580

MARCH 2020 • VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2

MONTHLY

LAWTON
CALLING
A guitarist reborn

MUSIC, A FEAR KEEP

LOVE AND WORTH THE BEAT
WINE KEEPING GOING
 FIRST
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 C O N T
14 26
features

14 MUSIC, LOVE
AND WINE
26 THE RAILHEAD SALOON:
A LOVE STORY
Couple finds passion in Miss Kay finds harmony and
their monthly performances family in the discord of heavy metal

KEEP THE
16 BEAT GOING 30 LAWTON CALLING
A guitarist reborn
Music education creates
skills for the future

18 WHERE THERE’S 38 PRIDE OF THE

SOUTHWEST
SMOKE, THERE’S FIRE
Barbershop chorus
Local band blazes a
keeps traditions alive
path out of small-town

4 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020

E N T S
34 48
departments

22 WILD SIDE
SOMETHING
Rappelling in the Wichitas
44 TO SAVOR
Quick Irish Soda Bread, Rose Cot-

34 BACKROADS tage Pie, and Hawaiian Pineapple

Coconut Delight
A whirlwind road trip to Altus

50 PARTING THOUGHT
42 PAWS FOR THOUGHT
Pets get allergies just like people

March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 5

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 editor
from the

M
ore ink has been scended borders and barriers and unite us
spilled about the all in a common idea.
power of music My love of music has shaped who I am. It
than I care to will always be inextricably linked to my iden-
contribute to. tity, and I think that’s true for a lot of people.
But this isn’t Likewise, the people in this issue have all had
about power — it’s about identity. As a their lives shaped by music in some way.
kid, music was how I defined myself. It was From the love between a boy and his
how I separated myself and my identity guitar, to the joyful sound of a group of men
from my parents. Music became a way to who are keeping an age-old tradition alive
understand the world. through barbershop
Later, when I picked music, this issue ex-
up my first guitar and plores the ways music
learned to play music, melds so seamlessly,
first by imitation and and yet so deeply, into
then later through my the lives of the individ-
own creative process- uals it touches.
es, it became an out- I hope you enjoy
let. It was a way for this issue. Like all of
me to take a feeling our issues, this one is a
or an image and put labor of love, but more
it into a universal lan- importantly it is an
guage, and to express expression of identity.
it in a way that could Each person in this
transcend my own issue is exposing a raw,
identity and become intimate piece of them-
something more. selves through their
My tastes changed a stories and their music.
lot over the years, and I became a musi- All I can ask is that you give them the focus
cal glutton, taking in as much variety as I and attention they deserve.
could. These days, my playlists are less like Next month, we’re going to be casting
a carefully curated menu and more like a our eyes to the stars for an issue devoted to
never-ending buffet. the night sky and all of its glory. Stargaz-
But that’s the great thing about mu- ing, astronomy and the future and history
sic, regardless of who you are, someone, of Oklahoma’s place in the space race.
somewhere is making music for you. Music Until next time, cheers!
is the closest thing we have to a universal
human language, something that can tran- GARY REDDIN

8 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020

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March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 9

 contributors
meet our

KW HILLIS ABIGALE MAZZO

The love of baking and cooking for family Abigale Mazzo was born and raised in
and friends has been a constant in KW Hil- Oklahoma but loves to travel. She lives in
lis’ life, which has included 35 moves and Lawton with her husband and two dogs.
more than five different careers. A foodie Mazzo enjoys sunsets, animals, hiking and
from a young age, Hillis learned from her reading a good book.
mother how to stretch and combine every-
day ingredients to make delicious meals
for large gatherings. Her journeys across
the United States and beyond brought
flavors and stories of finding delectable
dishes to her Lawton kitchen.

KALEY PATTERSON
Kaley Patterson is a born and raised
Southwest Oklahoman who proudly grew
up in Frederick. She graduated from
SARA ORELLANA-PAAPE
Cameron University in 2015 with a degree
Sara Orellana-Paape, founder and
in communication. She was the copy
director of 3Raptor Consulting, works
editor and arts and entertainment editor
as a freelance writer. Of all her accom-
for the university’s weekly newspaper,
plishments, raising her daughter is
The Cameron University Collegian. Upon
her proudest. She is married with one
graduation, she worked for The Law-
daughter and two rescue dogs. True
ton Constitution as a staff writer for the
to her Southern California roots, she
paper’s styles, religion and health sections.
can most often be found in cutoffs and
She has written for publications such as
flip-flops, taking care of her dogs and
The Oklahoma Gazette, The Cameron
laughing with her daughter. She is most
Magazine and Red River Family Magazine.
comfortable outside, surrounded by
In 2016, Patterson was the recipient of the
water, with people who are passionate
Oklahoma NextGen Under 30 Award for
about fighting social justice issues. She
Media. Today, Kaley resides in Lawton and
works with the Potts Family Foundation
is the graduate admissions counselor at
and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Cameron University.

10 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020

SHARON MCBRIDE
Sharon G. McBride was born in Fort Bragg,
North Carolina, but has been a resident of
STEPHEN MILLER
Oklahoma for the past decade. Originally
Stephen Miller was raised in Lawton. He
from Alaska, McBride is a self-described
graduated from MacArthur High School
“Army brat” and is a veteran of the U.S.
and later Cameron University. He has 35
Army. She has 20 plus years of writing and
years of experience in journalism and
photography experience, both as a civilian
studio photography. He is the photog-
and as a member of the U.S. Armed Forc-
rapher for the Miss Lawton Pageant and
es. Her most proud achievements include
on the advisory board committee for its
being a single parent to her 15-year-old
graphic design.
daughter, Lyssa, and being including in
an anthology sponsored by the National
Endowment for the Arts – “Operation
Homecoming: Iraq, Afghanistan, and the
Home Front in the Words of U.S. Troops
and Their Families; ‘Dear Baby.’” She is also
the author of “My Mommy Wears Combat
Boots,” a children’s book that deals with
military deployments.

SCOTT RAINS
Scott Rains was born in Lawton, raised
in Duncan and returned to Lawton after
following the rock and roll dream, further
education and experience in Oklahoma
City in the 1990s. Involved in journalism
since helping found a paper at Emerson
Elementary School in third grade, his
MICHAEL POPE
path led him from newsroom to press
Michael Pope was born in Oakland, Cal-
room and back again. The former pub-
ifornia. In 1960, he moved to Oklahoma,
lisher/editor/staff of The Cyril News, he
where he attended Sulphur High School.
has been a reporter for The Lawton Con-
In 1975, he joined the Army and served
stitution since 2005, covering everything
for five years in the National Guard and
from crime to Native American affairs to
the Reserves. He attended college at
roller derby. Since late-2011, he has writ-
Eastern State University; however, he
ten the weekly “Soundemonium Musaic”
received his bachelor’s degree in mass
local music column and, since late-2016,
communication at East Central Universi-
has been co-host to its weekly radio show
ty. He became a full-time photojournalist
“Today’s Best Soundemonium!” on Magic
for The Lawton Constitution in 1989.
95.3 FM.

March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 11

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 FEATURE

MUSIC, LOVE AND WINE

Couple finds passion in their monthly performances
story by Kaley Patterson | photo by Stephen Miller

S
aturday nights spent at Chian- night” moments at Chianti, the admiration the cou-
ti Wine Bar are often special ple has for each other is palpable.
moments. In one corner of the “It’s fun to perform together, and I know she says
bar, there are two sets of couples not to say this stuff, but I think she is super, super
enjoying an evening of catching talented” Blake said. “I’m not saying I’m not, but
up. In front of the bar, there’s a it’s cool to sing with her. I’ve played guitar for a
group of girlfriends gathered for a birthday, and in long time and it’s nice to have someone that can
a dim-lit corner toward the back, there’s a couple keep up. I’ll put it on the shelf and not touch it for a
celebrating an anniversary. while, and she keeps me playing.”
There are glasses of smooth “I guess it keeps us young,”
drinks in everyone’s hands, ta- “IT DEFINITELY Mandee said.
bles filled with cheese trays and Music has not always been a
bruschetta, and there’s a lovely
BRINGS US
part of the couple’s relationship.
melody floating through the air CLOSER The two met when they were in
from the voices of Mandee and TOGETHER.” the tenth grade at their church’s
Blake Thomas. The couple often youth group. While attending
MANDEE THOMAS
performs live music at Chianti, but Cameron University, they per-
these performances aren’t work, formed in a praise and worship
they’re what they call “date night.” band together. They had always been friends and
“It definitely brings us closer together,” Mandee involved in separate music endeavors. They married
said. “I know it sounds weird, but it just doesn’t in 2000 and now have two children. Once their
feel like there’s other people around, like it’s just children were older, they began performing together,
the two of us.” which was about four-to-five years ago. Chianti was
If you witness one of Blake and Mandee’s “date the first place the two auditioned to play together.

14 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020

Since then, they have continued
to play at Chianti, along with The
Silver Spoon, private parties, local
fundraisers and weddings.
The couple often performs songs
from singer-songwriters, and they
first started building their set list
by listening to Sirius XM’s Coffee
House station. They both express
a similar taste in music, and their
day jobs are also mirrored. Both
Blake and Mandee work in public
education, so often their perfor-
mances are only once a month due
to busy schedules.
“We do other date stuff, too,
but this is a cool thing to do,”
Blake said. “It’s a fun thing that
we can do together.”
Blake is the principal at Central
Middle School in Lawton, and
Mandee is the sixth-grade reading
teacher at Cache Public Schools.
As passionate educators and mu-
sicians, both believe that the arts
play an important role in a child’s
education.
Mandee is also an Oklaho-
ma A+ Schools fellow, and, as a
fellow, she incorporates art in her
curriculum. Her classroom inte-
grates theatre, fine art and music
into daily classroom experiences.
As a principal, Blake praised the
2017 Lawton Public Schools
Student Investment Program. This
was a bond issue voted on by
Lawton citizens and was passed to
benefit various aspects of Lawton
Public Schools.
“It truly is essential,” Mandee
said. “It just opens critical-thinking
pathways, and it allows learning in
an environment that is conducive
to that. It fosters the environment
with music. It’s those synapses,
the connections that are made in
the brain when music is played or
when it’s learned or sung or played
on instruments. The research is so
strong. It boggles my mind that
arts programs are the first things
cut. I just don’t get it.” 

March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 15

 KEEP THE BEAT GOING
Music education creates skills for the future
story by Sharon McBride | photos by Michael Pope
I
t seems these days, music education
is being offered less and less in many
school systems. Unfortunately, some
have begun to exclude music from
their curriculums to make room for
other subjects.
“Here at Elgin Schools, we certainly value our
music programs because they seem to draw families
to our district,” said Nate Meraz, superintendent
for Elgin Public Schools. “We expect our students
to receive a great education in core subjects and
also experience the greatness of our co-curricular
programs such as band and vocal music.”
“The school board allows funds to be spent for
these programs which, when combined with our
awesome staff and directors, makes the student
16 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020
a well-rounded, educated member of society,”
Meraz said.
Sometimes it’s tough to balance that school bud-
get, said Michelle Gregg, parent of two children in
the Pride of Elgin band program, and active mem-
ber of the Elgin Pride Band Boosters.
“Reduced school funding has really put the
squeeze on school administrations to justify every
cent spent,” Gregg said. “It is very easy to defund
the arts, as so many school districts in Oklahoma
have chosen to do. I am so thankful the adminis-
tration for Elgin Public Schools understands the
importance of music education and has invested in
our outstanding band program.”
Thousands of scientific and academic stud-
ies have shown that music education improves
FEATURE
academic achievement,
builds communication skills,
fosters creativity, develops
teamwork and increases
engagement in school.
Mike Palmer, the Pride of
Elgin band director, agrees
with these studies.
“Music learning reinforces
all forms of cognitive learn-
ing such as implicit learning,
explicit learning, cooperative
learning and associative
learning just to name a few,”
Palmer said. “The reinforce-
ment of all of these types of
learning translate to every
other core subject area. You
could say that music exer-
cises all the needed learning
styles that are used to learn
other non-music subjects.
Band can mean many
things to many kids, but the
best way to think of it is like
a family, Gregg said.
“It’s a place of belonging,”
Gregg said. “It’s a place
to expand your horizons
while having a soft place to
land. It’s a support system
that is guiding our kids into
adulthood stronger, healthier,
smarter, harder working and
better prepared.
“So, while band is about
music, it is really so much
more,” Gregg said. “It’s
about leadership, friendship,
success and failure. It’s about
being part of something big-
ger than yourself. It’s about
following through on a com-
mitment when you are tired,
sick, hot, cold, hungry, sore,
irritable etc. These are skills
every successful adult needs,
and our kids are learning
them in band.”
Music can be learning
about accountability and re-
sponsibility that can extend
into adulthood.
“Music education allows
students opportunities for ex-
pression, interpretation and
connects them to a concept
that has meaning to them
and to those around them,”
Palmer said. “Music connects
students to each other and, at
the same time, gives them a
sense of responsibility.” 
March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 17
 FEATURE

WHERE
THERE’S
SMOKE,
THERE’S
FIRE
Local band blazes
a path out of
small-town
story by Kaley Patterson
photos by Stephen Miller

A
bout two years
ago, Steven and
Isaiah Carter
decided to
make a change.
The brothers
from Davidson, a small town near the
Oklahoma-Texas border, were in a band
called No Render. Their band formed
when Isaiah was only in fifth grade and
performed original rock music. But
a couple of years ago, the band hit a
wall. The brothers felt the band wasn’t
progressing.
“It was really stagnant for a long
time,” Isaiah said. “We came to this
point in time when we needed a change,
like either our name, our sound or our
image.”

18 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020

Smokey Motel playing to a
lively crowd at The Opolis
in Norman, Oklahoma.
 M o t e l
o k e y
Sm So, they did all three. The brothers then formed couldn’t say that one song sounds like another song on
the band Smokey Motel, which is self-described as the album; they are all individually unique.”
“a rock-tangled, dream-pop band.” Once the change Smokey Motel currently has two singles out, “I Die”
was made, the band quickly found themselves in the and “Young Forever.” With their new sound, the broth-
spotlight. ers drew on some of their favorite artists, which were
“We cut a couple of members loose because they from various corners of the music realm.
weren’t on board with it,” Isaiah said. “But once we “I think the influences kind of came from every-
did, we found instant success through our first single, where,” Steven said. “Isaiah, at the time, liked a lot
‘I Die.’ We caught a little bit of attention from a couple of pop artists. I’m sure he still does. But, like, Ellie
of recording labels Goulding was
and a couple something you
of management wouldn’t expect
companies. It as an influence of
was a really good ours. I liked Kings
thing to change up of Leon. Gorillaz
the name and the was a band that
sound.” influenced that first
The change single (‘I Die’). We
seemed like a big took influence from
risk but not to the a lot of different
brothers. bands that we all
“I don’t think liked and kind of
we ever saw it as put them together
a risk though,” to make our first
Steven said. “It song.”
felt like the right With their
move. I knew we newfound success
were going to be and the popular-
more successful. I didn’t know to what degree that it ity of their first single, the brothers have had to think
was going to be and it actually surpassed a lot of our about things they haven’t had to think about before,
expectations, which was really good.” like what to name their album and what should be the
They can’t speak about the potential labels and man- album artwork. And instead of hoping people show up
agement, but they can say their first full-length album for their shows, they’re selling out venues in Lawton
is on the way, which is due this summer. and Norman. Even though they’re from Davidson,
“I can tell you this, every song on the record is so Lawton always feels like a hometown show.
different,” Steven said. “Every song is its own sound. I “Lawton has that comfortability you don’t find in

20 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020

 “EVERY SONG ON THE RECORD IS SO DIFFERENT. EVERY
SONG IS ITS OWN SOUND. I COULDN’T SAY THAT ONE SONG
SOUNDS LIKE ANOTHER SONG ON THE ALBUM;THEY ARE
ALL INDIVIDUALLY UNIQUE.”
STEVEN CARTER
other cities I feel like,” Isaiah said. “All of our closest
friends show out and a lot of familiar faces. It’s just com-
fortable in general to hang out with people you hang out
with all the time except you just play a show. It’s really
cool to play Lawton anytime we have a chance. But also,
Norman is crazy in itself because it’s almost like a second
hometown.”
Smokey Motel is moving fast with a new album on the
way and the possibility of touring once the album is out.
Steven and Isaiah are finally reaching a place in their mu-
sic journey that they have merely dreamed about. Their
advice for young musicians who are wanting to make it is
to not give up on themselves.
“As cliché as it sounds, don’t stop believing in your-
self even when everyone else doesn’t necessarily believe
in you,” Steven said. “Because that’s going to happen,
especially when you do come from a small town. People
don’t necessarily think you can make it out but that’s the
territory of a small-town mindset. But you can either let it
define you or you can define it”
You can listen to Smokey Motel’s first two singles on
Spotify now. 
March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 21
 WILD SIDE

A FEAR
WORTH
KEEPING
Rappelling in
the Wichitas
story by Abigale Mazzo
photos by Mike Mazzo

I
like the idea of rappelling.
In theory, it seems like a lot
of fun. In practice, I hate
everything about it. The
first time I tried to rappel,
I was five or six years old
and my mother took me on a leadership
day she hosted at Jacob’s Ladder in
Chandler, OK. I cried and ended up with
rope burns on both my hands. I didn’t
try again until I was in college and my
friends invited me to come along on
a trip to the Wichita Mountains. Like
many people, I like to think of myself
as an adventurous person ready to take
on anything. So, ignoring the fear in my
chest, I agreed.
We picked an afternoon and went
to the Forty Foot Hole. I pulled on
the harness, watched as they clipped
everything in and double checked that
it was all secure, tugging on the line.
They explained the process of belaying,
letting rope out to descend, how to call
out to your belayer that you’re ready to
start. I could hear my heart thumping
between my ears. Every part of my body
felt shaky, too alive somehow. I backed

22 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020

up to the edge of the rock face,
glanced back over my shoulder
to the ravine below, and started
to cry.
The rope was unclipped.
The harness and gloves came
off and were given to another,
more willing, friend and down
they went.
“Man on belay?”
“Belay on.”
They rappelled forwards
and backwards, literally, for an
hour or two. Everyone taking
their turn, disappearing over
the cliff and then climbing back
up to go again. I sat on the
rocks and tanned my feet.
For the next year, every time
someone mentioned rappelling,
I would lie to them and myself
and say that I would go and ac-
tually try it this time. We went
a few more times with a variety
of people and events always
played out the same. Harness
on, gloves on, belayer ready,
feet on the ledge, panic and
tears. And I would watch as
everyone laughed and glowed
with energy and flew down the
side of the mountain.
Fear is such a funny thing. I
watched many people do the
thing I was afraid of many
times, and no one ever got hurt.
Not so much as a pinched finger
in a carabiner. I could feel my
confidence surge and I would
don the harness and the gloves,
sure that this time I would make
it down. But when it was my
back floating out over the edge
and my feet preparing to slip
away from level ground, I just
knew that was when the rope
was going to snap or the belayer
was going to get distracted and
let me crash.
The cool confidence I felt as
we hiked to the rappelling spot,
sure that this time I could make
it down, would disappear the
instant the harness was around
March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 23
 my waist. The rush of adrenaline as my brain went into
fight or flight would send me into a panic and I would
beg to be let off the rope every time. Even if it was my
husband on the belay, assuring me that he wouldn’t let
me fall, I couldn’t trust him or the rope to keep me from
smashing into the rocks below. My
legs would turn to jello, my arms SOMETIMES,
would go weak, and every part of YOU JUST HAVE
my body would shake with fear. For
someone who fancies herself up for
TO OVERRIDE
anything, this was a serious disap- YOUR FEARS. SO
pointment. FINALLY, ON A
Sometimes, you just have to override
your fears. So finally, on a hot day in
HOT DAY IN JUNE
June that’s what I did. We hiked to THAT’S WHAT I
the Forty Foot Hole, set up the rope, DID.
I donned the familiar harness and
gloves, and stepped up to the ledge.
The same bodily reaction set in. Tears, shaking limbs,
pounding heart.
“Just lean back. Sit down in the air and let your weight
rest on the rope.”
“No. I don’t want to.”
More tears, more encouragement from above and
below as my friends coaxed me to just try it once and I
24 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020
would fall in love with the feeling. Eventually, hot tears
still flowing down my face, I closed my eyes and leaned
into the fall. I slowly, painfully, made my way over the
ledge and into the open air, expecting to feel some sort of
freedom or release.
That feeling never came. I was ter-
rified all the way to the bottom, and,
when my feet hit solid ground, I was
still in tears. My husband unclipped
my harness and congratulated me for
owning my fear. I didn’t tell him that I
was still afraid, just climbed the path
back to the top and tried to regulate
my nervous breathing.
“Ready to go again?”
“Nope. I did it once, I will never do
it again.”
I am still afraid of rappelling. My friends still go and I
still hike to the top with them and sun my feet. Sometimes
I think I will give it another try, and sometimes I even get
as far as putting the harness on again. But even with the
knowledge that I can do it, I don’t want to. It’s a fear I am
okay with keeping. Sometimes in life, it’s enough to prove
to yourself you can but allow yourself to not anyway. 
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Miss Kay, the owner of The
Railhead Saloon, treats all of
her patrons like family. She is
a longtime supporter of the
Lawton music scene.
 FEATURE

THE
RAILHEAD
SALOON:
A LOVE
STORY
Miss Kay finds harmony
and family in the discord
of heavy metal
story by Scott Rains | photos by Stephen Miller

T
he tale of The Railhead Saloon,
its owner, its patrons and the mu-
sicians who perform on its stage
is a love story.
Its owner, Kyong Dees, is better
known as “Miss Kay” to her
Railhead family. Originally from Seoul, South Korea,
she came to Lawton in 1989 as a military wife. While
working for Holiday Inn as an executive, she was used
to wearing business suits. Now, she finds her work attire
is casual clothing with a bar rag within arm’s reach at all
times. In her queendom, she carries a respect and loyalty
most executives could only dream of.
It was more than 20 years ago that Miss Kay decided
to open a bar with live bands performing; she wanted
something different. When she told her ex-husband her
notion, he agreed.
“Let’s do it,” she said. “Let’s have our own thing.”
Following their split, the venue became what it was
destined to be, Miss Kay’s Railhead Saloon. The live heavy
metal music scene that grew from that decision caused her
March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 27
 The Railhead Saloon
Known as “Lawton’s only heavy metal
bar,” The Railhead Saloon has been a
cornerstone for live and loud music for
20 years. It’s also grown into much more
for many people.
The proving grounds for many a loud
live band, its palette has grown over the
years. Sure, heavy metal remains the
staple. But everything from rock, punk,
singer/songwriter acoustic stylings,
rockabilly, psychedelic red dirt and even
the occasional drag show has been met
by an audience eager for more.
Artists from different bands have of-
fered similar memories of their first time
28 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020
on the Railhead stage. Most will say it
after their 100th time there.
The late-Tracy Leigh Stover-Austin
mastered its stage for years with her
bandmates in Spell. Following her
death from cancer a few years back, she
found her way to remain a presence.
Her ashes remain in a small urn fixed
above the stage. It has that kind of hold
on those who’ve been there.
So many local bands and artists have
made impressions from its stage:
DeadCore, Komatryp, Backwash, Dead
By First Light, Allusion, Machines of
Perdition, Cutthroat Bastards, The
JuJu Beans, Southern Aggression,
Drop Dead Dammit, Proof Theory,
Spill, Against 72, Desecration Conflict,
Curbside, Some A$$holes, Nacho Cart/
Kart, Frisky Christee & Boi Oil, Terry
Allen, Dan E. Tibbs, Amanda Kidd,
Acoustic Yardsale, Scattergun Tape
Deck, Haggardz Hellraizers, Southern
Heretics, Grel, Sunlander, Broken Root,
Paid in Spades, 1GCrew … the list can
go on and on.
The common bond is a love for live mu-
sic and entertainment and the support
for those who make it.
to step outside her comfort zone.
“I always liked rock music, but I didn’t
really know a lot about metal,” she said.
“It’s just a different genre; there’s a great
energy, and I soaked into that.”
In 2000, she opened The Railhead
Saloon. She wanted her place to be where
bands could play and grow, developing
their sound along the way.
“I wanted to support these local acts,”
she said. “They put in a lot of work and
deserve to be heard and to be appreciated.
I want to expose them.”
Josh Katvala is one of those people
who’ve found themselves shining in that
spotlight. He sings for DeadCore and is
readying an album with Desecration Con-
flict that’s due for release this year. He’s
also performed with an array of Railhead
name bands from Nacho Cart, Dead By
First Light, Komatryp, Acoustic Yardsale
as well as a few others, and has been an
off-and-on bassist for Backwash.
“Through the years, I’ve gotten to
know Kay well and consider her a friend,”
Katvala said.
Katvala said Miss Kay’s dedication to
the local bands is beyond the bounds of
her club.
“I’ve seen her in atten-
dance at other venues, so “I WANTED TO SUPPORT
she’s not just in it for prof- THESE LOCAL ACTS.
it; she’s a true supporter of
THEY PUT IN A LOT OF everybody closely
the music she promotes,”
he said. “She’s always
WORK AND DESERVE TO into her life, but
friendly and sometimes BE HEARD AND TO BE
APPRECIATED.”
motherly to those around
her.”
—MISS KAY
That spotlight and fa-
milial connection returned
to Miss Kay in 2010 when she battled
breast cancer. The 2011 edition of the
semi-annual Railfest — a day-long festival
featuring as many bands that play the club
regularly as can perform — was called
Saving Second Base and the money raised
went to help with her medical expenses. It
also boosted her level of will in knowing
that this ragtag local community of heavy
metal bands, fans and friends cared enough
to come together for her benefit.
“Everybody jumped in and helped me,”
she said. “We’re all like family.”
One of those closest to Miss Kay is
“WE’RE
ALL LIKE
FAMILY.”
—MISS KAY
Rafael Montez, guitarist for Backwash.
He and bandmate Los Vissepo are her
trusted bartenders.
“So many years ago, when I first met
Kay, I felt welcome, I felt warm; she never
forgot anything that I drank,” he said. “I
joined the band, and it was awesome to
play there because I was already a patron
of the place, and she was so welcoming
to let us be on her
stage.”
Miss Kay said she
doesn’t take in just
her customers have
become more than
that. The clientele
includes a wide
range of people. The
common denomina-
tor? “We all love local music,” she said.
“These are my family,” she said. “I’ve
met so many good people at this place.
I’m so proud of this place.”
In the early 2010s, Lawton’s heavy met-
al scene was known regionally as one of
the top spots around for talent. As bands
have grown older or grown apart, those
numbers have reduced, although many of
the same players have been finding their
way back to the stage. But younger bands
are few and far between.
“We need to have some more local
bands,” she said. “We need more young
people to participate.”
The key to the The Railhead Saloons’s
success is the interaction between the
owner, staff, patrons and musicians. That
interaction has led to the development of
an informal “Railhead Family.”
While heavy metal is a bond, it’s also
the community and fellowship that con-
tinues in those days between live shows.
On off nights, you’ll hear music played
from the jukebox like the expected Slayer
and Pantera. But, if you stay long enough,
you’ll hear a spectrum that often includes
the earworm “Baby Shark” or deep track
songs from Foxygen, The Specials, The
Violent Femmes, The Flaming Lips and
even further out.
Whatever the club’s background
soundtrack, if Miss Kay is behind the bar,
she’s tending to more than just drinks. She
says she’s learned that “you don’t judge
books by their covers.”
“I talk to my customers and help them;
I don’t treat them like money,” she said.
“If there’s anything I can do to help these
people, I’m right there for them.”
In 20 years of being the matron of
heavy metal music and its fans, she has no
regrets. Her establishment was built by
many hands, she said. Hers are the ones
that hold it all together. But she won’t say
that.
“We’ve all made this together,” she said.
“It’s not me, it’s the Railhead.” 
March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 29
 LAWTON CALLING
A guitarist reborn
story by Scott Rains | photos by Stephen Miller

T
here’s libera- No. 2 is a prototype model of An incident one night in 2005
tion found in the Kurt Cobain signature Fender while busy loading the drummer in
destroying past Jagmaster. Mine was a Squire, the for a practice/gig led to the present.
icons. It makes cheaper line of Fender guitar made Left unattended on its stand, some-
a music of rev- in Mexico. It was my weapon of one tried to coax magic from No.
olution. It also choice while performing in a two- 2. The magic turned black when the
represents evolution. piece band called Pinto in the early guitar dropped to a concrete floor
With that thought in mind, the 2000s. below and cracked into two sections
notion of destroying my old guitar, With that silver, sparkling paint job, held together only by pickup wires
whom I called No. 2, in the most some well-placed stickers and the abil- connected to knobs.
rock and roll way possible incites the ity that all six strings would shift key There’s no coming back from
beginning of something new. It also together if tuning became squirrelly, I that for a relatively cheap guitar.
closes one chapter long left unread. learned how to become a musician. It marked the end of a journey

30 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020

that began in high school with my first
guitar, a Bentley Flying-V model. It was
replaced by a Yamaha Stratocaster-style
guitar where I learned how to make cool
noises, play some scales and a few tricks
that never quite took hold at the time.
The journey moved to the front of
the stage as a singer in several bands
into my early 20s. Marriage, career and
fatherhood followed, but an acoustic
guitar and, later, a Les Paul knock-off
purchased for pennies from a pawn shop
would be present.
That pawn shop find lead to a better
guitar that would be traded for No. 2.
In the course of things, abilities and con-
fidence grew, and I was back on-stage
making noise.
When No. 2 died so, too, did the
stomach to continue performing. I’d
found my highlights with that guitar
in hand, but, being in my mid-30s, I’d
found it ran its course. The artistic ener-
gy released in a band was finding other
outlets. There’s a season for everything.
A new season donned when a com-
plete guitar kit was received a couple of
years ago. Sanded down and ready to
assemble, all it needed was the motiva-

“WELL, I DON’T
KNOW HOW
MANY YEARS
ON THIS tion for creation. It seems destruction of album cover. The first two strikes to
EARTH an old totem proved proper motivation. concrete sent bits and parts flying, but the
I GOT LEFT. A boy and his guitar would part ways guitar and the boy wouldn’t — couldn’t
I’M GONNA as it should be — it’s only fitting the — let go. In releasing that neck I caressed
hands that held and loved No. 2 best so many times before in torturous love
GET REAL would send it to Guitar Valhalla. during performances, and, in seeing No.
WEIRD A photo shoot at Elmer Thomas Park’s 2 fly into the air as shrapnel, a weight
WITH IT.” concert stage allowed a moment to live lifted. Letting go is difficult in itself.
out the fantasy of being the figure bent When letting go symbolically merges
FRANK REYNOLDS,
“IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY over slamming his guitar to stage on the with the physical act, it’s a feeling in and
IN PHILADELPHIA” cover of The Clash’s “London Calling” of itself almost indescribable.

March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 31


With the end of No. 2, the paint-
ing and construction of the kit
guitar began in earnest and with a
direction.
A painting by Justin Stevens
of Danny DeVito as a satyr and
channeling his “It’s Always Sunny
In Philadelphia” character Frank
Reynolds offered inspiration.
As I’m closer to 50 than 25,
words spoken by DeVito’s char-
acter of Frank offered the core of
this guitar’s essence:
“Well, I don’t know how many
years on this Earth I got left. I’m
gonna get real weird with it.”
Those words also serve inspira-
tion for the rusty musician ready-
ing the return of the music and the
mojo.
After sanding and painting
32 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020
FEATURE
the body, first blackened primer
followed by a deep, robust and
blood red, Stevens’ recreated the
randy satyr on the guitar’s body. A
layered sticker montage applied to
the pick guard marks its owner’s
character and invites the spirit to
match its inspiration.
Master guitarist for the band
Allusion, Tyler Farmer, is equally
a master of the instrument in its
construction. That combination of
talents that makes him an im-
portant part of the Jerry’s Music
Emporium crew. With minute turns
of screws and careful alignment of
the pieces, an abstract work turned
to instrument.
Frank is now assembled and
ready — an art piece that can pro-
duce art in action through music.
An outdated and old musician has
the feeling of new life.
But, not like the old life, evolu-
tion means change while retaining
elements of what was. However,
an itchy guitar finger and oppor-
tunities leads to things. You might
hear it if you listen to the writer’s
March 12 radio show on Magic
95.3 FM with Steve Carr (Steve-O)
called “Today’s Best Soundemo-
nium!” Francis “Frankie Furious”
Balliet and I will do something a
little special. And Frank will sing.
I don’t know much about the
future, but, with Frank, it will be
living up to the ethos of the instru-
ment, its inspiration and the man
plucking its notes.
In other words: “I’m gonna get
real weird with it.” 
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 A WHIRLWIND
ROAD TRIP
TO ALTUS story and photos by Sara Orellana-Paape
A
s my husband and I
entered 2020, we made
the conscious decision
to spend more time with
the people we love — our
friends and the friends who
have become our family. All too often, the chaos
of life, work and family take over, and, before we
realize what has happened, months have passed. Ea-
ger to start off on the right foot, we made plans to
spend a day exploring Altus with our dear friends
Tara and Jeremy.
We arrived at the Whirlwind Book Bar ready
to explore. Located on the main highway in the
square, the store has a prime corner spot. The ma-
jestic building, filled with the grandeur of the past,
long forgotten architecture styles and windows that
have seen the events of 100 years, promised a won-
derful and leisurely afternoon spent with books,
beer and baked goods.
34 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020
Opened in early 2019, the bar is a combination
of a bookstore, bakery, bar, lounge and comic book
store. It is hard not to find what everyone in your
family is looking for. After opening the bakery in
2018, owners Heather and Jake Babcock began
looking for books to entice their young readers at
home. Realizing the closest bookstore was more
than 100 miles away, the couple, along with com-
munity partners, opened the Whirlwind Book Bar.
Filling up every inch of the two-story building,
there are hidden treasures all around. Rule 9 Com-
ics and Games is located on the second floor. It has
a variety of comics for sale, offers monthly sub-
scriptions and hosts tabletop and card game events.
The bakery offers vegan, keto and gluten-free op-
tions among the many delicious treats baked fresh
on site. Specialty orders are available. Currently, it
offers drip coffee but will soon expand to have a
full coffee bar. In addition, several beers are avail-
able on tap and by the bottle as well as some wines.

There are treats for whatever mood
your stomach may find itself in.
The lounge is the perfect place to
relax and catch up with friends, play
games or read a book. Located on the
second floor, the lounge overlooks the
square. Tara, Jeremy and I enjoyed
looking at the businesses on the square,
guessing what they originally had been.
As we entered the Whirlwind Book
Bar, my breath escaped me. I was
greeted by a display of classic books;
I was surrounded by old friends. I ea-
gerly picked up a copy of Siddhartha
and remembered reading it in high
school and having discussions with
my teacher of who I was and who
I wanted to be. Next to Siddhartha
BACKROADS
was a collection of F. Scott Fitzgerald,
some titles I had never heard of. I was
so excited I squealed and sent every-
FILLING
one in the group into a fit of laughter. UP EVERY
As I explored further into the store,
I discovered the employee recom- INCH OF THE
mended section. This section was
unlike any other I had ever encoun-
TWO-STORY
tered; each recommended book had a BUILDING,
handwritten card from an employee
telling what they loved about the THERE ARE
book and why one should read it.
Wandering around unable to pick a
HIDDEN
book, I found a book of Victorian TREASURES
patterns, cookbooks from around the
world, current nonfiction books and a ALL AROUND.
glorious display of feminist literature.
Thirty minutes into my explorations,
March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 35

I realized I had lost everyone. I
looked around and found each in a
corner lovingly looking at a book.
The children’s section is designed
to be children-friendly with shorter
shelves surround a cubby under the
stairs with bean bag chairs and pil-
lows, inviting a new reader to enter
and start a love for reading. Close
by is a parent-size chair ready.
The staff, warm and welcoming,
have a thorough knowledge of
books. Together, their collected
wisdom represents a wide vari-
ety of tastes in different genres.
Should you not be able to pick a
book, a problem I experienced,
they are more than happy to assist.
Through a conversation of authors
and books I love, they guided me
to a time travel novel, which has
enthralled me every night.
36 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020
BACKROADS
Wanting to appeal to more than
just booklovers, the partnership
of businesses offers a variety of
events that are posted on Face-
book monthly. Most months they
host a beer and yoga series, a chil-
dren’s event, multiple game nights
and a trivia night. They host two
book clubs as well as Japanese and
German classes. Dr. Hyde gives
monthly lectures on a variety of
topics. And, usually once a month,
a Super Smash Bros. tournament is
hosted on site.
Desiring to share their love
of books and birth a voracious
passion to read in children, the
collection of books is carefully
cultivated and updated almost
weekly. Each employee helps with
the ordering, bringing an eclectic
taste to the shelves. Almost always,
 BACKROADS

the store is busy, having become a

place to study and hang out. Slow-
ly, each who enters finds them-
selves in a corner with a book,
enjoying a few stolen minutes.
As we explored the shop and se-
lected some drinks, we each head-
ed upstairs with our finds. Enjoy-
ing the conversations, laughing
more than we had in months, we
each found a quiet corner to look
at our precious finds, selecting a
purchase. We talked about our fa-
vorite books and authors, what we
were currently working on, and
our hopes and dreams. We shared
more than a day trip, we learned
more than a new store, we shared
our hopes and dreams, our aspira-
tions for 2020 and discovered we
each had a passion for reading. 

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March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 37

FEATURE
PRIDE OF THE
SOUTHWEST
Barbershop chorus keeps
traditions alive
story by Sara Orellana-Paape
photos by Rick Paape
O
n April 11,
1938, Owen
Clifton Cash
and Rupert
Hall invited
14 men to join
them for a night of singing. On that
fateful night, 26 men gathered on
a hotel rooftop and spent the night
singing barbershop harmony. Enjoy-
ing themselves so much, they planned
a second night. Media arrived and
covered the event. Soon, barbershop
harmonizing caught on; chapters
were founded across the nation and
later in Canada. This fateful night
led to the birth of The Society for the
Preservation and Encouragement of
Barber Shop Quartet Singing.
Ninety-two years later, the pas-
sion lives on in the Southwest Pride
Barbershop Chorus. Comprised of
a variety of men, with professions
ranging from teachers, professors,
retired military to retired from the
Department of Human Services, with
38 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020
The Southwest Pride Barbershop
Chorus is keeping a nearly 100-year-
old tradition alive in Lawton.
an age range of early 30s to almost
as old as the music form itself, these
men gather weekly to harmonize,
laugh and encourage each other.
The Southwest Pride Barbershop
Chorus originally had members from
both Duncan and Lawton. Over the
years, membership has dropped to just
Lawton. The group works to ensure
their harmonies are perfect, their tim-
ing is correct and the mood is jovial.
The hours of practice have honed the
group to a well-oiled harmonizing
machine. None are professional sing-
ers; all have learned the art through
practice, patience and guidance. The
group supports each member, operat-
ing more as a family than a chorus.
As my family and I walked into
practice, we were greeted with
“My Wild Irish Rose.” Enthralled, I
stood and listened to an old favor- glanced at my daughter, and I knew
ite of mine, the melodies and har- she too was lost in memories of her
monies taking me back to a simpler childhood, a favorite music teacher
time, to laughter and my childhood. and when singing was her world. We
As I was lost in my memories, I listened in awe as the group completed
their song. Seeing us in the door, we
were warmly greeted by the group.
Neil West, the current chair of their
upcoming show and fundraiser, shared
the group’s story. Meeting weekly on
Monday evenings at the First Presby-
terian Church, the group practices a
variety of songs. Throughout the year,
the group offers free concerts at nurs-
ing homes, the veteran’s center and the
church. Sharing their love of music, they
have even been in a flash mob at the
mall. Looking around, I saw men with
a shared passion — music. Each com-
fortable in their skin, perhaps because of
March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 39
 FEATURE
this shared passion, was willing to share of themselves; give and ex-
pect nothing in return. The weekly harmonizing brings each member
something needed: Stress relief, a time of fellowship and the ability to
travel to another time. Bad dad jokes fill the moments not filled with
harmonizing, but the over pervading theme is one of acceptance,
support and pride.
Each year, the group writes, directs and produces an original musical,
and all proceeds are donated to local nonprofits. The production, “Barber-
shop Goes to Washington,” can be seen Friday, March 13 at the Simmons
Center in Duncan and Saturday, March 14 at the McMahon Auditorium
in Lawton. The play, loosely based on the honeymoon adventures of Neil,
is set in Washington, D.C. In an effort to save money, the group books a
discount bus tour, and well, the rest can be seen in the production.
40 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020
THE WEEKLY HARMONIZING
BRINGS EACH MEMBER
SOMETHING NEEDED:
STRESS RELIEF,A TIME
OF FELLOWSHIP AND THE
ABILITY TO TRAVEL TO
ANOTHER TIME.
Proudly wearing their tackiest tourist garb, lugging
overly large camera bags, too many outdated maps, sun-
screen and binoculars, the chorus is ready to serenade the
audience through our nation’s capital. A family-friendly
comedy, the jokes are hilarious and appropriate for all.
I was privy to a sneak peek of a funny rendition of “For
the Longest Time,” a harmony lamenting the desperate
need to find a loo and found myself rolling with laughter.
As tears streamed down my face, I applauded the group
and told them I thought I had found my new theme song.
The struggle so accurately described in the song depicts
my daily commute.
In addition to the Southwest Pride Barbershop Chorus,
the Sweet Adelines, Eisenhower High School Chorus, and
the Under the Radar Quartet will also make appearances
in the show. The chorus will be singing music together
that they never have before. The songs cover a wide range
of time and genres. The evening of the performance will
sweep the audience back to a simpler time, a time of front
porch visits, conversations over sweet iced tea, with only
the noise of the radio in the background. The perfor-
mance will honor not only our nation, but the brave men
and women who have fought to protect our freedoms. 
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 PAWS FOR THOUGHT
KEEP THAT
SNEEZE IN CHECK
Pets get allergies just like people
story by Abigale Mazzo | photo by Stephen Miller
W
hen we first
adopted Sloan,
our Grey-
hound/Cata-
houla mix,
from the Altus
Animal Shelter, she had skin mites causing
hair loss, itchiness and inflamed skin. Sloan
underwent treatment for several months,
and, eventually, she was mite free. However,
some of her symptoms persisted. She was
still scratching, and her skin was still red and
bumpy in some places. Tests confirmed that
she was clear of any mange or skin diseases,
but she was suffering from another common
problem for pets — allergies.
Just like people, pets can suffer from air-
borne and food allergies. For Sloan, we were
pretty sure it was a food allergy causing her
symptoms, so, following the guidance of her
veterinarian, we went through the elimination
diet process and found a set of food, snacks
and treats that work for her. Now, she lives
itch-free, and her coat is much healthier.
Dogs seem to be affected by airborne and
food allergies more frequently than cats, as
dogs are genetically predisposed to becoming
sensitized to the allergens in their environment.
Certain breeds also are more likely to suffer
42 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020
from allergies in both dogs and cats. For dogs,
Chinese Shar-Peis, Wirehaired Fox Terriers and
Golden Retrievers are reported to show the
highest number of allergies, while domesticated
shorthair cats are least likely to show allergic
reactions. For both species, reactions to aller-
gens usually occurs between six months of age
and three years, though allergies may develop
due to changes in the environment.
If you notice that your pet is suffering from
hair loss, frequent itching, difficulty breathing
or a skin rash, the first step is a consultation
with your veterinarian. It’s important to
rule out any other causes before making the
assumption that the culprit is an allergen.
Your vet may run blood tests, conduct a skin
scrape, and conduct an overall wellness exam
on your pet to try and eliminate as many
suspected causes as possible. With allergies, it
can be difficult to find the exact allergen, so
eliminating other possible problems is a good
place to start.
“Allergens are substances that, when in-
haled or absorbed through the skin, respirato-
ry tract, or gastrointestinal tract, stimulate the
immune system and the release of histamine
and other substances resulting in inflamma-
tion,” according to the Merck Veterinary
Manual.
 In dogs and cats alike, the most common symp-
toms include itching, swelling, skin rash and hair
loss. In about 10 percent of pets, an allergic re-
sponse can lead to asthma, according to the Merck
manual. Pinpointing the exact airborne allergen
affecting your pet may not be possible, but there are
options for treating the symptoms including allergy
testing, immunotherapy, taking steps to avoid com-
mon allergens and ensuring that your pet is receiv-
ing proper care in the areas of hygiene and diet to
avoid contributing to flare ups.
If your pet suffers from food allergies rather than
the more common airborne allergies, a food elim-
ination diet or a hydrolyzed diet may be helpful.
However, before undergoing a change in a diet this
drastic, it is important to build a diet plan with your
veterinarian. The process of an elimination diet
takes months to complete and needs to be strictly
enforced. Everything in the elimination diet must be
brand new to your pet, even treats. Your pet should
no longer be given table scraps or foods that include
similar ingredients to what they ate in the past. A
veterinarian should oversee this process to ensure
your pet is still receiving proper nutrients and that
their allergy responses are subsiding.
Living with a pet with allergies can be frustrating
for all parties involved, but, luckily, there are many op-
tions for treatment. If your pet shows signs of discom-
fort, consult with your veterinarian to find a treatment
plan that works for you and your furry friend. 
March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 43
 SOMETHING TO SAVOR

QUICK IRISH
SODA BREAD story and recipe by KW Hillis | photo by Stephen Miller

S
t. Patrick’s Day is celebrated March
17, and, along with pints of beer,
Irish soda bread will show up in
pubs and on home tables in North
America as well as in Ireland and
other places around the globe.
It’s appropriate that this easily made, delicious bread
is served in North America because that is where it
originated.
The earliest reference to using soda ash from their
cooking fires to leaven their bread is credited to Native
Americans.
“Pearl Ash was used prior to 1800 to make flat cakes
on hot rocks by combining it with an acidic ingredi-
ent in the dough. The original three ingredient bread
— soda ash or baking soda, flour and buttermilk or
soured milk — was adopted by the Irish and became a
staple for them. The earliest Irish recipe for soda bread
found so far dates to 1836. The smell of baking bread
wafting throughout the house, melting butter slathered
on a still warm slice and the tender, yet chewy texture
are all reasons I love making all types of bread. The
real challenge with bread is the prep time — time to let
it rise once or twice before baking.
Enter Irish Soda Bread, which takes 5 minutes of
prep and up to 35 minutes of baking time. Surprisingly,
I had never made Irish soda bread before. By the time
the photo of my bake was taken for this article, I had
already made four batches — it is that easy. I do add
salt to the recipe (see Hacks for more additions).
Give a nod to St. Patrick’s Day and the Native Amer-
icans by whipping up some Irish Soda Bread. I plan to.

QUICK IRISH SODA BREAD

Makes 1 large bread or two
smaller loaves
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups buttermilk (see Hacks)
1½ teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar, optional
Brush on top:
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon buttermilk
PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 400 F.
Put a baking stone or a parchment-lined
cookie sheet in the oven to heat.
Whisk the flours, baking soda, salt and
the optional sugar together in a bowl.
Make a well in the middle of the mixture
and pour 1¾ cups of the buttermilk in.
Stir with a fork. The dough should be
sticky. If not sticky, add the remaining
buttermilk and stir.
When the dough adheres together, dump
on to a floured board or parchment
paper. Only knead together three or four
times, no more.
Shape the round loaf or cut the dough in
half and shape two smaller round loaves.
Flatten the top and then cut a deep cross
in each loaf with a sharp knife. This cut
allows the bread to cook through.
Place the loaf or loaves on the baking
sheet or stone. If making two smaller
loaves, be sure to leave at least 2½
inches between the loaves — they will
expand. Brush with buttermilk and a
tablespoon of melted butter.
Cooking times: 45 minutes for 1 large
loaf; 35 minutes for two smaller loaves.
Check 10 minutes before end of baking
time. If too brown, put a tent of alumi-
num foil over the bread. The bread is
done when tapping on the bottom of
the loaf produces a hollow sound and a
toothpick inserted in the middle comes
out dry and clean.
Put a slightly dampened, clean kitchen
towel over the top of the bread (this
helps soften the crust) and let cool for 10
minutes. Then eat.

44 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020

 salmon

SOMETHING TO SAVOR

y w e s u gg e s t …
a
M Irish Soda Bread
Swithwick’s Irish Red Ale
Cherry jubilee
Cottage Pie
Uroboros Stout
Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Desserts
Bishop Apple Pineapple Hard Cider with a
shot of Malibu Rum

2002 NW Cache Rd., Lawton, OK

HACKS 580.355.7541 • cacheroadliquor.com
• Milk soured with vinegar or lemon juice can be sub-
stituted for buttermilk in this recipe. Allow 5 minutes
to make the soured milk as the first step in putting the
recipe together. Mix 2 cups milk with 2 tablespoons vin-
egar or 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes
before adding to the dry ingredients.
• Without the optional sugar, this recipe is a traditional
Irish Soda Bread. The traditional bread was made in a
hearth, but it can be cooked in a preheated cast-iron
pot or skillet that has been generously oiled.
• You can substitute 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
• Although it won’t be traditional Irish Soda Bread, try
adding raisins, currents or some herbs to the recipe.

TIPS
• Be sure to have fresh baking soda for this recipe. A new
box for less than $1 is definitely worth the investment.
Imagine the possibilities!
• Do not knead more than three or four times. If you
do, the bread will be tough.
• This is delicious served with butter and honey or jam.
It can be sliced and used as a dense, flavorful sandwich
bread.
• This bread dries out quickly, so be sure to wrap it
tightly and serve within three days. It will last a day or
two more if stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped.
It can also be tightly wrapped and frozen for a few
months.  1802 West Gore • Lawton, OK 73501
580.695.5983
1010mercantile.com
facebook.com/1010mercantilelawton

March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 45

 SOMETHING TO SAVOR
ROSE COTTAGE PIE story and recipe by KW Hillis | photos by Stephen Miller
A
large pie plate filled to the brim
with beef and vegetables topped
with oven-browned rosette-shaped
mashed potatoes sat on the small
kitchen counter. The comforting
smell of cooked beef and savory
vegetables wafted out the Rose Cottages restaurant door
as I ducked inside to be out of the rain. A major storm
was coming in from across the Atlantic, having already
announced itself with large sheets of rain and strong
winds.
Cottage pie was on the menu, and it was the perfect
dish for a day when a storm was past brewing and al-
ready pouring. Bermuda’s weather in the early spring can
be dramatically different from one day to the next.
Staying at the Rose Cottages, I was visiting Bermuda
for the second time but this time on my own. Although
my individual cottage had a kitchen, I preferred to eat at
the tiny, mostly family-owned restaurants in Hamilton
46 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020
or near Horseshoe Bay. This was my first time to eat a
dinner at the Cottages’ restaurant.
This was also the first time I had Cottage Pie, which
uses fresh or leftover ingredients to make a savory pie.
The recipe became popular beginning around the late
1700s in the United Kingdom. It is of humble origin and
named Cottage Pie since it was popular among people
living in small cottages. A wide variety of vegetables can
be used in the dish.
According to, the pie was especially popular beginning
in the 1790s when potatoes became more available in the
UK. The pie was called Shepherd’s Pie when lamb instead
of beef was used, but the two names seem to be used
interchangeably, according to “Ten Random Facts about
Cottage Pie,” at tenrandomfacts.com/cottage-pie.
The Rose Cottages restaurant’s impeccably set table
with shining silverware, pink cloth napkins and fine china
elevated the savory dish. It was the perfect comfort food.
ROSE COTTAGE PIE
Serves 6

Filling:
2 tablespoons olive oil
¾ cups leeks, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, peeled
and thinly sliced
1½ pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef or chicken stock
1 cup frozen peas
Thyme, leaves from 3 sprigs
or ½ teaspoon dry
Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping:
1½ pounds potatoes, russet
or golden, peeled, cut in chunks
½ cup buttermilk
4 tablespoons butter, save 1
tablespoon to brush over top
1 cup shredded sharp
cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

PREPARATION:
Topping: In a medium saucepan of salted
boiling water, add the potato chunks and
reduce heat so the pan will not boil over.
Cook until tender, being sure to check
texture of potatoes with a fork. This should
take about 5 minutes. Be sure not to over-
cook. Drain the water from the saucepan.
Mash the potatoes and 3 tablespoons
butter with a fork until fairly smooth. Add
the buttermilk and stir in with fork. This will
further smooth out the potatoes.
Stir in the shredded cheese and salt and pep-
per to taste. The residual heat of the sauce-
pan should help the cheese melt into the
potatoes. Set aside until the filling is done.
Filling: In a medium skillet, cook the leeks
and carrots in the olive oil over medium
heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the
mixture to a bowl. Brown the beef in the
skillet. Be sure to break up the beef as it
cooks. When all browned, drain most of the
excess grease.
Stir the broth, Worcestershire sauce,
mustard, tomato paste and thyme HACKS
into the beef. Let simmer over medi-
• Instant mashed potatoes can be used
um low heat for 15 minutes. Add salt
to speed up the preparation. Leftover or
and pepper to taste. Add the leeks
fresh vegetables including mushrooms,
and carrots back into the pan and
garlic and onions can be used in the pie.
add the frozen peas. Stir well.
• Leave the meat out completely and add
Turn the oven on to 350 F to preheat.
additional vegetables for a vegetarian pie.
Pour into a 2½ quart casserole dish
or a 9- or 10-inch pie plate. The
TIPS
potatoes can be spread over the top
of the filling leaving some swirls or • The pie can be assembled the night be-
be piped on the top using an icing fore or earlier in the day and then refrig-
erated without baking first. When ready
decorator bag and a piping tip with a
to bake, set oven to 350 F and bake for at
large opening.
least 50 minutes. Make sure it is bubbling.
Melt the 1 tablespoon of butter and
• The pie can be frozen after baking.
brush over the top of the potatoes.
Be sure to let it cool completely before
Place a baking sheet lined with securely wrapping it for the freezer.
parchment or foil on the rack below
• If not using a piping bag to put the po-
the casserole or pie plate since it
may boil over. Bake for 50 minutes. tatoes on top, use a fork or spatula to give
Should be browned. the potatoes some texture. 
 SOMETHING TO SAVOR
HAWAIIAN
PINEAPPLE
COCONUT
DELIGHT
story and recipe by KW Hillis | photo by Stephen Miller
D
espite being
bundled up in a
borrowed winter
jacket and thick
gloves against the
cold wind, we
shivered awaiting sunrise at an altitude of
6,500 feet. Breakfast seemed too long ago,
in the dark hours way before dawn. My
stomach growled.
Dawn came swiftly to the volcano, turn-
ing the low-hanging clouds and surround-
ing landscape into a stunning kaleidoscope
of color. The cold wind picked up, belying
the fact we were on Maui in Hawaii and
just yesterday we were lounging by a pool
in the topical heat. Unloading our bicycles
from the van, the 26-mile ride ahead — the
longest downhill bike ride in the world —
seemed daunting. Our small group that
braved the cold that morning, almost 33
years ago, was not really that intrepid since
we were near the top of Haleakala and the
26-mile ride was all downhill.
Shedding gloves, jackets and sweaters
during pit stops on our race down the
48 | 580 MONTHLY | March 2020
mountain, our guides at the front and back
of our small pack watched for cars coming
up the volcano. By 11:30 p.m., we were
basking in the sun and warm breeze,
listening to a slack key guitar play on
a restaurant patio overlooking the
ocean in Paia. In front of us, grilled
fish, salad, fruit, pina colada drinks
and pineapple cheesecake complete
with coconut graced the table. The
cheesecake was our reward for
completing the bicycle trip, even
if it was downhill all the way.
Next on our agenda was
swimming in the ocean and
then dinner. Maybe more of that
cheesecake? This was the first of
many times I visited Hawaii. I’m
glad I did the bike ride when my
knees were younger.
This month is a favorite month to
visit Hawaii or at least plan or dream
of a vacation there. This easy dessert is
reminiscent of all of my trips to Hawaii,
but especially the first.
HAWAIIAN PINEAPPLE COCONUT DELIGHT
Makes 18 - 24 mini-cheesecakes,
depending on muffin tin used
Crust:
2 cups graham crackers
(24 squares), ground
½ cup walnuts, ground
½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup butter, melted
Top layer:
16 ounces cream cheese,
room temperature
½ cup sugar
½ cup sour cream
⁄8
1
teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature,
lightly beaten
16 ounces crushed pineapple, drain
1-1½ cups sweetened coconut
PREPARATION: Set oven to 350 F.
Crust: The easiest way to make the
crust is with a food processor. Crush the
graham crackers, and then add all the
other crust ingredients and hit pulse
a couple of times. If you don’t have a
food processor, the graham crackers
can be crushed with a rolling pin in a
plastic bag and then all the crust ingre-
dients stirred together in a bowl.
Put 1 tablespoon of crust in each
individual cup of an ungreased
mini-cheesecake pan or a lined cupcake
pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool for
about 10 minutes.
Filling: Drain crushed pineapple in a
colander until almost dry. Stir with a
spoon to let any trapped juice drain. Set
the pineapple and coconut aside. Beat
the rest of the ingredients together until
all are incorporated. Fold the pineapple
into the cream cheese mixture.
Fill each mini-cheesecake cup almost to
the top of each paper-line cupcake pan
cup about ¼ inch to the top. Sprinkle
each with the shredded coconut. If
there is crust and filling remaining for
another batch, be sure to refrigerate
while the first batch is cooking.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until
they are set and the coconut is slightly
browned. Let cool completely, then
remove from the pans. fresh pineapple, mangoes or other topical
Store covered in refrigerator if not serv-
ing immediately.
HACKS
• Slivered almonds can be used as the
topping instead of coconut. Keep an eye
on the almonds after 25 minutes of cooking
to make sure they aren’t getting too brown.
If so, then place a tent of foil over the
cheesecakes.
• Love chocolate? Fold ½ cup of chocolate
mini chips into the cheesecake mixture
along with the pineapple before baking.
Or, after baking, drizzle a little chocolate
sauce over the coconut. Or do both.
• Use ground pecans or almonds instead
of walnuts in the crust, Problem with nuts?
Increase the amount of graham crackers by
½ cup and don’t use any nuts at all.
TIPS
• These can be made, baked and then
refrigerated up to two days before they are
served.
• Be sure to have all the filling ingredients
at room temperature when making this
recipe. Otherwise the baking time may be
longer and the coconut may get too brown.
• These are delicious served with sliced of
fruit. 
March 2020 | 580 MONTHLY | 49
 PARTING THOUGHT

“I still believe in the need

for guitars and drums and
desperate poetry.”
FRANK TURNER
 Join with successful businesses and individuals
that are positively impacting the community through
their Chamber membership.

· Economic Development · Member Breakfast/Luncheons

· Military/ Legislative Affairs · Seminar & Workshop Discounts
· Marketing Opportunities · Increased Visibility
· Network Referrals · Ribbon Cuttings/ Grand Openings
· Business After Hours · Community/ Leadership Opportunities

580-355-3541
302 W. Gore Blvd.
LawtonFortSillChamber.com Lawton, Oklahoma 73501

h a t
See W
We S e e !

Beautiful Golf Courses Wildlife Refuge

Fun-Filled Lakes Historic & Cultural Museums
Shopping Art Galleries
Casinos Family-Friendly Parks 800.872.4540
visitlawtonok.com
 JoinOne
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