Richard Strickland - OKIE Magazine

Southwest Oklahoma’s Monthly News and Entertainment Magazine
Richard
Strickland
Assessing the Future of the
New Tax Posse
April
2011
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Who’s Got the
Best Pizza?
Meet the Nominees
Child Abuse
Prevention Month
Reel World:
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MAGAZINE
Vol. 4, Issue 5 — April 2011
OKIE MAGAZINE
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CONTENTS
RICHARD STRICKLAND
ASSESSING THE FUTURE OF THE NEW
TAX POSSE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 5
EDUCATION REFORM:
NOT AS EASY AS A-B-C!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 9
MEET THE NOMINEES
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 17
GAMING
GOOD EXPERIENCE OR BAD INFLUENCE?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 28
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COMING JUNE 18!
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By Randy Pennington
Eight seconds.
A lot can happen in that short amount of time: a
winning basket at a Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry basketball
game, a championship NASCAR race decided, or a
cowboy doing the impossible by staying on a bull
that no one thought could be ridden. Eight seconds.
a smile, upon entering
the Comanche County
the Comanche County
Courthouse. And, not
unlike the cowboy, I
this ride would be.
The target of an
abundant amount of
criticism and controversy
in January, the new
Comanche County
Tax Assessor Richard
Strickland agreed to visit
with me about the status
After dodging bullets for
if I, as a member of the
press, was riding into town with a price already on my
head, if I should be armed, or if he would in fact, be
shooting back. I had observed two people leaving the
took that as a good sign. And I paid my taxes.
As I was greeted, and Mr. Strickland shook my
hand, I took note of something that most of the earlier
media reports had failed to mention…his smile. I jotted
“possibly human” into my notebook. A glance around
either a gun or a badge.
Not a Stranger in Town
RICHARD STRICKLAND
Assessing the Future of the New Tax Posse
Richard Strickland is no stranger to Lawton
and Comanche County. Born at Fort Sill in 1947,
his father was in the military, while his mother was
a homemaker. His family bought a home in Lawton
in 1955 and Strickland grew up in the Lawton area
attending Jefferson Elementary, Central Middle School
and graduating from Lawton High School.
He was also no stranger to hard work, earning
money in many ways in his early years. “I was a paper
boy, a dishwasher, I even drove a snow-cone truck,”
Strickland recalled, “and I spent some time working as
a clerk for a minnow and
ice dealer.”
Following high school
graduation, Strickland
attended Cameron College
and also Oklahoma
State University, where
he pursued a major in
biology. “The orange
accident,” he stated,
referencing some
“Cowboy” items that
adorned the room. There
it was, again…a smile.
“I ended up in the
furniture business for a
while,” he recalled, “and
I worked at City National
Bank for about ten years.”
Strickland then spent
many years teaching
school at the Juvenile Detention Center in Lawton.
His classes consisted of twelve to seventeen-year-old
students, and involved “as many as forty class changes
per day” on occasion.
Strickland also served on the Board of Lawton Public
service as well as a continued interest in the youth
of the community. He was instrumental in creating
Grandview Ball Park during his time on Board, a sports
complex utilized by many local sports teams to this day.
His interest in property values actually began
over the years. I was always treated better everywhere
else than I was here in Comanche County,” he stated,
referencing the overall reception and attitude of
Continued on page 7
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 5

Richard Strickland... continued from page 5
personal interactions as an independent appraiser.
Tax Assessor came on the heels of controversy already
surrounding the department. The former Assessor,
Charlotte Hamilton, resigned after an Oklahoma State
Bureau investigation into wrongdoing. She and another
former assessor, Robert McAdoo, subsequently pled
guilty to one count each of false writing by a public
for the position,” Strickland said.
His years of experience as an appraiser, as well as
having the time to devote to the position, were key
“Once I decided to run,” Strickland said, “I wanted
his opponent, but on himself. “I think I only met Grant
Edwards once during the campaign,” Strickland said,
referencing the only other candidate in the race. “He
seemed like a good guy, and intelligent,” he recalled,
advertising and strategically placed signs, and he was
contributions. His campaign was successful, as he won
the election in November of 2010, and was sworn into
It happened immediately.
“I Got a Different Posse”
For a department that had been cooking in
controversy already, Strickland seemed to stir the pot
with these words, in response to his dismissal of several
go and decided to go,” Strickland stated, referencing
day on the job. In regards to the “posse” comment,
Strickland admits that he could have said it a different
dismissals. “I honestly believe that anyone who had
the same knowledge I had, in the same situation, would
have done the exact same thing,” he stated.
population,” Strickland noted that he had “sought the
advice of some wise men,” and made his decisions
so much money, and we have to operate within that
budget,” he stated. While many initially expressed
concerns that the dismissals would hinder the
department, Strickland explained that he has already
replaced the necessary positions to keep the Tax
money”.
According to Strickland, the department is on its
third different computer system in the last ten years.
“You can teach people measurements, or you can teach
them technology,” he stated, emphasizing his desire
process of cross-training most of our people,” Strickland
noted, explaining that this investment in training will
enable the staff to be more productive, and encourage
respect for each other.
priority should be courtesy to the public, followed by
are to become a more transparent agency, with steps
being taken to develop a website that allows tax
technology is already there, and being used by other
departments,” he added.
states. He explained that the savings already realized
by the personnel changes have been used to order
“without increasing our budget.”
explained that rather than the typical white pickups
guy” when the lime green Ford Escapes come up the
driveway.
A Better Environment
“That laughter you hear out there is not fake.”
Strickland was referring to the occasional chatter
amongst the staff, which could be heard throughout
throughout our time together, a literal testimony to his
“new transparency.”
The environment was indeed harmonious. No
bickering, no raised voices, no upset behavior and no
gunshots. I was beginning to believe, despite previous
media reports, that it was safe to enter the Tax
Continued on page 10
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 7

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
In our very own community we have a team
dedicated to the mission of keeping our children safe
embarked on a journey of purpose, and an evolution of
change to grow and become better for the community.
grow, to take it to the next level. We have a vision,”
says Dr. Chearlene Glover-Johnson, Executive Director
of the mission. The staff makes the shelter function
and operate and the children make us the community
resource we are.” She continues, “We are critically
valuable to the community. The mistreatment, abuse,
abandonment and neglect are what NO child should
have to go through, which makes us vital.”
There is such a passion among the staff for the
children and the continued success of the shelter. They
care for the children, believe in the mission and work as
a team.
“I asked everyone to reconnect to the mission, and
about the shelter and the children. We want to do
bigger and better for the community. We also want a
bigger and stronger community connection,” said Dr.
Johnson. “The children face traumatic situations and
circumstances beyond their control. They equate love
with those traumatic living conditions. They equate love
with abandonment, love with hunger, love with abuse,
She goes on to say, “For whatever reason the
Shelter is a safe haven and a nurturing environment
where they can be warm, safe, and loved, have
nutritious meals and a bed to sleep on, which takes an
adjustment since the only environment and life culture
It is a stark, sad reality of what goes on in society
and how fortunate we are to have a safe nurturing
environment with caring staff to see to the needs of the
abused, neglected and abandoned children.
“I am an agent for change,” says Dr. Johnson. “One
step at a time to build the process of change. We have
been through trying times and emergency situations but
we have pulled together as a team.”
From November 2010 through February 25,
emergency foster care program took in a combined
total of 159 children, for a total of 1723 bed days (total
number of days spent in the shelter and emergency
foster care combined). The shelter runs 24-hours-a-day,
7-days-a-week, 365 days a year. Come what may, they
never close.
They work hard to help the children. “The staff is
remarkable, they always go above and beyond, they are
needs. The well worn kitchen is in dire need of a
makeover. They are in need of furniture for their TV/
family room, dining room, and eat-in kitchen. Slowly
but surely they have made improvements and have
improved security for the safety and well being of the
children and staff.
playground and make it safe. “With our most recent
grant of $5,000.00 received in November 2010 from
the OKC Community Foundation Grant we have raised
$6,600.00 towards the purchase of new playground
equipment, including monies donated by our staff and
Board. We have more work to do to reach our goal of
$15,000.00 to fully fund purchasing new equipment
says Dr. Johnson. “We can always use donations.
Our wish list for needed items includes: toilet
paper,dispenser paper towels, plastic silverware,
napkins, canned goods, socks and undergarments in all
sizes ranging from birth to 12 years old.”
For more information on the J. Roy Dunning
emergency foster care and recruiting or on the
580.357.3965.
Donated items are accepted between the hours of 9
a.m. – 3 p.m. Financial donations are accepted during
shelter business hours, Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
continued on page 41
Page 8 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

Education Reform: Not as easy as A-B-C!
Part 2 of a 3 part series
By Jody Meier
In my article last
month I promised a
three part series on
Education Reform.
Since then we have
seen widespread
news coverage
relative to one of
the topics I talked
about last month—
the need to reform
teacher tenure laws.
While there was
much more involved
in recent news
stories than just
teacher tenure—it
was at the heart of
the debate. The call
for educational
reform is sweeping
hope we finally see
some progress.
focus is on
reforming
curriculum—a
necessary step in meeting the demands of the current
and future workforce. Curriculum discussions get very
tricky—but one thing is important to keep in mind--
there is only so much time in a school day, and it is
imperative that we spend that time teaching the most
important material to our students.
In his bold and nationally acclaimed book, The
Global Achievement Gap, author Tony Wagner has
stressed that we are living in a vastly different world
today.
The skills current students need to be successful are
quite different than in years past. Wagner highlights
graduates and these skills look notably different from
what graduates have needed in the past. Wagner
focuses on critical thinking skills, effective oral and
written communication, adaptability and teamwork,
accessing and analyzing information, and
creativity. We need to make changes not only in
what we teach,
but how we teach
and how we teach
and how we
measure and test
for competency.
Let me give you
an example. Some
of you might
remember in years
past that education
went through this
“stage” where we
taught young
children that writing
was about
“expressing their
feelings”.
Students were
important.
Grammar and
important either—
only self expression.
Well—those days are over! Our kids need to know how
to write—and write well. They need to be able to write
technically, clearly, and analytically. Our curriculum
must emphasize thinking problems through critically,
analyzing situations and effectively communicating
possible solutions, either orally or through written
evaluations. Oftentimes they will need to work as part
of a team to solve problems.
Many countries have restructured their elementary
school day by blocking out every morning to work
solely on reading and writing skills. That means 3 to 3
l/2 hours every day, with only restroom and recess
breaks, dedicated solely to Language Arts. After lunch,
classes spend at least two hours focused on math and
remarkable progress in their achievement and their
educational standing in the world. They also reward
successful schools and effective teachers financially.
They track progress closely and demand
Continued on page 10
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 9

Teaching Reform... continued from page 9
improvement or changes are made, and made quickly.
They have adopted a kind of “No Tolerance for
Incompetence” philosophy—and they are gaining
ground. They are spending their precious classroom
time on what they consider the most important skills
for their students.
It is time for America to adopt a similar attitude.
We have to change our curriculum to focus on what
skills students need, and we need to change how we
outdated and useless.
Students need to be able to demonstrate
that they understand the material. You will often hear
educators complain about having to “teach to the test.”
I have never understood that—as they make it sound
like a bad thing. If the test measures what you think
The trick here is that you have to make sure you
is called curriculum and testing alignment. And what is
important to be taught and tested needs to be
determined at the local and state level and not by a
bureaucracy in Washington D.C.
I said earlier that there are only so many hours in
the school day. Only so much material can be covered.
That means we must focus on reading, writing, math,
science and critical thinking skills.
I have always found it rather disturbing that kids
to multiply or how to make change. Think about that—
what are we spending classroom time on? The same
business. Our education system already has enough
on its plate.
I believe schools should concentrate on what they
were originally set up to do. Time on task has always
OKIE Magazine is YOUR
community publication.
Submit your press releases
and/or group events to:
editor@okiemagazine.com
Richard Strickland... continued from page 7
here,” Strickland noted, as he gave me a quick tour of
the area.
While Strickland admits there was tension when he
arrived, it was not detected on my visit, and he assured
me it was not an environment he wanted. “Everyone
gets along better now,” stating that initially he “had
some enemies,” but that there was an element of
mutual respect prevalent now. “We may disagree,” he
us knows enough yet.”
This man with the “different posse,” the center
of controversy of late at the Comanche County
Courthouse, took the time to walk me downstairs after
our meeting. “Come back any time,” Strickland said,
as we departed. I assured him I would, as I left the
hearing the 8-second buzzer. I had made it.
Whether one feels changes were needed or not, or
if one is for or against the actions of Richard Strickland,
Strickland answered, “Okay, I will.”
Page 10 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

The Unsung Heroes of American Society
Volunteers are the backbone of American
society, and although their footsteps begin here
in America, they reach every continent on the
globe. Americans are generous and caring. We
breed a culture of helping others when the going
gets tough. Americans respond quickly with
effectiveness, sincerity and a heartfelt will to
help. Volunteering to help others energizes your
soul, fuels your spirit and takes you to a level of
humility you never knew resided deep within you.
And if all of that is not a reason to volunteer,
remember that volunteering in any capacity
promotes well being, builds strong bonds in
families and communities.
What Is National Volunteer Month?
This signature week is all about honoring the
people who dedicate themselves to taking action
and solving problems in their communities.
Established in 1974 by former President Richard
Nixon, National Volunteer Week has grown
exponentially in scope each year and draws the
support and endorsement of all subsequent U.S.
presidents, governors, mayors and other
respected elected officials.
National Volunteer Month is about inspiring,
recognizing and encouraging people to seek out
imaginative ways to engage in their communities.
working together, in unison, we have the fortitude
to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.
National Volunteer Month is about taking action
and prompting individuals and their respective
communities to be at the center of social
change—discovering and actively demonstrating
their collective power to foster positive
transformation. National Volunteer Month
presents an opportunity for individuals, families,
nonprofit organizations and government entities
alike to celebrate the ordinary people who
accomplish extraordinary things through service.
National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week began in 1974 when
President Richard Nixon signed an executive order
establishing a week as an annual celebration of
volunteering.
This year National Volunteer Week will be April
10-16, 2011.There are many organizations that
need volunteers. If you are interested in
volunteering here are some organizations that
may need your help.
(volunteermatch.org)
Matches users to volunteer opportunities with
over 70,000 nonprofit organizations.
(Americorps.gov)
Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities
for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve
through a network of partnerships with local and
national nonprofit groups. Members who complete
service may be eligible for an Education Award of
up to $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school,
or to pay back qualified student loans plus living
allowances during their term of service.
(pointsoflight.org)
This national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization
in the United States of America dedicated to
engaging more people and resources in solving
serious social problems.
(uwlawton.org) They have many agencies that
utilize volunteers and they can match you with an
agency that fits your interests.
We should all give of ourselves freely to help
one another within the parameters of our
pass you by without embracing the opportunity to
volunteer.
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 11

By Angela Schertle
Bringing Hope in Times of Hardship
In a world focused on consumerism, competition,
before your own. However, world events like the
Japanese earthquake, the conflict in Libya, and the wars
in Afghanistan and Iraq tend to put things into
perspective. These events create opportunities for
people everywhere to remember that as untouchable as
we sometimes feel, everything can change in the blink
of an eye.
This May the students of Hillsdale Freewill Baptist
University have chosen to focus efforts on a tragedy
that occurred a little closer to home, although no less
tragic than recent world events. In January 2010, Haiti
experienced a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake.
The massive quake toppled buildings and brought
villages and cities to their knees. Over 30,000
businesses and 250,000 homes were destroyed leaving
over 1 million people jobless and homeless.
“A friend of mine told me about a trip she had taken
to help the people of Haiti last year,” said Morgan
Whitehead, a long time resident of Cache and first-year
student at Hillsdale. “From that time, God really put
Haiti on my heart. When I had the opportunity to go, I
help the Haitian people both spiritually and physically.”
Whitehead and 15 other students will be traveling to
Haiti with Mission of Hope, a Christian-based
organization focusing on helping and rebuilding
communities around the world. The Hillsdale group will
work alongside Mission of Hope volunteers to rebuild
houses, give supplies and minister to the spiritual needs
of the community.
“When something devastating happens, people
always want to know what they can do to help,”
Whitehead said. “Some people contribute money, and
that helps a lot. Some people give supplies, or pray,
and all of those things are great. But, we were
reminded that although people can contribute in a
variety of ways, someone still needs to go and
physically do the work of rebuilding. Someone needs to
build the buildings and give out the supplies.”
Mission of Hope works with their volunteers to
rebuild homes, schools, churches and communities. For
next meal is coming from, having a helping hand can
mean the difference for their survival.
“I anticipate challenges like not speaking the same
language and even a lack of clean water,” she said.
“When my friend was in Haiti last year, she said that a
woman came up to her and handed her a baby. She
take care of it. The worst part for me will be leaving
heartbreaking that you can only reach so many people
and then you have to leave.”
The trip, while a wonderful opportunity to reach out
and grow, also poses challenges and dangers.
“Of course, our first concern was for her safety,”
want her to stay safe.”
“Danger is everywhere,” Morgan Whitehead said, “It
can be scary enough to walk down the street
will take care of us.”
The team has worked hard to raise funds for their trip
by hosting group fundraisers, selling t-shirts, and seeking
support from family and friends. The money raised by
the group will support their travel and supply needs.
efforts in Haiti.
Freewill Baptist group or Mission of Hope, please send
your donation to Hillsdale Freewill Baptist College; PO
BOX 7208; Moore, OK 73153 or visit www.mohhaiti.org.
This month, take the opportunity to examine your
impact on the world around you. Can you help a
struggling neighbor? Can you help build your
community?
“As Christians, we have the knowledge and know why
out,” Whitehead said. “When someone needs help we
need to go the extra mile and stop sitting around…do
something about it.”
This month…do something about it.
Page 12 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

By Aaron Rudolph
A Legacy of Literature and Language
Dr. George Stanley taught at Cameron University
for 41 years. In all that time, many students took his
class or had a friendly discussion with him. When news
reached members of the Cameron community that
Dr. Stanley had passed away on February 7, 2011,
faculty, staff, and students all began to share stories. It
seems almost everyone had a story about Dr. Stanley.
These stories tell about a man who loved teaching
and cared genuinely for his students and colleagues.
University President, Dr. Cindy Ross, captured
the sentiment of many at Cameron when she
released a statement which included: “It is
often said that in a work environment no one
is irreplaceable. However, Dr. Stanley is one
of those extraordinary people who, indeed, is
loss of Dr. George Stanley the teacher, writer,
linguist, and loving friend and father.
Dr. Stanley was born in Temple, Texas. He
once said that although Temple was small, it
was a very interesting place to grow up. His goal
after high school was to attend Texas Tech University
in Lubbock. He said his time there was very enjoyable
and he often felt like going back to remember the
great experiences he had there. He eventually received
heading to South Africa where he received a Doctorate
in Literature from the University of Port Elizabeth. Dr.
Stanley remained an avid fan of Texas Tech sports and
followed the football and basketball teams closely. On
Mondays at work after a weekend loss, especially in
football, Dr. Stanley looked a little sad, although he was
his usual cheery self by the afternoon.
Dr. Stanley was an accomplished teacher of
languages. He taught more than thirty languages at
CU. Among those classes were Arabic, Farsi, Swahili,
Nepalese, and Czech.He taught languages from Africa,
the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, primarily.
He made languages available to CU students that
are not available to students at schools three or four
times larger. Many students took several classes from
Dr. Stanley. Although some students have claimed that
and encouraging. As a result, students wanted to take
his classes multiple times.
published over 200 books including novels,
biographies, short stories, and historical works
aimed at children and young adults. In 2010,
he was awarded the Oklahoma Book Award
was Night Fires, a novel that deals with racism
is Lawton and southwestern Oklahoma. The
novel was published by Simon and Shuster, a
major literary publisher housed in New York.
Although, it is still early to decide just how
it has fared well among critics, most notably
literary award. Critics have also given the novel positive
reviews but so have fans. A reader writing at Amazon.
com stated of Night Fires: “I would recommend this
book to any parent who wants to start a conversation
with their son or daughter about the choices that will
confront them as they grow to maturity.”
The wonderful legacy left behind by Dr. Stanley can
also bee seen on Facebook. A student at CU made a
page called, “Remembering Dr. Stanley.” Many people
joined the page—221 in all—and a great many of them
have shared moments where they were touched or
inspired by Dr. George Stanley. It is surprising to see
how much positive energy one person was able to share
Cameron were fortunate enough to be where Dr. Stanley
shared his time, knowledge and good will.
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 13

By Aaron Rudolph
A Legacy of Literature and Language
Dr. George Stanley taught at Cameron University
for 41 years. In all that time, many students took his
class or had a friendly discussion with him. When news
reached members of the Cameron community that
Dr. Stanley had passed away on February 7, 2011,
faculty, staff, and students all began to share stories. It
seems almost everyone had a story about Dr. Stanley.
These stories tell about a man who loved teaching
and cared genuinely for his students and colleagues.
University President, Dr. Cindy Ross, captured
the sentiment of many at Cameron when she
released a statement which included: “It is
often said that in a work environment no one
is irreplaceable. However, Dr. Stanley is one
of those extraordinary people who, indeed, is
loss of Dr. George Stanley the teacher, writer,
linguist, and loving friend and father.
Dr. Stanley was born in Temple, Texas. He
once said that although Temple was small, it
was a very interesting place to grow up. His goal
after high school was to attend Texas Tech University
in Lubbock. He said his time there was very enjoyable
and he often felt like going back to remember the
great experiences he had there. He eventually received
heading to South Africa where he received a Doctorate
in Literature from the University of Port Elizabeth. Dr.
Stanley remained an avid fan of Texas Tech sports and
followed the football and basketball teams closely. On
Mondays at work after a weekend loss, especially in
football, Dr. Stanley looked a little sad, although he was
his usual cheery self by the afternoon.
Dr. Stanley was an accomplished teacher of
languages. He taught more than thirty languages at
CU. Among those classes were Arabic, Farsi, Swahili,
Nepalese, and Czech.He taught languages from Africa,
the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, primarily.
He made languages available to CU students that
are not available to students at schools three or four
times larger. Many students took several classes from
Dr. Stanley. Although some students have claimed that
and encouraging. As a result, students wanted to take
his classes multiple times.
published over 200 books including novels,
biographies, short stories, and historical works
aimed at children and young adults. In 2010,
he was awarded the Oklahoma Book Award
was Night Fires, a novel that deals with racism
is Lawton and southwestern Oklahoma. The
novel was published by Simon and Shuster, a
major literary publisher housed in New York.
Although, it is still early to decide just how
it has fared well among critics, most notably
literary award. Critics have also given the novel positive
reviews but so have fans. A reader writing at Amazon.
com stated of Night Fires: “I would recommend this
book to any parent who wants to start a conversation
with their son or daughter about the choices that will
confront them as they grow to maturity.”
The wonderful legacy left behind by Dr. Stanley can
also bee seen on Facebook. A student at CU made a
page called, “Remembering Dr. Stanley.” Many people
joined the page—221 in all—and a great many of them
have shared moments where they were touched or
inspired by Dr. George Stanley. It is surprising to see
how much positive energy one person was able to share
Cameron were fortunate enough to be where Dr. Stanley
shared his time, knowledge and good will.
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 13

Site of the Annual Prince of Peace Passion Play
By Becky Smith Gallops
Drive a short distance from Lawton into the Wichita
spirituality surrounded by
The Holy City is 66
acres of land that bears
a striking resemblance
to the Israel of Biblical
times. It began as the
site of the now nationally
famous Easter Passion
Play, The Prince of Peace,
which is still held annually
during the Easter season
and depicts the life and
as his resurrection.
In 1926 a young
minister named Wallock took his Sunday school
class up a mountain where they were presented
with a tableau that recreated the Resurrection of
Christ. Each year the play became more popular
and soon it became a non-sectarian annual
event. As years passed the pageant expanded
its cast and worshippers, with attendance
reaching an all-time high of 225,000 in 1939.
As the years passed, more buildings and
facilities were added to site to help give
authenticity to the pageant. These included the
Towers, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Lord's Supper
Building and Herod's Court. In 1936 a chapel was built
to resemble America's oldest church, Christ Church
in Alexandria, Virginia. Artist Irene Malcolm spent
several years painting Biblical frescoes on the walls
of the chapel. This charming chapel has become a
popular wedding locale.
Recent attractions that have been added to the
grounds include a memorial for the victims of the
Oklahoma City bombing and a Veterans Walkway.
The last wishes of the minister, Mr. Wallock, were
to have a white marble statue of Christ erected on
the site. The eleven-foot high, 8500 pound statue was
carved by an Italian sculptor and shipped to the Holy
City in 1975. This statue of Christ is placed high on a
hill and can be seen from a few miles away.
be presented on April 16 and April
23 at 8:30 p.m.
The Holy City is open daily
from 8 a.m. to dusk and is located
approximately 22 miles NW of
Lawton or 10 miles W of I-44 in
the Wichita Mountains. Admission
is free and donations are gladly
accepted. There is a gift shop on
site.
For more information call
580.429.3361 or visit www.
theholycitylawton.com
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 15

Walk MS
This is the rallying point of the MS movement,
a community coming together to raise funds
and celebrate hope for the future. Food and
entertainment before and after the walk.
Elmer Thomas Park, Lawton.
9 a.m.
cristy.racy@oke.nmss.org 800.344.4867 or
kmgz.com
Lavender Valley Acres
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
lavendervalleyacres.com
Enjoy nature on a relaxing guided hike in the
Wichita Mountains. Nature-loving Baby Boomers
call Susan at 580.429.2199
Central Mall
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Doors open at 7 a.m. for Mall Walkers
Register to join the Magic 95 Fitness Revolution
Enter to win free prizes
Get a free T-shirt while supplies last
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Elmer Thomas Park
580.248.4898 or marchforbabies.org
Registration at 9am, Walk at 10am
405.319.0780 or kelli.hicks@mcewen@alz.org

By Jim Joplin
Meet the Nominees
been on a quest (of sorts)
Southwest Oklahoma. The
journey has been, for the
most part, an enjoyable
one. For most of my
adventure, I travelled the
streets of Lawton, but I
also journeyed to Walters,
Cache, and Frederick,
Oklahoma – even though
the Frederick trip was a
wild goose chase.
So who makes the best
pizza? I wish it were that
simple. Just like most
competitions, this one had
rules, and exclusions. It really is a shame, too. My
favorite pizza comes from Pizza Hut, but because of the
that I was going to exclude all national franchises. I
have since revised this rule to say all franchises with
restaurants outside of Oklahoma. I found that even
though there are several local pizza joints, when you
start excluding franchises, you really cut down your
list. The following is a list of all of the pizza places that
Franchise (OF), National Franchise (NF) – note that all
pizza places, an Oklahoma franchise, Pizza Time. Pizza
Time has been one of my go-to pizza joints for some
time now. A friend and I used to order their calzones
one of the best. Just the right amount of sauce on just
the right amount of crust makes this pizza…well, just
right.
the car and head west on US Highway 62, old or new
it really makes no difference. The Gateway to the
Pizza Express, located on the southwest corner of the
four-way stop in downtown Cache, was suggested by
several folks – thanks mom!
We both like the amount of
sauce on this pizza (not too
much, not too little); and the
fact that when you pick it up
you. No folding necessary
here.
The third nominee is
northeast corner of Smith
and Sheridan, right behind
Armadillo Pawn. If you like
will make you happy, happy,
but it tasted as if there was
a combination of mozzarella
and provolone cheeses on this pizza. The amount of
cheese serves well for holding the other toppings in
their place.
of Sheridan and C Ave. in Lawton. You have to know
began. Believe me when I tell you, that was a huge
mistake. The sauce had visual pieces of oregano
cooked in it, as if it was prepared by an actual human
being!
expect: Pizza Emergency. Yes, you read that correctly.
The building may not look like much, but as they say,
exactly that, but it was something like it. You know the
and Pizza Emergency has what might be the best pizza
crust in Lawton, Oklahoma. Bar none.
Well, there you have it: the list of nominees for
the Best Pizza in Southwest Oklahoma. Just as
in my opinion, the Best Pizza in Southwest Oklahoma,
answer. Ciao!
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 17

Paint, Pottery & Wine
Great Date Night! New April Dates!
Summer Camps & Special Events
Check our calendar on Facebook or our web for
dates, times and special announcements.
A Pigment of Your Imagination
Pottery Painting and Creativity Studio
#10 NW Sheridan Road
(by Atlanta Bread Company)
580-248-2700
apigmentofyourimagination.com
The
Energy
Pill
Purple
Tiger
Energy Like a Tiger
Appetite Like a Bird!
Seeking Full-Time and Part Time
Civilian and Military
Associate Members
Jimmy Schutte
(580) 353-8285
www.JimmySchutte.VistaHealthProducts.com
Page 18 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

calendar
APRIL
of
2011
events
April 3, 2 p.m.
Nye Library, Fort Sill
Discussion: Back of Beyond by Barbara Bickmore
580.442.3806
April 15 & 16
Mainstreet Duncan
580.252.8696
April 21, 12:15 p.m.
Leslie Powell Gallery, Lawton
Ralph Alexander on The Brain
580.357.9526
April 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Grady County Fairgrounds, Chickasha
405.224.2600
April 30, 6 p.m.
Great Plains Coliseum, Lawton
580.357.1483
April 2, 6:30 p.m.
Great Plains Coliseum, Lawton
580.585.0415, 580.678.1799, 580.595.9231
April 4 – April 22
See the schedule at www.cityof.lawton.ok.us/
PubWks/Bulk Cleanup new method Apr 2011.htm
April 8 & 9, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Great Plains Coliseum, Lawton
580.357.1483
April 8, 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
April 9, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Chickasha Public Library
405.222.6075
RAILFEST 2011
Saving Second Base
By David Pilon
Twelve hours and eleven metal bands from
Oklahoma and Texas. That was Railfest 2011: Saving
Second Base at the Railhead Saloon in Lawton on
Saturday, March 26. Performing bands included Storm
of Wolves, Handguns & Debauchery, Machines of
Perdition, and Dead by First Light, just to name a few.
The event had music playing and a lively atmosphere
the entire time.
Railfest had been hosted there previously, and this
showcase hardcore bands from around the region, but
also to help raise breast cancer awareness and
fundraise for research and treatment, something
personally relevant to Kay and many who came. The
fundraising goal was $1,000, and this was attempted
through sales of t-shirts, posters, calendars, and raffle
tickets. It was really cool to see as many people as
there were wearing pink in support of the cause.
Railhead is a “metal bar,” and you must be 21 or
older to enter. Admittedly, it is not exactly my kind of
music nor venue, but I got to see some energetic
bands really jam all night and got to meet and hang
out with a few awesome people. I was honestly a little
nervous coming in at first and later when it started
getting more crowded, but it was for a worthy cause
Debauchery before and briefly had the chance to
speak to them, and Dead by First Light definitely gave
an exciting performance, not to forget, of course, all
the other bands that played and the fans who support
them. If you like a loud and dark, yet still fun and
friendly bar where you can smoke and drink, play
pool, and rock out, then this would be the place to be.
pages on myspace or facebook or feel free to walk in
during the day and check the whiteboard by the bar.
Also, join in the fight against cancer whatever way
works, and this was one unique way to help.
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 19

April 9, 9 a.m.
Elmer Thomas Park
580.536.5232
April 18 & 19, 11 a.m.
First Baptist Church, Lawton
580.248.5885
Fundraiser
April 30, 10 a.m.
Fuqua Park, Duncan
580.606.0957
April 30, 8 a.m.
Simmons Center, Duncan
580.252.2900
TRASH-OFF 2011
April 30, 8:30 a.m.
McMahon Auditorium Parking Lot, Lawton
April 9, 10 a.m.
Great Plains Coliseum Annex
580.357.1483
April 16 & 23, 8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Holy City of the Wichitas
580.429.3361
April 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Butner/Cowan Field, Fort Sill
April 23, 1 p.m.
Moose Lodge, Duncan
580.255.1001
SENIORS
Each Monday, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Center for Creative Living, Lawton
580.248.0471
calendar
APRIL
of
2011
events
Each Monday, 10 a.m.
Center for Creative Living, Lawton
Call Eleanor @ 580.353.6241
Tuesdays, 10 a.m.
Center for Creative Living, Lawton
580.248.0471
Beginners Class, Wednesdays, 1 p.m.
Intermediate Class, Mondays, 1 p.m.
Center for Creative Living, Lawton
580.248.0471
Wednesdays, 2 p.m.
Center for Creative Living, Lawton
580.248.0471
April 5, 2 p.m.
Center for Creative Living, Lawton
580.248.0471
Surprise Trip! April 25
Meet at Center for Creative Living, Lawton
580.248.0471
Fun Time
April 26.
Center for Creative Living, Lawton
580.248.0471
FILM
The Gospel
April 8, 7:30 p.m.
CETES Conference Center B
Cameron University, Lawton
580.581.2491
April 9, 1 p.m.
Nye Library, Fort Sill
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
580.442.3806
Continued on page 22
Page 20 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

Here Comes
The Easter
Bunny
Bounce By, Say Hi!
April 8 th - April 23 rd
Bunny Hours:
Mon. - Sat. 12-8
Sun. 12-6
EGGS
bunnies
my mall. my world. my bunny.
Dillard’s, JC Penny, Sears and Old Navy
MON-SAT 10AM to 9PM, SUN 12PM to 6PM
200 SW C Avenue | Lawton, OK 73501 | 580.248.1353 | centralmalllawton.com
Central Mall is located just off I-44 on “C” Avenue.

ART
April 7
USAO Oval, Chickasha
405.574.1337 or USAO at 405.224.3140
April 2, 10 a.m.
Museum of the Great Plains, Lawton
580.581.3460
Lawton Fort Sill Art Council, 17th and Ferris, Lawton
580.678.6248
MUSIC
MUSIC
April 1, 7:30 p.m.
Simmons Center, Duncan
580.252.2900
April 21, 22, 23
Shady Oaks Lakeview RV Park, Duncan
580.255.7042 or www.sabinebluegrass.com
April 26, 7:30 p.m.
Cameron University Theatre, Lawton
580.581.2440
April 28, 7:30 p.m.
Cameron University Theatre, Lawton
580.581.2440
Featuring Danny Steagall and The Mason-Dixon,
Danny Friend and the Grand Assembly
team and Kristin Killion and family.
April 30, 7 p.m., Chickasha High School Auditorium
405.243.7252
THEATRE
Lawton Community Theatre
April 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 7 p.m.
April 10 & 17, 2 p.m.
580.355,1600 or www.lct-ok.org
calendar
APRIL
of
2011
events
April 8, 9, 15, 16, 7:30 p.m.
Simmons Center, Duncan
580.252.8331 or www.duncanlittletheatre.com
April 21, 22, 23, 7:30 p.m.
April 24, 2 p.m.
Cameron University Theatre, Lawton
580.581.2440
EXHIBITS
Eureka! Exhibit; Heart & Soul of the Great Plains Art
Exhibit; History of Lawton; View Space:
Views from the Hubble Space Telescope;
and Project Proto Judy: Local Mammoth Dig
Ongoing
580.581.3460
COMING JUNE 18!
Page 22 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 23
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OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 24

Page 25 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

By Valerie Lalli
The remote control: he who has control of the
remote has control over the world! Okay, over the
television anyways. This has always been a position
loved and loathed in the household. Those who have
the control love it. However, for those who have to
sit back while others
surf the channels and
decide the fate of the
programming for the
evening, loath it. But, the
control position is losing
its glamorous appeal.
Why, you ask? Television
programming is at an all
time low. From reality
television that is not
really reality at all, to
news coverage that is
not really the news,
programming continues
to sink in quality.
We are in the midst
of one of the worst
disasters of our time with the earthquakes and tsunami
that Japan has suffered. One would expect to turn
exposure of the latest nonsensical spewing of Charlie
reporting on the Libyan pro-democracy uprising, but
himself. Is it surprising that people would prefer to
hear more on something so ridiculous and disturbingly
laughable instead of the bitter actuality the world is
facing? If your intention is to distance yourself from
the world events because the truth is too scary to think
about, then I reason Charlie Sheen is about as far away
No, Really. Take It!
from reality as you can get.
Daytime television is full of talk shows that air
that have had the same story line for twenty years
or longer, and entertainment news that shares with
us the latest fashion
trends of the stars. It is
an off day when we do
not know what Angelina
wore to breakfast; the
latest celebrity caught
cheating; or who the
latest is to enter rehab.
Evening television has
been taken over by
reality TV, and that is a
contradictory term inand-of-itself.
How real
can it be with cameras,
microphones, or security
around all of the time?
Reality TV is cheap to
produce but the price we
pay is about more than just money.
Good programs are being cancelled because people
thrown on Jerry Springer, or which characters are
sleeping together today on As The Days Of Our Lives
Turn In A General Hospital.
an all time high, but the arguing over the remote will be
but for those of us who appreciate a good story made
with quality, this leaves us feeling disappointed in the
programs being offered and less focused on who has
“control” over the control.
OKIE Magazine is YOUR community
publication.
Submit your press releases and/or group
events to editor@okiemagazine.com
Page 26 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

By Justin Williamson
Charlie... Charlie... Charlie....
already been said about Gary Busey? When the stories
broke, I initially shrugged it off. Surely, this is going to
be nothing more than a couple of days worth of good
Twitter material. Surely, his trainers will get a handle
on him before he does something really stupid like ruin
his career. Surely, Sheen will settle down when the
network threatens to cancel his show?
Surely, this man is legally insane.
Within the course of a week, Sheen went from
having a wildly popular network television show to
maintaining his own Twitter account and live webcast.
as winning but since he did set a world record for
determine if his recent meltdown is hurting his image
at all.
(At the time of this writing, he has also surpassed the
A Lesson in Winning?
3 million follower mark.)
Sheen, the highest paid actor in television, has since
launched a lawsuit against Chuck Lorre, creator of “Two
and a Half Men,” and Warner Brothers for $100 million
- plus punitive damages - over the cancellation of the
show. Warner Bros. stated in a letter dismissing Sheen,
that his personal problems were interfering with his
company and network are willing to hire someone who
is a convicted felon and accused of putting a knife
position in this dispute is ridiculous.”
More recently, Sheen announced a series of live
for himself. In fact, with the nightly stage shows, all the
time to neglect his children.
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 27

By Elijah Morlett
Video games have come a long way in terms of
tangible presentation. Since the 1980s, the
entertainment industry has given pixilated images
that show blocky representations of anything and
everything in our interactive entertainment.
Today, however, there are gaming consoles that
have the power to provide the world with a different
presentation value. What we see today are detailed
into whatever world the game wants. While these
games are vastly entertaining, they have also
increased controversy throughout the country. The
controversy is the influence of violence, drugs and
sex on the young individuals that are playing these
games.
In an attempt to stop the purchase and playing
of mature games by children, the Entertainment
Software Ratings Board was created. Known as the
ESRB, the organization provides ratings and
warnings to educate consumers on what is
contained in video games.
Infamous games such as “Grand Theft Auto”
contain outrageous violence, drug usage and sexual
depictions of life in a gang-ridden crime story. The
series has constantly received lashings from parent
organizations, putting the blame on video games for
While this relatively new form of media receives
the most criticism, society sometimes overlooks the
older forms of entertainment that are comparable,
such as television, movies, music, magazines and
books.
To compare the types of media, how does the
above description of “Grand Theft Auto” differ much
from well-known blockbusters “Scarface” or “Pulp
Fiction?” Television shows on networks such as MTV
are also marketed towards younger audiences that
display or have displayed some sort of sexual
mannerisms, violence and drug usage.
Taking a step back, society could view video
games as another form of entertainment that can
potentially show mature themes that have existed
before the creation of electronic software.
Personally, I worked at a local retail store that
sold video games. As an employee, we were not
allowed to sell minors Mature (17+) rated games.
carried at the store. Retailers do not want to carry
AO games and publishers/developers do not want to
GAMING
make them.
The biggest issue that came with not selling
Mature games to the minors was that the parents
would accompany their child and buy the game for
them.
To ensure that the parent knew what they were
purchasing, we would have to follow store procedure
rated M for Mature due to the game containing
Blood and Gore, Intense Violence and Strong
Language?”
Most parents I have encountered, especially with
the above rating and description of “Call of Duty:
Black Ops,” acknowledge that they are willing to
purchase the game or have cut me off mid-sentence
so they can speed up the purchase.
games is that they focus the blame of bad behavior
to the gaming industry. The real issue comes with
the values taught to a child and the foundation of a
family or home.
being able to play Mature rated games, but if they
are allowed to, the adolescent should know the
difference between right and wrong or legal and
illegal in what they are playing.
Video games can show amazing stories and great
experiences, just like movies, music and books have
done for many years. Newer does not always mean
different.
If families and organizations want to solve the
issue of bad influences, it starts with the household
and environment of the child. Continuing to blame
different media industries will not solve anything.
Page 28 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

Heartworms can be deadly!
Be sure to have your dog tested
and use year-round prevention.
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 29

Place a digit from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so every row,
every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.
1 9
2 8 4 6
1 9 3 6
7 4
5 3 6
2 8
7 2
5 3 2 8 4
Solution on page 44
Page 30 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE
4

By Rachel Rhodes
if you have someone to love, but if you are currently
unattached you may be left wondering what to do with
all those springtime fantasies of love.
Love yourself! You may have
heard it said that if you want
someone else to love you, you have
of rebirth! If you are feeling less
than happy about that 10 pounds
you put on while watching TV,
eating Oreos and hibernating
during all those ice storms,
hit the gym. The exercise will give you a
rush of endorphins that will make you feel great about
yourself. You may also want to drop by the local
fresh fruits and veggies.
Winter may have also been
hard on your skin and nails. Now
is the time to treat yourself to
a mani/pedi, a facial or even a
massage. A relaxed you is a far
more loveable you. And you will
feel better about yourself when
you are glowing, polished and
moisturized. Attention men! This
advice is not just for the ladies.
same
treatments, and you know most women love a man with
neatly manicured hands.
For many women one sure way to brighten up the
day is with a little retail therapy. Take yourself to your
favorite shops and browse until you feel your mood
anything-- just looking around makes you feel better. If
you do decide to buy, make sure you purchase wisely
and within your budget.
You say you are feeling down when the weekend
rolls around and you are dateless. The answer to
this is to date you. Take yourself out
to dinner or a movie. There is no
shame in going to these places
alone, and you may even enjoy
the break from the pressure
of having to make conversation
with others. Attending a
lecture, a concert or visiting an
art gallery are other options to
consider. You might meet someone
you know there, or better yet, meet
someone new.
If the thought of being alone on
a warm spring evening leaves you
turn to friends. Plan a get together
with longtime friends who know
you and love you just as you are.
wonderful things about you that
they love! Generally your friends
friend with the great wit and
sparkling personality is likely
such a good friend because you share
those traits.
harder to look for all the good things about us. So take
great you are and renew your love for yourself. It may
looking for.
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 31

“April is the cruelest month,
breeding lilacs out of the dead land,
mixing memory and desire,
stirring dull roots with spring rain.”
You know what I have to say to T.S. Eliot?
the other side--where the grass is greener! I
love this time of year. When our trees bloom
us out of the cold gray winter, they do not
mess around. They present us with bright
whites, hot pinks, pale lavenders. What, for
instance, is up with the Wisteria bush? How
can something so completely disguise such
astonishing beauty?
Some of our readers welcomed The Monthly
Grind to Facebook this week by posting
beautiful pictures of emerging spring. Samples
are featured below and there are more on
facebook, so come like us!
Also see below, some twitter poetry from
“Empty Boots,” which is here to remind us
remember, if only to sharpen the pleasure of
living. Especially in Springtime Oklahoma.
Visit The Monthly Grind on line to see more
and to tell us what you think.
If you would like to be featured in a future
issue, send your submissions along with a
okiemagazine.com
Page 32 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

We stood on the concrete
steps
waiting for eight old men
to bring out the body.
In the street,
on the side of the
old red-brick
stained-glass church,
I saw two horses—
A stone-colored, tall horse
with a black mane
with a rider wearing
a brown Carhartt jacket,
work pants, and his cowboy
hat.
The other horse was
shorter but still tall,
golden brown with a
chocolate colored mane.
There were black-brown
boots
strapped in backwards in
the stirrups.
Empty Boots
I wanted to help
when the old men
in their suits and Stetsons
struggled down
three flights of four steps
to the hearse.
I cried as the widow floated
and stumbled
as she was carried
delicately
in her black dress and
from the church to a white
Nissan.
Following three cars back,
I listened to the horseshoes
tap and clack on the
blacktop
for the thirty-minute
procession.
those boots—
his boots.
Colin Miller Watkins was born in McAlester, Oklahoma. He is
currently enrolled as an English major at Cameron University
and serves as head football and baseball coach at Central
High. He lives here in Lawton with his wife, Amy, a son,
three daughters, and two dogs.
Dianne Riddles is a full-time
Cameron student who loves
to write and take pictures but
she wants to be when she
grows up.
Unease
What if the ashen moon
were not a poem;
what if the heavens
rained down woe
instead of words?
What then?
by Stella Pierides (@
stellapierides)
The bear
swaggered
closer to the
electric fence,
hunting berries
behind arusty
pressurized tank
Jim thought
by S. Kay
(@blueberrio)
Kathleen Wallace is
an attorney with an
interest in bioethics.
She works to connect
local organizing and
activism with national
advocacy and policy
work. She bought her
boots in January
Stockyard City.
I took the last dime
from a widow, the last
crumb from a baby’s
mouth.
I spent the dime like a
tiny emperor, ate the
crumb like a mouse.
by Derek Dexheimer
(@dex3703)
Beth Tilghman is a Lawton
resident and Cameron
student. You can see more
of her beautiful
photography in her
facebook album, “Pieces of
Me” Digital Works:
Photography, Art and
Inspiration.
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 33

Queen of
the House
Lemon-Coconut Peepers
1 box Lemon Cake Mix
1/3 cup oil
2 eggs
24 pastel yellow petite mints
48 miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Heat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, combine cake
mix, oil and eggs; beat until well mixed. Place coconut in
shallow bowl. For each cookie, shape dough into one 1 1/2-inch ball and one 1/2-inch ball. Roll each ball in
coconut; place on ungreased cookie sheet with smaller ball touching larger ball. Place cookie 1 1/2 inches apart.
Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes or until coconut just begins to brown. Immediately press 1 yellow mint for beak
and 2 chocolate chips for eyes into smaller balls of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet. Makes 24 cookies,
Bird’s Nest Treats
1/3c. butterscotch morsels
1c.chow-mein noodles
candy robin’s eggs
Melt butterscotch morsels in a medium
microwave safe bowl.Add chow-mein noodles to
melted morsels
and mix.Shape
into a circle on wax
paper. Use a large
spoonto make
indention in center.
Let nests harden
and thenadd jelly
beans or chocolate
eggs.
Have an
Egg-ceptional
Eggs-traordinary
Easter Kids!
Easter Bunny Salad
Pear halves
Raisins
Miniature marshmallows or cottage cheese
Lettuce leafs
Apple slices or Almonds
Place a lettuce leaf on a plate. Add the pear half on
lettuce, for body.
Insert raisins for
the eyes and
nose.
The ears are
made from apples
slices or almonds
and a miniature
marshmallow or
small scoop of cottage cheese
for the bushy tail.
Page 34 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

For this column Lola has decided to make us all look bad by
talking about her perfect garden. I got her succulents right here.
If you desire a low maintenance garden then you should try succulents.
kill them.
walls just about anywhere but inside.
day or 1 to 2 hours of direct sun each day. Many will survive quite well in full sun,
3-4 hours the next week, then all day. Some species just require good light, for
example: Aloe, Scilla, Gasteria, Haworthia.
rewatering
water in their stems and leaves and can tolerate periods of dryness without harm.
Victoria agave, which resembles an artichoke and gets no larger than a soccer ball.
between waterings.
All my love,
Lola
Need advice on your domestic situation? You can reach The Domestic Diva at TheDivineDomestic@gmail.com
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 35

Page 36 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

OKIE Magazine is YOUR community publication.
Submit your press releases and/or group events to editor@okiemagazine.com.
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 37

In 1953, it took 27 hours to create one
PEEPS® Marshmallow Chick. Today, thanks to
advances in technology, it takes six minutes.
If you had 8,000 PEEPS® bunnies, and you
stood them in a straight vertical line, you could
reach the top of the Sears Tower in Chicago.
WHY THE MIDDLE EAST IS IN TURMOIL
A Hillbilly’s Perspective
By Mortimor Oullouitious Snerkleschwartz
FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
OKIE Magazine is YOUR
community publication.
Submit your press releases
and/or group events to:
editor@okiemagazine.com
OIL - It causes problems. I once saw my Uncle Virgil let the Model T run a quart low, and Grandpa darned near killed him….
oil can be dangerous.
RELIGION - Heck, I’ve seen someone threaten to take another person’s head off when they criticized their religion. You
don’t want to attack someone’s religion…especially at the beer joint…when the game’s on.
SAND - Listen…I’ve lived through several droughts. Going without rain, on dry land, can make anyone irritable. Imagine
walking around with nothing to look at but…sand…could make a guy want to attack his neighbor.
INDECISION - Come on…they can’t even decide where they’re at. They’re in the “Middle” east…you’re either east, west,
north or south. Make a decision! As Daddy used to say, “Decide where you stand, then you’ll know which direction to go”.
SPELLING - It’s confusing. When your name’s are too hard to pronounce or spell, it’s easy for someone to pronounce it
wrong, and then you’ve offended someone. Or your name mispronounced ends up meaning something disgusting in relation
to your Mother…that’s how wars start. Throw in a few vowels now and then…geez..
IDENTIFICATION - The names of the countries are confusing. Names like “Libya”…”Yemen”…sounds like references to parts
of the body that should be “unmentionables”. They come across as weak and with no pride…like…I don’t know…”Aggies”…
..I’m just sayin’.
POWER - Too many “dictators”. Everybody wants to be in charge, in control, and in power. That never ends well. Just attend
a little league game…or the beer joint at last call.
DIRECTION - All their writing is backwards! By the time we realize we were supposed to be reading right to left, instead of
left to right, we’ve already offended somebody. That’s as confusing and unfair as those blokes in England driving on the
wrong side of the road. Guess that’s why they’re “foreigners”.
Page 38 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 39

Reel
World By Jim Joplin
SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS II: The Sequel
blockbusters. But, before I jump into them, I need to
Lantern is coming out in June, not the Green Hornet.
Now we have that taken care of, grab a bucket of
The 1st of July welcomes the much anticipated
Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon! The movie will
center around the space race between the U.S.S.R.
and the USA – asking the question: Did Transformers
Shockwave, the newest villain, and will see
some familiar faces back to continue their
roles. This film was shot in 3D, so the
cinematography should be impressive. This
film is not yet rated.
July 8th will usher in two romantic
comedies, but the only one of note looks to
be One Day, which centers on Dexter and
Emma, played by Jim Sturgess and Anne
Hathaway, who meet during their
graduation, then meet one day a year…for
the next twenty years. The film is based
on the critically acclaimed novel by David
Nicholls. No rating yet, on this one.
July 15th will see the end of a series,
the end of an era, and the end of a villain
that millions love
Harry Potter and
the Deathly
Hallows: Part II.
We first met
these characters
(and the actors
who portray
them) in
come to love all of them. This will be a big one for
this weekend, but if your kids are little young for the
action of the Hallows, I suggest Winnie the Pooh which
will be coming out the same weekend.
If you enjoy No Strings Attached (January 2011),
Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, which opens July
same movie with different actors.
Avenger, starring Chris Evans. This might wind up
being one of the better movies of the summer, as long
yet, but is in 3D.
What happens when a movie project is acquired by
a company, then changes hands, then is bought back
by the first company, and over a time span of fourteen
years goes through the hands of seven writers and
writer teams, only to finally be based on a graphic
novel by relative unknowns, Fred van Lente
29th when Cowboys and Aliens comes to
the silver screen. No, that is not a typo.
With a lineup of Olivia Wilde (Tron: Legacy),
Daniel Craig (Casino Royale), and Harrison
Ford (Indiana Jones), at least it will have
see about the story.
Does anyone remember when they aired
cartoons on Saturday morning? Stay with
of the cartoons I watched was The Smurfs.
Well, on August 3rd, Sony Pictures is
releasing a combined live-action/CGI flick
series. Although not yet rated, I speculate that it will
either be G or PG. This film will be released in 3D.
August 12th will see the release of The Help. This
drama is based on the best-selling novel of the same
name, written by Kathryn Stockett, and stars Emma
Stone as a young white woman in the early 1960s
who chronicles stories of mistreatment, abuse and
heartbreak of African-American domestic servants just
surprised if this movie gets more than one nod from
the Academy. It is released in 2 D, and is rated PG13.
For those of you still reminiscing about the 80s
about a remake, hitting the screens on August 19th.
Touchstone Pictures will release a remake of the 1985
film, Fright Night. This time around, it will be released
in 3D.
Maybe, I should pull those old parachute pants out
Continued on page 41
Page 40 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

Reel World...continued from page 40
1985 version was rated R, so I would expect this one
to follow suit.
The summer ends with what sounds like a
wonderful film – The Debt, which is a remake of the
Israeli film of the same name. The movie will star
Helen Mirren, Jessica Chastain, and Ciaran Hinds as
three Mossad agents who, twenty years after World
alive, and set out to pursue him across Europe. The
Debt, being released on August 31st, is rated R.
movies. This collection is only a taste, there are
several more movies being released during the
summer. Whatever you decide to watch, get out there
movies!
Child Abuse Prevention... continued from page 8
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
MONTH
Increasing public awareness of the need to ensure
the safety and welfare of children led to the passage
Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), in 1974.
While CAPTA has been amended many times over
the years, most recently by the Keeping Children and
Families Safe Act of 2003, the purpose of the original
legislation remains intact.
In the early 1980s, recognizing the alarming rate at
which children continued to be abused and neglected
and the need for innovative programs to prevent
child abuse and assist parents and families affected
by maltreatment, Congress resolved that the week
National Child Abuse Prevention Week. The following
Prevention Month. Since then, child abuse and neglect
awareness activities have been promoted across the
country during April of each year.
In 2004, there was emerging consensus among
national child abuse prevention organizations and
related Federal agencies that building public will for
child abuse prevention required engaging the public in
efforts to strengthen and support families and enhance
parenting skills. Building on this national momentum,
OCAN shifted the focus of its child abuse prevention
resources to incorporate a family-strengthening
message by promoting parenting and community
support. Today, the Child Abuse Prevention Initiative is
an opportunity for communities across the country to
keep children safe, provide the support families need to
stay together, and raise children and youth to be happy,
secure and stable adults.

Solution on page 44
OKIE-SKETCH
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OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 43

Page 44 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

Indie’s
Mixtape
a mishmash of music
Listen. Love. Hate. Suggest.
Turn Off This Song and Go Outside - The Lonely
Forest
Whirring - Joy Formidable
Sad Song - The Cars
Honey - The Hush Sound
Mr. Blue Sky - ELO
E.T. - Katy Perry
Face To Face - Daft Punk
On Fire - Eminem
Country Song - Seether
The Cave - Mumford & Sons
Sand In Your Shoes -This Providence
Today Was A Good Day - Ice Cube
Humdinger - Old Crow Medicine Show
Summer In The City - Lovin’ Spoonful
Icky Thump - White Stripes
OKIE Magazine is YOUR
community publication.
Submit your press releases
and/or group events to
editor@okiemagazine.com.
Summer Fun For the
Whole Family!
Visit us on Facebook
OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 45

Confessions of an Audiophile By Amy Merchant
Audiophile:
When your priorities about enjoying music goes beyond
the norm. Like selling a car to buy a turntable.
Every single month I think ‘I am going to write my article
about this group or that group,’ and then somehow I misplace
the list and I am left with NOTHING to write about. Tragic. So I
thought I would pull up my recent iTunes purchases and see
what sort of eclectic mess I have made of my playlists. I then
decided that I would write the soundtrack for my life. Welcome
to my psychosis.
Mazzy Star- Fade Into You : This 90s classic makes me
long for my days of striped t-shirts and Doc Martens. The
highest charting single for Mazzy Star, it is a favorite among
soundtrackers. Fave lyric? “I think it’s strange you never knew”
Queen and David Bowie- Under Pressure : Probably in my
Top 3 songs of all time, this classic combination of two ICONIC
singers wows me every time. I am not sure where it will end up
in my movie but I know it has to with words like “ ‘cause love’s such
an old fashioned word and love dares you to care for the people on
the street”
Ra Ra Riot- Boy” There are some recent songs on the
soundtrack but they have to be included because they changed my
life…this is one of them. An amazing bass line and all the perfect
qualities of jumping on a bed with a brush as a mic. Gotta include
a song like that.
The Perishers-My Own: With the opening line, “Are you trying
to make me sad?” this song brought me to my knees the first time
I heard it. It is haunting, painful and 2 minutes of perfection.
Regina Spektor-Fidelity: I am kinda known amongst my
friends for my fear of commitment. I am really good at pushing
people away. The first time I heard this song, I thought it was about
me and someone had read my diary. “And by protecting my heart
truly, I got lost in the sounds, I hear in my mind all of these voices...
and it breaks my heart.”
Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes- Home: I
could make an entire movie about just this song. I love it that
much. “Home is wherever I’m with
you.” ‘Nuff said.
PIXIES-La La Love You: I expect
very few people to get why this song is
on my soundtrack but of all of the
songs by my favorite band EVER, this
one made the most sense. “All I’m
sayin’ pretty baby, La La love you
don’t mean maybe”
The Temper Trap- Sweet
Disposition: I know the exact scene
where this figures into the movie. And
while I can’t tell you which scene (then
you won’t see the film), I will tell you
that you’ll get goosebumps just like I did.
Band of Horses-No One’s Gonna Love You: There is nothing
wrong with this song, that I can tell. The first time I heard it, I cried
until it wasn’t physically possible to cry another second. I then hit
repeat and it seems like every time I listen to it, it has to be on
repeat. Once is just not enough. Brilliant. I prefer BOH’s version to
all others.
The Naked and Famous-Young Blood: The most recent song
on my soundtrack. Here is a sample of why; “We lie beneath the
stars at night, Our hands gripping each other tight, You keep my
secrets hope to die, Promises, swear them to the sky”
So there they are: the ten songs that would comprise the
soundtrack to the movie of my life. Now I just need a name for the
flick...Confessions of a Commitment-phobe Audiophile is way too
long.
I would like to thank and dedicate this article to all the people
who see themselves in these songs. Thanks for making my life
worthy of all these songs.
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OKIE MAGAZINE www.okiemagazine.com Page 47