TG)--Representatives of Enid Public School Foundation visited schools across the district Friday and awarded $25,000 in grants for 35 projects at 12 schools. Teacher grants are awarded to supplement classroom learning and expand student experiences. Reading, science, technology, art and physical education are a few of the subjects that will be supported through the program. The teacher grant program is largely funded through endowment funds. To learn more about this program or the EPS Foundation, contact Janna at foundation@enidk12.org.
--00-- 20 Nov 23 7a
HF)--Two Northwest Oklahomans were among the eight members inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023 Thursday night, Nov. 16, 2023, during a black tie dinner at Embassy Suites by Hilton. Dr. Barry Pollard, of Waukomis, and Dr. Judith James, whose hometown is Pond Creek, were honored for their contributions to the field of medicine and to the state of Oklahoma. Born, raised and educated in Oklahoma, Pollard, a long time neurosurgeon, was recognized for advancing health care and agriculture in the state. In addition, Pollard is an active farmer of approximately 10,000 acres and a member of the American Angus Association, for which he serves as vice president and will lead the organization as president in 2024.
An internationally recognized physician and scientist, James, who serves as executive vice president at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, is a fifth-generation Oklahoman who has dedicated her career to understanding autoimmune diseases and improving the health of the state’s residents. An elected member of the Association of American Physicians, in 2022 she became the first Oklahoma woman elected to the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors bestowed in the field.
--00-- 20 Nov 23 7a
TT)--AAA estimates that more than 480,000 Oklahomans will be among the 55.4 million Americans who will travel 50 miles or more away from home over the long 2023 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, an increase of 1.1% compared to the 2022 Oklahoma Thanksgiving travel volume. Consistent with most travel holidays, 9 in 10 travelers – or about 442,000 Oklahomans – will be driving to their Thanksgiving holiday destinations. The number of road travelers is slightly more than last year. In addition, those drivers will feel less pain at the pumps during their road trip fill-ups. Flights and airports will be packed this holiday season. AAA is projecting about 32,000 Oklahoma residents will takes to the skies over the Thanksgiving travel period, representing a 3.7% jump compared to 2022. Nationwide, 4.7 million Americans will travel by air for Thanksgiving.
--00-- 20 Nov 23 7a
CS)--In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the City of Enid administration offices and Enid Animal Welfare will be closed Thursday and Friday.
The Recycling Center, Enid Public Library, and Enid Public Transportation Authority (EPTA) will be closed Thursday through Saturday. Meadowlake Golf Course will be closed Thursday and will be opened from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The City of Enid landfill will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd and will be opened with operating hours from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Due to the holiday, Thursday’s regular trash route will be altered for collection on Monday, the 20th and 27th. All other trash schedules will remain as regularly scheduled.
--00-- 20 Nov 23 7a
BS)— A new version of Christ Tree will debut on Opening Night on Sunday, Dec. 3, kicking off a 34-day Christmas event experience called for The One: Bright Lights. The steel 102 foot-tall tree with its 20-foot Bethlehem star and 35,000 RBG lights will provide spectacular light shows choreographed to 3 Christmas songs performed at the top of every hour from 6:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. daily. With light shows lasting an average of 15 minutes, Christ Tree’s lights continue to shine 24 hours a day through January 6 with a weekly rotation of music and light shows. Opening Night festivities will begin with The One: Bright Lights mission project called “Feed the 5,000”. In partnership with Forgotten Ministries and made possible by sponsors Tyson Foods, Jumbo Foods and Jiffy Trip, 5,000 free meals will be provided to attendees, consisting of burgers, chips and a drink. The lighting ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. with the tree scheduled to be lit around 6:15. Immediately following the lighting, attendees are encouraged to join in caroling as the finishing touch to a memorable evening. The One recently revealed that Clayton Nolen is this year’s the Grand Lighting Marshal. Nolen is active in all areas of the community including church, city government, juvenile justice system, and civic organizations. He has been recognized in Enid with his award for the Key to the City of Enid, Sistah-2-Sistah African American Leaders of Enid Award, Citizen of the Year Awarded for Booker T Washington, and was inducted in 2022 to the Oklahoma African American Educator Hall of Fame. The One: Bright Lights will be filled with concerts, events and activities that will provide an enchanting experience for attendees. For more information and schedule of events, visit The One Enid Facebook page or go to www.theoneenid.com.
--00—
