LOCAL

Banquet Salutes Caregivers
Annual Safe Smoke Alarm Program Set for Feb. 19
Oak Ridge Boys Coming to Poncan Theatre
Letter - Cable Should Provide Equal Coverage
Conservation Funds Now Available for Cost-Share
School Menus
School Calendar
Nickles Addresses Cuban Situation, Clinton Speech in Phone Interview
Ward 7 Seat Joosten Seeks Spot On PC School Board
So...Who Wants To Marry A Millionaire
City To Ponder Senior Citizen Apartments
Kids’ Teeth Better Today
AARP Providing Free Tax Assistance
East Middle School Releases Honor Rolls
Lions Club Entertained
School Board Slates Special Meeting Monday
Handbell Festival Saturday
Poncan Theatre Bringing New Version of Old Classic

Banquet Salutes Caregivers

Appreciation Dinner for Ponca City Retirement Center Caregivers

An “Evening of Appreciation” for our community’s retirement center caregivers was given in the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Fellowship Hall on Thursday evening, Jan. 27. Over 150 staff members from Ponca Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Shawn Manor, Renaissance, Tender Heart, Sterling House, Westminster Village and Golden Villa were invited for dinner, entertainment and encouragement.

Donna Butler, FUMC Minister of Music and host for the evening, encouraged the guests by telling them “God uses you in a mighty way. He uses ordinary people who give their all. Little becomes much as you place it in the Master’s hands. You add color — you are life.”

“The voice of a million angels cannot express our gratitude,” were in the words of one of the songs sung by the Donner Place Trio. Those words set the atmosphere for the evening’s celebration. The Trio is comprised of Judy Jones, Mary Jane Baraclough and Suzi Lenhart.

Enheartening words were spoken by J.D. Ward, Senior Minister of FUMC, using scripture from Galatians 6:9. “Let us not grow weary in well doing.”

“We live in an upside-down society. We do not honor the people who do the most — who mean the most. Those who do good must persevere,” said Ward. “Love is not moonlight and roses. Love is sitting by a sickbed, working extra hours so your children might have something they need. Love is not growing weary in offering love and kindness to those in need.”

Door prizes were awarded to Kerry Peeples, Ponca Nursing; Marcie Baldwin, Sterling House; Jan Scheiber, Westminster Village; Shelia Rahme, Renaissance; Danielle Hale, Tender Heart; Mickey Baldwin, Shawn Manor.

Dave May provided entertainment and lots of laughs, but ended his performance on a personal note. “My dad was in a retirement center the last 12 years of his life. Because of the care of people like you, my dad and I had time to heal our differences. I appreciate you very much.”

The summation of the evening was described in the words of the closing song, “Without a doubt we’ll know, we’ve been revived, when we shall leave this place.” Retirement center workers and those who entertained and served them, left, revived.

Annual Safe Smoke Alarm Program Set for Feb. 19

Operation Safe — Free Smoke Alarms for the Elderly is set to start Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. This will be the third year that the Fire Prevention Advisory Council, AmeriCorps and Lowes, with the help of community volunteers, have joined to install free smoke detectors for the elderly in Ponca City.

On Saturday, Feb. 19, volunteers will meet at the fire station located at 5th and Grand for training followed by the installation of free smoke detectors. Senior citizens of Ponca City who are homeowners qualify for the free smoke detectors.

Anyone renting a residence should be provided a smoke detector by the landlord.

Oklahoma State Law, 74 OS 1991, Section 324.11A as amended June 7, 1993, in Section C, states: “Any person, partnership, corporation, state municipality, county or other subdivision of the state who is a lessor of a residential rental property shall explain to the lessee or tenant the method of testing the smoke detector to ensure that it is in working order.

“The responsibility for checking a smoke detector to find out whether such detector is in working order is with the tenant or lessee leasing or renting a one- or two-family dwelling. Including an apartment in each apartment house, and not with the person, partnership, corporation, state municipality, county or other subdivision of this state who is a lessor of the residential rental property to the lessee or tenant.”

According to the state law Section B, the term smoke detector means a devise which is:

1. Designed to detect visible or invisible products of combustion;

2. Designed with an alarm audible to the rooms it serves;

3. Powered by either battery, alternating current, or other power source; and

4. Tested and listed for use as a smoke detector by a recognized testing laboratory.

The senior citizen homeowners of Ponca City in need of smoke detectors should call the AmeriCorps/ United Way office at 718-0288 or Helpline at 765-5551 to request installation on Saturday, Feb. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon. In addition, homeowners may request a check of existing smoke detectors and battery replacement, both services are free.

Oak Ridge Boys Coming to Poncan Theatre

The Oak Ridge Boys, one of the most successful acts in country music history, will perform at the Poncan Theatre soon, according to Kenn Wessel, director of the Poncan. The Oaks will present two shows on the same day, Saturday, February 26, Wessel says.

“We'll have one show at 6:30 p.m. and the second at 9:30 p.m.,” Wessel said.

When The Oak Ridge Boys got their start more than 50 years ago, the group was different. They were a small-time gospel quartet in the late 1940’s, and they took their name from the Oak Ridge Laboratories where the atomic bomb was developed. Over the next twenty-five years, they had more than 30 personnel changes. But by the middle 1970's, the group had stabilized with four terrific singers. They were ready for the big break. In fact, they were opening for one of the biggest acts of the 70’s, the great Roy Clark.

Roy Clark’s manager said to the Boys, “You boys are just 3-1/2 minutes away” from hitting the big-time. In the language of the recording industry, that meant one hit song, since the average song was about 3-1/2 minutes long. Within a couple of years, the Oaks had their hit, when “Y’all Come Back Saloon” catapulted them onto the charts for good.

Now the Oaks have an enviable record of success. They’ve had five Grammy Awards. They’ve had twelve Dove Awards for their outstanding Christian music. They've been named “Vocal Group of the Year” by both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. One might expect the Oaks to win a vocal group award, but it was a special treat when they became the “Instrumental Group of the Year” of the Country Music Association.

The Oak Ridge Boys have enjoyed a long list of gold and platinum recordings. Such songs as “Elvira,” “Thank God for Kids,” “I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes,” and “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” have kept the group in the national eye for another 25 years.

The great concert of the Oaks has received corporate support from Ponca City’s Boettcher, Ryan & Martin, attorneys at law.

“We are excited to have such wonderful artists in the Poncan,” says Wessel. “But we couldn't do it without corporate support, and Boettcher, Ryan & Martin have come to our aid again. They truly make this event possible.”

Tickets to the Oak Ridge Boys concert in the Poncan Theatre will be available to the general public starting Tuesday. The Poncan box office is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 at 580-765-0943. MasterCard and Visa are accepted. The Poncan Theatre is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City.

Letter - Cable Should Provide Equal Coverage

At one time, our local cable company (Cable One) carried multiple television stations from south central Kansas. Slowly, they have all been replaced with other channels. Most recently, the last Wichita station was replaced with another shopping network. Give me a break! I am encouraging other citizens of Ponca City to show your support for television coverage from Wichita.

I believe the cable company should provide equal coverage from all three of the cities which surround us (Wichita, Oklahoma City, Tulsa). The reasons include, but are not limited, to the following...

--Weather (since most approaches us from the northwest)

--Sports (more coverage of Big Twelve teams)

--Advertising (Ponca City doesn’t have everything and Wichita should be equally represented)

Because we live in between three major cities, it would be great to have equal coverage from each of them. We need more information on our community and surrounding area more than we need more shopping networks. Voice your opinion and don’t let Cable One make the decision for us.

Randall Sylvester

Conservation Funds Now Available for Cost-Share

The Kay County Conservation District has announced that funds are available for cost-share assistance on certain practices benefiting soil and water conservation. The state of Oklahoma has provided limited funds to our conservation district to help landowners implement measures that protect soil and water

“With the continual cutback of federal funds, conservation programs are needed more than ever to help protect the quality of our water and the productiveness of our soil," said Rick Jeans, chair of the Kay County Conservation District.

“The great advantage of the Conservation Cost-Share Program for Oklahoma is that it is a locally led program,” said Mike Thralls, executive director of the Conservation Commission. “Each local conservation district, with input from local residents and agricultural producers, selects which of the available conservation practices to provide assistance on, based on their local natural resource issues.”

Conservation practices available for cost-share assistance through the Kay County Conservation District include the following.

• Pasture and Hay Planting to reduce soil erosion by wind and/or water;

• Range Seeding to prevent excessive soil and water loss and improve water quality; and

• Critical Area Planting to stabilize the soil, reduce damage from sediment and runoff to downstream areas.

The district will be accepting applications from Jan. 31 through Feb. 18 with a 60 percent maximum cost share up to $500 per participant. For more information, contact the Kay County Conservation District, (580) 362-2438. The district office is located at 115 S. Maple in Newkirk, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

School Menus

Elementary 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 — Breakfast burrito with salsa or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Elementary Lunch

Monday — Pizza sticks or Fernandos burrito with cheese sauce, pears, mexican beans, bear grahams, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Chicken chunks with hot roll or meat ball sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, pineapple, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Frito chili pie or breaded chicken sandwich, cheesy rice, Jello, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Cheeseburger or pepperoni pizza, french fries, fruit, corn, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Bread sticks with marinara sauce or hoagie fish, broccoli with cheese sauce, pear halves, chocolate chip cookies, dill spears, saltine crackers, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

West Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Breakfast pizza or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Assorted donuts or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Breakfast burrito with salsa or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Sausage and egg biscuit or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

East Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Pancakes with syrup or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Biscuits and sausage gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Jelly 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 — Pizza sticks, pears, mexican beans, tossed salad, bear grahams, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Chicken with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad with dressing, pineapple, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Frito chili and cheese pie, tossed salad, cheesy rice, fruit, Jello, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potatoes with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Cheeseburger on a bun, tossed salad with ranch dressing, fruit, corn, french fries, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Breadsticks with marinara, broccoli with cheese sauce, fruit, chocolate chip cookies, saltine crackers, dill spears 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 — Pizza sticks, fruit, corn, tossed salad, dill pickles, raisins or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Lasagna with hot roll, sweet peas, lettuce and tomato salad, fruit, dill pickle, raisins or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Breaded chicken patty on a bun, cheesy rice, Jello, lettuce and tomato salad, fruit, dill pickle, raisins or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Pepperoni pizza, tossed salad with ranch dressing, french fries, vegetarian beans, fruit, dill pickle, raisins or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Breadsticks with marinara sauce, broccoli with cheese sauce, tossed salad, fruit, cookies, dill pickles, raisins or pasta 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 — Footlong 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 and gravy, dressing, green beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

McCord Elementary

Breakfast

Monday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Pancake and sausage, juice and milk.

Thursday — Ham, egg and cheese bar, toast, juice and milk.

Friday — Donuts, juice and milk.

Lunch

Monday — Salisbury steak, potatoes and gravy, green beans, applesauce, hot roll and milk.

Tuesday — Grilled cheese and ravioli, corn, Jello with fruit and milk.

Wednesday — Spaghetti with french bread, green peas, pineapple and milk.

Thursday — Pizza, coleslaw, okra, orange wedge and milk.

Friday — Taco burger, green beans, peaches, cookie and milk.

Pioneer Technology Center

Tuesday — Smoked barbecue brisket or teriyaki pork chop with apple chutney or chef’s choice with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

Wednesday — Beef stir fry, fiesta chicken or catch of the day with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts.

Thursday — Pot roast with veggies, chicken fajitas 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.

School Calendar

Po-Hi

Jan. 31

Ninth grade boys and girls basketball at Blackwell, 6 p.m.

Sophomore boys basketball against Enid, 6 p.m.

Feb. 1

OU representative at Assembly Center, 1 p.m.

Ninth grade girls red basketball at Longfellow, 3:30 p.m.

Ninth grade red boys basketball at East Middle School, 4 p.m.

Junior varsity and varsity basketball against Owasso, 4 p.m.

Feb. 2

Oklahoma City University representative at 10 a.m.

Student Council candidate meeting, room 203, 5 p.m.

Feb. 3

Ninth grade boys red basketball at Emerson, 4 p.m.

Swim/dive meet against Muskogee at YMCA, 4 p.m.

Ninth grade girls red basketball at East Middle School, 5 p.m.

Varsity wrestling against Sapulpa, 6 p.m.

Sophomore boys basketball at Bartlesville, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 4

Junior varsity and varsity basketball at Sand Springs, 4 p.m.

Junior varsity wrestling at Bishop Kelly Invitational.

Drama/debate team at Seminole.

Feb. 5

Junior varsity wrestling at Bishop Kelly Tournament.

Drama/debate team at Seminole.

Nickles Addresses Cuban Situation, Clinton Speech in Phone Interview

Let Elian’s Father Come to the United States

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

Sen. Don Nickles (R) believes that six-year-old Elian Gonzalez should stay in the United States and not return to his native Cuba unless his father comes to get him.

In a Friday telephone interview with The Ponca City News, Nickles expressed thoughts on a number of issues. The situation surrounding little Elian was one of them.

“I would like very much for [Elian’s] father and his father’s family to come to the United States and make their case that they want him to go back,” said Nickles, a Ponca City native. “And, he would be free to go back to his father if that is really what they want him to do.

“It kind of bothers me a little bit that [the father] sends the grandmothers over, but where is the father? Will Castro not let him go? Will he not let him go with his other son?

“Castro has really tried to play this up to his political advantage to turn people against the United States. I really think he is more the villain of the deal.”

Nickles added, “Elian’s mother died trying to get him to the United States. I hate to just ship him back as the Clinton administration was originally proposing.

“There should be a hearing and if his father is a decent person and if [Elian] wants to go back, he’ll be free to go back. But if he and his family want to stay in the United States, I think they should be granted asylum.”

Commenting on President Clinton’s State of the Union speech delivered Thursday night, Nickles said, “The President has one year and wants a flurry of big government. He has always wanted government to grow in every area.”

Nickles added, “Most all of his proposals are going absolutely nowhere. I think he was just trying to show that he is not a lame duck, that he was active and has an aggressive agenda.”

Concerning Clinton’s idea about prescriptions for the elderly being funded by Medicare, Nickles said, “He has a very poorly conceived prescription drug proposal. He has one that replaces the prescription drug coverage that two-thirds seniors now have with a government-run plan.

“The government-run plan is pretty pathetic. It is not well thought out,” the senator continued. “It is a 50 percent match up to $2,000, so a person gets $2,000 in benefits and has to pay $1,000. And in addition to that, you pay half the cost of the drugs and, in additio, you have to pay a premium like $433. That replaces plans that people have like in Ponca City. Conoco retirees have a much better deal.”

As for cutting taxes, Nickles said, “I hope we can pass a tax reduction. [Clinton] vetoed a good tax bill last year. Maybe we can recraft it and break it up a little bit and maybe shape it a little differently and put it on his desk. Maybe he will reconsider. Maybe [he will sign it] if we can get more Democrats to support it. Last year we had some Democrats, but not enough. If we ever get 67 Democrats, he’ll vote for it.”

Responding to how he felt about Clinton’s proposal on gun licensing, Nickles was direct. “I think that is a crazy proposalm” he said. “This administration is very pro gun control. We just need to enforce the laws that are on the books more aggressively.

“[Clinton’s] idea is that we would need to register and have a federal license before you can buy a gun and have your picture taken and so on.

“So, if I want to go out to Wal Mart and by a .22 so I can shoot turtles on somebody’s ranch, I have to go through a training program? There’s lots of guys who have been around for a long time and I don’t want to tell my constituents in Ponca City that they have to do that.

“In other words, let’s go after the criminals. Let’s go after people who use guns in committing a crime and hit them hard and put them behind bars and let them know that is not acceptable.”

Nickles, a Republican, also had a number of other partisan comments about Clinton’s address, including that he was embarrassed for Congress that stood and applauded some 40 times during the speech.

He said he felt the president was pandering by mentioning vice president Al Gore, who is seeking the Democrat nomination for president. He also complained about the introduction of baseball players and other heroes.

Ward 7 Seat Joosten Seeks Spot On PC School Board

Citizens can go to the polls Feb. 8 to fill the Ward 7 position on the Ponca City school board.

Michael W. Joosten is running for the position against Vicki Graves. Incumbent Kyle Keffer announced in November that he would not seek reelection.

Joosten is an engineer for Conoco’s Production Technology Department. He joined Conoco Inc. in 1979 after graduating from Ohio State University with a master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering.

Before college, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict. His wife, Deborah, is a certified elementary school teacher (retired) and working as a teaching assistant at St. Mary’s Catholic School.

During their 21 years in Ponca City, they raised two children. Christa, who graduated from Ponca City High School in 1998, is studying chemical engineering at Texas A&M. Adam is a freshman at Po-Hi.

According to Joosten, his primary reason for running for the school board is that he believes there are additional ways to improve on the success of the Ponca City educational processes.

Through critical examination of the current processes and results, and open discussion of the options available, further improvements are possible, he thinks. His objective is to bring Ponca City schools back to the leadership position they once enjoyed. That means strengthening the academic performance of all students.

Joosten supports strong educational curriculum and programs that challenge students and prepare them for success in life.

“Our future leaders need grounding in the basics of education (reading, writing, mathematics, sciences, respect, and responsibility) and to adopt the goals to be life-long leaders,” he states.

“Not only are academics important, but both athletics and the arts are required to produce well-rounded students. Both of my children participate in athletic and music programs. I encourage respect for educators as they inspire our students to develop life skills and skills for life.”

Above all else, Joosten says he believes in promoting parental involvement in the educational process and parent/teacher cooperation. He says successful students have involved parents.

According to Joosten, one of the school board’s main responsibilities is to provide guidance on curriculum, finance, property and policy for the administration. He will insist that performance measurements be utilized to evaluate educational programs, progress and identification of areas requiring change. He will also insist on accountability by the educational system as well as the school board.

Joosten has been actively involved with local education by attending board meetings for the last five to six years. He was also an assistant basketball and soccer coach, a member of many parent-teacher-student associations and being a presenter for the Conoco-sponsored Fun With Science program.

He is a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church, the Po-Hi Tip Off Club, Instrumental Music Parents Association and Po-Hi Goals Kick Club for soccer.

Joosten enjoys the direct contact with students provided by activities encompassing academics, athletics and the arts.

He believes his experiences will serve him well as he applies his years of participation and observation of the Ponca City Schools to developing the best approach to address school-related issues.

One of Joosten’s specific goals for the board relates to the recent approval of trimester scheduling for the senior high school.

Although the decision generated controversy in the community, Joosten feels it has been made and the challenge now before the board is to ensure that it is implemented successfully.

“A successful transition will require that parents and students understand the scheduling system and the implications of their decisions, development of a system to maximize course offerings, establish measurement tools for student and teacher performance (to determine how well the system is working, maintaining class-size limits, ensuring adequate budgets and supplies, and providing an avenue for parent feedback,” Joosten said.

“In addition, it is imperative to prepare plans, schedules, and budgets for teacher training, curriculum review, scheduling systems, and provide informational meetings and literature for parents and students. My effort will be directed toward ensuring the trimester schedule is a success experience for students and teachers.”

Another goal of Joosten’s is to understand better the Ponca City High School and college dropout rates.

“I believe that our children are the future,” he said.

“I stand for success in education and believe in strong academics, parental involvement, performance measurements, accountability and a disciplined approach to education that challenges the students. I believe that each student should have every opportunity to develop his/her talents and skills through the educational process.”

So...Who Wants To Marry A Millionaire

by Patti Carmack

News Lifestyles Editor

The American courting ritual has taken an abrupt turn as we embrace the new millennium.

Women, tired of the archaic dating scene, can now utilize the medium of television to find a husband. The popularity of Fox’s new show, Who Wants to Marry a Multimillionaire?, illustrates just how far we’ve “progressed” as a nation when it comes to the mating game.

The premise behind the show is this: An unidentified bachelor, who just happens to be a multimillionaire, will make his choice of a wife from preselected contestants. The wedding will take place before a live — as opposed to a dead — audience.

Fox conducted a nation-wide search for contestants. There was no shortage of applicants.

“I’m just tired of working three jobs, and I have nothing to lose,” said a 39-year-old single female bank employee from Waukesha, Wis. “If the man is repulsive, you could close your eyes...”

To each his (or her) own.

As it turns out, unattached singles from Wisconsin are somewhat different from those in Ponca City.

A number of singles — men as well as women — were asked to give their views on the show: Would they watch it? And, if the opportunity arose, would they participate?

To protect the innocent, the needy, the hungry...only first names are used to identify the Ponca Citians who responded to The Ponca City News “survey.”

Local resident Mary was aghast. “Is this for real? This is a new low for television! Fox Network is going to show this?”

Mary wasn’t through. “Whenever TV was first invented, it was called a vast wasteland and this show tops it! I absolutely will not watch it. Where are all the creative writers?”

Tracie, another single lady, said, “That’s not enough money for me to go on the show. I need more than money. I won’t be watching it.”

Robyn commented, “I’m very content with the boy-friend I have, and he’s not a multimillionaire. I think it would be 50/50 as to the number of people willing to be contestants on the show.”

“Whoooo — scary!” said Suzanne, laughing all the while.

Still laughing, she added, “I probably wouldn’t participate because it sounds too good to be true! The pre-nuptials or the fine print could scare you to death!”

More laughter followed. “I won’t watch,” Suzanne said. “Those kinds of shows don’t intrigue me.”

At least Tara was willing to watch. “It might be funny to watch,” she said, “but I would never participate. Besides, I’m engaged.”

Another Ponca City single, who asked not to be identified even by a first name, said, “I probably won’t watch it, and I definitely would not participate!”

Then she added, “It would be nicer to date someone you like and get to know him before marriage. Watch this show? I think not.”

That was a cross-section of ladies’ comments. Local single males had some interesting (to say the least) things to say.

Shaw said, “This show is taking prostitution to a whole new level!”

He continued, “I think it’s desperation on the part of the women and Fox — it’s a network marketing ploy. I know I won’t watch it and will go so far as to list this as one of the reasons not to watch TV.”

Matt, chuckling, said, “Oh my God! Is this for real? I might watch it — just to see the gold diggers, and what they’re willing to do!”

“I personally wouldn’t watch it,” said Pat. “I’m pretty much the old-fashioned sort who believes in getting to know one another. [The show] would doom a marriage to failure.”

He also said, “It surprises me that they found someone willing to do it. They must have run out of home video movies of people being bitten by dogs!”

Wayne said, “I just saw a movie about this type of thing. I don’t think dating should be about how much, or how little money a man has. The show might be entertaining to watch. I guess it would depend on what else was on.”

“No, I wouldn’t watch it,” said Kenn.

In a tongue-in-cheek manner he added, “If I had the money, what do you think I’d be doing?” Commenting further, he said, “Neo-Darwinians say that one of the key elements that women look for in a partner is someone who can provide for the family.”

Thomas thought turn-about would be fair play.

He was enthusiastic about watching the show, saying, “I’d love to marry a millionaire bachelorette! I think it would be neat to watch the show with a woman as the multimillionaire. I wonder how they select the contestants? It might be kinda fun to watch the show.”

But Phil, a member of one of Ponca City’s many singles’ groups, said it best. He echoed the feelings of many who were interviewed when he said, “I still think the best reason for marrying is love.”

City To Ponder Senior Citizen Apartments

A special meeting of the Ponca City Board of City Commissioners has been called for 1 p.m., Monday to consider and vote on a resolution of support for a proposed Senior Citizen apartment complex.

This complex is to be located east of North Fourteenth on Princeton Avenue. The matter was on the regular Commission meeting last Monday, but died for lack of a motion.

At that time Commissioners Keni Ray and Lyn Boyer had indicated they did not feel at that time they had enough information to make a decision.

Prior to the 1 p.m., meeting the Commissioners will hold a work session at noon to discuss the 2000/2001 calendar and budget procedures.

The meetings are slated at the Public Safety C enter, 200 East Oklahoma, in the Commissioners Room.

Kids’ Teeth Better Today

Due to improvements in preventive dental care, many Oklahoma children may be able to reach adulthood without experiencing tooth decay, according to officials at the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH).

“Healthy attitudes and habits established at an early age are critical in maintaining and promoting good oral health throughout life,” said State Health Commissioner J.R. Nida, M.D.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and the OSDH has these tips for parents and caregivers:

* Take your child to see the dentist regularly, beginning by the child’s first birthday.

* Put only water in a child’s naptime or bedtime bottle.

* Start brushing as soon as the child’s first tooth appears.

* Begin flossing when two teeth begin to touch.

* Brush and floss your child’s teeth daily until the child can be taught to do this alone. A child normally develops manual dexterity to brush and floss by themselves about the third grade.)

* Make certain your child gets the fluoride needed for decay-resistant teeth. Ask your dentist how this can be done.

* Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a thin protective barrier that shields the chewing surface of back teeth against tooth decay.

Good oral health practices should begin in infancy and continue throughout adult life. “In a child’s early years, the parent or caregiver must provide this care. Later, they will need to instruct, monitor and motivate their child to help maintain good oral health habits,” Nida said.

AARP Providing Free Tax Assistance

AARP TAX-AIDE provides free tax assistance to those in need of help to properly file their income tax forms. The program is provided primarily to middle and low-income taxpayers age 60 and older, but will also assist others younger than 60 as time permits.

AARP TAX-AIDE volunteers, trained in cooperation with the IRS, are knowledgeable about federal (IRS) income taxes as well as state income taxes. They can complete basic income tax forms and answer your tax questions.

Income tax forms can be complicated. AARP TAX-AIDE can help. Tax assistance is available from Monday through April 17, 2000, every Monday through Thursday at the Ponca City Library between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For assistance in preparing your income tax forms, please bring your current tax records and a copy of last year’s Federal and State income tax returns to the Ponca City Library with you.

East Middle School Releases Honor Rolls

First semester honor rolls have been announced for eighth grade students attending East Middle School.

Students earning a GPA of 3.99 or better were named to the Principal’s Honor Roll, with those earning a 3.00 or better named to the Faculty Honor Roll.

Principal’s Honor Roll

Eighth graders on the Principal’s Honor Roll include Jordan Bailey, Amanda Batchelor, Bonnie Blumert, Whitney Bunch, Jessica Bushman, Michaela Cavener, Chelsey Cobb, Jared Cottman, Kyle Cremers, Katie Didericksen, Zareen Durrani, Sarah Edens, Jeffrey Enevoldsen, Leah Fisher, Jessica Galindo, Hannah Garrison, Brittney Gilliam, Todd Gingerich, Katie Girardi, Melanie Harris, Sarah Hart, Scott Hartman, Bryan Henning, Rebecca Kellert, Thomas Kelley, Paula Krueger, Kyla Lewis, Krystle Loney, Garret Merle, Adam Milligan, Amy Moriarty, Cassie Neahring, Amanda Neal, Daniel Nimmo, Shelli Novotny, Beth Powell, Mary Powell, Kim Pruitt, Kori Quillin, Jeremy Ricketson, Omar Salama, Brandon Snyder, Lindsey Thomas, Jamie Trout, Elizebeth Tucker, Erik Vanarsdale, Jeremy Ward, Meghan Williams and Aaron Wright.

Faculty Honor Roll

Faculty Honor Roll students in the eighth grade were Sonia Acosta, Charles Alexander, Tara Allison, Devin Anderson, Kristin Angle, Scott Arterbury, Laci Baird, Chelsie Baldwin, Rudonna Barden, Cole Barnard, Thomas Jeremy Batchelor, Cassandra Baur, Sara Birch, Ashley Bland, Madeleine Braden, Kevin Bradley, Caitlyn Bredesen, Ashley Brown, Tyler Brown, Regan Buford, Katherine Burriell, Justin Bush, Traci Bussey, Samantha Bustraan, Lee Coburn, Deangelo Colbert, Patrick Collogan, Paul Cook, Jakeb Coon, Jenni Cowan, Nikki Cox, Judah Craig, John Crossman II, Shawn Crowell, Andrew Davis, Michael Day, Leah Dester, Brian Dickison, Whitney Dorman, Derek Dronberger, Matthew Drouhard, Michael Druan, Nicholas Durham, Susan Emmons and Noah England.

Also, Zachary Engle, Antoine English, Audrey Eubank, Kimberly Evans, Matthew Fair, Samantha Faulk, Brian Felix, Charles Flett, Teresa Fox, Derek Franseen, Rosendo Garcia, Stephanie Garino, Dana Garson, Cherie Gatlin, Bobby Goddard, Erin Goddard, Janna Green, Mindy Grimm, Justin Hadley, Morgan Ham, Nicole Ham, Thomas Hankins, Michael Hartshorn Jr., Brandon Hays, Miguel Hernandez, Jarrod Hobbs, Amanda Hoddy, Jeremy Holmes, William Hornik, Daniel Horton, Leslie Hudson, Anh Huynh, Jeniffer Jenkins, Layne Keathly, Justin Keller, Kenneth King, Laura Knight, Tyler Knight, Kari Lawson, Cam Le, Shane Lewis, Daak Love, Shannon Love, Jordan Lunsford, Jacob Lynes, Matthew Maniatis, Nicole Mansfield, Kali Martin, Jared Mason, Skyler Mathews, Matthew McCall, Rebecca McCollough, Amber Meyers, Elizabeth Myers, Joe Nimmo, Kisha Oakes, Scott Oatman, Adiyo Owili-Eger, Eric Pameticky, Mariah Pappan, Shandi Parent and Jonathon Pearson.

Others were Sharii Peeples, David Petermann, Amanda Reiss, James Rhea, Kortny Rhodes, Daniel Robertson, Chris Rutherford, Jenny Rutter, Latanya Sanders, Lyndsey Seirer, Christina Senseman, Chelsey Sentel, Ryan Shea, Jennifer Sherman, Shelly Sills, Kurt Simmons, Sean Smethers, Ann Smith, Kelli Smotone, Catherine Sonnichsen, Joshua Stajcar, Chastity Swindall, Gregory Tate (Berry), Charles Thompson, Emily Thompson, Jonathan Trout, Emily Viele, Derek Vilijoen, Cameron Waggerman, Audrey Walker, John Wallace, Billy Waller, Justin Waller, Jessica Webb, Deitric White, Sunshine White, Kacey Whitener, Ashley Wilson, Laura Windom, James Wingender, Brian Womble, Aaron Worley, Hillary Wright and Kimberly Young.

Lions Club Entertained

When the Lions Club met Jan. 19, Rick Edgington, director of the chorale at Northern Oklahoma College, gave the program. He brought four members of the Roustabouts, which is a select group of vocal music entertainers. Ty Palmer, a music theater major, and Martha Hayes gave their rendition of Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable.” Megan Kubik, a freshman music theater major, performed of “I’ve Got a Crush on You.” Palmer, who is a drummer in the NOC Jazz Group, will also have a lead in “The Curate Shakespeare” to be performed at the Fine Arts Center mid-February. He rounded out his program with “I Don't Get Around Much Anymore.”

Erin Sylvester, a music business major along with Martha Hayes sang a duet of “Does He Love You?” Concluding the musical portion of the program was Sylvester with an upbeat country western tune.

Lion Dave Burrows received the Ten Key Membership Pin for bringing in 10 members. Guests were Jack Duff, Mary Mason, Dee Enevoldsen, Bob Banta and Don Nuzum. Gerald Nield gave the invocation.

It was announced that Jessica Felix, the Po-Hi Leo member winner of The Youth Speech Contest, will advance to regional level where she will compete in Lamont on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at their Lions Club meeting.

Lion Bill Stuever announced that The Mobil Screening Unit will be in Ponca City on April 1. Brice Chism reported that one of the Magna Cam units has been placed with a local resident, and he’ll give an update on her progress with the special viewer. Another unit will be available for use by a qualified low-vision individual. Applicants may contact Jonnie Hollingsworth at 762-4700.

School Board Slates Special Meeting Monday

A special board meeting of the Ponca City Board of Education will be held Monday night, 6:30 p.m. in the Commons Area at Po-Hi.

Dinner will be served to invited guests at 6:30 p.m.

School principals will discuss school improvement plans immediately following dinner.

Updates on improvements at schools include the site improvement plan, review CRT scores, remediation process and literacy goals.

Questions and comments will then be heard from board members and staff.

This is an open meeting and the public is invited to observe the meeting; however, the school cannot include the public in the dinner.

Handbell Festival Saturday

The Ponca City Area Handbell Festival will take place this Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Lutheran School Gymnasium. The day will culminate in a concert open to the public at 2 p.m. Thirteen area handbell choirs will participate under the direction of Mary Kay Parrish.

Mrs. Parrish, a native of Pascagoula, Miss., serves as associate professor of music at Oklahoma Baptist University. She has served as guest conductor and clinician for numerous festivals and workshops and has been a featured conductor at AGEHR National Director’s Seminars and National Festivals.

She is an active composer and arranger and was selected as the first Composer of the Year award-winner by Jeffers Handbell Supply Company. She has been awarded the Distinguished Teaching Award and the Alumni Achievement Award by Oklahoma Baptist University.

Mrs. Parrish directs the University Ringers, OBU’s auditioned handbell choir which has toured to 31 states.

The public is invited to attend the 2 o’clock concert.

Poncan Theatre Bringing New Version of Old Classic

The Wichita Children’s Theatre Professional Touring Company will present the well-known tale of “Alice in Wonderland” at the Poncan Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. Admission to the performance is free.

The new musical version of “Alice in Wonderland,” written by Kevin Reese, tells the story of Alice’s adventures in a strange new world. After finding a White Rabbit, Alice discovers that Wonderland is a very silly place. There are no rules and no logic. Alice also stumbles onto a mad tea party and attends a trial held by the formidable Queen of Hearts. The silly shenanigans that go on in this trial confirm to Alice that rules and common sense are very important things to have in the real world.

The Wichita Children’s Theatre Professional Touring Company performs in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The company is very professional in every facet, complete with storybook sets, costumes and props appropriate for each production.

The performance of “Alice in Wonderland” in Ponca City is made possible by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, Conoco, and Oklahoma Arts Council, with additional funding from the Kansas Arts Commission and Mid-America Arts Alliance, a regional affiliate of the National Endowment for the Arts.

DEATHS

Lura Juanita McGrew
Jimmie D. Bowman
Robert Edwin Parrish

Lura Juanita McGrew

BLACKWELL — Lura Juanita McGrew, resident of Blackwell, died early Thursday morning, Jan. 27, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Ponca City. She was 92.

The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2000, in the First United Methodist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Gale Izard, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Lura Juanita McGrew was born on April 30, 1907, in Blackwell, the daughter of Willie H. and Estella B. (Carter) Goodier. She grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell public schools, graduating in 1925. She attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., graduating in 1931 with a teaching certificate.

She moved to Kansas City, Kan., and began taking special training in the Methodist Episcopal Church at their National Training School for Deaconess and Missionaries. After a year of training, she served for 20 years in the church as a minister’s assistant, secretary and youth director.

She worked in churches in Cleveland, Ohio, Duncan, Oklahoma City, Bartlesville and Blackwell. She married Reuben McGrew on Aug. 8, 1966, and, following their marriage, she returned Blackwell and began teaching again, retiring in 1969. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Tuxis Sunday School Class in Blackwell.

She is survived by a stepdaughter, Pauline Fauchier of Ponca City; stepson, Arthur McGrew of Tulsa; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers, and two grandchildren.

Casket bearers will be Dan McClung, Henry Fetters, Jim Rodgers, Leroy Hadley, Lee Priebe and Vernon Garwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in her name to the First United Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Obituaries

Jimmie D. Bowman

SHIDLER — Jimmie D. Bowman, longtime Shidler resident, died Friday evening, Jan. 28, 2000, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 66.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, 2000, in the Longwood Cemetery with the Rev. Charles Richey, pastor of Webb City Church of God, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Shidler Chapel.

Born June 25, 1933, in Seminole, he was the son of Lester and Gladys (Dwyer) Bowman. At an early age, his family moved to Shidler and Webb City area. He grew up there and received his education in the Webb City schools.

On Oct. 27, 1956, he was married to Marcene Alley in Ponca City. The couple made their home in Ponca City for a time before moving to Shidler. Mr. Bowman worked as a heavy equipment operator in road construction and dirt moving for over 40 years before retiring in 1995. He continued to work part time until this past year.

He enjoyed golfing, fishing, NASCAR racing and spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Marcene, of the home; 10 children, Becky Thomas of Shidler, Jimmie Bowman and his wife Lois of Aztec, N.M., Pam Silcox and her husband Marlon of Ponca City, Darla Wilhelm and her husband Todd of Shidler, Darrell Bowman and his wife Pam of Guymon, Janice Hosack and her husband Rick of Shidler, Marsha Bowman of Shidler, Stanley Bowman of Phoenix, Ariz., Joan Turner and her husband Mike of Shidler, and John Bowman and his wife Marci of Stillwater; one brother, Leon Bowman of Shidler; five sisters, Peggy Harveston, Joy Jones, Karen Harveston, and Donna Harveston, all of Wichita, Kan., and Wanda Maxwell of Tulsa; 18 grandchildren, Amee Thomas, Jimmy Bowman, Kim Bowman, Devin Bowman, Heather Silcox, Brandon Silcox, Emily Silcox, Stephanie Wilhelm, Stacy Wilhelm, Sara Wilhelm, Sarah Bowman, Diana Steinkeuhler, Ricky Hosack, Amanda Bowman, Christopher Turner, Scott Riddle, Jon Bowman, and Alecia Bowman; and two great-grandchildren, Felicia Bowman and Seth Williams.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Billy Wayne, Richard, and Clinton Bowman; and one great-grandson, Brandon Bowman.

Honorary casket bearers will be Dean Crane, J.R. Anderson, Jeff Harbeson, Melvin Bethel, Bill Weaver and Bob Center.

Friends may call at the Shidler Chapel until 1:30 p.m. Monday.

The family will be at the home in Shidler.

paid obituary

Robert Edwin Parrish

TULSA — Dr. “Bob” Parrish (Robert Edwin Parrish), 69, passed away Saturday, Jan. 22, 2000, at his ranch outside of Tulsa.

Bob was born and raised in Ponca City and shared many wonderful stories of his childhood there. He called the University of Oklahoma home during his college years and earned two doctorates in clinical psychology and education. After completing his education in Norman, Tulsa became home as he pursued a career as a professor of psychology at the University of Tulsa.

Bob loved to teach and changed many lives with his ability to educate and entertain. Feeling that he could help more people in a one-on-one environment, he stopped teaching in the 70s and went into private practice. Bob thrived on helping those around him, and hundreds of people were touched by his care. After retiring in 1990, he was able to pursue his love for the outdoors and began teaching again in his community. He loved the world around him unconditionally and was loved by all those who knew him.

Bob leaves behind his beloved partner, Mary Sam Felmlee; brother, Jack Parrish; daughter and son-in-law Summer and Andrew Neel; two granddaughters, Sydney and Addison Neel; and daughter, Kelly Costa who predeceased him in 1998. Many other family, friends, and animals, especially horses, mourn his loss. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, Jan. 27, in Tulsa under the direction of Ninde Memorial Chapel of Tulsa.

paid obituary

NEWS BRIEFS

We’re Back! The Threaded Needle Monogramming Shop is re-opening at our new downtown location. Come see Donna White at 117 N. 3rd (lower level of Barneys Barber) or call 767-1719 TueFri 12:30-5:30. Same top quality

work and we welcome your business. adv.

Barbecue Dinner — The Po-Hi Robotics Team is sponsoring a barbecue dinner Tuesday, Feb. 1, 4:30 to 7 p.m., at the PCHS Commons area. Tickets for the pre-Owasso basketball game meal are $6 per adult and $4 per child.

Productive Hair salon for sale. Amazin’ Hair People, 108 North

Fifth, Call 762-6813. adv.

U.S. Air Force Band Tickets — The United States Air Force Band will perform at the Hutchins Memorial 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18. Admission is free with a ticket. Tickets are available at The Ponca City News, Commercial Federal Bank, Cherokee Strip Credit Union, Home National Bank, and Pioneer Bank and Trust. Contact Mike Ellis or Sharon Cooper at The News for additional information. Sponsored by PoncaCity.net and The Ponca City News.

Pokemon Rummy playing cards now at Carla’s Hallmark, 4th and Grand, Downtown. adv.

Budget Bride. Taking consignment wedding dresses and formals. We need larger size dresses. 200 West grand. 718-9934. adv.

Antique Shipment- small oak tables, Pub tables with cast iron base and round oak tops. Dressers, Chests, Chairs, Tea trolleys, and Wardrobes. adv.

Parenting Class Planned — A free five-week course on “Parenting with Love and Logic” will be led by Blackwell principals Janet Langdon and Lesa Ward, Wednesdays, Feb. 2 through March 1, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Supper for the whole family and childcare will be provided. Contact First Christian Church at 762-1666 for enrollment infor-mation.

Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv.

Elementary School Night — The Po-Hi Tip Off Club is sponsoring Elementary School Night at the Ladycat/Wildcat basketball games against Owasso on Tuesday at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Admission will be $1 for ele-mentary students accompanied by an adult. Children are en-couraged to wear their school shirts and support the Cats!

Open House: It’s in the basket and Health Products. Sample gourmet goodies, 10:00-4:00, Saturday, February 5th, 1113 East Highland. adv.

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.

Sale! 20%/50%/70% savings. Kids/her review. adv.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, install­ ation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv.

Possible Dreams Clothtique Santa’s now at Carla’s Hallmark, 405 E. Grand Downtown. adv.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv.

Reckless Driver — A Ponca City police officer responded to an incident in which a vehicle was pulling small children on a sled at noon Friday near South Lincoln Street and Cherry Avenue. The vehicle was located but the owner was gone.

Due To fire Randy’s Harris Furniture and Melinda’s Gift Gallery, 114 West Grand, Tonkawa temporarily relocated behind store in warehouse, 105 North

Main, Tonkawa. 1-580-628-3330 or 1-580-628-2897. adv.

Concealed Weapons class. Sunday, January 30 at 1pm. 500 S. Rockcliff Road. For information call 765-6677 or 761-4447. adv.

Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv.

Kids Review now accepting spring/summer childrens consignments. adv.

Gold ‘N Treasures Jewelry-specializing in jewelry repair and manufacturing, watch and clock repair, 762-7273, corner of Prospect and 14th. adv.

Soccer Sign-up starts Sat., Feb., 5th 9-1. Feb 7th, 8th, & 9th, 4-8pm. 4 1/2 years and up. Quantum Computers Systems. 312 East Grand. Call 762-9056. adv.

Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them

when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv.

LIFESTYLES

American Western Hat Tops Final Frontier
Millennium Afghan Still Being Sold
Chapter EL
Chapter FC
Valentine Luncheon
Tips for Tax Season Stress Relief
Garden Council
If At First You Don’t Succeed…
Singles Network Schedules Events
Pageant System Sponsoring Tea
Julianne Kristine Stokke Weds Mark Andrew Boren
Couple To Celebrate 25 Years
Wedding Plans Announced
Lookin’ With Lou
AAUW Scholarships Available
Alpha Chi Omega Program Presented By Avila
Medical Minutes
Nardin Methodist Church Setting for Couple’s Vows
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Program for Kiwanis
Wheatheart Nutrition
TOPS Chapter Members Meet
Ponca City Happenings

American Western Hat Tops Final Frontier

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

“Ponca City is the last place of the American western hat — the 101 Wild West Show,” says Allen Schiffner, one of the top ten hatters in the United States. Schiffner has opened the Ponca City Hat Company on North Fourteenth.

Explaining Ponca City’s role in the western hat trend, “Everybody was into caps, all different styles of hats, but the true west basically died right here. I came back and said ‘we need to bring that back.’ To bring some of that history back alive is my main purpose,” Allen said.

Prior to opening his own shop, Schiffner worked his hatter magic at McVay’s for three years. He had high praise for McVay’s as a quality western shop.

Schiffner began working with hats at the tender age of eight when his grandmother, who ran a restaurant in Altus, told him he had to “get a job.” He tried mowing lawns, and standing on a crate to wash dishes at the restaurant, but these vocations didn’t appeal to him.

So he went next door to the western store owner and told him he needed a job. The store owner took his hat off and told Schiffner to fix his hat on the steamer. Well, he ruined that hat, but the owner began to teach him the trade. Allen worked all through high school renovating hats.

Locale Defines Shapes

The store owner told him, “You’ve got to travel to know hats. I went to Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, California, Philadelphia and Canada doing hats.

Explaining about traveling — “Everybody has a different style, every area is unique,” Allen said. “If you travel and move around, you know the different styles and head shapes. In every region people are different — so their head shapes and sizes are different. In order to do the business justice you have to know the people.

“I can walk in a room full of people and nobody has to say anything. I can tell what they are thinking, where they have been, and what they are doing by the hats they are wearing. It’s not just western hats, it’s also ball caps or greasy fisherman hats,” he said.

Talking about his perception skills, Allen said, “People get attached to hats. Each hat has character. You can tell if he [the owner] is left-handed, right-handed, and tell what he does for a living.

“The way you shape a hat is to a person. You can go with 148 different styles, but if a hat doesn’t fit the person — the points of his shoulders, the points of his cheeks, everything — when they look in the mirror, it is just like putting on a nice jacket, a shirt or whatever,” Allen said.

Movie Stars & Governors

Allen has executed hats for such notables as former Sen. Henry Bellmon and movie star Ben Johnson; but, he says he would take just as many pains for anybody else. Allen does all types of hats for men and women. He has renovated a lot of hats, and all the work is done by hand, including the sewing.

He has finished a number of hats for western movie stars. Tom Hurd, hatter for the movies, has called on Allen’s talent to help crown the stars. He gave an example. “Like taking a hat from Ben Johnson — his hats portrayed Oklahoma,’ Johnson said. ‘I don’t care what movie it is, I don’t want to forget Oklahoma.’ So, his style in each one of his movies do that. I still do some of Ben Johnson’s hats for people who own them. I shape them and get them fitted to the people without taking the character out of the hat,” Allen explained.

Describing the process, Allen said there are many steps in cleaning a hat. A western hat, for example, is hand stripped first by taking out the lining and the sweat band, trying to get back to the basic normal material. “I don’t use chemicals,” the craftsman said. This is because he doesn’t want some toddler chewing on dad’s hat and getting sick.

Tedious Process

It takes a week to redo a hat, four days to wash one and set it back, Allen says. “The raw hat bodies are imported. You start with the raw fur and ball it up into the blank. [This hat is cashmere beaver — a high dollar dress hat.] You get it to that point; you have to pounce it more and dye it. Takes a lot of hand work.”

Rodeo Customers

Rodeo performers are good customers. This year, Schiffner was among a select group of hatters at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. “We had to do every rodeo contestant’s hat. We sat down and did 3,500 hats,” he said. This is done on an annual basis.

Besides cleaning and reshaping, Allen also has hats for sale.

“You custom fit a hat to every individual. I shape them to their style and always add a little bit of mine to make that person look better. I sell any style of hat, derbies to custom-made big brown hats. A good hat costs about $200. It depends on if you are the cattle owner or just out feeding the cows,” Allen said.

Hats Are for Protection

Allen says a hatter never makes much money, but his satisfaction comes from “looking out there and seeing people wearing hats for protection. Skin cancer is going down. If you wear a hat, you don’t have to worry about skin cancers on your face or your ears.

“During the depression you did not see a man without a hat. No matter how hungry a man was, you didn’t see one without a hat, because they were just as important as a coat. That’s my goal — to help people. You have to carry a number of different styles, because some wear Stetsons and others Beaver Brand.”

Equipment Unchanged

“Thing about hat equipment — it hasn’t changed in a 100 years. We are still using the same kind of equipment [as] when John B. (Stetson) made the first hat over a kettle of water at a campsite. That is where the very first western hat came from,” explained Allen.

“These hunters were camping out, and they couldn’t protect themselves. Everything that they made their tents out of leaked. John’s dad was a hatter, he made gentlemen hats and opera hats. They were trapping beaver hide. So he took the beaver hide and shaved it to the downy part of the fur, which is next to the skin. He put it in hot water and went to working it and made a blanket out of that fur - water won’t penetrate it.

“Then he took a rock and fashioned it into a hat block and made a little dome out of it. He wore it around as a joke. Then an old boy happened by, and he kind of liked the looks of that and gave him a $5 gold piece for it. [He then] rode off with the hat. John went back to Philadelphia and started thinking about making a western hat because those guys need that protection. He made two styles and sent them out west to different retailers to sell these hats. After that, every cowboy had to have one. Stetson has been making hats since 1861.”

Tourists Want Hats

Sailors that came in on ships — the first thing they bought was a western hat. This has not changed. When the Germans and Japanese come to the states as tourists, they want a western hat to walk off the plane in. “Something America has to be proud of is the western hat.”

He has a collection of antique hat equipment, including hat blocks, brim blocks, spinners and washers. Some of the tools are priceless.

About redoing a hat, he says, “A lot of hat renovators won’t take the time to put it right. They’ll send it off, they’ll get it cleaned, the customer gets it back, say they can’t wear the hat, it’s clean, it’s nice, but it doesn’t fit. I’ll strip it all back out and reblock the hat to that individual, and when he puts it back on head, he has his hat back.”

A lot of these guys have large heads. Hat sizes run from six to eight. Schiffner does special fits. For instance, a guy coming over from Tulsa needs a hat larger than an eight, and Schiffner will custom fit him.

“What makes me unique in the hat industry is that I patch holes. Hats come in full of holes, and I’ll take them and rebuild them. Some of these guys can’t find a hat like this, it will look good when I get through,” Allen proclaimed.

Three guys called him yesterday from Woodward and needed help with their hats and couldn’t come over to Ponca City. So, Allen drove to Woodward and did a hat job and drove back to Ponca City. Sort of a hat doctor making a house call.

Millennium Afghan Still Being Sold

A fundraising project to benefit the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church building fund is still available to the public. A Ponca City Millennium afghan can be purchased for $50 by calling Karen Ley, 762-7120, or Amy Furber, 762-0724, two of the designers. Other members of the design committee are Tammy Stewart and Lou Ann O’Neill.

The multicolored afghan boasts 200 different colors woven on a tapestry loom. Prominent colors are green, blue, brown, burgundy, yellow and ivory.

The afghan features Ponca City’s historical past, Standing Bear statue, the 101 Ranch with Bill Pickett, Osage and Kaw Indian chiefs, Conoco, Lew Wentz Camp and Pool, and the Ponca City Art Center. Depicting current events, the afghan has scenes of the Cann garden, Bald Eagle at Kaw Lake, and the public library statue “Through the Eyes of a Child.”

A nationwide millennium council has encouraged communities to celebrate the millennium and promote growth and leadership in the future. Ponca City was named as Oklahoma’s “premiere Millennium City” and Standing Bear Park as Oklahoma’s only “Millennium Legacy Trail.” These designations are captured for all time in the design of the afghan.

Proceeds from the sale of the afghan will go toward the building/purchasing fund of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The tapestry’s designers indicate that the afghan is an excellent idea for gift-giving for any occasion.

Bits and Pieces

Chapter EL

Chapter EL of PEO will meet for a salad luncheon at noon Wednesday, Feb. 2, in the home of Pat Evans. Members whose last names begin with letters A through H are asked to bring salads. Irma Goldenstern and Phyllis Kennedy are co-hostesses. The program will be presented by Alice Mires, president. All members are also asked to bring an item to be auctioned, with proceeds going toward PEO projects.

Chapter FC

Marge Parker will be the hostess when Chapter FC of PEO meets at 1 p.m. Feb. 2. Marge Howard and Elma Robson will be the co-hostesses. There will be a reading of the president’s letter, and the program “Heart Exchange III” will be presented by Betty Thompson.

Valentine Luncheon

The First Lutheran Women’s Guild is sponsoring a Valentine Salad Luncheon 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at the church fellowship hall. Cost is $5 for adults and $1.50 for pre-schoolers. Tickets are available from guild members, the church or school office.

Tips for Tax Season Stress Relief

•Make a weekly eating plan and stick to it. Plan your meals in advance to take advantage of time-saving techniques. Cook on Sunday for the week and save yourself time and money the remainder of the week.

•Indulge the snack attack. Nutrition experts agree that a wide assortment of nutritionally balanced snacks, enjoyed in moderation, is an essential part of a healthful diet. Snacking tends to keep blood sugar levels normal and brain chemistry in balance.

•Recognize when you’re stressed and learn stress management techniques like yoga, walking, or breathing exercises.

•Plan in advance for healthful snacking. Keep pretzels, breakfast cereals, crackers, bagels, or breadsticks in your desk, glove compartment, or gym bag for a snack that’s ready any time you are.

•Get friendly. Social support is healthy and can reduce stress. Get comfortable with grains. They are the ultimate comfort food - creating and re-creating homey and comforting memories on a daily basis to nourish bodies and souls.

•Learn to slow down.

•Take time for yourself. Relax your jaw, drop your shoulders, and breathe when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

• Breathe! Deep breathing supplies more oxygen to the brain, relaxes your body, and can help you concentrate,

• Catch your Zs and get more sleep.

• Be happy. Laugh and you’ll release endorphins that can reduce tension and increase your overall sense of well-being.

Garden Council

Members of the Ponca City Garden Club Council will meet at the Cann Garden Center Wednesday, Feb. 2, instead of Feb. 9, as listed in the yearbook. A coffee is planned for 9 a.m. and the program about prairie wildflowers and the business meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m.

If At First You Don’t Succeed…

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. This is an invaluable lesson we, as parents, must teach our young children.

“The Frog Who Couldn’t Jump,” by Dr. Hope, J.A.P.D. (Just A Pretend Doctor) is a tale about a young frog who wants to enter a jumping contest. There’s just one problem — he can’t seem to master the task of jumping.

Freddie (the frog) tries everything possible to learn how to jump. He tries to learn on his own but all attempts fail.

Finally, with the wisdom of the “Stump,” Freddie decides to ask a teacher to help him.

“Teacher’s are patient and real smart,” the stump said to Freddie. The stump then points out that teachers can help you accomplish anything.

Through the journey of finding a teacher to help him, Freddie finds Beverly Bunny who is willing to help him learn. The only problem is the rabbit teaches Freddie to jump like a rabbit.

Freddie enters the Great Jumpaloo Contest against his rival, Billy Bullfrog.

The two embark in the contest, but our little Freddy loses.

Freddy is happy he lost the contest because he was taught how to lose gracefully and be thankful for what he had accomplished.

Striving for our goals — even though they may fall short — is a valuable lesson to teach our children.

They (the children) need to understand that winning isn’t everything and that sometimes the world will break your heart.

“The Frog Who Couldn’t Jump” has been dedicated to Christopher Reeve, who has shown the true definition of what it takes to be a winner.

Singles Network Schedules Events

The Singles Network activity schedule for Jan. 30 - Feb. 5 includes :

Jan. 30: 5 p.m., Super Bowl Party at Phil’s, call 765-8381 if you plan to attend.

Feb. 1: Game Night is at Edie’s at 7 p.m.

Feb. 4: Dinner is at 6 p.m. at The Western Rose Cafe on Flormable.

Feb. 5: A soup supper is planned for 5 p.m. at Jan’s. Those attending are asked to bring a salad or crackers.

Pageant System Sponsoring Tea

The Mrs. Oklahoma - Mrs. America Pageant System will hold a special tea and general meeting for prospective contestants and confirmed contestants competing for the title of Mrs. Oklahoma 2000. The tea will be in Tulsa on Sunday, Feb. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m., hosted by Marshon’s Boutique and Salon at 8132 South Harvard.

Preliminaries will be held the evening of June 16 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Tulsa. Final competition will be June 17 at Tulsa Community College Southeast Campus PAC Auditorium. Mrs. Oklahoma will go on to compete in the Mrs. America pageant in Honolulu, Hawaii in September; Mrs. America will compete in the Mrs. World competition in December. This is the only recognized “Mrs.” pageant televised in the United States.

For information on becoming a contestant or sponsorship for the Mrs, Oklahoma 2000 pageant, please contact Executive Director Melissa Stade at (918) 254-8342.

Julianne Kristine Stokke Weds Mark Andrew Boren

Julianne Kristine Stokke and Mark Andrew Boren were united in marriage Dec. 29, 1999, in a 7 p.m. double-ring ceremony at the First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Dr. J.D. Ward officiated. Parents of the couple are Olaf and Victoria Stokke of Ponca City, and William and Carolyn Boren of Lenexa, Kan.

The church was decorated with Christmas greenery, candelabra accented with greenery and gold-trimmed organza ribbon, and two large fresh floral arrangements of red Classy roses, light and dark blue delphinium, red alstromeria, blue iris, stargazer lilies, white cremones, and misty blue. White satin pew bows were trimmed with greenery, tulle, and misty white. A red rose marked the parents’ pew.

The prelude music was presented by Mary Lindsay, cello, and Sandra Arndt, piano, and included pieces by Elgar, Haydn, Faure, Massenet, and Chopin. Caccini’s “Ave Maria,” arranged for cello and piano, was played as the mothers were seated. The processionals, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach and “Trumpet Voluntary” by Clarke, were played by Michael Arndt, trumpet, and Sue Lippert, organ. The third movement of Rachmaninoff’s Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano was played during the ceremony.

The congregation was invited to share in the lighting of the Unity Candle by lighting small individual candles. “Prayer of St. Gregory” by Hovhaness, for trumpet and organ, was played as the bride and bridegroom lit the Unity candle, and this light was carried by the ushers and candlelighters to the congregation. Rutter’s “Gaelic Blessing” was played on the organ and read by Linda Varvel, the bride’s aunt, near the end of the ceremony. The trumpet and organ recessional included “Trumpet Tune” by Purcell and “Rondeau” by Mouret.

The bride, escorted by her father, was attired in an A-line gown of candlelight matte satin and Schiffli lace accented with pearls and sequins. The scalloped vee-neckline and long tapered sleeves were fashioned of Schiffli lace edged with pearls. The gown featured Schiffli lace cutouts on the skirt and chapel-length train, as well as, Schiffli lace at the hemline. A lace, pearl, and sequin-trimmed headpiece secured the double-layered, fingertip-length veil. The bride wore a freshwater pearl necklace, a gift from the bridegroom, and carried a colonial bouquet of white roses, red Classy roses, misty white, and ivy.

Maid of Honor was Karen Stokke, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Laura Martinez and Bridget Hille, both of Wichita, Kan. The attendants wore floor-length satin-back crepe gowns in berry red. A wide satin band accented by rosettes edged the round neckline and vee-back of the short sleeved A-line gowns. Each attendant carried a colonial bouquet of Classy red roses, light and dark blue delphinium, red alstromeria, misty blue, and ivy.

Todd Boren of Lenexa, Kan., served his brother as Best Man. Groomsmen were Nicholas Proctor of Gardner, Kan., and Michael Arndt of Chicago, Ill. Michael Shipley of Wilmette, Ill., and James Whiteaker of Norman, served as ushers. The bridegroom was attired in a black full dress tuxedo with a black satin vest and wore a red rose boutonniere. Other men in the wedding party wore black tuxedos with black cummerbunds and white carnation boutonnieres.

Candlelighters were Heather Heslip of Yukon, and Sara Tippett of Austin, Texas. Susan Gustavson of Chicago, Ill., attended the guest book, and Kari Bell of Norman served as gift attendant. Anna and Rebecca Person, cousins of the bride, distributed programs with the assistance of their parents, Larry and DeEtte Person of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Following the wedding ceremony, a reception was hosted at the Marland Mansion by the bride’s parents. Assisting were Kari Bell, Heather Heslip, Martha Long, Lou Ann O’Neill, Pam Oster, and Sara Tippett. Serving tables were decorated with tulle swags and red roses. The three-tiered white wedding cake was adorned with fresh flowers similar to those used for decorations for the ceremony. Guest tables were decorated with berry red satin overlays and hurricane candles and greenery on beveled mirror tiles.

A string quartet composed of Anne Rardin of Los Angeles, Calif., Brant Bayless of Logan, Utah, and Sarah Parsons and Michael Hart of College Station, Texas, provided music for the evening. Bells and birdseed were distributed to guests by the Person family. Following a trip to Florida, the couple resides in Lincoln, Neb.

Out-of-town family members attending the wedding were Vic and Irene Varvel of Lincoln, Neb., grandparents of the bride; Linda Varvel and Martha Hewett of Minneapolis, Minn.; Velda Stokke of Omaha, Neb.; Larry, DeEtte, Anna, and Rebecca Person of Scottsdale, Ariz.; Eva McNutt of New Albany, Ind., grandmother of the bridegroom; Jim, Mary, Sarah, Amy, and William Clamons of Palm Bay, Fla.; Mike, Shari, and Dennis McCutcheon of Jeffersonville, Ind.; Jenny Ralph of Jeffersonville, Ind.; Bill and Sue Fowle of Louisville, Ken.; Sylvia Stoner of Indianapolis, Ind.; and Roland Kramer of Jeffersonville, Ind.

A rehearsal dinner was hosted by the bridegroom’s parents at the Marland Mansion the evening before the wedding.

Couple To Celebrate 25 Years

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Hendrix, 177 Kay Drive, will observe their 25th wedding anniversary on Feb. 3. Hendrix and the former Audrey Null were married on that date in 1975 in Dayton, Ohio.

They made their home in Midway, Ohio before moving to Ponca City. Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix are affiliated with the Sonic Drive-In. Their children are Christie Barnett, Jill Hendrix and Kyle Hendrix. The couple has one grandchild, Madison Barnett.

Wedding Plans Announced

Announcement is being made of the engagement of Sherry Ann Cooper Lawe and Christopher James Walls. The couple plans a March 18 wedding at the Cann Garden, 1500 East Grand. Friends and family are invited to attend the 3 p.m. ceremony.

The couple’s children are Christopher James Lawe and Kyle James Samuel Walls. The bride-elect’s parents are Peggy J. Cooper of Ponca City and David L. Cooper of Colby, Kan. She attended school at West High School in Wichita, Kan., and is employed at Citgo.

Walls is the son of James P. and Tanna L. Walls of Ponca City. He attended school in Ponca City and is employed at A to Z Machining Service.

Lookin’ With Lou

A Few Small Rules …

By Louise Abercrombie

Everyone should have rules to live by. Some folks have rules just for eating. For example, there are those who never eat anything that includes “fluff” in the recipe title, while others never dine on anything that swims. A friend of my never eats anything bigger than her head.

Another good eating rule is not to order anything you or the waitress can’t pronounce. A sure sign your meal is going to be late is when the waitress comes and tells you it will be just a few minutes more.

Sometimes, food can be political. You remember George W. Bush’s father — President George Bush — had a rule that he never ate broccoli.

A smart fashion rule is to never try to guess the names of the latest colors the designers dream up. For instance, the recycled green split pea soup color becomes “putty.”

When you do buy off-shade articles of clothing and have no shoes to match, try wearing the garment to the paint store and check out their color charts. Then take the matching paddle to the business folk who dye wedding shoes and get shod there.

Myself, I have a rule which is to never read a book I can’t lift — the LARGE print dictionary is one of those (no snide remarks please).

When having color rinse put on your hair, a clever rule is to always check out the color register first so you don’t come up with one of those colors like fuchsia or tangerine. But, should it turn out badly, there is always more room for volunteer clowns. Sign up for six weeks.

A gardener I know tells me she has a rule which is to always plant sod green side up. Another friend plants tomatos length-ways. Seems it makes a lot better root system that way.

The health folk have rules that encourage everyone using public restrooms to wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds. Makes sense, except when they go in or out the door there are bunches of germs hanging out on the door knob just waiting to pounce.

This rule is for the ladies — never try to put both legs in a pair of slacks at the same time. A colleague of mine received what she thought was a skirt for Christmas. She had a difficult time putting the garment on — seemed a bit snug. In fact, she wondered what the extra flap was in the back (it was the other leg). Too late — she had already sent “thank you” cards for the “skirt.”

AAUW Scholarships Available

The American Association of University Women will give two scholarships of $300 each to two women this year. Applicants are asked to fill out a form which will be given to the AAUW Scholarship Committee for awarding the scholarships in the spring.

Applications for the scholarship awarded to a graduating Ponca City High School senior woman can be found at Ponca High School in the office of Royce Caldron. The form must be completed and submitted to the Counselor’s Office by April 1, 2000.

Applications for the scholarship awarded to an adult woman returning to college or starting for the first time at least four years after graduating from high school, will be found at the Ponca City Library and Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. These forms should be mailed to LaVelle Wittmer, 820 Spring Road, Ponca City, OK 74604, by April 30, 2000.

AAUW is vitally interested in education and advancement of women said a spokesperson. Thousands of dollars are given to many projects nationally and in the state of Oklahoma for advancement of education. If you have a bachelor’s degree from a four-year university, you are eligible to be a member of AAUW. Ponca City branch meetings are at 10 a.m. the third Saturday morning of the month at the Ponca City Country Club. For information call call Grace Chism, 765-3519, AAUW president.

Alpha Chi Omega Program Presented By Avila

The Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Chapter, Delta Lambda Delta, met for their January meeting in the home of Sandy Hudack. Co-hostesses were Pauletta Beaty and Terry Muchmore. Vice-President Pauletta Beaty introduced Enrique Avila, owner of Enrique’s Restaurant, who presented the program for the evening. He recounted his experience of leaving Cuba for the United States when he was 15 years old and how he finally came to Ponca City and opened the restaurant.

Valorie Buss, president, conducted the business meeting. Teri Nelson, treasurer, and Sandy Hudack, Panhellenic Representative, gave reports. Mrs. Hudack reported on the success of the Christmas House Tour. Mrs. Buss appointed Verna McKenzie, Sandy Hudack and Julie Lawrence to the by-laws committee. They are to revise the current by-laws and report proposed changes at the March meeting. She also discussed the Pathway to the Future program of the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation. The chapter will purchase a brick to be placed in the garden that honors the Founders at National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind.

The new guidelines for Alumnae Awards were discussed and will be presented in more detail at the February meeting. The awards will be presented at the 2000 Convention in July. A report was given by Vice-President Pauletta Beaty on the luncheon held to honor active members of Alpha Chi Omega. The luncheon was held at the Rusty Barrell and special honorees were Lori Hutchins and Jamie Vowel of Blackwell. They are actives at Gamma Epsilon Chapter at Oklahoma State University. Jennifer Daly of Blackwell, an active at Oklahoma State and Sarah Yancy of Ponca City,, an active at the University of Oklahoma Psi Chapter were unable to attend. A framed copy of the Alpha Chi Omega Symphony was presented to Miss Vowel who is a new initiate.

Province Alumnae Chairman Sandy Hudack encouraged members of the Chapter to study the new awards criteria and guidelines and to consider nominating the chapter for the awards they feel qualified for. Buss reminded members of the March 7 meeting to be hosted by the Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Club. The chapter has been invited to join in the meeting, which will be held at the home of Barbara Impson.The next meeting will be in the home of Fran Mathews on Feb. 22.

Medical Minutes

Doctor Discusses VBAC

Fred Henke, M.D., FACOG

VBAC is an acronym for vaginal birth after a previous cesarean section delivery. For many years, women who were delivered by cesarean section, for whatever reason, were advised to have a repeat cesarean birth with each subsequent pregnancy, the so called “Once a C- section, Always a C-section” philosophy. Over the past several years, there has been increasing interest in attempting vaginal delivery for these patients.

The rate of cesarean delivery in this country has increased significantly over the past several years so that the national incidence is currently nearly one in four. This has been attributed to a number of factors, but it is clear that a significant percentage of these procedures are repeat cesarean sections.

Major Surgery

While a cesarean section is a very safe procedure to have done, it is a major surgery, and the risks to the pregnant woman are greater, the average hospital stay is longer, recovery is slower, and the cost is more than with vaginal delivery. It is, therefore, desirable for as many women as possible to deliver vaginally.

The concern about allowing labor in a woman who has had a cesarean section for a previous pregnancy is the risk that the scar on her uterus from her prior surgery could rupture as a result of the repetitive contractions of the uterus that characterize the labor process. During the early years of operative obstetrics, cesarean deliveries were performed through a “classical” incision, meaning a vertical (up and down) cut in the uterus which extended into the thick contractile upper portion of the uterus.

On rare occasions, such an incision is still necessary. The risk of uterine rupture during labor after this type of incision is quite high. Most cesareans now are done through a transverse (side to side) cut made in the lower non-contractile portion of the uterus. Labor after this type of incision is associated with a less than 1 percent risk of uterine rupture.

Success Rate

Experience has shown that about three out of four women who are willing to attempt VBAC are successful. For the approximately 25 percent of women who attempt VBAC unsuccessfully and require a repeat cesarean section after laboring, there may be somewhat greater risk of complications, such as infection, compared to patients who have an elective repeat cesarean.

Labor during attempted VBAC should be carefully monitored and should be managed by a physician who is able to perform an emergency cesarean section should that be necessary. Epidural anesthesia during labor is safe in this setting as is induction of labor, if that is needed.

Some women are not candidates for VBAC. Patients who have had a prior classical cesarean incision and certain other surgical procedures on their uterus and women with an obstetrical reason to have an abdominal delivery, such as breech presentation, are examples. However, for a majority of women with a previous cesarean section delivery, VBAC is a safe and successful endeavor.

Nardin Methodist Church Setting for Couple’s Vows

The Nardin Methodist Church was the setting for the recent wedding of Cassandra Shea Hudson and Jerry Dwayne Bakewell Jr. Their vows were solemnized in a 2 p.m. ceremony by the Rev. David Sanders.

Parents of the couple are Howard and Lynn Hudson of Nardin and Teresa and Jerry D. Bakewell Sr. of Ponca City. The bride is the granddaughter of Jimmie and Arnetta Hudson of Blackwell, and Joe and Geneva Shingledecker of Ponca City, and the great-granddaughter of Reba Hartness of Blackwell.

Sunflowers, English ivy and white tulle were used for decorations, as well as, a variety of silk flowers and potted plants. The arrangements were designed and created by the bride’s mother.

Jeanette Reese, organist, played a prelude of traditional bridal music. Gale Clark sang “I Do” and J. Wayne Hudson, uncle of the bride, sang “The Lord’s Prayer.” He was accompanied by Diana Reese, pianist. Candlelighters were Kestrol and Savanna Tinklenberg of Chandler, Minn., nieces of the bridegroom.

Jessica Hudson served her sister as Maid of Honor, and bridesmatrons were Cheryl Tinklenberg of Chandler, Minn. and Kayla Smith of Ponca City, sisters of the bridegroom. Each attendant wore a fully-lined periwinkle blue georgette dress in an Empire style. The rounded back neckline was highlighted by a bow. Each carried a silk bouquet of sunflowers, blue dogwood blossoms, white capsia, eucalyptus, baby’s breath, Queen Anne’s lace, and golden pothos tied with silk ribbon.

Tara Smith, niece of the bridegroom, was the flowergirl, and Jacob Hudson, brother of the bride, was the ringbearer. Guest book attendants were Melissa Hudson, aunt of the bride, and Marcy, Haley and Phillip Hudson, cousins of the bride.

Kevin Tinklenberg of Chandler, Minn., brother-in-law of the bridegroom, was Best Man, and groomsmen were Billy Smith of Ponca City, brother-in-law of the bridegroom, and Michael Norris of Ponca City, cousin of the bridegroom. Ushers were Jimmy Hutchison, the bridegroom’s cousin, and Tyler Smith, the bridegroom’s nephew.

The reception was held at the fellowship hall of the church. Assisting with the event were Becky Cranke of Broken Arrow, and Michelle Copple of Ponca City, aunts of the bride; Diana Reese, Jackie Boyd, Carol Reese, Janice Wilson, Julene Tolle and Jeanette Reese.

The three-tiered wedding cake featured basket-weave icing and blue and yellow ribbons connecting the satellite cakes. The cakes were decorated with blue and yellow flowers and miniature cowboy hats. The wedding cake was created by Geneva Shingledecker, grandmother of the bride, and Michelle Copple, aunt of the bride. The chocolate cakes for the bridegroom’s table were in the shape of a cowboy hat and boots, and were created by the bridegroom’s aunt, Wanda Sherwin.

The couple resides in Ponca City. Several pre-nuptial events were held in honor of the couple.

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Program for Kiwanis

Larry Felix, chief operating officer of St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, presented a PowerPoint program highlighting the newest services and technology at the hospital.

History

The Ponca City Chamber of Commerce established the hospital in 1918 as an answer to a flu epidemic said Felix. Later, the Sisters of St. Joseph were invited to run the hospital. The building was originally built in 1926 with additions in 1948, 1962, and 1975. The chapel is the only remaining part that was built in 1926.

Mission

The Sisters of St. Joseph manage facilities in Kansas, Oklahoma, and California. Westminster Village in Ponca City is another ministry of the Sisters. Felix stated that “the mission of St. Joseph’s is as a Catholic not-for-profit entity to continue the healing ministry of Jesus.”

Services

Felix gave recognition to the over 100 volunteers who serve the hospital, volunteering 25,000 hours. These volunteers are usually the ones to greet visitors and patients at the door and give directions to the desired location. In his presentation, Felix acknowledged the many areas of service available at SJRMC, such as the cancer center, cardiopulmonary services, laboratory, radiology, and all the surgical services. He stressed that “St. Joseph’s is an accredited facility. This accreditation means that the hospital passes a rigorous set of criteria that requires ongoing improvement and work to maintain.” This region is fortunate to have an accredited facility with 47 physicians with hospital privileges. Of these physicians, 42 are board certified, meaning they have spent extra years in training and testing.

“There were 4000 admissions last year with 2500 surgeries, 620 babies born, and 42,000 outpatient services performed,” continued Felix. “Our plans are ready for a $2.3 million new surgical unit,” and he encouraged people to visit the new website at www.sjrmcpc.com.

Lisa Coy, Kiwanian of the day, thanked Felix for giving the program, and presented a Kiwanis pen to him. Also introduced was Dr. Bradford Black, a new orthopedic surgeon at SJRMC.

Student Kiwanians from Ponca City High School were Allison Stotts, daughter of Dr. Stephen Stotts, and Eric Chambray, son of Beverly Chambray. Shaun Searle introduced the students and asked them to tell the group some of their activities and plans. Allison is on the Student Advisory Council, plays soccer, and plans to attend Kansas University and then go on to medical school. Eric is a cheerleader, on the cross country team, and is a diver with the swim team. He plans to go to Kansas University and major in sports medicine.

Men and women interested in community service are welcome to visit Kiwanis meetings every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. at E.W’s restaurant on the Marland Estate.

Wheatheart Nutrition

For 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. 31: Hamburger steak with beef gravy; mashed potatoes; tossed salad with dressing; biscuit with margarine; mixed fruit.

Tuesday, Feb. 1: Beef cabbage casserole; three-bean salad; buttered carrots; whole wheat roll with margarine; applesauce gelatin.

Wednesday, Feb. 2: Chicken patty; buttered broccoli; pineapple and bananas; muffin with margarine; iced raisin peanut butter spice bar.

Thursday, Feb. 3: Swedish meatballs; Calypso rice; tomato juice; seasoned green beans; whole wheat roll with margarine; peach crisp.

Friday, Feb. 4: Ham; beans; tomato relish; cornbread with margarine; fruit cocktail cake.

TOPS Chapter Members Meet

TOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday evening, with Ann McCool in charge of the business meeting. Donna McCoy gave the devotional “Success.” Edith Smith led the group in reciting the TOPS Pledge, and Betty Flower led the KOPS Kreed.

Natalie McCoy called the roll, and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Wanda Headrick was the best loser, and Edith Smith won the Ha Ha Pot.

Forbidden food for the week is candy. A new members and two visitors were present at the meeting. Subjects discussed included the March elections, SRD in Tulsa May 6-7, Fun Day in Enid March 11, and Fun Day in Ponca City on June 3.

Ann Stuever gave the program “Why Diets Fail.” She stressed managing weight with portion control and nutritious foods rather than dieting.

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.

Ponca City Happenings

Sunday

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.

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, American Legion.

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 Quilter’s 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.

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

Deadline for Happenings and items for Sunday’s edition of Lifestyles is 5 p.m. Wednesday. For Happenings include name of club, time and day of meeting, place and hostess.

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.

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Harmony House basement (use south entrance by parking lot).

Chapter EL of PEO will meet for a salad luncheon at noon Wednesday, Feb. 2, in the home of Pat Evans. Members whose last names begin with letters A through H are asked to bring salads. Irma Goldenstern and Phyllis Kennedy are co-hostesses. The program will be presented by Alice Mires, president. All members are also asked to bring an item to be auctioned, with proceeds going toward PEO projects.

Marge Parker will be the hostess when Chapter FC of PEO meets at 1 p.m. Feb. 2. Marge Howard and Elma Robson will be the co-hostesses. There will be a reading of the president’s letter, and the program “Heart Exchange III” will be presented by Betty Thompson.

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.

Story hour for school-aged children Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Ponca City Library.

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 Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 401 South Lincoln.

The First Lutheran Women’s Guild is sponsoring a Valentine Salad Luncheon 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at the church fellowship hall. Cost is $5 for adults and $1.50 for pre-schoolers. Tickets are available from guild members, the church or school office.

Friday

Simple Steps AA — open, noon; AA speaker meeting — open, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

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.

SPORTS

Cats Third in Tourney Perry Wins First Big Four Title
Sports Notes

Cats Third in Tourney Perry Wins First Big Four Title

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

The revived Big Four-Plus Four wrestling tournament may have had weather and late cancellation problems, but it none-the-less lived up to expectations during a two-day run at Robson Fieldhouse.

Perry grabbed the tournament first championship, holding off Bristow, 189-181. Ponca City was third with 128.5 points, topping Blackwell, which finished with 113.5.

Bristow crowned six champions to three for Perry. But the Class 2A power had more placers in the round robin format that gave premium to balance.

Likewise, Ponca City had two champions while Blackwell had three. But the Wildcats outplaced the Maroons 10-9 and collected more bonus points.

Tonkawa was a distant fifth with 61 points but had three runners-up, two third placers and a fourth place. Even the mystery team, made up mostly of Ponca City JV grapplers got in the act, placing three — one third and two fourths.

“Our younger kids are getting tougher and stronger,” Po-Hi coach Todd Steidley said after the tournament. “Our varsity kids did a good job.”

The round-robin format made for some strange scoring in the wacky, wacky world of high school wrestling.

For example, Ponca City state qualifier Kyle Duren sailed into the 160-pound finals with four straight pins.

In his final bout of the tournament, he went against Bristow’s Tom Biggs. Biggs was seeded No. 2, behind Duren, but had lost two matches early. So Duren had the title sewed up. All he had to aim for was a perfect record in the tournament.

So what happens, Biggs used a five-point move late in the second quarter to take a 6-2 win.

“We had pinned two of the guys he beat him (Biggs),” Steidley said. “But those things happen in wrestling. Kyle made a mistake and hopefully he’ll learn from it.”

Ponca City’s other champion was Michael Osborn at 152 pounds. Osborn had three first-period falls in his four wins to reach the finals.

He faced Tonkawa’s Kevin Simpson Saturday afternoon with that final going down to the wire before Osborn pulled out a 7-5 win.

Clint Stafford finished second at 125 pounds. losing in the finals to Sullivan of Bristow.

Blaine Empting was the runner-up at 171, losing a 9-3 decision to top seeded Roebuck of Bristow, 9-3.

The Wildcats finished 2-3 at that weight with Daniel Lee collecting third place after pinning Brining of Tonkawa.

The Cats had five more third placers — Phillip Brotherton at 112 pounds, MiMi Miller at 119, Roman RedLeaf at 135, Jeremy Leavitt at 189 and Jason Neurenburg at 215 .

The two Wildcat fourth placers were Jasper Lockett at 140 and Tyler Fezer at heavyweight.

In addition to Lee’s third place finish, the Ponca City JVs also got a fourth from Jason Leavitt at 171.

Sports Notes

Elementary School Night

The Po-Hi Tip Off Club will sponsor Elementary School Night Tuesday for the Wildcat-Lady Wildcat games against Owasso.

The girls’ game starts at 6:30 with the boys starting about 8.

The admission will be $1 for elementary students accompanied by an adult. The students are encouraged to wear their school shirts.

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Free Throw Championship

All boys and girls ages 10 to 14 are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2000 Knights Of Columbus Free Throw Championship. The local competition will be held Sunday, Feb. 6, at 1 p.m. at the St. Mary’s School Gymnasium.

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship is sponsored annually with winners progressing to state competition. International champions are announced by the K of C international headquarters based on scores from the state-level competitions. All boys and girls 10 to 14 years old are eligible to participate and will compete in respective age divisions. (Age at January 1, 1999)

All contestants on a local level are recognized for their participation in the event. Youngsters may register the day of the event or for entry forms and additional information contact: Danny Bertels (765-8470) or Joe Ninnemann (762-8229).

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Swim-a-thon Scheduled

The Ponca Sailfish Swim Team and the Ponca City High School swim team will hold a Swim-a-thon on Sunday, Feb. 20 at the YMCA pool.

This Swim-a-thon will provide funds which enable the teams to maintain their swimming program. The Ponca Sailfish Swim Team, coached by Oklahoma’s Swim Coach of the Year Dave Strah, has several top-caliber swimmers. PSST swimmers placed sixth in both Division II and Junior Olympic state championship long course meets. Additionally, a PSST swimmer is the third fastest 11-12 year-old female swimmer for the 50 meter breaststroke in the nation.

The Ponca City High School swim team, also coached by Strah, has a swimmer named to the 1999 USA Swimming Scholastic AllAmerican Team.

Swim-a-thons are conducted across the country by many of the 2,600-plus member clubs of USA Swimming. Ponca City’s teams will retain 95 per cent of what is collected and send 5 percent to USA Swimming.

Swimmers from the Ponca Sailfish Swim Team and the Ponca City High School swim team are currently soliciting sponsors for the Swim-a-thon. The swimmers will swim up to 200 lengths, earning a specified amount of money per length.

Persons interested in supporting these Ponca City swim teams should contact Amber Gallaway (767-1469) or Deb Goddard (767-1398).

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Youth Basketball Tournament

Ponca City High School Tip-Off Club will sponsor a Mid-America Youth Basketball Tournament, May 26, 27 and 28.

MAYB offers competition in nine divisions — fifth-sixth grade boys and girls; seventh-eighth grade girls, seventh grade boys, eighth grade boys, ninth-10th grade boys and girls and 11th-12th boys and girls.

Each team is guaranteed at least five games in the tournament. The teams are from Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas and Colorado.

More than 50 communities will sponsor a tournament this summer. The purpose of MAYB is to help players improve their basketball skills in a fun, yet competitive atmosphere.

Ponca City businesses may contact the Ponca City Tip-Off Club if they would like to help or provide flyers on their establishment for the packets the teams will be receiving when they register for the weekend.

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Morrison’s Shouse Picked

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Clark Shouse, a three-time state champion from Morrison High School has been selected to participate on the United States team in the 26th annual Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic scheduled for Saturday March 25 at the University of Pittsburgh's Fitzgerald Field House.

Shouse will compete at 140 pounds.

In addition to his three Oklahoma state titles, Shouse was named Class B All-Star team in football and was named District B-3 Player of the Year after football season.

As a freshman, he went 31-3 to will his first state championship. As a sophomore, Shouse went 37-2 to win another state crown and last season lie compiled a 33-2 record to captured the third state championship.

Shouse is president of his local chapter offellowship of Christian Athletes. He also was the Stillwater News Press Wrestler of the Year in 1999 and the News Press Defensive Player of the Year after football season. He was named the News Press co-Wrestler of the Year in 1998.

The Dapper Dan Classic, partially funded by UPMC Health System, benefits the boys and girls club of Western Pennsylvania.