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On The Bricks

October 27, 2014

The air is crisp and autumn is really here, it seems. Just in time for my skin peeling from the heat over the weekend. Love this Panhandle weather. It’s the time the heater runs in the car going to work and then the air conditioner going home. It’s the time you keep a jacket in the car because you just never know what’s going to happen. It’s interesting. Keeps us on our toes.

Speaking of toes, mine sure had bit of a sunburn from the OPSU football game last Saturday. I really ought to consider wearing real shoes. The Aggies whupped up on that other team. It was awesome. What is even more awesome is when the football players sing the fight song to the crowd after the game and then high five people. I heard the star running back, number 13, telling everyone (and there were many) “Thanks for coming,” as he walked by and high fived them. It’s no wonder I kept going to the home games.

They sort of follow the saying, “Don’t talk, just act. Don’t say, just show. Don’t promise, just prove.” Coach Gaskamp and his assistants are doing a great job with these guys.

Had an interesting lady come by the office last week. She was here visiting a girl on the rodeo team. She came from California, I believe. We got to talking about names that were funny … and appropriate … and inappropriate. I shared with her the name of our doctor where I grew up. Dr. Clapp. And told her how I never did know, as a kid, why people laughed when they heard that. But my new friend told me about a fellow who works for the U.S. Forest Service whose name is Timber Blaze. No way. That’s too unbelievable. Never could top that one! Did you catch the play on words, “top that one?” Sometimes I just find myself to be sooo clever.

Let’s talk a little more about clever.

The Oklahoma Agriculture magazine arrived at my office. I was reading it, and enjoying some of the articles when I came upon this paragraph in an article entitled “Cowboy Up” … “Oklahoma is one of the leading collegiate and high school rodeo states. Oklahoma State University has had a rodeo team since 1946 and in 2014, the team will host its first official collegiate rodeo in its new arena at the Payne County Expo Center.”

Are you kidding me? This writer, Charlyn Fargo, is writing about college rodeo and she doesn’t mention either of the two national powerhouse rodeo schools that are located in Oklahoma? That would be Panhandle State and Northwestern. Goodwell and Alva. It didn’t take them 60 years to finally put on a rodeo, either.

At the end of reading that paragraph, I sat in my chair stunned for a moment. And then I just threw the magazine away. Straight in the trash can. Up to that point on page 43, it was fine. After that, it was only trash.

I’ve stopped listening. Why haven’t you stopped talking? It was that sort of moment. Not clever at all.

Lots of Halloween and Main Street Week activities going on this week … more about that later.

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

October 24, 2014

“In October 1914, Jonas Salk was born – a man who would change world history by inventing the first effective vaccine against polio,” says an article in the Rotarian magazine written by Gary C.K. Huang. “When the vaccine was introduced in the United States in the 1950s, polls indicated polio was one of the nation’s two greatest fears, second only to the fear of atomic war. And with good reason: in the 1952 U.S. polio epidemic, 58,000 cases were reported, with 3,145 deaths and 21,269 instances of permanent, disabling paralysis. Globally, polio paralyzed or killed up to half a million people every year.

“… in 1988, the 166 member states of the World Health Assembly unanimously set the goal of global polio eradication. At the time, the idea was breathtakingly ambitious, and many called it impossible. Today … only a few hundred cases of polio reported per year, and just three remaining endemic countries. We are on track to achieve full eradication by 2018 … October 24th celebrates the 100th anniversary of Dr. Salk’s birth.”

We also are celebrating the changing of the seasons and have several Fall and Halloween happenings going on.

Zombie Laser Tag takes place at 6 pm on Oct. 24, 25, 31, and Nov. 1. The location is 2 miles west of Guymon on Highway 54 and the cost is $5 a game. You can call 580-754-1428 for more information.

Saturday, Oct. 25, is full of many things to do. The OPSU Chili Cook Off starts at 11 am; the archaeology talk at the Guymon Public Library starts at 2 pm; the OPSU football game starts at 2 pm; the PTSO Carnival is from 4- 7 pm; and the Michael Martin Murphy Concert is 5:30 – 9:00 pm and costs $25. It’s a big day!

Dr. Sarah Richter is giving a talk on Wit and Wisdom in the Classroom at this quarter’s Wit and Wisdom evening on Oct. 28. It costs $20 a ticket and includes a fabulous meal catered by Virgil Gibson. This is a Main Street Guymon fund raiser.

On Oct. 29, 30, and 31 the Lions Club has a Haunted Train running from 6 pm to dark that costs $2 a person. That’s at the miniature train located at Sunset Lake in Thompson Park, Guymon.

On Halloween, Oct. 31, you also have trick or treating at the Heritage Community from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. Then be sure to go to the TEL Halloween Bash at Pickle Creek if you’re over 21 years old. It begins at 8 pm and there is a $10 cover charge.

On Nov. 1 is the Lifeway Family Fall Festival at 621 N Quinn where everything is free for the kids! That goes from noon to 4 pm.

Be sure to check the Main Street Guymon facebook page on Monday to find out where we are going for lunch and supper to celebrate National Main Street Week!

You need to celebrate National Main Street Week, too. Visit our Main Street Guymon member stores. You can visit these retail stores and get a jump on your holiday shopping!:

  • Cheryl’s Quilt Corner;
  • Chris Urias Photography;
  • Christine’s Home Furnishings;
  • Dancer’s Wine and Liquor;
  • Dizzy B’s;
  • Guymon Furniture;
  • Harana MedSpa;
  • Helm’s Garden Shop;
  • La Victoria Market;
  • Lumber Mart;
  • Merle Norman;
  • Northridge Cinema 8;
  • Nuestra Tierra;
  • Plaid Poppy;
  • Sears;
  • Sound Service;
  • Southern Office Supply;
  • SPC WOW Boutique and Office Supplies;
  • Urban Bru; and
  • Wolf Creek Mini

Don’t forget that for that really difficult person, buy Main Bucks that he can spend at all those stores listed … and some others, too.

Celebrate and enjoy all the good things we have right now, holidays, a new season, friends, family, and an excuse to buy them a present. Celebrate Main Street Week!

See you celebrating on the bricks.

Categories
On The Bricks

October 24, 2014

“In October 1914, Jonas Salk was born – a man who would change world history by inventing the first effective vaccine against polio,” says an article in the Rotarian magazine written by Gary C.K. Huang. “When the vaccine was introduced in the United States in the 1950s, polls indicated polio was one of the nation’s two greatest fears, second only to the fear of atomic war. And with good reason: in the 1952 U.S. polio epidemic, 58,000 cases were reported, with 3,145 deaths and 21,269 instances of permanent, disabling paralysis. Globally, polio paralyzed or killed up to half a million people every year.

“… in 1988, the 166 member states of the World Health Assembly unanimously set the goal of global polio eradication. At the time, the idea was breathtakingly ambitious, and many called it impossible. Today … only a few hundred cases of polio reported per year, and just three remaining endemic countries. We are on track to achieve full eradication by 2018 … October 24th celebrates the 100th anniversary of Dr. Salk’s birth.”

We also are celebrating the changing of the seasons and have several Fall and Halloween happenings going on.

Zombie Laser Tag takes place at 6 pm on Oct. 24, 25, 31, and Nov. 1. The location is 2 miles west of Guymon on Highway 54 and the cost is $5 a game. You can call 580-754-1428 for more information.

Saturday, Oct. 25, is full of many things to do. The OPSU Chili Cook Off starts at 11 am; the archaeology talk at the Guymon Public Library starts at 2 pm; the OPSU football game starts at 2 pm; the PTSO Carnival is from 4- 7 pm; and the Michael Martin Murphy Concert is 5:30 – 9:00 pm and costs $25. It’s a big day!

Dr. Sarah Richter is giving a talk on Wit and Wisdom in the Classroom at this quarter’s Wit and Wisdom evening on Oct. 28. It costs $20 a ticket and includes a fabulous meal catered by Virgil Gibson. This is a Main Street Guymon fund raiser.

On Oct. 29, 30, and 31 the Lions Club has a Haunted Train running from 6 pm to dark that costs $2 a person. That’s at the miniature train located at Sunset Lake in Thompson Park, Guymon.

On Halloween, Oct. 31, you also have trick or treating at the Heritage Community from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. Then be sure to go to the TEL Halloween Bash at Pickle Creek if you’re over 21 years old. It begins at 8 pm and there is a $10 cover charge.

On Nov. 1 is the Lifeway Family Fall Festival at 621 N Quinn where everything is free for the kids! That goes from noon to 4 pm.

Be sure to check the Main Street Guymon facebook page on Monday to find out where we are going for lunch and supper to celebrate National Main Street Week!

You need to celebrate National Main Street Week, too. Visit our Main Street Guymon member stores. You can visit these retail stores and get a jump on your holiday shopping!:

· Cheryl’s Quilt Corner;

· Chris Urias Photography;

· Christine’s Home Furnishings;

· Dancer’s Wine and Liquor;

· Dizzy B’s;

· Guymon Furniture;

· Harana MedSpa;

· Helm’s Garden Shop;

· La Victoria Market;

· Lumber Mart;

· Merle Norman;

· Northridge Cinema 8;

· Nuestra Tierra;

· Plaid Poppy;

· Sears;

· Sound Service;

· Southern Office Supply;

· SPC WOW Boutique and Office Supplies;

· Urban Bru; and

· Wolf Creek Mini Mall.

Don’t forget that for that really difficult person, buy Main Bucks that he can spend at all those stores listed … and some others, too.

Celebrate and enjoy all the good things we have right now, holidays, a new season, friends, family, and an excuse to buy them a present. Celebrate Main Street Week! And have a party for Jonas Salk, too. So many things to party over!

See you celebrating on the bricks.

Categories
On The Bricks

October 13, 2014

Vicar Sandra Castillo of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church came and did a Blessing of the Main Street Guymon Office. I had seen in her newsletter that she does that for other businesses and I wanted to be a part. I’m thinking if God is invited in to the office then it can only help!

The final blessing was, “Visit, O blessed Lord, the office of Main Street Guymon with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who serve here with the gift of your love; and grant that they may manifest your love to all whose lives they touch. May they grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen them; and preserve them in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen.” Thank you, Vicar Sandra. I love that you brought blessings to all those who work with and for Main Street Guymon.

Reminds me of the saying, a Sunday well spent brings a week of content.

And there is this quote that I don’t know who said it, but I’ve been wanting to share it because I just love it.

“Life is a song – sing it.

“Life is a game – play it.

“Life is a challenge – meet it.

“Life is a dream – realize it.

“Life is a sacrifice – offer it.

“Life is love – enjoy it.”

We should all carry those words with us this month and enjoy the heck out of all that we do.

I’m telling you, I enjoyed going to the Guymon Community Theater play last Friday. What a great play. I laughed and laughed. And I even cried. It was exceptional. I realized that I have never gone to one of the plays that I didn’t enjoy it. Some more than others. This one was one of the mores. If you haven’t ever done so, go to a play. They’re fun and the people who put the play on have worked themselves to a frenzy to get it done. They deserve our attention for that moment.

My hat off to you Director Kasey Russell, Assistant Director Josh Setzer, Brenda Teegarden, Brad Teegarden, June Wadley, Brenda Bridwell, Evelyn Cartwright (my grandson’s other grandmother), Sarah Russell, Jackie Mathis (yeah, Mathis Oil is a Main Street member), Marlene Henson, Arlene Winfrey (yeah, wearing her Main Street Cash Mob t-shirt … we love you Arlene!), and Deanna Teegarden. You all did a great job. You brought sunshine to our week!

Remember what Steve Martin said about sunshine? “A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.”

Loved seeing all of you on the bricks at the play … especially you Denise Lunt because you enjoy laughing as much as I do!

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On The Bricks

October 6, 2014

Last weekend was a record maker for me. In the morning I attended 3 innings of the OPSU baseball scrimmage. That was great. Especially so because there were people sitting around in their winter coats, scarves, and those hats that cover the ears things. A little chilly, it was.

Then I ran over to Guymon to watch the grandson in the last half of his soccer game. Watching all those little kids run around like that is always good for the soul. And I liked their shirts, neon green. Cool.

As soon as it was over, I headed back to the baseball game, driving around the OPSU Homecoming parade line-up. Drove home because it was time for a little sit still and be quiet. Had to drive through some cones to get out of Goodwell and barely missed the Texhoma Fiesta parade.

Quiet lunch at home, thinking I could have gone to either barbecue, Texhoma Fiesta Days or the OPSU one. Was back on campus by 1 for the OPSU Homecoming football game. By then there was not a winter coat and muffler to be seen. It was time now for the sunscreen. Awesome game, big win, got to see some folks from back in the day …

Now, for me, that was the first time I ever attended three different sports games in one day. I feel like I should letter for that work!

Fun times. There are so many of those college kids that are just starting their adult lives. What advice would you give them?

Wise words by George Washington Carver might be in line. “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”

The Chamber Banquet is Oct. 7th and tickets are for sale from the Chamber. Call Jada at 338-3376. It is always a good evening … especially when you learn who Citizen of the Year is.

The Guymon Community Theater production “Blue-Haired Belles” is happening and the Main Street Mob is going to be there at 7 on Oct. 10th. It is supposed to be funny. A great place to go for a mere $8 ticket.

The YMCA Superhero Run is on Oct. 11. For more information call 580-461-9942.

The month has started so stellar. We’ll just keep it right along those lines!

See you on the bricks!

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On The Bricks

September 25, 2014

You know how when you’re having a party, you really don’t want to think about it, but you mind just naturally goes to “What if only two people show up?” That’s kind of how I’m feeling today. We have a Cowboy Cookout on Saturday and I am so worried … well, you know. And Rick Williams is going to be there with some wonderful information. I just hope people will be there to share with him.

The Cowboy Cookout starts at 2 pm and ends at 6 pm. It’s a great event for the family with music by Ken Stonecipher, food (benefit for Main Street Guymon … they have a really great director, you know?), bounce house, some cool western art. It is on the street north of Bob’s Cowboy Bar on East 2nd Street. It’s the perfect place because there is that grass south of the railroad tracks for Williams to let people try out the atlatl.

Learn more about the Plains Native American Indians at the Cowboy Cookout. We are all better people when we learn more about others.

“We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.” ~Max de Pree

And we should give ourselves a gift once in awhile. Walking is a gift.

According to the Rotarian Magazine, September 2014, on page 18, “Walking may boost creativity, according to a series of experiments out of Stanford University. Researchers administered several common tests of creativity, such as asking participants to devise novel uses for everyday objects and draw associations among unrelated words, as the subjects sat or walked, either outdoors or on a treadmill. The simple act of walking was associated with increased scores for 81% of participants, and a residual creative boost when they were seated again. Subjects produced the most novel and highest quality responses when they strolled alfresco.”

I don’t know what alfresco is. Maybe it’s a dog they were walking. Could be the Italian meal they were walking to go get.

You know, when I’m writing something or working on some sort of thing that needs functioning brain cells, if I go walk out and water my plants or something, I always think better when I get back. I always thought I was getting more oxygen to my brain. And now the Rotarian tells me I was right about thinking better after walking about. I love when I’m right.

Comedian Robin Williams once said, “I’m sorry, if you were right, I’d agree with you.” I bet he would agree with me.

One of the things that is right is having a peace inside you. A calmness that others cannot disrupt easily. I think a week that starts with church helps me achieve that. You know, a Sunday well spent brings a week of content.

Good friends who care about you and are not into being dramatic and creating chaos are that. It’s the same with great co-workers. It also helps when your children haven’t had sugar of any sort. Do I hear an “amen”?

I like this saying that is on a wall décor deal at Christine’s, “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work, it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

We can choose to be where we are, with peace or with drama.

Speaking of peace, another story in that Rotarian magazine was talking about working with immigrant children, “There’s still angst in the pews, but if they listen more to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John than Rush Limbaugh (American radio talk show host), they’ll act with compassion …” said Samuel Rodriguez.

And if you don’t know who Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are … we need to visit. My office is at 116 NE 5th Street. I’m pretty sure Robin Williams would agree.

That brings to mind the Joy and Praise Concert presented by the OPSU choir and the Panhandle Chorale conducted by Matthew Carey (he’s not the Matthew I was talking about earlier). That is followed by Music of the German Masters presented by the OPSU band, conducted by Charla Lewis. That takes place Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 7 pm in Hughes – Strong Auditorium, on the OPSU Campus in Goodwell.

Also, remember Saturday starting at 8 am is the final Farmers Market of the year. Be sure to get you plenty of that goat milk soap to last … it’s awesome!

See you on the bricks!

Categories
On The Bricks

September 23, 2014

The Spring Cleaning mood has just hit me. I’m a little slow, I do realize. But today I’m going to throw out some odd bits and pieces of information that are in my “On the Bricks” file. So if you’re planning for this to make sense, that’s probably not going to happen. But I really don’t feel the need to make sense all the time. I am a woman, after all. And lots of women I know don’t make a lick of sense.

First, on the list are the people who never know anything is happening. And they act like it is someone else’s fault. How irritating. Yes, we have lots and lots of events here in Guymon. They happen all the time. Most of them are fun or at least have some fun people at them. If you’re sitting home having a pity party, you should go to some of them because then you won’t be so lonesome.

And if you figure out that you just are enjoying those pity parties, then let me suggest therapy. Lots of it. And you’ll need to pay for it because nobody wants to listen to a Debbie Downer for very long.

You are responsible for yourself.

So, first thing to do is check out the Event calendar on www.MainStreetGuymon.com. It is also on the Chamber website (same calendar) and Jada at the Chamber keeps this calendar current. She’s a trooper.

And that reminds me, if your event isn’t on that calendar, then you need to be getting your information to Jada at guycofc2@ptsi.net.

That is the same email to get the eblast that comes to your email twice a week telling you what is happening in Guymon. At least the events that the planners share with her are there. Tons of information on there. Email Jada and ask to be put on the eblast list.

Don’t for a minute think that Jada and I are responsible to have all the community events there. We are the ones offering (we both offer, Jada does all the work) the service, but the event people still are responsible for getting information out about what they’re doing.

Then consider attending the Chamber of Commerce General Membership meeting on the first Monday of each month at the Ambassador Restaurant in the large meeting room. You buy your own lunch and you get to hear the announcement of upcoming community happenings. Once again, the ones that have been shared with us.

There is also a short program at these meetings that keeps you more abreast about what is going on with our businesses and such. The October meeting is Chris Purdy from Tri-County Electric. Then in November is someone from Northwest Oklahoma Child Advocacy and Support office in Woodward.

Tune in to the On the Bricks TV show on PTCIs Channel 2. The program always talks about what is coming up here in Guymon.

“I have found that if you love life,” said Arthur Rubinstein, “life will love you back.”

Start sharing a little love. Attend some of these community events. Think about volunteering for some of them too.

Last weekend was a Poker Run (loved the music) on Saturday and the Pub had a band, too. Then on Sunday was the Fiesta. Oh, I love the Fiesta even if the music is too loud and I can’t visit with everyone. It’s fun. People are happy and having a good time and the food is wonderful. There was also the OPSU football game on Saturday and it was a fabulous game with the Aggies winning. You should have been there. My toes got sunburned! It was hot out.

Lots of good things happening. Lots of things to get involved in. All you have to do is start with one. And I know the perfect one.

Be sure to come to the Cowboy Cookout on Saturday. It takes place on the street south of the railroad tracks just east of Main Street. There are going to be some really fun things to see and do. If you’re interested in arrowheads and bows and arrows, you’re going to love this. It starts at 2 and ends at 6. You can also support Main Street Guymon (YEAH) by buying a plate for $15 that has calf fries, BBQ, beans, and some other good things.

And I’ll end with this wonderful saying:

“Laugh, even when you feel too sick or too worn out or tired.

“Smile, even when you’re trying not to cry and the tears are blurring your vision.

“Sing, even when people stare at you and tell you your voice is crappy.

“Trust, even when your heart begs you not to.

“Twirl, even when your mind makes no sense of what you see.

“Frolic, even when you are made fun of.

“Kiss, even when others are watching.

“Sleep, even when you’re afraid of what the dreams might bring.

“Run, even when it feels like you can’t run any more.

“And, always remember, even when the memories pinch your heart. Because the pain of all your experience is what makes you the person you are now. And without your experience – you are an empty page, a blank notebook, a missing lyric.

“What makes you brave is your willingness to live through your terrible life and hold your head up high the next day. So don’t live your life in fear. Because you are stronger now, after all the crap has happened, than you ever were back before it started.

~ Alysha Speer

See you on the bricks!

Categories
On The Bricks

September 21, 2014

The American Theater, located on the fourth block of Main, had their Grand Opening on Saturday, Jan. 14, 1928, at 7:30 pm. The opening prices for the movie were 25 and 50 cents. That theater is still serving a wonderful purpose in our town.

For 35 seasons the Guymon Community Theaters has been presenting wonderful productions, 115 to be exact, in the same building!

“The Blue Haired Belles of the Burger Bar” is soon to be on the stage. Directed by Kasey Russell and assisted b y Josh Setzer, the cast is Brenda Teegarden, Jackie Mathis, Sarah Russell, Brad Teegarden, Evelyn Cartwright, June Wadley, Brenda Bridwell, Setzer, Robert Henson, and Marlene Henson. Now, it doesn’t matter if you know any of these people or not. I’m pretty sure that you’ll know one of the characters in the play.

Woody Leonard of Woodward wrote this dramatic comedy of some older women who like to talk …. Now you see why I said you probably knew one of the characters! We all know at least one of those ladies, don’t we?

Well, it’s time to let loose of $8 and go watch this fun play put on by some hard working volunteers. Oct. 3, 4, 10, and 11 the play is at 7 pm and on Oct. 5 and 12 (Sundays) it is at 2 pm. Call 580-338-0019 to make your reservations.

The Main Street Mobsters are going to hit the performance on the 10th. So, if you feel awkward going to the play alone, sign up and mob with us! Can’t be a more fun group to go with than this one. Of course I would think that.

Another note for those who are theater lovers … Auditions for “Miracle on 34th Street” are Sunday, Oct. 5, and Monday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 9 pm. There are parts for men, women, and children. It’s your time to be a part of a Christmas Miracle! You do not need to have experience to be a part of the Guymon Community Theater. This play is directed by Charles Michael and assisted by Jerry Wadley.

Remember, beautiful minds inspire others. Attending this play could inspire you!

Here are a few dates to put on your calendar if it’s something you might enjoy. Or maybe you should take someone that might enjoy it. Or maybe you should step out of your comfort zone and go to something that isn’t your norm. Whatever the case may be, here are some opportunities for a good time:

Cowboy Cookout, Sept. 27, just south of the railroad track on the east side of Main Street, on 2nd Street. There is a half a block blocked off for some western fun. It is going to be great fun! It goes from 2 – 6 and there’s even a plate of calf fries and BBQ to be purchased. Proceeds go to fund Main Street programs and their wonderful and fabulous director’s other crazy ideas.

Oklahoma Panhandle Partners who help local people that are fighting cancer has their Tuscany on the Plains fund raising party on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Pickle Creek from 6 pm on. Party tickets are $20 per person.

On Oct. 5 following the 80th Annual Meeting of the No Man’s Land Historical Society at the Moylene Bridgewater Davis Scouting Center in Goodwell, there is a book signing by Charles Miller for his newly released book “No Man’s Land and a New Beginning.” The book is also available for purchase at the museum.

And be sure not to miss the Archaeology presentation by Dr. Marjy Duncan of the Oklahoma Archeological Survey on the Two Sisters Site (an Antelope Creek Plains Village) near Guymon. This is being held at the Guymon Public Library on Oct. 25 from 2 to 3 pm. There is no cost and it brought to you by your own Main Street Guymon!

Lots going on and a good time to see you on the bricks!

Categories
On The Bricks

September 18, 2014

The current People magazine mentions a local fellow on page C20, part of the Country and Western Music Special Section. In an article about the group Lady Antebellum, band member Charles Kelley said, “…the guys, who had been hanging out with co – writer Rodney Clawson…”. So, I guess we’re all kind of famous now, aren’t we? I mean I talked to Rodney Dale a couple times back in the 1980s. I am pretty sure he would remember it. Or maybe he wouldn’t. Ah, well, notoriety is so fleeting.

What isn’t fleeting is good works. Recently read in the September 2014 Rotarian magazine an article entitled “We can be heroes, if just for one day.” It was interesting. Almost as interesting as the make-up tips in People. Hmmmmm, that was sarcasm. I haven’t used make-up since 1976.

Anyway, back to the article. It says, “…why we help others and whether humans have evolved an instinct for what’s called ‘group selection’ – meaning that we help others because group survival is better for all of us. As evolutionary biologist Charles Goodnight explains: ‘You put one person in the middle of the jungle and they’re dinner. Twenty people, you have a village. We can’t survive on our own, but we can collectively.’”

Makes teamwork pretty simple, doesn’t it?

The article goes on to say, “Svoboda reports on neuroscience research that has found that donating to a worthy cause activates the same brain regions as our craving for food and sex, suggesting a similarly deep motivation. She also explores how volunteering can boost health and life satisfaction ….

“Altruistic people tend to see themselves as capable of getting things done, and consider themselves part of a larger human family. They also, she says, see life through a redemptive lens, focusing on the good that comes out of the bad. These things make the difference. ‘Heroes,’ Svoboda writes, ‘are mostly regular people who harness their desire to care for others and make an extraordinary commitment to reach out to them.”

So it seems that we feel better when we are helping others. And when we work together we are more likely to be successful. I knew that. But they say it so much better.

And don’t forget to help yourself, too. Step out and learn something new. Go visit a place you’ve never been (even a local store). Expand. And I don’t mean by going to the Pizza Hut buffet.

You can work on your writing skills by attending the Writing Workshop on Sept. 20 at the Guymon Public Library. Teaching is published author Deborah Elliott-Upton. It goes from 9 – 3 pm, with registration at 8.30 am and the cost is $55 per person, which includes lunch. Go there and get the nerve to write your memories down for your grandkids. Go there and get the nerve to start that book you’ve always wanted to write. Go there and have some fun learning something new.

You can get support at the Dementia Support Group on Saturday, Sept. 20, if someone you love is suffering from this disease. They meet from 4 – 5 pm at the Main Street Guymon office, 116 NE 5th Street. Dorothy Countryman is the leader.

You can attend the Healthy Moment at the Noble Center in Goodwell on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5 – 6 pm. You can learn who wins the $100 drawing! You can also learn why the goat milk soap is so good for your skin.

You can learn Zentangle on Saturday, Sept. 27, at The Studio, 209 N Roosevelt, in Guymon. This is a lovely type of art that anyone can learn. Check it out. The class costs $5 and you can call Denise Gebara at 806-339-4851 for more information.

And, remember, you can do anything, but not everything.

See you on the bricks!

Categories
On The Bricks

September 17, 2014

“It’s time for the younger ones to step up.” I really get tired of hearing that. Seems to me that most often when the “younger ones” have offered to help, we old ones get all condescending to them and tell them to go off and play and probably make some snide comment about their cell phones or something.

So why would they come back to help? Only if they like to be used and abused by critical folks that insist on things always being the same, I’m thinking.

There are lazy folks in all age groups. I’m sort of tending towards that myself these days. But, lazy butts aside, I’ve found the kids to be a real joy to work with. And they have lots of energy so when I am running on empty energy, they just keep things moving. And they often have a decent outlook on life unless you start criticizing them. Give them a deserved compliment and watch how easy they are to work with, as a rule.

Cassi Jo Schriefer had called three different places and offered to volunteer. They all acted like she was an imposition. Then she came to Main Street Guymon. Katy bar the door, I’ll find stuff for this lady to do!

What she really wanted to do was start a mentoring program for junior high aged girls. She and I and Teri Mora found nine fabulous young girls to be mentors. What I’m saying is that the junior high girls who get them are some lucky young ladies. This week we went to the junior high and talked to some of the girls. What fun.

Six girls had turned in their permission slips the next day. Three more the next day. And the count goes up. I don’t know who is more excited … the mentors or the mentees. If you give the kids a chance, they can just bless your life over and over again. I love seeing these mentors, I love seeing their enthusiasm and their smiles.

Ashlee Ortiz is probably just a normal type girl. And I really hope she doesn’t mind me sharing this. She’s college aged and a Guymon girl. Recently I have had the opportunity to have a couple of email conversations with her and I am so impressed. Ashlee read about the mentoring program and wondered if she could be a part. She asked about the program.

“The mentors just want to be able to five a positive influence for the girls, help them with their homework if they need it, listen to them if they want it, and to give a few more opportunities like going to the community play. The actual mission the mentors came up with is to help instill in the young girls a sense of worth.” That is part of what I responded to Ashlee.

“I inquired because it seems like a great idea,” she wrote back. “I wish that I had someone to ask these kinds of questions to when I was their age (neither of my parents attended college and I was the first child in my family to pursue higher education). I’m also interested in tutoring and things similar to that, because it’s something I’ve done for peers in the past. I’m a highly adamant, body – positive advocate. Promoting self – esteem and confidence in young women is something I’m sincerely passionate about. I’m not sure how much money I could invest in activities with the girls, but time is something I can give. If you are interested in including me as one of your mentors, I would be excited to learn more about it and become involved.”

Ashlee seems to have so many qualities a good mentor should have. As do the other ladies who have committed to this project. I am sure their mothers can tell you some of their failings … but can’t all of our mothers? And I’m laughing as I think of what my mom could tell.

These are all young girls around the age of 20 – 29 or so doing the mentor program, Cassie’s Kids. You can’t tell me that our kids are all going to pot these days. I see some fabulous ones that really care here in my office.

Am I lucky, or what? To have a job that includes working with people like this. It’s wonderful. So try giving some of the youngsters a chance. See how they want to do things. It can be pleasantly surprising! Cassi Jo Schriefer has taken this project from the first and carried it through.

Cassi Jo, you’re an awesome young woman and I relish watching what all you accomplish.

Just had to share these blessings with you.

See you on the bricks!