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On The Bricks

July 5, 2022

          The most memorable Fourth of July in my long life took place in 1976, the Bicentennial Year. Accepted into the Future Farmers of America’s Work Experience Abroad Program, my Fourth of July was in Holland. Living and working in Europe that summer changed me.

          It had never before occurred to me that we were the only people in the world to celebrate our independence on the Fourth of July. When you have not been exposed to other people and other places, your mind is just naturally narrow. Yes, it was a bit of a shock to me when I learned the Dutch would not be having a Fourth of July Celebration.

Then, thinking about it for a few minutes, it all made sense. And I began learning that what happens (things like our holidays and our traditions) in the U.S.A. doesn’t really have any impact on most of the world.

That summer also taught me that my way isn’t the only way. Nor is it always the best way. Even within the family. Because the program I was on, it was a homestay with a family on a farm where I lived and worked, I learned a lot about my new family. And I loved them. They were good to me and taught me much.

We are lucky in Guymon because we have people from other countries here, so we don’t even have to get on a plane for hours to learn about another culture. It broadens our minds when we do. It also helps us to be more understanding of others.

Back to the Fourth of July … so, four of us, young teenaged Americans gathered together and celebrated the most important Independence Day that would happen in our lives. We sat at an outdoor café having coffee and talked about home and our summer. It was good.

This year I seemed to spend quite a few hours watching WWII documentaries. That also seems appropriate to learn more about a time when freedoms and lives were being taken away. Once again, the insight from those stories makes me realize the beauty of my life here today. And at what cost it was attained.

If you have a chance, watch (or read) the story “Woman in Gold” that focus’ on the art the Nazi’s stole during WWII. It is a great movie and an even better book.

My daughter Missy called and had watched a “60 Minutes” episode on the “Ritchie Boys: The Secret U.S. Unit Bolstered by German – born Jews Who Helped the Allies Beat Hitler.” What a fascinating story. What many of the Ritchie Boys lost is not imaginable for me. And what they did to fight Hitler is amazing. There were also American – born German – speakers who were part of the Ritchie unit, but the German Jews made up a huge part of it.

Our history has so many parts that are fascinating to learn. Our country has a large number of people who make up this mix of what we call an American. Those other people’s history also becomes part of our story.

I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July and you reflected on your family and your country and your story and how it fits in the big mix.

A meme on Facebook showed Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain saying, “Happy Treason Day.” Yes, our holiday looks much different to the British history teacher, doesn’t it?

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

June 28, 2022

          Paper, coins, and plastic are what we use to purchase, but there have been many interesting things used as currencies throughout the world in history.

          Livestock is likely one of the oldest forms of money, dating back to 9000 B.C. The words capital, chattel, and cattle all have a common root, and the word pecuniary (meaning financial) comes from pecus, the Latin word for cattle. Until well into the 20th century, the Kirghiz (a Turkish ethnic group found primarily in Kyrgyztan) used horses for large exchanges, sheep for lesser trades, and lambskins for barters that required small change.

          Cowry shells are marine snails found chiefly in tropical regions and were the medium of exchange used in China around 1200 B.C. These shells were so widely traded that their pictograph became the symbol for money in the written language. The earliest metallic money in China were cowries made of bronze or copper.

          The largest form of money are 12 – foot limestone coins from the Micronesian island of Yap. A coin’s value was determined by its size. Displaying a large one outside your home was a sign of status and prestige. Because of the coins’ size and immobility, islanders would often trade only promises of ownership instead of actual coins. Approximately 6,800 coins still exist around the island, though the U.S. dollar is now the official currency.

          Throughout history, salt and pepper have been used as money, owing to their value as seasonings and preservatives and for their importance in religious ceremonies. In ancient Rome, salt was used as money. Sal, the Latin word for salt, is the root of the English word salary. Roman workers were paid with salt, hence the expression “worth one’s salt.” And in England in the Middle Ages, rent could be paid in peppercorns.

Other interesting Roman trivia: The word “spa” dates back almost 2,000 years to when Roman soldiers, marching home from battle, stopped overnight in a Belgian village that had hot mineral springs. The town, named Spa, became a popular resting spot for Roman soldiers returning from battle.

More Roman trivia: The “dog days of summer” refers to the ancient Roman belief that Sirius, the Dog Star, was closer to Earth from July 3 to Aug. 11, causing unusually high temperatures.

Even better Roman info: In about 200 B.C., the Carthaginian ruler, Hannibal  (who commanded Carthage’s main army against Rom during the Second Punic War and considered one of the greatest military commanders in history) defeated an enemy’s navy by stuffing poisonous snakes into earthen jugs and catapulting them onto the decks of his opponent’s ships.

Made me laugh: A Roman legionnaire walks into a bar, holds up two fingers and says, “Five beers, please.”

Made me laugh even more: I, for one, like Roman numerals.

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

June 20, 2022

          The Voices on the Santa Fe Trail went over well. The actors (volunteers) were fabulous and I loved the stories that were told. It made our history come alive. Who knew someone pickled the corpse of their father (in the coffin) so that when they came back through they could pick him up and bury him at home in Santa Fe? Who knew some Mexican families sent their children back east via the Santa Fe Trail for an education back east? Who knew cholera was such a killer on the trail? Who knew there was such a person as a Watcher to sit with someone to die and then catch back up with the wagon train? So many interesting stories.

          That was great and educational in a fun way.

          What was even better were the people (volunteers) who came out and helped clean the theatre. We spent 5 hours cleaning (I use “we” loosely because I didn’t work that hard) on two different nights. One mom with five kids and three other adults. I love those folks.

          We had volunteers that came and sold tickets and worked the concession stand.

          And then those who purchased tickets … love them too!

          There are a lot of good people in our community and they make it possible to have events like Voices on the Santa Fe Trail.

          And I haven’t even mentioned our sponsors yet. They believed we could do it. Having someone believe in you is important.

          The cast party was a blast too.

          We are blessed to be from this area where our neighbors help us out.

          How is your summer going?

          If you have kids or grandkids or neighbor kids, you might take them to the movie “Bubbles – Cosplay” on June 25th. This free movie is put on by the City of Guymon, one of a series. The next is Luca on July 16 and Jaws on July 30 (shown at the City Pool … that’s cool).

          Take care and enjoy your summer. Remember to say hello to your neighbors and tell your family you love them.

          See you on the bricks.

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On The Bricks

June 3, 2022

          The media sends us stories about shootings of innocent people … not in war zones, but in our own schools and markets here in the United States. We have people in our family who are hurting from death, illness, and other maladies. We have neighbors who are lonely. We have children in our towns who are hungry.

          And all this is in our first world country, one of the richest in the world.

          We have to do something about all this hurt. And it isn’t the job of the government, the schools, and others … it is something each one of us needs to address.

          In the Bible there is the story about the Good Samaritan. It is really a story about loving outside our comfort zone. It is also a story that tells us that the person who is great, the hero, in the story is not the one that would be considered great in society at that time. Greatness is not defined by the popular crowd or by a person’s social standing.

          The religious leader and priest are not the hero of the story … and they had a chance to be. Instead, greatness is defined by the one who acts out of love. It is the Samaritan – the outcast in the community – who is the hero.

          The first question, in the story, that the priest and Levite asked was, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?”

          The Samaritan (person from Samaria) came by and asked himself, “If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”

          That is the question before each of us every day. If we don’t stop to help our neighbor, what will happen to them?

          What does this old story mean to us today, whether we are Christian or not? It means we can not settle for a world where anything less than love and compassion is the standard. We must keep reminding ourselves, our family, and our leaders to see those who are lying on the side of the road, in need. We have to keep calling for justice, demanding change until it comes. We should not be content with being silent.

          Every day we have opportunities to be a good Samaritan. There are people hurting around us – some bleeding from the body like the man in the story, some bleeding from the soul. We can extend Grace to a hurting world every chance we are given.

          We do not have to be professionals or persons educated in any special way, we need only to be good, caring neighbors.

          This week in my office I have had discussions with six children from age 13 down who are learning about community service … how to volunteer and serve our community to make it a better place to be. This is good. I thank those parents for working to teach their children to think about others and not just themselves.

          Let’s do this together. Let’s be better humans.

          Hope to see you at the Voices on the Santa Fe Trail at the Guymon Community Theatre on June 11 at 7 pm or June 12 at 2 pm. It is a great time to learn about the history of our region and to support Main Street Guymon volunteers. Tickets are $10 and there are still tickets available.

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On The Bricks

May 27, 2022

          My brother and his wife (the nicest person in our family) lost their eldest son this week. So Memorial Day is one where my nephew’s family has many memories of him in our thoughts and in our conversations.

          Yes, it is Memorial Day, a time to remember those who have gone before us … especially those in the armed forces. And I hope you spend a little time and consider those memories.

          Then, you think about going and spending an hour with someone you love. Plant some flowers together, drink a glass of tea together, talk about something that is important to you, play some dominoes. And tell them you love them when you leave.

          Don’t miss times you can tell the people you love that they matter to you. Don’t miss the times you can sit in the car and laugh for a bit. Don’t miss their birthday. Send a card, call them, or stop by. This week woke me up that it’s time to stop making excuses. Be there for those you love and those who love you.

          My daughter came straight to my house on the morning Heath died, my son drove home and stayed for two nights. My cousins and parents and friends have been very good to me. I thank everyone who does such a good job being there for their friends and family. You are all wonderful. We will be fine, but if you have a moment, please say a prayer for my brother and his wife, kids, and grandkids. And for others who are hurting for some reason or another.

          Life isn’t easy. But good friends and loving family make it better.

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On The Bricks

May 3, 2022

It is western week here in Texas County with the Pioneer Days activities. We have a lot of cowboys coming into town. Here’s a little bit of history about the other side … the outlaws.

William Marion Dalton, called Bill, was born in Kansas in 1866. For a time he was a member of the California legislature. By 1890 he was tired of politics and joined his brothers, the Dalton Gang of outlaws, in a train robbery outside Los Angeles. He and his brother, Grant Dalton, were captured but later escaped. When his brothers were killed in the infamous 1892 raid on Coffeyville, Kan., Dalton moved to Oklahoma. There he met Bill Doolin, and the two formed their own gang, the Doolin Dalton Gang, also known as the Oklahombres, but it became best known as the Wild Bunch.

Bill Dalton became obsessed with becoming more famous than his brothers, and he and Doolin went to great efforts to see that happen. For three years they committed robberies of banks, stagecoaches, and trains in Oklahoma, TexasArkansas, and Kansas. On Sept. 1, 1893, they were trailed to Ingalls, Okla., and became involved in the Battle of Ingalls, during which he shot and killed Deputy US Marshal Lafayette Shadley. 

Bill Dalton decided to leave the Doolin Dalton gang and form his own Dalton Gang. On May 23, 1894, Dalton and his new gang robbed the First National Bank at Longview, Tex. This was the only job by the gang. Posse members would kill three of the members and send the last one to life in prison. On June 8, 1894, a posse tracked Dalton to his home in Pooleville, Okla. The posse was led by US Marshall Buck Garret of Ardmore in Indian Territory. Garrett, James H. Mathers, and six other deputies exchanged over 100 rounds in the fight. Eventually Dalton stopped responding and was found dead in the cabin with a gunshot wound to the head. He was buried in California.

Made me laugh: The difference between outlaws and in-laws? Outlaws are wanted.

Try something new:  Go to a new restaurant this week … or join the Main Street Guymon Lunch Mob. The Mob meets most months and goes Dutch Treat to a Main Street Guymon member restaurant, working to support those who support us. Be adventurous.

It’s Pioneer Week in Guymon! Hope to see you at the Pioneer Day activities. Enjoy your friends and family that come in for the celebration.

Catch you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

April 20, 2022

Easter Sunday was great. All seven of my grandkids were there at church. With the oldest two out of high school and living quite a distance away, this is stellar when we can all be together. After church the whole family headed to have Easter dinner together. We all bring something and it’s usually quite delicious.

This year one of my daughter’s family brought their Aggie Athlete, a sweet young lady who plays basketball for the Aggies.

My kids were raised that we can always invite someone extra or several someones to any family meal we have. There is nothing to make you appreciate being able to be with your family than to have someone sitting at your table who is from Hugo, Oklahoma … eight hours away from her family. We need to realize the blessings we have.

There are other good points about inviting someone new to the family table. There is someone new to hear the same old stories. There is someone to bring new stories to the table. You have a chance to learn something new. If you have been given much, it is right for you to share much and this is one way that is fun and easy to share.

And most people act better when there is company at the table.

This is one of my favorite things about my kids … that they know how to share and be kind to others.

My friend Sheila has about a dozen kids. OK, I’m exaggerating. She has almost a half dozen kids and she has a rule for them. They do 10 hours of community service each month (this doesn’t include their chores, I don’t believe) or they pay her $100 for rent.

I love this.

What a great way to show what is important to you … another way of sharing, right? We are happier when we are placing others above ourself and it certainly makes the people around us happier. Nothing so tiresome as a self – serving individual.

Booker T. Washington said, “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”

My wish is that you were surrounded with good people and kind people during the Easter holiday and that you all shared what you could.

“I cannot do all the good that the world needs,” said Jana Stanfield. “But the world needs all the good that I can do.”

God bless each and every one of you.

See you on the bricks.

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On The Bricks

April 7, 2022

Last Saturday we had the big Community Clean-Up day and I had over 400 hours of volunteer time turned in. People coming together to make a difference, fighting the litter. A good number of those hours were OPSU students from Texhoma and Goodwell who came to help. Loads of trash was picked up and hauled off.

Each and every one of those who put in an hour or two or three, I have prayed that blessings come to you. Those that have turned in times include Equity Bank, OPSU Soccer, OPSU Men’s Basketball (coach even brought his son and wife), Upward Bound, OPSU Softball, Rose Garden Club and Glasswing Garden Club, Rotary, individuals Donna Riffel and Erika Valle, City of Guymon (a crew of 20), OPSU HALO, and I am sure there were many more.

The crews that were out had the opportunity to have lunch at the park. Those that donated to make that happen included Bob’s Cowboy Bar, Elite Physical Therapy, Gab’s Bottle in a Bag, Garrison Insurance Agency, Helms Garden Center, Evan Humphreys Law Office, PTCI, Kristine Scott, Seaboard, TCEC, and Walmart.

We aren’t done, by any means, because we have people spending time all through April to do a little community Spring cleaning.

It is amazing what people can get done who work together.

Do you have 30 minutes to spare to help? Maybe you can walk your alley and pick up trash … or there along the highway … or some spot you have noticed in town that needs a little help. If we all gave 30 minutes, it would be unbelievable the difference it would make.

One of the places we didn’t get a crew sent to was Highway 136 going south out of town and the alley between James and Academy (all the way through town). I’m hoping a couple more crews will call and ask where they can help.

Mother’s Day is almost here. Be nice to your mother and do something good for her. I’m hoping my son Lucas will come and pick up the dog poo in the yard. I appreciate that more than a card, that’s for sure! And maybe we should think about and maybe invite a mom whose kids are a long ways off, or someone who has lost their mother to have Mother’s Day with the family. Mother’s Day is hard for some. Let’s be kind.

See you on the bricks.

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On The Bricks

April 4, 2022

This has been a wonderful week here at Main Street Guymon. Hope it has been for you, too. It is a fact that our attitude can make the day better, but some days that is difficult. Not today!!!

El Ranchito Mariscos and Birria, a restaurant at 1214 N. Main got a visit from a couple of our Main Street Guymon volunteers this week. They had received an award at our Awards Banquet in February and nobody was there to get it, so we delivered and did a photo op. We scheduled the visit at 1 and while there, Donna Riffel ordered lunch. Wow. If you like a large amount of food, you’ll love going there to eat. If you have a smaller appetite, you need to know that you should share with someone or enjoy leftovers at a later meal. The food was delicious.

Their most popular dish is the Birria Taco, which is beef and so delicious that one customer said his brother drives over from Liberal just to get these tacos. The owner, Abraham Rocha, said he learned to make them from his mom.

You might want to visit El Ranchito. The walls are bright colors and the decorations are nautical to go with the seafood menu. They’re on facebook under El Ranchito Mariscos and Birria if you want to do a little internet sleuthing.

We also had La Amistad, a clothing and accessories store at 508 N. Main since 2004, join Main Street Guymon. Whenever we get new members, it makes me so proud of all the work our volunteers do to make membership here a worthwhile investment in our store owners and managers mind. We’ll be posting more about La Amistad in the future. You might take a moment and visit them.

This made me laugh, “I’m writing a book about all the things I should be doing in my life. It’s an oughtobiography.” That’s funny. And it’s good … we should be looking at how we’re treating life once in awhile. It’s not a bad thing to decide to do better. Ever. I oughta get my Passport reissued. Recently noticed it expired in 2015. That came to my attention when gathering stuff to get my lapsed drivers license fixed. Certainly seems a babysitter might be necessary for me. Would have put a reminder on my computer but couldn’t remember my password.

Hold on in this wind.

See you on the bricks.

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On The Bricks

March 28, 2022

          Career Focus is an eight – week – long workshop that meets for three hours each week. It is a class that brings some exceptional community folk together to talk about ways to improve your professional skills. The class had 17 members this year and getting to know each one of them was a blast.

          People who want to do better, who don’t believe they know everything, and are good listeners are the best to be around for a time. That’s the kind of people that signed up for the class. I don’t know how much they all learned, but they certainly taught me some good things.

          One of my favorites was Wade Morrison, who said in one class that he “pretty much didn’t like people.” That’s funny because most of the class members really enjoyed his honest and straightforward ways. Heck, all of them had something really cool about them.

          Having programs like this makes my job fun. Even when it’s not. I guess that mean’s it’s fun even when I have to do something I don’t want to do.

          The next thing we have coming up is the Community Clean-Up. Seems everyone has a place that they find dirty, or disgusting, or an eyesore. And the like to tell you about seeing such a place. But at the Community Clean-Up, you get the folks that don’t just talk about it, they do something. They do something that is good for the community without expecting anything in return. How can you find better people than them?

          We have some painting and trash pick – up going on Saturday, April 2, starting at 9 am and the same on Saturday, April 9. You can come to the Main Street Guymon office and join a crew there or bring a whole crew. Or you can pick your day and do one of the areas we have had turned in for clearing, or find your own spot that needs attention. You can even clean your block’s alley … or the front area. Do what you feel you can and are willing to do. We appreciate everyone who will do!

          It’s spring – time and spring cleaning is being planned.

          It’s also Lent, the season building up to Easter. If you haven’t found a church home yet in Guymon, there are many that would love to have you visit! At our church, right after the benediction we sing the old Irish blessing,

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

          See you on the bricks.