1 hometown living at its best
Introducing Now Serving Lawton, Ft. Sill, Wichita Falls And Surrounding Communities! 2 lawton living magazine
WE DRIVE THE DIFFERENCE WITH NO GIMMICKS, NO ADD ONS, NO PRICES OVER MSRP! Our entire team wants to make every experience a great one! Justin Rogers General Manager Southwest Toyota Roosevelt May General Manager Southwest Honda Southwest GMC TOYOTA GMC 7110 NW Quanah Parker Trailway, Lawton, OK 73505 5010 NW Cache Rd, Lawton, OK 73505 5002 NW Cache Rd, Lawton, OK 73505 3 hometown living at its best
4 lawton living magazine On the Cover Photo provided by Quanah Parker Burgess 12 Contents 36 38 12 WOMEN IN FORCE Women on the Lawton police force add a calmness and connectivity to which victims and suspects respond positively. 18 PAINTING TO PRESERVE THE PAST A local Comanche artist uses his unique perspective to illustrate and honor his Native American heritage. 30 AGGIES ON THE DIAMOND Cameron University Softball is hitting it out of the park. 36 HOMETOWN WEDDED BLISS Announcing the marriage of Hannah and Elijah Hoyt. 38 CHOREOGRAPHING HER CAREER As a lifelong resident of Lawton, Allee Passmore enjoys being a part of the community that raised her.
5 hometown living at its best
6 lawton living magazine Contents 48 ASK THE EXPERTS Local professionals answer frequently asked questions. 62 LAWTON PROFILE: LARRY CHAMBERS, DVM Come, sit, and stay as we get to know Doc of Chambers Vet Clinic. 72 GROWING UP ON THE GREEN The golf course is the ideal setting is an ideal setting for good conversation, quality time, and screen-free memories! 76 HOMETOWN WEDDED BLISS Announcing the marriage of Morgan and Alex Gann. 78 THE STUDENTS BEHIND THE STORIES The Cameron University Foundation has been supporting students since 1972. 88 HOMETOWN GRADUATES Join us in congratulating area graduates with prayers and well wishes in their future endeavors. 62 76 78
7 hometown living at its best
8 lawton living magazine
9 hometown living at its best
10 lawton living magazine
@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. *Reflects both listing and sales sides. *In medium sized teams category. *In medium sized teams category. We’re not bragging; we’re just applying for a job. •#1 TEAM in OKLAHOMA IN 2022* • TOP 50 TEAM IN THE NATION in 2022* 580.248.8800 FREE & INSTANT HOME VALUE Properties in 2022! Our TeamSOLD 517*
13 hometown living at its best
14 lawton living magazine Lawton had established a city government with former Oklahoma Territory, U.S. Marshall Henry Andrew “Heck” Thomas as its first police chief. Oklahoma and the city of Lawton hired women into law enforcement before the 1972 Civil Rights Act amendment required public agencies to not discriminate. The stage had already been set in 1908 by Lola Baldwin in Portland, Oregon as the first sworn female officer hired under civil service rules. Women began to get appointed, elected and sworn in to law enforcement jobs from coast to coast. Oklahoma City hired six women in 1955, and Lawton hired its first female officer in 1966, the late Lieutenant Patricia Vickers. “Women are an invaluable asset in law enforcement and have a profound, positive impact on the culture of policing,” Lawton Chief of Police James T. Smith says. “They bring a unique set of skills to a traditionally maledominated culture. That is why we continually recruit the best and brightest females to join our ranks to make this department and our community stronger.” Officer Griselda Martinez-Gonzales is one of the newest to join the Lawton Police Department. A recent graduate of the Lawton BasicPoliceAcademy, withcertification through the Council onLawEnforcement and Education Training (CLEET), Martinez-Gonzales already has experience across the broader department. Working in the jail, patrolling lakes, attending the Cops and Kids Picnic, and Shop with a Cop Event have provided her with opportunities to connectwiththedepartmentandthecommunity. Beforeapplying to thepolicedepartment, she interacted with law enforcement as a caregiver needing assistance for an elderly person with Alzheimer’sdiseasewhowanderedaway. Finding the encounter positive and judgment free, made a lasting impression. “I’ve seen what they can do, and I know a lot of people need help here,” Martinez-Gonzales says. “I never knew what I wanted to do in life. I never found my purpose in life until this clicked. This is what I want to do. This is me.” After completing the physical training and mental health examinations of the application process, the mother of two is ready and eager to be on
15 hometown living at its best patrol in the community. As a patrol officer, Martinez-Gonzales will work with a partner taking calls, serving warrants, performing traffics stops or securing areas for paramedic access. She may also be called upon as a female officer specifically. “It is important to have a female officer in a department because a lot of women might not feel comfortable talking to a man,” she says. “They may feel more able to relate to a female officer. For a kid, it may feel more nurturing to have a female presence.” Officer Sedona Warren, LPD academy trained and in the department since 2017, echoes the observation that women provide a valuable presence. “Females tend to have a lot more patience, not only with victims but also with our suspects,” Warren says. “We also, most of the time, bring that motherly figure– that motherly intuition when we are speaking to people. We can sometimes bring just a comfort level. Half the time when we talk, we can calm the situation if it is heightened.” Warren says that one of the challenges of being a female officer is that sometimes people will avoid speaking to her because she is a woman, or they may try to overpower her because of her stature. She says female officers must learn to work differently than male officers do. However, regardless of gender, the women officers face the same
16 lawton living magazine Lawton community as their male coworkers. “We are a central hub with all of the main highways,”Warren says. “We have a lot of things come through town, so you never know what you are going to have to deal with whether it will be gangs, drugs, domestic violence, or car accidents. You get to also reach a lot of people. Fort Sill is unique to us because they bring in a lot of people and a lot of different cultures. You get to see and work with a lot of people.” Personal experiences and the drive to serve their communityareat therootofwhatmotivated both officers Martinez-Gonzales and Warren to pursue a career in law enforcement. Seeing the scrutiny that police work was under made Warren want to be part of the positive changes going forward. Having a family member with mental health challenges, she saw a line of work where she could help give victims a voice theymight not otherwise have. “I saw the work the crisis intervention teamwas doing to help mental illness in our community,”Warren says. “I love doing this, and I’m really good at it.” Warren del iberately sought a crisis intervention and crisis negotiator position on the LPD crisis intervention team two years ago. “I’ve done two major negotiations, one recently for three hours, and I was able to resolve it peacefully and have our person in crisis come out. I also did that for six hours, standing face-to-face with someone in crisis and was able to resolve it peacefully. I get the most fulfillment out of being able to keep our citizens and our officers safe and doing it with the least amount of force needed.” Direct efforts to recruit women officers are being adopted across the country, changing the face of policing. “There’s a stigma that a police department is a male-driven job,” MartinezGonzales says. “I’ve never felt that here. I would say don’t come into a department expecting that pressure. It’s something women should think about. Law enforcement needs females just as much as they need males.” Detective Melaine Powers, Officers Kendra Hallagin, Sedona Warren, Amelia Gorshing, CeciliaVela, AshleyCarmon, Zaria Jessie, Tiffany Sparks, Brittany Jacobs, Vannessa Ball, and Griselda Martinez-Gonzales are the women of the Lawton Police Department. Sworn to protect and serve, their presence and actions are fulfilling a community need by adding female strengths and insight to their interactions with the public. “We are out here, and we do want to help them,” Warren says. “That’s across the board formen andwomenwho work for the Lawton PoliceDepartment.Weall, genuinelygetupand go to work every day hoping to help people.” †
17 hometown living at its best
18 lawton living magazine
19 hometown living at its best Quanah Parker Burgess
22 lawton living magazine Chief Quanah Parker
23 hometown living at its best Quanah is named after his great-great- grandfather, Quanah Parker, the legendary ComanchewarriorwholaterhelpedtheComanches adjust to new ways of life, established a tribal school and lobbied Congress on their behalf. Like his name sake, Quanah grew up learning a blend of Indian and American lifestyles. “I was born in Lawton, but my parents were educators and traveled all over. They mostly taught at the tribal schools on reservations. Sometimes we would live on the reservations and other times we would live in the city. It wasn’t always Comanche reservations. We were able to participate with and learn about other cultures too,” explained Quanah. “I remember living in Arizona’s extreme heat whenmy dad was teaching at the San Carlos Apache Reservation and then bl izzard-l ike temperatures at the Fort Peck Reservation with the Sioux and Assiniboine tribes in Montana.” Quanah is part of the Quahada and Penteka Band of Comanches. He also has roots in the Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Hispanic heritages. His father Ronald “Tachaco” Burgess is an artist who created the Comanche Tribal Seal. His mother is Comanche/Kiowa. The Kiowa ancestors were Oncos/Aunkos, known as Calendar Keepers. They recorded history by painting on hides, tepees, and ledgers. His brother Nocona is an established artist living in Santa Fe. Quanah said, “My parents always encouraged and supported art in our home. We always had blank notebooks, markers, and pencils.” Art was merely a hobby until a professor at Cameron University recognized Quanah’s skill. “We did amixedmedia project. I did amemorial to a deceasedComanchedancer.My teacherwas excited and called the media. The Constitution did an interviewwithme and then I did an interviewwith Channel 7.” At the time, Quanahwas frustratedwith his college classes but didn’t want to disappoint his parents. “My dad toldme to be disciplined and treat art like a job. He told me to paint what you know, study and study some more.” Snow on the Plains depicting two Comanche warrior brothers.
25 hometown living at its best
Another one of Quanah’s murals can be found inside the Comanche National Museum andCultural Center inLawton. “I did amural for theCodeTalker room.Mygrandfather Simmons Parkerwas a code talker inWorldWar II and that exhibit pays tribute to that.” Quanah’s works are seen on display to the public in art galleries and in the private collections of homes across the country. “I typically paint with acrylics. I’ve painted on canvases and animal skulls. People also bring me wooden crosses to honor their relatives at burial and I’ve painted on those.” One of his most recent projects was designing four squadron patches for the Oklahoma Air Guard. “There is some Native American imagery on the patches to go with a specific job of one of their units so it’s been pretty neat to give back to the Armed Forces.” Whether he’s painting for an organization, a business, or a private collection, the goal is to stay true to his Native American roots. It’s that authenticity that has become Quanah’s signature. “My dad always told me, ‘Don’t try to be Picasso. You don’t know anything about where he grewup.’ I was fortunate to live among and experience different cultures. We lived on reservations and were able to participate in so many cultural events and learnabout the nature there. I’ve tried to stay true to my dad’s advice. He always said it’s best to stay in your lane and paint what you know.” † ABOVE: Painting Titled Night Songs: Setting of a Native American camp at night. RIGHT: Painting titled Landlord depicts a Comanche warrior checking his territory. 26 lawton living magazine
27 hometown living at its best
28 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 29 hometown living at its best
30 lawton living magazine
32 lawton living magazine To follow the Aggies and see the full game schedule, visit their website at https://cameronaggies.com/sports/softball, or follow Cameron Athletics on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter @cameronaggies. If you see the team or coaches in town, don’t hesitate to stop them and visit about the season. And if you get a chance to make it to the diamond this season, be sure to take it all in as Coach Johansen builds a winning Cameron Softball program. SOFTBALL COACHING STAFF Emma Johansen Head Softball Coach Lisa Brooks Volunteer Assistant Coach Madyson Marvulli Student Assistant 2023 ROSTER: 1 Alyssa Deanda OF Jr. Business Major 2 Maci McMurtrey OF R-So. Sports and Exercise Science Major 3 Rylee Ross INF Fr. 6 Kyndel McDaniel C/INF Fr. 7 Kelsye Loughman INF So. Business Major 8 Jocelyn Bright P Jr. Sports and Exercise Science Major 9 Madysen Boutwell C/INF Fr. 11 Robyn Bales P Sr. Accounting Major 12 Josie Swafford P Sr. Animal Science Major 13 Kaiden Boren C So. Biology Major 15 Grace Myers UTIL So. Sports and Exercise Science Major 16 Khmari Edwards INF Sr. Psychology w/minor in Criminal Justice Major 18 Karis Clark INF Sr. Elementary Education Major 19 Mikayla Richmond OF Sr. Psychology w/minor in Family Science 20 Stormee Reed P Fr. 21 Taylor Rowley INF R-Jr. Business Administration Major 22 Ashlynn Bruce UTIL Jr. Biology Major 23 Kylie French 3B Sr. Psychology Major 2023 AGGIE SCHEDULE
33 hometown living at its best
35 hometown living at its best
37 hometown living at its best
CHOREOGRAPHING Her Career 38 lawton living magazine
39 hometown living at its best A Written by AVERY PULLIN | Photos provided by ALLEE PASSMORE, YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF LAWTON, AND BY JAYME STRINGFELLOW As a lifelong resident of Lawton, Allee Passmore enjoys being a part of the community that raised her. As a small business owner, she credits Young Professionals of Lawton as an invaluable resource. As a child, Allee Passmore spent her daysdancing. At 14she taughtherfirst dance class, an opportunity that came full circle when she bought the studio years later. Growing up in Lawton, Alleewas taught by her parents to give back to the community that raised you. Her love for both dancing and Lawton have been ever-present pillars in her life. After high school Allee studied social studies education. She spent eight years teachingat LawtonHighSchool andpouring into the community through the lives of teenagers. After receiving her master’s degree in Educational Leadership, she served as the Activities Director at Lawton High for two more years.
40 lawton living magazine Eventually, her career led her to teach for Epic Charter Schools. She also continued to teachdance, allowingher classroomexperience tomorphwith her love of the studio. Nomatter her content or classroom, Allee’s passion for education never wavered. Stepping in Time In 2020 the time came for Sherri of Sherri’s Dance Center to retire. Having grown up in this studio, Allee ultimately purchased it and assumed the roles of owner and artistic director inJanuary2021.Herbackground ineducationno doubt helpedwith the teaching of the classes. In addition to her advanced degree in educational leadership, Allee’s experience as an Activities Director allowed her to transition into her new role as a small business ownermore seamlessly. Allee believes “good teaching is good teaching.” The content does not matter as much as the ability to teach. Couple that with a teacher’s natural drive to work long hours, and it is no doubtwhyAllee has had success owning Sherri’s Dance Center. The biggest difference, Allee says, of owning thestudioversus solely teaching init isensuring customer satisfaction. “As a teacher, your client is the student. As the owner, your clients are the students, parents, and teachers.” Being able to workunder the guidance of the previous owner for a year before she was fully on her own also helped Allee step into her current role.
42 lawton living magazine Tapping into YPL Reflecting on her parents’ lessons to give back to the community and simultaneously wanting a place to plug into, Allee began researching local civic organizations. When she was teaching school, she had alwayswanted to joinvarious organizations, but her hours were not flexible enough to do so. About this time her friend, Kylee Montgomery reached out to inviteAllee to joinYoung Professional of Lawton. It proved to be the right fit at the right time. Today Allee is proud to be an active board member. Joining Young Professionals allowed Allee to expand her network and get to know other small business owners in the area. She has been able to connect with other professionals who have been in business longer than her and willingly to share advice and serve as mentors when approached.
43 hometown living at its best Allee has been able to craft a connection with the Lawton Community Theatre through Young Professionals. When LCT has upcoming auditions, they reach out to Allee to encourage her students to participate. It is a win-win for both her students and the theatre. Young Professionals have amonthly social event that encouragesmembers to get out into the community and experience the various attractions Lawton has to offer. They also look for ways to improve the community and host fundraisers when a need arises. Recently, it was noted that the outdoor city basketball courts needed nets so Young Professionals raised money and provided them. Another community impact theyhavemade was helping the Lawton FFA Bountiful Basket program last fall. Over 150 families within the Lawton Public School district were in need of help at Thanksgiving. Young Professionals wanted to help, so they voted to spend the funds, went shopping, and put together 100 Thanksgivingbaskets. Communityengagement is one of the group’s founding pillars. Being a part of Young Professionals gives Allee both a career-building network and a place to pour into personally as well. The commitment to the community of Lawton allows her to fulfill the expectations she has to give back to the community that raised her. Allee encourages other young professionals to get involved. Visit yplawton.org if you are interested in joining Young Professionals of Lawton. You are encouraged to attend an event and become part of the next generation of leadership in Lawton. †
44 lawton living magazine
45 hometown living at its best
46 lawton living magazine
47 hometown living at its best
? ASK THE EXPERTS Local Professionals Answer Frequently Asked Questions 48 lawton living magazine
49 hometown living at its best ? BRADY’S DESIGN CENTER Suzanne Cherry, Nicole Cherry, Marbury McCune, Dominique Wagner, Dalia Allen, Martha Brady 1010 South West D Avenue, Lawton 580.248.1315 bradysdesigncenter.com Did you know: Brady’s offers full design services for any project, large or small. Whether you are thinking about new window coverings from Hunter Douglas, new floors, or a complete remodel, Brady’s can assist with creating your custom look. Hiring a professional for your remodel can help you avoid costly mistakes and save you time, frustration, and money. Pro Tips: • Paint your walls a neutral and add color with your furniture and accessories that can be replaced when color trends change. • Replacing light fixtures can be a relatively inexpensive way to update the look of any space. • Freshen up the look of your kitchen by adding new hardware to your cabinets. • Use mirrors to reflect light to make a small space appear larger. • Window coverings and draperies are a fantastic way to add color, texture, and pattern
50 lawton living magazine What is a good pet food? Quite simply, if your dog likes it and has normal bowel movements, it’s good dog food no matter the brand or type of food. There is an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Offices) statement that should be on your food package telling you this food is a complete and balanced diet for your type of pet. If not, don’t buy it. Is heartworm prevention really necessary? Yes! SW Oklahoma has one of the highest concentrations of mosquitos and reports 26-50 cases of heartworms per clinic since the last report in 2019. Dogs are known as “definitive hosts” because heartworms can grow and reproduce in them. We offer preventatives that can accommodate any budget to protect your pet. Does my puppy or kitten really need multiple boosters? Yes, as your pet grows, so does their immune system. These vaccinations are vital in preventing diseases that can be potentially fatal. I recommended starting at 6-8 weeks with follow-up two to three weeks apart until they reach the age of 12 weeks for Rabies. Is dental care a priority? Yes, dental care is just as important to your pet’s overall health as it is to your own. Gingivitis, plaque and bad teeth can lead to internal issues. What do you do if you see cattle out on the side of the road or a pet unattended? Being a good neighbor should be considered first. If success is not met, then contact animal control. Out of city limits most pets roam free and are patrolling their owners’ property. If a large animal such as a cow, horse, or pig is out, call the County Sheriff’s Department. If a large animal is on the highway, contact Highway Patrol. CHAMBERS VET CLINIC Dr. Larry Chambers 1704 SE 60th Street, Lawton 580.357.9833 facebook.com/ChambersVetClinic Why should I spay my dog? I often see intact female dogs that develop a uterus infection. This is a life-threatening problem and can be eliminated by spaying. I recommend spaying at 6 months of age BEFORE the first heat cycle.
SOUTHWEST HONDA Roosevelt May 5010 NW Cache Road, Lawton 580.360.6487 southwesthonda.com Did you know maintaining your vehicle frequently will lead to long term great service for that vehicle and lower overall repair costs over the lifetime of the vehicle? The number one question you get asked about your industry. I always get asked where should I buy, who should I buy from? You should buy from someone that will treat you like family, someone who will be there if something goes wrong, someone who will get you a great deal. Life hack: If you have kids or pets, putting weathertech mats in or seat covers will greatly help to reduce the inside wear and tear on your vehicle. Speaking from experience, dried cheerios and candy are hard to vacuum out of carpet! Pro tip: A great car detail can make your vehicle feel brand new again and is a great pick me up!
52 lawton living magazine Did you know Firo Pizza has won the Best of SWOK award: Best Pizza four years in a row? Did you know Firo gives back up to 25% of sales a community organization brings in back to that organization? Did you know one of our favorite signature pizzas is our “Primo”? It is topped with mozzarella, parmesan, gorgonzola, smoked prosciutto, and a drizzle of fig and balsamic reduction. Did you know the best way to reheat a Firo Pizza is not to use a microwave, but instead to use your oven? Just preheat your oven to 500 degrees and then put your pizza on a cookie sheet and place it in the oven for 3-5 minutes. FIRO FIRE KISSED PIZZA Al Ryan 3902 NW Cache Road, Lawton 580.699.3476 Firopizza.com
53 hometown living at its best PLAYCARE, INC. Pam Kerr 1416 W Gore Boulevard, Lawton 580.355.0814 Playcare.com Did you know that most families qualify for Child Care Assistance? A family of 4 can make up to $4832.00 per month and at the most pay a $328/month family copayment. Did you know copayments for CCA are being waived until September 2023? That means qualifying families will have no out-of-pocket payments until September! Go to OKDHSLive.org to see if your family qualifies! Did you know child care workers automatically receive FREE childcare? Call to see if we are hiring! Did you know we have multiple locations in Lawton? This means there is a Playcare close to you!
Real Estate Tips: • Contact a Parks Jones REALTOR before you start getting your house ready to sell. A professional Parks Jones REALTOR can let you know what home projects have the best return for your efforts. • We always suggest using a local lender. It’s nice to be able to meet face to face with a person and not be just an account number. • Buying real estate is not like HGTV. Sometimes you can find the right property in a weekend, other times it can take months or years! • Be realistic with expectations. Fortunately, we are in one of the most affordable markets in the United States, but the Taj Mahal is not to be found for $1,000 a month! • It is important to utilize a well-trained, experienced, and local REALTOR. At Parks Jones Realty, we pride ourselves in providing the most comprehensive training program in our area to our REALTORS. Their expertise is an asset to you when buying or selling your home. PARKS JONES REALTY 4301 NW Cache Road, Lawton 580.357.0842 ParksJonesRealty.com Peggy Foster, Elizabeth James, Jennifer Carroll-Medrano, Heaven Speirs, Tiphanie Murphy, Brittany Montcalm, Kristy Brabaw, Don Radford, Jim Ard, John Naberhaus, John Jones, Larry Liter, Debra Gilkeson, Erin Atkins, Tonya Smothermon
TYO CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Todd Tyo 1818 West Gore Boulevard, Lawton 580.699.5115 Tyochiropractic@gmail.com Did you know more than 35 million people in the United States visit a chiropractor annually? The number one question I get asked in practice: “Is chiropractic care safe and effective?” Chiropractic care is considered safe and effective when performed for the right condition and done by a licensed trained professional. Studies show over 77% of people who receive chiropractic treatment describe it as “very effective.” Pro tips to improve spinal health and posture. 1. Exercise regularly. 2. Strengthen your core. 3. Stretch. 4. Pay attention to your posture (STOP STARING AT YOUR PHONE) 5. Wear good shoes. Did you know common symptoms and conditions treated with chiropractic care: neck pain, low back pain, sciatica, headaches, car accidents, sport injuries, joint pain, muscle aches and overall maintenance for the spine.
ROBINSON AI R Darryl Robinson 10 South West H Avenue, Lawton 580.699.5760 RobinsonAirHVAC.com Did you know “Freon” is just a brand name of refrigerant (the liquid stuff that makes your air conditioner cold). It is made by DuPont, which is the largest manufacturer of refrigerants. But go ahead and call it Freon, we understand. I’m from the south and I refer to all sodas as “Coke.” Did you know conventional air conditioning or heat pump systems of any brand come with a 10-year parts warranty, but ONLY if it is registered. If not registered by the installer or homeowner, the parts warranty is reduced to only 5-years. Did you know blown-in attic insulation is one of the best investments you can make to save on energy bills, and takes a relatively short amount of time to recoup your investment. Did you know a standard 1” air filter should be replaced every 1 to 2 months. However, with a 2” to 4” filter, that period can be extended up to every 3 to 6 months. Have more questions about HVAC and plumbing? Visit our website under “Resources” to read more.
57 hometown living at its best DARBY ’ S BIG FURNITURE Darren, Treyn, Ty & Zach Lawton 580.510.3242 Duke 580.679.3310 darbysfurniture.com Did you know we offer FREE DELIVERY and SET-UP within 90 miles of our stores? Did you know you can special order through our catalogs, kiosk, and website? Did you know Darby’s has the largest selection of La-Z-Boy and Stressless furniture in Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas? Did you know Darby’s has been family owned and operated since 1907? Pro Tip: Ask about closeouts and discontinued items to save on your purchase!
What is the difference between Juvéderm and BOTOX?” Juvéderm “Dermal Filler” is injected into the face to provide volume and hydration as well as replace collagen loss. It helps soften facial folds and lines creating a more youthful appearance. BOTOX temporarily relaxes the facial muscles that cause wrinkles. A Botox treatment is minimally invasive, considered safe and effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles on forehead, crow’s feet, frown lines, bunny lines, lip lines, neck bands, and cords. -Angela Johnson The number one question I get asked in practice: “What is a MedSpa?” Medical spas provide comprehensive medical care in an environment that integrates spa services with traditional and cosmetic medical treatments and therapies. They have full-time, onsite licensed staff, under the supervision of a licensed physician. -Dr. Mayank Dave Why are monthly facials important? It can slow the aging process, reduce fine lines, age spots, and hyperpigmentation. It also aids in increasing blood circulation to help renew skin cells by circulating the blood flow under the skin. This will decrease puffiness and fluid buildup that comes from our lymphatic system. -Julietta Williams What can you treat with the Optimus Laser? In just 1-3 sessions Lumecca improves the appearance of age spots (red/brown pigment), vascular lesions such as telangiectasia (spider veins), poikiloderma, rosacea (redness), and sun damage. Morpheus8 is a minimally invasive deep fractional radiofrequency treatment that delivers exceptional skin, tissue and collagen remodeling to improve skin appearance and tighten facial skin and connective tissues. Diolaze is a safe, gentle and effective hair removal treatment. Hair is reduced with each treatment; six treatments are recommended four weeks apart. Most treated areas include bikini, Brazilian, legs, arms, chest, back, shoulders, stomach, neck, chin, and sideburns. -Kendra Geiger HARMONY MEDISPA Angela Johnson, Julietta Williams, Kendra Geiger & Dr. Mayank Dave 1612 West Gore Boulevard, Lawton 580.280.2201 myharmonymedispa.com
Did you know in the majority of cases, the only out-of-pocket expense for a homeowner is their deductible? As storm season approaches, be sure to review proper coverage with your carrier. Steps to take in the event of a wind or hailstorm 1. Document the date and time of loss 2. Take photos 3. If applicable, mitigate to prevent further damages 4. call a roofing company to assess & notify insurance if damages warrant repair. Pro tip: Always stick with a local, licensed & reputable company. It’s much easier to service the work down the road in a timely manner. Pro tip: Cheaper is not better. Doing it right the first time can save many headaches down the road. SKY ROOFING LLC Skyler Nogueras 3120 SW J Avenue, Lawton 580.917.5850 skyroofingllc.net 59 hometown living at its best
Our story is a good one... Town & Country Home Pros is a boutique real estate company located in Lawton-Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Co-owners, Nita Rodriguez and Lorie Canada, have been serving the Lawton community in real estate for over 45 combined years experience. Our local EXPERTISE, CONNECTIONS, and PERSONAL GUIDANCE will help you navigate through the many puzzle pieces of a real estate transaction with ease. When you choose Town & Country Home Pros you are supporting a local, women-owned and operated company. We provide a personalized service to each client and want you to feel at home with us. We will make your home buying or selling experience, not only successful, but enjoyable. We know that everyone's situation is unique and we will take a creative approach to helping you meet your goals while upholding our core values with straightforward communication and some good old southern hospitality thrown in the mix. . . . we would love to be a part ofyour real estate story! 816 SW C Avenue, Lawton 580.483.9766 Lawton-HomePros.com Lawton-HomePros@gmail.com 09
62 lawton living magazine Come, sit, and stay as we get to know Doc of Chambers Vet Clinic. Why did you become a veterinarian? PHOTOS BY WILD OAKS PHOTOGRAPHY AND PROVIDED BY CHAMBERS VET CLINIC DOC LARRY CHAMBERS, DVM Tell us about your early years. I grew up in a town south of Beggs, Oklahoma called Nuyaka. My parents along with my 5 siblings lived on a dairy farm. When not doing chores, I volunteered to assist Dr. Jim Antle in Okmulgee. He was a mixed-practice animal veterinarian who loved horses, especially racehorses. During my time with Dr. Antle I observed the deep concern people had for their pets when unwell and my aspiration to deliver aide increased. This aligns perfectly today with our motto, “Making Your Pet Happy, Makes Us Happy!” I graduated fromBeggsHigh School andwent on to East Central Oklahoma State College in Ada, Oklahoma. I was accepted into theVeterinaryprogramat Oklahoma StateUniversityandeventuallyBorenAnimalTeaching Hospital on campus. I graduated withmy doctorate in 1982. It would have been impossible for me to obtain success as a veterinarian if not for the grace of the Lord in my life along with support from family and close friends. There are many wonderful pieces of life that we appreciate as time passes. One of those is my family. My wife, Brenda, worked at the college (an OU fan working at OSU) to support us until we had our first child, Jerod, during my senior year. Next, the Lord led us to Lawton and we had another son, Trey, and soon after our daughter, Emily. I started at Beavers Animal Hospital as an associate with Don Beavers, DVM and now, 40 years later, I ama bit older and slower but still busy practicing and committed to the community. I started with a mobile veterinary vehicle, which is a must in a mixed-animal practice, as the clinic currently on SE 60th Street was being built. Boy did that truck have some stories! It was a 1957 turquoise
63 hometown living at its best
64 lawton living magazine Chevy short bed. I replaced it with a 1967 El Camino with a bed cover and put over 35,000miles on it the next year. I’ve been hailed on, stuck in the mud, rain, and snow, and withstood four accidents. Amobile practice is not for theweak. I’ve beenhospitalized for numerous illnesses, fractured bones, and heat exhaustion. Most of all during this time, I sawsome of themost beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I remember one time I had successfully provided aide toa cowin thedeliveryof ababy calf and stoppedby TheBlue JayCafé inGeronimo, Oklahoma. I hadworked up quite the appetite after treating patients. Several clients were there conversing about the morning, and I ordered a full breakfast with a dozen eggs. Arthur Johnson was there and declared he had never seen anyone eat a dozen eggs. Over the next 30 years when Arthur sees me, he retells that story. One thing I’ve learned, sometimes youmake an impression on people and it can be pretty interesting. One of my friends, Coach McSwane, was with me on an after-hours call helping a cow deliver a baby. I was able to successfully produce a live baby. There is a moment when they don’t breathe, blink, or move then life appears. It was Coach's first time to see this amazing miracle and the expression on his face was one of astonishment. I have seen looks of awe and fascination on people’s faces and it reminds me not to take for granted the wonders of what I see daily.
65 hometown living at its best What keeps you going? People! Loyalty I’ve found is one thing that money can’t buy, therefore the spendingofmoneyonsomeone’s cause is to benefit the cause. There were two people during the transition phase of my career that were loyal clients and friendswho supportedme financially. The first was Earl Glover Sr. a cattleman, farmer, and auctioneer. He sold me two acres of land with a clean title and toldme topayhimwhen I got extramoney. The other was Wylene Douglas who owned a dog kennel. They both helped me financially but more than that they sent customers to me daily. Through their belief, they furnished the down payment for my loan. Our loyalty was based on friendship and the support we gave to each other’s families and professions. Charles Spencer and Spencer brothers of Elgin, Oklahoma had a family ranch from 1963 until 2021. Charles became a client in the late 1980s. He is an example of complications that arise in the cattle business from sickness, lameness, and difficult births. Late nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays we have shared together. He was always upbeat and is definitely my number one client that kept me from many good nights' sleep. Hal Smith was a cattle buyer, and he was excellent at it. Cattle are like owning stock. Once you buy them youhave no control overwhat return youwill get when yousell them. Bothof our businesses relyheavilyon the movement of cattle thereforewe experienced slowand busy times together. Our support for each other never wavered so when times were slow and the chips were down, that kept us going. Julia Salas, of Salas Mexican Cantina, has been a long-time neighbor and client. I frequent her establishment and I loveburritos. Shewouldspecifically make me one with fajita meat. I finally got her to try it after a few years and it is now on her menu as ‘Doc’s Burrito’. Very humbling for me. Charlie Bardsher, a cattle buyer, was the never-ending prankster in my life. It had been raining for a week or longer. Everything around the clinic was muddy, cold, and miserable one fall. I looked out my front window of the clinic and a pick-up was going in circles, BACKWARDS! It was Charlie. I ranout andhollered, “What are youdoing Charlie?” Charlie responded, “A reverse Indian dance to get the rain to stop!” My first meeting with Charlie was in the clinic as I was conversing with an older lady clutching her little white poodle. Charlie came in and after some time wandering around the clinic, he came out on all fours barking like a dog. The older lady screamed as I asked Charlie what in the world are you doing while trying to remain professional. Charlie stated, “I figured if I acted like a dog, I could get your attention.”
66 lawton living magazine What type of animals have you encountered in your profession? I think the better question is what haven’t I encountered? Outside ofmy passion for dogs, cats, and cattle, the goodLordhas blessedmewithopportunities to expand my dedication to animals. I have examined over 30 breeds of horses not including ponies, donkeys, and mules, and approximately 600,000 head of cattle including the longhorn, show calves, dairy, rodeo Brahma bulls, and the majority of beef breeds. Whenever a circus would come to town, I would be called out to inspect all the animals for health and welfare. This meant the world tome for memories as I would take the children (nowgrandchildren) to inspect each animal. This meant having one-on-one contact with elephants, Bengal tigers, lions, zebras, gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, all species of birds, reptiles, and everything that would be in the circus. It was like being at a hands-on petting zoo not many people get to experience. Other types of unusual species I have taken care of are many different breeds of deer, elk, even an albino, ostriches, emus, llamas, raccoons, possums, skunks, quail, pigeons, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, chickens, ferrets, snakes, antelope, alligators, turkey, and buffalo.
67 hometown living at its best What is the most challenging aspect of your profession? I don’t believe there is a daywhen I get everything done. You just have to stop, that’s the challenge of the profession. Your dedication to the field of veterinary medicine is a 24-hour jobbut youmust set aside time to prioritize church, family, friends, and extracurricular activities. I take great pride in being a part of Lawton. When asked, “What’s Up Doc?” people genuinely express concern for my well-being with those three words. It always puts a smile on my face which is reciprocated. At that moment you know they care. In the summer of my fourth-grade year in bible school iswhen I acceptedChrist asmy Savior andLord. From that day forward my life has been to serve Him and tell others howmuch He can do for you. I strive to be a rolemodel inmany areas of my life as a Christian, Veterinarian, and supporter of youth programs for the past 40 years. I have a passion for our 4-H and FFA programs within the districts. The parents and kids work very hard, and I have been able to provide scholarships, sponsorships, and mentorships to generations. I was active in sports and church as a kid sowhen the opportunity came to get involvedwith the school district it was an automatic yes! This allowed me to get involvedwith school sponsorship, coaching, and mentoring while enjoying my own children, Jerod, Trey, Emily, J.R. Loera, and Alex Loera, grow in their sports, theater and choir curriculum. I feel each opportunity to be involved in the community led me to another opportunity to be a good servant. I have acquired relationships from city, county, state, and federal-level organizations that have developed into long-time friendships. Why is community involvement so important to you?
68 lawton living magazine
69 hometown living at its best
70 lawton living magazine
71 hometown living at its best
Written by Rebecca Rister GREEN on the GROWING UP 72 lawton living magazine
GOLF IS A FUN ACTIVITY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it is the perfect time to play golf with your kids. The green is an ideal setting for good conversation, quality time, and screen-free memories! Boys especially talk more when they are active. The game of golf offers so many opportunities to grow in character of INTEGRITY, HONESTY, PATIENCE, RESPECT, and the list goes on! But how do you get started when introducing your child to the sport? What is the best age? What equipment do they need? What do they need to wear? It can be intimidating and expensive, but we’ve got you covered! The recommended age to introduce kids to golf is school-aged (5-8) when their attention span is longer, and they can focus on instructional coaching. Every child is different, and you know best if it will be fun or stressful for their personality and ability to focus. Basic equipment includes 3 clubs (driver, 7 iron, and putter), golf bag, balls, tees, and ball marker (a coin works great). Consider renting or borrowing clubs at first to make sure they are going to stick with the sport. You can find new or used clubs if you decide to purchase your own. No matter which route you take, make sure they are the right size for your child’s height. Typical golf attire is a cap, collared polo shirt, shorts, golf shoes or tennis shoes are fine for younger kiddos. • Consider golf lessons for your child or both of you if this is a new hobby. • Make practicing fun! Putting in the backyard into a container or taking your child to the driving range is a great way to gain interest before 18 holes are tackled. • Go at non-peak hours with no expectations except spending time with your child. No scores, no schedule. Just positive reinforcement and snacks! • Embrace the fun of the golf cart! This is often the best part of their golf trip! Golfing with my dad as a young girl (on up into adulthood) are some of my favorite memories! This time together was about the one-onone time, not what a shot on the back nine. Children spell love T-I-M-E. So, whether it’s on the green or in the deer stand–get outdoors with your children. This precious time together will last a lifetime. Hudson Lee Rabon of Lawton, son of Austin & Whitney Rabon and brother to Harper Jo. Submitted with love by “Pops” Sebo
75 hometown living at its best
77 hometown living at its best
Written by AVERY PULLIN | Photos provided by CAMERON UNIVERSITY THE STUDENTS Behind the Stories Courtney McEunn, Scotlyn Koehler, Emily Fogle, Kenzi Gorthy, Delaney Morgan, Makenna Hill 78 lawton living magazine
79 hometown living at its best W What began in 1972 to support Cameron University, continues today by annually collecting $1.5-2 million and disbursing over $400,000 in scholarships. The foundation’s belief is “Your Success is Our Success.” Here are two students behind the success stories. THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION HAS BEEN SUPPORTING CAMERON STUDENTS SINCE 1972. Jadance Black and Makenna Hill
80 lawton living magazine Senior Kenzi Gorthy is one such student whosestoryisbeingchangedbythescholarships she received through the Cameron University Foundation. Kenzi’s story started in Cache public schools and later moved to Walters where she graduated high school. Since her mom had attended Cameron and all of her fami ly is in Lawton, she knew Cameron University was the best option. After declaring her major in Engl ish Education, Kenzi had a plethora of scholarships awarded to her through the Foundation. In her time at Cameron, she has received the Jessie Mae Hines Language Arts Scholarship ($500/ semester), the Fulbright-Helvey Endowed Scholarship ($750/semester), and the C Glyn and Virginia Mitchell Endowed Scholarship (full ride, including books and tuition). In addition, she has received the Inspired to Teach scholarship for future Oklahoma educators which credit her $500/semester and then $2 ,500 during her semester of student teaching. As a member of Sigma Tau Delta (English Honor Society), Kenzi has had the opportunity to spread awareness about banned books. Throughvariousprograms andoutreachevents, her on-campus leadership has allowed her to be involved in activities that will translate directly to her career. She has enjoyed her time at Cameron and says it is the people who make up her memories here. Mentors such as Tiffany Smith and professors such as Dr. William Carney as well as her best friend Delaney have all made huge impacts on her life while at Cameron. Kenzi ’s goal of becoming an Engl ish teacher is soon to come to fruition. She will student teach in Fall 2023 and be ready for a classroom of her own after that. Due to receiving the Inspired to Teach scholarship, Kenzi will teach in an Oklahoma public school for at least five years upon graduation. She also plans to pursue her master’s degree in the spring of 2024 after her student teaching concludes. After getting married in November 2022, Kenzi isevenmorethankful thatherscholarship money allows her to focus on her studies and Kenzi Gorthy Amaya Stevenson, Jadance Black, Makenna Hill, Kristi Alvarado, Ale Moya
81 hometown living at its best not have to carry too heavy of a workload outside of school to make ends meet. The money she received through the Cameron University Foundation helped make her dreams become a reality. Originally from Frederick, Oklahoma, senior Makenna Hill credits the on-campus living arrangements as the biggest reason she chose CameronUniversity. Beginning her freshman year, she received a room waiver that covers part of the cost of the on-campus apartment. Not having to commute gave her a chance to be immersed in campus life. Makenna’s goal is to become a professor, and she plans to graduate in December of this year with a degree in English and a minor in Language Arts. Like Kenzi , Makenna also received the Jessie Mae Hines Language Arts Scholarship which totaled $1,000 for her. By applying through the Cameron Portal, she was able to receive scholarship money she may not have originally known about. In addition, Makenna is proud to be a scholar in the Plus Programwhich is valued at about $6,000 a year. This scholarship covers tuition up to 36 hours per academic year for four years and includes a room waiver. To receive this award, she had to write a paper, submit letters of recommendation, and complete an interview. As a scholar in the program, Makenna and other Plus Scholars must provide 16 hours of volunteer work each semester, be involved in an oncampus program, go to CU Succeeds Events, and attend various meetings. Due to being a Plus Scholar, Makenna also meets with President MacArthur once a year where she is able to discuss with him how her classes are going as well as any questions or concerns she has as a student leader. She says the opportunity to visit with the university president and have a seat at the table with him is an exceptional experience to have. In total the university selects 25 students per year to be part of the Plus Program. Makenna Hill Karla Oty, Beverly Davis, Don Davis, Hyunsoon Whang
Since receiving these scholarships through the Cameron University Foundation, Makenna has been able to build her college relationships instead of working a full-time job. She currently works in the writing center, but the scholarships have let her develop her leadership abilities. Without them, she says, “I don’t think I could live here and be as involved as I am.” Makenna plans to graduate a semester early in December of this year. Though she has been involved in many on-campus activities and carries 5+ courses a semester, Makenna spends her free time reading, being in nature, playing with her dog Apollo, and visiting with friends and family. This all-around student encourages incoming freshmen to take the time to get to know fellow students and professors. she says, “Opportunities will present themselves the more you try to get involved.” The Endowed Donor Appreciation Dinner was held on March 8th at the McMahon Centennial Complex. 188 students, faculty, and donors attended the event centered on showing thanks and gratitude for the donors who have made significant contributions to the endowment program at Cameron University. Their generosity provides scholarships for students who would not otherwise have the option of pursuing their dreams, and much needed resources for campus faculty to enhance the quality of learning in and outside of the classroom. The money also helps recruit highly qualified faculty. Director of Development Tiffany Smith said, “We are thrilled at having the opportunity to finally bring our campus community together, after 3 long years, to honor the generosity and commitment our donors have made to the university and its students. We are grateful for the lives that have been changed and the impact they continue to have at Cameron. Without our loyal supporters, many of these students would not be able to pursue their dreams. Their generosity provides a life-changing sense of stability and opens doors that would otherwise not be available to them.” To learn more about donating to the Cameron University Foundation or receiving funds as a Cameron student, visit cameron.edu/foundation. Perhaps you will be the next story behind the student. † Tracie Davis and Jack Bryan Karla Oty, Eddie Hamra, and Robert Hamra John McArthur (University President)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkwNzAx