LOCAL

Rough and Tumble Rock and Gem Club Will Meet on Tuesday
Day of Prayer Reflection Set for St Marys Circle
Ordination Celebration at Grace Episcopal

Rough and Tumble Rock and Gem Club Will Meet on Tuesday

The Rough and Tumble Rock and Gem Club of Ponca City will meet at the Albright United Methodist Church on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

Dues for joining the club are $8 for singles and $10 for family memberships. Visitors are welcome.

Anyone interested in fossils are welcome, and anyone interested in rocks, gems, minerals, or fossils are welcomed to come and visit at the next meeting, March 27.

For more information, call 762-5287 or 765-5854.

Day of Prayer Reflection Set for St Marys Circle

On Saturday, March 31, from 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Kateri Circle will hold a day of prayer and reflection on the theme “Strengthening our Spirituality.” Sister Kateri Mitchell, SSA, will be the spiritual director.

Sister Kateri was born and raised on the International St. Regis (Akwesasne) Mohawk reservation in upstate New York, southern Ontario and Quebec along the St. Lawrence River/Seaway. She is of the turtle clan in the Mohawk nation. This is the same nation and clan as Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.

As an educator, she has been both a teacher and administrator in both the Catholic school and federal systems in the United States and Canada respectively.

For the past 18 years, Sister has been in full-time native ministry in various capacities as pastoral minister, teacher, coordinator of rural ministries, adult formation and ministry development in both the United States and Canada. At the present time, she is the executive director of the National Tekakwitha Conference with headquarters in Great Falls, Mont.

As a workshop presenter and spiritual director, Sister Kateri has offered presentations on native ministry orientation, native spirituality, native Catholic faith formation and liturgical inculturation.

Traditional meal will be served at noon. Those attending are encouraged to wear native dress especially for the 5:15 p.m. Mass. To pre-register, by call St. Mary’s Church, 765-7794.

Ordination Celebration at Grace Episcopal

The Rev. Ken Armstrong, rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Ponca City, will celebrate the 21st anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on March 25. Armstrong has served several Oklahoma parishes in the last two decades. He was assigned to St. Mark’s Church in Hugo and St. James’ Church in Antlers following his graduation from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, in 1979.

Armstrong was ordained to the priesthood at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Oklahoma City on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 1980.

After his service in Hugo and Antlers, Armstrong became rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Ada in January 1982 and remained there until becoming rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Ponca City in May of 1991.

With two Po-Hi graduates in the family, Armstrong and his wife, Ann, have strong roots now in Ponca City and look forward to their continued service and ministry at Grace Church.

DEATHS

Rosemary Glenn
Virgil Ray Gelino
Lewis Edward O’Leary
Alice Thomas
Alvin Lynn Mistler

Rosemary Glenn

CALDWELL, Kan. — Rosemary Glenn, resident of Caldwell, Kan., died Thursday, March 22, 2001, in Caldwell, Kan. She was 68.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 26, in the Central Christian Church in Caldwell with the Rev. Dan Rice officiating. Burial will be in the Bethany Cemetery in Perth, Kan., under the direction of Elliott-Schaeffer Mortuary in Caldwell, Kan. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Rosemary Glenn was born July 9, 1932, in the Pawnee Indian Hospital, the daughter of John Keenan Pappan and Florence Eva Glenn. She married Bill Glenn on Oct. 10, 1969, in Wellington, Kan.

She is survived by her husband of the home; two sons, Steven Glenn of Mayfield, Kan., and John Cole of Caldwell, Kan.; two daughters, Sherlene Rowe of Caldwell, Kan., and Becca Dixon of Wellington, Kan.; two brothers, Jim Pappan of Ponca City and Johnny Pappan of Arkansas City, Kan.; two sisters, Lucille Honn and Doris Boone, both of Ponca City; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Virgil Ray Gelino

SHAWNEE — Virgil Ray Gelino, former resident of Ponca City, died Sunday, March 18, 2001, in Oklahoma City. He was 80.

The funeral was scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, in the Roesch-Walker Funeral Chapel in Shawnee with the Rev. Ed Fox officiating. Burial is in the Resthaven Memorial Park.

Virgil Ray Gelino was born Feb. 22, 1921, in Beaver, Okla., the son of Ray and Ruth Gelino. He graduated from Ponca City High School. On June 2, 1946, he married Pauline Thomas in Ponca City. He was employed as a purchasing agent for Shawnee Milling Co., retiring in 1984 after 24 years.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army from August 1942 through July 1945. He served in Tunisia, Rome-Arno and Po Valley and received the following medals — Good Conduct, World War II Victory Ribbon, Atlantic Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon, Purple Heart and three Bronze Service Stars and a Presidential Citation. He was a member of the VFW, the Purple Heart Association, and the Northwest Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, Jim Gelino of Lewisville, Texas; a daughter, Teri Thompson of Shawnee; two brothers, Ralph Gelino and Marvin Gelino; two sisters, Lela Aker and Nancy Williams; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister.

Obituaries

Lewis Edward O’Leary

Lewis Edward O’Leary, 83, died March 22, 2001. He was born Sept. 6, 1917, in St. Francis, Kan., to Francis “Frank” O’Leary and Mary Tongish O’Leary.

One of five children, Lewis attended country school District 25 through the eighth grade then worked on various farms to support the family during the Great Depression. In 1942, he entered the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the European Theater for two years, then the Pacific Theater and the occupation of Japan until his honorable discharge in 1946 with the rank of staff sergeant. He was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and American Service Medal. While in the European Theater, he married Marjorie Hamilton Bell on June 16, 1945, in Larne, northern Ireland. They were married 31 years until her death in 1976.

After the war, Lewis was a cattle rancher in Colorado until 1957, when he moved the family to a ranch near Uncas. In 1959, the family moved to Newkirk, where he worked at the Champlin service station for 11 years, managed the Dairy Queen for four years, and was chief of maintenance of the Kay County Courthouse for eight years until his retirement in 1982 at the age of 65. Following his retirement, Lewis continued to work part-time in the restaurant business until shortly before his death.

He is survived by his children, Major Charles O’Leary and wife Nancy of Hominy, Lyle O’Leary and wife Irene of Katy, Texas, and Catherine O’Leary and husband Robert Poore of Tulsa; grandchildren, Susan, Diane and Barbara of Hominy, and Daniel, Ryan and Andrew of Katy, Texas; sisters, Helen Mills of Arvada, Colo., and Frances Mager of Littleton, Colo.; brothers, Lloyd O’Leary of Chicopee, Maine, and Claude O’Leary of Van Nuys, Calif.

He was a member of the American Legion Otto G. Abbot Post 165 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 15037. A lifelong Roman Catholic, Lewis was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Newkirk for more than 40 years.

Rosary on Sunday, March 25, at 7 p.m. in Grace Memorial Chapel; Requiem Mass on Monday at 2:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 610 W. Ninth, Newkirk; burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ponca City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic charities.

paid obituary

Alice Thomas

Alice Thomas, longtime Ponca City resident, died Wednesday, March 21, 2001, at St. Joseph Regional Center. She was 87.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 24, 2001, at 1 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery with the Revs. Sam Thomas and Cynthia Crowe officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Alice was born Jan. 22, 1914, in Butler, Mo., the daughter of William P. and Katy Catherine (Schweedler) Cummings. In 1929, she married Jesse A. Thomas in Harrisonville, Mo. They made their home in Missouri before coming to Ponca City in August 1944. Alice served her family as a homemaker. She enjoyed flower gardening and raising houseplants.

She is survived by her husband, Jesse; two sons, Calvin and James Thomas, both of Ponca City; four grandchildren, Darrell Thomas and Treasa Lloyd, both of Ponca City, Kenneth Thomas of Texarkana, Texas, and David Thomas of Springfield, Mo.; one stepgrandson, George Thomas of Lufkin, Texas; and several great-grandchildren. Her parents and siblings preceded her in death.

The family will be at Alice’s home.

paid obituary

Funerals

Saturday

Alvin Lynn Mistler

Alvin Lynn Mistler — Funeral at 2 p.m. at the Temple Baptist Church of El Dorado, Kan., with burial in the Walnut Valley Cemetery in El Dorado under the direction of Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home of Arkansas City, Kan.

NEWS BRIEFS

PWM Tickets — Tickets for the Saturday luncheon and 1890s - 1900 fashion show at the Pioneer Woman Museum honoring Women’s History Month are still available at the museum. The cost is $10. Guest speaker for the event that begins at 11 a.m., is Denise Bode, Corporation Commissioner. The style show is by the Friends of the Guthrie Museum. A tea is slated at 2 p.m., and the fashion show will be repeated. Cost is $5. A public reception is set for 7 p.m., honoring the late Shirley Bellmon.

New Cookbooks!! Best of the Best for New England, Georgia, Great Plains, Colorado, and more! Carl’s Hallmark, Downtown. 765-3094. adv.

Domestic — A woman in the 1900 block of North Fifth Street reported an assault to Ponca City police at 8:42 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a warrant request was made for domestic assault and battery.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $8.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Accident — A vehicle accident at the intersection of old U.S. 60 and South Waverly Street was reported to Ponca City police at 9:01 a.m. Thursday. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol was advised.

Pauline’s Prime rib special, every Saturday night. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 23-year-old man was committed by the court into police custody at 10:31 a.m. Thursday.

Kids Review now accepting children’s spring/summer consignments. adv.

Accident — A caller reported to Ponca City police a semi-truck was stuck beneath the South Avenue underpass at 10:49 a.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

Fitness First Open house. Saturday March 24, 10-4. Refreshments, 715 East Hartford. adv.

Accident — A hit-and-run accident in the 1100 block of East Prospect Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 11:23 a.m. Thursday. A tag number was given of the suspect vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Burglary — A resident in the 200 block of East Brookfield Avenue reported a residential burglary to Ponca City police at 4:18 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Accident — A man came to the front lobby of the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, to report to Ponca City police at 11:27 a.m. Thursday he had hit a cable that was hanging down in the 3300 block of Kingston Road, and the cable had done some damage to his vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Southwestern Bell Telephone was also advised.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. 700

West Broadway. Call for hours. 765-9689. adv.

Accident — A woman in the 2000 block of Willow Avenue reported to Ponca City police at 12:13 p.m. Thursday someone, possibly a city vehicle, had driven through her yard. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Jim Bowen Construction­ Custom homes, room additions and remodeling. Call 762-3077. adv.

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident at the intersection of South Osage Street and West Otoe Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 12:17 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Wedding Accessories, caketops, candles, pillows, personalized crystal, invitations, napkin imprinting now at Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Accident — A vehicle accident in the 100 block of South First Street was reported to Ponca City police at 12:23 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

Accident — A two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to Ponca City police at 12:38 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned, but no report was taken. Both parties involved exchanged information.

Onion plants and set seed potatoes, strawberry plants, berry plants, tomato plants, cucumber and squash plants. Keathly Nursery, 2448 Bridge Avenue, 762-2922. adv.

Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 33-year-old man was court committed for failure to obey and failure to appear at 2:16 p.m. Thursday.

Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 21-year-old man was court committed into police custody at 2:16 p.m. Thursday.

Intoxicated Subject — A caller reported to Ponca City police at 6:17 p.m. Thursday seeing a woman sniffing paint between two buildings in the 700 block of North Osage Street. An officer was assigned and a 45-year-old woman was taken into custody for public intoxication.

Accident — A two-vehicle injury accident at the intersection of Lemon Tree Lane and Turner Street was reported to Ponca City police at 3:05 p.m. Thursday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Engine two, rescue one and an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department also responded to the scene. One subject was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries.

Spring Village beauty, for sale by owner. Two miles east of Pioneer Woman Statue. Go east on Lake to Cascade Dr. and south to Spring Village. Four bedrooms, three full baths, gracious & livable 2,100 + sq. ft. Beautifully decorated. Lots of storage with builtins. Patio & decking in back. This

home was featured on the Pond and Garden Tour. Has beautiful landscaped back yard with natural spring and cascading water with small creek in the far back. A must see! Open house: Saturday and Sunday, March 24th and

25th, 2-4 pm. 7 Spring Village. Please call Dr. Harold Houk or Sheri Houk at 765-5814. adv.

Accident — A minor two-vehicle accident in the 200 block of West Fresno Avenue was reported to Ponca City police at 3:37 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Pauline’s Steak and shrimp dinner. $11.95. Friday, March 23rd. For reservations call 765-5460. adv.

Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 46-year-old man was court committed at 3:50 p.m. Thursday.

Head Country Saturday night special. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. All day. 1217 East Prospect. adv.

Theft — A man in the 300 block of East Albany Avenue reported a stolen bicycle to Ponca City police at 4:58 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — A Ponca City booking officer reported a 26-year-old man was being transferred in from the Blackwell Police Department on a city warrant at 5:14 p.m. Thursday.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of South Tenth Street and Edwards Avenue reported a 36-year-old woman was taken into custody for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia at 6:31 p.m. Thursday.

Accident — A motorist reported being the victim of a hit-and-run accident in the 100 block of North Palm Street to Ponca City police at 7:22 p.m. Thursday. A description was given of the vehicle. Two officers responded to the scene and the suspect vehicle was stopped in the 700 block of West Cleveland Avenue. The male driver of the vehicle was taken into custody for driving under intoxication, hit-and-run and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Subject Held — An officer in the 300 block of South Ash Street reported a juvenile male was taken into custody for aggravated assault at 10:35 p.m. Thursday.

Burglary — A man in the 1400 block of North Waverly Street reported his vehicle had been burglarized to Ponca City police at 11:01 p.m. Thursday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

PCCA Women’s Golf Tees Off Tuesday
Female Heroine Takes On the Underworld in “Oni”

PCCA Women’s Golf Tees Off Tuesday

The Ponca City Country Club Women’s Golf Association will tee off the 2001-2002 season with its Spring Luncheon at noon Tuesday.

Members are urged to be there to start the season off with a bang. A business meeting will follow the luncheon during which Lynda Clark, president, will outline the activities for the coming year. Lynn Bowker will introduce the club’s scholarship recipient, Jenni Nimmo, the guest of honor.

New officers for the year are Lynda Clark, president; Jane Worstell, first vice president; Becky Snell, second vice president; Sandy Powers, secretary; Betty Wyatt, treasurer; and Lavonne Lauritsen, parliamentarian.

Members should call Becky Snell, 765-6216, to make reservations.

Female Heroine Takes On the Underworld in “Oni”

It took some time, but it’s no longer a surprise when a female character stars in a video game. So when Konoko storms onto the screen in “Oni,” Bungie’s latest epic 3D fighter for Rockstar, you hardly bat an eye.

Bungie has a reverent following for its high-quality work on computer games. But “Oni” is a hollow shell. Its bright colors disguise a game that is hard to play and not much fun.

Konoko is a member of the Tech Crimes Task Force, which is assigned to infiltrate and shut down major mobsters in the year 2032. As an “enhanced” human, there is a mystery surrounding her origin, and one of her goals is to find out who she is.

The action is fast and furious, but therein lies the first problem: “Oni” is really, really hard.

Konoko gets into some complicated situations during 14 tough-as-nails missions.

The combination of hordes of sharp-shooting enemies and limited ammunition reloads means you will die a thousand deaths before you wade through this adventure and live to tell about it.

The graphics in “Oni” suffer badly in comparison to some recent PS2 games, including “Onimusha,” “Rayman 2,” “DOA2” and “The Bouncer.”

Details are sorely lacking, the backgrounds are flat and lifeless and the frame rate bounces with no apparent link to the action on the screen. The characters swirl around in the center of otherwise bland levels that seem to go on and on.

Konoko has plenty of weapons to choose from, but for some reason she can carry only one at a time. Given the limited ammo, you need to practice your hand-to-hand tactics.

The controller setup is another problem. It’s no easy task to find a configuration that will give you a decent chance to defeat your enemies. There’s too much to do, too many buttons to push that do too many things for you to remember, and no apparent logic to any of it.

There are flashes of fun in “Oni,” especially in some of the less-grueling battle situations. But overall, this game misses the mark.

Graphics get a C-plus, with major flaws everywhere.

Give controls a D. If you like the way they are set up, you have a few more fingers than most folks.

RELIGION

‘Christ in the Passover’ Presentation At First Lutheran Church Wednesday
Area Churches To Host Landmark Simulcast Seminar
Foursquare Church’s ‘Big Day’ At Lincoln Center Announced
Thirty Days Of Prayer for Urged
Associate Minister To Be Installed at First Christian
Prodigal Son Is Basis Of Lutheran Service
Free Will Host Singers On Roll-Call-Sunday
Combating Pluralism With Truth Absolutes
Woodlands’ Wanderers To Wander in Tall Grass
Church Briefs

‘Christ in the Passover’ Presentation At First Lutheran Church Wednesday

What do the Jewish Passover and Jesus’ Last Supper have in common? Shlomy Abramov, speaking on behalf of Jews for Jesus, will answer that question in a presentation called “Christ in the Passover” at First Lutheran Church, 1101 N. Fourth, at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Using a visual display of traditional Passover accouterments, the “Christ in the Passover” presentation enhances the Christian’s understanding and appreciation of the Jewish background of the Christian Communion. Ancient and modern Jewish customs are discussed and described with an emphasis on the aspect of redemption which Christ accomplished at Calvary.

Jews for Jesus has presented this demonstration in over 15,000 churches. It was originally written in 1956 by Moishe Rosen, the founder and former executive director of Jews for Jesus. Dr. Rosen contends that some of the most important elements of Christian doctrine, such as the Trinity, the principle of substitutionary atonement and salvation through a personal relationship with the Messiah, are implied in the seder (Passover feast) as observe by Orthodox Jews even today. “The Christ in the Passover presentation is one way Jews for Jesus can help churches appreciate the Jewish roots of the Christian faith.”

Jews for Jesus is an evangelistic agency best known for creative methods and materials. Their literature deals with contemporary themes including anything from current films to chemical waste. “Broadsides” (gospel tracts) use humor and cleaver illustrations yet have a serious message — namely that Jesus is the promised Messiah for both Jews and Gentiles.

Jews for Jesus also communicates through original Jewish gospel music and drama that is presented by mobile teams such as the Liberated Wailing Wall.

“Our message is not new, but we’re telling it in a new way. For too long the Jewish roots of Christianity have been forgotten,” Rosen says. In keeping with the Jewish context of Christianity, Rosen and his wife have co-authored a book entitled “Christ in the Passover.” As with the presentation at First Lutheran Church, this book focuses on Passover to demonstrate the continuity of the Old and New Testament scriptures. Jews for Jesus has also published a colorful illustrated edition of a messianic haggadah in both paperback and a hard-bound edition. This book enables Christians to experience a traditional Passover celebration, complete with songs, while also expressing their faith in Jesus.

Those attending the special “Christ in the Passover” program at First Lutheran will also have an opportunity to examine some of the aforementioned literature and materials. The program is open to the general public, and Abramov will be available to answer questions. For more information, call the church at 762-1111.

Area Churches To Host Landmark Simulcast Seminar

International speaker and best-selling author Dr. John Maxwell will lead an estimated 100,000 leaders in a live leadership seminar to be broadcast by satellite and downlinked simultaneously to more than 1,200 churches internationally. Three local churches, St. Luke’s Nazarene, Brookfield Avenue Wesleyan Church and Word of Life Christian Center, are participating as hosts for the simulcast.

This Maximum Impact Simulcast will focus on the principles outlined in “Developing the Leader Within You,” which examines effective leadership from the inside out. Registration is at 7 a.m. followed by the simulcast at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 24.

Seminar leader Dr. Maxwell is the author of such best-selling books as “Developing the Leader Within You” and “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.” He is the founder of INJOY, an organization dedicated to providing resources and training for personal and professional growth, an authority on personal and organizational leadership and has addressed executives from major international organizations.

For additional information on available tickets, call one of the host churches, St. Luke’s Nazarene at 762-2095; Brookfield Avenue Wesleyan Church at 762-2367; or the Word of Life Christian Center at 762-4376.

Foursquare Church’s ‘Big Day’ At Lincoln Center Announced

Breakfast, cappuccino bar, lunch on the tailgate, games, music, and people will make Sunday, April I, a Big Day at the Lincoln Center, home of the Foursquare Church and Uturn youth programs. Big Day, also known as the Mission: Possible, rolls into full bloom as spring is on the way.

“This community-wide event is open to people from every walk of life in our area,” according to the Rev. Blaine Herron.

Big Day is geared up to provide a variety of services that will include breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., a multimedia celebration main event at 10 a.m. in the auditorium, followed by recreational activities to target young and old alike. The day will be highlighted with an outdoor tailgate party, as lunch will be served on the tailgates in the parking lot. Many local artists will perform contemporary and modern music. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and join in the festivities of Mission: Impossible.

According to Phil Cly, director of security, “Dwayne Clinton has been approved for the skate park and BMX track to be open throughout the day.” Students will need to have a signed permission slip on file or may pick one up in the main office prior to the Big Day. Cly also stated, “Our very own BMX team will provide a short demonstration of its abilities for upcoming BMX competition.”

Will Mouer, associate pastor will debut the Cappuccino Bar located in the newly constructed senior high hangout — the Loft. Mouer stated, “Church on the Broad Way has a timely commitment directed to children and youth. Big Day would be a great time for parents to enjoy a free cup of cappuccino and get acquainted with the many services provided at Lincoln Center and make the Mission Impossible."

The Rev. Herron concluded by saying, “The Big Day could change the complexion of the community forever as we position ourselves with others — pointing people to Life in an environment that is approachable, real, and personal. Please plan to join us for the Big Day Sunday, April I, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.” For information, call Ponca City Foursquare Church on the Broad Way at 762-2729.

Thirty Days Of Prayer for Urged

A nationwide effort is under way encouraging people to pray a special prayer each day for 30 days. Christian radio station KLVV 88.7 FM is joining with other Christian radio stations and ministries around the nation in promoting this time of prayer by asking listeners to join in at 7:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. to pray the prayer of Jabez, taken from 1 Chronicles 4:10.

The paraphrased prayer reads, “Lord, bless me indeed. Do something so big in my life that it is obviously from you. Increase my influence and opportunities for you, and give me a sense of your continual presence and direction. Protect me and keep me from falling into Satan’s traps. Amen.”

“We know there is nothing significant about just repeating words over and over. We are encouraged that people are joining together to focus their prayers on these words of Jabez. Thirty-day prayer experiments have been conducted by many churches and ministries over the last few years, and reports have been astounding of the blessings received and even miracles occurring. It all goes to show the power of God through prayer,” said program director, Tony Weir. KLVV is also distributing wallet-sized copies of the prayer to donors during their upcoming Sharathon.

Associate Minister To Be Installed at First Christian

The Rev. Diana C. Leaf will be officially installed as associate minister of First Christian Church during morning worship on Sunday. Pulpit guest, the Rev. Margaret McCullum, will offer the installation sermon at both the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services. McCullum, a seminary colleague of Leaf’s, is minister of Maroa Christian Church in Maroa, Ill., and First Christian Church in Bement, Ill.

Leaf began her staff responsibilities at First Christian Church on Dec. 1, sharing ministerial leadership in worship, pastoral care and Christian education. A life-long member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Leaf was ordained in 1991 by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma.

She holds the bachelor of arts degree from Oklahoma City University and had been an educator and an art gallery manager before pursuing ministry. Leaf earned the master of divinity (cum laude) and doctor of ministry (magna cum laude) degrees from Phillips Theological Seminary in Enid before the seminary campus moved to Tulsa. With her doctoral specialization in pastoral counseling, Leaf pursued additional certification with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. She received six units of supervised clinical pastoral education at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City from 1994-96, where she was a chaplain at the time of the Murrah Federal Building bombing. She has served pastorates at First Christian Church in Midwest City, Peace United Church of Christ in Loyal, and Village Christian Church in Oklahoma City.

The congregation of First Christian Church has welcomed Leaf’s gifts of ministry for Christ’s church and welcomes all to this special service of installation.

Prodigal Son Is Basis Of Lutheran Service

The familiar text of the Prodigal Son will be the basis of the sermon for both the 8:30 a.m. and the 11 a.m. services at First Lutheran Church on Sunday.

The title of the sermon, which coordinates with the month’s worship theme of faithfulness, is entitled “Freedom Versus Faithfulness.” At the 8:30 a.m. service, the Senior Choir will sing the anthem “Hope of the World,” while at the 11 a.m. service, the Praise Band will lead the singing.

The 6:30 evening service will also be led by the Praise Band. The topic of discussion will be priorities.

The Lenten service on March 28 will be led by Shlomy and Miriam Abramov of Israel who will present “Christ in the Passover,” a Jews for Jesus presentation. This will be a unique display of the Passover and its meaning for the Christian today. Anyone interested is invited to attend this informative presentation. Before the service, the board of elders will provide taco soup for the soup supper beginning at 5:3 0 p.m.

Free Will Host Singers On Roll-Call-Sunday

This Sunday is annual “Roll-Call-Sunday” for the Ponca City Free Will Baptist Church, 1900 E. Hubbard Road. The “Forgiven Quartet,” a local gospel group, will sing several songs during the 10:45 a.m. worship service. Other service times are 9:30 a.m., Sunday school; 6 p.m. Sunday worship; and the 7 Wednesday night Bible study and youth activities.

Each year on the last Sunday of March, approximately 300 Oklahoma Free Will Baptist congregations join together with the 2,600 FWB churches across the U.S.A. for Roll-Call-Sunday.

Is an effort to add up the total attendance of the churches, another purpose for Roll-Call-Sunday is to challenge members to make a special effort to be present and to bring others in an effort to help them learn what the church is like. The public is invited to attend.

Combating Pluralism With Truth Absolutes

April 15 through 18 will be the dates for a second seminar investigating the issue of absolutes. Sponsored by the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, “Absolutes for the New Millennium” is a follow-up to the series conducted last fall on “Living in a World Without Absolutes.” The purpose of these presentations is to combat pluralism, the idea that there is not absolute truth, no absolute right and wrong.

Don Huddleston, minister of the church, believes that pluralism is seriously affecting our society today.

Four scholarly speakers have been chosen to present a Christian response. There is no cost for any part of the seminar and the public is invited to attend.

Woodlands’ Wanderers To Wander in Tall Grass

The Woodlands’ Wanderers, retired members at Woodlands Christian Church who gather monthly for out-of-town trips or in-town activities, are off again on Tuesday. Leaving the church at 8 o’clock that morning, they will drive through the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, lunch in Bartlesville and then spend the afternoon at Woolaroc. On their return home, they will stop in Pawhuska for a barbecue dinner.

The Wanderers next outing will be an April 13 and 14 overnight trip to Lindsborg, Kan. While there, they will see a performance of Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion presented by the community choir at Bethany College, enjoy the Swedish community, Swedish food, and shopping.

For additional information about the Wanderers, call Georgia at 765-3473 or Patricia at 765-2402.

Church Briefs

Prince of Peace Lutheran

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA, at 2800 Turner Road, will celebrate the fourth Sunday in Lent and “Bring A Friend” Sunday. Theme will be the story of the prodigal son, which Jesus tells in Luke 15. Midweek Lenten services is Wednesday at 7 p.m. with the fifth in the series entitled “Destination along the Way.” A Soup supper will precede at 6 p.m. The church’s website is www.princeofpeacechurch.net.

Hartford Church of Christ

Members of the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street, invite the public to share God’s Word each week. Sunday Bible classes are at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday evening worship is at 6 o’clock and Wednesday worship is at 7 p.m. There are classes for all ages. Visitors are invited for lunch in the fellowship center following worship. Watch the Search program Sunday at 8 a.m. on Channels 5 or 8; this week’s topic is “Rejoice and Be Glad.”

International Gospel Hour

The Newkirk Church of Christ, which helps sponsor In Search of the Lord’s Way, announces that Mack Lyon will speak on the topic “Rejoice and Be Glad.” The program is Sunday at 8 a.m. on channel 5. The church also helps sponsor the International Gospel Hour Sundays on KSOK 95.9 FM at 8:30 a.m. Winford Claiborne will be the speaker. The program is produced in Fayetteville, Tenn., and can be heard on many stations across the USA.

Open House

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold an free open house Thursday, March 29, beginning at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and there will be time allowed for questions and answers. The church is located at 2408 E. Hartford.

First Christian in Kaw City

The congregation of First Christian Church of Kaw City, 136 Spruce (one block south of highway), will host the New Hope Praise Band featuring Cindy Russell at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Gospel singing, lively music, prayers, fellowship and refreshments will be featured. Guests and visitors are invited.

Asbury Methodist Youth

A Parents Night Out fundraiser will be held Friday, March 30, to benefit a mission trip planned for the youth of Asbury United Methodist Church. “Operation ‘I’ Care” will be June 3-9 at a homeless shelter in Oklahoma City. In Oklahoma City, the youth will be involved in cooking and serving, assisting in VBS and evening trips for fun. Other fund raisers will be announced as well as a potato bar and a “Guess What Meal” after a service in April and May.

Trinity Pentecostal Revival

The Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Church, 621 W. Grand Avenue, will hold a revival starting at 6 p.m. Sunday and continuing Monday through Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Rev. Terry Trammel, evangelist, will lead the revival.

EDUCATION

State Workshops Scheduled To Help Students With Limited English Skills
NOC Regents Approve Faculty Contracts
Local Student Attends SC Day
Po-Hi Grad Earns Honor
Billings Elementary Earns Reading Excellence Grant
Frontier To Host Annual Easter Egg Hunt April 14

State Workshops Scheduled To Help Students With Limited English Skills

State Superintendent Sandy Garrett recently announced two well-known speakers as part of upcoming workshops to be held in March and April. The workshops locations will be in Guymon, Clinton, Oklahoma City and Putnam City.

The workshops, sponsored by the State Department of Education, addresses the learning needs of the increasing population of Hispanic students in Oklahoma public schools. It includes large numbers of students who are learning English for the first time.

“We’ve seen the number of Hispanic students continue to grow. In 1990, Oklahoma has 15,574 Hispanic students with 2,893, or 18.5 percent, being bilingual. Today Oklahoma has 37,103 Hispanic students with 22,177, or 60 percent being bilingual,” Garrett said. “These are not just demographics to be concerned with at the policy level. These are children and families. We must find better ways to reach out to them and help them be successful.”

The workshops feature prominent guest speakers: Victor Morales from Dallas, Texas, and Richard Santana from Los Angeles. Both are Hispanic Americans who share a common message: overcoming obstacles, breaking down barriers, empowering students and parents, and promoting success for all students.

Victor Morales, a teacher, veteran, politician and father, was in Guymon on Thursday for their first forum.

Guymon has a growing number of Hispanic students. In fact, 1,000 of their 2,100 students are Hispanic (a 181.69 percent increase since 1990). The recent expansion of the pork industry in Oklahoma’s Panhandle has brought in a large number of Hispanic families.

The State Department of Education Lifelong Learning’s adult literacy program is currently being conducted on site at various pork industry sites around Guymon. “It is important to give parents, as well as students, a good grasp of the English language. Parents who speak English are better able to assist their children in achieving academic success,” added Garrett.

Richard Santana, a former gang member, Harvard graduate, teacher and motivational speaker, will be in Oklahoma April 3 and 4 to address students and parents about “Winning Choices.” Santana will speak to students in Clinton on Tuesday, April 3 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Later that evening, 7 to 8 p.m., he will address parents about making decisions that will help their children to succeed.

Santana will speak to two student groups in Oklahoma City on April 4. The first group of students to hear Santana will be Capitol Hill High School. Later that afternoon, he will address the students at Mayfield Middle School.

The Bilingual Education program of the Oklahoma State Department of Education provides technical assistance and workshops throughout the year to provide educators and school districts the training they need to help Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students achieve academic success. Additionally, the section has a library of over 6,000 books and other materials on LEP and bilingual education that are available for loan to districts across Oklahoma.

Garrett noted, “Bilingual Education is administered by Dr. Thanh Van Anderson, an immigrant from Vietnam. Dr. Anderson understands what our limited-English-proficient students go through since she learned English as a second language.”

NOC Regents Approve Faculty Contracts

TONKAWA — Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents approved the re-employment of full-time faculty for FY 2001-2001 at their March 15 meeting held on the Enid campus. Northern President Dr. Joe Kinzer noted that the list excluded first-year faculty, traditionally considered for re-employment later in the spring.

Regents accepted the resignations of math and biology instructor Melody Yozzo, Tonkawa, and women's soccer coach Mark Persson, Enid, and approved a leave of absence without pay for Dr. Susan Vineyard, Enid. During her year's leave, Vineyard will develop seminars focusing on the problems facing first-year teachers for presentation throughout the state.

Speakers for college Commencement Exercises were announced, with Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin slated to address the Tonkawa exercises May 5 and Enid Mayor Doug Frantz set to speak at the Enid exercises later that day.

The Regents approved the establishment of men's and women's basketball programs on the Enid campus. Plans are to hire coaches to begin the programs in Fall 2001.

Kinzer reported that the recent Higher Education Day at the State Capitol was attended by the largest group ever, present to “hoist the flag on Higher Education and its importance.” He noted that the CEO of OG&E recognized Northern and its partnership with business in his speech to the assembly.

The president told the Regents that he would soon meet with Gary Sparks Architects regarding the proposed Centennial project for the Tonkawa campus. He said he hoped to continue working with Northwestern Oklahoma State University regarding seamless education and that the scholarship drives and fundraising by the NOC-NWOSU joint advisory board was ongoing.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Roger Stacy reported that Northern nursing student Brandy Lemon was among 4,000 recipients from 62,000 applicants for a Bill Gates Millenium Scholarship. He said that Conoco had visited campus to conduct job interviews with Process Technology students.

Marion Tucker, vice president for computer information systems, said four presentation classrooms would be completed by the time classes resumed after spring break. Two computer companies have contacted the campus to give demonstrations of their wares.

According to Vice President for Student Affairs Mick Weiberg, residence hall occupancy “is about normal for this time of year.” He commented on the successful Northern Thunder Pow-Wow held recently on campus and reported that Tonkawa and Enid baseball teams and the softball team were doing well.

Vice President for Development and Dean of Enid Campus Dr. Ed Vineyard reported that Enid instructors Dr. Allan Anderson and De. Susan Vineyard had presented a program at the recent Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges conference. Instructors Dr. Paul Bowers and Jerry Hawkins are developing a traveling natural history exhibit, “Stones and Bones,” to tour local schools, and the Enid campus will host its first Language Arts Seminar April 5.

Dr. Denise Coldwater, director of student affairs on the Enid campus, presented proposed logos for the Jets athletic teams. Ideas will be presented for student opinion during the second annual Enid Appreciation Week, April 2-7, honoring campus personnel and students. Regents received a tentative agenda of activities planned during the week.

Financial reports given by Vice President for Financial Affairs Anita Simpson and Section 13 allocation requests for projects, including renovation of Mabee Center on the Enid campus. Also approved were purchases of software for the Multimedia and Digital Communications program and equipment for the presentation classrooms.

Regents attending the meeting were Chairman Keith James, Pond Creek; Vice Chairman Bill Bridwell, Ponca City; and members Carl Hamm, Perry, and David Trojan, Enid. The Board will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 26 in the President's Conference Room on the Tonkawa campus.

Local Student Attends SC Day

WINFIELD, Kan. — Top students and their families attended Scholarship Day at Southwestern College in Winfield on March 10. The students interviewed for Southwestern’s major scholarships including three full-tuition premier scholarships awarded each year.

Natalie Holmes, daughter of Pat Holmes and Fred Holmes, attended the event. She is from Ponca City.

Other activities included sessions on financial aid, student life and campus tours (including a look at residence hall rooms). SC professors held a session on using laptop computers in the classroom; SC students held one on what it’s like to be a student at Southwestern. A luncheon banquet was served at noon in the Roy L. Smith Student Center for students and their families.

Following lunch, students interviewed for the three premier scholarships: Mastin, Beech and McNeish. Presidential, Dean’s, Honor, and Moundbuilder scholarships are also awarded as a result of the day.

The Mastin scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates academic achievement in the sciences, has an ACT composite score of at least 27 and will pursue a degree in the natural sciences.

The Beech scholarship is awarded to a student who has achieved personal academic excellence in high school, has attained a minimum 3.75 GPA in high school, and will pursue a degree in any professional liberal arts field.

The McNeish scholarship is awarded to the student who has achieved excellence in the performing arts, has attained a minimum 3.00 GPA in high school, and will pursue a degree in any of the performing arts.

Presidential Scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen who demonstrate strong academic and leadership skills. The award is for $7,000 per year and recipients must maintain a 3.60 GPA.

Additional scholarships include Dean’s scholarships, Honor scholarships and Moundbuilder scholarships.

For more information, call Southwestern’s Office of Admission at (800) 846-1543.

Po-Hi Grad Earns Honor

SPECIALIST Stephen E. Guy was decorated with an Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his continuous support of Oklahoma and U.S. Fire Services. The specialist has been a firefighter since 1993. He was trained by the OSU Fire Department in cooperation with Ponca City Fire Department. He has fought fires in 17 states and two countries — Mexico and Canada. Guy has been in the Army since October 1997 and is a weapons instructor at Ft. Lewis, Wa. He is the son of Steve and Mary Beth Guy of Ponca City and a 1995 Po-Hi graduate. He will work on completing his college degree at Cameron University in the spring of 2002 and becoming an officer in the U.S. Army.

Billings Elementary Earns Reading Excellence Grant

BILLINGS — Billings Elementary has earned a $266,400 Reading Excellence Grant. The school is one of 13 Oklahoma schools to receive money.

The subgrants stem from a Reading Excellence Act grant awarded to the Oklahoma State Department of Education last year. Oklahoma was one of only 10 states to receive the grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

“We are distributing these funds to schools that have been low-performing academically or have high numbers of percentages of students in poverty,” said State Superintendent Sandy Garrett. “We took great steps to ensure the funds have the greatest possible impact on students in schools that need the most help.”

More than $6 million in Local Reading Improvement grants were awarded to 10 districts: Billings, Boley, Boynton, Dohlonegah, Davidson, Duncan, Oklahoma City, Pleasant Grove, Tulsa and Tyrone.

Five school districts — Allen, Byng, Duncan, Hugo and Oklahoma City — will receive Tutorial Assistance grants to fund tutorial programs for kindergarten through third grade students. The grants awarded total more than $1 million for research-based tutoring programs in reading before school, after school, Saturday school and/or summer programs.

The grants require a scientifically based reading research program of professional development, extended learning opportunities, family literacy programs and kindergarten transition programs.

School districts awarded the grants will be required to develop strategic plans based on current research, provide quality continuing education opportunities for teachers, establish learning communities and align their local curricula with the state’s curriculum standards, the Priority Academic Students Skills (PASS).

The grant competition utilized outside readers to review and evaluate the Reading Excellence Act grant applications. Seventeen districts submitted applications for Local Reading Improvement grants. Applications were received from 14 districts for Tutorial Assistance grants.

“Oklahoma has made great strides in an effort to ensure all students are introduced to the wonders of reading. The Reading Excellence Act initiative will strengthen our efforts.”

Frontier To Host Annual Easter Egg Hunt April 14

As springtime approaches, plans are in the works for the Frontier Community Easter Egg Hunt on April 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Frontier School.

This will be the sixth year to hold the Frontier Community Hunt. The first year approximately 30 children attended. In 2000, around 180 children ranging in ages attended.

The children are divided into two age groups so that all children have an opportunity to find eggs. Parents must accompany children under two.

Area merchants have donated money, gift certificates and toys for the event. Marian Shiever, Community Education Director, says more is still needed. “We would appreciate any type of donation that you could give us,” she said.

“In the past, we have even put larger toys and items on the ground for the children to pick up for their baskets or put them in plastic sacks for the gifts’ protection. There has never been any gift that was too large or too small.”

For further information contact Shiever at (580) 723-4582.

Only residents residing in the Frontier area are invited.

SPORTS

Arizona Good For Wildcats
Track Committee Hosts FundRaiser

Arizona Good For Wildcats

PHOENIX — The Ponca City Wildcats baseball team may never return to Oklahoma after winning 3-out-of-4 games during its spring break road trip.

The Cats beat Trevor High School 3-0 on Thursday. It was the third win in a row for the team, after it lost the first game in the Phoenix area.

Doug Tosh was the winning pitcher.

The team is scheduled to watch an exhibition baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners, before heading back to Ponca City, later Friday evening.

The Wildcats are scheduled to return home sometime Saturday afternoon.

Tulsa Union comes to the ball park in Ponca City on Monday. Game time is 5 p.m.

Track Committee Hosts FundRaiser

The Newkirk Track Committee presents the Harlem Entertainers on Sat., March 31, as a fund raiser to help purchase track equipment. The Entertainers begin their basketball comedy routine at 7:30 p.m., in the Mark Branch Field House in Newkirk.

Traveling with the Entertainers will be that famous trio of comedians, “Showboat” Brannon, “Wizard” Washington “Badnews” Hardiman.

Brannon, was the understudy of Marquis Haynes and a point guard for Goose Tatum, who were both original Harlem Globetrotters.

“Showboat” Brannon played with the Goose Tatum Roadkings and was coached by the Clown Prince of Basketball.

“Badnews” Hardiman played for many years with the well known Harlem Wizards and is considered to be one of the only active originals.

This talented trio, who was conditioned by the best of the Harlem Globetrotters, will bring you comical, laughable, colossal, terrific, clever, funny, basketball comedy.

“Wizard” Washington was influenced by the past Globetrotters Marquis Haynes, Goose Tatum, Gosh Grider, Paul Martin and Sam Wheeler.

He was so influenced that he started his own team in 1964. It’s all about entertainment; therefore, the emergence of the Harlem Entertainers. Come one, come all, let’s fill the gym.

Advance tickets are $7 for adults, and $5 for children (5-12 years old). Tickets are available at Bank of Oklahoma, Newkirk; Eastman National Bank, Rhoads Brothers Pharmacy and The Muffin Tin.