Kaylea Hutson's Blog, page 4
October 6, 2015
Homecoming 'super hero' style in Grove
The 2015 GHS Homecoming court included (from left) Princess and Prince Carleigh Johnson and Luke Hammock and Queen and King Abby Johnson and Houston Hogan. Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunKaylea M. Hutson-Miller • khutson@grovesun.comIt was a 'super' homecoming of sorts for Abby Johnson, as she was crowned the 2015 GHS Homecoming Queen under the bright lights of Ridgerunner Stadium.
The GHS senior laughed as her boyfriend Houston Hogan placed the crown on her head moments after he had been named homecoming king.
Friday's celebration was a classic moment of Americana, as the pair who have been dating for 15 months, represented the cheerleaders and football players, respectively, during the evening activities.
"I was really shocked and so happy," Johnson said, after the ceremony, as she hugged family and friends.
Abby Johnson shares a moment with her "king" Houston Hoganfollowing the 2015 Homecoming coronation, held
Friday, Oct. 2, at RIdgerunner Stadium.
- Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunFor Johnson, who is also a member of the Grove Rotary Interact and serves as a spirit leader, the homecoming ceremony was a moment to remember before next spring's graduation ceremony.
She eventually hopes to attend the University of Oklahoma, and become a Physical Therapy Assistant, with an emphasis in sports medicine.
Johnson spent the first half of the game celebrating as the homecoming queen, before slipping back into her uniform to cheer on Hogan and the rest of the Ridgerunners after half time.
In addition to Johnson and Hogan, the 2015 Homecoming court included Carleigh Johnson and Luke Hammock, Homecoming Princess and Prince.
Johnson, a junior, represented the cross country team, while Hammock, a freshman, was the freshman class representative.
This is the first time in recent history a freshman has won the honors as prince.
Grove Alumni Cheerleader Rosalynn Yates cheers for theRidgerunners during the first quarter of the game.
- Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller/ Grove SunHomecoming for Roz
For 2014 graduate Rosalynn Yates, the 2015 Homecoming game not only served as a chance to cheer as an alumni cheerleader, it also marked one of her first public appearances since being injured on July 4, in boat fire on Grand Lake.
Yates, 20, stood among her fellow cheerleaders, taking part in activities surrounding the first quarter of the game.
It was a big moment for Yates, who sustained third-degree deep tissue burns to her legs, primarily from her upper thighs to the pads of her feet during the accident which also eight others when the boat exploded shortly after refueling at the Terra Miranda Marina.
Yates, who has had three skin graphs over her right and left legs combined, was released from her doctor to drive in the last week. She does not have to return to her doctor's office, beyond visits involving her compression garments, for several months. Eventually, Yates hopes to return to work at Hibbetts Sports in Grove.
For now, Yates is attending school via the Internet thanks to a scholarship provided by Northeastern A&M College which paid for the tuition and books for two online classes. Her family was provided with a year of free internet service from PWI Internet in Grove, so she could continue to take classes around her medical appointments.
Eventually, Yates hopes to return to school full time to become a physical therapist specializing in burn care.
"I cherish life a lot more than I used to," Yates said. "All of this has been a huge eye opener to me."
Editor's note: This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, Oct. 6, issue of The Grove Sun.
October 2, 2015
Impact of Alcohol: Responsiblity reaches into community
Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller • khutson@grovesun.com
Editor's Note: This is the final installment of a three part series examining the impact of alcohol use on young lives.
As community organizers and members of groups working to stem underage drinking, Kathleen Kennedy, Jessica Douthitt and Jennifer Hinson, work to spread the news about the dangers of social hosting.
As members of Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol and Grand Nation Coalition, the women know education is key if communities in northeast Oklahoma hope to stop the growing trend of underage drinking.
They — and others — are working to raise awareness about the legal ramifications if a property owner knowingly violates the state’s Social Hosting Law.
That law, approved by the legislature in 2011, prosecutes anyone – minor and/or property owner – who knowingly allows alcohol to be given to minors.
The women know that fighting the use of alcohol among minors will take work. Often it means focusing on changing adult behaviors and community norms.
“We will effect change through adults,” Hinson said
A Social Hosting Example
What most likely was intended to be a gathering of friends gained nation-wide notoriety this summer, as hundreds of teens gathered on a farm on South Grand Lake for a party now known as Grove Tuesday.
The underage party, which reportedly drew between 200 and 500 people to the rural Delaware County location, took place in the early morning hours of July 29. Many reportedly learned of the party using social media including Snapchat and Instagram.
At the time of the incident, according to information released by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, the party’s host, Skylar Gray, told authorities the party "got out of control" and she did not know where all of the people in attendance came from.
In the wake of the party, at least four Delaware County deputies and two Craig County deputies reportedly remained on the scene until 7 a.m., calling parents to pick up "a large number of the youngsters and finding sources of safe transportation for others."
Gray, 19, was charged with three misdemeanors — permitting invitees under 21 to possess/consume alcohol or CDA, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and obstructing an officer.
At least one other 19-year-old was arrested at the scene for public intoxication, while seven others were issued summons for crimes including public intoxication, possession of marijuana, minor in possession and minor in consumption.
On Sept. 10, Gray entered a no-contest plea, and received a one year deferred sentence on each of the first two counts, to run concurrently, and a one-year deferred sentence on the third count. She was also given a total of $1,105 in fines, costs and restitution.
Sources of Alcohol
Hinson and others believe underage students are getting their alcohol from a variety of sources including family members, elder peers and even random people on the street.
Hinson said many students within today’s culture do not simply drink, but rather “binge drink” until they are drunk.
She said an increase in accidents throughout the Grand Lake region, including the August accident in which killed Brandon Abel, and the reports of parties like Grove Tuesday, indicate how prevalent underage drinking is in northeast Oklahoma.
“We know parties are happening,” Hinson said. “We see the level of tragedy.
“What will it take for there to be a change? We’ve had people die, and still there is no change. So what do we have to do?”
Starting With Teens
Through Grand Nation Coalition, also known as GaDuGi, Hinson and others are preparing to survey sixth to 10th graders within Grove, Jay, Afton and Ketchum about their usage of alcohol.
She also plans to include questions on the survey to help determine students perception of harm, perception of risk, the age of onset for the use of alcohol and the amount of alcohol use within the past 30 day period.
She hopes the information from the study, which should be available to the participating school districts by Christmas, will help both school officials and community members, with the data needed to begin to effect positive change.
Hinson hopes community leaders within Grove and other locations throughout the Grand Lake region, will step forward to help find ways to keep underage students from turning to alcohol use.
Kennedy also hopes the information gleaned from the surveys will help school officials and others find a way to help students who may be using alcohol in a self-medicating manner.
Educating Shop Owners
Preliminary results of a months long study, conducted within the 14 county area of the Cherokee Nation, indicate three out of four retailers within the survey area sell to individuals who appear underage.
According to Douthitt, during a 10-month period, teams of two youths — who were both at least 21 but looked like they were younger — attempted to purchase alcohol from commercial outlets within the Cherokee Nation without showing identification.
Douthitt said the teams went to every off-premise alcohol retail outlet within a 20-minute drive from the survey’s center, at least once a month during the study.
A total of 997 purchase attempts were made. Douthitt said the preliminary data within the study indicates that males and younger clerks were more likely to sell alcohol to younger buyers — especially the young women used for the research project.
Hinson, who has participated in similar compliance, checks in the past with ROCMND Area Youth Services said those checks often-found retailers did not sell to males who appeared to be underage.
Recently, members of Grand Nation have formed an action team, designed to do educational compliance checks at businesses, which sell alcohol throughout the Grand Lake region.
Hinson said she hopes action team will not only educate retailers, work to develop community standards which help prevent the sale of alcohol to underage students.
Ultimately, Douthitt and Hinson said education is the thing which will stop underage drinking.
“We need to focus on changing adult behaviors toward the accessibility of alcohol,” Hinson said. “We have to change the community norms.”
This originally appeared in the Friday, Oct. 2 issue of The Grove Sun.
More Information
What is Social Hosting?
Soc • ial Host: noun - Any person who provides the location for people under 21 to drink.
The Facts:
• If a person under 21 gathers and drinks on private property, the person who provides the location is considered the Social Host;
• A "Social Host" can be a minor or adult; and does not have to be physically present or the actual property owner.
• Social hosting violations carry a first-time fine of up to $500.
• If someone is injured or killed because of a Social Host violation, the person found responsible can be charged with a felony, punishable for up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
• Fines increase with additional violations. Three strikes gets a person a felony conviction with up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $2,500.
- Source: www.oklahomasocialhost.com
Social Hosting Pledge
Personal Pledge
• I pledge not to allow anyone under the legal age of 21 to consume alcohol in my home or on my property.
• I pledge to not allow parties in my home without adult supervision.
• I pledge to set clear expectations with anyone in my care under the age of 21 about the dangers of underage drinking.
• I pledge to keep alcohol on my property in a location that is not easily accessible to youth in my home or on my property.
Community Pledge
• I pledge to support my local law enforcement in doing their duty to apprehend anyone providing alcohol to underage drinkers and to notify them if I become aware or a witness.
• I pledge to support community efforts against underage drinking and that we, as a community, must not tolerate it.
• I pledge to contact the parents of my child/grandchild's friends when they spend time in their homes, to ask if alcohol is easily accessible.
Editor's Note: This is the final installment of a three part series examining the impact of alcohol use on young lives.
As community organizers and members of groups working to stem underage drinking, Kathleen Kennedy, Jessica Douthitt and Jennifer Hinson, work to spread the news about the dangers of social hosting.
As members of Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol and Grand Nation Coalition, the women know education is key if communities in northeast Oklahoma hope to stop the growing trend of underage drinking.
They — and others — are working to raise awareness about the legal ramifications if a property owner knowingly violates the state’s Social Hosting Law.
That law, approved by the legislature in 2011, prosecutes anyone – minor and/or property owner – who knowingly allows alcohol to be given to minors.
The women know that fighting the use of alcohol among minors will take work. Often it means focusing on changing adult behaviors and community norms.
“We will effect change through adults,” Hinson said
A Social Hosting Example
What most likely was intended to be a gathering of friends gained nation-wide notoriety this summer, as hundreds of teens gathered on a farm on South Grand Lake for a party now known as Grove Tuesday.
The underage party, which reportedly drew between 200 and 500 people to the rural Delaware County location, took place in the early morning hours of July 29. Many reportedly learned of the party using social media including Snapchat and Instagram.
At the time of the incident, according to information released by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, the party’s host, Skylar Gray, told authorities the party "got out of control" and she did not know where all of the people in attendance came from.
In the wake of the party, at least four Delaware County deputies and two Craig County deputies reportedly remained on the scene until 7 a.m., calling parents to pick up "a large number of the youngsters and finding sources of safe transportation for others."
Gray, 19, was charged with three misdemeanors — permitting invitees under 21 to possess/consume alcohol or CDA, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and obstructing an officer.
At least one other 19-year-old was arrested at the scene for public intoxication, while seven others were issued summons for crimes including public intoxication, possession of marijuana, minor in possession and minor in consumption.
On Sept. 10, Gray entered a no-contest plea, and received a one year deferred sentence on each of the first two counts, to run concurrently, and a one-year deferred sentence on the third count. She was also given a total of $1,105 in fines, costs and restitution.
Sources of Alcohol
Hinson and others believe underage students are getting their alcohol from a variety of sources including family members, elder peers and even random people on the street.
Hinson said many students within today’s culture do not simply drink, but rather “binge drink” until they are drunk.
She said an increase in accidents throughout the Grand Lake region, including the August accident in which killed Brandon Abel, and the reports of parties like Grove Tuesday, indicate how prevalent underage drinking is in northeast Oklahoma.
“We know parties are happening,” Hinson said. “We see the level of tragedy.
“What will it take for there to be a change? We’ve had people die, and still there is no change. So what do we have to do?”
Starting With Teens
Through Grand Nation Coalition, also known as GaDuGi, Hinson and others are preparing to survey sixth to 10th graders within Grove, Jay, Afton and Ketchum about their usage of alcohol.
She also plans to include questions on the survey to help determine students perception of harm, perception of risk, the age of onset for the use of alcohol and the amount of alcohol use within the past 30 day period.
She hopes the information from the study, which should be available to the participating school districts by Christmas, will help both school officials and community members, with the data needed to begin to effect positive change.
Hinson hopes community leaders within Grove and other locations throughout the Grand Lake region, will step forward to help find ways to keep underage students from turning to alcohol use.
Kennedy also hopes the information gleaned from the surveys will help school officials and others find a way to help students who may be using alcohol in a self-medicating manner.
Educating Shop Owners
Preliminary results of a months long study, conducted within the 14 county area of the Cherokee Nation, indicate three out of four retailers within the survey area sell to individuals who appear underage.
According to Douthitt, during a 10-month period, teams of two youths — who were both at least 21 but looked like they were younger — attempted to purchase alcohol from commercial outlets within the Cherokee Nation without showing identification.
Douthitt said the teams went to every off-premise alcohol retail outlet within a 20-minute drive from the survey’s center, at least once a month during the study.
A total of 997 purchase attempts were made. Douthitt said the preliminary data within the study indicates that males and younger clerks were more likely to sell alcohol to younger buyers — especially the young women used for the research project.
Hinson, who has participated in similar compliance, checks in the past with ROCMND Area Youth Services said those checks often-found retailers did not sell to males who appeared to be underage.
Recently, members of Grand Nation have formed an action team, designed to do educational compliance checks at businesses, which sell alcohol throughout the Grand Lake region.
Hinson said she hopes action team will not only educate retailers, work to develop community standards which help prevent the sale of alcohol to underage students.
Ultimately, Douthitt and Hinson said education is the thing which will stop underage drinking.
“We need to focus on changing adult behaviors toward the accessibility of alcohol,” Hinson said. “We have to change the community norms.”
This originally appeared in the Friday, Oct. 2 issue of The Grove Sun.
More Information
What is Social Hosting?
Soc • ial Host: noun - Any person who provides the location for people under 21 to drink.
The Facts:
• If a person under 21 gathers and drinks on private property, the person who provides the location is considered the Social Host;
• A "Social Host" can be a minor or adult; and does not have to be physically present or the actual property owner.
• Social hosting violations carry a first-time fine of up to $500.
• If someone is injured or killed because of a Social Host violation, the person found responsible can be charged with a felony, punishable for up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
• Fines increase with additional violations. Three strikes gets a person a felony conviction with up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $2,500.
- Source: www.oklahomasocialhost.com
Social Hosting Pledge
Personal Pledge
• I pledge not to allow anyone under the legal age of 21 to consume alcohol in my home or on my property.
• I pledge to not allow parties in my home without adult supervision.
• I pledge to set clear expectations with anyone in my care under the age of 21 about the dangers of underage drinking.
• I pledge to keep alcohol on my property in a location that is not easily accessible to youth in my home or on my property.
Community Pledge
• I pledge to support my local law enforcement in doing their duty to apprehend anyone providing alcohol to underage drinkers and to notify them if I become aware or a witness.
• I pledge to support community efforts against underage drinking and that we, as a community, must not tolerate it.
• I pledge to contact the parents of my child/grandchild's friends when they spend time in their homes, to ask if alcohol is easily accessible.
Fracek tapped as 2015 homecoming grand marshal
Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller • khutson@grovesun.com
George and Linda Fracek dance together during the 2015 GHS Prom. Fracek, who retired from teaching at the end of the 2014-15 school year, has been named Grand Marshal for the 2015 GHS Homecoming parade.
- Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunHonored.
One simple word sums up how Linda Fracek said she feels, after being picked by members of the Grove High School community as this year's homecoming parade grand marshal.
Fracek, who retired in May, taught speech, AP language arts and AP literature at GHS for 14 years. Prior to that she taught for seven years at Vinita High School.
"I'm honored and very touched to be chosen," Fracek said. "This is the first year, in 21 years I didn't start the [school] year with an AP class.
"I miss the kids horribly."
Fracek retired from teaching following her diagnosis with lung cancer. Her current prognosis includes beginning a new treatment therapy designed to help her immune system fight the cancer.
She continues to take part in activities at both Grove Public Schools and First United Methodist Church, Grove, aided by supplemental oxygen.
As part of the homecoming celebration, members of the student council voted honor Fracek by designating a portion of the homecoming t-shirt sales proceeds to the INTEGRIS Grove Hospital Foundation, for use in its efforts with cancer patients.
"People who say the youth of America are in trouble only need to come to Grove," Fracek said. "We have a lot of amazing students here. They have lots of heart and compassion."
This year's homecoming celebration features a "superhero" theme. Fracek said she is excited to see how the students interpret the theme in the grade-level floats.
More About Fracek
A native of Bartlesville, and graduate of University of Oklahoma, Fracek and her husband, George, returned to northeast Oklahoma 21 years ago in order to care for her parents. The Fracek family relocated to Grove from Chicago.
Fracek and her husband have been married for 37 years. The couple met in a piano bar, housed in the building in which George Fracek lived in in Chicago.
Fracek said her best friend was an entertainer in the bar and set the couple up on their first date.
"Obviously she was right," laughed Fracek, about the couple's compatibility.
The couple have two adult children. Both have followed in Fracek's footsteps and become educators.
Daughter Elizabeth Nalagan and husband, Robert, reside near Oklahoma City, where she manages the tutoring center and teaches adjunct freshman composition classes at Rose College in Midwest City.
Son Matt teaches social studies at GHS.
"There's a strong teaching tradition in my family," Fracek said. "In these economic times, it's one of the stable jobs they could find that they enjoy."
Always the educator, Fracek said she is currently re-reading the works of Edith Wharton, a Pulitzer prize winning American novelist.
While she's not walking the halls of GHS each day, Fracek hopes her students continue to remember one simple message, one that she's been known to say constantly throughout the years "hard work pays off, be a scholar."
She said she often admonished her advanced students, who might have arrived to class unprepared, "What's wrong with you people, this is an advanced class, be scholars. You will only get out, what you put in."
One Thing With Fracek
One person you call a superhero
I've always been inspired by my colleagues at the high school. If you think teachers are ruining education, come to Grove High School. They are amazing, caring skilled teachers, whom I had the privilege of working with everyday.
One book that's stuck with you
For the last five to seven years, I've assigned my junior literature class Tuesdays With Morrie and asked them to choose a person to be their Morrie and write their memoir and why he/she influenced them.
I've been struck by [Morrie's] attempt to navigate his journey to death. There are many things that bolster me in this time of life.
Like Morrie saying "in bed you're dead" - that inspires me to get up and get moving every day, even when I don't feel like it.
or "Love each other or die" - love is what binds us all together.
One thing that would surprise people
I did exhibition ballroom dancing in high school. In Bartlesville we had the Canasta School of Dancing, where we all went to learn dancing - it was a very southern thing, and something we all learned to do.
At the end of the season, the dance lady chose a few of us to work with, to show people what ballroom dancing was like. We would go to the Kiwanis and other meetings. It was back in the day I could wear and dance in high heels.
One thing you can't live without
Cheetos, the crunchy ones. They are the perfect snack. They go with everything or you can eat them by themselves.
One piece of advice you've been given
Speak less; Listen more.
"What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
This story originally appeared in the Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 issue of The Grove Sun.
George and Linda Fracek dance together during the 2015 GHS Prom. Fracek, who retired from teaching at the end of the 2014-15 school year, has been named Grand Marshal for the 2015 GHS Homecoming parade.- Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunHonored.
One simple word sums up how Linda Fracek said she feels, after being picked by members of the Grove High School community as this year's homecoming parade grand marshal.
Fracek, who retired in May, taught speech, AP language arts and AP literature at GHS for 14 years. Prior to that she taught for seven years at Vinita High School.
"I'm honored and very touched to be chosen," Fracek said. "This is the first year, in 21 years I didn't start the [school] year with an AP class.
"I miss the kids horribly."
Fracek retired from teaching following her diagnosis with lung cancer. Her current prognosis includes beginning a new treatment therapy designed to help her immune system fight the cancer.
She continues to take part in activities at both Grove Public Schools and First United Methodist Church, Grove, aided by supplemental oxygen.
As part of the homecoming celebration, members of the student council voted honor Fracek by designating a portion of the homecoming t-shirt sales proceeds to the INTEGRIS Grove Hospital Foundation, for use in its efforts with cancer patients.
"People who say the youth of America are in trouble only need to come to Grove," Fracek said. "We have a lot of amazing students here. They have lots of heart and compassion."
This year's homecoming celebration features a "superhero" theme. Fracek said she is excited to see how the students interpret the theme in the grade-level floats.
More About Fracek
A native of Bartlesville, and graduate of University of Oklahoma, Fracek and her husband, George, returned to northeast Oklahoma 21 years ago in order to care for her parents. The Fracek family relocated to Grove from Chicago.
Fracek and her husband have been married for 37 years. The couple met in a piano bar, housed in the building in which George Fracek lived in in Chicago.
Fracek said her best friend was an entertainer in the bar and set the couple up on their first date.
"Obviously she was right," laughed Fracek, about the couple's compatibility.
The couple have two adult children. Both have followed in Fracek's footsteps and become educators.
Daughter Elizabeth Nalagan and husband, Robert, reside near Oklahoma City, where she manages the tutoring center and teaches adjunct freshman composition classes at Rose College in Midwest City.
Son Matt teaches social studies at GHS.
"There's a strong teaching tradition in my family," Fracek said. "In these economic times, it's one of the stable jobs they could find that they enjoy."
Always the educator, Fracek said she is currently re-reading the works of Edith Wharton, a Pulitzer prize winning American novelist.
While she's not walking the halls of GHS each day, Fracek hopes her students continue to remember one simple message, one that she's been known to say constantly throughout the years "hard work pays off, be a scholar."
She said she often admonished her advanced students, who might have arrived to class unprepared, "What's wrong with you people, this is an advanced class, be scholars. You will only get out, what you put in."
One Thing With Fracek
One person you call a superhero
I've always been inspired by my colleagues at the high school. If you think teachers are ruining education, come to Grove High School. They are amazing, caring skilled teachers, whom I had the privilege of working with everyday.
One book that's stuck with you
For the last five to seven years, I've assigned my junior literature class Tuesdays With Morrie and asked them to choose a person to be their Morrie and write their memoir and why he/she influenced them.
I've been struck by [Morrie's] attempt to navigate his journey to death. There are many things that bolster me in this time of life.
Like Morrie saying "in bed you're dead" - that inspires me to get up and get moving every day, even when I don't feel like it.
or "Love each other or die" - love is what binds us all together.
One thing that would surprise people
I did exhibition ballroom dancing in high school. In Bartlesville we had the Canasta School of Dancing, where we all went to learn dancing - it was a very southern thing, and something we all learned to do.
At the end of the season, the dance lady chose a few of us to work with, to show people what ballroom dancing was like. We would go to the Kiwanis and other meetings. It was back in the day I could wear and dance in high heels.
One thing you can't live without
Cheetos, the crunchy ones. They are the perfect snack. They go with everything or you can eat them by themselves.
One piece of advice you've been given
Speak less; Listen more.
"What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
This story originally appeared in the Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 issue of The Grove Sun.
October 1, 2015
Spreading seeds of faith in Grove
Walking for God: T.J.Schumer, self-described "former Christian atheist,"pulls his nine-foot cross through downtown Grove on
Tuesday, Sept. 29. - Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove Sun
Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller @ khutson@grovesun.com
The Biblical admonishment to take up a cross and follow Jesus has a literal meaning for one Oklahoma man.
For the past year, T.J. Schumer has "taken up" a nine-foot long, 50 pound wooden cross, and used it to start faith conversations in a variety of Oklahoma, Kansas and Minnesota towns.
Schumer, who lives in Inola and works in Tulsa, said he spends at least two days each week traveling to various towns. Once there, he unfolds the cross and begins to walk along major thoroughfares of each community.
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, Schumer spent the day walking through the streets of Grove, stopping to talk or pray with people as the situation arose.
Schumer describes himself as a a "former Christian atheist." A Christian for many years, he said two years ago, upon his 50th birthday, he decided to make some changes in life.
He decided to focus less on worldly items and instead find a way to reach unbelievers - or believers needing some encouragement. Through these efforts, his cross ministry was born.
"I said enough was enough, and that I needed to build God's kindgom, rather than my own kingdom," Schumer said. "Last summer, I decided it was time to share the gospel. It was impressed upon my heart the message of 'take up my cross and follow me.'
"I see this as a tool, a very effective tool, that lets me reach out to people who are lost and hurting."
He strives to encourage believers to reach out to others, who may need salvation, encouraging them to "grow the kingdom by bringing God glory."
"I see myself as a seed sewer," Schumer said. "I will never force my beliefs.
"I'm just done playing games. I want to live life for God."
Tuesday's visit to Grove was the first time Schumer said he found himself in this portion of northeast Oklahoma.
Divine Appointments: T.J. Schumer prays with a couple during his visit to Grove. Schumer said he often has up to four or more chances to pray with people during his visit to the various towns. - Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunDuring the visit he had the opportunity to pray with at least two different groups of people. After praying with people, Schumer presents people with a small New Testament Bible, provided through his work as a member of Gideon's International. He asks people to read the New Testament to seek out the truth's found in the Bible.
Schumer likens those meetings as divine appointments. He said they range from people seeking out prayer, to those who need someone who listen to their concerns.
In one town, Schumer found himself providing encouragement and hope to a man contemplating suicide.
"He had just quit his job, moved to another state to help with his mother who had dementia," Schumer said. "His sister had robbed his mother's bank account and then his wife filed for divorce.
"If nothing else, that day, I helped save a man from committing suicide."
For now, Schumer's ministry has been limited to his travels in the midwest. He dreams of taking the cross overseas, to share the gospel with people who "have never known the Bible."
Schumer said he hopes to continue his cross ministry for the rest of his life. He said his wife, Anita, of 26-1/2 years, supports his ministry.
"My plan is to not let this be a phase or to quit," Schumer said, adding that he sees the ministry as a way to live out the message of Matthew 6:19 - to "store treasurers in heaven."
"I hope people see me and the cross, their minds and hearts will go back to what the cross means," Schumer said. "I hope it will cause them to reflect upon their lives and truly seek out God."
This story originally appeared in the Friday, Oct. 2, issue of the Grove Sun.
From the 10.02.15 issue of The Grove Sun
From the 10.02.15 issue of The Grove Sun
Special 2015 Homecoming Edition!
(Left) Linda and George Fracek dance during the 2015 GHS Prom. Linda Fracek was tapped as the 2015 GHS Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal. Read more about her in Friday's issue of The Grove Sun.
(Right) Taryn Nugen, a student at Grove High School, adds glitter to signs which will adorn the car carrying the 2015 Homecoming Grand Marshal Linda Fracek. Homecoming activities begin at 1 p.m., today, Friday, Oct. 2, with the parade through downtown Grove. Coronation ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. at Ridgerunner Stadium.
- Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove Sun
September 29, 2015
McLain celebrates 44 years at Grove Drive-In Pharmacy
Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller • khutson@grovesun.com
Carolynn McLain celebrates behind a cake purchased
for her by her colleagues at Grove Drive-In Pharmacy.
McLain's final day at the business will
be Wednesday, Sept. 30.
- Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunThursday, Oct. 1, will mark a new chapter in the life of Carolynn McLain.
It will be the first workday, in 44 years, the Grove woman will not be behind the counter at Grove Drive-In Pharmacy.
Instead, she'll be at home planning trips to visit her newborn great-grandson, organizing items for future garage sales and maybe even sleeping in late.
On Monday, family and friends gathered at the Grove Drive-In Pharmacy to kick off a three-day celebration of McLain and her work at the business.
"I started in October 1971," McLain said. "I've done everything that could be done in the pharmacy from book keeping, filing, typing of prescriptions.
"When I started, there was a little shelf in front of the register that held checkbooks with blank checks for all of the banks in town. People would pick up the book for their bank, and write a check. It wouldn't even have their address on it. Then the checks would go through the bank. We had very few hot checks."
In the beginning, McLain said she did lots of work by hand - including the processing and filing of prescriptions. Now through the advances in technology, much of the work has been computerized.
As McLain has worked behind the counter at the pharmacy for 44 years, she has been joined for all but a few months by Pharmacist Carl Deason.
Deason jokes that people often thing he and McLain are married - because they would often be found "fussing" at each other behind the counter.
McLain said Deason after all these years is like a brother, joking that he likes to bully her.
Co-worker Linda Beal said at times, she had to stand between the two, to keep them from squabbling - all in good fun.
McLain credits her longevity at the pharmacy to her colleagues.
"It's very easy to work with someone you like," McLain said of Deason and the rest of her co-workers, adding that she had trained most of the current staff.
McLain said Deason served as a mentor to her, helping her learn how to develop her customer service skills.
"I've always enjoyed learning about medicine, what it does and how it came to be," McLain said, of her time at the pharmacy. "And the people. I like cutting up with people."
McLain said changes over the years often mean more time working with insurance companies and less time visiting with customers.
Colleagues placed signs on the doors at the Grove Drive-In Pharmacy on Monday, letting customers know about Carolynn McLain's plans to retire after 44 years of service. - Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunAs she ponders her future, McLain said becoming more active within the ministries of the Assembly of God church in Grove tops her list.
She also plans to travel to Bismark, North Dakota to see her great-grandson, Liam McLain, born to Jamie and Garrett McLain on Aug. 12.
Additionally, her husband Leon, plans to take her to Branson for a three-day weekend to celebrate her retirement.
After her initial flurry of trips, McLain plans to clean her house of "40 years of stuff," as well as items in storage from her in-law's home.
They also plan to hang out at their travel trailer, housed at Snider's Campground in Grove or Leon McLain's hunting cabin.
McLain might even dive into a few books she's had on her "to read" list, including several from the Left Behind series.
"I'm going to miss my co-workers," McLain said, "as well as my job. I've always liked it.
"It makes me feel good knowing that you can help [a customer], especially if they are struggling with their insurance."
More about McLain
McLain and her husband, Leon, recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. They moved to Grove from Bristow following Leon McLain's graduation from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol academy. The Vinita District was his first posting, and the couple chose to remain in Grove ever since.
The couple have two adult children, Leah and Lee, who are both Grove High School graduates. Leah Tyner and her husband, Mike, reside in Grove, while Lee McLain lives in Wagoner with his daughters, Elizabeth, 20, and Haley, 18. Other grandchildren, Garrett and Jamie McLain reside in Bismark, North Dakota, and Jaden and Bradley Thomas live in West Siloam Springs.
This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, Sept. 29 issue of The Grove Sun.
Carolynn McLain celebrates behind a cake purchasedfor her by her colleagues at Grove Drive-In Pharmacy.
McLain's final day at the business will
be Wednesday, Sept. 30.
- Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunThursday, Oct. 1, will mark a new chapter in the life of Carolynn McLain.
It will be the first workday, in 44 years, the Grove woman will not be behind the counter at Grove Drive-In Pharmacy.
Instead, she'll be at home planning trips to visit her newborn great-grandson, organizing items for future garage sales and maybe even sleeping in late.
On Monday, family and friends gathered at the Grove Drive-In Pharmacy to kick off a three-day celebration of McLain and her work at the business.
"I started in October 1971," McLain said. "I've done everything that could be done in the pharmacy from book keeping, filing, typing of prescriptions.
"When I started, there was a little shelf in front of the register that held checkbooks with blank checks for all of the banks in town. People would pick up the book for their bank, and write a check. It wouldn't even have their address on it. Then the checks would go through the bank. We had very few hot checks."
In the beginning, McLain said she did lots of work by hand - including the processing and filing of prescriptions. Now through the advances in technology, much of the work has been computerized.
As McLain has worked behind the counter at the pharmacy for 44 years, she has been joined for all but a few months by Pharmacist Carl Deason.
Deason jokes that people often thing he and McLain are married - because they would often be found "fussing" at each other behind the counter.
McLain said Deason after all these years is like a brother, joking that he likes to bully her.
Co-worker Linda Beal said at times, she had to stand between the two, to keep them from squabbling - all in good fun.
McLain credits her longevity at the pharmacy to her colleagues.
"It's very easy to work with someone you like," McLain said of Deason and the rest of her co-workers, adding that she had trained most of the current staff.
McLain said Deason served as a mentor to her, helping her learn how to develop her customer service skills.
"I've always enjoyed learning about medicine, what it does and how it came to be," McLain said, of her time at the pharmacy. "And the people. I like cutting up with people."
McLain said changes over the years often mean more time working with insurance companies and less time visiting with customers.
Colleagues placed signs on the doors at the Grove Drive-In Pharmacy on Monday, letting customers know about Carolynn McLain's plans to retire after 44 years of service. - Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove SunAs she ponders her future, McLain said becoming more active within the ministries of the Assembly of God church in Grove tops her list.She also plans to travel to Bismark, North Dakota to see her great-grandson, Liam McLain, born to Jamie and Garrett McLain on Aug. 12.
Additionally, her husband Leon, plans to take her to Branson for a three-day weekend to celebrate her retirement.
After her initial flurry of trips, McLain plans to clean her house of "40 years of stuff," as well as items in storage from her in-law's home.
They also plan to hang out at their travel trailer, housed at Snider's Campground in Grove or Leon McLain's hunting cabin.
McLain might even dive into a few books she's had on her "to read" list, including several from the Left Behind series.
"I'm going to miss my co-workers," McLain said, "as well as my job. I've always liked it.
"It makes me feel good knowing that you can help [a customer], especially if they are struggling with their insurance."
More about McLain
McLain and her husband, Leon, recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. They moved to Grove from Bristow following Leon McLain's graduation from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol academy. The Vinita District was his first posting, and the couple chose to remain in Grove ever since.
The couple have two adult children, Leah and Lee, who are both Grove High School graduates. Leah Tyner and her husband, Mike, reside in Grove, while Lee McLain lives in Wagoner with his daughters, Elizabeth, 20, and Haley, 18. Other grandchildren, Garrett and Jamie McLain reside in Bismark, North Dakota, and Jaden and Bradley Thomas live in West Siloam Springs.
This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, Sept. 29 issue of The Grove Sun.
September 25, 2015
Impact of Alcohol: Hidden dangers of underage drinking
Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller • khutson@grovesun.com
This story originally appeared in the Friday, Oct. 25, 2015 issue of The Grove Sun.
Editor's Note: This is the second part of a three part series examining the impact of alcohol use on young lives.
As an investigator for the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission, Lt. Erik Smoot has serious concerns when it comes to the dangers connected with underage drinking.
Among the things that make Smoot the most apprehensive: alcohol found in deceptive packaging and antics of students pursuing a high.
Smoot often travels around Oklahoma, talking with parents and educators, about these issues.
During his presentations, he brings along a cardboard box filled with containers of alcohol.
The beverages, which include flavored beer, a variety of wine, or portable containers of liquor, are packaged in such a way that the alcoholic content can be mistaken for non-alcoholic drinks.
Smoot’s collection includes a cardboard container of wine designed like an energy drink; sparkling wine in a package that resembles a can of juice; and a milk bottle decorated with cow spots, which contains an alcoholic chocolate milk beverage.
All were purchased legally in the state of Oklahoma and most are available the average liquor store.
All of them, Smoot said, could be carried by students in public under the noses of unsuspecting adults.
“My concern is I could carry any one of these products into school and nobody would question it,” Smoot said, surveying his collection. “[In many cases] nobody would ask what they are drinking, because it doesn’t look like alcohol.”
Lt. Erik Smoot said alcoholic products in non-traditional packaging
may allow students to consume alcohol without the knowledge of adults.
Popular Items
The most popular beverage Smoot and other ABLE Commission investigators see during busts of underage parties is a flavored malt drink known as Four Loco.
Smoot said the 23-1/2 ounce beverage is a favorite of students for three reasons: it comes in a dozen sweet flavors, a single can has an alcohol content which is equivalent to a six pack of low-point beer and it cheap at $2 per can.
Another, known as a “pocket shot” is an airtight collapsible plastic container of rum, which is small enough to slip inside a pocket.
Smoot said students could, in theory, carry the “shot” into the school in their pockets, purchase a drink from a vending machine and then discretely add it to the soda. The packaging is then thrown away, rather than re-filled like a traditional flask.
Ultimately, Smoot said, he takes his message to parents and instructors for one reason – awareness.
“Parents and teachers need to go see what is out there,” Smoot said. “They need to go see what is available for purchase at liquor stores. So [they will recognize it] when they see the stuff in the kids’ hands.”
State Rep. Doug Cox (R-Grove), who is also an emergency room physician, agrees.
"We need to make parents aware," Cox said. "You cannot legislate away negative behavior by teens.
"The first line of defense is not going to be the government or legislation. It's going to be the parents."
Risky Behaviors
Smoot said, he sees the aftermath of students' choices when it comes to consuming alcohol. He said students often take part in risky behaviors as they chase an alcohol high.
Many of those behaviors involve teens and driving. Smoot was one of the law enforcement officers who investigated the death of Fairland teen Colton Kerns, who was involved in a one-vehicle crash involving speed and alcohol on April 20, 2012.
However, he said, other behaviors — which can lead to death — take place during parties or even in a student's bedroom.
It involves ingesting the alcohol in non-traditional ways, which can lead to a faster rate of absorption and ultimately, an increased risk of alcohol poisoning.
One method, known as “stringing” or “plugging” involves both males and females inserting a vodka-soaked tampon into a bodily orifice. Another method, known as “butt chugging” entails the use of alcohol in the form of an enema.
A third form of consumption, known as “vodka eyeballing” involves pouring alcohol directly into the eye socket, often times by placing the bottle of alcohol directly over the eye.
Smoot said the risk of alcohol poisoning is higher when using these methods because it is absorbed directly into the blood stream, bypassing the digestive system. This means vomiting does not expel the excess alcohol from a student's system before a blackout occurs.
Smoot said many students choose to use the internal methods because it allows the ingestion of alcohol without the lingering odor on a person’s breath, and because it provides “an immediate high as it is absorbed into the blood stream.”
Students learn about these behaviors through word of mouth and from internet sources, which are readily available.
While neither Grove Police Chief Mark Morris or Cox have seen the use of these techniques in Grove, Smoot said officials in other parts of the state have reported the methods in use by underage students.
Smoot said at least one instance, involving a female using a vodka soaked tampon, took place within the past two years in an Oklahoma City-area town.
Cox said he has witnessed numerous cases of alcohol poisoning during his tenure as an emergency room physician. He said the use of these forms of consumption run significant risk for people — especially underage drinkers.
"The human mind never ceases to amaze me, [especially] in the diverse ways and things [people] think they can get away with, which are really bad for their health," Cox said. "It never ceases to amaze and frustrate me."
The health risks of these methods extend beyond an alcoholic overdose.
Smoot said doctors reporting the use of vodka eyeballing said it can cause scaring to the cornea and could potentially damage the optic nerve.
Cox said people who insert alcohol rectally run the risk of damaging the mucosal lining of the anus, opening a person's system up to potential infection.
The risky behavior can also lead to death.
Smoot cites a case involving a Houston, Texas-area woman who killed her husband by allegedly giving him a alcoholic enema.
The woman allegedly gave her husband an enema using at least two 1.5 liter bottles of sherry. This method was used because medical problems with the man's throat kept him from drinking alcohol. The man died from alcohol poisoning.
Cox is concerned about students who might present in an emergency situation with high blood alcohol content, but say they did not drink anything.
"They will be less open to admitting how it happened if they are doing it by enema or tampon," Cox said. "It leaves us, as physicians, in the dark as to how they got to this level of alcohol."
Ultimately, Smoot hopes educating parents and teachers about the dangers surrounding underage drinking has one result.
“This is all about saving lives,” Smoot said.
Cox and Morris agree.
"Kids already know this," Cox said. "We need to make parents aware.
"Parents need to have frank discussions about the issue and also set a good example for their teens."
"Parents should be aware, and pay attention to what their teens are doing," Morris said. "Look for signs, smells and behaviors. There are a lot of dangers out there.
"Everyday there are new ways to introduce alcohol into a teen's system. Some are extremely dangerous."
* * *
Other Dangers
Lt. Erik Smoot with the ABLE Commission said since the legalization of marijuana in Colorado, some Oklahoma schools are reporting an increase in the use of edibles containing the drug by students.
The products include a cinnamon candy laced with marijuana, which Smoot said is packaged like many other candies legally available in the state.
Another item is a cookie, which he said, contains 12 servings of marijuana.
Smoot said teens run the risk of an overdose when consuming the cookie, because most people eat the entire cookie, rather than portioning it out.
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, Fox 23 reported deputies with the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office found marijuana-laced gummy candies during a traffic stop. Law enforcement officials believe the candy was bought in Colorado. Officials are concerned that similar candies could get into the hands of children.
Another substance, available on the internet, but banned in Oklahoma is palcohol or powdered alcohol.
Smoot said at least half of the states have also banned the sale of the product, which is often poured into drinks or even snorted by users.
* * *
Area Services
ROCMND Area Youth Services provides services designed to help combat, and hopefully prevent, drinking while driving.
For more information about the services offered by ROCMND Area Youth Services, persons interested may contact Bonnie McAffrey, RPC director, at 918-787-2104 or visit w.w.w.2kool2start.com.
This story originally appeared in the Friday, Oct. 25, 2015 issue of The Grove Sun.
Editor's Note: This is the second part of a three part series examining the impact of alcohol use on young lives.
As an investigator for the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission, Lt. Erik Smoot has serious concerns when it comes to the dangers connected with underage drinking.
Among the things that make Smoot the most apprehensive: alcohol found in deceptive packaging and antics of students pursuing a high.
Smoot often travels around Oklahoma, talking with parents and educators, about these issues.
During his presentations, he brings along a cardboard box filled with containers of alcohol.
The beverages, which include flavored beer, a variety of wine, or portable containers of liquor, are packaged in such a way that the alcoholic content can be mistaken for non-alcoholic drinks.
Smoot’s collection includes a cardboard container of wine designed like an energy drink; sparkling wine in a package that resembles a can of juice; and a milk bottle decorated with cow spots, which contains an alcoholic chocolate milk beverage.
All were purchased legally in the state of Oklahoma and most are available the average liquor store.
All of them, Smoot said, could be carried by students in public under the noses of unsuspecting adults.
“My concern is I could carry any one of these products into school and nobody would question it,” Smoot said, surveying his collection. “[In many cases] nobody would ask what they are drinking, because it doesn’t look like alcohol.”
Lt. Erik Smoot said alcoholic products in non-traditional packagingmay allow students to consume alcohol without the knowledge of adults.
Popular Items
The most popular beverage Smoot and other ABLE Commission investigators see during busts of underage parties is a flavored malt drink known as Four Loco.
Smoot said the 23-1/2 ounce beverage is a favorite of students for three reasons: it comes in a dozen sweet flavors, a single can has an alcohol content which is equivalent to a six pack of low-point beer and it cheap at $2 per can.
Another, known as a “pocket shot” is an airtight collapsible plastic container of rum, which is small enough to slip inside a pocket.
Smoot said students could, in theory, carry the “shot” into the school in their pockets, purchase a drink from a vending machine and then discretely add it to the soda. The packaging is then thrown away, rather than re-filled like a traditional flask.
Ultimately, Smoot said, he takes his message to parents and instructors for one reason – awareness.
“Parents and teachers need to go see what is out there,” Smoot said. “They need to go see what is available for purchase at liquor stores. So [they will recognize it] when they see the stuff in the kids’ hands.”
State Rep. Doug Cox (R-Grove), who is also an emergency room physician, agrees.
"We need to make parents aware," Cox said. "You cannot legislate away negative behavior by teens.
"The first line of defense is not going to be the government or legislation. It's going to be the parents."
Risky Behaviors
Smoot said, he sees the aftermath of students' choices when it comes to consuming alcohol. He said students often take part in risky behaviors as they chase an alcohol high.
Many of those behaviors involve teens and driving. Smoot was one of the law enforcement officers who investigated the death of Fairland teen Colton Kerns, who was involved in a one-vehicle crash involving speed and alcohol on April 20, 2012.
However, he said, other behaviors — which can lead to death — take place during parties or even in a student's bedroom.
It involves ingesting the alcohol in non-traditional ways, which can lead to a faster rate of absorption and ultimately, an increased risk of alcohol poisoning.
One method, known as “stringing” or “plugging” involves both males and females inserting a vodka-soaked tampon into a bodily orifice. Another method, known as “butt chugging” entails the use of alcohol in the form of an enema.
A third form of consumption, known as “vodka eyeballing” involves pouring alcohol directly into the eye socket, often times by placing the bottle of alcohol directly over the eye.
Smoot said the risk of alcohol poisoning is higher when using these methods because it is absorbed directly into the blood stream, bypassing the digestive system. This means vomiting does not expel the excess alcohol from a student's system before a blackout occurs.
Smoot said many students choose to use the internal methods because it allows the ingestion of alcohol without the lingering odor on a person’s breath, and because it provides “an immediate high as it is absorbed into the blood stream.”
Students learn about these behaviors through word of mouth and from internet sources, which are readily available.
While neither Grove Police Chief Mark Morris or Cox have seen the use of these techniques in Grove, Smoot said officials in other parts of the state have reported the methods in use by underage students.
Smoot said at least one instance, involving a female using a vodka soaked tampon, took place within the past two years in an Oklahoma City-area town.
Cox said he has witnessed numerous cases of alcohol poisoning during his tenure as an emergency room physician. He said the use of these forms of consumption run significant risk for people — especially underage drinkers.
"The human mind never ceases to amaze me, [especially] in the diverse ways and things [people] think they can get away with, which are really bad for their health," Cox said. "It never ceases to amaze and frustrate me."
The health risks of these methods extend beyond an alcoholic overdose.
Smoot said doctors reporting the use of vodka eyeballing said it can cause scaring to the cornea and could potentially damage the optic nerve.
Cox said people who insert alcohol rectally run the risk of damaging the mucosal lining of the anus, opening a person's system up to potential infection.
The risky behavior can also lead to death.
Smoot cites a case involving a Houston, Texas-area woman who killed her husband by allegedly giving him a alcoholic enema.
The woman allegedly gave her husband an enema using at least two 1.5 liter bottles of sherry. This method was used because medical problems with the man's throat kept him from drinking alcohol. The man died from alcohol poisoning.
Cox is concerned about students who might present in an emergency situation with high blood alcohol content, but say they did not drink anything.
"They will be less open to admitting how it happened if they are doing it by enema or tampon," Cox said. "It leaves us, as physicians, in the dark as to how they got to this level of alcohol."
Ultimately, Smoot hopes educating parents and teachers about the dangers surrounding underage drinking has one result.
“This is all about saving lives,” Smoot said.
Cox and Morris agree.
"Kids already know this," Cox said. "We need to make parents aware.
"Parents need to have frank discussions about the issue and also set a good example for their teens."
"Parents should be aware, and pay attention to what their teens are doing," Morris said. "Look for signs, smells and behaviors. There are a lot of dangers out there.
"Everyday there are new ways to introduce alcohol into a teen's system. Some are extremely dangerous."
* * *
Other Dangers
Lt. Erik Smoot with the ABLE Commission said since the legalization of marijuana in Colorado, some Oklahoma schools are reporting an increase in the use of edibles containing the drug by students.
The products include a cinnamon candy laced with marijuana, which Smoot said is packaged like many other candies legally available in the state.
Another item is a cookie, which he said, contains 12 servings of marijuana.
Smoot said teens run the risk of an overdose when consuming the cookie, because most people eat the entire cookie, rather than portioning it out.
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, Fox 23 reported deputies with the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office found marijuana-laced gummy candies during a traffic stop. Law enforcement officials believe the candy was bought in Colorado. Officials are concerned that similar candies could get into the hands of children.
Another substance, available on the internet, but banned in Oklahoma is palcohol or powdered alcohol.
Smoot said at least half of the states have also banned the sale of the product, which is often poured into drinks or even snorted by users.
* * *
Area Services
ROCMND Area Youth Services provides services designed to help combat, and hopefully prevent, drinking while driving.
For more information about the services offered by ROCMND Area Youth Services, persons interested may contact Bonnie McAffrey, RPC director, at 918-787-2104 or visit w.w.w.2kool2start.com.
September 24, 2015
Images from the 09.22.15 issue of The Grove Sun
A few of my favorite photos, from the 2015 Lady Red Softball Senior Night, Tuesday, Sept. 22.
The game was against Skiatook. Many were published in the Friday, Sept. 25 issue of The Grove Sun.
All Photos by Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove Sun
The game was against Skiatook. Many were published in the Friday, Sept. 25 issue of The Grove Sun.
All Photos by Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove Sun
September 22, 2015
Wandering Photos: Wildflowers in DelCo
So I've started experimenting. I'm taking time to breathe
Even if it's for just a brief moment or two.
This morning, I turned the car around so I could stopand take pictures of the yellow wildflowers on my road.
I've been watching them, wanting to stop for days....Today I said, I can be at the paper a bit late.
I can stop, take some pictures and maybe just smile.
I'm not perfect by far. I'm trying to stop and smell the roses.
Litterally and figuratively.
I'm trying to put some rest into my world.
Even if it's just a few moments.
A photo of a flower here.
A late lunch that comes with a piece of cake, and a brief moment of solitude. (An unexpected gift from my friends at Chickenellas).
A stolen moment to pray in color.
A moment of rest.
So here are the photos I took today.
May they bring you joy and peace.
Photos by Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller
Even if it's for just a brief moment or two.
This morning, I turned the car around so I could stopand take pictures of the yellow wildflowers on my road.
I've been watching them, wanting to stop for days....Today I said, I can be at the paper a bit late.
I can stop, take some pictures and maybe just smile.
I'm not perfect by far. I'm trying to stop and smell the roses.
Litterally and figuratively.
I'm trying to put some rest into my world.
Even if it's just a few moments.
A photo of a flower here.
A late lunch that comes with a piece of cake, and a brief moment of solitude. (An unexpected gift from my friends at Chickenellas).
A stolen moment to pray in color.
A moment of rest.
So here are the photos I took today.
May they bring you joy and peace.
Photos by Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller
September 21, 2015
Images from the 09.22.15 issue of The Grove Sun
Scenes from the 77th Annual REC DayFrom Frito Chili Pies to games and prizes for kids, there was something for everyone to be had during the 2015 REC Day, held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Grove Civic Center.
The 77th annual event drew in 1,857 registered members of the Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative.
Here's a few of my favorite pics from the event.
(Most were originally published in the Sept. 22, 2015 issue of The Grove Sun.)
Photos by Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove Sun
Kevin Summerlin with the Foundation for Exceptional Warriors watches as Jay Richardson, 15-1/2, from Colcord drives the tank chair. The group attended the 2015 REC Day Saturday, to let people know about its offerings for service members recognized for acts of valor or who were part of the special operations. For more information about the group, based in Pryor, persons interested may visit www.exceptionalwarriors.org or search "exceptional warriors" on Facebook.
The American flag is always an iconic part of REC Day.
Averi Silverstone, 3, Cleora, gets a birds-eye view of REC Day on top of her grandpa's, Steven Copeland, shoulders.
Rebekka Tuck, 7, of Langley eats her Frito chili pie during the 2015 REC Day, held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Grove Civic Center.
Dylan Hall and his band, Pure Tradition, perform during the 2015 REC Day, held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Grove Civic Center. Hall is a native of Jay.
Kyle Lemasters and Charlie Coble cook up chili during the 2015 REC Day, held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Grove Civic Center.
Alexis Currie, 8, reaches for a lollypop in a children's game during the 2015 REC Day, held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Grove Civic Center. Currie won a bottle of bubbles as her prize.
REC employee Gary Roger (center) watches as Sara Jane Mahurin, 4, tries to knock over cups during one of the children's games at REC Day, held Saturday, Sept. 19, in Grove.
Shiloha King, 5, of Wyandotte, dances to the music of Dylan Hall and Pure Tradition with her uncle, James Hayworth, on Saturday, Sept. 19, during the 2015 REC Day at the Grove Civic Center.
While 2-1/2-month-old McKenzie Beeson of Ketchum sleeps in her mother's arms, the rest of her family (from left) Alex Beeson, Richard Newman, Matthew Beeson, 2-1/2, and Jerry Beeson prepare for the start of the 2015 REC Day cooperative meeting on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Grove Civic Center.
Brenda Miller of Wyandotte was the winner of the Raven ATV lawnmower, the top prize for the 2015 REC Day celebration. Miller joked that now that she has the lawn mower, she just needs a man to run it.
The 77th annual event drew in 1,857 registered members of the Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative.
Here's a few of my favorite pics from the event.
(Most were originally published in the Sept. 22, 2015 issue of The Grove Sun.)
Photos by Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller / Grove Sun
Kevin Summerlin with the Foundation for Exceptional Warriors watches as Jay Richardson, 15-1/2, from Colcord drives the tank chair. The group attended the 2015 REC Day Saturday, to let people know about its offerings for service members recognized for acts of valor or who were part of the special operations. For more information about the group, based in Pryor, persons interested may visit www.exceptionalwarriors.org or search "exceptional warriors" on Facebook.
The American flag is always an iconic part of REC Day.
Averi Silverstone, 3, Cleora, gets a birds-eye view of REC Day on top of her grandpa's, Steven Copeland, shoulders. 
Rebekka Tuck, 7, of Langley eats her Frito chili pie during the 2015 REC Day, held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Grove Civic Center.
Dylan Hall and his band, Pure Tradition, perform during the 2015 REC Day, held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Grove Civic Center. Hall is a native of Jay.
Kyle Lemasters and Charlie Coble cook up chili during the 2015 REC Day, held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Grove Civic Center.
Alexis Currie, 8, reaches for a lollypop in a children's game during the 2015 REC Day, held Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Grove Civic Center. Currie won a bottle of bubbles as her prize.
REC employee Gary Roger (center) watches as Sara Jane Mahurin, 4, tries to knock over cups during one of the children's games at REC Day, held Saturday, Sept. 19, in Grove. 
Shiloha King, 5, of Wyandotte, dances to the music of Dylan Hall and Pure Tradition with her uncle, James Hayworth, on Saturday, Sept. 19, during the 2015 REC Day at the Grove Civic Center.
While 2-1/2-month-old McKenzie Beeson of Ketchum sleeps in her mother's arms, the rest of her family (from left) Alex Beeson, Richard Newman, Matthew Beeson, 2-1/2, and Jerry Beeson prepare for the start of the 2015 REC Day cooperative meeting on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Grove Civic Center.
Brenda Miller of Wyandotte was the winner of the Raven ATV lawnmower, the top prize for the 2015 REC Day celebration. Miller joked that now that she has the lawn mower, she just needs a man to run it.
