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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Sunday, April 23, 2000 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALMcCord VFD Membership Meeting Set McCord VFD Membership Meeting SetThe annual meeting of McCord Volunteer Fire Department membership will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the McCord School Cafetorium. Everyone is encouraged to attend and bring a friend. There will be door prizes. Memberships may be paid at this time, or purchased for fire protection. Three positions on the board will be open and voted on during the meeting. Everyone is encouraged to get out and show their appreciation to the firefighters, for the wonderful job they are doing in the McCord community. Any questions concerning the meeting, or membership, call Teresa Mayes at 762-0714 or Nancy Marlar, 762-4017. Marland Water Meeting May 2The regular annual meeting of Marland Water, Inc., will be held May 2, 2000 at 8 p.m. at the Mickey Robinson home, according to R.L. Tautfest, president. The agenda of business includes a report of officers or committees, an election of a director, unfinished and new business, and such other business as may come before the meeting, according to Mac (Mickey) Robinson, secretary. City CalendarItems for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon. Anytime FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs). Alcoholics Anonymous, Alano Group, Ponca City’s first established AA Group, meets at Noon and 8 p.m., seven days a week. All noon meetings open, all 8 p.m. meetings closed except Fridays, 603 South First Street. April 9-30 Photograph Competition and Exhibit, 1-5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday of those dates, Ponca City Art Center. Today Ponca City Library Closed for Easter. April 24-April 28 Lake Road Across Kaw Dam Closed, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. each day, for inspection and maintenance to flood control machinery at Kaw Dam. Monday Ponca City Board of Commissioners, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue, Ponca City Utility Authority and Ponca City Development Authority follow. Tuesday Ponca City Rough and Tumbled Rock and Gem Club, 7 p.m., Albright Methodist Church, program “Mineral Collecting,” presented by Lee Whitebay, visitors welcome. McCord Volunteer Fire Department annual membership meeting, 7 p.m., McCord School cafetorium, questions, Teresa Mayes 762-0714 or Nancy Marlar 762-4017. Wednesday Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning and Engineering Conference Room. Thursday Race Relations Task Force of Ponca City Alliance for Youth, 6:30 p.m., United Way of Ponca City, 205 North Second Street, interested contact Katina Combes 765-2476. Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A (in cafeteria), St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue. Friday District 17 Child Abuse Prevention Task Force, noon, Western Sizzlin’. Taste and Tasteless, fund raiser, 6:45 p.m., Poncan Theatre. May 1-5 Lake Road Across Kaw Dam Closed, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. each day, for inspection and maintenance to flood control machinery at Kaw Dam. May 2 Preschool Program storytime for ages 4-7, Mother Goose on the Loose, 10 and 11:30 a.m., Ponca City Library. May 3 Energy Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Preschool Program storytime for toddlers ages 2-3, Mother Goose on the Loose, 10 and 10:30 a.m., Ponca City Library. May 4 Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, more information 762-9053 or 762-7360. May 5-6-7 Iris Festival 2000, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, downtown Ponca City, featuring arts and crafts, children’s activities, food, everyone welcome. Ponca Playhouse Production Carousel, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, Poncan Theatre. May 6 United Way Bed Race, 10 a.m., Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue, for more information call 765-2476. May 7 American Legion Post 14 4-Man Golf Scramble, Lew Wentz Golf Course, fee $20, does not include green fees or golf cart, cut off date May 3 5 p.m., contact American Legion Post 14 Ray Lunsford or Maurice Johnson (580) 765-9073, proceeds to American Legion baseball teams. May 6 Christian Motorcycle Association, 8 a.m., Western Sizzlin’. Victorian Chocolate Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Grand Central Station, lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., French pastries, chocolate and specialty food booths. May 9 Drug Store 2000 Committee, time to be announced, plan for Drug Store 2000 scheduled during Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-27, interested call United Way 765-2476. AARP, 12:30 p.m., Wheatheart Nutrition Center, Ponca City. McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. May 10 Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., more information, 762-9866 or 718-0314. Community Pool Committee, 4:30 p.m., YMCA, 702 East Grand Avenue. Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3 Board Meeting, 7 p.m., District Pump House, Perch Lane, Sandy Park Estates. May 11 Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’. American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue. May 12 Church Women United’s May Friendship Day, noon, First Christian Church, Ponca City, Luncheon free, everyone requested to bring a salad. May 12-13 Ponca Playhouse Production Carousel, 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre. May 13 Post Office Food Drive, letter carriers will pick up non-perishable food for nine community organizations, more information, 765-2476. May 15 Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, Ponca City, call Lori White 767-1668 for information. May 16 Kaw Lake Association 2000 Board Meeting, noon, Golden Corral. Disabled American Veterans (DAV), 7 p.m., 401 South Lincoln Street. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, corner U.S. 60E and Keeler Road, new volunteers always welcome. May 17 Ponca City Public School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Library. Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue. May 20 North Central Chapter of the Oklahoma Dressage Society, Spring Schooling Shows, Maverick Arena south of Arkansas City, Kan., spectators welcome to show and club’s monthly meeting, information 580-448-3965 or 580-762-2447. May 22 Sign Up for Summer Tennis Program, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, for information call 767-0432. May 25 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., Conference Room A (in cafeteria), St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City. American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue. May 29 Ambuc Pool open for summer swim season, more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department, 767-0432. June 3 Seventh Annual Ponca City Herb Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Cann Memorial Gardens, Fourteenth Street at East Grand Avenue, fresh herbs, demonstrations, samples and seminars, herbal crafts and products, food, live entertainment and lots of thymely advice. Gary Lewis and The Playboys with Mitch Ryder, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., the Poncan Theatre, 104 East Grand Avenue, for tickets call the Poncan Monday through Friday between 1 and 5 p.m. 580-765-0943. June 12-15 Ponca City Bank of Oklahoma Junior Tennis Open, more information contact the Ponca City Parks and Recreation Department, 767-0432. Marland Estate Structures Removal on City AgendaBy BOB PATTERSON News City Editor A public hearing on the selective removal of several structures at the Marland Estate will be held by the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday. The meeting at the Public Safety Center begins at 5:30 p.m., and the public hearing will follow the commission’s consideration of 12 items on the consent agenda, communications from the mayor and commissioners, and a report from the city manager. The public hearing would be on a proposal for the removal of the Marland Estate Conference Center and Hotel, Chapel, E.W.’s Restaurant and breezeway connection to the Marland Mansion. That would leave the Mansion and other buildings that would include Angela Hall and Lydie’s Cottage on the grounds, along with the Gate House at Monument Road — the entrance to the grounds. The commission will take up a number of other items including a review of the Police Department and Animal Control annual reports. They will also consider a construction contract on the second phase of the Standing Bear Memorial Trails amounting to $763,764.70 to Evans and Associates. The Cultural Affairs Commission has recommended adopting a universal contract form and facility rental policy for the Ponca City Cultural Center and Indian Museum, plus Hutchins Memorial Auditorium. That item will also be considered by the commission. On the agenda also is a contract with Matrix Communications Corporation in allowing two towers to be build that will serve as co-location towers for Broadband PCS, Cellular, and other communication carriers. Proposed locations would be the northeast corner of East South Avenue and South Second Street, and at the northeast corner of Bradley Avenue and Rice Street. A budget status report for the third quarter ended March 31, 2000 will be available to the commissioners from the finance director. There are two matters on the agenda that involve amending ordinances. One would amend a zoning second and the other would allow the city to impose a late payment fee on Ponca Lake lot leases. And if there hasn’t been fireworks enough so far, the commissioners will take up the Fourth of July Fireworks contract with Western Enterprises Inc. amounting to $18,000. There will also be time for citizens’ comments. The consent agenda includes minutes from a meeting of April 10, two different resolutions obligating funds as leverage with the Community Development Block Grant on the improvements to the Lake Ponca Dam project, and two different requests for release of funds for the improvements. Also on the consent agenda are: •an agreement for the sub-grant of emergency management preparedness grant programs funds between the state and the city. •the waiving of Hutchins Memorial fee rental for the Drug Store 2000 program during Red Ribbon week. •authorization for completing the contract documents for exterior repairs to the Cultural Center with Sooner Construction of North Central Oklahoma amounting to $17,136. •work on a certified local government grant application to the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office amounting to $5,000. •consider a change order for performing architectural and engineering services for a basement and third floor in the Civic Center renovation project. •provide a grant of $1,000 to Ponca City Main Street Authority in promoting the Iris Festival 2000 and Cinco De Mayo Celebration May 5-7. •appropriate money for payment of claims. The commission will also meet as members of the Ponca City Utility Authority and the Ponca City Development Authority to take up routine business items. ‘Freedom from Smoking’ Clinic Begins May 2St. Joseph Regional Medical Center will host a six-week “Freedom from Smoking” clinic beginning Tuesday, May 2 for those who want to kick the smoking habit. Sessions will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday in conference Room “A” on the ground floor of the Medical Center. The clinic is taught by Allison Horner, an American Lung Association (ALA) certified instructor. The program uses a positive behavior change approach that teaches you how to become a non-smoker. Participants quit in the third session. Special attention is given to developing a quitting strategy, dealing with recovery symptoms, controlling weight, managing stress through relaxation, assertiveness techniques and staying off cigarettes. During the development of this program, the ALA found that signing contracts to quit and assigning rewards to oneself are important factors in quitting successfully, according to Horner. The panel discussion led by ex-smokers is one of the most popular parts of the program, she said. Small group interactions, organized within the larger group, are a major emphasis. For more information about the program or to enroll, contact Horner at 765-0592. The registration deadline is Thursday, April 27. There is a $50 enrollment fee. Legion Post 14 Golf Tournament Scheduled May 7It’s time again for the American Legion Post 14 Golf Tournament — scheduled for Sunday, May 7 at 10 a.m. on the Lew Wentz Golf Course, right here in Ponca City. The fee is $20 for the event, per person, and does not include green fees or golf cart. Cut off date for signing up is 5 p.m. on May 3. To sign up or for more information, contact Ray Lunsford or Maurice Johnson at the American Legion Post 14, (580) 765-9073. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place teams, and for the longest drive and closest to the pin. Free food and beverage will be available. All proceeds will go to the American Legion baseball program. Iris Festival Sets Variety Of ActivitiesThis year’s Iris Festival vendors represent a diverse group of specialties, according to Jerry Cathey, festival co-chair. “With a number of arts and crafts, collectibles and food vendors, we expect all festival attendees to find something to interest them,” added Cathey. Booths will feature displays and demonstrations from several groups, including the Hispanic Alliance, Standing Bear Foundation and the Po-Hi Science Club. Other vendors will include hand-made arts and crafts, health and beauty aids, and sports collectibles to name a few. Foods to satisfy all palates will be featured. German, Hispanic and American foods will be available as well as snack items such as cotton candy, funnel cakes and roasted nuts. Victorian Chocolate Festival will also have a number of sweets and treats for festival goers. Children’s activities will include the Kidz Jump Club, face painting and visits with America’s Favorite Dinosaur and Tweetie Bird. In addition, the Ponca City Library will provide a number of free children’s activities all during the day. Entertainment features several local groups and performers, including the Po-Hi Chorale and The Sky Pilots. The stage will be available all day for these performers to entertain festival attendees. Other events include the Humane Society Trail of Tails dog walk, United Way Bed Race, Iris Princess competition sponsored by WBBZ, and a Husband Calling Contest sponsored by Team Radio. Additionally, new car, boat, and RV dealers will have several vehicles displayed. “These are just of a few of the activities we have scheduled for this year’s event,” said Cathey. “We invite everyone to come and join the fun!” For more information, contact the Ponca City Main Street Authority at 763-8082. Firefighters Tour Medical CenterIn conjunction with the Ponca City Fire Department and Fire Marshal Bill Bridges, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center recently provided Ponca City firefighters with tours of the facility to point out the easiest ways to access the entire facility in case of a fire. Engineering director Tim Burg arranged the tours, which should result in faster response times by the fire department. “Communication is a wonderful tool when we apply it to a common goal,” Burg said. “The ability to discuss these issues with those who respond to alarms, has been a great way to share our common concerns and increase both our levels of understanding. I really appreciate the city and fire department’s efforts in allowing this interaction to take place. It is just another example of why Ponca City is such a great place to live.” The tour included access to the fire panel room, boiler house, fire pump room, generator areas, boiler tunnel, central access, laundry, kitchen, portions of the planned surgery renovation project and other key points that may require immediate access. In addition, stairwells that lead to all levels of the facility were reviewed. The tours also resulted in a number of suggestions by the firefighters. Burg said some of these suggestions have already been implemented. This interaction also allowed Engineering to discuss some of the hospital’s long and short-term goals. SJRMC’s goal is to have all Ponca City firefighters tour the facility annually to re-evaluate any renovated areas and any planned changes to accessing the facility. It is also a goal to eliminate all false alarms. OSMA Sets Inaugural Reception, Banquet for May 5 in Oklahoma CityOKLAHOMA CITY — Assistant Secretary for Health and U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, MD, PhD, will be the featured speaker at the Oklahoma State Medical Association’s (OSMA) presidents’ inaugural reception and banquet to be held at 6 p.m. May 5 at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center. The event is being held in conjunction with the OSMA’s annual meeting set for May 4-7 at The Westin in Oklahoma City. Dr. Satcher, who was sworn in on Feb. 13, 1998, is only the second person in history to simultaneously hold the positions of Surgeon General and Assistant Secretary for Health. In those roles he serves as the Secretary’s senior advisor on public health matters and as director of the office of Public Health and Science. Prior to nominating Dr. Satcher to serve in his present post, President Clinton had appointed him as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and administrator of the agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, where he served from 1993 to 1998. Before joining the Administration, he was President of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., from 1982 to 1993. Dr. Satcher is a former Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar and Macy Fellow. He is the recipient of 18 honorary degrees and numerous distinguished honors, including top awards from the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and Ebony magazine. In 1995 he received the Breslow Award in Public Health and in 1997 the New York Academy of Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also the recipient of the Bennie Mays Trailblazer Award and the Jimmy and Roslyn Carter Award for Humanitarian Contributions to the Health of Humankind from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Dr. Satcher graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta in 1963 and received his MD and PhD from Case Western Reserve University in 1970. He did residency/fellowship training at Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester, UCLA, and the King-Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Preventive Medicine, and the American College of Physicians. Dr. Satcher says he would most like to be known as the Surgeon General who listens to the American people and who responds with effective programs. He is recognized as a dedicated promoter of healthy lifestyles and is appearing in Oklahoma City in support of the Oklahoma State Medical Association’s Physicians’ Campaign for a Healthier Oklahoma. School MenusElementary Breakfast Monday — No school Tuesday — Biscuits and sausage gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — French toast stix with syrup or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Elementary Lunch Monday — No school Tuesday — Hot dog on a bun or pizza, California vegetables, tater tots, corn, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Soft beef and cheese tacos or mini corn dog, refried beans, cheesy rice, Curious George fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Taco Bell burrito or spaghetti with meat balls and garlic bread, tossed salad with ranch dressing, broccoli with cheese sauce, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Friday — Hamburger on a bun or queso and chips, tater tots, fruit, pork and beans, Oreos or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. West Middle School Breakfast Monday — No school Tuesday — Biscuits and sausage gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Breakfast burrito with salsa or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — French toast stix with syrup or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Biscuits and gravy or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. East Middle School Breakfast Monday — No school Tuesday — Biscuits and sausage gravy or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Biscuits and sausage gravy or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Biscuits and sausage gravy or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Friday — French toast with syrup or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. West Middle School Lunch Available on Tuesday and Thursday at West Middle School is Subway. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will also be Dominos and Taco Bell burritos. Monday — No school Tuesday — Hot dog on a bun, tater tots, baked beans, pudding, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Soft beef and cheese tacos, refried beans, cheesy rice, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Taco Bell burrito, tossed salad with ranch dressing, broccoli with cheese sauce, Jello, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Friday — Queso nachos, fruit, corn, lettuce and tomato salad, chocolate chip cookies or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. East Middle School Lunch Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s and Subway. Monday — No school Tuesday — Chili dog on a bun, corn, pudding, french fries, fruit, dill pickle, raisins or baked potatoes, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Soft beef and cheese tacos, refried beans, cheesy rice, tossed salad, Jello, dill spears, fruit, dill pickle, raisins or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Chicken patty on a bun, tossed salad with ranch dressing, pudding, fruit, Jello, or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Friday — Hamburger on a bun, fruit, tossed salad, tater tots, pork and beans, Oreos or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. High School Lunch Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a pasta bar, baked potato bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn and Subway. The Retro Mart features a Mexican food, bakery/deli and Italian food courts. Po-Hi Campus Mart Monday — No school Tuesday — Foot long corn dog, tossed salad, Jello, tater tots with cheese, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Wednesday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Thursday — Chicken patty sandwich or cheeseburger, french fries, lettuce and tomato salad, baked beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Friday — Sliced turkey with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, green beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. McCord Elementary Breakfast Monday — No school Tuesday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk. Wednesday — Scrambled eggs, toast, juice and milk. Thursday — Ham, egg and cheese bar, toast, juice and milk. Friday — Cinnamon rolls, juice and milk. Lunch Monday — No school Tuesday — Hot turkey sandwich, potatoes and gravy, green beans, pears and milk. Wednesday — Pizza, cole slaw, okra, mixed fruit and milk. Thursday — Meat and cheese nachos, corn, peaches, cinnamon rolls and milk. Friday — Hot dog with mustard and relish, french fries, green beans, applesauce, cookie and milk. Pioneer Technology Center Tuesday — Spaghetti with meat sauce, fried chicken or chef’s choice with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts. Wednesday — Chicken fried steak, chicken tortelini alfredo or catch of the day, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts. Thursday — Mexican casserole, greek grilled chicken or chef’s choice with soup, assorted salads, vegetables, breads and desserts. The cafeteria will be open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon. ‘Almost Paradise’ Theme for Po-Hi PromBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor So much to do... so little time. With the end of school drawing near, hundreds of Ponca City students are preparing for prom to be held this weekend. The theme of this year’s prom is “Almost Paradise” with the colors of purple, teal and silver. The Grand March will begin at 7 p.m. April 29 at the Marland Estate with prom from 8 p.m. to midnight. Music will be provided by Complete Music of Oklahoma City. In case of inclement weather, the Grand March will be held at Hutchins Memorial. Each prom-goer was issued two tickets for the march. No one will be admitted without a ticket. This policy was instituted due to overcrowding in the past. This is a new policy. Parents, grandparents, friends, etc. cannot attend the Grand March without a ticket. Prom Royalty The princess for this year’s prom is T.J. Dancey with Wes Crosson as the prince. Attendants are Julie Wittmer, Michael Osborn, Christy Hassell and Nic Kruckeberg. T.J. Dancey is the daughter of Tim and Janna Dancey. She has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and a member of the Panic board for the 1999-2000 school year. She was named head cheerleader this year, senior chairperson for Red Cross and Oklahoma Blood Institute Blood Mobiles, a three year member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and National Honor Society. She is a member of the Woodlands Christian Church and American Cheerleaders Association. She was also a guest speaker for the Ponca City Rotary. Honors she has received while in high school include: Nonnamaker’s Outstanding Junior Girl of the Year, Oklahoma All-Region cheerleader and All-State alternate, was a three-year All-American cheerleader and a ACA All-State cheerleader. She was named Transwestern Publishing Student Athlete of the Week and has been on the honor roll throughout high school. Wes Crosson, son of Mike and Terri Crosson, is involved in the Rotary Civic Club, DARE program, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Youth Deacon for First Christian Church — Disciple of Christ and an American Red Cross volunteer. He was named to the All-Academic Honor Roll Team for three years, is a three-year letterman for football and was named this year’s captain. He received the Tom Catlin Award his senior year and a part of the 6A All-District team. Julie Wittmer, daughter of Craig and Lane Wittmer, will be an attendant. She is a three-year member of the Hi-Steppers and was named a Hi-Stepper lieutenant for the 1999-2000 school year. She also received Miss Parade two separate years at Hi-Stepper camp. She is an All-American Scholar, the honor roll and is listed in Who’s Who among American High School Students. She received the National History and Government Award and was a senior attendant this year for the wrestling homecoming. Michael Osborn is the son of Buddy and Cathy Osborn and Bill and Patty Plunk. Michael has been on the honor roll throughout high school, Who’s Who, Boys State delegate, and a varsity letterman in wrestling for three years. He qualified for state in wrestling his junior year. He received the Grady Peninger Academic Wrestling Award his junior year and the Jack Blublaugh Scholarship Wrestling Award his senior year. Christina (Christy) Lynn Hassell, daughter of Dr. Perry and Tamra Hassell, is also an attendant. She has received numerous awards for Girl Scouts, orchestra and band. She is a member of the NOC Honor Band, NCDA Honor Band, Colorguard captain and letterman, the Academic Team, Who’s Who, National Honors Society, Oklahoma State Academic Scholar, and Life-Savers for Jesus. She is also on the honor roll, National Forensics League, Student Council, Ponca Playhouse, and received an Academic Letter. She is involved in her church and youth group. She serves as a Youth council officer and participates in Sunday School, Kingdom Kids, Vacation Bible School, the church choir, nursery staff and a volunteer for the Friendship Feast. Christy’s other activities includes helping on the Youth Mission trips, Cat Tale Yearbook staff, Foreign Language Club and a Literacy Council volunteer. Nic Kruckeberg, son of Hank and Nancy Kruckeberg, is involved in the National Honor Society, Who’s Who, United States National Math Award, Foreign Language Club, honor roll and Student Scholar Athlete of the Week. He also scored a 34 on his ACT and 1420 on the SAT. He was named a State Regents for Higher Education Academic Scholar, Robert C. Byrd Scholar and received a Regents Scholarship from OSU. He is a member of the Boy Scouts, an Eagle Scout and received the Order of the Arrow. He is actively involved in the marching and concert bands, brass ensembles and jazz band. He is vice president of the Band Council, a Band Sections leader and a member of the Vocal Trio at church. He is a member of his churches’ Youth Group and Youth Cabinet. He is an Sunday School teacher and helps with Vacation Bible School. He tutors students during the summer, was named a Boys State delegate, Party manager, Citizens of the Day, Friendship Feast and is a PADI certified scuba diver. Fairmount String Quartet Here TuesdayThe Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council announces that the members of the Fairmount String Quartet of Wichita, Kan., will be kicking off their Spring Tour 2000 with a premier performance at the Marland Mansion on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. All professors at Wichita State University and principal players in the Wichita Symphony, these four have impressive performance and educational backgrounds. Andrew Kolb, cellist, is the quartet’s newest member. He has performed as a soloist extensively throughout the United States as well as in Canada, England, Switzerland and Sweden. Prior to accepting his position at WSU, he was assistant professor of cello at Memorial University in Newfoundland, where several of his solo and chamber music performances were broadcast on the CBC. A contemporary music enthusiast, he recently took part in the American Chamber Music Festival in Stockholm, Sweden, premiering new works by American composers. He has also premiered works in New York City as a member of the Stony Brook Chamber Players. During the summer months, he has participated in numerous music festivals including Taos, Norfolk, Sarasota, Bach Aria, Spoleto, Ernen and Prussia Cove. In addition, he has taught at Point Center Point, a chamber music camp in Vermont. Kolb studied with Timothy Eddy and SUNY Stony Brook, Ross Harbaugh at University of Miami and Steven Doane at the Eastman School of music. Second newest to the group is John Harrison, first violinist of the quartet and concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony. Harrison attended the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Eastman School of Music, studying with Donald Weilerstein and later becoming his teaching assistant. A committed chamber musician, Harrison was first violinist of the Montclaire String Quartet, whose distinctions include prizes in the Banff, Coleman, Evian and Yellow Springs competitions, along with an extensive touring and performance schedule. As a soloist, Harrison has preformed the Bartok, Tchaikovsky, Brahms Double and Mendelssohn concertos with orchestras in Boston, Cleveland, West Virginia and Wyoming. His symphonic work includes concertmaster positions in the West Virginia, Vermont and Wichita Symphony Orchestras. Harrison is a regular substitute member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops Orchestra. Second violinist Nancy Luttrell is associate concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and associate professor at WSU. First prize winner of the Naftzfer Young Competition as well as the St. Louis Symphony Competition, she has appeared frequently as soloist with many area orchestras. Also a member of the Wiedemann Trio, she has been concertmaster of the Vienna Conducting Symposium Orchestra (1975), the WSU European Tour Orchestra (1987). and the associate concertmaster of the American Sinfonietta European Tour (1991, 1994, 1997 and 2000). Luttrell is a former member of the Monet Trio and the Kansas City Lyric Opera and Civic Ballet Orchestras. She has served as assistant concertmaster of the Eastern Music Festival and the Arkansas Music Festival, and associate concertmaster of the Wintergreen Festival of Music, Virginia. She is currently associate concertmaster of the Bellingham Music Festival in Washington. Catherine Consiglio is currently associate professor of viola at Wichita State University and principal violist of the Wichita symphony. A native of Wichita, Consiglio earned a bachelor’s degree from WSU and later received her master’s degree from New England Conservatory in Boston, where she was assistant to the renowned pedagogue, Heidi Castleman. Catherine went on to join the faculty of Oklahoma University, Rice University, the University of Connecticut, and the Philips Academy in the Boston area. Consiglio has been principal violist with the Oklahoma City Symphony, the Boston Philharmonic, the New England Chamber orchestra, and assistant principal of the Houston Chamber Orchestra. She has also played with the Boston Opera Orchestra and Sinfonia de Jalapa in Mexico. Chamber music performances include participation in festivals in the United States, Europe and Mexico. In 1994, she received the Fine Arts Excellence in Teaching Award from WSU. Consiglio is co-founder of the Chamber Music in the Barn summer concert series in Wichita, for which she serves as artistic director. In 1997, 1998, and 1999, she collaborated with the Pro Art String Quartet (Madison, Wis.) performing with them in Chicago, Wisconsin and Kansas. The only string quartet on the Mid American Arts Alliance Touring program and the Kansas Art Commission Touring Roster, the Fairmount String Quartet performs throughout Kansas and the Midwest, with dates in such major cities as St. Louis and Kansas City. The quartet will be performing Schubert, Puccini and Bartok. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will last for approximately one and a half hours. Admission is free, and students are encouraged to attend. Members will be available for questions and autographs immediately following the performance. Arts Adventure 2000 On NOC Campus in JulyTONKAWA — Arts Adventure 2000, an art camp for north central Oklahoma students, will be taking place on the Northern Oklahoma College campus. The camp will be open to students entering 9, 10, 11 and 12th grades during the week of July 10 through 14. Students entering 6, 7, and 8th grades will attend camp the week of July 24 to 28. Classes will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with students participating in one major class and one minor area of study. Currently applications are being provided to local public and private schools. Registration and Placement Day is set for Saturday, May 13, at the Ponca City High School Fine Arts Building from 9 a.m. to noon. The purpose of Placement Day is to answer students’ and parents’ questions regarding programs offered and for students to demonstrate their level of expertise to help guest artists in planning their instruction placement and necessary supplies. Placement Day is very important for students participating in the areas of band or string instruments and piano technology. Those wanting to participate in band, orchestra, or piano technology need to be prepared to play a selection. The piece does not need to be memorized. Those playing band and string instruments will also be asked to sight read a selection and should have available a recommendation from an instructor as to years of study/accomplishment. (In the event that a student is not available for the Placement Day audition, a tape and a teacher recommendation need to be provided.) This year, in response to requests from prior students, several new areas will be offered. These new areas are computer-generated graphics, video making and editing, photography, sculpting, and band, with opportunities for both concert and jazz studies. In addition to these new classes, classes in painting, creative writing, theatre, dance, piano technology, strings and vocal music will also be offered. Many of these classes will be limited in enrollment. Students interested in a particular class need to attend the Placement Day to secure a spot in a class. Car pool information will also be available for parents. Cost for a week of camp is $125 with partial and full scholarships available based on financial need. Financial support for Arts Adventure is provided through various funding including the Oklahoma Arts Council, Conoco Inc., the Jim Throop Foundation, and numerous individuals and businesses throughout the Kay County area. Arts Adventure Foundation, Inc. strives to bring the best teachers from Oklahoma and across the nation to provide unique and enriching artistic training to area students. For more information regarding Arts Adventure 2000, contact Ruslyn Hermanson (580) 765-9868 or Katy Tucker (580) 762-6550. Leonard Declares War on EyesoresNeglected Buildings Pose Health Risks To City, Residents By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Owners of dilapidated buildings or lots with overgrown weeds and other public nuisances better clean up their act or suffer the wrath of the code enforcement department of the city, according to building inspector Charles Kelley. Failure to do so could result in citations for demolition or contracts for clean-up at the property owner’s expense. City officials are serving notice that dilapidated buildings and other public nuisances that are eyesores or hazards to the health and welfare of citizens will not be tolerated, announced Mayor Tom Leonard. “We are going to get serious about these problems,” Leonard said after touring a dilapidated house at 1041 South Eleventh Street. “There are properties all over town that are hazardous. They harbor pests and some are standing open and are just in deplorable condition. We are going to go out and identify them and go after them.” The matter came up for discussion at a recent city commissioners work session when several members of the Southside and Westside organizations complained. Commissioners heard comments from code enforcement officers and Westside community police officers about unsightly buildings and weed control. At the conclusion of the meeting, both Leonard and the commissioners agreed the city needs to step up enforcement. Leonard explained, “This summer we will attack these problems with a passion. We are establishing a chronic offenders list for weed and grass complaints. Those on the list will be dealt with expeditiously. No excuses.” The neighborhood alliances have identified approximately 20 properties. “That is a big help to the building inspector,” Leonard noted. The mayor added that the neighborhood groups are doing a good job. Whether property owners would be fined, Kelley said, “I will issue a citation and after that it is in the hands of the court. I recommend a fine because this property is run-down and these houses are bringing the whole town down when we are trying to attract new jobs. “We used to have pictures of what Ponca City used to look like. We hope to bring it back,” Kelley said. While viewing some of the offensive structures, Leonard pointed out, “This kind of trash takes us all down. Abandoned, run-down houses breed pests, crime and deterioration of the neighborhood. It impacts every section of our community.” Jan Erhardt of the Southside Neighbors said, “We just keep plugging away. This started back in the [Conoco] buyout. We went downhill from there. We’re trying to bring property values up.” Juan Jones, who lives with his mother next door to the property on South Eleventh Street, said he thinks the property is an eyesore. He said he was afraid that this summer “some kid would get in there and set it on fire. Things like that happen during the summer,” Jones said. Jones did say the property is mowed during the summer. The exterior and interior of the house was of serious concern. to the building inspector. Some windows were broken out and others half boarded up, and the interior was filled with rubble. Kelley cautioned going inside because of rats and other pests. Leonard said that enforcement of public nuisance complaints will be through the issuance of citations for appearance before the municipal judge who can fine the resident or property owner. Officers also have authority to require demolition of offending structures and to contact for weed mowing and trash removal. This would apparently be at the expense of the property owner. Fireworks Possible At Monday Meeting Of CommissionersBy BOB PATTERSON News City Editor There could be additional fireworks for the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday other than the annual matter of dealing with the Fourth of July. There is an item on the agenda calling for action on a contract with Western Enterprises Inc., amounting to $18,000 for Fourth of July fireworks. But another item on the agenda is a public hearing that could draw fireworks, or at least heated discussions from citizens. It concerns the selective removal of the Marland Estate Conference Center and Hotel, Chapel, E.W.’s Restaurant, and breezeway connection to the Marland Mansion. All of it takes place at the regular Ponca City Board of Commissioners meeting in the Public Safety Center starting at 5:30 p.m. Monday. “We’ve been dealing with this situation for more than six months now that we’ve decided to close the conference center and other areas at the estate,” Mayor Tom Leonard said. He added that there had been considerable study as to what to do, and the primary alternative has been determined to return the estate as close to its former grounds as possible. That would mean at least removing the conference center and hotel, chapel, the restaurant and breezeway connection. Leonard said an ad hoc committee recommended the selective removal, stating it represents the best economic and practical choice for the conference center facilities. He explained that the removal would meet the goal of continuing to restore the grounds of the Marland Estate to its original condition. An estimated cost of $470,000 would include asbestos survey, abatement and demolition of the buildings. A timetable indicates the complete project could be done within a seven-month period, providing there were no problems confronted from the asbestos abatement. PTC Interim Superintendent To Be Named Monday NightBy KRISTI HAYES News Education Editor A new interim superintendent for Pioneer Technology Center will be announced at a special board meeting Monday night. The board will move into executive session at the start of the 7 p.m. meeting to discuss the interim selection. The interim superintendent will fill the position vacated by Dr. Sally Downey, who surprised board members by announcing her retirement at a board meeting last week. Two board members — Larry Cannon and Bill Carmichael — also resigned at the meeting saying they did not share the philosophy of the three remaining members. The resigna-tions/retirement came one week after the board voted not to renew the contract of assistant superintendent Dr. Janet Cox following a two-night due process hearing. Board president Larry Buck said Downey will retire effective June 30, but because of accrued vacation time, her last official day at PTC will be June 9. He also said Downey will be out of her office most of the time but will be available for consultations. “Dr. Cox will do the same,” Buck added. Following Downey’s announcement, Buck said board members would immediately place an interim superintendent at PTC to assist with end-of-the-year activities. “It is important that we move on with our plans to find a replacement for the position. We feel it’s best to immediately name someone,” Buck explained. Though he would not divulge the name of the interim selection, Buck disclosed that the person is not an employee of PTC and does not live in Ponca City. “The name of the person we’ve selected will be public knowledge following the meeting on Monday,” he said. Downey’s tenure as superintendent was plagued in its last few months by controversy surrounding her and Cox. More than 30 em-ployees drafted a letter of no confidence concerning both administrators in December. The letter was sent to several media outlets. The Ponca City News first reported the story on Jan. 11. The board expressed faith in Downey in January by offering her a three-year contract extension, but no salary increase. Downey, who replaced Velta Reed-Johnston, has been the superintendent at PTC since the fall of 1996. Church, State Separation Issue Creeping into Legislative TopicsOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — One lawmaker wants to hang copies of the Ten Commandments in public buildings. Another wants public school science textbooks to acknowledge ‘‘that human life was created by one God of the universe.’’ Still another has crusaded against placing artwork in the State Capitol that he believes carries ‘‘anti-Christian’’ messages. The Legislature has increasingly become the battleground for proposals and political beliefs that opponents say blur the separation between church and state. And they are concerned that those who put strong religious messages in their legislation want to make Oklahoma a theocracy — a government controlled by the religious beliefs of the men and women who are in power. ‘‘I think it’s important for us to remember why people came to this country from England in the first place. It was for religious freedom,’’ said Sen. Cal Hobson, D-Lexington. ‘‘We need to be very sensitive about the religious viewpoints of other people,’’ said Sen. Bernest Cain, D-Oklahoma City. Those who write measures that promote their religious beliefs say they are not trying to push them on others but are merely trying to protect them against encroachment from a secular world that they believe controls too much of their lives. ‘‘I don’t think we ought to exclude God and his laws from government,’’ said Rep. Bill Graves, R-Oklahoma City, who authored the state law allowing voluntary prayer in public schools. ‘‘Our nation believes in a God. Don’t make our nation change,’’ said Rep. Jim Reese, R-Nardin, the sponsor of a measure to require that state science books acknowledge ‘‘that human life was created by one God of the universe.’’ ‘‘I believe the Christian religion is true,’’ Graves said. ‘‘I’m fighting for maintaining a Christian tradition. It’s what our nation was founded on.’’ But Graves stops short of promoting a government-sanctioned religion, a move he said would violate the First Amendment’s prohibition against establishment of a national church. ‘‘I’m certainly not for an official state church. I think that’s the wrong way to go,’’ he said. Graves has proposed a measure that would require copies of the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public buildings. While opponents say the measure breaches the legal wall that separates church and state. The phrase ‘‘separation of church and state’’ does not appear in the Constitution or the First Amendment, which prohibits government from interfering with the exercise of religious freedom, he said. Instead, the legal concept arose from a 1947 U.S. Supreme Court case that interpreted the intent of the First Amendment’s ban on establishment of religion as ‘‘a wall of separation between church and state.’’ P.E.O. President Returns for ‘School Buddy’ VisitWhen Jane Burtis Smith, International President of P.E.O., arrives in Ponca City this weekend, she will not only be returning to her home state, she will be meeting a P.E.O. sister and former “school buddy” with whom she started to kindergarten in Clinton, Okla. Betty Matson (Mrs. Ted) is a member of Ponca City Chapter EL. She and Jane started to school together when their mothers decided to open the first kindergarten in Clinton. Betty’s mother, Gladys Blanton, and Jane’s mother, Reba Burtis, were not only partners in the school enterprise, they were P.E.O. sisters in Chapter BR, Clinton. Joining Betty and Jane will be another of Reba Burtis’s daughters, Betty Coit. She still lives in Clinton and is their chapter’s delegate to this second state convention to be held in Ponca City. Approximately 500 delegates and visitors are expected when the convention convenes on Friday, April 28, at the Hutchins Auditorium. Betty Blanton and Ted Matson were high school sweethearts and later married and moved to Ponca City where Ted worked for and later retired from Conoco. Betty for many years taught the LEEPS program at Woodlands school. Jane Burtis and Don Smith also were high school sweethearts at Clinton high school and later married. He became a career U.S. Navy man, retiring in Florida. The couple now lives in North Palm Beach, Fla. This is not the first visit to Ponca City for Jane Burtis Smith. About three years ago she and her mother came here to visit the Pioneer Woman Museum, the Marland Mansion, and other points of interest. While here, they and Betty Matson visited. An interesting story is told by Betty Matson about the 1940 Oklahoma State Convention which was held in Clinton. The delegates came from all over the state for this convention which was held on Wednesday, April 10, of that year. It convened in the Clinton armory. A wooden parquet floor had been installed over the concrete, but it was not glued down. Perhaps the worst hail and rain storm ever to occur in Oklahoma chose that date, also. The women arrived in their fancy new cars and dressed in long taffeta dresses of various colors. When the storm hit, the cars were pelted with larger than baseball sized hail. Many were ruined. The water flowed into the armory and the wooden floor tiles began to float. The ladies tried to hold up their long taffeta dresses, but many of them were ruined, also. Over 3,300 window panes were broken at the Western Tuberculosis Sanitarium in Clinton, as they were all over town. Betty (Blanton) Matson and Jane (Burtis) Smith, and Jane’s sister, Betty (Burtis) Coit, all daughters of dedicated P.E.O.s, helped present a Founder’s Day program for their mothers’ chapter about 1945. This is a type of program which is presented by every P.E.O. chapter once a year to honor the founders of P.E.O. who began the organization at Iowa Wesleyan College in 1869. National Radio, TV Personality Guest Artist at Northern GalaTONKAWA — Radio and television personality Midge Woolsey will be the featured guest artist at the Northern Oklahoma College Gala April 29. Woolsey, who has been associated with television and radio both on and off the air for more than 20 years, will join Northern Fine Arts music faculty and a professional orchestra under the baton of Gerald Steichen, conductor for the New York City Opera. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29, in the Northern Performing Arts Center on the Tonkawa campus for the 8 p.m. performance of music ranging from opera to popular Broadway show tunes. Admission is free. Woolsey’s most recent vocal performance was the role of Desiree Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music with opera legend Patrice Munsel in the role of Madame Armfeldt. Last November she served as mistress of ceremonies and guest artist for An Evening of Broadway’s Greatest Hits with the Metropolitan Winds at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas. She holds degrees in both theatre and music and has worked as director, performer and choreographer in more than 100 productions with various regional opera and musical theatre companies. Currently Woolsey is the weekend evening host for the Classical Radio Station of the New York Times, 96.3 FM WQXR, with which she has been affiliated since 1993. For two years she also hosted the weekly series Music from the Movies, which featured music by and conversations with film composers and recording craftsmen from around the world. On Dec. 31, 1999, Woolsey co-hosted the 25-hour national broadcast, PBS Millennium 2000. In 1998, she traveled to Paris, site of the World Cup Soccer Tournament, to host the live national broadcast of The Three Tenors with James Levine. She also co-hosted the same concert two years earlier live from Giants’ Stadium. For 13/WNET in New York City, Woolsey hosted the live local broadcast of The Berlin Philharmonic Brass Ensemble from St. John the Divine Cathedral. She has also hosted numerous live local fund raising events, including the opening night of Victor, Victoria starring Julie Andrews at the Marquis Theater and the Emmy-nominated Pavarotti Prelude with Penn Jillette and Al Roker, which was followed by the live broadcast of Pavarotti in Central Park. She has interviewed guests both on television and radio ranging from the man on the street to celebrities such as Placido Domingo, James Levine, Luciano Pavarotti, Walter Cronkite, Barbara Walters, Mike Wallace, Robert Merrill, Judy Collins, Liza Minnelli, Marvin Hamlisch, Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz, Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, Skitch Henderson, Peter Schickele and Harry Belafonte. A graduate of Casady School in Oklahoma City and a participant in the Master of Performing Arts program at Oklahoma City University, Woolsey said she is delighted to come back to the great state of Oklahoma for this very special event. Producers Keep Working To Boost Wheat ProductionBILLINGS (AP) — Prices hover around $2.25 for a bushel of wheat. That translates to producers looking to make the yield profitable by improving quality and quantity. A program being introduced in northern Oklahoma is looking at maximizing the return to wheat farmers. The Opti-Crop plan protects yield potential by working with farmers from last year’s harvest to this year’s harvest on precision farming. ‘‘We’re aiming for yield and quality,’’ said Lance Embree, crop consultant for W.B. Johnston Grain Co. ‘‘And at the same time we want to do it as efficiently as possible.’’ Opti-Crop is an intensive, daily wheat crop management service. With most acres producing 30 and 40-bushels of wheat, the program sets an ambitious goal of 60 bushels. Consultants and producers work through soil testing, variety choice, planting date selection, seeding rate decisions, fertilizer applications, insecticide applications and monitoring of plant health. The program seeks to change the variable costs of the producers, not the way the producer is farming. Many farmers are studying this plan or other strategies in a time of low grain prices. Po-Hi Reacts to AdversityWe understand that our society is snake bitten, and we sympathize with those who have tough decisions to make about safety. We should strive however, not to let the idiots of the world win. Attempts to instill fear such as last Thursday at Ponca City High School are an example. It is even more despicable that a past tragedy such as the Columbine shooting is used for this kind of manure as it was. The school and district administration said it will deal with this situation very seriously, and well they should. The positive side of the story is the reaction by the faculty, staff, administration, police and students. Although it is quite likely that the whole thing was nonsense, the school took it seriously and worked hand- in-hand with the Ponca City Police department to make sure the school was safe and secure for everyone. Po-Hi was relatively calm and the atmosphere was very good. It makes us proud to see how well it was handled. Officials were very open with anyone who asked about the situation which helped dispel a lot of the potential panic. In the future, even more open discussion might be helpful. In most cases, the more people know, the better they can deal with a problem. The rumors which spread were much worse than the actuality — as they always are. We were disappointed to see that parents of more than 300 students took their children from school during the day. Do not take this disappointment as condemnation of those parents. They have to do what they believe is right when it comes to their children. We are willing to take risks ourselves which we would not wish on our sons and daughters. It would be one thing to face a potential danger yourself; quite another to have your children do it. However, those students who stayed were able to be an interactive part of an affective pro-active stance against an attempt to instill fear. Faced with the same decision, we did not consider the question lightly. It is the duty of a parent to make an effort to keep a child as safe as reasonably possible. The key word is reasonable. We let our children drive sometime after they are sixteen, go on dates, play potentially dangerous sports and go on school trips to other towns. There is an element of danger in all of those which we have to consider. The best development of your child has to be weighed against the potential for harm. Each of us has to do what we think is right. We also had to make that choice and, based on the school and community's reaction, we chose to keep our daughter in class. There is always a chance that a tragedy can occur at any time and any place, but we can't expect and don't want our children to live in a vacuum. The decision was also based on a belief that you should not let rumor and the cowardly actions of others affect your life and your actions. We must try to stand up against this kind of contemptible behavior as best we can. Our part was to make the day as normal as possible. If the schools are forthcoming about the problem and the reaction appears reasonable, we hope that parents will be able to have faith in the school’s abilities and avoid overreaction whenever possible. It is your decision and you must follow your heart. Just let reason, resolve and faith in our community receive full consideration. The less we let this kind of abomination have an impact on us, the less we contribute to the problem. —TM Two Ponca City School Officials Earn Awards Of Merit and ExcellenceMary Ladd and Janet Taber, two school officials, have received Awards of Merit and Excellence from the Oklahoma School Public Relations Association. Ladd serves as the Public Information Coordinator, administrative assistant to the superintendent, and clerk of the Board of Education for Ponca City Public Schools. She was presented with the “Award of Merit” for her “Welcome to Ponca City Schools” folder she designed for the district. Janet Taber, Public Information Officer for Pioneer Technology Center, was awarded the “Award of Excellence” for her course catalog she designed for the school. Both Ladd and Taber were formally presented with their awards at the annual Oklahoma School Public Relations Partners for Excellence Award Luncheon held at Lake Texhoma on April 7. Ponca City superintendent Dr. Bill White said, “I am very pleased and proud of the recognition that Mary Ladd has received by her peers in the state organization. She is a very talented professional who is responsible for all public relations for the district as well as serving as the administrative assistant to the superintendent and clerk of the Board of Education,” he said. White further stated, “Her talents impact every phase of our school district. She is a dynamic individual and an extremely vital part of our goal to achieve excellence in the Ponca City schools.” Ladd has been an employee of the Ponca City Public Schools for the last 17 years. Taber serves as the Public Information Coordinator for Pioneer Tech. PTC superintendent Dr. Sally Downey said, “We at PTC are so proud of the Education To Fit Your Life brochure for which Janet Taber received the Oklahoma School Public Relations Association Award of Excellence. The brochure certainly highlights the great programs and offerings provided by Pioneer Technology Center.” Oklahoma School Public Relations Association, OKSPRA, is the state Chapter of the National Schools Public Relations Association. This state organization consists of school public relations people across the state from public school districts, vocational schools, colleges, and education-related agencies and organizations. Their mission is to improve the quality of education by facilitating public understanding through responsible communications, community involvement and leadership. Legion Post 14 Selects 20 for Boys StateTwenty Ponca City and area students will represent the American Legion Huff-Minor Post No. 14 at the 2000 Oklahoma Department of the American Legion Boys State May 27 to June 3 on the campus of Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami. The number was determined by the local American Legion Post 1999 membership, according to Charles H. McCollum, Boys State chairman. Post No. 14 had 1,405 members of that date, Commander Marvin Rider pointed out. Boys State is considered a great opportunity for rendering a distinct and essential service in the promotion of good citizenship among the youth of Oklahoma. The purpose of the American Legion in creating and directing Boys State is to provide a means of giving practical instruction in the mechanics of government to boys high school age, and to help inculcate in each boy present a deep sense of obligation to his community, his state and his nation. Boys State provides students who have completed their junior year in high school an opportunity to learn through experience the processes of government from city to state level. The entire program is non-partisan and non-political in every sense. The sole purpose is to enable the young citizens to grasp the meaning of the responsibility which they will be called upon to assume when they become adults. Parents whose sons attend Boys State will find their boys have not been exposed to any indoctrination on controversial issues. The directors of Boys State believe the home is the basic organization of all government and of all loyalty. In this belief, the Legion studiously refrains from taking any action — or promoting any cause — in Boys State that would in any way infringe upon the belief and concept of a boy’s family group. McCollum further pointed out that democratic processes are closely followed in all activities of the session, and each youth in attendance is designated a “citizen.” Boys State is a leadership development program. A special Boys State briefing session will be held in the Legion Post home, 407 West South Avenue at 7 p.m. on May 15. The meeting is for all area participants, parents and sponsors, and will be led by McCollum. He announced that each Boys State citizen who signs up and pays his NEO tuition, will be awarded up to two hours college credit for attendance at Oklahoma Boys State. The staff of Boys State has been carefully selected from men who have had considerable experience working in various types of youth activities. These men supervise and direct the various activities of the various groups, or cities, into which Boys State is divided. Each city has three counselors. Above all, there will also be ample time for recreation and play for all — softball, basketball, volleyball, and other sports. Each sponsor paid the enrollment fee of $135 to defray its delegate’s expense for the week, McCollum explained. Boy Staters Stephen Michael, son of Forest and Kirsten Michael, 2800 Mockingbird, is being sponsored by the Ponca City Rotary Club. He carries a 4.00 GPA and is a member of National Honor Society. He played varsity football for two years, appeared on the All-Academic Honor Roll Team in football for two years, played junior varsity basketball. Stephen belongs to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serves as class Student Council representative, and is a member of the Pep Club and plays on the American Legion baseball team. Mark Parsons, son of J.B. and Kathy Parsons, 2500 Bluestem, is being sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. He carries a 4.00 GPA and plans to graduate with at least a 3.5 GPA in the spring of 2001, and then get his college degree from the University of Oklahoma. Mark has worked as a paper boy, scorekeeper for the Ponca City Softball Association, stocker at United Supermarket and plays guitar with the Ponca Rock Life. He is Area Governor-elect of Youth and Government, edited the Yearbook, plays on the tennis team, basketball team and belongs to the Foreign Language Club. He also appeared in Ponca Panic. He is a member of National Honor Society, appeared on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, earned an Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award, lettered in basketball and tennis and received the Language Arts Award. In the community he is a Friendship Feast volunteer, Child Development Center volunteer, belongs to the St. Mary’s Youth Group, and serves as musician for Youth Mass and is a Municipal Court Volunteer. Mark’s special interests are reading, guitar, snow skiing, jet skiing and weight lifting for conditioning. Joshua Austin Pitts, son of Ronald and Cheryl Pitts, 3513 Wellington Road, also carries a 4.00 GPA. He is being sponsored by Smith Tools. Joshua is a member of National Honor Society, won 4th Place in Harding University National Bible Bowl and belongs to National Honor Society. He is a student Kiwanian, appeared on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, won 5th in OK Best Robotics Competition, won the Tennis Academic Award and Kelly Gorre Memorial Award as Outstanding 1st Year Varsity Player. He lettered in cross country, tennis and played on the varsity basketball teams. Joshua participates in the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ Youth Group and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He participated in “Paint the Town”, a youth service project coordinated by the Churches of Christ to paint houses and do yard work for local, needy families. John Lee, son of John and Debra Lee, 1919 Willow Avenue, carries a 3.66 GPA and is being sponsored by HGH Car Museum. John has appeared on the honor roll since he started at Po-Hi, participates on the Wildcat football team and is a member of Explorer Post 69. Matt Littleton, son of Jim and Debra Littleton, 716 Edgewood, is being sponsored by Pioneer Bank and Trust. Matt has participated in football and wrestling since starting at Po-Hi, and served as co-captain of varsity wrestling during his sophomore year. He appears in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, serves as an Oklahoma Blood Institute volunteer and won the Grady Peninger Academic Award and the Don Parker Memorial Award, both in wrestling. Matt has a 2.80 GPA. Michael P. Martin, son of Paul and Lynda Martin, 1308 Quail Lane, has a 4.00 GPA. He is being sponsored by Bank of America. Michael is a two year varsity starter in football, and has played basketball all three years since entering Ponca City High School. He also participates in FCA. He is a member of the Foreign Language Club, serves on the Student Council and this year participates in Young Life. He has served as both secretary and president of the Student Council. Michael is a member of the First Baptist Church. Kyle Henderson, son of Terry and Queta Henderson, 3103 Meadow Lane, is being sponsored by the Ponca City Rotary Club. He has a 3.60 GPA. Kyle has participated in football and track since entering high school He served as president of the Sophomore Class, is a member of Student Council this year, appeared on Who’s Who Among High School Students, earned his Academic letter in football, was elected treasurer of Student Council for next year, and honored as a member of the National Student Council. Michael Keen, son of Randy and Susan Keen, 9840 Rocky Ridge Road, has a 4.00 GPS, and is being sponsored by Mertz. Michael has lettered in basketball, cross country and tennis since being at Po-Hi, and is a member of the Foreign Language Club and Pep Club. He has appeared on the honor roll every semester and is listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Blake Lambert is the son of Al and Janie Lambert, 1024 Riviera. He has a 3.57 GPA and is being sponsored by the Noon Lions. Blake has appeared in the Superintendent’s Honor Roll and honored for highest grades in Applied Math, Biology and Geography/Humanities classes. He was Wildcat of the Week for the Junior Class in October 1999; elected Publicist of Students Against Drunk Driving at Po-Hi, modeled in the High School DECA Fashion Show, worked as a volunteer for Hospice, served as a board member for Po-Hi Crime Stoppers and is a member of LEO Club, Pep Club, First Priority, Afro-am, Youth and Government, DECA, Student Council, Tutoring club and Young Life. Ben Dickey, son of Brad and Sandra Dickey, 2620 East Prospect, has a GPA of 3.20 and is being sponsored by the Ponca City Publishing Co. Ben lettered in swimming for two years and went to state competition two years, he lettered in golf and orchestra and serves on the Youth Traffic Court. Ben belongs to the Foreign Language Club. Kyle Filson, son of Mike and Cindy Filson, 3478 S.W. Miller Lane, is being sponsored by Ambucs. Kyle carries a 3.50 GPA, and is a member of Grand Avenue Church of Christ, active in their Youth Group and on their softball team. He is a member of the Finley 4-H Club, Foreign Language Club, serves on the Student Council, belongs to the Science Club, National Rifleman Association, Boy Scouts and Spanish Club. Tim Frick, son of Steve and Penny Frick, 2809 Homestead is being sponsored by Home National Bank. Tim is a member of the National Honor Society, has appeared on both the Principal’s and Superintendent’s Honor Rolls and is listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. He played varsity basketball and tennis and qualified at the high school tennis tournament in doubles in 1998-99. Tim won the Kelle Gorre Tennis Award and 6th Place at State High School Tennis Tournament in No. 2 doubles as a freshman. He belongs to the Foreign Language Club, National Honor Society, Student Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is a member of the First Baptist Church Youth Group, Special Olympics volunteer and Summer Basketball Camp Coach. Tim has a 3.80 GPA. Aaron Cohenour, son of Gary and Deanne Cohenour, 4454 Hubbs Estate Road, has a 3.83 GPA. He is being sponsored by the American Legion Post 14. Aaron has earned his red belt in TaeKwonDo, and almost completed the next belt, and then will be eligible to earn the black belt. He was elected Secretary of the Explorer Post 69 and assisted in rebuilding bicycles to be given to children during Christmas through the Salvation Army. He was on the high school golf team for three years and received the Academic Award. He volunteered to work the Visitors Assistance and Information Tent for “The Wall That Heals,” and operated the computer system to locate names of loved ones. He volunteered to tutor students at Washington School for SNAP program, and was elected to the National Honor Society. He attended the Rotary Leadership Conference in March of this year. Bryan Coppock, son of Keith and Sherri Coppock, 149 Orchard Lane, is being sponsored by Kiwanis. He has a 3.33 GPA. Bryan has appeared on the Principal’s Honor Roll, is listed on National Honor Society, Who’s Who Among American High School Students, earned his baseball letter for two years, made Honorable Mention All-Conference in baseball and belonged to the Pep Club. He is a Junior Kiwanian and played American Legion baseball for two years. Bryan gives individual baseball lessons and says hunting, fishing and camping are his hobbies. Jerimy Cox, son of Chuck and Debra Cox, 109 South Olympia, carries a 4.00 GPA. He is being sponsored by Oklahoma Natural Gas Co. Jerimy has appeared on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll for three years, lettered in varsity soccer, being awarded the “Rising Star” Award and was named Homecoming King for soccer. He is a member of the Foreign Language Club, and has soccer awards pending. James Anno, son of Phil and Cindy Anno, 150 Orchard Lane, is being sponsored by Smith Tools. He carries a 3.60 GPA. James has lettered in varsity basketball, participated in track, made the Principal’s Honor Roll and appeared on Who’s Who Among High School Students. He has served as a Student Council homeroom representative, was elected to the Student Council and will be secretary for 2000-01. He participates in FCA, First Baptist Church Youth Group, Mission Project at Cherokee Indian Camp, and did volunteer community beautification work. He was KLOR Scholar Athlete of the Week. Jacob Biby, son of Toni Biby, No. 1 Ridge Drive, carried a 2.80 GPA, and is being sponsored by After Five Lions. He is a member of the First Baptist Church. He twice volunteered with the American Red Cross Blood Drive and was a donor. He served as homeroom representative and was active in FCA, attending camp in Estes, Colo. in the summer 1999. He participated in varsity track and lettered in football during his sophomore and junior years. He also made the Teachers’ Honor Roll. Matt Caine, son of Bob and Sandra Caine, 2305 Glenmore, is being sponsored by Pioneer Rotary Club. He has a 3.00 GPA. Matt has participated in Who’s Who Among American High School Students, and Explorer Post. He plays basketball and tennis, and belongs to DECA. J. Michael Sharon, son of Jim and Terry Sharon, 929 North Seventh, is being sponsored by the Masonic Lodge. He has played football and baseball, and wrestles. He belongs to the Foreign Language Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Po-Hi Pep Club. He plays American Legion baseball, and is a member of the First Baptist Church Youth. Matt Clouse, son of George and Jorja Clouse, 2600 Acre in Marland, is being sponsored by Bliss Coop. He attends Frontier High School in Red Rock. He serves on the Student Council, letters in basketball and baseball, belongs to Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Spanish Club. He appears on the Principal’s honor role, earned his Academic Letter and belongs to National Honor Society. He is vice president of his class and served as Homecoming King for basketball. He enjoys riding motorcycles, archery, hunting, fishing, paint balling, playing video and computer games, shopping and just hanging out with friends. He is interested in animals and his favorite subject is science. He presently works for Dennis Williams in Red Rock on the farm. He has volunteered at several Special Olympic track meets and basketball clinics. Katy, Terrier Mix, To Lead Trail of Tails Walk-A-ThonKaty, a five-year-old female basenji terrier mix, has the honor of being the lead dog at the annual Trail of Tails Walk-A-Thon at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 6. The event, which takes place at the tennis courts at Seventh Street and East Grand Avenue, is sponsored by the Ponca City Humane Society and will start Be Kind to Animals Week. Katy, the lead dog, is playful and friendly and would make a good child’s pet as well as an inside family pet. The black basenji, who was abandoned, rarely barks and enjoys a good snuggle. She eagerly awaits a new family. “Dogs and their owners of all ages have several categories of events open to participation at the Trail of Tails,” stated Jean Barnes, executive director of the Ponca City Humane Society. Events include fun contests such as the dachshund race, best trick, best costume, look-a-like, large dog, small dog, guess the number of dog biscuits in the jar, oldest walker, youngest walker, and longest travel distance to enter the walk-a-thon. “Pledge forms and entry fees may be taken at the Humane Society,” Barnes noted. Business teams as well as individual can participate. She also stated that anyone who loves to walk and anyone who loves animals can join the festivities. “Bring your pets on May 6 and let’s enjoy a fun walk for a good cause,” Barnes noted. School CalendarApril 24 Classes dismissed for Professional Day. Varsity boys and girls tennis at Bishop Kelley, 8 a.m. Varsity boys golf at Bartlesville, 8 a.m. Ninth grade boys golf at Cushing, 8 a.m. Ninth grade girls golf at Cal Albert, 8 a.m. Ninth grade boys and girls track meeting with the time and place to be announced. April 25 Junior varsity boys and girls golf at Pryor, 9 a.m. Ninth grade girls golf at Wentz, 1 p.m. Junior varsity and varsity baseball at Edmond Memorial, 4:30 p.m. Varsity boys soccer against Bartlesville, 6 p.m. Academic Scholarship Award ceremony at Howell Auditorium, 7 p.m. Varsity girls golf at Jenks. April 27 Varsity boys golf at Guthrie, 8 a.m. Varsity boys and girls meet at Sullins Stadium, 2 p.m. Varsity boys against Enid, 3 p.m. Junior varsity and varsity baseball against Tulsa Union, 4 p.m. April 28 Junior varsity and varsity baseball at Putnam North, 4 p.m. Awards banquet for swimming in the cafeteria, 6 p.m. Varsity soccer playoffs with the time and place announced later. April 29 Varsity baseball at Enid, noon. Junior and Senior Prom at Marland Mansion, 8 p.m. DECA National Competition at Louisville, Kentucky. Police Foundation Announces Charter Membership DriveThe Board of Trustees of the Ponca City Police Foundation Trust has announced the availability of individual charter memberships in the Foundation. Charter memberships are available for a limited time to any interested individual for a tax-deductible gift of $100. While many fund raising campaigns conducted in the name of law enforcement provide very little if any local benefit, 100 percent of all funds raised by the foundation will stay in the Ponca City community. The Ponca City Police Foundation Trust is organized and administered entirely by citizen volunteers, and is independent of the city and the police department. Individual contributions, community sources, corporate gifts, grants and fund raising projects fund the Trust. The Trust does not replace municipal funding, but supplements it to develop and participate in approved activities that are not covered in the annual budget. The Board of Trustees met recently at the Public Safety Center to hear an update of recent department activities, Citizens Police Academy news, and to plan the membership campaign. Police Chief Raymond Ham and Deputy Chief Clayton Johnson were on hand, along with Pixie Rowland, who is president of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association as well as a Foundation board member. Board Chairman Larry Bittman announced the charter membership will be available. “We are enthusiastic about the Foundation, and are expecting to raise at least $25,000 with this campaign. We believe a big part of what makes Ponca City safe is an outstanding relationship between the community and our law enforcement officers. By supporting this foundation our members show continuing support of this effort.” Foundation goals include support for law enforcement training, crime prevention activities, Citizens Police Academy and Youth CPA, special equipment needs, the Westside Project, and scholarship opportunities for Ponca City youth interested in a law enforcement career. Members of the Board of Trustees also include Enloe Baumert, Jerry Evans, Jim McNeese, Mike Mott, Sandy James, Bill Eubank, Rev. Tom Ramsey, Carl Renfro, Jim Roland and Sharon Scroggins. The foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, and all gifts are tax deductible. Charter membership applications may be obtained from any board member. Tasteless Writers Request Hiatus on Stupidity in AprilTaste and Tasteless, the annual fund raiser for the Poncan Theatre, is less than a week away, and the writers are flummoxed. “They already had their plates full of stuff,” says Kenn Wessel, director of the Poncan. “But every time they get the script nailed down, some bonehead thing or other gives them more to write about. Taste and Tasteless is Friday at the Poncan Theatre. The Tasteless writers, who insist upon anonymity, want it known that writing a play of this magnitude is similar to preparing a Broadway musical for opening. At some point, they have to stop writing and start rehearsing. But things keep happening, they say. So they keep writing. “In fact,” says Miss Ann Onimity, speaking on condition of anonymity, “the Tasteless troupe requests that the people of Ponca City declare a moratorium on news events. We’re particularly concerned with those of a stupid nature,” she says. “After all, those are the ones we write about.” This year, the Tasteless writers felt their script was finished. “And then things just blew up again,” says Miss Onimity. She says “we simply cannot spend scads of time rewriting perfectly good songs just because events have changed. I mean, some things have changed for the umpteenth time. Enough already yet,” she moaned. “Next year, we really have to have a moratorium on silly public spectacles in the month of April,” says Miss Onimity. “We ask the community’s cooperation in this.” The Taste part of the evening will feature some favorite concoctions of Ponca City’s best chefs. The list of restaurants will include the Amarillo Grill, Deli-Icious Diner, Dougan’s Bar-B-Q, El Chico, Head Country Bar-B-Q, Hero’s Bar and Grill, The Lost Legend, Monica’s, Ponca City Country Club, Perkins, Pizza Inn, Rusty Barrell Supper Club, Schlotsky’s Deli, and the United Supermarket Deli. Tickets to Taste and Tasteless are twenty-five dollars. The entire amount benefits the theatre’s operations, according to Wessel. Patrons will have admission to the Tasteless theatre event, and they can cram their plates full of all the goodies provided by food vendors. The price includes soft drinks and low-point beer. Since last year, the State of Oklahoma has mandated that wine sales be handled at a cash bar, which will also be available. Tickets may be bought at most Ponca City banks, including Pioneer Bank and Trust, Home National Bank on both Grand and North Fourteenth, the First National Bank of Oklahoma, the Bank of Oklahoma, Commercial Federal, and Bank of America. They may also be purchased from Poncan Theatre board members, or from the Poncan Theatre at 104 East Grand. The Poncan phone number is 580-765-0943. PTC Inducts 51 Students Into NVTHS RecentlyFifty-one students at Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) were recently inducted into the National Vocational Technical Honor Society (NVTHS) for the 1999-2000 school year. The students were recognized during the NVTHS ceremony held in the Education Business Center (EBC) with guest speaker Dr. Bill White, superintendent of Ponca City Schools. The NVTHS works to promote service, leadership, honesty, career development, and rewards student achievement. NVTHS serves as the benchmark for excellence in workforce education by encouraging students to set goals and challenging them to give their best. NVTHS also helps students to build important workplace values that are in demand by business and industry. Students inducted into the society are evaluated by their sending school teachers, technology instructors, and counselors. Some of the criteria are leadership ability, grades, and attendance. The following students were recognized and given a certificate and honor cords for their achievements: Victoria Brown, Practical Nursing; Steven Carnes, Practical Nursing; John Carr, Electronics Technology; Dennis Carruth, Machine Tool; Mary Caughlin, Medical Assisting; Jeremy Freise, Electronics Technology; Paul Byron Gorrell, Electronics Technology; Kendra Hubbard, Medical Assisting; Heather Humble, Electronics Technology; Michelle Huster, Medical Assisting; Ryan Lovell, Health Science I; Grace L. Miller, Practical Nursing; Cecilia Myers, Medical Assisting; Leslie Patton, Health Science I; Cody Ramhorst, Machine Tool; Troy Rowe, Electronics Technology; Michaelina Solee, Practical Nursing; Jeremy Swindford, Transportation Technology; Robert Swope, Transportation Technology; Diana Tabor, Practical Nursing; Kenneth Teske, Electronics Technology; Florence Marie Van Buren, Electronics Technology; Danielle Ward, Medical Assisting; Josephine Wear, Practical Nursing; Beth West, Marketing; David Zimmerman, Machine Tool; and Kellie Krug, Health Science I. Also, Troy Sheets, Health Science II; Tonya Kirkland, Matt Dewitt, Machine Tool; Rachel Jackson, Health Science I; Jennifer Looper, Health Science I; Jared McMartin, Machine Tool; Elwood Osburn, Machine Tool; Fawn Silvas, Health Science I; Sarah Porter, Cosmetology; Janelle Griffith, Health Science II; Tarah Nelson, Marketing; Sherry Robbins, Marketing; Tania Santos, Cosmetology; Christina Walton, Health Science I; Krista Barnett, Health Science I; Joshua Colt Louis Grimes, Machine Tool; Paul Guthrie, Horticulture; Nikki Harris, Child Care; Christy Jones, Health Science I; Mindy Neilson, Health Science II; Ronnie Newman, Health Science; Brenda Reed, Food Services; Judith Reyes, Marketing and Kim Soutter, Child Care. PTC staff members serving on the NVTHS committee include, Beth Frantz, Pat Batdorf, Chuck Bayha, Rebecca Conner, and Janet Taber. DEATHSMuriel Ellen Wallace Muriel Ellen WallaceMuriel Ellen Wallace, longtime Ponca City resident, died Tuesday, April 18, 2000, at her home. She was 87. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, in the chapel of the First Christian Church with the Rev. Charles M. Heyer officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. There will be no viewing as she is an anatomical donation to science. Muriel Ellen Wallace was born on March 20, 1913, in Cabot, Ark., the daughter of Lewis Franklin and Rebecca (Darbro) Belveal. As a child she and her family lived in Arkansas, Colorado, and Missouri before moving to the Tonkawa area, where she attended Tonkawa High School. She married Russell C. Wallace on July 15, 1931, in Enid, and the couple moved to the Three Sands area south of Tonkawa where they farmed for a short period. They moved to Ponca City in 1932, where he was employed for Cities Service and she was a homemaker and an in-home nurse for new mothers for several years. She enjoyed reading, making afghans, working word puzzles, making lap robes, and helping people. She was a member of the First Christian Church and was a member of the Friendly Class. She was also a member of the DAR, AARP, and the Literacy Council. She and her husband helped organize Conastoga Campers. She is survived by her husband of the home; two daughters, Roseda Isaac of Ponca City, and Audrey Barr of Oklahoma City; one son, Philip Wallace of Springlake, N.C.; one sister, Florence Coates of Douglas, Wyo.; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Georgia Perfect; two sisters; and one brother. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Okla. 74601, or to the First Christian Church, P.O. Box 270, Ponca City, Okla. 74602. Violet Onetta Boone ScottViolet Onetta Boone Scott, former Newkirk area resident, died Wednesday, April 19, 2000 in the Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, Calif. She was 78. A graveside service has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, in Grandview Cemetery, Kaw City with the Rev. Ed Coy Light, minister of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Ponca City officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service, Newkirk. Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., and until noon the day of the service. Violet Onetta Boone Scott was born June 3, 1921 in Washunga, the daughter of Walter C. and Imagene Zellen (Davis) Boone. She attended school in Kaw City, and in 1938 she attended the NYA School in Newkirk. After leaving school she moved to Los Angeles, Calif. and worked in various employments. During world War II she worked as a riveter in the Douglas Aircraft Plant in El Segundo, Calif. In 1940 she and Claude Johnston were married in Los Angeles and established their first home there. They made their home in Granada Hills, Calif. from 1945 until his death in 1960. In 1964 she and Daniel W. Scott were married in Las Vegas. They made their home in Granada Hills, moving later to Oregon. They lived in several other locations until 1980 when they moved to Porterville, Calif. Mr. Scott died in 1995. Mrs. Scott moved to Lancaster in Los Angeles county in January. She was a member of the Palm Leaf Chapter 114 Order of Eastern Star in Porterville. She was also a member of the Tulare County Democratic Club. She enjoyed reading and traveling. She is survived by one son, Brian Davis of Balboa, Calif.; three daughters, Linda Fisher of Ponca City, Ruth Lockwood of Granada Hills, Calif. and Doris Dunn of Mesa, Arizona; two brothers, Noah F. Boone of Newkirk and Forrest Boone of Ponca City; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. In addition to both her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Glenn Boone, and two grandchildren. FuneralsMondayWilbur Seely Ross Jr.Wilbur Seely Ross Jr. — Memorial service at 10 a.m. in the Edmond Church of Christ with burial in the Pawhuska Cemetery. Ross was a resident of Pawhuska. Johnson Funeral Home, Pawhuska is in charge of arrangements. NEWS BRIEFSAleutian Island Vet Reunion — The sixth annual Aleutian Island military veterans and spouses reunion will be June 25, 26 and 27 in Kirksville, Mo. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Al King, P.O. Box 130327, Sunrise, Fla. 33313 or e-mail williwawal@aol.com for registration information by May 15. Trail Of Tails Dog Walk. Saturday, May 6, 7th & Grand. 9:00 a.m. Contact the Humane Society for further details 767-8877. adv. YMCA Skate Park — The YMCA Skate Park is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.; it is closed on Wednesday. All participants must wear head gear, elbow pads and knee pads. Cost is $2. C.O.P.D asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema or other breathing disorders. Tuesday April 25th at Noon. 617 E. Hartford. Any questions please call 765-2292. adv. Class of 1955 — The Ponca City High School graduating class of 1955 will gather for a 45th reunion Sept. 8-10. A planning meeting for the event will be held at 7 p.m. April 25 at the home of Leora Simmons, 16 Raintree. For more information call 762-3135. If You are looking for guaranteed results at prices to match the competition, look no further than Heartland Hearing Aid Center. 1302 N. 7th. 767-1961 Guaranteed. adv. Slam-Fest 2000 — Registration for Slam-Fest 2000 is under way. The event is slated for 9 a.m. Saturday. Divisions for the basketball event are adult men and women and teens. Cost is $15; $10 for YMCA members. Brackets will be posted at 5 p.m. Contact the YMCA for registration and rules at 765-5417. Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle, installation. $1,695. 765-2633. adv. Climbing Wall — The Climbing Wall at the YMCA is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $2. All participants must wear closed-toed shoes and have a signed waiver. For additional information, call the YMCA at 765-5417. Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv. RSVP Announces Food Share Dates — Heartland Food Share orders will be taken April 27 and 28, and May 4 and 5, it was announced today. Volunteer two hours a month to qualify to purchase $16.60 share. Pickup date will be May 20. Orders are taken Thursdays and Fridays only, at the RSVP office, 113 North Fourth. Need A place to do Ceramics? Pouring new molds daily. Norma B Ceramics 316 East Grand. adv. RSVP Volunteers Honored — Congratulations go out to the May RSVP Volunteers of the Month, Bill and Marie Krisle. They deliver homebound meals, serve on the RSVP Council and volunteer at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. A pat on the back to the Krisles. Joyce Davis, formerly with International Tours of Ponca City, is now working with Cowboys Travel and Holiday Cruises in Stillwater. She is making airline, tour, and cruise reservations. She makes deliveries here. She can be reached by calling 580-363-0757 in evenings or daily toll free at 888-743-4321. adv. Citation Issued — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:49 p.m. Friday that she had been the victim of an assault at the intersection of East South Avenue and South Ninth Street. An officer was assigned and another also responded and as a result a citation was issued to a juvenile for assault and battery. Accident — A two-vehicle accident in the 3400 block of North Fourteenth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:40 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Attention Boat and Motor Owners!!! The 2001 renewal decals are now in inventory at the Ponca City tag office. Purchase yours early and avoid the rush!! All boats and motors renew in June. adv. Disturbance — A clerk at EZ Mart, 2225 North Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:48 p.m. Friday that a subject had dented a vehicle. An officer was assigned and a report was taken on destruction of private property. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765- 9689. adv. Residence Burglarized — A man from the 700 block of Marland Drive reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:49 p.m. Friday that his house had been broken into. The information was logged. Court Allen Construction. Brick, flagstone, concrete, walkway’s, patios and planters. Call 765-2720. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Hartford Avenue at 4:05 p.m. Friday that a 48-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and having no insurance. Kids/Her Review now accepting spring/summer childrens and womans consignments. adv. Items Missing — A man from the 1000 block of North Second Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:29 p.m. Friday that items had been towed from the scene and other items of property taken. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Balloon Bouquets, frames, candy and candles make great Secretaries Day gifts! We deliver! Carla’s Hallmark, 405 East Grand, 765-3094. adv. Accident — An employee at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center emergency room reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:42 p.m. Friday that a 16-year-old girl was being treated for a head injury after falling from the back of a vehicle going 40 miles per hour. Three officers were assigned and information was logged that a 33-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension, having no insurance, failure to pay taxes to state, and failure to report an injury accident. We are a craft show everyday at Crafters’ Mall. 318 East Grand. adv. Item Missing — A woman from the 900 block of North Birch Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 5:54 p.m. Friday that lawn equipment had been stolen from the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv. Bicycle Stolen — A woman from the 500 block of West Liberty Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:51 p.m. Friday that a bicycle had been stolen. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. One Day only Easter Sale! 50-75% off all Easter, Monday, April 24. Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1400 block of East Hartford Avenue at 7:50 p.m. Friday that a 42-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and speeding. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Oak Street and West South Avenue at 8:16 p.m. Friday that a vehicle was being towed from the scene and citations were issued. Calling All Dachshunds! Enter your dog in the Dachshund Race that will be held along with the Trail of Tails Dog Walk. Saturday, May 6 at 7th & Grand Tennis Courts. Contact the Human Society for further details 767-8877. adv. Injured — The Communications Center received a call at 8:01 p.m. Friday from the 700 block of East Coleman Road that a 21-year-old man had been injured from an all-terrain vehicle. An ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene and took the subject to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for treatment. Ponds to Koi: We build ponds or do it yourself, filters, pumps, liners. Koi- goldfish- food. Ray 580-762-7806. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 500 block of East Grand Avenue at 10:34 p.m. Friday that a citation had been issued. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv. Subjects Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of East South Avenue and South Sixth Street at 10:50 p.m. Friday that an 18-year-old woman was being held for possession of marijuana and an 18-year-old man was being held for possession of marijuana. Ponca Bowl will be closed during summer effective May 14th. Bowlers who need their equipment in center should remove it by May 13th. Center will be closed certain days as leagues finish. Call for open times. Watch for specials Saturday May 13th 765-3333. adv. Accident — The Communications Center received a call from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Kay County Sheriff’s Office for assistance at 11:14 p.m. Friday. Information was logged that while the officers were doing a driver’s license check, a vehicle left and was wrecked at Wittmer Hills Estates and Lake Road, and the subject had left on foot. Two Ponca City Police Department officers responded to the scene also as did Water and Light, when it was determined that a breaker box had been damaged in the accident. Vehicle Vandalized — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:01 p.m. Friday to report that his vehicle had been vandalized while on Grand Avenue. Elk’s Lodge open Tuesday through Saturday 4-10. 3612 Lake Road. adv. Mail Boxes Damaged — The Communications Center received a report at 11:58 p.m. Friday that subjects in a dark smaller pickup with no tailgate were in the area of El Camino Street knocking mail boxes over. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and information was logged that mail boxes had been damaged at least six locations in the 2000 and 2200 blocks of El Camino Street. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Union Street and West Hazel Avenue at 11:45 p.m. Friday that a 58-year-old woman was being held for DUI and driving left of center. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of West Grand Avenue at 12:34 a.m. Saturday that a 22-year-old woman was being held for DUI, transporting an open container, and having no insurance. A vehicle was towed from the scene. Gas Drive-Off — A clerk at Triple T, 425 South Fourteenth Street, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:37 a.m. Saturday that someone had left the business around 10 p.m. Friday without paying for $20.01 worth of gas. Special Meeting — The Ponca City Roughand Tumbled Rock and Gem Club will meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Albright Methodist Church. Program: “Minieral Collecting.” LIFESTYLESIndia Group Study Program Topic for Local Rotary Club India Group Study Program Topic for Local Rotary ClubThe Ponca City Rotary Club heard an interesting program Monday presented by Major Deputy Police Chief Clayton Johnson, who was a member of the Group Study Exchange in India. Johnson was introduced by Larry Stephenson, who told about the International Aspect of Rotary and the Student, Friendship and Group Study exchanges. Stephenson said there had been Group Study exchanges with Sicily and Malta, India, Mexico, Venezuela, Turkey, Japan, Australia and Brazil. The presentation began with Johnson reading from a daily journal that he kept during the several weeks study. He told that the members of the Oklahoma team included Rotarian Harold Wright, a broadcaster from Weatherford; Jonathan Roberts, mental health worker, Midwest City; Patty Durfey, public relations, Stillwater; and Tracy Ussery, a nurse from Oklahoma City. The visit was to the farthest south states of India and included Kerela along the Arabian Sea and Tamil Nadu on the east along the Bay of Bengal. Johnson said there was also a Group Study Team from Georgia in the same area at the same time. He noted that they spent a lot of evenings in Rotary meetings. These were formal and lasted about three hours. Men, women and children were included, but the men and women sat on opposite sides of the room. The meetings included business, entertainment, a meal and fellowship. Among the projects in India is the eradication of polio and various social programs. Johnson noted that these programs are not support by the government, but by civic clubs such as Rotary and the Lions. Indian is a police state using the British model and the local government has no say in policing. He said everything was state or national police. Johnson talked about the police general not being armed, but that the people of India were afraid of the police. He said in all the homes he stayed in there were walled yards, dogs and security guards in some cases. He noted that men and women show no affection in public, and it is all right for men to hold hands with other men and women to hold hands with other women, but not men and women holding hands. Johnson said he found the people of India to be friendly. Afterwards, Johnson presented a slide program. Coach Arthur Addresses Ponca City Kiwanis GroupRon Arthur, teacher and head boys basketball coach at Ponca City High School, presented a program featuring some of the activities for the basketball program. The boys basketball team was 7 and 15 this year in the Frontier Conference, which consists of nine teams. “This team was very disciplined, accepted the coaching, and did all the things we asked of them,” stated Arthur. “We had hoped for a better outcome in our numbers, but I can’t fault the effort put forth by the team.” Arthur said he is very excited about next year’s prospects since there will be a sizeable group of returning lettermen and starters. “In Ponca City, we have a good group of junior high coaches developing players with good fundamentals,” continued Arthur. Ponca City will host the Mid-America Youth Basketball (MAYB) regional tournament Memorial Day weekend. This conference is growing and expanding even beyond Oklahoma and the surrounding states. Hosting this tournament should have a major economical impact on Ponca City. “It is imperative that we do a good job of hosting this tournament,” said Coach Arthur, “if we hope to have a chance to be a future host.” Volunteers from the community will be needed. The Cowboy Classic basketball game will be May 6. Many players from Oklahoma State University — past and present — will team up to help our high school basketball team raise funds to play in a tournament in San Diego, Calif., in December. Tickets are $5 and can be obtained from team members or by calling the athletic office at the high school. In closing, Ron Arthur said that he and his coaches stress academics, then citizenship, and then athletics. Their desire is to see all student athletes succeed in the classroom, as well as on the basketball court. Jim Trout was announced as the Kiwanis Layman of the Year. Joe Miller donated money to fund the Joe Miller Kiwanis Scholarship. The recipients of this scholarship and the Ponca City Kiwanis Scholarship will be announced by Lisa Coy and her committee at the Ponca City High School Awards Assembly in May. Men and women interested in community service are invited to visit Kiwanis on Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., at E.W.’s Restaurant at the Marland Estate. Bob Noel’s 84th Birthday TodayBob Noel of Ponca City is celebrating his birthday Easter Sunday. This is the first year since his birth in Blackwell on Easter, April 23, 1916, that his birthday has again fallen on Easter. The 84-year-old enjoys spending time with his family and working the word search puzzles. He is retired from Bond Bread and H&N Sporting Goods. Bob and wife, Nadine, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in May. They have two children, Larry Noel and Barbara Dirksen, both of Ponca City; four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Grads Urged To Participate in Alumni DirectoryThe Ponca City High School Alumni Directory sponsored by the Ponca City High School Alumni Association is near completion — but they are still looking for graduates! The directory will be the most up-to-date and complete reference ever compiled on Ponca City High School alumni and feature detailed personal and professional information from all class years — making it easier than ever to find old friends as well as to network professionally. The upcoming alumni directory is currently being compiled and edited by our publisher, Bernard C. Harris Publishing Company, Inc., and they need your help! To ensure proper and accurate directory listing, please contact Harris to provide biographical details such as your current name, address, phone number as well as your professional information. Any additional information you can provide such as reunion lists, school rosters or any other previously released alumni sources will be an invaluable contribution to the project. You may contact Harris Publishing’s Graduate Connection by calling toll-free (800) 451-4202, faxing information to (800) 860-9085 or e-mailing information to gcupdate@bcharrispub.com. You may also mail information to the Ponca City High School Alumni Directory Project c/o Bernard C. Harris Publishing Company. Inc., Graduate Connection, 6300 Center Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502. Local Soroptimists Honor ‘Outstanding Women’ in CommunitySoroptimist International of Ponca City met Wednesday at Hero’s Grill to present three awards to outstanding women in the community. Cindy Wigley, vice president and program chairman, was in charge of the event. Each year Soroptimist International honors women, businesses, organizations and agencies that establish policies and take action to advance the status of women. The Making a Difference for Women Awards program includes the following three recognition programs: Women Helping Women, Women of Distinction, and Advancing the Status of Women. Soroptimist is the worlds largest classified service organization for women, with clubs in more than 100 countries throughout the world. The purpose of a Soroptimist club is service, principally to its community, but also to society in general — locally, nationally and around the world. Wigley said “a Soroptimist is a leader in her community. She is actively engaged in a management or professional capacity, in the private or public sector. She believes that by joining with other women and engaging in awareness, advocacy and action in the service of her community and society, she can make the world a better place for humankind.” The Women Helping Women award was presented to Sharon Clark, and the Women of Distinction award was given to Jane Storrusten. Sharing the Advancing the Status of Women award were Sandy Gearhart and Janet White. Women Helping Women Wigley introduced Sharon Clark, saying “This Soroptimist International of the Americas program began in 1974. This award reinforces one of the Soroptimist objectives — the advance of the status of women — by honoring those women in the community who have done the most to help other women.” Through this annual program, Soroptimists seek out, identify, recognize and honor women who consistently and effectively use their resources, talents, and influence to help other women achieve their potential. The women honored come from varied fields, said Wigley. To be an honoree, candidates should have used their positions, influence and authority to open broader avenues of opportunity for women. These women have worked for the elimination of economic, legal, social or political discrimination against women; to reduce the economic dependency of women, to initiate programs to meet the special needs of women; or to contribute to the improvement of women’s status in society. Sharon Clark graduated from Anderson University with a bachelor’s degree, majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology /Research. While in college she was a Center for Public Service Fellow and a Peace Corps/Vista University Year for ACTION Volunteer. After college she was a probation officer in Randolph County, Ind. where she primarily investigated and wrote presentence and predisposition reports for both the Superior and Juvenile Courts. The Superior Court Judge then appointed her to the county Child Abuse Investigation Team. She also, developed and presented training programs for new officers and volunteer court advocates. She then returned to Ponca City, and participated in a mother-to-mother support group, which helped expectant and new moms. Through this volunteer association, she began working for SJRMC in 1989. At first, seeking and developing grants to expand the Birth and Family Education program and then developing and writing curriculums for the expanding program. Currently, she is the Birth and Family Education Coordinator. She teaches a Prepared Childbirth Class Series, Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes, Infant/Child Safety and CPR Classes, Babysitting Basics, and I am a Big Brother/Big Sister Sibling Preparation Class. She is a certified childbirth educator and a certified breastfeeding educator. This past year she wrote and was awarded a second March of Dimes Program Grant. The grant project goals are to increase the incidence and duration of breastfeeding in Kay County. Part of this grant project is to select and train volunteer mothers with breastfeeding experience to help expectant women with breastfeeding. Women of Distinction Vincie Paisley introduced Jane Storrusten, explaining that the Women of Distinction recognition program was instituted in 1984 to encourage Soroptimist clubs to honor women in their communities who have made outstanding achievements in their professional, business or voluntary activities relating to at least one of the Soroptimist programs of service areas. Through this annual program, Soroptimists seek out and recognize women who have made outstanding contributions in any of the Soroptimist programs of service areas. The honoree should have made an outstanding contribution as a volunteer or in her profession during a significant period, and be recognized as a woman of exemplary character and integrity, with outstanding ability and demonstrated leadership. This woman should be an ideal role model for other women. Jane Storrusten is “affectionately” known as the “Bunny Lady.” The bunnies she and her helpers make are multiplying daily and bringing joy to children who are hurting. Jane said she was physically and emotionally abused as a child, and because of this, in 1992, Jane began making floppy-eared bunnies for her grandchildren. Thinking how comforting a stuffed animal can be and wishing someone had given her one as a child, she was inspired to make them for abused children in Ponca City. Police officers and others distribute the bunnies to “kids who were hurting.” What began as Jane’s ministry of love for hurting children soon became a ministry of her church, the First United Methodist of Ponca City. The congregation has underwritten the costs, help make bunnies, and encouraged other communities to undertake bunny programs and to hold special services of blessing for the bunnies and children who will receive them. So far, there are bunny programs in Guthrie, Stillwater, Eufaula, Alva and Livingston, Mont. This past December Jane was asked to come to Oklahoma City and put two bunnies on the tree in the Capital Building in honor or her brother and sister. On April 30 at 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. there will be a special service to bless the bunnies at the First United Methodist Church. Advancing the Status Ruth Ritter was the presenter for the Women Helping Women award. This Soroptimist International of the Americas program began in 1974. It reinforces one of the Soroptimist objectives — the advance of the status of women — by honoring those women in the community who have done the most to help other women. Through this annual program, Soroptimists seek out, identify, recognize and honor women who consistently and effectively use their resources, talents, and influence to help other women achieve their potential. The women honored come from varied fields. To be a Women Helping Women honoree, candidates should have used their positions, influence and authority to open broader avenues of opportunity for women. These women have worked for the elimination of dependency of women, to initiate programs to meet the special needs of women, or to contribute to the improvement of women’s status in society. St. Joseph Regional Medical/Educational Healthcare Programs for Women, represented by Sandy Gearhart and Janet White, was honored because of the educational activities they have presented, or participated with, in Ponca City. In addition to the annual Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon, the two women participated in Relay for Life, Walk America, March of Dimes and served on Planning committee Daffodil Days, coordinated SJRMC efforts for American Cancer Society, American Heart Association’s Cardiac Arrest, coordinated colorectal cancer screening in April with physician offices, and sponsored two luncheons for coaches and cheerleading/pom sponsors regarding appropriate workouts and stress conditions for athletes. They also coordinated educational programs for area women, Strength for Living program for cancer patients and families, Osteoporosis — Detection and Treatment, Migraine Headaches, Stroke Awareness, Denim Days (Breast Cancer Awareness). They promoted wellness through flu shot programs and industry wellness programs, participated in health fairs and wellness screenings, SJRMC/YMCA Healthy Kids Day, Supermarket Savvy program for community, Otoe-Missouri Health Fair, SJRMC/Health Department Women's Health Fair Depression Screening (coordinated with EFCMHC Women in the News, and NOC Health Fair (Breast Cancer Awareness). Craig Myers Named for ABWA AwardThe 33rd annual Business Associates Night Banquet for the Ponca City American Business Women’s Association was held April 17 at E.W.’s Restaurant at the Marland Mansion estate. Theme for ABWA is “Changing Women’s Lives…One Woman at a Time.” The mission for ABWA is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. LeAnna Adams served as mistress of ceremonies, and Lana Byers gave the invocation. Bonnie Nimerick presented the ABWA history, and entertainment was provided by soloist, Kitty McNamara. Chapter officers are Lana Byers, president; Bonnie Nimerick, vice president; Shirley Davila, recording secretary; Lela Taylor, corresponding secretary; and Barbara Moses, treasurer. Highlight of the event was the announcement of the Business A |