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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Sunday, January 23, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALOklahoman Columnist Jim Priest To Be At Brace Books Oklahoman Columnist Jim Priest To Be At Brace BooksFamily Talk is a compilation of two years of columns written by Jim Priest for The Daily Oklahoman. His writing lauded as timely, straight-forward, caring and often humorous. By sharing real life stories, he reminds us of the importance of family and friends, said the publisher. Jim Priest will be at Brace Books and More, 2205 North Fourteenth, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday to sign his book and visit with the public. “I wanted to remind my community about the critical importance of marriage and family,” Priest notes of his decision to write the weekly column. “Divorce rates were discouragingly high (they still are) and families were being pulled in all directions (they still are). Rather than write another book, I decided I’d try a different medium — the newspaper.” Relationships flourish when love and caring become an intentional part of our everyday lives, believes Priest. He used his previous columns to remind people of the simple ways to communicate that love in the daily routine of their lives. So why did Priest write this book?“People who read the column encouraged me to compile the articles in some way,” he explains. “Many folks told me they file away the columns and plan to read them or use them in the future. Other people said they clip the articles and mail them to a friend or relative in another state; they wanted to have a collection to send. In response to these readers’ urgings, I undertook this project, and it is my sincere hope and prayer it will be helpful to your marriage and family, now or in the future.” He arranges his book into the main topics of character, family, marriage, parenting and dads. Within these topics, reflections on the everyday lives and struggles of everyday people are addressed with helpful and inspiring stories, ideas, and encouragements. For anyone who is married or has a family, or even those who do not, this book is an inspiration, filled with reminders and wisdom on how to live happier and more fulfilling lives. As one reader said who wrote to Priest, “As usual, you always write with such warmth, gentleness and integrity. ... Keep on, for you are teaching all of us, young and old, and in-between, about the urgency and necessity of aspiring to achieve our human greatness, as well as helping to rekindle the respect for the genteel qualities or yesteryear, which are so sorely needed in today’s world.” Crime StoppersBronze Tribal Seals Stolen from ParkA member of the Standing Bear Foundation has reported to the Ponca City Police Department the theft of two bronze tribal seals from the park. The Foundation member discovered the two bronze discs were removed from their mountings near the base of the Standing Bear Statue located in the 2200 block of South Seventh Street in Ponca City. The 12-inch round, flat, bronze discs that were stolen each contain a Tribal Seal, one of the Tonkawa Tribe, the other of the Pawnee Tribe. The theft occurred sometime after 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 17 and the reporting time of 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2000. Anyone with information regarding the location of these Tribal Seals or who may have taken them, please call the Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers at 762-5100. The caller will remain anonymous and may receive a reward of up to $1,000. Scout Banquet SetThe Will Rogers Council will hold its annual banquet at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, in the ballroom of the Oklahoma State University Student Union. The cost is $15. The 2000 Council Recognition Banquet will celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. The 1999 Eagle Scout class, as well as all Eagle Scouts, will be recognized, as well as the top popcorn sellers, veteran scouters and volunteers. The Extra Miler award will also be presented. Dr. Hal Yoakum will portray Lord Baden Powell, founder of scouting, in a talk about boy scouting’s history. Reservations must be made for this event by calling the Will Rogers Council at 765-6669. The deadline is Feb. 1. Fred Haub, Ward 3 Incumbent Wants To Remain on PTC BoardIn the Pioneer Technology Center Board of Education contest for Zone 3, incumbent Fred Haub will face opponent Robert Howard. The election is Feb. 8. Haub has served nine years on the board and has received numerous awards for his service. “I am primarily running because I feel this school supports quality endeavors, is rated to be one of the five best technical schools in the state and is continually striving to better serve our communities. I want to ensure the excellent progress being made at Pioneer Tech continues,” Haub said. Haub has served on the Board of Directors for both the Oklahoma State School Board Association and the Oklahoma Vocational Technical Council (OVTEC). He received the OVTEC Policy Maker of the Year Award in recognition of his leadership in policy development. Also, he was voted the Outstanding School Board Member in Oklahoma and was selected to serve on the All-State School Board. Haub referred to some of the major areas strengthened during his tenure on the board. These include enrollment doubling within the last five years; six new programs being added; three industry focus groups being started; and articulation agreements being made with both junior colleges and universities making it possible for someone just graduating from high school to complete an associate degree in one semester and receive a bachelor’s degree in two-and-a-half years. Pioneer Tech also has high standards for enrollment, retention and job placement which helped it receive the Gold Star School Award for the past five years. Haub said one area related directly to his being an asset as a board member is his engineering and management background. “Significant expansions have been made since I started serving on the board, and I feel my engineering background has helped in controlling costs and assuring the jobs were completed right,” he remarked. The expansions included a seminar wing and business and industry services building in 1991. This past year, the cafeteria was expanded and existing rooms were remodeled to accommodate the marketing and respiratory care classrooms. “In the near future, we hope to add a health wing and offer additional health courses, and I believe my expertise in building will help us be better stewards of the taxpayer’s money,” Haub said. Haub lives in Ponca City with his wife June. He held several management positions at Conoco until retiring in 1993. Among the posts were Project Engineering and Construction, Engineering Technology Service, Building Operations, Safety and Security. “I believe my business experience at Conoco and being a member of this community has given me an insight which I can use to strengthen Pioneer Tech’s role in economic development,” Habu said. “I know the importance of businesses being able to compete and how this relates directly to Pioneer Tech. Helping area businesses through providing a quality workforce and business services is one of our main reasons for existence.” Haub said starting the industry focus groups this year provided a means for PTC to know and better understand business/industry needs and how to better prepare for them. “PTC has plans to expand this effort to all major occupational areas and feels it is needed for us to take a proactive role in meeting the needs of our communities,” he said. Haub has several goals that he deems important in his role on the board. “The main item I want to stress is that all of our programs need to be student and business focused and taxpayer driven,” he explained. “I feel a strong obligation to the taxpayers to help make sure that expenditures are needed, are at the lowest cost and that we are accountable in not only financial concerns but also in all aspects of our operation. This is a high priority of mine.” Haub added, “I also feel we have an obligation to not only provide a quality education for our students but also to assure that when students enroll in a course that we do everything possible to help them achieve success,” he added. Another priority for Haub is to have PTC be a very flexible system in order to train for emerging occupations. According to Haub, one of the board’s biggest areas of responsibilities is in policy development. “The board needs to make changes or additions to PTC policies in order to assure that this organization has a sound foundation in order to make solid decisions,” he said. “I try to live by a very basic philosophy which I bring to this position as a board member. That is to do that which is right, do my best, treat others as I would like to be treated, and have an open mind. “Above all, I feel PTC needs to do whatever [it can] in order to make a difference in the students’ and clients’ lives. That is what quality is all about. I feel PTC does a very good job of this, and it will be a priority of mine for this to continue,” Haub concluded. Fire Destroys Historic Tonkawa BuildingState Fire Marshal to Investigate Blaze; Local Fire Chief Sees Nothing Suspicious TONKAWA — The state fire marshal was due Monday to begin investigating the cause of a Friday night blaze that destroyed a furniture business in downtown Tonkawa. Firefighters from at least eight area departments were credited with protecting other downtown buildings from the fire at Randy’s Harris Furniture and Carpet store, 110-114 West Grand in Tonkawa. Tonkawa Fire Chief Kirk Henderson deemed the damage “a total loss” after emergency personnel required almost six hours to get control of the fire, which was reported at 6:07 p.m. The fire apparently started inside the building near the back of the structure and quickly spread. “There was a very heavy fire load with all the furniture they had in there,” Henderson said. The business, owned by Randy and Melinda Glasgow, served as a furniture and carpet store and gift gallery. “Because of mutual aid from every department within 30 miles of here, we were able to contain the fire,” the chief said. “We didn’t let the fire spread [to adjacent buildings], so basically the block was saved.” The building was adjacent to the law office of Tonkawa attorney/town judge Thomas Salisbury on the east and to an old hotel building on the west. Neither of the adjacent buildings were damaged, Henderson said. Units from departments in Blackwell, Braman, Conoco, Ponca City, White Eagle, Ranch Drive, McCord and Perry responded to the call to assist the Tonkawa firefighters, who remained on the scene until 3 a.m. Henderson said the cause of the fire is under investigation, “but it doesn’t appear to be suspicious.” A marker on the storefront indicated construction of the downtown building, known as the Glaze Building, was completed in 1927. After the fire, the front section of the building was the only section still structurally sound, according to Henderson. “The two west units of the building are a total loss,” he said. No injuries were reported during the fire. Repair Work To Shut Down Prospect Ave.Repair work to the railroad crossing approaches on Prospect Avenue will begin Monday and the street will be closed to all traffic at the crossing west of North Fifth Street. Ron Clark Construction of Ponca City will be under contract with the City of Ponca City to remove a portion of the street on both sides of the crossing and place new concrete pavement, adjusting the elevation of the street to smooth the transitions into the crossing. The street will be closed for approximately three weeks, barring any delays due to bad weather. Construction signs and barricades will be in place and traffic will be detoured around the construction on North Union Street and North Fifth Street to and from Hartford Avenue. The work is the second and final phase of construction scheduled for the Prospect Avenue crossing location. Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company installed new concrete crossing surface and upgraded the tracks in December, 1999. Any questions concerning the project may be directed to the City Engineering department at 767-0333. Nearly NewsThe community of Shidler has a Head Start Program, an elementary school and a high school. A story in the Jan . 20, 2000, issue of The Ponca City News was unclear on this matter. ———— A Nearly News reader called Saturday to report that the Ponca City High School varsity and freshmen cheerleaders advanced to the finals of a national competition in San Antonio, Texas. -------- Lake Poncan Park and the shelter houses, closed for the holiday Festival of Angels display, will re-open for use on Monday. Air Force Band Coming to PCThe highly-acclaimed United States Air Force Band of the West has scheduled an appearance in Ponca City. The 45-member group will perform Friday, Feb. 18, in Hutchins Auditorium. Admission to the 7:30 p.m. performance is free. The band is billed as “great family entertainment and a most versatile group.” Its musical scores range from serious symphonic band literature to Broadway musicals ... from Sousa marches to Top-40 hits. Capt. Gena R. Stuchbery is the conductor. The band travels more than 10,000 miles annually performing more than 50 concerts on military bases and media-sponsored tours all over Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Louisiana. It is also an important part of San Antonio’s musical life with yearly presentations of Fiesta in Blue for the city’s annual “Fiesta” celebration and Christmas in Blue for the year-end galas. The band is headquartered at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio. A number of local businesses, including The Ponca City News, WBBZ radio, Pioneer Bank, Home Bank, Commerical Federal and Cherokee Strip Credit Union will have general admission tickets available. In 1992, the band was awarded its third Col. George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands. Easy Computing for Seniors… Or Is It?? A ReviewBy Marge Decker News Staff Writer The Senior’s Guide to Easy Computing By Rebecca Sharp Calmer PC Basics, Internet, and E-Mail reads the explanation following the title of the book The Senior’s Guide to Easy Computing. I must take issue with the facts — for this senior citizen there is nothing “easy” about computing. However, the book, published by Eklektika Press, gives it the “old college try,” relaying the information you need to successfully use your PC, including how to surf the Web and send E-mail. The author does admit that trying to keep up with computer technology and its changing ways is nearly impossible. He swears there will come a time when having a computer is as common as having a telephone, and just as necessary, and I, for one, am not looking forward to that day. I will admit a computer is a valuable tool, as the book points out, and its uses are infinite — that is, if you ever master the thing. He explains a computer can make it easier and less expensive to communicate with your children and grandchildren, and I’m sure that has to be true — that is, if you can ever figure out “which end is up.” And the author also promises that a computer can help simplify your life so that you have more time to enjoy all your favorite things .... or on the other hand, you will become fascinated by the thing and never have time to do anything else. The author insists your computer is your personal assistant — says so on page 19. It can manage your finances, write a letter, write a book, play the stock market, make day trades from home, trace your family history, take care of online shopping, pay your bills electronically (providing you have the money in the bank), meet your friends in a chat room, connect with your kids and grandkids, find old friends, make new friends, debate popular issues, entertain yourself, express yourself artistically, and play games, like solitaire, bridge, or even chess ... and even more ... what’s left? Types of PCs are discussed, hardware and software are noted. You are told about floppy disk drive, which is an economical, removable storage medium, using a magnetic disk and can be used repeatedly. Other wonderful revelations concern hard drive, CD-Rom drive, DVD, a monitor which is sometimes referred to as CRT (cathode ray tube) and sometimes a video display unit — sound OK to you? Then, there is the mouse, which is defined as a control device, controlling the pointer on your computer screen. There is a printer designed to print your computer-generated documents onto paper, and that brings us to the DPI (dots per inch) which measures how good a printer is. How about that? Can’t forget the modem — communications hardware that allows your computer to send and receive information from other computers, over a telephone line. Sound good? Which brings up the fact that you will need a modem (and a telephone line) to hook up to online services and the Internet. And then there is the chapter explaining “How Do I Get Started?” — now there’s the real meat of the deal. Really, it’s a great little book for the senior citizen who wants to become computer-intelligent. Try it, you’ll like it. It is available from Eklektika Press, P.O. Box 157, Chelsea, MI 48118. Sertoma Club To Honor Carl CoatesPlans are under way by the local Sertoma Club for the annual Heritage Banquet and honoring of outstanding citizens in the community. Current president, Nancy VanZant, advised the News that retired Ponca City News employee Carl Coates has been selected for the Service to Mankind award this year. The annual event will be held at the Rose Stone Inn on Feb. 26 with mixer at 6:30 and dinner at 7 p.m. Capt. Mark Craddock of the Salvation Army is scheduled as guest speaker for the occasion. The local Sertoma Club was established in September 1989 and has concentraed its efforts on the operation of a Children’s Emergency Medical Needs Fund for families needing assistance with medical bills, and a Durable Goods Loan Closet, which includes items such as hospital beds and walkers. The organization also collects hearing aids for use in the statewide Sertoma SHARP program, which recycles hearing aids, and the organization has established a children’s reading project at the Ponca City Library. They also sponsor a Better Speech and Hearing Month Poster Contest through St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, and at their National Heritage Banquet each year present community awards to police, fire fighters, Service to Mankind, Sertoman of the Year, and the Citizen Soldier. Those wishing to attend the annual Service to Mankind banquet may call Mark Kremeier at 765-6828 for tickets ($20), by Feb. 22. Pepperettes To Host Winter DanceThe Pepperettes service/ social organization for eighth and ninth grade girls is hosting its annual Winter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 5, at Hutchins Memorial from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Tickets for the dance are available at East Junior High and the high school during the week of January 24 — individual tickets are $8.50 and couples, $15. Freshmen girls may wear long or short formal dresses with the freshmen boys wearing tuxedos or suits. For the eighth grade girls, short dresses with no sequins, beads, etc., and the eighth grade boys wear slacks, dress shirts, ties. Freshmen girls who are members of Pepperettes and in good standing will promenade with their escorts prior to the start of the dance. A mandatory practice promenade will be held the morning of the dance, Feb. 5, at Hutchins Memorial from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Throughout the year the Pepperettes participate in several service projects as well as social events. This year the girls have volunteered each Wednesday evening at the Friendship Feast. During the Christmas season the girls helped the Salvation Army by ringing the bells at various locations in Ponca City. Monies raised from their social activities are donated on an annual basis to various non-profit organizations of Ponca City. For more information on the upcoming Winter Dance, contact Lindsey Mersman at 765-7529. Local Police, Civilians Earn State RecognitionDEL CITY — Seven members of the Ponca City Police Department and two civilian volunteers were singled out by the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Board Friday to receive the Oklahoma Community Policing Award. Among officers to receive the award from Ponca City are Chief Raymond E. Ham, Assistant Chief Major Clayton D. Johnson, Captain Dwaine D. Vincent, Master Patrolman Donald J. “D.J.” Round, Sergeant Dale E. Henshaw, Patrolman Tom A. Burg and Patrolman Bradley C. Fultz. Civilian volunteers to be named included Louise A. “Pixie” Rowland and Cynthia Linthicum. They joined two others to be named as recipients, including Captain Ernest B. Tye, Oklahoma State University Department of Public Safety, and Officer Greg T. Meeks, El Reno Police Department. Candidates for the award must first complete 32 hours of community policing training and have their police chief or city manager nominate them. The Oklahoma Community Policing Officer Award was established by the Oklahoma Regional Community Policing Institute and the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police to formally recognize uniformed officers, law enforcement executives and involved community members for their efforts in establishing the community policing philosophy within the State of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Community Policing Officer Award identifies the recipient as an individual that not only believes in the concept of community policing, but has also demonstrated active participation in performing service to fellow officers, service to their community, and their efforts to build community partnerships. It is the intent of the Oklahoma Community Policing Officer Award to place honor on service to community through community policing practices. The award sets a standard across Oklahoma and in individual municipalities that indicates the recipient is committed to crime prevention through building partnerships and community involvement. The award is a ribbon which is displayed on the police uniform. Each recipient also receives a certificate verifying that the individual has met the criteria for the award. Civic Center Update Tops AgendaAn update on the design of the Civic Center renovation project will be given to the Ponca City Board of Commission at its regular session Monday. The session will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Safety Center Commissioners Room. The commission will hear from Troy Lewis, Lewis Associates Architects, to include a summary of progress to date, as well as a schedule of events that are forthcoming. In a related item of business, a request will be made for authorization of advertising for bids concerning the Civic Center parking lot. In other new business for the commission, a request will be made for authorization on advertising for bids phase two of the Thorn Apple Valley Boulevard and Sykes Boulevard paving improvements. Also Commissioners will discuss a preservation services fund grant application to the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the Marland Mansion to obtain consultant assessment services for the ceiling repairs. A proposed senior citizen apartment development for the elderly to be located east of Fourteenth Street on Princeton Avenue will be before the commissioners also. An item that calls for a mutual aid agreement between the City of Ponca City Fire Department and Conoco is also on the agenda. Commissioners will take up a proposed ordinance creating the Ponca City Tomorrow Advisory Board of the city, providing for the appointment of members, duties of the board, terms of office, appointment of officers, establishing a quorum for conducting business, ex-officio members and various other responsibilities and duties of the board. Commissioners will receive a status update for the completion of the North Ash Street and West Hartford Avenue realignment and signalization paving project. Also a quarterly report on receipts and disbursements related to the dedicated one-half cent sales and use tax for the No. 1 Fire Station renovation will be made available to the commission. A loan agreement between the Ponca City Development Authority and Pioneer Transit Inc. will be on the commission agenda also. Commissioners will have considered a consent agenda including minutes of previous meetings, a resolution amending the operating budget of various city funds for fiscal year 1999-2000, purchase of four full-size police vehicles, a contract extension for home investment partnership grant funding and purchase of a mower for Cann Estate. Commissioners are expected to go into executive session following the Ponca City Utility Authority and Ponca City Development Authority sessions to discuss pending litigation and personnel situations. The PCUA will meet to consider a consent agenda that includes amending the operating budgets of various PCUA funds for the fiscal year 1999-2000, authorization for submitting the monthly operating statement to OWRB, and a change order on the Turkey Creek sanitation sewer project. The PCDA agenda includes the loan agreement between PCDA and Pioneer Transit Inc., that commissioners, as the lenders, will have considered earlier. School CalendarPo-Hi Jan. 24 Band at the NOC Honor Band auditions, 4:30 p.m. Job Shadowing reception at Assembly Center, 5 p.m. Sophomore boys and girls basketball at Frontier, 6 p.m. Junior class parent meeting at Commons, 7 p.m. Jan. 25 Ninth grade red girls basketball at Waller, 4 p.m. Ninth grade red boys basketball at East School, 4 p.m. Junior varsity and varsity basketball at Jenks, 4 p.m. Orchestra concert at Hutchins Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Junior and high school wrestling at Blackwell. Jan. 26 Vo-Tech testing (freshmen) at Assembly Center, 8 a.m. Jan. 27 Langston University representative at Conference Room, 10 a.m. Vo-Tech testing (freshmen) at 1 p.m. Swim/dive meet at Moore, 3 p.m. Ninth grade boys and girls red basketball at East Middle School, 4 p.m. Sophomore boys and girls basketball against Bartlesville, 6 p.m. Junior and high school wrestling against Tulsa Union at RFH, 6 p.m. Jan. 28 Junior varsity and varsity basketball at Bartlesville, 4 p.m. Varsity wrestling in Big 4X4 Tournament at RFH. Jan. 29 Varsity wrestling tournament continues. School MenusElementary Breakfast Monday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Waffles with syrup and bacon or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Elementary Lunch Monday — Cheese stix with marinara sauce or ravioli with garlic bread, broccoli with cheese sauce, spiced apples, Christmas cake, saltine crackers or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Tuesday — Chicken ringers with hot roll or hot pocket, mashed potatoes and gravy, seasoned green beans, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill pickle or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Soft beef and cheese tacos or mini corn dogs, refried beans, fruit, cheesy rice, Jello, saltine crackers, dill pickle or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Taco Bell chili cheese burrito or spaghetti with meat balls, tossed salad with ranch dressing, fruit, cookie and cream pudding, saltine crackers, dill pickle or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Friday — Hamburger or queso and chips, lettuce and tomato salad, applesauce, french fries, saltine crackers, dill pickles or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. West Middle School Breakfast Monday — Donuts or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Ham and cheese biscuit or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Waffles with syrup and bacon or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Donuts or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. East Middle School Breakfast Monday — Donuts or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Ham and cheese biscuit or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Waffles with syrup and bacon or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Donuts or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. West Middle School Lunch Available on Tuesday and Thursday at West Middle School is Subway. Monday — Cheese stix with marinara sauce, broccoli with cheese sauce, fruit, Oreos, saltine crackers, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Tuesday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, seasoned green beans, fruit, saltine crackers, dill pickle or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Soft beef and cheese tacos, refried beans, cheesy rice, fruit, Jello, saltine crackers, dill pickle or baked potatoes with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Taco Bell chili and cheese burrito, tossed salad with ranch dressing, french fries, cookies and cream pudding, fruit, saltine crackers, dill pickle or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Friday — Queso nachos, fruit, mexican beans, lettuce and tomato salad, chocolate chip cookies, saltine crackers, dill pickles or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. East Middle School Lunch Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s and Subway. Monday — Cheese stix with marinara sauce, fresh broccoli with cheese sauce, fruit, tossed salad, Oreos, dill pickles or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Tuesday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, seasoned green beans, fruit, tossed salad, dill pickle or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Soft beef and cheese tacos, refried beans, fruit, cheesy rice, tossed salad, Jello, dill pickle or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Hamburger on a bun, tossed salad with ranch dressing, french fries, fruit, cookies and cream pudding, dill pickle or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Friday — Ravioli with garlic bread, fruit, tossed salad, chocolate chip cookies, dill pickles or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. High School Lunch Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a pasta bar, baked potato bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn and Subway. The Retro Mart features a Mexican food, bakery/deli and Italian food courts. Po-Hi Campus Mart Monday — Pizza pocket or ravioli with hot roll, broccoli with cheese sauce, Rocky Road parfait, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Tuesday — Foot long corn dog, tossed salad, Jello, tator tots with cheese, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Wednesday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Thursday — Chicken patty sandwich or cheeseburger, french fries, lettuce and tomato, baked beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Friday — Sliced turkey with hot roll, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, dressing, green beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. McCord Elementary Breakfast Monday — Ham, egg and cheese bar, toast, juice and milk. Tuesday — Scrambled eggs, toast, juice and milk. Wednesday — Oatmeal, toast, juice and milk. Thursday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk. Friday — Rice, toast, juice and milk. Lunch Monday — Ham and cheese sandwich, lettuce leaf, dill spear, orange wedge, green peas and milk. Tuesday — Fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, corn, mixed fruit, hot roll and milk. Wednesday — Pizza pocket, lettuce salad, peaches, cookie and milk. Thursday — Lasagna, mixed vegetables, pineapple rings, french bread and milk. Friday — Chicken noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, hot roll, Jello with fruit and milk. Pioneer Technology Center Tuesday — Beef tips with rice, barbecue grilled chicken or chef’s choice with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts. Wednesday — Beef enchiladas, almond chicken or vegetable stir fry with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts. Thursday — Lasagna, pork chop with dressing or chef’s choice with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts. The cafeteria will be open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon. PTC Staffers Available As SpeakersPioneer Technology Center currently offers a Speakers Bureau for civic club and organization meetings in the surrounding areas. More than 50 staff members are available to speak in their respective areas or on a number of hobbies and special interest topics. Areas range from the daytime program offerings that include Business Technology, Construction, Cosmetology, Practical Nursing, Respiratory Care, Transportation, Health Science, Welding, Machine Tool, Electronics, Medical Assisting, Food Services, Child Care, Horticulture and Marketing. Also available are the client-based programs from the Business and Industry Services division that consist of Self-Employment Training, Small Business Management, Industry and Safety Training, Bid Assistance, Management Development, and Agriculture Business Management. These programs can provide information on how to start a business or improve current business management skills. In addition to the program offerings, selected Pioneer Tech faculty and staff are available for presentations that address college and career planning. Special programs that are available include Northern Oklahoma Career Alliance, formerly Project Partners, Supported Employment, Project SHARE (Sharing Hope and Redefining Education), New Beginning, and the Adult Basic Education/GED program. The Speaker's Bureau is available to the public at no charge. For scheduling or additional information, call 762-8336, Ext. 225. Over 140 PTC Students Involved Job Shadow DaySet For Feb. 2 at Vo-TechUnlike the groundhog, employees at more than 50 area businesses will definitely see their shadows on Feb. 2. More than 140 students from Pioneer Technology Center will spend the day shadowing scientists, bankers, floral designers, teachers, lawyers, government workers, mechanics, graphic artists and workers from numerous professions to experience the workplace firsthand. “Job Shadow Day provides a unique opportunity to make the world of work come alive for students,” said Sheila Foxworthy, Pioneer Technology Center's Business Technology Instructor. “It allows them the opportunity to see how academics and skills are applied in the workplace and be inspired and motivated by successful adults,” she added. Foxworthy also said that job shadowing is a great opportunity to demonstrate the link between the school and the workplace and it gives students a hands-on experience of what it takes to succeed in a profession. If you are interested in participating by allowing students to job shadow at your business at another time, please call Linda Thompson at 762-8336, ext. 244, or your local School-to-Work Coordinator. Infant Massage Class To Begin at SJRMCEnrollment has begun for the first Infant Massage class offered by St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The class, which is taught by Certified Infant Massage instructor Allison Horner through St. Joseph Wellness, begins Saturday, Feb. 5 and is for parents, caregivers and infants. Horner will teach parents a series of strokes and exercises for their babies, advise them on infant development and give lessons in the art of communication without words. “Massage is a wonderful way to augment the important early bonding of parents and their infants,” she said “and it is very helpful in relieving colic and other symptoms of infant stress.” Practitioners say that daily massage strengthens parent-child bonds, relieves colic, helps babies sleep and enhances the infant’s mental, physical and emotional development. Studies conducted at the University of Miami Medical Center show that premature babies who were massaged every day developed more rapidly both physically and neurologically. The techniques taught by Horner are based on the work of Vimala Schneider McClure, author of “Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents” and nationally-recognized infant massage expert. This is a four-week session for ages four weeks to crawling. Horner said the younger the infant the better. The course is offered in a class setting or by personal consultations for an additional fee. The cost for the group session is $25, which includes both massage oil and a copy of McClure’s book. The class begins at 11:30 a.m. and will last approximately one hour. Parents and/or caregivers are encouraged to attend with the infant. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 2. To register or for more information, call the St. Joseph Wellness Center, 765-0592. West Middle School Releases Honor RollsThe first semester honor rolls for seventh graders at West Middle School have been announced. Students placing on the Principal’s Honor Roll receive an “A” grade average, while those on the Faculty Honor Roll receive a cumulate “B” grade. Principal’s Honor Roll Seventh graders on this honor roll include Laura Aguilar, Deidre Arnold, Wesly Badley, Laura Borkenhagen, Jennifer Bounds, Allison Brown, Matt Brown, Cody Chao, Kelsey Cowan, Jennifer Daniel, Lauren Degan, Alaina Deitas, Alma DeLaGarza, Kent Dennis, Maleah Dyer, Sara Ebbert, David Eyster, Kevin Fore, Crystal Foy, Jon Furnas, Samuel Garlett, Andrew Gray, Mindy Hamrick, Andrea Hardiman, Cody Harris, Thomas Hawley, Danielle Hays, Charlcy Hermanson, Maria Hester, Jessica Hisey, Chad Holder, Morgan Hudsonpillar, Leslie Jones, Jared Kelle, Dallas Ketchum, Dawn Kruckeberg, Rod Lancaster, Laura Lechtenberg, Jamie Lentz, Megann Longmore, Erika Martin, Jennifer Miller, Kelsey Moore, Dara Moyer and Calvin Myers. Also, Tiffany Myers, Ryan O’Connor, Ashley O’Quain, Courtney Orange, Heather Orr, Hannah Palmer, Erin Pickering, Rachel Potts, Haley Schauvliege, Noelle Sheets, Skylar Skaggs, Katherine Theobald, Kyle Upchurch, Lara Upshaw, Rachael Vinyard, Brook Walker, Kelsey Whitebay, Jessica Woods, Micah Wright, James Yohn and Joseph Yohn. Faculty Honor Roll Faculty Honor Roll students in the seventh grade include Staci Adams, Kristin Ailey, Vanessa Ailey, Christopher Anderson, Jaron Anderson, Aaron Auld, Shawn Baca, Amanda Backhaus, Autumn Bailey, Ashley Baird, Charles Barraclough, Cory Behara, Katie Behara, Brett Biddinger, Paul Bjornen, Ashley Boring, Kaleb Bridges, Charlene Briner, Jessica Brown, Jacklynn Bruner, Ryann Buckley, Kathryn Burg, Kimberly Burriell, Shayna Burton, Kayla Caldwell, Shemeka Carnes, Cheyenne Cartlidge, Phillip Chapman, Amanda Choate, Chrystalyn Choate, Brady Clark, Colby Cloud, Kasey Cochran, Mason Combes, Rick Cordova, Bradley Council, Mitchell Crosthwait, Cody Cusick, Emily Dale, Hollie Davis, Shasta Davis, Goya Denny, Robert Dick, Megan Dickey, Jennifer Dove, Kelsey Empting, Jessica Epperson, Katy Farmer, Tyler Fender, April Forcum, Samantha Foster, Jeri Fox, Abby Fruits and Daniel Fuller. Also, Diana Galindo, Alicia Garson, Ben Gehlert, Alisa Geurin, Ben Gehlert, Adam Gibson, Timothy (Ross) Gilbert, Carlie Godbehere, Leta Grantham, Ashlee Greenwood, Ashley Gropp, Steven Hager, Brian Hargerdon, Blake Hamrick, Joshua Harrington, Matt Hartman, Brittney Hatton, Alexander Hawley, Brett Hendrickson, Natasha Hermes, Callie Hill, Misty Hill, Derrick Hock, Adriana Hodges, Michelle Hoffman, Jeana Holloway, J. Holmes, Douglass Hudson, Eric Inskeep, Amanda Irwin, Megan Isenberg, Brian James, Kimberly Jennings, Joshua Johnson, Jessika Kelly, Madison Kennedy, Dillon Ketchum, Ian Kilpatrick, Dustin Klopp, Derrick Kuehner, Angelica Lampkin, Whitney Lampkin, Travis Larue, Jessica Lawler, Matthew Lawson, Cari Lehman, Randi Lightle, Chase Lindell, Austin Linton, Shannon Luttrell, Kyle Maxon, Lindsey Mayse, Abigail McChristian, Michael McCreesh, Justin McCubbin, Jessi McEnrue, Steven McKinley, McKenzie Meade, Justin Melius, Judith Merz, Corntius Miller, Jennifer Miller, Sarah Miner, Amanda Moore, Crystal Moore, Heather Moorman, Kelly Morgan, Savanah Morin, Teal Morris, Daniel Morrison, William Moyer and Rachel Myers. Others include Derrick Napier, Erin Neely (Carlson), Janna Nesbit, Kaycee Nimmo, Michael O’Rear, Nicole Overman, Roxanna Pando, Eugene Pappan, Rashawn Parker, Eric Payne, Jimmy James Payne, Bradley Plunk, Sarah Powell, Patrick Powers, Johnathan Pruett, Daniel Quinn, Jennifer Reedy, Enedena Reveles, Amber Revels, Thomas Rhyne, Patricia Rogers, Samuel Rogers, R.T. Rouse, Chad Rozell, Kristen Rotledge (Ward), Shea Schutte, John Sharp, Jessica “Taylor” Shepard, Aaron Short, Jacob Shultz, Katie Slavin, Brice Smith, Jason Smith, Tiffany Spears, Tiffany Spicer, Jacob Spoons, Chelsea Stafford, Laura Stangeland, Rebecka Stanton, Laci Starnes, Kaila Steates, David Stoddard, Michelle Street, Tia Swopes, Tiffany Taiclet, Chelsey Teten, Bryce Thilsted, Casey Thomas, Kandi Townley, Gena Vancuren, Chad Vaughn, Joshua Veltman, Santanna Venturino, Lauren Vincent, Megan Waggoner, Meagan Walters (Lampe), Cody Warner, Janice Warrior, Ryan Waters, John Wheeler, Julie Wheeler, Daniel Whitaker, Abigail Williams, Joshua Williams, Amanda Wilson, Danielle Wright, Jessica Wright and Rachel Wright. City CalendarItems for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon. Anytime FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs). Alcoholics Anonymous, Alano Group, Ponca City’s first established AA Group, meets at Noon and 8 p.m., seven days a week. All noon meetings open, all 8 p.m. meetings closed except Fridays, 603 South First Street. Monday Ponca City Board of Commissioners, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, Ponca City Utility Authority and Ponca City Development Authority follow. Jim Priest, columnist for Daily Oklahoman, autographing copies of book Family Talk, based on his newspaper column, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street, public invited. Tuesday Library Preschool Programs, storytimes for ages 4-7, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Good Night for a Dragon, Ponca City Library. Rough and Tumbled Rock and Gem Club, 7 p.m., Albright Methodist Church, program Learn to Saw, Tumble and Polish Rock, visitors welcome. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Drama/Debate Department, Ponca City High School, Judging Clinic, 7-9 p.m., Ponca City Senior High School, Room 220 Howell Building, more information 767-9500 ext. 132. Wednesday Library Preschool Programs, storytimes for 2 and 3-year-olds, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Good Knight for a Dragon, Ponca City Library. Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3 Annual Membership Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Braden Community Center. Thursday Ponca City Noon Ambucs, noon to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come by. Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A (in cafeteria), St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue. Friday, Saturday, Sunday Ponca Playhouse Presents When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder?, Poncan Theatre. Saturday Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 750 presents Third Annual “TET” Dance featuring Poverty’s Children, 8 p.m., American Legion 407 West South Avenue, tickets available at the Legion office or from VVA members at $7 each. February 2 Energy Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. February 3 Ponca City Noon Ambucs, noon to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining, come by. Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, information 762-9053 or 762-7360. February 4-5 Ponca Playhouse Presents When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder?, Poncan Theatre. February 5 Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., American Legion, 407 West South Avenue, adults $3.50, children under 12 $2, children under 6 free, proceeds to the rehabilitation program. Christian Motorcycle Association, 8 a.m., Western Sizzlin’. February 6-28 Ponca City Art Association Annual Membership Show, Art Center, 819 East Central, judge will be Judith A. Dwornik, Oklahoma City. February 7 Church Women United Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m., St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh Street. Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. February 8 Annual School Elections. Economic Development Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Commissioners Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. AARP, 12:30 p.m., Wheatheart Nutrition Center, Ponca City. McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road. February 9 Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., more information, 762-9866 or 718-0314. Ponca City Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Ponca City Library Board Room, 515 East Grand Avenue. Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3 Board Meeting, 7 p.m., District Pump House, Perch Lane, Sandy Park Estates. February 10 Ponca City Housing Authority, 10 a.m., Broadway Plaza, 201 East Broadway Avenue. Annual Valentine Salad Luncheon sponsored by First Lutheran Women’s Guild, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, adults $5, pre-school $1.50, tickets available from guild member or church and school offices. Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’. East Middle School PTSA, 6:30-7:30, East Middle School Library. American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City. February 11-12 Po-Hi Presents Bye, Bye Birdie, 8 p.m., Howell Auditorium, tickets at the door $5 adults, $4 students. February 13 Po-Hi Presents Bye, Bye Birdie, 2 p.m., Howell Auditorium, tickets at the door $5 adults, $4 students. February 14 Ponca City Board of Commissioners, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, Ponca City Utility Authority and Ponca City Development Authority follow. February 15 Kaw Lake Association 2000 Board Meeting, noon, Golden Corral. Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Program Room, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand Avenue. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, corner U.S. 60E and Keeler Road, new volunteers always welcome. DAV, 7 p.m., 401 South Lincoln Street. February 16 Ponca City School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Library. Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue. February 17 Park and Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 p.m., Municipal Court Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. February 18 Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Commissioners’ Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. February 18-19 Drama/Debate Department Speech Tournament, Ponca City High School, more information 767-9500, extension 132. February 21 Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Ave. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, call Lori White, 767-1668 for more information. United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, 7 p.m., June Parsons, LPN, retired ostomy nurse, Baptist Hospital, Stillwater Medical Center Board Room. February 24 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A (in cafeteria), St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue, Ponca City. February 28 Ponca City Board of Commissioners, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, Ponca City Utility Authority and Ponca City Development Authority follow. March 14 State Primary Election, includes City Commission Election. Mission To Mark 8th AnniversaryThe Mission on South Avenue is about to become eight years old — in February to be exact. The facility, a Christian organization, was opened in February of 1992 by Hazel and Mike Riggs, on South Avenue. Hazel and Mike opened The Mission with faith and a pickup load of groceries from the Jesus House in Oklahoma City, along with two months’ free rent. Hazel remembers they had a few local volunteers who offered to help them paint and clean. At the time of the opening, Hazel remembers, they had no idea of where their help would come from, and they had no financial supporters at the time — all they knew was that Ponca City and the surrounding areas had people who were in need. “One thing we did know,” Hazel remembers, “was that God had placed a call on our lives and we were willing and desired to answer the call.” Hazel pointed out that the going has not been easy, and most people would not believe what they have survived on, but it was made possible with the help of a few faithful supporters who heard and answered God’s call to service. “We’re thankful for all those who have helped us in any way during these eight years,” Hazel said. “With God’s help and all of us together we have come a long way. We are thankful for every bite of food, every dollar, every laborer, and every piece of clothing that has come our way.” Hazel and Mike have many things they would like to see accomplished this New Year 2000, and those accomplishments will take the help of a lot of other people. They have the vision of what they want to accomplish, but at this time that’s all they have. VolunteersThe couple pointed out they need volunteers of all kinds — electricians, carpenters, plum-bers, painters, janitorial help for cleaning the Mission building, floor covering people, workers for the Mission who will do dishes and serve food, and a Christian man willing to watch over the emergency shelter for room and board. Material and Supplies NeededThere is also a growing need for material and supplies, such as paint, plumbing supplies, two sets of bathroom fixtures, two kitchen sinks, a hot water tank, building material such as carpeting, vinyl flooring, counter top covering for kitchens and bathrooms. Hazel pointed out they need four sets of heavy duty bunk beds with mattresses, a twin size bed, “solid” and box springs and mattress, two full size beds “solid” with box springs and mattress, and a chest of drawers and matching set of dresser, chest and mirror. Also needed are a living room suite and extra chair, coffee table and two end tables, kitchen table and four chairs, two refrigerators, a cook stove, four 110 air conditioners larger than a 5000 BTU, two baby beds, 13 pillows, 11 twin size bedspreads, two full size bedspreads, 22 sets twin sheets, four sets full size sheets, 30 pillow cases, 24 bath towels with wash cloths. And, three 21” to 256” plus TV stands for the shelter and a 35” to 36” plus TV stand for the teaching center. Other NeedsOther needs for the facility would include a commercial vent hood system, with the built in safety features, that will pass City inspection — one just large enough to accommodate a 30” cook stove. Hazel pointed out that they are cooking with a commercial oven and a two burner electric hot plate and currently feeding 60 to 100 people a day. They are hoping to become debt free this year, and in order to pay off the Mission property it would take $29,250 for one and $18,000 for the other. With this property, the Mission folks are cooking and feeding the people, and giving them a place to get in out of the weather, with an hour of Christian service and singing daily five days a week. They also have a clothing building so people can get clothing free of charge, and a food storage building. Also included is a Teaching Center Building which is used for Christian teaching. This building has a Christian Library so folks can come in and read or study. It also has a prayer room, for whomever wants to use it. The Mission Office is also in this building along with Bread of Life Ministries Office which is a part of The Mission. Hazel pointed out there is also a building for outreach ministries for the young folks, but they would like a large building for inside activities for the youth, and are hoping to find a donor who would give such a facility for a tax credit. There are two other areas that need work, Hazel explained. These areas will be for emergency and overnight shelter. This is the building where the before-mentioned furniture, carpet, air conditioners, and bedding are needed. And, last of all, but definitely not least, the Mission needs monthly financial supporters. It makes no difference how small the support is, Hazel pointed out, when put all together, these small amounts can accomplish great things. The Mission is not state or federally funded and their only support comes from people. In the past year, the Mission has had two new divisions added so they can serve God and the Ponca City community better. These additions are Bro. Mike’s Gospel Jubilee, directed by Mike Riggs — a place to enjoy good, clean Christian entertainment. It is open every Saturday night from 7 to 9 p.m., located at the corner of U.S. 60 and Howard Road. There is no charge, but a love offering is taken to meet the needs. The other division is Bread of Life Ministries under the supervision of Linda Countryman. The heart of this ministry is to reach the lost for Christ. At this time it is being done with a mail out of salvation letters going into Ponca City and the surrounding areas. Hazel pointed out that there is also a weekly sermonette that goes out to all who desire it. Also letters of encouragement are sent to others as the Lord directs, she said. This ministry is funded through love offerings. If you have questions about The Mission and its ministry, please call Hazel at 762-7748 or 765-1426. The Riggs would be happy to give a tour of their facilities. Red Ryder Opens Friday at PoncanPonca Playhouse will open its third show of the season, When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder Friday at 8 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre. Additional performances will be presented next Saturday and Sunday and on Feb. 4 and 5. The play, written by Mark Medoff, is directed by Paul Armstrong. The setting for When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder takes place on an early Sunday morning, at an all-night diner in a sleepy New Mexico town. The night attendant, young Stephen “Red” Ryder (Josua Sroufe) is about to turn his duties over to his daytime counterpart Angel (Toma Foster). Mr. Clark, (Ron Hernandaz) owner of the diner, comes in to complain and Angel’s friend Lyle (Royce Caldron), who runs the filling station and motel across the street, stops by for breakfast. He is soon followed by an affluent couple, Clarisse (Marlys Cervantes) and Richard (Dave Jefferis), who are en route to New Orleans. With the arrival of another couple, Teddy (Dave Guinn) and Cheryl (Kimberly Veltman), the existing calm quickly vanishes. Their van, which is being used to smuggle marijuana into California, has broken down and they are waiting for it to be repaired. Teddy soon begins to terrorize the assembled group with a gun. With black, sardonic humor he strips away all pretensions of each in turn, and exposes their innermost secrets and fears. They are soon his helpless victims, too terrified to resist as he binds and robs them before heading down the highway — this time alone. After freeing themselves, the victims realize they have come through their ordeal without serious harm — at least not physically. But for each, a searing moment of truth has been faced and, in a deeper sense, know they have been changed more than they would have the desire, or perhaps courage, to admit. In addition to directing the production, Armstrong also serves as set designer, and other production staff members include producer and set construction manager Don Jorgensen, stage manager Carey Emig, assistant stage manager Michelle Roberts, sound designer Dave May and soundboard operator Jeremy Jones. Also, light designer Ivery Allen, light board operator Tom Varner, and properties managers Paula Coppock, Shawna Rolland and Iris Jorgensen. Costumes were created by Kimberly Veltman and Ruth Woods and gun wrangler for the production is Pete Shields. Christina Rich-Splawn serves as bra wrangler, Marsha Shields as program/ photographer and Nadine Owen and Gary Owen as production photographers. Publicity was under the direction of Linda Cowley and program cover art was created by Christina Rich-Splawn. Local corporate sponsor is Cable One and additional assistance is provided by the Oklahoma Arts Council. Production dates for Red Ryder are Jan. 28, 29 and 30, and Feb. 4 and 5. Night performances begin at 8 p.m. and the Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m. The Playhouse box office, (phone 765-5360) is located at 105 East Central and will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Playhouse members may currently reserve seats, and non-members may begin reserving seats on Monday. (Note: Red Ryder contains material and language that may be unsuitable for some audience members. As a movie, it might receive an R-rating.) Letter - Deep Concerns Expressed about PTCI am very concerned about what I have been reading in the Ponca City News lately about Dr. Sally Downey, Superintendent of the Pioneer Vo-Tech, “disgruntled employees,” and the apparently high employee turnover rate. Obviously there are unresolved personnel problems that need to be dealt with. To have people go anonymously to an attorney in town and file a complaint shows me that they don’t feel they can talk to anyone at the Vo-Tech about their problems and that they are possible in fear of losing their jobs. What disappoints me the most is how the Superintendent Dr. Sally Downey and the current Board of Directors have just totally disregarded this situation and refused to deal with it. The policy of basically “not dealing” with the problems is obviously what has snowballed this issue. If I am correct it is Dr. Sally Downey that the employees have to go through to voice their issues. In light of the statements she made in the paper I can understand why they don’t. It appears, based on her statements, that they would hit a brick wall with her. The fact that the complaints are made anonymously should throw up red flags everywhere and to everyone. The Board and Dr. Downey’s behavior has shown me that what the “disgruntled employees” are saying just might be true. An apparently high employee turnover rate would have also thrown up even bigger red flags to me. This would have shown anyone that has any regard for their employees that there are major problems. I certainly hope that someone on the school board will stand up to the challenge and look into this very disturbing problem. I would like to know what, if anything, the Board is proposing to do about this? Why isn’t there a committee (of teachers, employees and board members) set up to deal with these kinds of problems? What guarantee do the employees and teachers have against backlash from their complaints? K.J. Werelius Blackwell, Okla. Letter - Why Can’t We Leave Cockfighting Alone?I am not a cockfighter nor do I ever intend to attend a cockfight, but for the life of me I can’t figure out why we can’t leave those people alone. Rick Ewing Fairfax, Okla. DEATHSVirgil C. Noble Virgil C. NobleVirgil C. Noble, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday morning, Jan. 21, 2000, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City. He was 73. The family will host a private memorial service at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Virgil C. Noble was born April 9, 1926, in Ponca City. He was the son of Virgil C. and LeNora M. (Stanton) Noble. He grew up and attended schools here. He entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II. On June 1, 1955, he married Carmelita Martindale in Kingman, Ariz. Mr. Noble worked as a construction contractor and finish carpenter. He returned to Ponca City in 1971. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and at one time served as an officer. His favorite pastimes included hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Carmelita of the home; daughter, Dawn Moore of Clinton, S.C.; brother, Don Noble of Odessa, Texas; and one granddaughter. In addition to his parents, a sister, Doris Blaylock, and a brother, Robert D. “Bob” Noble, preceded him in death. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for heart research, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. ObituariesFlossie Mae RitterFlossie Mae Ritter died Friday afternoon, Jan. 21, 2000, at Tender Heart Health Care. She was 93. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday afternoon, in the Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Kevin Emmons, pastor of Pentecostal Church of Ponca City officiating. Burial is under direction of Trout Funeral Home. Born July 26, 1906 in Welling, Okla., she was the daughter of James and Margaret (Johnson) Mathew. She attended Stillwell Oklahoma Schools. On July 28, 1923, she was married to Clarence C. Ritter in Stilwell. The couple moved to Ponca City in October of 1929 when Mr. Ritter began his career with Continental Oil Company. He preceded her in death on May 25, 1980. She was a member of the Pentecostal Church of Ponca City and enjoyed gardening, quilting, and crocheting. Survivors include her daughter, Mrs. Frank (Pauline) Keller, three grandsons, Clayton Gillock, Ponca City, Jim Gillock, Oklahoma City and Greg Gillock, Broken Arrow. There are 8 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren surviving. In addition to her parents and husband, an infant son preceded her in death. Two sisters Ida Bricker and Betty Mathew and one brother John Mathew also preceded her in death. Honorary casket bearers will be Clay Gillock, Amy Roush, Megan Noble, Jennifer Gillock, Wilson Cash, Nathan Gillock, Katie Gillock and Brett Gillock. paid obituary NEWS BRIEFSExtra Patrol — A resident in the 100 block of North Palm requested extra patrol for a possible incident at 7:41 a.m. Friday. Want to Start Your Own Business? — Pioneer Technology Center’s Self Employment Training program is enrolling now! The Self-Employment Training program will show you how to start your business for less cash, how to protect your current assets, and every step you need to consider before opening the doors of your business. To enroll or find out more about starting your very own business, call Larry Atteberry, 762-8336, ext. 262. 911 Calls — Several 911 calls were received at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:18 a.m. Monday advising of an accident at Pine and South Avenue. A report was taken and one person was transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv. Minor Accident — A minor accident report was taken at 1:11 p.m. Friday in the 1700 block of Yale by a Ponca City police officer. Nursing Sessions — The University of Oklahoma College of Nursing will hold two advisement sessions for the LPN/RN to BSN nursing program on Friday, Jan. 28. The sessions will be from 10 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. in Conference Room C at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Prospective students are encouraged to “come and go” at either session. For further information contact Kay Farrell at (580) 237-7294 or Patti Matney at 1-877-367-OURN. Man Arrested — A 19-year-old male was arrested at 3:59 p.m. Friday at First and Grand Avenue for driving under suspension. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765- 9689. adv. Sertomans Plan Fund-Raiser — Members of the Ponca City Sertoma Club will sponsor a fund-raiser at El Chico on Tuesday, Jan. 25. They invite folks in the community to make a point of stopping by for a meal on that day ... give the Sertoma Club a helping hand. Stolen Bike — A report on a stolen bike was made at 3:58 p.m. Friday in the 1400 block of West Highland. Class of 1975 — A planning meeting for a reunion of the Ponca City High School graduating class of 1975 is set for 6 p.m. Monday at Hero’s. For more information call 765-9964. Grass Fire — The Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department responded at 4:50 p.m. Friday to a grass fire in the 3600 block of West Oakland. Creative Memories — February 5, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for Class; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Workshop, Brookfield Avenue Wesleyan Church, North Third and Brookfield. Cost is $10, complete line available, free supplies and snacks served.. Everyone welcome. For more information, call G. Shafer 762-1968. Calves Loose — A motorist notified Ponca City’s emergency 911 service of calves loose on the roadway at 5:45 p.m. Friday in the 3600 block of North Union because of a large hole in a fence. An officer was assigned and the calves were put back in the pen. Dance Deadlines — Application forms for the Pepperette Winter Dance are available in Mrs. Gardner’s Room, A200, at the high school. These forms are to be used to order dance tickets, T-shirts and videos. Completed forms and money for your order will be taken during the lunch periods the week of January 24. Extra Patrol — At 6:15 p.m. Friday an officer of the Ponca City Police Department took a report on a domestic assault and battery which occurred earlier in the 500 block of North Eighth. Driving Under Suspension — A 26-year-old male was arrested at 12th and Highland Avenue at 6:34 p.m. Friday for driving under suspension. Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv. Drug Paraphernalia — A 26-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man were arrested at 2 a.m. Saturday on city warrants for possession of paraphernalia following a disturbance in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street. Sale! 20%/50%/70% savings. Kids/Her Review. adv. 911 Call — A 911 call was received at 11:04 p.m. Friday from the 300 block of South Elm advising several subjects were in a parking lot with weapons. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded and advised several females were fighting over a boyfriend. Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv. Loud Music — A loud music complaint was made from the 400 block of South Ninth at 11:13 p.m. Friday. Extra patrol will be given. Look Younger in one hour. Hair stylist JoAnn Watkins is working on Fridays. Call for appointment. 765-5055. adv. Citizen Assaulted — Ponca City police responded to a 911 call from a motorist who reported an individual struck him in the face on Thirteenth Street at 11:30 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Gold ‘N Treasures Jewelry-quality 14K gold and sterling silver jewelry, 762-7273, corner of Prospect and 14th. adv. Man Arrested — A 30-year-old man was in police custody shortly after midnight Saturday morning on complaints that he violated an ex parte order and was carrying a concealed weapon in the 400 block of South Osage Street. Productive Hair salon for sale. Amazin’ Hair People, 108 North Fifth, Call 762-6813. adv. Possible Break-In — A 911 call was received at 1:12 a.m. Saturday from the 200 block of North Fifth advising of glass being broken downstairs. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department responded an was unable to locate a problem. Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv. Two Arrested — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department arrested two subjects at 9:59 p.m. Friday in the 1400 block of East Hartford. A 28-year-old male was arrested for driving under restriction and a Kay County warrant, and a 48-year-old male was arrested for public intoxication. Fake bake tanning lotion now at Carla’s Hallmark, 4th and Grand, Downtown. adv. Harassing Customers — Ponca City police arrested a 38-year-old man and towed his pickup truck at 2:14 a.m. Saturday on complaints that he was driving while intoxicated and harassing customers in the WalMart parking lot. Concealed Hand gun class. Jan. 29th, 8:00 am to finish. For more information call 765-6589. adv. Reckless Driving — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department arrested a 17-year-old male at First and Liberty at 2:53 a.m. Saturday for attempting to elude, reckless driving and driving under the influence. Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv. Subject Arrested — At 3:14 a.m. Saturday an officer of the Ponca City Police Department arrested a 23-year-old male in the 2600 block of North Union for driving under the influence and transporting an open container. Arden Blough, M.D. and Deanna Johnston, P.A.-C at Ponca Family Medicine, 415 Fairview, continue to serve established clinic patients and welcome new patients. Children, adolescents and adults are served at the clinic. Office hours by appointment. Call 765-4623 for an appointment. adv. City Warrants — A 27-year-old male was arrested in e 2600 block of North Union at 4:02 a.m. Saturday for a city warrant. Buy More, Save More! Big sale through Sunday. Carla’s Hallmark, 4th and Grand, Downtown. adv. Juvenile Citations — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department issued several juvenile citations at Oklahoma and Osage Street at 4:16 a.m. Saturday. Kids Review now accepting spring/summer childrens consignments. adv. Public Intoxication — At 5:20 a.m. Saturday a 46-year-old male was arrested at Eagle and Martha for public intoxication. LIFESTYLESPonca City Happenings Ponca City HappeningsSunday Marland Estate Mansion, 901 Monument Road, open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Guided tours Monday-Friday, 1:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Special tour information, 767-0420. Pioneer Woman Museum, open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays. Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central. Wednesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Ponca City Cultural Center and Museum, 10th and Grand. Home of Ponca City Indian Museum, Bryant Baker Studio, 101 Ranch Museum and DAR Museum. Available for receptions, teas, bridge parties, etc. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. 767-0427. Ponca City Tourism Office, 10th and Grand. Information about all tourist attractions and events in Ponca City and the surrounding area. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. 763-8067. 11th Step AA meeting — open, 11 a.m.; AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third. AA Alano Group — 8 p.m., closed topic meeting: 603 South 1st. Monday Al-Anon meeting, 8-9 p.m. Monday, upstairs in the Harmony House, 212 South Third. Domestic Violence Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays. Programs for women and children of family violence. Babysitter provided. For information call 76A-BUSE. Fibromyalgia Support Group meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the parlor of the First Baptist Church. More information may be obtained by calling Betty Wilson, 762-3768; Mary Beth Guy, 765-9894; Martha Long, 762-5572. Guest speaker, Zakary T. Larson, will speak about Shiatsu massage and how it can help to ease fibromyalgia. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm. Call Beth Wright, 765-6738, for additional information. Ponca City Rotary Club, noon Monday, Marland Mansion Chapel. Simple Steps AA — closed, noon; AA Step Study — closed, 8 p.m.; Harmony House, 212 South Third. AA Alano Group — Noon, discussion; 603 South 1st. TOPS OK 308 members weigh-in time is 6 to 6:45 p.m. with meetings starting at 6:45 p.m. on Mondays. For information call Betty Flower at 765-5448. Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Monday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot). Pioneer Area Quilters Guild meets the first Monday of each month at Community Christian Church on West Grand. Business meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. There will not be a meeting in July. Church Women United board meeting Monday, Feb. 7, 9:30 a.m., St. John Baptist Church, 1009 South Eleventh. Jim Priest, columnist for “The Daily Oklahoman,” will autograph copies of his book “Family Talk” 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at Brace Books and More on North Fourteenth. The book is based on his newspaper column of the same name. Tuesday The American Family Support Group will meet 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 1105 West Highland. The topic will be Child Welfare Services and child abuse. Kay County Wheatheart Sweet Adelines, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Performing Arts building (south entrance) Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. All women welcome. For information call 765-6829, 363-1643 or 762-2885. Kiwanis Club, noon Tuesday, Marland Mansion Conference Center. New-Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m., Tuesday, Harmony House (upstairs library). AA Discussion meeting at noon; AA Big Book Study — closed, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third. AA Alano Group — Noon, Big Book; 8 p.m., closed, Step Studies with first Tuesday for Traditions; 603 South 1st. Freedom Group of AA; Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. We study and practice tradition. Study Discussion of “As Bill Sees It” and other AA approved literature. For more information, call John at 762-3345 or Chuck at 718-9253. Parent Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns and frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques, and introduction to nonpunitive parenting styles. Preschool storytime for 4-, 5-and 6-year-olds, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Ponca City Library. Ponca Prairie Pleaters meet the first Tuesday evening of each month with the exception of the summer months. For more information call Cheryl, 762-9618. Weight Watchers meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Weigh-in begins at 6 p.m. Fanchon Chapter 53, Order of the Eastern Star, meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 1200 West Grand. Free pregnancy test is kept confidential at Birth Choice, 700 West Broadway, Hours are 6-8 p.m. Tuesday; 1-3 p.m. Wednesday; 6-8 p.m. Thursday. Call 765-9689. Wednesday Pioneer Toastmasters Club, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, R&D East Auditorium, Conoco Complex, 1000 South Pine. Guests welcome; public invited. For additional information, contact Bob Ennis, 767-5946. Ponca City Bahai Community Discussion Group, 7:15 p.m. Wednesday. For location call 765-5695 or 762-5529. Simple Steps AA meeting; Step Study — closed, noon. AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third. AA Alano Group — Noon, discussion; 603 South 1st. Al-Anon meeting, 8-9 p.m. Wednesday, upstairs in the Harmony House, 212 South Third. Storytime for 2 and 3-year-olds, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Short stories, songs, use of flannel board. Lasts about 15 minutes. Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs meets at the Cann Center on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Anyone interested in gardening, flowers, birds, butterflies, conservation, historic preservation, landscape design or environmental education, is welcome to attend. For more information call 762-3695, or 762-3555. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) support group aids veterans of the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. The group is confidential and meets at the DAV, 401 South Lincoln, Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. If you are a veteran suffering with PTSD or know someone who could use help, contact 762-3851 or Steve Mallory, 762-7561. Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot). Members of the Four O’Clock Garden Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the home of Ann Kinsinger, 133 Whitworth. Co-hostesses will be Jane Johnson, Charlotte Lembke, and Betty Rains. Kenn Wessel will present the program “The Millennium.” International Club will meet Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at the home of Nadia Salama. The Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program will be presented by the TANF staff. For more information, contact Nadia Salama, 762-7984. Thursday Al-Anon at Conoco, TBTV 50 on Mezzanine between North and South Towers, 11:30 p.m. Thursday. Call Linda, 765-7045, 767-5328. AA Discussion meeting, noon; AA discussion meeting, 8 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third. AA Alano Group — Noon, open, discussion; 603 South 1st. Freedom Group of AA; closed Big Book Study at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. We study and practice tradition. Open meeting the last Thursday of each month for birthdays. For more information, call John at 762-3345 or Chuck at 718-9253. Jaycees, 7 p.m., first and third Thursdays. Chamber of Commerce meeting room. Interested persons welcome to attend any meeting. Model Railroad Club, 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Stephenson Building, 113 North Third. For information call 762-8687 or 765-7996. Parent Support Group, 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns, frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, copying techniques and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles. Ponca City Newcomers Club meets the third Thursday of each month at the Marland Mansion. For more information contact Joyce Fox, 762-9578. For more information and to make reservations call Joyce Fox, 762-9578. Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Thursday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot). American Legion Post 14 meets at 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at the Huff-Minor Post home, 407 West South Avenue. DAV meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 401 South Lincoln. Friday AA Alano Group — Noon, open, Step Study with the first Friday for traditions; 8 p.m., open, discussion, last Friday for birthdays; 603 South 1st. Pioneer Rotary Club, 11:45 a.m. Friday, Marland Mansion. Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance). Smoke-free building. For more information call 762-3345 or 765-9459. Ponca Playhouse presents “When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder” at the Ponca Playhouse Jan. 28-20 and Feb. 4-5. Saturday AA Discussion meeting at noon Saturday. AA Discussion meeting at 8 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third. AA Alano Group — Noon, open, discussion; 603 South First. New Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Saturday, Harmony House (upstairs library). Smoke-free. Freedom group of AA; Closed meeting at noon at the Woodlands Christian Church, room 202 upstairs, Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free building. Study and discuss AA approved literature. AA traditions are studied and practiced. For more information, call John at 762-3345 or Chuck at 718-9253. Order of the Amaranth meets the first and third Saturdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple. Overeaters Anonymous group meets 11-12 Saturday mornings at Woodlands Christian Church. The meetings are open to “anyone who desires to stop eating compulsively.” Fore more information call 762-2161. Poverty’s Children band will provide music for a “Rock’n Roll” dance Saturday, Jan. 29, 8 p.m., at the American Legion, 407 West South Avenue. Food and beverage will be provided and a pay bar available. It is sponsored by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 750, and ticket cost is $7 per person. Tickets may be purchased at the legion, 765-9073, or by calling 765-6707 or any VVA chapter member. TOPS Chapter Members MeetTOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday evening. Ann McCool was in charge of the meeting, and Loretta Riley gave the devotional “Give Yourself a Spiritual Check Up.” Ann Stuever led the TOPS Pledge, and Robert Oldham led the KOPS Kreed. Natalie McCoy called the roll, and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Wanda Headrick was the best loser, and Ruth Ann Lenz won the Ha-Ha pot. Forbidden food for the week is cornbread. Wanda Headrick gave the program “Forget Diet — Focus on Healthy Eating.” She stressed following the recommended food pyramid. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs, and contests are used to encourage weight loss. Weigh-in time is 6-6:45 p.m. Monday. For more information contact Betty Flower, 765-5448 or Delpha Clemens, 762-2844. Wheatheart Nutrition Menu Is AnnouncedFor Wheatheart Nutrition Menu information call 767-1620. Volunteers are needed to deliver noon meals to the elderly homebound. Menus for this week are as follows: Monday, Jan. 24: Barbecue beef; tomato rice soup; mixed vegetables or vegetable sticks; bun with margarine; peach crisp. Tuesday, Jan. 25: Fish krispies with catsup; tomato relish; oven fried okra; muffin with margarine; red fruit gelatin with whipped topping. Wednesday, Jan. 26: Hot turkey sandwich with gravy; mashed potatoes; buttered peas and carrots; bread with margarine; fresh fruit. Thursday, Jan. 27: Vegetable meatloaf; coleslaw; scalloped potatoes; whole wheat roll with margarine; peaches; sugar cookie. Friday, Jan. 28: Chicken and noodles; seasoned green beans; tropical fruit mix; biscuit with margarine; cherry fluff. Oklahoma Historical Society CalendarFebruary Feb. 2-23 — Cherokee Strip Museum, Perry: “Through Our Grandmothers’ Eyes,” traveling exhibit, regular museum hours, free (580) 336-2405. Feb. 1-31 — State Museum of History, Oklahoma City: Special Exhibit on USS Oklahoma Battleship, regular hours, free (405) 522-5244. Feb. 1-March 31 — Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: Quarterly exhibit on colleges, universities, regular hours, (405) 744-2828. Feb. 5 — Fort Gibson Historic Site: Victorian Valentine Workshop on making Victorian valentines, call for times, fee $10, preregistration required (918) 478-4088. Feb. 5 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Victorian Hat Workshop by Cynthia Baker of Pincushion Shop in Guthrie, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., fee $20 to $40 depending on materials, pre-registration required, (405) 375-5176. Feb. 10 — T.B. Ferguson House, Watonga: Victorian Clothing Seminar by Martha Ray and Meredith Prough of Historical Society Site Service Center at Watonga Library, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., free (580) 623-5069. Feb. 11 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Victorian Dancing by Yesteryear Dance Troupe of Pawnee at Chisholm Trail Museum Auditorium, 7 to 9 p.m., free (405) 375-5176. Feb. 12 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: “Sweet Memories” program by Peggy Goodrich of Enid, 1 to 3 p.m., free (405) 375-5176. Feb. 12 — Fort Washita Historic Site, Durant-Madill: Frontier Battalion Muster, Civil War Living History, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., free (580) 924-6502. Feb. 17 — Museum of the Cherokee Strip, Enid: Brown Bag Luncheon with Paul Gilge of University of Oklahoma on “What a Riot” (riots in American History), noon, free (580) 237-1907. Feb. 19 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Tatting Workshop by Judi Banashek, 1 to 4 p.m., free (405) 375-5176. Feb. 23 — Museum of the Cherokee Strip, Enid: Brown Bag Luncheon with Dr. Al Turner of East Central State University of Ada as speaker on “Indians in Transition,” noon, free (405) 237-1907. Feb. 24-27 — Fort Towson Historic Site, Fort Towson: 1830s Fur Trade Rendezvous, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 24-26; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 27; fee $1 per car (580) 873-2634. March March 1 — Museum of the Cherokee Strip, Enid: Brown Bag Luncheon with first person impression of President James A. Garfield by Gary Gray of Enid, noon to 1 p.m., free, (580) 237-1907. March 1-31 — State Museum of History, Oklahoma City: Special Exhibit on USS Oklahoma Battleship, regular hours, free (405) 522-5248. March 1-31 — Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: Quarterly exhibit on colleges, universities, regular hours, (405) 744-2828. March 2-28 — Cherokee Strip Museum, Perry: Watercolor Oklahoma XIV traveling exhibit, regular museum hours, free (580) 336-2405. March 9 — Museum of the Cherokee Strip, Enid: Brown Bag Luncheon with “Oklahoma’s Celluloid Cowboys” by History Prof. Warren Rieger of Enid Branch of Northwestern State University, noon to 1 p.m., free, (580) 237-1907. March 9 — T.B. Ferguson House, Watonga: Victorian Hat Decorating Workshop at Watonga Library by Martha Ray and Meredith Prough, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., fee $8, (580) 623-5069. March 10 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Chisholm Trail Living History for students, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., free, (405) 375-5176. March 10 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Chisholm Trail Living History, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., fee $2 (children under 10 free), (405) 375-5176. March 16-19 — Fort Towson Historic Site, Fort Towson: Last Surrender Campaign living history, commemorating last surrender by a Confederate General to end Civil War. Events open to the public: March 16 — Camp at Rose Hill Cemetery, 4:30 p.m. to dark; March 17 — Civil War battle presentation one-and-one-half miles south of Sawyer, 5 p.m.; March 18 — Camp at Doaksville, 4:30 to 6 p.m.; March 19 — Last Surrender Ceremony at Fort Towson Historic Site, 1 p.m.; Fee - $3 per car for each event, (405) 522-5235, or (580) 873-2634. March 17 — T.B. Ferguson House, Watonga: Friends of the T.B. Ferguson House fund-raiser with chicken and noodle dinner at Blaine County Fairgrounds, 5 to 7 p.m.; fees, adults - $4, children under 12 - $2.50, (580) 623-5069. March 18 — Chisholm Trail Museum and Seay Mansion, Kingfisher: Gov. A.J. Seay Inaugural Ball at Kingfisher County Fairgrounds Women’s Building, 8 p.m., admission $8, (405) 375-5176. March 18 — Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, Spiro: Annual Family Kite Flite Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission free, parking $1 per car (918) 962-2062. March 18 — Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Tatting Workshop by Judi Banashek, 1 to 4 p.m., free (405) 375-5176. March 19-20 — Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, Spiro: Spring Equinox Walk with guided tours by archaeologist Dennis Peterson, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day; Adults $3, children 7 to 12 $1, children under 7 free (918) 962-2062. March 25 — Fort Gibson Historic Site, Fort Gibson: Public Bake Day and Dance Workshop, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., regular admission (918) 478-4088. March 29-April 2 — Fort Washita Historic Site, Duran-Madill: Annual Fur Trade Rendezvous, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, $3 per car (free to school bus groups), (580) 924-6502. March 31 — Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: History Day District Competition, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., free (405) 744-2828. Test Your Nutrition And Exercise IQThe holidays are over and a new year has begun, maybe leaving us a little heavier than we want to be, or anxious to keep resolutions on becoming more fit. “There are a lot of misconceptions about dieting and exercise,” emphasizes Susan Henning, YMCA water exercise coordinator. “Greg Armstrong, YMCA personal trainer, and I attended a certification workshop on nutrition and exercise a couple of years ago and thought it would be fun to provide a short quiz to test your understanding of how nutrition and exercise are interrelated.” Questions can be answered either true or false. Answers and explanations follow the quiz. 1. A safe rate of weight loss is 3-4 pounds per week. T or F 2. It takes an excess of 2500 calories to create a pound of fat. T or F 3. A pound of muscle takes up 1/3 the space of a pound of fat. T or F 4. Women usually have a higher metabolic rate than men because they have less muscle tissue. T or F 5. Past dieting efforts have no effect on our ability to lose weight. T or F 6. Taking in more calories than you expend results in weight loss. T or F 7. Baseline metabolic rate can rise as much as 7-28 percent for up to 4-6 hours after exercise. T or F. 8. Strength training raises resting metabolic rate as well as the exercise and post-exercise metabolic rates. T or F 9. After age 25, we begin to lose approximately 1/2 pound of muscle per year and our metabolisms drop 1/2 percent per year. T or F Answers 1. (F) A safe weight loss is up to two pounds per week. Anything more may mean you are losing muscle. 2. (F) It takes an excess of 3500 calories to create a pound of fat. You won’t get fat overnight nor slim down overnight either. 3. (T) That’s why we lose inches when we gain muscle mass while staying the same weight. 4. (F) Men have higher metabolic rates on average because they have higher muscle mass 5. (F) Severe calorie restricted diets may lead to muscle loss and a lower metabolic rate. It may be harder to lose weight with each successive diet, especially if you don’t exercise. 6. (F) Just the opposite! Weight gain results from excess caloric intake. 7. (T) Split exercise sessions into two segments to get two 4-6 hours boosts of raised metabolism following exercise. 8. (T) Strength training, working the muscles against a resistance, increases muscle mass and the potential to burn calories throughout the day no matter what the activity. 9. (T) Basic metabolism drops as muscle mass decreases caused by aging. Therefore, strength training may be our only weapon in preventing muscle weakness, decreased mobility, and vulnerability to injury as well as decreased metabolic rate and so called aging induced weight gain. Exercise instructors at the YMCA are certified in exercise, safety, and health issues. Instructors must accumulate continuing education credits to renew their certifications every two years. For more information about fitness opportunities offered at the YMCA, call 765-5417. Medical MinutesMalignant MelanomaBy Paul L. Gelven, M.D., Northern Oklahoma Pathology Consultants, and T. B. Gilbert, M.D., Ponca City Surgical Clinic. Cutaneous malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer which is increasing in incidence at an alarming rate. It has the most lethal potential of any type of skin cancer and was not long ago considered almost uniformly deadly. It is projected that Americans born in the year 2000 will have a 1 in 75 lifetime risk of developing melanoma. Fortunately, today, as a result of increased public awareness for the earliest signs of melanoma, most are cured surgically while they are still limited to the superficial layers of the skin. Sunlight a FactorAs in most skin cancers, sunlight plays an important role in the development of this type of malignancy. Sunlight is not the only predisposing factor. Other factors include preexisting moles, hereditary factors, exposures to certain carcinogens, etc.. The most susceptible people to develop melanoma are fair complected, have red hair, or have a tendency to burn or develop freckles with sun exposure. However, melanoma can develop in people of any type of complexion, and don’t always develop in sun-exposed areas. Most melanomas occur in the head and neck area and lower extremities but can develop anywhere, even the palms, soles or nailbeds of fingers and toes. Although most occur after puberty, it has developed in children. Melanoma Can SpreadMalignant melanoma can spread (metastasize) to any part of the body, but tends to spread to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, bone, and central nervous system. Long term survival for patients with metastatic disease is only 5 percent and approximately 15 percent of patients with diagnosed melanoma will die of their disease. It is, therefore, important to diagnose melanoma as soon as possible. Variety of AppearancesMelanomas have a variety of appearances but tend to be pigmented (colored) lesions with irregular borders (edges) and color variegation (shades of black, brown, red, dark blue and gray). They can also be hypopigmented or flesh colored lesions, so that lack of pigmentation does not mean a lesion is not melanoma. Most are asymptomatic although some itch. The most important clue that a lesion may be melanoma is a sudden change in color. Other warning signs include enlargement of a pre-existing mole, itching or pain in a pre-existing mole, development of a new pigmented lesion during adult life, irregularity of borders of a pigmented lesion and variegation of color within a pigmented lesion. Biopsy of LesionDiagnosis of melanoma requires a biopsy of the lesion with examination by a pathologist. When your primary care physician, surgeon, or dermatologist examine a suspicious lesion, they can either biopsy or excise the lesion and send the specimen to a pathology laboratory to be examined. In most cases, a benign or malignant diagnosis can be made. Less frequently, the lesion will be considered an atypical type of mole (dysplastic or atypical nevus). These lesions need to be completely excised but do not need the wide excision of melanoma. Surgical removal remains the mainstay of treatment for patients with melanoma. In high risk patients (those with deeply invasive tumors), regional lymph node biopsy and/or resection is recommended. To date, the only drug seen to increase survival in high risk patients is alpha-interferon. There is much research being done and, hopefully, other drugs will follow. For patients with disseminated disease (melanoma which has spread beyond the skin), 20 percent respond to chemotherapy, but the responses are usually short-lived and there is no associated increase in survival. In summary, malignant melanoma is a highly lethal form of skin cancer which is increasing in incidence but, if discovered early, can be surgically cured. The ‘Best of Show’ Art Center Award Goes To PT ClubThe program for the Professionals Today meeting Thursday at Golden Corral was on the “New Beginning Program” at Pioneer Technology Center. Sallie Niemann and Angie Bradley of the TANIF PTC staff told about the program. They were introduced by Pixie Rowland, president-elect and program chairman. After Niemann and Bradley made their presentation, a graduate of the New Beginning, Sylvain Jackson, told of her success. She was a single mother and was trying to stay in school. With the assistance of TANIF, she finished school, graduating from the LPN program. She is now a supervisor for C&D Home Health Care. Sue Lunsford, president, called on members to sign up for various committees. Committees and chairmen are: cook-off, Karen Furman and Robyn Boettcher; community service, Lana Jones; finance; Jan Emo; hospitality, Melody Lahann; and membership, Sally Niemann. The Christmas tree decorated by Professionals Today won the title of “Best of Show” in the Ponca City Art Center’s annual Christmas tree collage. Robyn Boettcher headed up the decorating committee. Helping to decorate the tree were Karen Hunter, Jannie Richards, Liz Cochrane and Debbie Whitener. Theme for the tree was “Cherokee Strip Cook-off.” Participating in Roses and Raspberries were Robyn Boettcher, Jocelyn Marzuola, Sally Downey and Sue Lunsford. Liz Cochrane presented a giant size “thank you” card Bridgeway to Debbie Whitener, who headed up the committee to provide Christmas gifts to that organization. Moments were given by Louise Abercrombie, who read from “Wild Words From Wild Women” complied by Autumn Stephens. The executive committee will meet Feb. 2, and the business meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3. The program meeting on Feb. 17 will feature Melody Lahann and the Hospice quilt. Bits and PiecesGarden ClubMembers of the Four O’Clock Garden Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the home of Ann Kinsinger, 133 Whitworth. Co-hostesses will be Jane Johnson, Charlotte Lembke, and Betty Rains. Kenn Wessel will present the program “The Millennium.” Fibromyalgia MeetingFibromyalgia Support Group will meet Monday at 7 p.m. in the parlor of the First Baptist Church. More information may be obtained by calling Betty Wilson, 762-3768; Mary Beth Guy, 765-9894; or Martha Long, 762-5572. Guest speaker, Zakary T. Larson, will speak about Shiatsu massage and how it can help to ease fibromyalgia. He is owner of “Astonishing Bodyworks.” Alpha Chi OmegaAlpha Chi Omega alumnae will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the home of Sandy Hudack, 1508 El Camino. Guest speaker will be Enrique Avila. New members in the area are invited to attend. For more information call Pauletta, 765-5033. Singles NetworkThe Singles Network activity schedule for this week includes a slide show at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at Phil’s. Call 765-4620 if you plan to attend. The group will meet Jan. 26, 5:45 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church parking lot to travel to Stillwater for dinner at the Red Lobster. On Jan. 27, 7 p.m., a VCR party will be held at Lenora’s, and those attending should bring snacks. A baked potato supper is slated Jan. 29, 6 p.m., at Dorothy’s. Call 765-1403 for information. VVA DancePoverty’s Children band will provide music for a “Rock’n Roll” dance Saturday, Jan. 29, 8 p.m., at the American Legion, 407 West South Avenue. Food and beverage will be provided and a pay bar available. It is sponsored by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 750, and ticket cost is $7 per person. Tickets may be purchased at the legion, 765-9073, or by calling 765-6707 or any VVA chapter member. Kiwanis Celebrates 85 YearsOn Jan. 21, 1915, in Detroit, Mich., the first Kiwanis club was chartered. Barely a year later, the first club organized in Canada, and Kiwanis became an international organization. Today, Kiwanis has grown to more than 9,000 clubs with a third of a million members in 82 countries around the world. The Kiwanis club in Ponca City formed in 1927 under the leadership of Sherwood Noll, Harry Baughman, Earl Drake, and Claud Northcutt. Kiwanis members are active or retired business and professional men and women who desire to serve their communities. Last year, Kiwanis clubs around the world raised and spent more than $70 million on community service activities, with a special emphasis on meeting the needs of young children. Kiwanis members also donated almost 6 million hours to these service activities. With this money and volunteer time, Kiwanis conducted almost 150,000 projects to meet community needs. The Ponca City club serves the community by ongoing projects, such as hosting at Friendship Feast and the Festival of Angels, donating to the New Emergency Resource Board and Domestic Violence, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, providing scholarships to Boys and Girls State and college, and numerous other projects that differ each year, depending upon the immediate needs of the community. Paula Coppock, Kiwanis president, emphasizes the service focus of “Young Children: Priority One.” Coppock and Cindy Gorrel, Young Children committee chair, lead the club in sponsoring significant projects that serve the special needs of young children from prenatal development to age five. The club helped raise money for the Mittens in Moldova project to provide warm winter mittens for children in the orphanage in Moldova. Agnes Hatlelid, Worldwide Service Project for Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) committee chair, leads the club in working to eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorder worldwide. This project is the first Kiwanis Worldwide Service Project in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund. Kiwanis has pledged to raise $75 million to assist nations in eliminating IDD, the leading preventable cause of mental retardation in the world today. Iodine is a micronutrient that is essential for proper development of the brain and nervous systems. While iodine deficiency is rare in industrialized countries where salt is iodized, it is prevalent in other countries lacking the ability to produce enough iodized salt. About 500 million children are at risk. However, because of the IDD money donated and already put to work, eight million children are saved each year from being born with mental retardation caused by a lack of iodine in the mother’s diet. Inter-Club visits are a big part of the Kiwanis family. Don Long, Inter-Club committee chair, leads the club in visiting all the other clubs in the district. Mr. Long and his committee of Earl Czaplinski and Jim Trout find at least one other person and go visiting throughout the year. As Kiwanis International marks the 85th anniversary of its founding, the Kiwanis Club of Ponca City is proud to uphold the objects of the organization to give primacy to the human and spiritual, rather than to the material values of life; to encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships; to promote the adoption and the application of higher social, business, and professional standards; to develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship; to provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service, and to build better communities; and to cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism which make possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and goodwill. Men and women who are interested in community service are welcome to visit Kiwanis meetings on Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m. The club has moved back to E.W.’s restaurant on the Marland Estate. Amy Jane Snyder Weds Chad Matthew MarazasAmy Jane Snyder and Chad Matthew Marazas were married in a 2 p.m. ceremony Dec. 31, 1999, in the Marland Mansion. Their vows were officiated by the Rev. Jeremy Dunn of Tahlequah, a cousin of the bride. The bride is the daughter of Richard and Edith Snyder of Ponca City, and the granddaughter of June Snyder of Lucien and J.L. Darnell of Bristow. The bridegroom is the son of Julie Marazas of Ponca City, and the late Tom Marazas. He is the grandson of Erling Togerson of Baltimore, Md. Music was provided by The Mariah Trio of Ponca City, and vocalist was Kristen Womack-Hayes of Independence, Kan., cousin of the bride. The guest book was attended by Melissa Boelens and Amanda Anderson of Stillwater. Attending the bride were April Whitman of Norman, Christy Murphy of Macon, Ga., and Melissa Powell of Tulsa. Junior bridesmaid was Jamie Marazas of Ponca City, niece of the bridegroom. Matthew Laymon of Stillwater served as Best Man, and groomsmen were Chad Jones of Weatherford, and Jared Abramian of Stillwater. Stuart Snyder of Stillwater, brother of the bride, seated the guests. Following the wedding ceremony, the reception was held in the ballroom of the mansion. Assisting with the event were Marie Womack of Bristow, aunt of the bride; Jessalynn Womack of Ada, cousin of the bride; Joyce Romine of Ponca City; Melissa Boelens of Stillwater; and Stacie Dunn of Tahlequah. The newlywed couple resides in Bixby. The bride is a member of the finance team with NCS Health Care, and the bridegroom is an engineer with Trane Company Commercial Systems Group. Lookin’ With LouAre You a Slurdipper?By Louise Abercrombie Add this word to your etiquette vocabulary — “slurdip.” This new word (coined right here in the break room) describes a technique used by those folk who love to dunk cookies in coffee or milk in public. Slurdipping is an art in itself, and there are various styles of this practice. Take, for instance, the high society slurdip. This is executed by grasping the cookie between the index finger and the thumb, pointing the little pinkie finger upward and making a quick cookie pass through the liquid. Another style — known as the “gambler” — uses the same grip as the HS (high society) slurdipper. But the gambler has a stake that can be lost, for the odds are that he’ll soak the tidbit a tad too long. So half-way to his mouth the soaked sweet will fall either in the coffee cup, make a low dive into his soup, or simply skid onto his best dress slacks. Then there is the dribbler, and I don’t mean a basketball player. No matter what kind of grip is used on the cookie, the milk drips down the blouse, onto the tablecloth and stains not only the wearing apparel but the carpet as well. This cookie crumbler is expected to be banned from the annual Cookie Slurdipping Society’s Big Dipper and Little Dipper competition [dates to be announced later]. These folks are a disgrace to the slurdipping profession, which requires finesse, including eye-hand coordination or a least a long tongue. Next comes redneck (pronounced red nick) slurdipping manners. Goes like this (instead of milk or coffee it’s a mug of favorite brew) — he takes a piece of beef jerky and using a trigger finger-hold, the strip is slopped up and down in the beer. Although the end result is disgusting (a lot of belly laughs, accompanied by belching), the new term slurdipping is still applicable. Although two “he” examples have been given here, there is no particular gender connected with slurdipping. Everyone is eligible. Actually, the term could be closely related to snuff dipping or could have been called stuff nipping. But I digress. The best slurdipping is performed by youngsters who, without any trace of self-consciousness, lick the icing from the center of an Oreo and then preceded to sink their cookie in milk. Never mind if adults are watching, and, besides, the grown folks might learn a thing or two about real slurdipping. Engagement Is AnnouncedDr. and Mrs. William E. Sandine of Temecula, Calif., have announced the engagement of their daughter, Kimberly Louise, to David James Sutton, the son of John B. Sutton, 2229 El Camino, and the late Mary Martha Sutton. A June 3 wedding in Dallas, Texas, is planned. The bride-elect, a 1989 graduate of Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis, Ore., graduated from Portland College in Portland, Ore. with an associate degree in travel and tourism. She is employed as a process management specialist by Ericsson, a Swedish based telecommunications company in Richardson, Texas. The future bridegroom, a 1986 graduate of Ponca City High School, received a bachelor of science degree in business administration with degrees also in marketing and management from Oklahoma State University. He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity at OSU. He is employed as a sales manager with Ericsson. Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club Program About Flower ArrangingThe Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme Garden Club met recently at the Cann Home, and Mrs. Jannie Ross presented an informative program on “Flower Arranging.” A brief meeting was conducted by Maureen Danielson, club president. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Danielson, and the Gardener’s Creed was read by all. Guests, Helen Gaw and Jan Durano, were introduced. Mrs. Margaret Price read the minutes, and Mrs. Susan McMonigle discussed the treasurer’s report. Two thank-you notes were read — one from the Liberty sixth grade students, and one from Ron Myers, principal at Liberty School. They thanked SRT members Margaret Price and Theory Chiu for donating their time, tools, and advice in the planting of the iris and daffodil bulbs around the school sign. SRT member Mrs. Helen Widner reported on the seventh annual Ponca City Herb Festival which is going to be held at the Cann Botanical Gardens on June 3 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Members were asked to volunteer to help get the vendor’s packets ready for mailing. The volunteers met at the home of Mrs. Mary Anne Potter Jan. 19. Mrs. Widner stated that the Ponca City Herb Festival is linked on four different websites on the web, as well as being the only herb festival in Oklahoma to have its own website: www. onlineshops. com/herbfest. It was mentioned that the annual Ponca City Garden Council pilgrimage to the Wichita Home and Garden Show will be held on March 3. Members who plan to go need to make reservations with Mrs. Linda Sparks, 762-2273, as soon as possible. Mrs. Danielson distributed ballots for the AAUW Woman of the Year. The publicity position for SRT is vacant, and Mrs. Mary Anne Potter volunteered to fill this position until the end of this club year. SRT’s new master gardeners, Mrs. JoAnne Monger, Mrs. Helen Widner, and Mrs. Aline Heartsill, were applauded by the members for obtaining this distinguished award. These three master gardeners will be donating 40 hours each at the Cann Botanical Gardens. Hostesses for the meeting were Barbara Gowan and Jan Neylon. During the program about flower arranging, Mrs. Ross stated that the “wrong vase can ruin the simplest of arrangements.” She then showed various vases and how different kinds of arrangements look best in each. She showed a variety of floral implements such as cutting tools and floral frogs. She stated that the floral frogs are the best way to properly hold the arrangement in place in the vase. Mrs. Ross also said that freshly cut flowers have to be trimmed before being placed in a mixture of 2/3 part water and 1/3 part 7-Up. She said that a few drops of bleach should be added to the water to counteract bacteria. Mrs. Ross stated that freshcut flower arrangements need to be placed in a cool area of the home and not be placed on top of televisions or in direct sunlight. Late night they should be placed in a cool environment like the refrigerator or cool garage to further their life and “your enjoyment.” She told the members to use Morning Glory Spray to extend the life of any fresh-cut flower petals and to use Green Glo on the rose leaves and the greenery filler to shine the leaves. Mrs. Ross mentioned that the latest trend is decorating with silk flowers. She then showed the members the proper care of the silks. Silk flowers arrangements need to be dusted, re-shaped, and freshened up occasionally. Mrs. Mary Anne Potter and Mrs. Margaret West will be the hostesses for the Feb. 9 meeting to be held at the Cann Home at 9:30 a.m. Mrs. Helen Widner will present a program entitled “Come and Relax.” Mrs. Widner will be showing members and guests how to use different herbs to make bath salts. For further information, call Maureen Danielson, 762-9866, or Theory Chiu, 718-0314. Little NewsSteven and Kristin Thornton of Rockwall, Texas, announce the birth of a daughter at 4:20 p.m. Jan. 4, 2000, in Dallas, Texas. Megan Nicole Thornton weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and measured 20 1/2 inches long. She has a sister, Kennedy Lanea Thornton. Maternal grandparents are Steve and Diana Kelley of Sweetser, Ind., and paternal grandparents are Orville and Lois Thornton of Ponca City. Maternal great-grandparents are Kathleen Kelley-Lamar of Manitou Springs, Colo., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Harold Amerine. Paternal great-grandparents are Lois Speakman and Anna Mae Thornton of Ponca City, the late Leroy Speakman, and the late Francis Thornton. Snow Skiing and Snowboarding Sensational SportBy S.L. Dickey News Staff Writer At the top of a snow-covered mountain, fitted in snow skis or to a snowboard, there is only one way to go — down. And down can include upright, on the back, or a wild, head-to-toe combination side-to-side roll — and lots of Ponca City residents can’t think of a better way to spend a winter break. New Mexico and Colorado are the closest journeys to the big slopes for Ponca Citians. New Mexico offers seven different skiing resorts, and Colorado two-dozen-plus. In Missouri there is one ski location called Snow Creek, located near Weston, on U.S. Highway 45. At this ski site, they make all their snow and provide visitors with beginner and intermediate slopes. While the vertical drop is not that of Colorado or New Mexico, it does provide visitors with the experience of downhill skiing. With a four-day weekend, local residents can actually ski four days in either New Mexico or Colorado, as long as they’re willing to do without much sleep. Variety and value are the distinguishing differences in the choice of ski location and lodging in either New Mexico or Colorado. Resorts range from mom-and-pop operations to glitz and glamour hangouts for the rich and famous. There are also a wide variety of rental properties available to the ski enthusiast, where they can rest and sleep. With the exception of Taos, snowboarders are welcome on the slopes of Colorado, New Mexico and Missouri. Taos is the one mountain area that has not opened its runs to the boarders. Customer surveys have resulted in the Taos management decision that, at this point in time, they only host serious skiers. Snow skiing is not a new sport. Archeologists in Sweden discovered a short wide ski estimated to be about 4,500 years old. In Norway, rock drawings of hunters on skis are believed to be about the same age. Other written and illustrated documentation exists showing that skis were used for hunting, and by military troops, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Equipment One of the trademarks of snow skiing is the amount and bulkiness of equipment necessary. Ski boots are the most important part of a skiers wardrobe and must fit comfortably. The boots are bulky, big and hard to walk in — but skiers soon get the feel of the cumbersome coverings and become quite adept at stomping around the ski deck and lodge. A skier also needs skis and poles to get down a mountain slope. The ski length and shape is determined by the height and weight of the skier, as well as his or her skiing ability. Poles are used as an aid in balance, turning, transfer of weight from one ski to another and propelling the body over flat snow surfaces. For young skiers (those 12 and less), however, the use of poles is of no benefit — young beginners do best by focusing on their skis and placement. Poles only confuse the young skier and upset his or her center of balance. Snowboarding is a combination of skateboarding and surfing done on the snow. No poles are used and the experienced snowboarder seems to move down the mountain in a smooth graceful line of strength and acrobatics — like a child’s bop bag that cannot be knocked down. The snowboarder leans and circles and sways to the angle of the peak. Snowboards are colorful and often display a unique graphic design. They also require a different set of boots. The boots are a softer material than ski boots, and both feet clamp onto the single board (about the width of four skis). As with skis, the bindings release if you fall. Boots, skis, poles, and snowboards can be rented from businesses near the ski location. Rental equipment is adjusted to the individual at the rental site. Lessons For the first time skier or snowboarder, lessons are a really good idea. The unique parameters of gravity, resistance and momentum involved in moving down a snow-covered mountain, require some skill and knowledge of the equipment used — and especially how to stop. There is no quiet like that of a ride up a chair lift. The silent trees are the only constant witness to the stillness and beauty that graces the mountain year-round. Once at the top of the lift, for a ski, snowboard or adventure-challenged enthusiast, it is a great thrill to wait poised at the edge of a quiet, snow-covered run, anticipating the adrenaline rush that occurs when the ski tips or board begins its downward descent. The legs synchronize their movement, the edges cut a path back and forth across the mountain in a varying “S” pattern, punctuated by a swoosh and spray of snow with each turn — bound by gravity, resistance and momentum. Lisa Mena Named Xi Delta Chapter Valentine QueenXi Delta chapter members of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met Jan. 10 in the home of Lynda Smith. Jody Sanford was co-hostess. Linda Turner, president, conducted the meeting and read communications from International and the City Council minutes. Lisa Mena was elected Valentine Queen for the chapter. She will be crowned during the Feb. 5 dance at the American Legion. Dorothy Leonard, service chairman, reported on the chapter’s Christmas project of providing food and gifts for a family. Sue May, scrapbook chairman, announced a meeting for committee members. Pat Schissler gave the program, and quizzed members about Beta Sigma Phi. The next meeting will be Jan. 24 in the home of Shari Magee. Chapter members met Dec. 31 in the home of Jody and Tom Sanford for a Chinese Year party. Lisa and John Mena will host a Super Bowl party in their home on Jan. 30. Soroptimist Club Presents Two AwardsSoroptimist International of Ponca City members gat |