Chillin & Grillin' expecting biggest year yet, still needing more BBQ contestants

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The Seventh Annual Chillin and Grillin Festival is expected to be the biggest one yet, says Chamber of Commerce President Kristin Valentin, but organizers are having a hard time finding enough competitors for the BBQ contest.

Chillin & Grillin is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce, and is a major economic driver for the City of Sand Springs. The festival will be held at Case Community Park from Thursday, April 12th through Saturday the 14th. After six years of hosting an official Kansas City Barbecue Society event, the Chamber decided to forgo the prestigious, but expensive, partnership. 

There are four categories of competition with a $1,000 grand prize and $500 reserve. The contest judges brisket, pork, ribs, and chicken. There is also a People's Choice category and a Kid's competition. Only four teams have committed to the full contest, and Valentin says they may have to cancel it if they don't get ten teams by Friday.

People's Choice will proceed unhindered and already has eight entrees. Visitors can pay $10 to eat their fill on Saturday and vote for their favorite overall team. The Church That Matters Holy Smokers won the first five People's Choice Awards and were dethroned by the Sand Springs Parks Department last year. 

In addition to barbecue, Lee's Charburgers, Not Your Grandma's Cupcakes, and Kettle Treats will also be on hand, as will numerous vendors of arts and crafts, clothing, cooking and barbecue supplies, and more. Yellow House Market and Boutique, Okie Spice and Trade Co., Cutco Cutlery, and BJ's Pit Stop will be setting up shop and Janicelynn Yazzie will be selling traditional Navajo jewelry and blankets. 

The festival has expanded to three days for the first time and will have a full carnival as well. Entry is free all three days. Carnival wristbands are $20/day in advance or $25 at the gate and can be purchased at Prattville Market, Verizon Wireless, and Green Country Federal Credit Union. The wristbands will provide unlimited rides on either Thursday or Friday. Rides are $3 apiece on Saturday. 

Food trucks, carnival rides, live music, and a beer garden will be on hand all three days, and the Harper's Hut Classic Car Show will be on Saturday with five Best in Show categories and unique custom trophies made from actual car parts. 

Student jazz bands from Mannford, Berryhill, and Charles Page High School will provide the entertainment Thursday evening. Sand Springs's own Jennifer Marriott Band will perform on Friday, and Midlife Crisis will play on Saturday. 

Parking will be free all three days.

"This year we are already ahead of the game and we're very excited about it. The sponsorships of the companies in this town that are supporting us and this event are amazing," says Valentin.

"We truly feel that these events are economic development in its purest form because it brings people to Sand Springs, gets people out of their homes and doing something that isn't very expensive. We're very conscious of making it moderately priced so that people can absolutely come out and enjoy it."

To enter the barbecue contest, contact Kristen Valentin at (918) 245-3221. To enter the car show, contact William Nozak at (918) 671-6352. Car show entrees are $15 in advance or $20 day of. 

Event sponsors: Green Country Federal Credit Union, OmniTRAX, City of Sand Springs, Webco Industries, Church That Matters, Cecil & Sons Discount Tires, Keystone Chevrolet, Osage Casino Hotel, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Sam's Club, United Rentals, The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge, KRMG, Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service, Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores, PepsiCo, and Reasor's. 

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

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.

Church of the Month: Word of Life Youth Ministry

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Word of Life Youth. (Courtesy). 

*Note: Word of Life changed their name to Reach Church in August of 2018.

Last week Sandite Pride introduced readers to the Children’s ministry at Word of Life, our February Church of the Month. Today we look at the Youth Ministry under Pastor Chad Ketcher.

SEE RELATED: 

Word of Life’s youth ministry has been called by many names over the years. Harmony, Lighthouse, the Depot, and Forward. The church recently moved the youth services from a building at 10th and Washington to the church’s main campus and took on the simple moniker of Word of Life Youth.

Having the youth on the adult campus has always been a goal of the church, but until recent years the main church also held a Wednesday night service, so there wasn’t room.

Ketcher took over the ministry full time in January of 2016. The only lifelong Sandite to ever hold the position, he felt called to return to Sand Springs again shortly before that. He and wife, Heather, were previously involved in a church in downtown Tulsa.

While still attending church in Tulsa, they were also participating in a small group hosted by Will and Amberly Bell, a couple heavily involved in Word of Life. “I thought that was kind of cool that they opened it up to somebody that didn’t even go to church here,” says Ketcher.

“In August (of 2015) we thought we were going to go somewhere else. But someone asked us to come visit (Word of Life). We had already been going to the life group for almost a year, so I said ‘let’s at least go check it out.’”

“We fell in love with (Word of Life) in the first week,” says Ketcher. “We loved everybody. We knew a lot of the people because we lived in this town our entire lives.”

Ketcher wasn’t looking for a full-time ministry job, despite having graduated Rhema Bible Training College in 2003. At the time he worked at the OSU Medical Center in Tulsa. He visited Forward to look into volunteering as a youth leader and found out that the pastor job was open.

Ketcher has a history with the Word of Life youth, having attended services in his teenage years under the late pastor Terry Scott. Going on mission trips to Mexico with the youth is part of what first inspired him to go to Bible College after graduating Charles Page in 2001.

Word of Life Youth Pastor Chad Ketcher. (Courtesy). 

After a few weeks of prayer and contemplation, he decided to apply for the position. Ketcher is the fourth Word of Life Youth Pastor since 2010. “All they need is consistency,” thought Ketcher. “They just need someone to ride this thing for a long time.”

“When we started, my goal in the first year was just to let these teenagers know I’m not going anywhere. My goal in the second year was to get them involved in doing stuff and get them here on Sundays, enjoying church. My goal this year is all about ‘how can we reach other people?’”

Ketcher looks to the example set by former Youth Pastor Tim Earnhardt, who left the church in 2010 and currently pastors Occupied Church in Tulsa. “He always had teenagers with him, all the time,” says Ketcher. “Honestly, as a youth pastor, you should always have a teenager with you. That’s your life. That’s why you exist. It shouldn’t just be a Wednesday night or Sunday morning thing.”

He also wants to make sure the kids are there for the church more than for him. “Whenever you leave, you don’t want everyone to quit coming to church because they were so tied to you. We try to encourage that they come on Sunday and to small groups and that they serve in our children’s church. I don’t need you here for me, I don’t get paid per student.”

“I want you to enjoy church because of what you bring to church. The benefit that you can bring. That even as a teenager, you are valuable. You have your own personality type, you have your own set of skills. Our worship team is all teenager-led. I let my teenagers preach on Wednesday nights. How do you expect to grow a leader if you don’t give them the chance to be one?”

“We try to keep it real with the teenagers. Don’t ask them to live a lifestyle that you don’t teach them how to live.” The youth will be doing a series coming up in April on sex and how to date in a manner that’s consistent with biblical teachings. “That’s what we expect sometimes. A youth kid should be perfect or least act right when he’s at church. You’re asking someone to not cuss, who hears cursing all the time in their house. That’s not fair. Maturing is not an age thing, it’s someone being taught how to grow up.”

According to Ketcher, Wednesday night should be the most fun night of the week. Forward has their own party bus with hardwood floors, limousine-style seating, lights, and surround sound. They plan to use it to pick up kids for church and take them home if they need rides as soon as Ketcher gets his Commercial Driver's License. 

Word of Life. Stock Photo.

The youth plan on going on a mission trip to Arlington, Texas over Spring Break. Then they’ll take a trip to Haiti next year where they’ll work with fellow Sandites Michael and Baylee Wilson who live there full time. Ketcher also plans to get the youth involved at Gable Hills, Highland Crossing, the Sand Springs Home and Colony, and local nursing homes.

“Your community has enough serving opportunities, it’s just a matter of finding them. It’s fun to go out to different places, but if there’s that much need in your own town and you can get thirty kids to show up and serve, that’s just crazy not to serve your own community. One of the people that I think is absolutely the best at this is (HillSpring Associate Pastor) Matt Barnett. I love that his heart is where his community is. That rubs off.”

Ketcher participates in One Network, a coalition of local pastors who work together to reach Sand Springs youth. “How can we all come together? If we stop competing and start just working. Yes we want people, and yes we want the same town, and we want the same community, but every church brings something completely different.”

Ultimately Ketcher wants students to know that they’re the church, not him and his fellow pastors. “I’m not different than anybody else, I just love what I do. I think sometimes we get so caught in ministry as preaching. It’s not preaching. Ministry happens in conversation. It just happens."

Word of Life Youth
1402 N 81st West Ave
Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063
(918) 245-0262
Service: Wednesday 7:00 p.m.
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
http://www.mywordoflife.com/forward-youth
Facebook: @theforwardyouth
Instagram: @wordoflifess_youth

Word of Life
1402 N 81st West Ave
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
Twitter: @mywordoflife

Church of the Month: Growing up at Word of Life

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Courtesy. 

*Note: Word of Life changed their name to Reach Church in August of 2018.

Last week Sandite Pride introduced readers to our February Church of the Month, Word of Life. This week we learned about the church's children's and youth programs. 

SEE RELATED: Church of the Month: Word of Life exists to reach people

While children are always welcome in the main service, the church does provide several children’s classrooms on Sunday morning. The nursery provides care for babies from birth through 18 months old. 18-36 month olds have their own classroom, as do Kindergarteners and Elementary students.

The 18-36 month room does a couple of praise and worship songs, reads a picture story, and does brief lessons with props. The Kindergarten class expands on what the kids have been doing, adding longer lesson periods. They also join with the Elementary students for worship before heading back to their own class.

Word of Life Children’s Pastor Alexis Glaze. (Courtesy).

"I'm a firm believer that anything adults can do, kids can do better." - Alexis Glaze.

Children’s Pastor Alexis Glaze oversees the whole children’s program from infancy till middle school, and teaches the First through Fifth Grade class each Sunday.

Glaze came to the church in the summer of 2016, immediately after graduating from Oral Roberts University. Originally from Texas, Glaze married Golden Eagle pitcher Grant Glaze this past July and the two are currently expecting their first child. She is also a part-time substitute teacher for Sand Springs Public Schools while attending graduate school through Liberty University.

Each Sunday morning, the Elementary classroom starts with playtime, then brings in the Kindergarten class for worship. Each lesson is structured to address questions the children may have. Glaze recently posed the question “Does God still love me when I do bad things?” and spoke on God’s unconditional love. “We don’t want to do bad things, because we don’t want to make God sad, but he’s going to love us no matter what,” says Glaze. Children’s teachers also incorporate animated bible stories to keep the kids interested.

The church hosts lots of activities for children outside of Sundays. This Spring Break, parents and kids will be invited to a Chick-fil-A picnic at Ray Brown Park. Ages seven through twelve will spend several days this June at Victory Christian Camp in Mannford. In July they will hold Vacation Bible School for Kindergarten through Fifth grade students. The church will be having two services for Easter this year, and each service will have an egg hunt with 1,500 eggs.

Word of Life
1402 N 81st West Ave
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 golf course ranked among top-ten Best Value courses in United States

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Sand Springs, OK -  The City of Sand Springs' Canyons at Blackjack Ridge Golf Course has been named one of the top golf courses not only in Oklahoma, but in the U.S. The recent rankings come from Golf Advisor (golfadvisor.com) an online golfing review source, using feedback from golfers themselves. The 2017 rankings reflect online voting by golfers around the region and the results showcase the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge as the #3 rated top golf course in Oklahoma and among the Top 10 Best Value courses in the United States.

"We've been working on the course for more than ten years, and we're pretty pleased to be noticed in this manner," stated Brian Talley, Director of Golf for the City. "Our course has added many recent improvements like new tee boxes, pond features, beautiful vistas and our greens have been consistently strong."

The Canyons is a USGA sanctioned, 18 hole course overlooking the beautiful Tulsa skyline.  Each year tens of thousands of sports tourists play the course and enjoy the Sand Springs community. Talley says there are no shortcuts in producing the consistently strong product that is the Canyons golf course.

"Many hours are spent by staff every day monitoring the greens, irrigation and nutrient inputs which come together to create a fantastic golf experience for people", Talley added. "With many choices for people to play golf, we go the extra mile with great customer service and competitive rates to keep people coming back."

The Canyons boasts natural rolling topography and small canyons laid out across the course, providing unmatched natural beauty. In recent years the course's #12 hole was voted by Tulsa World readers as one of "Tulsa's Best Holes of Golf" with its dramatic cliff setting and nearly 200' vertical drop to the green below. 

The Canyons offers memberships, tournaments and lessons from PGA professionals. To make a golf reservation call (918) 246-2606 or visit www.canyonsatblackjackridge.com. 

For more information on the Golf Advisor resource, check out: 

 https://www.golfadvisor.com/best-of/

For more information about the City of Sand Springs, please visit  www.sandspringsok.org and www.seesandsprings.com and follow the City on Face Book for the latest updates.

A look back at Sand Springs's biggest stories in 2017

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Sandites enjoy a free concert from The Rogues Five at Riverfest.

From high school athletics to a growing economy and quality of living improvements, the history books will look on 2017 as a pivotal year in Sand Springs. Here's a look back at some of the biggest stories around town. 

Jan. 19 – USDA rolls out new Rural Development loan opportunities for Sand Springs area. – Read More.

Jan. 19 - CPHS Wrestling team pins entire U.S. Grant team in fourteen minutes and two seconds, setting national record for fastest dual won entirely by pin. - Read More. 

Feb. 01 – Ray Brown Park receives $37,000 renovation. – Read More.

Feb. 11 - CPHS Wrestling team wins first-ever Dual State Championship 40-26 over Broken Arrow.  - Read More.

Feb. 25 - Riley Weir, Daton Fix, Jack Karstetter, Beau Bratcher, and Payton Scott win individual State Titles and lead Sand Springs to their first State Wrestling Championship since 1971. - Read More.

Feb. 27 - ALDI grocery store and St. Francis Warren Clinic & Urgent Care announce plans to open new locations in River West Development. ALDI is new to community, Warren Clinic is relocating from Charles Page Boulevard. - Read More.

Mar. 02 - CPHS Womens' Basketball wins Area Championship to advance to State Tournament for first time since 2011. - Read More.

Mar. 06 – Rusty Gunn elected as Board of Education President, Mike Mullins sworn into new term on Board. – Read More.

Mar. 22 – Chinowth and Cohen opens new Prattville location.

Mar. 27 - Sand Springs City Council authorizes new murals and $1.5 million Prattville Fire Station. - Read More.

Apr. 04 – Payless ShoeSource announces shuttering of Sand Springs and Sapulpa locations. – Read More.

Apr. 05 – CPHS Winter Percussion wins State Championship. – Read More.

Apr. 19 – El Maguey Mexican Restaurant relocates to new building in River West. – Read More.

Apr. 20 – Tim Wright, Larry Hurst, and Dr. Stacey Butterfield are inducted into Sand Springs Education Association Hall of Fame. – Read More.

Apr. 22 – Herbal Affair co-founder Sandi Byerly receives Hometown Hero Award. – Read More.

May 02 - Individual Career Academic Plan bill authored by Jadine Nollan is signed into law. - Read More.

May 08 - Mike Burdge elected to 12th term as Mayor, Beau Wilson elected as Vice-Mayor. - Read More.

May 12 - Morgan Ganem releases new album, Paradise. - Read More.

May 13 - Aden Baughman wins 800-meter Track State Championship, Cheyenne Walden wins eighth and ninth State Championships. - Read More.

May 13 – Sand Springs graduates 392 in Class of 2017 – Read More.

May 16 - Hannah Rose releases More Than Conquerors EP. - Read More.

May 21 - CPHS Fishing Club wins Oklahoma Bass Nation State Championship. - Read More.

May 26 – Dog and Duck Antiques opens at 21 East 2nd Street, expanding from booth space in Vintage Stables on Main. – Read More.

Jun. 01 – The Ground Floor Salon opens at Village Square.

Jun. 06 – State Senator Dan Newberry resigns seat seven months after reelection. – Read More.

Jun. 08 – OSU Medicine opens in Shops at Adams Road.

Jun. 24 – EuroMotor Extravaganza returns to Sand Springs after five-year hiatus. – Read More.

Jun. 24 – Historic Twin Cities Elementary is demolished after nearly a century. – Read More.

Jun. 26 – Sand Springs City Council evicts Round Up Club from River City Park. – Read More.

Jul. 09 - Janeway Castle Stone Estate & Venue opens in Sand Springs. - Read More.

Jul. 10 - Sand Springs's Janet Johnson named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist. - Read More.

Jul. 11 - James Garrison hired as new CPHS Head Baseball Coach.- Read More.

Jul. 21 – Carter Young wins Cadet Greco-Roman National Championship. – Read More.

Jul. 29 – Aden Baughman wins National Championship in 800-meter run. – Read More.

Aug. 01 – Daton Fix wins Junior Freestyle World Championship. – Read More.

Sep. 09 – Case Community Park unveiled with all-day Riverfest celebration after $6.2 million renovation. – Read More.

Sep. 13 – Edward Jones agent Casey Loper relocates Sand Springs office to new building. – Read More.

Sep. 30 – YellowHouse Market & Boutique relocates to historic downtown Chastain’s building, buying out DejaVu Décor.

Oct. – Prattville Braums and QuikTrip are demolished, work begins on larger, newer facilities. – Read More.

Oct 11. – Colton’s Steak House and Grill breaks ground in River West development. – Read More.

Oct. 21 – CPHS Boys’ Cross Country team qualifies for State for first time in school history. – Read More.

Oct. 27 – Payton Scott sets school rushing record with 507 yards against Bartlesville. – Read More.

Nov. 02 – Stage department store relocates to former May’s Drug Warehouse building. – Read More.

Nov. 04 – It’s Just a Girl Thing Boutique opens in Prattville.

Nov. 08 - OkieSpice & Trade Co. celebrates grand opening in Sand Springs. – Read More.

Nov. 14 – Voters approve $18 million in General Obligation Bond packages. – Read More.

Nov. 14 – Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman wins Senate District 37 seat vacated by Republican Dan Newberry. – Read More.

Nov. 28 – Downtown Sand Springs hosts inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. – Read More.

Nov. 28 – WSB Homes opens in downtown Sand Springs. – Read More.

Dec. – Philip D. Smith publishes new book, From Praha to Prague. - Read More.

Dec. 01 – Rod’s Books and Relics hosts inaugural Christmas Parade of Books. – Read More.

Dec. 12 – Sand Springs breaks ground on new Prattville Fire Station. – Read More.

Dec. 17 – The House of Hair and Boutique opens on Livi Lee’s Corner. 

Dec. 27 – YellowHouse Market & Boutique, Sarah and Kyle Baumann win inaugural Sandite Pride Christmas Light Contest. – Read More.

Dec. 29 – El Patron Cocina Mexicana opens in Shops at Adams Road. – Read More.

El Patron Mexican Restaurant opens for business in Sand Springs

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El Patron Cocina Mexicana held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning in Sand Springs to commemorate its opening. The new Mexican Restaurant opened its doors for business Thursday, December 28th after an extensive renovation in The Shops at Adams Road. 

Located at 536 Plaza Court, the new restaurant is in the former location of El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, which relocated to the River West shopping center earlier this year.

After El Maguey vacated the building in July, owner Ricardo Munoz spent six months upgrading the facility with new modern decor and a more open-concept layout. The restaurant is managed by Munoz's brother, Ramon. 

El Patron carries an extensive menu of appetizers, fajitas, steak, seafood, and build-your-own nachos, quesadillas, and burritos, They offer create-your-own combos, a la carte, and a kids' menu.

Hours
Sunday - Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

El Patron Cocina Mexicana
536 Plaza Court
918-246-7474
www.elpatroncocinamexicana.com
 

Local authors host book-signing in downtown Sand Springs at Christmas Parade

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Rod's Books and Relics and the Yesterday Shop in downtown Sand Springs is hosting a Parade of Books to coincide with the Chamber of Commerce 35th Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade on Friday. 

The antique and used book store will host their first-ever book signing event with former Sand Springs Leader Editor Tara Lynn Thompson and several other local authors. The writers will be set up on the 2nd Street sidewalk in front of The Yesterday Shop from 4:00 p.m. till the conclusion of the parade. 

"As the news editor in Sand Springs for four years, as well as simply a resident for about a decade, I fell in love with Sand Springs," says Thompson. "(I want) to reconnect with Sand Springs and give back to the town that helped me so much in my career." Thompson is the author of the Another Series and has published two books with a third on the way. She released Not Another Superhero in 2015 and Just Another Sidekick this year. 

Michael Staires (Tulsa) will be signing copies of A Long Ride Home, a western novel following Billy Christian and his journey into manhood.

Robert E. Parks will be signing copies of his adventure novel MID Knight. TC Stevens leads a team of undercover FBI agents to prevent an old nemesis from acquiring a weapon of mass destruction. 

Peter Biadasz (Tulsa) will be signing copies of Write Your First Book, a self-help guide to turning good ideas into great books with sections on crafting a story, publishing, marketing and sales, and turning speeches into books. 

Brandon Baumgarten (Oilton) will sign copies of Caught Up & Called Out, a self-help book on how to become the leader you were meant to be. 

Jeff South (Broken Arrow) will be signing copies of children's book Kilroy Was Here, the story of a security guard for a private space portal who has to rescue his coworker and prevent aliens from turning the Earth into a resort. 

Anna Myers (Chandler) will be signing copies of her children's book, The Grave Robber's Secret. Set in nineteenth-century Philadelphia, the novel tells of Robby Hare, son of a grave robber, as he tries to expose a fiendish plot involving his father.

Selena McCroskey (Stillwater) will be signing copies of her children's book Patch, the story of a lonesome little scrap of fabric that ventures across the sewing room floor, looking for a place to belong. 

Peggy Perry Anderson (Tulsa) will be signing copies of her Green Light Readers Level 1 children's books. She has published a dozen titles, including Joe on the Go, Let's Clean Up, Out to Lunch, and Chuck's Truck. 

"Rod, his wife Cyndi, and I area all hoping this becomes the first of many years to come of holding a Parade of Books," said Thompson. Each author's table will be decorated with Christmas lights and authors will be answering questions, shaking hands, and offering their wisdom and advice to other aspiring writers. 

The Christmas parade will begin at 7:00 p.m. and the authors will be on hand throughout the event.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rod's Books and Relics and the Yesterday Shop in downtown Sand Springs will be hosting a Parade of Books to coincide with the Chamber of Commerce 35th Annual Festival of Lights Christmas Parade this Friday. The downtown area is seeing increased Christmas festivities this year as the city looks to brand itself as a tourist destination.

The antique and used book store will host their first-ever book signing event with former Sand Springs Leader Editor Tara Lynn Thompson and a dozen other local authors. The writers will be set up on the 2nd Street sidewalk in front of The Yesterday Shop beginning at 4:00 p.m.

"As the news editor in Sand Springs for four years, as well as simply a resident for about a decade, I fell in love with Sand Springs," says Thompson. "(I want) to reconnect with Sand Springs and give back to the town that helped me so much in my career."

Thompson is the author of the "Another Series" and has published two books with a third on the way. She released "Not Another Superhero" in 2015 and "Just Another Sidekick" this year. 

The Christmas parade will begin at 7:00 p.m. and the authors will be on hand throughout the event. Genres represented include Young Adult, Mystery, Self-Help, Children's literature, Adult Fiction, Romance, and more. Event organizers are encouraging more authors to come and are accepting applications till Wednesday. 

"Rod, his wife Cyndi, and I area all hoping this becomes the first of many years to come of holding a Parade of Books," said Thompson. Each author's table will be decorated with Christmas lights and authors will be answering questions, shaking hands, and offering their wisdom and advice to other aspiring writers. 

 

Small businesses aim to make Sand Springs a Christmas destination

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boo on Broadway is a hit in downtown Sand Springs

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The Seventh Annual Boo on Broadway Halloween festival went off without a hitch Sunday in downtown Sand Springs.

For the first time since its inception, the festivities were hosted by the Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance. This year did away with the Coffin Race tradition, but had record-high participation from both volunteers and attendees. 

Olivet Baptist Church, State Farm Agent Steve Lane, the Sand Springs Police Department, Hillspring Church, Word of Life church, and Church That Matters were just a few of the many organizations involved. 

About thirty tents, booths, and car trunks were set up around the Sand Springs Triangle Park along with inflatables, games, and even a dunk tank. The Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum was open for the first half of the festival, and City Councilor Patty Dixon said more than a thousand people came through the building before they ran out of candy. 

Click here to view our photo gallery.

 

Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce launches new Ambassador Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Case Community Park unveiled with all-day Riverfest celebration

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The Rogues Five reunited in their home town to headline the Riverfest celebration. 

Click here to view Riverfest photo gallery.

Riverfest appeared to go off without a hitch Saturday in Sand Springs as the community gathered together for an all-day festival celebrating one of the largest park projects in town history. Following a $6.2 million renovation, the former River City Park was officially rededicated as Case Community Park in honor of Mike and Pat Case who donated $2 million to the project. 

Fifteen hours worth of festivities provided a little something for everyone this weekend. The party kicked off at sunrise with the launching of three hot air balloons. The balloons returned later that evening and touched down on the Great Lawn, providing spectators with a light show of burning helium.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the nearly two acre Great Lawn was a great parking lot for 119 entries in a car, truck, and motorcycle show. Two vehicles driven by Sand Springs native and World Champion racer Bennie Osborn were also on display. 

Representatives from the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball organization unveiled the new Thunder Cares three-on-three half court to much fanfare. Kids were able to shoot hoops with the team mascot, Rumble the Bison. Big Blast Inflatables hosted a kids' zone, and the Rotary Super Splash Pad was also open for business with a brand new playground. 

The Sand Springs Pokemon Go! club hid nearly a hundred Pokemon-themed painted rocks throughout the park for a scavenger hunt they hope will become an annual tradition. A chalk-art contest was also held, attracting a few dozen competitors.

There was plenty of food and drink available. Food vendors lined River City Park Road, including Short Bus Sandwiches, Rib Crib, El Jarocha Mexican Street Tacos, Purple People Feeder, Kona Ice, Harper's Hut Shaved Ice, Kingdom Concessions, and more. Monster Energy gave out free samples of their new soda, and Blue Bell Ice Cream passed out free vanilla cups to everyone.

The Charles Page High School Gold Pride Marching Band kicked off a ceremony to dedicate the park, followed by a mini performance of the Oklahoma! musical play. City Councilwoman Patty Dixon footed the bill for the production and starred in the performance alongside Travis Dixon, Mat Govich, Scott McQuade, Josh Westbrook, Shelby Eicher, and Ethan Eicher among others.

Local band The Rogues Five performed after the Oklahoma! production and covered classic hits from the 60s and 70s. The band is comprised of I.J. Ganem, Randy Ess, Philip Wilson, Bard Coats, and Jamie Oldaker. The band attained regional prominence during their high school days in the 1960s when they opened for The Doors. Ganem, Ess, and Oldaker have continued in the music industry ever since. Ganem and Ess's sons also performed with the band. Morgan Ganem is considered the sixth Rogue and closed out the night as a solo performer. Ess described his son, Dylan, as a Rogue-in-training. 

Morgan Ganem performed a long set of electronic dance music, including both original music and remixes of modern and classic hits. The end of his set coincided with a massive fireworks show performed by Imperial Fireworks, the company that puts on shows for the Tulsa Drillers. The younger Ganem was a hit with the kids and after playing a remix of Justin Bieber's "Despacito," the stage was overflowing with children showing off their wildest dance moves for the rest of the show. 

Church That Matters cancels Sunday service, serves Sand Springs instead

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When Church That Matters (CTM) first began meeting in 2010, they set a goal to be a church that matters to God and to the community. A church that doesn't just take up space, but that makes a definite impact on the world in tangible way. 

One of the ways that CTM works to better the community is "Don't Go To Church Sunday." This past weekend, Church That Matters volunteers didn't go to church, but decided to be the church instead. 

CTM was one of nine churches in the Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance that hosted a Back-to-School Bash at the Tulsa Technology Center campus in Sand Springs. They teamed up with Olivet Baptist Church, Harvest Church, Broadway Baptist Church, HillSpring Church, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Sand Springs Church of the Nazarene, Sand Springs United Methodist Church, and Word of Life to provide inflatables, haircuts, dental checkups, flu shots, school supplies, and more. CTM volunteers assisting in the setup, organization, and running of the event.

Many CTM members served at the home of a disabled citizen and client of Sand Springs Community Services. The volunteers replaced and repaired windows and doors, installed porch steps, performed lawn care and landscaping, and removed felled limbs from the client's home.

At Sand Springs Lake Park, the church scraped off the old sun-damaged paint on the pedestrian bridge over the dam and gave the structure a fresh paint job.

At DaySpring Villa, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking, the church cleaned the facility, sorted clothing, and hosted worship services for both the adult and child residents. 

CTM picked up the tab for patrons of Prattville Laundry and Bubble Town Car Wash, providing free laundry services and car washes for anyone who stopped by. Volunteers handed out quarters, detergent, and fabric softener, and helped drivers scrub their cars clean. They also offered prayer for the needs of the individuals. 

Volunteers also assisted Berryhill Baptist Church with a door-to-door survey in the West Tulsa suburb. 

Church That Matters is pastored by Rusty Gunn and meets at 3 West 41st Street on the south side of Sand Springs. The church has three Sunday services at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 a.m. The last service is specially geared towards individuals with special needs and families with special needs children. 

Sand Springs park officials announce details for upcoming Riverfest event

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Sand Springs Parks Department officials held a press event Tuesday morning at River City Park to announce the details of the upcoming Riverfest event. The park will be officially rededicated as "Case Community Park" with a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, September 9th. City Council members will be on hand along with Mike and Pat Case, who donated $2 million to the park renovation.

"For those of you that don't know Mike Case, you should because he is a fantastic guy. He stands behind the community," said I.J. Ganem, a musician who will be performing at the event.

"About a month from now the park will be completed, and it will be open for business. We're very excited about that," said Parks Director Grant Gerondale.

The festivities will last from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will include a car show, hot air balloons, sidewalk chalk art contest, free hot dogs, live music, fireworks, and more. 

Local band The Rogues Five will provide the entertainment for the event. The group of Sand Springs alumni charted regionally in the 1960s and opened for Jim Morrison and The Doors at the peak of their success. The band is comprised of I.J. Ganem, Randy Ess, Philip Wilson, Bard Coats, and Jamie Oldaker.

"What we tried to do as a committee in planning this party was reach out to all ages, to all genders, and I think we're doing that with the selection of these two artists," said Park Facilities Manager Jeff Edwards.

The Rogues will open up the show with classic rock music, while Morgan Ganem will perform during the evening festivities. Morgan is the son of I.J. and a prominent solo performer with residency at Safari Joe's H2O. 

(Left to right): I.J. Ganem, Morgan Ganem, Joy Turner, Jeff Edwards, Grant Gerondale.

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs musician Morgan Ganem releases new album, Paradise

"It's a great community," said I.J. Ganem. "I remember actually being here at the river parks...with my father for the very first raft race...Today is actually my wife and my 36th anniversary and we had our first semi-date here." The Great Raft Race will return to the park Labor Day weekend.

"Anytime our city gets behind what we're doing, it's a big honor," added Morgan.

The Oklahoma City Thunder basketball organization will send representatives to dedicate a new "Thunder Cares" basketball court. The park renovation also features new playgrounds, horseshoe pits, an 18-hole disc golf course, improved infrastructure and parking, and additional multi-use athletic fields. The amenities are anchored around the 1.94-acre Great Lawn and amphitheater.

Parking is limited and a $10 fee will be collected in the late afternoon. The parking ticket will also serve as a raffle ticket for a television giveaway.

"We have a brand new entrance. A lot of people didn't even know we have a park here, and a lot of people didn't know how large the park is," said Edwards. "There's something for everybody...Whether Riverfest happens around this time of year, or if it happens at a different time, I think what we're going to do is build the excitement to have a large community-sized event. An all day thing that families can come out to enjoy and use the quality of life features that we have in the park for them."

Existing features within the park include the Case Community Center, Inez Kirk Soccer Complex, Jerry Adair Baseball Complex, Rotary Super Splash Pad, Will Ramsey Softball Complex, volleyball courts, a BMX track, and a rodeo arena.

The rodeo arena is slated for demolition this winter, while two new park improvements will be on the ballot in November. In a November 14 special election, Sand Springs residents will vote on five general obligation bond propositions. Proposition One calls for a new roadway to be constructed over the levee separating the park from the Sheffield Crossing development. Proposition Three will provide funds for a new paved parking lot at the baseball fields.

SEE RELATED: Sand Springs City Council approves General Obligation Bond vote for November

Oklahoma blood donors have a chance to win a new Buick Verano this Saturday

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One lucky donor who gives blood at selected Bob Moore Auto Group dealerships across Oklahoma, will drive away with a brand-new Buick Verano. Bob Moore Auto Group is teaming up with Oklahoma Blood Institute to hold a blood drive on Saturday, August 5, at Bob Moore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Tulsa, located at 46th Street and Memorial Drive, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Five finalists will be chosen from donors who give blood at Bob Moore Auto Group dealership locations only. The odds of winning are expected to be about 1 in 1,000 depending on how many donors participate. The Buick Verano winner will be announced during a ceremony on August 19. 

“The Bob Moore blood drive not only offers our dedicated donors the chance to win a shiny new car, but they get the guarantee that they are saving someone’s life,” said John Armitage, M.D., Oklahoma Blood Institute President and CEO. “One blood donation saves the lives of up to three Oklahomans. Over the last seventeen years, we are so grateful to Bob Moore Auto Group for supporting our life-saving mission and the health of all Oklahomans.” 

Healthy adults, 16* and older, are encouraged to give blood. Free pizza from Papa John’s Pizza and other refreshments will be served. In addition to the chance to win a car, each donor will receive a pass for two to Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park, a coupon for an order of Papa John’s Garlic Knots, and a “Keep it Local” T-shirt. 

Oklahoma Blood Institute relies on approximately 1,200 volunteer donors per day to provide every drop of blood needed by patients in 90% of hospitals and medical facilities statewide.  This includes all Children’s, Veterans and Indian Hospitals. Oklahoma Blood Institute recently equipped all air ambulances in the state with O-negative blood to provide more immediate transfusions to trauma patients.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood at this event, call 1-877-340-8777, or visit www.obi.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

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