Southwest Oklahoma's Monthly News and ... - OKIE Magazine

Southwest Oklahoma’s Monthly News and Entertainment Magazine 

Meet Th e Red Coats 

In Our Community 

The Salvation Army 

The Boys and Girls Club 

C. Carter Crane Shelter 

Compassionate Friends 

Confessions Of An 

Audiophile 

December 

2010 

FREE 

An Open Letter to the 

Wait Sta Sta 

(from your customer) 

INSIDE: Domestic Diva • Dear Potential Date • Holiday Fun & Events

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14 th Annual 

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Friday December 31 st 

only $7 cover 

Doors open at 7pm 

*reservations NOT needed 

a different perspective 

by curtis speer 

...A conversation on life, love and 

stepping out on blind faith. 

Tuesday, December 21 st and 

Wednesday, December 22 nd at 6:30 pm. 

Museum of the Great Plains Auditorium 

Tickets are now available at 

Brente Doan Salon and 

Retreat 580 248 3626, 

Amy Davis 580 695 8597, 

Ramon’s Flowers and Gifts, 

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Join us this 

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Page 2 www.okiemagazine.com OKIE MAGAZINE

Vol. 4, Issue 1 — December 2010 

OKIE MAGAZINE 

P.O. Box 7953 

Lawton, Oklahoma 73506 

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LADIES (AMD GENTS) 

IN RED 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGE 5 

MISSION OF THE 

SALVATION ARMY 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PAGE 8 

2010 EYE CANDY AWARDS 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 19 

HOW TO TELL HE’S NOT 

THE REAL SANTA 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 33 

PROUD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER 

OKIE MAGAZINE is published and distributed monthly as a community service by Diverse Press, 

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Here, there and 

everywhere. That’s where 

you’ll see the Redcoats. The 

Lawton Redcoat Ambassadors 

always stand out, not only 

because of their trademark 

bright red blazers, but also 

because of their big, bright 

smiles and friendly demeanor. 

Established in 1976 by two 

Lawton community standouts, 

Lou Brox and Jack Ralston, 

the Redcoats have become 

a long-standing symbol of 

Lawton hospitality. Co-founder 

Lou Brox died in 2002, but a 

daughter and grandson carry 

on his legacy some thirty-four 

years later. 

Redcoat Ambassadors 

are busy people! They can be 

Ladies (And Gents) In Red! 

By Jody Meier 

Sta Writer 

plwatson45906@sradvisors.com 

spotted at every grand opening and ribbon cutting in the 

community. They work hand-in-hand with the Chamber 

to greet and welcome visiting dignitaries. 

Redcoats are also active in recruiting new Chamber 

members and retaining current members. They often 

serve as the liaison between the Chamber o ce and 

new and prospective member businesses. Always 

positive and quick to o er a friendly handshake, the 

Redcoats play a vital role in putting Lawton’s best foot 

forward. 

Tanna Vu, who currently serves as Chairperson 

after a three year stint as Vice-Chair, bubbles with 

enthusiasm when she speaks of the friendships she has 

developed and the infectious enthusiasm that de nes 

the group. But, she is also quick to point out that this 

group of volunteers is serious about the role they play 

in the community. She shared the organizational chart 

and the by-laws with me and outlined the application 

process. “We do have a lot of fun,” Vu stated, “but we 

also are dedicated to our governing by-laws and do not 

stray from our governing principals. We always put the 

integrity of the organization rst.” 

The application process follows a pre-determined 

timeline, and all current 54 Redcoats 41 of whom are 

still active followed the same path to membership. The 

membership is quite diversi ed and includes women 

and men of all ages, races, and vocations. Early in the 

life of the organization the membership was largely 

female, but that trend is fading as more and more men 

have become involved. Currently there are thirteen men 

Continued on page 7 


Ladies (And Gents) In Red!...continued from page 5 

on the Redcoat roster. 

Anyone applying to become a Redcoat Ambassador 

must rst be a member in good standing of the 

Chamber, or work for a company that is a Chamber 

member. Applications are accepted throughout the 

year and all applicants must be sponsored by a current 

Redcoat. Applications are submitted to the Executive 

Committee and all members are noti ed of the 

application. There is a seven day review period when 

current ambassadors have the right to voice objections 

to the application and the reasons for the objections. 

If the application is approved, there is a mandatory 60 

day orientation period. For the rst sixty days of their 

membership, new members are required to attend 80% 

of all scheduled events. If they meet all requirements 

of the probationary period, they become classi ed as 

an active member. Upon becoming an active member, 

the event attendance requirement drops to 50%. After 

serving for ten years members are recognized as Life- 

Time members and can choose to be either active or 

inactive Life Members. 

While the Redcoats are a liated with the Chamber, 

they do not receive funding from the Chamber. They 

manage to make their $10 yearly dues cover their 

expenses. But, you ask, what about those brilliant red 

blazers? Who pays for them? Well, the answer is short 

and sweet—the members buy their own jackets. And, 

not just any red jacket o the rack. All jackets are tted 

and special-ordered through Edwards Mens Wear. This 

practice guarantees that all jackets will be uniform in 

style, color and quality. 

The Redcoats also manage to “pay it forward”, 

every year selecting two angels from the Salvation Army 

Angel Tree. They take up a collection, do their shopping, 

and provide a great Christmas for two needy children. 

Just another example of their commitment to making 

Lawton the best it can be. 

The scal year for the Redcoat Ambassadors 

follows that of the Chamber, July 1 to June 30. Every 

year at the Chamber Annual Meeting in June, two 

Redcoats are recognized. Awards are given for both 

‘Rookie of the Year’ and ‘Redcoat of the Year’. 

These awards are very meaningful to the 

recipients, as they are a result of a vote by their peer 

Ambassadors. 

Currently the Redcoats still have room for nine 

additional Ambassadors to reach their maximum 

membership capacity of fty. If you are interested, 

or just would like more information, you can call 

Chairperson Tanna Vu at 580-248-5885 or contact her 

via email at tanna.vu@hospiceofswok.org. Be prepared 

to smile—her enthusiasm is contagious! 


The Mission of the Salvation Army 

By Anika La Shawn Sa 

Sta Writer 

The Salvation Army o ers many social services, 

as we go on with our daily lives. Sometimes it’s good to 

pause and be grateful for what we have, no matter how 

great or small, because there are those who have very 

little. 

Captain Ernie Hull of the Salvation Army. 

Captain Hull explained that the economy has been 

hard on many. “We have seen an increase of 30% in the 

Soup Kitchen and Shelter,” said Captain Hull. “Christmas 

needs have increased; the shelter is full, not maxed out, 

Library Events 

Lawton Public Library 

580 581-3450 

110 SW 4th Street 

Lawton, OK 73501 

December 14 

Lunch & Learn Program: Visiting 

Author Jeannie Walker 

12-1 pm Library Meeting Rooms 

Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma: Vietnam 

Book: Dispatches by Michael Herr 

Scholar: Dr. Lloyd Musselman 

Introduction: Pat Powell 

6:30 pm Library Meeting Rooms 

Golden Guys & Girls Day Out 

Program: No scheduled program 

but full, we can hold up to 45 people; the Soup Kitchen 

includes a number of folks looking for hot meals, not just 

homeless, but also those having a hard time.” 

Captain Ernie Hull and his wife, Captain Debbie Hull 

have been Commanding O cers of The Salvation Army 

of Lawton-Fort Sill since July 2010. Captain Hull has been 

with The Salvation Army as an o cer for the past 10 years 

and he started in Altus, OK. “I’ve been 

a member all my life.” He says. 

“In all of our programs, we have 

a lot more rst time needs. We have 

approximately 300 names on our 

Christmas list, 30% for the rst time. 

Many have gone from being donors, 

to being in need. We’ve seen some 

of this before, but not quite as bad as 

this year,” Captain Hull said. “We’re 

here for them, because suddenly they 

nd themselves in need. We provide 

comfort for them. I’m a Pastor and I 

let them know it will be OK. I meet 

their spiritual needs and address their 

physical needs, like needing a meal, 

a place to stay or a utility bill being 

paid.” When asked why he does this 

he replied, “It’s because Jesus Christ 

rst loved me.” 

The need is so great, meeting 

the nancial responsibility can be 

challenging for The Salvation Army, 

“Especially during the months of July, 

August and September. We are here 

year round, the need is not seasonal. 

We also o er Disaster Services.” says 

Captain Hull. 

The Salvation Army Social Services consist of the 

following: 


January 18 

Lunch & Learn Program: No 

scheduled program 

Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma: Vietnam 

Book: Out of the Night: The Spiritual 

Journey of Vietnam Veterans 

Scholar: Dr. Doug Watson 

Introduction: George Green 

6:30 pm Library Meeting Rooms 

Golden Guys & Girls Day Out 

Program: No scheduled program 


The Mission of the Salvation Army...continued from page 8 

Soup Kitchen-Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Dinner is served at 6:00pm every evening to anyone who 

is hungry. Over 50,000 meals served in 2010. 

Shelter-Provides a place for homeless individuals where 

they can work to get back on their feet. The program is 

designed to take a person from homelessness to self 

su ciency. Individuals who need drug rehab are sent to 

Oklahoma City Adult Rehabilitation Center. 

Utilities and Rental Assistance-Financial assistance is 

available to help 

families who are in 

a crisis situation. 

This assistance is 

available once per 

year depending on 

funds. 

Food Pantry-The 

food pantry is an 

emergency food 

source for families 

and individuals 

in need. This 

assistance is 

available every 

three months. 

Clothing 

Assistance- 

Families and 

individuals in need 

are eligible for free 

clothing through 

the thrift store. 

This assistance is 

available every six 

months. “We give 

away over $100,000 worth of clothing, and that’s at 50¢ 

to $1.00 a piece. We give away as much as we sell, and 

pro t is in turn given back to the community.” Says Captain 

Hull. 

However, Captain Hull acknowledges, “In order to 

successfully run our social service programs, we love and 

need our volunteers. Sometimes whole families volunteer, 

but we also appreciate nancial donations.” 

The Thrift Store is a major source of income, and is 

important to the nancial stability for The Salvation Army’s 

day to day operations. If anyone has ever received a food 

box, toy, hot meal, or disaster relief, it has been touched 

by the Thrift Store. 

“I have an open door policy, I make myself available 

to help change attitudes. We had a man come thru our 

shelter who now owns his own business. We can help 

change old habits that got them to their current situation 

sometimes thru rehab. ‘Change starts with you and 

your desire to change.’ We have some of the best rehab 

centers in the world.” Says Captain Hull. 

“During our Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, we 

are very busy on distribution days. We get lots of tears of 

joy,” says Captain Hull, “and we love to see it. Distribution 

day gives me the strength to get thru the long days. Smiles 

and tears of joy make it all worth it, meeting the person 

at their point of need and helping them move past their 

need.” 

I can only imagine, how rewarding it must be to see 

those who are truly grateful for their blessings, and show 

their gratitude. With all the hearts open, a time of year 

where giving abounds, I asked Captain Hull, “Does it 

bring out the best, and not so favorable in people?” He 

said, “We do encounter some who want to take more 

than their share, but we ‘go thru the greedy, to get to the 

needy.’Tthey are taking from those in need, and we have 

checks and balances. Theft gets punished. I practice 

tough love and they get denied services for the current 

year, but can come back the next year.” Spoken like a true 

Pastor, from the heart of a man who forgives, and gives 

second chances. Everyone deserves a second chance. 

The Salvation Army also does the Angel Tree and Fill 

the Kettle annually. Angel Tree is another way to give to 

those who, without help, may not have gifts for Christmas. 

“Remember if you see an angel on the tree, those are 



The Mission of the Salvation Army...continued from page 9 

children who have not been chosen. Our minimum per 

child is one out t and a toy,” said Captain Hull. The 

Angel Tree will be in The Central Mall in front of 

the Old Navy store. JC Penny has partnered 

with The Salvation Army Angel Tree to provide 

an on-line Angel Tree. “The online Angel 

Tree is a great way to give because you can 

shop an JC Penny to donate items as well. 

We want to make sure the children get 

taken care of. We have 300 families with 

1200 children. We have maxed out on 

our Christmas list already,” said Captain 

Hull. “Fill the Kettle is also held annually, 

we are grateful to Central Mall for allowing 

us to ring the bell for the rst time in 

several years. It makes a great impact. This 

is make or break time of year for us.” 

To nd out more information on how to 

volunteer, make a donation, Angel Tree, The 

Thrift Store, Fill the Kettle locations, their 

church services, contact: 

The Salvation Army of Lawton-Fort Sill 

1306 SW E Avenue 


580 355-1802 

To make general donations, or to 

donate to Angel Tree & Fill the 

Kettle On-line: 

JC Penny and Salvation 

Army Online Angel Tree: 

www.jcp.com/ 

angeltree enter zip 

code/age/gender of 

child 

Online Giving: www. 

onlineredkettle.com 

Via Text: text: give 

80888 and amount 

you wish to donate. 

*All 580 donations 

will be shared among 

all 580 Salvation Army 

locations. 

Telephone Donations: 

800 Sal-Army * 

Donations accepted 

24/7/365 


Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Lawton 

Not Just a Place to Play 


Sta Writer 

Boys & Girls Clubs of America had its beginnings 

in 1860 with several women in Hartford, Connecticut, 

believing that boys who roamed the streets should have 

a positive alternative, they organized the rst Club. A 

cause was born. In 1906, several Boys Clubs decided 

to a liate. The 

Federated Boys 

Clubs in Boston 

was formed 

with 53 member 

organizations 

– this marked 

the start of a 

nationwide 

Movement. In 

1931, the Boys 

Club Federation 

of America 

became Boys 

Clubs of America. 

In 1956, Boys 

Clubs of America 

celebrated its 50th anniversary and received a U.S. 

Congressional Charter. Then nally, to recognize 

that girls were a part of their cause, the national’s 

organization name was changed to Boys & Girls Club 

of America in 1990. 2006 marked their Centennial year, 

and they celebrated 100 years. 

In 2010 the focus remains the same, and the 

success of the kids is top priority, and of the utmost 

importance. The Mission of Boys & Girls Club of Lawton: 

To Inspire and enable all young people, especially those 

from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full 

potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. 

When you walk into the Salvation Army Boys & Girls 

Club of Lawton, you get a real sense of fun and energy. 

The Club facilities consist of a Media Room, Teen 

Room, Game Room, Homework Room, Computer Lab, 

Weight Room, Concession, Outdoor Play Ground, and 

a room for Arts & Crafts. 

The foundation of the club and it 

principles is being overseen by a young 

lady who has a passion for the kids. 

Christal Durham has been Unit Director 

of Boys & Girls Club of Lawton for the 

past 8 years. Christal graduated from 

Cameron University, with a degree in 

Music Education. Upon graduation, 

“I had college loans to pay for, so I 

applied for a job opening at Boys & 

Girls Club.” within in 4-5 months, she 

was running the club and has been ever 

since. “This is my calling,” Christal says, 

“I led a very sheltered life compared to 

some, we have children from all walks of life, I’ve found 

you can’t help but love a child when they walk in.” 

“We’re not just a place to play,” she continues, “ we 

also focus on after school education, careers, character 

building, leadership development, arts, tness, health & 

life skills,” says Christal, “I think people are surprised to 

learn it’s not just sports, but also education.” 

The Club is a fun and safe place where young 

people and their friends can come and enjoy 

themselves. The club o ers opportunities to learn, grow, 

give back to the community, set goals, and meet new 

friends. 

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, has a goal to 



Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club...continued from page 11 

meet the needs of the youth in the Lawton community. 

The Club provides di erent activities that interest young 

people, while meeting their physical, emotional, cultural, 

and special needs. The Club encourages activities with 

adults, peers and family members that allows kids to 

enhance self-esteem, and reach their full potential. 

The Club o ers ve diversi ed program activities, 

Character & Leadership Development, empowers 

youth to support and in uence their community, sustain 

meaningful relationships with others, develop positive 

self-image, participate in the democratic process and 

respect their own and other’s cultural identities. This 

program also, honors Youth of the Year, which o ers a 

scholarship award, and Community Service, and Youth 

Councils. 

The Education & Career Development, enables 

youth to become pro cient in basic educational 

disciplines, apply learning to everyday situations, and 

embrace technology to achieve success in a career. 

This program o ers Power Hour, homework help, 

tutoring, club newsletter, educational games, and a 

commuter lab. 

The Health & Life Skills program develops young 

people’s capacity to engage in positive behavior that 

nurtures their own well being, setting personal goals 

and living successfully as self-su cient adults. This 

program o ers Smart Moves, and is a part of Drug and 

Alcohol Resistence Education or DARE, Smart Girls, 

Passport to Manhood, and a nutrition class. 

The Arts is a program which develops the kids 

capacity and cultural awareness through knowledge, 

and a appreciation of the visual arts, crafts, performing 

arts and creative writing. 

Of course they o er Sports, Fitness & Recreation, 

these programs develops tness, positive use of leisure 

time, skills for stress management, appreciation for 

the environment and social skills. Football, basketball, 

cheerleading, softball, and baseball are o ered. Chess, 

group games, and game room activities are o ered as 

well. The Club also has Jr. Chef, which hosts a cooking 

class once a week. 

Torch Club is a program they developed to enlighten 

10-12 year olds. “We visit nursing homes, have dances, 

and go to summits, we had a fashion show, they have 

elections, and hold o ce, this past October, they held 

their rst summit with Boy & Girls Club of America of 

Wichita Falls, ” Christal says. 

“Right now we’re working on a video for the 

Nickelodeon Halo Awards, it’s a 30 second video on the 

topic of what keeps the kids away from the in uence of 

drugs, gangs, and alcohol.” She continues, “A free ip 

camera will be given to the rst 30 clubs to sign up to 

participate, videos will be posted on www.teennick.com, 

and everyone is encouraged to vote, the top 10 videos 

will be announced at the Nickelodeon Halo Awards.” 

The Club has many fun activities for the kids, for 

instance “We have the Ladies Valentine Luncheon at 

Salas Mexican Restaurant, a fund raiser at Golden 

Corral in the summer, Golf Tournament, and we will be 

having our annual Christmas Party, where the kids will 

have pizza, gifts, and the Fort Sill Army Band Trio will 

perform.” says Christal. 

In January, the Club is looking to do outreach to 

transport children from neighborhoods, to the Salvation 

Army Boys & Girls Club of Lawton. “It’s going to be 

a ‘Membership Outreach Program,’ we will not be 



Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club...continued from page 12 

transporting from the schools, only neighborhoods. 

Currently, our total membership is approximately 750, 

we have 65 daily on our After School Program, and in 

our Summer Program, we have approximately 100-150 

kids a day,” she adds, “the ages are between 6-18, we 

want to reach out, and serve more kids, transportation 

is at no cost to the families, they will be bussed to the 

Club free of charge.” 

Another exciting development is their Adopt-a-Child 

Program, “We will begin in the Spring, where someone 

from the community can sponsor a child from the club 

and help pay for the membership and activity fees of a 

child.” The needs are great, “We can use volunteers for 

tutoring, and mentors. Tutors are truly needed in any 

of our program areas, homework, mentors, cooking, 

or the gym, even if it’s just for an hour, we appreciate 

the volunteers help.” Christal continues, “We take 

donations, monetary, supplies, and games.” 

The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Lawton 

o ers many exciting opportunities for the kids of our 

community, and many openings for advancement for the 

kids, so becoming a mentor, volunteering, or donations 

go to a wonderful cause, and every little bit counts. It’s 

easy to see why Forbes, SmartMoney, Newsweek and 

U.S. News & World Report have all ranked Boys & Girls 

Club of America among the top charitable organizations 

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in America based on cost-e ective use of donor 

dollars. WORTH magazine has ranked the Club as 

one of America’s top one hundred charities, based on 

nancial e ciency, strength of reputation and program 

e ectiveness. 

I bet you didn’t know some famous Alumni of Boys 

& Girls Club of America include, Bill Cosby, Brad Pitt, 

Martin Sheen, Neil Diamond, Michael Jordan, Jackie 

Joyner-Kersee, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, President 

Bill Clinton, and Denzel Washington, who is the National 

Spokesman for the Club. 

Kids are worth the extra e ort. They need us to set 

the standards, teach them dignity, respect, self-worth, 

and honor. You never know, you may be a mentor for 

the next great leader of our country, basketball, football, 

or baseball player, track star, actor or actress. Famous 

or not, we must lead the next generation, to greatness, 

kids are our future, so volunteer, become a mentor, or 

donate. 

For more information contact: 

Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Lawton 

1315 SW F Avenue, Lawton, OK 73501 

580357-7541 www.bgca.org 

Christal_Durham@uss.salvationarmy.org 

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Great Plains Improvement Foundation Inc. 

C. Carter Crane Emergency Shelter for the Homeless 


Sta Writer 

“The economy is e ecting homelessness, there are 

more homeless in Lawton than people realize, we have a 

waiting list,” says Brenda Fay, Shelter Manager for Carter 

Crane Emergency 

Homeless Shelter, 

“it e ecting families, 

singles, women with 

children, men with 

children, we have 

Lawton Public Schools, 

calling us about 

homeless children.” 

She continues, 

“There are homeless 

everywhere, bridges, 

back yard sheds, cars, 

moving crates, parks, 

abandoned homes, 

behind buildings with 

air vents to stay warm 

in boxes, they hang out 

at the library, the mall, 

or restaurants, they go 

into restaurants to wash 

and use the restroom, 

some live in vehicles, 

or vans, they pull up to 

a business with outside 

plugs to use a hot plate, 

anyplace they can nd 

abandoned, or open, 

they’ll use, there’s just 

not enough shelter 

space available for the homeless.” 

The Homeless 

People think the homeless are 

the drug addicts on the corner, 

but truth be told, it can be 

anyone who works, those with 

an education, or no education. 

Homelessness does not have a 

face, age race, or gender. 

Homelessness can strike at 

anytime, anyone can be a 

victim, and fall prey to the 

awful situation of being 

homeless. 

Homelessness is year round, 

it’s not seasonal, it’s a constant 

problem that afflicts 

every community, 

in every city, every 

state, on every 

continent. 

Carter Crane Shelter was established on 

December 15, 1985. The Carter Crane Shelter 

is a program to assist and to provide supportive 

services to place a client back into the main stream 

of life. The Shelter o ers strong supportive case 

management services to help their clients. The 

Shelter has 9 beds in the mens dorm, and 5 family 

rooms, the shelter can hold under 35 people. Carter 

Crane sta consists of 3 full-time employees, 1 parttime 

employee, and 1 volunteer. 

Carter Crane is the only working program shelter in 

Lawton, “We ask that the clients do 5 job searches a day, 

they can stay up to six weeks or longer, if they have proof 

of job, or trying to save money to achieve self su ciency 

that they need, we will extend them.” 

Carter Crane provides bus tickets to help their 

clients search for jobs, they can come and go, they have 

breakfast, lunch and dinner, clients cook their own meals. 

Do their own laundry, and clean their own rooms. “They 

have to develop basic skills to manage a household, and 

we help them learn nances, sometimes hygiene, 

we assist them with getting their ID’s or birth 

certi cates, or alcohol or drug counseling, mental 

health counseling or services, nutrition services, 

OSU Extension comes every so often to teach or 

instruct on nutrition.” Brenda says, “We try to teach 

skills for independence, we have a somewhat 

structured daily routine, we ask them to be out on 

a job search by 9am, and everyone participates 

and helps maintain a uid environment.” 

Upon check-in, clients ll out an application, 

rules and guidelines are given at that time, they 

also require 2 forms of ID, original Social Security 

Cards, and Picture ID, or State ID. The Shelter has 

rules, like in by 10pm, turn in work schedule, must 

be drug and alcohol free. 

“We get people from all walks of life, Housing 

Authority, Public Schools, Domestic Violence 

Shelters, Detox and Rehab facilities, we do accept 

people from Department of Corrections, they 

have no place to go and we have to give them a 

chance.” “ However,” she continues, “we cannot 

accept or allow child abusers, sex o enders, or domestic 

violence o enders.” 

There are also those who are chronic homeless, they 

go from state to state, and shelter to shelter. “Chronic 



Carter Crane Emergency Shelter...continued from page 14 

homelessness, is a problem due to many reasons,” says 

Brenda, “it may be mental, family history, they’re taught 

to live homeless, or it can be 

alcohol or drugs, there is a 10 

year plan to end homelessness 

in each state, but it won’t go 

way, it will always be here.” 

The Sta at Carter Crane 

Emergency Homeless Shelter, 

will continue to do their best to 

help their clients. “If we have 

the means available, we’ll help 

the client set up their house,” 

she continues, “we are grateful 

to the public for their donations 

of food, clothing and nances.” 

“We have been adopted 

by a Masonic Group, led by 

Reginald Thomas,” she goes 

on to say, “they call us to make 

sure our needs are met, also 

the Sergeant Audi Murphy Club 

on Fort Sill held a can food drive for us, and now are in 

the process of doing a coat drive, we want to thank each 

one of our supporters, we’re thankful, all donations are 

appreciated , we always have needs.” 

Some donation needs are, paper products, Kleenex, 

paper towels, toothpaste, bus tickets, raincoats and 

umbrellas when our clients do a job search, laundry 

powder, calling cards, the shelter has a phone, with no 

long distance, any household items, hygiene products, 

blankets, pillows, pillowcases, and food products. 

For more information on how to help meet the shelter 

needs, where or how to 

donate, contact: 

C. Carter Crane 

Homeless Shelter 

Brenda Fay, Shelter 

Manager 

Great Plains 

Improvement 

Foundation Inc. 

1203 SW Texas, 


580 248-0936 

bkdshelter@sbcglobal. 

net 

You can also make 

donations to: 

Carter Crane Shelter 

For the Homeless 

P.O. Box 926 


A tax deductible receipt 

will be returned. 

Homelessness has no bounds, when you think about 

the homeless shelters, and those in need, don’t forget 

about those e ected by Domestic Violence, those in our 

shelter for battered women are also homeless. Marie 

Detty-New Direction Battered Women’s Shelter has 

needs as well, this Holiday Season, remember those 

who long for a new beginning, and a fresh start. Marie 



Carter Crane Emergency Shelter... 

continued from page 15 

Detty-New Directions Battered Women’s Shelter houses 

women, children, babies and teens displaced by domestic 

violence. 

“The need is so great, and donations are greatly 

welcome,” says Leah Stout, Shelter Director, “We have a 

lot of women who come pregnant and need items for their 

unborn babies, like formula, baby food, and diapers, we 

also have a need for items for children, and teens, we also 

accept food donations.” She continues, “We greatly need 

bus passes, most come with no vehicle, we can also use 

cleaning products, paper products, toiletries, gently used 

clothing.” 

To make Christmas donations, or general donations, 

or to nd out shelter needs, contact Marie Detty-New 

Directions Battered Women’s Shelter at 580 357-2500. 

Any Sta member will be able to answer any questions. 

Donations can be taken Thursdays 8am-5pm 



The Compassionate Friends 

On December 12, 2010, the 14th By Becky Smith-Gallops 

Sta Writer 

annual Worldwide 

Candle Lighting ceremony for Compassionate Friends 

will be held at 7 p.m. local time. The Lawton chapter of 

Compassionate Friends will be 

participating in this ceremony, 

beginning their candle lighting 

service at 6:30 p.m. at Northside 

Baptist Church in Lawton. 

Compassionate Friends 

is a self-help bereavement 

organization for the emotional 

support needed during the long grieving process after a 

child dies. The Worldwide Candle Lighting will begin in 

New Zealand, creating a virtual 24-hour wave of light that 

moves from time zone to time zone as families gather in 

quiet remembrance of children who have died, but will 

never be forgotten. 

Member Goody Tendall shared the group’s plans to 

build a memorial to their lost loved ones in Elmer Thomas 

Park. She says that the Lawton City Council has already 

approved a spot for the memorial where family members 

can come to honor and remember their child. However, 

the estimated cost of the Children’s Memorial Garden is 

$20,000 and Compassionate Friends needs help meeting 

that goal. 

They are currently raising money through food 

fundraisers and hope to get corporate sponsors to help 

them achieve their designated amount. They will have a 

booth at the Christ Kindl Market in the Rinehart Fitness 

Center on Fort Sill December 4 – 5, where they will also be 

holding a ra e for a quilt. 

A child’s death at any 

age, from any cause, is a 

shattering and life-altering 

experience for a family. When 

Carolyn Nance lost her son 

in 2003, she didn’t know 

where to turn. “I didn’t have 

a lot of support from friends. 

People just didn’t know what to say,” Nance recalls. 

Thankfully, she found Compassionate Friends. 

And while her grief is lessening, she knows that there 

are others for whom it is just beginning. “We are there to 

listen to each other and be with those who understand 

how we feel. People often want you to just ‘get over it.’ You 

don’t ever get over it. Our group is exactly what its name 

says. It’s Compassionate Friends.” 

Compassionate Friends of Lawton/ Fort Sill hold 

meetings the rst Thursday of each month at the 

Southwest Oklahoma Blood Institute, 211 A Ave at 6:30 

p.m. These meetings are open to family members who 

have lost a child of any age, from any cause. 

For more information on Compassionate Friends, 

contact Goody Tendall at 580.678.9024. 



Every year in November, Lawton Enhancement Trust 

Authority LETA and Lawton Beautiful, Inc. sponsor 

the Eye Candy Awards, which picks businesses and/ 

or individuals that have enhanced the look of the City of 

Lawton. 

The slogan for the awards is Exhibiting Plains Pride. 

The Award Ceremony 

features the Dr. Rosemary 

Bellino Award which is given 

to outstanding Individual or 

Individuals, for best overall 

e ort, and have gone above 

the call for enhancing the 

City of Lawton. In addition, 

the committee has added 

a new award category for 

larger businesses, named 

the Institution Award. 

The winners are chosen 

by board members from 

each Ward, they pick 2 or 3 

locations, then they are voted 

on as a whole. The public is 

also encouraged to submit 

entries and participate as 

2010 Eye Candy Awards 

well. 

This years 2010 Eye Candy Award Winners: 

Ward 1: Taco Bell-2425 Cache Road 

Ward 2: Phillips 66-1202 Cache Road 

Ward 3: Atlanta Bread Company commercial complex- 

North Sheridan Road and West Gore Boulevard 

Ward 4: Scissortail Development-Flower Mound 

and East Gore Boulevard 

Ward 5: Godlove, Mayhall, Dzialo, Dutcher & 

Erwin Law O ce-802 S.W. C 

Ward 6: IBC Bank-6425 Cache Road 

Ward 7: T&G Construction-800 S.E. 1st Ward 8: Northwest Church of Christ-Cache Road 

and Northwest 67th Institutional Eye Candy Award (new award 

category this year): Comanche County 

Memorial Hospital-3401 W. Gore Boulevard. 

Dr. Rosemary Bellino Award: Dan Mullins, 

for Bu alo Soldiers Heritage Plaza in the Gore 

Boulevard median at Northwest 2nd Street. 

Congratulations to all the recipients and 

thank you for your contributions to our community 

– The OKIE Magazine Sta 


calendar 

DECEMBER 

of 

2010 

events 

WINTER FUN 

Miss Lawton Pageant 

December 4, 7:30 p.m. 

McMahon Auditorium, Lawton 

580.606.9147 

Book Signing with Children’s Authors Bill & Carol Wallace 

December 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Public Library, Chickasha, OK 

405.222.6075 

Cowboy Christmas Ball 

December 18, 8 p.m. 

Quartz Mountain Resort 

1.877.899.5567 

A Di erent Perspective: A Conversation with Curtis Speer 

December 21 – 22, 6:30 p.m. 

Museum of the Great Plains Auditorium, Lawton 

580.248.3626 or 580.695.8597 

HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS 

Holiday in the Park 

December 1 – January 5, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. 

Elmer Thomas Park, Lawton, OK 

580.581.3400 

Christmas in the Park 

December 1 – January 1, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. 

Hightower Park, Altus, OK 

580.481.2265 

Festival of Light 

December 1 – December 31, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. 

Shannon Springs Park, Chickasha, OK 

405.224.9627 or www.ChickashaFestivalofLight.com 

Christmas in the Park 

December 1 – December 31, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

Ackley Park, Elk City, OK 

580.225.0207 

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 

Christmas Parade of Light 


Downtown Chickasha, OK 

405.224.0787 

Live Christmas Nativity 

December 3 – December 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

Shannon Springs Park, Chickasha, OK 

405.224.9627 

Christmas Parade 

December 4 

Downtown Marlow, OK 

580.658.2212 


816-699-3900 

5112 W. Gore Blvd. 

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OKIE Magazine is YOUR community publication. 

Submit your press releases and/or group events 

to editor@okiemangazine.com. 


CALENDAR OF EVENTS CONTINUED 

A Storybook Christmas: Christmas Parade 


Main Street, Duncan, OK 

580.252.8696 

Christmas Tour of Homes: Hobart 

December 5 

Town of Hobart 

580.530.0961 or www.hobartok.com 

Breakfast with Santa 

December 11, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. 

Hobart High School, Hobart, OK 

580.726.2553 

Christmas Tour of Homes: Chickasha 

December 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Chickasha, OK 

405.224.5196 

ARTS & CRAFTS 

Christ Kindl Market 

December 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., December 5, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. 

Rinehart Fitness Center, Ft. Sill 

580.442.9480 

Christmas Extravaganza 

December 4, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Western Technology Center, Altus, OK 

580.649.0990 or 580.726.2415 

MUSIC 

Cameron University Holiday Concert 


Cameron University Theater, Lawton 

580.581.2440 

Bryan White’s A Night to Remember Christmas Tour 


Quartz Mountain Resort, Altus, OK 

1.877.999.5567 

Holiday Favorites with the 77th Army Band and Lawton 

Pro Musica 



580.284.1272 

Handel’s Messiah 



580.581.3472 

Rock and Soul 


Chickasha High School Activity Center, Chickasha, OK 

405.243.7252 


The place 

for live music - 

bring your 

friends! 

Karaoke Nights: Sundays, Mondays, 

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 

Friday and Saturday nights... 

DJ unless a band. 

#4 SW Lee Boulevard • Phone: 580-355-8511 


CALENDAR OF EVENTS CONTINUED 

THEATER 

It’s a Wonderful Life (Radio Play) 

December 3 - 4, 10 – 11, 7 p.m. 

Centenary Methodist Church, Lawton 

580.591.6730 

Miracle on 34th Street 

December 9 – 11, 7:30 p.m. December 12, 2:30 p.m. 

Washita Valley Theatre, Chickasha, OK 

405.224.9021 

Hallelujah Girls 

December 10 – 11 & 16 – 18, 8 p.m. 

December 12 & 19, 2 p.m. 

Lawton Community Theater, Lawton 

580.355.1600 

The Christmas Song Dinner Theatre 

December 18 – 19, 6:30 p.m. 

First Baptist Church, Chickasha, OK 

405.224.5196 

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Bu alo Project & The Campaign 

to Keep Lawton Beautiful 


Sta Writer 

Lawton Beautiful, Inc. The Mayor’s Taskforce and 

the Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority LETA started 

a movement to improve the appearance of Lawton, one 

major campaign was to place life-size bu alo herds 

throughout the city if Lawton. “The campaign started 

strong, with a herd of bu alo at the Lawton Fort Sill 

Regional Airport. “It’s kind of hit a lull due to other major 

projects,” says Rex Givens, Executive Director of LETA 

“Projects such as contracting 4-D Lawn Service to 

maintain all of Gore, 38th to Railroad, Shepler Park, all of 

the 11th Street Project, and to redo beds in the entry to 

the Museum and Auditorium on 6th Street.” He continues, 

“We still have some money on the Bu alo Project, and the 

NE Corner of Elmer Thomas Park, where Garrison Flag 

is being held, is our goal for our next herd, we need more 

funds to add more bu alo around the City.” The bu alo is a 

symbol of the Great Plains and our heritage. 

“We have also applied with the City of Lawton for 

Oklahoma Department of Transportation ODOT to redo 

the North, tri-level entry way into the City of Lawton, 

the goal is to completely plant and redo, the grant is 

approximately $600,000,” says Mr. Givens, “We can always 

use funds for landscaping, LETA began in 2005 with 

$10,000 a budget, now in 2010 the budget is $268,000, 

Hotel and Motel Tax, money from the City and revenue 

from tickets all go to beauti cation and maintenance.” 

He continues, “Maintenance is very important, we don’t 

just start a project and abandon it, we’re very involved in 

cleaning and maintaining the projects we begin.” 

LETA has future plans, if successful with the 

Department of Transportation Grant from the Federal 

Government, thru ODOT, “We have designs and plans 

for all medians on Gore going East, from Best Western to 

SE 45th Street, we should know about ODOT possibly by 

Spring.” 

The Support for the Bu alo Project from businesses 

and individuals seem to be catching on. Each life-size 

bu alo is available for $1500.00, or if people want to 

make a donation to Lawton Beautiful, Inc. you can make a 

donation on you City of Lawton Water Bill. 

“Support is greatly appreciated.” Says Mr. Givens. 

“Every year in November, Lawton Beautiful, Inc. 

and LETA, sponsor the Eye Candy Awards, which picks 

businesses and/or individuals that have enhanced the 

look of the City of Lawton. The slogan for the awards 

is Exhibiting Plains Pride. The Awards feature The Dr. 

Rosemary Bellino Award which is given to outstanding 

Individuals who has gone above the call for enhancing 

the City of Lawton, this years award winner is Dan Mullins 

for Bu alo Plaza Park.” says Mr. Givens, “This year we 

have added a new award, it the Institution Award, it’s for 

larger businesses, the rst winner or the award, goes to 

Comanche County Memorial Hospital.” 

“The way the winners are chosen is, board members 

from each Ward, pick 2 or 3 locations,” he goes on to say, 

“they vote as a whole, they also take suggestions from the 

public.” 

In addition, LETA and General Baxter principally 

funded the dog walk on Lee Boulevard. LETA also gave 

grants to Dan Mullins for Bu alo Plaza Park, and the 

Miracle League of Lawton, the park under construction for 

children who are physically challenged. 

Lawton Beautiful, Inc. and Lawton Enhancement Trust 

Authority doing great things for our city. Mr. Rex Givens 

The Executive Director of LETA receives $1.00 annually, 

he works hard for his salary. LETA welcomes public and 

private donations which are tax deductible 

For more information on the Bu alo Project, how to 

donate, or purchase a life size Bu alo, please contact: 

Rex Givens, Executive Director 

580 280-0555 

LETA - 103 SE 4th Street, Lawton, OK 73501 


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Love it or loathe it, Christmas is likely the most 

celebrated holiday in the world. I was originally going to 

write about the history of Santa Claus, but once I started 

doing a little research, I thought, 

“Why be so narrow minded?” So, 

I’ve decided to tell you a little about 

a select few holiday traditions. 

Some will be observances that 

I’m familiar with, and some will be 

new to me, but all of them will have 

something to do with “the most 

wonderful time of the year.” 

If you caught my article last 

month, you’ll know what I’ve picked 

for the rst Christmas tradition. 

Sure, it can be argued that it’s a 

Thanksgiving tradition, but since 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday 

are the biggest shopping days of 

the year, it’s likely that folks are 

shopping for Christmas gifts. I won’t 

repeat myself here, if you missed 

my article, go check it out online at 

okiemagazine.com and check out 

the Archive. 

“Oh come, all ye faithful…” 

and check out the long history of 

Christmas Carols I’ll give you the 

condensed version. Carols were 

sung in Europe thousands of years 

ago, but at the time they weren’t 

Christmas themed. They were 

songs sung by pagans at Winter 

Solstice celebrations. Early Christians took over the pagan 

celebrations in favor of Christmas. The earliest carol was 

written in AD 129, entitled “Angel’s Hymn”, and was sung 

at a Christmas service in Rome. Perhaps it was the fact 

that the early carols were sung in Latin, that led to people 

losing interest in celebrating Christmas altogether. The 

can thank St. Francis of Assisi, who started his Nativity 

Plays in 1223. The songs included in the plays were sung 

in the language of the people watching. Although Oliver 

Cromwell tried to snu out Christmas celebrations, the 

tradition of Carols has thrived throughout history. 

St. Nicholas was a Bishop in the 4th century AD who 

was a wealthy man who had the reputation for helping the 

poor and sending secret gifts to people who needed it. 

The kindness that he showed was passed along by others 

throughout history until the 16th By Jim Joplin 

Sta Writer 

century in Europe. It was 

at this time that St. Nicholas became very unpopular. It 

was also around this time that the legend began to take 

Reason for the Season 

on di erent names: Father Christmas UK, Père Nöel 

France, Christ Kind Germany, and Kris Kringle USA. 

When the Dutch settled in the US, they told stories of St. 

Nicholas and Kris so became Sinterklass, or as we now 

say “Santa Claus”. Most people say that Santa lives at 

the North Pole, but in Finland, they say that he lives in 

the northern part of their 

country called Lapland. 

Mistletoe is a parasitic 

plant that grows on trees. 

The practice of hanging 

mistletoe in the house 

goes back to the Druids, 

who believed that it was 

supposed to have mystical 

powers that would ward 

o evil spirits. The Norse 

used it as a sign of love 

and friendship, leading 

to the custom of kissing 

under the Mistletoe. I 

guess that should make 

Oklahomans feel better 

that their state ower is a 

parasite. 

Every year, my mom 

buys a Mince Pie for 

desert after the Christmas 

dinner. Originally, mince 

pies were lled with meat, 

usually lamb, rather than 

the dried fruit mix that 

folks eat today. They were 

rst shaped like an oval to 

represent the manger that 

Jesus slept in as a baby, 

but even this tradition has given way to the more practical 

round pie pans. A custom from the Middle Ages says that 

if you eat a mince pie on every day from Christmas to 

Twelfth Night January 6 th you will have happiness for the 

next 12 months I predict that on January 7 th you’ll have an 

upset stomach. Some like it hot, served with ice cream, 

mom eats hers at room temperature. I don’t eat it at all. I 

don’t particularly like it. But, you should make your own 

judgments and at the very least, try some mince pie. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t include the “Reason for 

the Season”: the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God 

born of a virgin. I won’t take the time to tell the Christmas 

story; most of you will know the story already. Whichever 

tradition you choose to celebrate, I wish you the happiest 

of holiday seasons, and I look forward to imparting more 

interesting information to you in the coming year. 


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An Open Letter to the Wait Sta 

By Randy Pennington 

Sta Writer 

I know you’re busy. 

That’s a good thing, really. For me, it means the food 

here is probably good, and for you, it means job security. 

So, I’m happy for both of us. And I have every intention 

of leaving you a tip… 

but let’s get some things 

straight, rst. 

I’m your boss. 

I know you may think 

the person who hired 

you is you’re boss, but 

believe me…I have more 

power and authority that 

they can ever hope to 

have. I can re you by 

simply not returning, 

and encouraging others 

to do the same. Your 

supervisor or manager 

simply handles the 

money…I am the one 

who pays you. I’m 

not asking for special 

treatment…just the 

respect I am owed. 

If I ask to be seated 

in a particular area of 

your restaurant, that 

is open and available, 

please try to accommodate me. I don’t appreciate being 

crammed into one corner of the building, elbow to elbow 

with the other customers, simply because it’s closer to the 

kitchen and more convenient for you, or is the area being 

served by your BFF. Seat me for my convenience…not 

yours. 

And if you seat me at a table that needs cleaning, 

I understand, especially if it is so busy that people are 

waiting to be seated. And by the way, I don’t expect to 

get seated ahead of anyone that was there before me… 

but show me the same respect. Once I’m seated, I really 

do appreciate you taking the time to wipe the table, but 

if you insist on cleaning it with a wet rag, is it too much to 

ask that you also use a dry rag to make sure I don’t put my 

arms in puddles of water once you are done? 

And don’t hand me a menu that has dried food 

particles on it…I’m giving you the bene t of the doubt 

that it is actually food. The menus are laminated for a 

reason…it makes them easier to clean. I’m sure you still 

have that wet rag, right?. 

(from your customer) 

Upon bringing me my drink order, please don’t sit 

the glass of water three inches from the edge of the table 

directly in front of me, so that it forms an immediate water 

ring. Come to think of it…can you just leave me that rag? 

And for the love of everything good, PLEASE DON’T 

TOUCH THE LIP OF MY GLASS OR CUP!!! That’s where 

I will be putting my mouth! 

I’m already assuming the 

dishwasher used bleach 

and did an adequate job 

in making sure they are 

sanitized. 

I just watched you 

clean the table next to 

mine, and you picked up 

four dirty glasses with 

one hand, using your 

ngers to grab them by 

the lips of the glasses, 

between your ngers. 

And I’m fairly 

con dent you haven’t 

washed your hands 

since. I know you haven’t 

washed them since you 

stepped outside to smoke 

a cigarette, extinguishing 

it with your thumb and 

fore nger, pushing the 

butt of the cigarette 

into the crowded, dirty 

ashtray. So, once again, 

DON’T TOUCH THE LIP OF MY GLASS OR CUP!!! 

And another thing: if you bring me co ee, make sure 

I have cream and sugar available, if I need them. You 

can always ask. And if I request cream and sugar, please 

don’t walk away to discuss how immature your boyfriend is 

with your co-worker, while leaving me there with no utensil 

to stir my co ee with. I know that you plan to bring me 

silverware with my meal, but I really don’t want to wait until 

my co ee is cold before I can drink it. It’s called thinking… 

it doesn’t hurt…you should try it. And if, by chance, I can 

get your attention, and you bring me a spoon, please don’t 

hand it to me with the handle facing me, if that means your 

“cigarette butt” thumb is on the eating end. I’m just saying. 

I may or may not order something exactly like it is 

listed on the menu. If I do order an item and request an 

alteration, I would appreciate no long sighs, rolled eyes, 

or rude remarks. That’s no way to treat your boss. I would 

appreciate you taking the time to discuss this with the 



A N IMAL H O S P I T AL 

Lori E. Gee, DVM 

Where Pets Are Family 

LOST or FOUND pets scanned 

for chips anytime at NO charge! 

Watch for 

healthy tips here 

every month. 

Monday - Friday: 8:00-5:30 

Saturday: 8:00-12:00 

Office hours by Appointment 

5220 NW Cache Rd. 


Phone: 580/351-0581 

Fax: 580/351-6929 

Email: Creeksideanimalhos@att.net 

We want photos of your dog or 

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Open Letter to the Wait Sta ... 

continued from page 28 

cook sta , as well, so that my order is correct when it 

arrives. I really don’t care if you and the cook are “not on 

speaking terms”…write him/her a note. You wouldn’t want 

your pharmacists to mess up your order, would you?. 

Same principle. 

This is something I’ve been meaning to ask for a long 

time: Is it a trade secret or part of the wait sta code that 

you can only ask “Is everything okay, here?”, when the 

customer’s mouth is full? I appreciate you checking on 

me, but if I just took a huge bite, it’s probably not the most 

appropriate time to start a conversation…especially if 

you insist on standing there and staring at me until I nish 

chewing, so I can answer. 

I don’t want you to think I’m being di cult. I’m really 

only asking for what is usually advertised on the sign 

outside: good food, friendly service and a fair price. If the 

food is good enough, the other too things are negotiable… 

to a point. And when I leave, I will remember YOU, more 

than the food or the price. 

You work for me. Treat me with respect. If you still don’t 

agree that I am your boss, consider this: I may be your 

NEXT boss. And no matter how impressive your resume 

is, if you provide me with bad service, I will remember that, 

above all else. 

I know that in Oklahoma, you’re depending on tips, 

rather than your hourly wage, to survive. That means, 

essentially, that you’re in complete control of how much 

you get paid. Not many people have that luxury. You can 

give yourself a raise by simply being more kind, more 

attentive, more respectful and…smiling. 

I planned on giving you a $5.00 tip when I came 

in here. But I deducted $1 for every mistake. By my 

calculations, you owe me $2.00. I doubt I will ever collect 

it, but if you learned anything about who your real boss is, 

who you’re really here to serve and the type of impact your 

attitude can have on people, then it was well worth the 

money. 

I’m leaving now. You might want to get the rag. 



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

EEven a Man M Ab About TTown kknows that h there h 

is more to a good time out than just eating in 

ne restaurants. One suggestion that I have 

for an enjoyable evening out is 

a performance of the Lawton 

Philharmonic Orchestra LPO. The 

current season’s theme is “March! 

Dance! Sing!” The next performance 

is still a few months away, so you 

have plenty of time to plan for an 

enchanting evening of music centered 

around the theme of Dance!. The 

Dance! ! show is this season’s 

community art project; local 

dance students will be performing 

their own choreography live with 

the orchestra. The performance is 

scheduled for February 19, 2011 

at 8:00 p.m. at the McMahon 

Auditorium on Ferris Avenue, just 

north of Lawton High School. 

The Lawton Philharmonic 

Orchestra was founded in 1961, 

with the rst concert held on 

November 21, 1962. The rst 

performance was presented by an 

entirely volunteer orchestra, and was conducted by Nels 

Harveland who served as the Conductor, as well as Music 

Director, until 1972. After Mr. Harveland’s exit, the Board 

of Directors served in the management capacity. At this 

time, an arrangement was made with Cameron University 

in which the university would supply a conductor who was 

also on the faculty of Cameron’s Department of Music. 

In 1979, the Board hired, for the rst time, a full-time 

manager. In the years to come, the Board also added a 

full-time position for an assistant to the Executive Director 

who helped with the management of the orchestra. 

Since Mr. Hareland’s departure at the end of the 

1971-72 season, there have been six other conductors: 

Gail Campbell, Gene Smith, Jack W. Bowman, Alan 

Burdick, Miriam Burns, and the current Music Director and 

Conductor, Lawton native Jon Kalb eisch. 

This year marks the 48th season that the Lawton 

Philharmonic Orchestra has performed. What started 

out as a volunteer orchestra in 1962, has grown into an 

orchestra made up of approximately 65 union musicians. 

To look at the LPO today, one would never know that it 

faced some truly dark times in its history. In the Fall of 

2003, negotiations between the Lawton Philharmonic 

Society and the Dallas/Ft. Worth Professional Musicians 

Association were no going well. Since an agreement over 

terms could not be reached, , on August g 27 the September p 

About Town 

An Evening on the Town 

with the Lawton 

Philharmonic Orchestra 

6 th season opener was cancelled. ll d Si Since 

there was no agreement reached between 

the two parties, the entire 2003-04 season 

was cancelled. In an e ort to keep 

classical music in the Lawton/Ft. 

Sill area, the Lawton Philharmonic 

Society sponsored two concerts 

during the 2004-05 season which 

were performed by the 77 th Army 

band, and were free to, rst, school 

children, and second, the general 

public. Throughout the time of 

the deadlock with the union 

o cials, the Society continued 

to persevere, in the hopes of 

keeping this musical outlet in the 

area. 

Finally, in 2005, the 

stalemate ended. It was through 

an intervention by the musicians 

themselves, along with an 

ground-breaking partnership 

with Cameron University, and 

the willingness of the union to 

resume negotiations, that the 

Society was able to sponsor 

two concerts in 2006. On February 18 th and March 11 th , 

concerts were held by the LPO. These two concerts 

proved to be very successful. The rst included a choir 

of 110 voices made up of Cameron students, and 

community members, and was conducted by Dr. Earl 

Logan of Cameron University. The second was conducted 

by native Lawtonian, Jon Kal eisch, who conducted such 

a wonderful, emotionally charged concert that the Board 

invited him to become the Music Director and Conductor 

of the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. 

The Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra has had 

its up and downs. But thanks to the dedication, and 

determination of the Lawton Philharmonic Society, the 

orchestra is stronger than ever. So, the advice from the 

Man About Town is simply this: mark your calendars for 

February 19th and enjoy an evening of beautiful music 

provided by local artists conducted by an extremely 

talented conductor. For more information about the 

Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra and Society, phone 

580 581-5043, or check them out on the web at www. 

lawtonphil.org. 

Enjoy, 


By Rachel Rhoades 

Sta Writer 

Consider me the Taylor Swift of article writing. Jerk me 

around and you will get your 15 minutes of fame right here 

in print! 

The rules of dating have changed in the last16 years. 

I’m lost. I have no idea what is correct or popular, and all 

the things I think are “right” seem to be wrong. 

Apparently at some point, common courtesy was 

declared dead. Now if you want to get together with a gal 

vague responses like “maybe Thursday” or “7-ish” are 

readily accepted as plans. Huh? What that indicates to me 

is that you’re just not that interested, and if that’s the case 

let’s cut our losses and move on down the road. 

Say we have decided to get together at a certain time. 

I guess it is not necessary to let the other person know 

that you are going to be late, or worse yet, not show up 

at all. They’ll gure it out when they are sitting by 

Dear Potential Date 

themselves feeling rejected and degraded. 

It is also okay to send emails from an online dating 

site stating that you would like to bathe me and then 

worship my feet. Suggest this to me and it’s a safe bet 

that I’m not going to want to get to know you better. That is 

creepy on levels I can’t even reach. 

Nor will I marry you so you can get 

citizenship. Your pro le indicates 

you live 3000 miles from me? I’m 

not even going to read the email. 

If you have miraculously 

become privy to my phone number, 

text messages are a lovely way 

to say “hi” or “thinking of you.” I’m 

pretty sure that they should not be 

used as a way to proposition a nice 

girl. At my ever advancing age I 

don’t really need to get “booty texts.” 

We’re both grown-ups — at least I 

am — so why not act like it? 

Compliments also seem to ow 

much freer. To tell me once that I 

am beautiful is a compliment. To 

tell me twice is very attering. After 

that I have to wonder who you are 

trying to convince of that fact. Me 

or yourself? Also, telling me on our 

second date that you “worship and adore” me is not so 

much complimentary as it is stalker-ish. 

Yes, I have children. They are the loves of my life. 

If you don’t have children, don’t like them or don’t want 

them, then why in the world would you send me a 

message? Like it or not, we’re a package deal. They won’t 

just disappear when it’s inconvenient for you to have them 

around. I also have an ex-husband. He’s not part of the 

deal, but he’s not going to disappear either because he’s a 

loving father, so get used to it. 

All these crossing lines of right and wrong are a little 

blurry. Maybe it’s time I got bifocals? 

Gifts for the Mind, Body 

& Soul 

Books, CDs, Candles, Bulk 

Herbs, Essential Oils, Incense, 

Jewelry, Crystals, Dragons, 

Gargoyles, Fairies, Angels, 

Clothing, Velvet bags & cards. 


How to Tell He’s NOT the Real Santa! 

By Mortimor Oullouitious Snerkleschwartz 

His cologne smells like a mixture of Southern Comfort, 

cigarette smoke and Febreze. 

His beard has a “Johnson & Johnson” label stuck in it. 

He insists you sit on his lap, but never mentions toys. 

You notice the people ahead of you in line 

are giving him money and gifts. 

He’s asking all the kids if they have any spare diapers. 

He’s holding a cardboard sign that reads: 

“Will Fill Your Stocking for Food.” 

You rented bowling shoes from him last night. 

Instead of candy canes, he’s passing out 

Marlboro coupons. 

The kids who have already sat on his lap are asking 

their parents, “What does ‘pull my nger’ mean?” 

He brags to the kids that he once rode in a car 

with Dog the Bounty Hunter. 

He sets up his photo display at the mall in 

Victoria’s Secret. 

He keeps asking the kids if they want to sell 

Amway. 

When he leans over to get the gift bags, you 

notice he has a “tramp stamp.” 

The elf assisting him is his parole o cer. 

His toy bag has “Leavenworth” stamped on it. 

The colonoscopy bag…nu said. 


Qu 

t H 

Snowman Soup 

1 package Hot Chocolate Mix 

3 Hershey Kisses or Hugs 

10 miniature marshmallows 

1 Peppermint Candy Cane 

Place ingredients in a mug and follow directions on 

chocolate mix. Use candy can as stirring stick! 

Magic Reindeer Food 

Wild Bird Seed mix oats may be used instead 

¼ cup red or green sugar crystals for cake decorating 

Mix together in ziplock baggies. Print the following 

and attach to baggie: 

Sprinkle on the lawn at night 

The moon will make it sparkle bright 

As Santa’s reindeer y and roam 

This will guide them to your home. 

“There’s nothing sadder in this world 

than to awake Christmas morning 

and not be a child.” 

~ Erma Bombeck (1927-1996), American author and 

humorist 

Christmas Dough Ornaments 

4 c. our 

1 c. salt 

1½ c. water 

Combine our with salt; add water. Stir the mixture 

with a spoon until it starts to form a smooth dough. Knead 

dough about 5 minutes. 

To make ornaments, pinch o bits of dough and form 

shapes or roll out the dough and use cookie cutters. 

To make hair, push a piece of dough through a garlic 

press. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden 

brown. Paint with acrylic paints, then spray with clear 

acrylic spray. On the back of the ornament, write the 

name and the year. 


The Domestic Diva has a hurricane readiness kit 

yet she lives in a landlocked state. Overachiever. 

Dear Readers, 

I thought as we moved into colder months I would provide a checklist for the things you will need for a bad weather 

kit, these can also apply for tornado season. The last few years have proven that we never know what to expect. Cut 

this out for your fridge and stay warm and prepared! 

Have a backpack or kit for everyone in the house, including your pet. This insures everyone has the same contents 

and easier to pack. Each human should have the following contents: 

• Flashlight with twice the amount of batteries it takes to run. 

• 4-6 bottles of water. Get the ones with the sports caps. Prevents spilling. 

• Hand sanitizer. Obvious. 

• Food that can be served cold or with minimal heating. Breakfast should be dry cereal or dry fruit. Lunch 

can be peanut butter and crackers they sell mini peanut butter jars. The protein will help until dinner. 

Dinner will involve canned goods that do not even remotely sound appetizing, like Vienna sausages. 

To combat the fact that you are eating Vienna sausages also have some trail mix that has things like 

pumpkin seeds and lots of nuts. The protein in the nuts will help. 

• A travel size or small box of tissue. Cold weather means lots of sni es and if the storms last the way they 

have In the past then after a few hours everyone will have a runny nose. Keep the germs at bay. 

• One complete out t including underwear. The one thing you should pack more of? Socks. Heat leaves 

the body through the head and the feet. You will stay a lot warmer with multiple socks. 

• There could a lot of daylight hours with “nothing to do” and bored children getting antsy. Make sure 

everyone including parents has a book or word search, Sudoku, or other puzzles to keep them busy. 

• A copy of a photo ID. When the local police department sponsors the ID and ngerprint your child day, 

get one done! If you have to be relocated in a dire situation, making sure that everyone has the proper 

identi cation will curtail stress. 

• Battery operated cell phone chargers. Get enough batteries to last a week of charging. You will use them. 

• A disposable camera. In the event of major damage to your house fence, roof etc you do not want 

to hunt for batteries to the digital camera when everyone will have the same idea. Use the disposable 

camera for pictures of your house for insurance purposes. Use cell phone pictures for face book. 

• For cats: make sure you have a bag of their favorite litter and a travel pan in case you have to be 

relocated. Something as small as their favorite litter helps ease trauma. 

• For dogs: if you have a travel crate that you only use for the vet or groomer, keep your kit in there. All you 

have to grab is the crate and you are good to go. Also make sure there a few “puppy pads” in case you 

cannot let them out to do their business. 

• For both animals, make sure their kits include food you know they will eat, a gallon of water, a dish 

similar to one they have, vet records, treats and a few toys. 

XOXOXOXO, 

Lola 

Need advice on your domestic situation? You can reach The Domestic Diva at TheDivineDomestic@gmail.com 


Any Size 

fountain drink 

just 92¢ 


ACROSS 

1. Newts 

5. Secret agent 

8. Organs of sight 

12. A hard strong durable 

yellow-brown wood 

13. Impales 

15. A large swallow 

16. Impulse 

17. Give a speech 

18. Look lasciviously 

19. Intimating 

22. A type of cereal grass 

23. Hen-peck 

24. Awkward people 

26. Characteristic of the 

universe 

29. Mythical creatures 

31. Dance step 

32. Foe 

34. Sprang 

36. Native of Peru 

38. Grasps 

40. Affirm 

41. Works hard 

43. Sporting venue 

45. Frozen 

46. Selects by voting 

48. Geological formations 

found at the mouths of 

rivers 

50. Meadows 

51. 7 th letter of the Greek 

alphabet 

52. Crab-eating macaque 

54. In a murderous frenzy 

61. Eggs of parasitic 

insects 

63. Pathfinder 

64. Ramble 

65. Sword 

66. Assisted 

67. Murres 

68. Nature of being 

69. French for “No” 

70. Agitate or mix 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 

12 13 14 15 

16 17 18 

19 20 21 22 

DOWN 

1. Pocketbook 

2. A non-flowering plant 

3. Labels 

4. Coils of yarn 

5. Rail bird 

6. Backside 

7. Abominable snowman 

8. Self-importance 

9. Serbia 

10. Singer ____ Fitzgerald 

11. Anagram of “Pets” 

13. Extorting 

14. Spanish for “Mister” 

20. What a person is 

called 

21. Prison 

23 24 25 

26 27 28 29 30 

31 32 33 34 35 

36 37 38 39 40 

41 42 43 44 45 

46 47 48 49 

50 51 

52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 

61 62 63 64 

65 66 67 

68 69 70 

25. Any wingless bloodsucking 

insect 

26. Small light boat 

27. Vibrates 

28. Anagram of “Cares” 

29. Written on a typewriter 

30. Specifications 

abbrev. 

31. Large hole in the 

ground 

33. Former Soviet space 

station 

35. Attempt 

37. To the windward side 

39. Smiled 

contemptuously 

42. Swindle 

44. Male singing range 

47. Genus of hemlock 

spruce 

49. Constellation “The 

Bull” 

52. Leg joint 

53. Tears 

55. Desolation 

56. Queen of Carthage 

Roman mythology 

57. Biblical garden 

58. Anagram of “Rots” 

59. 57 in Roman numerals 

60. 365 days 

62. Perceive visually 



Submit your press releases and/or group events to editor@okiemangazine.com. 


Jessica “Trixy” Dunkle 

Trixy’s Red Light Entertainment 

Karaoke & DJ — All Occasions — Call & Book Today 

580-574-3671 — trixy66@sbcglobal.net 

Appearing at: 

Randiddy's - 1816 SW 11th - Fridays 9:30-1:30 

Little Star - 1116 NW Cache Rd - Fridays 9:30-1:30 

He's Not Here - 1806 SW 11th Appearing at: 

- Thurs 8-12 Sat 9-1 and Sun 3-7 

Kal's Place - 2002 SW Lee Blvd - Fridays 7:30-11:30 pm 

New Gong Show Info to Come 

Happy Holidays 

from Trixy's family to yours. 

OPENING OF TWO ART 

SHOWS AT LESLIE POWELL 

GALLERY 

DATE: Saturday, January 8, 2011 

TIME:7:00-9:00 

“Echoes of External Aura” 

Andrew Baker, Lawton, OK 

Photographic images 

& 

“Evolution of a Fiber Artist” 

Art by Dale Nomura, Lawton, OK 

Art Quilts &Fiber Objects 

Refreshments Served--Public invited, free of charge. 

Gallery Hours: Monday through Friday from 12:00 

noon until 4:00 p.m. 

Leslie Powell Gallery, 620 SW “D” Ave. 

Lawton, Oklahoma 

Show will hang through February 23 2010 


Crossword Solution 

E F T S S P Y E Y E S 

T E A K G O R E S G U L P 

U R G E O R A T E O G L E 

I N S I N U A T I N G O A T 

N A G O A F S 

C O S M I C T R O L L S 

P A S E N E M Y L E A P T 

I N C A G R I P S A V E R 

T O I L S A R E N A I C Y 

E L E C T S D E L T A S 

L E A S E T A 

K R A M U R D E R O U S L Y 

N I T S G U I D E R O V E 

E P E E A I D E D U R I A 

E S S E N O N S T I R 

Visit us on Twitter 

twitter.com/ 

okiemagazine 



OKIE Magazine is YOUR 

community publication. 

Submit your press releases 

and/or group events to: 

editor@okiemangazine.com. 


10 Helpful Stress Reducing Tips to Keep You 

Out of Jail This Holiday Season 

By By Valerie Lalli 

Sta Writer 

“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, 

however, makes a life.” Arthur Ashe 

It is that time of year again: the season where we all 

rush to our favorite department stores. A month where 

we are all supposed to love one another and show that 

love by spending our hard earned money on each other. 

Love for family and friends is what has landed you here 

standing in the midst of 

total chaos and confusion. 

The noise level is so loud 

you cannot hear the person 

standing next to you. You 

have been hit from behind 

ve times in less than three 

minutes by the shopping 

cart of the person behind 

you. If you have to listen 

to another Christmas carol 

blaring from the overhead 

system, you may very well lose your mind. You might end 

up turning around and shoving the shopping cart back 

into the person behind you so they will know how it feels. 

They will fall, of course, and probably break a leg. You will 

end up getting arrested, miss out on the holiday specials, 

but most importantly lose your place in that ve mile long 

line you have been standing in for the past 30 minutes to 

purchase the must-have items of the season. The gifts for 

your kid, your husband, your sister, or your best friend’s 

uncle’s wife‘s mother will not be purchased and you will 

be known as the one who ruined Christmas 2010 from 

here until the end of time. So before this happens and you 

wind up behind bars on Christmas Day, let’s take a deep 

breath and think of some ways to reduce holiday stress 

and stay out of jail. Good plan. 

Music! Choose tunes for your car or iPod that relax you, 

put you in the spirit of giving, or simply bring you good 

thoughts. I love to shop alone for this simple reason. I 

stick my iPod in my ears; I control the type of music and 

the volume that blares through my ears. Heck, sometimes 

just put those earphones in and pretend to be listening to 

music just so you have an excuse to ignore people. 

Exercise. I know it is the dreaded word, but you wouldn’t 

believe what a long walk will do for your energy level and 

your soul. It helps you feel better all around. Exercise will 

also help get you into shape if for some reason you do 

end up in an unavoidable Battle of the Shopping Carts. 

It is okay to cry! Cry, scream, and punch a pillow. They 

can take it. If you need a way to get rid of that bad energy, 

go ahead and show that pillow who’s boss. The pillow 

can’t turn you into the authorities or hit you back, 

Laugh and laugh often. Smiling is contagious and so is 

laughter. A great laugh can make any bad day seem less 

so. An added bene t to laughing is that it burns calories! 

You can burn up to 40 calories a day if you spend at least 

15 minutes laughing. The statistics don’t specify it has to 

be positive laughter so go ahead and laugh at someone’s 

expense. It still burns calories! 

Stop eating before you are so full you can’t 

even breathe in, or worse, until you have to 

undo your pants to breathe out. Drink plenty 

of water and take your vitamins. It is easier to 

have a positive attitude when you feel better 

physically. Plus how much of a downer would 

it be to go to someone’s house for dinner 

and not even be able to wear the same pants 

home that you went in? 

Wine can be your best friend, but keep it 

to a single glass. Eggnog is great too. Don’t 

overdo it; have a single glass to unwind at the end of your 

hectic day. If you feel the need to have the whole bottle, 

you have bigger issues than I can deal with in this short 

little holiday stress article. 

Take time for yourself. Take a nap, read a book, have 

a hot bubble bath, or watch your favorite TV shows. You 

could look up random telephone numbers and make 

prank calls! Those are always fun. The holidays are for 

you too, so take care of yourself. 

Plan ahead! Organize. Make a list. Know what you want 

from each store and stick to a budget. Go into the store 

to get those items on your list rather than to look around 

during the busiest time of year when everyone is elbow to 

elbow. You will save time and money this way. An added 

bonus, with all those savings you have you can take them 

to the casino in hopes of doubling it! 

Volunteer. Give to others less fortunate than you. Help 

out at a food bank, take coats your family no longer needs 

to those who don’t have one, or collect toys for kids. It is 

the season of giving and it really brightens a tough day 

to see the look on a child’s face when they receive a gift. 

This could help even out all of the bad karma you have 

accumulated over the past year! 

I hope these tips will help make for a more peaceful 

holiday season for you, your family and friends. After a 

good night rest, a glass of wine to start the day, and a 

boxing match with your pillow, you will be able to turn 

around to person behind you who is ramming their cart 

into your legs and say to them, “Happy Holidays!” 


For the cost of this 

You can feed 

families. 

The Lawton Food Bank 

1405 W. 20th Street • Lawton, Oklahoma 

580-353-7994

R H U B A R B N M E E M E C N N P 

R F R A N E E N P E U V C I I H O 

O E R Y M P O T G M E Y E M F S R 

A M E R R I C O I I A C C A T S T 

B I P O T T H X R E E E H N E R P 

D M E R N R A G N U C R T Y E T L 

U O L S A M N I Q I E E O D S I L 

C T L Y N T D S H N E L D F E E I 

T N E M E V E I H C A T B V I P P 

I A N P T R L E M E Y E O S C I F 

O P T A U E I V L E I S U R E E I 

N N E T E T E I C G N R P R P A E 

A L C H I R R E E F E S C V S X E 

P I L Y L I Y C O N C E I V E E M 

P E L T I E F R O F L S O O N I F 

N G I E R V R E M H Y G I E N E N 

T P I E C E R P A R A L Y Z E S P 

abduction 

achievement 

beige 

chandelier 

conceive 

deceit 

dimension 

dynamic 

Fahrenheit 

foreign 

forfeit 

grieve 

hygiene 

leisure 

leisure 

lieutenant 

maximum 

niece 

pantomime 

paralyze 

perceive 

picturesque 

pierce 

protein 

psychiatry 

receipt 

reign 

repellent 

retrieve 

rhubarb 

species 

sympathy 

veil 

vein 



Life is Made to be Lived By Stan Weddle 

While there have been many times in my life that I have 

been confused, afraid, felt hopeless, dissatis ed and lonely, I 

have mostly felt that I have lived a charmed life, and I am most 

thankful. I was born healthy, in a wonderful country, surrounded 

by loving, supportive people. I have enjoyed freedom, and have 

found unbelievable opportunities. I continue to discover more 

opportunities than I have time to pursue. The possibilities are 

limitless. I have learned so much from life, and learn something 

new everyday. I love to experience life’s gifts. I love good food and 

there has always been plenty. I enjoy beauty and it is all around me. 

I love the sights, sounds, taste, touch and feel of life. I love being 

alive. I am grateful to be alive. 

With all the opportunities available to me and all the 

possibilities, I have not always made the best choices. The 

decisions I have made, based on my perception of the situation 

and the environment, have always delivered a reasonable result. 

They haven’t always been the outcomes that I wanted, but they 

were reasonable in retrospect. I have been able to make mistakes 

and redeem myself. During economically di cult times, we still 

have prospects that can change us forever. We can learn from the 

failures and setbacks as well as the successes and satisfactory 

results. During times of health challenges we don’t always get over 

an ailment or disease, but we have the choice in how we react to it. 

We can graciously accept our condition or we can feel angry and 

bitter. Accepting it graciously will result in a better life than anger, 

sadness and bitterness. When we recover we can live our life with 

joy and thanksgiving, or learn nothing from it. 

Life is made of things we plan and unexpected surprises. In 

spite of our grand plans, life o ers challenges and opportunities 

we never imagined. I have always found new and exciting projects 

when and where I least expected them. Once, I was taking 

a photography class at night. I shared a locker with a young 

woman I didn’t know. We saw each other in class and were lab 

and darkroom partners. We were friendly, but I didn’t know much 

about her life outside of school. One day while on a jobsite, a 

man stopped and asked me to look at a restaurant project he 

was planning across town. He lived in a small town nearby and I 

arranged to meet him at his home. When I sat down in his o ce, I 

was surprised to see a photograph of my classmate on his desk. 

She was his daughter. We worked on his proposal and it resulted 

in several pro table projects. I assume knowing his daughter and 

having worked successfully together was important in his decision 

since she managed his restaurants. 

Life isn’t always without challenges and setbacks, but in 

spite of the di culties and disappointments, life is worth living. I 

believe a life worth living involves living for more than one’s self. 

A well-lived life involves being a part of the society and giving as 

well as taking. Life should be lived, aware of the dangers around 

us, but not lived in fear. Life should be lived with our eyes open 

to opportunities, but with the responsibility to choose the right 

opportunities and to focus on the ones we choose and do them 

well. Most of all our lives should be lived fully aware of life every 

day, moment by moment. Life is made to be lived. Live it, love it 

and be thankful, today and every day. 


Word Search Solution 

R H U B A R B N M E E M E C N N P 

R F R A N E E N P E U V C I I H O 

O E R Y M P O T G M E Y E M F S R 

A M E R R I C O I I A C C A T S T 

B I P O T T H X R E E E H N E R P 

D M E R N R A G N U C R T Y E T L 

U O L S A M N I Q I E E O D S I L 

C T L Y N T D S H N E L D F E E I 

T N E M E V E I H C A T B V I P P 

I A N P T R L E M E Y E O S C I F 

O P T A U E I V L E I S U R E E I 

N N E T E T E I C G N R P R P A E 

A L C H I R R E E F E S C V S X E 

P I L Y L I Y C O N C E I V E E M 

P E L T I E F R O F L S O O N I F 

N G I E R V R E M H Y G I E N E N 

T P I E C E R P A R A L Y Z E S P 

Solution 

6 7 4 5 1 9 3 2 8 

3 2 5 8 4 6 1 7 9 

8 1 9 7 3 2 4 6 5 

7 9 3 1 6 5 8 4 2 

2 5 8 4 9 3 6 1 7 

1 4 6 2 8 7 9 5 3 

9 6 7 3 5 4 2 8 1 

5 3 1 6 2 8 7 9 4 

4 8 2 9 7 1 5 3 6 


Submit your press releases and/or group events to editor@okiemangazine.com. 


Do you remember this? 

Trippin' down memory lane! 

Indie’s 

Mixtape 

a mishmash of music 

Listen. Love. Hate. Suggest. 

The Worst of the Holiday Tunes? You Decide. 

Dominick The Donkey (The Italian Christmas Donkey) by Lou Monte 

Please, Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas) by John Denver 

Merry Christmas (I Don’t Wanna Fight Tonight) by The Ramones 

Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto by James Brown 

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer by Tiny Tim 

Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses 

Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney 

Happy X-Mas (War is Over) by Celine Dion 

Have a Funky Funky Christmas by The New Kids on the Block 

Last Christmas by Wham! 

Have a Cheeky Christmas by The Cheeky Girls 

CLUB TEEN 

A fun, entertaining, safe, 

social event for teenagers 

ages 13-17! Event will be held 

in the party room. Music 

provided by DJ Illumin-8, 

"Virgin Bar" will serve 

non-alcoholic drinks. Admission is ONLY $5! 

Security provided by Lawton Academy of Self 

Defense. Percentage of profits will be 

donated to local Boys and Girls Club. 

TEXT Laugh Out Loud to 90210 

for events & special promotional offers 

ARE YOU A 

GREAT 

PERFORMER? 

Come audition for a job 

you'll love! Call 536-4FUN 

for audition dates! 


Confessions of an Audiophile By Amy Merchant 

Sta Writer 

Audiophile: 

When your priorities about enjoying music goes beyond 

the norm. Like selling a car to buy a turntable. 

It would be supremely easy to 

make this column about Holiday 

music, but as a Gen X music snob 

it is time to come out of the closet. 

I am a pop music fan. I am not just 

a pop music fan but I have some 

of the guiltiest pleasures known to 

man. This was probably di cult to 

come to terms with because I am 

the generation that deserted the hair 

bands of my youth, bought annel 

from thrift stores while I called Eddie Vedder God and waxed 

poetic about Dr Dre as the new Isaac Hayes. Then something 

happened. The Spice Girls happened. They told me what they 

really wanted. Zig-a-zig-a. All of a sudden, I was a Genie in a Bottle 

at a comfortable 98 Degrees. The pop obsession started running 

over into my “real life.” I started hoping Britney and Justin were 

going to last and got concerned about Nick Carter’s family life. 

I tried to go back to the love of my life: angsty music. Playlists of 

Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, The Clash and Joy Division helped 

me forget for a little while that I had been a music cougar. But if 

loving pop music was wrong, I didn’t want to be right. 

I made sure to keep only music snob CD’s in my car in case 

I had a passenger. As soon as they were out I would switch to 

the local Top 40 station and scream “Backstreet’s back alright!!!!” 

What else was a girl to do? I knew it had become a problem when 

I started doing the “Oops I Did It Again” dance in the shower. I 

needed help. But where does one go for music rehab? 

Then one day I was I driving in the car and it was one of those 

“Way Back” days. Music of our youth. Every song is supposed 

to make us remember why we loved it. Maybe it was your rst 

dance or the best summer vacation. Either way, there it was—the 

song that made me realize, pop music was always a part of who 

I was, as a matter of fact it DEFINED me. Material Girl. I looked 

back at my constant reinventions and my ballsy “I wanna rule the 

world attitude” and realized that at eight years old, pop music was 

always a part of my subconscious. Memories of a Beat It jacket I 

once owned started ooding back, and I began begging for Boy 

George’s hair. I had been pop music my whole life. Like it or not. 

I stand before you today as a lover of the following: ABBA, 

NSYNC, Ke$ha and even Katy Perry. I also like that pina colada 

song. That’s right; I like getting caught in the rain. 

My Favorite 

Pop Music Anthems 

Prince-When 

Doves Cry 

With an 

unmistakable 

opening ri and 

one of the sickest 

hooks EVER, this 

song never ceases 

to stop me in my tracks. Purple Rain is 

already one of the greatest soundtracks 

of all time and this track is Prince’s crown 

jewel. 

Madonna-Like 

a Prayer 

A list of my favorite 

pop songs would 

not be complete 

without a song from 

Madonna. Not the 

greatest musician 

of all time, I would argue that she is the 

smartest. Backed by a church choir while 

she remains subversive is why I love her. 

And yup, when I hear her call my name, it 

feels like home. 

Frankie Valli 

and The Four 

Seasons- Can’t 

Take My Eyes 

O Of You 

I could go the rest 

of my life never hearing this at karaoke 

again but when the horn section comes in 

before the chorus, I cannot stop dancing. 

Frankie Valli sounds like the 60’s to me 

and it is this song that “is too good to be 

true.” The one song I know for a fact I want 

played at my wedding.

Southwest Oklahoma's Monthly News and ... - OKIE Magazine

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