LOCAL

New Administrator To Begin SJRMC Task in December
Ponca City Grandparents Beaming with Pride
Scam Artists Shortchange Local Bank
Absentee Voting Still a Possibility
Accident Hospitalizes Four
School Menus
First Lutheran School Lunch Menu
School Calendar
Veterans Day Parade Entries Continue To Increase in Numbers
One-Act Victorian Farce At Poncan Theatre Friday
City Calendar

New Administrator To Begin SJRMC Task in December

Bob S. Edwards Jr. has been selected as St. Joseph Regional Medical Center’s new president and chief executive officer.

He will begin his duties in early December.

Edwards was selected from more than 90 candidates who expressed interest in the position when it opened in August.

Jim McFadden, SJRMC’s interim CEO, said there are many qualities that made Edwards the right person for the job.

“I think a prime determinant in the selection of Bob as CEO was his skill set and history of success in image building, community involvement and physician relations — which is exactly what is most needed for SJRMC and the Ponca City community at this time,” McFadden said.

Edwards, 47, is currently the CEO at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, Mo. His 25-year career in healthcare also includes three years as assistant to the chief operating officer at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark., and three years as CEO of Nevada County Hospital in Prescott, Ark.

Sister Nora Phelan said she thinks Edwards will be a good fit for SJRMC.

“It is exciting to meet Bob’s enthusiasm, vitality and desire to see growth and future direction for our medical center,” she said. “In all appearances and first impressions, Bob is a most dynamic, positive and enthusiastic kind of leader.”

Edwards earned a bachelor of science degree in respiratory therapy from the University of Central Arkansas in 1977 and a master of business administration degree with an emphasis in healthcare administration from City University in Bellevue, Wash., in 1989.

Edwards said flexible is the word that best describes his leadership style.

“I think different situations require different sorts of management approaches and I can be flexible in that,” he said. “But given, however, an ideal environment, I really have a style that says I will hire the best people and let them run their department.”

Edwards said he wants to know how employees are doing, how things are going and how he can help, but he wants to be someone who can help them be successful. “I think when that happens, we all do better,” he said.

Edwards will have an open-door policy because he likes people and wants to know what is going on at the hospital.

The new CEO has been married nearly 15 years to wife Julie, a registered nurse and with a degree in psychology. They have three children: Walker, 8; Emmalee, 3; and Allison, 2.

Away from the hospital, Edwards is involved in raising cattle. He also enjoys playing golf.

The Ponca City area is similar to where the Edwards live now, and they are impressed with the city’s schools, parks, recreation and shopping opportunities.

Garry England resigned as SJRMC president and CEO in August after 12 years.

Ponca City Grandparents Beaming with Pride

8-Year-Old Making a Difference

By JACKIE SCHROEDER

News Staff Writer

WICHITA — Like they do most other eight-year-olds, thoughts of fishing, swimming, camping out, riding a scooter and building Legos fill the head of Brandon Wilson.

At a glance, he seems an ordinary boy, but Brandon is anything but ordinary. He has hemophilia, a blood disease which can be life-threatening if not properly treated.

Brandon has taken it upon himself to help find a cure for his disease. He set a goal of $5,000 which he wanted to receive by the end of October. He passed that goal on Oct. 10 and has since doubled it. As of Oct. 26, he had raised $11,524.

“I feel great,” the eight-year-old said of his accomplishment.

“He wanted to do something special,” explains Cindy Wilson, Brandon’s mother.

Brandon said he came up with the idea was when his mom read to him the fund-raising campaign letter from the National Hemophilia Foundation. He decided to help. That’s when he started a letter campaign for “It’s Time For a Cure,” an effort to raise money for research toward finding a cure for hemophilia.

Between Brandon, younger sister Emily, his parents and his grandparents (Duane and Helen Wilson of Ponca City), over 570 letters were distributed. Over 100 were distributed in Ponca City.

Adults aren’t the only one’s sending in donations; some of Brandon’s and Emily’s friends are helping out as well.

One of Brandon’s fellow Cub Scout den members recently had a birthday, and he asked that party-goers bring donations for Brandon instead of gifts. A classmate of Emily’s will soon be celebrating a birthday, and she will do the same thing. Other friends are making donations on their own.

Of the donations received, “$1,475 has come from the Ponca City area, and more donations are arriving from Ponca daily,” Brandon’s mom said. “We have received donations ranging from $1 to $1,000, and every single dollar will make a difference.”

The effort has his grandparents beaming.

“I was so ecstatically happy that he had managed to pass his goal, because he decided how much to raise and he passed it,” grandmother Helen said.

Passing the goal has caused unexpected, but welcome, problems. “We went from putting [the donations] in a little brown manila envelope to buying a fire-safe box with a lock on it,” his mother said.

Brandon will take all the donations to the national hemophilia annual meeting Nov. 9-11 in Anaheim, Calif. “I feel lucky,” he said of going to California. While there, he’s looking forward to Disneyland and Lego Land.

Anyone wishing to make a donation, may send a tax-deductible check to It’s Time For A Cure, c/o Brandon Wilson, P.O. Box 783154, Wichita, Kan. 67278-3154. Make checks payable to NHF-It’s Time For A Cure.

Scam Artists Shortchange Local Bank

By JEFF POLITTE

News Staff Writer

Police are currently looking for two suspects who reportedly made away with several hundred dollars after shortchanging a Ponca City bank teller Friday afternoon.

According to reports, two women approached the teller at the downtown branch of Home National Bank with $3,000 in $100 bills. They asked the teller to change the money into smaller $50 bills.

After shortchanging the teller in the transaction, the two females drove away in a vehicle with Canadian tags.

“At this point in the investigation, police believe this crime was committed by traveling scam artists,” said Sherry Bowers, police information officer. She listed one of the key indicators in the crime as being the vehicle’s Canadian tags.

“Police are currently contacting other law enforcement agencies who may have worked a similar case recently” at banks in their area, continued Bowers.

Bank officials were not available for comment.

The report indicated the women asked the teller to change the $100 bills, then asked the teller if the money could be changed to Canadian. When the teller informed the two this couldn’t be done, the women started to walk away.

The women then returned and asked the teller to change the money back into $100 bills again, and the teller complied. When the teller went to count the returned $50 bills, she discovered she had been shortchanged by several hundred dollars.

Police are asking anyone who may have any information regarding this crime, or any other crime, to contact Ponca City Area Crime Stoppers at 762-5100. Callers will remain anonymous, and may receive up to $1,000.

Absentee Voting Still a Possibility

Registered voters in Kay County who want to vote by mail absentee ballot in the Nov. 7 general election have missed the application deadline, county election board secretary Carol Stafford said Saturday.

“They aren’t out of luck, however,” Stafford added.

Voters who want to cast absentee ballots still can do so at the county election board office on Thursday, Nov. 2; Friday, Nov. 3; or Monday, Nov. 6. A two-member bipartisan absentee voting board will be on duty each day from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. to assist absentee voters.

Accident Hospitalizes Four

Four people were hospitalized Friday night after a two-vehicle accident which occurred three miles south of Ponca City on U.S. 177.

All four were admitted to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after being transported code red from the scene by an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department. The accident was reported at 8 p.m.

Police say a 22-year-old Red Rock woman overcompensated after her vehicle, heading southbound, ran off the right side of the road, causing the 1985 Chrysler she was driving to strike the second vehicle head-on.

The second vehicle, a 1996 Dodge Caravan, was driven by a 46-year-old Tonkawa woman who is listed in stable condition with arm, leg and internal trunk injuries.

Two of the Red Rock woman’s passengers were her children, a seven-year-old girl, who is listed in stable condition with internal injuries, and a five-year-old boy, who was treated and released.

The woman’s third passenger was an 18-year-old Oklahoma City woman who is listed in critical condition after sustaining injuries to her head.

School Menus

Elementary Breakfast

Monday — Hostess muffins or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Breakfast bites or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

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

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

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

Elementary Lunch

Monday — Hot dog or queso and chips, pork and beans, bear grahams, rosey pears, saltine crackers, dill spears, trail mix or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, yogurt plate, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Cheeseburger or mini corn dogs, tater tots, mixed vegetables, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, yogurt plate, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken strips with hot roll or Taco Bell pizza burrito, peaches, mashed potatoes and gravy, saltine crackers, dill spears, trail mix or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, yogurt plate, juice and milk.

Thursday — Hot pockets (ham and cheese) or barbecue brisket on a bun, scalloped potatoes, fresh fruit, sour apple slime, dill spears, saltine crackers or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, yogurt plate, juice and milk.

Friday — Cheese filled pizza stick with marinara sauce or fiesta burrito, lettuce and tomato salad, mexi beans, chocolate chip cookies, saltine crackers, dill spears, trail mix or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, yogurt plate, juice and milk.

West Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Donuts or pop tart or cereal, assorted juice and milk.

Tuesday — Breakfast bites with hash browns or pop tart or cereal, assorted juice and milk.

Wednesday — Pancakes with bacon or pop tart or cereal, assorted juice and milk.

Thursday — Biscuits and gravy or pop tart or cereal, assorted juice and milk.

Friday — Egg omelet with biscuits and bacon or pop tart or cereal, assorted juice and milk.

Lunch

Available on Monday through Friday at the Middle School is Domino’s pizza and Taco Bell burritos. Also available on Tuesday and Thursday is Subway.

Monday — Queso and chips, refried beans, cheesy rice, lettuce and tomato salad, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, baked potato with fixings, salads, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Mini corn dogs, french fries, mixed vegetables, fresh fruit, french fries, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, potato with fixings, salads, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken strips with hot roll, fruit, mashed potatoes and gravy, lettuce and tomato salad, saltine crackers, dill sears or assorted cold sandwiches, potato with fixings, salads, juice and milk.

Thursday — Hot pocket (ham and cheese), fresh fruit, salad with ranch dressing, scalloped potatoes, sour apple slime, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, potato with fixings, salads, juice and milk.

Friday — Cheese filled pizza stick with marinara sauce, lettuce and tomato salad, corn on the cob, saltine crackers, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, salads, juice and milk.

East Middle School

Lunch

Available at East Middle School Monday through Friday are Domino’s and Taco Bell burritos. Subway is available on Tuesday and Thursday.

Monday — Chili dogs, tater tots with cheese, lettuce and tomato salad, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Pizza styx, corn, Jello, lettuce and tomato salad, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, fresh fruit, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, juice and milk.

Thursday — Burritos with chili and cheese, refried beans, cheesy rice, fresh fruit, Jello, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, juice and milk.

Friday — Cheeseburger, french fries, lettuce and tomato slice, cookies and cream, dill spears, raisins or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, juice and milk.

Po-Hi

Breakfast

Monday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal, assorted juice and milk.

Tuesday — Muffins or cereal, assorted juice and milk.

Wednesday — Pancake on a stick or cereal, assorted juice and milk.

Thursday — Breakfast burrito or donut or cereal, assorted juice and milk.

Friday — Egg omelet with sausage patty and toast or cereal, assorted juice and milk.

High School Lunch

The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn every day and Subway on Tuesday and Thursday. The Retro Mart features Mexican food, bakery/deli and Italian food courts.

All-American Line

Monday — Stuffed crust pizza, tossed salad with ranch dressing, corn, sour apple slime, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Meat nachos or cheese nachos, refried beans, tossed salad with ranch dressing, strawberry parfait, jalapenos, salsa, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken strips with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Thursday — Frito chili pie, mexi beans, tossed salad, Jello, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Friday — Cheeseburger on a bun, baked beans, lettuce and tomato slice, cookies and cream pudding, seasonal fruits, juice and milk.

McCord Elementary

Breakfast

Monday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Donuts, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Pancakes with sausage, juice and milk.

Thursday — Rice, toast, juice and milk.

Friday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Lunch

Monday — Ham and cheese sandwich, tater tots, lettuce leaf, dill spears, pineapple, cookie and milk.

Tuesday — Halloween surprise.

Wednesday — Beanie weenies, potato wedges, cornbread, fruit rollup and milk.

Thursday — Burritos with chili and cheese, refried beans, pineapple and milk.

Friday — Stromboli, french fries, salad, peaches, carrot stick with peanut butter and milk.

Pioneer Technology Center

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

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

Thursday — Pot roast with veggies, baked chicken and dressing or chef’s choice plus soup, assorted salads, salad bar, vegetables, breads and desserts.

The cafeteria is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon.

First Lutheran School Lunch Menu

First Lutheran School

Lunch

Monday — Tug boats, corn, fruit and milk.

Tuesday — Grandparents Day: hamburger, french fries, lettuce and tomato, birthday cake and milk.

Wednesday — Spaghetti with meat sauce, corn, fruit, toasted bread and milk.

Thursday — Pizza, salad, carrots, fruit and milk.

Friday — Hamburger, french fries, cherry cobbler, lettuce and tomato, milk.

School Calendar

Oct. 30

Freshman football at Enid, 5 p.m.

Junior varsity football against Choctaw, 6 p.m.

Chorale competition at OSU Festival.

Nov. 2

Senior Job Shadowing Day.

Quiz Net in room 228, 2:30 p.m.

Chorale/orchestra concert at Howell Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 3

Varsity football against Sapulpa, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 4

SAT testing in the MSB building, 7:45 a.m.

Band at the NCDA auditions in Owasso.

Student Council State Convention at Edmond Santa Fe.

Nov. 5

State Convention for student council continues.

Veterans Day Parade Entries Continue To Increase in Numbers

The Veterans Day Parade committee met at the American Legion Post 14 to update progress and give committee reports on this year’s Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. Veterans Day parade.

This year, emphasis is being place on veterans being in the parade, and in helping them find transportation to and from the Legion. Susie Pond, with the Chamber of Commerce, volunteered to locate a van. Veterans could call a number, and the van would transport them to and from the Legion. After the parade and lunch, they would be shuttled home. Because of the numbers, those who can drive or find other transportation are encouraged to do so.

There are approximately 34,000 veterans in the Ponca City trade area. A veteran is any person who served their country in uniform from active duty service, Army Reserve or National Guard. Those currently serving are also veterans.

Ponca City has one of the largest and finest Veterans Day Parades in the State, according to Chuck Gregg, member of the executive committee of the American Legion, and the Legion would like for all veterans to be in the parade, either walking or riding on one of the trams, noted Marvin Rider, legion commander. Since Korea, “Not Forgotten” is the theme. Korean Era veterans will be parade marshals, and those veterans who served during the Korean War era are especially encouraged to attend, stated Chuck Hoddy, VFW commander.

Gregg, parade chairman, gave an update on the airborne paratroopers who will start the parade with a jump at 10 a.m., landing near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Waverly Street. They will make a second jump at the airport between 1:30 and 2 p.m. The C-47 aircraft they had planned on using has not passed final inspections, so they will be using a smaller plane, limiting the group to about eight jumpers, Gregg noted.

The bag pipers and drum group from Wichita has been confirmed along with a large group of Shriners from the Tulsa Shrine Temple. A number of antique military vehicles from the Tulsa OK Motor Pool and private collectors will also be in the parade.

The Ponca City Marching Wildcats will lead the parade, followed by the parade marshals. A large number of civic clubs, car and motorcycle clubs, scouts, schools and other organizations have already committed to the parade.

This year, one of the highlights of our parade will be the participation of the different Native American Indian nations in our area. Oney Roy and T.L. Walker will be coordinating the carrying of approximately 39 flags, representing the Native American nations currently in Oklahoma, by Native American children in regalia. Post 38 of the American Legion will have their color guard, post princess, current Auxiliary unit princess and singers and dancers. Also invited to attend will be the tribal chief of police of each Indian Nation in their police units. For the past three years, the Tonkawa nation has been represented by the Scalp Dance Society. All Native American Indian nations are encouraged to participate.

PTA mothers and fathers are encouraged to work with their schools and have a representation of youth in the parade, noted Bob Thomas. He also mention the essay contest at the mid-high seems to be going well, and, hopefully, the art teachers from each grade school are working with their students for the poster contest. Savings bonds will be given to the winners.

To place an entry in the parade, call Jean Ann at 765-9073 or Chuck Gregg at 765-1367.

The next parade meeting will be Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Legion, 417 West South Avenue.

Donations of sheet cakes and cookies to help feed the veterans after the parade will be taken at the Legion the morning of the parade.

One-Act Victorian Farce At Poncan Theatre Friday

Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council will present “An Evening of Sullivan and Gilbert” featuring the one-act Victorian farce Cox & Box on Friday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Poncan Theatre. Admission is free.

This production, which originates in Tulsa, is a little-known but delightful one-act farce, set in Victorian England. The comedic story is of two men who rent the same apartment from the same unscrupulous landlord. Cox & Box unfolds a tale of two long lost brothers who are unwittingly engaged to the same woman.

Arthur Sullivan wrote Cox and Box in England over a century ago. He later collaborated with William Gilbert to produce comic operettas that remain popular to this day, such as The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, and HMS Pinafore. This particular version was originally produced by Southwest Concert Artists as a fund raiser to benefit the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Tulsa, and has since continued to appear around Oklahoma with assistance by the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Veteran director Mark Beckwith of Tulsa brings years of expertise in the field of English comic opera to the preparation of Cox & Box. Beckwith has worked professionally with Opera A La Carte, America’s foremost Gilbert and Sullivan repertory company, since 1978. Ponca City audiences will remember Beckwith as the director of The Mikado for the Ponca Playhouse in 1999. In Cox & Box he will perform the role of Sergeant Bouncer, the unscrupulous landlord.

“An Evening of Sullivan and Gilbert” is free to the public, supported by the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, Oklahoma Arts Council, and Conoco.

City Calendar

Items 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).

First Monday

Lions Vision Group meets the first Monday of the month, with the exception of holidays, at 10 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, using the Thirteenth Street entrance. Refreshments are served at 9:45 a.m. For a ride call 765-4370. The meetings are open to visually impaired residents.

Every Wednesday and Friday

Elks Lodge Food Night, 6-8 p.m., Elks Lodge, 3612 Lake Road.

Monday

Halloween Bingo (Wear your disguise!), 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Tuesday

Fall Spelling Bee, win a prize!, 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Free Harvest Festival for Kids, 6-7:30 p.m., Second Baptist Church, 1112 West Grand Avenue, on the church grounds, fun house, face painting, games, prizes, candy and more, kids must be accompanied by an adult, more information 765-3449.

Wednesday

Energy Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Crafts, 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Thursday

Senior Pitch, 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, Noon to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining come by.

Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome, more information 762-9053 or 762-7360.

Friday

Annual Rummage and Bake Sale, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1904 North Pecan Road, (Pecan Road and East Hartford Avenue).

Senior Craft Fair, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

World Community Day, 9:30 a.m., sponsored by Church Women United, First United Methodist Church, theme “Standing Up with Those in Need,” all churches invited to attend.

Senior Pitch, 6 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

An Evening with Sullivan and Gilbert featuring Cox & Box, comic operetta, 7:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, presented by Ponca City Arts and Humanities, Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, and Conoco Inc., no charge.

Saturday

Alpha Gamma Study Club 29th Annual Arts and Craft Fair, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Unity Recreation Center, Ponca City, contact Karen Yost (580) 765-4688 for application.

Christian Motorcycles Association, 8:30 a.m., Conestoga, I-35 and U.S. 60.

Unique Holiday Boutique, 1-6 p.m., Pioneer Motor Bank, North Fourteenth Street and Lake Road, crafts, collectibles, decor and more.

November 6

Ponca City Board of Commission Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

PC56er’s, the club for Department 56 collectors, 7 p.m., Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, anyone interested in collecting Department 56 products invited.

November 7

General Election, Polls open at 7 a.m., close at 7 p.m.

In-House Mock Presidential Voting, noon and 12:30 p.m., Dominoes (double nine), Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

November 8

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., Cann Gardens, 1500 East Grand Avenue.

Crafts, 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Community Pool Committee, 4:30 p.m., YMCA, 702 East Grand Avenue.

Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3 Monthly Board Meeting, 7 p.m., District Pump House, Perch Lane, Sandy Park Estates.

November 9

Ponca City Housing Authority, 10 a.m., Broadway Plaza, 201 East Broadway Avenue.

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, Noon to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining come by.

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.

November 10

Senior Center closed all day due to Veterans Day.

Senior Pitch, 6 p.m., 6 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City.

November 11

Veteran’s Day Parade, 10:30 a.m., Downtown Ponca City, contact Chuck Gregg, 580-765-1367.

Gospel Music/Singing, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

November 13

Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

November 14

Economic Development Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., City Commission Chamber, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Ponca City Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Ponca City Library Board Room, 515 East Grand Avenue.

Password! 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

AARP, 12:30 p.m., Wheatheart Nutrition Center.

McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library.

Rural Water District No. 1, Kay County, Regular Monthly Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School.

November 15

Ponca City Public School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Chamber of Commerce office.

Crafts, 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue.

November 16

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, Noon to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining come by.

Movie & Popcorn, “Grizzly Adams,” 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Ponca City Park and Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, Municipal Courtroom, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Disabled American Veterans McKnight-Printz Chapter 47, 7 p.m., 401 South Lincoln Street.

November 17

Dominoes (double nine), 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue.

Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Commissioners Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

November 18

Liberty PTA Arts and Crafts Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., anyone interested in booth space, Derra Bishop 762-6288 or 762-6422.

Food Fair with Grace Episcopal Church Women, frozen casseroles, baked goods, specialty foods, mixes, dips, teas, cookie mix and various sauces, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Parish Hall, Grace Episcopal Church, 109 North Thirteenth Street.

November 20

Ponca City Board of Commission Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

United Ostomy Association Inc., Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Ponca City, Conference Room B (ground floor), review of Hollister products with Randall Boord, Hollister rep.

November 21

Kaw Lake Association 2000 Board Meeting, noon, Hero’s, Holiday Inn.

Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Program Room, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand Avenue.

Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, corner U.S. 60E and Keeler Road, new volunteers always welcome.

November 22

Christmas Tree Lighting and Caroling, 6 p.m., Centennial Plaza, Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue, Ponca City, contact Tamara Sharp, 580-763-8082.

November 22-December 30

Festival of Angels, 6-10 p.m. nightly, Citywide and Lake Ponca Park, contact Kathy Adams, 580-767-0420.

November 23

Pioneer Woman 2K and 15K Run, 9 a.m., Pioneer Woman Statue, 701 Monument Road, contact Bob Kammiller, 580-765-7855.

November 27

Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

November 28

Covered Dish Dinner, w/music, 5 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City.

November 29

Crafts, 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City.

November 30

Ponca City Noon Ambucs, Noon to 1 p.m., Ponca City Country Club, interested in joining come by.

Bingo! 12:30 p.m., Senior Center, 319 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City.

December 1

Lighted Christmas Parade, 6 p.m., Downtown Ponca City, contact Tamara Sharp, 580-763-8082.

December 2

Christmas Gala, 7 p.m.-midnight, Marland Estate Mansion, 901 Monument Road, contact Kathy Adams, 580-767-0420.

December 3

Cann Home, Garden Clubs will have an Open House, with cookies and coffee, 1-4 p.m., 1500 East Grand Avenue, Ponca City.

Marland’s Grand Home Twentieth Century Will Hold an Open House, with cookies and coffee, 2-4 p.m., 1000 East Grand Avenue.

December 3-31

Christmas Tree Collage Exhibit, 1-5 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday, Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central Avenue, contact Donna Secrest, 580-765-9746.

December 8-9-10

“Amahl and the Night Visitors” musical, 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, free admission, for information Donna Butler, 762-1681.

December 8

Historic Homes Holiday Tour, 6-9 p.m., Citywide, contact Missy Morland, 580-763-8067.

December 20

Ponca City Public School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Chamber of Commerce office.

DEATHS

Vance Horsechief Jr.
Aleesia Justis King
Judy Ann Kimbrough
Gail Edsel Reid Sr.
Charles H. Eaton
Sudie Maye Laird
Mary Jane Dowse
Carol Spray

Vance Horsechief Jr.

PAWNEE — Vance Horsechief Jr. longtime Pawnee resident, died Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2000, in Stillwater. He was 46.

Services were held Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Pawnee Tribal Multi-Purpose complex under the direction of Poteet Funeral Chapel of Pawnee. The Rev. Thomas RoughFace officiated.

Burial was at the North Indian Cemetery at Pawnee.

Vance Horsechief Jr. was born Jan. 10, 1954, in Pawnee, the son of Vance Horsechief Sr. and Elizabeth Justice Horsechief. He attended Pawnee Public schools and graduated from Riverside Indian School in Anadarko. He received a scholarship to travel with the international singing group, “Up with People” in 1973, as a dancer and singer.

He attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and also received a welding certificate from Yuba Heat Transfer of Tulsa. In 1986 he attended Okmulgee State Tech to learn dry cleaning. He served as a youth counselor for the Shawnee County Youth Center in Topeka, Kan. and for the Topeka Indian Center.

He served on the Kansas Indian Rights Commission and Pawnee Tribal Council. He was a B.I.A. certified police officer and served as a police officer for the Pawnee Nation and the Sac and Fox Nation of Kansas. He had also been a security officer for the Sac and Fox Casino in Kansas and acted as a Sheriff’s deputy for Pawnee County. He had also organized a drum group and recorded two tapes.

Survivors include two grandmothers, Nora Pratt and Ivy Pratt of Pawnee; a companion, Gerilyn Yellow Bird of Pawnee; one son, Vance Horsechief III of Chelsea; six sisters, Minnie Rice of Stillwater, Karen Horsechief of Pawnee, Oleta White of Pawnee, Betty Sue Rice of Okmulgee and Justine Rice of Shawnee, Cynthia Horsechief of Tahlequah; three brothers, Vance Olin Horsechief of Miami, Okla., Gene E. Phipps and Darrell Horsechief of Tahlequah; numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by both parents; one daughter, Crystal Amber Horsechief; a stepfather, Delbert Horsechief Jr.; one brother, Robert Goodchief, Jr.; two sisters, Darwina “Val” Goodchief and Christine Goodchief Collins; his maternal grandparents, Will Justice and Dollie Sherman Justice Moore; paternal grandparents, Delbert Horsechief and Minnie Ruth Moses Horsechief; and one nephew.

Aleesia Justis King

NEWKIRK — Aleesia Justis King, infant daughter of Rachel Branch and George King, died early Friday morning, Oct. 27, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Hospital, Ponca City.

A graveside service was held Saturday morning Oct. 28, in Grandview cemetery with Miller-Stahl Funeral Service in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include her parents, a maternal grandfather, Christopher Branch of Wichita, Kan. ; a paternal grandmother, Julia Colbert of Ponca City; and her great-grandparents, Martin and Charlotte Branch and Mary Bowker of Newkirk.

Judy Ann Kimbrough

NEWKIRK — Judy Ann Kimbrough, Ponca City resident, died early Friday morning, Oct. 27, 2000, in the Newkirk Nursing Center. She was 52.

A memorial service will be held at a later time at the Newkirk Nursing Center. Burial will be in Newkirk Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home for viewing Sunday, Oct. 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. Miller-Stahl Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.\

Judy Ann Kimbrough, daughter of Jack and Virginia (Watson) Reaves, was born May 30, 1948, in Fouke, Ark. At the age of 15 she became a certified medication aid. She was later employed by the Olin Mills Studios. She has been a resident of Kay County for a number of years. She enjoyed fishing, hunting and woodworking and was an avid sports fan. She especially enjoyed football.

She is survived by one son.

Gail Edsel Reid Sr.

BLACKWELL — Gail Edsel Reid Sr., former Blackwell resident, died Thursday, Oct. 26, 2000 in Oklahoma City. He was 82.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at the Douglas Boulevard United Methodist Church in Midwest City followed by a 2:30 p.m. service at the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. The Reverend David Croninger will officiate. Burial will follow at the Greenlawn Abbey Mausoleum at the Blackwell Cemetery under the direction of the Roberts and Son Funeral Home.

Gail Edsel Reid Sr. was born Sept. 20, 1918, in Deer Creek, the son of Charles and Florence (Robinson) Reid. He grew up in the Deer Creek area and attended rural schools there. He graduated from Blackwell schools in 1938. After graduation he began farming in Grant County. He married Thelma Lucille Hetrick on July 17, 1937, in Guthrie and they made their home in Blackwell.

Throughout his working days he bought land and developed various businesses including the Eastland Hills Mobile Home Park, the Eastland Hills RV Park, Ample Storage, Reid Estates and numerous other community properties. He was a member of the Douglas Boulevard United Methodist Church of Midwest City. He also held membership in the Red Haired Business Men’s Club and the Mobile Home Park Association.

Survivors include two daughters, Jan Williamson and Margy Pezdirtz both of Midwest City; two sons, Gail Reid Jr. and Neil Reid of Oklahoma City; one sister, Avis Eaves of Oregon; two brothers, Jerry Reid and C.E. “Speedy” Reid of Blackwell; 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife on Nov. 3, 1997; his parents; a sister, Grace Webster; a brother, Walter Neil Reid; and a grandson, Michael Neal Reid.

Casket bearers will be Chuck Hetrick, Clinton Hetrick, Grady Hetrick, Keith Webster, Charlie Holdridge, and Glen Webster.

Honorary casket bearers are James Webster and Clyde Moelling.

Memorials may be made to Jolly Citizens — Douglas Boulevard United Methodist Church of Midwest City through Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Paden, Blackwell, Okla. 74631.

Charles H. Eaton

BROKEN ARROW — Charles H. Eaton, formerly of Ponca City, died on Oct. 20, 2000. He was 56.

The funeral was held at the Floral Haven Chapel on Monday, Oct. 23, 2000 at 10 a.m. Burial followed at The Garden of Eternal Rest.

Charles H. Eaton was born Aug. 31, 1944, in Malvern, Ark., the son of Eugene H. Eaton and Mildred Cole. He graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1962. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He was employed in insurance sales for many years in Ponca City before moving to Tulsa in 1986, where he was self-employed.

Survivors include his wife of the home; one son, Brad Eaton of Tulsa; one daughter, Sarah Eaton of Broken Arrow; his mother of Sherman, Texas; one brother, Robert J. Eaton of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; and numerous other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Kay County Unit, First National Bank and Trust, P.O. Box 1151, Ponca City, Okla. 74602.

Obituaries

Sudie Maye Laird

Sudie Maye “Sue” Laird, longtime Ponca City resident, died early Friday morning, Oct. 27, 2000, at the Renaissance. She was 88.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at the First Christian Church with the Rev. Kent Dorsey officiating. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home.

Sudie Mae Laird was born March 14, 1912 at McCool, Miss., the daughter of William Matthew and Sudie Maybrey Jones. She attended schools in McCool and later in Hattiesburg, Miss. Sue completed her studies at Southeastern State Teacher’s College at Durant. She came to Ponca City in the mid 30s where she taught music at Garfield Elementary School.

On May 28, 1939 she married Dr. Wallace Arvin Laird.

Mrs. Laird was a longtime member of the First Christian Church where she played the piano for the Friendly Class. She was also a member of the Ponca City Music Club, the Ponca City Art Association, and the Community Concert where she regularly was top membership sales person and helped with the booking.

She enjoyed cooking, travel, playing the piano for the Kiwanis Club, and eating ice cream.

Survivors include two daughters, Patty McKibbin and June Moffeit, both of Edmond; grandchildren, Patrick Gray, Cindy Mongold, Teresa Gray, Kitty Frame, Chris Moffeit, John Moffeit, Wally Moffeit and Tricia Robinson; great-grandchildren, Matt Gray, Luke Gray, Morgan Mongold, Gray Mongold, Mitchell Mongold, Chase Mongold, Michael Mongold, John Frame, Emma Frame, John Moffeit Jr., Lauren Moffeit, Mallory Moffeit, Amy Moffeit, and Abbey Moffeit; a sister, Lucille Tangent, Neosho, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband on March 8, 1964.

Casket bearers will be Charles Rupert, Stan Brown, Cliff Schilling, Clyde Pendergraft, Dale Butler, and Bobby Wilson.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, 210 North Fifth Street, Ponca City, Okla. 74601

paid obituary

Services Pending

Mary Jane Dowse

Mary Jane Dowse, Ponca City, died Saturday afternoon, Oct. 28, 2000 at her home. She was 79. Services are pending with the Trout Funeral Home.

Carol Spray

Carol Spray, Ponca City resident, died Saturday morning, Oct. 28, 2000 at Baptist Hospital, Oklahoma City. Survivors include two daughters, Diane Gates, Oklahoma City, and Donna Strange, Arlington, Texas. Arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home.

NEWS BRIEFS

Rummage Sale — The annual SEFI rummage and bake sale will be held 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 3 at St. Paul’s United methodist church. Homemade bread, pies, clothing and household items will be offered for sale.

Don Sawyer “The Chimney Sweep”. In business for 26 years, no mess. 762-8883. adv.

Exercise Classes — Ponca Tribal exercise membership enrollment is available for Body Masters or Curves for Women. Sponsored by the Ponca Tribe Diabetes program, more information may be obtained by calling Betty Primeaux, 763-0120.

Stormescape Shelters, perfect for garage, under vehicle. Installed, $2,395. 765-2633. adv.

Fund Raiser — The Kaw Nation of Oklahoma Museum Board is sponsoring a “turkey bingo” event as a fund raiser for the museum at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9. The event will take place at the Kaw Nation Casino east of Newkirk.

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

Burglary — Someone in the 700 block of South Ninth Street reported a burglary in progress to Ponca City police at 7:34 a.m. Friday. Two officers responded to the scene and a report was taken. A man was taken into custody for unlawful entry and assault and battery.

Barbie Ornament, 1st-in-the-series is here. Get yours today! Carla’s Hallmark, Downtown. adv.

Theft — A woman at a business in the 100 block of North Second Street reported the theft of a banner from the business to Ponca City police at 8:27 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned. The woman did not want a report, but requested an extra patrol.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Monday 1-3 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765-9689. adv.

Accident — A resident in the 500 block of South Tenth Street reported a hit-and-run accident to Ponca City police at 8:27 a.m. Friday. Someone had hit the resident’s vehicle overnight. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 300 W. Highland and Pine. 762-6522. adv.

Subjects Held — An officer in the 300 block of South Fourteenth Street reported two men were taken into custody after a traffic stop at 2:03 a.m. Saturday. A 32-year-old man was arrested for driving under intoxication, speeding, no insurance and driving under suspension, and a 23-year-old man for public intoxication.

Fraud — A man in the 300 block of South Sunset Street reported to Ponca City police at 9:35 a.m. Friday someone in California had been using his identification to obtain credit. An officer, who was assigned, advised the man of his options.

Miscellaneous — A man in the 2000 block of North Fourteenth Street reported to Ponca City police at 10:05 a.m. Friday his drivers license and social security card had been missing for several days. The man did not want a report. He asked the loss be filed for information only.

Accident — Someone called 911 from a business at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Prospect Avenue to report a two-vehicle, non-injury accident in the area to Ponca City police at 10:19 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a 43-year-old woman was being held for shoplifting to Ponca City police at 11:32 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The woman was taken into police custody for petit larceny.

Accident — A woman in the 800 block of South Seventh Street reported a hit-and-run accident to Ponca City police at 11:47 a.m. Friday. She advised someone had ran into her fence overnight. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Suspicious Persons — Someone reported seeing several 10-year-old to 14-year-old juveniles chasing a vehicle down a street in the 400 block of West Emporia Avenue to Ponca City police at 12:07 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned. The officer advised the juveniles had been playing with the vehicle when it rolled out of the driveway. The juveniles’ parents were contacted.

Theft — A man in the 300 block of North Birch Street reported the theft of some tools from his vehicle to Ponca City police at 1:14 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A manager at United Supermarket, 2800 North Fourteenth Street, reported a 43-year-old woman was being held for shoplifting to Ponca City police at 2:24 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The woman was taken into police custody for petit larceny.

Accident — A man in the 1000 block of Riviera Drive reported a hit-and-run accident to Ponca City police at 3:32 p.m. Friday. The man advised he did not know where the accident had occurred. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of South Ninth Street and East South Avenue reported a 31-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication after a disturbance call at 11:56 p.m. Friday.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of North Fifth Street and Young Avenue reported a 21-year-old man was taken into custody on a city warrant at 11:28 p.m. Friday.

Theft — A caller in the 400 block of North Oak Street reported a stolen car tag to Ponca City police at 3:57 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Subject Held — An officer in the 2300 block of Calvert Drive reported a 25-year-old man was taken into custody on a city warrant for failure to appear at 4:05 p.m. Friday.

Parking Problem — An officer in the 1200 block of Brentwood Drive advised a vehicle which had been marked with a 48-hour warning had been towed at 4:46 p.m. Friday.

Theft — A man in the 1300 block of South Seventh Street reported the theft of his credit card from his vehicle to Ponca City police at 6 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a male shoplifter was being held to Ponca City police at 6:55 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The man was taken into police custody.

Fight — Someone called from a pay phone reporting a fight in progress in the 800 block of North Elm Street to Ponca City police at 9:16 p.m. Friday. Two officer responded to the scene and a report was taken. A 27-year-old woman was taken into custody for assault and battery.

Subject Held — An officer in the 100 block of East Grand Avenue reported a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody for public intoxication at 10:51 p.m. Friday. The boy was released to his parents with a promise to appear.

Domestic — Someone reported to Ponca City police at 12:31 a.m. Saturday two men in the 3500 block of North Union Street were fighting. Two officers responded to the scene. It was a verbal argument only. Both men, a 46-year-old and a 47-year-old, were taken into custody on Kay County warrants.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of West Highland Avenue and North Oak Street reported a 32-year-old man was taken into custody for public intoxication at 1:57 a.m. Saturday.

Fire Run — A resident in the 800 block of North Palm Street reported a vehicle was on fire to the Communications Center at 2:38 a.m. Saturday. Engines one and two and an ambulance from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene.

Theft — An employee at a business in the 400 block of South Fourteenth Street reported subjects had left the business without paying for their ticket to Ponca City police at 3:48 a.m. Saturday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

Halloween Decorations Abound
All Hallows’ Eve...Trick or Treaters Should Use Caution
Jacqueline Dyer Marries Christopher S. Robinson
Dr. Buck To Address Garden Council
Engagement Is Announced
Laureate Phi Hosts Costume Contest
Kelli DiAnn Cockrell Bride Of Anthony Jack Beguin
Couple Celebrates 25 Years
Larissa Miller Bride-Elect
OBI Director Gives Program During Noon Lions Meeting
Tuesday Review Book Club Meets
Eta Delta Group Announces Plans
Meals on Wheels Menu Announced
Some Things to Ponder Upon
Estate Guides To Meet
Couple United in Marriage In Northeast Baptist Church
Soloist To Perform Friday For Ponca City Music Club
Local Swim Team Program Focus for Kiwanis Meeting
First Baptist Church Parlor Setting for Couple’s Vows
Modern Woodmen Of America Honor Marybeth Glass
Mother’s Club Unit Members Hear About Weaving
DAR Speaker Portrays 19th Century Military Wife
Tonkawa High School Class of 1938 Gathers for Reunion
Monetary Gifts Help Restore Historic Gates
Museum ‘Needs’ Highlighted
College of Nursing Schedules Events
Wheatheart Menu Is Announced
TOPS Chapter Holds Meeting
Ponca City Happenings

Halloween Decorations Abound

You can do much more with a pumpkin than carve it, according to featuresource.com. In her book Feed Me, I’m Yours (Meadowbrook Press), Vicky Lansky has six great ways to use your pumpkin, including making “pumpkin fries.”

How do you make pumpkin fries? It’s easy — cut a small, fresh pumpkin in half. Peel. Cut into matchstick slices and toss with 2 or 3 tablespoons peanut oil. Bake on a cookie sheet in a hot oven until brown and tender. Stir often. Sprinkle with cinnamon to taste.

Here’s five other great ideas for pumpkins: Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Pumpkin Candy, Pumpkin Muffins, Pumpkin Dessert Cake, and Pumpkin Ice-Cream Pie.

For those who like carving the pumpkin, you can try freehand or purchase a special kit, complete with pattern. “Spooky Boo” and the “Grim Reaper” were carved by Maggie Barber in The News’ advertising department.

Adding to the Halloween season, many Ponca Citians have chosen to decorate their homes and yards. The witch was found at 14 Forest Road and the ghost was a “boo-tiful” sight at 309 East Brookfield. (News Photos by Lela McCracken)

All Hallows’ Eve...Trick or Treaters Should Use Caution

By PATTI CARMACK

News Lifestyles Editor

Getting into the spirit of the occasion takes on a new meaning during Halloween, sometimes referred to as the “hallowed eve preceding All Saints Day.”

One of the main holidays featured in the United States and Canada, versions of Halloween festivities can be found in Mexico (All Souls Day Oct. 31-Nov. 2) and England (Guy Fawkes Day Nov. 5) as well as many other countries.

Circa 800 BCE, (that’s Before Common or Christian Era) the Celts held a major celebration near the end of our month of October, which they called “Samhain,” a festival to recognize the end of summer.

Historians have argued and written numerous documents proclaiming that Samhain was a Celtic God of the Dead. just as many “experts” have proclaimed that description to be pure myth.

Ancient Customs

Whatever the truth might be, no one we know is around to say yea or nay; however, it is generally agreed that the ancient Celts believed a veil between this world and the next was thinnest at this time of year, and friends and relatives who died would often return with their souls inhabiting an animal — the black cat. This animal symbol remains a favorite for Halloween festivities.

In celebration of the recently completed harvest, these same Celts would offer food to the Gods and often went door to door seeking donations for the ritual. They also asked for kindling to add to a bonfire honoring the Gods. The townspeople would take an ember from the bonfire, carrying it in a hollowed-out turnip or gourd, and re-light the fire in their home hearth.

Worrying about running into evil spirits, they carved scary faces on the ember holders and dressed in costumes. According to the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance website, these ancient customs probably marked the beginning of trick and treating, wearing costumes and decorating and lighting pumpkins. Many folk traditions have added to the mystique of Halloween, including bobbing for apples.

Bobbing for Apples

Long ago, unmarried people would attempt to take a bite from an apple bobbing in a pail of water or hanging on a string, and the first one to be successful was believed to be the next to marry. This was one of many such rituals for any gathering of people celebrating the end of harvest.

All Saints’ Day was created by Pope Boniface IV in the 7th century CE. There were not enough days in the year to allot each saint an individual day, so one day was set aside to recognize those without a specific day.

It was originally on May 13, but was later moved to Nov. 1, probably to distract Christians from celebrating Samhain. All Hallows’ Eve preceded All Saints’ Day. According to Internet sources “Hallow” is an Old English word for saint. All Souls’ Day was created for Nov. 2 to honor faithful Christians who had died, but were not saints. The three days, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, were given the name Hallow Tide.

Hallmark cards reports that 65 percent of Americans will decorate their homes and offices for Halloween. Halloween is the holiday when the most candy is sold, said retailers. For many years, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has distributed boxes so that children can collect donations.

In the continual dispute among different religious groups about the reason for celebrating Halloween, many have opted to call it a “Fall Festival.” Propaganda dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance have colored the celebration with the fear of Satanism.

Safety Considerations

Darkness, cars with drunk drivers, and children dressed in costumes with limited visibility can make a deadly combination.

Following are Halloween Safety Tips from the Children’s Safety Zone Home Page.

Trick-or-Treaters should ...

• Carry a flashlight

• Walk, don’t run

• Stay on Sidewalks

• Obey traffic signals

• Stay in familiar neighborhoods

• Don’t cut across yards or driveways

• Wear a watch you can read in the dark

•Make sure costumes don’t drag on the ground

• Shoes should fit (even if they don’t go with your costume)

• Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house.

• Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props

• (if no sidewalk) walk on the left side of the road facing traffic

• Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape

• If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame-retardant material.

• Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home.

• You should know where they’re going.

• Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.

• Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.

Homeowners should...

• Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip the young ones.

• Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater.

• Battery powered jack o’lantern candles are preferable to a real flame.

• If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.

• Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won’t be blown into a flaming candle.

• Healthy food alternatives for trick-or-treaters include packages of low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins and single-serve packets of low-fat popcorn that can be microwaved later.

• Non-food treats: plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers, coins. Drivers should...

• Go slow, slow, slow all evening.

(Adult Halloween partiers should have a designated driver.)

Jacqueline Dyer Marries Christopher S. Robinson

Jacqueline Dawn Dyer and Christopher Shane Robinson were united in marriage on Oct. 7, 2000, at 6 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. The double ring vows were solemnized by the Rev. Tracy Schumpart.

The bride’s parents are David and Linda Dyer of Ponca City. Sandy Robinson of Hooker and Billy and Mandy Robinson of Linville, Ala., are the bridegroom’s parents. Grandparents of the couple are Floyd and Wanda Jack of Dewey, Gerald and Caroline Dyer of Franklin, Neb., John and Carol Nightengale of Cleo Springs, and Colleen Robinson of Enid.

The church was decorated with spiral candelabras accented with navy and silver bows, and a navy and white unity candle. Flowers were placed on the altar as a memorial to family.

Musical selections included Through the Eyes of Love, Jesu, Joy of Every Man’s Desiring, and The Wedding March, all performed by the Heavy Metal Bell Choir. Darryl and Cindy Wittich sang The Lord’s Prayer, and Bobbie Motz was the organist.

Candlelighters for the wedding were Katie and Bill Southard, and Timothy Dyer, nephew of the bride, was the aisle runner. DavaLynn Bonewell, sister of the bride, attended the guest book. Ringbearer was the bridegroom’s son, Caleb Robinson. Carol Southard was the flowergirl.

The Maid of Honor was Stephanie Dyer, sister of the bride, and the Matron of Honor was Jenny Bain. Each wore an A-line navy brocade gown overlaid with chiffon with slim straps on the bodice, and featuring a short train. Each carried a yellow rose and a red confetti rose.

Other members of the bridal party were Justin Lewis, Dondi Alley and Randy Peters. Jeff Noyes served as Best Man, and honorary Best Man was the bridegroom’s brother, Shilo Robinson, who is stationed with the military in Germany. Brandon Miller was groomsman, and also attending the bridegroom was his sister, Melissa Robinson. Ushers were Aaron Gardner of Hastings, Neb., Charles Young of Mannford, Ricky Lewis of Hooker, and Kevin Young.

Gift table attendants were Paula Cain and Emily Wiswell, and programs were distributed by Wesley Atkins and Lynette Ogan. Others helping with the event were Jesse Atkins, Shawna Ogan, Stan and Linda Long.

The bride wore a sleeveless white gown with a fitted bodice embellished with lace and pearl beading. The full skirt and chapel-length train was adorned with lace and pearl motifs. She also wore a lace and pearl headpiece and carried a colonial style bouquet with yellow lilies, confetti roses, purple statice, purple larkspur, red daisies, yellow cushion poms and bronze chrysanthemums, with navy and silver ribbon accented the bouquet.

The bride followed the tradition of something old, carrying an antique handkerchief, a gift from her grandmother, Wanda Jack; something new, an aquamarine and silver necklace and bracelet, gifts from the bridegroom; something borrowed, a prayer Bible belonging to Betty Thrash; and something blue was a navy blue and white lace garter.

The bride’s uncle and aunt, Billy and Lori Jack, hosted a reception at Grand Central Station. Assisting with the event were Angela Dyer of Tulsa, cousin of the bride; Diane Dyer of Auborn, Neb., aunt of the bride; Nicole Mackin of Hastings, Neb. and Vanessa Young of Mannford, cousins of the bride. Scott Fincham of Woodward was the DJ.

The newlywed couple resides in Bartlesville. The bride is a teller for Weststar Bank of Dewey, and the bridegroom is employed with Wal-Mart in Bartlesville.

Dr. Buck To Address Garden Council

The Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at the Cann Garden Center. Fellowship and coffee will begin at 9 a.m. with the program at 9:30, followed by the business meeting.

Dr. Paul Buck, Professor Emeritus at Tulsa University, will give the program on Oklahoma Native Trees.

Dr. Buck taught botany at TU for many years. He is well known in Oklahoma for his botanical studies, writing and workshop presentations.

Some of the Ponca City garden club members first met Dr. Buck at the 1999 OSU Wildflower Workshop. His field botany study at the Pristine Manning Prairie near Cushing is considered to be significant.

Dr. Buck was also a presenter at this years’ Wildflower Workshop in Tahlequah. Pat Foley, who writes for the Oklahoma Native Plant Society, in the Autumn 2000 edition of Gaillardia wrote, “... Dr. Paul Buck showed slides of the wild plants we would be seeing on the next day’s field trips. I know of no other field trip leader who goes to such pains to prepare his audience. There, before us were pictures of the treasures that awaited us in the local area, taken just days before and rushed to view before the flowers themselves had faded.”

Dr. Buck also writes a column for the Oklahoma Native Plant Society’s publication, Gaillardia. For membership to ONPS and Gaillardia subscription, write to Oklahoma Native Plant Society, c/o Tulsa Garden Center 2435 Peoria, Tulsa, Okla. 74114.

Business to be discussed by members of the council includes the decoration Nov. 30 of the Cann Garden Center for the holidays. The Christmas Open House will be Dec. 3. Members are encouraged to sign up for work duties for the event.

Engagement Is Announced

Announcement has been made of the engagement of Darolyn Crow to Brandon McGinley by her parents, Randy and Patricia Crow of Blackwell. McGinley is the son of Dana McGinley and Bob McGinley of Oklahoma City. A spring wedding is planned.

The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Derald and Irene Crow of Braman, Mabel LeValley of Blackwell, and the late Gerald LeValley. McGinley is the grandson of Harry and Bernadine Hale and Dorothy Riley of El Reno, and Jim McGinley of Laguna Beach, Calif.

Laureate Phi Hosts Costume Contest

Virginia Starks (as Carmen Miranda) and Robin Cnosoen (as a bearded man) won honors in the costume contest when ten members and guests of the Laureate Phi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met in the home of Velma Case for their BOO Party Monday evening. The group also played Mad-Gab and Mexican Train.

During the short business meeting, Mrs. Starks, program chair, said the next meeting will be in the home of Alice Beman on Nov. 27 with the program on M-M-Massage to be presented by Claire Struble. Guests were Mrs. Cnosoen and Carolyn Chanslor.

Kelli DiAnn Cockrell Bride Of Anthony Jack Beguin

Kelli DiAnn Cockrell and Anthony Jack Beguin were married in an outdoor ceremony Sept. 30, 2000, at the Cockrell home in Marland. Their double-ring vows were officiated at 4:30 p.m. by the Rev. Joseph Black of Red Rock.

Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cockrell of Marland and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Beguin of Ponca City. Grandmother is Maxine Morgan of Ponca City.

Melanie Williams of Red Rock, pianist, presented a program of traditional wedding music. Lacy McDaniel of Ponca City attended the guest book. Bethanny Childs of Red Rock, cousin of the bride, was the flowergirl. Ringbearers were Logan and Markie Burgess of Tonkawa, nieces of the bride.

Tara Burgess of Marland served her sister as the honor attendant, and Cammie Fast of Marland was the bridesmaid. Each was dressed in a floor-length sleeveless dark purple satin gown with silver trim created by Catherine Robinson of Marland. Each carried a smaller version of the bridal bouquet. The flowers for the wedding party were arranged by the bride.

Best Man was Tim Abbuhl of Ponca City, and groomsmen were Damon Womble and Scott O’Daniel. Ushers were Randy Hudson of Kansas City, brother-in-law of the bridegroom; and Mark Burgess of Marland, brother of the bride.

The bride wore an off-white floor-length gown designed with a sleeveless bodice and chapel-length train. The waistline was accented with beaded lace. Her veiling was detailed with beading and secured by a rose headpiece. She carried a bouquet of dark and light purple hydrangeas, off-white and mauve roses tied with silver ribbon. Following tradition, the bride wore a ring belonging to a great-great-grandmother for something old; her gown for something new; a white handkerchief of her great-grandmother for something borrowed; and a blue garter for something blue.

Hosting the reception were Michelle Dummer and Kim Hall of Ponca City, Catherine Robinson of Marland, Bonnie Green and Barbara Black of Red Rock. Assisting was May Evans of Marland, Burdettya Linn of Red Rock, Arleta Pulliam and Mickey Robinson of Marland.

The newlywed couple resides in Marland. She is the assistant deli manager, and he is the assistant meat market manager for United Supermarket.

Couple Celebrates 25 Years

Norris and Sue Frederick of Ponca City celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a recent cruise to the southern Caribbean. Norris Frederick and Sue Wilson were married Oct. 25, 1975, in the Dixie Hill Church of Christ in Ponca City with the Rev. Nathan Frederick of Oklahoma City, father of the bridegroom, officiating.

Mr. Frederick has been employed at Conoco, Inc. for 25 years and is currently a Maintenance Team Lead in the Coker Combo Alky area of the refinery. Mrs. Frederick is a receptionist for Phillip Tyndall, DDS and Paul Walker, DDS.

The couple has three children, Whitney of Ponca City, Lyndsi, a senior at Ponca City High School, and Zak, an eighth grader at East Middle school, and one grandson, Jaelon.

Parents of the couple are Don and Nell Wilson of Ponca City, Nathan Frederick of Oklahoma City, and the late Florence Webb.

Larissa Miller Bride-Elect

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen E. Miller of Tonkawa, announce the engagement of their daughter, Larissa Ann Miller, to Charles Scott Kodesh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tony Kodesh of Red Rock. The couple will be wed Dec. 16, at 4 p. m. at the Trinity Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ponca City. An open invitation to attend the event is extended to friends and family of the couple.

The bride-elect is a 2000 graduate of Tonkawa High School and is currently attending Northern Oklahoma College majoring in elementary education. She is employed at Mary’s Tonkawa Grill.

Kodesh is a 1999 graduate of Frontier High School and is currently a student at Oklahoma State University majoring in agriculture.

Grandparents of the future bride are Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence M. Hooley of Tonkawa and Mr. and Mrs. Miles T. Miller of Ponca City.

Grandparents of the prospective bridegroom are Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Gilliland of Pawnee and Ellen Kodesh of Twin Falls, Idaho.

OBI Director Gives Program During Noon Lions Meeting

When the Noon Lions Club met Oct. 25, Pixie Rowland, director of the Oklahoma Blood Institute, was introduced by Suzanne Zanardi. Rowland told the Lions Club of the many functions of the OBI. She said, “The Oklahoma Medical Society saw the need for a supply for blood and blood products within the state, and the OBI was founded in 1977 as a result of this need.”

Their mission is to provide the safest and highest quality blood components, services and healthcare programs to the patients and communities we serve. As an independent blood supplier, the OBI supplies 48 percent of the blood products used within the state, while the Red Cross supplies 43 percent and the remainder comes from private sources.

Rowland told about how the blood is collected, processed and distributed. She stated that there is always an ongoing need for blood donors because blood and the components (red blood cells, plasma and platelets) have a limited life. Due to large-scale disasters such as The Oklahoma City bombing, and the Moore tornado, there is sometimes a huge demand for blood.

The only time the Oklahoma Blood Institute sends products out of state is when the products are not needed in state and they are getting close to expiration. There has been no need to go out of state for blood since 1981. Rowland told of some of the advances made in harvesting stem cells from blood and their use in cancer treatment.

At this point, synthetic blood use is still a long way off, so human donors are still very much in demand. According to Rowland, “you’re never too old to donate as long as you meet health qualifications. Recently, the Oklahoma Blood Institute had a lady donate on her 98th birthday.” Many restrictions on blood donors have changed, so call 762-9488 for information and appointments.

Songleader was Kathy Turner, and Larry Williams gave the invocation. Sam Sheehan introduced his guest, Michael Varnum, director of the Poncan Theatre. New members Neal North and Burnard Simpson were introduced.

Announcements included plans for diabetes screening for 400 city employees on Oct. 31, participation in the Veterans Day parade, and the need for Angel Hosts and workers to help put up angel displays and lights. Jay Stafford reported that 10 Lions had picked up trash on the two-mile strip of Enterprise Road last Saturday morning.

Noon Lions Club meets every Wednesday at noon at the American Legion on South Avenue. The members are businessmen and women in the community who have a desire to help and serve others. The motto is “we serve.” They are known worldwide as Knights of the Blind ,and the focus of Lions International is prevention of blindness and providing eyeglasses and other vision aids for needy individuals along with promoting diabetes awareness.

Tuesday Review Book Club Meets

The October meeting of the Tuesday Review Book Club met at the home of Betty Thompson, 1720 Christmas Tree Lane.

Plans were made to have a Christmas luncheon in the home of Margaret Yeakley.

Mildred Tapp reviewed “Walking Across Egypt” by Clyde Edgerton. An amusing story about Mattie Rigsby, a 78-year-old widow, trying to “slow down” as she had to keep telling everyone. A stray dog, a delinquent boy, and her need “to do unto the least of these,” led to some unexpected changes in Mattie’s life, said the reviewer.

The next meeting will be Nov. 14 at the home of Ruth Stone, 1409 Reveille.

Eta Delta Group Announces Plans

Julie Collins hosted the Oct. 23 meeting of Eta Delta Chapter, Beta Sigma Phi sorority with ten members present.

Twenty-two members and guests attended the October social at the LA Cann house. The event was hosted by Linda Paulsen and Linda Sparks. Those attending enjoyed homemade soup and sandwiches and, afterwards, played LA Cann Bingo. Marilyn Jouret and Wanda Sheehan will host the Nov. 12 chili supper.

Sylvia Smith received the Beta Bud Basket, and Linda Paulsen won the door prize. Suzie Allen will host the Nov. 13 meeting.

Meals on Wheels Menu Announced

Meals on Wheels are delivered at noon Monday-Friday by volunteers. The meals are prepared at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and special diets can be prepared with a written order from a physician. Meals are available to persons 65 years of age and older.

Those younger than 65 may receive meals if disabled or for two weeks following dismissal from the hospital. Cost is $2.50 per meal, and adjustment is made for financial need. For more information call 762-4707 or 765-0331. Substitutions may be made by SJRMC if necessary.

Monday, Oct. 30: Meat Loaf; mashed potatoes with gravy; buttered cut corn; marinated asparagus; apple crumb cobbler.

Tuesday, Oct. 31: Maple-glazed ham; baked sweet potatoes; green beans; red fruited jello salad; gingerbread.

Wednesday, Nov. 1: Beef stew; lemon-buttered broccoli; biscuit or dinner roll; fresh orange slices; iced pound cake.

Thursday, Nov. 2: Savory chicken; buttered lima beans; stewed tomatoes; Waldorf salad; orange cake.

Friday, Nov. 3: Breaded pork chop; seasoned mashed potatoes; brown gravy; cauliflower and peas; dinner roll; tossed salad with dressing; chocolate pudding.

Some Things to Ponder Upon

On a daily basis, we are bombarded with terms we’ve heard, but really don’t understand. Some of these are broadband, DVD, barometric pressure and the ozone.

Broadband could be a number of things — from a red kerchief tied around the forehead to waistbands for the overweight or a hefty musical group. A fellow supposedly in the know defines broadband as communication lines, often fiber optic, which allow very high speed transfer of huge amounts of information between individuals, businesses and/or the Internet.

Then, of course, there is DVD (DigitalVideoDisc). This disc is the same style as a CD (compact disc), but it shows movies, and naturally you need a DVD player. So much for my old eight-track tape player.

Does the barometric pressure have any direct relation to blood pressure or air pressure, and who cares anyway? How does it relate to everyday life? Something about the measure of atmospheric pressure so I understand.

Is the ozone a naughty term? Or is it where Oklahoma meets Texas in the middle of the Red River? Could it be a Halloween term — you know “oh zone.” If you really don’t know about the ozone, check Webster’s dictionary or look it up on the Internet — the explanation is far too sophisticated for Lou to “splain.”

And how about some of those terms we’ve heard all our lives? “Faster than greased lightening” for one. What’s the difference between greased lightening and just everyday lightening? Be a heck of task to grease lightening — how would you harness it and, if you did, what kind of lubrication would you use?

Then there is the expression “dumber than a box of rocks.” How do you tell the difference between a smart rock and a dumb one? Is there an IQ test for rocks? Imagine the questions — did you exist during the dinosaur period? How did your ancestors know to gather in an outcropping and tell the world there was oil underneath? Were you ever part of a volcanic eruption? What did you know and when did you know it? Are you related to the Irish blarney stone?

Just how do you suppose the phrase “drunk as a hoot owl” became an accepted alcoholic gauge? Did Congress and the President consult the aviary before they decided on the 0.08 percent universal alcoholic blood content that now determines if you can be arrested for DUI?

How about those lifting weights known as “dumb bells?” Were the weights originally heavy iron bells? If so, how did the lifter keep the clapper quiet? Were you just dumb if you stooped to hoist them above your head?

What are “goose bumps?” Are they a contagious “fowl” disease? Are they lumps in the barnyard path or what? Now “smart as a whip” might relate to how a whip smarts when it strikes someone — but where did “scarce as hen’s teeth” come from? How many people in their right minds would check a chicken’s beak for fangs?

Estate Guides To Meet

Marland Estate Guides will gather at 10 a.m. Nov. 1 at the mansion. Guest speaker will be Erma Carmack, one of the nurses who took care of E.W. Marland when he was ill in the Ponca City Hospital and in the building now called Lydie’s Carriage House.

A “come and go” reception for the guides, the Marland Estate Commission, and the Marland Estate Foundation members is planned for 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 6.

Couple United in Marriage In Northeast Baptist Church

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Ryan Hudkins are residing in Edmond following their recent marriage in Northeast Baptist Church. Dr. Larry Nigh officiated their vows in a 2 p.m. ceremony. Greenery and twinkle lights were used for decoration along with multiple candles and candelabra. The pews were marked with white bows.

The bride, formerly Angelia Bufton, is the daughter of Daniel and Jacquline Bufton. The bridegroom is the son of John Douglas and Linda Hudkins. Grandparents of the newlywed couple are Kenneth and Jacqueline Bufton, Jack and Bobbye Spurlock, Jack and Hallie Hudkins, and Martin London.

Becky Dye played a musical prelude and Somewhere in the World. The bridesmaids’ processional was Canon in D, and the bridal processional was The Wedding March played by LaVerne Welch, organist. Donita Cooper sang The Love He Has For You and, as the unity candle was lit, Julie Nigh sang Your Love is Life to Me. The recessional was Great Adventure by Stephen Curtis Chapman.

Candlelighters were Jesse Martinez of Austin, Texas, and Melodie Cooper. Kristi Jones of Cleburne, Texas, kept the guest book. Christina Cooper, flowergirl, wore a white satin dress with pearl trim created by the bride’s mother. Stephen Cooper served as ringbearer.

Julie Nigh of Norman was the Maid of Honor, and bridesmaids were Kristy Willoughby of Meeker, Amber Clark of Tulsa, Sarah Gigstad of Oklahoma City, Mylinda Crowley of Edmond, and Melodie Cooper of Ponca City. Each wore a navy blue satin gown with formal-length skirt, pleated train, and sleeveless bodice. The dresses were fashioned by the bride’s mother. Each attendant carried a bouquet of Calla lilies, orchids, roses and stephanotis.

Todd Mason of Oklahoma City served as Best Man, and groomsmen were Eric Phelps of Oklahoma City, Tim Scott of Stillwater, Keith Hudkins of Edmond, Wes Hudkins of Broken Arrow, and Kenneth Bufton of Lexington, Ky. Ushers were Bryant Sivess and Benjamin Sivess of Dallas, Texas, and Tyler Brous of Fort Worth, Texas.

The bride wore a white satin gown designed with an empire waistline and A-line skirt featuring an inverted front pleat and chapel-length train. The sleeveless bodice was embellished with sequins and pearls. Her veiling was secured by a pearl and crystal tiara, and she carried a bouquet of Calla lilies, orchids, roses and stephanotis tied with white satin ribbon. For tradition, she wore her mother’s veil as something old; her gown as something new; and a blue garter for something borrowed and blue.

Assisting with the reception at the church were Teresa Boles, Gayle Elleven, Kristen Yehle, and Megan Brous.

Soloist To Perform Friday For Ponca City Music Club

The next meeting of the Ponca City Federated Music Club will be Nov. 3 at Marland’s Grand Home. Members will provide salads for a luncheon at noon, followed by the program at 1:30 p.m. A brief business meeting will follow the program.

Performing will be Steven Sanders, who holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Oklahoma. He is now attending Oklahoma City University, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in vocal performance.

At OCU Sanders has been in the productions of Kismet as Iman, Don Pasquale as Ernesto, and La Traviata as Alfredo. He has sung with the Light Opera of Oklahoma in Tulsa for the past two summers. In Tulsa, he has performed the role of Count Hugo Detlef in The Student Prince, Sid El Kar in The Desert Song, Leonard Meryll in Yeomen of the Guard, and in the chorus in H.M.S. Pinafore.

In vocal competition, Sanders has won the state National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) first place award in his category twice. In the regional NATS competition, which includes Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, he won first place in the graduate men’s division. He also won the Trudy Oliphant Lundgren Young Singer Award from the Tulsa District Metropolitan Opera auditions.

Sanders will sing a recital of music from around the world with pieces from Germany, France, Italy, England and the United States.

Accompanying him will be Chad McClellan, a piano major at East Central University in Ada. He has extensive experience in accompanying soloists as well as church, public school and collegiate choirs. His other interests are writing music and experimenting with jazz and other 20th century styles of the piano.

Hostesses for this meeting are Kathy Wimberly, chair; Freda Bauer, Rose Marie Boggus, Agnes Hatlelid, Donna Larrison, Suzi Lenhart, Mary Martin, Florence Ott, Elizabeth Sandy, Betty Warren Wright, and Barbara Younger.

An invitation is extended to the public as well as all Ponca City Music Club members, to attend this recital. Ponca City Music Club is a member of the Oklahoma and National Federation of Music Clubs.

Local Swim Team Program Focus for Kiwanis Meeting

David Strah, aquatic director for the YMCA and swim team coach, spoke at a recent Kiwanis meeting and introduced the team captains. Sunita Chahar and Andra Nuzum are the co-captains for the girls’ team, and Eric Whitebay and Ben Dickey are the co-captains for the boys’ team.

Coach Strah, a native of Ponca City, attended Kansas University, and was named the 1999 Swim Coach of the Year. Strah coaches the Sailfish Swim Team. According to Strah, “The Sailfish Swim Team is a parent-run organization and is our feeder program to train younger swimmers and prepare them for swim meets.” The team attends meets once a month.

The Ponca City High School swim team will attend their first meet of the season the first week in November against Jenks.

“This year’s team should again finish at least in the top ten in the state,” prophesied the coach. “Our swimmers have the talent and the technology to succeed in competition. Now it is up to individuals to set their own personal goals and for the team to set its goals.”

Past members of these organizations have achieved the All-American and All-State designations. However, the swimmer accolades are not the only achievements of these swimmers, said Strah. Sunita Chahar is recognized as the top student academically at the high school. Eric Whitebay is the second academically, and Andra Nuzum is third. Not to be left out, Ben Dickey is high in the class rankings.

Chahar said, “The dedication that I learned through eight years of swimming helps me in meeting my other goals.” She shared that she wants to go to Rice University preparatory to becoming a doctor or something in the biomedical engineering field. Whitebay shared his plans for attending the Colorado School of Mines and becoming an engineer. Nuzum wants to attend OU and become a dermatologist.

Dickey stated his commitment to immediate goals of training longer and harder. Each of the students outlined how the dedication, motivation, commitment, and goal setting required of competitive swimming benefits them in their lives.

Ponca City High School representatives attending Kiwanis were Mark Parsons, son of J.B. and Kathy Parsons, and Marcie Wilkinson, daughter of Marvin and Carline Wilkinson. Mark outlined some of his interests and activities, such as being the president of Youth in Government and editor of the yearbook. Marcie is active as a high stepper, teaching dance, and tutoring at Lincoln Elementary School.

Don Long, president, welcomed guests Arlene Stauffer, returning Kiwanis member, and Helen Hatlelid-Hester. Shaun Searle gave the invocation, Chuck Rager led the pledge of allegiance to the flag, and George Scoffield led in the singing of America. Earl Czaplinski won the drawing. Troy Lewis shared a sad dollar for the disintegration of his team. Jody Sanford and George Scoffield also shared happy/sad dollars.

Members were reminded about cooking and serving at Friendship Feast on Oct. 31. Agnes Hatlelid, Kiwanian for October, announced that the next meeting will feature the Park and Recreation Department.

Men and women interested in community service are invited to visit Kiwanis on Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., at the Apple Cart Restaurant, second floor.

First Baptist Church Parlor Setting for Couple’s Vows

The parlor of the First Baptist Church was the setting for the Sept. 30, 2000, wedding ceremony for Debi Wolf and Joe T. Hardridge. Their double-ring vows were officiated at 2 p.m. by the Rev. Hance Dilbeck.

Marcella Johnson was organist, and Charlotte Smith sang More and The Lord’s Prayer.

Attendants were Sandra Winetroub of Austin, Texas, sister of the bride, and Derrick Hardridge of Claremore, the bridegroom’s son. Ushers were John Hardridge of Moore, brother of the bridegroom, and Larry Ramsey of Oklahoma City.

The bride wore a Victorian style gown and veil and carried a bouquet of dusty rose flowers and pearl beading atop a small white Bible.

Assisting with a reception at the church were June Buller, Jan Bell, Debbie Hauser, Bella Horinek, Judy Duggan, and Renée Stevens.

The newlywed couple resides in Edmond. the bride is human resources director for Pelton company in Ponca City, and the bridegroom is an investigator for the Federal Department of Transportation in Oklahoma City.

Among the guests attending the wedding were Glenn and Juanelle Hagler of Coleman, Texas, parents of the bride; Larry and Kim Ramsey, Mac and Sue Kirk, and Jack Abbott of Oklahoma City; Jerri Causey of Nixa, Mo.; John and Donna and Stephanie Hardridge of Moore; Joseph Hardridge of Tulsa, father of the bridegroom; Gary and Linda Woodward, Bob Yeatt, Renée Stevens and Joseph Stone of Tulsa.

Modern Woodmen Of America Honor Marybeth Glass

Marybeth Glass is a hometown hero in the eyes of the local Modern Woodmen of America camp. Members of the Newkirk/Ponca City camp recognized Glass for her volunteer service and accomplishments with a certificate and their appreciation in an Oct. 24 ceremony.

She has served on numerous committees and many boards of directors. They include 25 years with the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, seven years on the Pioneer Vo-Tech school board, seven years as a Newkirk city commissioner, as well as, acting as city manager for two months, Hospice of Ponca City (her favorite) board member and board member of the Pioneer Woman Museum. She has also served the Salvation Army, St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, Pioneer Technology Center Foundation and the Marland Mansion Commission. She is married to Ike Glass.

“Modern Woodmen deeply believes in volunteer community service and developed a Community Service Recognition program as a way to acknowledge and thank strong volunteers all across the United States,” says Tom P. Cleveland, Modern Woodmen camp secretary.

Modern Woodmen of America, a fraternal life insurance organization, has a camp in Newkirk/Ponca City that provides a number of volunteer service and social activities for local members.

Mother’s Club Unit Members Hear About Weaving

Unit III of the Ponca City Mother’s Club met Oct. 20. Twenty members and guest, Helen Gingrich, were in attendance at the luncheon at the Apple Cart Restaurant. Serving as hostesses were Frances Ellenburg, Freda Balcer and Jeannie Harlan.

Norma Lee Kinzie introduced guest speakers Davy Watts from Fairfax, and Debbie Cunningham from Pawhuska. Ms. Watts is a lecturer and demonstrator of Osage arts and crafts. Her work experience includes workshop coordinator/lecturer at Wichita State University; demonstrator/lecturer at Oklahoma Historical Society, Gilcrease Foundation, James Foundation St. James, Missouri and National Park Service at Fort Scott, Kan.

She is also a master weaver and was a student of Maudie Cheshewalla, world master fingerweaver, as designated by the Smithsonian Institute. Since 1993, Ms. Watts has owned and operated of Papa Tee’s Silkscreening in Fairfax.

Watts and Cunningham displayed and gave background information on many different woven belts, ‘chaps’ with ribbon weaving worn by dancers, and other native attire worn by Indians during their ceremonies. The most unique display was a quilt called “Kah-Wah-Z.” A traditional Osage wedding ceremony was the inspiration for the quilt’s theme, which was designed by Davy.

The next meeting will be Nov. 17 with T.L. Walker as the guest speaker. Her topic will be Standing Bear. Hostesses will be Louise Locke, Rachel Tidrow and Joanne Morgan.

DAR Speaker Portrays 19th Century Military Wife

Dressed in the fashion of a 19th century woman, Sue McAdoo presented a program on Oct. 20 for the Ponca City Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. She portrayed Mrs. Benjamin H. Grierson, wife of the first permanent commander at Fort Sill, Indian Territory, 1869-1873. Mrs. McAdoo is currently second vice regent of the Oklahoma Society, NSDAR.

Speaking as Alice Kirk Grierson, Mrs. McAdoo stated, “I was born in 1828 to an upper middle class family in Youngstown, Ohio. My father believed in improving the status of women. I attended Huron Academy and then taught school. In 1854, I married Ben Grierson in spite of my father’s misgivings. According to my father, Ben lacked prospects of distinguishing himself in life. I had been taught that to succeed as a wife I needed piety, purity, domesticity and submissiveness. For 17 years, I found household tasks unending. Submissiveness gave me the most trouble. I struggled to uphold Ben as the head of the household, but it was not easy.”

She continued, “Ben did achieve fame and recognition. He accepted a post as colonel in the Army. We sometimes lived in tents on the frontier. One of the officer’s wives was from New York City and had never seen a tent. I was able to relate to other officers of similar background. I set up standards for officers’ wives. I furthered the welfare of the enlisted men. On the frontier we had primitive housing and lack of staples.”

“Water was hauled from the creek and stored in barrels. The mules’ stables were cleaned and the matter was dumped in the same creek from which we got our drinking water. Women servants from the east were hired for household help. But many could not stand the rigors of life on the frontier and either quit or married and set up their own households.”

Mrs. McAdoo noted that after the death of Alice Grierson, Benjamin Grierson attained the rank of brigadier general.

At the conclusion of Mrs. McAdoo’s presentation, the Ponca City Chapter gave her a copy of “The Last Run,” which was published by the chapter.

In committee reports, Pauline Rouse informed members that 189 people had visited the DAR Memorial Museum during the months of July, August and September. They came from various states.

World War II Memorial Donor Forms were distributed to members. For a contribution of $10 or more, the donor may honor someone who served either in the military or on the home front during the period of World War II. Their names will be listed in the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Books of Remembrance. These books will be on display at the DAR Library in Washington, D.C., and at the World War II Memorial.

Since this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Korean War, Sue Allen, chairman of Commemorative Events committee, has asked Lonnie M. Bray. Col. Retired, to speak at the Nov. 17 meeting of the Ponca City Chapter.

Hostess chairman for the October meeting was Elaine Fulton, assisted by Joel Trout, Margaret Yeakley and Patsy Lessert.

Tonkawa High School Class of 1938 Gathers for Reunion

Tonkawa High School Class of 1938 kicked off festivities for their 62nd class reunion Sept. 29, at an Alumni Coffee and Social held in the high school gymnasium.

Members of the class registered and then were greeted by chairman, Byfield Gordon. They were given name tags with their senior class picture on them. The school furnished refreshments, and tables were decorated with school colors. The morning was spent in taking pictures and visiting. Class sponsor, Adrian Vincent, who will celebrate his 94th birthday in October, surprised everyone with his arrival.

Class members and Mr. Vincent met at Mary’s Cafe for lunch and then returned to THS for assembly. During assembly, classes were recognized, and the oldest graduate present, Eleanor Hays (1929), was acknowledged. She gave a brief history on the school colors. At that time, school colors were crimson and white, like the University of Oklahoma. Tonkawa decided to take orange and black, the same as Oklahoma State, which was A and M, at the time.

The first school annual was printed in 1929 which included sports. At that time they where in the Salt Valley Conference.

Several members attended the parade and met again at the school cafeteria to eat before the football game with Barnsdall. Seats were reserved in the new stadium for the class. Tonkawa won 62-0.

Twenty-three class members met Saturday evening at the NOC cafeteria dining room for a group picture and dinner. Each table was laid with a black cloth and bouquets of orange flowers centered each table. A poem, “We are the Joy Class of 1938. Let us have lots of joy and remembrances of this 2000 year” was attached to an Almond Joy candy next to each plate along with an orange place card with a black skull and bone saying, “Here we are at 62 and looking back it seems only a few. Lets try real hard to stay in touch with all our friends who mean so much.” The dinner invocation was given by Charles Rupert. A memorial was given in memory of Jane French Thompson by Marguerite Rupert.

A business meeting was held immediately after dinner with Byfield Gordon, chairman, in charge. The class plans to have a reunion again next year.

A gift was presented to Velda Morris Messenger from the class in appreciation of her years in planning the reunion. Committee members for this year were Byfield Gordon, Velda Messenger, Doris Miller Traw and Marguerite Barker Rupert.

Classmates and spouses attending the reunion activities were: Egbert and Mary Sexton, Westminster, Colo., Doris Miller Traw, Wichita, Kan., Buster and Nevada Tucker and daughters, Midland, Texas, Adair Vincent, Morrison, Leroy and Elsie Tucker Miller, Wakita, Edith Lively Harrolle, Broken Arrow, Byfield and Eunice Ann Gordon, Albuquerque, N.M. From Ponca City: Julia Knight Coleman, Leroy Harris, Opal Youell Klein, Charles and Marguerite Barker Rupert. From Tulsa: Val Gardner, Geraldine Dickman Jones, William and Gladys Johnson Nesbitt. From Tonkawa: Marion and Velda Morris Messenger, Hazel Thomas, Ollie Mae Rowe Crawford, Marshall and Helen Furber Cathey and Frank and Bonnie Jean Burns, Jr.

Monetary Gifts Help Restore Historic Gates

The Ponca City Landmark Conservancy has announced the donation of $1500 from the Country Harvest Committee towards a project to restore the gates at the entrance to Fifth Street park.

“We have now reached our goal of $5,000. Any additional money that we do not need to compete the repair of the Ruby Memorial gates at the entrance to Fifth Street Park will go towards perhaps a marker telling the history of the gates, or perhaps some landscaping,” according to Bret Carter, president of the Landmark Conservancy.

It is hoped that restoration of the gates can begin as soon as the contractor is able and weather allows. This success has been achieved because of the commitments of time and money by many members of our community, according to Carter.

The Ponca City Landmark Conservancy has raised small donations towards this through two years of “Swingin' in the Park” and screen saver and postcards sales, and individual donations. The conservancy has reached this goal and many small donations and the generosity of Conoco and Country Harvest has supplemented it.

The smaller donations have allowed the organization to achieve the goal of financing the restoration of the gates in nearly the same manner as they were originally built — by people giving whatever they could to honor a friend of Ponca City, Mr. Ruby.

The success of that part of the fundraising shows the value the citizens of Ponca City place on landmarks of this type. They feel how important these seeming insignificant structures are in defining who we are as Ponca Citians, and how they add to the quality of life we enjoy in Ponca City, according to Carter.

Ruby, who the gates honor, was the first Kay County resident to believe that there was gas and oil in this area. He drilled wells which provided gas to the city of Ponca City at the current location of Pioneer or Fifth Street park.

Unfortunately, he did not make a great strike such as would occur later, and was not a wealthy man. He was, however, wealthy in the respect of his fellow citizens, and the esteem in which they held him motivated them to construct the gates following his death in 1922.

“I am excited that the city has supported this endeavor, particularly Jim Sindelar. I look forward to our group, after a breather, being able to spearhead another project that benefits the community by preserving our past in another way,” Carter said.

“The Landmark Conservancy also certainly must thank Conoco for its donation of $1000. Conoco’s generosity confirms its support of groups in Ponca City who work hand-in-hand with the city and other organizations to support the extra things in Ponca City that make our community great,” Carter said.

The Ponca City Landmark Conservancy is a IRS-listed nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of our wonderful historic buildings, sites, and structures. They work to achieve this mission by educating the public about the value these remnants of the past have in today’s world and by passing along the history that goes with these sites.

The Landmark is well-known in Ponca City not only for its preservation activities, but also as the sponsor of the annual “Swingin' in the Park” swing music concert, the annual Christmas Historic Home Tour, the annual endangered historic sites list, and for their advocacy for preservation and restoration of the Civic Center Complex. Recently, they have also been involved in advocating protection of the Santa Fe depot on West Oklahoma.

For information about supporting the Ponca City Landmark Conservancy, contact Bret Carter, President, at 765-5383

Museum ‘Needs’ Highlighted

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

A brainstorming session on the needs of the Pioneer Woman Museum highlighted the recent luncheon meeting of the advisory board. Special guests were Kathy Dickson, director of museums for the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS); former Ponca Citian Robert Thomas, OHS Deputy Director; and Darrel Covington, OHS Central Resources.

Dickson conducted a powerpoint presentation and sought ideas from the advisory board and guests about possible projects. Guests attended from Ponca City, Newkirk and Blackwell.

The welcome was given by Jayne Detten, chairman of the advisory board. Sen. Paul Muegge, D-Tonkawa, was a guest speaker. Muegge told the group that “citizens are significant in making things happen.”

The legislator mentioned the needs are important, but also accountability and “keeping the lights on” for the day to day operation is of concern. Muegge complimented Pioneer Woman manager Jan Prough and her operation of the museum. It is anticipated that Prough will be retiring in December.

Dickson, in her remarks, said an assessments of needs will be made for the museums and sites around the state in order to request funding from the Legislature for the state’s centennial projects.

Various suggestions made by the citizens encompassed landscaping, more restroom space for tours, a new roof over the old portion of the building, a sidewalk leading to the Oklahoma sites sign, sound posts that work with a touch of the button to tell about the museum.

Another suggestion was to put some form of art on the three concrete panels on the exterior of the building. Other ideas were blackout curtains for the education room, a new permanent buzzer for the front door, and outside electrical outlets for events on the grounds. Also, water sealing for the exterior stone of the building, and addressing the drainage needs around the base of the museum.

Also of concern is the U.S. Postal Service drive-up mailbox, which is located on the grounds. The general concensus of the group was that the mailbox is in the wrong location.

Ideas for promoting the museum included developing a packaged video program to show for civic programs and to build upon the “women” theme of the museum.

It was suggested hosting special events during March, which is Women’s history month and also to focus on honoring Native American women.

Following the brainstorming session, the advisory board met. OSU landscape intern, Rebecca Kerwin, presented a plan for the area. Members of that committee were Georgia Ball, Marybeth Glass and Rebecca Warren.

College of Nursing Schedules Events

The University of Oklahoma College of Nursing will hold information and advisement sessions about the LPN and RN to BSN program, and the master’s in nursing program at the following sites:

Nov. 9 in Enid at St. Mary’s Hospital, in Classroom A, 1-3 p.m.

Nov.17 in Ponca City at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Conference Room B, 10-11:30 a.m.

Nov. 17 in Stillwater at Stillwater Medical Center, Board Room, 2-4 p.m.

For more information call Kay Farrell, program coordinator, 580-254-8604, or Patti Matney, 1-877-367-6876.

Wheatheart Menu Is Announced

For Wheatheart Nutrition Menu information call 767-1620. Volunteers are needed to deliver noon meals to the elderly homebound. Menus for this week are as follows:

Monday, Oct. 30: Hamburger steak with beef gravy; mashed potatoes; tossed salad with dressing; biscuit with margarine; mixed fruit.

Tuesday, Oct. 31: beef cabbage casserole; three-bean salad; buttered carrots; whole wheat roll with margarine; applesauce gelatin.

Wednesday, Nov. 1: Chicken patty; buttered broccoli; scalloped potatoes; bread with margarine; iced raisin peanut butter spice bar.

Thursday, Nov. 2: Swedish meatballs; Calypso rice; tomato juice; seasoned green beans; whole wheat roll with margarine; fruit cocktail cake.

Friday, Nov. 3: Ham; beans; tomato relish; cornbread; margarine; pineapples with bananas.

TOPS Chapter Holds Meeting

TOPS OK 308 chapter met Monday with Wanda Headrick in charge of the meeting. Joan Hendrickson gave the devotional, “Sprinkle Sunshine.”

Elaine Hoober led the TOPS pledge, and Betty Flower led the KOPS Kreed. Natalie McCoy called the roll, and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Wanda Headrick and Elaine Hoober tied for Best Loser, and Donna McCoy won the HaHa Pot.

A report was given on the TOPS Fun Day/Workshop in Enid. Awards given were perfect attendance, Ann McCool and Natalie McCoy; one no-gain weigh in, 363 miles walked, 90 hours exercise and publicity for the chapter.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a nonprofit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs. Contests are used to encourage weight loss.

Weigh-in time is from 6 to 6:45 p.m. each Monday and meetings begin at 6:45. For more information contact Betty Flower, 765-5448 or Delpha Clemens, 762-2844.

Ponca City Happenings

Sunday

Pioneer Woman Museum, open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays.

Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central. Wednesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

Marland’s Grand Home, 10th and Grand. Home of Indian exhibit, 101 Ranch collection, and DAR Museum. Available for receptions, teas, bridge parties, etc. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 767-0427.

Marland Estate and Mansion, 901 Monument Road. National Historic Landmark with 55 rooms and 10 acres. Guided tours daily at 1:30 p.m. plus 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., sunday 1-5 p.m. Available for receptions, weddings, meetings, parties. 767-0420.

11th Step AA meeting — open, 11 a.m.; AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Monday

Al-Anon meeting, 8-9 p.m. Monday, upstairs in the Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Domestic Violence Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays. Programs for women and children of family violence. Babysitter provided. For information call 76A-BUSE.

Fibromyalgia Support Group meets the fourth Monday of each month at the First Baptist Church parlor. For information contact Betty, 762-9776, or Vivian, 765-8871.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Westminster Chapel. For more information contact Lori White, 767-1668. There will not be a July or August meeting of the group.

Ponca City Rotary Club, noon Monday, American Legion.

Simple Steps AA — closed, noon; AA Step Study — closed, 8 p.m.; Harmony House, 212 South Third.

TOPS OK 308 members weigh-in time is 6 to 6:45 p.m. with meetings starting at 6:45 p.m. on Mondays. For information call Betty Flower at 765-5448.

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

Pioneer Area Quilter’s Guild meets the first Monday of each month at Community Christian Church on West Grand. Business meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. The July and September meetings are held the second Monday of those months.

Lions Vision Group meets the first Monday of each month, with the exception of holidays, at 10 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, using the Thirteenth Street entrance. Refreshments are served at 9:45 a.m. For a ride call 765-4370. The meetings are open to visually impaired residents.

Tuesday

The American Family Support Group will meet 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays at 1105 West Highland. The topic will be Child Welfare Services and child abuse.

Kay County Wheatheart Sweet Adelines, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Performing Arts building (south entrance) Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa. All women welcome. For information call 765-6829, 628-5026, or 762-2885.

Kiwanis Club, noon Tuesday, Pizza Hut.

New-Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m., Tuesday, Harmony House (upstairs library).

AA Discussion meeting at noon; AA Big Book Study — closed, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Freedom Group of AA; Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. We study and practice tradition. Study Discussion of “As Bill Sees It” and other AA approved literature. For more information, call John at 762-3345 or Darron, 765-0021.

Parent Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns and frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, coping techniques, and introduction to nonpunitive parenting styles.

Preschool storytime for 4-, 5-and 6-year-olds, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Ponca City Library.

Ponca Prairie Pleaters meet the first Tuesday evening of each month with the exception of the summer months. For more information call Nathalia, 762-3820.

The Pioneer Water Garden Society meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Cann Garden. Those interested in water gardens are welcome to attend. For more information call Marsh, 765-8249, or Ray, 762-7806.

Weight Watchers meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Weigh-in begins at 6 p.m.

Fanchon Chapter 53, Order of the Eastern Star, meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, 1200 West Grand.

Free pregnancy test is kept confidential at Birth Choice, 700 West Broadway, Hours are 6-8 p.m. Tuesday; 1-3 p.m. Wednesday; 6-8 p.m. Thursday. Call 765-9689.

The Vision AMBUCS meet at 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

Raindrops Support Group for parents who have lost children meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Hartford and Pecan. For more information call Lisa Lewis, 765-3972.

Wednesday

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

Pioneer Toastmasters Club, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, R&D East Auditorium, Conoco Complex, 1000 South Pine. Guests welcome; public invited. For additional information, contact Bob Ennis, 767-5946.

Ponca City Bahai Community Discussion Group, 7:15 p.m. Wednesday. For location call 765-5695 or 762-5529.

Simple Steps AA meeting; Step Study — closed, noon. AA Discussion meeting, 8 p.m. Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Al-Anon meeting, 8-9 p.m. Wednesday, upstairs in the Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Storytime for 2 and 3-year-olds, Ponca City Library, 515 East Grand, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Short stories, songs, use of flannel board. Lasts about 15 minutes.

Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs meets at the Cann Center on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Anyone interested in gardening, flowers, birds, butterflies, conservation, historic preservation, landscape design or environmental education, is welcome to attend. For more information call 762-3695, or 762-3555.

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

Noon Lions Club meets at noon each Wednesday at the American Legion.

Four O’Clock Garden Club meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

Chapter FC of PEO will meet at the Ponca City Country Club Nov. 1 for a reciprocity luncheon. Chapter EL is in charge of arrangements, chapter FN, decorations, and Chapter FC, program. Melanie Eason of Lawton, Oklahoma State Chapter Chairman, will be the guest speaker.

International Club luncheon, noon, Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the Royal China Super Buffet. Contact Mona Sage for reservations.

Thursday

AA Discussion meeting, noon; AA discussion meeting, 8 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third.

Freedom Group of AA; closed Big Book Study at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Woodlands Christian Church (Room 202), Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free meeting and building. We study and practice tradition. Open meeting the last Thursday of each month for birthdays. For more information, call John at 762-3345 or Darron, 765-0021

Model Railroad Club, 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Stephenson Building, 113 North Third. For information call 762-8687 or 765-7996.

Parent Support Group, 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday Northern Oklahoma Youth Services Center. Focus on parental concerns, frustrations, as well as ways to increase understanding and communications between parent and child. Support, education, copying techniques and introduction to non-punitive parenting styles.

Ponca City Newcomers Club meets the third Thursday of each month at the Ponca City Country Club. For more information and to make reservations call Joyce Fox, 762-9578.

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

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

American Legion Post 14 meets at 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at the Huff-Minor Post home, 407 West South Avenue.

Disabled American Veterans meet the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 401 South Lincoln.

North Central Continuum of Care is hosting a community meeting regarding local homeless issues Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Conoco fourth street Club House. for more information call Carmaleta Wesbrook, 762-3208, or Christy Williams, 762-2873.

Friday

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

Principles Before Personalities, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m. Friday, Harmony House, 212 South Third, basement (use south entrance). Smoke-free building. For more information call 762-3345 or 765-9459.

Pioneer Rotary Club meets at noon on Fridays at Westminster Village.

Saturday

AA Discussion meeting at noon Saturday. AA Discussion meeting at 8 p.m., Harmony House, 212 South Third.

New Found Freedom Co-dependents Anonymous, 8 p.m. Saturday, Harmony House (upstairs library). Smoke-free.

Freedom group of AA; Closed meeting at noon at the Woodlands Christian Church, room 202 upstairs, Fourteenth and Hartford. Smoke-free building. Study and discuss AA approved literature. AA traditions are studied and practiced. For more information, call John at 762-3345 or Darron, 765-0021

Order of the Amaranth meets the first and third Saturdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Temple.

Overeaters Anonymous group meets 11-12 Saturday mornings at Woodlands Christian Church. The meetings are open to “anyone who desires to stop eating compulsively.” Fore more information call 762-2161.

SPORTS

Baldwin, Jorgensen All-Staters
Choctaw Trips Up Cats With Late Touchdowns
Sports Notes
Turnovers Cost Tigers In District Loss to Bears
Bucs Break Open Close Game To Beat Luther
Local Drivers Win At Enid Speedway
High School Football Scores

Baldwin, Jorgensen All-Staters

By DAVID DAVIS

News Sports Writer

TULSA—Ponca City’s Chelsie Baldwin and Jessica Jorgensen earned all-state honors Saturday by finishing second and fifth at the state cross country meet held on the campus of Oral Roberts University.

The girls’ cross country team finished 10th on their first trip to state.

Individual boys’ qualifiers Kris Upchurch finished 27th with a time of 17:40. Noah England finished in 65th in 18:43.

Freshman Jenny Mena, the Lady Cat alternate said she is looking forward to coming back to state again next year. Her average time is 15:18, but is already planning on reducing it to 14 minutes.

“I’ve improved each year,” she said. “Most girls can reach 14 minutes if they try and don’t get injured.”

Baldwin has been ranked second in the state behind Brianna McLeod of Jenks almost all year. The results of the state meet were no different with McLeod finishing well ahead in first place. Baldwin finished the two-mile course in 12:30. Jorgensen finished right on Baldwin’s heels with a time of 12:39.

Baldwin and McLeod ran in the lead from the beginning. The was little doubt McLeod would win after she opened about a 30 second lead over Baldwin halfway through the race.

Baldwin seemed comfortably in second place until near the finish line when it appeared she would be overtaken by a runner from Edmond. However, Baldwin fought off the challenge for the second place finish.

Jorgensen, who finished seventh last year, was plagued by asthma and growing pains this year and was not ranked. She got off to a good start. After 400 meters, her time was 1:18. Baldwin’s time was 1:17. At the mile mark, Jorgensen was 10 seconds behind Baldwin, who was timed at 6:02.

At the 1.5-mile mark, Jorgensen was timed at 9:34. She had fallen behind Baldwin by 29 seconds and into 11th place. Then, at 1.75, she was in 5th place.

“Do you know what that means? She ran for all she was worth that last half mile,” coach kelly Chaney said. “But they all took 20 to 30 seconds off their time at the mile mark, but then began falling off.

“But, they went out there and tried.”

Chaney said for the boys’ and girls’ teams to continue improving, it would take a year around commitment.

Jenny Mena said her next sport is track where she plans to run the 800 meters, 1-mile and the 2-mile relay.

“I believe training in one sport will help my performance in the other,” she said.

The order of finish for the team was Mandy Bacher, 84th, 14:43; Melissa Stangeland, 87th, 14:54; Sunna Hingst, 89th, 14:56; Jessica Gwin,102nd, 15:44 and Maria Mena, 106th, 16:11.

Jenks finished in first with 51 points followed by Norman, 109; Moore, 138; Westmoore, 142; Mustang, 165. Ponca city finished 10th with 235 points.

In the boys’, Edmond Memorial and Jenks tied for first with 44 points, but Edmond Memorial won the tie breaker to win the state championship. The two teams were followed by Norman North, 128; Stillwater, 133; Owasso, 185; Edmond North, 185, Norman, 197 and Putnam City West, 226.

Choctaw Trips Up Cats With Late Touchdowns

By FRED HILTON

News Sports Editor

CHOCTAW — An mental error by Choctaw gave Ponca City and early lead in the District 6A-3 contest here Friday night.

But it was the Yellow Jackets’ physical attributes that spelled the difference in the end. Choctaw scored twice in the final 3:19 of the game to sting the Wildcats, 28-14.

“The kids played really hard,” Ponca City coach Frank Piccirillo said afterwards. “We were in the game until the very end. I was proud of the effort.

“But we had some missed tackles on defense and missed some opportunities to score on offense.”

The difference in the game was the speed and power of three Yellow Jackets

Quarterback Larry Douglas, with good protection from a massive front line, hit 13-of-20 passes for 141 yards and one touchdown. He also scored a running TD.

Running back Justin Morris had 128 yards rushing on 16 carries and also had a touchdown.

(Morris may have also cost his team a chance at the playoffs. He kicked a Ponca City player in the head after being tackled in the final minutes of play and was ejected, meaning he will be ineligible when the 3-3, 5-4 Yellow Jackets play Stillwater this week)

The biggest thorn in the Poncans’ side was do-it-all receiver, punter, kicker, sometimes-runner Richard McQuillar, McQuillar caught 10 passes for 115 yards, including the 37-yarder that put Choctaw ahead, 20-14, with 3:19 remaining.

Early on it appeared the Wildcats were on their way to their second district win of the season.

On the opening kickoff, Joe Oswalt’s kick appeared headed out of bounds inside the 20 and the Choctaw return man let the ball bounce.

Bit it didn’t bounce much in the soggy turf. Ponca City recovered at the Choctaw 15.

After two straight-ahead running plays netted just four yards, a reverse to wide-out J. Michael Sharon carried to the one. Quarterback Kyle Henderson bulled into the end zone from there.

Ben Steichen’s kick put Ponca City up 7-0 with just 1:39 gone in the game.

Ponca City’s second possession started near midfield and carried to the Choctaw 28. A motion penalty pushed the ball back to the 33, the ball slipped out of Henderson’s hand on a pass attempt and he was sacked at the 39 to end that threat.

But with 1:52 left in the first period, Ponca City had run 13 plays to 6 for Choctaw.

But that all changed on a third-and-nine when Morris broke 55 yards to the Ponca City 26. Matt Littleton saved the touchdown, but not for long. Six plays later, Douglas broke across the goal line from a yard out.

But Ponca City blocked the extra-point kick and still led, 7-6.

On the Cats’ third possession, another penalty put them in the hole at the 10 and they could only dig out to the 21.

Jimmo Ozment’s punt carried just past midfield. A pass interference penalty against the Poncans put the ball on the 37 and Morris did the rest, putting Choctaw up 12-7.

But the Poncans responded with a 11-play, 84-yard drive in the final five minutes of the first half.

Sharon appeared trapped at the 25 on the reverse but broke a tackle and sped around the right side for the touchdown. Steichen kicked the Poncans to a 14-12 advantage at the intermission.

Ponca City got its second break early in the second half when Sharon intercepted Douglas at the Choctaw 47. However a (guess-what) unsportsmanlike penalty move the ball back into Ponca City territory and the Cats couldn’t mount a drive.

Choctaw did, though.

The Yellow Jackets moved 43 yards in 10 plays to the Ponca City 23. But the Cats stiffened there and took over on downs.

The third Choctaw turnover came in the final minutes of the third period, when Douglas fumbled the snap from center and Cameron Moore recovered for the Ponca Citians at the Choctaw 29.

Ponca City got as far as the Yellow Jackets 14 before that chance died off. The two teams traded mini-drives for most of the fourth period until a 23-yard punt return by Choctaw’s Ryan Fogle set the Yellow Jackets upon the Ponca City 49.

Three plays later McQuillar got loose in the Wildcat secondary on the 37-yard TD pass that put the Poncans’ back to the wall.

Sharon return the kickoff to the 45, but the Poncans were forced to throw with a wet ball on a slippery field. Choctaw’s Tyler King intercepted Henderson’s pass and returned it 55 yards for the clinching score.

The Wildcats end the season with Senior Night Friday, hosting Sapulpa. The Chieftai