Word of Life Church blesses Walmart shoppers

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Shoppers at the Walmart Supercenter in Sand Springs got a pleasant surprise Sunday morning as hundreds of Word of Life church members poured into the store to bless people with free money. 

Following their 10:00 a.m. service, Word of Life distributed $5.00 bills to every church-goer in attendance to take to Walmart and give to anyone they wanted. The church members could give someone $5.00, or could pool their money with others to take care of a patron's entire cart. This is the second time this year that Word of Life has held such an event.

Word of Life meets Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. at 1402 North 81st West Avenue and is pastored by Chad and Sarah Stewart. The nondenominational church has met in Sand Springs since 1981. 

 

 

Korbyn Cowan presented with Sandite Spirit Award by Board of Education

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Left to right: CBMS Assistant Principal J.J. Smith, Board of Ed President Rusty Gunn, student Korbyn Cowan. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

Korbyn Cowan was presented with the Sandite Spirit Award at Monday night's Sand Springs Board of Education meeting. The Eagle Scout recently helped supply the Clyde Boyd Middle School teachers with emergency first-aid kits. 

"Every teacher in the Sixth Grade Center and the seventh and eighth grade building all have these kits thanks to Korbyn," said CBMS Assistant Principal J.J. Smith. "We're glad to have him and we appreciate him a lot."

"If we're in it together we win it together," said Board President Rusty Gunn. "It's students, it's organizations, and the faith community, and teachers and everybody coming together to make it happen."

SSPS presents Word of Life Church with Sandite Spirit Award

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Left to right: Limestone Principal Karen Biggs, Board of Education President Rusty Gunn, Word of Life Children's Pastor Alexis Glaze and husband Grant Glaze, Angus Principal Angelia Noel. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

The Sand Springs Board of Education presented Word of Life Church with a Sandite Spirit Award Monday evening in recognition of their recent contributions to the school district. 

In August the church held a work day at Limestone Technology Academy, painting the gymnasium and cafeteria, and cleaning up and improving the landscaping. They held another work day at Angus Valley Elementary in October and painted the gym, a classroom, and bathrooms.

SEE RELATED: Word of Life church paints, cleans up Limestone Elementary

"Word of Life first came to Limestone, and when I heard people were doing free work I called them immediately," joked Angus Principal Angelia Noel. "I can't even say enough nice things about them. They continuously ask 'what are your needs? What do you need us to do?'.

"They contacted us back in May," said Limestone Principal Karen Biggs. "They showed up, there's eighty-plus people. It's just been awesome. They come every month and ask what else we need, 'what else can we do for you?'"

"They even collected paper for us," added Noel. "A thousand reams of paper, which is just amazing. There's nothing that I've said to them that they aren't willing to help us with. It's just such a blessing to have people that understand that our jobs are difficult and they want to make it easier for us."

Bill Knight Lincoln donates $8,000 to Sand Springs Education Foundation

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Bill Knight Lincoln presented the Sand Springs Education Foundation with a check for $8,000 Tuesday morning at Angus Valley Elementary as part of the "Driven To Give" campaign begun in October.

For the fifth year, Bill Knight brought out several brand new Lincolns to Charles Page High School for an afternoon of test drives. For everyone who turned out to drive a Lincoln, the dealership donated $20 to the SSEF. The day generated more than $8,000 worth of test drives. 

School officials used the presentation as a teaching moment for a group of kindergarten students to see if students could read the date and amount. They also talked to them about the Foundation and how donations like this affect them directly. 

The Education Foundation recently delivered $70,000 in grants to Sand Springs schools and teachers shortly before Thanksgiving. 

 

Need for Blood Increases as Holidays Approach: Special Edition Holiday Shirt Available through Jan. 31, 2018

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December 4, 2017  ─ Oklahoma Blood Institute needs generous donors to share the priceless gift of saving lives this holiday season. 

This busy time takes a toll on the blood supply for area hospitals, but the need does not decrease. That’s why Oklahoma Blood Institute is encouraging donors to give blood now to help prepare for the holidays, so the supply stays at levels necessary for live-saving procedures.

Now through January 31, 2018, each blood donor will receive a free, limited edition, long-sleeved holiday-themed t-shirt. 

“The gift of blood donation is one that offers hope, healing, and comfort to local patients and their loved ones,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO of Oklahoma Blood Institute.  “The cost- just one hour of your time- is certainly less than other gifts most of us will give this season. But there’s nothing that has a greater impact.”

Donors also receive health screenings and Donor Rewards points, redeemable at Oklahoma Blood Institute’s online store. 

One blood donation can save as many as three lives, and the supply must be constantly renewed.  If donors opt not to take the t-shirt, Oklahoma Blood Institute will make a monetary donation to Global Blood Fund for blood center assistance in developing countries.

As the local non-profit blood center, Oklahoma Blood Institute’s donors provide every drop of blood needed for patients in nearly 90% of the medical facilities statewide including all Children’s, Veterans, and Indian Hospitals.

Blood donors can visit Oklahoma Blood Institute donor centers statewide, or stop by a mobile blood drive. Appointments are not required but can be made by calling Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visiting obi.org.

*16-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds and provide signed parental permission; 17-year-olds must weigh at least 125 pounds; 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.

Sand Springs Senior Citizens craft handmade winter-wear for victims of abuse/sex trafficking

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Nearly two-dozen Sand Springs volunteers have spent the past several months knitting, sewing, and crocheting handmade winter-wear for the nonprofit DaySpring Villa shelter. The "Case Comfort Crafters" made 56 stocking hats, seventeen scarves, thirty children's blankets, and twenty quilted bed coverlets to donate to the women's shelter for victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking.

The group was organized by Sherry Clark, Programs Director for RSVP Tulsa. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program is part of Senior Corps, a federal program that seeks to connect citizens over the age of 55 with service projects and nonprofit organizations. 

One volunteer moved to Sand Springs four years ago after the death of her husband. With her kids grown and busy with their lives, she stayed home most days with nothing to do. "Working on this has been really good. I've got a room full of friends."

Clark's office is located in Tulsa, but she had so many Sandites coming in to look for local opportunities that she had to come see Sand Springs for herself. "Seniors in Sand Springs are really looking to give back to the community," she said. 

Seniors looking to get involved in the organization do not have to have prior skills in crocheting. For information on their next meeting, you can contact Case Community Center at 918-246-2661 or RSVP at 918-280-8656. 

Victims of domestic abuse or sex trafficking can reach DaySpring Villa 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 918-245-4075. The villa will have a barbecue this evening to distribute the gifts to their guests.

Organizers call Inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony a success

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Mayor Mike Burdge speaks at the Inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

The Holiday Season kicked off with a bang Tuesday night in downtown Sand Springs as larger-than-expected crowds turned out for the first known Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in town history. 

The inaugural event drew more than a thousand attendees to shop local, eat local, and watch Mayor Mike Burdge flip the ceremonial switch to kick off the 2017 Christmas season. 

The event grew from seed to harvest in a mere three weeks after local cosmetologist Joni Sporleder invited fellow business owners to her shop, Joni's on the Triangle, earlier this month. Representatives from Blush Hair Salon, YellowHouse Market & Boutique, Rod's Books and Relics, the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, Sandite Pride News, Dog and Duck Antiques, and Yesterday To Now Antiques were joined by realtor Jennifer Barretto and Santa Claus entertainer Glen Burkett to brainstorm and begin the rushed planning process.

More than 3,000 lights illuminate a tree at the downtown Triangle for the Inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. (Photo: Scott Emigh).

The Sand Springs Parks Department graciously and meticulously decorated a tree on the Triangle with more than 3,000 lights, wrapping every single branch. 

Mrs. Marshall's Voice Studio and Olivet Baptist Church choir led the town in Christmas caroling while Three Feather's Catering, Lee's Charburgers, Monie Horsechief Indian Tacos, and Kettle Treats fed the crowd. 

Many downtown members of the newly-formed Small Business Coalition will be open later hours on Tuesdays from now on, and the success of the event has the organization planning future entertainment on the Triangle. In addition to looking at festivities for the holidays, they also want to host concerts throughout the year. 

The Christmas festivities will continue downtown this Friday beginning with the Inaugural Parade of Books at Rod's Books and Relics at 4:00 p.m. More than a dozen local authors will be selling books, giving autographs, and answering questions from fans, supporters, and aspiring writers. At 7:00 p.m. the 35th Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade will meander through downtown.

Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance donates $4,000 for police/fire Christmas bonuses

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Left to right: Pastors Todd Nance and Steve Allen present Fire Chief Mike Wood and Police Chief Mike Carter with a donation towards Christmas bonuses for the departments. 

The Sand Springs City Council met in a regular meeting Monday evening at the City Municipal Building. The Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance presented a check for $4,000 to Police Chief Mike Carter and Fire Chief Mike Wood to be used for Christmas bonus checks for the police and fire departments.

Carter spoke on the recent passage of five General Obligation Bond proposals and the wide margins of their approval. Proposal five was the closest vote with 58% in favor. "It was the biggest leap of faith for our community but we think it'll have the biggest payout," said Carter. 

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs voters approve new infrastructure and park improvements, economic incentives

Formerly a power plant and fire station, this building could one day be the home of a micro-brewery and restaurant. 

Council approved a promissory note between the City of Sand Springs and the Loaded Brewing Company, extending an existing note to March of 2018. The City first issued the note to SpringLoaded Brewery in 2014, allowing the brewery to make property improvements at 221 South Main Street with the goal of purchasing the building and opening a microbrewery/restaurant. The brewery has received five extensions while they continue to look for investors.

A "hardened-room" storm shelter planned for Case Community Center. 

Council approved a $45,000 purchase order for parks supplies including benches, park tables, and trash cans. The money will come from a 2014 GO Bond fund.

Council approved a change in zoning for a 39-acre section of land on the north side of 41st Street, immediately next to HillSpring Church. The property was previously zoned commercial and has undergone extensive property improvements to be used as a private residence with agricultural buildings and livestock.

Council approved a $136,000 contract with Lambert Construction Company for construction of a hardened-room (storm shelter) at Case Community Center. Lambert had the lowest of seven bids. 

Conceptual rendering for the new Fire Station No. 2 to be built in Prattville. 

The City received ten bids for the construction of Fire Station No. 2 and Builders Unlimited of Tulsa was recommended to Council by Chief Wood. The resolution passed unanimously awarding Builders Unlimited a $1.4 million contact.

Council approved a resolution to "adopt a kettle" from Salvation Army. The City will gather volunteers to man a fundraising kettle at Reasor's for a ten-hour shift.

Inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to kick off at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday

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This Tuesday marks what many Sand Springs residents and business owners hope will become an annual tradition. A tree in the downtown Triangle Park has been decked out in more than 3,000 lights and at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Mike Burdge will flip the switch to kick off the holiday season.

Originally the brain child of Joni Sporleder, the event has been coordinated by the City Parks Department, Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, and the newly-formed Sand Springs Small Business Coalition. 

As part of the City of Sand Springs's ongoing efforts to brand Sand Springs as a tourist destination, several small business owners and concerned citizens have made it a goal to promote holiday activities throughout the month of December and to try and draw shoppers and diners back to the heart of the community.

From 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mrs. Marshall Voice Studio choir will be caroling, then the Olivet Baptist Church choir will take over from 6:45 to 7:00. Mayor Burdge will speak and turn on the lights, then Olivet will resume caroling till 7:30. 

From 6:00 to 8:00 WSB Homes will host Birch Studio and artist Jade Crawford along with cocoa and hot cider. The architecture company is located on the triangle at 2 East Broadway Street.

Joni's on the Triangle hair salon will have cookies and hot chocolate at 211 North Main Street, and multiple food trucks will be on hand. Three Feathers Catering will be serving up the barbecue recipes made famous by Papa Pat, and Lee's Charburgers will be selling their selections from the historic Lee's Diner.

The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum will be open with their annual "Art of Giving" Christmas tree display. For $1.00 visitors can vote for their favorite tree, with each tree being sponsored by a local charitable organization. 

Several "Snapped in Sand Springs" photo booths are located downtown, including Beau Wilson Insurance (17 East 2nd Street), Blush Hair and Makeup Lounge (208 North Main Street), Inez Kirk City-Garden Park (101 East Broadway), City Hall (100 East Broadway), Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service (211 East Broadway), Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce (1 West 1st Street), Security Finance (15 East 2nd Street), Vintage Stables on Main (115 North Main Street), and YellowHouse Market and Boutique (122 North Main Street). 

A small "Sandite Santa" figurine will be hidden in various businesses around downtown Sand Springs through December 20th. Patrons who find the Santa can take a picture with it and post the photo to the "Shop Small, Sand Springs" facebook page for a chance to win a prize basket. 

A Crafty Christmas will return to the Shops at Adams Road Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Friday they will have free Santa photos from 5:00 to 6:00. 

Also on Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Rod's Books and Relics will host their inaugural Parade of Books with more than a dozen local authors doing autographs and taking questions. The 35th Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade will be that evening at 7:00 p.m. 

SEE RELATED: Downtown Sand Springs to host local authors for Christmas Parade of Books

2 Angels Toy Run honors fallen Sandites and veterans, collects Christmas Presents for Salvation Army

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More than 200 Sandites turned out Saturday to honor two young car crash victims by donating toys to the Salvation Army. (Photo: Scott Emigh). 

Click here to view the full photo gallery.

In October of 2010, two Charles Page High School students were tragically killed in an auto collision that left the community reeling. Hannah Christian and Cassidy Rotramel were only fifteen years old when their vehicle was t-boned. Their driver was reportedly distracted with an electronic device and rolled a stop sign. None of the passengers were wearing seatbelts.

The tragedy was a sobering wake up call for the community on the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of safety precautions. It was also a time of mourning for the popular teens who were both role model students.

The schools were filled with additional counselors in the coming weeks and hundreds of students utilized their services to cry, vent, and search for answers. Classmate and musician Jake Tankersley used his college savings to record a song in their honor and the "See You Soon" single sold thousands of copies to help pay for their funerals.

The close knit Sandite community vowed not to let their deaths be in vain. Hundreds of students signed a pledge to never text and drive. Then, within a few weeks, the 2 Angels Toy Run and scholarship fund was born.

Christian family friend Eddie Baugher envisioned the toy run and Church That Matter has since taken over the event. Each year, hundreds of car and motorcycle enthusiasts turn out for the drive and bring new, unwrapped toys to donate to area charities in time for Christmas. The Church That Matters Holy Smokers serve barbecue and t-shirts are sold to raise money for scholarships. Two $3000 scholarships are given away each year to CPHS students.

Members of the Sand Springs Community Band perform at the 2 Angels Toy Run in honor of Veterans Day.

The event is regularly held on the second Saturday of November, which happened to coincide with Veterans Day in 2017. The Sand Springs Community Band turned out to perform the songs of each branch of the military, and veterans were recognized prior to the ride.

More than a hundred motorcycles and cars turned out with hundreds of donors. The motorcade ran from the Tulsa Community College West Campus to the Keystone Dam then back to Charles Page High School where they turned their toys in to the Salvation Army. Local businesses donated door prizes for a drawing among toy donors. Prizes were also awarded for the best decorated motorcycles.

Small businesses aim to make Sand Springs a Christmas destination

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Small businesses in downtown Sand Springs have banded together in a Christmas Coalition to promote holiday festivities for the whole month of December.

Beginning November 28th, many downtown businesses will be open later hours every Tuesday leading up to Christmas. The first Tuesday will include caroling, food trucks, and a tree-lighting ceremony with Mayor Mike Burdge at 7:00 p.m. Papa Pat's barbecue and Kettle Treats will be on hand from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

"We want people to eat where they shop and shop where they eat," said Joanna Sporleder, owner of Joni's on the Triangle hair salon. Part of getting people to spend more time in downtown means creating special occasions to draw people in and show them what the town has to offer. 

While the first year of festivities will be limited, the group has big goals for the future. Local Santa Clause Glenn Burkett wants to see OmniTRAX set up some type of Polar Express on the Sand Springs Railroad. Other ideas included a live nativity scene with involvement from the Charles Page High School drama department. 

The coalition also wants to use the festivities as an opportunity to gather donations for organizations like Sand Springs Community Services (SSCS) and the Salvation Army, with businesses offering discounts to patrons who bring in toys and canned foods. "SSCS has been a huge influence in my life," said Sporleder. "I want to try and give back if I can."

SSCS will also be holding a food drive at the Festival of Lights Christmas Parade hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. The 35th annual parade will be held Friday, December 1st with a "Winter Nights and Magical Lights" theme.

The Chamber of Commerce is taking a vested interest in helping out with the coalition and is covering the cost of City Permits and other expenses, as well as helping to coordinate festivities. Keller Williams Realtor Jennifer Fox Barretto, Rod's Books and Antiques owner Rodney Thomas, Dog and Duck Antiques owners Chris and Julie Bedokis, and Yesterday to Now owner Susan Whitley are all involved in the brainstorming and planning. 

Editorial: It's high time to beautify Sand Springs

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This Centennial Clock is one of dozens across the State, commemorating Oklahoma's hundredth anniversary. 

Sand Springs is a wonderful community. I love it here. I was born and raised in Sand Springs and I've lived here for the majority of my life, with stents in Nowata, Bartlesville, Owasso, and Norman. I'm fairly well traveled for an Oklahoman of my age. The average American has visited only twelve states and at my 23 years of age I have been fortunate enough to spend time in seventeen, not counting layovers. 

I am not a turnpike traveler. I like to go with the land, not through it. I take the two-lane highways through the small towns that the interstate forgot. I read about them as I go, I stop in the downtown districts and see the sites. I use the pokestop information on the Pokemon Go! app to find unique parks, murals, statues, and other landmarks that I might otherwise drive right by. 

One thing I'm always struck by is how little art we have in Sand Springs. We have two existing murals and one that's still being painted. We have one statue and a handful of historical markers. That's it. If you visit nearby communities right here in Oklahoma, you're inundated with art. Not just the big cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City, which have hundreds of murals across town. Sapulpa is the size of Sand Springs and has artwork on every corner. Drumright has a mere 3,000 people and yet their town is inundated with murals. 

Sapulpa Public Art

Drumright Public Art

Cushing Public Art

Sand Springs is in a pivotal time right now. With the demolition of the old steel plant, increased commercial development in RiverWest, and new businesses investing in downtown, the town has the opportunity to build momentum and really push Sand Springs into a new era of success. With the commercial development, we should also focus on developing the aesthetic so that the town doesn't lose its identity and end up like another Owasso or Broken Arrow, indistinguishable from Tulsa. 

The following are just a few areas that I think are ripe with potential for branding Sand Springs as a beautiful destination for a weekend getaway or a unique and perfect town in which to build a family and a future.

This grassy hillside is one of many empty areas that could use a little glam in Sand Springs. This spot is located on the southern side of US64 at the intersection with Main Street. The City already has beautification projects planned for many such areas, pending the passage of General Obligation Bond Proposal No. 4 this November, though this specific site hasn't been mentioned yet. A small flower garden here would go a long way, and it doesn't need to be some big expensive government project. This is the kind of simple project that a local youth group could knock out in a single afternoon. A mix of decorative rock and perennial plants would provide a low-maintenance and quality improvement to the town's beauty.

Nothing better to follow the hillside garden than a "Welcome to Downtown Sand Springs" mural. The US64/Main Street intersection is the gateway between old and new Sand Springs. On the south side you have the RiverWest development and the upcoming Sheffield Crossing development. An eye-catching garden and mural will help usher visitors from the modern growth to the heart of the city and hopefully encourage name-brand shoppers to spend a little time among the Mom and Pop shops that make our community unique. Efforts would need to be made to seal all of the cracks in the concrete where the weeds penetrate. Overpass murals have been done excellently in other communities, such as the I-244 intersection with North Greenwood Avenue in Tulsa.

Of all the sites in Sand Springs in need of a face-lift, this needs it the most. I mean no disrespect to the property owners, but most of downtown is red brick so this sticks out like a sore thumb. This is the side of the Yesterday to Now building and the parking for Hammond Family Dentistry. The white paint has clearly been touched up in various spots over the years so none of it is one consistent shade. This is also highly visible and unobstructed, making it a wonderful spot for a mural. The length of the building would bode well for a timelapse mural of Sand Springs throughout the years. 

There are many sites in Sand Springs that don't necessarily need a facelift, but would be fine candidates to receive murals if the community was in favor of more community artwork.
Left to right, top to bottom:

  • 21 East Broadway, owned by Montie Box Rental, currently leased by Bodley Insurance. 
  • 26 East Broadway, owned by Bekim Rexhepi LLC, leased by Napoli's Italian Eatery. This former site of the Sand Springs Trolley Depot aught to bear some reminder of its storied past.
  • 11 East 2nd Street, owned by Thomas & Sharecia Nowak Family Trust, leased by Boost Mobile.
  • 15 East 2nd Street, owned by Sand Springs Welfare Association, leased by Security Finance.
  • 100 North Main Street, owned by Tallent Electric, leased by Edward Jones and Chamber of Commerce.
  • 107 North Main Street, owned by Frank and Catherine Suraci, unoccupied. This is the first wall you see after entering downtown via Main Street.
  • 100 North Main Street, different side of aforementioned building.
  • 118 North Main Street, owned by Vazgen Minassian, leased by Doug's Rebuilders. 
  • 217 North Garfield Avenue, owned by Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. This building is probable the most visible location in downtown for a mural. 
  • 209 North Main Street, owned by IOWA LLC, occupied by Law Offices of Cynthia Phillips and Technology Consulting Services. 

This mural by Josh Butts is halfway done. The eastern side has yet to be primed due to the close proximity to power lines. 

The City of Sand Springs recently commissioned a pair of murals by Tulsa artist Josh Butts. One of these murals is about halfway finished on the abandoned Monarch Cement Co. silo just west of the Avery Drive-Highway 51 intersection. Neither the location nor the design of the second mural has been announced as of yet. City Council authorized $49,500 for the pair of them, funded by the Economic Development Capital Improvement Fund. That money is generated by a hotel tax.

SEE RELATED: City of Sand Springs commissions mural for abandoned Monarch Cement silo.

$49,500 is a lot of money to most people. It may not be a lot of money for a pair of high-quality murals, but it's a lot of money to the average Sand Springs citizen. 

I'm not advocating that the City authorize another $300,000 for murals. I'm a conservative. I believe that the government exists to provide essential services and nothing else. I love the mural being painted by Josh Butts, and I would love to see more of his work around Sand Springs, but I don't personally believe that the taxpayers should be forced to pay for it. 

Sand Springs is blessed with countless service groups and organizations. There are dozens of churches and youth groups. We have great organizations like Beautiful Living in Sand Springs, the Sand Springs Rotary Club, the Power of Partial Improvements, and hundreds of involved citizens who are constantly open to improving the community. 

The Rotary Club donated $70,000 in 2015 to help open a free public splash pad in Case Community Park. Case Community Park received a $2 million donation from Mike and Pat Case. The Rotary Club also sponsors Centennial Park where the sandy springs from which the town draws its name are located. Word of Life Church recently held a work day at Limestone Elementary where they painted several rooms throughout the facility to help the school district rebrand all their schools with black and gold. Church That Matters recently held a city-wide service day where they worked in parks, painted a bridge, worked at a shelter for victims of domestic violence, and even gave out free quarters at local car washes and laundromats.

The town has a long history of those with excess giving back to those with little. The town was born out of the charity of Charles Page, who used his wealth to open an orphanage and widows' colony. He also opened an amusement park and gave away major incentives to attract businesses to the town to provide jobs for his "children." Page had a sense of community that is still very much alive in the hearts of thousands of Sandites to this day. 

You don't have to be a millionaire oil baron to make a difference in your community. Maybe you can't commission a painting, but you can probably give five bucks towards a community enhancement fundraiser, or pick up a shovel and help plant a garden, or help pick up trash and tree debris after a thunderstorm. A few thousand people working together can get a lot done. Let's stop waiting on the City to pass bond issues and raise taxes to get things done. Let's just be involved citizens, get things done ourselves, and make this town the most unique community in the country. 

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce launches new Ambassador Program

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The Sand Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for community service-minded individuals to help launch a new Chamber Ambassador program. The Chamber hosted a free luncheon at Crescent Cafe Tuesday afternoon to discuss the program and distribute information, while the host restaurant graciously footed the bill.

The Ambassador Program will work to help inform the community of Chamber membership benefits, events, and opportunities to give back to Sand Springs. The Chamber has been working since 1946 to strengthen the community and local economy.

The Chamber hosts many events throughout the year, including: The Chillin & Grillin Festival, the Taste of Sand Springs event, and the Festival of Lights Christmas Parade. They also help other organizations with their events, such as the upcoming Ministerial Alliance-sponsored Boo On Broadway Halloween event in downtown.

Ambassadors will assist Chamber President Kristen Valentine with recruiting volunteers for events, recruiting new Chamber members, and networking with new and existing Chamber members. 

"We don't want people to have to work every single event," said Committee Chairwoman Jamie Halford. "We want to try to share the workload and plan ahead for events, rather than just throw things together at the last minute."

Ambassadors will earn participation points for attending or working events, for recruiting volunteers and new chamber members, and for helping with routine office work such as followup calls with existing Chamber members. Points will be turned in at quarterly meetings where an Ambassador of the Quarter will be recognized, as well as an Ambassador of the Year award at the Annual Chamber Reception. 

Chamber benefits include ribbon cutting ceremonies for new businesses, changes of ownership, and new locations. Members are able to submit information for the Chamber newsletter, are included in the online Chamber directory, and can include information in New Member Welcome Bags. 

Anyone interested in joining the Chamber or the Ambassador Program can contact Valentine at 918-245-3221 or Kristen@sandspringschamber.com. The Chamber offices are located at 1 West 1st Street in downtown. 

BancFirst rewards outstanding Sand Springs teachers with monthly donations

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BancFirst of Oklahoma is partnering with the Sand Springs Public School District to reward outstanding teachers at each of the district's many school sites. Each month, a teacher in the spotlight from each school site will receive a thank you gift such as gift cards, diner, etc.

BancFirst is Oklahoma's largest state-chartered bank with locations in more than fifty Oklahoma communities. BancFirst has two locations in Sand Springs, one on each side of the river. The north-side location is at 301 East 2nd Street and the south-side location is at 102 West 41st Street. 

Students and parents/guardians can write letters of recommendation and turn them in to the school offices, where they will then be passed on to BancFirst. 

 

Bill Knight Auto partners with Sand Springs Education Foundation in Driven to Give Day

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For the fifth time, the Sand Springs Education Foundation (SSEF) will partner with Bill Knight Auto for "Driven to Give Day." 

The event will be held on Saturday, October 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Charles Page High School parking lot at 500 North Adams Road. This is a FREE event.

Participants, 18 years or older, can come and test drive a new Lincoln. For each test drive, the SSEF will receive $20. Participants are asked to fill out some basic information before the drive and immediately after the drive to complete the process and help secure the donation. NO obligation, NO sales, NO return contact unless the participant agrees.

What an easy way to come help the SSEF raise $8,000! All Sand Springs teachers are also encouraged to stop by and do a test drive and put their name in the drawing for $500 to use in their classroom. This year the SSEF will give away $500 to two district teachers. 

Sand Springs Education Foundation Golf Classic raises $40,000 for Grants to Teachers

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The Sand Springs Education Foundation held their 21st Annual Golf Classic on Monday, September 18th at Tulsa Country Club. 92 golfers competed during the day as participants in “Teed Off for Education,” raising upwards of $40,000; funds of which will go towards the SSEF Grants to Teachers Program. 

The 4-Man Scramble format allows the golfers to participate in 2 Flights.

Winners of Flight A were:

  • 1st Place-Gene Case Team with golfers Gene Case, Harold Neal, Brandon Biles and Regan Streck.
  • 2nd Place-Keystone Insurance with golfers Guy Griggs, Jason Ward, Doug Haddock and Mike Ward.
  • 3rd Place-Direct Energy Team #2 with golfers Allen Rachel, Leslie Brackett, Chance Ross and Chris Miller.

Winners in Flight B were:

  • 1st Place-Mohawk Materials with golfers Lance Elliott, Megan Elliott, Matt Waller and Bob Bivens.
  • 2nd Place-Air Solutions Sand Springs with golfers Keith Hilligoss, Josh Copeland, Eli Tallent and Mike Bartlett.
  • 3rd Place-Sand Springs Home Team with golfers Ron Weese, Jason Charles, Mike Hixon and Erik Stuckey.

Honorable Mention was Sand Springs Public Schools with golfers Sherry Durkee, Rob Miller, Kristin Arnold and Laura Hamilton. Contest Hole winners were, Closest to the Pin on #6—Eric Davis and Closest to the Pin on #14—Tyler Sullivan. Raffle Prize was won by Brent Mackey.

A major Thank you goes out to this year’s Flagship Sponsor Sand Springs Meter Company, Adam Dudley. 22 area businesses and individuals participated as Hole Sponsors and Bill Knight Auto sponsored the Hole-in One Challenge on #9. Financial Advisors Paul Bizjack and Rocky Walters were the Logo Golf Ball Sponsor, Arvest Bank was the Lunch Sponsor and Direct Energy & Mr. & Mrs. Mark Boyd were the Dinner Sponsor. The SSEF also wishes to thank Bubble Town Car Wash, American Heritage Bank, Sand Springs CVS, TTCU, Tulsa Tech and Sherry Durkee for providing items for the Golfer Goodie Bags.

Funds raised at the Golf Classic go toward the Grants to Teachers Program, awarding of grants submitted by Sand Springs Schools teachers and principals.

Wilson's Call: Missions are not an event, they are a way of life

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The following is a monthly newsletter shared by Michael and Baylee Wilson. The full-time ministers are from Sand Springs and consider Word of Life to be their home church. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH

Fontil now has his own 6X10 room, sleeping on a bed, receiving meals on a regular basis and hearing about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 

Fontil

You remember Fontil? One of our Haitian friends found him sleeping on trash under some banana leaves and cardboard exposed to the elements. She moved him to Lascahobas to keep a better eye on him. He seems to have dementia. There are times we see him and he doesn't know where he is or what's going on around him. When we met him he was sharing a 6X6 room with another man and sleeping on the floor not knowing where his next meal is coming from...

Fontil now has his own 6X10 room, sleeping on a bed, receiving meals on a regular basis and hearing about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 

From Death to Life

The Bible says to go lay your hands on the sick and pray for them to be healed. Today we saw that happen. We walked down a steep windy trail, walked along a river bank into a group of houses really close together. As we navigated through these houses we came to THE house we were looking for. We walked in to a man struggling to breath. We went in to pray for him and he accepted Christ and he gave his last breath right after we finished praying. God took him from glory to glory. He is healed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

After he passed, we walked out of the house and 3 voodoo priest came running up. They said that "Voodoo" told them to hurry before he dies so they can save him. They were late because our God is always one step ahead and this world offers what only God can give. Jesus Christ has defeated death and he stole the keys to the grave. God is so good! 

His Hope Ministry Growth

We are so excited to let you all know that we are now feeding eight abandoned elderly a week and increased to three feedings a week! 

We are still believing to start a home/living facility for our elderly. We know this may be a long way off, but we believe with God and your help, we can make it happen. To give them a place to live means we will be able to give them the care that they need on a daily basis, feed them every day, allow them to spend time with others their age, and be able to share the gospel in their every day lives. Please join us in prayer about this. 

Celebrate

Baylee and I celebrated two years of marriage in our favorite place, as well as Baylee's 23rd birthday!

We are so happy to share these joyful moments with the amazing people of Haiti. We look forward to a lifetime of happiness and serving together!

Michael will be doing a monthly Facebook live video where we will talk about everything missions. We will talk about Haiti, local & global missions, what it means to be on mission and everything else under the sun!

There will be an episode on the first Monday of every month at 6pm (CTD). I am excited to see how God uses this to be glorified. 

WE NEED YOUR HELP. Would you please send suggestions for what you would like to hear about? Simply message Wilson's Call on Facebook to share your thoughts.

Prayer Request

In Haiti you pay for your rent a year at a time and at the beginning of the year. We are believing that God will provide it all this month so that we can have a year of housing behind us and another amazing year of ministry in front of us here at RTS Missions! This would free up resources to be used in other ways to further the kingdom of God in Haiti for the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord. We're believing that God is going to show up in a big way!

Would you consider joining our mission team with a one time donation this month? Thank you all for your continued prayer and support! We could never tell you how much we thank God for each and every one of you!

For more details message Baylee or myself or follow these steps
(all donations are tax deductible)
1. Go to www.rtsmissions.com
2. Click the red "donate" button
3. Create an account
4. ***click the scroll down arrow and select "Michael & Baylee Wilson"***
5. Enter and donate the amount God puts on your heart to give.

Praise Reports: We had our first ever Game Day at our house for those in the His Hope ministry, along with some other elderly in the neighborhood. We ate together, played bingo, sang a few songs, and prayed together. It was an amazing day and they all had a great time. We are working on putting together our next event for them and they are looking forward to it. 

Thanks to your generosity, we were able to pay for the first year of kindergarten for a little girl whose mom and dad left her whens she was a baby. She means the world to us and we were blessed to be able to do this for her. She is enjoying school and we pray that she makes many friends and learns more each day. 

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce looking for new Chamber Ambassadors

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The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its Chamber Ambassador program and looking for new allies in recruiting community-involved members. 

The Chamber of Commerce has been working since 1946 to bring together area businesses and organizations for the betterment of the community and local economy. Chamber members work together to host events such as the Taste of Sand Springs, Chillin & Grillin Festival, and Festival of Lights Christmas Parade. 

Members enjoy benefits including: monthly forums with speakers such as local politicians, business owners, and other important regional figures, a weekly "What's Happening in Sand Springs" newsletter, a listing in the online Chamber directory, ribbon cuttings for new businesses and businesses that have changed ownership or location, and participation in Chamber events. 

Anyone interested in being a Chamber ambassador can contact Chamber President Kristen Valentine by Friday, September 29th to RSVP for a Tuesday Kick-Off meeting at noon in Crescent Cafe. 

Kristen can be reached at Kristen@sandspringschamber.com or at 918-245-3221. 

Baylee and Michael Wilson celebrate seven months of ministry in Haiti

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Submitted by Michael Wilson, Wilson's Call.

This month we will be living in Haiti for 7 months. It's been over half of a year in this beautiful country. We knew that we loved the country before we moved here. But after moving, God has broken our hearts for the people of Haiti all over again. We've seen heartbreak, joy, loss, and lives changed because of Jesus Christ. We've met so many amazing people on this journey and we can't imagine living without them. We've only seen a glimpse of what God can do when you allow him to use you for his glory. God has given us a burden for the lost. Over 40% of people in Haiti are illiterate. Therefore, 40% of people will never be able to read God's word, all they know about the gospel is what they're told, which can often be wrong. We want to share the TRUTH of Jesus Christ, and tell the people we meet that Jesus saves the worst of us. We don't need to get our lives right before we come to him, because when we completely give our lives to Christ, he will change us from the inside out. 

This is Christie. She was given away as a little girl to become a restavek (civil slave) to another family in Haiti. Her whole life has been devoted to doing other peoples laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping in the market, etc. We invited her to church and she gave her life to Christ. Because of her new faith, her mom traveled to our area to go to church with Christie. Earlier this month she came to our house to tell us that she is no longer going to be living with this family, and that she gets to move back home with her mom. When we add God to the picture, things change. Lives are made new. Although we miss Christie, we are so thankful that she is now living a life of freedom. 

Everyone meet Viergelie, our new sister in Christ. We had a team a few weeks ago doing house to house evangelism. We noticed Viergelie watching us from a distance as we visited with multiple people on the streets. She finally came to us, her head down, not wanting to look us in the eyes. She told us that she is living with her boyfriend, and hasn't accepted Christ because she knows she's sinning. After sharing the gospel with her, the truth of Jesus changed her life. She was always told that she can't be a follower of Christ until she gets her life right first. But we know that WHEN we surrender our lives to him, he will begin to change every aspect of our lives. We gave Viergelie a new Bible, and you wouldn't believe how her face lit up. She hugged the Bible so tight to her chest, you would of thought she had never held the word of God in her hands before, maybe she hasn't. She began to go around telling everyone the decision she had just made. She said she couldn't wait to go home and tell her boyfriend that she was ready to change her life around. 

RTS Missions has been very busy lately with back to back short term mission teams. We had a medical team last month who gave each of our elderly individuals a health check-up, along with a bag full of medicine and hygiene products.

Lately we've been asking God to give us huge vision for the future of His Hope and we are believing to start a home/living facility for our elderly. We know this may be a long way off, but we believe with God and your help, we can make it happen. To give them a place to live means we will be able to give them the care that they need on a daily basis, feed them every day, allow them to spend time with others their age, and be able to share the gospel in their every day lives. Right now we are doing many different things at RTS Missions and aren't able to put our full focus on the elderly ministry. We are praying that there is a way to put our full effort into it soon. Please join us in prayer about this. 

Prayer Request: Our constant prayer is that no matter where we are at, we would continue to Love God, and Love people. We know that God has called us to serve the people of Haiti, and we will do so with grateful hearts until we feel that he is calling us somewhere else. We just ask that you would pray as we continue to seek vision and guidance for God's plan for our lives here in Haiti. 

As you read above, we are praying about the growth of the elderly ministry. We know that the vision we have is huge, but our God is bigger, and he will fulfill his promises. It will take a lot of time, and money, but it is possible. Please pray that God would continue to show us the path we need to take with the elderly ministry in growing it so that we can reach more people who are no longer able to care for themselves. 

As of now we are without a personal vehicle. We are so thankful that RTS Missions lets us use the ministry vehicles but with it being a growing ministry the vehicles are in constant use so that sometimes limits what we are able to do. Would you continue to pray with us for the funds to buy a personal truck or SUV so that we can further what God has called us to do or that God would provide a vehicle through donation. Cars in Haiti are not reliable if you buy used and extremely expensive brand new. Our God can do all things.

Praise Reports: In the month of July we had back to back teams coming down to serve with RTS. During that month, we saw 67 people give their lives to Christ. Sometimes we minister to people and they say they are not ready to accept Christ yet. But we thank God for each person who comes down to serve. There are some teams who plant seeds, some who water those seeds, and then there are some who reap a harvest. Nothing we do in Haiti is insignificant and even if we had one salvation, it would all be worth it. 

We now have a fridge in our house! This might seem very small but it is huge for us. We use to have to rely on going to the Shepherds house for all of our meals (Which is not bad) but now we have the ability to cook at our own house.

Meet The Sandites Thursday at 7:00, pregame tailgating at 5:30

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The Charles Page High School football season is soon to kick off, and with it comes the local traditions of Meet the Sandites and pregame tailgaiting. 

Every year the season kicks off with Meet the Sandites, a preseason celebration of Sand Springs athletes. Sandite fans will be introduced to the Sand Springs football, softball, cross country, and volleyball teams, plus the cheer and dance squads. Not just the varsity teams either. The Sand Springs Youth Football and Cheer teams from elementary on up will get to storm the turf with the big kids in a preview of their future high school careers.

Prior to each football game, the award-winning Holy Smokers from Church That Matters host a tailgate cookout event with hot dogs, burgers, chips, and drinks as a fundraiser for the various Sandite athletic programs. The fundraisers routinely generate as much as $10,000 every season. 

The first fundraiser will be held on Thursday, August 17, prior to Meet the Sandites. Proceeds will go to benefit the football program. 

On Friday, September 1 the Sandites will host Pulaski Academy from Little Rock, Arkansas. That tailgate will help fund the volleyball program.

On Friday, September 8, the Sandites will host Choctaw and the tailgate funds will go to the cheer team.

On Friday, October 13, the Sandites will host Muskogee for Homecoming. The wrestling team will receive that tailgate's proceeds. 

On Friday, October 27, the Sandites will host Bartlesville and the boys' basketball team will be the fundraiser recipient.

The last tailgate will be on Senior Night before the Bixby game. The dance team will receive those funds.

The tailgating begins at 5:30 p.m. and costs $5. Meet the Sandites will officially begin at 7:00 p.m. Student athletes are asked to arrive early and begin lining up at 6:35.