Surrey Late Winter 2013

COMPLIMENTARYCOMPLIMENTARY

Debbie Longshapes leadersin Rogers County

Debbie Long shapes leadersin Rogers County

SurreySurreyTaking You Places Today!Taking You Places Today!

Late Winter 2013 Vol. 5 No. 3 • A Claremore Daily Progress Publication

LEADERSHIP 101LEADERSHIP 101

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Surrey 3

SurreySurreyTaking You Places Today!

Main Street RevivalDowntown Claremore is alive and well with new businesses and shops. Seehow Claremore’s Main Street has experienced revival.

Leadership 101Debbie Long spent 18 years helping shape potential leaders in RogersCounty. Long invested in making the community better through her role inLeadership Rogers County.

Outwest DecorJenny Meeks has opened Outwest Decor after 22 years working at a Hall-mark store.

Willow Tree MallIt didn’t take long for Willow Tree Mall to find its place among the uniquebusinesses on Main Street in downtown Claremore.

Oologah’s Main Street revitalizedOologah is taking history to make a historic transformation in the town’smain street.

Nesting Necessities & BoutiqueCari Bohannan and Susan Todd were already business owners and artisanswhen they opened Nesting Necessities & Boutique.

Small Town JewelInside the doors of The Sugar Boutique there is a warm, yet modern-style ofcontemporary flavor.

Breakfast TacosAngela Henderson shares an on-the-go breakfast — Breakfast Tacos.

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Vol. 5 No.3 n LATE WINTER 2013

Leadership 101 — Page 12

Main Street Revival — Page 6

Oologah Main Street Revitalized — Page 21

Breakfast Tacos — Page 26

Late Winter 2013 Surrey 3

If you haven’t been to downtown Claremore lately, it is time youvisited. There has been a revival. New shops have popped up offering avariety of services and amenities. There is a hustle and bustle down onMain Street.

Tom Fink and Rebecca Hattaway give an overivew of how Main StreetClaremore Inc. has been reviving downtown. Claremore Main Street’sCindy Bissett has been able to attract new businesses that are bringingnew shopping opportunities to the city.

Take a look at how Main Street Claremore wasformed and the annual events it sponsors likeDickens on the Boulevard and the Lilac Festival.

Discover some of the shops in DowntownClaremore, including Willow Tree Mall, NestingNecessities & Boutique, Outwest Decor and TheSugar Boutique. There is a revival going ondowntown.

Salesha Wilken has discovered that Oologah hastransformed its Main Street by highlighting itshistory.

Tim Ritter shares a profile of Debbie Long, who has spent nearly twodecades guiding men and women along a path that will enhance theirleadership abilities and allow them to connect with volunteeropportunities in Rogers County.

Long, who served as executive director of Leadership Rogers Countyafter 18 years, has a unique perspective on the challenges that facevolunteers and organizations who are seeking volunteers. Learn aboutLong’s lengthy tenure as the key player in leadership development.

Angela Henderson gives readers a way to take breakfast-on-the-go. Herreceipe for Breakfast Tacos is simple and presents a tasty confection forany busy family.

4 Surrey Late Winter 2013

RANDY COWLING

Main Street Renewed SurreyTaking you places today!

Surrey © 2013

All rights reserved.

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Main StreetMain StreetReviva

lReviva

l

Since 2002, Claremore Main Street

has helped preserve and restore the

downtown district through design,

economic restructuring, promotion, and

organization of downtown Claremore.

Downtown-based events such as Dickens

of a Ride, Dickens on the Boulevard, the

Lilac Festival, and more have helped

bring activity and interest

back to downtown Claremore.

Downtown Claremoreis bustlingwith newshops andactivities

Downtown Claremoreis bustlingwith newshops andactivities

By Tom Fink

In 1964, singer Petula Clark crooned about the

virtues of going downtown in song.

“When you're alone and life is making you lonely

You can always go - downtown When you've got worries,

all the noise and the hurry

Seems to help, I know - downtown

Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city

Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty

How can you lose?

The lights are much brighter there

You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares

So go downtown, things'll be great when you're

Downtown - no finer place, for sure

Downtown - everything's waiting for you.”

While Claremore Main Street Director Cindy Bis-

sett may not sing about downtown, she’s spent the

past 10 years extolling the virtues of a vibrant

downtown.

“Downtown Claremore is more alive than it’s

been in years — with businesses new and old,

there’s something for everyone — restaurants, an-

tique shops, bike shops, bookstores, art galleries,

and more, and we’re just getting started,” she said.

Claremore Main Street has been in existence for

just over a decade, but its story began more than

40 years ago.

Bissett explains:

“Back in the 1960s, there were a couple of

things going on that started the slow decline of

downtowns,” she said. “For one thing, interstates

were becoming more and more prevalent, which

meant fewer people were driving by or through

small communities — they were literally getting ‘by-


A Sense of PlaceA Sense of Place

Claremore Main Streetenhances, supports downtown

Continued on page 9


passed’ in every sense of the

word.

“In response to this, there

was an exodus of many down-

towns — an outgrowth to the

edges of communities and

towns, as businesses pulled up

stakes and moved to be closer

to the highways and inter-

states,” she said. “You can ap-

preciate this (move) as a way

for them to keep their busi-

nesses going, but in doing this,

many downtowns across the

country were getting deserted —

within a few years, they went

from being the heart of the

community to being ghost

towns, or at least, ghost down-

towns.”

Further, many business own-

ers remaining in the downtown

areas were trying to keep up

with the explosion of strip malls

and shopping centers, installing

metal facades over their his-

toric architecture and making

other storefront changes which

often let to “aesthetic inconsis-

tencies” in the downtown area.

Recognizing this trend, the

National Trust for Historic

Preservation developed a pilot

program to help preserve and

reinvigorate downtowns — a

pilot program would greatly ben-

efit Claremore’s historic down-

town area.

“Claremore’s downtown dis-

trict officially became a ‘main

street community’ in 2002,

after applying (in 2001) to the

Oklahoma Main Street Pro-

gram,” Bissett said. “Once ac-

cepted into this program,

training, resources, and techni-

cal assistance for preservation-

based commercial district

revitalization was made avail-

able to Claremore (downtown)

and we slowly started seeing

life coming back to downtown

Claremore.”

The Oklahoma Department of

Cindy BissettClaremore Main Street Inc.

Continued on page 10

Claremore’s

downtown district

officially became

a ‘main street

community’

in 2002

— Cindy Bissett

Commerce, joined the movement

to preserve historic downtowns in

the 1980's, through the creation of

Oklahoma Main Street Center

within the Department.

Bissett said the reinvigoration of

the downtown area was helped by

Oklahoma’s Main Street Program

through its comprehensive

methodology to revitalize the com-

munity’s older, business district,

i.e., downtown Claremore.

“The underlying premise of the

‘Main Street Approach’ is to en-

courage economic development

within the context of historic

preservation in ways appropriate to

today's marketplace,” Bissett said.

“The ‘Main Street Approach’ advo-

cates a return to community self-

reliance, local empowerment, and

the rebuilding of traditional com-

mercial districts based on their

unique assets: Distinctive architec-

ture, a pedestrian-friendly environ-

ment, personal service, local

ownership, and a sense of commu-

nity.”

The ‘Main Street Approach’, Bis-

sett said, focuses on four key

areas —design, economic restruc-

turing, promotion, and organization

— which combine to address all of

the commercial district's needs.

“From the beginning, the Main

Street Program has worked very

closely with banks to create a low

interest low program to help them

get established and create those

local ‘mom and pop’ businesses

which produce the majority of the

sales tax that stays in our commu-

nity,” she said. “In this way, down-

town businesses have become

increasingly available to potential

merchants. Since Claremore Main

Street began, there have been 23

property sales in the downtown

area.”

As Claremore Main Street

worked with downtown merchants,

the area experienced a rebirth of

sorts, with new attention and activ-

ity coming to the downtown area.

“We work heavily on promoting

what’s going on downtown — on

bringing events, both new and re-

turning ones — to downtown Clare-

more, to give businesses there

more exposure, create a sense of

excitement at ‘going downtown’,

and really bringing back a sense of

fun and community to downtown

Claremore,” she said.

Over the years, Claremore Main



Annually, Main Street sponsors Dickens on the Boulevard.

Reinvigoration helped by Oklahoma’s Main Street Program


By Tim Ritter

When it comes to Leadership Rogers

County, Debbie Long has gone beyond the

‘call of duty’ and conquered many fears in

her life. For 18 years — dating back to 1992 —

Long was the Executive Director of Leadership of

Rogers County.

Though she’s retired from her position, she still

can’t stay away from helping give back to this great

organization.

“Being a business owner, Leadership of Rogers

County really taught me a lot about Claremore that

I didn’t already know and it helped me network,

build relationships,” Long said.

The Tulsa native, who now resides in Claremore,

was among 12-to-14 business professionals to go

through the first Leadership of Rogers County class

in 1991.

“I was nervous at first, but also excited about the

opportunity,” Long said. “Leadership of Rogers

County became an entry way to helping me get

business contacts, as well as other connections to

statewide, local and county resources.”

It (Leadership of Rogers County) provided Long a

stepping stone to becoming more involved in a

community she’s grown to love and appreciate over

the years.

“My interest in Rogers County really peaked

when I got involved and took on the role as Execu-

tive Director,” Long added. “I feel like I’m more of a

LEADERSHIP 101LEADERSHIP 101

Building leaders across Rogers County


Claremorean now and have that

sense of ownership.”

For many years, Long worked and

lived in Claremore, but never really

felt like she belonged. It wasn’t until

she stepped out of her comfort

zone and became more of a ‘leader’

in the community.

“I developed an interest in poli-

tics, and got involved in local gov-

ernment,” said Long, who was on

the Claremore City Council for six

years.

Leadership of Rogers County was

first started by the Claremore

Chamber of Commerce, but has

grown over the past 25 years into its

own organization.

“Our classes start every Septem-

ber and run through April. We like to

have between 12-to-18 people in a

class, ranging from small-business

owners to corporate CEOs and even

college and high school students,”

Long said.

Leadership Rogers County helps

people develop confidence, conquer

fears through teamwork, network

and educate members on the differ-

ent entities of Rogers County

schools, government, industries and

medical facilities.

I was nervousat first, but alsoexcited about

the opportunity.

— Debbie Long

Debbie Long served 18 years as executive director of LeadershipRogers County.



Since 1990

Long said she was pretty intimi-

dated at first, because she in a

class with CEOs. But being a peo-

ple person, her ability to interact

and be herself allowed her to over-

come that anxiety.

“...Going through Leadership of

Rogers County helped me become

a more confident person, and pur-

sue my passion in helping give

back to Claremore,” Long added.

One former class member — Tad

Jones — got inspired to run for pub-

lic office through Leadership of

Rogers County, according to Long.

Long noted that over her 18-year

role of being the Executive Direc-

tor, she tallied approximately

2,000-plus hours of voluntary time

toward Leadership of Rogers

County.

“You have to be flexible, and

have a boss that is understand-

ing,” Long said.

As the owner of Promos Advertis-

ing in Claremore, flexibility or per-

suading the boss that she needed

to be away on the second Wednes-

day of each month was never a

problem for Long.

“When you have a passion for

something important, you want to

see it grow and be an inspiration,”

Long said.

It’s often stated that ‘attitude re-

flects leadership’.

Long’s positive attitude and love

for Claremore is one of the many

reasons why she and her husband,

Eric, have never moved back to the

big city of Tulsa.

“We have everything we need

here in Claremore,” Long said. “I

hope Claremore never becomes a

suburb of Tulsa. It would ruin the

small-town charm of Rogers

County.”

Long does, however, see

planned growth as a con to Clare-

more.

She looks west toward Owasso

and sees a community that is pros-

pering with industry, great eateries

and shopping malls.

“We can have those things in

Claremore, but we need people at

whatever level to get involved and

have the passion to make it hap-

pen,” Long said.

Stepping out — with a leap of

faith — and taking on the huge role

of Leadership of Rogers County,

Long conquered the anxiety of the

unknown.

“I became more optimistic, and

developed my abilities to work with


Each spring participants in Leadershsip Rogers County travel to the statecapitol.

You have to be

flexible, and have

a boss that is

understanding.

— Debbie Long


By Rebecca Hattaway

Jenny Meeks worked at the Hall-

mark store in Claremore for 22

years before deciding to venture

out on her own.

She opened Outwest Home

Decor on Main Street on May 1,

2004.

“I turned 62 and said, ‘you

know, I think I’m going to try this

on my own,’” Meeks said.

She knew from experience that

western, lodge and country items

sold well and decided that would

be her store’s niche.

Outwest carries decorative

pieces, picture frames, pine cone

items, weathered wood furniture,

rugs, bath accessories, bedding

and draperies — just to name a few

— all in themes from hunting and

fishing to wildlife and Native Ameri-

can.

Like most small businesses,

Meeks was hit hard by the reces-

sion, but things are slowly picking

back up again.

“I’ve seen an increase since

September,” she said. “It’s show-

ing signs of improvement. I’m very

encouraged; my Christmas was

good.”

She said the one-on-one rela-

tionships she has with her cus-

tomers have been the highlight of

owning her own small business.

“My customers are like family,”

she said. “I go out of my way to

find things people are requesting. I

do a lot of special ordering. It’s al-

ways been about the customers.”

Outwest Home Decor is located

at 418 W. Will Rogers Blvd. They

are open seven days a week: Mon-

day through Saturday from 10 a.m.

to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5

p.m.


FURNITURE & HOME DECOROutwestHome Decor

Jenny Meeks


Dr. Ali Tarabi D.D.S., P.L.L.C.

Street has been active in clearing the “sky trash” (old

signage, ugly electrical wiring, etc.), upgrading several

local businesses storefronts for greater “curb ap-

peal,” worked to bring in new lighting for improved

aesthetics and security at night, worked on sidewalks

and ‘bump-outs” at the intersections to increase ac-

cessibility and foot traffic, and more — no small feat,

considering Bissett is the sole salaried employee of

Claremore Main Street.

“Volunteers are really the life blood of Claremore

Main Street — we couldn’t function without them,”

she said. “None of the improvements or activities that

have happened in downtown could have happened

without the volunteers — they’re really indicative of

the kind of grass roots feel of Claremore Main Street

— they plan the events, they work the events, they

help do the work when a merchant needs help, we’ve

even got our own ‘facade squad’ who works with busi-

ness owners to take down old (facades) and puts up

new ones.”

Despite its limited budget and non-profit status,

Claremore Main Street puts aside money annually for

matching grants to enable (downtown) merchants to

create appropriate signage, as well as awarding en-

ergy efficiency grants to assist business owners in

bringing their sometimes dated buildings up to date.

“Some of the buildings we’ve got (in downtown) are

60 or 70 years old or older, so their electrical or

plumbing systems need some work,” she said.

“Through grants, we’ve helped them to do just that

and thereby, remain active and healthy as a compo-

nent of our downtown landscape.”

As Bissett looks to the future, she says she expects

only “continued good things” for downtown Claremore

through Claremore Main Street.

“Of the things I’m most proud of that we’ve done —

and there are many — is changing the zoning down-

town to allow for residential above commercial proper-

ties,” she said. “This has opened the door for there to

be apartments for rent on main street again and with

Claremore being a college town, there’s always a

need for housing here. I’m extremely proud of how

many of the upper floor areas have been renovated to

allow residential apartments. We’re looking forward

to hopefully seeing even more of that in the future.”

Bissett said she also looks forward to upcoming

events — among them, the St. Patrick’s Day celebra-

tion, the Lilac Festival, various fund-raising events at

the Expo Center, and more “evening events” — as well

Continued from page 10

Dickens of a Ride

We’ve always got something goingon downtown, and downtown

is what it’s all about.— Cindy Bissett


as new activities, such as the

‘Cash Mob’ program, wherein

groups met at local busi-

nesses, similart to a ‘Flash

Mob’-type atmosphere.

“The ‘Cash Mobs’ are fun,”

she said.

“We’ve got a group of 50

participants who meet every

other month and agree to

spend $20 (each) at a local

merchant’s shop, whose name

we draw,” said Bissett.

“After this, the merchant

pays it forward and makes a

donation to a lcoal charity.

We’ve had a few of these so

far and they’re a huge hit with

the merchants and the ‘mob-

sters’.”

But whether it’s with “mob-

sters,” festivals, or murals,

Claremore Main Street’s focus

will always be on historic

preservation, renovation and

economic development of the

downtown area.

“We’ve always got some-

thing going on downtown, and

downtown is what it’s all

about,” she said.

Persons interested in volun-

teering or wanting to know

more about Claremore Main

Street may contact Bissett at

(918) 341-5881 or e-mail her

at [email protected].

MAIN STREET REVIVAL

By Rebecca Hattaway

It didn’t take long for Willow Tree

Mall to find its place among the

unique businesses on Main Street.

Opened on June 1, 2012 by An-

nette and Harold Wicker, along

with Annette’s parents, Kathy and

Greg Campbell, Willow Tree started

out with 12 vendors. Now there are

80.

The Campbells owned Crafters

Cove in Grove for four years while

the Wickers were business owners

in Tahlequah.

“We were all sitting around the

table one Sunday over dinner and

decided that opening a store in

Claremore was something we

wanted to do,” Annette said. “That

night my husband and I couldn’t

sleep so at 1:30 in the morning we

drove downtown to see if anything

was available. We opened three

weeks later.”

She said the response has been

positive from the beginning.

“It’s just been fantastic. Our lo-

cation helps a lot,” Annette said.

“I’ve had so many people say, ‘this

is just what Claremore needed,’

‘this is so much fun,’ and ‘I have to

come back because I don’t have

enough time to see everything.’”

Willow Tree Mall has 6,000

square feet of antiques, furniture,

handmade merchandise, col-

lectibles, vintage items, and much

more.

“We are truly a variety booth

mall. We dabble in a little bit of

everything,” Annette said. “We try

to give the small business person

an avenue to display their products

without having to open their own

store.”

In September, they opened Plas-

ter Paint Company inside the mall.

“It offers an affordable option to

the current chalk paint brands on

the market,” Annette said. “We are

also adding business suites up-

stairs. Business growth is good for

everyone.”

Willow Tree Mall is located at

522 W. Will Rogers Blvd. They are

open seven days a week: Monday

through Wednesday from 10 a.m.

to 7 p.m., Thursday through Satur-

day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and

Sunday from 1-4 p.m.


ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLESWillow Tree Mall


HISTORY SPARKS GROWTH


Oologah’s MainStreet transformed

By Salesha Wilken

Oologah is taking history to

make a historic transformation

in the town’s main street.

What some may consider his-

tory in the making has become

a movement led by business

owners.

Several area businesses

have been remodeling or have

completely renovated old build-

ing to continue the legacy of

the Oologah Historical Society.

From the Rural Water District

4 to the newly opened Doug’s

Grill businesses are calling

main street home.

Other businesses, to name

only a few include a law office,

realtor and the Oologah Cham-

ber of Commerce call the street

home.

The businesses have been

investing and renovating the

buildings for a few years, ac-

cording to Pat Simerly local mu-

seum volunteer.

Many of the structure have

historical significance she

added.

The old Methodist Church

from the original Main Street of

Oologah now serves as a home

to many of the businesses.

The town that is famous for

being the birthplace of Will

Rogers has spent more than 20

years rebuilding the area’s his-

tory. Taking a walk downtown

leads you to Will, The Cherokee

Kid and his horse, Comanche

are waiting to greet

you in Wanda

Sanders Square.

The statue created

in 1995 by local artist

Sandra Van Zandt

and funded by many

donors through the

historical society.

This statue stands

where the towns

water pump previ-

ously stood. Among

the business renewal,

other changes to the

street stem from sev-

eral historic restora-

tions. One of the most

well known partners

of the Oologah’s re-

vival is Sanders.

Sanders has played

an integral part in the revival including the renova-

tion of several buildings along the main street cor-

ridor, according to Simerly.

Sanders led the effort to restore the Bank of

Oologah that is now listed on the National Regis-

ter of Historical Places.

Originally built in 1906 the building was dedi-

cated and fully restored in 1985.

The bank is possibly the most well known


By Rebecca Hattaway

Cari Bohannan and Susan Todd

were already business owners and

artisans when they opened Nest-

ing Necessities & Boutique on

Main Street on Nov. 20, 2012.

“We’ve had a good response so

far,” Todd said. “We offer a lot of

different items.”

From plus-size clothing to jewelry

and handmade items, Nesting Ne-

cessities provides its own unique

offerings to local shoppers.

“There is so much here, I don’t

think you need to go out of Clare-

more as much,” Todd said. “There

really is a good variety of busi-

nesses downtown.”

Nesting Necessities carries

Lenny and Eva leather cuff

bracelets with interchangeable

sentiments for kids, teens and

adults. They also offer LivyLu cus-

tom made sweatshirts for Clare-

more Zebras, Sequoyah Eagles,

OU, OSU and Oklahoma City Thun-

der.

“Our home decor has also been

good sellers with unique picture

frames and box signs,” Bohannan

said. “Our metal and wood mono-

grams have also been popular.

They range from 12 inches tall to

48 inches tall.”

They also sell furniture and offer

custom painting.

“We carry unfinished furniture

that customers can buy and finish

themselves or they can bring in a

piece and choose the color,” Bo-

hannan said.

Nesting Necessities carries Mai-

son Blanche chalk-based paint and

Miss Mustard Seed milk paint.

Nesting Necessities & Boutique

is located at 407 W. Will Rogers

Blvd. They are open Monday

through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6

p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to

5 p.m.

SPECIALTY STORESNesting Necessities

& Boutique

Cari Bohnnan and Susan Todd.


restoration on the street, how-

ever it was not the first. The

Oologah Historical Museum was

opened in 1988 and is housed

in what is believed to be the old-

est commercial building in the

downtown area.

The building has been used

as a grocery store shoe repair

and millinery shop and its roots can be

traced back to the 1890’s.

Originally known as Mart Reed’s

General Store the building was re-

stored and opened as the museum in

1988.

Since that time the museum was ex-

panded in 1992 to provide more room

for exhibits, according to Simerly.

Other historical structures have

been renovated in the area including

the old train depot that now serves as

a local residence.

Through all the changes the main

street has not only survived, but also

flourished.

The expansion of the Oologah Post

Office in the 1990’s helped meet the

demand of the growth in the area.

The main street renewal is spread-

ing to other areas of town and many

new businesses have developed.

Future growth and development is

on the horizon as plans to develop a

mid-sized grocery store move firmly

into sight. Residential growth has also

been impacted along with the local

school district.

Oologah-Talala Schools has grown

substantially since the 1990’s adding

several new building and amenities.

In addition, the four-lane expansion

to State Highway 169 has increased

traffic and opportunities for the com-

munity.

The highway provides a faster com-

mute into the Tulsa Metro Area.

All together a movement that started

to preserve the rich history of the town

of Oologah has sparked into the key to

future growth.


History in the making led by local businesses


Small-Town JewelChic and sweet boutique, the fashion you craveBy Tim Ritter

Inside the doors of ‘The

Sugar Boutique’ . . . there’s

a unique, yet modern-style

of contemporary flavor.

Since August 2012, Clare-

more resident Dayna Melton

and her daughter, Hillary,

have brought ‘pizazz and

style’ to the downtown area.

Located on the corner of

Hwy 66 and Will Rogers

Blvd., The Sugar Boutique is

every ‘woman’s dream’

when it comes to gift shop-

ping.

“We have a variety of ap-

parel and accessories to

offer our customers,” Melton

said. “A lot of the merchan-

dise ranges from scarves,

colored skinny-legged jeans,

leggings and dresses.”

“Plus, our customers like

the boutique style apparel —

bubble necklaces and stylish

watches — with affordable

prices.”

A lot of the merchandise,

according to Melton, is

unique and exclusive. For

the woman who loves to

dress up, The Sugar Bou-

tique caters stylish purses

and jewelry, as well as

blouses and skirts. The

clientele has shown Melton

and her daughter, Hillary,

that small business is what

drives small-town economy.

“Our goal is to continue to

grow and expand our busi-

ness, which overall helps the

city of Claremore and bring

people into town,” Melton

said.

“Since opening, we’ve had

customers visiting from

Bartlesville, Northwest

Arkansas to Tulsa, and the

feedback has all been posi-

tive.”

The Sugar Boutique is

open Tuesday through Satur-

day from 10 a.m. to 5:30

p.m. In February, the hours

will be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Satur-

day.

“Customers are excited

that Claremore has a place

to shop for birthdays and

special events,” Melton said.

“Our customers are able to

shop local and receive the

same apparel and acces-

sories that the Tulsa area of-

fers.”

Melton also added that

customers have asked about

shipping our product to fam-

ily members or friends in

other places.

“Yes, we ship,” Melton

said.

For information on The

Sugar Boutique, visit their

Facebook page:: the sugar

boutique, Twitter:

sugar_boutique and Insta-

gram or call (918) 283-

4000. Co-owner Hillary Melton


Phone (918) 744-7223 • Toll Free (800) 659-0307www.gracehospice.com

Not affiliated with Grace Living Centers.

Grace Hospice helps you embrace every moment.

We provide expert medical care and counseling services

to our patients including:

n Nursing services 24 hours/7 days a weekn Medications related to the terminal illnessn Pain and symptom managementn Emotional, spiritual and bereavement counselingn Family support services for friends and family

Grace Hospice serves all of Northeastern Oklahoma,

including Claremore and Owasso. Please call 918-744-7223

to learn how we can help you and your family.

The Family’s Choice.

Because everymoment counts...

all types of people, even in divi-

sion,” Long said.

“We have great leadership in

Rogers County, but it’s also dis-

heartening to see the smaller com-

munities needing more help to

cultivate younger leaders.”

Outside of her involvement in

Leadership of Rogers County, Long

also operates Promos Advertising,

which provides merchandise to cor-

porate and collegiate clients.

“There’s always something new —

projects and products — in my line

of work,” Long said. “This year, we

provided 85,000 rally towels at the

OU-Notre Dame football game.”

And, when she’s not working, her

time is treasured with her 2-year-old

grandson, Broden, who Long says is

an absolute joy to have in her life.

“I’m his G.G.,” Long added.

But, whether she’s leading by ex-

ample in Claremore, or playing with

Broden, Long goes the distance in

seeing people grow.

Leadership Rogers County ...

growing together one fear at a time.


LEADERSHIP 101: Debbie Long

Debbie Long with her grandsonBroden.

There is always something new —projects and products — in my line of work.

— Debbie Long


Breakfast TacosBy Angela Henderson

Happy 2013, readers! If you’re like most Ameri-

cans, including me, you’ve made a resolution or

set a goal to lose weight this year.

I’m going to let you in on a little weight loss se-

cret: eat breakfast. My mother used to say, “Eat

breakfast like a king; lunch like a prince; and din-

ner like a pauper.” Before the holidays, I was

doing the exact opposite. I ate breakfast like a

pauper and lunch like a half-starved maniac, with

fistfuls of snacks liberally sprinkled in between. I

banished my scale to the back porch because I

didn’t like what it was saying to me.

Most people I know skip breakfast. They either

don’t like it or don’t have time for it. Some people

I know eat their way through the convenience

store on their way to work. Take a good look at

the nutritional value of those breakfast sand-

wiches. Some have nearly your entire day’s worth

of calories inside!

I developed this Breakfast Taco recipe a few

years ago to help me kick-start my day. It really is

quite easy and simple to make and leftovers store

very well. Plus, my family loves them. We even

have them for dinner every now and then.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Cooking spray

1 bag frozen Ore-Ida hash brown cubes with

onions and peppers

2 c. cooked and crumbled sausage or bacon or

cubed ham or Canadian bacon

6 eggs, beaten

1 ½ c. Mexican blend cheese

8 whole wheat, corn, or flour tortillas

Aluminum foil

Salsa (optional)


Mark your calendars for March 1-3 for the Outdoor

Sporting Expo to be held at the Claremore Expo Cen-

ter. This special show will be of interest to enthusi-

asts of all ages and outdoor genres.

“Oklahomans and our surrounding neighbors know

and appreciate the great outdoors, evidenced by pre-

mier lakes, world class fishing, hunting, biking, camp-

ing, hiking, archery and the popularity of RV’s ATV’s,

BMX and more. We are excited to see this show in

Claremore,” said Ron Burrows, Claremore Expo Cen-

ter Manager.

“Our facility is the host to a wide variety of shows

and Festivals and this new Outdoor Sporting Expo is

one that we are so pleased to add to our show sched-

ule.”

Exhibitors and vendors may apply now by contact-

ing the host organizations Claremore Main Street,

Claremore Chamber, Claremore Expo Center or visit

www.claremore.org for applications.

The Outdoor Sports Expo will feature over 90,000

square feet of indoor exhibitor space. “Our goal is to

provide vendors and sponsors with very affordable

space so that they can showcase their products and

services. Admission will also be family friendly as

well, according to Burrows.

In addition, to the exhibitors and vendors, commit-

tee members are busy confirming seminars that will

represent the best of hunting, fishing, BMX, and

more. “We are excited that a majority of our celebri-

ties are now confirmed for appearances, demonstra-

tions and seminars.

Celebrities to date include professional angler

Tommy Biffle and Champion Noodler Kaleb Sum-

mers” said Cindy Bissett, Executive Director of Clare-

more Main Street. Biffle is a well-known professional

bass fisherman who has fished the pro-circuit and

B.A.S.S. series for over 25 years. He is a member of

the BASS Millionaires. Biffle also has his own signa-

ture bait “The Biffle Bug” and owns Lakeside Polaris

in Wagoner. Summers is a Claremore native who be-

came a record holding champion this summer. In ad-

dition to his noodling skills, Summers operates his

own guide service. The committee has just con-

firmed the addition of Jimmy Riffle, star of the A & E

reality television Show “Gator Boys.” We are also ex-

cited that we will have a BMX Stunt Team from North

Carolina “Rise Above” and champion Charlie Merz

whose specialty is archery and deer hunter reports

Chamber President Dell Davis. The show will also fea-

ture special giveaways, The Bass Tank and more. In

the meantime please continue to check the website

www.claremore.org for updates.”

The Outdoor Sporting Expo will be March 1-3, at

Claremore’s Expo Center. Hours are noon to 9 p.m.

on Friday and Saturday andfrom 10 .m. to 5 p.m. on

Sunday.

The show is presented to date by: Claremore Physi-

cians Immediate Care, Advance Imaging and spon-

sored by TTCU The Credit Union, Visit Claremore and

Tulsa RV. For more information regarding exhibit

space or available sponsorships contact Claremore

Chamber or Claremore Main Street at (918) 341-

5881.

Gator Tamers, Noodlers & Fishermen

Gator Boy Jimmy Riffle

Champion Noodler Kaleb Summers

Outdoor Show scheduled

March 1-3 at Claremore Expo


Angela Henderson

Begin by liberally coating a

large nonstick skillet with cook-

ing spray. Heat over medium-

high heat and add hash browns

with onions and peppers.

Cook until browned, adding

more nonstick spray, if needed.

Add the meat and cook until

heated through and combined.

In a separate skillet coated with

nonstick spray, cook eggs until

they are nicely scrambled. Fold

scrambled eggs into potato-meat

mixture. Top with cheese.

Scoop about ¾ cup of mixture

into 8 tortillas. Fold in half and

wrap in aluminum foil. Place the

finished tacos on a sheet pan

and heat in the oven briefly

(about 300 degrees) for 10 min-

utes. Serve with salsa or any

other toppings you like.

Avocados and tomatoes are

particularly good when they are

in season.

Only make the number you

think you and your family will eat.

Store the remaining filling in a

container separate from the tor-

tillas. Then, each morning, scoop

filling onto a tortilla, wrap in foil,

and bake until warmed through.

These are particularly easy to

eat while on the run in the morn-

ing. Just don’t try to eat them

while applying mascara and driv-

ing. I speak from experience.

Breakfast tacos are perfect foron-the-go lifestyles.

Heating tortillas in foil beforeserving.

Documents

Surrey Late Winter 2013