Thankful for this opportunity

Well this past week has been eventful! I was interviewed by Jackie Mileham from The Corridor Magazine and she also did a photo shoot of me, my husband, Dusty, and our son, Landon. The shoot went great despite the Oklahoma wind not cooperating! The article will be out the first week of July. I am looking forward to it!

I was invited to speak to the Perkins Chamber of Commerce today at noon. I was able to meet with many community leaders, and get more information about my platform out there. Since speaking today, I have been asked to speak with many other community organizations and to prepare a week long schedule for the Internediate School focused around Fire Prevention & Safety. This will take place during Fire Prevention week, and I already have tons of ideas! :) I am very thankful to the open arms of kindness I have recieved and can't wait to get things rolling!

Boots & Bikes 2009

This past weekend I was able to attend and participate in the 1st annual Boots & Bikes Poker Run. Nearly 200 people with motorcycles gathered in Stillwater for a Boots and Bikes Poker Run to honor former Stillwater Deputy Fire Marshal Charles "Chuck" Anaya, who died in 2007. Chuck died a line-of-duty death from cancer a year and a half ago at the age of 50. Oklahoma firefighters who die from cardiac disease, pulmonary disease or cancer are considered to have died in the line of duty because of the toxic atmospheres they face during their careers.

I was lucky enough to grow up knowing Chuck, and remember him as a great guy, always with a smiling face. He also made the BEST tamales know to man! :) He was a loving father, husband, and friend and will be remembered for that.

About $6,000 of the proceeds from the Poker Run went toward a scholarship fund set up in Chuck’s name to help children of Stillwater firefighters with college expenses. Education was important to Chuck, who loved to teach children about fire safety.