OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine_May 2022

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2 THE CORRIDOR MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2022

OUR COVER

LOAD UP THE FAMILY & THE PETS and CHECK OUT OUR JUNE

Members of the Chandler Fire Department are ready to protect and save the city of Chandler and surrounding areas. Here are the names of these brave heroes. Chief Bobby Buchanan, Driver Ely Sherman, Boone Westfall, JB Tschoepe, Tony Rednour, Kaitlin Grubbs, Vincent Costante, Paul Gregory, David Jenkins, Derek Martin and Nick Sampson. From the OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine, we thank all the men and women who help protect our lives and properties. We appreciate each and every one of you!

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©2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All requests for permission and reprints must be made in writing to Oklahoma Corridor Magazine, at the above address. Advertising claims and the views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publishers or its affiliates.

Caudle Agency, LLC 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 3

IN THIS ISSUE...

OUR MAY 2022 FEATURE STORY:

The Mighty Volunteer Fire Department

by Allison Eldredge on page 6

PET’S PAW SPA, LLC 918.285.3115

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

5

Editorial

by Trudy Evans

6

The Mighty Volunteer Fire Department

by Allison Eldredge

12

Pastor Paul’s Passages

by Paul Ragle

14

Kids on the Oklahoma Corridor

by Jeree Milligan

18

A Window into First Responders in Our Communities

by Alana Owen

23

Wrestle Against Hunger

by Trudy Evans

26

Delilah’s Dilemmas Diane Brown

30

Notes on the Oklahoma Corridor

by Rick Reiley

32

Congratulations to the classes of 2022!

Compiled by Kayla Dees

34

36

OKLAHOMA Corridor Real Estate Market Report

by Jeree Milligan A Super Hero Amongst Us Story compiled by Trudy Evans

38

Recipes

by Jeree Milligan

BFF…Best Friends Forever! I sincerely hope everyone could have a BFF as I have for the past 53 years. Fifteen hundred miles could not even keep us apart!

A best friend is a lot like a First Responder. They are there the minute you call and they stay till you don’t need them anymore.

They help you make decisions. They hold your hand, hug you when you need a hug, and help you put fires out even when they are just sparks.

My BFF lives in California in the same town where I was born and raised until age 14. I could not do life without her! If either one of us is mad or sad, happy, tired, or scared, we pick up the phone and call the other one, talk for five minutes or an hour or two and go on our way. We text a few times during the day, send pic of the dogs, cats, family or even a tree. It doesn’t matter as long as we hear from the other.

business, and if he has time and it’s warm enough, he gets to water ski on the weekend. In fact, by the time this publication is distributed she will be here and will then be on her way home the day after my birthday. But hey, at least we get to spend my birthday together on May 2. It’s been many, many years since we got to do that. While she is here, we will have been to Arkansas to see Garth Brooks in concert, probably to Pawhuska to the Mercantile and the Lodge, we will have eaten who knows where, and will have enjoyed sitting in my backyard, while watching the dogs play as we talk and talk. Probably we’ll shed a few tears, but that’s ok too...she is my person!

Whatever your plans or celebrations are for the month of May, enjoy them! My family has a lot of birthdays including my niece Emma, a nephew Ryan, Kayla, my Mom (who celebrates in Heaven), myself and several friends. Then there is Mother’s Day, Graduations, and Memorial Day. I certainly will enjoy this month!

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The Mighty Volunteer Fire Department

by ALLISON ELDREDGE PHOTOS by ALLISON ELDREDGE

This month as we honor our local first responders, I visited with several members of Freedom Hill Volunteer Fire Department.

It was a short trip to visit them and not my first time meeting them.

I live in their service area and had attended their open house in 2019.

They are located in northern Creek County and cover a service area of 83 square miles; which is quite a large area compared to the other local fire departments. The Freedom Hill area is named after the local church less than a mile away.

Chief Kevin Smythe had led this brave group of men and women since 1980. Currently there are 25 members on the roster. Several of them are family including his wife, sons, and daughter-in-law.

In the beginning, the volunteer fire department was a bunch of “good ole boys” getting together and helping fight local fires. They became incorporated in 1978.

Chief Smythe joined and in the beginning the equipment was stored in a barn and dispatch was in their home.

Then the buildings on the current site were built. The last addition being finished in 2019, in time for their open house. Dispatch, a workout area, truck bays, gear room, and meeting rooms are now all in one location.

Freedom Hill Volunteer Fire Department is dispatched out of Mannford’s 911 station. In March, there were 24 runs for the team.

Freedom Hill FD knows that they usually meet peoOKLA HOMA CORRID OR M AGAZI NE / M AY 2 0 2 2 6

ple on one of their worst days, so they work on getting to know the community in less stressful situations.

They drive in parades, they visit a Mannford Daycare to help kids see them and their equipment, they attend Freedom Hill Church’s Firefighter appreciation days, they perform Honor Guard duties at Mannford Veteran’s Museum the Sunday before Veteran’s Day, and they host fireworks for the 4th of July. The last event started as a way for the firefighters and their family to get to see fireworks together and in case of a fire, they were all on site to respond.

Volunteer Fire Departments are funded by a variety of sources. Freedom Hill is no exception. There is a state grant that ranges from $1500–$4000. Fire Protection Agreements are available for every home or business in their service area. Forms are available on their website: www.freedomhillfd.org. Bake sales and donations helped, but as Carolyn Smythe, the Treasurer, stated there were many purchases that had to wait until the bills were paid and sometimes even then, they didn’t happen.

In 2012, the Freedom Hill area became the center of a massive wildfire. For those of us who lived here and

experienced it, we know how crazy those days were. For those that didn’t, let me explain. Fire burned for days and days. It jumped roads and fire lines and burned homes and trees. I remember describing to my co-workers that I felt like I was living in a war zone. Roads were closed. When the fire was finally put out, recovery took several weeks to years, depending on the amount of loss and damage.

Speaking to Freedom Hill firefighters, I was amazed at some of their memories. Two spoke of having the fire jump over them. One was holding on the water line and sprayed above their heads as the fire jumped from one side of the road to the other. Carolyn, said that she came back from helping evacuate seniors from Mannford nursing homes and found her firefighters taking a break.

Realizing they needed rest, food and water, she took them out of the firefighting rotation. They had stood so long and fought very hard for their community and now that the state had responded with over 250 departments ready to help; they needed their rest and recovery time before they could fight again.

After 2012, all the Creek County departments joined to form Creek County Fire District Association. This helps them lobby for needs, meet and strengthen relationships between the chiefs and teams, and it resulted in getting some sales tax funds.

A recent issue that is starting to show up for Freedom Hill and many other fire departments is that firefighters are aging and new young recruits are not as abundant as in times past. Within the volunteer department, they are seeing less community within the people who live in the area; thus, less enthusiasm to join the local volunteer fire department. Chief Smythe said he would love to talk to anyone thinking of joining the department and there are many support positions that can be filled as well. Ap-

plications are available on their website. Freedom Hill also has a Cadet Program for 16-18 year old students; Captain Tim Smythe was a student in the first year of the program. He has been working in some capacity with department for the majority of his life. He helped with support jobs as young as eight because that was his family’s life…Freedom Hill born and bred. His wife, Barbara is also on the team; she has medical training. Usually they will not be on a call together, as they have children and it would be a risk to have them both in harm’s way.

Finally, I asked for some of their stories throughout the years. They recalled when Pastor John got the truck stuck in the creek. They had to call for the big truck to get them out. Carolyn drove into creek and through a ravine to get to the fire on the other side. She said that coming up out of the ravine all she could see was the sky until she reached the ground above. They talked about one of the trucks being stolen from the firehouse. Taken shortly after a nice snowfall, so they followed the tracks until the truck was found on an old oil lease road. The truck was totalled and the two offenders found and prosecuted. They talked about seeing the planes that drop retardant on fires coming directly over them and seeing someone who was standing too close to the drop zone looking like Carrie from the horror movie. They spoke of driving across the county after picking up a “new to them” engine from New Hampshire. They talked about the support of the community; how some of the ladies are always bringing them food during the hard fire season, and how during the 2012 fire they had an entire truck bay filled with bottled water for them.

Firefighting is hard, dirty work. It is putting your life on the line to help others. Freedom Hill’s motto is “Help those who cannot help themselves”. This month, we salute you all! Thank you for all you do. n

Gear room at the Freedom Hill Fire Department in northern Creek County, OK

Chief Kevin Smythe’s grandfather’s fire helmet hangs on the wall in the Chief’s office.

O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / M AY 2022 7

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by PAUL RAGLE

I am one who owes his life to some very well-trained emergency medical technicians and a very good emergency room staff.

I was an overweight 46 year-old pastor who still was answering the call to be a sometime athlete. I met my friend Cletus, a much younger and very athletic pastor, at the Greensburg YMCA to play racket ball. Since I am competitive by nature, I played Cletus very hard. We were very evenly matched, but I was pushing myself to reach the toughest shots Cletus laid down. I narrowly managed to win all thee of our first games. We took a break and sat down in the hallway to drink some cold water.

I looked over at Cletus and casually said, “Cletus, would you mind going to the front desk and asking them to call 911. I’m having a heart attack.”

Cletus answered, “No, you’re not!”

I answered straight back, “Yes, I am.” And it felt like a load of bricks had been dumped on my chest. I slid to the floor in pain. Cletus ran to the front desk to make the emergency call.

When Cletus returned, I could barely move, I think somebody added more bricks onto my chest. It seemed only moments until the EMT’s were setting their medical kit beside me. The male EMT slipped a nitro pill under my tongue. The Female tech was taking my blood pres-

OKLAHOMA CORRID O R M AGAZI NE / M AY 2 0 2 2 12

sure. After lifting me onto their gurney They administered a second nitro pill. And we raced out of the YMCA building and into the ambulance. The ride was a blur, but we were only a block from the Greensburg hospital.

They rushed me inside into a room in the ER. I think I was barely conscious, but the next thing I remember, Cletus and my wife were in the ER with me and Dr. Pahl , a cardiologist, was putting some kind of medication into an IV in my arm. It must have been some kind of “happy” juice, because I was a bit high. My wife tells me that I asked Dr. Pahl where his family worshiped and invited him to attend our next church service. I praised him for his most excellent work. When Connee asked if it was the medicine, Dr. Pahl nodded yes. About that time, my blood pressure bottomed and my lights went out. Dr. Pahl had to work some of his emergency room magic to bring me back around. Connee was scared to death.

With my condition stabilized, I spent the weekend in the cardiac care unit at Greensburg hospital before they took me into the catheterization lab. Dr. Pahl told me that I needed to have a bypass. I spent 11 days in the Greensburg hospital, recovering from quadruple bypass surgery.

I have the utmost admiration and respect for the men and women who put themselves on the front line to help folks in times of emergency. n

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Sparks volunteer fire department members, pictured from left to right, Kyle Moody, Steven Matthews, Houston Knight, Angela Dionne, Nick Collette, and Kenny Smith (other members of this department not pictured).The 1972 pumper engine goes out for structure fires only.

Photo provided by Salt Drifter Photography - Leah Wright

by ALANA OWEN

A WINDOW INTO

First Responders In Our Communities Most of us can recall exactly where we were on the morning of April 19, 1995. That day we were reminded of the importance of first responders. I was on my first day of maternity leave, and I immediately stopped what I was doing as television reports began detailing the bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City.

Years later when my daughter entered college at Oklahoma State University, she quickly became friends with a young man who had a scar across his face. One day he explained that he was one of the children in the building during the 1995 explosion. I felt sad for him to have had such an experience at a young age, but also grateful that he was able to escape such tragedy with his life, thanks no doubt to first responders – the critical heroes who selflessly risk their own safety when someone is in dire straits.

The month of May holds many first responder national safety events such as National Police and EMS weeks.

I turned to social media and looked up my local Sparks volunteer fire department. There was little to see, no pictures or glory. I contacted the fire chief, Nick Collett, and asked for an interview. My friend and photographer Leah Wright agreed to volunteer her time for photos. We met the volunteers at the fire department and had a fun time getting to know them and taking pictures. Leah posed the firefighters in various shots which they all somewhat reluctantly obliged, clearly they were not used to such OKLAHO MA CORRID OR M AGAZI NE / M AY 2 0 2 2 18

attention.

Nick began his career as a firefighter in 2006 and became chief in 2014. He resides in Sparks with his wife Misty and has three grown adult children. Nick told me about a scary incident during his first year with the department. Nick was assisting the assistant fire chief when the firetruck’s motor failed and would not start in the middle of an out-of-control fire with 60 mph winds. Nick and the fire chief left the truck on foot and begin running from the fire when the Jacktown Fire Department picked them up and got them out of harm’s way. Nick said most departments work together and help out during extreme fires, and he remains thankful to this day that Jacktown was present. During that fire, Nick estimated up to 70 agencies were cooperating.

Nick always knew he wanted to be a firefighter, but later in life his wife’s father recruited him into the department. His father-in-law was Chief at the Sparks Fire Department at the time.

The best part of Nick’s job is whenever he can help someone save themselves or their property, and the worst part is seeing the loss and devastation that is sometimes beyond human control. I asked the chief for any funny stories. He said that at one point they had a lady that would call sometimes two times a day for anything and everything. I asked if she was flirting. His response was, “It’s hard for me to tell.”

I asked Nick for anything the public should know regarding fire safety, and he said that people starting controlled burns should call in before initiating such an action and to use good judgment on windy dry days.

Nick also said that he wishes the public would keep their grass always mowed as short as possible to maintain the safety of their lives and their property.

Cushing Police Sergeant Carson Watts has an impressive 17 years as a police officer and is facing some hurdles with his health as he hopes to continue serving his community.

Sergeant Watts works out of Payne County. He and his wife Brandi have three children ages 24, 17, and 15, and 2 grandchildren. Carson was quick to explain the best part of his job is that every day is different when you leave the house. You never know what a day might entail; it could be boring, include domestic issues, contain pursuits, or just simply be his favorite type of work, helping people. The worst part of his job is not being able to help as much as he would like to at times for various reasons, some of which are out of his control (such as children who are victims).

Carson shared a story with me in which a man years ago (who was known to the community as frequently intoxicated) knocked on his door stating, “I am drunk.

Put me in jail.” The man could have walked right by the department on his way home but decided to stop for a stay in. When Carson searched the man’s pants pockets and found something illegal, the man advised the pants he was wearing did not belong to him.

When I asked if there were any safety issues he would like to advise the public of, Sergeant Watts said he often sees people driving around without paying attention to the road and asked that the public stay off their phones and remain aware of their surroundings at all times as it only takes a split second for tragedy to strike.

Carson was diagnosed with eye cancer in February which has impacted his vision in one eye. Watts has undergone several procedures to improve the medical condition, is currently on light duty, and will be checked by his doctor soon to make sure the radiation therapy was effective. Watts is hoping for good news and to return to patrol soon. The community has rallied around Carson and his family through various fund-raising events to help with medical costs.

Lieutenant paramedic and firefighter James Blevins works out of the Cushing Fire Department. James is in

his 12th year as a paramedic and 11th year as a firefighter. He initially went to work at EMSA in the Tulsa area to obtain experience prior to working for Cushing. James and his wife Terri have a 17-year-old son. James also has two adult children and a stepdaughter.

James enjoys his job because it is exciting and never the same. James said the worst part about his job is when he is not able to change the outcome of a housefire, accident, or medical situation. James was in his 40s before he became a paramedic. He was looking for a stable job he could stay at until retiring. James asked that the public be advised to wear their seatbelts because he had seen firsthand how they save lives. James also wanted to remind everyone to keep their smoke detectors working because they are a literal lifesaver. James enjoys the opportunities to be out in public and provide educational outreach. During October, fire safety month, department staff go into elementary schools to talk to kids about fire safety. Department staff also teach CPR in the community and train police officers in the Stop the Bleed program which focuses on how to pack wounds and place tourniquets.

Left to right: Cushing Paramedics Hunter Hall, James Blevins, and Sicily Frasure. James has served the public as a Paramedic for 12 years. Coworker Hunter has been a Paramedic for two years and Sicily for three years. Photo provided.

When I asked each of these first responders about their sacrifices, they all had the same answer: the constant interruption of time with family – missed ball games, birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. The next time you see a first responder consider an introduction, a thank you, or a simple smile. I’m certain they would appreciate it in these ever-changing times. Their ability to remain humble and committed to serving the public is beyond admirable and selfless. n

THANK YOU First Responders!

O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / M AY 2022 1 9

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WRESTLE AGAINST HUNGER

by TRUDY EVANS

Kayla and I attended a sporting event that is surrounded with lots of smack talk but if you went to this one you might change your mind. It was in Turley, OK at Living Hope Fellowship Church. This event is a fundraiser so the church can buy groceries for low income to no income families in Turley and Sperry. They do a monthly grocery giveaway, as well as pet food give away. In addition to these projects, they arrange a low-cost vaccination clinic for pets as well as a clothing closet for everyone! Pastor Brent and his wife Pastor Shelly are doing great positive work in their community.

What kind of event was it??? It’s called Wrestle Against Hunger. Yep wrestling! With costumes, makeup, flips, spears,

in a ring with a referee. It’s good clean family friendly fun. In the Final Royale round, they included a special needs boy that I would say is maybe 12-14. He came out in a costume too big for him, but he had a ball. They flipped him a couple times, and he pushed them up against the turnbuckles.

I’m sure he felt like Hulk Hogan or John Cena during the 10 min he was in the ring! This group even has classes to teach people how to wrestle. Only one in Tulsa from what I understand. And it was entertaining. Good, not expensive snack bar. Good cheap seating! Kids 5 and under get in free. Turley Fire and Rescue was on hand. Well worth the short drive North of Tulsa. n

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O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / M AY 2022 2 5

DELILAH’SDILEMMAS Eli had been gone for three hours. He had arranged to meet his would-be daughter, Lizzy, at noon, at a Stroud restaurant.

But before he headed to town, he made a couple calls, checked several emails, and then showered...

with

DIANE BROWN

Eli had done a cursory check of Lizzy three days earlier when he discovered her existence while on a trip to Wyoming with Dooby. He had then initiated a more extensive investigation with friends from the government agency that once employed him.

Dooby, having other government agency connections of his own, did the same. The results were now displayed on a laptop computer in Delilah’s living room.

Delilah sat at her antique, oak roll-top desk intently reading the numerous emails and documents beginning with the young lady’s birth certificate.

Lizzy Lenae Bukowski, born 10/20/89 at 11:59 AM, at the Pacifica Hospital. Mother, Kathy Jane Bukowski, San Fernando, CA. Father, Elijah Solomon, Stroud, OK. eight pounds, two ounces. 23 inches in length.

Delilah held up her hands about two feet apart.

She knew little about babies, but she thought 23 inches was a bit long for a newborn. She shook her head and continued to click through the emails.

“Whatcha doin’?” Dooby asked in a singsong, childlike voice from behind Delilah’s chair.

Delilah shrieked, jumped, and spun around in one move.

“Gracious me!” she exclaimed, hand over her heart. She quickly caught her breath, and then backhanded Dobby across the chest. “You trying to put me in an early grave?”

Dooby chuckled. “Did Eli give you his password?” he asked pointing at the computer.

“Of course not,” Delilah said indignantly as she swiveled back to face the screen. “Not that hard to figure out.”

“He said the same thing about your password,” Dooby said with another chuckle.

OKLAHO MA CORRID O R M AGAZI NE / M AY 2 0 2 2 26

“Whatever,” Delilah said, clicking the mouse with her right hand and waving off Dooby’s remark with her left hand, though she made a mental note to change her password later. “So, what do you think?”

“I think Eli has a daughter,” Dooby replied, without asking to what she was referring.

Delilah and Dooby were best friends. But their relationship, their connection was much more complex than the word friend could define. Like identical twins, which Dooby’s psychic mother always said they had been in a previous life, they often knew what the other was thinking and could anticipate each other’s moves, finish each other’s sentences.

Except of course when Delilah was completely immersed in some harmless wrong-doing and Dooby snuck up on her.

“Yes, it would appear she is,” Delilah said in a faint voice.

“I didn’t say she was his daughter,” Dooby said.

Delilah spun around in her chair to find Dooby sitting sanctimoniously in the wingback chair, a mischievous grin on his face.

“I believe Eli is father to a girl born in California nearly twenty-two years ago,” Dooby said. “I’m not convinced the girl in Stroud is that girl.”

“You have doubts,” Delilah stated. “Doubts based on intuition and not fact.”

Dooby nodded slowly. “What’s your take on the girl?”

“I’m not sure, Dooby,” Delilah said with a little bit of a snip in her tone. “That’s why I’m trying to collect information here.”

“Sorry!” Dooby said, his hands in the air in surrender. He rose from the chair and stepped toward the desk. “I’ll let you get back to your snooping.”

He kissed the top of her head, and then moved to the door.

“Hey, wait!” Delilah exclaimed. “How soon can I expect our adult Lincoln Logs to be delivered?”

“Nice,” Dooby said with a hint of sarcasm, but he was smiling. “Two to four weeks.”

“Really?” Delilah said excitedly. “That seems quick.”

“We paid for rush delivery,” Dooby said.

“Dooby, I can’t afford rush delivery?” Delilah cried.

“No, you can’t, but Eli and I can,” Dooby said.

“Nice,” Delilah sneered.

Dooby chuckled. “Oh, and by the way,” he said.

“I know you want oak floors, but we decided to do a concrete foundation. So, you need to decide if you want tile or if you want to acid wash the concrete?”

Dooby was down the hall before Delilah could object, agree, or respond in any manner. Shaking her head, she resumed her mouse clicking.

University of Southern California – declared major, Communication & Journalism. Dropped out after two years. 3.6 GPA. 5’9”, 135 lbs., strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes. No distinguishing marks. See attached photos.

Delilah clicked on the attachment. The girl in the picture greatly resembled the girl that had shown up at the ranch three days earlier, but there was enough difference that Delilah would not have called her a

ringer. The girl pictured had shorter and marginally darker hair.

“Extensions, maybe?” Delilah puzzled to herself.

She searched for a date on the picture and found it had been taken 13 months earlier. After calculating one half inch growth per month, she was satisfied that the length could be explained, and highlights would justify the color.

But there was something else. Something in the eyes. The color was spot on. However, the shape seemed slightly . . . off. The eyes in the picture appeared rounder than the live version.

“Makeup,” Delilah reasoned, as she clicked her way to the next document which showed an address in San Fernando, California, and a picture of the front of the apartment.

Next came the year, make and model of the vehicle she owned along with the registration number, and tag number. One more click led her to a page with two names and two pictures. Zachary Logan and Hunter Stevens. The two boyfriends Lizzy had had since graduating from high school. Each lasting nearly a year, and a year between each one. This was accompanied by more details of the young men than Delilah cared about.

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“TMI!” Delilah said, clicking through less pertinent information. Then she stopped. Employed at KTLA TV, 5800 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles as a Production Assistant. 18 months.

She continued until she stumbled upon the fact sheet and pictures of Lizzy’s mother, Kathy. She was pretty. Extraordinarily blue, almond shaped eyes, like Delilah’s eyes. Her light, caramel brown hair, with just a suggestion of red undertones, framed a heart shaped face. As much as Lizzy looked like Eli, her mother’s genes were just as ubiquitous.

Kathy had worked in the film industry for 17 years as a Set Designer. Delilah gasped as she read the movies Kathy was accredited with. She had married when Lizzy was five years old and divorced twelve years later. Kathy had died of ovarian cancer three years after her divorce.

Delilah clicked backwards and saw the timeline come together. Kathy had passed away in April of Lizzy’s sophomore year of college. Lizzy never returned to school. Instead, she went to work at KTLA TV in November of that year, where she remained employed until April of this year. Two months later, she arrived in Stroud, Oklahoma at the Royal Flush Ranch.

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Delilah sighed. “Bless her heart,” she said softly.

“Delilah?” Eli’s voice rang out from the kitchen.

For the fourth time that day, Delilah jumped. “Oh, dang! Fiddle,” she whispered frantically as she pushed one wrong button after the other to log out of the computer. And then, with haste, she met Eli at the living room door.

“Well?” Delilah inquired, breathlessly. “How’d it go?”

Eli glanced over her shoulder at the computer.

He grinned. “Did you finish your searches?” he asked.

“What searches?” Delilah sang with wide, guilty eyes.

“Don’t play dumb with me,” Eli said with a chortle.

“Dooby told me I needed to change my password.”

“That rat!” Delilah exclaimed.

She looked at Eli expectantly. His expression turned careworn, almost sad. She moved toward him and placed her hand on his cheek.

“Eli, what is it? What’s wrong?” Delilah asked.

He placed his hand over hers, closed his eyes and kissed the palm of her hand.

“A lot to take in,” he said.

Delilah pulled him into a tight embrace. “Yes, it is,” she said, gently rubbing his back.

Eli pulled away, took Delilah’s face between his

hands, and kissed her madly.

“I love you,” he finally said.

“I know,” she said playfully. “So, what’s the plan?”

“She’s gathering her things and coming here,” Eli said with a look of eager anticipation for Delilah’s acceptance of the plan.

She smiled lovingly. “As it should be,” she said.

She stretched on her tiptoes and gave Eli a quick peck on the lips. “And I love you, too.”

“Yes, I know,” Eli said, the careworn expression evaporating.

As much as Delilah wanted to know what Eli and Lizzy had talked about for three hours, she knew it was none of her business. Not really. She resolved to stay out of it. Until one or the other of them made it her business.

A terrifying thought raced through her mind, not for the first, or even second time since the young girl’s arrival. What if Lizzy was an imposter; an imposter sent for malevolent purposes? And while any physical harm resulting from evil intent was a concern, Delilah feared far more for the emotional toll duplicity would take on Eli. That would certainly make it Delilah’s business. n

HOW FAR WILL DELILAH GO

to protect Eli? Does he need protection?

Is Lizzy the real deal or a dangerous charlatan?

One will never know unless they read the June installment of DELILAH’S DILEMMAS in the

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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

CUSHING’S HOLLY TICHENOR Purveyor of Music, Smiles and Sunshine

I first met Holly, too many years ago to count when she was just a youngster attending my old alma mater, Hillside School. She was born and raised in Cushing. She and her brother Jay would occasionally accompany her mom and dad, Jim and Carlene Frisbie to our old grocery store for vittles.

Jim was the director of the Cushing Youth and Community Center until his untimely death. Both he and Carlene had deep roots in the Youth Center and dedicated their lives to the city’s young people.

Both served as pillars of the community, though neither would have made a big deal out of it.

Holly Tichenor has carried her parents’ community work ethic forward, adding her own flavor to it. She’s long been known for her ‘can do’ spirit, infectious smile and as a tireless supporter of local volunteerism.

Some musicians spend their lives travelling the country, the world, attempting to spread their influence in pursuit of their dreams.

And some spend their lives in their own home towns threading their influence, bit by bit, note by note, from generation to generation in their own communities, helping others to dream.

OKLAHOMA CORRID OR M AGAZI NE / M AY 2 0 2 2 30

Some musicians spend their lives travelling the country, the world, attempting to spread their influence in pursuit of their dreams.

And some spend their lives in their own home towns threading their influence, bit by bit, note by note, from generation to generation in their own communities, helping others to dream.

Always a piano teacher, she also held a couple of notable day jobs a few years ago that put her in direct contact with the public on a daily basis; one as Executive Director of the Cushing Chamber of Commerce and then as personal assistant to John Bryant at the Bank of Cushing.

She began playing by ear like her grandpa Frisbie.

But then she began taking piano lessons from a Mrs. Scott who lived in Lincoln County. She said that the majority of area kids in the 60s and 70s took lessons from her. (She also explained that was how many parents taught their kids to drive - by letting them take the wheel driving to piano lessons on country roads!)

Holly began teaching piano when she was 17.

While still in college, she bought a house in Cushing and put a music studio there. When Mrs. Scott retired, Holly took her students and taught all through college.

Later she taught at Shamrock, Oak Grove and Happy Valley Schools.

RR: Do you come from a musical family?

Holly: The Frisbie side was very musical. My Grandpa Frisbie played the fiddle and was well known in surrounding communities for his musical ability. He played at a lot of dances. I was so lucky to have parents like mine. My mom loved boogies and my dad loved longhaired music. Dad could sing and was very musical. He

would lay on the couch for hours having me play for him.

Actually, dad had me and my baby brother, Jay, singing duets. My favorite one was “Just a Little Talk With Jesus”. I only wish I had recordings.

When she was a youngster the family attended Free Will Baptist Church and she began playing ‘specials’, as they were called, when she was in the 4th grade.

Fronzie Tuttle and Pat Matherly were the church pianists at that time and Holly was mesmerized by watching Pat play as her bracelets and painted fingernails danced along the keyboard. She says that as a kid it looked so glamorous she wanted to be just like her.

She began playing for others when she became the choir pianist in Cushing Junior High and continued playing for the choir when she entered Cushing High School.

Larry Sparkman was band director at the time and she said he provided valuable experience. (Larry is another who’s spent his entire life teaching music. But that’s another story….)

Holly eventually became pianist at Free Will Baptist Church. She then began playing for local gospel singers, Clint and Marilyn Fisher, and gained experience with them playing in various churches throughout the area.

Music has been a constant thread through her life intertwining with the life of the community.

“I have been teaching lessons for 45 years. Through the years I changed occupations but I always had piano students in the evening. I really hate to say this, but I am teaching grandchildren of children I taught” RR: What sort of music do you listen to when you’re not playing?

Holly: The Eagles, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, and Willie Nelson.

I asked about a favorite of most notable musical experiences and that sent her down memory lane. Early on she played at ‘high end’ restaurants, dinner parties, banquets and even on a cruise line! And of course those early memories of playing at the Free Will Baptist Church.

“It was more free style”, she said.

Then she began playing at the Presbyterian Church over 30 years ago and had the opportunity to play more classical style. “I had the best of both worlds!”

Then 13 years ago Larry Erwin called from the Boom Town Theater in Drumright searching for a pianist. She signed up for their World War II production. The crew seemed like family and made her feel at home. So she stayed for 8 years!

She said she learned a lot from the director Pauline Branch, now deceased, and regretted that their paths crossed so late in life.

She also considers others she met at Boom Town as life long friends. Among them Ron & Kipp Dyer, Tammy

Holly Tichenor with her 2021 Spring Recital Group

Cook, Brad Cook, Larry Erwin, Julie House, Polly Kelly and Holly Maschino. “Love them forever!”

RR: Any students past or present you’d care to mention?

Holly: I would hate to leave anyone out. I have several students that really made good pianists and that makes me so proud! Shane Randolph, Jess Niccum and John Carson-just a few that are adults now!

My current students are a really good group, and I have several high school kiddos that I have had several years. I have just as many boys as girls, which has been that way for a couple of years. It is wonderful! The group of boys I have are lots of fun. They enjoy Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and all my older students know all the old stuff. I love teaching piano and vocal performance!

“I will say at least once a month my students are asked to perform locally. The Cushing Rotary Club has allowed us to perform several times, and the Rotarians are so encouraging! This is the best learning tool ever.....good for the teacher, good for the student and good for the audience. I am so appreciative that the community gives us that opportunity”.

RR: Any upcoming events or performances on your schedule?

Holly: Spring Recital is May 18, 2022 at 6:30 at the Presbyterian Church on Moses street, in Cushing. It’s open to the public.

I asked if it was ever too late to learn the piano.

‘Never!’ she answered.

And that is surely an encouraging word to every music lover’s ears!

She may be contacted via Holly Tichenor on Facebook Messenger. n

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

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Choice!

Congratulations Classes of 2022!

Check out these dates, times, and places to honor graduates on the

OKLAHOMA CORRIDOR!

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

A Super Hero Amongst Us

Shown left to right are officers in the Drumright Police Department, Asst. Chief Chris Reinke, Damon Bounds, Tyler Butler, Chief Brian Gooch, Gerad Poole, Rex Ashcraft, Mikayla Staiger, Corporal Mandy Folden and Matt Kearney, Photos provided by Drumright Police Department

I read this story on Facebook on March 29, 2022, and felt it needed to be shared!

Melissa Mahan wrote, “I normally don’t post personal family issues, but this story needs to be told. This past Sunday around 12:00 a.m. my Mom’s house caught on fire. She woke up and went to her neighbors banging on the door. I don’t know why but my mom had her cell phone with her, so the neighbor used it to call the police. In the meantime, another neighbor came over and she and my Mom went back in the house to open the back door so Mom’s cats might make it out.

While this was happening, Officer Poole just happened to be coming down the hill and saw the flames.

As he came to the front of Mom’s house, he could hear someone yelling for help. Mom and the neighbor became confused while inside the house due to all the smoke and couldn’t see how to get out! Officer Poole went in and got them both out safely! Thank you so very much Officer Poole! You are our hero!”

Then I read this a couple of weeks later. Thank you to Drumright Police Chief, Brian Gooch, for permission to share this.

A huge congratulations to Officer Gerad Poole on receiving the Life Saving Award!!

On March 27, 2022, Officer Gerad Poole rapidly and

courageously risked his own life to save others by unselfishly putting his life in jeopardy by thinking only about the victims inside of the house.

During the night of March 27, 2022, at approximately 12:10 a.m., Officer Poole saw large flames coming from a residence. As Officer Poole pulled up to the front of the house, he heard someone screaming, “Help me!” from inside. Officer Poole immediately went to the front and found two females inside.

With flames and smoke violently surrounding them on three sides, they had become confused and could not find the front door. Without hesitation, Officer Poole entered the house, with flames around him and above him, and he was able to get the two ladies out without serious injury. Officer Poole immediately called for the ambulance to access them.

Officer Poole’s quick response, recognition of the severity of the emergency and immediate action resulted directly in saving two lives that day. Failing to act or acting after delay could have led to a tragic outcome. Acting with disregard for his own personal safety with prompt and alert action, he saved the lives of two Drumright citizens.

Officer Gerad Poole is the epitome of what Drumright Police Department represents. We are honored to have him as part of our family, and the community is fortunate to have someone with such selfless service to protect & serve on their behalf.

For he will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. Psalms 91:11 OKLAHOMA CORRID O R M AGAZI NE / M AY 2 0 2 2 36

“

tial is limitless!”

Other Comments made: “Excellent work Officer Poole! You deserve all the recognition of your heroic actions.”

“Well done Officer Poole! Congratulations on the recognition!”

“Congratulations Officer Poole! Well-deserved recognition!”

“God bless you, Officer Poole, and thank you for your selfless act.”

From a Cushing Officer: “Good job brother!”

“What a hero. God bless.”

“A true hero!”

A former OHP: “Well done sir!”

“What a hero!!! You Rock! That’s what I love!!!

Thankful everyone is safe. The Lord put him in the right place at the right time.”

“Officer Poole you are a hero. Thank you for always being brave and giving our town and us your time and talents.” n

“

A special thanks to Senator James Leewright for State Senate & Representative Ty Burns for the Citation of Recognition.

A fellow officer wrote, “Proud does not begin to express how we feel. Our blue family is the tip of the spear.

I know for a fact that Gerad Poole, doesn’t do this job for thanks or recognition. He does it because he was called to do it. Every day when we suit up for duty, we may not make it home that night. We know that, and we accept that, and we risk it. I am beyond proud and honored to be a part of this department / family. You all are first class. THANK YOU all for your dedication!”

Chief Brian Gooch wrote, “I am completely honored to be part of this Department/Family. Their commitment to the community is unwavering. They consistently put the community before themselves. The bond we have built is beyond that of any department I’ve seen.”

And Gerad, “Proud doesn’t begin to describe how I feel. God has put you here for a reason! You are changing lives for the better. Continue to grow and your poten-

I know for a fact that Gerad Poole, doesn’t do this

job for thanks or recognition. He does it because he was called to do it. Every day when we suit up for

duty, we may not make it home that night. We know that, and we accept that, and we risk it.

Shown left to right are Brian Mahan, Melissa Mahan, whose mom and neighbor were rescued from the burning house, Officer Gerad Poole, and other thankful family members, Rex Ashcraft and Robert Ashcraft.

O K LA H O M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / M AY 2022 3 7

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Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable naturally high in fiber and B vitamins. It provides antioxidants and phytonutrients that can protect against cancer. It also contains fiber to enhance weight loss and digestion, choline that is essential for learning and memory, and many other important nutrients.

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