Well-planned, properly managed home gardens can furnish Oklahoma families with flavorful, high quality, fresh vegetables from spring through fall, as well as for processing or storing for winter. The amount of money invested in seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and a few tools is more than offset by the enjoyment, healthful outdoor exercise, and fresh “homegrown” flavor.

Between spring cleaning and spending additional time outdoors (or both), the spring season can bring a lot of changes to your home. From insect prevention to rethinking home organization and adding style to your favorite spaces, it’s an opportunity to reimagine your living areas while planning ahead for potential problems.

Don’t let carpenter bees get a foothold in your home where they can damage wood. One of the easiest ways to prevent carpenter bees from boring into your house is to capture them before they begin multiplying. Traps, like the TrapStik from Rescue!, lure in carpenter bees with appealing colors and patterns then trap them on a sticky surface. Just hang the weather-resistant, pesticide-free traps where carpenter bees are seen or holes can be found. Learn more at rescue.com/rescueyourhome.

Spring is a perfect opportunity to update your kitchen - or create a look from yesteryear. Consider an option like Elmira Stove Works’ ranges. Available in seven colors and more than 1,000 custom hues with polished nickel or antique copper trim, the ranges complement styles such as farmhouse, Victorian, log cabin and even more contemporary settings. Full-size, self-cleaning ovens are available in electric, convection electric or gas. Complete the look with matching fridges, wall ovens, dishwashers and microwaves. Find more information at elmirastoveworks.com.

For many people, a major part of spring cleaning revolves around reorganization. By adding versatile, ventilated storage to pantries, laundry rooms, mudrooms or just about any space in the house, a solution like ClosetMaid’s multi-functional wire drawer organizer kits are perfect for small spaces. Available in 2-, 3- or 4-drawer sizes, the kits can help organize items from food to off-season holiday decorations to toiletries or cleaning supplies. Find more information at closetmaid.com.

The warmer weather of spring often brings with it the desire to be outside and enjoying the season. You can spruce up the entertaining capabilities and comfort of your outdoor areas with patio furniture built to hold up against the weather. Keep it simple with two chairs and a small table or go all-in with loveseats, end tables and more.

By Edwin Findley (edwinfindley009@gmail.com) During my daily devotional, God showed me this scripture, Philippians 1:21: “ For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I want Christ to live through me today, but if I die today, it is my gain.

A life lessons I learned from my life as an east Texas pastor was that I am not to complain. To support my pasturing, I had to sub-teach at the local high school.

The Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) hosted over 350 mental health, law enforcement, judicial, and nursing professionals at the annual Navigating Mental Health and Substance Misuse Conference March 11 and 12. Chief Gary Batton opened the conference by thanking the attendees for their service and support they provide to our tribal members, then by encouraging them to remember to take care of themselves.

The Hugo Area Chamber of Commerce 97th annual Awards Banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 25 at the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Grant.