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4 duncan lifestyles magazine 28 Contents HABITS OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFULWOMEN Implement these top 10 tips to be a 10 in your personal and professional life! 16 4H SPOTLIGHT Graycie Farris shares with us what 4-H has brought her in terms of life lessons, experiences, and future plans. IMPRESSIONS IN OKLAHOMA Duncan resident and artist, Gay Faulkenberry, creates plein air paintings that capture the fleeting nuances of available light. FORTY YEARS OF COMMUNITY CURTAIN CALLS The Duncan Little Theatre has provided musicals, plays, dramas, dinner theater and children’s theatre to people across Southwest Oklahoma for more than 40 years. 34 TRAVEL GUIDE This year, take a drive to some surrounding towns and don’t be surprised if you feel a world away. 8 20 WOMEN YOU SHOULD KNOW Meet some dynamic women that are driven and have a passion for business in our community. 38 46 HEALTHCARE SPOTLIGHT Get to know some of the great medical professionals serving the Duncan community, why they love what they do, andwho they are out of their scrubs. 56 FROMTHE KITCHEN OF JANIS SKINNER One of Duncan’s favorite bakers shares some familymemories and recipes to inspire your own traditions in the kitchen. 60 KIDS CORNER This interactive section is perfect for kids and kids at heart! On the Cover Photo provided by | GAY FAULKENBERRY
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6 duncan lifestyles magazine Lindsey Kruger Client Relations Coordinator Peyton, Cole, Kase, L indsey and Ky ler Kruger Duncan LifestylesMagazine© is published semi-annually by HometownMedia Group hometownmedia.group 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED INTHE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. WRITERS Rebecca Sanchez Ellen Slater OPERATIONSMANAGER Ashly Caffee CREATIVE | DESIGN Susan Avery, Lead Robin Harrison, CG2 CLIENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR Lindsey Kruger content@hometown-living.com PUBLISHERS Matt&Heather Martin matt@hometown-living.com Casey & Trisha Perkins casey@hometown-living.com “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” - Isaiah 26:3 A Note From Our Team DIGITALMARKETING Tia Minzoni, VP of Digital Marketing ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Bobbie Fulks As we settle into 2022, I challenge you to be intentional with your outlook on day-to-day life. On the morning radio show I listen to, some wise advice on the subject was shared. They said often the one thing we can control or change in a situation is our attitude. Instead of “I HAVE to cook dinner” choose the outlook of “I GET to cook dinner for my family”. Don’t start your morning thinking “I HATE my job” as you hit snooze but choose “I am ABLE to go to work to provide for my family”. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have enjoyed putting it together. There are some great stories showcasing what makes Duncan a great place to live. We sat down with longtime Duncan resident and artist, Gay Faulkenberry, celebrate 40 years of Duncan Little Theatre, and meet prominent business leaders inWomen You Should Know who have no doubt embraced a positive ‘can do’ attitude. If you have an article idea you think would be a good fit for future issues, email me details at content@hometown-living.com. I am not a fan of the saying ‘Have a blessed day,’ they are all blessed if we choose to see God’s work in our lives! So instead, I’ll say, praying you choose to see the blessings in 2022! PHOTOGRAPHERS Debbie Duggar Visuals CJae Studios Freelancer Wanted! We are always in search for great local talent. If you would like to write or take pictures for any of our area markets please contact our office at 817.599.6167 or email us at content@hometown-living.com
8 duncan lifestyles magazine ike all beautiful places in the world, the Oklahoma landscape inspires artists to capture themoment. Some photograph and some sketch, but impressionist painters grab their pochade box and brushes to spend time on the scene. But not too much time. Impressionist painters, like Duncan’s Gay Faulkenberry, capture the subject and present light in a brief amount of time. AnativeOklahomanfromStillwater, Faulkenberry has deep roots and has made Duncan her home. On her grandmother’s side, she has Chickasaw history, and her father was a petroleum geologist. Oklahoma’s pastoral beauty, as well as small-town charm, inspire this artist of impressionist realism. What is impressionistic realism? Imagine catching sight of a jawdropping sunset with long, warm bands of rich pinks and purples, backlit with an orange glow. It’s fleeting, andyouwishyoucouldcall everyone and tell themto “Looknow!” But instead, you grab your brushes and paints and quickly record the colors in their moment of glory before they change. It’s an impression of a realistic scene. “En plein air,” French for “in the openair,” is the technique said tohave beenpioneeredbyBritishartist, John Constable.Workingwithquickbrushstrokes, seeminglymeredabsordasheswhenyou look closely, enables artists to capture an impression of the moment. Parisian artists popularized impressionism, and it escalatedwiththe inventionofpaint intransportable tubes. It was amarked change for the art world. Oklahoma Written by REBECCA SANCHEZ Photos by DEBBIE DUGGAR VISUALS and provided by GAY FAULKENBERRY Duncan resident and artist, Gay Faulkenberry, creates plein air paintings that capture the fleeting nuances of available light. Impressions in L BOTTOM RIGHT: “Early Spring on Travertine Creek” ChickasawNational Recreation Area, Sulphur, OK TOP RIGHT: Gay Faulkenberry painting in her studio
9 hometown living at its best Oklahoma’s pastoral beauty, AS WELL AS SMALL-TOWN CHARM, INSPIRE THIS ARTIST OF IMPRESSIONIST REALISM.
10 duncan lifestyles magazine Faulkenberry paints plein air as well as still-life floral arrangements and structural interiors. She appreciates the effects of light on her subject’s shape. When studying a setting, she observes the subject, and finds it fascinating how shades are created. Warm sunlight on a house, or the shadows cast from an overhanging tree set the brush inmotion. Her works feature tree groves, rocky waterfalls, old barns and country farmhouses, all with rich hues revealing the direction and temperature of available light as they affect change and create newcolors. “Thebeautyof painting ‘enpleinair’ is that youare ‘one-on-one’ with your subject,” explains Faulkenberry. “Direct observation is the key that makes on-location paintings appealing. The nuances that I see with my own eye, as compared toa camera, arewhat give thesepaintings the sense of being there or a timeandplace.” Shestudiedat SouthwesternandOklahomaStateuniversities, as well asunderRussianmaster painter, Sergei Bongart. Her experience alsocomes fromhaving traveled abroad and throughout the SouthwesternUnited States to paint. Trips toEurope, like amonthpainting in the countryoutsideof Paris, have been lastingmemories as well as workshops in Belgiumand Italy. Faulkenberry herself has taught workshops overseas, in the U.S. and in Duncan. Teaching others plein air and impressionism techniques involves coaching how to observe what one is looking at. Her students learn to paint an impression not realism, not to paint every detail, what to leave out and what to put in. Her students arrive with different levels of knowledge and skill, all with some experienceworkingwith light andcolor. She enlightens themwithawhole new approach, guiding them to view subjects as shapes rather than things, to refine them, to lose some edges, to experience different brush strokes and to use bold colors. Influences and inspiration for her work come from artists such as John Singer Sargent, Nicolai Fechinand JoaquinSorolla. Their techniquesmade their
11 hometown living at its best Faulkenberry herself has taught workshops overseas, IN THE U.S. AND IN DUNCAN. TEACHING OTHERS PLEIN AIR AND IMPRESSIONISM TECHNIQUES INVOLVES COACHING HOW TO OBSERVE WHAT ONE IS LOOKING AT. “High Country Ranch” Crested Butte, CO.
12 duncan lifestyles magazine way back to her studio to become absorbed into her own style. Her grandmother was alsoaninfluenceonhercuriosityandappreciationof structures.Together, theywalked among houses and barns that had been left abandoned by the owners. As passersby, she and her grandmother took time to contemplate and appreciate the settings. Duncan itself inspires Faulkenberry. She graduated fromhigh school inDuncan andhas returnedto live there three times.After livingontheGulfCoast,Arizona, Texas, Colorado andNewMexico, Duncanhas repeatedly called her back. “I continue to find beauty in the many interesting locations throughout Oklahoma,” she says. “We have such a variety of landscape here, everything from open spaces, rivers, rolling hills, lush forests andfields of wildflowers, just toname a few. It's all about howyou look at it through an artist’s eye. Beauty is there.” “Castlemutzio Afternoon” Tuscany, Italy.
13 hometown living at its best Look closely at the canvas of one of her paintings. The dabs and dashes seem exclusive to themselves. Like a photo mosaic made up of thousands of snapshots unrelated to the main image, the individual shades and brush strokes create a landscape otherwise unimaginable up close. It all comes together and leaves the viewer in awe. “As an artist, it's hard to know just how my art speaks to the viewer,” she says. “It can be different for each person. I'd like to think that it createspossiblyamoodor someemotionabout the subject. It could be the paint application, color or thesubject itself.Hopefully, thatholds theviewer's attention a litter longer. If I can feel the emotion when painting, then I hope that conveys to the viewer as well. I strive for my work to go beyond being justpaint oncanvas.”Whenpaintingenplein air, Faulkenberry knows she has about two and a half hours before the light changes onher subject. Shemaychoose tocompleteasmall sizedpainting, or she may return another day at the same time. At a certain point, she just knows it’s time to stop. The impression is complete. She and the subject decided how much detail to include and that the moment was captured. “WhenIfirststartedpaintingonlocationinthe Duncan area,” explains Faulkenberry, “alleyways and gardens were frequent favorites. They still may be! Throughout my career as an artist, Duncan has been an inspiring art community. Our town continues to grow with enthusiasm for all of the arts: visual, music and theater. I feel blessedtohavehadsomuchsupport over theyears in knowing that many of my paintings grace the walls in homes throughout Duncan. Over the 34 years as aprofessional artist, I have beenenriched with wonderful friendships, here and across the country.” Faulkenberry’s artistic presence can be seen in Duncan. She was selected for the Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame award and as an honoree for the Duncan Public Schools Hall of Fame. One of her works, “September Color: Taos Valley,” is on permanent display at Duncan’s Chisolm Trail Heritage Center in the Garis Gallery of the AmericanWest. † JUST HOW MY ART SPEAKS TO THE VIEWER,” SHE SAYS. “IT CAN BE DIFFERENT FOR EACH PERSON. I'D LIKE TO THINK THAT IT CREATES POSSIBLY A MOOD OR SOME EMOTION ABOUT THE SUBJECT.” “As an artist, it’s hard to know
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16 duncan lifestyles magazine GRAYCIE KAYE FARRIS photos provided by the farris family GRAYCIE KAY FARRIS, 9 YEARS OLD, 3RD GRADE PARENTS: MATT AND LACEY FARRIS HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PART OF THE PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY STEPHENS COUNTY 4-H? I have been enrolled in Stephens County 4-H as a Cloverbud for 3 years. I am so excited that I am now a 4-H Junior member which has opened the door for more participation. 4-H Spotlight WHAT ASPECTS OF THE CLUB DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART? I love to make things so I love to compete in every competition. My favorite thing to do is seeing how many exhibits I can get entered in the county fair because of the friendly sibling competition.
17 hometown living at its best WHAT OTHER GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? • I was crowned Duncan Noon L ions Club Rodeo Queen 2021 for the money raised to support the eyeglass program. It was a bit confusing in the pouring down rain, but from my determination, ticket sales, and generous donat ions f rom wi thin our county, I won the trai ler and at the same time provided assistance to someone in need of eyeglasses. I was so excited but soaking wet and cold! While representing this Queen title in the July 4th Marlow parade, I won 1st place for best horse. Compliments to Papa Kurt because it is his horse. • I was al so crowned the Stephens County F ree Fai r L i t t le Mi s s Queen 2021 where I represent this title throughout the year during the fair, livestock shows, parades, and other miscellaneous organizations. WHERE HAVE YOU COMPETED AND WHAT AWARDS HAVE YOU WON? As a Cloverbud, I have competed each year in the Pumpkin Decorating Contest, the Impressive Dres s Revue, Pos ter Contes t , Photography Contest, Cook-Off Competition, Pedal Tractor Pull Competition, and theCounty Fair exhibits. Among theparticipations awards received, I received the Sparkling Cloverbud Award. In the Pedal Tractor Pull competition, I won 1st place at the county level, then 2nd place at the State level. I was so excited to be a 4-H Junior member this year because I made dishes for 6 categor ies winning 1st along with an apron on my appetizer and 2nd place along with kitchen gadgets on my other dishes. HOW HAS BEING A PART OF 4H PROGRAMS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE/GOALS? Being a shy kid, 4-H has helped me to grow as an individual withconfidence. 4-Hcompetitions have put me in front of an audience which has given me courage and self-esteem. WHAT OTHER 4-H PROJECTS HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN? I participate in workshops held for the Cloverbuds throughout the year such as the craft workshops held by the Teen Leaders during the Cook-Off Contest. • I have been involved in the Future Kings and Queens Pageant Life where I have won the Best of Best Hai r Crown and the Over Al l Trophy in my age group. • I was the Cent ra l H i gh Car n i va l Queen Candidate in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021 for raising money to support my school . I was crowned Queen in 2019. • I love sports, I am on the Hot Shots soccer team and Central Broncos softball team and Central’s elementary school track. • I am also involved in activities and attend meetings with Comanche Homemakers as my mother and grandmother are involved members of the club. I have fun doing that because I like to help people. • I contr ibute food to the Bless ing Boxes in Stephens County.
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19 hometown living at its best WHO IS YOUR MENTOR? My parents who literally support me in everything I doand lovemeunconditionally. I amtrulyablessed kid tohave somanymentors inmy life that teachme things likecrafts, painting, cooking, sewing, planting flowers, farming, riding horses, roping, animal care, academics, soccer, softball, and water activities. My mentors mean the world to me. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE AND WHAT WILL YOU STUDY? I think I would like to own and operate a boutique like my mother and my aunt. Like most of you at any age, I really do not know what I want to be when I grow up! WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS? I love being outside on our farm just doing what farm kids do best. I love riding horses and taking careof our herdof cows andcalves that are likeour pets. My brother and I have a cat named Tootles. We also have a couple of chickens. Then, when I am inside, I love watching Disney movies, singing, dancing and playing with my younger brother.
20 duncan lifestyles magazine DUNCAN LIFESTYLES WOMEN YOU SHOULD KNOW 2022 “But by the grace of God I amwhat I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” - 1 Corinthians 15:10
21 hometown living at its best FRONTIER REAL ESTATE, LLC Alysa Fritts, Realtor Associate, GRI OUR DIFFERENCE As a small brokerage, I feel we have the luxury of creating personal connections with our clients. By the time we reach the closing table, our buyers and sellers aren’t just clients, but our friends. Creating real relationships is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job. OUR FUTURE The future is bright, and I look forward to continued growth and furthering my education in the ever-changing real estate business. I am so grateful for the immense amount of support and encouragement I’ve received from friends, family, and my clients. Without them, I would never have had the continued success of the last 7 years. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT I mentor through the One True Light program, serve on the Board of Directors for the Duncan Association of Realtors, and am a member of Eastside Church of Christ. I am a wife and mother of 5: Sydney, 19, Sheridan, 17, Ava, 16, Boston, 14, and Anna, 13. Most of our free time is dedicated to following our children’s sports and other school activities. MOTTO My personal motto is, “It’s never wrong to do right.” I carry that into my business practice. Integrity, character, and honesty are extremely important traits that I strive to live by. Especially in a small town, it’s very likely I will cross paths with past or present clients, and if I didn’t treat someone with care and honesty, they will remember. 1106 WOak Duncan Office 580.470.8869 Cell 580.606.3100 frontier-realestate.com
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23 hometown living at its best MOTTO Doing what you love is the foundation of having abundance in your life. MY BEGINNING Creativity feeds my soul. It always has since I was a young child. I have been fortunate to travel around the country & abroad to art events that has given me the opportunity to meet amazing artists and expand my own artistic skills. I wanted to share these experiences with others here in my own community. Opening the Foxhollow Studio provided the space to host guest artists and teach classes myself. This would have never happened without the encouragement & carpenter skills of my husband, Dave. He completely renovated the studio & apartment above for our guest. The studio is only open during class hours and hosts private parties. Call for more details. 580-467-7355. MY GOAL My objective for the studio was when you walk in the door, it’s a visual experience. I believe that extraordinary women pay attention to the details of their workspaces. The studio surrounds you with visually stimulating inspiration. If you have never been here, we hope you will visit. Nothing makes me happier than when someone says, “This is my happy place.” The walls are full of art made by talented artists from around the country, as well as myself. It’s a space that is not empty but filled with potential for the dreams that lie ahead. The mission of my work is to spark, engage and nourish creativity in our community. FOXHOLLOW STUDIO, OWNER 1102 West Oak Duncan 580.467.7355 foxhollowstudio.com Teresa Young HERITAGE/LEGACY I am a graduate of East Central University with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management & Marketing. I have been in the financial industry for over 30 years, with 27 of those years being with First Bank & Trust Co. where I currently serve as Vice President and Banking Center Manager. Being able to make a positive impact in the lives of my customers and community is what I love most about being a lender. OUR DIFFERENCE From the beginning in 1988, First Bank & Trust Co’s focus has been on providing great customer service. We have an outstanding reputation for service excellence and deep customer relationships. We continuously look for ways to enhance our products & services, making banking easy and more convenient in order to best serve our customers. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Giving back to the community is at the core of who we are and is encouraged by our Board and Senior Management team. Having management’s support has created a culture that celebrates giving back and empowers volunteers to be more active. We couldn’t be more proud to serve the communities where we live and work! Be sure to follow us on social media to see everything we’re doing! 923 W. Main Street Duncan 580.255.1810 fb247.com FIRST BANK & TRUST CO. Nichole Hammond
24 duncan lifestyles magazine OUR PEOPLE Dr. Kris Mullins, an Interventional Cardiologist, leads a team dedicated to every aspect of heart care – from education and prevention to advanced care procedures. Our entire cardiovascular team possesses the highest level of skill, strengthened by the expertise from years of experience. OUR SERVICES Our team uses non-surgical options, including catheters, to repair weak or damaged vessels, narrowed arteries, or other affected parts of the heart structure. Conditions treated include coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and peripheral vascular disease. ADDITIONAL SERVICES • Complete heart health evaluation • Diagnostic tests to detect abnormalities or artery blockage • Cardioversion • Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) • Electrocardiography (EKG) • Stress Tests, Holter Monitors, and Injectable Loop Recorders • Left and Right-sided Heart Pressure Studies • Reverse blockage through balloons and stents OUR MOTTO Our team treats everyone with the highest level of care and respect. They put their hearts into caring for yours. KRIS MULLINS, MD CARDIOLOGY PAVILION CLINIC 2115 Duncan Regional Loop Suite 301 Duncan 580.251.6806 Jessica Grant, Echo/Vascular Ultrasound Tech Kris Mullins, MD Sandy Coast, CRT, CPFT Shana Thompson, Echo/Vascular Ultrasound Tech
25 hometown living at its best MY BEGINNING Most people don’t know this, but my beginning started out as a teen mom/high school dropout. I have no fancy degrees to list. Just a girl who looked out the window of her bartending job and saw an “enrolling now” sign at the cosmetology school. A school that changed my life. I have worked hard and never gave up and achieved everything that I wanted. I think anyone can do it if you are willing to work hard and talk to God on a daily basis. MY PEOPLE I am married to my wonderful husband Ralph. And I am a mother to 3 girls. Olivia, Aaliyah, and Ambrielle. LEGACY I want people to look at me and know that anything is possible. I want to be an example to young girls and mothers struggling and wondering how they are going to make it. I want people to see me as an inspiration to go after whatever their heart desires. INSPIRATION “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11 24 K SALON AND LASH STUDIO 73 South Highway 81 Suite 100 Duncan 580.606.6120 facebook.com/24ksalonduncanok Bree Lepien
26 duncan lifestyles magazine SPECIALITY Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Melissa Busse, better known as “Mimi.” Visionary and progressive thinking is a strength I provide to further improve the economic and commercial growth of our community and to my clients. I have proven to maintain a keen sense of quickly assessing a commercial property and the future transformation it may possess. MOTTO Always be prepared! Being prepared and willing to accept change and challenges, in addition to taking calculated business risks, is fundamental to success. APPROACH TO CUSTOMER SERVICE/BUSINESS I truly believe my commitment to excellence and a strong work ethic is my approach to customer service. This passionate approach to my business in the commercial real estate industry has proven to set me above and apart from my competition. OUTSIDE THE OFFICE I am born into a military family, married to Ryan Busse, and I am bilingual in Korean and English. It has been my experience in the past from renovating and building childcare facilities from the ground up, therefore giving me a true love for children and their development, and I also serve on several state committees with the Oklahoma Child Care Association. In my spare time, I enjoy decorating cakes for special occasions and my favorite vacation spot is Hawaii. INSIGHT COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE, LLC 622 SW D Avenue, Lawton 580.353.6100 insightbrokers.com Melissa Busse ALLSTATE INSURANCE Cortney Powers HERITAGE/LEGACY My Grandfather, Jay Smith, was an Independent Insurance Agent in Walters. OUR BEGINNING I have been in Insurance since 2004 and took over the Allstate Agency in 2020. OUR DIFFERENCE We put our customers first and work hard to find the best options at the right price. Our agency is here to make insurance easy. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT I have been a member of the Junior League of Lawton since 2016. FREE ADVICE The highest cost of insurance is procrastination. Make sure to be insured with the right coverage before it’s too late. 1002 W Chestnut Avenue Duncan 580.470.9108
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28 duncan lifestyles magazine HABITS of 10 I M P L E M E N T T H E S E TO BE A 10 IN YOUR PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL LIFE! TIPS Written by REBECCA RISTER She sets goals and sticks to them Successfulwomen set goals. Theynot onlyhave long termplansBUT, theyalsomakeweeklyand daily lists of what needs to be accomplished. They manage their calendars and plan for quarterly meetings and schedules “check-ins” to keep her teamon track. While we have all become accustomed to using our phone tasks and calendar apps, do not overlook the piles of research that proves writing a to-do list and checking/crossing items off once they are completed releases endorphins. Having a long term plan is important, but it is the things you accomplish day in and day out that will get you to your end goal. • Set Weekly Goals (to aid in achieving your long-termgoals). • Have a to-do list for each day. 1 2 TOP She chooses carefully who she invites to her circle Every successful business person will agree, who you surround yourself with is who you will become. • Evaluate the 4 people you spend the most time with. Do they encourage and help spur you on to be a better you? • Surround yourself with like-minded people who have similar goals.
29 hometown living at its best 3 She is a morning person Waking up before anyone else in your household will change your life! • Start with prayer and a devotional reading. • Meditate (readMiracleMornings for more tips on how tomake the most of this newfound time each day). Quiet your mind to enhance your focus throughout the day. There is a reason God tells us to “Be Still {and know that I amGod}.” She isn’t easily flustered Know that God is guiding you, your day, and your path. Focus on the tasks and events of the day, while beingmindful that we are not in control and having the grace andmental strength to handle changes or obstacles as they come. • Prioritizing important and urgent tasks is amust in business. • Use your morning hours to tackle the biggest andmost important tasks instead of procrastinating. • If she makes amistake – she owns it and asks for forgiveness when needed. 4
5She manages her time wisely She reads! Always learning is a vital attribute of impactful leaders. The more we read, the more we know and are able to grow in leadership. • Many groups advocate for reading 10 pages a day. Being mentally strong is IMPORTANT. 6 We are all given the same 24 hours in day, make the most of it by taking charge of your time. • Do not allow your email inbox to determine what youwill do each day. Take control and prioritize your time. • Set a timer tomake the most of your day. On open ended tasks, such as emails, only allow yourself an allotted amount of time and thenmove on to your next task. • Utilize your calendar to block of parts of your day to accomplishmandatory tasks and don’t cheat. • When you are in a task BE PRESENT. Whenwork is done BE PRESENT – get off your phone andmake eye contact with your kids and spouse tomake the most of the time you’re together. • Learn to say no and delegate tasks to team members. Leaders are not micromanagers. They are teambuilders. 30 amarillo living magazine
The more you focus on the things you have and appreciate your blessings, the more youwill find in yourself and others!” • Gratitude Journal: If you are not a naturally positive person try writing down everything you are grateful for each day for a week. It will change your mindset! • Write thank you notes (not just for gifts), but to teammembers for things you notice and appreciate. • Acknowledge others publicly. Give recognition. As Harry Truman famously said, “Its amazing what can be accomplished when you do not care who gets the credit.” • Encourage others tomeet their goals as well. Be supportive. 7She is thankful and kind 8 When you’re a businesswoman, it is easy to feel you do not have the time to carve out 45 minutes for yourself, BUT those who are most productive ensure theyworkout eachmorning (or over thenoonhour to break up the day). • Your healthmatters – it’s not just about looking your best, but it really is about your mental toughness and feeling your best! • Check out various podcastswhile youwork out tomake themost of your time! She makes exercise a priority 31 hometown living at its best
32 duncan lifestyles magazine 9 10 She has a budget She speaks LIFE and POSITIVITY Be it professional or personal life, we all need to stay onbudget to ensure a stress-free lifestyle. If you cannot afford it – you probably do not need it. So set down – use a google sheet or your quickbooks app – andmake a budget! • Living outside of your means only invites stress into your life. • If youwant to redecorate for example, sell the unwanted furniture items you have to help cut the cost of the new pieces. Get practical andmake a way for what youwant. Instead of venting continuously, try speaking positivity and God’sword over problems.When you speak life before you see it, itwill follow. Plus youwill become thekindofwomanothers want to be around. • Listen more than you speak (we have 2 ears and one mouth as the saying goes). • People remember how you made them feel more than every word you said – somake others feel GREAT! † EPHESIANS 4:29 amarillo ving mag zine
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34 duncan lifestyles magazine { { travel guide “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” - OscarWilde
35 hometown living at its best { { travel guide www.VisitLawtonOK.com Learn more at:
36 duncan lifestyles magazine midl d living magazine { { travel guide
37 hometown living at its best { { travel guide
38 duncan lifestyles magazine 40 Years COMMUNITY CURTAIN CALLS Written By ELLEN SLATER / Photos by DEBBIE DUGGAR of
39 hometown living at its best DuncanLittleTheatre (DLT) is anon-profit organizationcomprisedof hundredsof volunteers - adults andchildren alike - who have been entertaining Duncan residents for more than 40 years. DLT began in the 1950's as an extension of the American Association of University Women and performed plays for Duncan area residents. After several years of inactivity, in the early 1980's, a group of area residents with an interest in theatre decided to incorporate and the Duncan Little Theatre was born. "In 1981, DLT officially became a non-profit organization," said Duncan Little Theatre Board President, Jason Ebenhack. "We've continually put on shows since that time." DLT is housed at 824MainStreet - it's here thatmembers rehearse, build sets and design and store costumes. Plays, musicals as well as Children's and Dinner Theater productions are performed at various venues across the city, such as The Simmons Center, The Palace Theater and theMarlowOpera House. According to Ebenhack, DLT is made up entirely of volunteers from the community. "In the course of a year, we have between 300-400 adults involvedwith the theatre in one capacity or another - as actors, set designers, set builders, membership chairmen, costume designers, set dressers, sounds and light technicians, stage managers, vocal directors and choreographers." The Duncan Little Theatre has provided musicals, plays, dramas, dinner theater and children's theatre to people across Southwest Oklahoma for more than 40 years.
40 duncan lifestyles magazine Ebenhack first became involved in DLT as a set builder many years ago. "My daughter, Macy, was in fourthgrade andwas playingMarta, in the SoundofMusic," he remembers. "Itwas a lot of fun tobe a part of the musical as a set builder and seeing my daughter on stage was magical." It didn't take long for the rest of the family to become involved. Wife Lindsey helps behind the scenes and both daughters, Macy who is now17 andMcKenzie, 14, sing, dance and act. Noahwho is 11, builds setswithhisDad. Three years ago, Ebenhack decided to serve on the Board of Directors. "2021 wasmy first year as Board President," he said. "And I truly enjoyed it." Children's Theater plays a huge role in DLT. Each year, DLT hosts a summer day camp attended by about 40 students and eight volunteer adults. At the end of the camp, the children put on an entire production on their own. "Apart froman adult producer and director, the kids do everything else on their own," said Ebenhack."From building sets, to acting, to audio and lighting, and choreography - it's their production. Thispast summer, thedaycamp's focuswas scriptwriting, so thechildrenactuallywrote their ownplay." Teenagersparticipate inCampTeenTheatreandyoungerkids inCurtainCall. Additionally, each Children's Theater plays a huge role in DLT. Each year, DLT hosts a summer day camp attended by about 40 students and eight volunteer adults. At the end of the camp, the children put on an entire production on their own. 40YEARS COMMUNITY CURTAIN CALLS
41 hometown living at its best year, the organization hosts one children's theater production - this year's musical was Frozen. During the school year, children's theatremembersalsohost aproductioncalled Children's Theater Experience which they perform for area elementary school children. "They put together a kid-friendly show and again, are in charge of almost all aspects of it. For many years they traveled the show around to various elementary schools in StephensCounty," saidEbenhack. "This school yearwedecidedour studentsweremissing too much school, sowe invited schools fromboth
42 duncan lifestyles magazine Stephens and Jefferson Counties to come to Duncan High School for the production. We actually had the best attendance ever- we reached several elementary schools that hadn't been able to attend in the past." Ebenhack says he believes the organization has helped foster the arts in Duncan and the surrounding areas through various programs. Each year, the group awards acollege scholarship toa studentwhohasbeen involved inDLT. This year's recipient isCadenSpurgin. "These young people who've grown up in DLT are now going off to college, and it's nice to be able tohelp them in their educational pursuits, " saidEbenhack. Another such program is The Duncan Arts Hall of Fame and OvationAwards.Theseawardshonor thosewhodonate to the arts throughmoney, time and talent. This year's recipients are Lois Wilson and posthumously, Rodna Cherry. "It's important thatwehonor thepeoplewho've given their time and energy to advance the cause of DLT - we're an all- volunteer organization and it takes thousandsofvolunteerhours toputonourproductions each year," said Ebenhack. "These honorees were chosen because of their dedication and commitment. It's because of volunteers such as Lois and Rodna that we've been able to bring the arts to the people of Southwest Oklahoma andput onproductions every45 days, year -round for the last 40 years." For more information on DLT contact them at 580-252-8331 † DUNCAN LITTLE THEATRE'S 2022 LINEUP Feb. 25th 26th and March 4th 5th Seussical May 6th 7th Shakespeare in the Park June Raise the Roof Variety Show Sept. 16th 17th 23rd 24th Dessert Theatre Nov. 10th- 12th Clue December Home for the Holidays 40YEARS COMMUNITY CURTAIN CALLS
43 hometown living at its best Ebenhack says he believes the organization has helped foster the arts in Duncan and the surrounding areas through various programs.
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45 hometown living at its best DunCANTogether w w w . O K- D u n c a n . c o m
46 duncan lifestyles magazine The field of healthcare is a calling. Serving others wholeheartedly when they are not at their best takes a special kind of person. We wanted to get to know some of the many great healthcare professionals serving the Duncan community, why they love what they do, and who they are out of their scrubs. HEALTHCARE SPOTLIGHT Hometown A MEMORY THAT MADE AN IMPACT, ENCOURAGED ME, AFFIRMED MY CALLING Seeing COVID-19 patients recover and finally go home after months of being in the hospital affirmed that I am where I need to be. MY DUNCAN ROOTS This area has been home to my family for generations. I graduated from Bray-Doyle High School and received my health careers certifications from Red River Technology Center. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT I am a very active member of Hope Community Church. My family and I have helped maintain the church and cemetery grounds for as long as I can remember. WHEN I AM NOT WORKING, YOU WILL FIND ME Riding horses, going to barrel races and rodeos - my true passion ADDITIONAL COMMENTS I am happy to have the chance to serve people in our community through Duncan Regional Hospital. TRISTEN SPIVEY | LABORATORY
47 hometown living at its best K N OW L E D G E A B L E SKILLEDHONESTFOCUSED A MEMORY THAT MADE AN IMPACT, ENCOURAGED ME, AFFIRMED MY CALLING I remember so many of the people I have cared for and their impact on my life. One memory that stands out was when I went to admit a patient who was being cared for by her daughter. When the daughter answered the door and I introduced myself, I could see the weight of the world fall off her shoulders. She was so thankful to have a team of people to help her get through. WHY I CHOSE MY SPECIFIC FIELD In hospice, we help people have some quality of life and keep them comfortable in the last part of their life’s journey. We can’t change what people will go through, but my team and I can help make it a much better experience and less scary. I am passionate about doing everything I can to make our patients and their family’s hospice experience the best it can be, so they have good memories when the family looks back at that time in their life. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT I have lived in Duncan for two years and enjoy attending events in our community, being a part of the Chisholm Trail Arts Counsel with my husband and supporting where I can. I am glad we made Duncan our home because it is a close, loving community of people. PERSONAL INFO I have been married to my husband, Don, for three years. I have a son, Greg (wife Julie), daughter, Bridget (husband Shawn), and four beautiful grandkids, Jackson, Rylee, Austin, and Luke. WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, YOU’LL FIND ME Attending community events, traveling, hanging out with my grandkids, gardening, or riding my motorcycle with my husband around the state VICKI CASE | RN, BSN, HOSPICE SUPERVISOR
48 duncan lifestyles magazine APRIL ADAMS | RN, CLINICAL SUPERVISOR, BIRTH CENTER A MEMORY THAT MADE AN IMPACT, ENCOURAGED ME, AFFIRMED MY CALLING I don’t know of one memory or moment that affirmed my calling because it truly is a calling, and it happens repeatedly. I am here to tell you that women are special people – every one of them has touched my life in some way. Empowering women is my soul work. Watching these lives change as I am there in those moments with them, providing care, giving them all I have at each turn, providing education and resources to the staff so that we, in small rural Duncan, Oklahoma, can offer the best modern care to our community. That is my affirmation and my calling, and every time this happens, I am encouraged. WHY I CHOSE MY SPECIFIC FIELD I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a teenager. During my first years of college, I was blessed to witness the miracle of life through my aunt. I was so amazed by it and the joy in those moments, I knew I had to become a nurse and help deliver babies. I love patient care and being a leader in the Birth Center has allowed me to be a part of change in providing the most up-to-date, evidence-based care. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT I love helping others and I find myself involved with the school and community where my family lives. I am a Beautiful Day Liaison and serve on several committees at Central High including the Health and Wellness Committee, the Facilities Planning Committee, and the Walking Trail committee. PERSONAL INFO I have been married to my best friend of 18 years; we have four daughters between us. Only one is at home nowadays, and she keeps me running. You can find me cooking, being outdoors, or participating in whatever activity happens to be my kids’ choice for the season. On occasion, I get to read a book and that makes my heart happy too. CONFIDENT E M P A T H E T I C RESPECTFUL
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50 duncan lifestyles magazine hisholm Trail Arts Council’s annual Holiday Art Show and Sale took place November 18 through December 16. A reception was held opening night of the exhibit where awards were given. 45 Artists entered up to five pieces of art in three categories, including fine art in painting or drawing, photography, and three dimensional. Edna McMillan, Professor at Cameron University in Lawton, served as this year’s judge and awarded the following: hometown | happenings Chisholm Trail Arts Council fourth annual Holiday Art Show [Photos by DEBBIE DUGGAR VISUALS] Best of Show, Linda Kukuk Fine Arts, First - Christen Humphries Fine Arts, Second - Clay Cole Fine Arts, Third - Alyssa Cox Fine Arts, Honorable Mention - Pat Lassiter 3D, First - Susan Metcalf 3D, Second - Jesse Baggett 3D, Third - Jolene Loyd Forbes 3D, Honorable Mention - Joel Parks Photography, First - Alan Ball
51 hometown living at its best Photography, Second - Sbrina Donaldson Photography, Third - Tammy Johnson Photography, Honorable Mention - Debbie Duggar
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56 duncan lifestyles magazine FROM THE KITCHEN OF Family baking traditions can be so much fun. Traditions and recipes that go back several generations are reminders of dear family members and the sweet memories and celebrations we cherished with them. My mom and grandma were amazing cooks and passed down their love of cooking and baking. Many of our family favorites came from them. My mother-in-law continues to cook daily and still gets together with her daughters every Christmas to do lots of holiday baking. She even created a handmade cookbook for each of her daughters (and daughter-in-law) that I regularly use, which was a labor of love for sure. One of my favorite memories is from years ago when I was newly married. My mother sat us down and prepared a turkey and dressing and allowed us to watch. She talked us through the entire process, explaining how to do each step. I still have the notes that I took that day. Now, my daughter cooks the turkey each year – basically the same way her grandma did. Many of the recipes at Special Days Cake Boutique come from these women as they have been passed down to me, then the grandkids, and now even to the great grands. It is always fun to see how some of the recipes have evolved as the next generation of bakers apply their own unique, creative ideas and have altered or put their own spin on a dish. Sometimes that same old recipe becomes a new and improved version, a little bit of the past mixed with a touch of contemporary flair. My girls are amazing cooks. (My sons are pretty good at it too!) They will tackle just about anything. Now that they are all older with their own families, our get-togethers can be quite entertaining. They each have their own specialties. There might also be a little bit of competitiveness – but you didn’t hear that from me! Needless to say, we enjoy the creativity and the talents they share. So, don’t be afraid to cook with your family this year. Does it always have to be perfect? No! I was banned from making Spanish rice for our Mexican fiesta meals years ago. (It’s a long story, feel free to ask one of my kids!) Once, my daughter did a beautiful apple pie and forgot the sugar. One of my daughters made meatloaf that made her husband’s eyes water, and the latest kerfuffle was when my grandson made brownies with lemon extract instead of vanilla (would not recommend). Sometimes, even the dismal failures have also made for really good memories to revisit and joke about for years. Cooking with your family can be a joy. Even simple, quick dishes and desserts can be fun to do together and allow for more special memories that will also be cherished. Try it! You just might like it! Janice shared with us some of her favorite recipes for a family dinner. JANICE SKINNER
INGREDIENTS: • 2½cups lukewarmwater • 2 pkg dry yeast • 2 TBS sugar • 1 TBS salt • 5 - 5½cups flour DIRECTIONS: 1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in lukewarmwater. 2. Add sugar and salt, stir well. 3. Add flour and stir as stiff as possible with a spoon. 4. Cover and let rise double in size. 5. Pour out on a well-floured board and knock dough down and cut in two. Roll out to½ in thick. 6. Roll up (like a cinnamon roll) brushing off excess flour and roll ends between palms to seal ends andmake into a point. Slash 3 times with a knife on top. Let Rise. 7. Bake at 375 degrees for 35min. FRENCHBREAD 57 hometown living at its best
58 duncan lifestyles magazine INGREDIENTS: • 2-3 lbs of round steak, thin cut or regular • 1 can Tomato Soup & 2 cans of water • 2 cans Creamof Chicken Soup & 4 cans of water SHIRLEY’S SWISS STEAK • 1 onion, chopped • 2 cups flour • Salt, Pepper &Garlic Salt • Oil DIRECTIONS: 1. Trim fat frommeat. Pound both sides withmeat mallet. 2. Pour flour in bowl and add salt, pepper & garlic salt. Mix together, sprinkle some of the flour mixture on one side of meat. Pound flour mixture intomeat, turn over and do the same thing on the other side. 3. Cut meat into serving size or strips. Brown themeat on both sides in a hot skillet with oil. 4. Put meat into a roaster pan, add chopped onion, soups, andwater. 5. Pour remaining flour inmed/hot skillet and stir tomake a paste. Add enoughwater tomake a thin gravy. Addmore salt, pepper, and garlic salt. 6. Pour gravy into roaster pan and cover with the lid. 7. Bake at 325 for about 3 hours until meat is tender. Check every hour to see if you needmore water, taste to see if you needmore seasoning. 8. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup flour • ¾ cup rolled oats • 1 cup brown sugar • 1 tsp cinnamon • ½ cup butter DIRECTIONS: 1. In amixing bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press half of mixture into a greased 9-inch square baking dish. Cover with apples. 2. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, water and vanilla. Cook and stir until thick and clear. Pour over apples. Sprinkle with remaining crumbmixture. 3. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until the apples are tender. Serve warm, with ice cream if desired. • 4 cups chopped, peeled apples • 1 cup sugar • 2 TBS cornstarch • 1 cup water • 1 tsp vanilla • Vanilla ice cream (optional) APPLE CRISP 59 hometown living at its best
P L C H E L M E T F B N E T W E B E L T E R C R N I F Q W A A Q X U J G X T R U T H Z T F C Z B B R E A S T P L A T E A E O H O H O A N U L T C D D I S W O R D G L U S C H L I L T S A D K E E O K F N T X G K H U M I P N A J U M B H C Z J U S H I E L D B G F V C U J O F I P X K Y S O F J S H O E S A C T K L C E I X H J H A H H P X C M R H T M X W B U X W U L O V R W U O U S P I R I T I P R I G H T E O U S N E S S U O D V K Z S A L V A T I O N F B TRUTH FAITH PEACE BELT SHIELD SHOES RIGHTEOUSNESS SALVATION SPIRIT BREASTPLATE HELMET SWORD Think about how much better our lives would be if we woke up every day and put on the armor that God has given us to protect ourselves from evil. 60 duncan lifestyles magazine
so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ( Ephesians 6:10-18 ) Draw a photo of yourself wearing the armor of God! 61 hometown living at its best
Take up the shield of FAITH with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16 62 duncan lifestyles magazine
Make your own Shield of Faith to remind you in all circumstances you can deflect flaming arrows of doubt, worry, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and distraction. SUPPLIES: Cardboard Aluminum Foil Scissors Paint Paint Brush INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Use scissors to cut out a shield from cardboard and a long strip for your handle 2. Wrap the cardboard with aluminum foil. 3. Use duct tape to tape the handle on the back leaving room for your arm to slide through. 4. Paint the aluminum foil. Set aside to dry. 5. Guard yourself with your shield of faith and have a nerf gun battle! 63 hometown living at its best
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