1 hometown living at its best
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 400025 1346 NW Homestead Dr. Lawton, OK 73505 3908 NW Elm Ave. #103 Lawton, OK 73505 All loans subject to program guidelines and final underwriting approval. †Proof of a medical license is required. Eligible doctors are those that have had their medical license for 10 years or less. Additional requirements apply. First United Bank (NMLS #400025) is a licensed lender in Oklahoma and Texas. This is not an offer for extension of credit or commitment to lend. Not all applicants qualify. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. The content in this advertisement is for informational purposes only. Please consult your mortgage loan consultant for further information. Copyright © 2022 First United Bank. All Rights Reserved. Great mortgages are just the beginning. Conventional Government (FHA, USDA, VA) Construction & Renovation Jumbo & Super Jumbo Doctor † Refinance Donna McGuirk Mortgage Loan Consultant NMLS# 474178 210-705-4290 dmcguirk.firstunitedteam.com Wendy Rodgers Mortgage Loan Consultant NMLS# 20990 580-695-1209 wrodgers.firstunitedteam.com Gail Strickland Mortgage Loan Consultant NMLS# 233674 580-695-2175 gstrickland.firstunitedteam.com Lindsey Strickland Mortgage Loan Consultant NMLS# 1439086 580-695-2301 lstrickland.firstunitedteam.com
3 hometown living at its best
4 lawton living magazine 12 SERVING OTHERS Katrina Battle, Lawton native, is using her many talents to make our community a better place. 22 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Bourbon and Bowties 28 RIDING WITH A MISSION Whether it’s a welcome home motorcade for troops returning from deployment or a reverent final procession, Billy Hope & the Patriot Guard Riders support fallen soldiers, first responders and honorably discharged military veterans. Contents 22 38 44 On the Cover Photo by Nikki Whitaker 38 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Lawton Arts International Festival 44 A HEART FOR KIDS The Art Workshop at the Lawton Fort Sill Art Council brings art to children of all ages on the first Saturday of the month. 52 LAWTON LEADERSHIP Congratulations to two of Lawton’s own who received the NextGen Under 30 award.
5 hometown living at its best
6 lawton living magazine 56 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Southwest Oklahoma Women’s Business Summit 58 TRAVEL GUIDE Pack a bag, hop in the car and drive to some nearby cities to experience what they have to offer. 62 PAINTING REAL LIFE Robert Peterson’s unique talent is evident in the oil paintings that attach living, breathing individuals to the canvas. 70 LAWTON LIMELIGHT Chance Harmon has served as Managing Director of Lawton Community Theatre since 2019. His passion for entertaining others has inspired his work for the past 35 years. 76 HOMETOWN COOKIN’ Enjoy a homemade mug of mulled cider while reading Lawton Living Magazine. 78 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Denim and Diamonds Gala 80 TIPS FOR TALKING TO YOUR TEEN Forging a strong relationship between caregiver and child is a proven way to empower children and teens to make smart choices. 82 AN HEIRLOOM Five generations have cherished and worn an amazing handmade Christening gown. Contents 62 78 70
7 hometown living at its best
8 lawton living magazine
H I L L I A R Y . COM ( 5 8 0 ) 5 2 9 - 5 0 0 0 Always Innovating because every communitymatters 9 hometown living at its best
10 lawton living magazine Lawton Living Magazine© is published bi-annually by HometownMedia Group, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE 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. ON THE COVER Pictured Katrina Battle Photo by Nikki Whitaker Matt &Heather Martin Executive Publishers Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ~ Colosians 3:23 Casey Perkins Executive Publisher Lindsey Kruger Marketing & Client Relations content@hometown-living.com Susan Avery Lead Creative Design Tammy Smith Sales Accounts Receivable WRITERS Cindy Kahler Thomas Rebecca Sanchez Ellen Slater Rebecca Rister Kayla Durham Sales Account Executive kayla@hometownmedia.group T The holidays are creeping in and I, for one, could not be more ready. I absolutely love this time of year! The air is crisp, the leaves are turning their brilliant colors, Pumpkin Spice everything, cozy sweaters, and comfort food. While this is an exceptionally busy time of year, my favorite part of the holiday season is carrying on with the old and making new family traditions with my husband, Troy, and our two exceptional boys, Logan and Brodey. I look forward to a season of togetherness and making beautiful memories. As an Account Executive, I enjoy meeting and working with business owners and community leaders that share my passion for our great city. I always look forward to reading the incredible stories of the people that make this community a truly special place to live. This holiday shopping season, I encourage you to support our neighbors, our friends, and our community by shopping, dining, and entertaining locally. Lastly, Lawton Living Magazine wouldn’t be what is without the incredible community support. We sincerely thank our loyal readers and I encourage you to support the advertisers that make this beautiful publication possible. Wishing you an abundance of blessings! Kayla Durham Sales Account Executive Hello Lawtonians! photo by Jessica Rachel Photography Debbie Duggar Debbie Duggar Visuals Glen Archer Glen Archer Photography
@PamandBarrysTeam pamandbarrysteam 3908 NW Elm Ave., Suite 200 Lawton, OK 73505 Call us to SELL YOUR HOME FAST & FOR TOP DOLLAR! PAMandBARRY.com If your home is currently listed, this is not an attempt to secure a listing. Each office is independently owned and operated. 580.248.8800 FREE & INSTANT HOME VALUE 2002 - 2022 We’re not bragging; We’re thanking Lawton fort sill for 20 years!
12 lawton living magazine
13 hometown living at its best WRITTEN BY ELLEN SLATER | PHOTOS BY NIKKI WHITAKER & PROVIDED BY KATRINA BATTLE Katrina Battle grew up in Lawton and has a passion for helping others both at work and during her free time. K Katrina Battle was first introduced to the Junior League of Lawton in 2017 by a former co-worker who was a member. "I was excited to be around a group of women who were passionate about community service," Katrina recalls. The Junior League of Lawton is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Their five impact areas are ending gender-based violence, improving health outcomes and disparities, eradicating poverty and food insecurity, closing the gender gap and advancing childhood education. erving SOTHERS
14 lawton living magazine After learning about the various charities JuniorLeaguesupports,shedecidedtovolunteer at Parker Pointe Group Home. Parker Pointe serves girls ages 13-17who have beenplaced in theOklahomaDepartment ofHumanServices custody. The group home houses 16 girls who participate in school, counseling, recreational activities and also learn independent living skills. Katrina thought her background in law enforcement, where she works one-on-one with people each day, made her a good fit to volunteer at the group home. “It's very interesting to hear these girls' stories because each story is unique," said Katrina. "Some of the girls still go to public school, and others attend school on site. The teenage years are difficult years, and I really appreciate the opportunity to spend time with these girls and hopefully make a difference in their lives." Atypical visit to thegrouphome is centered around some type of activity —during the schoolyearKatrinavolunteersontheweekends. Activities can be as simple as playing board games. However, during the summer months visits often include some type of field trip — such as swimming, bowling, the arcades and even painting at Lawton's 'Pigment of Your Imagination.' "We recently spent the day making fleece pillows and blankets which was a lot of fun," said Katrina. However, Katrina said her favorite aspect of volunteering at Parker Pointe is connecting one-on-one with the girls. "I enjoy listening to the girls' different stories, being able to offer feedback and to help them with what they're going through," she said. Caroline Fox, Junior League of Lawton’s president, could not praise Katrina enough. “She is patient and kind with the girls, but offers them real world perspective and proactive feedback. She is truly incredible.”
15 hometown living at its best
16 lawton living magazine Whenaskedwhatshelovesaboutliving in Lawton, Katrina quickly responded, "First of all, it's the close family ties I have here and also my friends. I enjoy my work and the community service that I do here. I was born and raised in Lawton, and it will always be my home." Her parents LeonardandTeressawerebothintheArmy. Leonard retired as a Sargant Major from Fort Sill and the Battle family decided to remaininLawton. TheentireBattle family has a calling to serve others. Katrina has five siblings and four of them serve in the military representing the Navy, Air Force and Army. Katrina followed close to their example, choosing a career in law enforcement. WhennotvolunteeringthroughJunior Leagueof Lawtonorworkingher full-time job in law enforcement, Katrina runs a successful small business. It was during her first year of college while working at a coffee shop, that Katrina realized she had a passion for making and drinking
freshly brewed coffee. "I worked 10 years in an office setting, and I made my own coffee at home because I couldn't find a good cup of coffee anywhere, " she said. "I decided to create my own blends. I would taste test coffees from around the world and tweak them to create my own brews." In 2020, she decided to combine her passion for coffee and serving others into a business and 'The Perfect Brew' was launched. Since then, she has been selling her blends online, aswell as every Saturday at the Lawton Farmer's Market. "The Perfect Brew is doing great," saidKatrina. Each Saturday themarket hosts 30 local vendors and also offers adult educational classes in cooking and gardening to name a few. "I enjoy being at the Farmer's Market and having the opportunity to meet new people each week," she said. It isevidentKatrinahasapassionforserving others bothatwork and through Junior League platforms. The Lawton community is blessed by her intentional use of time and talents. If you are interested in learning more about joining or supporting Junior League of Lawton, visit their website, jllawton.org. † Meet theWriter Ellen Slater is a free-lance writer who lives in Flower Mound, Texas. Ellen has worked as a newspaper reporter andmagazine writer since graduating fromThe University of Texas at Austin in 1984. She is a retired school teacher. Ellen and her husband have three children and four grandhildren. When not busywriting or tutoring elementary-aged students, she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
18 lawton living magazine
19 hometown living at its best
20 lawton living magazine
DISCOVER YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE TODAY 580-355-1213 21 hometown living at its best
HOMETOWN Happenings The Young Professionals of Lawton hosted theirthirdannualBowties&Bourbonfundraising event on Saturday, May 7th, 2022, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lawton. The annual fundraiser is an opportunity for members and residents alike to dress up in their favorite garden soiree attire and experience the Kentucky Derby. Each year, the event is hosted to raise funds in support of Young Professionals of Lawton programming, activities, and resources for professional development. Withmore than 100 attendees, the event was packedwith activities ranging from complimentary Bourbon tasting sponsored by Vincent Saylor State Farm and Cache Road Liquor andWine, a Bowties and Big Hat Contest, Boozy Spin-The-Bottle and more — all while live streaming the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Triple Crown Sponsors included Lawton Classic Chevy, Brandinc PR, Coast Technology Group and Lawton Marketing Group. For upcoming events and activities with the Young Professionals, please visit www.yplawton.org. BOURBON FUNDRAISING EVENT and Bowties Summer Hurleyjacks, Board Member of Young Professionals of Lawton/Jim Taliaferro Community Mental Health Center and Curtis Awbrey of Southwest Ledger Patricia ,Vincent Saylor State Farm Cache Road Liquor & Wine, Frank Myers and Hilary Palmason Patricia Williams of Vincent Saylor State Farm and Demarious Littles
Frank Myers, Vice-Chair of Young Professionals of Lawton/Summit Utilities and guests Tara Deavours, 2019-2020 Board Chair, Young Professionals of Lawton/BancFirst and guests Dr.SamanthaLankfordofCETESandSBA.and TaraDeavours,2019-2020BoardChair,YoungProfessionalsof Lawton/BancFirst
24 lawton living magazine
25 hometown living at its best
26 lawton living magazine
27 hometown living at its best
WRITTEN BY REBECCA SANCHEZ PHOTOS BY PGR MEMBERS BILLY HOPE, SUSIE HOPE, AND SIGGI SLONIKER WITH A MISSION Riding Whether it’s a welcome home motorcade for troops returning from deployment or a solemn and reverent final procession, Billy Hope and his fellow PGRmembers are full of support for fallen soldiers, first responders, honorably discharged military veterans and the families who love them. 28 lawton living magazine
LLawton native Billy Hope is part of something grand and intangible. As a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, he helps give grieving families of fallen soldiers something that you can’t put your hands on but that touches the heart. Comfort. Billy, accompanied by his wife Susie, helps provide support when people often need it most by simply being there during a difficult time. Military service members and first responders sometimes lose their lives in the line of duty. The PGR are often called upon to attend the funerals of those fallen heroes as well as honorably discharged veterans who have served in the past and escort them to their final resting place. A serendipitous encounter led Billy to become amember. Moved by the respectful and humble presence of the PGR during his own family member’s funeral reception, he struck up a conversation. “I found out you didn’t have to be a veteran,” Billy says. “You didn’t even have to ride a motorcycle. The main prerequisite for being a Guard member was a desire to show respect for our service people and first responders. The more I got to talking to them, the more interested I became.” He knew he wanted to join. “I Said to Susie, ‘We like riding our motorcycle. Let’s do something good with it. I want to be a part of this.’” The next week he spoke with the 29 hometown living at its best
30 lawton living magazine PGR state captain and became the newest member. Now the couple spends their time riding with the PGR on their 2018 Honda Goldwing motorcycle. Billy counts 11 years of missions completed and humbly serves as the Oklahoma PGR assistant state captain. “I was born and raised here. Growing up in Lawton I had friends whose parents were in the service,” Billy says. “The i r fa thers were stationed at Fort Sill , and I can remember themgetting transferred overseas and seeing the family separation.” Tha t empa thy i s shared bymany. Thanks to anOklahomaman, the nonprofit organization exists today. He spread the word and rallied support to protect a grieving family who had been heckled by protestors at a funeral for their loved one. His plan was to create a physical and visual barrier of people between the family and the protestors. Membership soared and eventually spread nationwide. Volunteers only attend by an invitation from a funeral home or immediate family. On the day of a mission, members gather and review the honored person’s service recordand themotorcade route. Time is taken to introduce newmembers, acknowledge military families in the ranks and say a closing prayer. Pr ior to the funeral , volunteers display at least 21 American flags and the soldier’s service flag. Riders attend as a quiet, reverent layer of support, doing the door detail, “standing tall and silent” as one of their sayings goes. Subtly, and with delicate timing, the group presents the family with a plaque that reads, “On behalf of a grateful America and the Patriot Guard
31 hometown living at its best
32 lawton living magazine Riders please accept our sincere condolences on your tragic loss. May your painbe tempered by the knowledge that (service member’s name) is a true American Hero.” On the rare occasion that the Comanche County Sheriff or Lawton Police Department are unavailable to lead themotorcade out to Fort Sill National Cemetery, where many of their missions take them, PGR takes the lead as escort for the family car procession. After so many missions, all carrying an emotional impact, one encounter remains particularly memorable for Billy. A soldier from Lawton who had been killed in action was being brought home. Billy’s group was asked to join the motorcade. When the line of vehicles and motorcycles hit Fort Sill Boulevard, it met with people waving flags, soldiers saluting and employees coming out of businesses all along the route. Oncoming traffic stopped and drivers stepped out. Word had spread through the local media of the soldier being brought home for burial. “We have some great communities here,” Billy says. “They come from all over… to pay respects to the veterans. It really touches your heart. We get to stand back and watch all of this take place. You stand back and see that, and it restores your faith in people.”
33 hometown living at its best This same family would cross Billy’s path again a few years later. “One of the memories that I hold onto the most was a negative that went to a positive. We had done a mission for a gentleman that was killed in action, and he had three small kids. That was really tough. A couple of years after that. I was at a meeting of Survivor Outreach Services on Fort Sill, and I ended up sitting next to his mother, the children’s grandmother. We got to talking, and there was a little boy and two little girls. She made a comment that the little boy would really have liked to ride a motorcycle. I said, ‘I bet we can make that happen.’” An official mission was initiated. Motorcycles from Elgin, Lawton and the surrounding areas arrived, more than 50 in all. Everyone wanted the kids to know that while the last time they met was such a hard time, they wanted the kids to have a good time on this day. All the kids got motorcycle rides that afternoon. “I do it in honor of those that served and the sacrifices they made but also for the sacrifices that their families made like those I saw growing up,” Billy says. “I didn’t serve, so this is my way to honor those who did serve.” Patches adorn Billy and Susie’s riding jackets. However, the back of “I DO IT INHONOR OF THOSE THAT SERVED AND THE SACRIFICES THEYMADE BUT ALSO FOR THE SACRIFICES THAT THEIR FAMILIES MADE LIKE THOSE I SAW GROWING UP. I DIDN’T SERVE, SO THIS ISMY WAY TOHONOR THOSE WHO DID SERVE.” - Billy Hope
34 lawton living magazine the jacket is reserved solely for the Patriot GuardRiders triangle that reads, “Standing for those who stood for us.” “When I moved out here to Lawton,” Susie says, “I saw the military and what they do. As an occupational therapist, I work with a lot of veterans… my heart goes out to them. They gave so much and sometimes I feel like they get forgotten. This is my way of saying, ‘You will never be forgotten. You will always be honored because you deserve that.’” Being told your loved one will not come home is what families hope to never hear. Military and first responder families live with the knowledge that danger is a reality. When the Patriot Guard Riders are called upon, they stand with reverence and respect. You may notice them on the road, or you may just hear the rumble and know they are on a mission. † Standing for those who stood for us.
35 hometown living at its best
36 lawton living magazine
37 hometown living at its best
HOMETOWN Happenings
39 hometown living at its best As the summer winds down and the autumn leaves change, one thing we can be sure of is—it is festival season! The last full weekend of September was the International Festival, one of the largest festivals in southwest Oklahoma. The International Festival began in 1979 to promote awareness and appreciation of Lawton’s diverse heritage. This year the 43rd Annual International Festival took place at Elmer Thomas Park in Lawton, Oklahoma September 23rd-25th, and featured two stages of entertainment, over 50 vendors, an interaction area and children’s area. A Naturalization Ceremony was held on the first day of the International Fest, where 16 people were sworn in as U.S. Citizens! Headline performers included Grammy award winning Grupo Fantasma, the 77th Army Band: The Pride of Fort Sill, Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, Intuitive African Dance and Drum Culture and Extreme Animals. The weekend was ful l of fami ly f i l led multicultural events and activities. Visitors came from all over Oklahoma and beyond and enjoyed the festival. 43rd 2022 International Festival
40 lawton living magazine
41 hometown living at its best PORTRAITS | EVENTS | VIDEO GLEN ARCHER PHOTOGRAPHY glenarcherphoto.com | 580.951.0598 | if
42 lawton living magazine
43 hometown living at its best
44 lawton living magazine
The Art Workshop at the Lawton-Fort Sill Art Council brings art to children of all ages on the first Saturday of the month. heART for Kids Written by CINDY KAHLER THOMAS | Photos by D’ESIRAE SCHNEIDER he first Saturday of every month is a time to smile. You see, D’esirae Schneider teaches a free arts andcrafts workshop for children at the Lawton Fort Sill Art Council building located at 1701 Northwest Ferris, and the fun starts at 10:00 a.m. until noon. “It all startedwith a dreamofminewhen my daughter, Penelope, was 3 years old. There weren’t any kind of art activities for her age. I havenobackground in teaching art, but I ama homeschool momand I would get a bunch of kids together and have little craft days atmy house. I thought if I cando it here, I could probably do it on a bigger scale, and it was a lot of “Oh my gosh, I hope this works! Oh my gosh, I hope people show up, and to my surprise, it has exploded! It’s amazing,” she said with a grin. D’esirae was a board member for the Lawton Fort Sill Art Council the time and presented her proposal to the board. “They said if I could find the money and the time, I had their blessing. It started a little slowwith maybe 6 kids then 10, but the first Saturday of this month, I had 65 kids participate,” she said. That isnot a typo…65kids! Shehas been doing this now for 9 years. 45 hometown living at its best
46 lawton living magazine She does thiswitha fewvolunteers, a few friends, Penelope, her husband, Rodney, and her parents Felecia and Danny Cox, along with a lot of help from her community. “I have donors, just regular moms and dads, that have come tome and said, ‘Do you need money?’ I am like, ‘Yeah as a matter of fact I do.’ There have been a lot of donations from the community. I do put a tip jar out during theworkshop and Imake an announcement thatwhatever you guys put in there goes into the next month’s class. I have great parents and grandparents that are very generous with funds. They also donate art supplies. So, my community takes very good care of us,” D’esirae said with pride. “My husband Rodney, is a tattoo artist and helps with the art class. He sits down and draws with the kids or does a collage or paints something. He is pretty hands-on with the kids. He is extremely artistic and our daughter is extremely artistic too. My volunteers, my family, and the community make this possible,” she said.
47 hometown living at its best “My dad is a really handy guy. He rebuilds shelves that are falling apart and does whatever is needed. My dad is awesome. He is the handyman fairy. If it wasn’t for my husband, parents and daughter, I don’t think I would be able to do it. I’m lucky to have friends also. I call my friends and tell them I will make you dinner, do you want to meet me at the Art Council? They are all on tome now,” she giggled. She posted on social media that she needed tin cans and two days later found 300 tin cans on her front porch. Another time she asked the Lawton community if they would go through their craft items because they needed scissors. 100 scissors showed up on that same porch. “I have a lot of kids that look forward to the workshop. With the economy the way it is, craft supplies and art supplies are expensive. It is a luxury to have markers, paint, canvases, and brushes inmany homes,” D’esirae explained. “We made birdfeeders. We did self-portraits whichwere really funout of things found innature. I gave thema little canvas and if theyhad curlyhair, they used moss for the hair. If they had straight hair, they coulduse straw. They used leaves acorns and things of that nature. I try to do it more in an upcycle way because we throw away so much stuff. Last week we made boho wall hangings out of donated yarn. Sometimes I just grabwhatever is available and I throw it on the table, and say, ‘Make me something cool.’ The amount of creativity and imaginationblowsmymind. I amlike, ‘Howdidyou make a skyscraper out of popsicle sticks and pom poms?’” D’esirae said. “The adults are required to stay with their kids. Parents and Grandparents tell me that with everything being so busy, school and work and soccer games, this might be the only time in the month that they get to spend time and hang out with their kids and grandkids.
Everyone helps with clean-up. They are so helpful,” she said thankfully. First Saturdayarts andcrafts areopen to all ages. “I do elementary age and up but I always tell the parents if you have a 13-year-old or a 14-year-old that wants to comebringthembyallmeans. Sometimes people bring their one-year-old and they finger paint. If I notice teens aren’t really into what we are doing, I’ll say, ‘Here, do you want a canvas or some watercolors?’ I just try to make it welcoming. I say elementary age and up but really if you are a 65-year-old, and you want to come and hang out and do arts and crafts then come on,” D’esirae said graciously.
49 hometown living at its best “I just want people to come and not worry about if they are good at something. You know that’s how we all learn. People come from all walks of life and just sit down and learn different things about each other, and just really come together as a community. There are so many ugly things in the world over the last several years that I really think that people are afraid to engage with other people they don’t know. So, at the art council, we are just a big family. Regardless of how much money you make or what part of town you live in or what kind of car you drive or don’t drive. You are just a human when you come and hang out withus.We justwant to spread the love and just welcome everybody,” she shared †
50 lawton living magazine
51 hometown living at its best
52 lawton living magazine CONGRATULATIONS TO TWO OF LAWTON’S OWNWHO RECEIVED THE NEXTGEN UNDER 30 AWARD. NOW IN ITS ELEVENTH YEAR AND HAVING EXPANDED THE PROGRAM’S SCOPE AND STATE-WIDE REACH, NEXTGEN UNDER 30 RECOGNIZES AND ENCOURAGES THE NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATIVE, CREATIVE, AND INSPIRING INDIVIDUALSWHO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES IN VARIOUS CATEGORIES OF ENDEAVOR. IN ADDITION, AWARDWINNERS ARE SELECTED BASED UPON THEIR PARTICIPATION IN AND CONTRIBUTION TO THEIR COMMUNITIES. A PANEL OF RESPECTED BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADERS SERVE AS JUDGES. LAWTON Leadership Provided by BETODIVINO
53 hometown living at its best has been in education for seven years and is currently in her second year as the Activities Director for Lawton High School. In this role she plans, organizes and directs most of the student activities and programs for the high school, manages the social media platforms and serves as the sponsor for Student Council, Senior Leadership, Youth Action for Health Leadership andLeadershipClub. She also serves as a liaison to Lawton Ft. Sill and is always looking for ways to better the relationship between her school and its stakeholders. Previous to thisposition, shewasaneducator for five years at Lawton High School, teaching multiple classes ranging from Computer Applications to Social and Emotional Learning. Kylee currently serves on theMarie Detty Board of Directors and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Young Professionals of Lawton, where she will have the ability to apply her passion for students and education to further their mission. Kylee is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Communication and lives in Lawton with her husband and their daughter. was born in Duncan, Ok and raised in Lawton since 2001 and graduated from Lawton High School in 2016. Jose then went to Cameron Universitywhereheservedinvarious leadership roles and university committees including Student Government President during his senior year. He earned his degree in Strategic Communications in the spring of 2021 then continued his leadership path through volunteering. Jose currently serves on multiple nonprofit boards includingMarie Detty Youth and Family Services, Darians Voice Foundation, Young Professionals of Lawton, and MIGHT Community Development. Jose has a strong desire to help people, which is what led him to pursing his Masters in Behavioral Science on the licensure track for professional counseling. His dream is to run his own private practice and continue to do volunteer work in the community. When he is not working, you can find him binge watching How I Met Your Mother or keeping up with anything Marvel. JoseAndresOlivo KyleeMontgomery
54 lawton living magazine
55 hometown living at its best
HOMETOWN Happenings
57 hometown living at its best The Women’s Business Summit brings a group of professional businesswomen and leaders together to reintroduce the entrepreneurship and small business driven conference for the region. The Summit was held on Thursday, September 15th at Cameron University’s MCC Ballroom. At the event, participants heard from veteran guest speakers: Maria Elena Duran (Grow with Google), Cyndi Kane (Best-selling author of “Save it Forward Suppers”), and Joni Nash (Director of the Pawhuska) on various entrepreneurial topics. Inaddition, theevent featuredaBAIL team: professionals from banking, accounting, insurance, and law who were available to advise and guide in some of themost important aspects of starting and managing a successful business. Finally, there was a women in business panel featuring SW OK women business owners: Rose Ducket (Brims & Accessories), Candy Hanza (Nice Ice Baby), Jill Peters (Auteur Management Solutions), Angel Melvin (Light Alive Marketing) andKristenWard (Cache Chamber of Commerce and Blue Moon Screen Printing and Embroidery). There were also vendor booths of women owned businesses and networking opportunities for the 110 attendees to enjoy. Photos by BRANDI SIMS, BRANDINC PR SWOK Women's Business Summit
58 amarillo living magazine { { travel guide
59 hometown living at its best { { travel guide All Aboard! Your West Texas Adventure Awaits. Abilene is big on what matters: history, culture, innovation, and West Texas hospitality. Make a little time to stay and play, to see and feel authentic Texas, and do things you can’t find anywhere else. After all, Abilene owns bragging rights as the Storybook Capital of America®. Plot your summer adventure today! Learn more at abilenevisitors.com
60 amarillo living magazine idland l ving magazine { { travel guide
61 hometown living at its best 6 { { travel guide www.VisitLawtonOK.com Learn more at:
Written by REBECCA SANCHEZ | Photos provided by ROBERT PETERSON Lawton resident Robert Peterson's unique talent is evident in the subtleties of oil painting that seem to attach living, breathing individuals to the canvas. R P E A A INL T L I I N F G E S Sometimes talents liedormant until a spark ignites them. ForRobert Peterson, a longheld interest for fashiondesign, a seriousmedical diagnosis and theCOVID-19pandemic shut downwere the right combination tofireuphis creative skills. Anability topaint and capture the story of humanity in themomentwas lying inwait for the right opportunity. Originally fromDenver, Colorado, Peterson landed inLawtonas the childof amilitary family. He graduated fromhigh school, met his wife and started a family in Lawton. Art was not a dream early on, but fashion design was. Studying at design schools was met with financial challenges that often come with navigating college pathways. Peterson and his wife returned to Lawton and continued their lives. After a workout injury, Peterson received news that he would need hip replacement surgery, which left himworried and concerned. Hewas placed on light duty at Goodyear Tire andRubber Companywhereheworked as a forklift driver. As a therapeutic strategy, one that also supplemented his income, he took up oil painting. Someone saw his first piece andwanted tobuy it. The buyer askedwhat hewasworking onnext andpurchased that too. 62 lawton living magazine
63 hometown living at its best
64 lawton living magazine For Peterson, inspiration comes fromother creators such as actors and singers whose dedication and efforts he admires. Gordon Parks, Barkley Hendricks and Hebru Brantley are inspirations as well. With music playing, he works in his studio space surrounded by supplies and paintings in their different stages, prepped and waiting for their various destinations. Hisart ismore thanportraiture. It’sa record. Peterson’s spontaneous realism captures life in the moment. His unique talent is evident in the subtleties of oil painting that seem to attach living, breathing individuals to the canvas. Physical features glowsoftly, similar to aphotographcapturing sunlight onskin, giving a luminosity and sheen that highlight vitality in faces while creating contour in the shadows and defining the lines of arms, shoulders and cheekbones. After selling the initial paintings, proceeds paid for a trip to Mexico in which reflection time with his wife moved him to paint full time. His first solo art show was in the same year, 2013, at a gallery in New York. He brought 34 paintings and sold 31 in the first four hours. That was just the beginning. “My desire to set myself apart from other artists on social media that paintedcelebrities, ledme topaintingNative American people, mostly Native American women,” Peterson says. “My grandmother was part Native American. My grandmother wasmy favoritepersongrowingup.Mymother raisedme pretty much by herself, but in the summertime I would go stay withmy grandparents. There was something different about the relationship with my grandma. She passed in 1996, and the way I honored her and her family was through the Native American paintings.”
65 hometown living at its best
66 lawton living magazine When COVID-19 lock downs hit, Peterson’s painting focus changed once more. While knowing his previous topics would continue to bring income, he realized he wasn’t painting just for money and began to focus his work on painting the stories of Black men and women. “I searched myself not only as an artist but as a man for what I was passionate about and that was my people,” Peterson says. “When you go into museums and galleries, you don’t see the representation of Black people there. A lot of the paintings these larger museums have are focused on European people. The Black person is not themain subject of the painting. I feel like we are as equally important to the foundation of this country and that we deserve a place on those same museum and gallery walls. It’s my obligation as an artist to be able to do that.” Telling the story of two young heroes, “We’re GonnaBeKings,”portrays twoofhis son’s friends from Cache, back-to-back, ready to battle the world. It sold at Phillips auction house in New YorkCity. “Iwanted tocreatepaintings that show what beingBlackmeans tome, the people inmy family and the friends in my circle,” he says. Mainstream media was showing him Black people depicted as thugs and thieves, not at all what he had come fromor known in his life. “If the right people can put it out there, the story can be retold from the eyes of the Black manwho actually lives what he is telling. When I paint Black families, it’s a whole family. I want topaintwhat the truth is,my truth.” “Tomorrow’s SuperHERo,” a permanent piece in the Tulsa PhilbrookMuseumofArt tells the storyof a twoparent, Black family home. Peterson dedicated the painting to his daughter, who promising herself nothing less thananAearlyon inschool, maintained a 4.0 GPA from seventh grade to her senior year of high school. “I paint for thepeoplewhoaregoing tobehere 100 years fromnowbecausewe are living in now times,” Peterson says. “This is how we capture time. The stories that I create andpaint are going to tell people 100 to 300 years fromnowwhat we are experiencing.” Robert, Breianah, Marina at Art Basel 2021
67 hometown living at its best He is doing just that, getting the stories out there, with fourmuseums addinghisworks to their permanent collections in 2022. Peterson’s “When You See Them, You See Me” fall 2022 show in New York City includes many paintings of people from Lawton and Oklahoma City. Out of the 13 pieces, 12 sold within just a couple of days, with the remaining piece awaiting a museum vote on its purchase. He is also helping others tell their truths and stories through the Robert and Marina Peterson Endowed Scholarship in Art at Cameron University. College students likeheoncewas, can receivefinancial support in pursuing their dreams of being artists. Peterson’s works are selling across the nation, New York to Venice Beach, Chicago to Miami and back home inLawton. In 2016, he became the first Blackman to hold the Artist of the Year for Southwestern Oklahoma title. His museum attention is gaining ground with showings at the PhilbrookMuseumof Art, Weisman Art Museum, the Charles T. Fisher Mansion and the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg just to name a few. Watch for Robert Peterson’s works. See the stories he tells as he captures people’s lives in themoment. † Daughter Breianah, Robert Peterson, art collector Beth DeWoody &wifeMarina
68 lawton living magazine LAWTON-FORT SILL C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E R
69 hometown living at its best
70 lawton living magazine WRITTEN BY ELLEN SLATER | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LAWTON COMMUNITY THEATRE Chance Harmon has served as Managing Director of Lawton Community Theatre since 2019. His passion for entertaining others has inspired his work for the past 35 years. lawton L IMEL IGHT
71 hometown living at its best Lawtonresident,ChanceHarmon, Managing Director of Lawton CommunityTheatrehasworked in the entertainment industry formore than 35 years. "My first jobwas as an actor/singer at the Crazy Horse Saloon Theatre at Six Flags over Texas," Harmon recalls. "We performed ten shows per day. It was a great experience." From there, Harmonwent on to act at theatres across the country as well as on cruise ships. His big break in the industry came when he decided to move from acting into production. He was hired by Music Television (MTV) as a casting director at their headquarters in New York City." I workedasacasting/performancedirector at several other stations including NBC, Fox and Nickelodeon," he said. "As casting director for the contest show 'Fear Factor' my job was to find pretty people who wanted to eat bugs!" Harmon grewup inWichita Falls and during a visit home in 2011 he made the decision to move back. "I was at a high school pep rally with my nieces, Jacey and Lydia, and they were commenting on how much of their lives I'd missed out on. It really struck a chord." After deciding to stay in Wichita Fal ls, Harmon began to work with school aged kids as their acting coach. Through a program called "Acting Out in Class" he and Bryson Petersen went into schools to teach acting to students there. "Bryson and I understand how important Children's Theatre is," said Harmon. "Not everyone can play sports, but anyone can do theatre, whether it's acting or serving backstage." Harmon also worked as Artistic Director for the Wichita Falls Community Theatre and Petersen served as the Assistant Children's Theatre Director.
72 lawton living magazine According to Harmon, many of the students who he worked with through "Acting Out in Class" went on to have careers in the industry. In fact, several of the young actors fromWichita Falls had 'crossed theRedRiver' toperformat Lawton Community Theatre. So, when Harmon realized the Lawton Theatre was hiring, he was already familiar with it. "Three years ago, I saw that the Lawton Theatre was looking for a Managing Director, and I applied and got the job," said Harmon. "Bryson was hired as Technical Director and also heads up the Lawton Community Theatre Children's Program Unfortunately, shortly after moving to Lawton, the COVID Pandemic hit and the theatre and children's programwere closed down for a period. "We had to shift our focus and figure out how to survive during COVID," saidHarmon. During the time that the theatre was closed, the company put on several "virtual" productions as well as a radio version of "It's a Wonderful Life" at Christmas. When given the green light to re-open, Harmon hit another roadblock. "Our theater, the John Denney Playhouse, only seats 180 people, so re-opening and being able to social ly distance there wasn't feasible. We decided to re-open at the 1,400 seat McMahon Memorial Auditorium. It's located only 1/2 mile from the Playhouse and we could safely social distance there." With the help of Petersen and countless volunteers who make up the cast and production crew, "We're the longest continually running theater in the state of Oklahoma, The Lawton Community seems to truly love this theater and supports all our productions.” - Chance Harmon
73 hometown living at its best the Community Theatre was able to survive and thrive during the Pandemic. This season marks Lawton Community Theater's 71st year. "We're the longest continually running theater in the state of Oklahoma ," said Harmon. "The Lawton Community seems to truly love this theater and supports all our productions.” Which upcoming production is Harmon most excited about? "It's hard to say- I've directed over 100 shows during my career, and each one has its own special elements," he said. "Our audience seems to be excited about "Clue"- they love a mystery. I'm excited about “Matilda” at the McMahon, because the cast will include members fromour Children's Theatre as well as adults." The Children's Program is a big part of Lawton Community Theatre. "In addition to acting in the productions and working behind the scenes, students can participate in two theater camps held throughout the summer. The 1-2 week camps are divided by age groups: 8-12 years and 12-18 years. "We try to get the older kids audition ready for high school or community theater roles," said Harmon. "We strive to instill skills and discipline into our students so they can become whatever they want in life—whether it be a career in acting or something else."
For now, Harmon feels at homehere in Lawton. "There's so much to do here, we have the beautiful Wichita Mountains and Wildlife Refuge and wonderful community members," said Harmon. "The Arts are ahuge presence inLawton, we have our Symphony Orchestra and talented painters and sculptors. There are so many talented artists here, and we inspire each other." Harmon also feels right at home as ManagingDirector at LawtonCommunity Theatre. The staff is made up of a least 60 volunteers for each performance, who serve both on stage and behind the scenes. Harmon says one of his favorite aspects of working as Managing Director is working with the staff. "I truly love working with performers. I love to see a new person walk into the theater for the first time, and they're so nervous at first," he said. "But after working with themand directing them- to be able to see the transformation and the confidence gained is very rewarding. On the flip side, to visit with audience members, who've never seen a live production before, and hear how much they enjoyed it is also very special. A theater production is a wonderful experience for the cast, crew and audience, and I'm very proud to be a part of it!" † For more information on the Lawton Community Theatre or to find out about volunteer opportunities contact them at the John Denney Playhouse at 580-355-1600. 2022-2023 SHOWSCHEDULE: "SUITE SURRENDER"- NOVEMBER 11TH-20TH "CLUE"- FEBRUARY 10TH-19TH "MATILDA"- JUNE 22ND-25TH
75 hometown living at its best
76 lawton living magazine Ingredients: • 1 gallon apple cider • 1 bottle sparkling cider (25.4 oz) • 2 ginger beers (12 oz bottles) • 1 juice of lime Instructions: 1. Place all ingredients in a large punch bowl or pitcher and stir well. 2. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with apple and orange slices. Note: The longer the cinnamon stick and star anise pod sit in the liquid the more flavor they will provide. APPLE CIDER PUNCH Sparkling This beverage is perfect for your fall entertaining! Made with or without alcohol, your guest will enjoy this Spakling Apple Cider Punch! • 1 cinnamon stick • 1 whole star anise pod • bourbon (optional) • apple and orange slices (optional garnish)
77 hometown living at its best KITCHEN REMODEL BATHROOM REMODEL CABINETS COUNTERTOPS CERAMIC TILE PORCELAIN TILE LUXURY VINYL PLANK WOOD FLOORING CARPET LIGHTING WINDOW COVERINGS DRAPERIES AREA RUGS 1010 SW D Avenue | Lawton, OK 73501 | 580-248-1315 | bradysdesigncenter.com From design consultations to a complete makeover … call Brady’s today! ... designing the world you live in
HOMETOWN Happenings
Lions Meadows of Hope (LMOH), a licensed foster care agency, held their annual Appreciation Gala on Friday, April 15th at theMayo Hotel in Tulsa. LMOHhas served Oklahoma children for over 83 years: training, certifying and providing support to foster parents in Payne County and surrounding regions. LMOH is proud to contract with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to place foster children from across the state in safe and loving foster homes. The “Denim and Diamonds” themed evening was an opportunity to honor generous donors, mingle with foster families, board members and staff and enjoy a fantastic meal prepared by Executive Chef Abraham Ybarr. The evening began with a cocktail hour on the 16th floor, overlooking downtown Tulsa, with Brandon Jackson playing an acoustic set. The doors opened at 7pm into the Crystal ballroomwhere guestswere served a plated meal. Sharyl Pickens, a LMOH Board member welcomed guests and opened the evening in prayer. Bryan Larison, Executive Director shared an update on LMOH foster families and the exciting new family center. Lauren Lowery, a former foster parent, shared her family’s journey through foster care; Lauren and Bob are proud parents of Leo and Kimber. Elizabeth Beck, Director of Development thanked our donors, reminded our guests of “why they give” and encouraged them to continue their support in 2022-2023. The Brandon Jackson Band took the stage for the remainder of the evening as guests danced and mingled. The annual gala is held in honor of the late Paul Millburn, whose generous legacy gift ensures contributions to LMOH are matched 2:1 up to $125,000 each year. Visit www.lionsmoh.org for more information. DENIM& Diamonds Gala 79 hometown living at its best
80 lawton living magazine The holiday season often means more family time. Why not take this opportunity to strengthen bonds with the children in your life? Youth are constantly pressured to engage in risky behavior like drinking, vaping, and using drugs, and they don’t always understand how dangerous this is. However, forging a strong relationship between caregiver and child is a proven way to empower children and teens to make smart choices. Connect with the kids in your care by developing trust and opening the lines of communication. You can help build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding underage drinking and drug use. Wondering where to start? The national “ Talk, They Hear You” campaign recommends 3 goals to guide your conversation and show your teen you: 1. Disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse. 2. Care about your child’s health, wellness, and success. 3. Are a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs. Studies show that children do hear their parents’ concerns, so remember: when you speak directly and honestly to your children, they are more likely to follow your rules and advice. For more resources visit underagedrinking.samhsa.gov Provided by WICHITA MOUNTAINS PREVENTION NETWORK TALKING to Your Teen Tips for
81 hometown living at its best
82 lawton living magazine Five generations have cherished and worn an amazing handmade Christening gown. Heirloom AN - Written by REBECCA R I STER | Photos provided by ROS S FAMI LY
RuthRossofLawtoncomes froma long line of believers who know the importance of passing down to the next generation what matters most—faith and family. Ruth’s Great-Grandmother, Laura Elizabeth Howard Knox, lovingly made a christening gown by hand for her precious child, Ruth in the 1890s. Storebought lace was not an option on their farm in South Fork, Missouri, so she handmade the tattingwhichembellishes the edge of this special garment. She made two gowns in total. One for Ruth and another after she had her son, M. Howard Knox {Ruth Ross’s Maternal Grandfather}. Little did Laura know her hard work and each loving stitch would still be enjoyed and cherished over 100 years later by her Great-Great-Great Granddaughter, GemmaElizabethMeans, inBurkburnett, Texas. Thisprecious 1-year -old also shares in her name {Elizabeth}. Gemma Elizabeth was christened this past November at the St. Jude Catholic Church in Burkburnett. As you can see through the years the christening gown was passed down to the next generation, with thanks given to Howard’s only child, also named Elizabeth {Knox} who cherishedher grandmother’s handiwork and saved the gowns for future generations. Descendent, Roy Ross served in the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Sill which brought the family to the Lawton/Wichita Falls area. m Ruth’s Great-Grandmother, lovingly made a christening gown by hand for her precious child, Ruth in the 1890s -- Elizabeth Knox Edward Leroy Knox and Laura Elizabeth (Howard) Knox Pictured with her father Leroy, mother Laura and her older sister Ethel Knox. Howard and Eva Knox Ruth Knox’s Christening. Laura Elizabeth HowardKnox, 83 hometown living at its best
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkwNzAx