Wouldn’t it be nice if your investments in the stock market came with a money back guarantee? Or what if the media never exaggerated the facts? How much better would we all sleep at night if we could predict the future of our investments, stocked with our pension funds or our kid’s college money? It sounds like wishful thinking in a society where we want everything to end like our favorite movie, but the reality is we have to be prepared to make the best decisions we can with the situations we face with the next morning’s news.
Not to paint a dim picture but things have been rocky out there for the individual investors who are trying to stay on track. Here are few things to keep in mind.
Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Probably the first lesson a rookie investor learns is the same one the experts still have to remember. Gaining control of your emotions will ensure you make the best decisions and stick to them. If not, you end up buying high when you’re excited and selling low when you’re panicked. You’re sure you made the right decision until you start thinking about how much you have invested. Suddenly fear overtakes you and in a moment you can make a decision you might regret for the rest of your life. Try to stick to the basics of buying and selling and check your emotions at the door.
Keep your eyes on what the experts are doing. As it turns out, near hysterical reporters might not be the best thing to watch. So who do you listen to and what should you look for? “Do your own research but think about this,” said Daniel McMains of Edward Jones Investment, Shawnee. “You have all these pension funds out there and they’ve got money in the stock market. If you watch what they do, you might want to ask yourself, ‘they’re a lot more educated than I am so what are they doing that I can mimic?’ It’s safe to say they are not selling out of good investments at historically low levels. They’ve got research and teams of people who give them access to things that everyday people like you and I don’t have.” Follow solid companies with a proven record and you might just outsmart the news anchor.
Diversify, diversify, diversify… It’s not that you can’t take a risk now and then but it’s best to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. “If you have all of your money in one company, you’re not guaranteed they won’t go bankrupt,” said McMains. “The way I see it, if you have your money diversified well in a good portfolio the likelihood of losing your money is the same likelihood that about 1,000 of the best companies in the world are all going to go bankrupt on the same day. If you want to take a risk on an individual company, don’t put so much money there that you would be financially devastated if the company went bankrupt. Diversification is one of the most important pieces to the puzzle when it comes to managing your serious savings.” So spend only what you can afford to lose on the hottest thing to hit Wall Street and keep your big money safe.
Invest with the global market in mind. Although investing in foreign markets is nothing new, more people invest globally than ever before. While some people see foreign markets as unreliable, most investors include international investment in their portfolios. “People who had international portfolios between 200-2007 probably did better than those who didn’t. I think a healthy portfolio should show about 20-30% international exposure. I am not one to say we shouldn’t support our own markets but it’s a very prudent thing to do with your money,” said McMains.
As long as there are buyers and sellers, some things will never change. Keeping your cool, investing wisely, and seeing the bigger picture will help everyone steady their course to a more prosperous future.

Since 1969 St. Paul’s United Methodist Church has offered the community affordable child care for parents and grandparents who need a break during their busy week. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 4:00, children ages 10 months to 5 years enjoy a safe, loving environment where they playfully learn about the world around them.
For as little as $15-$18 a day, parents can take an excursion to Oklahoma City without being pressed for time, attend college classes or even work a part time job without the financial commitment of full time day care centers. Unlike other similar programs, parents can opt to have their child attend one or both days each week, paying only for the days their child attends that week.
Being open 7 1/2 hours twice a week allows parents to comfortably make the most of their day and spend quality time with family and friends. “A lot of parents with older children really enjoy some one on one time with them before it’s time to pick up their younger siblings. School gets out at three, so you have an hour to spend with an older child and do something special you couldn’t do with a toddler. I remember my kids lived for that time,” said Renita Swedberg, director of the program.
St. Paul’s Parent’s Day Out program divides the children by age into classrooms where they introduce a color, number, shape and letter each month with a theme and Bible story. “One of our big goals is that by the time they’ve gone through our program they are ready to make a smooth transition to pre-kindergarten,” said Swedberg. Children enjoy outside play time, crafts, story time, and activities that encourage group participation. They have birthday parties, holiday parties and seasonal activities throughout the year.
DHS Certified, St. Paul’s also uses security measures such as a security system, coded entrance, and child sign-in sheets. They also perform background checks for staff. Child care worrkers are certified in first aid and CPR.
St. Paul’s Parent’s Day Out invites you to enjoy all that they can offer you and your child on their journey to a bright future. Contact the office for openings at 273-1656 or visit them at the corner of 10th and Beard.

If you think that high quality food and a gracious dining atmosphere will break the bank, think again. Paul’s Place serves tender steaks, seafood and classic southern favorites at affordable prices. Family owned, their excellent food and charm have won them praise in the community and all over the nation.
Chef and Manager, Neil Lindenbaum said they are very different from corporate chain restaurants that purchase frozen, prepackaged steaks. “We buy a better quality steak and we cut all of our steaks here. We’ve had people come from Tulsa, Okemah, Ada, Midwest City and Norman. We have repeat out of state customers passing through from all over the country.”
One of four owners, Tom Scott said that their keys to success have been adherence to simple detail in everything from the appearance, variety, taste and temperature of their food to a well trained, friendly and professional staff. “Everything on our menu is special. Life is too short to eat mediocre food,” said Scott who is also one of the owners of Billy Boy’s. Scott’s late father Paul purchased Billy Boys in 1973. Three years ago Lindenbaum and the Scott family opened Paul’s Place, named for the family’s late father. While their quality speaks for itself, they’ve also been flattered by regular visits from nationally awarded Oklahoma Chef, Kurt Flieschfresser. He is a partner of Western Concepts Restaurant Group, famous for Coach House, Sushi Neko, Musashi and several other restaurants in Oklahoma City. “I guess if a high profile chef will eat with you then you must be pretty good,” said Scott.
In spite of accolades and their brushes with fame, Scott and Lindenbaum enjoy having a restaurant everyone can afford. “We have a more laid back, casual atmosphere with great food. It’s a place to spend a special occasion, celebrate a night out or just go out to dinner,” said Scott.
Paul’s Place offers a full service bar, adequate seating for up to 120 people, and offers catering services for small and large groups. Their lunch menu starts at $5.99 and dinner starts at $10.59 with monthly and weekend specials. Paul’s Place is located at 120 West MacArthur, just west of Billy Boy. Contact them at 405-275-5650. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 11:00-2:00 and 4:30- 9:00, Saturday 4:00-9:00.

Wanda Radford, owner of Tan N Tone in Shawnee and Seminole, knows her business. Her salon offers a certified trained staff to make sure clients get the best results from their tanning and workouts with toning tables. She believes in going the extra mile with safety regulations and customer service.
Tan N Tone offers different levels of tanning depending on skin tones and desired color and they offer an airbrushed UV-free tanning for busy clients. Safety is her top priority. Her staff completes two trainings, one through Australian Gold and another four month course called Smart Tan. “All my girls are trained so they are educated about how and why the skin tans, how long a person should tan and how to determine that by asking the right questions. Tanning is not bad for you if you tan sensibly,” said Wanda. “You can have a great tan and do it safely and it’s a good source of vitamin D.”
Even though Oklahoma has no regulations on the tanning industry, Wanda observes Texas regulations strictly. “We are a member of the International Tanning Association so we can keep up the rules and regulations. I want to give a person a great tan but I want to give it to them safely.”
Wanda said their toning services are a popular alternative to gyms and provide a more private environment for exercise. They measure and weigh clients who want to track their progress and also assist clients with techniques for the best results. “I’ve seen anywhere from 6 ½ to 32 inches lost in one month. It’s great for arthritis, fibromyalgia, and people with disabilities because it keeps the joints limber. Gyms run anywhere from $300-$600 a year and for $32 a month you can exercise in a nice, clean facility that’s private and get results.”
Tan N Tone offers tanning and toning packages together or separately and also carries handbags, jewelry and unique seasonal gift items. “I want to offer the best customer service and the best results in the cleanest and friendliest salon in town.” Tan N Tone is located at 3711 N. Harrison, next to Merle Norman Cosmetics.

Well, here we are- we made it to September! That means that fall is nearly upon us (hooray!!) and football season is nigh (Double hooray!!!) It also means that school is back in full swing again. A few weeks ago, all the little darlings in the surrounding areas put on their shiny new school clothes, grabbed their new Hannah Montana backpacks, and started a new school year. This time of year is not as significant to me as it once was, now that I no longer am an educator. However, my wife and my girls all had to go back, much to their chagrin. I can’t believe my oldest daughter is starting the fourth grade this year. Guess I need to start making those wedding plans soon….
For those of you who do not know, I was a high school teacher for several years. I taught drama, speech, and English over my much ballyhooed career. I think I was a pretty good teacher, but it’s always hard to evaluate oneself. I’m sure there are more than a few of my former students who would say “Bartley? He stunk.” If you come across any of these hooligans, ignore them- they’re probably just bitter because I wouldn’t let them use the potty. Anyway, most of my life has been organized in some form around the school calendar. So this time of year always brings back memories of school days gone by, as a student and as a teacher.
My earliest school memory is actually a pretty vivid one- I distinctly remember standing outside of Townsend Elementary, getting ready to start my first day of kindergarten. The classes were divided up by the color of apple that you had pinned to your shirt- green, red, or golden. And although I can see this scene pretty clearly, I don’t remember which color apple I was. Perhaps hypnosis could help me. I’ve already regaled you with tales of my childhood- the chubby young boy with huge glasses. Most of my elementary days were pretty uneventful. I do remember my mother would choose my wardrobe for me each day, and after she left, I would usually chunk what she picked out. You see, since I was a bit tubby, the shirts she picked were usually somewhat tight and form fitting. Not a good way to avoid mocking. So unless I could stretch them out significantly, I usually switched shirts. My wife to this day tells me my clothes are too baggy- I guess old habits die hard.
Junior high wasn’t too bad. This is where I discovered my love for music and performing. It also helped that I had a major crush on the music teacher, Mrs. Dickerson. She was young and attractive, and didn’t treat me like I was a complete dork. This is where I also got into my first fistfight. I avoided most physical confrontation up to this point by using my sharp wit- and by finding the one kid that was a bigger nerd than me. When I would start being harassed, I would merely point out to Joe Bully “Yeah, you think I’m a geek? Look at THAT kid!” And I would be forgotten, while some other poor shlub got abused. Pathetic, I know, but a kid’s gotta survive. High school was pretty good for me. I already told you about my music teacher, Mr. Staton. I also spent a lot of time with Mr. Payne, our drama teacher. He had one of the biggest moustaches I had ever seen, but he was a caring, compassionate man, and gave me several opportunities to develop my vast talent.
It was somewhat ironic that I would eventually end up back at Del City High as the drama teacher. Many of the people that had taught me previously were now my peers, and it took me a while to not call them ‘Mr.’ or ‘Miss’ in the teachers lounge. And speaking of the lounge- that was somewhat of a disappointment. As a kid, the lounge seemed to be an exotic, forbidden place, where teachers disappeared to and had great parties and good times. I was shocked when all I found was some old sorry furniture, a bountiful supply of coffee, and copy machines. I believe that in teacher education classes, there should be more training spent on jockeying for position for the copy machines.
Even though I no longer teach, I still have a great amount of respect for my peers in the education system. Much is expected of them, and little is given to them in return. I never wanted to be a teacher that constantly complained about my salary- I knew what I was getting when I signed up for the gig. However, when you look at our society, and you hear people of great importance- scientists, doctors, politicians, etc.- talk about who was most influential to them and their development, it’s usually a teacher. I look around at the Shawnee district, and I have had the privilege of meeting, and working with some excellent educators. People like to complain, but when you look at the results, and see some of the fine young men and women that are graduating, I think we owe a lot of that to the teachers they have had. Many of them are dedicated individuals, who daily do their best under adverse conditions- angry parents, disrespectful students, and facilities that are in desperate need of upgrades and repairs. They deserve the best we can give them. If you have had a teacher that has influenced you, or your child, let them know. Don’t just give them an apple. In fact, when I was a teacher, I preferred coffee and doughnuts. So let me say- thank you teachers, for shaping me, and my children as well.

Southern Winds Film Festival will screen independent films from Oklahoma and across the nation in two days at various venues in historic downtown Shawnee with an outdoor venue for night screenings. The festival kicks-off Sept. 10 with a screening of the choice of Festival Director James Bridges. The festival continues through Sept. 12.
Film makers, directors, producers and independent film fans will flock to downtown Shawnee for the third annual event. The goal of the festival is to raise awareness of the film industry in Oklahoma. Several of the films that will be shown are directed and produced by Oklahoma’s own.
The festival will present an informative luncheon, where attendees learn the inner-workings of the industry from those Gray Fredrickson, who co-produced The Godfather. All-Access Passes are required to attend the panels and parties. All-access passes are $40, while day passes are $20 and single movie passes are $5 each.
Southern Winds Film Festival has gained the reputation of being welcoming to those in the independent film industry and those who just love watching films.
“I very much enjoyed my time at the Southern Winds Film Festival,” said Cornelia Moore, director/producer/writer with Seattle-based Kairos Production.
“The staff was incredibly welcoming and kind, and the varied offering of films was unusual, there were films from every genre represented. I think it stretched the audience and educated us all. I met folks whom I hope to stay in touch with in the future. Altogether a very good experience,” she said.
“Southern Winds Film Festival is a festival for the filmmaker run by filmmakers,” said Jason May, filmmaker with the film, Coyote Funeral. “The organizers run a great show and make sure everyone feels welcome from fellow filmmakers to organizers to townspeople. Whether at a happy hour or an outdoor drive-in style screening, everyone gets a chance to feel like an important part of the events.”
While being hospitable is a major part of this festival, others relish in the fact the Southern Winds Film Festival stays true to the independent film industry.
“But my favorite part of Southern Winds is the admiration they have for the actual art of filmmaking, May said. “The organizers have made films, still make films, and love to talk film. If you want to feel a real appreciation for your craft and not the ancillary tedium that so often accompanies the industry, Southern Winds is your place.”
To learn more about the film screenings, times and venues, visit southernwindsfilmfestival.com. During the festival, the Ritz Theatre, located on historic Main Street in Shawnee, will be your source of information.

If you think hiring a fashion and wardrobe consultant means spending thousands of dollars on a shopping spree, think again. According to Lenaye Bolanos, a former professional model from New York City, looking your best isn’t about the latest trends either. “When people hear the term fashion consultant, it makes them think of some high fashion setting, expensive clothes and the latest trends. Everyone’s needs are different. We’re not all fashion chasers, we just want to be confident that we put ourselves together in a reasonable way and to feel that we look good. I shop the sales racks all the time and believe me,” smiled Bolanos, “I know where they are and when they go on sale!”
The summer after she graduated form Prague High School, Bolanos modeled in New York City before walking on the runways of Europe. “I started working in Milan and fell in love with city and the Italians. I lived there for four years and then returned to New York where I worked in the fashion and cosmetic industry for twenty years.” Bolanos also modeled in Switzerland, Germany, and Paris while in Europe.
Her experiences in Europe broadened her view of fashion and working in premier stores in New York City also enhanced her love of the industry. “That’s the wonderful thing about New York. People come from all around the world and everybody thinks and dresses differently and it comes out in the way they project themselves, the way they carry themselves. To have the experience of living there and seeing how all these fashions and backgrounds come together really gives me a rich awareness of diverse tastes.”
While clients can expect to get an education about fashion, she also says that she listens to a client’s likes and dislikes and finds out what their lifestyles are like to determine their wardrobe needs. “I want to know if my client likes their hem above or below the knee, if they have upper arm issues or if they want sleeveless, we discuss what features to accentuate or deemphasize for their body type and what their hobbies and activities look like.”
The first job is to check out a client’s closet. Streamlining a closet means tossing out clothes that don’t fit or are out of date and putting outfits together you might not have considered, enhancing what you already have. “A lot of people do a lot of shopping but don’t know what to do with the clothes they buy. When I streamline their closet often they don’t even have to go shopping.”
Bolanos works with clients with health conditions that keep them from shopping or those with busy schedules. “I have women who don’t try on clothing in stores and often have to return things that don’t work. I can save them time and money by shopping for them and returning things they decide not to keep.” Special occasions like weddings and award banquets also keep Bolanos busy. “We don’t just find the dress, but the jewelry, shoes, and handbag for the entire ensemble. I also do cosmetic consultations as well if necessary.”
Bolanos donated two hours of consultation time to the recent winners of Shawnee’s Weightloss Challenge. “It’s the perfect gift for someone who has lost weight and has to shop for a whole new wardrobe. I was so inspired by their efforts that I wanted to help.”
Lenaye Bolanos finds her work both exciting and meaningful. “I think all of us have a need to help people, to make a positive impact on the world and this is my way of doing that, to help women and men feel better about themselves. When you feel confident that you look good, you present yourself differently to the world and everything you do is cast into a different light.”
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Lenaye Bolanos at 405-395-7163 or you can email her at lenayev@yahoo.com

Last night a friend of mine asked me- “I’ve been reading your articles. Is there any season you don’t like? You’re always talking about how you love this time of year, that time of year, blah blah blah….”. OK, here it is: I don’t like this time of year. Summertime in Oklahoma is not my favorite. And I’ve grown to like it less the older I’ve gotten. Now before you go accusing me of being a cranky old curmudgeon, let me explain why. It’s hot. Stinkin hot. I will say that right now, mid-July, isn’t too bad, because we’ve had a break in the weather. But it’s still hot. I’d rather be cold than hot- perhaps that has something to do with my cold heart??? Also, I am not a pool or beach person. Several years ago I had a few skin-cancerous spots removed from my already prodigious forehead. It was nothing major, but it makes me a little leery of sitting and roasting in the sun. And, this is a vast wasteland in the world of sports- unless you are a baseball fan, which I am not.
So is there anything good about summer? I guess if I was pressed, I would say that I have had some memorable summer vacations over the years. Just about a week ago my family and I just got back from a road trip, where we visited some good friends in Georgia, and my older brother (the older, less handsome and intelligent Bartley boy) and his family in Tennessee. We had a really nice time, although I’m not fond of being confined in a car for several hours on end. It made me think about some of the vacations that my family went on when I was a kid. The majority of these trips were also road trips, but they are quite a bit different when you’re a kid and you have no driving or navigating responsibilities whatsoever. We usually drove around the southern part of the USA, visiting various family members that we could crash with. My dad would typically drive most of the way. Most of our meals on the road were at greasy truck stops, because my father insisted that these were home to the best food for a traveler. Maybe what he really meant was the best food to instigate a heart attack. We also stopped at many Stuckeys over the years, which at the time, dotted the southern landscape with numerous locations. I’m not sure how many pecan logs I’ve ingested over the years, but I’m pretty sure it’s not a healthy number.
The other thing that I remember from these trips is the method in which I, specifically, traveled. Frankly, I can’t believe I’m alive today, typing these words for you to enjoy. There were no car seats for me in those days- at least not that I recall. And seat belts? Seat belts shmeat belts- we didn’t need no stinking seat belts. This was back in the seventies, when the seat belt laws were much more relaxed. So my mode for traveling was this: we had a big blue station wagon. The entire back area of the wagon was mine to share with the luggage. My parents would create a makeshift bed for me back there, and an abundance of toys and games to entertain me for hours. It was kinda my own little station wagon world back there. The best toys that I had back there were my Star Wars action figures, most of which are gone now, thanks to my nephew Alan. Most people don’t realize that in the Star Wars universe, you have the planets Tatooine, Hoth, Dagobah, and Bartley Station Wagon. I’m pretty sure epic battles took place back there, as I rolled around, probably munching on some lead based paint from the vehicle or the toys.
There were also a few summers that I accompanied my sister and her family on their annual Florida getaways. These were especially fun because I was not alone in my station wagon world- I was joined by my nieces, Shannon and Shelly, who were about my age. I remember one year, I believe the summer of 78, that the entire trip to and from Florida we sang every song from the “Grease” soundtrack, which played endlessly on eight track. Don’t ask me why 10 year old kids were singing about “Summer Lovin”- we just knew the songs were catchy and fun. It may have been the same year that we got to go to Disneyworld. I remember a few years ago looking at the pictures from that trip, seeing myself as a young chubby lad with fantastically huge glasses, and even more fantastically short shorts. I still think that shorts that tight and short should have been outlawed, but hey, the seventies were some crazy fashion times. I just hope that those pictures are destroyed before I become famous. Shannon and Shelly, if you’re reading, I will pay you to make sure those pictures are never released.
Now I’m the dad driving the car. I try really hard not to say “Don’t make me stop this car!!!”, but sometimes I come close. As we have driven around the country in the past few years, I’m thankful for one technological advancement- DVD players in cars. My girls are old enough to watch, and to use the glorious headphones! So there are actually several hours of quiet driving, broken up occasionally by shouts of “I’m bored! She’s touching me! She’s looking at me!” Man, it’s at times like those that I really get a hankerin’ for a pecan log. Where’s a Stuckeys when you need one??