OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine_January 2023

PHOTO by CRYSTL’S PHOTOGRAPHY

5 Editorial by Trudy Evans

New Year, New Resolve, New Focus, New Goals by Regina Brown

Pastor Paul’s Passages by Paul Ragel

A Window into the Benefits of Pet Ownership by Alana Owen

Delilah’s Dilemmas by Diane Brown

From Emma by Emma Bryan

A Tale of Two Oklahoma Authors by Allison Eldredge

Cushing’s Speedway Park Hosted Variety of Events

Notes on The OKLAHOMA Corridor Rick Reiley

by Regina Brown / Page 6

2023! Happy New Year!!

Hoping everyone had a blessed Christmas and really hoping you are ready for the new year.

I know it’s just moving on to the next day, but there is something about the end of 2022 and going into 2023 that gives me weird feelings. It’s like starting over, or starting a new job. It’s just different, but in a good way.

The new year can bring new beginnings, new traditions, new resolutions, new jobs and homes, new babies, new lifestyle changes. Starting something new is fun and exciting. It probably will take a lot of hard work, but I’m positive, and there are rewards for new adventures!

Let me share some lasts now...

This issue is the last of one full year that Kayla and I have published this magazine. It’s been an experience that I never thought of having, but has been enjoyable. I have learned so much, thanks to the great photographer, writers and graphic designers on our staff.

These next few months will be the last ones for seniors finishing high school! And it will go so fast, so enjoy every minute! My Mom always told me, “The older you get, the faster time goes

by!” And she was ever so right!

As they say, it is what it is. It’s a new year and it comes whether or not we want it to. And guess what? There will be another new year in another 365 days!

My goal for 2023 is to increase our advertising base for the Oklahoma Corridor Magazine. I want to get out and meet more business owners to show how advertising in the Oklahoma Corridor Magazine could help increase revenue for them. I’d like to add more towns to our magazine delivery list. And I want to increase readership for Oklahoma Corridor Magazine. We now offer subscriptions to out-of-our-area readers. We already have a few from right here in Oklahoma and as far away as California.

Whatever your resolution is, I truly wish you great success. I want to thank all my readers who faithfully pick up a copy and read cover to cover. I want to also thank my readers who send messages, texts, or call and let us know how much they enjoy our magazine! That really warms my heart!

Happy New Year!

NEW YEAR New Resolve New Focus New Goals

by REGINA BROWN

Pure Health Collective founder and Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Mindi Salvino, and her skilled and experienced staff provide elite holistic health, holistic therapy, and total body care at PHC in Jenks, OK. With the start of a new year, many people are setting their sights on new resolve, focuses, and goals. For many, getting healthier is one of those resolutions. Focusing on improving your health can produce a myriad of benefits. Those benefits include targets such as better sleep, more energy, balanced hormones, weight loss, and many more.

Pure Health Collective offers a comprehensive approach to your total health. Dr. Mindi and her team have the training, experience, and available therapy modalities to address any issues, imbalances, or concerns you may have.

Pure Health Collective offers a comprehensive approach to your total health. Dr. Mindi and her team have the training, experience, and available therapy modalities to address any issues, imbalances, or concerns you may have.

Having first worked in dentistry for 18 years, Dr. Mindi first started helping her dental patients find answers in natural remedies. For years, she was the only dental hygienist in the country certified as a Holistic and Biologically Trained Registered Dental Hygienist. Her knowledge and experience were key in helping her search for answers that she knew were out there. That journey led her to naturopathic school where she became a Board Certified Doctor of Naturopathy. She is currently the leading expert in Ozone Therapy in the state and she has held the highest level of advanced certification for nearly a decade. She has spent years developing her proprietary protocols for the safest, most efficient and effective therapy session possible.

Pure Health Collective offers many services and holistic therapies including pH correction, Medical Thermography, Ozone Therapy, Rife Frequency Therapy, full body Bioresonance Biofeedback Scanning, Infrared Himalayan Salt saunas, and Oklahoma’s only 3D PEMF Therapy. You

UltraSlim Body Contouring with red photon light

can find more services and information about them on their website at www.purehealthcollective.com or their Facebook page Pure Health Collective.

On your first trip to a naturopathic doctor, you might notice it’s different than the medical model. Dr. Mindi takes her time during the consultation, sometimes 2-3 hours, really getting to know her patients and their concerns to find the root of their problem. She genuinely cares about her patients and their ailments and has helped thousands of patients find answers and relief to issues they have suffered with, many for years. Many patients who have stated they have tried everything, doctors, medications, therapies, and procedures, have found an answer to their prayers through Dr. Mindi. She is mindful of the work she does and spends many mornings on her drive to work thinking about and praying for her patients. Her care, education, experience, and dedication to this work are a testament to the gift of healing that she possesses.

Long time friend of Mindi’s and associate, Dr. Tami Long got her start in holistic health after her own failed help in Western medicine. After seeking alternative treatment, she found a new passion in life and feels honored to help others in their healing. Dr. Tami is a traditionally trained Board Certified Doctor of Naturopathy and certified in Emotion Code, Body Code, is a master Reiki practitioner, and a master animal healer and rescuer. Dr. Tami is considered the most experienced practitioner and most elite in her field in the state of Oklahoma.

Together, Dr. Mindi, Dr. Tami, and staff, are a powerhouse of healing for their clients. People come from all over Oklahoma and many other states to benefit from the services and healing they offer at Pure Health Collective.

Coming soon, PHC is excited to be offering new non-invasive thermography services and opening in the spring, a full holistic spa.

Infra-red Himalayan Salt Sauna

Rife Frequency Therapy

Image by macrovector on Freepik

HAPPY NEW YEAR from the OKLAHOMA Corridor!

OC

by PAUL RAGLE

Candace on a

andice returned from a mission trip to Jamaica with her local church. There, she had visited children in a local orphanage and had read story books to them.

The group also visited homeless adults who had taken shelter in a medical clinic. Upon her return home to Oklahoma, Candice told her parents, “Thank you for letting me go on the mission trip. My life is changed forever!”

That’s the kind of anecdotal evidence a pastor delights to hear after planning, promoting and sponsoring a mission trip with kids and adults from her/his congregation. It’s not unusual for young people to report to their families that they had “fun” on a service trip, but to hear a young person say, “My life is changed,” is truly amazing.

I’ve participated and planned many service trips and opportunities for youth and adults.

We’ve taken puppet ministry to share with inner city folks. We’ve worked on Habitat for Humanity homes in various states. We’ve performed plays and musicals in churches and local communities across America. We’ve

helped bring Vacation Bible School to kids in foreign lands. Having exerted great effort to invite local church people into mission opportunities, I’d like to think that these experiences have made a difference. Does all of this matter to the people who have served and who have been served?

Do We Have Some

One thing separates the “Candices” from those who are merely having fun participating in service ministry: Candice and folks like her whose lives are transformed by participating in mission have discovered that the persons to whom we share our “gifts” in such work are valued and gifted people. These people are “gifted” and have much to teach them.

A little boy kept interrupting Candice as she read to a group of younger children. Another volunteer was trying to hush the boy, but Candice could see “wheels turning” in his head, the spark of insight which accompanied his questions. Candice received the gift he brought to her that morning.

Candice’s life is forever changed.

What can you do?

Broadband Internet from Central Oklahoma Telephone Co. is a game changer. With speeds up to 500 Mbps, you can stream entertainment and play games without the hassles of buffering or delays. With our reliable network and 24/7 technical support, you can relax knowing we have your back.

Doctors have come to accept the fact that there are many aspects to whole health and wellness; beyond just a visit to your doctor followed by some prescribed medications.

Rather than writing another article on physical health or medical aspects of being healthy, I chose to discuss the value of pets as part of the concept of total wellness.

Growing up I had a variety of pets; horses, a fox, a raccoon, dogs, cats, and even a monkey who remained in the family for several years until his passing. “Jo-Jo” the monkey resided at my grandmother’s home, which I

A

WINDOW

INTO THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PET OWNERSHIP

by ALANA OWEN

frequented often. I would read to Jo-Jo and his little fingers would reach out and turn the pages of our books. He brought such joy to my life. I could not wait to get out of school, jump into my grandmother’s car and snuggle with her tiny poodle, while traveling back to her home to entertain Jo-Jo.

The horses I grew up with provided a safe ear to discuss joyful events, sadness, growth, set backs, and fears. I feel fortunate to have had horses while growing up. As I sit here writing, my faithful 15-year-old terrier is by my side. For over fourteen years he has remained willing to

Pets. Those magical little souls who bring such value to our lives in terms of physical, emotional, and social, well-being. It seems that the old saying “man’s best friend” may very well be more than just words.

Damion Gromer and JD

accept my constant presence in his life, going where I want to; whether just to another room, out to the barn, or for a trip in the car.

death due to cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attack compared to people who do not own pets.

The results of children who own and care for pets are equally impressive, including improved self-esteem and confidence. Positive pet relationships can also result in children developing trusting relationships with other people which may deepen their sense of compassion and empathy. Pets provide children with opportunities to observe nature, respect for other living beings, and are shown to improve responsible behaviors. Researchers are currently looking at the relationships between pets and children with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other conditions.

Oklahoma resident Damion Gromer discussed the unexpected entrance of his pooch, “JD” into his life several years back. JD stands for John Doe. Apparently not much was known about JD when Damion adopted him, becoming known as John Doe. JD became a service dog for Damion’s wife, who had numerous health problems including bi-polar disorder. JD was trained to alert when Damion’s wife was experiencing a seizure. Sadly, Damion’s wife took her own life after a series of long-term illnesses. JD became his self-described best friend, enduring homelessness together. Damion said JD helped him through his grief and sadness, and considers JD to be “like my child,” referring to him as his “four-legged son”.

We have all heard the numerous ways dogs and cats can bring value to aging adults. Some aging adults find themselves alone after years of marriage. Their trusted pet may keep them moving, laughing, and actively participating in life, acting to reduce loneliness and improve social relationships.

My sister sent me some information about the newly formed “HenPower” programs which is an approach to improving the lives of older people, by keeping hens. The idea being, residents of assisted or full care living are responsible for feeding the hens, cleaning up after them, and collecting their eggs. It keeps residents moving, which may foster improvement in memory and depression while also helping to create new relationships and a sense of community.

Other studies have shown animal assisted therapy patients with serious health conditions have reported reduced pain, discomfort, and stress. The findings related to physical health are exceptionally impressive, indicating that pet owners experience a significantly lower risk of

A few states promote inmates working with captured mustangs, later placing the horses in adoptive homes. The program is referred to as “Pairing Prisoners with Horses” and many describe the results as life changing. Studies suggest that only 15% of inmates who participate in the equine program return to prison due to future offenses. In addition, reports suggest less disciplinary issues for those inmates who participate in the Pairing Prisoners program. Other inmate programs include “Pairing Prisoners with Dogs”, to create service animals. One such Oklahoma program is titled “Friends for Folks.” The concept being Oklahoma inmates are given the opportunity to give back to their communities by training a dog from a local shelter. Each dog goes through an eleven-week program, and they are later adopted by local community members. Some of the dogs are selected for further training to become service dogs.

A quick on-line search will reveal numerous programs to assist with obtaining resources for pets. This includes things such as adoption fees, unexpected sickness and medical expenses, reduced spay and neutering clinics, and other associated maintenance costs. I feel mentioning this is important since the expense of a pet can sometimes be prohibitive for families. However, these programs may provide just enough assistance to make pet ownership a possibility.

We have all heard the numerous ways dogs and cats can bring value to aging adults. Some aging adults find themselves alone after years of marriage. Their trusted pet may keep them moving, laughing, and actively participating in life, acting to reduce loneliness and improve social relationships.

DELILAH’SDILEMMAS

On the way to the airport, Delilah had shared with Dooby her encounter with Lizzy who had accused Delilah of inviting the Lincoln County Sheriff to dinner to covertly interrogate Lizzy. When Delilah adamantly denied the charge, Lizzy moved on to her next attack.

“D

o you think I’m being too harsh where Lizzy’s concerned?” Delilah asked softly at 38,000 feet.

On the way to the airport, Delilah had shared with Dooby her encounter with Lizzy who had accused Delilah of inviting the Lincoln County Sheriff to dinner to covertly interrogate Lizzy. When Delilah adamantly denied the charge, Lizzy moved on to her next attack.

“You know, your fear is so transparent,” Lizzy had said. “You’re afraid that Dad would choose me over you. If I were to decide to leave because you make me uncomfortable, let’s say.”

“Then I would encourage you to follow your heart,” Delilah had replied.

By the time this exchange got to Eli, it had been translated to Delilah telling Lizzy to leave the ranch.

“I mean, maybe I am,” Delilah continued. “Maybe my hesitation to accept her is grounded more in jealousy than suspicion.”

Delilah’s deep blue eyes sparkled with tears. She was experiencing an overload of emotions, becoming truly cognizant of her parents’ mortality, zooming at break-neck speed from angry at Eli to mildly irritated, whilst constantly vacillating between being suspicious of Lizzy and guilty for doing so.

Dooby took hold of Delilah’s hand and squeezed it gently. He looked straight ahead.

“I’ve never told you this,” Dooby began. “Because it does no good to dwell on what might’ve been. You’d’ve made a wonderful mother. You have an incredible capacity for love. You’re fair, most the time. And nurturing, sometimes to a fault.”

Delilah jerked her head to find Dooby smiling warmly at her. He let go of her hand and wiped away the tear that had just fallen down her cheek.

“You’re biased,” Delilah said with a sniff.

“Yes, I am,” Dooby admitted. “But that doesn’t make me wrong.”

“Dooby?” Delilah said. “Why would she deliberately be trying to drive a wedge between Eli and me?”

“I don’t know,” Dooby replied, a half an octave

higher than normal. “But I can’t deny there’s something off about her.”

“What do you mean?” Delilah asked.

“For one thing,” Dooby began in whispers, turning in his seat to face Delilah. “Her story seems too . . . practiced.”

“I’ve thought the same thing,” Delilah said. “But you know the more we tell our stories, the more succinct they become. I mean, if she is his daughter, I just can’t imagine what she would have to gain by infiltrating. That’s the wrong word.”

Dooby gave Delilah a startled look. “Maybe not,” he said.

It was quiet for a beat, as long as you didn’t count the man across the aisle with his off-key sing along to Van Halen’s “Jump” blaring from his Bose earbuds, or the constant loop of “look, Mom, I can see (fill in the blank)” from the bored child looking out the window three rows back.

“You know, sometimes I feel like my life is a neverending Hallmark Channel movie,” Delilah said on a sigh.

“Lifetime,” Dooby said. “Or better yet, SYFY.”

“I am impressed,” Delilah said with astonishment, ignoring the jab. “I really thought I was going to have to explain what a Hallmark Channel movie was.”

“Are you kidding?” Dooby said. “Karon watches that stuff all the time.”

“You called Karon, right?” Delilah asked.

“What?” Dooby exclaimed with terror. “I thought you did.”

Delilah burst out laughing. “Oh, you are in so much trouble,” she said. “Seriously, it sucks to be you right now.”

Dooby groaned. “Well, that’s settled. I just won’t be able to go back to Oklahoma,” he said with sardonic resolve. “I guess you could just box all my belongings up and ship them to me. Provided she hasn’t already burned it all.”

“Oh, you don’t really think she’s capable of . . .” Delilah began. She stopped. “Never mind.”

with DIANE BROWN

The plane touched down at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport at 7:42 PM. They arrived at Delilah’s childhood home an hour later. Having talked to Hannah, Delilah’s mother, who had insisted they not come to the hospital because Buford was sleeping, and visiting hours had passed, they were convinced to put off the hospital visit until the following day.

“That’s an unusual ring,” Hannah said over breakfast the next morning, with a nod toward Delilah’s ruby ring.”

“Oh, thank you,” Delilah said, lifting her hand and admiring the fine sparkler. “It’s my engagement ring.”

Hannah had not initially been fond of her son-inlaw to be because Nettie Mae Beauregard had raised him, and she had always been at odds with her husband’s sister. But when she discovered Eli’s wealth was far greater than she’d believed, she decided that perhaps Eli Solomon was, at least, a marginally acceptable match for her daughter. The only thing that would make him perfect, would be moving Delilah back to Macon where Hannah could exercise her control.

“You’re engagement ring?” Hannah scoffed. “That seems rather peculiar. I mean, surely, he could afford a diamond.”

“Mother, there are diamonds on each side of the ruby,” Delilah said, holding her left hand out to Hannah.

“Hmm. Yes, I see them now,” Hannah said.

“Miss, Hannah?” Marilyn, the housekeeper and

cook, said from the butler’s pantry that led to the kitchen. “Do you want me to fix lunch for you and Delilah today?”

Marilyn was in her mid-fifties. She was small, but not as petite as Hannah. Her hair was gray and cut in a shoulder length bob. Her eyes were steel blue and kind. She had been with the family for thirty years. Marilyn’s husband, Andy, was the grounds keeper.

“No, Marilyn,” Hannah replied. “We’ll lunch out today. If you would, I’d appreciate it if you’d prepare Buford’s room.”

“Will he be home today?” Marilyn asked.

“I’m not sure. If not today, then tomorrow,” Hannah said.

“That soon?” Delilah asked, taken by surprise. Hannah nodded.

“I’m glad to see you’ve been dieting,” Hannah said.

“You could probably stand to lose another 15 pounds. Don’t you think?”

Delilah took a deep breath and looked down at herself. While her clothes fit rather tightly the last time Hannah had seen her, they were now loose fitting. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

“I haven’t been dieting, Mother,” Delilah said. “Working on a ranch in the summer tends to make one drop a few pounds and get a bit more toned.”

“Well, I suppose there is at least one silver lining to that dark cloud,” Hannah said.

“Mother, please. Don’t start,” Delilah pleaded. “I would think that with this most recent development you’d see the need to come back home,” Hannah said.

“My home is in Oklahoma,” Delilah said.

“Your home is here!” Hannah barked as she slammed her spoon down on the table and pushed her grapefruit away. “You will inherit this property when your father dies. This property that has been in the Beauregard family for 200 years. And given that he almost died yesterday, I would like to think that . . .” She stopped. Her eyes glistened with tears.

“Mother, now’s not the time to discuss this,” Delilah said softly, taking Hannah’s hand.

Hannah jerked her hand free of Delilah’s grasp. “If not now, I don’t know when,” she hissed. She rose from the table and stepped quickly toward the door to the main hall. She paused with her back to Delilah. “I’ll be leaving for the hospital in 20 minutes. If you’re riding with me, please be ready.”

Little was said as they motored toward town. But at one point Delilah thought Hannah was going the wrong direction. When she questioned her mother, Hannah indicated she had some jewelry to drop off at Armando Deluca’s jewelry store.

Delilah smiled to herself. She suspected her mother wanted to know the value of the ruby engagement ring. And her suspicions were confirmed when Hannah insisted she come in the store with her. Substantiated even further when Armando himself greeted the two ladies and escorted them to a private sitting room.

“What a lovely ring a,” Armando said, with a strong Italian accent, which Delilah would’ve bet money was fake. Too many a’s on the end of words. “May I?”

Delilah removed the ring with a smile and handed it to the expert jeweler who pulled a jeweler’s loupe from his pocket. She shot a reproachful glance at Hannah.

“Oh! My, my!” Armando exclaimed as he turned the ring around. “Well-a, these diamonds are-a exquisite. VVS1-a clarity. Colorless. I would-a guess-a one carat each-a?”

Delilah nodded.

“Now, the ruby,” Armando began with a nervous giggle and his hands began shaking slightly. “Burmese-a, pigeon blood-a red-a, very few inclusions. Clear-a, for all-a intents and-a purposes. Rubies are generally smaller than-a this. Less-a than one-a carat. It’s the size-a that-a makes it so rare-a. Where did this-a come from?”

“My fiancé is a geologist,” Delilah said. “It was part of his . . . rock collection.”

Armando burst into laughter. “I would-a like-a to see his-a rock collection,” he said. “It is-a insured-a, no? The ring?”

“Uh, well. Uh, I don’t know,” Delilah stuttered. “I mean, I haven’t insured it. I don’t know if Eli insured

PETS OF THE M NTH

HUMANE SOCIETY of STILLWATER

1710 South Main Street / Stillwater

Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

MEET GINGER!

Meet Ginger. This happy pit mix is about 3 years old and the life of the party. Ginger loves to meet other dogs but can be picky about who she is friends with. She gets the zoomies and likes to play with toys. She currently weighs 47 pounds, and knows most basic commands, along with walking on a leash well. Ginger is fully vaccinated, spayed, microchipped, and on flea/tick/ heartworm prevention. Her adoption fee is only $85.

KELLY!

This sweet girl is about 7 months old. She loves to cuddle and purr. She gets along with other cats but we aren’t sure what she thinks about dogs. Kelly is friendly and playful. She is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and is Negative for FELV and FIV. You can adopt Kelly for $30.

MEET LOBO!

This handsome boy is 1 or 2 years old and currently weighs 50 pounds. We think he is a Shepherd/Boxer/Heeler. Very smart, loves everyone he meets. Seems to be OK with most of the dogs at the shelter when introduced correctly. We don’t know what he thinks about cats. Neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Unfortunately tested positive for heartworms so he is currently going through treatment. He would love a foster family or better yet a Forever Family. We will pay for all medical costs regarding the heartworms. He is $85 to adopt.

it or not.”

And then Armando told the two women what he would conservatively appraise the ring at.

“Oh! My stars!” Hannah exclaimed. And she exclaimed it three more times before they got to her Mercedes.

by EMMA BRYAN

appy New Year everyone! I hope your holidays went well! Family based holidays can be pretty stressful but still fun if done right, I hope everyone had fun!

I’m sure at least a few of you got some snow this last December which is always nice. I’m sure you all tried to stay warm nonetheless. It can be pretty chilly in America depending on where you live. Either way I hope you’re all staying warm until spring rolls around!

I hope that by the time you read this, 2023 is going well. This last year has gone by far faster than I thought it would. I swear just a few weeks ago it was July and I was on my way home from my aunt’s house. But now looking outside there’s lights everywhere and suddenly I can drive! I hope 2022 wasn’t terrible for everyone. It was a rollercoaster for me but hey, I’m still here! Do any of you have any resolutions for this year? I do! I want to practice my art and writing more this year! I do hope to get better at some point soon! Don’t set super big goals for yourself right at the beginning of the year. I’ve learned that recently. Take things a little at a time and then you’ll get better!

I know this article is kind of short but I don’t have a whole lot to say this time! I just hope all of you are staying safe and healthy! I know at least here in Kansas there’s a weird non-covid sickness running around. I’m sure it won’t spread out of Manhattan though. It’ll be fine. Have a lovely month, everyone!!

Here’s a joke: If January held a parade, would February March? No, but April May!

Drumright Regional Hospital

IMAGING

LABORATORY

THERAPY

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

SURGICAL SERVICES

SPECIALISTS

Hannah Hurdle, a native of Oklahoma, grew up in Cushing and attended college in Stillwater. She now lives near Edmond with her husband, son, and four dogs: Bear, Zilla, Kaya and Hazel.

Elizabeth Smith, a transplant to Oklahoma, grew up in Canada. She now lives near Sapulpa with her husband, two sons, dog Junie, and a flock of chickens; including one named Hazel.

When Hannah was in college, she took a creative writing class to fill a credit void and not really as something needed for her degree in Health Education. However, this class sparked something in her. She had always been good at writing term papers and her friends took advantage of her gift by having her “help” write their papers. After taking the class, she realized she could write a children’s book. She jotted down ideas on slips of paper and sticky notes.

Knowing that it is best to write about what you know, Hannah realized just how much personality Hazel and Kaya had. What might seem like normal behavior to her pups, could lead to some really great writing material.

Hazel and Kaya are around eight years old and are Tim-

A Tale of Two Oklahoma Authors

by ALLISON ELDREDGE

berwolf/Malamute mix. They are big, furry, and fun. Hannah decided to write about the adventure they could have had when they ran away from home. What would those girls have seen or experienced? How did they get back home?

Pups on the Run was written and ready for Hannah to submit to publishers. Some wanted her to send via email, some wanted her to submit her history, some wanted her to send in this or that and Hannah realized that it wasn’t as easy as she had expected. But she didn’t stop.

Doodle and Peck is an Oklahoma publishing company and Hannah excitedly sent her story in, feeling that this was the perfect place for her stories. From there it took about a year to get everything lined up and corrected and resubmitted before it was accepted. Doodle and Peck lined up an Oklahoman to illustrate her story. In 2020, it was published. Her book is sold online at DoodleadPeck. com, Amazon.com; and in several Cushing stores; such as the Copper Penny, Farmhouse Salon, Veterinary Medical Associates, and Pet Paw Spa.

Hannah has been to several schools to read her story. She stated that students have the best questions and al-

Oklahoma is full of creative people. We don’t always think about writers when we think of creativity… but writers are unique.

ways want to know if Hazel and Kaya really look like the pictures in the book. Sadly, Hazel wasn’t drawn true to life size. But the kids don’t seem to mind. They enjoy the story.

lizabeth’s journey as an author started out when she went looking for a Christian Children’s devotional for her two young sons in 2020. She didn’t find anything that she felt really helped her to teach them about their Christian faith. She shared this with her friend in Canada, Brittany Strauss, and together they decided they would make one for their kids. From there the dream grew bigger and bigger until they realized that this wasn’t just for their kids, but it could be everyone’s kids.

The only problem for a project this big….one lived in Oklahoma and one lived in Canada (3000 miles apart).

However, technology was their solution. Emails, phone calls, text messages, video chats flew between the two college friends.

Elizabeth and Brittany decided what subjects they felt were relevant for their children, decided which scriptures

best applied to each subject, wrote the devotions as a team. Each devotion includes a main verse, reflection questions and list of supporting scripture. They are written for ages 4 to 10.

They self-published their devotional through KDP Publishing Services. To Know Him, A Children’s Devotional is available on Amazon.com. They also have a Facebook Page, To Know Him Devotional; where they have information on their writing journey and giveaways from time to time. Elizabeth and Brittany (via zoom) were featured at a “Breakfast with the Writers” event at Elizabeth’s church in Drumright in early December; this is also available on their Facebook Page to view via YouTube.

Oklahoma is full of creative people. We don’t always think about writers when we think of creativity….but writers are unique. They put words to paper and pull you into a story or a lesson. Seeing and hearing the words that are written have a strong impact on our memories. Seek out these two books for the young kids in your life. You won’t be disappointed.

CUSHING OK HISTORY BITS

CUSHING’S SPEEDWAY

In 1921, a race track was made by scraping dirt streets in the area of Wilson and Moses at about the location where R.C. Jones’ new brick home would later be built at 945 East Moses. The area had been platted for a housing addition but only a few homes and a grocery store, Hensley’s Grocery, had been built that far east. Hensley’s would become Allton’s Grocery in 1951.

PARK hosted a variety of events

NOTES

ON THE OKLAHOMA CORRIDOR

DIFFERENT THINGS for a BRAND

NEW YEAR!

with RICK REILEY

This is the time of year I like to at least consider turning over a new leaf or two, doing something different, taking a different approach to life. I think looking at things differently once in a while is worthy of consideration. And what better time to take a different view than when starting the brand new year. There’s nothing in the way to spoil the view.

A new year, a brand new calendar, a new, clean slate starting from scratch. A future I can write for myself, one line, one day at a time. A fresh start!

Oh I always have good intentions to live a healthier life, get more exercise, be more helpful to others, learn more about things that I find interesting. To live a more useful life in general and to spread some of the good things I find with others.

But then the days and months roll by and I find myself wondering where the time went and how it got to be so late so early on and why I haven’t made a dent in any of my intentions?

But back to the task at hand: Since music and history have always held my interest I’m going to mention a few things I don’t recall sharing before. A few different things

to get the new year off to a different slant.

I’ve written about many Oklahoma singer/songwriters in these pages for the past 15 years. And I’ve mentioned a few venues, festivals.

But today I’m enlarging that circle to include a couple of newer venues I’ve yet to experience. Fancy looking places.

And I’m gonna include a few area museums too as well as a great place to take a hike. Expanding my horizons. And yours too if you’re willing.

The McKnight Center in Stillwater (opened in 2019) is located in Stillwater.

I haven’t been there yet but I’m sure looking forward to it!

It opened in 2019 and hosted such Broadway touring productions as ‘An American in Paris’ and ‘The Buddy Holly Story’ as well as performances from the Preservation Jazz Band and native Oklahoma, Kelli O’Hara appearing with the New York Philharmonic.

On tap for 2023 are: The Chicago Symphony, ‘On Your Feet’ the Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, country star Trace Adkins for a Valentine's Day concert, The Legendary

Count Basie Orchestra and plenty more. Check here for the full schedule.

McKnight Center https://mcknightcenter.org Or call (405) 744-9999 Email: info@mcknightcenter.org

Next up is the Armstrong Auditorium over in Edmond completed in the early 2000’s.

Over 10 years of hosting such talents as these, on tap for the coming season, and it’s still hard for me to believe I’ve never been there! Here’s an example of what’s in store for January 12, 2023; The 5 Browns. Who are they? Glad you asked!

From the Armstrong Auditorium website: “–The 5 Browns — Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra, and Desirae — all attended New York’s Juilliard School and are the only family of five siblings ever accepted by the prestigious institution. People Magazine dubbed them the “Fab Five” and they have been featured on Oprah and 60 Minutes. The New York Post writes: “One family, five pianos, and 50 fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years … When these kids do Rachmaninoff, they’ll make you forget about Marshall amps.” The ensemble has released six albums which have cumulatively spent over 30 weeks at #1 on Billboard Magazine’s Classical Album Chart. Their sold-out Armstrong debut in 2008 was followed by a second sold-out concert in 2010. Still going strong, they make their triumphant return to the Armstrong stage for another encore performance.”

Also in January are bluegrass mandolin wizards Sam Bush and Mike Marshall with Edgar and George Meyer. In February is an Irish Dance group and later a Philharmonic Orchestra from Ukraine.

Check their website for full details. www.Armstrongauditorium.com

Armstrong Auditorium

Herbert W. Armstrong College 14400 S. Bryant Ave / Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 285-1010

Such concert halls as these are something spectacular and I have no idea why I’ve just become aware of them. Could it be that I’m old and set in my ways? Sometimes I need to be reminded that there’s a big ole world out there and it’s full of fun stuff to share with others!

Do you enjoy the great outdoors? Like to walk? I highly recommend the Keystone Ancient Forest northeast of the Keystone dam. It’s a lovely, near pristine wilderness area with different levels of trails for the beginner to the more advanced hiker. There’s even a paved half mile trail that accommodates wheelchairs. It’s always great to get outdoors, weather permitting.

You can find the Keystone Ancient Forest on Facebook and someone is generally available to answer your questions. We’ve been there many times and always feel relaxed, refreshed, hopeful (and hungry!) after taking advantage of the walk and the view.

Like to walk?

As I mentioned I’ve always been interested in local/ area history. Here are some local places worthy of your time if you feel the urge. We’ve been to all of them except the Mannford Museum, and it’s next on our list!

• Bristow Historical Society and Museum at the Train Depot / 1 RR Pl. on Route 66 Downtown Bristow / 918-367-9335

• Mannford Museum - Check their Facebook page for info / 918-865-2665

• Drumright Historical Society Museum  301 E Broadway St, Drumright, OK / (918) 352-3002

• Chandler- Lincoln County Museum of Pioneer History / 719 Manvel Ave / 405-258-2425

• Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum / West of downtown on Highway 62 in Pawnee / 918-762-2513 pawneebill@history.ok.gov

• Pawnee Historical Society/Museum  513 6th St. Pawnee / 918-762-4681

• Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar Center 702 S Duncan Street, Stillwater, OK / 405-377-0359

• OSU Museum of Art / 720 S Husband St, Stillwater, OK / 405-744-2780

So if you feel the New Year urge to ‘do something different’, these are my recommendations! But before going to any of these locations, it’s really best to call ahead!

Happy New Year folks!!!! Enjoy every breath!

The 5 Browns