Moore Restaurant Recommendations

First, if you have wondered what has happened to my blog posts, I've been working hard on a fundraiser for the Moore Public Schools.  It has taken quite a bit of time over the past few days, so my posts have temporarily slowed down.  I will post more about the fundraiser when I have more details I can share.

Second, I have spoken to a number of people who have been in Moore to help out - whether it's those who are there to clean, those who are working to make things safer, or those reporting on what's happening.  I have been giving them restaurant recommendations one at a time.  In an effort to be helpful, I'm going to post all my recommendations here.

If you have a place you'd like me to add, send me a note or leave a comment.  Or, if one of these places is no longer in business for whatever reason, please let me know.

Keep in mind that these are places that I ate at when I was still in high school.  The food is simple, but it's tasty and local.

• Del Rancho - Go to the one in Moore. Get the chicken fried steak sandwich supreme and the cherry limeade.
• Grandy's - This is a good alternative to something like McDonald's if you need fast food. I always enjoyed the chicken nuggets and the rolls. If you eat inside, they bring you unlimited rolls.  I also seem to remember them having an amazing sweet tea.
• Braum's - I really enjoy the ice-cream here - especially a caramel pecan sundae.  Be sure to get nuts and whipped cream too. They also have a decent breakfast - my favorite is the breakfast yogurt or the biscuits and gravy. 
• Sonic Drive In - This place exists everywhere, but I'm putting it on the list because it's based out of Oklahoma City. Most kids who grow up in OK are hooked at a young age.  We will also travel long distances to find one when we're living far away from home.
• Harry Bears - They are a sports pub of sorts. It's very casuel - like a Chilli's. I recommend one of the burgers with shredded cheddar cheese on it - and definitely try the fried peaches for dessert.
• Cattleman's - If you enjoy steak and you want to check out the stockyards in OKC, go here.
• Irma's Burger Shack - A diner with great burgers in downtown OKC.
• Kaiser's - A little ice cream place in downtown OKC.
• Van's Pig Stand - Wow. I can no longer recommend this one as I see from the Van's website that the Moore location was destroyed. Sad!  If you make it to Shawnee, there's another location where you can try the barbecue and rum ice-cream pie.

My friend Jamie also recommended a number of other places that I haven't had a chance to try.

• Nic's - They're famous for their burgers.  They were on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
• S&B Burgers - More great burgers! 
• Iguana Mexican Grill - Jamie says this Mexican place is awesome. 
• Salt Grass Steakhouse - Jamie also highly recommends Salt Grass for steaks. 

Congratulations Moore Graduates!

Moore Public Schools is holding three graduations today for their high school seniors.  Westmoore High School's graduation was this morning at 9:30 AM, Southmoore's is at 2:00 PM, and Moore's is at 6:00 PM.

Companies have generously donated caps and gowns for students to wear during the graduation ceremony.

Congratulations to all of the graduates!

Orr Family Farm requests your help

This is the family that owns the farm where I rode horses growing up.  As I mentioned in a previous blog post, Celestial Acres was completely destroyed and it's estimated that something in the neighborhood of 100 horses died there this week.

Below is a request from that family, asking for assistance with cleanup on Saturday, May 25th (tomorrow).

Here's the information that was posted on the Orr Family Farm's Facebook page.

The streets are finally open and we can accept help from volunteers. We are asking for folks who want to help us clean up to arrive at the Orr Family Farm, TOMORROW, Saturday, MAY 25 beginning at 8 a.m. Please enter the Farm from Western Avenue and park in the main parking lot.

If you would like to volunteer, we ask you please consider the following:

Place a sign on dashboard that reads "Orr Family Farm"
Bring heavy duty work gloves
Bring rakes and heavy duty brooms
Bring large trash bags or rubber storage tubs
Bring bags of ice and/or small coolers

Also, if anyone is a restauranteur and would like to help with provisions for lunch, we would love to have that help. We do have water and some light snacks, but lunch would help us and of course all of the wonderful volunteers who we expect on Saturday. If you are interested in providing lunch, please call 405.609.7068.

Once again, we can not thank you all enough for your thoughts, prayers and well-wishes during this difficult time. Thank you.

Moore Dan McGuinness on the Memphis news

This story makes me smile.  I've been wanting to share it before now, but I held off because I knew that Lauren Squires was going to cover it tonight on the WMC-TV news in Memphis. 

As folks in Moore know, there's a Dan McGuinness on 19th Street in Moore.  It was opened by a couple who are from both Moore AND Memphis.  Michele is from Memphis and Jim is from Moore.  They both used to live in Memphis and opened the bar in Moore about 7 years ago.

When they opened the bar, a number of the employees from the Dan McGuinness here went with them to open it.  They even have a table in the bar that came from the old Dan McGuinness in Downtown Memphis.

Whenever I go home, I visit this bar.  In fact, I have a friend from Memphis who I met at the Dan McGuinness in Moore when he was working in Moore.  He has since moved back to Memphis.

I've also met employees at the Dan McGuinness here in Memphis who know my high school friends.  I can only assume that they worked at the bar in Moore at some point.

Pretty cool, right?

Check out Lauren's coverage of Dan McGuinness in Moore by clicking below.

  Below is a photo of the pub that was posted on Facebook.

The Commercial Appeal meets my parents and checks out their safe room

Well, this has been quite a week!  Memphis is continuing to bring me photos back of my parents through the media.

My parents were interviewed earlier today by Memphis newspaper, The Commercial Appeal.  In particular, Tom Charlier was most interested in their safe room.

When they built their home a few years ago, my parents didn't opt to install a shelter.  They just installed their safe room about a year ago.  When Tom initially called me, I gave him the basic facts and put him in touch with my parents.

A few hours later, my phone rang again.  It was Tom.  He had already met my parents, interviewed them, and had taken photos at their house.  I wasn't sure what he might need.  He said, "So your parents say that they installed the safe room because you wouldn't stop pestering them about it.  Can you tell me about that?"

I just had to laugh.  I would never share that detail with any news reporter on my own.  I explained that I had really pushed them to install a shelter.  My childhood home is not as close to the path of the tornado and their new home is in the direct path.  It's hard enough to be that close to the tornado, much less to not have a shelter.

Anyway, you should click here to read the article yourself.  I just realized - there's also a video of them demonstrating the safe room below the top photo.

Update - the article was also reprinted in the Naples News in Florida.  It's a slightly different version with different photos and no video.  Here's the link.  

Photo from the CommercialAppeal.com

Oklahoma t-shirts that support the relief efforts

Lush Fashion Lounge, a store in Oklahoma City has partnered with a local designer to create a t-shirt to support the tornado survivors.  T-shirts will be $25 and 100% of the sales will go to tornado relief.

Get yours by visiting their store or by calling them.  Pre-orders are available by calling 405-936-0680.  They will ship for free!

Check out their Facebook page here.  

Verizon Wireless has stepped up to help those in Moore

Here's another story from Memphis.  Verizon Wireless has stepped into help those in Moore.  They are doing everything they can to ensure those in Moore can make calls out.  As someone who relies totally on phone service to check on my friends and family in Moore, I appreciate their help!

Here's a link to the entire story and video on the WMC-TV website.

Photo from WMCTV.com

Diana's daughter Keirstin on Channel One News

I'm so impressed with Diana's daughter Keirstin for providing a teen's perspective on the tornadoes that hit Moore.  Keirstin gives Channel One News a walk around their damaged home and a look into their neighborhood.

Here's the video of Keirstin.


As I mentioned in my earlier post, Keirstin and her mom Diana are in need of many items.  Click here to see the earlier post and the list of things they need - and where to send them. 

WMC-TV update on Moore, first tornado victim laid to rest today

Lauren Squires wrote another important story about the tragedy in Moore for the folks in Memphis.  I'm posting it here to share it with those back in Moore.

This must have been a hard story to cover, as the first funeral for a 9-year old girl was today.  There are also Red Cross volunteers from the Mid-South that are continuing to help with the cleanup in Moore.

To read Lauren's story and watch the video on the WMC-TV website, click here. I cannot thank WMC-TV enough for making these stories so personal for those impacted.

Photo from WMCTV.com

I just made my donation to Moore!

I just made my donation to the Moore Public Schools.  It was so fast and easy - it took about 3 minutes.  Make your donation here!

Here's what the website looks like. You click that button that says "Donate Now."

 

This is the screen you fill out with your credit card information.  

 Here's what the receipt looks like.  I've greyed out my credit card information.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Commercial Appeal covers the devestation in Moore after tornado

The Commercial Appeal is also in Moore this week.  Tom Charlier is covering the devastation to share with those living in Memphis. 

Here's a link to the article he published yesterday on the Commercial Appeal's website.

Here's the video that the CA has posted to their site.  It is a time lapse video of the tornado in Moore.

Message for BCBS customers in Moore

The Moore Oklahoma Tornado Recovery Facebook page asked to share the message below with Blue Cross Blue Shield Customers in Moore.  They are helping to replace lost medicines for their members. 

Here's the original message:

I was just speaking to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma and the representative asked me to pass on a message from them to any tornado victims that are BCBS members. Members should contact Blue Cross (1-800-580-6202) if they have lost any medications or medical equipment, because BCBS will replace the lost meds or equipment free of charge. If you could pass this along, BCBSOK would appreciate it. Thank you.

The damage in Moore gets personal: Diana's story

I've done my best not to include names or details of my friends who have lost their homes to protect their privacy.  I think now is the time though to share those details as many of them need help.

My friend Diana (Medina) Bracelin's house was hit hard during the tornado this week in Moore.  It's a total loss, so there is nothing left for Diana or her family.  Diana is supporting two children: her daughter Kirsten who is 18 and her niece who is 21.  Her niece had just moved to Moore from Louisiana to attend college at the University of Central Oklahoma. 

I have known Diana since I was 5 years old.  We were in the same kindergarten class at East Hills Elementary School in Moore, and went all the way through high school together at Moore High School.  East Hills was a warehouse building that was temporarily converted into a school. 

These three women are in need of help.  Below is a list of the things that Diana needs to keep her family afloat.

• Clothes:
• Jeans - size 2 and size 6
• Shoes - size 7
• Shirts - size small
• Toiletries:
• Eye contact solution
• Shampoo
• Body lotion
• Other toiletries products (I would guess possibly feminine products, little makeup items like mascara, razors, a hair dryer, etc.)

Diana, her daughter, and her niece are currently staying at her sister's house.  Below is the address where you can drop off or mail any items.  If you stop by, please give her a hug for me!

Diana Bracelin

627 NW 16th Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Here's a photo of Diana from elementary school.  I was hoping to post one from kindergarten, but I've miss placed that yearbook.

Here's a photo of Diana with her daughter Keirstin in happier times, just a few weeks ago.

Here are photos of Diana's house since the tornado moved through Moore.

If you are interested to help an individual, this is a great way to do it.  I know that Diana and her family will appreciate your help!

View Now: Moore tornado damage video

In case you missed it, I'm re-posting the video of the damage in Moore that aired last night on WMC-TV in Memphis. 

At the end of the video, Lauren Squires mentions donating to the Moore Public School district.  I would highly encourage you to consider donating.  The Moore Public Schools is a wonderful district full of great teachers who really help the kids.  I attended Moore schools from kindergarten to twelfth grade, and can speak personally about the difference it made for me.

If you would like to give, please click here to visit the First American Bank website. You can donate with credit card or by check.  It's easy and takes less than 5 minutes.

For those in Memphis, I am also working to plan a fundraiser for the Moore Public Schools here in Memphis.  If you can help out in any way, please send me an e-mail at angela(dot)copeland(at)gmail(dot)com.

Thank you to everyone, especially Lauren Squires, for your support of my hometown of Moore, Oklahoma!

Click below to view the video:

Interactive map of the tornado's path in Moore

I just received this interactive map of the tornado's path in Moore.  There are 3 versions: an overall map, a map of Plaza Towers elementary, and a map of the medical center area.

If you slide your mouse over the map, it shows the before and after photos - taken from above. 

The Plaza Towers map is the most startling.  It gives you an understanding of what it means to wipe buildings off the map - and the kind of strength a F5 tornado brings.

Click the map below for more.  Thanks to my brother Chris for sending this!

Moore Public Schools donations now available online

I've been talking a lot on my blog about donating to the Moore Public Schools.  Unfortunately, it's been a little hard to do because you had to send in a check via US Mail - until now.

Great news! They have put up the online payment option.  You can now donate with your credit card online.  It's very easy and takes less than 5 minutes.

To donate, visit the First American Bank website here, http://www.bankfab.com/donate/, and click on the "Donate Now" button.

Celestial Acres training facility was destroyed by tornado

Wow, this is something I've been looking for, but was not happy to find.  I received messages earlier this week that the stables I rode horses at as a child were destroyed. 

Growing up, I rode a few times a week at Celestial Acres horse barns.  From the articles I've seen, about 100 horses died and the barns are now gone. 

Here's a photo of what's left.

Here's one article about the devastation.  I'm not going to re-post the other photos I've seen.  There are too many photos of dead horses piled up.  It's just too sad.

Love's donates $3 million for disaster relief

My brother Chris e-mailed me this article this morning.  You may have seen Love's truck stops along the side of the highway when you've traveled cross country and needed gas. 

They are based on Oklahoma City and Chris started working for them earlier this year.  He was looking for a company with heart, and it looks like he got it!  He re-posted this article on his Facebook page with the comment, "Thankful to work for such a great company."

Great job Love's!

To see the original press release on the Love's website, click here. 

Love’s Travel Stops today announced a $3 million donation to support the immediate and long-term relief efforts in Oklahoma following a devastating tornado that impacted the communities of Moore, Shawnee and surrounding areas. 

The first $1 million will be designated to the OK Strong Relief Fund established yesterday by Governor Mary Fallin to meet the long-term needs of victims in partnership with the United Way of Central Oklahoma. Another donation of $500,000 will be given to Catholic Charities. The remaining $1.5 million will fund a benefit event to honor those impacted by the storm and to raise additional relief funds.

“Our company has been engrained in the fabric of Oklahoma since 1964. Our hearts are saddened by the news of this tragedy affecting so many of our friends and neighbors,” said Tom Love, Chairman and CEO. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those impacted by this horrific event.”

Love’s Travel Stops operates 63 stores in Oklahoma including several in close proximity to the destruction path. 

Throwback Thursday Photos: Moore, Oklahoma

Since it's Thursday, I thought I would participate in "Throwback Thursday" by posting a few photos from better days in Moore.

Here's a photo from the Moore High School senior prom.  I'm with my friends Carissa and Robyn.

This is me before a "Moore War" football game.  Football is a big part of the culture in Moore and this was a game between Moore High School and Westmoore High School.  After I graduated, a 3rd high school was built and this tradition has changed some, but you get the idea.  Around 30,000 people attend these high school games (it's so high that I had to look it up to be sure!).  For Moore War, so many people would wear camouflage to these games that the local Army surplus stores were sometimes known to sell out!

This is at an awards ceremony for Moore High School.  I'm pictured with Kyle, Kris, Robyn, and one of our favorite teachers, Mrs. Richardson.  

This is me with Kelli during the Moore High School graduation.  I love this photo.  Our parents weren't allowed to leave the stands to take photos during the graduation.  Our class was around 550, so the place it was held was quite large.  To get around this, one of my friends came to the graduation dressed as a staff photographer and took photos of us up close during the ceremony.  I've always been a bit creative in my problem solving I suppose. 

 

A teacher who covered students w/her own body during the tornado tells her story

Jaclyn Allen has provided additional helpful news from Moore, Oklahoma.  She talked to a teacher today who protected her students by covering them with her own body.

Here's a video:



If you would like to donate to Moore, I would encourage you to consider the Moore Public Schools.  It's teachers like this that make the school system so great.  Below is the information to donate.

The Moore Public Schools Foundation
PO Box 6100
Moore, OK 73153