Unlocking success: The remarkable job of growth and dedication at the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce
By Amy Howe Striving to be the leader in all things Grove and Grand Lake, Oklahoma, is what Amanda Davis, president of the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, has set her sights on for her community. And with a 26% increase in visitor spending in 2022, Delaware County is...
Zena Suri Alpacas give Tom & Kathleen Callan amazing adventure of a lifetime
By Don Lowe There always seems to be so much to see and do when visiting the Zena Suri Alpacas ranch in Northeastern Oklahoma. Over the past several months, there has been more excitement than ever for visitors as they get the thrill of interacting with a couple of...
Why I Ride- Kevin Kirby: Feeling physically and mentally fulfilled
By Ann Leach Kevin Kirby played a little football and ran track in school, but that was the extent of his sports involvement until a few years ago. “I had quit smoking and a few years after I did, I found I was struggling to take deep breaths,” Kirby said. “I began...
A beacon of hope How the Bill & Virginia Leffen Center enriches quality of life for individuals with autism
By Teresa Rosebrough-Sneed Interim Director, Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism Walk, Run and Roar is the theme for the 2024 Freeman 5K and Walk for Autism, set for Saturday, April 20, at the Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism. Enjoy a fantastic...
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From the Publisher
Trading Repeat for Real Change
It looks like Punxsutawney Phil was right on the money this year. He predicted an early spring and I, for one, am grateful. The comedy classic, “Groundhog Day,” is one of my favorite movies. For those who haven’t seen it, a man wakes up with Groundhog Day on repeat. It takes him a few starts to realize that he can actually live the day differently – be a little more kind, do better.
This April issue is not only a celebration of the warmer days of spring beckoning us to enjoy the many events and activities offered throughout the Four States, but it will also encourage you to go beyond shaking off the winter blues and inspire you toward genuine life change.
In our Oklahoma section starting on page 32, you’ll meet the small team at the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, making big strides with area businesses and residents reaping the rewards. You’ll learn about the success of the Grove Rotary Club’s efforts to help families acquire books and establish a love of reading early in life (page 37). You’ll also meet some folks who prove it’s never too late to make changes and build a life you enjoy. Tom and Kathleen Callan never dreamed they’d own and operate an alpaca farm that welcomes visitors from all around the country (page 42).
Other life-changers on our pages include a fashion icon who upset the industry from her kitchen in Parsons, Kansas, and an artist who discovered a new passion for painting with watercolors during Covid. Daniel Wade shares his story of transformation beginning on page 60. His desire to improve his physical condition, impacted his body, soul, and launched a business.
Whether you need to get out of a rut or just do a little spring cleaning, we hope you’ll be inspired to take action! For me, it’s about finding the right balance between the strain and hustle, while ultimately trusting the One who rules and reigns over the results. The Great Outdoors article about Annie on page 68 captures it well and may have caused me to tear up a little.
Carpe diem, friends! (Seize the day)
Chonda Ralston, Publisher/Editor