The Ardmoreite SOL Fall 2019 by The Ardmoreite

Southern Oklahoma

FALL 2019 n $2

Fall. Family. Fun. TASTY RECIPES, LOCAL EVENTS, SIGHTS & MORE

Ardmore Dragway is located 7 miles North of Ardmore, Okla. Take Exit 40 off I-35, then 1 mile east. Track 580-653-2711 Visit us on Facebook or at ardmoredragway.com

SEPTEMBER 20 Friday - Fun Drags & Men’s Retreat 21 Saturday - Bracket Race (King of the Track) Beat the Heat & Men’s Retreat

OCTOBER 5 Saturday - 48th Annual Cowpasture Nationals 6 Sunday - 48th Annual Cowpasture Nationals

OCTOBER 4 Friday - 48th Annual Cowpasture Nationals

NOVEMBER 1 Friday - Oil Patch Nationals 2 Saturday - Oil Patch Nationals

2 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

NOVEMBER 3 Sunday - Oil Patch Nationals 8 Friday - Rain Date if Needed Cowpasture Nationals / Oil Patch 9 Saturday - Rain Date if Needed Cowpasture Nationals / Oil Patch 10 Sunday - Rain Date if Needed Cowpasture Nationals / Oil Patch

Contents PUBLISHER: Kim Benedict ADVERTISING: Estela Holguin Becky Matchen TiAna Nelson Katherine Smith

Hot rods & fast cars

Southern eats fill the Ardmore streets

Ardmore Dragway set to host ‘Beat the Heat’ World Finals race By Evan Grice

By Tiffany Ditto

By Erica Gay

12 The Foodie Chronicles

GRAPHICS/ PRODUCTION: Natalie Garrison Cathy Roberts Julie Thomas

14 Little Blessings

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Tiffany Ditto Diana Fleming Dr. Harry Galoob Erica Gay Noble Research Institute Emily Leahey DISTRIBUTION: Charlie Ammons CIRCULATION: Mary Butler BUSINESS OFFICE: Kathy Keeton Kathy Worley Printed and distributed initially on August 30, 2019 © 2019 Gatehouse Media, LLC All rights reserved.

The Ardmoreite Established 1893 117 W. Broadway P.O. Box 1328 Ardmore, OK 73401 (580) 223-2200

WINEWALK OCT. 10TH

Going into the holiday season: By Emily Leahey Adoptive parents reflect on the joy of raising twins By Drew Butler

18 So official

Football referee strives to create positive influence By Matthew Berger

19 Seen on Scene

By Ardmoreite Staff

25 Cowboy castles

Castle complex at Turner Falls continues to hide its secrets By Robby Short

28 Healthy Halloween party treats

By Diana Fleming

30 Work of art

Ardmore Little Theatre celebrates 50 year partnership with Goddard Center By Sierra Rains

32 How to build a beehive

By Noble Research Institute

By Dr. Harry Galoob

By Mallory Graves

35 Case studies in cosmetic surgery 37 Things to do

38 Events Calendar

For more information or advertising opportunities contact The Ardmoreite at 580-221-6512.

Fun Trendy Unique

THE DEPOT DISTRICT

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent from the publisher or its designee.

Cover photo by Morgan Williams Photography

Mark Your Calendar:

10 The season of change

LAYOUT/DESIGN: Julie Thomas

STAFF WRITERS: Matthew Berger Drew Butler Mallory Graves Evan Grice Sierra Rains Robby Short

So Many Places So Many Faces So Many Things To Do

Downtown Ardmore, OK

About the cover:

Brooklyn and Jacob Lindsey hold their twins Camille and Cash as the happy family smiles for the camera.

ANTIQUES ~ BOUTIQUES ENTERTAINMENT ~ RESTAURANTS and so much more! A Great Place to do Life...Together! Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 3

Kicking off all things fall in southern Oklahoma From the Publisher

an issue, many households turn to local restaurants for a quick meal during the nother school year has rolled week or leisurely family time on the weekaround and it’s great to see par- ends. Reporter Tiffany Ditto takes a look at ents, families and students gearing some local favorite menu items from area restaurants on page 8. up for the year ahead. And it’s And while food is a big topic another opportunity for Southern for a lot of us, we also want to Oklahoma Living to provide enincorporate healthy options when tertainment and information on possible, particularly as we head area residents and activities! into the holiday season. Emily LeStudent athletes are up and ahey shares some easy changes that around for early practices to beat can up the fiber quotients in your the heat and they’re joined by favorite recipes on page 12. band, cheer, pom and other stuOur cover story will warm your dent organizations that also spend Kim Benedict heart as a couple that adopted a lot of time practicing and pertwins shares their story and talks fecting songs and routines. Football season is kicking off and coaches about how the children and the process and players aren’t the only ones that have added blessings to their life and the lives spent the past few weeks getting ready. of family members. Reporter Drew Butler Officials also prepare off season and Ar- tells the tale on page 15. For those interested in hot rods, big dmore’s own David Kennedy shares some of his experiences as a referee on page 18. engines and racing excitement, we have a As activities gear up and time becomes great story by Evan Grice about Ardmore

RELIEF WITHOUT MEDICATION OR SURGERY.

Beautiful Turner Falls in Davis, Okla. KATHY WORLEY/THE ARDMOREITE

Dragway and several special events they have coming up. Check it out on page 5. There are lots of other great stories, columns, and service and merchandise information in this edition. As always we’re grateful for our readers, advertisers and the support we receive from so many southern Oklahoma communities. I’m looking forward to another great season under the Friday night lights and all of the achievements and accomplishments of area students that go with a new school year! See you at the game! — Kim Benedict is the publisher of Southern Oklahoma Living Magazine.

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Hot rods & fast cars

Ardmore Dragway set to host ‘Beat the Heat’ World Finals race By Evan Grice evan.grice@ardmoreite.com

ince the first automobile was ever produced, people have always felt the need for speed. There’s no better example of satisfying this need than through drag racing. With cars of all shapes, models and sizes roaring down the track at speeds which top well over 100 mph, the drag strip races can satisfy even the most fanatic motor heads. When it comes to getting your fill of speed in Southern Oklahoma, there’s no better place to do so than at the legendary Ardmore Dragway, which is located just outside of Springer. “It’s good fun family entertainment,” Special Events Coordinator Rob Ragland said. “We’ve got people of all ages

who come out and race, from youngsters to seasoned pros. It’s just a great place for fellowship and anyone who loves hot rods or fast cars. Friday nights are always the best times to come out because you can run your own car, act like a street outlaw, just whatever you want to do and still have a great time in the process.” While the Ardmore Dragway has been at its current location since 1960, the humble beginnings of the famous dragway date back to 1954, when a small group of people began gathering together during the Korean Conflict. The group, known as the “Slow Pokes,” were Ardmore natives who had military ties, as they began running drag races at the airport near Lake Murray. But in 1960, state Representative Tom Tipps

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TOP: David Lancaster brings his Chevy SS to the line during the 2017 Beat the Heat event at the Ardmore Dragway. ABOVE: Cars of all shapes, colors and sizes will be on display during the 2019 Beat the Heat event which is held every year to benefit police officers and first responders. This year’s event will be the World Finals as it will be held in Ardmore for the first time. Pictured are some of the dragsters which were on display during the 2017 Beat the Heat event. Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 5

ABOVE: Steve Murray brings his funny car dragster to the starting line during the 2017 Beat the Heat event at the Ardmore Dragway.

moved the Dragway to its current location where it has been ever since. The annual events which are held at the Dragway include the famous “Beat the Heat,” which is used to benefit a national non-profit organization compromised of police officers and firefighters who conduct educational programs using marked emergency vehicle drag cars to gain the interest of the public. This year the event will take place in September and will mark the 13th year of the annual event, but this season’s extravaganza will have an added twist and a much bigger field. “We’re going to actually be hosting the world championships for Beat the Heat this year in Ardmore,” Ragland said. “This has normally been held in Tulsa, and they’ve wanted to do it here for a few years and this year we’ve finally gotten the opportunity. We’re expecting competitors from all across the country to be here.” “We’re obviously very thankful for our police officers and first responders for everything they do,” Ragland added. “This event is always special for us because it’s a chance to give back to them and say thank you.” Coming up at the end of August, there will be a special reunion at the Dragway as the annual “Hot Rod Reunion” will 6 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

be taking place. “The Hot Rod Reunion is going to be a celebration of our history and a celebration of the racers that have competed throughout the years,” Ragland said. “Anyone who is a fan of hot rods or big cars with loud engines will definitely not want to miss this event.” Another important aspect of the track’s history has always been faith and fellowship. “We always make it a point to have a church service on Sundays at the track when we have an event going on,” Ragland said. “For so many years we raced on Sundays, so a lot of us who do attend church had to miss it. We have someone from an organization called Racers for Christ that is an ordained minister and he comes out and preaches on Sundays at the track. It’s just another thing that brings us all closer together and makes the atmosphere truly about family and faith.” In October, the 48th annual Cowpasture Nationals will be held at the Dragway beginning on Oct. 4 and running until Oct. 6. The season will conclude during the first few days of November as the Oil Patch Nationals will be held Nov. 1-3. PHOTOS BY EVAN GRICE /THE ARDMOREITE

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Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 7

Southern eats

fill the Ardmore streets

By Tiffany Ditto Contributing Writer

s Southern Oklahomans head into the fall season there’s one thing that is without a doubt on everyone’s mind — food. Fall brings the warm feelings of the beginning of the holiday season, which for most, is filled with indulging in those secret food pleasures that, let’s be honest, your oversized sweater will hide the proof of. Ardmore has no shortage of delicious eats, and for those who are tired of standing behind the stove cooking for the next holiday party, look no farther then the local restaurants of Ardmore.

Caddo Street BBQ Co. A newer staple in Ardmore is Caddo Street BBQ Company. Having been open a little over a year, the BBQ lovers have found success carving out a home in downtown Ardmore. Walking into Cad- The sliced brisket at Caddo Street BBQ do Street, the casual Company is both tender and juicy. atmosphere is warm PHOTO BY TIFFANY DITTO and inviting. The aromas of smoked meat fill the dining room and the friendly cashier greets you with a smile. Behind the order counter, the friendly staff is happy to help you navigate the menu, but every item packs enough flavor to satisfy any BBQ craving. Ask part owner Stacey Sisemore, and she’ll tell you they’ve become known for their caddo peppers — a cream cheese and brisket stuffed jalapeno wrapped in bacon before it’s cooked to perfection — and their cuts of brisket. But, you can’t just try those two items Sisemore says, you’ve got to take in the flavors of the sides as well. “It’s not one single thing that everyone loves,” she said. “It’s the whole package. Our staff is super friendly and in our food you can taste the quality and effort we put into it. We’re not a chain, we’re Ardmore’s hometown barbeque.” Caddo Street’s brisket slices are tender, juicy, and smoky all wrapped into one. Paired with their thick and creamy mac and cheese, their sweet and smoky beans, or their collared greens that hold a smoky flavor and a kick of spice, diners won’t be disappointed with any of their side choices. Each table in the restaurant has the establishment’s Tennessee Red hot sauce and their signature barbeque sauce. For those looking to kick things up another notch, mixing these two sauces together creates a flavor explosion with all the best components of a spicy and sweet sauce in one. Sisemore said other notable menu items are the Burnt Ends and DYNO Beef Ribs available on select days. 8 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

Café Alley Tucked away in a trendy hideaway behind what appears to be other businesses is Café Alley. The atmo- The Southern Favorite Burger with wafsphere invites visitors fle-cut sweet potato fries with a marshcream dipping sauce. into the rich history mallow PHOTO BY TIFFANY DITTO of Ardmore — touting historical photographs and signs from iconic buildings in the city that are no longer standing. You may see owner Jaysn Norton walking out of the kitchen enjoying one of his creations, or locals indulging in the well-known carrot cake. A less known secret is the marshmallow dipping sauce your server may suggest to go with your sweet potato waffle-cut fries, both of which pair perfectly with one of Norton’s favorites — the Southern Favorite Burger. The Southern Favorite Burger is an explosion of flavor in the diner’s mouth. The ½ pound angus beef burger is grilled to perfection and topped with house made pimento cheese, smoked bacon, a fried green tomato slice, lettuce, onion, pickles and served on a brioche bun. The pimento cheese paired with the bacon provides the burger with the savory-creamy cheese explosion that Americans have come to know and love, with an aroma of smoke not typically found in a burger. “I think what sets us apart is that it’s a neat restaurant tucked away in downtown Ardmore,” Manager Tamara Wray said. “Guests are surprised when they see our atmosphere, and even more pleasantly surprised when they taste our food.”

Potrillos Mexican Restaurant Potrillos brings south of the border flavors and flare to Southern Oklahoma with their three locations in Ardmore, Sulphur, and Ada. This eatery is a fusion of traditional Mexican cuisine and amer- The Quesadilla Tejana is stuffed with ican-mexican cuisine shrimp, beef and chicken. — offering tastes for PHOTO BY TIFFANY DITTO both palates. After being greeted by staff, guests are brought two salsas to pair with their chips — the well-known tamer chunky red salsa, and the creamier more-authentic spicy green salsa. Adding to the authenticity of the experience, you may hear the staff speaking in Spanish and English. Manager, and brother to Potrillos owner, Alexander Omar, said the best thing on the menu is the Quesadilla Tejana. This quesadilla is a blend of all the fajita meat favorites — beef, chicken, and shrimp — alongside a plethora of onions, peppers, cheese and tomatoes inside a flaky tortilla. The plate is served with guacamole, sour cream, lettuce and rice and beans.

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Two Frogs Grill Stepping through the doors of Two Frogs Grill is taking a trip into a world where rock and roll is king and everything you love about a classic diner is combined with new edge flair. The walls are adorned with rock and roll memorabil- Two Frogs Grill half rack of their award ia, and photos of the winning ribs paired with a baked potato, famous musical acts green beans, and their signature that have graced the barbeque sauce. PHOTO BY TIFFANY DITTO restaurant’s stage. Front and center at Two Frogs Grill, and one of the things that sets the restaurant apart from others in Ardmore, is the lit stage where live music events are held. Aubry Harris, one of “the frogs” and owner of the restaurant, thinks what sets Two Frogs Grill apart is not only the unique setting, but the recipes he and his wife Angeila have perfected. “I think that from the time we have opened until now we have been forward thinkers,” Harris said. “People around here are southern and they like home cooking. And a lot of what we make is flavorful and seasoned. We cook everything to order… and we are one of those restaurants that put a lot of thought into what we do in a day. “ For newcomers, the venue’s staff can help diners choose the right menu item, but for those who love meat look no farther then the award winning rack of ribs. Cooked in a delicious dry rub, the fall-off-the-bone meat is tender and full of flavor. The menu has everything from salads, pastas, grilled meats, burgers, and dishes with Cajun flare. “I think that our items on the menu are pretty eclectic,” he added. “We fill the comfort food need with our menu, but we also have healthy foods.”

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With a packed schedule of events and festivals year-round, there is always something going on for everyone in Ardmore! Check out the Events in Ardmore community calendar to find out what's going on or place your own event listing for free. Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 9

The season of change

any a song — many a Presidential slogan — many poems have been written about change. David Bowie sang about unpredictable and sometimes strange changes in his 1970’s famous song “Changes”. Ironically, it didn’t hit the UK singles chart until after he faced the most ominous change that people undergo — passing from this world to the next. Change is in the air. We are moving from the hot summer nights into the cool breezes of autumn. A time when leaves face upward patiently awaiting the season to create designs of color and then to fall. Watching the leaves change color and inevitably drop off the branches humanize the 10 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

plight of the tree. We change. One is the get it. We know how extremely uncomforthard it is to release able scary change that the familiar and adhappens to us withjust to life anew. Like out our consent. Anthe tree letting go of other type is expected its leaves, this season phases of life — as the many of us are sending seasons change, so do kids off to their first we. Some changes are Erica Gay day of school, waving made due to an intergoodbye to our college nal struggle or realizabound offspring or tion. And finally, there kicking an old habit in favor of are changes we make out of a healthier one. Woven into the boredom or in a quest for a fabric of life, change is indeed a fresh perspective. large part of the human experiNormal changes are mostence. We can be so assured that ly related to the phases of change will occur that when we life. Childhood passes rather aren’t facing a major change, quickly in the grand scheme of the smartest thing to do is pre- things. This may make it more pare for the next. difficult for parents to watch There are various types of their children leave the nest

and enter young adulthood. Young adulthood is generally marked with self-discovery and adventure which is why some of us stay in this stage for decades after the actual phase has passed. Coined “the glory days,” the natural maturing process may be disrupted when we stay in a nostalgic period. Then we move from early adulthood into mid-adulthood, and find ourselves contemplating, giving more and watching our appearance make some startling alterations. Aging puts wrinkles on our skin and pulls hair from our head. This seems to be the longest life phase, requiring perseverance and endurance. It makes moving into late adulthood feel like a prize for having

reached the finish line. In late adulthood, many retire, some help take care of grandchildren, and most will enjoy imparting wisdom on anyone with open ears. My thoughts on change comes from an ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus. He said, “Change is the only thing constant in life.” Change will happen. It will come. For those of us in mid-adulthood, it means we should be patient. It means that the ‘mid-life crisis’ is a choice left best to textbooks because change will happen regardless of your search. Making a change, for change sake will not yield desired results. Heraclitus’s quote reminds us to be ready for unavoidable change. Change itself will come, so rather than making rash changes, we should satisfy our craving for change by making small adjustments that only impact ourselves. By doing this, we provide calm in the lives of our spouse, children, parents and friends. Small changes in behavior can refresh our outlook. Smile! One of the most intriguing research studies ever done is the smile study. It found that if we force ourselves to smile, we actually begin to feel happier. Behavior precedes change. Other small adjustments include our diet. Try a new food or drink. Maybe drive a different route to work or take long drives to explore

new places. Try to focus on others. Offer to help neighbors and follow-through. Making small changes to our behavior can warrant a fresh perspective and satisfy a craving for change. It also allows us to adjust to change accordingly, and within our comfort zone. Embracing peace and small doses of change when possible, helps us have a reservoir of resources for the changes ahead. Since change is constant, we can count on it. We can expect some changes to be completely out of our control and push us to emotional and physical discomfort. This is the type of change everyone fears. A grave diagnosis, tragic trauma or an unexpected loss can inhibit normal development and damage the passage from one phase of life to another. But if we’ve prepared during the calm times, unwelcome change can only do temporary damage. This fall, as kids start school, teenagers go to college, temperatures drop and leaves fall off the trees, remember to be grateful for the expected changes. Embrace and accept them. So that when those life-altering situations occur, you have weathered the winds of change, and have plenty of confidence to keep moving forward. — Erica Gay is the Council Director for Girls on the Run of Southern Oklahoma.

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Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 11

The Foodie Chronicles Going into the holiday season: T

here are many unless you have your fun recipes license, you can add during this the grass. Let’s think time of the year. We about a couple things have Halloween, that you can apply to Thanksgiving and your grandmother’s Christmas coming up chocolate chip recipe soon which are great or your Aunt Jane’s events to show off your Emily Leahey green bean casserole. cooking skills! My suggestion into However, what if the right direction is you never cook or get finding the recipes you creative in the kitchen? Is it be- love and ask yourself, ‘Is there cause the thought of you in the fiber in this dish, the very dish kitchen is a dangerous idea? Or I wait all year-round to eat or is the kitchen just unfamiliar make?” Fiber is fantastic for diterritory in your place of space? gestion and prevents that blood Or, if you are a great cook, but pressure from sky rocketing you everything you make causes into a coma. your blood pressure to rise? That last one causes a lot of What foods issues for people being confi- have high fiber? All vegetables, seeds, nuts, dent in the kitchen. There is this stigma that healthy foods grains (Quinoa, oatmeal, brown taste horrible or bland. Oh, I rice), cereals,and fruits… that dislike bland very much. I want was easy. Also read your food everyone to be happy this hol- labels. Typically we find fiber iday season with their dishes. in “whole” foods. I tell people I am not saying go vegan on all the time “if you are what you your holiday casseroles or hide eat, then whole foods will make blades of grass in your pie. Well, you become a whole person. 12 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

If you eat fake food then you become a fake person.” Pretty good golden standard to go by. There will be many amazing dishes this holiday season that have these ingredients. List your favorite recipes and switch out one ingredient with a whole food. Examples: Substitute the can of green beans with real green beans in your casserole. I would also take the real green beans and sauté/grill with salt, pepper, and fresh garlic before adding to the casserole. Substitute 1 cup of all purpose flour with 1 cup of almond flour. If you would rather do whole wheat flour, combine ½ cup whole wheat with ½ cup all purpose. You want your baked goods to rise properly. I love chili. I suggest adding quinoa as a thickening agent into your chili. My sister-in-

law made this once and I could not tell their were whole grains in it. Quinoa is a great whole/ super grain. All in all, it is important to enjoy your meals. I hope this encourages you to step into the kitchen and try something new this fall. You can make simple changes and prevent that high blood pressure from bringing you down. You should feel wonderful after your meals and allow food to increase the quality of your day. I am very excited for this fall and the wholesome fruits and vegetables that grow this time of year. Have a wonderful day everyone. Happy plate, happy life. — Emily Leahey, MS, RDN , nutrition consultant and education, teaches Essentials of Nutrition and Diet Therapy for the nursing department at Murray State College.

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Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 13

Little

blessings

14 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

Adoptive parents reflect on the joy of raising twins By Drew Butler drew.butler@gmail.com

ifteen months ago Jacob and Brooklyn Lindsey’s lives were changed forever by the birth of their twins Cash and Camille. The young couple had been unsuccessful in trying to conceive their own children and had attempted to go through the adoption process multiple times, but something always fell through at the last minute. Then an adoption agency matched the Lindseys with the twins’ mother, and everything fell into place. They were at the hospital while the birth mother was in labor, and the twins have been with them ever since. “It’s amazing how quickly it goes,” Brooklyn Lindsey said. “You always hear that, but it really does go by so fast. And with twins, that’s another ballpark all together! We expected it to be complicated, but they’re definitely two big handfuls. It’s constant going, but they’re so much fun and it’s always a blast!” She said some of the twins’

favorite activities include playing with their toys, swimming in her grandparents pool and dancing. Two of their favorites are “Baby Shark” and “Hot Dog Dance.” Frequently, the pair’s favorite songs are played on Amazon Echo’s Alexa. In fact, “Alexa” was one of Cash’s first words. “He likes to say ‘gidd-a-lee gidd-a-lee’ and make noises, and he can say daddy and momma. But his first real word was ‘Alexa’ because we’re constantly saying ‘Alexa,’” Lindsey said. “They both love Alexa and like to dance. We’re going to be in trouble when they learn how to order stuff!” Though they both love to dance, their dancing showcases the difference between their personalities. While Cash is more reserved, Camille likes to be the life of the party. “He’s really sweet and shy and just loves to cuddle and hug,” Lindsey said. “He’ll get to dancing or something, and we’ll look at him and say “yay!” Then she’ll start clapping and say ‘yay,’ and he’ll go run and hide.” Camille also happens to be the more talkative of the two.

Cash and Camille Lindsey enjoy a nice day in a field of wildflowers. Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 15

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“Camille is way more outgoing,” Lindsey said. “We went on a cruise when they were six months old, and she was just waving at everyone we passed, saying hi to everybody. And she’s been like that ever since.” While the twins have very different personalities, they are still incredibly close to each other — though that hasn’t always been the case.” “You always hear how close twins are, but at first they were very independent,” Lindsey said. “Now they’re starting to really play with each other and that’s sweet. They love to hug and kiss on each other.” Both Lindseys agreed that loving the twins and watching them grow completely transformed their lives. “When we adopted them we thought we could change their lives, but they’ve really changed our life and our whole family’s 16 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

life in such a big way,” Lindsey said. “They’ve been the biggest blessing we could receive.” She offered this advice for anyone considering adopting children. “Do it. When it gets hard, it confirms that you’re right where you need to be. Just push through it, and I promise it will bring you one of the biggest blessings you could ever experience in this world,” Lindsey said. As for whether or not the couple plan on having more children, the answer is — maybe. “In the future we’ll maybe look into adoption again or maybe even try ourselves. But not right now,” Lindsey said. “Right now we just want to enjoy this time. We don’t want to take anything away from that.” PHOTOS SUBMITTED

From left to right, Camille, Brooklyn, Jacob and Cash Lindsey.

“When we adopted them we thought we could change their lives, but they’ve really changed our life and our whole family’s life in such a big way.” — Brooklyn Lindsey

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So official Football referee strives to create positive influence By Matthew Berger mberger@ardmoreite.com

common sight on Friday nights throughout the fall in Oklahoma — football referees can be seen pacing up and down the field. Beloved or disliked for their calls, some making a big impact on a game, referees are a vital piece of the game of football. From the opening kick off, officials make their presence known with each whistle, and each raising of the hands signaling a touchdown or successful field goal attempt. A lab technician for the City of Ardmore waste water treatment plant during the day, on Friday nights, David Kennedy, of Ardmore, is something different. In 2007, Kennedy received a phone call from a friend who refereed, who knew David’s love of sports, and asked if he would join him on the sidelines to see Davis High School face Coalgate under the Friday night lights. The rest is history. “It was a good ballgame and it was enjoyable,” Kennedy said. “I enjoyed being on the sidelines again.” Being under the Friday night lights is no stranger to Kennedy. Growing up, he played different sports, with his favorite being football. Kennedy played football throughout high school for the Wilson Eagles. He was also a referee for basketball for a bit, but said the wear and tear on his knees was too much, so he now sticks to football. During the football season, Kennedy and his crew stay in Southern Oklahoma, but during playoff time he can travel throughout the state. “We have all sizes of schools,” Kennedy said. “We have done as big as 6A, which is as big as they get and as little as class C which is eight-man ball.” During the course of his career as a referee, Kennedy has seen it all. From high scoring games to clutch plays, Kennedy has been through the emotional rollercoaster of a 60 minute football game. Two memories stick out for Kennedy as his favorite moments as a referee. The first memory that sticks out most was a state quarter SEE OFFICIAL, PAGE 23

David Kennedy, of Ardmore, refereed at the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State game in Bixby. PHOTO SUBMITTED 18 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

SEEN ON SCENE Ardmore Douglass Alumni Association 2019 Mini-Reunion

Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 19

SEEN ON SCENE United Way Valero BBQ Showdown 2019 Cajun Night

20 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

SEEN ON SCENE United Way Valero BBQ Showdown 2019 Cajun Night

Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 21

SEEN ON SCENE Ardmore Douglass Alumni Association 2019 Mini-Reunion

22 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

3 Ave Flea Market

“I love talking to the kids, I love talking to the coaches and it is a good opportunity for me to be an example. That is my favorite part of it.”

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OFFICIAL

Great Deals Everyday Never know what you’ll find

Continued from Page 18

final match up between Millwood and Hennessey. The temperature was lower than the 29-28 victory by the Hennessey Eagles. “Hennessey stopped Milllwood on fourth twice inside the five yard line in the latter part of the second half to keep them from scoring,” Kennedy said. “It was just really, really enjoyable.” The second memory was a year later and also included the Hennessey Eagles. The Eagles faced Jones at Boone Pickens stadium in Stillwater. “It was really neat because we were treated like a major college official,” Kennedy said. “We had our own dressing room, had our own clock. We had television timeouts, we were on TV. So that was pretty neat, too.” After 12 years as a referee, calling numerous football games throughout the state, Kennedy received one of the highest honors as a referee. Kennedy, among other referees throughout the state, was selected to participate in the 2019 Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State game in Bixby. Blown away by being selected, Kennedy used his time in the game to be a positive influence for all the kids around the state. “Number one, it is just privilege, the kids are good and it is fun to mess with them a little bit. I’m a Christian and I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. For me, it is an opportunity for me to influence them in the right way” Kennedy said. “Number two, it is kind of a validation of the work that you put in. It is nice to know that what I

am doing is seen as being right and good by my fellow officials.” Referees are only allowed to participate in the games once. Being a referee is hard work. Kennedy starts his physical preparations for the fall in May throughout June. Then, the referees are set to attend rules meetings once a year and register with the OSSAA. Following the rules meetings and trainings, the referees have to take a test in order to participate in the games. Throughout the fall, Kennedy can be seen as a line judge standing on the home sidelines. He has heard it all, from players, fans and coaches yelling at him during the game. Kennedy is able to drown out the noise, saying if a referee is doing his job he will not be able to here the chatter coming from the stands. Football and refereeing are two of the things Kennedy loves most in life, and even as his passion for the game is still there, he knows it will not last forever. Even though he sees himself walking away in a few years, Kennedy will continue to give it his all until he hangs up his whistle. “I really enjoy the company, the guys I work with are really good at what they do,” Kennedy said. “I love talking to the kids, I love talking to the coaches and it is a good opportunity for me to be an example. That is my favorite part of it.”

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24 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

Cowboy castles

Castle complex at Turner Falls continues to hide its secrets By Robby Short robby.short@ardmoreite.com

eep within the Arbuckle Mountains is a fairly well-known attraction — Turner Falls — with another fairly well-known novelty — Collins Castle. Though neither is much of a secret, the latter continues to remain a bit of a mystery. Collins Castle is believed to have been built in the 1930s — in the midst of the Great Depression — though Turner Falls Park Manager Billy Standifer said the actual date is hard to pin down. Highways through the area were still covered in gravel, according to official Oklahoma Department of Transportation maps from the era — 1927 being the first year that Turner Falls began appearing on state maps (previously the area was listed as Honey Creek). A few hundred feet from the castles lies a very specific brick embedded into a column along the wall lining the road leading

up to the castles. The brick is engraved with the word “Wild Acre” and the year “1922.” The column marks an opening in the wall leading to a staircase into the complex. “Part of this park property was owned by Dr. Ellsworth Collins,” Standifer said. “He built them in the early 30s, what we call castles, it’s believed they were actually built for guest houses and for him a summer home. He owned a little ranch here.” Throughout the castle and walls leading up to it, the brick and mortar style isn’t commonly what is seen or expected from the construction projects from the period. The dark and light variations of gray are a stark contrast to the yellow and light orange hues often associated with the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps projects of the time. The stone also lacks the overall finesse and finish of Tucker Tower, another project developed at the time.

›

TOP: An aerial view of Collins Castle at Turner Falls can be seen from the scenic overlook. PHOTO BY JULIE THOMAS/THE ARDMOREITE ABOVE: Visitors can explore the rooms and climb the staircases of the sprawling stone structure. PHOTO BY ROBBY SHORT/THE ARDMOREITE

Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 25

While Collins was wellknown and well-respected as the dean of the University of Oklahoma’s education department for more than 20 years, the reason for the castles and their use remains somewhat of a mystery. Its narrow doors, hallways and lowered ceilings leave much to be desired as a permanent residence, while the cost for such a project during the Great Depression would at least appear to be a deterrent to such an undertaking, yet the property exists. “We are told it was a vacation home for an OU professor that was built in the 1930s,” Gwen Williams, curator of the Arbuckle Historical Society Museum, said. “But that’s about all we know about it. That and they used to have parties and stuff there.” Williams said rumors imply that the location was also used as a jail, though no records have been discovered to support the claims. The OU Daily reported in 2011 that Betty Gies, who married Collins’ grandson, claimed the professor bought property in the area due to having friends with nearby cabins. Adding that the castles were built by a Mr. and Mrs. Parsons and their son from Norman. For more check out blogs. ou.edu/education/2011/06/12/ ellsworth-collings-at-home/. About a half a mile away, a 26 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

similar structure exists. Much like Hadrian’s Wall in Great Britain, a series of walls lead up the mountain without any clear purpose, though Standifer said much of the area was once paved with asphalt. “The 101 Ranch, they had a Wild West show like Buffalo Bill did,” Standifer said. “They were out of Ponca City, and they had a big ranch up there. Now, I’ve been told that they built some of this stuff and used it to winter-in back then, but I don’t know if that is right.” Historical accounts show the 101 Ranch was on the verge of bankruptcy in the early 1930s, closing by the end of the decade. The main ranch in Ponca City still has standing structures resembling the castle battlements found at Turner Falls, though the towers were once the sight of granaries. Standifer said the wall follows a road up the mountain about a mile, eventually leading to the YMCA’s Camp Classen facilities. Back in the park, there is also a bridge recently rediscovered by park employees. “Up in the mountains, spanning a ravine.” “It’s not far off the creek, probably 150-feet,” Standifer said. “It’s just on the side of the mountains, across a little old ravine. It’s not very big, maybe 20-feet long.” Standifer said most of what he knows about the park’s his-

“We are told it was a vacation home for an OU professor that was built in the 1930s.” — Gwen Williams, curator of the Arbuckle Historical Society Museum

tory he learned from the signs throughout the park. Today, the castles border the creek housing the park’s main attraction — its waterfalls and swimming holes — though at the time of the castles’ constructions, workers would have had around-the-clock access to the area. While the city of Davis owned the park at the time — taking over in 1919 — they weren’t the only land owners on the mountain. The mountains surrounding

Turner Falls have been occupied for more than 100 years, though some areas are now long forgotten. Standifer said fall offers one of the better opportunities to explore the park while avoiding the typical overflow of visitors seen during the busy season, as well as the summer here. After Labor Day, Standifer said the crowds begin to thin, and lines begin to wane. “The winter is a good time, too, any time after the first of October,” Standifer said.

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Healthy Halloween

party treats

alloween means candy. (even for those with diabetes), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. If that’s Lots and lots of candy. lower cholesterol and triglyceride not enough, too much added sugar can Not just the kids’ bulging levels, lower blood pressure, as weaken your immune system. well as a decreased risk of in- How Much Added bags of trick-or-treat candies, but flammation and all the common Sugar is Too Much? the bowls and buckets of candy chronic diseases. These fruits and sitting around the house. And In 2009, the American Heart Assoveggies are NOT the problem. then there are the Halloween ciation issued official added sugar recDiana Fleming Too much added sugar, on the ommendations. An adult woman should parties — at school, at friends, at other hand, can definitely be a work, your own. More candy and, have no more than 6 teaspoons of added of course, the hard-to-resist special Hal- problem. Added sugars are processed, sugar per day (25 grams; 100 calories). loween baked treats like Jack-o’-Lantern concentrated sugars and syrups that are An adult man: no more than 9 teaspoons Cookies, Skeleton Cupcakes and Monster added to foods during processing, prepaof added sugar per day (37.8 grams ration or at the table. These sugBrownies. or 151 calories). When you’re An Those delectable baked goodies and all ars are generally referred to reading labels: 1 teaspoon that candy mean sugar. Lots and lots of as “empty calorie foods,” adult woman of sugar = ~4 grams. So sugar. It wouldn’t be quite so bad if it was which means they have should have no if a small vanilla yogurt, all confined to just one day, but Halloween calories but no nutrifor example, has 24 more than 6 teaspoons seems to be the gateway into sugar — all tion. White sugar is grams of sugar, you’ve of added sugar per day the way through New Years. So if you’re a the most well-known, got your 6 teaspoons sugar addict, it definitely has the potential classic example of an (25 grams; 100 calories). for the day if you’re a empty calorie food; of becoming an overdose time of year. An adult man: no more woman! RecommenThe stuff tastes good, right? Is there any one teaspoon has 16 dations for children than 9 teaspoons of problem with eating too much sugar? It calories but absolutely from 2-18 years of age: added sugar per day depends. It depends on what kind of sugar no protein, fiber, fat, less than 6 teaspoons of vitamins, minerals, anyou’re talking about. (37.8 grams or 151 added sugar a day. More tioxidants or phytochemTwo Categories of Sugars than 90% of America excalories). icals. Zip, zero, nada. There are two categories of sugars: natceed these recommendations. A large body of good reural sugars and added sugars. By natClearly, the foods that can cresearch has shown that too ural sugars I mean sugars that are ate the biggest problem are processed much added sugar increases: naturally found in whole un- There are two foods: sodas, sweet tea, all other sweetTooth decay, calorie intake, processed fruits and veggies: ened beverages, sugar-sweetened breakinflammation, your chances categories bananas, apples, grapes, fast cereals and bars, flavored yogurts, of being overweight or obese, of sugars: melons, carrots, sweet poyour chances of becoming candy, cookies, cakes and cupcakes, pies, tatoes, for examples. These natural pre-diabetic and diabetic, doughnuts, ice creams, muffins, pancakes, sugars are diluted with water sugars and your chances of having high waffles, barbecue sauce — and the list goes and are combined with fiber, blood pressure and stroke and on and on, which also includes all those added sugars. vitamins, minerals, antioxiincreases your uric acid levels, traditional Halloween baked goodies. dants and other health-promotSo in order to help you lessen the sugar which increases your chances of ing substances found in plants. damage, we’ve dressed up typical healthy gout. Furthermore, too much added Over and over again research studies sugar increases your chances of heart fiber-rich fruits, veggies and beans in a have demonstrated that eating these nat- disease by increasing your LDL (bad cho- festive Halloween manner. Enjoy! urally sweet fruits and veggies contribute lesterol) and triglyceride (blood fat) levels, — Dr. Diana Fleming, Nutritionist, Full to achieving and maintaining a healthy while lowering your HDL (good cholesterPlate Living, Diplomate American College weight, no tooth decay, better blood sugars ol), which also increases your chances of of Lifestyle Medicine. 28 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

Candy Corn Veggie Tray and Dips Green Monster Smoothie n 4 medium kiwis, peeled n 1 medium pear, cored and sliced n 1 cup packed fresh spinach n 1 cup non-fat, almond, cashew, rice or soy milk Blend all the ingredients on high until smooth and creamy, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Serve immediately because the spinach flavor gets stronger the longer it sits.

n Fresh cauliflower florets n Baby peeled carrots n Sweet yellow peppers, thinly sliced On a platter, arrange the prepared veggies in the shape of a big candy corn as shown in the picture: cauliflower for the tip, carrots for the middle band and yellow peppers for the bottom. Serve with a bowl of your favorite hummus for dipping. Hummus and raw veggies are a match made in Heaven.

Web-tastic Layered Dip Spooky Fruit Tray n Fresh strawberries, sliced n Whole blackberries n White icing or chocolate Slice strawberries about ¼” thick. Arrange two rows of strawberries on a platter as shown in the picture. Fill the center with blackberries. Draw a web that covers all the fruit using your favorite icing or melted white chocolate chips.

n 2 cans fat-free refried beans n 1 cup guacamole n 1 cup fresh tomatoes, coarsely diced n ½ cup green scallion tops, ¼” slices n 1 small can sliced black olives, drained n Sour cream In the bottom of a casserole dish spread the refried beans. Top with a layer of guacamole, as thick as you like it. Around the edge make a generous band of tomatoes, scallions and olives. In the center draw a web using sour cream in a pastry bag. If you don’t have a pastry bag, a plastic sandwich bag that you snip the corner off works great.

RECIPES AND PHOTOS BY AMY HANUS, MEMBER CARE, FULL PLATE LIVING

Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 29

Work of art Ardmore Little Theatre celebrates 50 year partnership with Goddard Center By Sierra Rains srains@ardmoreite.com

n February, Ardmore’s community theatre will have called the Goddard Center for the Visual and Performing Arts home for nearly 50 years. Ardmore Little Theatre President Carl Clark said the Goddard Center was completed in 1970 with the mission of not only housing ALT, but of becoming an arts center for Ardmore. Prior to the creation of the Goddard Center, ALT had many different homes. Clark said the community theatre originally held performances in the town parish house. Then, performances were moved to the Gilbert building and later an old, tin barn at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum. 30 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

Clark said his first show was in 2001, but many Ardmore community members have been active in the community theatre for over 20 years. “As a community theatre, people come and go. But there are a lot of people who have been active in the theatre for longer than I have,” Clark said. Joh Mann, a veteran actress and director for ALT, said she has spent 35 years with the organization. “After so many years of working there, a lot of people know who I am, but I don’t know everybody,” Mann said. In honor of the theatre’s 50th anniversary with the Goddard Center, ALT will be putting on some of its historically most popular shows for the upcoming 2019-20 season. These include, “The Musical

Ardmore Little Theatre cast members perform in the 2004 production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”. The production has been put on several times over the years and will be performed again in 2019 in honor of the Goddard Center’s 50th anniversary. PHOTO SUBMITTED

Comedy Murders of 1940,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” “Hello, Dolly!” and “Cheaper by the Dozen”. Mann is set to direct the first of the four shows, “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940”. Although she will be using John Bishop’s script for this production, Mann said she has personally written 10 murder mystery plays that have been performed across the world. “It’s a new take on an old project. This is a very popular show still. It’s a well done show, very well liked,” Mann said. “It’s a hard show to read as a

director and it’s going to be hard to direct because it has a lot of rotating doors and sliding bookcases — a typical murder mystery.” The show features a complex script, representing characters of many different nationalities and including secret passages, mystery, espionage, phony identities and a few dead bodies — all to come together in under six weeks. “It’s not very much time, but we manage to get it done,” Mann said. “Sometimes I’m organic, sometimes I’m more structured. This show is going

to require some structure.” As a community theatre, Ardmore has a wide selection of talent to work with, Mann said. In her several years of experience, Mann said people still manage to surprise her. “I love getting surprises,” Mann said. “We have some people who performed on Broadway. We have some that should have and didn’t. Some that think they can — it’s a great group of people.” The number of people becoming involved with ALT has also been increasing, Clark said. In the community theatre’s most recent production of “Annie Get Your Gun,” Clark said there were nearly 13 new faces on stage. “We like the fact that we can grow our family,” Clark said. “13 is a big number, so out of the cast, roughly a fifth of them were new. That’s a big deal.” Some community members who have never been on stage before are able to land lead roles with their natural talent, Clark said. In fact, the male

lead in “Annie Get Your Gun” was a first-time community theatre participant. “To have somebody walk in who has never been on stage before and blow us away with their audition, that’s always inspiring — just to see that natural talent,” Clark said. The theatre can be a real asset to the community, Clark said. For some, participating in productions can help them overcome social anxiety, Mann said. Mann said she has seen several people who were shy or afraid of public speaking get up on stage and give great performances after being coached a little. During one of the productions she directed, Mann said she had a friend stand in for one of the lead actors while they were away on vacation. When the lead actor couldn’t make it back in time, Mann said she told her friend, who was terrified of public speaking, that she would have to play the role. “That was her first time ever

“We try to be a community asset. Study after study shows that the arts is good for folks.” — Carl Clark, Ardmore Little Theatre President

being on stage and she nailed it,” Mann said. “Now she’s a regular and she told me ‘I never in a million years thought I would have the ability to do that’. It does do that for people. It gives them some confidence, some people just bloom.” However, it’s not just the actors and actresses that the theatre has impacted over the years, Clark said. “Once in a while you hear a story about how somebody says it impacted them and helped them see things from a different perspective or shed some joy or shed fear,” he said. For just a couple of hours, audience members are able to release their worries and enjoy the story presented to them on stage, Clark said. When there is a fuller audience the actors and actresses often are more energized and perform better. “The audience feeds the ac-

tors and the actors feed the audience,” Clark said. “It’s really a symbiotic relationship.” Over the years, technology has changed how the shows are lit and various aspects of the theatre, but the main concept of the community theatre has stayed the same. “It’s very much the same animal that it’s been for decades,” Clark said. In the future, ALT plans to expand the number of productions done in one season, as well as the educational programs provided to the community, Clark said. With expansion of educational programs, Clark said actors and actresses will be able to strengthen their skills and become better singers and dangers. “We try to be a community asset,” Clark said. “Study after study shows that the arts is good for folks.”

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How to build a beehive Noble Research Institute

f you are thinking about becoming a beekeeper, the first step is to find a community of people on the same learning journey. The next is to build a hive — the home for your bees. SUPPLIES n Cut pine wood or bee box kits (see note) You will need the following components for a 10-frame Langstroth hive: - 2 brood boxes and 3 super boxes (this is a starting point; some beekeepers use more, depending on their bees’ productivity) - 10 frames per box - 1 bottom board - 1 inner cover - 1 outer cover n Wood glue and brush n 6-penny nails n Screws n Hammer n Clamps and square n Paint (white or other light/ pastel color) n Nail gun (optional) n Cordless drill/driver with driver and drill bits (optional) n Frame assembly jig (optional) Note: While you can cut your own pine wood to size for the boxes and frames, Charlie Canny says it’s usually also cost effective to buy kits. The kits come with precut wood pieces in the right dimensions, and they are often built to include finger joints that give extra strength to the box. If you would like to build your hive from scratch, see the appropriate dimensions for a 10-frame Langstroth beehive at bit.ly/ frame-langstroth-beehive. Langstroth beehives can also be built slightly smaller, with eight frames. 32 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

DIRECTIONS n Build the brood and super boxes Step 1: Brush wood glue onto the wood and join the edges of the boxes, making sure that the handles are on the outside if you are using a kit that offers built-in handles. This is an important step because wood swells as it ages, creating gaps. The glue helps solidify corners, ensuring the beehive can last several years. It’s common for a hive to remain in good condition more than 10 years. Step 2: Use a hammer to ensure that all edges are well joined. Then attach clamps to the glued box and use a square to make sure the corners are perfectly squared. Step 3: Nail the box together with a basic hammer or with a nail gun. You’ll want to make sure there is a nail at each finger joint, or about 36 in one brood box. Step 4: Once the box is built, paint it with an exterior latex paint to protect the wood against the weather. White is the most popular color because it helps reflect light, which keeps the bee home cool in the summer. Other popular colors include pastels, like yellow, green and pink. Build the frames Step 1: If the kit has a piece (called a “wedge”) that snaps out of the top bar, remove it. Then brush wood glue onto the edges of the other pieces and stick them together. They should easily snap back snugly into place. Step 2: Add a piece of foundation to the frame. The foundation is where the bees will do their work. They are frequently embossed with small honeycomb shapes that encourage

Charlie Canny (left), Noble Research Institute director of facilities, manages two beehives and is active in the Texoma Beekeepers Association (TOBA), which is supported by the Noble Learning Center. Pat Tickel (right), TOBA president, has been managing bees for 12 years. Canny and Tickel say one of the best parts of beekeeping is the close-knit community of people who come together and help each other achieve their goals, whether to sell honey, pollinate crops and flowers, or simply enjoy these fascinating insects. PHOTO SUBMITTED

the bees to use them. Each cell is the exact size needed for one egg to be laid and hatched. Foundations can be made from natural wax or plastic. They often have a waxy film on them. Step 3: Reinstall the wedge, then nail all the sides together. Use shorter nails to reinforce the area around the wedge. Optional: If you have a frame assembly jig, you can make all 10 frames at one time. Setting up the hive The Langstroth beehive, which is named after Rev. L. L. Langstroth — the father of American beekeeping and the mind behind this still-popular design, is made up of several boxes. Each is stacked on the other throughout the season as the bees become more productive. Step 1: Place a “bottom board” on bottom. The bees will fly in and out of the hive through this board. When you have a young or small colony, you can install an “entrance reducer,” that restricts the entry space. This allows the bees to more easily protect themselves against intruders, like crickets

and mice. Bottom boards can be purchased or made from a kit or from scratch. Step 2: Place one of the brood boxes on top of the bottom board. Once you get bees, you will install them in this box. The queen bee will lay her eggs in the brood box, and worker bees will use it to store pollen and honey that the colony will consume. Step 3: Place an “inner cover” over the brood box. This prevents the bees from completely sealing up the box. Place an “outer cover” on top of this. There are different types of outer covers. The one Charlie Canny uses is called a “telescoping cover.” Step 4: Once you have installed bees, the setup is called an “apiary.” When the bees have filled the bottom brood box about 80 percent full, place another brood box on top. Once that box is 80 percent full, top it with a super box, which is slightly shorter than a brood box. Continue this process as much as needed. Beekeepers harvest honey from super boxes, which once full can weigh up to 60 pounds.

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Case studies in cosmetic surgery Harry Galoob

Dr Harry Galoob MD has been in the practice of Cosmetic Surgery for more than 30 years. He is board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. He performs surgical procedures both in his AAAHC surgical facility and in a local hospital.

ody image is one of our most powerful, deep-seated emotions. How we look and how we present to others is a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. There are some who believe that we should be satisfied with who we are. Another way of looking at this is that if it wasn’t meant for us to be able to change physical appearance, our medical providers wouldn’t have been given the ability to make safe and predictable changes to meet our needs. Advances in technology and science have provided the field of cosmetic surgery with numerous predictable and safe technologies for body reconstruction.

CASE STUDIES:

A young man born with a large birthmark grows to maturity, becomes sensitive to the looks he is given by others and decides to have the birthmark removed. A

simple surgical procedure can remove the birthmark and restore his appearance to something more normal so that he doesn’t get those second looks from others. A woman in her mid-30s who has lived with breasts of dramatically different size for all of her life makes the determination to have this repaired. Reconstructive procedures using expanding implants and breast reconstruction give her symmetry so that she feels better about herself and “now I feel normal.” A 50-year-old woman with breast cancer undergoes a mastectomy and subsequent radiation therapy and chemotherapy and is now cured of her breast cancer. Even though her health has been salvaged, she feels ravaged by the process. The use of expandable implants, restoration tissue flaps and the use of fat grafting allows her to regain that which has been lost from the surgery. Her comment, “now I feel whole again.” A 40-year-old woman birthed four children, successfully breast-fed them, raised them and has been the best mother any child could want. The children are grown and leading their own lives. She feels incomplete as she looks at the physical changes childbearing has caused. Her husband loves her just like she is but she just doesn’t feel right. She has tried all kinds of exercises, creams and other techniques

to improve the lax skin and sagginess. The mommy makeover (placement of breast implants and a tummy tuck) can restore her body and help her feel better about herself. A 50-year-old woman whose breasts have always been large was able to tolerate the large breast size when she was younger. With age and weaker bone structure the large breast weight and length causes constant neck back and shoulder discomfort. The skin underneath her breasts is always wet and irritated because of the skin to skin contact. A proportional breast reduction of a pound or more can dramatically reduce the breast size and length. Almost immediately after the procedure she notices a dramatic improvement in her neck back and shoulder discomfort and the constant irritation of skin. The above examples illustrate how changes in appearance with safe and predictable techniques can dramatically improve the quality of life. Some common cosmetic surgery procedures: n Face lifting n Removal of excess upper eyelid skin impairing vision n Skin resurfacing n Micro needling with Platelet Rich Plasma n Breast augmentation

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Fall 2019 u Southern Oklahoma Living 35

n Breast reduction and lifting n Abdominoplasty with stomach muscle tightening (tummy tuck) n Liposuction n Fat grafting n Use of platelet rich plasma n Labia-plasty with trimming and fat grafting (genital rejuvenation) Here are a few tips to ensure that your cosmetic surgical procedure will be safe, predictable, and match your expectations: 1. Certification and training alone may not be a reflection of the quality of the provider’s work. You should verify that your provider has experience in cosmetic surgery, is well trained in the field, and has a good reputation in your area. Ask friends and associates about their experiences and if possible ask to speak with other patients of the provider. Reputable providers are willing to provide these references. 2. Ask how often the provider performs the procedure and for how long. 3. Verify the suitability of the location where you are going to have your procedure performed. Surgical facilities should be approved by some accrediting agency (hospitals, surgery centers, AAA HC office certified facilities, etc.) and should meet the requirements of your state medical Association (these are listed on the licensure board’s websites). Safety considerations include adequate sterilizing facilities, a backup power supply (generator) and adequate licensed trained staff. 4. Price of procedure is important. However, quality medical treatment has a certain cost and providers who provide that

cost at drastically lower rates than others, may be cutting corners. 5. Your medical provider should spend an adequate amount of time talking with you, examining you and answering questions. If your provider only spends five minutes with you before the surgery, this could be an indication of the kind of care you will receive afterwards. 6. Ask who will provide your aftercare. If the provider is not available to you after surgery (it may only be his nurse or assistant) then that could pose a problem should you have any difficulties. 7. Be careful about having too many things done at one time. It is possible to safely do multiple procedures at one time. However, there are some limitations and exceeding those limitations can be unsafe. 8. Be sure you have adequate health screening prior to having a procedure performed. If you smoke, stop smoking before the procedure. Reputable practitioners will commonly ask their patients to stop smoking and verify good health with screening tests prior to surgery (blood count, chemistry profile, heart tracing, chest x-ray, mammogram, etc.) There is an expense to these procedures, but knowing that there are no surprise issues can improve the certainty of a good result. 9. Verify your provider’s credentials with your state medical Association and ask about any previous problems or reports. Paying attention to the above recommendations can ensure a better outcome with less chance of adverse results and you will be more likely to benefit from today’s predictable and safe cosmetic surgical technology.

Resources for information: — www.okmedicalboard.org/download/306/Office+Based+Surgery.htm — Oklahoma Board of Medical licensure (405) 962-1400, www.okmedicalboard.org — American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, (708) 474-7200, www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org

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THINGS TO DO D

uring the fall, Southern Oklahoma is at its busiest, with all of the fun activities planned.

n Haunted Forest at Regional Park For the second year, the City of Ardmore Parks and Recreation will be hosting the Haunted Forest at Regional Park. There will be two trails. Hidden Hollows is shorter, less spooky and is $6 per person. Dead Acres is a terrifying trail that will knock your socks off at the price of $12 per person. If scary forests are not your thing, then there is a carnival with games such as a bottle thrower, duck pond, witches toss and is free to all. There will be many yummy items to purchase at the concession stand, along with Haunted Forest t-shirts and trinkets. All of this starts at 7 p.m. and takes place on Oct. 17-19, Oct. 24-26, and of course, Halloween. For more information about closing times, visit the City of Ardmore Haunted Forest Facebook page. n 48th Annual Carter County Arts and Crafts Festival and Food Fair The 48th Annual Carter County Arts and Crafts Festival and Food Fair will be on Friday Nov. 8 from 9-8 and Saturday Nov. 9 from 9-5. Kaye Seeliger is hosting the annual craft fair

n Lone Grove Haunted House The Lone Grove Haunted House has been going on for over 30 years, and is a nightly weekend attraction in the fall. There are 17 rooms in the house, all equipped with brand new animatronics along with night vision video cameras to capture every spooky moment. They will open on Oct. 4 and stay open until Nov. 2. Their hours are 7-11 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night excluding Halloween, which lands on a Thursday this year. The admission is $20 per person and they are located on 3551 N Newport Rd. Lone Grove, Okla. n Carter County Free Fair The 77th annual Carter County Free Fair is our area’s longest running event and is located at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum in Ardmore. Angie Green, fair manager, said, “I have participated in the fair for over 45 years and have been a fair manager for 11. This event is very important to me. It brings people together as a community, and great things happen.” The fair dates are Sept. 3-Sept. 7. Throughout the week, there will be games, food and crafts. For more information about specific dates, times, and events, visit CarterCountyFair.com.

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n Brown Hay Maze The Brown Hay Maze in Ardmore, is a family attraction for all ages. They have fun activities such as a hay maze, kiddie cow train, educational train ride, kids corral, look-out tower, giddy-up gliders, merrygo-bounce, chicken chunk and much more. They will open on Friday, Oct. 4, and their closing date is scheduled for Oct. 31. The general admission price is $10, excluding children ages three and under. For more questions, you can visit BrownRanchHayMaze.com.

at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum in Ardmore. This event is sponsored by Carter County Oklahoma Association for Home and Community Education. All the proceeds go towards 4H and helping their program. “Around 225 booths will be filled with about anything you can think of. There will be hats, clothing, paintings, jewelry, and all sorts of handcrafted items,” Seeliger said. It will be located at 600 South Lake Murray Drive. Future festival dates include Nov. 13-14 in 2020, Nov. 12-13 in 2021, and Nov. 11-12 in 2022.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

SEPT.

Oct. 2:

n Donkey Doo Drop (Regional Park)

NOV.

Sept. 2:

Oct. 3:

Nov. 2:

Sept. 3:

n Monkey Business Children’s Consignment Sale at The Ardmore Convention Center begins

n Carter County Free Fair at Hardy Murphy Coliseum begins

n JigJam Irish Bluegrass Quartet at The Goddard Center, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 10:

Oct. 4:

n “Hue” Art Exhibit at The Goddard Center opens

n American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches Annual Gathering – Churches across America

n Labor Day

Sept. 14: n United Way/Restoring Lives Rodeo at Hardy Murphy Coliseum

Sept. 19-22: n Ardmore Little Theatre Presents the Musical Comedy “Murders of 1940” at The Goddard Center

n Brown Ranch Hay Maze opens

Oct. 10: n Depot District Wine Walk Downtown Ardmore, 5 p.m.

n Movie in the Park - “Despicable Me 3” (Central Park) n Ardmore Market Place Horse Sale at Hardy Murphy Coliseum

Nov. 8: n Carter County 48th Annual Arts and Crafts and Food Festival n Fall Festival Craft Fair at The Ardmore Convention Center

Nov. 9: n Barksgiving (Ardmore Dog Park)

Nov. 15:

n World Cutting Horse Association begins at Hardy Murphy Coliseum

n Santa’s Mailbox arrives (Central Park)

Sept. 20:

Oct. 17:

Nov. 23:

n James Watson World Series Team Roping begins at Hardy Murphy Coliseum

n Southwest Reining Horse Association begins at Hardy Murphy Coliseum

n Chigger Chase (Regional Park)

n Revenge of the Bulls & Concert at Hardy Murphy Coliseum

n Haunted Forest (Regional Park) opens

Sept. 21:

Oct. 26:

n Movie in the Park - “Ugly Dolls” (Central Park)

n The Great Pumpkin Hunt (Regional Park)

OCT. Oct. 1: n The Pumpkin Patch at Woodbine Farms opens

38 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019

Oct. 31: n Halloween n “Trick or Treat on Main” Ardmore Main Street

n Festival of Lights opens (Regional Park)

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Harry Galoob, M.D. Quality Cosmetic Surgery for over 30 Years

Cosmetic Surgery can enhance your appearance and boost your self confidence. Dr. Galoob performs a variety of procedures to contour your body, reduce the signs of aging, and help you regain an overall sense of well being. Our use of the patient’s own Platelet Rich Plasma and Cellular Growth factors during surgery improves results and dramatically reduces healing and recovery time in the majority of cases.

• Fat Grafting • Breast Augmentation • Breast Reduction • Breast Lifting • “New Age” Tummy Tuck • Face Lift - Neck Lift - Eye Lift • Plasma Hair Growth Stimulation • Skin Rejuvenation - Plasma Peels • Liposuction • Cosmetic Laser Procedures Most procedures are performed in our AAAHC certified office surgical suite. Combination procedures are available.

www.galoobmd.com Call Today for Your Consultation

Harry Galoob, M.D. Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Cosmetic Surgery Center of Ardmore

818 16th N.W. | Ardmore | 580.226.2171 AAAHC Certified

Certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery 40 Southern Oklahoma Living u Fall 2019