OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine_April 2022 by Oklahoma Corridor Magazine LLC

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IN THIS ISSUE...

OUR APRIL 2022 FEATURE STORY:

A Window into Pets in our Community and Homes by Alana Owen on page 6

Editorial by Trudy Evans

Every Dog Has Its Day by Allison Eldredge

April is Pet Month / Pet Photos Compiled by Kayla Dees

Take a Hike by Jeree Milligan

Delilah’s Dilemmas by Diane Brown

Notes on the Oklahoma Corridor by Rick Reiley

Pastor Paul’s Passages Paul Ragle

Kids on the Oklahoma Corridor by Jeree Milligan

Just Because I Have Autism by Kayla Dees

Recipes by Jeree Milligan

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Monday-Saturday 6am to 9pm Sunday 8am to 6pm OKLAHO MA CORRIDO R M AGAZI NE / APR I L 2 0 2 2 4

This month has been a busy month for us anyway. It’s also been a sad month. It has been a joyful month! It’s been a month of learning, and a costly month. I guess it’s a month of feelings. Happy, sad, mad, hurt, and guess we can throw tired in there as well. Most of all this month has taught us, nothing lasts forever. New replaces the old, a newborn baby can put a smile on your face after a loved one passes, we get new pets, while loved pets cross the rainbow bridge or move to different homes. And words are hurtful, if they are said that way, but the heart forgives. I don’t know how, but it does. When we got our newest poodle puppy, Jessie, a few weeks ago, I had to make a hard decision based on the size of our little house. Our sweet inside bunny Lola was going to have to find a new home. So, we found a rescue that took bunnies. We have a rescue cat, so we know the protocol for adopters, and this was going to be the best for Lola. We wanted her to be an inside pet at her new home because she has been one with us from day one. She loved our cats and dogs and they loved her, especially our one+ year old standard poodle, Milo. They loved to snuggle together. They all played together like siblings and it was so fun to watch. But the size of her hutch was just taking up

too much room and it was going to be the best option for her to find a new home. We miss her like crazy, but the new puppy brings so much joy and laughter. Friends welcomed their precious baby/grandbaby Lyla into this world and former employer, Don Beene, passed away from this mixed-up world we live in. Joy and sorrow, happiness, and loneliness, new and old – this is my life of feelings. Sometimes you give, sometimes you get taken from while wanting to help. Shutting someone out of your life – feelings are involved. Feeling blessed, taken advantage of, excited, or feeling used. Again, all these feelings we have experienced this month. My feeling about feelings, wake up in the morning, put a smile on, share your smile with everyone, because you never know who needs that smile!

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A Window into

PETS in Our Community and Homes by ALANA OWEN

PHOTO provided by PEYTON WILSON College student Peyton Wilson, pet and house sitter poses with her family dog.

Pets. We all have them (well most of us). We typically all love them. What was once considered “just an outside animal” has become the mainstay of many homes, our pet dog. I mention dogs over other animals first because of their remarkable evolution over the years; from their grey wolf ancestors to our dedicated companions. Studies suggest that dog owners score higher on measures of well-being and are happier, on average, than those who own cats or no pets at all.

PHOTO provided by MIKAELA MEYER

Mikaela Meyer, OSU student, riding her horse, Lightening Bug. OKLA HOMA CORRID OR M AGAZI NE / APR I L 2 0 2 2 6

For some, our four-legged friends represent consistent companionship and daily rituals. This possibly explains the reason the loss of the family pet can be more devastating than the loss of a family member or a friend. I recently spoke with an Oklahoma college student who doubles as a pet sitter, Peyton Wilson. Peyton described her role as a “pet and house sitter”. After

her freshman year of college Peyton decided to take a semester of school off. While doing so, a family friend asked her to stay at her house and take care of her two dogs while away on vacation. Soon after others began reaching out to Peyton to receive assistance with pet and house sitting. Peyton said she primarily cares for dogs and cats, while their human companions are away. Peyton said she enjoys spending time with the animals and getting to know all of their personalities. The most memorable job for her was a large dog named Duke. It was raining the entire week she spent with Duke and he was required to wear doggy rain boots when he went outside. Peyton said Duke was “really good about wearing the boots and so cute!”

Another four-legged friend which serves many purposes is the equine. Equines can also be companions and used in therapeutic settings. Yet many use them for sports and hobbies. Another four-legged friend which serves many purposes is the equine. Equines can also be companions and used in therapeutic settings. Yet many use them for sports and hobbies. I recently ran into some horse enthusiast out trimming the trails at a local lake. The group, who are members of a Facebook group named Central Oklahoma Trail Riders Networking, were enjoying their first spring ride of the season. I visited with the youngest member, Mikaela Meyer, from Kansas, who is in school at Oklahoma State University (OSU). Mikeala was riding her horse, named “Lightening Bug.” Mikeala said she hopes to become part of the OSU Ranch Horse team with “Bug”. Mikaela has had family horses but Bug is especially important to her because the horse represents the start of her future direction as an adult. Mikaela will be working on a ranch in Montana this summer and will return to OSU in the fall. I reached out to veterinarian Dr. Lisa Mauzerall to see if she had any pet stories to share. Lisa has offices in Chandler and Stillwater, and I am forever grateful to her for saving my dog many years ago when he was diagnosed with heart worms. My pooch, Mr. Bojangles, is now a 14-year-old terrier with a terrible attitude who sometimes barks and growls at my husband when he talks loudly or moves quickly. Unfortunately, I am the only

one in my home who finds this entertaining or funny. My husband claims he can’t wait for “that old dog and his stinky breath to pass”, however, he is often seen petting his ears and making sure the terrible terrier is well cared for. Dr. Mauzerall shared a story about a dog who was severely burned in a home fire. Lisa had heard of a burn treatment being used with tilapia skin. After much research and effort, Lisa was able to obtain some information about the treatment used by Brazilian doctors with the fish skin, and utilized the process with great success for her client. Dr Mauzerall explained that “tilapia skin bandages” are useful in treating second and third degree burns while preventing scaring and promoting healing. It also helps to reduce the pain caused by burns. Such a wonderful story of human dedication to our animal friends. While traveling to Nebraska last month, I was amazed at the way people in the large cities are willing to accommodate their life-styles to keep their pets. While staying with family in Omaha I witnessed numerous people with pets living with them in a high-rise apartment building. This takes some serious dedication. Rain, snow, blizzards, heat, extreme temperatures; regardless, dogs need walking, and city etiquette requires proper clean up and disposal. I sat down stairs in the lobby of the Brandeis Apartment building and met with various pet owners as they exited the elevator. The apartment building advertises their pet friendly policy as one of the building’s amenities. For a non-refundable fee of $350, and $40 a month, tenants may reside with their pet. Tenant “Shirley” and her dog “George” stopped to visit with me. Shirley advised that the pet policy was a major factor when deciding where to live. When I drove back home to my ranch life in Oklahoma, I thought about how different my life style is from Shirley’s, yet one thing is undeniably the same. I too, must have my pets. Horses, chickens, dogs, and cattle; just in an entirely different setting.

Enjoy and embrace your wonderful pets, whatever kind they may be. Don’t be afraid to openly grieve the unavoidable and painful day of their loss, even if others can not relate. After all, they are family. n O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / A PR I L 2022 7

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PHOTOS by ALLISON ELDREDGE

Every Dog Has Its Day

by ALLISON ELDREDGE When you hear the phrase, “every dog has its day”, you probably don’t think much about it. It’s been around for a long time. Toby Keith has a song by that title and it is fun to listen to and sing along with. Well, every dog has its day means that every person will have a successful moment in life. But what about the dogs? Or the cats? Or the pigs? Do they get a day where they are successful? Let me introduce you to a place that helps them with that. Beth Roberts of Bristow Barnyard Farm and Domestic Animal Rescue hosted us for a visit and tour early March on a nice warm day. The animals were enjoying the sunshine and many enjoyed barking at and coming over to check on the new girl, ME! I saw so many animals having their day at the Rescue: dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, cows, horses, pigs, goats, a turkey, a donkey, a llama, and even a skunk. Beth has been involved in veterinary care and animal rescue for over 20 years. When she lived in California, she rescued Melman, the steer. He is a beautiful black and white cow. He is tall and gentle and quick to lick you. Beth stated that she was helping deliver feed to a local farm and had been warned that with farm life there is death and that she would see some dead animals. However, she was not prepared to see baby steers thrown out to fend for themselves and if they died, they died. She took the four that she saw that day, bottle fed them and only Melman survived. He moved to OKLAHO MA CORRID O R M AGAZI NE / M ARC H 2 0 2 2 1 0

Beth Roberts of Bristow Barnyard Farm and Domestic Animal Rescue tends to Maeve the skunk.

Oklahoma when Beth moved in 2010. She brought all the animals that she had rescued at that point. Melman was so tall that the roof of the trailer had to be removed so he wouldn’t hurt his head during transport. He has adjusted well to Oklahoma and he was happy to come say Hi, pose for a few pictures, and try to get a good lick of my notepad. In 2016, tragedy struck the Rescue. A tornado hit Beth’s home and the Rescue. Over 35 animals perished and Beth lost her home. She sent out a Facebook plea for help and supplies and neighbors and local friends came as quickly as they could; bringing supplies and crates and prepared to help. The only silver lining of that horrible day was that as Beth was able to rebuild the Rescue and get non-profit status. The Rescue grew and expanded into more than she expected. Around 2020, she started a small adventure that she called the Spay Train. She was taking animals to a vet and getting them fixed to help control the stray population of cats and dogs in the area and to get her rescued animals ready for new homes. She opened it up to take animals from private owners and get them spayed or neutered at a lower rate. As word spread, the Spay Train went from one car all the way to 9 cars taking up to 50 animals at a time. In October 2021, the Rescue received a donation to help build a spay/neuter clinic on site. Construction began and should be completed by mid-April, if

all things continue as planned without any unexpected delays. The 975 foot clinic will have two surgery tables. Animals will be able to have the surgery and be returned home the same day. Beth hopes to find several willing veterinarians to perform the surgeries. In a perfect world, there would be enough to rotate and not cause burn out on one or two willing individuals. She hasn’t settled on a final name, but the Spay Station was suggested by her daughter. Personally, I like it. In our tour, I was introduced to several wonderful animals. The sanctuary side of the Rescue is nearly full. These animals will live out their life onsite and enjoy plenty of food and care. The Rescue side fluctuates. Dogs that arrive are checked out by a vet, given a name, and then started down the path of getting them ready for adoption. Melman has a friend named Guinness. Guinness is a longhorn and less apt to come visit a stranger, like myself. There were six pigs: JD, Hamilton, Lucy, Rugby, Pua and Abigail. Pua had lived on the streets of Tulsa until rescued. Abigail fell off a truck that was traveling through Bristow. Maeve the skunk was sleeping and didn’t really want to wake up to be seen. She gets to go to school sometimes and let the kids see her. Travis, the turkey, decided he needed to announce himself with his loud turkey sounds. Most of the dogs were curious and happy. They were kept in their enclosures for my visit. Each day, dogs that get along well together are let out to play in groups. They have full run of the huge fenced in area. Since my visit, several of the dogs have moved on to new homes. Beth keeps everyone updated on her Facebook group: Bristow Furry Friends. Others post in the group when an animal seems to be lost or in need or when their animal is miss-

LUCY

TRAVIS

ing. In this group, we have followed the story of Valentine (the Sapulpa Walmart dog) and Juno (the Bristow Walmart dog). Both of these girls were living outside their Walmart for a very long time, they both were skittish of humans, and they both took a long time to rescue. Valentine is a beautiful black dog, but she has an escape plan for every situation. Juno is white and brown and still very untrusting of new faces. She hid behind her dog house when I approached her area. The Rescue is always looking for families to foster dogs, connections for finding good homes, donations of blankets and towels, donations of dog food (Pedigree adult and/or puppy food), donations of round bales of good hay, and financial donations. Since the Rescue is a non-profit, these donations are tax-deductible. PayPal donations can be made to BBarnyard. In the fall, undecorated pumpkins can be brought to the Rescue for the animals to enjoy. It was a joy to see all of the animals. Beth loves each one. She petted and loved on all that would come near while she was sharing their stories. Getting attached and then sending them on to their new adventures is hard, but rewarding work for her. n

LOVEY O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / A P RI L 2022 1 1

APRIL is PET MONTH!

Thanks to everyone who shared photos of their furry friends to help us celebrate

PET MONTH!

MOMOA from Grove OK

TOOTSIE from Cushing OK

MURPHIE from Phoenix, AZ

LUCKY from Stroud OK

JAYDE from Cushing OK

SNOOPY from Yale OK

OKLAHOMA C ORRI D OR M AG AZI N E / APRI L 2 0 2 2 1 2

PETEY from Cushing OK

JASPER from Cushing OK

OKLAHOMA CORRID O R M AGAZI NE / APR I L 2 0 2 2 1 2

MAX & POPPY from Cushing OK

SARGE from Corpus Christi TX

CREEK from Cushing OK

HILLBILLY and MEEKO from Cushing OK

JHETT from Cushing OK

HARLEY from Drumright OK

CALI from Cushing OK

MARLEE from Chandler OK

BELLA from Cushing OK

ZEUS from Cushing OK

AVA RAY from Oilton OK

NIGEL from Cushing, OK

MABLE from Alpena, AR

O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / A P R I L 2022 1 3

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OKLAHO MA CORRID OR M AGAZI NE / APR I L 2 0 2 2 1 6

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DELILAH’SDILEMMAS POP! PLPLPLPLPLPLP!

That was the unfamiliar sound generated somewhere inside or outside the house at the Royal Flush Ranch, late one evening. Delilah and Joel, who were alone on the ranch...

with

DIANE BROWN

...because Eli and Dooby were in Wyoming, had investigated the unnerving sound, but could not find the source. Being just this side of scared to death, Joel requested they sleep in the same bed. Delilah, also afraid, capitulated. They both climbed into bed, Delilah closest to the door, Joel on the far side. Joel turned on his side, back to Delilah, seemingly perfectly content, and was asleep within minutes. It took Delilah a bit longer to doze off what with trying to work out what the sound could be and trying to justify letting Joel sleep in her bed. With her. The next thing Delilah was aware of was Eli standing beside her bed, yelling, “what’s going on here!” and stomping around the bed threatening to kill Joel. With one hand, Eli had pulled Joel out of bed by the front of his flannel pajama top, and his fist was raised to strike. “Eli! Stop!” Delilah shouted. “There’s an ex . . .” POP! PLPLPLPLPLPLP! GRNKGRNKGRNK! PHPHPHT. “What the?” Eli said, looking around while releasing Joel.

Delilah and Joel gasped. With a jerk of the head, they looked at each other with open mouths and wide eyes. “That’s new!” they said in unison.

e Delilah and Joel gasped. With a jerk of the head, they looked at each other with open mouths and wide eyes. “That’s new!” they said in unison. OKLAHOMA CORRID O R M AGAZI NE / APR I L 2 0 2 2 2 0

In one fell swoop, Delilah bolted from the bed, seized her robe and shrugged it on. She hustled to the hall with Eli and Joel quick on her heels. POP! PLPLPLPLPLPLP! GRNKGRNKGRNK! PHPHPHT. The three bodies froze. They looked in every direction. “What is that?” Eli asked. “Joel, you stay up here. Eli, you come with me,” Delilah said. “I’d rather not stay up here alone,” Joel said. “Where is that coming from?” Eli puzzled. “You two stay up here. I’ll go downstairs.” “Where’s Dooby?” Delilah asked. “Is he in the apartment?” “Yeah,” Eli replied as he started down the stairs. “Wait!” Delilah shouted. She grabbed Joel’s hand and tugged him along as she followed Eli. “I don’t want to stay up here.” “When did this start?” Eli asked as the they reached the bottom stair. “Late last night,” Delilah said as they made their way down the hall toward the kitchen. “We checked everything in the house and couldn’t find where it was coming from. For starters, it doesn’t seem to be coming from any one particular place. It’s like it’s every,” POP! PLPLPLPLPLPLP! GRNKGRNKGRNK! PHPHPHT. “Where.” Joel finished Delilah’s sentence with a whisper. The momentary stock-still silence was broken when Dooby stormed through the backdoor. “Did y’all hear that?” Dooby asked once they all converged in the kitchen. “You heard it? Outside?” Eli quizzed. Dooby nodded and headed for the utility closet in the hall. After five minutes, shouting from the closet, he asked Delilah if there had been any issue with the HVAC, to which she replied that it seemed to have

been running with no difficulties. Dooby joined the others back in the kitchen. “I just can’t figure out where it’s,” Dooby started. POP! PLPLPLPLPLPLP! GRNKGRNKGRNK! PHPHPHT. Everyone went still. “It sounds different outside,” Dooby said. “It has a more . . . I don’t know . . . tonal resonance in here? Like it’s in a cave or well. Doesn’t seem to be occurring with any consistency either.” “I’m just glad you guys are here now,” Joel said. “Yeah,” Delilah added. “Why are you here? I thought you weren’t going to be home until later today or even tomorrow.” “Finished up yesterday and decided not to stay,” Dooby said. “Wanted to make sure you were safe,” Eli added. He shot a scowl at Joel and then Delilah. “And then I find the two of you in bed together.” “What?” Dooby exclaimed in horror. Delilah sighed and Joel looked like he was going to faint. “Yes,” Delilah said defensively. “Joel and I slept in the same bed last night, because we had no idea what that sound was, and we were frightened half to death, and we thought we’d be safer together.” “I thought it could be aliens,” Joel interjected.

“Or poltergeists,” Delilah said, cutting a reproachful glance at the kid. Joel rolled his eyes and sighed. POP! PLPLPLPLPLPLP! GRNKGRNKGRNK! PHPHPHT? SCREEEEACH! “Oh, my! It’s getting worse,” Delilah said. Delilah and Joel went back upstairs to dress, while Eli and Dooby went hunting for the source of the peculiar noise which only occurred twice more before breakfast was ready. Eli sauntered through the back door followed closely by Dooby who was wiping the grime from his hands with an old, worn cloth. The two men made their way to the kitchen sink and took turns scrubbing their hands. “Well?” Delilah asked. “Did you find the problem?” “Yeah,” Dooby replied, filling his plate with sausage, eggs, and hash browns. “There are two turbine ventilators on the roof, and the plumbing vent is right next to one of them. That ventilator came loose and every time there was a wind gust it knocked it over against the vent. As the wheel was still spinning, the sound traveled from the roof to the foundation down that pipe. That’s why it sounded like it was all over the house. It’s fixed, now.” It was quiet for a spell while everyone ate.

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“Tell me about Lizzy,” Eli finally said after his last bite. “She’s hot,” Joel said excitedly. “She looks like you. Oh! I’m not saying you’re hot,” he interjected, seeing the bewildered look on Eli’s face. “Well, I mean,” Joel stuttered. “I don’t mean to say you’re ugly.” Eli chuckled. “That’s alright, Joel,” he said. Eli looked inquiringly at Delilah. She hadn’t told him the young lady claimed to be his daughter. But she guessed he had presumed it. And she knew, as Eli gazed at her, that he was silently asking her if his suspicions were correct. Delilah had had time to consider how a newly discovered grown child might affect her relationship with Eli. She had even imagined Lizzy living on the ranch with them if it came to that. If Eli excepted Lizzy as his own, so would she. She gave Eli a small, reassuring smile and a slight nod. Before any further discussion about the fair-haired stranger could occur, there was a knock at the back door, and Daniel and Damon, the temporary ranch hands, entered without invitation, as was the custom at the Royal Flush Ranch. “Hey, man!” Daniel exclaimed, shaking Eli’s hand and patting him on the shoulder. “You’re back early.

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Or have I got my days turned around?” “No,” Eli said with a laugh. “We came back early this morning.” “I was just telling them about Lizzy,” Joel said. Daniel’s eyes went wide and he looked first at Delilah and then Eli. “Well, gentlemen, what say we get started on chores,” Dooby said to Joel and the two ranch hands, as he rose from the banquette and gathered the breakfast dishes. “Delilah and Eli need to talk about Lizzy, alone.” Once they were alone, Eli took Delilah in his arms and embraced her tightly, his face nuzzled at her neck. “What do you know?” Delilah asked. Eli released Delilah and they sat back down at the banquette. “I know she’s twenty-one,” Eli began. “She was born in San Frando, California in October after her mother and I split in March. Which, by all manner of mathematics, would suggest that she is my daughter.” “She does look like you,” Delilah offered. “That is to say, she has your coloring, and some similar features.” Eli shrugged. “You still don’t buy it, do you?” Delilah said. Eli said nothing for a beat. He simply looked at Delilah with a blank expression.

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“Did you know my dad used to call my mother Lizzy?” Eli asked. Delilah got chills. “No,” she replied. “Kathy, Lizzy’s mother, knew that your Nettie Mae raised me,” Eli said. “I even brought her here to the ranch to meet Nettie. She was the only girlfriend I ever had, that knew what my dad called my mother. Everything about her could have been fabricated to fit well-known information about me. Everything.” “Everything except that name,” Delilah said. Delilah pulled her cell phone from her jeans pocket, tapped the screen a couple times, and handed it to Eli. “That’s her number,” Delilah said. “You need to call her and make arrangements to meet. She’s welcome here, of course. But I think your first meeting should be somewhere neutral, and just the two of you. Call from my phone. She won’t recognize your number.” “You’re taking this well,” Eli said before taking the phone from Delilah’s proffered hand. He rose from the banquette and took his call to the living room, leaving Delilah in the kitchen to ponder the newest dilemma.n

ARE ELI & DELILAH the proud new parents of a grown daughter?

OR... are there still questions to be answered? The saga continues in the May installment of DELILAH’S DILEMMAS in the BRAND NEW Oklahoma Corridor Magazine!

258-5002 121 W. 10th • Chandler • IAFR.com/Thompsons O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / A P RI L 2022 2 3

Your Community, Your Health Care

Your Choice!

MEET DR. KYLE WILSON, OB/GYN! 610 West Bypass / Drumright, OK 74030

DRUMRIGHT REGIONAL HOSPITAL is proud to welcome DR. KYLE WILSON, OB/GYN

~ Offering a full spectrum of obstetric and gynecologic services ~

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

918-382-2336

Your Community, Your Health Care –Your www.drumrighthospital.com

OKLAHO MA CORRID O R M AGAZI NE / APR I L 2 0 2 2 2 4

Choice!

DAYS! H T R I B L APRI

Pet of the Month Meet

DUKE

Salinas, California- April 10th

• 2-3 years old, neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated • Heartworm negative, 70 pounds, almost housebroken • VERY strong on the leash! This guy would love a fenced in back yard. He is the biggest ham! • Male dog selective, likes females! • The perfect guard dog that is actually a big baby and just wants your love!

Archer Bryan

Duke is $60 to adopt.

Stetson Johnson Sand Springs-April 1st

Ashley Bryan Cushing- April 1st

Amanda Williams

Salinas, California- April 1st

Dane Mc Bride Cushing- April 2nd

Gary Wallace

Cushing- April 17th 95th Birthday

STILLWATER ANIMAL WELFARE

Audrey Bryan

1710 S Main St, Stillwater OK

HAPPY 95TH BIRTHDAY, AUDREY!! Cushing- April 23rd

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

our hours:

Good health begins with great primary care. Now in a new facility!

Still at 600 S. Linwood in Cushing

CUSHING

918.725.1599 | Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00am–5:00pm Walk-ins welcome! Accepting most insurances including soonercare. O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / A P R I L 2022 2 5

L I V E

M U S I C

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

N OOKLAHOMA T E S CORRIDOR ON THE

with RICK REILEY

The Shawnee Music Trail

THE KUPPERS and THE GUITAR VAULT On West Moses street here in Cushing, at the S.W. corner of Kings Highway, there used to be an historical marker that called attention to the location of what was known as the West Shawnee Cattle Trail. As we all know history has a way of fading from view and that trail marker is gone now. Just like the cattle trail and that particular Cushing/Shawnee connection. But I recently discovered a more recent Cushing/ Shawnee connection; The Guitar Vault- owned and oper-

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ated by Tyler and Karly (Murphree) Kupper of Shawnee. The connection? Karly was raised in Cushing and graduated from CHS in 2014. Tyler and Karly Kupper are the owners and operators of The Guitar Vault in Shawnee, OK. From info provided the Guitar Vault: “Tyler was born in Arlington, TX and was raised in Waxahachie, TX. He graduated from Waxahachie High School in 2012 and served in the United States Marine

Corps from 2014-2016. He was medically discharged at 90% disabled and went straight to Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK. “He graduated from OBU in 2020 with his Bachelor’s degree in History and a minor in Business Administration. While at OBU, Tyler met Karly Murphree. “Karly was born in Grapevine, TX and was raised in Cushing, OK. She graduated from Cushing High School in 2014 and attended Oklahoma Baptist University from 2014 to 2018. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry in 2018. Tyler and Karly married on April 3, 2021.” Tyler Kupper grew up playing music in his grandfather’s living room. His grandfather, Buster, who led worship at cowboy churches, soon had him playing on big church stages, small church stages as well as in nursing homes spreading the joy of music to those unable to attend traditional gatherings. At the age of 12 he became a rhythm guitarist transitioning quickly to lead guitar. (I recall when I was 12, I could barely strum a G chord and found it a major challenge to hang onto a guitar pick. Some folks are just naturally gifted and it appears Tyler is one of those!) Traveling musicians were always passing through & were invited to participate in these Sunday events. Many would end up staying overnight at Buster’s house too. So Tyler grew up around professional musicians and became well seasoned and influenced by these occasions. He went on to play in several church bands across Texas and Oklahoma. He also served as lead guitarist in Chapel at Oklahoma Baptist University. In addition to currently owning the Guitar Vault he also serves as a fill in musician for bands all across the state. Karly, on the other hand, did not grow up with such a musical background. That came later in life and is still in the process. But one she has taken to naturally with the assistance, encouragement and tutelage of husband, Tyler. The two met in college at O.B.U. While they were in college they began to spend their spare time searching pawn shops and online for old instruments in need of repair. Tyler had much experience in repairing his own instruments and began to put that knowledge to good use. They then bought a house in 2019 in Shawnee and after filling it with 4 dogs, 150 guitars and a few amplifiers, they decided the next best thing to do was to open a store. So they did. That’s how the Guitar Vault came about. It was opened in Sept. 2020. Karly’s previous 15 year work experience was focused on customer service and the customer/business end of

The Guitar Vault is just her cup of tea. She is their main instructor and breaking down lesson plans from Tyler’s years of experience into more easily achievable goals is something she is proud of. Tyler continues to instruct Karly in every instrument that he knows. They currently teach others: Guitar, bass, mandolin, ukulele, piano, violin/fiddle, cello, viola, and upright bass. From the Kuppers – “Music plays an important part of their life for different reasons. For Karly, it gives her an outlet to help people. She often says “where words fail, music speaks.” This saying helps her students also when they are going through something hard. Tyler sees music as a way to belong and communicate. It gives him a space to meet people, develop relationships, perform in front of others, and he is building a community with other musicians’. They also offer consignment options for those with instruments to sell. They offer lessons with no age range. Young? Old? In the middle? It’s never too late to learn a little if you’re willing. And the first lesson is free! They are also working with Shawnee area nursing homes to provide their students with opportunities to learn to play in front of live audiences. And for the residents to engage in and enjoy the process of their musical development. Music plays different roles for different people and it’s always encouraging to see music being enjoyed and promoted to wider audiences. And it’s especially rewarding to see others pick up an instrument for the first time and feel the magic of the possibilities that could emerge. Sometimes making music is all about the journey. The friendships, the memories made, the shared experiences, the wrong notes, the right notes, the magic when suddenly everyone’s in tune and the energy lifts the heart and the spirit. An old man I once knew, I’ll call him Teddie, told me that in his youth he was a fiddle player. And a guitar player. He giggled and said, “I was never any good at all, but man I loved to play! And I did! I played anywhere they’d let me! ” I want to be like Teddie. Now that I think of it perhaps I am! Maybe you could be like Teddie too! Got an old instrument under the bed gathering dust? In the closet taking up space? Listen very carefully, it just might be calling your name! Find out more on their Facebook page. Also search for their website online and location on Google Maps. n

O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / A P RI L 2022 2 7

by PAUL RAGLE

We love our pets...

and receive much love in return.

Many parents introduce a pet into their home to teach their children responsibility for the care and feeding of the animal. Stewardship of a pet is certainly consistent with a variety of biblical principles children do well to learn. Proverbs 12:10 teaches “The righteous know the needs of their animals…” Children may learn that when a family’s pets are cared for, they provide companionship, amusement, and often unconditional love. But keeping a pet is a weighty responsibility-a child learns quite a lot about being created in God’s image as she/he loves and cares for a living animal. As my children were growing up, they always knew and loved a variety of dogs, cats, goldfish and other creatures. (I think there might also have been a turtle and a gerbil, mouse or some sort of rodent.) As adults, all three of my kids have dogs or cats that are valued members of their families. But life with pets in a family can be an adventure. All three of our children came into the world where our family already had a teacup poodle guardian named Charmagne. She saw herself as a second nurturing mother to all three of our babies. She would lie on the floor beside their cribs when they slept and would come to let Connee or me know whenever a baby awoke crying. When our cat had kittens, the mama cat often left her kittens in Charmagne’s care so she could go out to do her thing. Charmagne kept the kittens bathed OKLAHO MA CORRID OR M AGAZI NE / APR I L 2 0 2 2 2 8

and warm. As our kids grew older, they received a new canine playmate. Her name was Noel, a silver and black Australian cow dog. Noel loved to play in the back yard with the kids and would nip their heals to herd them to where she wanted them to be. She would sing along with our family whenever we sang. She was also very protective. When I came home from a quad heart bypass surgery, Noel wouldn’t leave my side. She stayed right with me through my convalescence. Two of the neighbor’s dogs had a habit of coming into our yard to do their business. Noel learned how to open the front door so she could chase them back home. Because of her aggressive protection, we were forced to rehome Noel. She went to live with a family who lived in the country with three or four Labrador Retrievers. Noel became a therapy dog and lived a long life of sharing love with humans. So many pet stories I could tell. Shadow, our daughter’s black Lab had nine puppies on one Christmas Day. Shadow loved to climb the stockade fence and go roaming (which included taking a swim in the farm pond down the road). On one of my frequent neighborhood searches for Shadow on a very hot day, I found her in the neighbor’s fish pond with only her head sticking out of the water. We love our pets and receive much love in return. n

O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / A P R I L 2022 2 9

OKLAHOMA CORRID OR M AGAZI NE / APR I L 2 0 2 2 3 0

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Just Because I Have Autism

by KAYLA DEES

Just because I have Autism Doesn’t mean I want to stay home all the time Doesn’t mean I don’t want to be invited out Doesn’t mean I’m different from everyone else

Just because I have Autism Doesn’t mean I don’t want to have friends Doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with someone one day Doesn’t mean you can throw me away like a piece of garbage

Just because I have Autism Doesn’t mean I’m not fun Doesn’t mean you have to ignore me Doesn’t mean you can’t talk to me

Everyone has their “ISM” mine just happens to be Autism. Please treat me like everyone else!

Kayla Dees

Just because I have Autism Doesn’t make me a nerd Doesn’t make me stupid Doesn’t make me dumb

CHANDLER HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI

POKER FUN RUN (or walk) CHALLENGE

EVERYONE

CHOOSE EITHER:

• 2 MILE FUN WALK OR is invited to participate! • 5K RUN/WALK (Alumni & non-Alumni of all ages)

SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2022 / 7-9am

ATION REGISTR T-SHIRT S INCLUDEE SUPPLY (WHIL LASTS)

nt. med eve NOT a ti wn time (This is o r u eep yo Please k portant to you) im is t a th if

South Pavilion of Tilghman Park (Trade Days Pavilion) / Chandler, OK

At the end of the race, participants will draw cards for the best hands and prizes will be awarded! All Fun Run participants can enjoy coffee provided by Manvel Ave. Coffee Co., along with a great selection of muffins, donuts and orange juice!

All proceeds benefit the CHS Alumni Scholarship Fund and the Alumni Association. LOTS OF DOOR PRIZES PRESENTED AFTER THE CHALLENGE!!! FOR INFORMATION: Brian Christy / 405.979.0062 / brian929_2001@yahoo.com • Crystal Gilliam-Earp / 405.255.9935 /cearp98@gmail.com Marfreda Brooks-Christy / 405.509.1081 / marfredachristy@yahoo.com OKLA HOMA CORRID O R M AGAZI NE / APR I L 2 0 2 2 3 2

COURTNEY WILLIAMS OLLEYBALL

TOURNAMENT SATURDAY, APRIL 23RD

TOURNAMENT INFO

We will take teams until Wednesday, April 20th. Teams can have up to 8 players. All ages are welcome to play. Bracket will be available the week before on the benefit Facebook page. WE WILL ALSO HAVE A SILENT AUCTION, T-SHIRTS AND CONCESSION (Including lunch items)

HOMER RAY GYM / YALE, OK

T-SHIRTS - $20 each ($22 for 2XL) We will take pre-orders until April 6 - Contact one of the listed organizers to order yours now! YS - YL and AS - A2XL We are accepting donations for the following items: Snack bags of chips, water, gatorade or body armor, cans of soda and candy bars. Cash and silent auction donations will be accepted as well. Donations can be dropped off with Jessica Crowe at Yale Elementary or Anna Romero and Bobbie Reeves at Jennings Middle School Jessica Crowe 979-417-8447 | Lori Kardokus 918-285-1304 Anna Romero 405-762-0842 | Bobbie Reeves 918-306-2718

cash only event

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TREATS!

OKLAHO MA CORRID O R M AGAZI NE / APR I L 2 0 2 2 3 4

2 for you & 2 for your dog!

O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / A P R I L 2022 3 5

405-258-0055 800-339-0851

Just Off I-44 / Exit 166

CHANDLER, OK

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Your Pets Will Love to Cruise in Your

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