From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Sunday, March
1, 1998
LOCAL
Top Teachers in Ponca City To Be Honored
Senator Says Pork Farm Compromise Will Happen
City Calendar
Native American Foundation Inc. Names Interim Project Director
Living Artists Society Exhibition Announced
Bill Rodgers Resigns Position On Economic Advisory Board
Genealogists Plan Regular Meeting Monday
Kaw Lake Association Moving Into New Home
Choral Concert Set Tuesday At Poncan
Former Ponca Citians Receive OSU Honors
Read Across American Day To Be Observed
Lincoln Center Needs Items For Students
School Menu/Calendar
Reading Comprehension Tops Washington's List
Planning Board To Study Zoning Issue Again
Lincoln Center Needs Items For Students
Youth Art Classes at PCAC
World War II Poster Display Set for Mansion
Legion Post Discusses Recent Events
Children's Tale To Be Featured At Poncan
DEATHS
Margaret Ella Merry Hayman
Fern Adeline Popp
Mary Ellen Wehrle
Michael Harlen Tebow
Ima Jo Briscoe
Obituaries
Leona B. Lane
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
DAR Elects New Officers, Names Plans
Unit III Meets For Luncheon, Review
Choral Workshop To Present 'Favorite Songs' Program
'Begonia Heaven' Exists as a Hobby for Tonkawa Couple
Couple To Marry Saturday
Miranda Hill is Bride-Elect
Little News
YMCA Suggests Exercises Help Prevent Injury
Parks & Recreation Department Offering Variety Of Exercising
Melissa Johnson Engaged
Bits and Pieces
Aqua Jog With June Exercise Class Beginning
Gates Celebrating 50 Years
Ceremony in Temple,Texas Unites Couple in Marriage
Delta Lambda Delta Alumnae Meet
Lifestyles Deadlines
News Publicity Guide
Ceremony Set for Las Vegas
MOPS Recruits Committee Members
Xi Gamma Sigma Chapter Honors Valentine Queen
TOPS Chapter Holds Meeting
Kay County Family Community Education Awards Presented
Fibers, Fabrics Topic for FCE Group
AARP Chapter To Hear About Home Health
Conestoga Campers Planning Events
Seminar About Senior Citizens Set in Edmond
Singles Network Names Schedule
Wheatheart Nutrition
J. W. Hocker To Celebrate 90th Birthday
Ponca City Happenings
SPORTS
Dodgens Get 1-2 Finish
Area Mat Stars Shine At State
OU Coach Takes Note Of Dodgen
State Mats To Feature Area Stars
1998 Wildcat Baseballers Try to Succeed Success
Cats' Post-Season Cut Short by Tulsa
Lady Wildcat Soccer Team Set to Start
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Eleven Ponca City public school teachers have been selected as 1998-99 site "Teachers of the Year." The district teacher of the year will be announced Monday
Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools, says, "The District Teacher of the Year is still classified as 'top secret.' We will be announcing the District Teacher of the Year at a luncheon hosted by the district on March 2 at 11:30 a.m. at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse."
"This is the second year for the district-hosted Teacher of the Year Luncheon, and it is the first year we have invited community support to jointly honor the Teachers of the Year. Our plan is to expand the luncheon each year, hopefully to standing room only someday. We feel that our district educators deserve this kind of recognition," stated White.
Music for the luncheon will be provided by the Ponca City Public Schools Instrumental Music Department, and many of the local businesses have donated gifts to be presented to the teachers at the luncheon.
The Site Teachers of the Year for 1998-99 are listed below with information about each of them. School principals were also asked questions about their winning teachers.
Jane Balfanz
Roosevelt Special Education
Jane Balfanz has 22 years teaching experience, with five of those being at Roosevelt. Principal Tom Sipe said, "Our Teacher of the Year is special because she genuinely cares about the welfare of each child." He emphasized, "She is a joy to work with."
Kassie Bridges
Liberty First Grade
Kassie Bridges has taught all six years of her teaching career at Liberty Elementary School. Liberty Principal Jerry Newsom stated, "Mrs. Bridges is special for many reasons. Her dedication to the welfare of children is outstanding. Her commitment to the profession and her own personal growth is thorough and ongoing. She possesses a contagious smile and a terrific sense of humor. With these qualities how could she not be considered special!"
Larry Degan
Mid-High Health and Fitness/Coach
Larry Degan has taught 10 of his 18-year teaching career in Ponca City. He has also taught in Walters, Healdton, and Mangum. Principal Richard Dale said, "His enthusiasm, his innovativeness, and his genuine concern for children are exemplary. His flexibility in working with students, teachers, and the public has earned him an enviable reputation as an excellent teacher who truly cares about young people."
Alaina Dingus
Trout First Grade
Alaina Dingus has taught five of her nine years in Ponca City. She has also taught in Stillwater. "Alaina is special because of her desire and commitment to ensure academic success for each and every child who enters her classroom. She is committed to excellence in teaching and learning and is a professional in every sense of the word," said Ron McCleary, principal.
Donya Gartside
Woodlands Fifth Grade
Donya Gartside is in her seventh year as a teacher at Woodlands Elementary. Principal Dr. Niemann says, "Our Teacher of the Year is special because she always puts her students first, both their academic and personal sides. She is truly concerned with the total child and their learning. Donya attends graduate school to complete her master's degree; she seeks out new learning methods; and has great empathy for her students. She is a very special teacher and mother who exudes enthusiasm, energy, and knowledge."
Sharon Jones
Union Fourth Grade
Sharon Jones has taught her entire 11 year teaching career in Ponca City, with 10 of those years at Union. "Union's Teacher of the Year is special for many reason," according to principal Jean Hastings. "Sharon teaches the 'whole child' by building on their strengths, meeting their individual needs, and letting them know that they can succeed. Additionally, she is respected by the staff who seek her out for advice and guidance. Above all, her kindness touches all in our school community. We are indeed proud to honor her as Union's Teacher of the Year."
Dianna Ketchum
Middle School Math
Dianna Ketchum has six years experience, five of which have been spent at the Middle School. Principal Barbara Cusick said, "Dianna is special because she has the ability to see the uniqueness of each student. She reinforces the positive qualities of her students. She is unselfish with her time and devotes many after school hours helping others. The faculty and students are proud of Mrs. Ketchum's accomplishments."
Mona Sage
Senior High School Librarian
Mona Sage has spent her entire 23-year teaching career at the Senior High School. High School principal Dr. Don Sjoberg says, "Mona has dedicated many years to being a professional librarian, and her daily routines and communication skills represent excellence in the profession."
Kay Sprehe
Garfield Fifth Grade
Kay Sprehe has 23 years teaching experience, with 16 of those years in Ponca City. She taught seven years in Sand Springs prior to coming to Ponca City. According to Dr. Patty Ladd, "Our Garfield Academy Teacher of the Year is special because she has found a way to be a friend and confidant to the students while holding them to high standards. Kay has her own style and her own methods which work well with her students. She is one of a kind!"
Suzanne Sumpter
Washington Vocal Music
Suzanne Sumpter has taught all 17 years of her teaching career as a music teacher at Washington. "Suzanne Sumpter is an innovative and enthusiastic instructor who has developed an exceptional music program for Washington Elementary, and she has made major contributions to other curriculum areas. Her support of all educational endeavors is noteworthy," said Patricia Keast, principal at Washington.
Glenna Wisel
Lincoln Third Grade
Glenna Wisel has 10 years teaching experience with six of those years being in Ponca City. Before coming to Ponca, she taught in Durant and Fort Worth, Texas. According to David Shelton, principal, "Glenna is special because she makes school special for all of her students. She shows them every day that she cares for them and that each one of them is loved and respected. Besides teaching the academics, Glenna teaches and instills a love for learning and a sense of responsibility and self-discipline. When students leave her classroom, they know someone special has been their teacher."
By RALPH SEWELL
News Capitol Bureau
OKLAHOMA CITY - Although the House voted 75-22 for a moratorium on big hog farms until legislators can sort things out, Sen. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, believes it will end quickly.
Muegge chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee. He says pork producers apparently took his complaint of last week to heart. He said then none of them had been in to discuss solutions they could live with.
That now has changed, he reports. Pork producers have been knocking on his door to discuss theirs and their neighbors' problems.
As a result, Muegge believes when HJR 1093 - the moratorium bill - comes to the Senate floor, it will be one the state and producers can live with.
Clem McSpadden, lobbyist for the pork industry, confirmed what Muegge said. McSpadden said independently he thinks things will work out quickly.
When HJR 1093 passed the House Monday, Reps. James Newport, R-Ponca City, Jim Reese, R-Nardin, Larry Ferguson, R-Cleveland, and James Hager, D-Pawhuska, all voted for it.
The moratorium would block hog industry expansion. New applications with a potential of raising 740,000 more hogs a year would be frozen, temporarily at least. Existing farms handle up to 1.6 million pigs annually.
Muegge has hog and poultry bills which would regulate both industries. He believes things will be worked out with pork producers so the moratorium will not be needed.
He also says contract growers for the poultry marketing giants have agreed to support his legislation. But - as of midweek - he had yet to hear from the marketers, such as Tyson.
Reese won 90 to 6 House approval for HB 2208 - his proposed covenant marriage law. Newport, Ferguson and Hager all voted for it. The bill, which Reese hopes will cut Oklahoma's divorce rate, now moves to the Senate.
A couple following his Covenant marriage law would obtain pre-marriage counseling from a clergyman or other expert at least 15 days before marrying. They also would agree to seek more counseling if marital problems rise.
The only grounds for divorce in such marriages would be adultery, one spouse abandoning the other for a year or more, fraud, or physical or mental abuse.
Reese says by the time the bill went to the Senate, 51 representatives joined him as co-authors.
Newport, the House author of a Muegge bill, and his colleagues completed work on SB 44. That's the bill Muegge passed through the Senate last year, which repeals the weights and measures division in the State Department of Agriculture.
It was a matter of getting dead legislation off the books. The division hasn't functioned for years. The vote in each house was unanimous, and the bill now goes to the governor.
Reese co-authored HB 2358, which would create a dairy committee within the state agriculture department. The objective is to explore with other states the possibility of signing dairy compacts on marketing and research. The bill unanimously passed the House. It's now up to the Senate.
Despite a veto threat said to be coming from the governor's office, senators passed and sent Keating SB 1089, which would subsidize health benefits for state employees, teachers and retirees.
The House passed an amended SB 1089 by a vote of 65 to 36, with all Republicans - including Newport, Reese and Ferguson - voting against. Hager voted with the majority.
The Senate accepted House amendments and sent the bill on to the governor by a 33-15 vote. Muegge and Harrison voted yes. Senate Republicans voted no.
Sen. Howard Headrick, R-Bethany, said Keating would veto it because the bill declares an intention to take $35 million from the state's Rainy Day fund to subsidize state employees' health costs.
How They Voted
Here's how Muegge, Harrison, Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted on some of the bills considered last week:
-HJR 1073 passed the House 95-1. It would allow state universities and their faculty or students to own an interest in technology developed as a result of on-campus research. A companion bill, HB 2863, also passed 95-2.
-SB 1310, to toughen education requirements to be certified as a public accountant in Oklahoma, passed 33-11. Harrison voted yes; Muegge no.
-HB 3171, would order Heath Maintenance Groups to pay claims within 60 days of a claim being filed. It passed the House 95-0. But the vote was closer when the House tabled an amendment saying if an insurer wanted to claim refunds from the insured, it must be done within two years. The amendment was tabled, 53 to 44. Newport voted to table; Reese and Ferguson voted against; Hager missed the vote. But all voted for the bill.
-HB 1055, approved unanimously by both houses, is a supplementary $1.2 million appropriation for the state court system. Sponsors said the shortage was caused by highway patrolmen writing fewer traffic tickets than projected.
-HB 1831 failed in the House 20-77. It would have given Oklahoma City and Tulsa a right to improve neglected historic sites, charging the expense to property owners. Ponca-area representatives voted against the bill.
-HB 2570 passed the House 96-0. It relates to testing for HIV. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
-HB 2753, would kill the task force named to make recommendations on state-assessed utility property, effective April 30. It passed 89-7 with Ponca-area representatives voting yes.
-HB 2235 relating to times county fair boards meet and liability their directors assume, passed the House 96-1. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.
-HB 1569, which passed the House 88-8, would also punish parents as well as any child who fails to perform community service under a prior juvenile sentence. The family could be incarcerated in the same cell with the juvenile. Newport, Reese, Ferguson and Hager voted yes.
-HB 2866 passed the House 53-41. It would deny an insurance company the right to cancel coverage of a commercial driver involved in an accident unless the person had also been convicted of several serious traffic violations. Hager voted yes; Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted no.
-SB 1215, which passed the Senate unanimously, would make it illegal to "clone" cellular phones. That is, a person charging a call to another wireless number without that person's permission.
-SR 54 was adopted by the Senate on a voice vote. In effect, it told the Department of Transportation not to relocate highways on old U.S. 66 without first getting legislative approval. The immediate cause was a plan to bypass Arcadia, which has little going for it except tourists traveling to view the historic highway.
-SB 1360, which the Senate passed 37-5 and sent to the House, would move the motor vehicle enforcement duties and personnel from Oklahoma's Tax Commission to the Department of Transportation. Muegge and Harrison favored.
-SB 1175, passed unanimously by the Senate, would raise from $1,000 to $10,000 the maximum fine for reducing the miles showing on an automobile's odometer.
-SB 1167, a crippled bill containing the governor's tax cut and tax credit programs, passed the Senate 41-3, but don't let the vote fool you. It just kept his ideas alive. More meaningful was the vote on a Republican effort to restore the title on the bill. That was killed by a 31-14 tabling vote. Restoring the title would have made it possible - though unlikely - for the House to send the bill directly to the governor. Muegge and Harrison voted to table the amendment and for the bill.
-HB 2619, which passed the House 63-32, would make it a criminal offense to kill or wound a white deer without written permission of the director of Wildlife Conservation. Ponca-area representatives voted yes.
-HB 2668, which passed the House 62-34, would move $50 million from the Rainy Day fund to the Teacher Retirement System. Hager voted yes; Newport, Reese and Ferguson voted no.
Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.
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T.L. Walker has been named interim project director of the Ponca City Native American Foundation Inc., replacing Betty Durkee, who has resigned.
Walker most recently was associated with the Marland Mansion Estate.
The action took place at the foundation's organizational meeting Feb. 23.
During the meeting three new directors were elected to the current board - Jack De McCarty, attorney; Doug Revard, Kay County judge; and Connie McAbee, Pioneer Bank and Trust.
The 1998 powwow is scheduled for Sept. 25-26. Strengths and weaknesses of the 1997 powwow were discussed. A budget was approved for the 1998 powwow committee and volunteers were encouraged to enlist the aid of additional individuals. Discussion included the possible purchase of a traveling crown and a professional photo for the princess competition. Sculptor Oreland Joe Sr., plans to attend the 1998 Powwow.
Ed Cook, executive director of the Department of Tourism, visited the Standing Bear Native American Park on Jan. 21, and was very excited about the foundation's accomplishments.
The Daily Oklahoman will run a feature on the Standing Bear Native American Park in the travel section of today's issue. Additionally, Standing Bear Park will be featured in Oklahoma Today magazine and on "Discover Oklahoma."
Carl Renfro, chairman, relayed the following additional media and marketing updates. An article about Standing Bear appeared in the February-March-April 1998 issue of Native Peoples magazine.
The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa features an artist once a year in a Rendezvous exhibit and for 1999, Oreland Joe Sr., is the selected artist. This exhibit of his work, about 30 pieces including Standing Bear, will be displayed for approximately two weeks.
The foundation is arranging for a permanent statue of Standing Bear to be displayed in the Cowboy Hall of Fame.
A 32-inch statue of Standing Bear is on display in the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyo., donated by Jerry Evans.
Organizational committees were reactivated and discussion was held concerning the status of various grants to complete further improvements at the Standing Bear Park. Additionally, Renfro has met with state Sens. Kelly Haney and Paul Muegge about a possible grant request for Phase II development.
A bus turnaround area to accommodate the large number of tour buses visiting the Standing Bear Park was completed with the combined efforts of Conoco and Evans & Associates.
A tram to transport 20-25 people from the parking area to the statue site was donated by Conoco. Volunteer labor has painted the tram and it will be available to civic organizations and groups.
A membership campaign is currently in progress. New brochures highlighting the efforts of the Foundation as well as various contribution levels have been mailed to prospects and response has been very favorable. To date $6,245 has been pledged with approximately 30 percent of donors located out of town.
A donor plaque for major contributors is in place in the memorial area. A bronze plaque honoring the original Standing Bear Committee and Board members is complete and waiting for installation, probably within 30 days.
Sound posts (speakers) for the picnic tables at the park have been donated by Conoco and will be installed soon. These sound posts will provide the listener with a short description of what an individual will see at the park - including the pond, reflective pool, eternal flame, etc. - prior to making the walk to the Standing Bear statue.
Final inspection by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation was completed concerning the installed buffalo grass. Inspection indicates that the grass is in good shape and should take over the site by mid-June to July.
A temporary office and restrooms are on site now. The office contains information about the Standing Bear Park as well as memorabilia products for sale - all tribes have been invited to participate.
The "Premiere Exhibition" of the Living Artists Society is scheduled for March 9 to April 8 in the Eleanor Hays Gallery of the Northern Oklahoma College Performing Arts Center, Tonkawa.
An opening reception is slated from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at the gallery.
According to Audrey Schmitz, gallery director, "This exhibition is a visual feast for the eyes. An exciting and diverse selection of media, subject matter, and styles will be shown by artists unique in their backgrounds and life experience."
Some 20 members of the Living Artists Society (LAS) will be featured in the "Premiere Exhibition," the first time the group has arranged a show for the public. Individually, members have exhibited their art nationwide. Many of their works have received awards and are held in private collections.
From realism to abstraction, inspiration for subject matters includes symbols of dreams and the subconscious, landscape, people and portraits, still-life, florals, geometric forms, wildlife, and studies in perspective.
Both two and three-dimensional works will be exhibited, including painting in oil, acrylic and watercolor, raku, highfired and blackware ceramics; drawing in charcoal and pencil color; black and white photography; woven fiber works; painted wood and steel sculpture; monoprints; and mixed media and assemblage pieces.
The Eleanor Hays Gallery is open to the public at no charge from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and during evening and weekend performances in the NPAC.
Organized by Kay County artists in the Fall of 1997, the Living Artists Society was created to encourage and support artists, and to contribute to the survival and prosperity of all the creative arts. LAS intends to create and expand interest and understanding of the arts, and to be supportive of each other as artists. The members believe its organization helps individual artists feel themselves members of the community as a whole.
Current LAS members are Donna Manning, Clayton Keyes, Dennis Schneider, Glenn Drake, Alison Warren, Cindy Butler Rasche, Guy Warren, Roger Smith, Leslie Frazier, Ruth Loucks, Neo Kirby, Alfred Smith, Maxine Warren, Bobby Ray Holroyd Jr., Cheryl Smith, Bruce Carter, Todd Heilmann, Robert Griffith, Bob Becker, Gary Gallagher, Anna Adams, Jerry Cathey, Bill Butterfield, Leanna Rexford, Larri Ann Halbrook, Ken Crowder, Audrey Schmitz, Gene Dougherty and Diana Riley.
For more information about the LAS meetings and membership information, call 765-4497 in Ponca City or (580)-728-6670 in Tonkawa.
Mayor Marilyn Andrews has announced that Bill Rodgers has resigned his position on the Economic Development Advisory Board.
Andrews said, "We can't thank Bill enough for his service to our community. His dedicated volunteer work filling in as the interim director, for three to four months in mid-1997 while we were making the transition to the new Economic Development Advisory Board, literally held our economic efforts together. We will miss his smile and professionalism."
In his resignation letter Rodgers thanked the City Commissioners, Gary Martin, city manager, Jan Jarrett, Chamber CEO and his staff for allowing him to be part of the economic development team. Rodgers has accepted a position with Mid-First Bank in Oklahoma City as president of the newly formed Trust Services Division. Rodgers concluded his letter by stating that "Ponca City is a great town and I predict a great future."
Linda Brown, chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), commented that Rodgers had done a "great job as a board member and his knowledge and support of the economic growth process will be missed."
Rodgers served as chairman of EDAB's Marketing Committee. Andrews indicated that applications to fill the remaining three months of Rodgers term, plus an additional three-year term, will be accepted at City Hall for the next two weeks. Applications can be picked up and submitted at the City Administration offices, 516 East Grand.
Once applications have been received, the mayor will make a nomination to fill the vacancy, which requires confirmation by the City Commission. The Economic Development Advisory Board was formed in mid-1997 as a citizens advisory board to oversee and coordinate economic development efforts for the City of Ponca City and to advise the City Commissioners regarding those efforts.
The Pioneer Genealogical Society will be meeting Monday at 7 p.m. at Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, for its regular monthly meeting.
According to Sue Clinton, spokesman, the PGS meetings will continue at the Albright Church through May to allow the group time for longer programs and socializing.
The Tuesday PGS program will be a continuation of "Problem Solving Pointers," and is geared to find new ways around old stumbling blocks, says Clinton. We are trying to make "ask me" a regular meeting feature, she added.
Lois Rence presented "The Leather Packet Stories," at the February meeting. Rence, who is the great-granddaughter of Swedish immigrants, recounted her adventures in Swedish research. A question and answer session about personal research problems was held after the program.
Clinton also reminded, the PGS group would be hosting Everton's Genealogy Workshop on April 4. Registration is now being accepted and checks in the amount of $35 may be mailed to Pat Martin, 2801 Ames, Ponca City, OK 74604. The workshop will be $40 at the door. The enrollment fee includes snacks, drinks, lunch and materials. A brochure about the workshop content is available at the Ponca City Library.
Entry at Albright Church is handicap accessible on the west side.
The Kaw Lake Association is currently in the process of setting up an office in downtown Ponca City. It will be located in the former RSVP office location upstairs at 117 North Third Street.
"We're pleased to have a place that is accessible to the public and hope they'll take advantage of it," said Kathy Tippin, executive director. The office will be open part time. Individuals may call (580)762-9494 for information.
"Many local individuals and businesses have made the new office possible," said Bill Rutz, board president. "These include Dempewolf Moving and Storage, Indian Electric, Shidler Telephone, Don 'Barney' Barnwell, and others."
The Kaw Lake Association has recently published the annual Kaw Lake area magazine and volunteers are in the planning stages for KawFest to be held the first weekend in June. They hosted the Eagle Watch in January and are working on the Christmas in July at Kaw City.
The purpose of the Kaw Lake Association is to build a region-wide partnership of towns, businesses, service agencies and local government within the north central Oklahoma Kaw Lake area.
"It's mission includes recruitment of a broad membership base, creation of a financial support system, addressing infrastructure needs, tourism development, broadening the business base, and marketing the regional as a whole," says Rutz.
Individuals interested in knowing more about the Kaw Lake Association may attend a board meeting, contact chairman Rutz at (580) 762-7389 or Tippin at (580) 762-9494 or (580) 765-8043.
The Ponca City Area Chamber Orchestra and Northern Oklahoma College will present a choral concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Poncan Theatre. The Ponca Area Chamber Chorus will be featured. Catherine Byard will conduct.
The program will begin with an orchestral presentation of "Unfinished Symphony" No. 8 in B Minor" by Franz Schubert. All remaining concert numbers will feature Ponca Area Chamber Chorus members with Carolyn Hook as accompanist.
The first number by the chorus will be "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach and spotlights Barbara Fox on violin.
The third presentation for the evening will be Faure's Requiem and is to include "Introit and Kyrle" (Grant Them Rest Eternal) "Offertorium" (Offertory), "Sanctus" (Holy, Holy, Holy) "Ple Jesu" (Blessed Jesus), "Agnus Del" (Lamb of God), "Libera Me" (Deliver Me), and "In Paradisum" (In Paradise). David Ritter, bass and Matt DeKrey, boy soprano will be soloists.
"God of Truth and Joy" by Donna Butler, concludes the program.
Chamber Chorus sopranos are Mary Jane Barraclough, Velma Case, Barbara Dewey, Jessica Ennis, Shelley Harden, Suzi Lenhart, Kati Salmons, Judy Volz, Linda Watson and Codie Wolf.
Altos are Tressa Bird, Barbara Brown, Christina Chapman, Rhea Howard, Audrey Jones, Sheryl Jones, Marsha Moore, Pamela Rawlins, Lisa Vaughn, Angie Walker; Tenors are Jerry Enevoldsen, Bruce Evans, Hank Kruckeberg, Jack Rawlins, Wilson Van Tine, Jay Vaughn and Chris Wells; and bass singers include Lyn Boyer, Bill Dewey, Art Jones, Douglas Martin, Rod Kutz, David Ritter and Terry Watson.
STILLWATER - A pair of Ponca City natives were on the receiving end of honors at Oklahoma State University Friday - James E. Barnes and Dr. John G. Polkinghorne.
James E. Barnes was born here in 1934, and Dr. John G. Polkinghorne, DDS, a former Ponca City News carrier, is a 1976 Po-Hi graduate.
Barnes was chosen Friday, along with the late Lloyd Noble of Ardmore, to receive the university's prestigious Henry G. Bennett Distinguished Service Award. This award is given for outstanding contributions to OSU, higher education and humanity. An engraved medallion and citation will be presented during OSU's May 9 commencement exercises to Barnes, and Ed Noble, son of Lloyd Noble.
Barnes, now of Tulsa, is chairman of the board and president of MAPCO Inc., a Fortune 500 diversified energy company. He received his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and management from OSU in 1957. His leadership contributions in the art field include serving on the board of directors of the Tulsa Opera and the board of trustees of Philbrook Art Center.
The award is the university's highest honor, and is named after the late OSU President Henry G. Bennett.
Polkinghorne, now of Edmond, was elected chairman of the Board of Regents for OSU and the Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges. A dentist, Polkinghorne was appointed to the OSU board in 1994 by Gov., David Walters. His term expires in 2002. He received a bachelor's degree in zoology from OSU in 1980 and earned a doctorate in dental surgery from the OU College of Dentistry in 1984. He has been in private dental practice in Edmond since 1983 with the bulk of his private practice in cosmetic procedures. He is a 1988 graduate of Leadership Edmond, and active with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
Ponca City Public Schools will be participating in the "Read Across America Campaign" Monday. The event is sponsored by the National Education Association in coalition with other literacy, community and education groups to draw attention to the importance of reading.
March 2 is the 94th birthday of Dr. Seuss and the day chosen for this event because Dr. Seuss epitomizes a love of children and learning. The latest research indicates that Dr. Seuss books, with their use of rhyme, are an effective tool for introducing children to reading.
Ponca City Public Schools are encouraging all schools and community members to become involved in some way. The Ponca City Association of Classroom Teachers developed the following suggestions for involvement at the different school sites.
- Classrooms could invite a reader (a fireman, policeman, parent, grandparent, school administrator, fellow teacher, counselor, librarian, older student, etc.) to come read his/her favorite book.
- Teachers could have reading buddies - that is, classes pair up and read to each other. Another idea is to have older students return to their elementary schools to read to students.
- Schools could enter a contract with parents requiring that they read to their children for at least 20 minutes the evening of March 2.
- Students could come to school dressed as their favorite storybook character.
- Students could make a Dr. Seuss mural in the school.
- Schools could partner with their local PTA for an activity.
Patrons may contact their local schools to see what kinds of things they will be doing. Let's make a commitment to do something to draw attention to the importance of reading on March 2.
The Community Policing Project located at the Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadway Avenue, is seeking donated items to be used in the area of recreational development for youth.
Items requested include a pool table, TV, Sega system or Nintendo with games, a refrigerator, age appropriate movies and a popcorn machine.
The project began in October 1997 and is geared towards neighborhood crime prevention and juvenile delinquency prevention. The Ponca City Police Department, along with assistance from the Northern Oklahoma Youth Shelter, and the Ponca City School System and various other citizens have since received grant funding for this community policing project from the Office of Juvenile Affairs. Anyone interested in making a donation to the program, phone either Officer Tom Burg or Brad Fultz at 763-8069. The officers will make arrangements to pick up donated items.
Elementary Breakfast
Elementary Lunch
Middle School and Mid-High
Breakfast
Middle School
Lunch
Mid-High
Lunch
High School Lunch
Training Table
All-American Line
McCord Elementary
Breakfast
Lunch
Pioneer Technology Center
Po-Hi
March 2
March 3
March 4
March 6
March 7
Editor's Note: This is the fifth in a series of articles on the Ponca City Schools' Site Improvement Plans. This article is on the improvements at Washington Elementary.
By KRISTI HAYES
News Education Editor
The Washington School Improvement Plan for 1997-98 called for an increase in scores in third grade reading comprehension. Scores improved from 59 percent in reading comprehension in 1994-95 to 74 percent reading comprehension in 1996-97.
The CCC Lab is used by all students in grades 1-6 at least three times a week. Washington examined the data in May 1997 and it indicated that student time spent in the lab had a positive impact on the level of success.
Students that need to be extended or remediated are sent to the lab for extra time when computer space is available. Some classes make use of their computers in the room to provide for the overflow numbers. Skills Bank Software and other independent software is available to provide a similar type of program.
Each year Washington surveys the seventh grade teachers and students that attended Washington Elementary School to see what areas the school needs to improve and to find out what strategies were effective. This reinforces the testing results and gives the school more detailed data.
The students in the spring of 1997 told Washington that they needed to spend more time on: fractions, decimals and ratio's, book reports, countries and capitols. Many advanced students felt they were not quite ready for pre-algebra.
The teachers survey strongly suggested that Washington needs to do a better job of teaching organizational and study skills. Improvement needs to be made in getting students to turn in daily assignments on time and teaching self-respect. More work also needs to be done to prepare top students for the pre-algebra course.
Another goal at Washington Elementary is to improve student math performance by focusing on the essential math skills proposed by the Ponca City School District. Procedures to achieve this goal is to give the Criterion Reference Test (CRT) to fifth grade students with a pass rate of 70 percent, third graders averaging 75 percent on the ITBS math section, and quarterly reports that indicate student growth in math.
Washington plans to involve all students in school-wide enrichment activities and provide extended activities for identified gifted students. Procedures for this plan includes parental surveys and student evaluations.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
Ponca City Planning Commission will take another look at the rezoning at the corner of Lansbrook and Prospect due to the City Commission bouncing the matter back to this advisory board. The meeting is set for 7 p.m., Tuesday at the Public Safety Center.
The rezoning is on the Planning Commission agenda again this month although last month the planning body denied the request by a 5 to 3 vote. Recommendations go forward to the City Commission for final action. Rarely does the City Commission send a recommendation back to the Planning Commission unless the vote is a narrow margin. City Planner Larry Lawhon had recommend denial of the rezoning based on the comprehensive plan which had designated the area as a medium density residential district.
The request is by L.K. Davis, who is represented by Steve Payne, to change the present zoning from R2-C, condominium/townhouse Dwelling District to a new zoning of C-1, local commercial district, uses permissible on review for the development of a mini storage facility.
The plans shown for the mini-storage had a residential look and Payne had said the hours would be limited from dawn to dusk.
There were some protest letters filed with the Planning Department from area property owners.
Also slated is a public hearing on the request for a house moving from 317 South Fourth Street to 1100 Block of North Birch. Proposed use of the property is for residential purposes. Bill Graves is the owner and developer.
Also on the agenda is a request by City Planner Lawhon, to ask Chairman Cheryl Moon to appoint a Master Plan Revision Committee. Lawhon will also present a status report of revisions to the Zoning Ordinance.
The Community Policing Project located at the Lincoln Center, 700 West Broadway Avenue, is seeking donated items to be used in the area of recreational development for youth.
Items requested include a pool table, TV, Sega system or Nintendo with games, a refrigerator, age appropriate movies and a popcorn machine.
The project began in October 1997 and is geared towards neighborhood crime prevention and juvenile delinquency prevention. The Ponca City Police Department, along with assistance from the Northern Oklahoma Youth Shelter, and the Ponca City School System and various other citizens have since received grant funding for this community policing project from the Office of Juvenile Affairs. Anyone interested in making a donation to the program, phone either Officer Tom Burg or Brad Fultz at 763-8069. The officers will make arrangements to pick up donated items.
Children's Art Classes at the Ponca City Art Center will include three media in March. The classes for youths include painting, pottery, and a new class - glass beads and jewelry.
The new class in glass beads and jewelry making will be taught by Lucy Rhamy, professional glass blower. Students will learn how to make the glass beads and be introduced to other techniques in jewelry making.
The painting classes, to be taught by Anna Adams, will study a new series of "old masters" paintings and learn the use of acrylics.
Hand-building pottery techniques will also be continued through the month by Cindy Rasche, instructor. Other techniques include the use of the potter's wheel, known as "throwing on the wheel."
All materials and supplies are supplied and included in the class fee.
The classes are held each Wednesday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Ponca City Art Center. Youngsters are required to be members of the Ponca City Art Center. Annual memberships are available at $10 at the center, 819 East Central.
For more information about ages and fees for the classes, interested students or parents may call 765-5086.
American propaganda posters from World War II will be on display at the Marland Mansion beginning Monday and continuing through March 27. The exhibit comes to Ponca City under the sponsorship of The Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, The Oklahoma Arts Council, Conoco, and the Oklahoma Museums Association.
Propaganda posters from the war provide insight into the psychology of a wartime nation. They reveal the popular culture and stereotypes of the time. The function of these posters was to enhance morale and to ask citizens to make sacrifices for the good of the whole.
Wartime posters tend to evoke such basic emotions as self-preservation, tribal patriotic pride and traditional morality. Some express moral values that justify the killing that is a necessary part of war. They often justify destruction of the foe.
In conjunction with the exhibit, Dr. Brad Agnew of Northeastern State University will lecture on the American wartime psychology. He will speak at the Marland Mansion on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m.
The exhibit is part of the Western History Collection of the University of Oklahoma. Admission to the collection and the lecture are free.
Post No. 14 of the American Legion held their general meeting here recently at the Post home on South Avenue, chaired by Commander Chuck Gregg.
Service Officer Noble Mears reported on service work, indicating on Feb. 26 the Post had two ODVA Service Officers on hand to handle 29 claims.
Chuck McCollum reported 200 persons attended the Veterans Benefit meeting held at Post 14 on Feb. 11. Also reported was the fact that Post 14 has 1250 paid members for 1998, but 144 members from 1997 have not paid their 1998 dues. The post is calling several of these members, as well as sending a letter to ask them to please remain members of Post 14. It was also noted that Membership Adjutant Utech reported 85 new members for the Post this year.
The Legion Post is also getting ready for Boys State. As in the past, the boys are sponsored by businesses and organizations of Ponca City. The sponsor fee for 1998 Boys State will be $135 which now covers two Boy Staters pictures.
Commander Gregg reminded members there will be a Pancake Feed to be held March 7 and a Stag on March 14.
The Emperor's New Clothes, the beloved children's tale by Hans Christian Anderson, was adapted for the stage by Sharon A. Cole. In her bright, seamless, well-tailored dramatization, two swindlers named Snip and Tuck weave a web of deception on the greedy and self-centered Emperor Velvet.
In his quest to attain the most splendid new clothes available, the Emperor is willing to sacrifice his castle, his subjects, and even his own royal family. The tailors pull the wool over everyone's eyes until a lovely servant girl has the courage to speak the truth. All the fools are uncovered at last and the swindlers are collared by the keeper of the dungeon.
The cleverly patterned characters and silky smooth plot of this timeless tale should keep the audience in stitches.
The Emperor's New Clothes premiered at the Santa Rosa, Calif., Summer Repertory Theatre.
This production is part of the Ponca Playhouse Children's Theater and
performed by children. The cast includes 11 local children ranging in ages
from 10-14 years. Performances are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March
7-8 at 2 p.m. in The Poncan Theater. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for
students. Call the Ponca Playhouse, 765-5360, for information and ticket
reservations.
DEATHS
Margaret Ella Merry Hayman, 1601 Academy Road, died Friday, Feb. 27, 1998, at Westminster Village. She was 92.
A memorial service will be held at Monday at the Westminster Village Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Monty Fey, pastor, First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Private family graveside rites will be in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Margaret Ella Merry Hayman was born Nov. 10, 1905, at Perry, Okla., the daughter of Willard Earnest and Margaret Ella Kite Merry. She graduated from Perry High School in 1923 and from Oklahoma A&M in 1927. While at Oklahoma A&M she was a member of Pi Beta Phi, Pi Sigma Kappa (religious fraternity) and Phi Kappa Phi (scholastic fraternity).
From 1929 to 1930 Mrs. Hayman taught music at Garfield Elementary School in Ponca City. She married Harry Hayman on July 5, 1930. The couple moved to Stilwell and then to Tulsa where Mrs. Hayman taught at the Franklin School. In 1941 they moved to San Mateo, Calif., and later resided in Tulsa and Oklahoma City before returning to Ponca City in 1957.
Mr. Hayman died Feb. 23, 1984, and Mrs. Hayman moved to Westminster Village in 1985.
Mrs. Hayman had been active in the First Presbyterian Church of Ponca City, Chapters CN and EL of PEO, Twentieth Century Club, Pi Beta Phi Alumnae, Panhellenic Council, Ponca City Music Club, Friends of the Ponca City Library, Pioneer Historical Society, DAR, and the Ostomy Association.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. John (Harriette) Kleinhofs of Crossett, Ark., and Merry Sue Nolen of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; also one sister, Jane Merry Anderson of Beaverton, Ore. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1442, Ponca City, OK 74602 or to the Friends of the Ponca City Cultural Center Museum Foundation, 1528 Autumn Road, Ponca City, OK 74604.
BLACKWELL - Fern Adeline Popp, resident of Blackwell, died Friday, Feb. 27, 1998, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 84.
The funeral service will be Tuesday, March 3, 1998, at 10 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, Blackwell with the Rev. Dan Bohn officiating. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery under direction of Roberts Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Fern Adeline Popp was born Aug. 18, 1913, in Texas County, Okla., the daughter of Ludwig Henry and Lydia (Boneburger) Mueller. She grew up in Texas County attending schools there. She continued her education at St. John's College in Winfield, Kan. Following college, she returned to Texas County where she taught school for two years.
She and Arthur Otto Popp were married June 16, 1932, in Texas County, Okla., and settled in Winkler, Kan., until 1935 when they moved to Garden City, Kan., where her husband served as pastor of the Lutheran church. In 1943 they moved to Utica, Neb., residing there until 1945 when they moved to Julesburg, Colo., for the next 12 years.
In 1957 Mrs. Popp's husband took the dual pastorate of St. John's Church in Blackwell/Newkirk area. He preceded her in death on July 20, 1970. Mrs. Popp made her home in Blackwell following her husband's death.
Mrs. Popp was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Blackwell, was active in the Red Cross Gray Ladies and the Volunteers of Blackwell Regional Hospital. She also helped with Red Cross blood drives and was involved in church activities.
Surviving are two daughters, Doris Kracke and Gloria Kelle, both of Blackwell; a son, Roger Popp of Springfield, Mo.; one sister, Ruby Blaske of Marysville, Kan.; a brother, August Mueller of Guymon, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, John Mueller; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The body will lie in state on Roberts Funeral Home until 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, then at the church until service time before being closed.
Memorials may be made in Mrs. Popp's name to The Lutheran Hour through Roberts Funeral Home, 120 West Padon, Blackwell, OK 74631.
Mary Ellen Wehrle, longtime Ponca City resident, died Thursday evening, Feb. 26, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 80.
The funeral will be held Monday, March 2, 1998, at 2 p.m. at the First Church of God with the Rev. Thomas N. Smith, pastor, and the Rev. Ruth Tipps, pastor of First Christian Church in Lamont, Okla., officiating. Burial will be in the Lamont Cemetery under direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Mary Ellen Wehrle was born July 23, 1917, in Lamont, Okla., the daughter of Clyde and Alice (Woodring) Landis. She grew up in Lamont and graduated high school there. She attended Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa and was the 1936 Homecoming queen.
She and Welling Reed "Chick" Wehrle were married March 13, 1940, in Lamont. She owned and operated the Pink Paddock Beauty Shop for several years and was co-owner of the W.R. Leather Company.
Mrs. Wehrle enjoyed flower gardening and cooking and at one time she and her husband owned and operated Timz Drive-In. She loved her grandchildren and was a full-time grandma.
She was a member of the First Church of God.
She is survived by her husband of the home; one daughter, Judy Dianne Christenson; her son, Tim Wehrle; a brother, Clyde Landis, and a sister, Laureda Daniels, all of Ponca City. Additionally, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren survive her. Her parents and a sister, Gladys Graham, preceded her in death.
Friends may call at the funeral home until 12:30 p.m. Monday.
The family will be 204 South Flormable.
BLACKWELL - Michael Harlen Tebow died at his home in Blackwell on Friday, Feb. 27, 1998. He was 40.
The funeral service will be Monday, March 2, 1998, at 2 p.m. in Roberts Chapel with Royce Ballinger of Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery under direction of Roberts Funeral Home.
Michael Harlen Tebow was born Aug. 9, 1957, in Ardmore, Okla., the son of Rex Robert and Chleora Kay (Keener) Tebow. He moved with his family to San Francisco, Calif., Key West, Fla., and Ballston Spa, N.Y., where his father was stationed while in the service.
In 1962 the family moved to Medford, Okla., and Michael attended school there. They moved to Blackwell while he was in high school and he attended Blackwell High School. Following his schooling, he began working in the oil fields where he was most recently working as a roustabout for Nemaha Services.
He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Tebow of Blackwell; two daughters, Cady Diane Tebow and Jessica Lynn Tebow, both of Blackwell; two sons, Robert Lee Tebow and Micky Jo Tebow, both of Blackwell; two sisters, Kimberly Lynn Coons of Ponca City and Lisa Dawn Rains of Blackwell, and two brothers, Tracy Lee Tebow of Blackwell and Devry Dwaine Tebow of Abilene, Texas. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Kay Tebow, and his grandparents.
Casket bearers will be Danny Williams, Dale Coons, Stan Rains and Clint Coursey.
The casket will be closed at all times.
IRVING, Texas - Ima Jo Briscoe, resident of Irving, Texas, for the past year and a half, and formerly of Healdton, Okla., died at her residence on Friday, Feb. 27, 1998. She was 61.
Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 9, 1998, in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Ponca City, under direction of Donnelly's Colonial Funeral Home, Irving, Texas.
Ima Jo Briscoe was born July 1, 1936 in Timbo, Ark., the daughter of Carsey T. Hess and Mary J. Anderson Hartzel. A widow, she was a nurse in a nursing home, and a member of the Church of Christ.
Surviving are her mother, Mary J. Hartzel of Irving, Texas; three daughters, Jo Kirkbride and Debra Gorden, both of Irving, Texas, and Kim Franklin of Oklahoma City; a son, John Voelzke of Omaha, Neb.; one brother, Jim Hess of Enid, and 10 grandchildren.
Leona B. Lane, longtime Ponca City resident, 834 North Third, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 1998, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 93.
A Rosary will be said Sunday, 6 p.m., in the Chapel of the Trout Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, 10 a.m. with the Rev. John Michalicka, pastor, presiding. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.
Born May 29, 1904, in Bushton, Kan., she was the eldest daughter of three children born to James Herold and Anna Frances Murray Rees. She lived in Bushton until 1907 when the family moved to a farm near Deer Creek. They moved again in 1919 to Salina, Kan. Leona graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1921. She then attended Kansas Wesleyan University and in the fall of 1922 began teaching at Deer Creek, Okla. In 1940 she graduated from Central State College with a B.S. in Education. She taught school for 20 years in Kay and Grant County and three years in Kansas.
On Sept. 7, 1928, she married G.M. Lane in Tulsa. Jan. 4, 1941, Leona adopted her daughter, Mary Rosanne Lane. On June 1, 1943, Leona joined Conoco where she worked for 10 years in Refinery Personnel and 16 years in Personnel Records. She retired June 1, 1969.
Leona was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Mary's Altar Society, and St. Helena's Guild. She enjoyed participating with her daughter's activities. She was an avid reader and soap opera fan. She was her granddaughters' best fan.
Survivors will include her daughter and son-in-law, Rosanne and Tom Rhodes, 2300 East Hubbard Road; two granddaughters, Christina Ann Rhodes and Mary Beth Rhodes; a brother-in-law, W.J. (Bill) Hermes, two nieces, Diane Hermes and Bernadette Hermes; and three nephews, Mike Hermes, Dan Hermes, and Jerry Darland.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Myrtle Darland and Thelma Hermes.
Memorials may be made to the St. Mary's School Foundation, 421 South Seventh, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 2300 East Hubbard Road.
Friends may call at the funeral home until 8:30 a.m. Monday.
Burglary Reported - A business in the 200 block of West Grand reported to Ponca City police at 7:47 a.m. Friday that the building had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.
Marijuana Arrest - Ponca City police were advised at 12:29 p.m. Friday that someone was passing out marijuana at the Hutchins Memorial and arrested a 16-year-old boy for marijuana possession.
Poodle Lost - A caller notified the Ponca City police at 5:53 p.m. Friday that a apricot-colored toy poodle, with gold collar, was lost in the 500 block of North Ninth Street.
Arrest - Ponca City police arrested a 33-year-old man at 6:11 p.m. Friday in the 1400 block of South Fifth Street for disobeying a lawful order.
Disturbance Arrest - A caller notified Ponca City police at 6:36 p.m. Friday that a woman was trying to get into a residence in the 3400 block of Kingston Road. Police arrested a 34-year-old woman for public intoxication.
Marijuana Possession - Ponca City police arrested a 19-year-old man at 7:18 p.m. Friday at North Fourteenth Street and Parkview for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
DUI Arrest - Ponca City police arrested a 38-year-old woman at 1:07 a.m. Saturday from the intersection of Union Street and Hubbard Road for driving under the influence, no insurance, and possession of marijuana, controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia. The vehicle was towed.
Missing Clubs - A resident of the 700 block of Sugarmaple reported at 11:18 a.m. Friday that some golf clubs had been taken from a garage. A report was taken.
Car Damaged - A woman called from the 200 block of West Gary at 11:45 a.m. Friday to report that her car had been vandalized by "keying." A report was taken.
Nintendo Gone - A resident of the 100 block of South Birch notified the Communications Center at 11:54 a.m. Friday that a Nintendo had been stolen from the residence. An officer was assigned and a report taken.
Grass Fire - The Communications Center was notified at 12:44 p.m. Friday of a grass fire on Glasgow Road a mile north of the old Peters School. McCord Fire Department was advised.
Man Arrested - Police arrested a 24-year-old man at 12:53 p.m. Friday at Fourteenth and Prospect for driving under suspension, speeding and no insurance.
Minor Accident - Police were notified at 1:44 p.m. Friday of a two-vehicle accident in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth. A report was taken.
No Injuries - Officers investigated a non-injury accident in the 100 block of North Osage at 3:03 p.m. Friday. A report was taken.
Rock Throwers - Police were notified at 4:41 p.m. Friday of three youngsters throwing rocks. The youths were contacted and their mother will handle situation.
Arrest Reported - An officer arrested a 40-year-old man at 5:43 p.m. Friday in the 200 block of South Oak for failure to obey.
Accident Investigated - Officers investigated and took a report at an accident in the 900 block of East Prospect at 6:25 p.m. Friday following several 911 calls.
Timberwolves Set Reunion - The 53rd Annual Reunion of the National Timberwolf Association of World War II Veterans of the 104th Infantry Division will be held at the Double Tree Hotels - Jantzen Beach & Columbia in Portland, Ore. from Sept. 7 to Sept. 13, 1998. Those veterans living in this area should contact Glen E. Lytle, 4002 Jasmine Drive, Wichita, Kan. 67226, or phone (316) 636-5334, FAX (316) 636-9644. Computer buffs may visit the Division's award winning Web site on the Internet. The Web address is: http//members.aol.com/InfDiv104.
St. Patrick's Luncheon - St. Patrick's Day luncheon and card party sponsored by St. Francis Guild will be March 18 noon to 3:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall at St. Mary's Church. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 for either lunch or lunch and cards. Those eating on their lunch hours will be served first. For tickets and reservations, contact any guild member of phone Deanna Nicholas 762-5496, Beverly Smith 762-2695 or Joan Slovacek 762-5953. Proceeds are donated to several local charities each year.
Youth Rally Planned - St. John Baptist Church will host a Youth Rally March 7 at 7 p.m., and the Annual Youth Day on Sunday, March 8 at both 10:45 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Parent/Teacher League Meeting - The Parent/Teacher League at First Lutheran School will have it's next regular meeting on March 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the school gym. This is an informative meeting for anyone who is attending the school or is interested in more information about the school. The classroom teachers will tell what activities, field trips, and special events occur in their classrooms. This is part of enrollment activities for next fall.
Pancake Supper Set - A Pancake/Sausage Supper is planned for Friday, March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm. All you can eat for $4, adults and $2, children. Everyone welcome.
Call-In Medical Advice - KLVV is planning another phone session for Ponca City area folks. Tuesday, from 5 to 6 p.m. Dr. Ron Walcher, M.D., of Tonkawa will be at KLVV to answer medical questions. As is always the case, all the phone calls are confidential and will not be aired. Those with questions are encouraged to call 767-1400 to speak with Dr. Walcher.
Depression Clinic - For seniors 55 and older at RSVP office, 110 North Fourth Street, 1 p.m. Friday, March 6. Guaranteed smiles!
Daylily Meeting - Clarence and Beth Crochet, hybridizers from Prairieville, La., will be special guests at the meeting of the Northern Oklahoma Daylily Society Monday. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth. Anyone interested in growing daylilies is invited to attend. For information about the organization contact Bill Goldsberry, 765-2390, or Lillian Williams, 762-3796.
Fundraiser Planned - The Burbank Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary
will be hosting a Bingo Fundraiser on Saturday, March 7 at Burbank Town
Hall, beginning at 6 p.m. Concession stand available. All proceeds will
go to the Burbank Volunteer Fire Department. For more information, please
call Terri at (580) 718-0123.
LIFESTYLES
Election of officers highlighted the business meeting at the February meeting of the Ponca City Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.
Officers elected were Jan Prough, regent; Ann Strickland, first vice-regent; Audrey Jones, second vice-regent; Eleanor Coates, treasurer; Sue Ziegenhain, secretary; Carolyn Bourne, corresponding secretary; Rosalie Bolene, chaplain, Pauline Rouse, registrar and June Meade, historian/ librarian.
In other business a contribution was authorized to be given to help with the expense of bringing the traveling war memorial to Ponca City. Delegates to the State Conference to be held in Oklahoma City March 15-18 will be Jan Prough, Virginia Mair, June Meade, Eleanor Coates and Marquetta Brown.
The program was given by Holly LaBossiere, Director at the Ponca City Library. She reviewed a new biography published in 1997 and written by William Randall entitled "George Washington, A Life."
"Students of history do not agree on the parental skill of George's mother, Mary. Some say that she was the best mother he could have had and some say she was the worst mother he could have had," the speaker reported.
"Washington's father died when George was 11. The young Washington wanted to go to sea at age 13 but his mother prevented that" the reviewer said. "George didn't have the formal education that his older brother received; However, his brother did tutor George. Washington learned surveying on his own. Mary Washington was to build a house of her own and George was to have Mount Vernon. It was 29 years before Mary moved out and it was George who built the house for her", LaBossiere reported.
There were 18 members and one guest present when Unit III of the Ponca City Mother's Club met for the Feb. 20 luncheon meeting in the home of Vivian Mertz. Co-hostesses were Marcene Young and Rachel Tidrow.
A book review of "Babyhood" written by Paul Reiser of television's "Mad About You" series was presented by Marge Parker. Mrs. Parker also read a personal manuscript she had written concerning the birth of a grandchild.
Louise Locke, chairman, conducted the business meeting which followed the reading of "The Collect." It was announced that the general Mother's Club luncheon and program would be May 15 at the Marland Mansion Chapel.
Nominating committee members Gloria Harris, Ann Kennedy and Freda Balcer will present a new slate of officers at the March meeting. A call for "volunteer tutors for the local grade schools was made, noting there is a considerable need for this service in the community." The next meeting of Unit III will be March 20 in the home of Joanne Morgan with Alice Heinen and Janet Smith as co-hostesses.
Choral Workshop members from the Ponca City Federated Music Club will present a program entitled "Favorite Songs from the Past" when the club meets Friday at the Cultural Center.
Included on the program will be songs from "Les Miserables," "'Fiddler on the Roof," "Godspell," "Cabaret," "Cats," and "West Side Story."Other songs on the program are "We Who Love Music" by Peter Dykema, "I Got Rhythm" by George Gershwin, "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair," "Begin the Beguine" by Cole Porter, and "Bless Us O God" by Glad Robinson Youse. Barbara Brown will serve as narrator for the program.
Choral Workshop has been active since 1934 and during these 64 years has accumulated a wealth of music said a spokesperson. The members decided to perform some of their favorite songs from the past for this program.
The program is dedicated to "The First Lady of Music in Ponca City," Frances Smith Catron. She came to Ponca City with her husband Edward in 1903. She was an accomplished pianist and started immediately to bring culture and music to this community.
Edward Catron was Supervisor of Music for the Ponca City School System for many years. Frances was the founder and first president of the Ponca City Music Club, later State President, and a member of the National Board of Directors. She taught piano and established a scholarship for an outstanding piano student. In 1969 the "Music-Living Room" at the Cultural Center was dedicated to her memory. A bookcase in the Library is dedicated to Mrs. Catron and contains several articles and honors.
On Jan. 26, 1990, she received posthumously the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Hall of Fame Award. That plaque is in the bookcase. A marker in her honor is located on the corner of Third and Grand. One of her music education friends, Peter Dykema, wrote the song "We Who Love Music" and dedicated it to Mrs. Catron. It will be the first song performed on Friday's program.
Choral Workshop is directed by Kathy Wimberley and Mary Sunshine Cogman is piano accompanist. In addition to the yearly program for Music Club, Choral Workshop also enjoys singing for various groups in the community.
Dessert and coffee will be served at 1 p.m. A silent auction of baked items for the benefit of Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony will also begin at 1 p.m. The business meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the program following the business meeting. Hostesses for the March meeting are Rita Gordy,chair; Carol Martin, Mary Martin, Frances Mathews, Virginia McCrea, Lenore Mohler, Marie Moore, Deena Neely, and Betty Pollard.
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
News Staff Writer
TONKAWA A Begonia heaven exists in the computer climate controlled greenhouse of Gene and Ann Salisbury in Tonkawa. Some 2,500 Begonia plants of various varieties thrive here under the watchful eye of the Salisburys, who grow the Begonias as a hobby and not for sale.
These Begonias are different from the ones that are generally seen that grow out of doors. Those plants with pink blossoms are know as simper florens. Those plants have bronze or copper foliage and pink blooms.
The difference between the outside simper florens and the Begonias grown by the Salisburys is that their plants would not survive outside.
Right now the couple has about 1,200 baby plants being grown for the Southwest Region Get-Together in Oklahoma City on April 23, and the National Convention set for June in Atlanta, Ga.
Hobby Extraordinaire
Gene and Ann's vast assortment began like a lot of collections. They attended a sale. Eleven years ago the couple went to the Fred A. Branch annual show and sale at the Will Rogers Exhibition Center.
They were so impressed with the many varieties and the "friendly people" they couldn't resist being a part of the fun. Thus the hobby began to sprout.
About this pastime, Gene said, "I think, like any other group, there is a tremendous amount of learning that one can do. You are never through learning with the species. Also the friendship of people that can share with you. It has been very fulfilling."
National President
Although nurturing the plants is described as a "hobby," the Salisburys have impressive enough credentials to qualify as experts in Begonia circles. The Salisburys are among about 25 or 30 serious growers in the state.
A past National president of the American Begonia Society and the Fred A. Barkley Branch, Gene currently serves as national director of the Southwest Region and first vice president of the National organization and as a senior judge. He is also on the Nomenclature committee.
Ann, who defers to Gene as the Begonia master, has a lot of expertise in her own right and has served as president of the National organization and is currently Back Issues chairman and advertising manager of the National magazine.
As proof of their aptitude as growers the Salisburys have won three national awards: Sweepstakes, Showing and Sharing and Best of Show. Gene has won all of these awards and has won Best of Division in all of the listed categories.
Fun House
In the shadow of their lovely home at 515 South Seventh and across the street from Tonkawa Foundry that they own, the 45 by 45 foot greenhouse is second to none in private growing facilities.
The "fun house" started out much smaller, but the hobby soon outgrew the smaller facility. So the larger greenhouse came into being and is equipped with roller tables, a south "water wall," sunscreen shielding on the roof and sides, plus large lights that "cheer the plants up." Seems that plants are like people - they thrive better under illumination.
The unique roller tables allow Ann to roll the Begonia topped tables to one side or the other by turning the pipes at the end and this creates an aisle to work from.
The plants range in age from seven years to seedlings. "The name of the game in Begonias is propagation, because every now and then they up and die on you," Gene relates.
Describing the Begonias, Gene said, "They are very diverse."One of the prize Begonias is about seven years old and won Best of Show at the National event. This particular plant is so large it requires three people to move it around. The breed is Caczhuna. All Begonias are identified by a "B." and their name, according to Ann.
"It is a never ending job, but it is a fun job," Ann explained. "You know what you are going to do the next day and you do it." She finds particular joy in seeing the tiny seeds growing and turning into larger plants.
Begonias are Special
Gene says, "Begonias are second to Orchids in the number of species in the genus. The species Begonias right now are kind of taking the front (spot), they're not all as beautiful as a lot of the hybrids. Obviously they have been hybridized for certain things.
"The species right now, with the rain forest shrinking and lot of other areas having problems, is important. We have a friend in Sumatra right now who collects and is running into some problems from the smoke and fires that they have had over there the last several months."
Ann explained that there is a group that test grows seeds that come in from overseas before they are released. Once they are proven that they'll be a plant then they are sent to seed plant or to the people who donated to help send the man on this plant trip. Gene is in charge of getting all the seeds sorted when they come back from Sumatra.
"The procedure when a new plant or one that they think is new that might be species, is to give it a "U" number or an unidentified number and it may take years to prove that it has not been identified before and in fact is a species as opposed to a natural hybrid," the hobbyist said.
Classification Efforts
Gene noted that there are worldwide classification efforts. Australia is strong in this area of species classification. "The U.S. so far still controls classification of Begonias. A lot of the Europeans are wanting the job."
The greenhouse has a number of species and hybrids. Gene said, "The species are the ones that don't really snap out at you as far as beauty goes"
As he went along pointing out the different species and hybrids, Gene noted, "It's kind of interesting to find bits and pieces and check back on the history of some the plants." At this point he showed a species that was found and identified in Ecuador in the late 1800s.
Salisbury explained that "The species has a place for the hybridizer - generally speaking the first cross out of the species will give you something that you've got growing stock to hybridize for two or three generations. So that is the reason the species are important."
Ann spends time in the morning watering the Begonias and Gene dedicates his weekends to "playing" in the greenhouse. He listens to classical music, which is soothing to him and he says the plants like it too.
The "playing" involves cleaning, repotting and propagating two days a week plus holidays, Gene tells.
Begonia History
According to the Salisburys there are six Begonia categories, cane-like, shrub-like, thick-stemmed, semper florens, rhizomatous and rex cultorum. The species category (they have both species and hybrids) consists of all six.
At the present a member of the organization is on a seed collecting venture in Sumatra. He is expected to return with a large collection of new seeds to test grow and distribute through the seed fund.
The Salisbury greenhouse is open to the public by appointment. They would be pleased to have any garden club or plant-related program group tour the greenhouse.
It is the desire of the Salisburys to have enough interested persons to start a branch in Ponca City. To make an appointment or for further information call (580) 628-5230.
Joanne Marie Kovac and Michael Alan Roberts will be married in a 7 p.m. ceremony March 7 at the Marland Mansion Estate, 901 Monument Road.
She is the daughter of Steve Kovac and Mrs. Maureen Lickteig, both of Spokane, Wash. and Roberts is the son of Mrs. Janie Roberts of Ponca City and Alan Roberts of Hunter.
The bride-to-be is a graduate of Gonzaga Preparatory High School in Spokane and received a bachelor of arts degree in English from Washington State University. She earned a master of arts in Sociology from the University of Houston in 1996.
The prospective bridegroom is a graduate of Pond Creek-Hunter High School and received a bachelor of science degree in Education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1992. The couple resides in Trinity, Texas and both are employed with Camp Olympia.
Miranda Lynn Hill and Shane Lynn Jensen are planning a 2 p.m. March 21 wedding at Community Christian Church. An open invitation is extended to friends and relatives to attend the ceremony.
Miss Hill is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Colby Jr. of Ponca City and the late Marty Hill. Jensen is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Raabe of Ponca City and Dan Jensen of Illinois.
The future bride is a 1995 graduate of Ponca City High School and is currently attending Northern Oklahoma College where she will graduate in May. She is a Customer Service Agent at Sykes Enterprises and plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma and major in Speech Pathology.
Jensen graduated from PCHS in 1993 and is also attending NOC. He plans to attend UCO and major in Literature. The prospective bridegroom is currently a Computer Technician with Sykes.
Stephen and Suzanne Proctor of Ponca City announce the birth of a son at 9:28 a.m. Feb. 11, 1998. Samuel Edward Proctor weighed 8-pounds, 12-ounces and was 23-inches long. He has two brothers, Michael, 12, and Alex, 2, and a sister, Lisa, 10-years-old. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. James W. Chess of Largo, Fla. and Constance Proctor of Ardmore.
"Most people enroll in our YMCA water exercise classes," says Susan Henning, "probably to achieve cardiovascular fitness, muscle toning, or to help burn calories." She added "But it is our responsibility as water exercise instructors not only to provide those aspects but to promote the awareness of proper body alignment and muscle balance to prevent injuries for functionality of everyday life."
The forces on our bodies throughout the day predispose us to injury and in turn pain, because we are not maintaining proper body alignment said the instructor. Ms. Henning said "Muscles in the front of our bodies are overworked and tight, including the pectorals, biceps, hip flexors, and quadriceps, because we perform most of our movements repetitively to the front. The opposing muscles; the upper back, triceps, and hamstrings become overstretched and weak. The hip flexor muscle can become tight in front by the repetitive lifting of the leg to take steps. This in turn pulls our pelvis out of alignment, overstretching the muscles of the lower back. This is probably one of the leading causes of lower back pain."
Water exercise is a good way to practice stabilizing body alignment because the movement of the water around the participant makes them use opposing muscles in the trunk, legs, and arms to stay upright in the water. Instructors also purposely add movements going forward, backward, and sideways to insure proper muscle balance while moving through a full range of motion. "We want our students to feel good about their workout while they are in the pool, but also take with them the balance of muscle strengths to protect them throughout the day."
The Ponca City YMCA offers a variety of water exercise classes to fit people's schedules, ability levels, and intensity levels both in the lap pool (3-5 ft. deep) and the deep well. No swimming skills are required. Call the YMCA, 765-5417, for more information.
The Parks and Recreation Department is offering three different exercise formats to help participants "shape up and feel great." Participants may choose or mix any of six classes offered weekly to create a fun and challenging cross-training experience.
All classes are coed and are open to the public. New attendees may participate in the first class free of charge. Cost is $30 for 10 classes. If a minimum of five co-workers, club members, family or friends sign up at the same time the cost will be $25 per member.
All formats are set to music. Classes are led by Yolanda Trant, a Ponca City instructor for 18 years, and a certified Jazzercise instructor.
Class schedule and formats are: Jazzercise: the original dance exercise class that offers a blend of jazz dance and exercise science. This includes a warm-up, 30-minute aerobic workout, muscle toning and strengthening with weights and concluding with a final stretch.
Circuit: This format intermingles aerobic routines with strength routines using weights and x-ertubes resulting in a high energy muscle powered class.
Step: Low-impact high intensity routines are performed with a variety of movements utilizing a four-six-inch step. A toning and stretch segment is added to complete a total body workout.
Class starts March 2 with the evening class beginning at 5:30 p.m. Schedule is: Monday/Jazzercise, 5:45 p.m.; Wednesday/Jazzercise, 5:45 p.m.; Friday/Step Circuit 5:45 p.m.
All classes are held at the Unity Recreation Center, 1908 East Woodlands. For more information call 767-0432, or Yolanda, 762-7243.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Turner Johnson of Ponca City announce the engagement of their daughter, Melissa Lou, to Daren Wayne Wilson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lyndol Wilson of Okemah. The couple will wed at 6 p.m. May 2 at the First Presbyterian Church in Newkirk, with a reception following at the Marland Mansion Ballroom in Ponca City.
The bride-elect, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where she majored in finance, is a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She is currently employed by Albright Insurance Agency, Inc. in Newkirk.
The prospective bridegroom , also an OU graduate, majored in marketing and is a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He is presently employed by Wallace Computer Services in Bentonville, Ark.
Ponca Prairie Pleaters
Ponca Prairie Pleaters will meet March 3 at 7 p.m. at the home of Joanie Bowen, 2409 Briar Ridge. A class on shuttle and needle tatting will be taught. The art of tatting dates to the 17th century in Europe as a way of making knotted lace. For more information about the organization call Cindy, 767-1289, or Cheryl, 762-9618.
AAUW Bridge Group
On Feb. 23 members of the Bridge group for the American Association of University Women met at 228 Spring Road. This group meets monthly. Betty McKeever was chairman for February and hostess and co-hostess were Barbara Miller and Sue Fleck. Prizes were awarded Donna Clark and Roberta Ford. The next meeting is scheduled March 23 at the home of Geraldene Miller.
AAUW Book Review
The Book Discussion and Review group of the Ponca City Branch of the American Association of University Women met Feb. 9 in the home of Tara Phansalkar, 20 Stoneridge. Bette Lee led the discussion on "Maria Tallchief - America's Prima Ballerina." The biography was about "an Indian girl from Fairfax who became world renown for her dancing." Marjorie Dew is group chairman. The next meeting will be hosted by Joan Walker-Ratliff, 109 Elmwood. Norma Casad will lead the discussion.
Area residents are invited to try "Aqua Jog with June", the deep water workout that uses the weight of the water to tone the body while exercising aerobically with movements designed to get your heart and spirit pumping.
"This hour-long, 'no sweat' workout focuses on toning all of the major muscle groups from the neck down while providing cardiovascular benefits so important to a healthy lifestyle," says June Foreman, program instructor.
Students are supported in deep water with a flotation belt around the waist leaving the arm and legs free to cycle, jog, and pump their way through an efficient, nonstop workout. There are no difficult steps or routines to follow and students "male or female, young or young at heart, conditioned or deconditioned, healthy or rehabilitating from injuries", can all adjust the exercises and intensity to fit their own needs. The buoyancy of the water is also beneficial for those who find it difficult to move "freely on land such as the overweight or pregnant, or those that are on their feet all day but still need cardiovascular and muscle conditioning" she said.
"There is no special skill level needed and students are supported with the shoulders and head above the water at all times which is important to those that do not want to get their hair wet," explains Foreman. "This is also a good time to get started on a program that will get you in shape for the coming summer season," she added.
Classes are scheduled locally on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:35-6:35 p.m. and 6:40-7:40 p.m. or Tuesday- Thursday mornings from 9:30-10:30 a.m. beginning March 2-3. Enrollment is continuous and students can pay $20 per month or $3 per visit. Those wanting unlimited visits can pay $30 per month and attend as many classes as they prefer. Classes are open to the public and students must contact Ms. Foreman personally at 762-0035 for information on the location of the classes and how to register.
Foreman designed her Aqua Jog deep water fitness program in 1990. She is a certified instructor with the Aquatic Exercise Association and has taught a wide variety of water fitness classes in Ponca City for 14 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Gates Jr., rural Ralston, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at a reception March 7, 2-4 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Ralston. All friends and relatives are invited to attend.
The event is being hosted by their children: Bernadean Gates of Fairfax and Angela Bradley and husband, Ben, of Ponca City.
Edmund Gates Jr. and the former Bernyce Smith, both from the Big Bend area west of Ralston, were married March 4, 1948 in Tulsa with the Rev. O. W. Webb officiating.
Both are graduates of Burbank High School and preceding her marriage Mrs. Gates was employed at the First National Bank of Burbank. The couple is active in the First Baptist Church of Ralston and continue to ranch in the Big Bend community.
Mr. Gates enlisted in the United States Army in 1941 and served in the Eighth Air Force for 20 months in England and completed 25 bombing missions over occupied Europe. He earned the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his discharge, he resumed farming and later was involved in the construction trade also.
John and Cathy Pangburn are announcing their recent wedding. A reception in their honor to introduce Mrs. Pangburn to Ponca City is being planned for a later date.
Pangburn and the former Cathy George were united in marriage Feb. 14, 1998 at the Temple Christian Center in Temple, Texas. Their vows were officiated in an 11 a.m. ceremony by the Rev. Henry Davis, assisted by the Rev. Kerry Sharp, pastor of TCC.
Honor attendants were Mrs. Judy Martin of Georgetown, Texas and Pangburn's son, Jay Pangburn of Tulsa. Among the special guests attending the wedding were Wayne and Debbie Greenhagen.
The newlywed couple reside at 701 Madison. Pangburn has had a private physical therapy practice in Ponca City for 27 years. Mr. and Mrs. Pangburn are attending First United Pentecostal Church.
Mrs. Pangburn is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Elledge of Tampa, Fla. and Pangburn is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Sam Pangburn.
Delta Lambda Delta Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega met in the home of Doris Stanley on Feb. 24. Assistant hostesses were Karen Shiflet and Pauletta Beaty. The meeting was conducted by Mrs. Beaty, vice president.
Reports from committees were given with Doris Stanley, Nominating Committee Chair, announcing the names for the slate of officers for 1998-2000. They are: President, Valorie Buss; Vice-President, Pauletta Beaty; Secretary, Tammie Barham; Treasurer, Teri Nelson. Sandra Hudack, Panhellenic Representative, gave her report and announcement was made to print the Panhellenic yearbooks in the fall.
The scholarship committee announced that scholarship applications are due by March 2 and winners will be announced in April. The "Coke Party" for senior girls going through rush will be given in May. Panhellenic information sheets will be distributed at that party.
Reporting for Julie Lawrence, president, Sandra Hudack distributed applications for the Single Achievement awards. These should be returned to Mrs. Hudack by March 6 so they can be sent to National Headquarters for review. Mrs. Hudack reported that framed copies of The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega were presented to Regan Strickland and Danielle Torres, active members at Oklahoma City University.
Sandra Hudack, Province Alumnae Chairman for Oklahoma and Arkansas, reminded members to celebrate Hera Day on March 1 by giving "personal service for happiness and well-being to others."
Prior to the meeting, Kay Whitlock, owner of "Just Yesterday" gave an informative program on herbs. She included using herbs for medicinal uses, for use in teas and vinegars.
The next meeting will be in the home of Sandra Hudack on March 24. At this meeting members are asked to bring donations of paper goods for Domestic Violence. Members are also asked to give a monetary contribution or goods for the Easter Baskets for the children at the Domestic Violence Center. The program will be a book review by Doris Stanley and Virginia Bracken on "Return of the Prodigal Son" by Rembrandt.
Forms for engagement, anniversary and wedding announcements are available at the desk of the Lifestyles Editor. The News requests that the name of a contact person and a telephone number, where they may be reached during business hours, be listed.
The deadline for the Sunday edition for stories with pictures is 5 p.m. Wednesday, but stories and pictures may be submitted earlier. Stories for the daily edition should be submitted at least two days prior to the date of publication.
In order to keep stories current, the News prefers to have wedding stories submitted within two weeks of the event. However, we will use a photograph and story within three months after the event. If a wedding story is submitted more than one month after the event, the date will not be used and the story may be abbreviated. Stories submitted prior to one month following the ceremony will usually receive preference in the Sunday edition.
If the photo is a snapshot rather than a professional photograph, it may not be usable. We cannot reproduce photographs from a newspaper or magazine. Prints or negatives only, please. Either color or black and white photos are acceptable. Soft focus pictures do not reproduce well in a newspaper. Almost any size photograph is acceptable since they will be enlarged or reduced as needed. The only exception is some snapshots. Check with the Lifestyles Editor.
There is no charge for wedding, anniversary or engagement announcements, and pictures are returned free of charge. A return name and address should be printed on the back of the photographs. "Sticky" notes are preferred since ink may bleed through the picture if the writer presses too hard. The News cannot be responsible for the spelling of names if information submitted is handwritten rather than typed.
Forms are preferred; however, the Lifestyles editor is available to write the story from facts you provide (Just provide her with the "who, what, when, where, etc. "). It is not necessary for you to write the actual story but you may certainly do so if you desire; but be aware that the story is subject to editing.
Items may be mailed, faxed or brought in person to the News. Please be sure to include a name and telephone number in case more information is needed. Those who would like to mail information should include the post box number 191 for the Ponca City News, 74602-0191. Fax number is 580-765-7800. Telephone number for the Ponca City News is 580-765-3311. For further information contact the Lifestyles Editor.
If the article is intended for the Lifestyle pages please write this on the material you submit.
The Ponca City News Publicity Guide is available, free of charge, to area publicity chairmen to help them obtain the best possible publicity for their organization.
The guide offers story suggestions, deadlines, and other necessary information about submissions to the Lifestyles section. Interested persons may pick up a guide at the Lifestyles desk at the News.
Former residents of Ponca City, Mr. and Mrs. David Welch, now of Richmond, Texas, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Jodi Ann, to James Maurice Raymick, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Raymick of Hot Springs Village, Ark., also former residents of Ponca City. The couple's wedding is planned for May 30 at the First Baptist Church in Ponca City.
The bride-elect will graduate in May from Oklahoma Baptist University with a "Bible" degree and a minor in education. The prospective bridegroom is a recent OBU graduate with a degree in psychology. He is presently attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he is pursuing a masters degree in Divinity.
The Treasure Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. will be the setting March 17 for the 5:30 p.m. nuptial ceremony uniting Jennifer Janette Brown and Rosen Dee Rennie.
The bride-elect is the daughter of Ron Brown of Pawnee and the late Janette Brown. The prospective bridegroom is the son of Larry and Nancy Rennie of Ponca City. Grandparents of the future bride are C. G. and Della Adams of Pawnee and the late Robert and Ann Brown. Rennie is the grandson of Pauline Davis and Bob Rennie of Ponca City and the late Merle Davis and the late Neva Rennie.
Miss Brown is a 1990 graduate of Pawnee High School and received a bachelor of arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1996. She is a member of the National Education Association, Arizona Education Association and the National Reading Council. She is currently teaching fourth grade at Ironwood Elementary School in Casa Grande, Ariz.
Rennie is a 1989 graduate of Ponca City High School. He is a member of the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Welders. He is presently employed at Intel in Chandler, Ariz.
MOPS (Mothers Of PreSchoolers) is currently recruiting new steering committee members for the 1998-99 term. MOPS is an international organization designed for mothers with children ages infant through Kindergarten. The focus of MOPS is to provide encouragement, support, teaching and friendships in a relaxed atmosphere of sharing, caring and fun said a spokesperson.
During meeting times, the children participate in their own program called MOPPETS. Current steering committee members are: Coordinator-Tammie Barham; Assistant Coordinator and Publicity Chairman-Toni Cloud; Finance Chairman Debora Gooch; Hospitality Chairman-Sandy Lake; Discussion Group Chairman- Lesa Bailey; MOPPET Chairman-Kristi Myers; Crafts Chairman-Terri Wilson and Titus Woman is Sarah Myers.
Anyone interested in joining the new steering committee or receiving more information can contact Tammie at 762-6794 or Toni at 765-8522. MOPS Meetings are at 9 a.m. the second and fourth Monday of each month in the Assembly Center of First Baptist Church in Ponca City.
There were 15 members of Xi Gamma Sigma chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority present when the chapter met at Pauline's Supper Club on Feb. 24 for a dinner to honor LaRannah Bartlett, the chapter's Valentine queen.
Following the dinner Barbara Feil, president, conducted the business meeting. A report was given on the City Council Valentine ball which was held Feb. 14 at the Elks Club. Social chairman Cindy Russell announced that members are to bring hors d'oeuvres to the St. Patrick's party.
The date for the barbecue and campout at Camp McFadden has been changed to April 3. Scrapbook chairman Leora Simmons announced there will be a workshop at her home on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Barbara Ashlock presented the program "The Tater Sisters" following the meeting. The next meeting will be March 10 in the home of Cindy Russell. Officers for the 1998-99 sorority year will be elected.
TOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday evening with Donna McCoy calling the meeting to order. Natalie McCoy gave the devotional, entitled "One Minute Prayer". Audrey Garroutte led the TOPS Pledge and Ruth Garroutte led the KOPS Kreed.
Delpha Clemens called the roll and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Natalie McCoy was the Best Loser for the week and Mary Bryant won the "Ha-Ha" pot. The program was entitled, "Tasty Foods That Help You Lose Weight".
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. It neither sells nor endorses products. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs, and contests are used to encourage weight loss.
Brief programs are presented each week and visitors are welcome to attend the meetings. Weigh-in time is 6:15-6:55 and meetings are at 7 p.m. on Mondays. For more information contact Delpha Clemens, 762-2844 or Betty Flower, 765-5448.
The Kay County Family Community Education Association Meeting Feb. 23 was held at the FCE building in Blackwell with multiple awards presented.
Speaker was Janice Bell, Coordinator of the CASA Court Appointed Special Advocate. She said "an advocate volunteer studies records, speaks with parents, family members, teachers, and doctors regarding a child's situation and provides an unbiased report to court helping get a child out of the court system and back to their schoolwork."
Special guests for the day were former Kay County Association presidents: Wilma Tolle 1953-54; Irene Smyth 1972-73; Reitagae Wilkerson 1978-79; Marylin Duckwall 1980-81; Mary Jeans 1982-83; Joyce Crouch 1989-90; Linda Sparks 1991-92; Karen Herard 1993-94; Sondra Ailey 1995-96.
The Heart of FCE Award was presented to Marjorie Smith, Nardin FCE. Winners of cookbook sales were Eleanor Eggers, Elsie Cowell, second place, and Earleine Harman, third.
Perfect Attendance awards went to: Sondra Ailey, Nardin; Ona Atnip, New Bethel; Clella May Constant, New Bethel; Nettie Cox, Fun and Fundamental; Pearl Fitch, Fun and Fundamental; Belle Grossardt, Nardin; Twila Harris, New Bethel; Margaret Hoepfinger, Kildare; Helen Janda, Kildare; Irene Smyth, New Bethel; Marjorie Smith, Nardin; Dorothy Tanner, Fun and Fundamental; Anna Terrel, New Bethel; Nancy Tindel, Fun and Fundamental.
Standard Of Excellence awards for FCE groups went to Fun and Fundamental, Kildare, Nardin, New Bethel. Outgoing officers honored were Vice President Leona Montgomery, Vernon HOA; Secretary Dorothy Tanner, Fun And Fundamental. Honored as outgoing committee members were Building, Leona Montgomery, Vernon HOA; Clothing, Nettie Cox, Fun and Fundamental; Home Environment, Elsie Cowell, New Bethel; Cindy McKee, New Bethel; FCE Issues, Marjorie Smith, Nardin.
New Members as of 1997 were recognized. They are Pearl Craven, New Bethel; Robin Johnson, New Creations; Deborah Randall, Fun and Fundamental; Kendra Smith, Fun and Fundamental.
Membership Pins were awarded for five years to Kim Case, Fun and Fundamental; Francis Girardeau, New Creations; Helen Janda, Kildare; Colleen Reeser, New Creations; Nancy Tindel, Fun And Fundamental.
Pins for 10 years went to Sharon Lanie, New Bethel; Jessie Newland, Vernon Hoa; Jaylene Soulek, Nardin. 15 year pins were awarded Pearl Carriger, Nardin; Nettie Cox, Fun and Fundamental; Earleine Harman, Nardin; Brenda Schneeberger, Kildare; Ann Sheets, Creative Homemakers; Marjorie Smith, Nardin; Leslie Young, Creative Homemakers.
20 Year pins went to Kathy Fitch, Fun and Fundamental; Zelphia Goodman, Salt Fork; Cindy McKee, New Bethel; Karen Overman, Kildare; Anna Terrell, New Bethel. Receiving a 25 year membership pin was Opal Tannehill, New Bethel, and 30 year awards went to Clella Constant, New Bethel; Elsie Cowell, New Bethel; Eleanor Eggers, New Bethel; Sylvia Halings, New Bethel; Wanda Hutcherson, Fun And Fundamental; Madelien Reutter, New Bethel; Irene Smith, New Bethel.
Elsie Johnson of Kildare FCE received a 35 year pin and awarded 40 year pins were Mary Detten, At Large; Wilma Eakins, Nardin; Rada Field, New Bethel; Margaret Hoepfinger, Kildare. Alene Doyle, Salt Fork, was the recipient of a 45 year membership pin.
Recognition was given 50 year members Mary Buesing, Kildare; Frances Denton, At Large; Marie Ewy, Kildare; Mary Ruth Leatherman, Fun And Fundamental. Also Lucille Dorf, Uncas group, 55 years of membership.
When asked about their membership and FCE work Lucille Dorf said the most "helpful things I learned were how to upholster, sewing, furniture refinishing, cooking and canning." Marie Ewy has a lifelong affiliation with FCE work as she attended meetings as a 4-H student with her mother. Mary Ruth Leatherman began FCE affiliation with the Kildare group in 1947 and helped to form Fun and Fundamental in 1948. Mary Buesing began her FCE work with the Lost Creek group and later Kildare while Frances Denton began membership in the Prairie View club.
The February meeting of Fun and Fundamental FCE group was hosted by Deborah Randall. Nettie Cox, vice president, led the group in the salute to the flag, the OAFCE Creed and in singing "He Lives." Introduced as guests were Patsy Dorl, Margaret Husted, Chance and Tyler Randall.
The hostess gave devotions from Psalms and "The Joy of the Lord." Roll call was answered by members naming their favorite fabric for clothing.
Announcements included a food show April 15, association meeting Feb. 23, district meeting at Frontier School at Red Rock March 12, and a craft show Oct. 17.
Tips were given for Health, Safety and Sewing with peanuts and eggs listed as "high in protein, a Bay leaf placed in the flour container will prevent ants and it is not necessary to use hem tape on straight skirts." Contest prizes were won by Nancy Tindel and Pearl Fitch.
The Club Collect was repeated followed by the lesson on Fibers and Fabrics given by Pearl Fitch. Informational leaflets on fabric care were distributed.
A covered dish luncheon and fellowship followed the meeting with Tammy Stewart and Misty as guests. Nettie Cox will host the March meeting with Nancy Tindel as lesson leader.
Ponca City Chapter 432 of the American Association of Retired Persons will hold their regularly scheduled March meeting Tuesday at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth. This meeting will be a covered dish dinner with pitch and other games following the program and the business meeting. The dinner is scheduled to start at noon and people planning to attend are urged to arrive by 11:30 a.m.
The speaker for this meeting will be Jan Merrifield, a native of Ponca City, who is now associated with a medical firm in Tulsa. She will be talking about Home Health Care. This is an area of concern for senior citizens due to many recent changes. There will be time set aside for questions and answers,
The American Association of Retired Persons membership is now at 30 million people. Entry age for this organization is 50. AARP in general and Chapter 432 in particular is interested in recruiting new members who are not yet retired. Members of the local chapter said they have a great deal to offer the Senior Citizens of America. Birthdays will be celebrated for the months of January, February and March and details on the annual convention in June will be discussed.
The Conestoga Campers met at the Golden Corral Restaurant for a dinner meeting Feb. 2 with 34 in attendance. Dan Woolsey offered prayer before dinner.
Rick Cross, president, opened the meeting and the minutes treasurers report were given by Ray Baltrop, secretary-treasurer. A 25-cent penalty for not wearing name badge or Conestoga Club shirt will begin with the March meeting. Phone callers for meetings and campouts will be Ina Smith and Verna Wilson with Bob and Pat Ford as substitute callers.
A drawing for three dinners at the Golden Corral were won by Joe and Joanna Purvis, Herb and Sherry Cable, and John and Vicki Rogers. The next meeting will be at the Golden Corral, March 2 at 6 p.m. The March campout will be at Sarge Creek, March 27- 29.
The Oklahoma State FCRV'rs "Spring Fling" campout in April will be held at the Ft. Cobb State Park April 17-l9. Pre-Registration deadline is March 31. Registration forms will be available at the March 2 meeting.
Edmond has been selected as one of only a handful of sites nationally to host a three-day seminar regarding senior citizens' issues wrote Pam McKeown, News Service Director for the University of Central Oklahoma.
Spearheaded by Edmond businesswomen Victoria Woods, president of Chappel Wood Financial Services, and Sherry Ross, owner of Sherry's Sunshine Home Health, the seminar will include nationally known speakers on topics ranging from health care to financial concerns.
Woods, who received her CSA certification in 1997, said she was eager to bring the program to Oklahoma. "While receiving my certification in Kansas City, I was impressed with the networking and the quality education that people received," she said. "Oklahoma definitely needs a program such as this, to bring together those who want to better serve the needs of our state's senior citizens."
Nationally, only seven other 1998 seminars will be held - in Florida, California, Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio and Georgia.
Founded in 1996, the society is dedicated to providing professionals with ongoing education regarding senior citizens' issues. Concentrating on 15 key areas of concern - including independent living, medical, social and financial concerns- the society provides professionals with the tools they need to communicate more successfully with senior clients.
"The CSA designation helps to build visibility and credibility in a rapidly expanding senior marketplace," said Woods. "Using these proven communication techniques, pro