This week’s recipe is perfect for summer get togethers. Don’t let all the ingredients and steps scare you. It really is very simple. I find it easier to use an electric knife to slice into small appetizer sandwiches. When sliced there should be a pickle slice in each sandwhich. Your appetizer will be the hit of the get together!
1. In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients; set aside.
2. Hollow out top and bottom of bread, leaving 1/2 inch shell (discard removed bread or save for another use). Spread thin layer of mayo over bread and sprinkle with the parsley.
3. Fill each half with cheese mixture. Wrap pickle spears in ham; place lengthwise over cheese mixture on bottom half of loaf. Replace top; press to seal together.
4. Wrap in foil. Refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, cut into 1 inch slices.
If you have been paying attention, you will have noticed a young lady perched atop the scaffolding by the mural on Highway 81. Her name is Maris Blanchard, she is the daughter of the late Bobbie Blanchard and the granddaughter of Teresa Blanchard. We have all become accustomed to its faded appearance but I believe that if you look at it now or wait until she is finished, I think you will agree that it looks much better. Ms. Blanchard is doing a wonderful job and she told me that it means a lot to her to be able to do this for her fathers home town and also that she has fond memories of coming to Ryan to visit when she was younger. Thank you Maris.
Ryan Fire Chief Randal Garcia tells me that they had a good turn out for the first annual Stop, Drop and Run 5K fun run and walk. It is great to see so many people participating. They had hamburgers for lunch after the run but I was unable to attend as I had a family reunion to attend at the same time but I bet the food was good.
The reunion mentioned in the above paragraph was a lot of fun. Mostly we sat around talking and eating. Some of our relations from the east side of the county as well as some nice folks from Texas came to visit. Bob Cates started off life in Ryan but his family left after a fire destroyed the family business. Bob told me his brother, Utah Cates (is that a cool name or what), worked for the railroad. I am hoping that some of my elders around town can enlighten me in regard to the Cates family.
Wednesday was the last day for the children’s reading group here in Ryan because school will be starting in a couple of weeks. T J Dewbre tells me that there are already plans in the works for a possibly expanded reading group next year. As you can imagine this is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. I believe that the earlier that you expose children to reading and books the better. I am taking this opportunity to thank a few folks, Michelle for getting the ball rolling, TJ, Heidi Townsend, Emily Smith, Amanda Reagan, Cheryl Carter and the town council (I know that I am missing a bunch of people but you know who you are), thank you for picking the ball up and running with it.
It is easy to let personal feelings color our thinking, but all of these stories, the mural, the fire department and the children’s reading group are examples of people working together for the common good. Call me Pollyanna if you like but I think things are looking up in Ryan.
The book I am reading is called “Dancing At the Harvest Moon” by K.C. McKinnon. The harvest moon of the title is a dance hall and eating establishment open seasonally on a lake in Canada. This is a tale of love and loss, re-birth and starting over when life kicks you in the teeth as happens from time to time. I am not sure from whom I acquired this book but so far it has been good reading. The art work alone makes it worth looking through. I frequently get books given to me. Sometimes it is a case of someone cleaning out a cupboard and sometimes it is hey I just read this and you need to read it as well. In ether case the gifts are greatly appreciated, I can’t think of a better gift than a book.
I am thinking about a time when my younger sister came home from college to visit and when she walked through the door, I’m stretched out in the living room floor listening to “Freebird” and reading a volume of Walt Whitman that she had given me. This comes to mind because as I sit here writing this I have music playing, it is hard to type and rock out as well. (I have my earplugs in so to anyone watching, I must appear spastic). Other than the first song, none of the music was selected by me, so I have run down the list of several great songs, from “Sweet Home Alabama” to “Can’t You See” to “With a Little Help from My Friends” and now it’s “Freebird”. I’m not sure why books and music go together for me, maybe it’s the story telling inherit in both. I’ll see if my sister remembers.
Randal Garcia has been the Ryan Fire chief since May of this year. However, he has been a member of the fire department since around 2008.
He says everyone has come together and the support he has received has been great.
He is the brother of Stephanie Wesberry and the son of Josey and Mio Garcia of Terral. (Josey is pictured on the back page at her restaurant known as Mama Josey’s in Terral.)
Randal is grateful for how things have progressed and the way Waurika and Ryan have worked together.
We’ve had some training with Waurika he says.
Last Saturday the Fire Department held their first 5K Run fundraiser. Many of the Ryan track teams as well as members of the community participated.
The money will go toward the upgrading and repairing of some of the fire trucks.
Along with the 5K Run the department sold T-shirts that said, “Stop Drop and Run 5K and Fun Run.”
Participants had the option of running or walking the 5K.
There may still be some shirts available. The cost of each shirt is $10 for small through XXL and $15 for #XL.
The hot dogs and hamburgers served at the fundraiser were excellent. Donations were taken for the meal.
The Blevins Produce stand in Terral is winding down the season.
For various reasons the crops didn’t produce as many canteloupe and watermelon as in previous seasons.
That being said, the quality of the melons was as good as ever.
“The demand was as good as it was last year,” Charles Blevins said.
Customer’s are never disappointed with the selection at the familiar produce stand that is located just south of Terral on Highway 81.
As in previous years Charles and Loretta as well as other family members provided fresh pickles, host sauces, and tomatoes.
Doug Gunter made the wild plum jelly, squash relish and pepper sauce. The pepper sauce was not for sissies.
Charles and Jerry Blevins have been operating the stand for many years.
During the time of this interview several stopped by to visit and many to buy fresh watermelon from the fields.
Two of the hard workers this summer were Gun Gunter and Gabbie Gunter. They enjoy their time at the produce stand. Charles and Jerry said they couldn’t make it without them.
Throughout Saturday morning as customers and friends stopped to visit, it was a reminder of a time when Terral was crowded with people during the annual Watermelon celebration that brought people from all over the country.
Charles and Jerry said they remember the parades and the crowds like it was yesterday.
It’s a part of Terral’s storied history. A memory cherished and not soon forgotten.
Perhaps that is just one of the reasons the Blevins Produce Stand continues to operate year to year.
Charles said it keeps them from being bored.
However, after spending time with them it’s easy to see that it is a long held tradition that helps keep Terral connected to its past.
It’s a tradition the community hopes they will keep for many years to come.
The 2019 Summer Reading Program continues with reading, learning, activities, and lunch Monday through Friday.
Monday, July 15th kicked off Week 7 of the Summer Reading Program. Our assistant Karlee Berthiaume is currently in school studying to become a teacher herself. So, in coordination with Sheila Hays, Karlee planned activities for the week.
After Drop Everything and Read, the kids learned about circus animals. Karlee brought pictures of different circus animals for the kids to pass around and look at.
Next, the kids made animals like lions and elephants using their hand prints as a framework.
Thanks to Pat McGriff for making spaghetti and green beans for lunch. Thanks to Starr Heron for serving.
On Tuesday, after DEAR time, Karlee Berthiaume continued teaching the kids about the circus with pictures of circus performers.
Next the kids made spinning color wheels. After that, they got to take their picture as either a monkey or lion.
Thanks to Jeri Nell and her team at Bill’s Fish House for providing chicken, fries, hush puppies, and fruit for lunch. Thanks to Pat McGriff for serving and bringing apple cobbler.
On Wednesday, The circus continued with Brittney Helterbran reading a story before Karlee Berthiaume started crafts with the kids. The kids colored circus animals and made train wagons for the animals to go in.
Thanks to Kristie Gaines and the Waurika Quick Mart for providing pizza for lunch. Thanks to the Waurika Lions Club for serving.
On Thursday, Brittney Helterbran read ‘Our Day at the Zoo’ to the children. The book was produced by the OKC Zoo and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to promote the zoo. Each kid also received a voucher for up to 4 people to visit the OKC Zoo for free!
After reading, it was time for some games. Karlee Berthiaume setup a variety of games, including Ring Toss and a Can Knock Down game. The kids enjoyed playing and winning prizes.
Next, it was time for lunch. Thanks to Doc’s Place for providing corn dogs, french fries, and apple sauce.
Fridays are park days, so after Karlee Berthiaume read to the kids, it was time for some Fla-Vor-Ice and play.
Thanks to Nitschke Natural Farms (https://nnbeef.com/) for providing their 100% organic beef for burgers. Thanks to Gary and Lauren Nitschke for cooking and serving them for lunch. Nitschke Natural Farms provided all of the beef for this year’s burgers and it has been greatly appreciated!
Thanks to Karlee Berthiaume for coordinating activities last week. She did an excellent job! Thanks to Brittney Helterbran for her assistance. Thanks to Alex Gomex, Jazmine Simon, Kayleigh Merritt, Jon Campiche, Hunter Rochelle, Adrian Simon, Tye and Tegan Kier, and all of our older kids that volunteered last week to help with reading and activities.
The public library, community organizations and individuals care about your children. Together we’ve raised funds to offer daily educational programs and lunches to help keep your children’s minds and bodies fed this summer. Whether keeping track of the amount of time your children spend reading or the number of books they’ve read this summer, children who attend the Summer Reading Program keep their minds active and enter the new school year ready to succeed.
All children attending the program must be registered. The program runs each weekday through Friday, July 26 – with the exception of the July 4 holiday. Reading and activities will start at 10 a.m. and lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Children attending the Summer Reading Program must be picked up by their parent, guardian or designee by noon each day.
The Summer Reading Program is free to attend for children entering first grade through fifth grade in the fall. Age limits have been established and must be enforced to ensure one teacher can plan and successfully deliver a program for all. Older school-aged children are welcome to participate as helpers – as space allows, and all school-aged children are welcome to join us for lunch.
For more information or registration forms, please visit the Waurika Public Library or call 580.228.3274.
Saturday nights dance at the American Legion Post #183 was a success. The music was provided by a five piece band consisting of the regulars. Bill Roberson, Cary Gore and Gene Chesley as well as newcomers Joy and Don McCullough supplied a mix of old country, middle aged country and gospel. The music lovers and dancers don’t equal the days of the Old Ryan Stomp but the numbers seem to be growing. I enjoyed hearing “Go Rest High On that Mountain” and also their version of “Arkansas River” but hearing Joy McCullough sing some old gospel tunes really took me back. If you have not been to one of these get togethers then you are missing out. Besides the music you can visit with your neighbors or even meet some new folks if you are of a mind.
Don’t forget this coming Saturday the Ryan Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a 5K fun run/walk. It will be starting at 8:00 am and they will be serving lunch after the event at the Fire Department. Come out and support the fire fighters and all the participants.
One of the members of the Irving Baptist Church told me that this last Sunday they had their monthly meal at the church. It consisted of fried chicken, various salads, watermelon and home made ice cream. Telling me this on Monday seems a bit mean spirited, but I’m not one to hold a grudge, especially if you tell me in time for the next one.
Monte Wright is refurbishing the benches on Washington. He has the new wood on the first bench and it is back in place. It’s my understanding that the Ryan Beautification Group is providing the material and Monte is donating his time and labor.
The book related section of this article is not about one book alone but about reading in general. How did my fellow readers get started down the road to being bibliophiles? I don’t really remember how it got started for me but there were always books in our home while I was growing up and I had access to the school library. After my folks purchased a set of World Book Encyclopedias, I spent a lot of time reading those volumes that told of far away places or animals and customs that were foreign to me. From there I graduated to books that at times were probably a bit mature for me, some of those I re-read later and then could grasp the nuances that had escaped my young self. Some books and authors were introduced to me by teachers and older siblings. Mrs. Rickard lead me to Shakespeare and Chaucer. My brother Phil gave me the gift of Hemingway. My father fed my love of history, on his bookshelf were stories of the American Civil War by Bruce Catton. On my own (if that is even possible) I discovered James Fenimore Cooper and Emerson. Some of my most prized possessions are volumes of Thoreau and Walt Whitman given to me by my sister Merrianne. Not everything that I read is a classic, I enjoy a good adventure story as much as the next person. Drop me a line and let me known how you got started.
Maybe next time I’ll discuss my musical influences and how my sister Lynn scarred me for life with some her musical tastes.
The Grady Community Building Association will be hosting a fish fry at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, at the Grady community building.
The meal is all you can eat with a drink and dessert included. The cost for adults is $8 per plate. Kids ages 7-10 can eat for $5 per plate and children six and under are free.
There will be door prizes given away.
Local women are asked to bring desserts.
All proceeds will support the Grady Community Building Association.
Seven S Crazy Horse ridden by Robert Forst from the Stuart Ranch of Waurika, Oklahoma, captured the AQHA top horse award at the Waurika Chamber of Commerce Ranch Rodeo, July 12th & 13th in Waurika, Oklahoma.
Forst showed the horse, “Batman,” owned by Terry Stuart Forst of Waurika, Oklahoma. The ten year old, brown gelding, sired by Hickorys Indian Pep and out of Seven S Babe, was rasied by Stuart Ranch of Waurika, Oklahoma.
“We showed him as a three-year-old and at World’s Greatest a couple of times,” says Forst. “He’s easy-going, level headed, can handle a cow, and makes everything looks easy.” Forst was excited to receive this award.
About AQHA Top Horse Award
Recognizing the American Quarter Horse’s legacy on ranches of the American West and as the chosen mount for generations of cowboys, the AQHA Top Horse Award will recognize the top registered American Quarter Horse at each qualifying WRCA rodeo. The American Quarter Horse Association has been a strong supporter of the Working Ranch Cowboy’s Association and the World Championship Ranch Rodeo since its inception 24 years ago.
By recognizing the horse, the owner and the cowboy, AQHA hopes to partner with WRCA in cementing the American Quarter Horse’s spot on today’s ranches, while encouraging ranches and cowboys to maintain AQHA membership and up-to-date horse transfers.
About WRCA
In March of 1995, a group of people from across the western United States created the Working Ranch Cowboys Association. WRCA produces the World Championship Ranch Rodeo as a means to showcase the skills of the working ranch cowboy and to raise funds for the WRCA Foundation. WRCA works to promote ranching on a National and International level and to preserve the lifestyle of the working ranch cowboy.
