Sand Springs Couples Host 6th Annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss 5K

Left to Right: Matt Barnett, Cassie Barnett, Paige Ryan, Austin Ryan. (Courtesy).

Pregnancy is often greeted with a great deal of celebration and excitement. Couples plan photo shoots for their announcements, followed by maternity photos. Baby showers have become elaborate affairs, and gender reveals have reached comedic and even dangerous magnitudes.

But what few people want to talk about is how many of those children will never celebrate their first birthday.

According to the World Health Organization, 10 to 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and nearly 2 million babies are stillborn each year.

The level of loss and heartache that a parent goes through in these situations can’t be measured, affects everyone differently, and often leaves the parent feeling alone, confused, betrayed, and any other number of emotions.

And far too often they go through that pain without the community support that they had during their pregnancy. Folks turn out for baby showers, but there are no stillbirth showers.

That’s why two Sand Springs couples are hosting an annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss 5K.

“This is the second one we’ve been involved with,” said event co-organizer Matt Barnett.

“We just partnered in with Austin and Paige Ryan. They’ve been doing this for a couple years after they lost their first kid. Paige and my wife got close after we lost our first child.”

Jacob Austin Ryan was stillborn on January 23, 2018 and the Ryan family started the 5K and Fun Run that year in his honor.

Matt and Cassie Barnett lost their daughter, Elizabeth “Elle” Jane Bartnett to stillbirth on August 28th, 2021 and joined the Ryans in co-hosting the event last year.

“We started doing the run with them last year and it went well,” said Matt Barnett. “We added HillSpring into the mix and our church really got behind it. And then unfortunately we lost another kid.”

Paxton “Pax” Brently Barnett was also stillborn on March 23rd, 2023.

The Barnetts, who are both on staff at HillSpring Church in Sand Springs, often speak from the pulpit about the loss of their children and how it has affected both their faith and their marriage, shining a light on a difficult subject that’s rarely discussed publicly.

They hope the 5K will help bring attention to the issue and let other parents dealing with loss know that they’re not alone.

“Find community,” said Matt Barnett. “I would beg people, don’t do it alone. Find a community. Find a MEND group, find churches, find organizations that you can lean on and people who have been through the same experience.”

“Grief is long and it’s weird and it’s just unpredictable. It’s not fair to do it alone, so we need people to help.”

Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death (MEND) is one of two organizations that the 5K is raising money for.

“MEND is an organization that really helps put support groups together for families who have went through infant and pregnancy loss,” said Barnett. “They were really helpful for my wife when she went through this.”

The other organization is Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, which provides families going through a loss with newborn photography sessions.

“Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is a weird one for us” said Barnett. “I didn’t know if I wanted that the first time we lost somebody, but I never realized how much I would cherish that. It’s just another example of how they were real and how they mattered.”

The 2023 race on October 7th drew 78 entrees for the 5K any many more participated in the fun run at Case Community Park.

11-year-old Canyon Carnahan, of Sand Springs, won the race handily with a time of 22:01. Greg and Kiera Barnes, of Mannford, finished second and third in 23:36 and 24:17.

“It’s been really successful,” said Barnett. “I think last year we raised around $8,000 or so. That’s the most we’ve ever raised and we’re hoping to get close to that or more this year.”

The race drew everyone from avid runners to supporters of the cause to families who have experienced their own losses.

“It’s beautiful,” said Barnett. “There’s a lot of community involvement. The City’s involved with this, local churches, we have about 20 sponsors for the event. It really is a lot of people coming together so it’s really cool.”

5K Results

Men

22:01 Canyon Carnahan
23:36 Greg Barnes
24:22 Jeff Parks
24:41 Kory Brown
27:19 Kenny White
27:19 Caleb Smith
28:16 Shuan Adams
30:18 Bryce Beall
32:08 Christopher Matthews
32:19 Cayden Holder
33:24 Kevin Rouk
34:29 Bradley Potts
35:07 Kaidyn Cowan
35:13 Bobby White
35:48 Kurtis Crawford
36:10 Eli Beall
36:11 Daniel Henderson
37:20 Scott Emigh
43:44 Justin Carnahan
46:17 Keaton Smith
46:27 Ryan Johnson
49:23 Jacob Rupp
54:49 Ron Mayes
55:22 John Sommers
58:07 Bobby McIntosh
58:47 George Stabler
58:50 Andrew Arms
59:19 Shawn Smith
59:25 Nick Julkowski
1:05:22 Chris Wilson

Women

24:17 Kiera Barnes
27:24 Chezney Kelley
27:29 Audrey Fincannon
28:09 Shelby Champ
28:26 Shannon Hamilton
28:43 Katelynn Castleman
28:45 Kassie Billingsly
29:11 Ashley Cox
29:25 Nancy Vanderburg
32:50 Victoria Buchanan
33:24 Kelly Holder
33:38 Kynlee Carnahan
35:54 Patricia Harsley
37:23 Victoria Middleton
38:42 Alison Holder
41:47 Andee Sage
43:10 Charity Emigh
43:42 Heather Carnahan
44:27 Sericca Walters
44:27 Kara Enkey
45:24 Regan Pidcock
45:27 Madison Smith
45:42 Amber Cowan
48:08 Haylee Dewberry
48:44 Tiffany Rowe
49:16 Michelle Key
49:23 Savannah Lytle
54:01 Emily Smith
54:03 Casey Arms
55:20 Heather Sommers
56:41 Kendra McIntosh
57:05 Karen Smith
58:07 Carolynn Canfield
58:37 Kaylee Kendall
58:38 Natasha Odom
58:44 Shannon Strabala
58:45 Claire Julkowski
58:49 Meoldy Hilligoss
58:49 Piper Brooks
58:50 Ashley Vanderburg
58:50 Hannah McGarvey
58:55 Lindsey Julkowski
59:41 Pam Jackson
1:03:26 Lana Greenfield
1:04:05 Paulette Bennet
1:04:05 Theresa Greene
1:04:10 Randy-Lynne Wach
1:05:22 Tamara Boyles

City of Sand Springs Hires Jennifer Swezey as Assistant City Manager

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(Sand Springs, OK) - In a report to the City Council last night, City Manager Mike Carter announced his intention to hire Jennifer Swezey as the newest member of the administration team at the City of Sand Springs. He related that Ms. Swezey will start her duties with the City on October 9th, 2023 in her capacity as Assistant City Manager.

Ms. Swezey has worked since 2021 as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Muskogee. She held the positions of Communication & Media Relations Manager, Community Relations Liaison and Executive Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Broken Arrow.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Arts in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma.

She holds leadership experience with the National League of Cities, City Manager’s Association of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Municipal League, as well as many other civic and business based groups.

City Manager Mike Carter stated, “Due to workload and time constraints, I have been looking for someone who can help deliver the quality of administrative services that our citizens, city council and employees deserve. After a couple of years in searching, I am confident that we now have that person in Jennifer Swezey.

He continued, “Our community deserves to have someone like her, and I know Jennifer will do great things in Sand Springs. I look forward to the opportunity to let her use her talents for the benefit of our citizens”.

Mayor James O. Spoon stated, “After meeting with Jennifer, I am confident that she will complement the excellence we have had in our city management and will specifically help with the community engagement that Mike Carter advocates for and our City Council desires”.

He further stated, “I know Jennifer has family ties to the Mannford and as such has spent time in an around our community”.

Ms. Swezey fills the position of Sand Springs Assistant City Manager which was last held by Daniel Bradley, who retired in 2021.

American Heritage Bank receives Golden Bulldozer award for city beautification

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Photo: Morgan Miller

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge awarded the Golden Bulldozer Award to a representative from American Heritage Bank at this Monday's regular City Council meeting. The bank was recognized for their work in removing dilapidated structures, thereby contributing to city beautification, and improving public safety and property values. 

According to a report from City Financial Director Kelly Lamberson, sales tax income is down slightly from this time last year, but franchise taxes are up 22% over projections. City general fund spending is down 1.6% from what was budgeted, and down 6.6% from the previous year.

City Manager Elizabeth Gray was absent from the meeting, attending the ICSC conference in Dallas. The International Council of Shopping Centers Deal Making Conference is an "opportunity for owners, developers, retailers, brokers, lenders, municipalities, property asset managers and product and service providers to gather under one roof to exhibit, make deals, and form successful business partnerships." 

Vice Mayor John Fothergill discussed his recent experience at the Oklahoma Municipal League conference in Oklahoma City. He invited the other councilors to join him in visiting city officials from Mannford to try and learn new ways to provide financial stability in the face of declining sales tax.

In other local news:

Kristen Johnson, a recently retired teacher from Sand Springs, was recently hired as the Deputy City Clerk.

Sand Springs police officer Jay Barnett was recently promoted to Captain after twenty-five years of serving the community. 

Oklahoma City startup company Solaright recently donated 42 solar-powered lights to the Sand Springs Parks Department for use in Ray Brown Park and the downtown Triangle park. 

Governor Mary Fallin Signs Paperwork Placing Five Additional State Questions on November Ballot

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin signed election proclamations Monday that place five additional state questions on the November 8 general election ballot.

The paperwork signed by the governor placed these issues on the ballot:

• State Question (SQ) 779, which would increase the state sales tax by 1 percent to fund teacher pay raises and other education causes.

• SQ 780, which reclassifies some criminal offenses, such as drug possession and property crimes, as misdemeanors instead of felonies.

• SQ 781, which would take money saved from implementing SQ 780 and allow counties to fund community rehabilitation programs.

• SQ 790, which would remove a section of the Oklahoma Constitution prohibiting use of state resources for religious purposes.  

• SQ 792, which would allow wine and full-strength beer to be sold in grocery stores and convenience stores.

The deadline for the governor to sign election proclamations for state questions to be placed on the November 8 general election ballot is Friday.

Two other state questions already are on the ballot. SQ 776 would declare that the death penalty is not cruel or unusual punishment and would allow the Legislature to designate any method of execution if a current method is declared unconstitutional. SQ 777 would prevent lawmakers from passing legislation to regulate agriculture unless there is a compelling state interest.

Sakura might just be the nicest restaurant in Sand Springs

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By: Morgan Miller, Executive Director

If you are from Sand Springs, you have probably asked for the city to have nicer restaurants before (or if you're on Sand Springs Gossip Central, you have asked for them a couple dozen times). In January Sand Springs received a new, incredibly nice Sushi and Hibachi restaurant named Sakura.

Sakura opened in a building formerly occupied by Pizza Hut. On the outside, it still looks like its predecessor, but as soon as you step inside, you're blown away by how lovely the decor is. Walking around the interior of this restaurant, you would never guess that it was once a Pizza Hut. The flooring and walls are very nicely done, with nice faux wood flooring, gorgeous wallpaper, and decorative stacked stone. There are also multiple decorative water features throughout the restaurant, televisions on multiple walls, and nice seating in each of the three sections. As well as regular booth and table seating, guests also have the option to be seated at the sushi bar.

The food does not disappoint, either. The menu has something for just about everyone. There is sushi, fried rices, steak, and other great options. Of the many times that I have visited (I'd rather not say the amount) I have tried many of their sushi options. Before trying Sakura, I can honestly say I was not a fan of sushi. I have tried almost all of the "special" sushi options on the menu there and I have thoroughly enjoyed every one that I have tried. I have heard from friends that their options other than sushi are quite enjoyable as well.

The staff has been friendly and professional with every visit. Each time I have gone, my food has come out in a timely manner and my drink has stayed filled. Finally, I have always been very impressed with the presentation of my food. Each time, my food has been presented to me beautifully.

Over all, the only complaint that I could have is that the outside of the restaurant does not reflect at all the greatness that is found inside. If you have not gone to check out this new addition to Sand Springs, I would highly recommend that you do!

Sakura is open from 11:00am-3:00pm and 4:30pm-9:30pm Monday through Thursday, 11:00am-10:00pm Friday and Saturday, and 11:00am-9:00pm on Sunday. You can dine in or order take-out. To order carry out you can call the restaurant at 918-514-0288, or order online at www.sakurasandsprings.com 

Alley LeGrand is headed to HOSA Nationals, and needs your help

STAFF REPORTS

Charles Page High School and Tulsa Tech junior Alley LeGrand recently placed third in her event at the Oklahoma State HOSA competitions this week, qualifying to compete at Nationals this summer in Nashville, Tennessee. The only problem is, only the first place winners get the trip paid for by HOSA. 

The Health Occupations Students of America's mission is "to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care by providing opportunities for knowledge, skill, and leadership development of all heal science education students, therefore, helping the student meet the needs of the health care community."

Despite being a National Technology Honors Society student with perfect attendance at both Tech and CPHS, LeGrand will have to forfeit her spot if she can't come up the money by April 13th. 

LeGrand has already been accepted to her second year at Tulsa Tech for the Dental Assistant program, and is hoping to represent Sand Springs on the national stage and potentially win a scholarship. She's already raised $215 in the first 14 hours, but needs to reach $1,600 by April 13. If you would like to contribute you can donate to her campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/ctxux8rg

Mark your calendars for the 27th annual Herbal Affair

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Story and photo by: Morgan Miller, Executive Director

If you are from Sand Springs or one of the surrounding areas, chances are you have been to or at least have heard of the Herbal Affair. If you have not heard of this festival, it is an annual herb and garden event held in downtown Sand Springs. The city’s website states that “this event was founded in 1989 and began as a simple downtown street sale. Since then it has grown tremendously and now attracts over 25,000 people each year. It has also led to other communities hosting similar events, but remains the “queen” of herbal festivals.” This event consistently attracts people from all over the state, and even people from surrounding states as well.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Kasey St. John, the Marketing and Special Projects Manager for the city of Sand Springs. St. John has organized this special event for Sand Springs for the past two years. For most of its life, the Herbal Affair was actually run by a committee, but a few years ago it was adopted by The City of Sand Springs.

The Herbal Affair has a huge economic impact on Sand Springs. In fact, St. John mentioned that Riddle Plant farm claims the day as their biggest day of the year. With thousands of people being attracted to Sand Springs from out of town, it is bound to impact the economy in a big way. This event drums up business for Sand Springs’ shops in downtown, the hotels, restaurants, and gas stations.

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

About 25 to 40% of the vendors at the Herbal Affair are from the Sand Springs or Tulsa Metro area. While a little under half are from this specific area of the state, about 90% of the vendors are from Oklahoma. People know what they are going for when they go to the Herbal Affair. Almost all of the vendors are there year after year and that is one of the things that makes it so unique. The herbal affair has maintained a certain standard and character over the years and that, as well, is what makes it so incredibly special. When you go out to the Herbal Affair, you are truly supporting your friends and neighbors.

This event has something for just about everyone. Held in the heart of downtown Sand Springs, there are many unique shops and boutiques, like The Silver Linings Boutique which is on Broadway. The Herbal affair’s vendors don’t only sell plants and herbs, either. There are also craft vendors, as well as food and drink vendors. There will be entertainment for all ages, such as musical performances and a “Kid’s Zone” put on by volunteers from Church That Matters.

If you would like to attend this incredible event, it is being held this year on April 16th, from 9am-4pm, rain or shine! All of the information for the festival can be found at herbalaffairandfestival.com and also on the Sand Springs Herbal Affair & Festival Facebook page. 

The entertainment schedule for this year is as follows:

2016 Entertainment Schedule

8:30-9:30       Casey and Minna
9:30-10:30     Clyde Boyd Middle School Jazz Band
10:30-Noon   Spring Street
Noon-12:30   Hometown Hero Presentation
12:30-2:00    Janet Rutland Trio
2:00-3:00      Seven Feathers
3:00-4:00      Turtle Creek Clogger

Vendors at the event include community favorites such as: Whispering Vines Vineyards and Winery, Tomato Man, The Jelly Lady, Sugar Sisters, Sparks Vineyard, Rosemary's Kitchen, Riddle Plant Farm, Red Dirt Salsa, Pita Place Mediterranean Grill, Okie Dirt, Kountry Kitchen, and Harper's Hut Shaved Ice & Java. The complete list can be found on the city website. 

Bill & Ruth's is Sand Springs's best kept secret

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By Morgan Miller, Executive Director

Whenever I walk into a restaurant, I fully prepare myself for the possibility of not being able to find something to eat there. I have multiple food allergies and they make eating outside of my home nearly impossible sometimes. When I walked into Bill and Ruth's, I was completely prepared to have to walk away and find somewhere else to eat, but that was not the case.

As soon as we entered the restaurant we were greeted with genuine enthusiasm by the owner, Walid Mustafa. He then asked us what we would be eating, and I told him of my predicament. That did not phase Mustafa in any way though. He immediately began making suggestions and actively trying to find things that I would be able to eat. He offered to make a dish in an alternative way to avoid using an ingredient that I couldn't eat. It ended up being the perfect solution, and we decided that the grilled catfish with steamed vegetables was a meal that I could safely eat!

After we paid and went to sit down, Mustafa began personally preparing our food. He got all of it out very quickly and it was wonderful. The food was plated very well, and the portions were large. I ended up taking more than half of it home! Finally, the restaurant was very clean and welcoming. It was a completely positive experience for me. 

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

I would highly recommend anyone to visit this restaurant, there is a wide variety of foods and the service is always excellent. Bill and Ruth's is located at 351 East 2nd Street, Sand Springs, Oklahoma. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:30am-9:00pm, Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm, and closed Sunday. If you would like to make a to-go order you can call the restaurant at 918-245-3782.

Five fun and free Easter events this weekend

By Morgan Miller, Executive Director

Easter Sunday is this weekend. For those of you who have not yet figured out quite what you will be doing, we have compiled a list of some of the things that will be happening in Sand Springs and the surrounding areas this weekend!

Word of Life Church is hosting two Easter Egg Hunts, one at their 9:00am service and one at their 11:00am service. The Easter egg hunts will be during the service. Their address is 1402 N 81st West Ave, Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063.

HillSpring Church will be having two services on Easter Sunday, there will be an 8:30am service and a 10:00am service. They will have an egg hunt between services! Their address is 8801 W 41st St, Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063.

Lake Church in Mannford is having an Egg Drop on Saturday where they will drop 10,000 eggs by helicopter, free food, games, inflatables, horse rides, and face paint. This event will be held from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, the address is 35903 OK-51, Mannford OK 74044.

CrossPoint church will be having an Egg Hunt between their church services, which are at 9:00am and 10:45am. Their church is located at 4600 S. 129th W. Ave, Sand Springs, OK 74063.

Finally, Walmart will have an Easter Bunny walking throughout the store from 12:00pm to 4:00pm on both Saturday and Sunday.  

From all of us at Sandite Pride News, we hope you have a great Easter weekend!