion design and moved to the Pacific Northwest to work for a sportswear company. Today, she is an expert in dealing with bumper crops of okra. The life she never planned has turned out to be a good one, not just for her but for dozens of Oklahoma’s farmers and small food producers for whom Harrington’s business, Earth Elements, provides a necessary and unique service, closing a gap in the local food system. l l l l l l l l l l l l l

Harrington was a bright-eyed 21-yearold living in Seattle when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Ultimately, it wasn’t her illness but rather the cure that proved to be a lifechanging experience. “I came home to Oklahoma and spent about a year battling cancer,” she says. “A very good friend got me an herb book, and I used it to replace all of the pharmaceuticals I was on. I also found a new doctor, had more surgeries and was able to go into remission and eventually beat cancer.” Harrington returned to her job in Seattle with a newfound interest in herbs and healing and developed a line of natural body-care products that she made in her home. But the corporate world of fashion no longer suited her; she wanted a garden. Land in the Northwest was out of her price range, so her mother helped her hunt for a farm in Oklahoma. “One day my mom called and said, ‘I think we’ve found it!’ She sent me a box of dirt,” Harrington says. Earth Elements Farm was born. In addition to ingredients for her body-care products, Harrington started growing culinary herbs for restaurants. She also made use of the fruit trees on her property by canning jams and jellies, which she then sold in retail shops around the metro, unaware that she was breaking the law. In Oklahoma there are strict regulations dictating how processed food should be handled and labeled if it is intended for retail sale, and Harrington wasn’t playing by the rules. “When food changes hands in a whole product, it is not regulated; but when you start processing it, regulations start to apply,” she explains. Over the last 15 years she has learned a thing to two. “It also depends on my customer. If I sell to you as a direct

consumer, I don’t have as many regulations as if I sold products to a grocery store that then sold them to you. And the biggest list of regulations come when you start adding meat and dairy products.” So if Harrington had been content to give her jams and jellies away or sell them from her own farm stand, she would have been perfectly legal. But because she was entering the wider world of food commerce, she decided to build her first certified kitchen in 1999. l l l l l l l l l l l l l

To her collection of jams, jellies and herbs, Harrington added a few types of produce and partnered with a grocery store that wanted to buy organic. When the store deal fell through and she was left with no place to sell her goods, she headed to the farmers’ market. She soon found that her growing and canning skills went hand in hand. Market leftovers turned into relishes in her certified kitchen, which she then sold, allowing her to cut her financial losses and avoid food waste. Unsold produce is a problem most small growers face. Delicate products like tomatoes, greens and peaches won’t usually stay fresh from one

weekly market to the next, especially after being transported. “One thing I started seeing at farmers’ markets was that if it was a rainy day or there was a big football game, you brought home most of what you took,” Harrington says. “First you feed your neighbors and put up as much as you can for yourself, but farmers were loosing a lot of money.” Large commercial growers work on such economies of scale that loosing a few boxes of tomatoes is to be expected. Family farms can’t sustain such large, repeated losses. Many commercial growers treat their produce with waxes and chemicals to help them stay fresh, and they pick produce before it is ripe in order to extend its shelf life and help it survive transportation. But farmers’-market customers expect fruits and vegetables that are ripe and ready to eat—and there is a growing demand for chemical-free and organic goods. Since Harrington was already processing her own leftovers, she started buying surplus produce from other market sellers too. Soon, she had a revelation. “I had just started selling at the OSU-OKC market when we had a

downpour, and it just shut the market down for the day,” she says. “One of the vendors had ten cases of tomatoes, and he just didn’t know what to do with them, so I said I would take them home and put them into jars. I realized that that was my niche—that I was a much better processor than I was a grower.” l l l l l l l l l l l l l

Local food is becoming big business in Oklahoma. According to Doug Walton of Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, there were 58 officially registered Oklahoma-grown farmers’ markets in the state of Oklahoma last year, a figure that doesn’t take into account farm stands and other farm-toconsumer sales. Just three years ago there were only half as many markets. “According to the last census of agriculture, from 2002 to 2007 Oklahoma had the greatest rate of growth of any state in the number of farms with direct sales to customers, and we had the largest increase in terms of dollars,” Walton says. Waste management and distribution are key to any commercial industry, and local food is no different. Earth Elements is active on both of those fronts. “What April Harrington is doing is a huge resource to our local farmers and a key piece of the local foodsystem infrastructure,” Walton says. “The ability to take surpluses from local farmers and to turn those items into value-added commercial products—extending the life of fresh items that would otherwise get wasted—is such a benefit to local producers. We need something like what she is doing in every community, because farmers aren’t able to sell everything they’ve got.” After her initial experience as a savior for rained-out market tomatoes, Harrington’s business has continued to grow every year. She worked with 24 different producers last year and kept the contents of her product line 44 percent local. Earth Elements now offers more than 300 different products, a list that has grown in tandem with supply as well as demand. If there is extra okra, Harrington finds new ways to preserve it—and the same is true for every surplus piece of produce that crosses her path. “Last year, I had a call from a farmer who said, ‘I am watching my whole CLOCKWISE: Tomatoes ready to be processed, wheat berries ready to grind. Earth Elements employee Sarah Shore peels fruit.

APRIL 2010 23

The distribution link

By Jeff Simpson ext time you sit down at your favorite restaurant, ask the waiter where their food comes from. Chances are, it won’t be a local farmer. A handful of large distribution companies provide most of the food products used by the hospitality industry, and it can be very difficult for small producers to work with them. However, one man is dedicated to changing the way we eat in Oklahoma. Two years ago, Matthew Burch founded Urban Agrarian—a local distribution service that procures food from local farmers and producers around the state and delivers those products directly to restaurants, consumers and Farm to School programs. Burch first got the idea for Urban Agrarian in 2001 while working at Oklahoma City’s La Baguette Bistro under the tutelage of owners Michel and Alain Buthion. “When I was younger, I thought Red Lobster was a ‘nice’ restaurant,” Burch says. “Then I started working at La Baguette alongside Michel and Alain and watching them get excited about cooking fresh, local produce and herbs. It completely changed my conception of what a ‘nice’ restaurant looks like.” From La Baguette, Burch went on to work as the lead farm hand for Walker Farms, a 40-acre, certified organic farm in Georgia. By selling surplus produce to area restaurants, he helped the farm transition from operating on a deficit to generating revenue. The experience helped him see the need and potential for a local food distribution system. “For me,” Burch says, “it’s all about the simple concept of division of labor. I love to farm and get my hands in the soil. I love to experiment in the kitchen. But my skills really lend themselves to connecting with people and find- Matthew Burch picks up products from ing ways to fill voids in any system Earth Elements farm I’m working with. There’s a real need for distribution, and I feel like I’m in the right place at the right time, offering the right solution to a real problem.” Urban Agrarian’s business model brings farm-fresh food to city people with the help of new technology and a lot of careful planning. Burch relies on his website (www.uaoklahoma.com) and social networking applications to coordinate orders and communicate with customers. He is also contracting with area farmers and producers to grow crops specifically for Urban Agrarian in order to decrease loss and uncertainty for everyone involved. Crow & Sons Farms, owned by Canadian Valley Electric members Ricky and Claudia Crow, is Burch’s newest producer partner. What makes Crow & Sons Farms unique is that it remains a family operation. After acquiring college degrees, the Crows’ sons returned home to work on the farm. But despite having such a devoted and educated crew, the Crows have trouble keeping up with demand. According to Claudia, roughly 90 percent of their production is sold directly to the public at farmers’ markets, which requires a lot of time and effort. “We were looking for another outlet for our produce because we’re always in the fields and don’t have to time to deliver everything we grow,” Claudia says. “With Matthew and Urban Agrarian, we don’t have to worry about selling everything. We can do what we love—grow food.” In addition to restaurant deliveries, Urban Agrarian sells a variety of local products at several farmers’ markets in the Oklahoma City metro, including a year-round market at the corner of 23rd St. and Hudson. Future plans include a home delivery service. Earth Elements is also one of Urban Agrarian’s biggest partners, and their products can be found at all Urban Agrarian markets. Producers interested in working with Burch should send an email to info@uaoklahoma.com. OL

Pineapple-upside-down muffins cool on a rack in Earth Element’s bakery.

field of squash get destroyed by a hail storm!’” Harrington says. “Normally in a situation like that, I couldn’t use that product because it would be too damaged, but I told her that if she would harvest it and get it to me within six hours I would see what I could do. She was here within three hours, and we stayed late and processed 1,000 pounds of squash— we diced it, sliced it, shredded it and put it in the freezer. It has since become squash soup, squash fritters and squash relish.” As her business grew, Harrington was able to hire employees. The fact that she is creating jobs in a rural area is something she takes very seriously, and she does everything she can to keep her staff busy year-round. To cope with the winter produce lull, she expanded her product line to include baked goods using Oklahoma wheat flour, and she occasionally takes localfood catering jobs as well. When her kitchen isn’t busy cranking out everything from frozen blackbean burritos to pineapple-upsidedown muffins, Harrington rents her space to other local producers who need a commercial kitchen to process their value-added products. Nine businesses took advantage of the opportunity last year, helping the local food chain grow by a few more links. l l l l l l l l l l l l l

The importance of local food and preservation is of growing interest to a decidedly non-local group: Washington D.C. policy makers. The interest is due mostly to the issue of food security—a phrase that encompasses concerns about bioterrorism, as well as supply and distribution logistics. In the midst of these debates, regulators are struggling to find a place for Harrington and other producers like her who are often painted with the same regulatory brush as their industrial food counterparts despite the fact that instead of competing in the 24 OKLAHOMA LIVING

global market, their products barely cross county lines. “I think our global food system as a whole is very insecure,” Harrington says. “Because we haven’t had a local system in a long time, I don’t think regulators realize the implications it could have in terms of increased food security.” She believes her kitchen is much safer than large facilities. If a bioterrorist was able to contaminate one ingredient in an industrial production line, the health of millions of people could be at risk. “We are really focused on food safety and making sure we do things the right way,” Harrington says. “I know where all the ingredients come from when I make something. Every time food products change hands, I think they are more vulnerable. These [tomatoes] came from the grower this morning. They have changed hands one time with my distribution person. I have the same direct link with many of my consumers.” Harrington believes improved regulations tailored to accommodate small, local producers will allow other certified kitchens to get off the ground. The competition is something she welcomes. “A lot of people walk into my place and say, ‘Wow—you are the future,’ and I say, ‘actually I am the past.’ Food preservation is something my grandmother taught me, and it is part of our heritage,” she says. If there is room in the local food chain for a fashion designer with no farm experience, Harrington hopes the growing industry will embrace many more unlikely entrepreneurs just like her. Look for Earth Elements products at www.oklahomafood.coop, metroarea farmers’ markets and a growing list of retail locations. For more information, visit www.earthelementsfarm. com or call 405-872-3722. OL

APRIL 2010 25

O K L A H O M A T R AV E L S

No Reservations:

Be an agritourist and enter to win prizes

orking farms and ranches are opening their gates and barn doors to let travelers take in their natural beauty and expe rience Oklahoma’s generous hospitality. Oklahoma’s agritourism program is growing statewide, and activities are often led by farmers and ranchers themselves, who were just a few hours earlier working cattle or harvesting crops. Is it hard to believe that people will pay to experience the things that many of us do as daily chores? It’s true. Agritourism is a way for farmers and ranchers to diversify their income while providing educational opportunities for tourists looking to experience things they don’t encounter in their daily lives. Oklahoma’s agritourism destinations provide very hands-on vacations, which make great memories for travelers wanting to connect with each other and the land. A new Adventure Passport online contest recently launched and is a fun and easy way for travelers to win big prizes just for exploring Oklahoma’s agri tourism destinations. The Adventure Passport contest runs now through December 2010, and entering is easy. Just follow these three steps: 1. Visit one of Oklahoma’s hundreds of unique and memorable agritourism attractions, such as wineries, guest ranches, birding tours, hunting destinations, u-pick farms and more.

2. Upload your story and photos on the contest website (http://agritourism.travelok.com) to get your passport “stamped.” 3. Receive one entry for every photo and story you share. Prizes will be given away monthly, in addition to a grand-prize drawing in December. All you have to do to be eligible is set up your log-in information. Every time you upload photos from an Oklahoma Agritourism attraction, you add to your chances of winning either the monthly or grand prizes. The Adventure Passport website will also give you ideas for future agritourism road trips, and it even has tools for posting your photos and story to your Facebook page. Oklahoma’s depth and breadth of agritourism attractions makes it easy for travelers to find a diverse range of experiences close to home. It doesn’t matter what region of the state you’re in—it’s easy to find an agritourism destination worth visiting. One of the most popular spring agritourism categories is called “land bounty” and includes attractions such as seasonal u-pick farms, specialty crops like lavender, as well as farmers’ markets. Oklahoma typically enjoys multiple growing seasons, so you might harvest everything from strawberries and blueberries to pumpkins and corn (which make for fun-filled corn mazes, of course). U-pick farms are a

TravelOK.com

By Lindsay Vidrine

Raspberry picking at Sorghum Mills in Edmond.

fun, hands-on way to show kids—or yourself—where food comes from and how it is grown. More than 500 events and attractions can be found on the Oklahoma Agritourism website at http://agritourism.travelok.com. Free copies of agritourism brochures are also available by calling 800-652-6552, or they can be ordered online at www.TravelOK.com. OL

APRIL 2010 27

OKLAHOMA EVENTS

April

April 3 Oklahoma Bluegrass Club Music Festival, Del City 405-677-1509

April 12–17 Symposium of the American Indian, Tahlequah 918-444-4350

April 9 Circuit of Art, Norman 405-360-1162

April 15–25 Bare Bones International Film & Music Festival, Muskogee 918-616-1264

April 9–11 National Barrel Horse Association Finals, Shawnee 405-570-1212 Southwest Street Rod Nationals, Oklahoma City 209-474-0103

April 17 Art in the Vineyard, Drumright 866-258-1903

April 17 Bud Break, Okemah 918-623-2250

Herbal Affair & Festival, Sand Springs 918-245-5082

Fort Reno Ghost Tours, El Reno 405-262-3987

April 23–24 Red Fern Festival, Tahlequah 918-456-3742

April 17–18 Arts & Heritage Festival, Stillwater 405-372-0025 Main Street Fine Art Show, Cherokee 580-596-3575

April 15–18 Rattlesnake Festival, Apache 580-588-2880

Corvette Expo, Enid 580-336-8135

Oldies Club Tractor Show & Parade, Hennessey 405-853-6600

April 9 Jazz Stroll, Enid 580-234-1052

Spring’s A Bloom Festival, Blackwell 580-363-4195

April 16–17 Cruizin’ the Chisholm Trail Car & Motorcycle Show, Duncan 580-252-8696

April 9–11 Waynoka Rattlesnake Roundup 580-273-5337

Spring into Summer Craft Show, Enid 580-455-2273

Roman Nose Hills Trail Ride, Watonga 580-623-4215

Living History on the Chisholm Trail, Kingfisher 405-375-5176

Northwest

April 3 Fly-In, Ponca City 580-767-0470

April 10 Hometown Hootenanny, Hennessey 405-853-6212

April 30–May 2 Okeene Rattlesnake Roundup, Okeene 580-822-3101

Governor Seay Ball, Kingfisher 405-375-5176

Pioneer Days Celebration & PRCA Rodeo, Guymon 580-338-3376

April 10–18 Cimarron Territorial Celebration & Cow Chip Throwing Contest, Beaver 580-625-4726 April 16 Hawley Volunteer Fire Department Annual Fish Fry 580-839-2480 April 16–17 Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ CookOff, Enid 580-548-8194 April 16–21 Lesser Prairie Chicken Festival, Woodward 918-809-6325

Southwest

April 1 Montmartre Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival, Chickasha 405-574-1303 April 2 First Friday Art & Antique Stroll, Mangum 580-782-2444 April 4 Holy City of the Wichitas Easter Passion Play, Lawton 580-429-3361 April 8–10 SWOSU Rodeo, Weatherford 580-774-3063

April 23–25 Birding & Heritage Festival, Jet 580-626-4794

April 10–11 Rattlesnake Hunt, Waurika 580-228-2553

April 24 Classic Car Show, Waynoka 580-515-7509

Southwest Farm & Home Expo, Elk City 580-225-0207

28 OKLAHOMA LIVING

April 18 Weatherford Horse Show 580-772-7744 April 22–25 Spring Bluegrass Festival, Duncan 580-255-7042 April 23–24 Great Plains Antique Tractor Show, Hobart 580-726-2504 April 23–25 Duncan Lake Trail Ride 580-252-5292 Rattlesnake Derby, Mangum 580-782-2434 April 29 Chisholm Trail Stampede 5K Run & Walk, Duncan 580-252-2900 April 30–May 1 Duncan Crafts, Arts and Hobbies Show 580-255-0471 Central

April 2–3 Home & Garden Show, Stillwater 405-743-4354 First Friday Gallery Walk, Oklahoma City 405-525-2688 April 2–May 2 Thoroughly Modern Millie, Guthrie 405-282-2800

April 16–18 Bikelahoma, Pryor 866-310-2288

April 19 Day of Remembrance, Oklahoma City 405-235-3313 April 22–24 Land Run Festival, Choctaw 405-390-8198 April 23–24 89er Day Parade & Bluegrass Festival, Norman 405-677-8711 April 24–25 Norman Music Festival 405-579-3693 April 28–May 1 Tumbleweed Calf Fry, Stillwater 405-377-0075 April 29–May 1 Skyline Bluegrass Festival, Wewoka 405-677-1509 April 30–May 2 Rose Rock Music Festival, Noble 405-872-5535 Northeast

April 1–30 Azalea Festival, Muskogee 918-684-6302 April 3–4 Arts & Crafts Show, Muskogee 918-684-6363 April 9–11 Spring Traders Encampment, Bartlesville 918-336-0307 April 10 Okmulgee in Bloom 918-758-1015 April 10–11 Wanenmacher’s Tulsa Arms Show 918-492-0401 Tulsa Art Studio Tour 405-879-2400

April 23–25 International Carp Tournament, Hominy 918-885-4939 April 24 Herb & Plant Festival, Jenks 918-227-1528 Route 66 Cruise Night, Miami 918-542-9693 April 29–May 1 Family Festival, Jennings 918-757-2500 Southeast

April 3 Dogwood Days Festival, Idabel 580-286-3305 April 10 Indian Festival Powwow, Talihina 918-567-2539 April 16–17 Green Frog Festival, Wilburton 918-465-2254 April 16–18 APHA Trail Ride, Talihina 918-567-4200 April 17 Mega Bull, Durant 580-924-1550 April 22–25 Spring Mountain Trail Ride, Octavia 580-244-7261 April 24 Junior Ranger Day, Sulphur 580-622-7234 April 30–May 1 Bluegrass Festival & Motorcycle Show, Poteau 918-647-8648

Do you have an event you would like to see in the calendar? Send the details to editor@ ok-living.com or P.O. Box 54309, OKC, OK 731541309.

Plantation shutters weather the economy

Local business succeeds with quality product and customer service By Gail Banzet

Quality counts No matter the size or shape of window, Tietz says he can build a shutter for it, and no two orders are ever the same. So far, his employees have crafted shutters out of 50 different types of wood in shapes that vary from standard rectangles to sunbursts and arches. The company’s main service area includes all of Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas, but the Stillwater business owner says he has sold and installed shutters in just about every state. He’s even had a few famous clients over the years: Woody Allen, Julie Andrews and Wayne Gretzky have purchased Kirtz shutters. Once the shutters are installed, Tietz and his crew 30 OKLAHOMA LIVING

Gail Banzet

hen Chris Tietz began working as a subcontractor more than 20 years ago, he never thought his interest in carpentry would turn in to a successful, long-lived business venture. The Central Rural Electric member is founder and owner of The Shutter Mill Inc., a custom-made shutter company based in Stillwater. While working as a carpenter in 1987, one of Tietz’s clients requested shutters with wide slats for his home. Even though Tietz had never built that type of shutter before, he completed the project, and more orders for his custom window treatments began to trickle in. He knew he was onto something. “We took them to home shows and marketed them to interior designers and home builders,” Tietz says. “Shutters inside a house were a new idea back then.” Indoor shutters provide an alternative to drapes, blinds and other window coverings. While they can usually be opened like small doors, their real advantage is their louvers, or slats, which can be adjusted to let in varying amounts of sunlight. Plantation shutters, like the Kirtz brand made at The Shutter Mill, feature wide louvers (three to four inches) that result in a more upscale, polished look. Tietz says the market for plantation shutters was very limited in the early 1990s, but it grew tremendously. Like any company, The Shutter Mill has seen its ups and downs due to economic conditions; but that hasn’t stopped Tietz and his core group of employees from manufacturing a quality product. “At one time we had up to 60 employees, but our numbers are lower now because of the economy and more updated mechanization in the plant,” he says. “But we’re still a hardwood-shutter company, where every order is custom made.” A slower rate of new-home construction has caused a decrease in the number of orders coming in, but the fact that the shutters add value to a home and increase energy efficiency have helped the company continue to make sales. “They block out light and are beautiful to look at, plus they trap air and create another form of insulation,” Tietz says. “The shutters basically double the R-value [insulation rating] of a window.”

TOP: Shutters are a handsome substitute for blinds or drapes and can increase the energy efficiency of a home. They can be custom ordered in any shape, size, design or color to fit any window. LEFT: Chris Tietz began making shutters in 1987 as a carpenter. RIGHT: John Pavlu is a 21-year veteran at The Shutter Mill. He said he enjoys working in the shop atmosphere, where he has the opportunity to work on several different special projects.

focus on customer service. No matter how old the shutter, a Shutter Mill employee is always on call to fix any problems. To Tietz, that is a big advantage. “We’ve taken care of a lot of people and pride ourselves on repeat customers,” he says. Edmond homeowner Cinda Cook is a big fan of Kirtz shutters. She and her husband had a set installed 21 years ago when they built their house. “We would’ve had to replace curtains a couple of times by now,” she says. “We like the look and function of the shutters, and when the guys recently came out to fix a small problem with one of the them, there was no charge.”

Cook says the shutters were definitely worth the investment. Tietz has made a similar investment in his employees. Many of the workers in his shop are long-time veterans of the company and truly enjoy what they do. “Everything I’ve learned about woodworking, I’ve learned here,” says Chad Cuskey, who has been with The Shutter Mill for nine years. “The atmosphere involves working with something different every day.” The Shutter Mill’s employees are a close-knit group of Stillwater locals, who Tietz says are the “cream of the crop.” John Pavlu has been with the company for 21 years and is known around the

shop as an old-school specialty woodworker. “I’ve learned how to fabricate all kinds of arches and moldings,” Pavlu says. “And I’ve been on a firstname basis with the boss for a long time.”

Innovation While the Shutter Mill crew continues filling orders, Tietz works to keep his small business in the game. He says it’s a challenge trying to be the “right size” in today’s economy, but relationships with other local businesses have been beneficial. When The Shutter Mill needed a new location in 1991, their electric generation and transmission cooperative helped out. “We got an economic development loan from

KAMO Power, and they made it possible for us to buy this building,” he says. “It helped us grow and advance our business.” When Tietz first started, he worked out of a 3,000square-foot space, but with the help of KAMO Power and several building additions, they now have a 35,000-square-foot factory that is served by Central Rural Electric. The Shutter Mill is currently involved in a project with Oklahoma State University to develop motorized shutters. While it might sound lazy to open your windows with a remote control, Tietz says the new design will really be helpful for people with hard-to-reach shutters. “OSU’s New Product Development Center is

working with the mechanical engineering department to develop a gear box for motorized shutters,” Tietz says. “We’ve got our patent, and we’re real close to putting them on the market.” Other projects, such as light-sensitive and heat/ cold sensitive shutters, are also ways the company is trying to stay up with the times. But Tietz says a quality product and extensive customer service are what really set his business apart. “We’ve been at this awhile, relying on a good Oklahoma work ethic and innovation, and looking for ways to improve our product all the time.” Learn more about The Shutter Mill and their products at www.kirtz.com or call 800-416-6455. OL

APRIL 2010 31

Barn, sweet barn

Oklahoma Living’s most popular story By Shelley Berry Hillsberry

Editor’s Note: We are always happy when readers call and tell us how much they love a particular article, and we often receive requests for copies of old stories or issues. Recipes are always popular as are stories about rebate programs and energy-saving tips. But our single most requested article over the past 10 years is about a house Oklahoma Living’s former editor, Shelley Berry (Hillsberry), built in 2000, when she was a single girl on a tight budget. Shelley’s house is actually what many people call a pole barn, a construction choice that saved her money and allowed her to incorporate other attractive features. Shelley no longer lives in her first house—she is now married and has two children—but she liked her “barn house” so much that she built another one. Her current home is about 5,000 square-feet, but like her first house, it is made out of metal. Shelley’s parents currently live in her first home, which recently appraised for at about triple its original cost. Inspired readers who are ready to break ground on their own barn house should keep in mind that the prices listed in the story were accurate in 2000; current costs are hard to estimate but would probably be significantly more. Part of the secret behind Shelley’s thrift was that she bought the materials herself and didn’t go through a building company.

ffordable housing has long been a concern in rural Oklahoma. The joy of living in a small town is sometimes dampened by the lack of housing. Many options exist for people looking for a place to live, but sometimes those options are out of reach for single people or a family just getting started. Upon graduation from college, I set out to find an affordable, comfortable place to live. I was tired of apartment life and wanted a home. My parents allotted me a section of land on which to place a mobile home, so I went shopping. I was amazed at the cost of doublewide homes, which reached up to $75,000. Being a native Oklahoman and knowing our weather, I wasn’t sure I would feel safe in a mobile home. The next step was to look into building a house. At the time, the cost per square foot

32 OKLAHOMA LIVING

to build was $67. This would mean that a 1,500 square-foot house would cost me over $100,000 to build. That was definitely out of my price range as a single person. I knew there had to be an alternative. After a discussion with my father, we decided that a pole barn could easily be built and converted to a home on the inside. That discussion led to my unique house. The foundation was set and a crew of three was hired to build the pole barn. The barns are available in a variety of colors and sizes. I decided on an eggshell color with hunter green trim. The barn is 1,500 square-feet with a large front and back porch. The porches give the barn more of a home look and feel. We placed all the windows on the north and south sides of the house to help with cooling and heating costs. There are also two side-lights on each side of the door.

ABOVE: With a claw-foot tub and carpeting, the home’s decor is anything but barn-like. LEFT: The home has a welcoming front porch.

All the studs in the house are metal instead of wood, which makes the home more resistant to fire and allows each room to be perfectly square. Metal studs are comparable in price to wood studs and can be removed and re-set easily. The inside of the house was built exactly the same as a stick-built home. My father and I designed the floor plan, so I was able to have the rooms just the way I wanted them. The house was designed to be space efficient by eliminating hallways and placing rooms in arrangements that lowered the cost of plumbing and electrical supplies. The bathrooms are backed up to each other allowing them to share most of their plumbing. Along one wall is the laundry room and kitchen, which keeps all the plumbing together. Another efficiency measure was placing the plumbing in the foundation—this keeps everything out of the walls and aids in eliminating freezing problems. Another unique feature of my home is the amount of insulation in the attic. The attic has an R factor of 38, which keeps my heating and cooling bills to a minimum. Additionally, the outside walls have 8 inches of insulation as well as a vapor barrier. During the hot summer months, my all-electric electric house never had a bill over $60. The insulation also solves the most common question I am asked: “Can you hear it when it rains?” No. Other benefits of a barn home include insurance rates. My insurance agent was a little surprised, but did a little research when it came to my home insurance. A steel building is considered hail proof and fire proof, which offers big discounts. I was able to insure the cost of my house at double its value for $33 per month. The most important thing when building a house is to shop around; compare cost and

quality. Many stores offer a wide variety of discontinued flooring in a range of patterns and styles. The prices are usually negotiable, so don’t be afraid to ask. Another big expense is appliances. I shopped many dent sales, clearance sales and going-out-of-business sales only to find that the same merchandise can be purchased at a lower price at some building supply stores. Let’s not forget the other major purchase in the home—furniture. Filling an entire house full of furniture can be a chore and very expensive. The best place to find great deals are auctions. My entire living room set was purchased at auction for $300. The set was still wrapped in the original plastic and was brand new. Many auction houses receive overflow from furniture stores, so if you’re patient, this is a great way to save. Another feature of my house that really made it a home was the way it was built. Growing up in rural Oklahoma, I have learned that the best things to have are friends and family. Many people chipped in to help give me the “extras” that make the house unique. The closets are completely cedar lined and the rooms are trimmed in oak. A special oak platform gives a perfect step for the claw-foot bathtub in my 10-by-12 foot bathroom. A 42-inch solid oak front door makes this barn definitely look prestigious. Now, I’m sure you are wondering what the final cost of this home was. An amazing $35,000. This means that my building cost per square foot was $23.33, almost a third of normal building cost. This cost included all appliances and furnishings. The building cost will vary for everyone depending on current building prices, how much work you do on your own and many other factors. I was fortunate enough to have much of the work done by friends and family. I believe that with a little creativity and a little support, anyone can own their own home. At 25, I own my home free and clear. We have to get away from the belief that all homes have to look the same and be built the same. To me, my home is truly “barn sweet barn.” OL Shelley Berry now lives in Hanna with her husband, James, and their two children, James and Avery.

APRIL 2010 33

TRADING POST The Oklahoma Living Trading Post

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• The minimum is $15.00. • Ad deadline is the 10th of the month preceding the issue. • ENCLOSE PAYMENT WITH AD. • Mail payment and ad to: Oklahoma Living Trading Post P.O. Box 54309 Oklahoma City, OK 73154-1309. If using a P.O. Box number in your ad, you must enclose a street address and telephone number for our records.

Special Notices MEDICARE SUPPLIMENTS (PLAN F) Age 65 rates starting at $86 per month. Call for details and qualifications. Oklahoma City. 1-800-375-6677. WANTED! OLD CARS. Hard tops and convertibles. Running or not. 918-482-3272.

Business Opportunity NATURE’S SUNSHINE PRODUCTS- The herb Specialists. The highest quality herbal, vitamins, nutritional supplements, worldwide. Free catalog packet. Independent distributor. 580-212-3079.

START your own HOME BUSINESS. Quilting machines - all types. Embroidery machines home and industrial. New and used. We also repair all makes. Guaranteed. The Stitching Post. 5928 NW 16th Oklahoma City. 4954699. Toll-free - 1-866-679-8947. ROOFS KILLING YOU? Instant renew roof quotings (sm). Save replacement, all metal, flat, roofs. Hotels, factories, schools, offices, farms. Mfg direct 573-489-9346. WATKINS SINCE 1868. Top ten home business. 350 products everyone uses. Start under $50. FREE catalog packet. 1-800352-5213. RECESSION PROOF BUSINESS. Our top appraisers earn over $100,000/year appraising livestock and equipment. Agricultural background required. Classroom or Home Study courses available. 800-488-7570 www.amagappraisers.com.

PLAY GOSPEL SONGS by ear! Add chords. 10 easy lessons $12.95. “Learn Gospel Music.” Chording, runs, fills - $12.95. Both $24. Davidson’s, 6727RON Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204.

Real Estate

213190 Judy Circle, McCloud. 1788 sq ft 3 bed 2 bath (5 acres) Call Michelle at 405-834-7792 CB. 2246 County Road 1341 (5 acres), Blanchard. 3 BED 2 BATH 1632 sq ft. Call Michelle at 405- 834-7792 CB.

5 ACRES AND BRICK HOME FOR SALE. South Central OK. 3 bedroom, 2 bath with 2 car garage. 60x60 red metal barn with stalls and pens. 20x24 insulated red metal shop building. Well, storm cellar, landscaped, pipe fencing. Additional 5 acres available. Call 580-276-3925.

40 ACRES WITH HOME, pond, fenced, outbuildings, barn. Nowata, OK. 918273-0631, myrna7@ymail.com

MANUFACTURED HOME OWNERS Insurance Premiums going up? A phone call could save you hundreds on your home insurance. 1-800-725-5736. Associates Insurance Services

Mobile Homes

40 ACRES WITH 2 BEDROOM COTTAGE, Our weekend getaway, fully furnished, all utilities, creek with 2 ponds, 44x60 Morton Style Building, 2 wells with septic, 1 RV pad with 8x8 storage, land 1/2 clear, 1/2 wooded, Frontage on paved road, 35 miles from OKC, NO AGENTS, 469-2126659 after 2 pm. barev@charter.net.

SPIRAL STAIRS, Custom built, all steel, top quality workmanship, good prices, call for brochure. 479-273-9439. Bentonville, AR. Www.bioironinc.com. 96 CLAYTON DREAM 28x56, 3+2, rock fireplace, OSB floors, thermopane windows, wood cabinets, only $29,900. 918-6837791. HURRY! $8,000 TAX CREDIT for new home purchases ends April 30th! 80 Homes ready for delivery. 918-683-8400. Special Auction Purchase, OVER 40 MOBILE HOMES 2004-2006 most with shingle roofs, 3 & 2 bedrooms, never lived in, starting at $19,900. 918-683-4973. MOBILE HOME LIQUIDATION, Shingle, vinyl, thermopane windows, wood cabinets, glamour bath, plush carpet, never lived in, like new homes price like repo’s. Call 918-683-7791.

PIANO TUNING PAYS: Learn with American Tuning School home-study course. 1-800497-9793.

Instruction, Books LEARN CHORD PLAYING. Amazing new book Piano, Organ $12.95. Davidson’s, 6727RRN, Metcalf, Shawnee Mission, KS 66204. LAKE CABIN FOR SALE Ft. Cobb. 800 square feet. Detached garage. On 3 lots. $50,000. 405- 381-9937. BEAUTIFUL NEW HUNTING LODGE on 540 acres, located in Tillman County on Red River - Deer, Turkey, Quail, Ducks and Dove - CENTURY 21 Altus Prestige 580482-0621, 580-335- 1572. Betty Dosher, Broker Associate. VINITA “MINI RANCH” Custom home with guest quarters 3000+ sq. ft. on approximately 7 acres. This home has everything you need in today’s lifestyle. Enjoy the country life, but need all the amenities to work from home. Carla 918-323-2023. ONE BEDROOM FURNISHED CONDOMINIUM. GATED SECURITY. FALCONHEAD RESORT (falconheadgolf.com). $37,900. Call 903-825-3307 (pwd1111@embarqmail.com). 32x80, 2x6 WALLS, TAPE AND TEXTURED DOUBLE ON 10 AC. 4 miles from Eufaula Dam with 30x50 cement floor shop and pond lot Wild Life & Secluded. $97,500. 918-484-2434

MOBILE HOME OWNERS Insurance premiums going up? A phone call could save you hundreds on your home insurance. 1-800-725-5736. Associate Insurane Services. 2005 CLAYTON 3+2, shingle roof, tan plush carpet, appliances, air, never lived in, $23,900. 918- 683-3707. 99 FLEETWOOD 28x76, 3+2, island kitchen, fireplace, open floor plan, OSB floors, GC only $35,900. 918-683-4973.

Home & Kitchen CROCHETED NAMES for birthday, friend, any occasion. $5 per letter. 580-5639470 OUTSIDE WOOD HEATER $1595. Houses, mobiles, shops. Low cost shipping. Www. heatbywood.com. 417-581-7755 Missouri. Above ground STEEL SAFE ROOMS. 918629-2707. CUSTOM WOODWORKING: Carving, Turning, Antique Furniture Restoration, Fine Handmade Furniture. 35+ years experience. Www.AmericanFurnitureMaker.com. 405-420-2226.

Farm Equipment FLEXICOIL 200 FIELD CULTIVATOR, 32 ft wide, excellent condition, fully serviced, ready to go. $4,000. 580-467-8844. KUSEL BULLS have won more independent gain tests than any Limousin herd in the U.S. Large selections of big, stout, gentle, easy calving herd sires. 405-643-2884.

Livestock 20 YOUNG BLACK BRED COWS. $925 each. 18 Charolais and mostly black pairs. From young to 8 years old. $1,000 per pair. Some big calves. 580-549-6222 home, 580-678-5759 cell. BRANGUS BULLS, Fertility tested, gentle, calving ease, $1,500, delivery available. Horsehead Ranch, Oologah, OK. 918-6952357. REG LIMOUSIN BULLS AND HEIFERS, Open and bred, black, polled, calving ease, gentle, and some homozygous top genetics that work. Wildhorse Valley 405-517-3824 or 279-3398.

34 OKLAHOMA LIVING

CHAROLAIS BULLS, Polled, $1250. AQHA 4 YR. GELDING DOC BAR, Driftwood, Hancock, gentle, good looking, tracking calves in round pen, $975, HANDMADE SADDLE $875. 580-723- 4258. HERD REDUCTION. REGISTERED APPALOOSA STALLION, mares, young stock. Three broke geldings. Mostly leopards. Also registered black Morgan mare and Black/white App/Morgan cross filly. Call 918-482-2421. Haskell, OK. REGISTERED NDGA NIGERIAN DWARF GOAT KIDS. Bucks $50. Does $100. Available late May. 918-245-6785, Sand Springs. BLACK ANGUS BULLS 7 to 14 months. Angus business 51 years, same location. Hatch Ranch, Roff, OK 580-456-7241. WANT MORE POUNDS ON YOUR CALVES AT WEANING “NATURALLY”? American Belgian Blue Breeders, Inc. registered breeding stock sale at Farmers Livestock Auction in Springdale, Arkansas on April 24th 2010. Visit www.belgianblue.org. *REGISTERED YEARLING CHAROLAIS BULLS,* Bred for calving ease, fertility guaranteed. 580- 239-0155. Bluestem Charolais, Atoka, OK.

Poultry America’s oldest & LARGEST RARE BREED HATCHERY. FREE COLOR CATALOG. Over 140 varieties of Baby Chicks, Bantams, Turkeys, Guineas, Peafowl, Game Birds, Juvenile Fowl, Waterfowl. Also, eggs, incubators, books, equipment, and medications. Call 1-800-456-3280 (24 Hours a Day). Murray McMurray Hatchery C125 Webster City, Iowa 50595-0458. Website: http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com FREE-5 exotic chicks or 3 ducks with 100 Frypan Special @ 31.95 plus shipping. Also Cornish Cross, standard breeds, fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkey, bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, supplies, video. Brochure. Cackle Hatchery - N, PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www. cacklehatchery.com FREE COLOR BROCHURE. Muscovy Ducklings, Pilgrim Goslings, Guineas, Standard Bronze Turkeys and Old-Time Favorite Chickens. Www.countryhatchery.net or write Country Hatchery, Box 747, Wewoka, OK 74884. Telephone 405-257-1236.

Pets 3/4 KOMONDOR, 1/2 PYRENEES cross puppies. Working parents. Ready to go 4-19-10. 918- 457-5623. WOLF HYBRID PUPS. Wolf father x Syberian Husky mother = beautiful pups. $400. 580-924- 0803. TOY AUSSIE PUPPIES, REGISTERED ASDR BORN OCT 6, BLUE MERLE FEMALE, BORN JAN 19, RED MERLE FEMALE, RED MERLE MALE, RED TRI FEMALE. 918-724-4667.

Vacations VACATION LOTS. Fort Cobb Lake. Owner financing. Secure Setting. Keypad entry. 405-643- 2046. TREE HOUSE CABINS. Honeymoon hideaways in tree tops. On Ozark trout stream, Dora, MO. Www.treehousecabins.com. 417-261-7777

Guns And Ammo *GUN SHOW* ALTUS, OK Community Center, 401 Falcon Road. April 24-25. 918659-2201. G & S Promotions. www. gandsgunshows.com.

Miscellaneous BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM HANDMADE JEWELRY. Www.mannersue.etsy.com. Email mandysuejack@yahoo.com 2.9 CENTS PER MINUTE for prepaid phone cards. Great international rates. No connection fees. Or LONG DISTANCE PHONE RATES FOR ONLY 4.9 CENTS PER MINUTE. State-to-state and in-state calls. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Small monthly fee, no extra numbers to dial. Call toll-free 866728-5908.

FOR HELP GETTING A TITLE to vehicles (mobile homes, RVs, motorcycles), call Regina Johnson 405-275-5712. WOODEN PLAYHOUSES Many styles. 1015% off! Christmas special. 405-5963344. WELD UP STEEL BUILDINGS. 30x40 =$13,600.00. 30x50=$15,900.00. 40X60 = $23,400.00. CALL 405-596-3344. $500! POLICE IMPOUNDS! Hondas/Chevys/ Jeeps etc. Cars from $500! For listings 800-628- 5707 ext. C276

18 x 21 STEEL CARPORT $695.00. 18 x 31 RV COVER $1,586.50. 20 x 21 GARAGE $3,560.00. 24 x 31 GARAGE $5,165.00. CALL 405-596-3344. REMOVE EXISTING LIMESCALE while conditioning water naturally. No salt, electricity or maintenance. Great for septics, pools, gardens. Guaranteed with lifetime warranty. Business is booming; distributors needed. 888-303-5233 NEED HELP WITH ANY COMPUTER RELATED ISSUES - Call Mark at 405-360-9552 or email southerncmfrt79@aol.com. BRUSHOGGING, Pasture and Fenceline clearing. Shawnee and area. Mitch 405380-5000. F.C. ZIEGLER CO. SILVERSMITH. Family Business since 1929. Restoration of your family heirlooms. Let us repair and/or silver-plate your treasured silver pieces. Call for estimate. 918- 587-7639 or 800331-4117.

BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER, correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach,7549 West Cactus Road #104-207, Peoria, Arizona 85381. http://www.ordination.org. REMANUFACTURED PROPANE TANKS. 500 gal $500, 1000 gal $1150, 250 gal $350. Other sizes available. Salvage tanks available at great prices. 800-753-5467. www. blttanks.com. MANUFACTURED HOME and PIER and beam home insulated cement skirting. Choose from eleven different colors and three designs. Provides an R-10 insulating value. Tired of your vinyl skirting? Replace it with StoneCote. www.stonecote.com or 1-830-833-2547. BAT HOUSES. CEDAR WOOD CONSTRUCTION. GOT MOSQUITOS? Bats kill diseasecarrying mosquitos and other nuisance flying insects. No assembly $20.00 plus $7.00 shipping. 918- 798-6688. Accomodates fifty bats.

HUGE SAVINGS ON MEDICINES, Free drug program. No fees. Need help with Part D Medicare, call Canadian Expressway 918366-6013. 36 FT MOTORHOME, 2000, gas, fully loaded, 38,000 miles, $25,950. Call 405260-3491.

Seeds, Plants WORLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINEST HYBRID BERMUDA GRASS. Wondergrass and Midland 99 sprigs. Mike Griffith. 918-857-1737. HEIRLOOM TOMATO PLANTS. Sweet potato slips. Herb plants. Www.DuckCreekFarms.com.

Free FREE BOOKS/DVDs. In light of our economic situation, events both great and decisive are ahead! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says. PO Box 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com. 1-888-211-1715.

APRIL 2010 35

C OK -L OA PH OL M O I VAI NEGA T S

ggs are often called the “perfect food” and for good reason: They are nutrient dense, inexpensive, versatile and convenient. And they keep well, to boot. It is hard to beat the taste of a farm fresh egg, so check your local farmers’ market. Many markets that close for the winter will open again in April. This month we offer a few diverse suggestions for making use of eggs—especially hard-boiled eggs from Easter—as well as some tips for working with eggs. Potato Salad Most families don’t deviate from their own version of potato salad; however, this particular take on the classic dish has inspired eaters to exclaim, “This is the best potato salad I’ve ever had!” 10–12 . . . . . . . . . . . medium, unpeeled new potatoes, cooked and diced 1 cup . . . . . . . . . . . celery, diced 1/2 cup . . . . . . . . . dill pickle, chopped 1 bunch . . . . . . . . . green onions, chopped 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . boiled and peeled eggs, chopped 8 slices . . . . . . . . . . cooked bacon, crumbled salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 t. . . . . . . . . . . . . Cavender’s Greek Seasoning

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Dressing: 1 packet . . . . . . . . . 1/2 cup . . . . . . . . . 1/2 cup . . . . . . . . . 1 t. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 t. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hidden Valley ranch dry mix mayonnaise sour cream mustard apple cider vinegar

Combine the first eight ingredients. In a separate small bowl, mix the dressing ingredients. Toss well with the salad. Refrigerate for at least four hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serves 10–12.

Pickled Eggs and Beets This is a festive addition to a potluck or picnic. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . eggs, hard-boiled and peeled 2 cups �� cooked beets with 1/2 cup reserved liquid 1/2 cup �� white vinegar 1/2 cup �� white sugar 1/2 cup �� water 1/2 t. �� ground cinnamon (optional) Use a toothpick to prick the peeled, boiled eggs about six times; put them in a plastic or glass container. Set aside. In a saucepan, combine the beets and their liquid, vinegar, sugar, water and cinnamon. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Pour the mixture over eggs, cover and chill for four hours or overnight. The beets might stain a plastic

O K LC AO H- O PM AL I EV AI N T SG container, but don’t use a metal container or the eggs will become slimy. Serves 8.

Huevos Rancheros 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/4 t. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/4 t. . . . . . . . . . . . .

corn tortillas large eggs salt black pepper

Toppings: 1 cup . . . . . . . . . . . 3/4 cup . . . . . . . . . 1/2 cup . . . . . . . . . 1 T. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

sharp cheddar cheese, shredded fresh salsa sour cream cilantro, chopped

Coat both sides of each tortilla with cooking spray or butter. Warm tortillas in a 10-inch skillet until slightly crisp. Set aside. Coat skillet with cooking spray or butter, then turn heat down to mediumlow. Crack each egg into skillet and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. When the egg whites start to pull away from the skillet, carefully flip the egg. Continue cooking until the egg yolk reaches desired firmness. Prepare four plates by placing a tortilla on each plate. Transfer the fried egg onto the tortilla and top with desired toppings. Serves 4. OL

Egg-cellent tips:

Whole, uncooked eggs keep for about five weeks, or even longer if you keep them in plastic, which helps the eggs retain moisture. Unpeeled, boiled eggs can keep for two weeks, or about one week, if peeled. Make a more attractive deviled egg: At least one day prior to boiling the eggs, turn the carton on its side so the yolk will be in the center of the egg white. Farm fresh eggs are nearly impossible to peel, so it’s best to use old eggs when hard-boiling. But how can you tell if an egg is fresh? As eggs age they loose small amounts of moisture, which leaves a growing air bubble under the shell. Put an egg in some water and observe. If the egg sits on the bottom, it is fresh. If the rounded end lifts slightly, the egg is about one week old. If the egg hovers vertically at the bottom of the container, the egg is about 2–3 weeks old. And finally, if the egg floats, it’s at least four weeks old.

How do you know if an egg has spoiled? Trust your nose. If an egg—raw or cooked—smells “off,” it should be discarded. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly cooked, easy-to-peel boiled eggs. Put a single layer of eggs in a pot. Cover the eggs with at least one inch of water and add about one tablespoon of vinegar. Warm the water over medium-high heat. When the water comes to a moderate boil, remove the pan from the heat and cover. Let the eggs sit for 14 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a water bath by combining one cup of tepid water with one tablespoon of baking soda, then add ice-water, leaving room for the eggs. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked eggs to the ice-water bath. Peel the eggs once they can be comfortably handled by cracking the egg’s rounded end then applying pressure and rolling the egg on the counter. Next, slip a teaspoon spoon in the air pocket on the round end to separate the egg white from the shell. OL

Oklahoma Living’s May photo contest topic is “Beautiful Bovines.” The deadline for photo entries is the 10th of April. Send entries to editor@ok-living.com or P.O. Box 54309, OKC, OK 73154-1309. See this month’s winners on page 42. APRIL 2010 39

MIO challenges Oklahomans to raise funds for local food banks

he Made in Oklahoma (MIO) Coalition is encouraging Oklahomans to buy local, and today announced a challenge to Oklahomans to purchase 1 million rolls of MIO paper towels before the end of April, which the governor has declared “Made in Oklahoma” month. “We want to rally the community to support Made in Oklahoma products, especially during the month of April,” said Richard Wasson, executive director of the MIO Coalition. “When Oklahomans buy local products, they’re supporting Oklahoma’s economy and helping keep good jobs in our state.” Proceeds from the sale of MIO paper towels benefit the Food 4 Kids backpack program at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. Since March 2009, MIO has raised more than $36,000 to support the program, which provides more than 10,000 backpacks of food to hungry children each week. As a result of the coalition’s donation, more than 170 children have been added to the program. “The funding provided by the MIO paper towels is essential to the success of our Food 4 Kids program,” said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “We are very grateful to the coalition for the thousands of dollars they’ve provided to support the food bank.” The coalition represents more than 30 Oklahoma food manufacturers that employ 20,000 Oklahomans statewide. Member companies represent more than 25 different Oklahoma towns and cities and a variety of food industries. “We are proud to be a Made in Oklahoma Coalition member,” said David Brooks, regional sales manager with Shawnee Mills. “Not only do they support the food banks with sales of paper towels and cookbooks, but they support the state by encouraging people to buy local products and invest in Oklahoma.” The coalition is encouraging Oklahomans to help meet its goal of 1 million paper towels through outreach on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. To connect with MIO on these sites, visit www.facebook.com/madeinoklahomacoalition and www.twitter.com/MIO_Coalition. The MIO Coalition promotes brand awareness and consumer loyalty for Oklahoma food products through collective marketing for the purpose of increasing sales, maintaining business retention and expanding Oklahoma’s food processing sector. The MIO Coalition represents more than 30 Oklahoma food manufacturers that employ 20,000 Oklahomans statewide. The coalition is supported by both private and public funds. For more information, please visit www.miocoalition.com. OL

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PHOTO CONTEST

“Storm clouds” C

ongratulations to April photo contest winners, Amy Castor. Next month we want to see pictures showing “bovine beauties.” Photos are due by April 10, and will run in the May issue. The winner will receive an Oklahoma Living coffee mug. Please send your name, address and name of your electric cooperative, along with a description of the photo, to Oklahoma Living, PO Box 54309, OKC, OK 73154-1309 or e-mail them to editor@ok-living.coop. Photos will not be returned and become the property of Oklahoma Living for use in print and/or on the internet.

LEFT: East Central Electric member Jeff Bemo captured a spectacular day’s end in Muskogee. RIGHT: LeeAnn Furrh loves taking photos of storm clouds and sunsets. She and her husband are members of Rural Electric. Wyatt Johnson was helping his grandparents cut hay in Comanche County in August 2004, when these storm clouds formed on the horizon.

Amy Castor photographed this twister near Arnett on May 4, 2007. She and her husband Val are members of Central Rural Electric and are professional stormchasers for KWTV.

LEFT: Red River Valley Electric member LaDonna Dennis documented these storm clouds hovering over Oscar in late January of this year. RIGHT: Storm clouds fill the entire sky near Clinton. Photo by Mark Meacham. LEFT TOP: Rural Electric member Marilyn Poyner perfectly timed this shot of a thunderstorm in Newcastle last fall. LEFT BOTTOM: Judy Brown captured a beautiful sunrise on January 2 in Bartlesville. RIGHT: Cookson Hills member Stacey Wilhoit appreciates these foreboding, yet beautiful, storm clouds in Keota.

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