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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Sunday, October 25, 1998 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCALSchool Menus School MenusElementary Breakfast Monday — Cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — French sticks with syrup and bacon or cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Breakfast burrito or cereal or honey bun, apple, assorted juices and milk. Friday — No school. Elementary Lunch Monday — Cheeseburger on a bun or hot dog, fruit, french fries, saltine crackers, dill spears, Oreo cookies or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, diet plate, juice and milk. Tuesday — Taco snack burrito or steak fingers with hot roll, potatoes and gravy, salsa, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk. Wednesday — Frito pie or pizza pocket, green salad, salsa, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears, brownies or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk. Thursday — Chicken ringers with hot roll or beef taquito, salsa, whipped potatoes and gravy, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads or diet plate, juice and milk. Friday — No school. Middle School Breakfast Monday — Waggle and sausage links or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Assorted muffins with bacon or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Eggs and toast or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Pancake on a stick or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Friday — No school. Middle School Lunch Available on Monday through Friday at the Middle School is Domino’s, Carl’s Jr., Taco Bell burritos. Monday — Cheeseburger on a bun, lettuce, tomato and onion, french fries, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Tuesday — Steak finger with a hot bun, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Wednesday — Frito pie, mexican rice, refried beans, saltine crackers, dill spears, brownies or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate, potato bar, juice and milk. Thursday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, whipped potatoes and gravy, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Friday — No school. Mid-High Lunch Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s, Carl’s Jr., Taco Bell burritos. Monday — Hot dog, fresh fruit, french fries, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk. Tuesday — Steak fingers with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, glazed carrots, green salad, fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Wednesday — Frito pie, fresh fruit, spanish rice, mexican beans, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or pasta bar, juice and milk. Thursday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, whipped potatoes and gravy, green salad, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, salads, diet plate or potato bar, juice and milk. Friday — No school. High School Lunch Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a pasta bar, baked potato bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Domino’s. Training Table Monday- Friday — Pasta bar, potato bar, deli sandwiches and salads, seasonal fruit. All-American Line Monday — Breaded chicken sandwich, french fries, lettuce and tomato, baked beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Tuesday — Steak fingers with hot roll, potatoes and gravy, broccoli with cheese sauce, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Wednesday — Indian tacos, mexi beans, mexican rice, lettuce and tomato, jalapeno and sour cream, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Thursday — Chicken ringers with hot roll, whipped potatoes and gravy, green beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Friday — No school. McCord Elementary Breakfast Monday — Pancake and sausage, juice and milk. Tuesday — Scrambled eggs, toast, juice and milk. Wednesday — Oatmeal, toast, juice and milk. Thursday — Donuts, juice and milk. Friday — No school. Lunch Monday — Salisbury steak, potatoes and gravy, green beans, applesauce, hot roll and milk. Tuesday — Stromboli, lettuce salad, pineapple and milk. Wednesday — Turkey sandwich, lettuce leaf, dill spear, orange wedge, fries and milk. Thursday — Halloween surprise. Friday — No school. Pioneer Technology Center Tuesday — Chicken fried steak, greek grilled chicken or fettuccine alfredo plus salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables and desserts. Wednesday — Beef Diane, fiesta chicken or teriyaki pork plus salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables and desserts. Thursday — Smoked brisket, sweet and sour pork and chicken fajitas plus salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables and desserts. The cafeteria will be open on Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon. KLVV To Talk About OccultWith many people questioning the darker side of Halloween, Christian Radio KLVV 88.7 FM will be hosting Dennis Winters to take inquiries about the occult over the phone. This Tuesday from 5 to 6 p.m. anyone interested will be able to visit with Winters, who is an authority on the occult and the activities associated with it. The phone number to call will be 767-1400. All calls are kept confidential and will not be broadcast. NCC Playdays Set for Nov. 1Jim (and Rainee) Junkens are hosting the what is hoped to become annual Play Days for the North Central Chapter of the Oklahoma Dressage Society. There will be a Halloween party and Mexican food buffet. Everyone is asked to bring a Mexican potluck dish or desserts. It will start around 1 p.m.. Bring your horse and yourself and guests. There will be prizes for the best-costumed horse/rider and best-costumed non-rider. So put on your fun cap, dress up, and come on out and have some great fellowship and fun for the afternoon. For more information contact Rainee Junkens at 580-362-2177. Headless Horseman Rides at the Poncan“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” will be onstage at the Poncan Theatre for Halloween. The production of the Wichita Children’s Theatre will be presented by the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council and Conoco, and the admission is free. The performance begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. The famous story by Washington Irving tells about a fussy School Master named Ichabod Crane who must cross the deep woods late at night. More to the point, he must face his own fears to do so. According to legend, the woods are haunted by a headless horseman, but in the story, the legend is enlarged by local story-tellers who want to scare their friends. The story was originally written as a novella by Irving in the nineteenth century, but it was made popular for contemporary American audiences in an animated version by Walt Disney. Workshops for children will also be conducted by the Wichita Children’s Theatre company. There will be two separate workshops on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. Both will be Creative Dramatic workshops, and children will be separated by age. One will be appropriate for children aged Kindergarten through third grade, and the other for children aged four through sixth grade. The workshops will take place in the Poncan Theatre at 104 East Grand, and are also free to the public. The workshops will be held for a limited number of participants, so participants are urged to register by calling the Poncan Theatre office, which is also the office for the Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council. The phone is 580-765-0943, and the office is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Kenn Wessel, Coordinator for The Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, says “we’re very excited to have this great Halloween event. The Wichita Children’s Theatre has been out on tour in Texas, and we’ve caught them at exactly the right moment with exactly the right show for the date.” The show is available to all audiences young and old. For more information, patrons may call the Poncan Theatre. Parents who would like to give their children an opportunity to play with creative dramatics should call as soon as possible, because there will be a modest quota for each of the workshops. Veterans Medical Center Ceremony Set for ThursdayThe Oklahoma City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center will hold a dedication ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Thursday for a new community-based outpatient clinic opening in Ponca City. Steven J. Gentling, director of the Medical Center, and Tom Leonard, mayor of Ponca City, are among the officials slated to speak at the event. The keynote address will be delivered by Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Norman Lamb. The dedication ceremony will be held at 306A Fairview on the grounds of the Northern Oklahoma Family Care Center, the clinic with which the VA is contracting. This clinic, owned and operated by Bruce Mackey, M.D. and Eileen Mackey, PA-C, will provide primary care services to eligible veterans residing in the area. Veterans enrolled in the clinic will continue to be referred to the VA Medical Center in Oklahoma City for specialty care. The Honick Family Care Center in Newkirk, also owned by the Mackeys, will provide veterans the option of primary care services at a second location. A reception following the ceremony will be held in the Hartford Avenue Church of Christ Fellowship Center at 1905 Joe Street, adjacent to the dedication site. All veterans are invited to attend both the dedication and reception. Standing Bear Foundation Gets Enhancement GiftFinal plans are under way for the beginning of Phase II of the Standing Bear Park project according to Carl Renfro, chairman of the Ponca City Native American Foundation. “It’s exciting for us,” said Renfro “because the $800,000 of enhancement funding from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation makes it possible for us to start moving forward again. This project represents a monumental effort by citizens, corporations and government, working hand in hand to honor and recognize the importance of our Native American heritage.” The million dollar project includes trails at the park as well as in the Conoco Greenbelt area. Additionally, part of the funding will provide planning for a city-wide trails plan for the City of Ponca City. The enhancement funding making these projects possible is part of the federal TEA-21 program which is dedicated funding set aside exclusively for enhancement projects related to transportation In function, location or impact. “It has been a great pleasure to have been involved in the Standing Bear project,” said Tim Gatz, Transportation Projects branch manager for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, “and we’re really excited about being part of Phase II. Everyone in the DOT has been astounded at the recognition the project has gotten and that’s good for Oklahoma. It’s been a win-win project for everybody.” In less than three years, the Foundation’s first objective, to provide a visible memorial to an outstanding Native American, was fulfilled with the unveiling of nationally-known sculptor Oreland C. Joe’s 22-foot bronze statue of Ponca Chief Standing Bear. On Oct. 26, 1996, tribute was paid to Standing Bear for his successful battle in U.S. court to win recognition for Native Americans as persons with rights under U.S. law. Major funding for Phase I came from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Additional moneys from individual and corporate contributions and from the sale of limited-edition 18- and 32-inch bronzes of the Standing Bear statue completed the funding for the $1.3 million project. The Ponca City Native American Foundation has as its next priority, the design and construction of Phase II of Standing Bear Native American Memorial Park. Included in this phase will be a Cultural Complex showcasing the Native American history, traditions, and art of the past and present while providing the means to continue these traditions, and to learn new art forms and technology. The museum proposed as part of this Complex will be a living, participatory facility employing today’s and tomorrow’s technology to tell the Native American story as tribal members wish it told. The trails project that begins Phase II is part of the master plan to honor each of the six tribes who have been involved with the Standing Bear project. The Kaw, Osage, Otoe-Missouria, Pawnee, Ponca, and Tonkawa will each have areas designated to tell part of their tribe’s history. Each area will feature a walking trail, audio post and land art. Jerrie Cobb Featured On Several Networks Throughout This WeekBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Get your remote controls and VCRs at “the ready” because hometown aviatrix Jerrie Cobb is going to be all over the television networks beginning Wednesday evening and again on the Today Show Thursday morning. “A small town girl with a big dream,” Jerrie Cobb, who was honored here during the opening of the Pioneer Woman Museum, Sept. 26, is generating a lot of national publicity, according to Jan Prough, manager of the museum. Cobb, who was one of the first women trained as an astronaut, will be featured live on the NBC Today show at Cape Kennedy on Thursday morning. Thursday is the day of the scheduled shuttle mission with Sen. John Glenn aboard to do testing as to how senior citizens react in space. Cobb trained at the same time as Glenn, who testified before Congress saying that women could not endure a space shot. A few months later Russian Valentina Tereskova made history as the first woman pioneering flight into space. It Ain’t Over Yet But Cobb may have the last word yet, because when Sen. Jim Inhofe was here for the opening of the museum, he announced that NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin, had said that a senior woman may be sent in space in the future and Cobb is a most deserving candidate. After high school Cobb became a test pilot for Aero Design and Engineering, which produced Aero Commander aircraft in Bethany. She set four world records during the test flights. This led an invitation to endure 75 tests for male candidates for the Mercury program. Her scores set a standard for later women candidates. Glenn’s education requirements were waived for the his flight. For almost three decades Cobb has been flying humanitarian missions with food and supplies to the Amazon people. This is funded by the Jerrie Cobb Foundation. Proceeds from her recent book “Solo Pilot” go to the foundation. The book is available at the museum’s gift shop. Cobb’s Media Coverage Recently the Philadelphia Inquirer featured Cobb on the front page. People Magazine has published a story about Cobb and she was to appear this morning on CBS Sunday Morning News with Charles Osgood. NBC Dateline will feature Cobb on the Wednesday evening. Also CNN’s story will run on the Wednesday night and CNN’s story will be telecast that same evening, as will NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw. Cobb was born in Norman, reared in Ponca City and graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City. According to Max Nichols, Oklahoma Historical Society writer, she received her pilot’s license at 18 and started her career as a crop duster and patrolling pipelines. She became a charter pilot for Fleetway Inc., ferrying airplanes to South America. She once spent 12 days in an Ecuador jail, because she was delivering a plane to an enemy of Ecuador. In a letter to Mrs. Prough, Cobb said of her visit here, “To be ‘back home’ in Ponca City for such an important occasion (opening of the museum) and see again so many dear friends, was a wonderful blessing I will never forget. I wish there was a better way to say thank you to all of the people of Ponca City, and Oklahoma, for remembering a small town girl with a big time dream.” Three Sentenced From Kay County Seek Early ReleaseLEXINGTON — Several Oklahoma inmates will be considered in November for parole by the State of Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. The meetings will be held on Nov. 17, 18 and 19 at the Joseph Harp Correctional Center here. Daily meetings will begin at 8 a.m. each day, except for Tuesday, Nov. 17, when the meeting will begin at 1 p.m. All offenders who have been convicted of violent offenses and who are eligible for parole will be subject to a two-stage parole hearing process, as a result of a legislative change so victims and district attorneys will not have to attend the parole hearing as often as in the past. The new procedures have been sent to all district attorneys and victim/witness coordinators. Comments concerning any inmate on the docket must be submitted in writing and be received by the Pardon and Parole Board at 4040 North Lincoln, Suite 219, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73105-5221 no later than Tuesday, Oct. 6. The phone number is 405-427-8601. The following inmates sentenced from the District Courts of Kay County are scheduled on the regular parole docket: Jackie D. Meredith, incarcerated since June 1996 and serving a 20-year sentence with 10 years suspended on a charge of uttering an altered instrument after former conviction. James H. Northcross, incarcerated since August 1988 and serving a 99-year sentence on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after former felony conviction. Jeremy G. Thomas, incarcerated since October 1997 and serving a four-year sentence on a charge of grand larceny after former felony conviction. Several Traffic Proposals On Commission AgendaBy BOB PATTERSON News City Editor A traffic commission recommendation to accept a proposal from Infrastructure Management Services for comprehensive pavement testing and update of pavement management software program is on the agenda of the Ponca City Board of Commissioners Monday. The commission meeting set for 5:30 p.m. is in the Commissioner’s Room of the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. In other action for new business, commissioners will take up authorization of executing contract documents for street improvements to serve Industrial Boulevard with Evans and Associates Construction Company Inc. in the amount of $311,184.47. A budget status report for the first quarter ended Sept. 30, will be given. Commissioners will also consider whether to waive competitive procurement procedures and to award a contract for HOME Administration and Housing Support Services, to United Community Action Agency (UCAP). There is expected to be some discussion on the acceptance of the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grant award and contract from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency for owner-occupied rehabilitation. In other business, commissioners will take up a decision whether to authorize the Mayor to execute the contract documents with the Petroleum Marketers Equipment Company for the fuel system upgrade and underground storage tanks removal at the Ponca City City Garage in the amount of $50,232. There may be some action on public bus service. Commissioners have on the agenda an item that addresses the matter, with the possibility that they will send the matter to the City Attorney to consider drafting an amendment to the city ordinances for the service. Commissioners will also meet as members of the Ponca City Utility Authority. On the agenda is consideration of a power purchase contract with Continental Carbon Company. Consent agenda items for the commissioners include action on several traffic commission items, including installing yield signs on Otoe Avenue at Lincoln Street, stop signs on Oklahoma Avenue at Lincoln Street, and installing of yield signs on Chestnut Avenue at Elm Street and installation of yield signs on Hazel Avenue at Elm Street. Other consent agenda items include a recommendation by the traffic commission to remove no parking restrictions on the east side of the 100 block of North Oak Street and install two-hour parking signs instead, for a six-month trial basis. Also on the consent agenda will be authorization for advertising for bids on street maintenance projects, which will include concrete street patching. A recommendation has been provided for the commissioners to award purchases at the Salvation Army on the Emergency Shelter Grant, including beds, restaurant equipment and floor replacement. A Park and Recreation Advisory board recommendation includes approving Prince of Peace Lutheran Church using Pioneer Park for a benefit Oct. 31. Reagan, Bush Confronted Many ProblemsBy Richard E. Killblane Special to the News Editors Note: This is the second in a four-part series leading up to Veterans Day concerning American troop involvement throughout the world following the Vietnam War. Richard E. Killblane is a former U.S. Army Special Forces Infantry officer who served in Panama. He has a master’s degree in history. Lebanon Civil war between the Christian and Muslim inhabitants tore apart the once beautiful country of Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Force reacted to the increased instability and crossed the border to create a buffer zone. They also planned to eradicate the pesty Palestine Liberation Organization camps. Consequently, the PLO agreed to leave the country if the United States would protect the withdrawal. In the fall of 1982, President Ronald Reagan sent in the Marines. They occupied the Beirut International Airport and, as the original mission of evacuating the PLO had been accomplished, “mission creep” set in. The Marines remained in country with the new mission to support the Lebanese government in what seemed to be relative peace. It did not take long before the Marines found themselves the target of aggression. The Navy’s Sixth Fleet responded by bombarding suspected enemy locations. The USS Battleship “Mighty MO” Missouri made her appearance and pounded the hills. In the process, a Navy fighter pilot was shot down, but was soon released. The Israelis even become arrogant in the presence of their best ally. A Marine lieutenant boldly stood up to an Israeli tank armed with only a .45 pistol and prevented it from crossing his check point. Tragedy struck, however, on Sunday, Oct. 23, 1983, when a suicidal terrorist drove his truck loaded with explosives through the barriers and into the Marine barracks. In the resulting blast, 241 Marines and Navy personnel died. Security was increased as violence continued. In January 1984, Shi’ite commandos attacked the Marine outposts killing one and wounding four. That was enough. On Feb. 7, Reagan announced their withdrawal. Yet these same Marines in October had just seen combat in a short detour as they steamed on their way to relieve the bombing victims. Grenada Castro had become bold in the post Vietnam War period. He had sent Cuban advisors to the African country of Angola and became even bolder with communist gains in Central America. After Nicaragua fell in 1979, the tiny island of Grenada, led by Maurice Bishop, began to lean toward communism. Castro sent in a small army of workers to construct an air strip at Point Salinas capable of handling the largest of military aircraft. Castro then began to stockpile huge amounts of arms and ammunition. Grenada had become a supply base for communist expansion in the Western Hemisphere. After Bishop made moves to restore relations with the U.S., the pro-Soviet faction of his party, led by Bernard Coard, placed him under arrest on Oct. 13, 1983. Bishop supporters broke in and freed him. General Hudson Austin consequently had his Grenadan troops fire on the crowd, recapture Bishop then execute him on the spot. Austin then established himself as the head of a military junta. President Reagan watched in horror. His hidden agenda was to reverse communist gains in this hemisphere. The Medical School for American college students on the island gave him the excuse to act. On Oct. 21 the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States appealed for the United States to intervene. Reagan had the international support. At 5:36 on Tuesday morning, Oct. 25, 1983, Grenadans awoke to the sound of gunfire. AC-130 gunships out of Hurlbert Air Force Base in Florida circled the nearly completed Salinas Airport and pounded the antiaircraft gun emplacements. Shortly thereafter, C-130 Hercules aircraft released their loads of rangers who descended on the runway by parachute. Meanwhile the 2nd Fleet out of Norfolk, Va., with a Marine Expeditionary Unit on their way to Lebanon, stormed ashore on the northern part of the island to secure Pearls Airport. Delta Force assaulted the Governor-General’s residence but were repelled. Two Navy SEAL teams had some mishaps — one team drowned and the other had to abandon the mission. As Americans turned on their television sets to catch the early morning news, Operation Urgent Fury had begun. The Marines had secured their airport in two hours; then they were ordered to assault the beach at Grand Mal just north of the capital, St George, to rescue the trapped Delta commandos. In one day the Marines conducted two landings to the amazement of the Army. The next day another Marine company landed at Grand Mal and rescued the British Governor-General, Sir Paul Scoon, and his family. By Thursday the Marines had captured Coard, then Austin turned himself in. Meanwhile the Air Force had scattered the rangers all over the airstrip in isolated pockets. Against greater resistance than they expected from construction workers, the rangers fought to secure the surrounding area. They trapped many of the Cubans in adjacent barracks then seized the nearby campus, but found most of the students were at the main campus. The second day, rangers led an air assault onto the Grand Anse campus to rescue the remaining 224 college students. One helicopter was shot down so it could not lift out all the passengers. Still surrounded by enemy, a squad of rangers volunteered to remain behind. They pulled the inflatable life raft out of the downed helicopter then paddled out to the awaiting fleet under the cover of darkness. In spite of contradictory news reports, the college students felt their lives had been in danger. Two battalions of the 325th Airborne landed behind the rangers that first day. This was the first major combat operation since the Vietnam War, and the XVIII Airborne Corps did not want to look bad. The Army decided to pound a walnut with a sledgehammer. Over the next few days, C-141 aircraft landed, disgorging two brigades of paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C. The paratroopers advanced slowly north to secure the south half of the island. The United States led with its best shock forces — ranger battalions and a Marine Expeditionary Unit. Follow-on airborne battalions overwhelmed the small Grenadan army by shear weight in numbers. What proved significant was that the United States could rapidly deploy considerable combat forces on short notice. Four days after they received the word to go, the Grenadans woke up to a sky full of parachutes. Libya Back in 1981, Muammar al Qadhafi had begun to flex his muscles in the Mediterranean and drew a line in the sea which he called the “Line of Death.” He had extended his territorial waters into the Gulf of Sidra beyond what was considered acceptable. Any nation crossing it would be attacked. In August, America’s Mediterranean fleet met that challenge and crossed the line during maneuvers. Qadhafi sent up two SU-22 fighters which the Navy quickly shot down. In every subsequent aerial combat, Libyan jets were shot down. Americans began to agree with Qadhafi, it had become a line of death. Every time Americans crossed it, Libyan pilots died. Qadhafi retaliated by sponsoring a terrorist attack on a Berlin disco frequented by U.S. soldiers in April of 1986. Reagan wasted no time. On April 15, he called for a retaliatory airstrike on key Libyan facilities in Tripoli and Benghazi to include Qadhafi’s residence. Having narrowly escaped death, Qadhafi toned down his rhetoric and backed off any further challenges. Iran By 1986, Iran again became an international problem. With the Iran-Iraq War six years old, Iraq acquired French Exocet missiles. Iran blamed the purchase of the missiles on the money gained from the sale of oil. Iran decided to stop the flow of oil tankers out of the Persian Gulf. They mined the sea and threatened to sink any oil tankers, singling out those of Kuwait. The American Navy came to the rescue. The United States agreed to reflag the Kuwaiti tankers for protection. Mine sweepers cleared lanes and the fleet escorted the merchant ships. Tiring of the game, American armed forces took offensive action. A Navy SEAL and an Army Special Forces SCUBA team secretly swam up to and blew up two Iranian oil drilling platforms in the Gulf. Iran finally backed down from her threats. Panama In football terminology, Grenada had been a scrimmage. It provided the opportunity to shake out game plays — a chance to test the rapid deployment doctrine. After much refinement, the armed forces was ready for another try. In the summer of 1987, the Panamanian people took to the streets in protest against the military-controlled government of General Manuel Noriega. The United States sided with the people of Panama and the situation deteriorated as President Reagan and Noriega squared off. As the crisis worsened, Reagan increased the number of American troops already stationed in country in an effort to intimidate Noriega. The first deployment in March 1988 consisted of Army helicopters and U.S. Marines. It had little effect as Noriega did not take the Americans seriously. He continued his abuse of power. While political leaders rattled their sabers from a comfortable distance, the American servicemen and their families lived under the tyranny of the Panamanian Defense Force (PDF). In previous wars, Americans did not know their enemy until they were sent to fight them. They had to be taught to hate. Panama was different. American servicemen and women who lived in Panama, by right of the Canal Treaty, knew the PDF personally and did not like them. A day of reckoning was coming. In May 1989, Noriega nullified the Panamanian presidential elections as the world watched. President George Bush responded by sending in an additional 2,000 soldiers from the 7th Infantry Division, 5th Mechanized Infantry and more U.S. Marines. The two sides squared off as the Americans would no longer let the PDF push them around. The showdown came when, on the night of December 16, the PDF killed a Marine lieutenant then detained and abused a Navy lieutenant and his wife. In Bush’s words, enough was enough — he gave the order. At 12:45 on the night of Dec. 20, 1989, Army rangers seized the international airport from a PDF parachute company while six Green Berets and an AC-130 gunship destroyed a battalion of PDF reinforcements approaching the bridge. Other rangers jumped in to defeat the elite PDF infantry at Rio Hato which had rescued Noriega during the failed October coup. Army helicopters rained death on the Panamanians from the night sky. Mechanized infantry from the 5th Mech, under the support of tanks and an AC-130, stormed Noriega’s headquarters as paratroopers from the 508th Airborne Infantry assaulted the nearby garrison. Light infantrymen from the 7th Infantry Division and paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division defeated the PDF posts on the north end of the canal. A brigade of paratroopers from the 82nd parachuted in behind the rangers then assaulted another PDF garrison. A female lieutenant led an attack on a PDF military police post. Delta hunted down the elusive Noriega while Navy SEALs and Army Special Forces cut off his escape routes. As the sun came up, smoke filled the tropical sky as most of the fight had been beaten out of the PDF. In simultaneous attacks all up and down the canal by units in country and from as far away as California, the PDF had been destroyed. Over the next few weeks as more fight fighters poured in from California, the Americans mopped up scattered resistance by paramilitary thugs (Dignidads) and received the surrender of remaining PDF garrisons in the interior. In a single day the American armed forces had defeated the PDF. This was the shot in the arm that war fighters needed to build up their confidence. The game plays worked, and they were ready for the “Big One.” The next summer they would have their chance. Next: American troop involvement in the Persian Gulf and Somalia. LettersHelp Schools MoreRecently we read in the Ponca City News that we are going to have the opportunity to vote on a bond issue to improve and update our schools, and our taxes will be raised slightly. I’m all for improving and updating our schools, and I don’t even mind paying more taxes; however, I am concerned with whether or not teachers and students can achieve their goals in the atmosphere of today’s classrooms, updated or otherwise. The main problem is the class sizes are far too large, and teachers are overworked and overwhelmed; consequently, enormous problems will remain. New and better equipped buildings and higher pay for teachers is not going to alleviate the problems until class sizes, which HB 1017 was going to rectify, are adjusted, and students get the individual help they need and deserve. Too many kids need far too much, and they are simply not getting the personal attention they must have in order to succeed. Most teachers are determined and dedicated, but many don’t remain in education any longer than necessary because of the extreme demands in the classroom. Parents blame teachers; teachers blame parents and administrators, but it really doesn’t matter who blames whom; the fact remains; the system is not working for too many students. To make education effective, class sizes must be reduced significantly, and each class, K through 12, should have at least one trained aid, depending on class constituents. Immediately people are going to start seeing dollar signs when they read this statement, but I say to them, it is much more cost efficient to produce educated, productive, well adjusted citizens than it is to build, fill and support prisons. Updated buildings and equipment, and higher salaries are great and essential, but providing individual assistance to students and teachers is even more essential. If people in this city, county, state and nation are truly interested in improving the educational opportunities for our youth, we must do more than we’re doing. The problems seem to be overwhelming to educators and involved parents, but the answer could be as simple as reducing class size, providing ample trained aids, and providing discipline and assistance on a personal level to all students. Go visit a child’s school for a day. Volunteer some time. Get a feel for the challenges and disappointments teachers meet every day, then decide for yourself whether or not we’re doing enough. B.J. Martin Leave Signs AloneAs a former chairman of the Kay County Republican Party for many years, I have dealt with the problem of destruction of campaign signs and have noticed that this problem continues. This isn’t limited to one party, but happens to signs for candidates from both parties. Signs are a large expense in campaigns and the candidates I have spoken to about this problem, representing both parties, do not condone this practice at all! From my experience, sign destruction isn’t usually part of a campaign organization, but rather random acts by juveniles and sometimes overzealous supporters. Let’s not assume a candidate supports these actions. Parents, we can help by letting our children know that destruction of political signs is destruction of private property, is against the law, and can lead to prosecution. Also, we can discourage such activity by reporting any sign destruction we see. Remember, any candidate’s supporters, from either party, caught in an organized effort in such activities would find themselves in serious trouble with voters, as well as the police. When candidates adhere to the 30-day ordinance (which is still on the books in Ponca City), the campaign sign season is short and no matter who we support, we can support our neighbors’ rights to support the candidate of their choice without destroying signs. Deanna Lowther ClarificationThe Ponca City News printed a letter on Oct. 21, 1998, regarding vandalism of campaign signs written by Michelle McKay. This letter was written by Michelle Schieber McKay, daughter of Dee and Cathy Schieber, not by Machelle L. McKay, daughter of Michael and Phyllis McKay. Machelle L. McKay is not affiliated with any local political campaigns. Machelle L. McKay Oklahoma City City CalendarItems for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon. Anytime FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs). Through November 3 Kay County Republican Party Headquarters, Third and Grand, Ponca City, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Today ALANO Group Open Discussion meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street. Monday Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center Commissioner’s Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. ALANO Group 12 X 12 meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street. Tuesday Flu Shots by Kay County Health Department, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Elks Lodge, 1301 Bradley. Ponca City Main Street Authority, 1 p.m., Main Street Office, 117 North Third Street. ALANO Group Beginner’s meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street. Wednesday Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning Conference Room, Commercial Federal Building, Room 305, Fourth Street and Central Avenue. Flu Shots by Kay County Health Department, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Elks Lodge, 1301 Bradley. ALANO Group Big Book meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street. Thursday Dessert Party, 12:30-4 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, $3.50, sponsored by Episcopal Church Women. Lead Based Paint Seminar for landlords, renters and home sellers, 6:30-7:15 p.m., Conoco Fourth Street Club House, sponsored by Group One Inc. Realtors, information 762-0400, free and open to the public, Spanish interpreter available. Home Buying Seminar for experienced and first-time home buyers, 7:15-9 p.m., Conoco Fourth Street Club House, sponsored by Group One Inc. Realtors, information 762-0400, free and open to the public, Spanish interpreter available. ALANO Group Women’s meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street. Friday ALANO Group Speaker meeting (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street. Saturday McCord Arts and Crafts Fair, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., McCord School, three miles east of Ponca City on U.S. 60 and one mile south on McCord Road. ALANO Group Open Discussion (smoking allowed), 8 p.m., 603 South First Street. November 2 Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Pioneer Christian Crusaders Motorcycle Association, 6 p.m., Conestoga at I-35 and U.S. 60, west of Tonkawa, more information 765-3164. November 3 General Election, polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Planning Commission, 7 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. November 4 Energy Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Public Safety Center. Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs, 9:30 a.m., program by Wes Rice “Pecans in Oklahoma,” Cann Memorial Gardens. November 5 Hospice of Ponca City Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church. Kay-9 Dog Training Club, 7 p.m., Ponca City Library, public welcome. November 6 Historical Preservation Advisory Panel, noon, Planning Conference Room, Commercial Federal Building, South Fourth Street and East Central Avenue. November 7 27th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair, sponsored by Alpha Gamma Study Club, 8 a.m.-4:31 p.m., Unity Recreation Center, 1908 East Woodlands. November 8 “Rock and Reach” contemporary Christian concert featuring Overton and Broadway. 5 p.m. First Christian Church. Complimentary snack supper to follow. Admission is free. November 9 Kay County Retired Educators Association, 11:30 a.m., First Methodist Church, Sixth and Coolidge, Blackwell, program Northern Oklahoma College, subject music. Hospice of Ponca City Grief Support Group, 10 a.m., 1904 North Union Street, Suite 103; 7 p.m., Westminster Village. Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center Commissioner’s Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. November 10 Economic Development Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce, 420 East Grand Avenue. Ponca City Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Library Board Room, 515 East Grand Avenue. McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, Keeler Road and U.S. 60. Hospice of Ponca City Raindrops Support Group, 7 p.m., St. Paul’s Methodist Church, North Pecan Road at East Hartford Avenue. November 11 Cultural Affairs Commission, 11:30 a.m., Cultural Center Sun Room, 1000 East Grand Avenue. Rural Water District No. 3 (Braden) Board of Directors, 7 p.m., Braden Community Center. November 12 Ponca City Housing Authority, 10 a.m., 201 East Broadway Avenue. Agrarian Club, 6:30 p.m., southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’. November 13 Chicken Noodle Dinner, 5-7 p.m., adults $, children $2, homemade pie 50 cents, Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty Street, proceeds go to missions. Golden Villa Annual Fund Raiser, 5-8 p.m., Woodlands Christian Church, $5 adults, free to children 6 and under. November 13-14 Ponca Playhouse production “Our Town,” 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre, 104 East Grand Avenue, Ponca City. November 14 American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed (all the pancakes you can eat), 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., 407 West South Avenue, adults $3, children under 12 $1.50, children under 6 free, proceeds to Rehab Program. November 15 Ponca Playhouse production “Our Town,” 2 p.m., Poncan Theatre, 104 East Grand Avenue, Ponca City. November 16 Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, call Beth Wright 765-6738 for additional information. Family Council, 7 p.m., Highland Nursing Home, 1401 West Highland Avenue. November 17 Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate Conference Center. November 18 Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Cultural Center, Sun Room, 2000 East Grand Avenue. November 19 Hospice of Ponca City Grief Support Group, 10 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, Blackwell. Park and Recreation Advisory Board, 6:30 p.m., Municipal Court Room, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. November 20 Kaw Reservoir Authority, 10 a.m., Perkins Restaurant, Ponca City. Historical Preservation Advisory Panel Work Session, noon, Planning Conference Room, Commercial Federal Building, Room 305, Fourth Street and Central Avenue. Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. November 20-21 Ponca Playhouse production “Our Town,” 8 p.m., Poncan Theatre, 104 East Grand Avenue, Ponca City. November 23 Ponca City Board of Commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center Commissioner’s Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. November 24 Ponca City Main Street Authority, 1 p.m., Main Street Office, 117 North Third Street. November 25 Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning Conference Room, Commercial Federal Building, Room 305, Fourth Street and Central Avenue. December 10 Agrarian Club, 6:30 p.m., southwest meeting room, Western Sizzlin’. Lead-Based Paint, Home Buying Topics of SeminarsMany homes and apartments built before 1978 have paint containing lead, a substance that can be harmful to babies, children and even adults. Chipped paint, inside or outside an apartment or home, is a warning sign that lead could be a problem. Tests can be administered that can determine if lead is present in a person’s bloodstream. Thursday at 6:30 p.m., a lead-based paint seminar will be offered for landlords, renters and homeowners. This seminar will cover, among other things, EPA requirements for lead-based paint disclosure, laws regarding compliance with those requirements and guidelines for inspections and removal. Speakers will include Stewart Tate, attorney-at-law and Todd Martin, Accurate Inspections and Assessments from Oklahoma City. “Lead-based paint is an issue that is of importance to both property owners and home or apartment dwellers,” said Bob Askew, broker, Group One Inc., Realtors, sponsor of the seminars. “Lead-based paint can pose a real danger, especially to children and infants, and not everyone is aware of that fact. Landlords and anyone selling a property should be aware of the need for full disclosure of the possibility of lead-based paint on the premises, “ Askew continued. Group One brokers are currently working with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding compliance with the full disclosure laws. Information on lead-based paint is available at the Group One office, 1215 East Highland. Also on Thursday, beginning at 7:15 p.m., will be a home buying seminar for both experienced and first-time home buyers. This seminar will include detailed information on purchasing a home from loan pre-qualification and bond money to the closing. Speakers will include Dale Lewis, AmeriSpec Home Inspection Services, Tulsa; Carole Jeffries, Pioneer Bank and Trust; Robin Carpenter, Home National Bank; Paula Wynn, Oklahoma National Bank and Glenda Phillips, Commercial Federal Bank. “With the current low interest rates, many people are able to purchase homes that might not have been able to in the past,” said Askew. “The seminar on Thursday night will help first-time and even experienced home buyers learn the ins and outs of home purchasing.” he said. Both seminars will be held at the Conoco Fourth Street Club House, 1500 South Fourth Street. They are free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. A Spanish interpreter will be available throughout the evening. For more information call 762-0400. Science Training Provided To Public School TeachersPonca City Public School teachers and Stillwater Public School teachers came together for professional development training on inquiry-centered science. Trainers from the Hands-On Activity Science Program in Huntsville, Ala., spent two days last week with the teachers leading them through experiments and investigations using science kits developed by Science and Technology for Children (STC). First grade teachers observed and recorded the weather. They practiced reading a thermometer, made a rain gauge, and observed and classified clouds. Second grade teachers studied soils. They investigated the chief components of soil and explored the relationship between soil and plant growth. The teachers also conducted tests that enabled them to observe and compare such properties as particle size, setting and water retention. Third grade teachers studied plant growth and development. They spent time investigating plant structure, examining bees, and discussing and illustrating seed production. Teachers left the training with STC science kits to use in their classrooms. Their students will have the opportunity to observe, investigate, hypothesize, and test their hypothesis. In order to help children think like scientists, they have to learn to act like scientists. Kindergarten, third, fourth and fifth grade teachers will be trained in November. The professional development training and the science materials were all made possible by the Goals 2000 Grant written in collaboration with Ponca City Public Schools, Stillwater Public Schools and Oklahoma State University. Mid-High Orchestra Concert Set TuesdayThe Ponca City Mid-High Fall Orchestra Concert is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Mid-High Auditorium. After nine weeks of preparation, the group is ready to perform some familiar tunes, such as “Themes from Peter Gynt” and “Danza.” The public is invited to attend. Child Development Center Just One of 17 United Way AgenciesEditor’s Note: This is one of a series of articles explaining the services available to the community of Ponca City through United Way’s 17 member agencies. The Child Development Center has been providing quality care and developmentally appropriate learning activities to children for 31 years. “The center provides a home away from home when mom and dad are both at school or work,” says Kim Jump, director of the Child Development Center. “We provide learning experiences that promote growth for children in areas of healthy development. We want to fuel children by furnishing hands-on-sensory activities to stimulate their natural abilities to learn. Because preschoolers learn and grow through play, we incorporate science, math, social studies, physical activities and social development into learning centers.” CDC staff are to acquire at least 12 to 20 hours of early childhood training and to renew CPR and emergency first aid annually. Training is obviously a vital part of a teacher’s accomplishment in serving the children in an early childhood setting. Jump reports, “We take pride in continuing our education in early childhood because these children deserve the best we can give them.” The Child Development Center resulted when local Church Women United members realized there was a growing need for quality preschool child care in our community, especially for financially stressed, special need families. The center adjusts tuition rates based upon total family income, size and need. Parents or guardians must be employed, furthering their education or physically unable to provide care to their children to ensure a spot at the center. “Our parents love their children very much and desire the best of care for them, but many of our parents struggle financially or are in other areas of life and need assistance. That is where the center steps in to provide aid for these families,” Jump stresses. Funding is provided by the United Way of Ponca City, local churches, individual contributions and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The center collaborates with many of the other 17 United Way agencies in providing needed services to our families. Children receive vision screening annually provided free by the local Masons and Prevent Blindness Oklahoma, and the center contracts with Edwin Fair to provide assistance with speech and hearing screening. Jump reported that they were very excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Ponca City School system’s four-year-old program this school year. We have one class room that houses a full day four-year-old program with day care and meals provided to the children. The school’s certified teacher provides activities that will enable a child to be prepared to start kindergarten next year. The Child Development Center board of directors consist of 24 actively involved men and women. CDC is always searching for members of this community to be a vital part of the center by actively volunteering time to make things happen and to continue the functioning of the center. AmeriCorps members currently serving at the Child Development Center are pursuing volunteers to participate in the Special Friends volunteer program. These Special Friends will be involved with the children in the classrooms, giving one-on-one attention to young children needing special love and attention. For additional information on how to become a Special Friend or board member, call 765-7532. United Way of Ponca City serves 17 agencies within the community, including American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Bluestem Girl Scout Council, Boy Scouts of America, Bridgeway, Child Development Center, Domestic Violence Program, Golden Villa Adult Day Care Services, Helpline Inc., Hospice of Ponca City, New Emergency Resource Agency, Northern Oklahoma Youth Services, Peachtree Landing, ProTeens, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), The Salvation Army and YMCA. Parents, Teachers To MeetPonca City Public Schools would like to announce the following parent/teacher conference dates. Please note that most of the schools have scheduled evening times to accommodate working parents. Parents who are unable to attend one of these scheduled dates, may contact their school office to make other arrangements. Garfield Academy — Oct. 29 from 3:40 to 6:15 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 7:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Liberty Elementary — Oct. 29 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Lincoln Elementary — Oct. 29 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to noon. Roosevelt Elementary — Oct. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Trout Elementary — Oct. 29 from 3:30 to 7:15 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 8 to 11:35 a.m. Union Elementary — Oct. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 8 to 11 a.m. Washington Elementary — Oct. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to noon. Woodlands Elementary — Oct. 29 from 3:45 to 6:45 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 8 to 11:45 a.m. Middle School — Oct. 29 from 5 to 7:45 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 7:30 to 10:45 a.m. Mid-High — Oct. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Senior High — Oct. 29 from 5 to 7:45 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 8 to 10:45 a.m. Lincoln Alternative School — Oct. 29 from 5 to 7:45 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 8 to 10:45 a.m. Ponca Tribe Watching Climate Change WorkshopMembers of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma will be watching with interest Oct. 28-Nov. 1 when the Native People/Native Homelands Climate Change Workshop is held in Albuquerque, N.M. Delbert Cole, environmental technician for the Ponca Tribe Environmental Protection Agency, said that the events in Albuquerque may have some bearing on activities of the local group. Cole said, “We will be very interested in what goes on in Albuquerque.” Voices from Native America will bring a fresh perspective to the body of scientific evidence that suggests humans are disrupting the balance of the world’s climate. The Albuquerque meeting will bring together traditional Native elders, tribal leaders, scholars, educators and scientists to document cultural and historical knowledge of climate change and the relationship between indigenous peoples and the earth. The workshop, cosponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque, is one of 20 meetings being held around the country to examine the potential consequences of climate change on the U.S. population, environment and economy. The Ponca Tribe established an environmental management office in cooperation with the EPA in an effort to protect the Native environment. Becky Johnson is director while Cole is the environmental technician. The group is under the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and the Inter-tribal Environmental Council composed of 31 tribes. The local agency is aligned with the Northern Oklahoma Tribal Environmental Council composed of the Ponca Tribe, Kaw Nation, Pawnee Tribe, Otoe-Missouria Tribe and Tonkawa Tribe. The group is also a member of the Tribal Environmental Coalition of Oklahoma (18 tribes), Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (Albuquerque) and the Indigenous Environmental Network out of Minnesota. The Ponca effort is under the auspices of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Dallas. New Poncan Season Features Top Artists at a Solid ValueThe Poncan Theatre Subscription Season campaign is under way, according to executive director Kenn Wessel. “Our 1998-99 subscription season is more exciting and an even better bargain than last year’s subscription,” he says. “We feel very pleased to offer a strong program with five big-name artists on our roster.” Patrons can become 1998-99 members by calling the Poncan at 580-765-0943. “This slate of artists really catches the eye,” Wessel says. With such quality acts as Glen Campbell and six-time Grammy winners “Asleep at the Wheel,” the Poncan has found a niche among the elite, popular artists of our day. “We open the season with one of the most popular groups of the 1970s,” says Wessel. The Lettermen were so popular that a self-respecting radio station pretty much had to play their music. Even stations that mostly featured the harder-edged music of the day also included the mellow, gentler sounds of The Lettermen. The group will be in the Poncan with a Christmas show on Dec. 10, 1998. “We’re particularly proud of the value we offer to subscribers,” Wessel says. The Poncan board has managed to reduce ticket costs by the help of corporate sponsors. “We have a lower average price than we did last year, and that’s truly incredible. It’s incredible because we have even bigger name recognition and because we actually have an extra act in the season.” The average cost per seat for a member is $15. “Where else could you see Glen Campbell for $15 and also have the premium seating of the Poncan Theatre?” Wessel asked. Other acts include Hank Williams III and the extraordinary Buddy Holly tribute starring John Mueller. Wessel said, “This is as fine an entertainment value as you’ll ever see.” In addition to the shows, subscribers also get a Poncan Player’s Card. With the card, they can get discounts on any ticket they purchase to an event sponsored by the Poncan Theatre. Most patrons use the card for movie tickets. There are three kinds of membership in the Poncan Theatre, Wessel explains. One category is the Player’s Card Member, which gives the discount card for a $25 purchase. The next category is the Regular Subscriber, which gives low prices on subscription events. The Regular Subscriber also receives a mailer that tells patrons when tickets will be available. Subscribers can reserve seats early, before events are advertised to the general public. The third category is the Premium Member, and these patrons receive a phone call to get an even earlier opportunity to select seats. Both Regular and Premium members also receive the Poncan Player’s Card at no additional charge, increasing the value of their membership. The corporate sponsors for 1998-99 include Ponca City Publishing, Home National Bank, Evans and Associates Enterprises, Ratliff Construction, Glass Trucking, CableOne, and Conoco. “These businesses have contributed significantly to the cultural life in Ponca City,” says Wessel. “Without their help, we couldn’t do this at all. But with their help, we’ve been able to bring a great opportunity to Ponca City.” For more information, patrons should stop by the Poncan Theatre at 104 East Grand between 1 and 5 p.m., or call at 580-765-0943. The Poncan can accept Visa and MasterCard. ‘Godspell’ Opens Friday At NOC Arts Center StageTONKAWA — “Godspell,” Northern Oklahoma College fall musical directed by Mariann Priboy, brings a large cast of vocalists, dancers and instrumentalists to the Northern Performing Arts Center stage the last of this month. Performances will be given at 8 p.m. Oct. 30, 31, Nov. 5, 6 and 7. A 2 p.m. matinee will be presented Sunday, Nov. 1. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students and children. Appearing as Jesus is Shane Ellis of Enid. Members of the men’s ensemble are David Kindred and Donnie Mayden of Blackwell; Dee LeLeon, Joe Lessert and Andy Smith, all of Ponca City; Brad Ellis of Enid; Scotty Blosch of Morrison; and Alex Breeding of Bixby. The women’s ensemble includes Sarah Fiscus of Blackwell; Amanda Ray of Braman; Marie Beyer, Trisha Challis, Margaux Griffith and Kitty McNamara, all of Ponca City; Katie Thompson of Enid; Claudette Tarrant of Crescent; Rebecca Perry of Cleveland; and Christy Kelly and Dru Heffington of Tulsa. In the dance troupe are Summer Williamson of Tonkawa; Auburn Williamson, a Tonkawa High School senior; Michael Anne Jones of Perry; Erin Rutherford, a Ponca City Mid High freshman; and Melissa Arambula, a Ponca City High School sophomore. Orchestra members are Chad Matheson of Ponca City, John Freise of Fairfax and B.J. O’Shea of Edmond. Adam Schirlls of Bartlesville serves as stage manager, assisted by Josh Long of Tonkawa. J.D. Crockett and Tanner Breen of Bartlesville are in charge of lighting, and acting as tech crew are Ashley Hollingsworth of Ponca City, Angela Hobbs of Perry, Andrea Nelson of Enid, Diane O’Leary of Hominy and Travis Englehardt of Skiatook. Istook ‘Disappointed’ In Last Major VoteBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Fifth District Congressman Ernest Istook, who is campaigning for reelection, said here recently, “I was very disappointed in the last major vote of the session on the ombudsman appropriations bill, because it takes the surplus that we have finally achieved and spends almost a third of that surplus and boosts the size of government. “It is out of keeping with the agreement that the president had made a year ago to accept limits on spending this year. I think we finally achieved a balanced budget and is indeed time to celebrate but not by going on a spending spree, unless there are things in the legislation that are sorely needed such as boosting defense spending, which has suffered under the Clinton administration.” Istook added, “The Armed Forces ability to protect America’s interests has been diminished.” He said because of the severe weather of hurricanes and floods assistance is needed but that doesn’t justify all of these other billions of dollars that were put into the spending bill. The Congressman said that balancing the budget was a good thing that Congress did this year. He said by the federal government not having to borrow money that this drives interest down for consumers. Describing the difference between him and his challenger, M.C. Smothermon, is that she wants bigger government and he wants littler government. Istook charged that Smothermon wants higher taxes on corporations and families making over $75,000 plus higher alcohol and cigarette taxes. He says he wants lower taxes for all groups of taxpayers, and no tax hikes. He said Smothermon wants more regulation and he wants less regulation. Istook says he believes primary control of education belongs at state and local levels and that his opponent believes federal government should have primary responsibility over education. Istook supports the school prayer amendment, he says his opponent opposes school prayer. Istook says he opposes U.N. global climate treat, which would force higher gasoline taxes and she wants U.S. to adhere to the U.N. treaty regarding global climate change. Other differences in Istook’s literature which labels himself as “a solid conservative Republican” and calls Smothermon “an old-fashioned liberal Democrat,” were their positions on term limits and abortions. Western Music Association Announces 1998 Western Music Awards NomineeTucson, Ariz. — The Western Music Association has announced that Les Gilliam, “The Oklahoma Balladeer,” of Ponca City, has been selected as a finalist for the 1998 Male Performer of the Year for the Western Music Awards. This prestigious honor is a result of ballots cast by the WMA membership, which singles out only the most outstanding performers and musicians currently active in the field of Western Music. The WMA Awards Program will be held during the 10th Annual International Western Music Festival in Tucson, Nov. 4-8. The Festival will be held at Old Tucson Studios and headquartered at the Holiday Inn Center and the facilities are handicapped accessible. Gilliam was officially named “The Oklahoma Balladeer” by the 1998 State Legislature and is the only Oklahoman to be named a finalist for the 1998 WMA awards. He was recently named the 1998 Male Performer of the Year at the largest country music festival in Michigan and has made two trips to Europe to entertain. Les is a native of Gene Autry, Okla., and on Nov. 14 will present the tribute to Gene Autry for his induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. For more information regarding the WMA Festival, contact the WMA Business Office at (520) 743-9794 or visit the WMA Website at www.westernmusic.org DEATHSFlorence Ilene Rutherford Florence Ilene RutherfordPERRY — Florence Ilene Rutherford, resident of Perry, Okla., died Thursday, Oct. 22, 1998 at 7:20 p.m. in Perry Memorial Hospital, Perry. She was 87. The funeral will be Monday, Oct. 26, 1998 at 2 p.m. in Brown Funeral Home Chapel in Perry with burial in Grace Hill Cemetery in Perry. Florence Ilene Rutherford was born Aug. 29, 1911 at Red Rock, Okla., the daughter of George and Mary (Hedrick) Housh. She attended school at Red Rock, graduating from Red Rock High School. She and Curtis Phipps were united in marriage in Perry on Sept. 25, 1930, and he died in 1964. She later married Joseph Rutherford on Oct. 4, 1973 and he preceded her in death on April 8, 1987. Mrs. Rutherford had worked in nursing homes in both Enid and Ponca City. Survivors include her son, Byron of Red Rock, and a daughter, Lois Williams of Enid; also four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. In addition to her two husbands, Mrs. Rutherford was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and three sisters. Richard Eugene HarrellNEWKIRK — Richard Eugene Harrell, longtime area resident, died Friday afternoon, Oct. 23, 1998 at his home in Newkirk. He was 78. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27, 1998 at 2 p.m. in the Miller-Stahl Funeral Chapel with Danny Cornish, minister of the Newkirk Church of Christ officiating. Burial will follow in Newkirk Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Stahl Funeral Service. The son of Russell and Lucy Leona Litka Harrell, Richard was born Jan. 31, 1920 in Tulsa. He grew up on his parents’ dairy farm and attended school in the Tulsa area. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Oklahoma. Later he played in the Bob Wills Band. He was a member of the National Guard until World War II broke out and he entered the U.S. Air Force, receiving pilot training for heavy bombers and was stationed at Pearl Harbor. Later in the war, he was shot down and was a prisoner of war. Richard and another prisoner dug their way out and escaped. After returning home, he worked for Allied Furniture Company and for several different companies in Ponca City. Richard married Dollie L. Koehn in Nowata, Okla. on Dec. 2, 1967. They made their first home in Ponca City and two years later they moved to Newkirk. He enjoyed football and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Newkirk. He is survived by his wife, Dollie of the home; a daughter, Betty Lou Bailey of Hawaii; one step-daughter, Linda Lou Nightingale of Bentley, Kan.; a sister, Mrs. Armetta Ward of Tulsa; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers. Viewing of the body will only occur at the funeral service. Veryl G. EbertBLACKWELL — Veryl G. Ebert, resident of Wichita, Kan., died Wednesday evening, Oct. 21, 1998, in the Catholic Living Center in Wichita. She was 95. The funeral service will be Monday, Oct. 26, 1998 at 10 a.m. in Roberts Chapel, Blackwell, with the Rev. Mike Ebert officiating. Burial will follow in Blackwell Cemetery under direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home. Honorary casket bearers will be Lester Ebert, Derry Ebert, Billy Ed Ebert, Jo Ebert and Jack Frost. Veryl G. Ebert was born on July 16 1903, in Indian Territory, Okla., the daughter of Joseph Richmond and May Belle (Braly) Ebert. Her father made the land run in 1896, settling south of Caldwell, Kan., which later became a part of Grant County, Okla. She was a member of the Wellington Place Baptist Church in Wichita, Kan. Surviving are two daughters, Adrah JoAnne Sisk of Rogers, Ark. and Wincel Vee Gordon of Wichita; three grandsons and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters, Dean Richardson, Nannie Newkirk, Pauline Matthews, Minnie Frost, Adrah Brown, and Nellie Allen; also five brothers, Martin, Glen, Edison, Ola and Eldridge Ebert. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the First Baptist Church, First and Bridge in Blackwell or to the Kibler Road Church of God, 3304 Kibler Road, Van Buren, Ark. 72956. Lola Ruth HeltonLola Ruth Helton, Hominy resident, died Friday, Oct. 23, 1998 at the Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa. She was 64. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, 1998 at Longwood Cemetery in Ponca City with Pastor Larry Delay, Sequoyah Hills Baptist Church, Tulsa, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City. Ms. Helton was born April 11, 1934 in Hunt County, Texas, the daughter of Dewey and Lena (Daniels) Bostick. She moved to old Kaw City as a child. She was married to John D. Helton on Dec. 12, 1958 in Newkirk. He preceded her in death on Nov. 30, 1994. The couple lived in Kaw City for a few years and then moved to Newkirk where he worked in the oilfield and for the railroad. Ms. Helton was a homemaker. The couple moved to Hominy in 1978. She is survived by one son, Billy Helton of Hominy; two daughters, Rosemary Parks of Hominy and Norma Jean Weaver of Leonard, Texas; three step-daughters, Bonnie Shoats of Ponca City, Dorothy Brook of Tulsa, and Charlotta Helton of Tulsa; two step-sons, John Helton of Tulsa and Jim Helton of Ponca City; two sisters, Mary Hughes of Caddo Mills, Texas and Frances Bostick of Cash, Texas; two brothers, Curtis Bostick of Chandler, Texas and Dewey Bostick of Terrell, Texas; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild, also several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, and a brother. Services PendingRuth A. KingRuth A. King, Ponca City resident, died Saturday morning, Oct. 24, 1998, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth. The family will be at 2535 South Ranch Drive. Funeral arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral Home, and will be announced later. NEWS BRIEFSMozart Club — All students in grades Kindergarten through sixth grade who are studying music are invited to join the Mozart Music Club. Deadline for registration is Nov. 15. The first meeting will be Sunday in the Cultural Center, 1000 East Grand. Students are encouraged to wear a costume to match the piece of music which they will perform. Students whose last names begin with A through L will meet from 2 until 3 p.m. Students whose last names begin with M through Z, as well as older students, may come at 2:45 until 3:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available from 2:45 until 3 p.m. Pure Water Wagon, reverse osmosis water, $0.25 a gallon, distilled $0.50. Call 765-4116 or 765-6464 for delivery. 1717 North 5th, Ponca City. adv. Children’s Halloween — The Ponca City Library will be hosting a special Halloween children’s program Thursday at 4:15 p.m. Magician Steve Crawford will present a treat of magical mischief and mystery. Children are invited to wear their costumes and enjoy the fun. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv. Open Meeting — Ponca City Softball Association will hold an open meeting to give out awards and the election of new officers for next year at St. Paul’s Church at Pecan and Hartford at 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Butter Braids: Seven flavors, rise and bake, home made flavor, great gifts. Grand Central Station, 114 South Fifth, 767-8336. adv. NPO Davis Participates in Ceremony — Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeff W. Davis, son of Larry W. and Betty D. Davis of Tonkawa, recently participated in a remembrance ceremony for Prisoners of War and Missing in Action while on a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean and Arabian Gulf aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, home ported in Everett, Wash. Davis’ ship also paused in the Arabian Gulf to pay tribute to the men and women who have given their lives in the service of their country. The 1992 graduate of Tonkawa High School joined the Navy in January 1995. Call Don Sawyer, your full time chimney sweep since 1975. Efficient and no mess. Call 1-800-974-8698, in Ponca 762-8883. adv. Coat Drive — Ponca City Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center is accepting donations for a coat drive. Coats will be given to local families. Those wishing to participate, contact Melissa at 762-6668, or drop offs are accepted at 1400 North Waverly. Carpet Cleaning most modern method of cleaning. Recommended by major carpet manufacturers, most completely trained personal and finest service. Reasonable prices, references. Call Floorcraft 762-8381. adv. Buffalo Post Meeting — There will be a special meeting of the Little Standing Buffalo American Legion Post at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Social Service Building in White Eagle. The meeting is to discuss the upcoming Veterans Day dance and parade. It is important that all members attend, and all potential and former members are welcome. Court Allen Construction. Concrete and Flagstone walkways, patios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv. Vehicle Towed — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 7:06 a.m. Friday that a wrecked and abandoned vehicle in a yard of 500 block of North Lake Street was being towed from the scene. A report was taken. Come Join the fun every Tuesday night. All you can eat crab legs, $13.99 at the Silver Dollar Cafe. One mile east of New River Bridge in the Silver City Develop ment. 762-7484. adv. Stereo Stolen — A woman from the 4300 block of Dove Lane was at the Ponca City Police Department at 8:04 a.m. Friday to report that her stereo had been stolen from her vehicle Tuesday while in the 300 block of North Elm Street. The information was logged. Final Liquidation at Sue’s Used Furniture. 1801 North Union. Everything must go! Open Sunday from 12-? adv. Vandalism — A man from the 500 block of East Hazel Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:30 a.m. Friday that someone had vandalized his residence. A report was taken. Costume Shop. Fantasy Theatrical and costume wigs. Selling all costume rentals. Playhouse Clothing. Maxine’s Yesteryears, 320 N. Union. adv. Beer Theft — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 9:10 p.m. Friday from a clerk at Triple T, 3100 block of East U.S. 60 that a beer theft had occurred. The information was logged. Vehicle Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call from the 700 block of South Fourteenth Street at 8:37 a.m. Friday that a vehicle was on fire. Two units from the Ponca City Fire Department responded and put the fire out. Winterize Your vehicle before the cold weather sets in. $55 Flush ‘N Fill special at Grand Ave. Auto Repair. 210 West Grand. No appointments necessa- ry. Good through November 15th. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of North Lake Street at 9:28 a.m. Friday that a 48-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay. State Certified DUI School Bridgeway, Inc. is Kay Co.'s only local non-profit organization that offers both mid week and weekend DUI Schools and Assessments. Next school scheduled Friday, October 30th, and Saturday, October 31st, starting at 5:00 p.m. We now offer the 24 hr. DUI School. Call 762-1462 for reserva- tions and information. adv. Vehicle Damaged — A woman from the 1000 block of South Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:49 a.m. Friday that someone had broken the mirror off her vehicle. A report was taken. Beanie Baby clear boxes, tag protectors, charms and keychains, Carla’s Hallmark Downtown adv. Beer Stolen — A clerk at Citgo reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:35 a.m. Friday that two girls and a boy had just stolen beer from a truck. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Cruise Special deeply discounted. Circle the cape of South America, visit penguins on Falkland Island, ride with the gauchos across the steppes of Pata- gonia plus much more. Norwegian Cruise Line sailing January 2, 1999 for 14 days. Call Beth Masters 1-800-329-2556. adv. Accident — A vehicle accident in the 1400 block of East Prospect Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:12 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv. Accident — A vehicle accident at the intersection of East Grand Avenue and Fifth Street was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:42 a.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Buy 1 Get 1 Free taper candles, Carla’s Hallmark Downtown. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Eighth Street and East Central Avenue at 12:25 p.m. Friday that a 50-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant for failure to obey. Pauline's Every Monday Night Special. Fried Chicken Only- all white meat. All you can eat, $6.50. For reservations call 765-5460. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 400 block of South Pine Street at 2 p.m. Friday that a 36-year-old man was being held on a Kay County warrant. Now Open Sunday’s 12-4 till Christmas. Carla’s Hallmark Downtown. adv. Stolen Vehicle — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 2:25 p.m. that a vehicle was blocking an alley in the 300 block between Lincoln Street and Washington Street. A wrecker was notified and the vehicle was towed from the scene. Information was logged that it had been stolen from the 400 block of South Lincoln Street. Sunday Sidewalk sale, 8-? south parking lot, Tee-Kay Pets, 10th and Highland. Lots of new and used pet stuff. Household items. House plants and perenni- als. 762-3020. adv. Accident — The Ponca City Police Department received a report of an accident at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and Bradley Avenue at 3:42 p.m. Friday. A report was taken. Camera Repairs. Graham Photo, 201 North First, Downtown. 765-4348. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 1200 block of South Twelfth Street at 3:57 p.m. Friday that a 25-year-old woman was being held on a city warrant for driving under suspension. Accident — An accident in the 1400 block of West Highland Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:27 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Assault — A woman from the 2500 block of Eagle reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:44 p.m. Friday that her eighth grade son had been grabbed by a subject in a pickup and dragged through the parking lot at Ponca City High School. A report was taken. 1999 101 Ranch Old Timers Calenders $10. Linda Rennie, Pioneer Bank, 762-5651. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department ted from the 700 block of North Palm Street at 5:04 p.m. Friday that a 27-year-old woman was being held on assault and battery. Subject Held — The Communications Center received a 911 call from Triple T, 720 South Waverly Street at 9:32 p.m. Friday that a disturbance was occurring in the parking lot. Officers were assigned and a 31-year-old woman was held for DUI, having no insurance, driving under suspension, transporting an open bottle and a city warrant for failure to appear. Accident — A two-vehicle accident at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Hartford Avenue was reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:49 p.m. Friday. Two officers were assigned and a report was taken. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of Gary Avenue and North Union Street at 2:21 a.m. Saturday that a 21-year-old man was being held for domestic assault and battery and public intoxication. Burglary — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported at 4:54 a.m. Saturday that a door to a business in the 300 block of North Union Street had been busted in and items were scattered all over. Information on the burglary was logged. Signs Dumped — A woman reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 9:32 p.m. Friday that five high school age boys in a sport utility vehicle had dumped approximately 40 signs in a front yard of the 2100 block of Cedar. an officer responded and noted there were too many to be picked up and Animal Control was notified to pick up the campaign, real estate, and traffic signs from the area. Hit and Run — A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 11:27 p.m. Friday that a vehicle in a parking lot of a business in the 700 block of East Prospect Avenue had been hit and another vehicle had left the scene. An officer was assigned and a report was taken that two vehicles in the parking lot had been hit by the suspected vehicle. Assault — The Communications Center received a 911 call from Snyders Grocery, 6 S.W. Riverside Avenue at 11:14 p.m. Friday that a subject had been beaten up. The information was logged that the call was transferred to the Kay County Sheriff’s Office to handle. Window Broken — A woman from the 1800 block of North Woodlands Road reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 1:36 a.m. Saturday that a window had been broken at her residence. An officer was assigned and the information was logged. LIFESTYLESPiano Workshop Using Notables In Music Theme Piano Workshop Using Notables In Music ThemeMembers of the Piano Workshop, a division of the Ponca City Federated Music Club of Ponca City, met for their first fall meeting on Oct. 20, in the home of Kathy Wimberley. Co-hostesses were Marge Howard and Lois Rence. Introducing the new season’s program theme of “Notables in Music,” the workshop chairman, Lois Rence, gave an overview of the planned programs and presented the lesson, “American Pianists of Note.” Playing piano numbers were Kay Anthony, Mary Sunshine Cogman, Marge Howard, Barbara Manering, Elma Robson, Ann Salmons, Frances Wood Thompson and Kathy Wimberley. Special thanks was given to Alice Crowder, and her husband Hugh, who provide much of the music used in the programs, as well as printing the yearly program sheets given to members. It was announced that the next meeting will be Nov. 17 in the home of Barbara Manering, with Barbara Brown and Kathleen Chambers providing the refreshments for the 9:30 coffee. The refreshments will be followed by the program on “Pianists Who Became Notable Composers,” to be given by the hostess. Ann Salmons will arrange for the musical selections. Schiebers Observe 25 YearsMr. and Mrs. Dee Schieber, 1613 Kildare Road, will observe their silver wedding anniversary Tuesday. The couple will celebrate with a trip at a later date. Schieber and the former Cathy Spears were married Oct. 27, 1973 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Schieber is a Kay County Commissioner and Mrs. Schieber is employed at Brick House Fine Jewelers. They are affiliated with St. Mary’s and have four children and two grandchildren. Their children and a son-in-law are Michelle McKay, Daniel Schieber, Lesley Schieber, and Debbie and Derek Stewart. Grandchildren are Angela McKay and Kelsey Stewart. Pioneer Toastmasters Schedule Open HouseThe public is invited to attend an open house Oct. 28 at the R & D East Auditorium at Conoco being sponsored by the Pioneer Toastmasters. Registration is 11:15 - 11:30 a.m. and the meeting will be 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. “Harvest Your Leadership Skills” is the theme for the event. “Organizing thoughts and speaking with confidence” is the goal for Toastmasters. The non-profit organization is devoted to helping people speak in public and improve their communication and leadership skills. Surprise Party Honors CalesA surprise anniversary reception for Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Cales Jr. was held at the Ponca City Cultural Center on Oct. 17. The occasion was a celebration of the couple’s 40th wedding anniversary. Cales and the former Nona Love were married Oct. 25, 1958 at the First Christian Church. He is self-employed in farming and has a trucking business. The couple is affiliated with First Christian Church. Hosting the reception were their children and grandchildren: Tim and Sherrie Powell, Tanner and Lauren, and Donna and Steve Cales, Chase and Casey. TOPS Chapter Members MeetTOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday evening with Donna McCoy calling the meeting to order. The devotion was given by Janie Fairchild. Ann Stuever led the TOPS Pledge and Betty Flower led the KOPS Kreed. Roll was called by Natalie McCoy followed by the weight report given by Betty Flower. There were two Best Losers, Ann Stuever and Janie Fairchild, and Shirley Love won the “Ha-Ha” Pot. The chapter welcomed new member, Judy Gilliland. A new Forbidden Food was drawn and new contact persons. A short discussion followed during which details of the Nov. 7 Fun/Workshop at Stillwater were discussed. Those wishing to attend should notify Donna McCoy by Monday evening. The program, presented by Loretta Riley, was “Take It off — Keep It Off,” with prizes awarded to Donna McCoy, Natalie McCoy, and Chera Brewer. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. Weigh-in time is 6 to 6:45 p.m. and meetings are at 6:45 p.m. on Mondays. For more information contact Betty Flower at 765-5448 or Natalie McCoy at 767-1429. Kennedys Celebrate 25 YearsMr. and Mrs. Jon Kennedy, 2904 North Pecan Road, recently celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary by hosting a silver and white dinner at the Ponca City Country Club. The couple will also host a reception following both the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services today for the members of Grace Episcopal Church. Jon R. Kennedy and the former Phyllis Elaine Lowry were married Oct. 27, 1973 at the First United Methodist Church in Ponca City. Kennedy is an alumni of Ponca City High School. He was awarded a football scholarship at the University of Oklahoma where he completed a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He was an employee with Conoco Inc. for 25 years, and at the time of his retirement, was Manager of Oil Movements Mid Continent Business Unit. He is a member of the Noon Lions Club, board member of the Ponca City Area Literacy Council, Pioneer Transit, Marland Estate Commission, and is on the Vestry of Grace Episcopal Church. His hobbies include fishing, woodworking and sports. Mrs. Kennedy is an alumni of Oxford High School, Oxford Kan. Upon graduation, she relocated to Ponca City where she attended Ponca City Business College, graduating with an Associates degree. Phyllis was an employee at Conoco Inc. for 32 years, and before her retirement was a Sr. Title Supervisor. She is Chairman of the Marland Estate Commission, a Board of Director for Hospice of Ponca City, Inc., Episcopal Church Women and the Conoco Retirees Association. She is also a member of the Credit Committee of the Cherokee Strip Credit Union, Four O’Clock Garden Club, and is president of Chapter EL, PEO. Her hobbies include reading and genealogy. Wheatheart Nutrition Menu Set for WeekVolunteers are needed to deliver meals to the home bound participating in the Wheatheart Nutrition Project. For more information call 767-1620. Wheatheart Nutrition Menus for this week are as follows: Monday, Oct. 26: Sloppy Joe; tomato rice soup; oven fried potatoes; bun with margarine; peach crisp. Tuesday, Oct. 27: Fish krispies with catsup; macaroni tomatoes; seasoned green beans; muffin with margarine; red gelatin with whipped topping. Wednesday, Oct. 28: Sliced turkey with gravy; mashed potatoes; buttered peas and carrots; roll with margarine; fresh fruit. Thursday, Oct. 29: Barbecue meatloaf; coleslaw; chilled peaches; bun with margarine; sugar cookie. Friday, Oct. 30: Chicken and noodles; buttered broccoli; mixed fruit; biscuit with margarine; cherry fluff. Unruhs Observe AnniversaryMarvin and Doris Unruh of Tonkawa celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Oct. 24. Their family will celebrate the golden anniversary at Thanksgiving. Marvin Unruh and the former Doris Reames were married at Isabella, with the Rev. John Bloss of Kingfisher officiating. The couple moved to Tonkawa in 1957. The children of the couple are Gloria and Dwayne Johnson of Isabella, Larry and Jacque Unruh of Benson, Minn., Patricia and Doug Brown of Garden City, Kan., John and Joyce Unruh of Littleton, Colo., David Unruh of Ponca City, Sheila and Bill Ford of Ponca City. The couple has 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Jennifer Diane Stephens Marries Jerald Ryan SelkeWedding vows uniting Jennifer Diane Stephens and Jerald Ryan Selke were solemnized in a 2 p.m. ceremony Sept. 19, 1998 at Our Lord’s Community Church in Oklahoma City. The double ring ceremony was officiated by Dr. Jack Dabny. The sanctuary was decorated with an arched and two heart-shaped candelabra accented with yellow roses. purple iris and pink carnations complemented by baskets of yellow gladioli, white chrysanthemums and yellow roses. The center aisle was marked with baskets containing English ivy poles and white bows. Steve Taylor, organist, presented a musical prelude which included “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and “Evergreen.” The processional was “Through the Eyes of Love” and the recessional was “The Wedding March” by Mendelssohn. Kris Blair and Chase McCown sang “The Parents Prayer,” “From This Moment On” and “the Lord’s Prayer.” The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David J. Stephens of Oklahoma City and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. K. C. Anderson and Bob Stephens, and great-granddaughter of Mamie E. Riggs, all of Ponca City. The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Selke of Guthrie and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Selke of Michigan City, Ind. and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Glanz of Knox, Ind. The bride wore a white satin gown fashioned with a pearl-trimmed high illusion neckline and a Basque waistline. The sleeves and bodice were embellished with pearls, iridescent sequins and Schiffli lace. The back bodice formed a heart adorned with pearl ropes. The full skirt extended into a chapel length train enhanced with windowpane cutouts and a wide Schiffli lace border accentuated by pearls and iridescent sequins. Her shoulder length illusion veil was secured by a pearl and sequin crown and she carried a cascade of yellow roses, purple iris, miniature pink carnations and white stephanotis. The bride also followed the tradition of “something old, new, borrowed and blue.” Maid of Honor, Ashley Andres, wore a floor length gown of Hunter green cut velvet and satin styled with a vee-neckline in back. She carried a smaller version of the bridal bouquet. Gowned identically to the honor attendant and carrying similar bouquets were the bridesmaids, Amy Manolovits and Erin Keller of Guthrie, sisters of the bridegroom. The flower girls, who wore long white satin dresses with lace trim, were Reagan Riggs of Roswell, N. M., Crista Riggs and Sara Riggs of Edmond, all cousins of the bride. Ring bearer was Matthew Walkup and candlelighters were Kate Reynolds and Anne Terral. Sarah Reynolds kept the guest book. Serving as Best Man was Casey Stephens, brother of the bride. Groomsmen were Troy Manolovits and Andrew Keller, brothers-in-law of the bridegroom. Assisting with the reception at the church fellowship hall were Leah Sharp, Andrea Taylor, Megan Parker, Ashley Pence, Emily Thomas, Krystle Stephens and Elizabeth Morsman. Jill Justice, harpist, played during the reception. Out-of-town guests included Mr. and Mrs. Stan Riggs and Reagan of Roswell, N. M., Mr. and Mrs. Alex Stephens and Justin of Boulder, Colo., Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davis, Chris and William of Amarillo, Texas, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Armstrong of Rowlett, Texas, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Mowrer of Tulsa, Mrs. Laurie Strojny of LaPort, Ind. Attending from Ponca City were Mr. and Mrs. K. C. Anderson, Bob Stephens, Mrs. Mamie Riggs, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stephens, Kate, Melissa, Krystle and Clifton, Ms. Joan Riggs, Ms. Jewel McFarlin, Ms. Neta McCartney, Lynn Romine and Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Anderson. Following a wedding trip to Branson, Mo., the couple resides in Oklahoma City. The bride is employed at Dillards in Penn Square and the bridegroom at Wood Design. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Selke hosted a rehearsal dinner the evening preceding the wedding. The event was held at the church fellowship hall and an authentic Mexican buffet was served. ‘String Piecing’ Program Topic For Quilt GuildA two-part program will be featured at the meeting of P.M. Patches and Pieces Quilt Guild at 7 p.m. Monday at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Cleda Oertle will present a demonstration on techniques and uses of “string piecing.” Part Two will be a Library Treasure Hunt, with members sharing ideas from the guild’s library books. Guests are welcome. The September program was a work session organized by Karen Shurts on the 1999 Guild Quilt. Members are encouraged to bring additional two-inch squares which are needed to complete the quilt to the October meeting. Squares need to be medium-dark to dark print fabrics in subdued tones of gray, burgundy, brown, and green. Geometrical patterns are not appropriate. Nineteen members attended the September meeting. New members are Vicki Wynes and Judy Basham. Debora Gooch was a guest. Nancy Bright gave the historical report on the use of roses as a quilting motif. Roses represent love, and rose quilts are often wedding quilts. There are many names for these quilts; often they are called “Rose of Sharon.” A popular design is the wreath arrangement. Usually the roses are appliqued; on rare occasions they are pieced. Pam Williams was winner of the block party. She received blocks of scrappy patchwork leaves pieced in autumn colors and made by various guild members. Door prizes were won by Ona Atnip, Karen Shurts, Phyllis Clark, Pam Williams, Vicki Wynes, Cleda Oertle, and Karen Adams. A workshop for a “Jewel Box” quilt top was held Saturday, October 24. Judy Wohletz was organizer for this event, which was attended by 10 members. Show and Share participants were Judy Wohletz and Barb Kegler. Hostesses were Esther Bersche and Doris Gammil. Retired Senior Volunteer Program Event Honors SeveralThe Retired Senior Volunteer Program’s annual volunteer recognition banquet was held last week with area volunteers providing 19,423 hours of service to communities during the last quarter. RSVP is a national senior service program and is a United Way agency. Volunteers from each community in Kay County participating in RSVP were honored. Representing Ponca City was Muriel Wallace, and others given awards were Don and Sandra Lockwood from Newkirk; Mildred Tillman of Tonkawa; Cleone Deichman of Blackwell; Elaine Fulton of Peckham. New Volunteer recognition was given Ray and Rosemary Ramsey and Max and Judy Basore. The “Persistence” award from Kaw Lake Association went to Vivian Stubblefield. Volunteer of the year presentation for 1998 was made by Marie Trenary, RSVP director, to Charlotte Streeter, who also received a Ponca City afghan. Entertainment for the event was provided by a group of “uniquely dressed” volunteers who presented a “wacky style show.” Highlighting the event was the announcement of plans for an RSVP Senior Center program being developed at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center. A grant for the center was presented to RSVP by Nikki Carlsten with the Northern Oklahoma Development Authority (NODA) program. Accepting the award on behalf of their organizations were Marie Trenary, RSVP director, and Helene Schwartz, executive director for United Way. The program is expected to offer afternoon activities for area seniors twice a week, including cards, bingo, music, fellowship and informational programs. In conjunction with the International Year of Older Americans, a kickoff for the center is being planned for early November. Tonkawa Class of 1938 Celebrates 60th ReunionAn Alumni Tea at Tonkawa High School Oct. 2, honoring all alumni of the high school, got activities under way for the 60-year reunion of the class of 1938. A “Pep Assembly” was held in the auditorium. Tonkawa’s All-State Cheerleaders performed during the Homecoming assembly. Various skits were presented by classes to boost the school spirit for the football game between Tonkawa Bucs and Depew Hornets. During the assembly, classes of 1938, 1948, 1953, 1958, and 1988 were given recognition for holding special reunions. Past football queens attending were given recognition. Retired Athletic Director Garry O’Mealey keynoted the Homecoming 1998 Assembly. During the afternoon a tour of the Marland Mansion in Ponca City was taken by members of the ’38 Class. The class members and spouses met at The Marland Estate Hotel at 6 p.m. for a group picture. Dinner was held in the Marland Hunt Room, which was decorated in school colors of orange and black. The quartet tables were covered with black cloths, and each table was centered with a fall arrangement of orange flowers. Miniature straw baskets filled with orange and black jelly beans marked each place. Class Chairman Byfield Gordon was Master of Ceremonies for the reunion and Bessie Mae (Williams) Essary gave the invocation. Following dinner the group sang their school song led by Julia (Knight) Coleman. Velda (Morris) Messenger, her husband, Marion Messenger, and Marguerite (Barker) Rupert were thanked for coordinating the event. Those attending received a bag containing gifts from Tonkawa and Ponca City Chambers of Commerce. The gift for traveling the farthest distance to the reunion was awarded to Byfield and Eunice Ann Gordon of Albuquerque, N. M. Roy and Bessie Mae (Williams) Essary were recognized as the couple present who had been married the longest. They celebrated their 59th anniversary Sept. 30. The Essarys were presented a Tonkawa Cook Book. Saturday morning a breakfast buffet was held at E.W.’s restaurant. Preceding the meal, a memorial service for deceased members of the 1938 Class of Tonkawa High School was presented by Bessie Mae (Williams) Essary. The poem “Life’s Bouquet” by Vera Taylor was read and then the names of these deceased class members were read: Melvin Bowles, Mackey Ditmore, Willis Gard, Thomas Heath, Donald Husband, Joe Knight, Jack Linton, DeArmond Moss, Bates McClean, Leroy McGill, Richard Newkirk, George Novotny, Roswell Walker, Verlon McKee, Robert (Bus) Thomas, Blaine Dorsett, Vurble Avey, Stanford Mason, Faye Jones, Shirley Coffman, Irene Bumgardner, Thelma Heath, Willa Mae Mc-Guinn, Ruth Jean Marsh, Willa Mae Shawver, Allyne Love, Maxine Veith, Martha Vogt, Mary Ann Wilson. Following, breakfast, Byfield Gordon entertained with some stories and jokes, and invited other class members to share their jokes with the group. He also told about the Hot Air Balloon Festival held annually in Albuquerque, N. M. during October. A brief business meeting was held, but no plans for another reunion were made at this time. Attending from Ponca City were Leroy Harris, Charles and Marguerite (Barker) Rupert, Dean and Julia (Knight) Coleman, Roy and Bessie Mae (Williams) Essary. Attending from Tonkawa were Marshall and Helen (Furber) Cathey, Ollie Mae (Rowe) Crawford, Hazel Thomas, Marion and Velda (Morris) Messenger. Also attending were Val and Kay Gardner, Geraldine (Dickman) Jones, William and Gladys (Johnson) Nesbitt of Tulsa; James and Helen (Coffman) Jackson of Oklahoma City; Opal (Youell) Klein of Blackwell; Leroy and Elsie (Tucker) Miller of Wakita; Doris (Miller) Traw of Wichita, Kan.; Vernon and Estella Pickard of Burleson, Texas; Byfield and Eunice Ann Gordon of Albuquerque, N. M. Bits and PiecesInternational ClubInternational Club will meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at the home of Jannie Ross. Dr. Jim Thomas will present the program on “Energies of the Spirit.” All international residents and interested Americans are asked to contact Aracelly Killblane, 762-3731, for more information about membership. Garden Club Council The Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs will meet at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 4 at the Cann Memorial Gardens. Wes Rice will give the program about “Pecans in Oklahoma.” The public is invited to attend. Germans From Russia The Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia will hold a “harvestfest” Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. under the tent at Marianne’s Rentals, 2701 West Britton Road in Oklahoma City. Sausage, bierock, sauerkraut and hot German potato salad will be served at a cost of $8 per person. The public is invited to attend. For additional information call 525-3218. Shutter Business The Shutter Mill, Inc. is a factory located in Stillwater with distributorships in other states. Plans for a showroom in Stillwater are being made by Debbie Richardson, Design consultant. In an interview with The News, Debbie said she was “very interested” in working with designers and customers in Ponca City and surrounding area. She also said “the quality of the design and what is offered is so different” from other types of indoor shutters. She may be contacted via e-mail at www.kirtz.com Temporary Personnel Temporary Personnel, Inc. has announced a variety of opportunities for women entering or re-entering the workforce. Founded in 1989 by Kathy Janes in Enid, the business expanded to Ponca City in February 1996. TPI was recently accepted to the Workforce Oklahoma “One Stop” program. According to Diane Smith, Employment Coordinator, TPI personnel will work with the individual to develop a personalized employment plan. Four O’Clock Club The Four O’Clock Garden Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 28 in the home of Martha Jones, 1104 East Central. Co-hostesses will be Hilary Cooley, Sherry Muchmore and Peggy Brenneman. The program will be a presentation of “Creative Fall Ideas.” Two Years Later, County Program Seeing BenefitsAfter two years and 400 class participants, instructors in this judicial district’s court-mandated “Co-Parenting Through Divorce” program figure they’ve helped some 500 children — including some who weren’t yet born. It also seems to be benefitting the parents in ways they might not expect. The co-parenting program, provided by the OSU Cooperative Extension Service through local volunteer counselors, adds an extra step to the divorce proceedings of parents who have minor children. It was instituted in fall 1996 by District Judge D.W. Boyd, requiring the divorcing parents to attend a class that can show them how they can make sure the children’s needs don’t get lost amid the parents’ difficulties. Program Goals Instruction coordinator Mary Rhyne of the OSU Cooperative Extension Service said the co-parenting program, held once a month, has three major goals. The first goal is to make parents aware of the feelings and needs of children during the divorce and afterward, according to their stage of development. “Remember that the child is a child first and a child in a divorced family second,” Rhyne said. “Normal growth and development and their stages are stronger than the influence of the family situation. “Two-year-olds move all over the place dangerously. Four-year-olds tell stories. Seven-year-olds have trouble with competition. Teenagers talk on the phone.” “These are normal behaviors, unaffected by divorce. Many parents blame the divorce on the other parent for the child’s behavior when, in fact, the behavior is normal,” she said. The program’s second goal is to encourage divorcing parents to settle their differences without involving the children so both can function as loving, involved parents in their child’s life. “Parents are usually so emotionally blinded by their own feelings that they do not see the anguish that divorce can cause children of all ages,” Rhyne said. “It is common for parents to admit to understand how the stress of a divorce can cause problems for school age children, but they are very surprised to find out that infants as well as adult children also have problems coping with the breakup of their parents.” She said it’s “very gratifying” to read the evaluations of parents after the class is over. Some remark that similar classes are needed prior to the marriage license or the baby delivery. “Although a few (parents) do not see any changes they need or want to make, the majority leave with a greater understanding of the needs of the child and a willingness to set aside some of their own desires to make the divorce less traumatic for the child,” Rhyne said. More Cooperation “Both attorneys and judges are seeing a softer attitude in parents attending the class and more willingness to compromise for the benefit of the child,” she said. The judges and attorneys report improvements in parents’ behavior, from divisive and fighting during the initial stages of the divorce to cooperative and unselfish for the kids’ sake after the class. “Instead of using the child as a way to inflict pain for the other parent, many are more willing to cooperate for the sake of the child,” Rhyne said. The third goal of the program is to increase the awareness of community resources that can assist families during the difficult times related to the divorce. Some parents now are using mediation in an effort to make their own decisions, rather than asking the court to make all the decisions. Some parents also have been seeking counseling for themselves and the children as a result of this class. They are realizing that they do need ongoing support and that services exist in the community that are affordable, even with limited income. Parent Participation Rhyne said parents typically are distant and reluctant to talk when they first register “because they don’t understand the purpose of the class. They think we’re there to say, ‘You’re a bad parent or you wouldn’t be doing this.’” Instead, she explained, “We want them to know that we want to help them be the best parents they can be. For the most part, they all want to be good parents. “When they first come to the class, they don’t want to talk to you, they don’t want to look you in the eye. But by the middle of the class, they’re asking questions and participating.” She said the program registered 401 parents during the last 22 months, representing 497 children ranging in age from 18 years old to not yet born. Instructors Form Team In response to the judge’s decree, a county-wide team of volunteer counselors has risen to handle the monthly classes, holding sessions in Newkirk, Tonkawa, Blackwell and, because of the higher proportions of cases here, in Ponca City. Rhyne said the individuals who teach the classes “deserve a pat on the back” because they are donating their time to prepare for, teach and evaluate these classes. When initially offered financial reimbursement for their work, the group of instructors decided to donate it back into the program to fund programs to help families in stress. The instructors meet twice a year to look over the progress made and to suggest goals for the future. And although their employers support their efforts, their regular work load is not reduced, Rhyne said. County-Wide Team Instructors for the program have included Darrell Burns, licensed professional counselor for Edwin Fair Mental Health Center; Clint Culver, Blackwell School counselor; Sigrid Krause, psychological assistant for the Child Guidance Clinic; Janet Langdon, director of special services for Blackwell Schools; Bruce Lutz, clinic director for the Child Guidance Clinic, and Erika Macy, informational representative for the Kay County Health Department. They also include Kaye McCarty, Newkirk School counselor; Krista Perkins, Newkirk Elementary principal; Jim Powell, Ponca City Schools psychologist; Mary Rhyne, extension educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Kay County; Sue Ann Rodgers, Northern Oklahoma College counselor; Stacy Thompson, child development specialist for the Child Guidance Clinic, and Joy Kistler, Trout Elementary School counselor. Providing assistance to the program are the OSU Cooperative Extension Center, Kay County Health Department, local police departments, the Kay County Court Clerk’s office, and District Court. Results Are Beneficial Rhyne said the over-all results of the co-parenting program “are very rewarding, because we know how detrimental an ugly divorce can be to the kids. “While we don’t have visions of saving these marriages … we do hope this class opens the parents’ eyes to the pain that is inflicted upon their children as a result of the divorce.” Children Under Stress Have Predictable BehaviorExplaining divorce to children is a lifelong process because the child’s ability to understand changes. Children have to be reassured that they are not to blame, the divorce was not their fault, they are not responsible, and the divorce is permanent. It is hard to accept change. Reactions to Divorce During stress all of us, children and adults, regress to behavior that was appropriate during an earlier stage of less stress. If the children experience stress as a part of the parental conflict, divorce or lifestyle changes, they may behave immaturely. This behavior is psychologically comforting to the child. It serves a purpose. The child will return to age-appropriate behavior when the stress ends and the more mature behavior works better for the child. Sometimes the parent enjoys and encourages immature behavior such as sleeping with the parent or staying home more. The parent’s reinforcement of the behavior may cause it to continue longer. The bottom line is that children of all ages are innocent victims of parental divorce and typically will show signs of stress. Although infants may not talk and seemingly do not understand the speech of others, a change of atmosphere is noticed. Infants will react negatively to a change in routine, hostile environments, change of tone of voice, change in caregivers. In short, changes in the parent’s life will affect the infant’s life. Infants’ response to stress can include crankiness, reverting to behaviors of an earlier stage, changing sleep patterns, just to name a few. Several parents who have attended the Co-Parenting Through Divorce class expressed surprise because they expected their teenagers to have some behavior problems, but their older children who had left home were experiencing just as many difficulties. Just because a child is grown doesn’t mean they don’t rely on parents for emotional support. Going home for the holidays or family reunions is now more difficult. Decisions such as which parent to stay with and who to spend Christmas Day with can become grounds for major battles. In addition, the “twenties” are a time for selecting a mate for many adult children. If their parents are divorcing, they begin questioning their ability to find a spouse they can spend their life with. “After all, if my parents couldn’t make it work, can I?” This is also an age in which many individuals are establishing career goals and often look to parents for encouragement. If parents are in the emotional turmoil of a divorce, they may not be able to show the support the adult child wants or needs. If the child contacts both parents for advice, they may get a response such as, “That sounds like something your father would tell you to do!” or “What does your mother think she knows about this situation?” Instead of being helped to sort out their thoughts, the son or daughter is more confused than ever and hurt as well. After all, the children still love both parents and it hurts to hear them slam each other. The next time advice is needed, to whom will they look? Here is a list of possible reactions of children under stress at each stage in their development. Your child may or may not exhibit these behaviors. These behaviors are normal and manageable and occur in children under stress of any kind. They are normal behaviors for children that age and normal responses to divorce. Children in divorced families may react more strongly. Seek the help of friends, relatives and professionals when the child’s responses concern you. Do not wait for the phase to pass. Infant and Toddler Appears nervous, fretful, listless moody, fearful or withdrawn Fussy and reactive when parents are upset Failure to thrive symptoms Low weight gain Diminished growth Unresponsiveness Delays in development Regresses to earlier behaviors such as tantrums or bedwetting Demands unusual amounts of attention Changes sleeping and eating patterns Preschooler Persists in wishful thinking that the divorce is not happening. Does not understand the concept of divorce, time, cause and effect. Does not want to separate from parents. Fears parents will not return. Regresses to earlier behaviors such as thumb sucking. Feels responsible for being bad and causing the divorce. Attempts to control environment and others. Expresses fears unrelated to divorce. School age Attempts to get parents to interact with each other. Tries to cause parents to fight again. May fear abandonment and reject parent. Fear that parents will stop loving them and divorce them. Blame one parent for divorce. May use illness, misbehavior or school problems to get parents together. Teenage Peers are Important: Emotionally and physically distanced from family. Increased reliance on peers. Worries that the family relationships will affect peer relationships. Critical of parents. Embarrassed by parents Resists Change: Resists parent’s new partner. Not accepting of parent’s new lifestyle. Fears abandonment or replacement. Overly concerned about parents dating and sexual behavior. Tries to reunite parents or wishes for reconciliation. Strong Feelings: Feels torn between parents, may side with one parent. Preoccupied with feelings of powerlessness, anxiety, loneliness, insecurity, shame or embarrassment. Feels responsible for divorce. Angry at one or both parents for divorce and disruption. Feels deprived, neglected, rejected and becomes demanding. Concerned About Absent Parent: Worries about never seeing parent again. Believes one parent does not love them. Fantasy that the absent parent will return. Anxious when schedule for seeing each parent is unpredictable. Intense longing for absent parent. Social Problems: Difficulty sharing time or possessions. Tries to control others and situations. Acting out behaviors: truancy, lying, stealing, poor school performance. Attempts to be the perfect child. Rigid thinking. Uncooperative. Expresses doubts about the future. Aggressive behavior. Physical illness. Premature sexual behavior. Mistrusts intimacy. Concerned about money. Difficulty concentrating. Assumes Adult Roles: Takes on adult roles, protective of parents. Sensitive to parent conflict. Worries about parents making it through divorce. Frightened by parents’ neediness. Companion to parent. Upset by parents’ confusion. Appears capable beyond years. Plays role of absent parent. Ponca City HappeningsSUNDAY Marland Estate Mansion, 901 Monument Road, open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Guided tours Monday-Friday, 1:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Special tour information, 767-0420. Pioneer Woman Museum, open Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays. Ponca City Art Center, 819 East Central. Wednesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Ponca City Cultural Center and Museum, 10th and Grand. Home of Ponca City Indian Museum, Bryant Baker Studio, 101 Ranch Museum and DAR Museum. Available for receptions, teas, bridge parties, etc. Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m. 767-0427. Ponca City Tourism Office, 10th and Grand. Information about all tourist attractions and events in Ponca City |