Tulsa County holds special election and Vision Tulsa vote on Tuesday

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Tulsa County residents are headed to the polls Tuesday morning.

On the ballot is a special election for the unexpired term of former Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz who was indicted in September on charges of refusal to perform official duty in regards to an officer-involved shooting. Glanz is accused of failing to release an internal investigative report to media, as well as another willful violation of law regarding taking a monthly stipend for travel within the county, despite using a county vehicle and county-supplied fuel.

Running for the unexpired term are Democrat Rex Berry, a 26-year veteran of the City of Tulsa Police Department, and Republican Vic Regalado, a 10-year veteran of the Tulsa SWAT team and lead homicide detective in 81 homicides. Berry was the lone Democrat to file for the candidacy, while Regalado won a landslide primary election last month, winning 40% of the vote in a crowded nine-candidate election. Whoever wins this election will only get seven months in office before the full-term election in November. 

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

Also on the ballot is a County Question regarding Vision Tulsa, a 0.5% tax package. The tax would not be an increase on current rates, but rather, an extension of the Vision 2025 initiative that passed in 2003. Vision 2025 led to more than $650 million in economic development that has been used in projects in all 10 cities of Tulsa County. The flagship of the initiative is the BOK Center which has arguably been the crucial centerpiece in an ongoing Tulsa culture development that supporters are calling a "Tulsa Renaissance."

Specific to Sand Springs is the Keystone Corridor development plan that allowed the City of Sand Springs to purchase the old Early Childhood Education Center in 2007. The school district used these new funds to build a new state-of-the-art facility at 81st West Avenue and Park Road. The previous building was a century old and was formerly the segregation-era Booker T Washington high school for black Sandites. The old building was demolished as part of the clearing of the 30-acre "River West Development" site, which now includes an IHOP, Starbucks, and Holiday Inn Express.

The new initiative has many ambitious goals, including hiring more police officers and firefighters, street maintenance, a Gilcrease Museum renovation, improvements to the Tulsa Zoo, housing incentives for teachers at Tulsa Public Schools, Union, and Jenks, Route 66 beautification, and renovations for the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

Sand Springs Splash Pads to open May 1st; several new parks improvements

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STAFF REPORTS

The citizens of Sand Springs have been eagerly awaiting the completion of the new splash pads in River City Parks and Pratt Civitan Park since construction began about a year ago, and it's finally time for the new features to open in one month. In addition to the splash pads themselves, the city also used the installation as an opportunity for renovation, beautifying and improving the areas around them. New handicapped parking has been added in River City, accompanied by a new pedestrian bridge to cross the creek. The splash pads will be open from May through September from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Pratt Civitan

River City

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. 

Five fun and free Easter events this weekend

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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!

 

 

 

Word of Life Free Community Carnival moved to Memorial Day Weekend

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Word of Life Church is preparing for their fourth annual Free Community Carnival, this year with some changes. Instead of taking place at the end of summer, the church is moving the date forward to the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. The event will take place on May 28, 2016 from 11:00 am through 2:00 pm. 

Why the change? The ride company that the church was previously using is going through a transition and was unable to ensure their availability. Instead of putting the beloved community event on hiatus for a year, the church managed to locate an Oklahoma City based company that only had the one day available. Instead of looking at the change as an inconvenience, the church is counting it as a blessing and an opportunity to improve the experience for everyone.

Pastors Chad and Sarah (left) serving food at a past carnival.

"We feel Memorial Day weekend is a great time to do it since it's the first holiday of summer. Many families are looking for something to do, so why not a free carnival!" said Senior Pastor Chad Stewart. The temperature difference will also be a big improvement. The carnival volunteers have often had to work in 90+ degree temperatures in August, so the move to Springtime will make it far more enjoyable both for the workers and the guests.

This year the carnival will have seven rides and they are hoping to secure a Ferris Wheel, depending on availability. They plan on 3-4 large rides and 3-4 smaller rides for the little kids, in addition to games, inflatables, and other activities. As always, the church will be offering free hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, and lemonade. There will also be food and game trucks associated with the ride company, Sam's Amusements & Carnivals. These additional options won't be free, but will provide an even more authentic carnival feel than in previous years.

Like last year, parking will be located at the old K-Mart building on Charles Page Boulevard, as well as Northwoods Fine Arts Academy, and free shuttling will be provided. 

Then, on Sunday morning, the church will be giving away $5,000 to bless guests at their 9:00 and 11:00 AM services. Each service will have five winners of $500 each.

March 22nd is officially Frank Cooper Day in Tulsa County, here's how you can celebrate

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Earlier this month, the Board of County Commissioners of Tulsa County declared today, March 22nd, 2016 to be Frank Cooper Day, in honor of the Charles Page High School social studies and leadership teacher Frank Cooper. 

Cooper has been a public school teacher for the past 23 years, after giving up a promising legal career to instead pursue a more fulfilling path. The proclamation reads what we all know, that "Mr. Cooper promotes core values of kindness, respect, honesty and affirmation so convincingly with students changing the entire culture of Charles Page High School."

Cooper has a long resume of recognition, including the 2016 Oklahoma Medal for Excellence and the University of Tulsa Secondary School Teacher Award for Inspiration. He was a 2014 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist and was the subject of an American Story segment with Bob Dotson on NBC's Today show.

So how does one celebrate Frank Cooper Day?

Unfortunately there's no parade planned, but there are ways you can celebrate on your own.

Firstly, say the Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag. Cooper begins every day by leading his class in the pledge, a practice that is more and more uncommon in schools today.

Then, circle up with your fellow Sandites and sing the Alma Mater. 

Charles Page High forever, and true to her we'll be
for to our Alma Mater we owe our loyalty.
Our love is always with thee
as onward we will go.
Charles Page High forever, may she live eternally.

Then, turn this up full volume, and sing along as loud as you can. Get your whole workplace involved if you can. Sweet Caroline has been an anthem for the Charles Page students for years and is frequently played at sporting events and performed by the band. This arose from Cooper frequently playing it in class with full participation. 

 

If you're looking to make a Frank Cooper playlist for the day, be sure and include Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight," Vanilla Ice's "Ice, Ice, Baby," Journey's "Don't Stop Believing," and as much Elvis as you can get your hands on.

Finally, spend the duration of the day giving positive affirmation to everyone you encounter, especially to those who you normally wouldn't. Be kind to everyone, strangers included, and make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. If you like, you can email Cooper at frank.cooper@Sandites.org and let him know the impact he's made on your life or your student's life. 

Phil Nollan wins Ward 1 City Council seat by landslide, Cruz and Sanders win OK primary

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Super Tuesday voting drew record participation across Oklahoma. In addition to the Presidential primaries, some Sand Springs residents had as many as three issues to vote on. 

Residents of Ward 1 voted between third-term incumbent Michael Phillips and challenger Phil Nollan for City Council. The citizens overwhelmingly voiced their support for a changing of the guard as Nollan won by a landslide 65% to 35%. 

Nollan is a nationally certified Project Management professional who has been serving on the Parks Advisory Board for five years and is currently the Vice Chair. He is an Oklahoma State graduate has a bachelor's degree in computer science from Oklahoma State University and an executive master of business administration certification from the University of Tulsa. Nollan's wife, Jadine, represents Sand Springs as the District 66 Representative in the Oklahoma House where she is an avid public education advocate. 

Joining Nollan on City Council is Patty Dixon who inherited the Ward 2 seat from Dean Nichols after filing unopposed. Nichols asked Dixon to run for election after deciding not to seek another term. Dixon has previously served the city as a two-term councilor from 1990-1996 and has an extensive volunteer background working with the Tulsa County Parks Department, the Parks Advisory Board, the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Association, Sertoma Club, and more. She has also served as the Executive Director for the Oklahoma Recreation and Parks Society.

Sand Springs Republicans also voted in the primary for Tulsa County Sheriff. The Democrats did not have a primary as they only have one candidate in Rex Berry. Sand Springs resident and Tulsa Police Sergeant Vic Regalado won a significant victory in a crowded field of nine Republican candidates with 40% of the vote. 

Regalado's closest competitor was Luke Sherman who pulled only 16%. The nominee has extensive background in law enforcement with a decade of SWAT experience. He's been the lead investigator on 81 homicide cases and currently oversees a Special Investigations Gang Unit. 

The Medal of Valor recipient will go against Berry in a special election in April to take over the unexpired term of the current Tulsa Sheriff who resigned after being charged with misconduct in office. The winner will have only a couple of days in office before having to file once again for a full-term election in November. 

In the Presidential primaries Ted Cruz struck a note with the State's Evangelical population and edged out Donald Trump in a 34% to 28% upset victory. He did not, however, break the 50% margin needed to secure the State's full delegation. If no single candidate gets 50%, then in the State of Oklahoma, delegates are split proportionally between all candidates who won at least 20%. Marco Rubio also walked away with a significant chunk of delegates after winning 26% of the vote. 

African-Americans have largely backed Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders thus far in the election process, but Oklahoma significantly lacks in black voters compared to other Southern States and Sanders was able to edge out Hillary with 51% of the vote. The Democratic Party doesn't use the same formula as the Republicans do for delegation, and Clinton still won a significant amount of delegates despite drawing in only 42% of the vote. 

Patty Dixon to inherit City Council seat from Dean Nichols after running unopposed

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Patty and Tim Dixon have been married for 31 years and  have three children and three grandchildren. The two own Dixon Auto Glass in Sand Springs.

The following is a submitted letter addressing the City of Sand Springs citizens, in particular those residing in Ward 2, from soon-to-be City Councilwoman Patty Dixon. Current Ward 2 Councilman Dean Nichols issued the following statement on his Facebook page on December 23rd, 2015. 

"To my family, friends and neighbors of Ward 2. I have decided not to run for re-election for Ward 2 Council position. It has not been an easy decision, but as I near retirement after 34 years of public service, along with the last 8 1/2 years on the council, I felt that maybe it was time to let another Sandite speak on the behalf of Ward 2.

Patty Dixon, who I encouraged to run for this office gratefully signed up. Patty, who I have known for more years then either one of us want to admit to, has the passion, love and volunteerism for the City of Sand Springs that I greatly admire and support.

I'm not done yet, but once I have completed my term in office, I plan on exploring other volunteer opportunities, like Patty Dixon, I believe in service above self.

Again, thank you for letting me serve as your councilman, it has truly been an honor. 
To all the City employees, you make me proud and thank you for your professionalism and dedication." --Dean Nichols

"When I moved into Ward 2, I was recruited for the City Council seat by the Incumbent, my good friend and classmate of CPHS 1971, Dean Nichols. Dean has served the city well but has decided to pursue other volunteer opportunities. Having been elected to and serving for two terms on the council from 1990 - 1996, I too had recruited a friend, Mike Burdge, to consider serving on the council when my work schedule did not warrant the time for my children’s activities and council meetings.

Now, retired with 26 years at Tulsa County Parks, I studied Vision and Four to Fix tax plans. The past 12 years I have served on the Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) conference committee through my position as the Executive Director for the Oklahoma Recreation and Park Society and have met many of the City Councilors from other towns through that professional organization. I certainly don’t know everything I need to but my experience as a City Councilor, County employee, OML committee member and Sand Springs small business owner gives me solid ground to represent Sand Springs and learn more about our current challenges. My time on the park board, museum association, HEAL committee (under a previous city manager), Sertoma Club and First Christian Church is evidence of my desire to be involved and connected to Sand Springs. 

I want to be an educator of how city government works in collaboration with the County and State. There are many things a councilor is responsible for but I am very serious about being a watch dog for the Vision Funds, understanding the River West Development and participating in efforts for the beautification of Sand Springs. We have a charming, peaceful community and I am excited about the good things on the way. 

Many times, serving on the council is not something that comes to mind when you consider “volunteering” because of the subsequent “election”, or in my case, filing unopposed. 

Perhaps there is someone else in the Ward who has never considered city council but is a perfect fit. I hope to meet you in the next three years. 

Someday you may be recruited to put your name on the line."

--Patty Dixon

Ward 1 City Councilman Michael Phillips seeks fourth term

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Photo: Public headshot from www.sandspringsok.org

The following is a submitted letter to the citizens of Sand Springs Ward 1 by incumbent City Council Candidate Michael Phillips. Phillips is running for reelection in opposition to challenger Phil Nollan. Election will be held Tuesday, March 1st.

I am graduate of Charles Page High School and attended the University of Tulsa. I am a member of the Rotary Club and MENSA, am a leader in the local district of Boy Scouts of America, and belong to Sand Springs United Methodist Church. I have lived in Sand Springs nearly my entire life and am proud to call Sand Springs my home, along with my wife Dianna and son Walter. I own Technology Consulting Services here in Sand Springs.

For the past 10 years, I have represented you on the Sand Springs City Council, where I serve on the Public Works Committee, Legislative Committee, and the HEAL Committee. I serve as a Board Director for the Oklahoma Municipal League, where I also serve on the Reserve Fund Committee and the Service Fee Committee. I am a member of the National League of Cities Small Cities Council. I believe in representing everyone in the community and balancing sustained growth with the needs of our residents. We need to constantly evaluate the city budget and ensure that we are spending taxpayer dollars wisely. I support offering new incentives for existing businesses and industries to expand and new ones to relocate. As a City, we have achieved momentum in attracting retailers to locate in Sand Springs. We are working with Gerdau Ameristeel to market their manufacturing property, and with other landowners and stakeholders to market Sand Springs to not only retail businesses, but to manufacturing interests as well. We have streamlined the permitting process for residential development, and have worked to improve the "customer service" perspective of ALL of our employees. We have made strides to improve the quality of life in Sand Springs, from parks and recreation improvements (the Case Community Center, the 2 new spray parks, and new amenities for our soccer and baseball users, with many more improvements to come) to the refurbishment of our outstanding Page Memorial Library building (which houses our Cultural and Historical Museum) to our soon-to-be-started Billie A. Hall Public Safety Facility. We have undertaken a multi-million dollar project to improve our Waste Water Treatment Plant. As well, we have made continual improvements to our Water Treatment Plant, treated water storage facilities, and to the Skiatook Raw Water Conveyance System to ensure the availability, quality, and safety of our drinking water, and have consolidated most of our various Public Works sections to the new Spring Lake Public Works Facility.

The election March 1st is only for Ward 1, which encompasses the additions of Osage Hills, Osage Hills Country Club Estates, Shadow Creek, Village Estates, Cambridge Park, North Ridge, Lakeside, Lakeside Park, Lakeside Ridge, Renaissance, Edgewood at the Gables, the Sand Springs Home Family Village, portions of Oak Park, and Highland Crossing, Sullivan's Landing, and Gable Hills apartments. A map of the ward may be found at http://sandspringsok.org/DocumentCenter/View/49.

I humbly ask for your vote this Tuesday, March 1st.

To discuss municipal issues or concerns, I can be reached by e-mail atSSWard1@SandSpringsOK.org, or by Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/MichaelLPhillips.SS, or by phone at (918) 245-6430.

Michael L. Phillips

"The Citizens of Sand Springs, also to include the City's 150+ mile fence line, need to stand behind Michael Phillips, there is absolutely no need nor cause for change. Michael is a seasoned and well versed Councilman, who gives 100% of his efforts towards maintaining a strong economic development program, public safety, and quality of life for the Citizens of Sand Springs." - E. Bruce Ford, former SS City Councilor, Mayor, and Assistant City Manager.

See Related: Phil Nollan running for City Council for Ward 1

Phil Nollan running for City Council for Ward 1

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SUBMITTED: Parks Advisory Board Vice-Chair Phil Nollan with wife, House Representative Jadine Nollan.

The following is a submitted letter to the citizens of Sand Springs Ward 1 by City Council Candidate Phil Nollan. Nollan is challenging incumbent councilman Michael Phillips. Election will be held Tuesday, March 1st. Nollan's wife, Jadine, is the Oklahoma House Representative for District 66 which encompasses Sand Springs.

Hi Neighbor!

I’m running for Sand Springs City Council and would like to introduce myself.  I married my college sweetheart, Jadine Cox Nollan, 35 years ago and we have three adult children Kristin, Kasey, and Kurt who attended Sand Springs Public Schools and graduated from Oklahoma colleges.  I’ve always looked for ways to give back to my community by serving in our church’s children, youth, and college ministries or by coaching little league sports teams and volunteering for Sand Springs non-profits and community events. 

I’m a nationally-certified project management professional who has served on the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board for five years as well as Board President and officer of the Tulsa Project Management Institute for ten years.  I have a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Oklahoma State University and an executive master of business administration certification from the University of Tulsa.

I’m currently serving as Vice-Chair on the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board.  As a Board we have completed the Case Center, built a Skate Park, expanded the Keystone Ancient Forest, and developed the bond plans for two new Splash Pads and Museum renovations. And I’m very excited to say that the Pratt-Civitan Splash Pad and the Sand Springs Rotary Super Splash Pad and Soccer/Baseball Concession will be open for business this summer!  A lot of good things are happening for Sand Springs through our City Parks Department!

I’d like to see the City carry this same positive momentum into other opportunities that will help make Sand Springs more attractive to families and businesses.  Some of the opportunities include doing everything we can to help get new sit-down restaurants, add business service providers and manufacturers, provide for faster economic development of the Sand Springs corridor and a quicker resolution to pressing issues.

We know our tax base is shrinking when we lose businesses like Cox Furniture, Morrow Gill Lumber, Kmart and Walgreens. I believe my project experience in the Fortune 100 corporate world can offer a valuable perspective to the management of Sand Springs Vision 2025 tax extension projects. In addition, my experience in housing construction, small business, and commercial leasing may serve to benefit the River West development.

Our community is really special and I love living here.  We have great schools and a beautiful natural landscape for building and development.  We just need to maximize our opportunities to help make our wonderful city even better and more attractive for our young families.  If elected, I will be a listener and a voice for my friends and neighbors in Ward 1.  We are Sand Springs and I’m proud to call myself a Sandite!

For further information email PhilNollan@cox.net, call my cell at 918.407.4201 or reach out on Facebook.  I would appreciate your vote on Super Tuesday, March 1st.  Thanks and God Bless!

Sherry Durkee approved as Superintendent of Sand Springs Schools

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The Sand Springs Board of Education ended months of speculation Monday night when they appointed Sand Springs's own Sherry Durkee as the new district superintendent, replacing Lloyd Snow effective July 1st, 2016. 

Durkee was already serving as the Assistant Superintendent and was chosen over a large field of impressive applicants, according to Board President Mike Mullins. 

Krista Polanski was re-sworn in as Board Member for another five year term. 

Mike Mullins was approved by unanimous vote as the new Board President with Church that Matters Pastor and football Chaplain Rusty Gun as Vice President. 

 

Tulsa Community College West Sponsors Blood Donor Challenge – Thursday, Feb. 18

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SUBMITTED

February 4, 2016─ Tulsa Community College West and Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) invite all area residents to take the Blood Donor Challenge Thursday, February 18.  Blood given with OBI will save the lives of patients in area hospitals including Saint Francis Health System.

Healthy adults* can typically give and are welcome from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Activity Center. Each blood donor will receive a Blood Donor Challenge T-shirt.

“Some of our friends and neighbors face the challenge of simply staying alive every day,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO, Oklahoma Blood Institute. “This event challenges those who have never given life-saving blood to step up and join the movement.  And, since our donors typically give only once or twice a year, we want to challenge them to give more often.”  Donations can be made as often as every two months or six times a year.

OBI relies on donations from an average of 1,000 donors each day to meet the needs of patients in nearly 90 percent of the state’s hospitals it exclusively serves. One single donation can save as many as three lives.

Through a special initiative to support Global Blood Fund (GBF), any donor can forgo the T-shirt offered in appreciation for giving.  In turn, OBI will make a contribution to GBF, a charity providing supplies and equipment for blood centers in the world’s poorest countries.

Appointments to donate are not required but can be made by calling (877) 340-8777 or visiting obi.org.

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

CPHS seniors host Valentine's Day Fun Night fundraiser

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Church That Matters is hosting a "Valentine's Day Fun Night" Friday, February 12th, as a fundraiser for the Charles Page High School Senior Class Trip.

Senior English teacher Chelynn Broughton, along with several student mothers, will be chaperoning a Senior Class Cruise to Cozumel this summer.

The students have worked hard all year to raise money for the trip which thirty students have signed up to participate in, but are still well behind their goal.

The event will be open to all children in third though sixth grade.

In addition to the Fun Night, two other fundraisers are available.

Mrs. Broughton has created a "Go Fund Me" account where you can make a direct cash contribution at https://www.gofundme.com/4cm2ftck

Melissa Cremin Photography has pledged to donate $50 to the trip for every photoshoot that is sent her way. Just call to book your appointment and mention that you're doing it for the Senior Class Cruise. https://www.facebook.com/melissacreminphotography

Sand Springs Church of Christ Sponsors Blood Donor Challenge – Tuesday, Feb. 9

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SUBMITTED

January 25, 2016─ Sand Springs Church of Christ and Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) invite all area residents to take the Blood Donor Challenge Tuesday, February 9.  Blood given with OBI will save the lives of patients in area hospitals including Saint Francis Health System.

Healthy adults* can typically give and are welcome from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Fellowship Room. Each blood donor will receive a Blood Donor Challenge T-shirt.

“Some of our friends and neighbors face the challenge of simply staying alive every day,” said John Armitage, M.D., president and CEO, Oklahoma Blood Institute. “This event challenges those who have never given life-saving blood to step up and join the movement.  And, since our donors typically give only once or twice a year, we want to challenge them to give more often.”  Donations can be made as often as every two months or six times a year.

OBI relies on donations from an average of 1,000 donors each day to meet the needs of patients in nearly 90 percent of the state’s hospitals it exclusively serves. One single donation can save as many as three lives.

Through a special initiative to support Global Blood Fund (GBF), any donor can forgo the T-shirt offered in appreciation for giving.  In turn, OBI will make a contribution to GBF, a charity providing supplies and equipment for blood centers in the world’s poorest countries.

Appointments to donate are not required but can be made by calling (877) 340-8777 or visiting www.sandspringschurchofchrist.com/blood-drive.html

 

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

Three ways to get involved on Monday

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

There's no shortage of opportunities to make a difference in a small town. It's tough if you don't know where to look, though. Here's what's going on in your town today:

The City of Sand Springs is inviting anyone and everyone to join the council Monday evening from 6-7 p.m. at City Hall for the annual City Budget Fair. "(The event) is a great opportunity to give input on the 2017 Fiscal Year Budget and get educated on the budget process," says the City Facebook page.

A Facebook post from Charles Page High School teacher and basketball coach Dustin Morrow is currently circulating the web, asking for community involvement in the future of our athletics programs. The message is as follows...

"Parents of Athletes and concerned members of the community:

Rod Sitton, the assistant principal at the high school, is hosting a meeting Monday, January 25th at 6 PM in the high school library to gauge the interest in forming a Sand Springs Athletics Foundation. With budget cuts heading our way, it is imperative that we as a community are proactive in facing the challenges to come. Sand Springs Athletics is having one of the greatest years in our history. It is impossible to continue this success unless we invest in the future of our athletic programs. PLEASE spread the word and make plans to attend this very important meeting. THANK YOU AND GO SANDITES!!!"

Another way you can help our schools is to visit the Book Fair fundraiser being held in the performing arts building at CPHS on the upper level. The fundraiser will directly benefit Senior Celebration, an annual post-graduation lock-in held at Case Community Center to provide a safe drug/alcohol-free environment for our graduates to celebrate in. The sale will take place from 3-6 p.m. Monday afternoon, and 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Tuesday.

2015 Christmas Parade Photo Gallery

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Solace Church's Boo Bash draws thousands

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

There’s never been any shortage of Halloween fun to be had in Sand Springs, but one Prattville church is looking to make each year bigger and better than the last.

Solace Church put on their 8th annual Boo Bash carnival Sunday to major success and community involvement. Thirteen area businesses made contributions to the event which was hosted at the Tulsa Community College West campus for the fourth year.

Estimated crowds of between 4-5 thousand people showed up to enjoy the festivities, and there were plenty of fun and unique activities to participate in. 185 volunteers ran the event which included three carnival rides and eighteen inflatables which were all free to participate in. There were also seven food vendors on site selling fair-favorites such as BBQ sandwiches, funnel cake, snowcones, and more in addition to the tons of candy that was being given out.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol gave tours of one of their police choppers and Life Flight was there with a medical helicopter as well. The Oklahoma National Guard, Sand Springs Police, Sand Springs Fire, and Berryhill fire all participated with vehicle tours and candy, as well as the Solace Church Disaster Relief which is specially trained to respond to emergencies as soon as they happen. The Disaster Relief team coordinates with local relief efforts in events such as the 2013 EF5 Moore Tornado which killed 24. Solace and a local coalition of Baptist churches were on the scene immediately after that tragedy, as well as the March 2015 EF2 that destroyed more than 50 homes in Sand Springs.

Other contributors to the event include: Oklahoma Chiller, Oklahoma Medical Eye Group, Rebecca LaFevers State Farm Agency, Advanced Drywall Systems, D & N Fabrication, Heath-Griffith Funeral Home, Chinowth & Cohen Realtors, Dr. Richard Presley and Associates, Ovations Studio and Gym, Janeway Machine Inc., Downes Law Offices, Integrity Lighting, and Mars Candy.

Solace Church just turned 11 years old this August and is in its second year at its new location. In the last two years, the church has grown from an average attendance of 650 to over 1000. Though the church works together with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma for disaster relief efforts, they are a non-denominational church. Their mission is simple: “Love God. Love People.”

  • Solace Church is located at 7314 W. 41st St. Tulsa, OK 74107
  • Service times are 9:15 & 11:00 AM on Sunday
  • www.Solacechurch.com

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Sand Springs Homecoming Parade is Success

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The 2015 Sand Springs Homecoming Parade was a success as thousands of Sandites showed up in downtown to cheer on our young people. 

The Homecoming Parade is a longstanding tradition in Sand Springs, but only in recent years has it been moved to Thursday evenings instead of Friday before the game.

The Homecoming football game will be Charles Page's opportunity to get their first win on the books. The Sandites lost their last game at Bartlesville and the game against Guthrie was cancelled due to lightening. The first two games against Hale and Enid were wins on the field but were forfeited Thursday due to an ineligible player.

Friday night the #4 Sandites will take on #9 Claremore in a week five district match-up. Sand Springs (0-3, 0-1) has a 29-8 record against Claremore (2-2, 0-1).

The Homecoming Court is as follows

Queen Candidates

  • Maghen Hartshorne (Varsity Football Trainer) escorted by Parker Taylor and Cruz Desjarlais.
  • Sara Wicker (Varsity Football Trainer) escorted by Trace Fleischman and Chase Stocker.
  • Keely Brock (Varsity Cheer) escorted by Jake Ward and Cole Dixon.
  • Beth Rampy (Varsity Football Trainer) escorted by Ty Fain and Dakota Spears.
  • Addy Lee (Varsity Dance) escorted by Malachi Walton and Andrew Biggs.
  • Bailey Hammans (Varsity Cheer) escorted by Tyler McCallie and Garon Jones.
  • Courtney Langley (Varsity Football Trainer) escorted by Harold Dotson and Lane Lettich.
  • Bryn Lewis (Gold Pride Band) escorted by Jason Cooper and Tyler Smith.
  • Lila Dole (Gold Pride Band) escorted by Jacob Fortune and Lydon Lundy.
  • Hayley Schinnerer (Varsity Dance) escorted by Jaxon Starling and Hunter Luker.

Little Princesses

  • Kenzie Johnson
  • Lyla Day Spears
    • escorted by Dalton Honeycutt, Austin McNatt, Devon Barr, Elijah Titone, and Robert Hunter.

The Kissing Captain is Jacob Taber.

 

Local churches put on back-to-school-bashes for area youth

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By: Scott Emigh, Sandite Pride Editor

Church That Matters

                The Movement is the name of the youth ministry at Church That Matters on 41st street in Prattville, and they were sure moving fast last Wednesday at “The Meltdown.” The Meltdown is a back-to-school snowball fight put on at Church That Matters in conjunction with two local shaved ice stands. The Meltdown is a Harper’s Hut event that they offer to any organization, but this marks the second year that they’ve donated their service to CTM for no charge. CEO William Nozak and the owner of the Pink Shack both attend CTM so Nozak invites his business competition to join in the fun each year.

                The Movement had nearly a hundred students in attendance for an epic snowball fight that went through 780 pounds of shaved ice. It took over two hours to shave the ice that the students went through in only fifteen minutes, and they had a blast. There was free food, free drinks, a live band, and the church gave away five “Slide The City” tickets that had a $40 face value. Slide The City was an event this past weekend in Tulsa that turned three blocks of downtown street into a giant slip’n’slide. Ten students committed their lives to following Christ at The Movement that night.

                The Movement meets each Wednesday at 7PM at 3 West 41st Street under youth pastor Scott Bryan.

Word of Life

                Forward Youth is the youth ministry of Word of Life church at 1402 North 81st West Avenue. The youth, however, have their own location at 10th and Adams in an old QuikTrip building less than a block from Charles Page High School. Forward’s back-to-school bash was also a battle royale, but it was a lot less wet and a lot messier.

                Nearly a hundred students showed up to the third annual Whiteout event, which featured 200 pounds of different colored powdered paints. The students are advised ahead of time to wear all white clothing. Many students make their own t-shirts specifically for the event. The church has a professional photographer on staff who came out and set up a photo booth for before and after photos.

                When it came time for the event, the students were herded across the street to the Sandite practice field where they were divided into two groups and given their initial bags of powdered paint. Buckets of extra paint littered the grounds for those who ran out of their own supply. When the church leaders gave the signal the two lines ran at each other launching paint into each other’s faces and the whole group disappeared into a cloud of mixed colors. The battle doesn’t last long, only about fifteen or twenty minutes, but the students always have a blast. One student committed to following Christ.

Major turnout for Free Carnival despite weather

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Word of Life church hosted their third annual free community carnival Saturday morning and the masses more than turned out. Over 2500 people came to enjoy free shaved ice, back-to-school haircuts, school supplies, carnival rides, and more at the thirty-year-old non-denominational church located at 1402 N 81st W Ave in Sand Springs. The event lasted from 11:00-3:00. Parking was at the old K-Mart building and the church rented several school buses from the City of Sand Springs to provide free shuttling.

 For the second year in a row, rain clouds threatened the event, but like last year, it was sunny skies within an hour of the gates opening. The sun heated things up quickly and local business Sandlot Sno-Balls was there to keep the community cool with free shaved ice treats from their mobile setup. Sandlot took over the shaved ice stand at 250 S Highway 97 in the Warehouse Market parking lot this summer, which was formerly known as JwY’s for 9 years and Livi Lee’s Summer Sno for a few months before the new owners revamped and rebranded the business.

There were also free hotdogs, lemonade, and other snacks and drinks available.

The rides were different this year as Word of Life used a new company, Lewellen Amusements, who has “bigger and better” attractions than the company used in previous years. One of Word of Life’s goals with their carnival is to provide an alternative for families who can’t or don’t want to attend the costly Tulsa State Fair which will operate during the first eleven days of October. The Fair may be a great economic stimulus for the City of Tulsa, but for many families it can be a hardship as they feel pressured to help their kids enjoy the event that they have a hard time affording.

Word of Life also wants to help make ends meet by providing free back-to-school haircuts and school supplies. Over 1000 backpacks full of school essentials were given out, and 73 haircuts were given inside the church building by five professional stylists who donated their services to the community.

The Sunday morning following the carnival marked the first Sunday of two services for Word of Life. The church is transitioning from one 10 AM service to a 9 AM and an 11 AM service. They kicked off the new services by giving away 10 checks of $500 each to first-time guests in the belief that the checks would reach the people whom God intended to receive them.

The staff at Word of Life wants the people of Sand Springs, as well as the surrounding areas, to know that they love their community and that they want to see the people of Sand Springs prosper and experience the love of Jesus Christ. Over a hundred church members volunteered to work shifts at the Carnival.

In addition to their Sunday services, Word of Life also has a Wednesday night service for 6th through 12th grade youth at an off-campus location. The Forward Youth building is located at 10th and Adams, less than a block from the high-school, and will host a free back-to-school event called “Whiteout 2015” this Wednesday at 7 PM. It will be the third year of “Whiteout,” which is a powdered-paint war on the Charles Page football practice field.