City of Sand Springs to purchase additional land for Keystone Ancient Forest

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The City of Sand Springs held a regular City Council Meeting Monday night and approved the purchase of twenty acres adjacent to the Keystone Ancient Forest at a value of $100,000.

The property sits next to the entrance to the existing nature preserve and is not bound by the same rules as the preserve. Community Development Director Grant Gerondale hinted at the possibility of biking trails in the future.

The land is currently owned by the H. Sam Childers Trust. Childers was a crucial player in the development of the forest before his death in January of this year. Council also approved Childers as the recipient of the 2018 John M. Hess Municipal Award for Outstanding Citizenship. The award will be presented this May.

The acquisition will bring the forest to 1,380 acres total. The land features 300-year-old post oaks and 500-year-old cedars, and was the site of an exploratory expedition by famed Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving in 1832.

The forest has multiple hiking trails, including a 0.6 mile ADA-compliant paved trail named in Childers's honor. Voters approved a general obligation bond issue this past November that will fund a visitors center and observation platform at the forest. The Childers Trust has pledged to donate $7,500 for naming rights to be applied to a future lobby or entrance area of the visitors center.

In other news: 

Council unanimously approved a measure of support for public school teachers. SEE RELATED: Sand Springs City Council approves resolution of support for teachers

Council awarded a bid of $88,165 to Play By Design, Inc. for seven shade structures at Case Community Park. Four will be installed near the Great Lawn and three will be placed at the Rotary Super Splash pad. 

Council approved resolutions of dilapidation and public nuisance against properties at 118 North Franklin Avenue and 808 North Franklin Avenue. 

Council approved $28,838 for the purchase of a new unmarked detective vehicle for the Police Department, as well as $10,117 for tasers and pepperball launchers, and $38,286 for audio logging equipment

Council approved an agreement with Keithline Engineering Group at a cost not to exceed $45,740 for beautification of the City Water Treatment Facility.

Council declined to vote on a request for detachment from City limits by Smithee Holdings at 7298 West Charles Page Boulevard.

Council approved a bid of $1,062,555 to Crossland Heavy Contractors, Inc. for a rehabilitation project at the Northwoods Chloramine Booster Station.

Council approved the use of public funds for Oklahoma Municipal League membership, Mayors Council of Oklahoma membership, Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce membership, Tulsa Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce membership, Indian Nationals Council on Government Coalition of Tulsa Area Government membership, and Homebuilders Association membership, as well as participation in the Oklahoma Sovereignty Symposium, and OneVoice Day at the Capitol.

Sand Springs City Council approves resolution of support for teachers

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The City of Sand Springs issued a proclamation of support for Sand Springs teachers at Monday night’s regular City Council meeting. Proclamation sponsor Brian Jackson pointed to quality education as a necessity for strong economic growth.

Sand Springs Public Schools teachers are preparing for a potential walkout on April 2nd if the State Legislature doesn’t pass significant education funding reform by that date. The Legislature failed to pass a teacher pay raise in special session this past year and the political action committee Oklahoma Education Association has issued a series of demands for the current session. OEA is requesting $10,000 in teacher pay raises over a three-year period, as well as raises for support staff and significant increases in general education funding.

The Sand Springs Board of Education recently approved a proclamation of solidarity with teachers, declaring their support for any SSPS employees who feel the need to walk out. Superintendent Sherry Durkee has stated that the district would have no choice but to shut down should a walkout occur, due to gross understaffing and an inability to provide a safe and productive environment for students.

Durkee spoke at the Council meeting prior to the vote, and addressed a statewide teacher shortage as educators have left the field or emigrated to neighboring states for significant salary increases. Despite eliminating many positions across the district, SSPS is still having difficulty drawing a qualified pool of candidates for open positions, says Durkee.

The following proclamation was unanimously approved by City Council.

“WHEREAS, the City of Sand Springs City Council recognizes the need to pay teachers a wage competitive with surrounding states and is a witness to the impact underfunding can have on economic development efforts of the City; andWHEREAS, Oklahoma Educators have supported and worked to find solutions to fund teacher pay raises and common education, only to see legislation addressing this issue fail to pass; andWHEREAS, we acknowledge measures by Oklahoma teachers to obtain necessary funding for a meaningful teacher pay raise and approval of this resolution is a show of support to our education community;THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAND SPRINGS, OKLAHOMA, AS FOLLOWS;The City Council of the City of Sand Springs supports our teachers and educators, and the local Boards of Education; and we urge the Oklahoma State Legislature to work on behalf of the education professionals in our state to take swift action to develop a viable plan to pay teachers a competitive wage and fund common education.This resolution is approved in open meeting of the City Council of the City of Sand Springs on the 26th day of March, 2017.”

This Week in Sand Springs (3/25 - 4/1/18)

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Monday

  • 5:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Muskogee (H)
    • Sandite Baseball Complex
      412 West 55th Street
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs City Council Meeting

Tuesday 

  • 7:00 a.m. Pratt Teacher Support Rally
    • Pratt Elementary School
      301 West 35th Street
  • 7:30 a.m. Breakfast with Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith
    • Crescent Cafe
      3417 South 113th West Avenue
  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Tennis (A)
    • Edison Prep School
      2906 East 41st Street
      Tulsa, OK 74105
  • 4:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Muskogee (A)
    • Muskogee High School
      3200 East Shawnee Road
      Muskogee, OK 74403
  • 5:00 p.m. No. 14 Sandite Softball vs. Barnsdall (H)
    • Sandite Softball Complex
      412 West 55th Street
  • 5:30 p.m. Hope Tour
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Sapulpa (A)
    • Westside Sports Complex
      1611 South Wickham Road
      Sapulpa, OK 74066
  • 6:30 p.m. "Together We're Stronger" Sand Springs Education Association community meeting
    • Charles Page High School
      500 North Adams Road
  • 7:00 p.m. CPHS Band Booster Club Meeting
    • CPHS Performing Arts Building
      600 North Adams Road
  • 8:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Sapulpa (A)
    • Westside Sports Complex
      1611 South Wickham Road
      Sapulpa, OK 74066

Wednesday

  • 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Free Mental Health Screenings for TCC Students
    • Tulsa Community College West Campus
      7505 West 41st Street
  • 4:30 p.m. "Chalk it up for Education!"
  • 7:00 p.m. Fine Arts Festival Showcase
    • CrossPoint Church
      4600 South 129th West Avenue

Thursday

  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Tennis (A)
    • Edison Prep School
      2906 East 41st Street
      Tulsa, OK 74105
  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Tennis (A)
    • Claremore High School
      2011 North Sioux Avenue
      Claremore, OK 74017
  • 10:30 a.m. Easter Party Day 
  • 11:45 a.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Collinsville (Bank of Commerce Tournament)
    • Edna M. Carson Park Stilwell Community Park
      1155 West Hickory Street
      Stilwell, OK 74960
    • See full bracket in attached images.
  • 1:30 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Coweta (Tiger/Zebra Classic)
    • Pryor High School
      1100 Southeast 9th Street
      Pryor, OK 74361
  • 4:00 p.m. Salvation Army Playground Ribbon Cutting
    • Salvation Army
      4403 South 129th West Avenue
  • 5:00 p.m. Sandite Softball vs. Jenks (H)
    • Sandite Softball Complex
      412 West 55th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Citizen Input Meeting
    • Angus Valley Park
      500 Antiqua Drive

Friday

  • Time TBA - Lady Sandite Soccer at Bank of Commerce Tournament
    • Edna M. Carson Park Stilwell Community Park
    • 1155 West Hickory Street
      Stilwell, OK 74960
    • See full bracket in attached images.
  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Tennis (A)
    • Muskogee High School
      3200 East Shawnee Road
      Muskogee, OK 74403
  • 10:30 a.m. Sandite Track (36th Annual Ram Relays)
    • Owasso High School
      12901 East 86th Street North
      Owasso, OK 74055
  • 11:00 a.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Booker T. Washington (Tiger/Zebra Classic)
    • Claremore High School
      2011 North Sioux Avenue
      Claremore, OK 74017
  • 1:30 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Claremore (Tiger/Zebra Classic)
    • Claremore High School
      2011 North Sioux Avenue
      Claremore, OK 74017
  • 7:00 p.m. Second Annual Unity Praise

Saturday

  • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Open Hike Day
    • Keystone Ancient Forest
      160 Ancient Forest Drive
  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Tennis (A)
    • Muskogee High School
      3200 East Shawnee Road
      Muskogee, OK 74403
  • 8:00 a.m. Sandite Tennis (A)
    • Claremore High School
      2011 North Sioux Avenue
      Claremore, OK 74017
  • 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Fifth Annual Spring Fling Arts & Crafts Event
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road
  • 10:00 a.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Tahlequah (Tiger/Zebra Classic)
    • Claremore High School
      2011 North Sioux Avenue
      Claremore, OK 74017
  • 12:00 p.m. Easter Egg Hunt
    • Delaware Baptist Church
      6808 North State Highway 97

Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Sand Springs minister Darin Shipley releases new studio album

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Sand Springs's Darin Shipley released Hunger Rising March 15, 2018. (Photo: Niki Counce Photography). 

Sand Springs artist Darin Shipley recently released his second studio album, titled Hunger Rising, on Spotify and in compact disc format. The seven-track contemporary Christian album has been the product of several years of writing and recording.

Shipley speaks and performs at churches throughout Oklahoma, and proceeds from those events have funded his recording sessions at The Closet Studios in Tulsa. “The whole time I was working on this, the theme I would speak on everywhere I would go is drawing near to God,” says Shipley.

A nineteen-year officer with the Tulsa Police Department, Shipley lives in Sand Springs and serves on the worship team at Word of Life church. He and his wife of nineteen years, Pam, have three children.

Shipley’s daughter, Kristin, also appears on the album in background vocals, as does fellow Word of Life worship team member Holly Pace.

Through his career in law enforcement, Shipley has had the opportunity to minister to Tulsa’s most vulnerable, meeting the needs of homeless and mentally ill Tulsans in need of a hand up. He also has an extensive background in Youth Ministry, having previously served in Word of Life Youth Ministries.

Shipley has several shows booked currently, including the Second Annual Unity Praise event at Charles Page High School Memorial Stadium this Friday, March 30th. He also plays periodically at the 5 West Outpost nonprofit event center in Sand Springs, and will be holding a CD Release Party there in the near future.

To download Hunger Rising, visit this link, or visit his Facebook to purchase a physical copy. 

918-361-1092
Facebook
http://www.darinshipley.com/

Colton's Steak House & Grill holds grand opening in Sand Springs

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Colton's Steak House & Grill officially opened for business Monday morning in the Sand Springs River West development after a Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony with City and Chamber of Commerce officials.

The restaurant is the only steak house in Sand Springs, and only the second Colton's in Oklahoma. It joins McDonald's, IHOP, Starbucks, and El Maguey Mexican Grill & Cantina at River West.

Based in Arkansas, Colton's has 37 restaurants in eight states, including Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Oklahoma's first Colton's is located in Muskogee.

Colton's Steak House & Grill
32 West Alexander Boulevard
(918) 245-1000

Sand Springs Progress Report: What's new and what's changing

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The Automatic Spotless Car Wash at 3300 South Highway 97 was demolished in January to make room for new development. The car wash opened in 1979 and was sold to Yocham Enterprises, a Sapulpa-based construction company, in 2011. 

A hardened-room storm shelter is under construction at the Case Community Center. City Council approved a $136,000 contract with Lambert Construction in November of last year, using funds generated by a public safety sales tax. Designed by Studio 45, the room is rated to withstand 250 m.p.h. winds with an occupancy load of 97.

Josh Butts Creative Services is wrapping up a new mural on the side of Yesterday To Now at 224 North Main Street in downtown Sand Springs. The City authorized up to $49,500 for two murals in March of 2017, with funding from the Economic Development Capital Improvement Fund. The first mural, at 11450 West Highway 51, has yet to be completed due to obstructive power lines. 

A new trail is under construction along Sand Springs Park Road, stretching from Adams Road to the Sand Springs Lake. The project is partly locally funded, along with a $620,000 grant from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. 

Atwoods Farm and Home Store at 730 East Charles Page Boulevard is undergoing an extensive expansion project after taking over the storefronts previously occupied by Stage Department Store and CrossFit 1055. The company opened its Sand Springs location in 2002. 

Colton's Steak House & Grill is opening for business Monday, March 26 at 32 West Alexander Boulevard in River West.  SEE RELATED: Colton's Steak House & Grill holds ground-breaking ceremony in Sand Springs

Ground work has begun on the new Billie A. Hall Public Safety Center at Sheffield Crossing. The 40,000 square foot facility will house the City's Police Department, north-side Fire Department, municipal courts, jail, Emergency Operations Center, and 911 Communications operations. SEE RELATED: New Sand Springs Public Safety Facility to be named in honor of war hero Billie A. Hall

Three new housing developments are under construction in Sand Springs. Rivercrest has twelve lots ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 at 3123 South 113th West Avenue. Teal Ridge offers 115 lots ranging from $270,000 to $400,000 on 41st Street. Capital Homes is developing 87 lots at 700 West 51st Street.

Framing has gone up at the new $1.5 million Fire House No. 2 at 4101 South 113th West Avenue. The building will replace an outdated adjacent station built in 1967. The project is funded with Vision 2025 sales tax and is slated to be completed in August. SEE RELATED: Sand Springs breaks ground on $1.5 million Fire Station in Prattville

Plans are underway for a Main Street Renovation Project that will connect Highway 97 to Main Street and add a frontage road connecting Main Street to the Highway 412 at the Lincoln Avenue on-ramp. The project is funded by a 50/50 agreement between the City and ODOT. Additionally, a G.O. Bond-funded road will be constructed atop the levee separating Case Community Park from Sheffield Crossing.

Sand Springs Flowers has relocated to 26 East Broadway in the old trolley station building next to Napolis. The century-old business was recently purchased by Jessica Hendricks. Coble's Flowers is renovating the old location at 206 North Main Street and is expected to move in this April. SEE RELATED: Sand Springs Flowers to relocate under new ownership

St. Francis Health Systems unveiled a new $2 million Warren Clinic facility at 102 South Main Street in River West earlier this month. SEE RELATED: New Saint Francis Warren Clinic receives blessing, opens in Sand Springs River West

Myers Marketing and We Are Sand Springs are moving into a new building at 118 North Main Street on the ground floor of a building housing Crescent Lofts and Doug's Rebuilders, the former location of Blush Hair Salon. They will hold their grand opening April 21st during the 29th Annual Herbal Affair and Festival. 

The QuikTrip convenience store at 2 East 41st Street is nearing completion and finishing the parking lot and sidewalks this week. 

The Braum's Hamburgers and Ice Cream shop at 3950 South Highway 97 is complete, and is currently hiring and training new employees before opening.

Sandlot Sno-Balls will be opening a new Prattville location at 3 West 41st Street this summer. 

ZegART Studios recently opened at 700 East Charles Page Boulevard and offers family friendly art classes in many different mediums. SEE RELATED: ZegART Studios opens in Sand Springs

The passage of G.O. Bond Proposal No. 3 last November paved the way for the construction of a visitor's center and observation tower at the Keystone Ancient Forest. City Council will also vote on whether or not to purchase twenty additional acres for the forest on Monday. The $100,000 property sits adjacent to the preserve's entrance.

Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame inductees announced for 2018

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Jerry L. Halcomb, Cathy Lynn Burdge, and Charles Marvin Hughes were recently announced as the Class of 2018 inductees into the Sand Springs Education Foundation Hall of Fame. The induction will be held at the organization's annual banquet on Thursday, April 26.

Hughes graduated Sand Springs High School in 1952 and was immediately drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. He played for the Cardinals' organization for two years before being drafted into the U.S. Army and serving in Germany.

After his Army discharge, Hughes attained his Master Instructor's license in cosmetology and helped write the first test requirements for the Oklahoma State Cosmetology Board. He opened Adam and the First Lady salon in Sand Springs, and later founded the Scissors franchise which grew to nearly a dozen locations throughout the Tulsa Metropolitan Area.

Hughes coached youth baseball and was a weekly fan in attendance at Sandite football games until his passing in 2013 at the age of 79. 

Halcomb graduated Sand Springs High School in 1957, then graduated with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Architecture from Oklahoma State University and received a diploma from Ecole des Beaux-Arts at Fountainbleau, France.  He founded HH Architects in 1971 and specialized in church design before retiring in 2013. He was inducted into the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows in 2012, an honor available to only the top 3% of AIA members. After retiring from HH Architects, he founded Studio H Architects.

Also a musician, Halcomb previously performed with the Shadow Lake 8 Orchestra, which was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in 2013. His band, Texas RoundUp, has been performing for more than forty years. Halcomb is a deacon at First Baptist Dallas, which he has attended since 1965. 

Burdge graduated Charles Page High School in 1973 and has spent her life in service to Sand Springs. Burdge has been an active volunteer with numerous service organizations over the years, including the Civitan Club, Sand Springs Community Services, and the Sand Springs Youth Football Association, the latter of which she serves on as Board Secretary and Cheer Coordinator. She has helped organize the Mayor's Cup softball tournament and the Downhill Derby soapbox car race. She also works as the Attendance Clerk at CPHS. 

The Hall of Fame Banquet includes dinner and a silent auction, and is held at the Ed Dubie Field House at 500 North Adams Road. The SSEF is a 501c3 organization and all donations are tax deductible. All donations from SSEF events go to fund the "Grants to Teachers" program for Sand Springs Public Schools. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or further information, please contact Foundation Director Tirita Montross at 918.245.6779.

Selfless: Youth groups spend Spring Break serving Sand Springs

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The City of Sand Springs held its annual Clean Up Day on Monday and more than a hundred youth volunteers came out to participate. Approximately 125 teenagers filled up 300 bags of trash and two dumpsters with debris across downtown, the Highway 412 corridor, Katy Trail, River West, and the Early Childhood Education Center area. 

The youth groups from HillSpring Church, Angus Church, Broadway Baptist Church, First Assembly of God, Olivet Baptist Church, Fisher Baptist Church, and Osage Hills Christian Church are sacrificing their Spring Breaks to serve the community of Sand Springs, and Clean Up Day was just the first stop.

The volunteers will be working with Sand Springs Care Closet, Salvation Army, and Sand Springs Community Services later this week, and doing projects at individual homes of families in need. 

The #SELFLESS2018 program brings together the seven churches for four days of church service and service to others. The youth play dodgeball, basketball, volleyball, video games, putt-putt and more, and attend daily church services. 

HillSpring Church
8801 West 41st Street
(918) 446-9273
www.hillspring.tv

First Assembly of God
501 N Wilson Ave
(918) 245-4413

Olivet Baptist Church
155 N 65th West Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
(918) 245-2241
www.olivetonline.com

Osage Hills Christian Church
4500 W Edison St
Tulsa, OK 74127
(918) 583-9482
www.http://osagehills.com

Angus Church
4401 South 129th West Ave
(918) 245-0266
www.anguschurch.com

Broadway Baptist Church
1000 North Adams Road
(918) 245-7513
www.broadwaybaptistchurch.com

Fisher Baptist Church
4008 S 137th W Ave
(918) 245-7875
www.fisherbaptistchurch.org

Sand Springs Care Closet
3417 S 113th West Ave
(918) 269-8434
www.facebook.com/careclosetsandsprings

Sand Springs Community Services
114 West 4th Street
(918) 245-5183
http://sscsok.org

 

Word of Life church holds Serve Day, paints Limestone Elementary cafeteria

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Word of Life, a non-denominational Christian church in Sand Springs, held a "Serve Day" Sunday afternoon, and more than sixty volunteers donated their time to various organizations around town.

Following their 10:00 a.m. Sunday service, the church members headed to Limestone Technology Academy, Sand Springs Community Services, and Green Tree Assisted Living & Memory Care. 

At Limestone Elementary, the workers painted a large cafeteria in the district colors. They also cleaned up an outdoor classroom area. Another group visited with elderly residents at Green Tree Assisted Living, leading them in praise and worship.

At Sand Springs Community Services, volunteers helped to spot clean the facility to get it ready for its annual Tulsa Area United Way Panel Review. According to SSCS Director Nathan Woodmansee, the organization served over 1000 households from the Sand Springs community in 2017. The nonprofit can provide families with a full week’s worth of food up to six times a year, or more if there is a verifiable emergency. They also offer clothing, household items, a computer lab and job-search assistance, utility and rent assistance, and other client-specific assistance.

“SSCS does not receive government funding,” says Woodmansee. “It depends fully on donations and partnerships from churches like WOL, local coprorate sponsorships, individual donations, partnerships with Sand Sprigns Public Schools, local foundation grants, and its partnership with the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma.”

Word of Life, whose motto is "we exist to reach people," has a long history of serve days, most recently partnering with local schools. In August they painted the Limestone gymnasium and auditorium, and improved the grounds and landscaping. In October they painted the gym, a classroom, and a pair of bathrooms at Angus Valley Elementary. 

Founded in 1981, Word of Life has been serving Sand Springs for 37 years. Lead Pastor Chad Stewart has led the congregation since 2011.

Word of Life
1402 North 81st West Avenue
Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063
(918) 245-0262
Service: Sunday 10:00 a.m.
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
http://www.mywordoflife.com
Facebook: @Wordoflifess
Instagram: @Wordoflifess

Sand Springs Community Services
114 West 4th Street
(918) 245-5183
Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
http://sscsok.org
Facebook: @SanditesHere2Help

*Contact SSCS by phone or web to volunteer.

This Week in Sand Springs (3/18 - 3/25/18)

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Monday

  • Sand Springs Public Schools Spring Break
  • 10:00 a.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Sunnyslope (A)
    • Sunrise Mountain High School
      21200 North 83rd Avenue
      Peoria, Arizona 85382
  • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Braum's Hamburgers Hiring Event
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road
  • 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Citywide Cleanup Day
  • 4:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Sunrise Mountain (A)
    • Sunrise Mountain High School
      21200 North 83rd Avenue
      Peoria, Arizona 85382
  • 4:00 p.m. Sand Springs Planning Commission Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Board of Adjustment Meeting

Tuesday 

  • Sand Springs Public Schools Spring Break
  • 4:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball vs. Coconino (A)
    • Sunnyslope High School
      35 West Dunlap Avenue
      Phoenix, Arizona 85021
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum Trust Authority Meeting

Wednesday

  • Sand Springs Public Schools Spring Break
  • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Spring Break Fling
    • Crafts, LEGOs, outdoor games, and other adventures. Ages 5-18.
    • Charles Page Library
      551 East 4th Street

Thursday

  • Sand Springs Public Schools Spring Break
  • 4:00 p.m. Free Movie: Ms. Connie
    • Pratt Library
      3219 South 113th West Avenue

Friday

  • Sand Springs Public Schools Spring Break

Saturday

Sunday

Add your event to our weekly newsletter. Email SanditePrideNews@gmail.com

  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Attorney General Hunter Sends Letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Ross, Requesting Reinstatement of Citizenship Question on 2020 Census

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter has led a coalition of thirteen states in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, requesting the agency reinstate a question on the 2020 Census regarding citizenship.

The citizenship question was omitted for the first time in decades in the 2010 Census, something the letter to Ross says creates less reliable data for state officials to use when determining districts based on population. The result is that legally eligible voters may have their votes diluted or distorted. 

Additionally, not including the question hurts districts with minority groups that have large non-citizen populations. The letter explains, good data in minority districts is necessary to ensure the citizen population is large enough to elect the minority group’s candidate of choice. Without accurate data, states cannot obtain certainty about whether they comply with the Voting Rights Act’s requirements.

Attorney General Hunter said the census is the only fair way to draw district lines and collect information about the nation. 

“Inaccurate counts harm the rights of United States citizens,” Attorney General Hunter said. “Additionally, billions of dollars in federal funds are at stake, which includes money for children’s health programs in under-served areas. Using incorrect numbers stands to disproportionately allocate these funds. We encourage the Department of Commerce to act by including the citizenship question in the 2020 census.”

In the letter, the state officials argue that the current method to collect data about citizenship, the American Community Survey (ACS), is substandard and less accurate than census data because it draws from only one in every 38 households. The smaller sample size translates to a larger margin of error.

“Citizenship still matters,” the letter concludes. “It is a privilege that is important and meaningful and not lightly ignored. Non-citizens can be valuable members of our community, but citizenship rightly confers benefits and responsibilities that must be taken seriously.

“Chief among them is the right to vote. Voting is the most precious right of every citizen – it provides the means to participate, to influence and to articulate his concerns to the government. Including a simple question in the census will impose a minimal burden on the government and the residents surveyed, but this small step will have a significant and positive impact on the policies and constitution of our great republic.”

In addition to Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter, the letter was signed by the Attorneys General of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia, as well as the Governors of Kentucky and Mississippi. 

Read the letter, here: http://bit.ly/2tQP682. 

Sand Springs Board of Education approves resolution of solidarity with teacher walk-out

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The Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution of solidarity with the teacher walkout movement in a special meeting Thursday night at the Charles Page High School Fine Arts Building, and authorized Superintendent Sherry Durkee to close schools for as long as necessary while the district is understaffed.

The Board is not preemptively planning to close schools on or after April 2nd, but will do so if enough teachers walk out that the safety of students is in jeopardy, or the schools are unable to continue effective conduct of operations. 

Additionally, the Board addressed the "chronic underfunding of public school education" and stated their full support of all measures taken by teachers "to demand the necessary funding for a meaningful teacher pay raise and education funding."

The Oklahoma Education Association has issued a deadline of April 1st for the Oklahoma Legislature to fund pay raises and education needs. The organization is calling for $10,000 in teacher pay raises over a three-year period, starting with $6,000 in the upcoming school year and $2,000 for each consecutive year. Additionally, they are demanding pay raises for all support personnel, as well as increased funding for materials, textbooks, and other district needs. 

SSPS currently employs nearly 200 OEA members, and Superintendent Durkee has previously stated the district will not be able to function if that many teachers walk out. 

If the demands of the OEA aren't met by April 1st, the organization is calling for all teachers to strike and visit the State Capitol in protest. 

"Our teachers are special here in Sand Springs," said Board President Beau Naugle. " We recognize that and we appreciate what you do for our kids that have been here, that are here now, and that will be here in the future of Sand Springs."

Superintendent Durkee praised the Board and the seventy-plus community members in attendance applauded the Board for their actions.

Resolution Concerning Board Policy CKCA Emergency School Closings

"Whereas Board policy CKCA, Emergency School Closings, does not expressly include circumstances when insufficient staffing may constitute a reason to close school(s) within the District, and
Whereas the Board believes insufficient staffing can prevent the safe and effective conduct of school operations,
Now therefore be it resolved, that the Board directs the Superintendent to prepare the necessary policy amendment to include the following language in Policy CKCA:
'Abnormal conditions' and 'emergency' shall include circumstances where the superintendent determines that, whether for voluntary or involuntary reasons, there will be insufficient staffing present to assure the safe and effect conduct of school operations at one or more of the district's school sites.'
The Board further directs the Superintendent to administer and apply Policy CKCA being informed by the expression of the boards Intent resolved this fifteenth day of March 2018."

Resolution Regarding Board Support of Teacher Voices

"Whereas the Sand Springs Public School Board of Education recognizes the chronic underfunding of public school education and continued cuts more than a decade; and
Whereas the Sand Springs Public Schools. Board of Education is a witness the consequences of this chronic underfunding and sees the victims in our teachers, staff, students, families community and state; and
Whereas the Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education has supported and worked for solution after solution to fund teacher pay raises and common education, only to see the legislature fail to find common ground and pass legislation comprehensively addressing this emergency; and
Whereas teachers provide critical work in our classrooms and have waited far too long for adequate classroom resources and a desperately needed pay raise, and
Whereas, in the interest of our students and families, because Oklahoma cannot allow this crisis to continue through another legislative session, we support all measures taken by  our classroom teachers to demand the necessary funding for a meaningful teacher pay raise and education funding; and
Whereas we are confident our community, including parents, families, caregivers, faith leaders and followers, business leaders, laborers, teachers' families and their school district administrators, neighbors and friends will gracefully fill the gap and make the sacrifices it will take while our teachers advocate for what they need to educate our children and secure the future of Oklahoma in ways they see fit.
Be it resolved that the Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education is in full support of our teachers and stands ready to take action consistent with its duty to provide educational services to its students to improve conditions for our teachers.
The Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education urges the Oklahoma State Legislature to work urgently on behalf of the children and families in our state to take swift and meaningful action to develop a viable plan to pay teachers the professional salaries they deserve. Resolved this 15th day of March 2018."

This Week in Sand Springs (3/11 - 3/17/18)

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Tuesday 

  • 11:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Kellyville (A)
    • Kellyville High School Festival
      14903 Maple Drive
      Kellyville, OK 74039
  • 12:25 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Heavener (A)
    • Kellyville High School Festival
      14903 Maple Drive
      Kellyville, OK 74039
  • 3:15 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Okmulgee (A)
    • Kellyville High School Festival
      14903 Maple Drive
      Kellyville, OK 74039
  • 5:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball v. Bixby (H)
    • Sandite Athletic Complex
      408 West 55th Street
  • 5:30 p.m. Tulsa Boys' Home Hope Tour
    • 2727 South 137th West Avenue
    • Contact kkclark@tbhinc.org to RSVP
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer v. Tulsa Edison (A)
    • LaFortune Stadium
      5480 South Hudson Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74135
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer v. Tulsa Edison (A)
    • LaFortune Stadium
      5480 South Hudson Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74135

Thursday

  • 8:00 a.m. Sandites at Sapulpa Tennis Tournament
    • Sapulpa High School
      1201 East Lincoln
      Sapulpa, OK 74066
  • 4:30 p.m. Lady Sandite Softball vs. Broken Arrow (H)
    • Sandite Athletic Complex
      408 West 55th Street
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer vs. Nathan Hale (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Nathan Hale (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Saturday

  • 10:00 a.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Thunderbird High School (A)
    • Best of the West Tournament
    • Thunderbird High School
      1750 West Thunderbird Road
      Phoenix, AZ 85023

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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Young, Weir, Scott, Teachnor receive awards from SSPS Board of Ed

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The Sand Springs Board of Education held a regular monthly meeting Monday evening at Charles Page High School and handed out several awards to students and faculty. 

Charles Page High School athletes Carter Young, Riley Weir, and Payton Scott were presented with Sandite Spirit Awards. Young and Weir both won wrestling State titles this season, leading their team to a third place finish.

"(Carter is) an outstanding student and an outstanding young man," said Head Wrestling Coach Kelly Smith. "I'd say the same thing about Riley. Everyone gets to see that final moment...but you wouldn't believe the time and the work and the effort that these guys put in to get where they're at. They're really special to get to this level."

Scott was recognized for winning the Gatorade Football Player of Year award for the State of Oklahoma. His award came with a $1,000 prize that he donated to Sand Springs Special Olympics.

"(Payton Scott is) one of my favorite people on the planet," said Board Member Rusty Gunn. "He's so energetic, so happy. He makes other people happy, he's a great leader on the field and off the field as well."

Pianist Amanda Teachnor was presented with a Pacesetter award for her work in accompanying the Sandite choir and band programs. "Amanda has just done a wonderful job," said Choir Director Peter Whipple. "She's been playing piano for us as long as I've been here. Every day she goes beyond. We appreciate her so much, her work, her spirit, and her willingness to do everything."

Superintendent Sherry Durkee briefly recapped talking points from a District Dialogue session held prior to the Board meeting, including student and teacher walkouts, State funding, school safety, and recent threat hoaxes.

SEE RELATED: SSPS Superintendent Durkee addresses teacher walkouts at District Dialogue

"They were polite and informed," said Durkee, regarding recent student walkouts to protest State funding. "I personally think that was a good platform to have conversation about current events." Durkee visited Central Ninth Grade Center where students walked out for 22 minutes to protest $22 million in state budget cuts. 

"The people I was around tended to know what they were talking about. Not to say every single kid was engaged, but I said 'what are you here for?' and I got an earful," said Durkee. The district did not sanction the walkout and students were counted absent from class, but the schools did contain the students and keep the event organized.

Durkee said the district has adopted an unofficial policy of taking all potential school threats seriously in the wake of the Florida massacre. Several threats have been made in recent weeks against the high school and ninth grade centers. The district has been working closely with the Sand Springs Police Department to track IP addresses and find the source of the threats. So far, each threat has been determined to be a joke. 

In other news:

  • Board approved out out-of-state travel for Clyde Boyd Middle School science teacher Janet Johnson to attend a Science Immersion Trip in Pigeon Key, Florida and an International Botball Competition in Indian Wells, California. 
  • Board approved out-of-state travel for Sherry Pearson to attend the School Nutritional Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • Board approved out-of-state travel for Athletic Director Rod Sitton and the Sandite Track and Field Team to attend a track meet in Mansfield, Texas.
  • Board approved a lease agreement with the Oral Roberts University Mabee Center for graduation ceremonies on May 12, 2018. 
  • Board approved the listing of nine school buses and seven other vehicles as surplus.
  • Board approved a statement of agreement with the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa for a 21st Century Community Learning Full Steam Ahead After School Program and Spring Break Camp from March 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018. 
  • Board approved a one-year license agreement with Employee Evaluation Systems, Inc.
  • Board approved an agreement with Lifetouch Preschool Portraits for picture day in Fall 2018.
  • Board approved the employment of one STEM Technology Teacher for the 2018-2019 school year. 
  • Board approved a resolution setting a date, time, and place for the sale of $4,825,000 in General Obligation Combined Purpose Bonds. 
  • Board approved the 2018-2019 School Calendar. 

SSPS Superintendent Durkee addresses teacher walkouts at District Dialogue

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Sand Springs Superintendent Sherry Durkee. (Stock photo).

The Sand Springs Public School District held a District Dialogue Meeting Monday evening at Charles Page High School. Superintendent Sherry Durkee spoke on State funding, school safety, and the looming threat of a teacher walkout during the session.

“We can’t sanction it,” says Durkee. “That’s on the teachers.” She pointed to the current situation in West Virginia where teachers just participated in a nine-day statewide walkout and the potential side effects that such a long break could have on students.

Student activities such as spring athletics, prom, graduation, music programs, testing and more would all be severely affected by an extended school closure. Durkee is also concerned about impoverished students who would lose access to free nutritional lunches. 

According to Durkee, funding solutions proposed for a $5,000 pay raise have failed to consider the number of teaching positions that have already been eliminated in response to budget cuts, and the need to hire more teachers and reduce class sizes once funding stabilizes. Additionally, any salary increase would increase the District's required payout for teacher retirement. According to Chief Financial Officer Greg Morris, that would amount to nearly $290,000 per year. 

"If we end up in a statewide walkout, I'm praying that doesn't happen, that we find resolution before that," said Durkee. "The truth is, it hurts kids." As a teacher, Durkee participated in the 1990 walkout that resulted in the passage of education reform legislation House Bill 1017. That walkout lasted four days.

Durkee said the district would have no choice but to shut down in the even of a walkout due to the lack of available substitutes and an inability to supervise students. The district currently has seven unused snow days that could be used, but a walkout that lasted longer than a week could severely cut into instructional time. 

School shooting threats were also a topic of discussion. Sand Springs and Tulsa Public Schools were both victims of several hoaxes in the weeks following the Florida massacre. Durkee expressed interest in the possibility of implementing student ID badges.

On Monday the Oklahoma Education Association announced plans to release a detailed revenue package and statewide school closure strategy. The OEA will hold a press conference in Oklahoma City Thursday at 1:00 p.m.

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce holds forum on criminal justice reform

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The Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce held an open forum on criminal justice reform Monday afternoon at the Tulsa Tech Sand Springs campus. Sand Springs Police Chief Mike Carter, Tulsa County Public Defenders Office first assistant Stuart Sutherland, and District Judge Doug Drummond all spoke at the event.

According to Carter, the Tulsa County Court System has been working together with local police departments to implement electronic filing, saving the departments time and resources.

Carter discussed local law enforcement efforts to distance themselves from partisan thinking, comparing reform to a swinging pendulum that needs to test different policies and find balance.

Sutherland spoke about the high incarceration rate in the county and the potential for low income defendants to be adversely affected by the current system, speculating that some innocent defendants who are financially unable to bond out are more likely to enter guilty pleas in order to either get out of jail, or to avoid a greater sentence if they are unable to defeat their charges.

Drummond addressed the difficulty of balancing the need to reform offenders with the need to provide justice for victims. "I think (legislators) are afraid that people are going to think they're soft on crime. It does take some courage to make this move (toward reform)." Another concern of Drummond’s was a lack of data in Oklahoma to guide reform and let policy makers know what works.

New Saint Francis Warren Clinic receives blessing, opens in Sand Springs River West

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Saint Francis Health System held a grand opening and blessing ceremony Monday morning at the new Warren Clinic location in the Sand Springs River West development. The new facility will house the primary care services previously located at 796 Charles Page Boulevard, and will add an urgent care clinic as well. 

Sand Springs native entrepreneur-philanthropist Mike Case, who serves on the Saint Francis Board of Directors, spoke at the event, as well as CEO Jake Henry Jr. and Vice President Charley Trimble. 

Sister Mary Benedicta led the blessing rites and Father Todd Nance, Pastor of Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Sand Springs, gave the prayer of blessing and consecrated the facility with holy water. 

Primary Care and Pediatric services will open Monday, March 5th at 1:00 p.m. Urgent Care will also be open with limited services. Urgent Care will be available Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Warren Clinic joins El Maguey Mexican Restaurant and ALDI grocery store as the latest newcomers to the River West development, which also features an IHOP, Starbucks, and Holiday Inn Express. Colten's Steak House is also under construction and will open later this Spring. 

Warren Clinic Sand Springs
102 South Main Street
Sand Springs, OK 74063
918-245-2286

This Week in Sand Springs (3/4 - 3/10/18)

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Monday

  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Tennis Tournament
    • Bixby High School
      601 South Riverview Drive
      Bixby, OK 74008
  • 12:00 p.m. Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce Open Forum 
    • Tulsa Tech
      924 East Charles Page Boulevard
  • 5:00 p.m. Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board Meeting
  • 5:30 p.m. Sand Springs Public Schools District Dialogue 
    • Charles Page High School Performing Arts Building
      600 North Adams Road
  • 6:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball v. Enid
    • David Allen Memorial Ballpark
      301 S. Grand
      Enid, OK 73701
  • 6:30 p.m. Sandite Dance Team Tryout Meeting
    • For grades 7th through Varsity
    • Charles Page High School Library
      500 North Adams Road
  • 7:00 p.m. Sand Springs Public Schools Board of Education Meeting

Tuesday 

  • 8:00 a.m. Lady Sandite Golf Tournament (H)
    • The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge
      1801 North McKinley Road
  • 6:00 p.m. Lady Sandite Soccer v. Tulsa Memorial (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road
  • 8:00 p.m. Sandite Soccer v. Tulsa Memorial (H)
    • Memorial Stadium
      600 North Adams Road

Thursday

  • 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Braum's Job Fair
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road
  • 3:30 p.m. No. 13 Lady Sandite Basketball v. No. 6 Choctaw (State Tournament)
    • Tulsa Memorial High School
      5840 South Hudson Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74135
  • 6:00 p.m. Sand Springs Small Business Coalition Meeting
    • Pratt Library
      3219 South 113th West Avenue
  • 7:00 p.m. Charles Page High School presents "9 to 5: The Musical" 
    • CPHS Auditorium
      500 North Adams Road
    • Tickets: $7 students and seniors, $10 adults.
  • 8:30 p.m. No. 10 Sandite Basketball v. No. 2 Norman North (State Tournament)
    • Catoosa High School
      2000 South Cherokee Street
      Catoosa, OK 74015

Friday

  • 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Braum's Job Fair
    • Case Community Center
      1050 West Wekiwa Road
  • 12:00 p.m. OSSAA 6A Girls Basketball State Semifinals
    • Mabee Center
      7777 South Lewis Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74171
  • 1:15 p.m. Sandite Soccer vs. Northwest Classen (A)
    • Edison Preparatory School
      2906 East 41st Street
      Tulsa, OK 74105
    • Second round at 6:30 p.m. (Consolation) or 8:15 (Semifinals)
  • 4:30 p.m. OSSAA 6A Boys Basketball State Semifinals
    • Mabee Center
      7777 South Lewis Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74171
  • 7:00 p.m. Charles Page High School presents "9 to 5: The Musical" 
    • CPHS Auditorium
      500 North Adams Road
    • Tickets: $7 students and seniors, $10 adults.
  • 7:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball v. Hilldale (A)
    • Hilldale High School
      300 East Smith Ferry Road
      Muskogee, OK 74403

Saturday

  • TBA - Sandite Soccer - Edison Green and White Tournament
    • Time depending on Friday results:
      • 9:45 a.m. Seventh Place Match
      • 1:15 p.m. Fifth Place Match
      • 4:45 p.m. Third Place Match
      • 8:15 p.m. Championship Match
    • Edison Preparatory School
      2906 East 41st Street
      Tulsa, OK 74105
  • 12:00 p.m. OSSAA 6A Girls Basketball State Championship Finals
    • Mabee Center
      7777 South Lewis Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74171
  • 12:00 p.m. Mansfield Legacy Border Track Brawl (Sandite Track and Field)
    • Legacy High School
      1263 North Main Street
      Mansfield, Texas 76063
  • 1:00 p.m. Sandite Baseball v. Tulsa Memorial (A)
    • Memorial High School
      5840 South Hudson Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74135
  • 7:00 p.m. Charles Page High School presents "9 to 5: The Musical" 
    • CPHS Auditorium
      500 North Adams Road
    • Tickets: $7 students and seniors, $10 adults.
  • 7:45 p.m. OSSAA 6A Boys Basketball State Championship Finals
    • Mabee Center
      7777 South Lewis Avenue
      Tulsa, OK 74171

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  • Free for nonprofit/free/charitable events.
  • Free for Sandite Pride Partners.

Tulsa Boys' Home celebrates 100 years of miracles in 2018

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The Tulsa Boys' Home has been serving at-risk Oklahoma youth for a century, as of 2018. The 150-acre facility in southwest Sand Springs houses the most damaged wards of the State, those who have washed out of more than a dozen foster homes, as well as privately-placed drug addicted youth.

"For many of them, we give them the first family that they've ever had," says congressional candidate and Boys' Home Board Member Tim Harris. Nearly 13,000 boys have stayed at the Home since 1918, and many have overcome drugs, sexual and physical abuse, and behavioral issues to become functioning, productive members of society.

The facility typically operates at or near full-capacity, with forty wards of the State and 24 privately-placed drug addicts. The Home accepts kids from eleven years of age till eighteen, providing counseling, family, schooling, and character-building recreation.

"These are the orphans of the 21st Century," says Executive Director Greg Conway. "Not orphans because of war or disease, but because of what's been done to them."

Most had their parental rights severed by the courts due to mental, physical, or sexual abuse. Many develop behavioral issues and are kicked out of more than a dozen foster homes before making their way to the Boys' Home. "We get the kids that have been kicked out of everywhere else, that nobody else wants to deal with," says Conway.

However, the Boys' Home is far from the stereotypical image of a poverty-ridden early twentieth-century orphanage. To an outsider, the grounds would appear to belong to a resort. Perfectly manicured lawns, fountains and statues, and amenities that could compete with any country club in the state. Billiards, horseback riding, a pool, a full gymnasium with free weights, cardio machines, basketball and tennis courts. 

"We have everything these boys need out here," says Youth Minister/Volunteer Coordinator Jeff Johnson, "but not the one thing they want. Family."

The staff does its best to be that family. Substance-abuse resident Ryder said "you can talk to the staff about anything you're going through anytime." Ryder hopes to get a doctorate in physical health and help special needs kids. "I want to do something good so I can come back here and tell my story."

Each member of the staff has success stories of kids they remember who went on to succeed in life outside the program. Director Conway spoke of Grant, a former meth addict, who went from being expelled from Union High School to graduating with a Charles Page High School diploma six months ahead of the rest of his class. 

The Boys' Home has an on-campus school staffed by certified teachers provided by the Sand Springs Public School district. They participate in Sand Springs curriculum and calendar, and graduate with CPHS diplomas. The school boasts small class sizes with technology to rival any public school. They use Virtual Academy and summer school to help students recover credits and get ahead. Most students arrive semesters or even years behind their peers due to transferring in and out of dozens of schools as they migrate from one foster home to another. 

More important than academic learning is mental and spiritual recovery after enduring untold hardships. One of the tools that helps facilitate that recovery is equine therapy. Through both individual and group sessions, the youth often form emotional connections to the horses while caring for them.

Equine Counselors Johnny Clark and Shannon Ross lead the boys in games with the horses, and even offer workshops for visitors to come participate. "When you get with a horse, the horse can reflect back emotionally what's going on with you," says Clark. 

For those who don't respond to the horses or traditional means of recreation, Chief Operating Officer Mike Murphy promises to find something for everyone. From ropes courses to chess and even a running club, the Boys' Home offers countless opportunities for kids to open up and be themselves.

Ultimately, the Boys' Home has three primary goals. "We think of our work as rescuing these guys, rebuilding them while they're here, then reintegrating them into our community," says Conway. 

The rebuilding is the hardest part. According to Conway, the most prevalent diagnosis among the youth is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition typically associated with veterans of war. 

"They come from the most broken of families and they are deeply wounded boys," says Conway, who holds a Master's degree in counseling. "For many of our boys, before they come here, they've never had a positive male influence in their lives."

The organization looks to provide those positive influences not only through the staff, but also with volunteer mentors and tutors. The Home provides "Hope Tours" for anyone interested in getting involved in the organization, or who simply want to learn more about it.

During the Hope Tour, guests meet many key people in the organization, including volunteers, staff, and even residents. The tour lasts about an hour, including question and answer opportunities. The tour focuses solely on educating the community and does not attempt to solicit donations. 

Upcoming Hope Tour dates are Tuesday, March 13th and Tuesday, March 27th at 5:30 p.m. To RSVP or request more information, contact Shannon Curry at 918.245.0231 ext. 5055 or scurry@tbhinc.org or contact Karen Clark at 918.245.0231 ext. 5004 or kkclark@tbhinc.org.

ZegART Studios opens in Sand Springs

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ZegART Studios held a grand opening Sunday at Atwoods Plaza in Sand Springs. The art studio is owned by Carey Zegart and Darla Satterfield Zegart and houses work from dozens of local artists.

Darla comes from a family of artists and has had a lifetime interest. She taught elementary math, science, social studies, and art for sixteen years in Keene, Texas before arriving in Oklahoma nearly seven years ago. She taught for Tulsa Public Schools and Broken Arrow Public Schools before retiring and opening the studio. She has also published two holiday-themed books that can be found on Amazon.

When relocating to Oklahoma, the Zegarts were initially looking for a home in Broken Arrow. They were accidentally rerouted to a house in Sand Springs that had the same address of the one they were planning to see. Darla credits the fluke as an act of God. 

"My passions are God, people, and art, in that order," says Darla. The studio aims to be a Christian-based, family-oriented, community-conscious establishment. In addition to providing a venue for local artists to sell their work, they also plan to provide the community with a place to learn and explore their own creativity. 

Artists are welcome to simply sell their works at the shop, or to become a ZegARTist and take a more involved role in the studio and the community. ZegARTists are featured on the website and promoted in the studio, and can be found in the studio teaching classes or working on their own pieces. Current ZegARTists include Sand Springs's own Kayla Adams, Marcos Fernandez, Leslie Reed, and Jane "Jezz" Strutt.

It's not just painting and drawing. Many mediums of art are taught and sold at the studio, including: stained glass, matting and framing, scrapbooking, scherenschnitte, woodburning, wire and metal, papier mache, and more. 

In addition to regular classes, the studio also welcomes large parties for events such as birthdays, bridal showers, and team building. They will host community fellowship on the first and last Saturday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On the second Saturday of the month they will offer free classes for Super Seniors (Age 70+). 

ZegART Studios
700 E. Charles Page Blvd.
Sand Springs, OK 74063
(918) 704-4979
www.zegartstudios.com

HOURS
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - Noon, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.