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From the pages of The Ponca City News, Sunday, October 10, 1999 LOCAL DEATHS NEWS BRIEFS LIFESTYLES SPORTS LOCAL‘Nursery Rhyme — Make a Prop’ Meeting Set at Resource Center ‘Nursery Rhyme — Make a Prop’ Meeting Set at Resource CenterThe Oklahoma Parents as Teachers (OPAT) will host a group meeting entitled, “Nursery Rhyme — Make a Prop” on Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Family Resource Center, 700 West Broadway. Nursery rhymes play an important role in your child’s language development. Join them in making props and how to use props to enhance your child’s language development. Door prizes will be given and childcare is provided. Oklahoma Parents as Teachers is a state funded program, free and voluntary for all families with children from birth to age three. OPAT supports parents as their children’s first teachers in building foundations for living and learning. The Family Resource Center offers parenting and educational resources to local families. The goal is to assist in building strong families. They also offer a variety of materials as well as many parenting and parental involvement classes. This meeting is for all families in the school district with children from birth to 36 months. American Red Cross Assists During Extreme EmergenciesEditor’s Note: This is the last in a series of articles describing the services provided to the community of Ponca City by United Way’s 17 member agencies. ———— Programs of the American Red Cross assist all ages and help families and individuals prepare for and prevent emergencies. According to Ann Ryan, Ponca City Red Cross chapter executive, the programs of the American Red Cross are delivered each day by many volunteers. Volunteers teach health and safety programs including CPR/First Aid, learning to swim, lifeguarding, emergency water safety, home pool safety, HIV/AIDS education, disaster preparedness, and disaster education. Each year, many families are assisted following damage to their home caused by fire. The chapter received the following note from one family assisted. “Dear Friends at the Red Cross. We just wanted to thank you for being there after our mobile home burned. We were so surprised and appreciative of your generosity. We never dreamed we would be given a voucher. I can’t begin to tell you how much it meant to us to be able to get the things we needed immediately. Thanks again.” During the floods of November 1998, many local families were assisted with food, clothing, and emergency shelter. One local family was evacuated from their home just minutes before the road washed away. Until they were able to return home, Red Cross volunteers and staff checked on them daily, providing the necessary items to keep the children in school and the parents able to continue working. Volunteers and staff also assisted the family in the return to their home. A few days later a card arrived from the mother stating, “There is not a card in the world that can express my appreciation to you and the American Red Cross in Ponca City. When the flood came and we were evacuated from our home, I was not sure what to do or who to go to,” she wrote. “When I walked into the Red Cross, your caring attitude and the efficiency in how you did your job relieved me of the worry of how to take care of my family. If it was not for you, we would not have gotten home as quickly as we did. Thank you so much; your thoughtfulness is something I will never forget.” Although Red Cross volunteers and staff receive many cards from individuals and families they assist, one special card came from a volunteer who moved to another city. “I have learned so much from all of you! I’ve learned about not only some of the Red Cross services and responsibilities, but also just about life,” the note read. “I respect each of you for the difference you make through the work of the Red Cross and also for the difference you have made in me!” 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, RSVP, Salvation Army and YMCA. School MenusElementary Breakfast Monday — Pop tart or cereal or hostess muffins, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Breakfast bits or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Pop tart or cereal or hostess muffins, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — French toast sticks with bacon or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Pop tart or cereal or hostess muffins, assorted juices and milk. Elementary Lunch Monday — Chicken strip tenders with hot roll or taco snack burrito, mashed potatoes and gravy, tossed salad with ranch dressing, Oreos, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Tuesday — Cheese nachos or corn dog, apricots, Italian vegetables, lettuce and tomato salad, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Chicken and noodles with hot roll or pizza pocket, fresh fruit, mashed potatoes, seasoned green beans, sour apple slime, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Chili dog or Taco Bell fiesta burrito, tossed salad with ranch dressing, cheese potatoes, Curious George fruit snack, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Friday — Cheese pizza or meat and cheese nachos, refried beans, lettuce and tomato salad with ranch dressing, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. West Middle School Breakfast Monday — Assorted danish or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Breakfast bits and tots or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — French toast sticks with bacon or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Breakfast pizza or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. East Middle School Breakfast Monday — Assorted danish or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Tuesday — Pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk. Wednesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Thursday — Cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. Friday — Breakfast pizza or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk. West Middle School Lunch Available on Tuesday and Thursday at West Middle School is Subway. Monday — Chicken strips with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, tossed salad with ranch dressing, Oreos, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Tuesday — Cheese nachos, apricots, Italian vegetables, lettuce and tomato salad, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Pizza pockets, fresh fruit, salad with ranch dressing, seasoned green beans, Sour Apple slime, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Chili dog, tossed salad with ranch dressing, french fries, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Friday — Stuffed crust pizza, corn, lettuce and tomato salad, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. East Middle School Lunch Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s and Subway. Monday — Chicken strips with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, tossed salad with ranch dressing, Oreos, fresh fruit, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Tuesday — Cheese nachos, apricots, Italian vegetables, lettuce and tomato salad, fresh fruit, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Wednesday — Pizza pockets, fresh fruit, lettuce and tomato salad, seasoned green beans, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Thursday — Taco Bell fiesta burrito, tossed salad with ranch dressing, cheese potatoes, fresh fruit, Curious George snack, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. Friday — Queso nachos or meat and cheese nachos, refried beans, lettuce and tomato salad, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk. High School Lunch Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a pasta bar, baked potato bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn and Subway. The Retro Mart features a Mexican food, bakery/deli and Italian food courts. Po-Hi Campus Mart Monday — Pizza pockets or ravioli with hot roll, Italian vegetables, veggie dippers, strawberry parfait, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Tuesday — Chicken patty sandwich or cheeseburger, french fries, lettuce and tomato, baked beans, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Wednesday — Meat and cheese nachos or queso and nachos, broccoli with cheese sauce, tossed salad, jalapeno’s, salsa, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Thursday — Burrito with chili cheese or frito chili pie, Jello, corn, jalapeno’s, salsa, seasonal fruit, juice and milk. Friday — Chicken strips with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, seasonal fruits, juice and milk. McCord Elementary Breakfast Monday — Ham patties, toast, juice and milk. Tuesday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk. Wednesday — Scrambled eggs, toast, juice and milk. Thursday — Cinnamon rolls, juice and milk. Friday — Oatmeal, toast, juice and milk. Lunch Monday — Chicken noodles, mashed potatoes, carrots, mixed fruit, hot roll and milk. Tuesday — Baked ham, potatoes and gravy, corn, applesauce, hot roll and milk. Wednesday — Frito chili pie, corn, peaches, cinnamon rolls and milk. Thursday — Turkey noodles, mashed potatoes, corn, peaches, hot roll and milk. Friday — Turkey and cheese sandwich, french fries, dill spear, cookie and pears. Pioneer Technology Center Tuesday — Pepper steak with rice, teriyaki chicken or veggie special, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts. Wednesday — Chicken fried steak, chicken stir fry or catch of the day, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts. Thursday — Grilled steak, sweet and sour pork or veggie special, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts. The cafeteria is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Pioneer Tech Foundation In First-Ever Fund-RaiserBy Janet Taber Pioneer Technology Center Although they have awarded 25 scholarships totaling $18,069 since June 1997, the Pioneer Technology Center Foundation held its first-ever fund-raiser event last Thursday. With opening remarks and a welcome speech by Pioneer Technology Center Foundation Board Trustee, Carl Balcer, the group was given a brief history about Pioneer Technology Center and the decisions that were made 26 years ago in deciding were to build the facility. “We spent a lot of time looking for just the right location,” said Balcer. “We decided to build this school so that it would be close to the center of the population and still be in the city limits. We dedicated a lot of hours in getting this school started and we are committed to keeping it a vital part of this community.” Mary Beth Glass, Pioneer Technology Center Board Trustee, also welcomed guests and gave the invocation for the evening. Jim Ross, Pioneer Technology Center Foundation Board Trustee, followed Glass with information on the Foundation as well as goals of the Foundation. According to Ross, “Our goal is to remove the financial barrier that would prohibit individuals from pursuing an education. When we do this, we are not only helping the students of today, but we are also helping our community, business and industry, and the workforce of tomorrow.” Ross explained that the Pioneer Technology Center Foundation Board of Trustees consists of nine voting members and two non-voting members from the Kay County area. Board Trustees include, Don Bouldin, Carl Balcer, Don Mertz, Mary Beth Glass, Jim Ross, Louise Abercrombie, Gary Bracken, Larry Cannon, and Dr. Sally Downey. Ross also stated that the Foundation is tax-exempt and that the endowed funds are being invested with only the interest and earnings being used to provide the scholarship award. “We hope to be able to work off the interest of the money that is being donated,” said Ross. “By doing this, it will help insure the availability of scholarships for the students as well. Right now we are awarding scholarships to students two times a year,” said Ross. “Once in the fall and once in the spring. But if a student needed immediate assistance, we would certainly do all that we possible could to help meet that need.” Graduates and current Pioneer Technology Center students gave short testimonials on how the PTC Foundation has made a difference in their lives. Sylvian Jackson, former Practical Nursing student, told the crowd, “Before coming to Pioneer Technology Center I was a single mother on welfare, but with the help and support of scholarships, staff, and community members, I am now a nursing supervisor and a teacher of CPR.” Jackson also stated that she is very thankful for the school and what a difference it has made in her life. Other testimonials were given by Kristi Hunt, former cosmetology student and now licensed cosmetology instructor. Crystal Bringman and Grace Miller, both practical nursing students, also gave testimonials about how their lives have changed by being able to attend school. Miller, one of the first scholarship recipients for this school year, said, “I was also a divorced mother left to find a job and support myself. I was even told that I had absolutely no employability skills and I needed to get training. I am so thankful for this school and the opportunity that I have been given that has helped change my life!” Before ending the event, Ross explained the pledge cards that were available for the tax-deductible contributions and how individuals could designate their gifts. More than 90 guests were in attendance for the event that was held on the campus of Pioneer Technology Center. The dinner that was paid for by Pioneer Technology Center Board Trustees, was prepared by the food services students and instructor, Steve Ellenwood. Centerpieces for the table were flower arrangements from the horticulture program along with stands that were built by the welding, machine tool, and construction students. Marketing students also decorated the tables for the event. For more information on how to help make a difference in the lives of students through the Pioneer Technology Center Foundation, contact one of the Foundation Board Trustees or mail contributions to: Pioneer Technology Center Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 844, Ponca City, OK 74602. School CalendarPo-Hi Oct. 11 Literacy First meeting, Assembly Center, 8 a.m. DECA Fall Leadership Conference in Edmond. Oct. 12 Literacy First, Assembly Center, 8 a.m. Oct. 13 ASVAB test in Howell Auditorium, 8:10 a.m. Cross country at Stillwater. Oct. 14 OSU representative, Howell Auditorium, 10 a.m. Ninth grade football against Enid Emerson, 6:30 p.m. Volleyball State Tournament. Oct. 15 Pep assembly at RFH, 9 a.m. Varsity football at Enid, 7:30 p.m. Volleyball State Tournament continues. Oct. 16 North Central Honors Orchestra tryouts at Edmond Santa Fe. Finishing the Job Up for Vote TuesdayBy LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer Finishing the job is what the Tuesday election is about. The No. 1 Fire Station is nearly completed as the first phase of the renovation of the Civic Center Complex. Voters will decide if they want to preserve and update the rest of the Civic Center Complex. A positive vote would continue the half-cent sales tax for three years. The money, according to the official ballot, would be dedicated strictly for the continued renovation of the existing Civic Center Complex. The current half cent sales tax will expire on Nov. 30 and a “yes” vote would continue it until Nov. 30, 2002. Estimates are that the tax would bring in about $4.8 million and can only be used for capital improvements by the City Commission and related to the Civic Center Complex. Chairman of the Committee to Renovate the Civic Center Complex, Linda Brown said, “Based on current assumptions, the continuation of the existing tax for three years will pay for the restoration without incurring additional debt obligations. We need to remember that sales tax dollars are derived not only from our citizens, but also from people traveling to Ponca City from neighboring communities. This shifts some of the financial burden to others who enjoy our wonderful community.” On Phase 1 the residents paid the dedicated sales tax utilized to complete the No. 1 Fire Station only in part, that is up to 30 percent of the customers from J.C. Penney and Lowe’s come from out of town. Historical Landmark Mayor Tom Leonard says, “I hope what happens on the election will be what happened last time and that was an overwhelming support for preservation for what is really a historic structure in Ponca City.” Leonard added, “It really represents a legacy of Ponca City. It was one of the first structures built in the downtown area and represents the commitment of our forefathers to building a strong community. “They showed that commitment by putting their money into a facility that has stood the test of time. The building is 80 years old now and has outlived its life expectancy probably. What we want to do is completely renovate the facility and put it into condition where it will last another 80 or maybe 100 years. We’re asking the people of this community to show the same kind of support that our forefathers showed in 1917 and 1920.” Phase I Finishing A drive down Fifth Street to Grand and on to Central gives a preview as to what is to come when the Civic Center Complex is finished. The exterior of the No. 1 Fire Station blends with the rest of the building in such a way it is nearly impossible to tell where the old portion ended and the new begins. The half-cent sales tax dedicated two years ago to rebuild the Fire Station has been well spent as the project, designed by local architect Troy Lewis and built by Rick Scott Construction, is ahead of schedule and under budget. Local sub-contractors also played a part in the project. Citizens will have the opportunity to finish the job by voting on Tuesday. Polls are to be open Tuesday from 7 a.m., to 7 p.m., for citizens living within the city limits. Phase II If passed, the Civic Center Complex sales tax will complete the renovation of the east building and the center building at 516 East Grand Avenue. The east, center and west buildings will be joined together for accessibility and comprised of Commission Chambers, community meeting rooms and centralized departmental and administrative offices. An elevator and bathrooms will be located in the center building to enhance accessibility for public use of the building and Centennial Plaza. Nearly NewsNearly News has been informed that longtime Ponca City resident Robert S. Mathews will turn 99 on Saturday, Oct. 16. He’s reportedly “feeling great” and recently drove here from his residence in Glenpool for a Cities Service meeting. Send him a birthday greeting to his address: 490 East Fourteenth Street Place, Glenpool, OK 74033. ———— Patrick Jordan, Ponca City’s “puzzle-meister,” has struck again. Travelers flying American Airlines have a chance to test their puzzle-solving skills with one of Pat’s creations in the “American Way” magazine. Travelers flying throughout the U.S. and to select spots around the world read the monthly magazine. The puzzle is appropriately named “Press Agents.” The puzzle was spotted by former News Managing Editor Foster Johnson, as he was returning from a seminar in San Diego for his new career as a financial advisor with Prudential Securities. ———— Nearly News has found out that motorists will find Kygar Road closed to all traffic Tuesday from Lake Road to L.A. Cann Drive so that a new sanitary sewer line can be constructed along the west side of Kygar Road. Sober Brothers Inc. will be working on the city project and the estimated time of the road being closed is approximately one month, barring delays. Drug Task Force Nabs Two in Drug StingBy THOMAS TRUE News Staff Writer The Kay County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force conducted an undercover drug sting in a Blackwell hotel within the past few days. The sting resulted in the arrest of Daniel Reyes, age 35, after Reyes sold 66 grams of uncut cocaine to police informants. Also Juan Hernadez, age 51, was arrested on a related controlled drug buy. A controlled drug buy in Ponca City on Tuesday provided contact with Reyes. On Tuesday the initial 36 grams of cocaine was obtained by the suspects and sold to the task force informants. The operation took only a matter of days since the suspect was first identified. Surveillance video of the sting showed Reyes in possession of the cocaine and accepting cash for the drug from the informants. After the transaction was made task force officers secured the room and arrested Reyes. With a total of 102 grams of cocaine the two are charged with drug trafficking. Reyes and Hernadez both made first appearances before Kay County District Judge Rob Galbraith to have bond set. Reyes is being held on a $250,000 bond and Hernadez’s bond is set at $25,000. In some instances this charge can result in a sentence of life without parole. The investigation is being conducted by the Kay County District Attorney’s office. Waste Collection Day Hailed Huge SuccessBy PATTI PFEIFFER Special to the News There was whole lot of dumping going on Saturday during Ponca City’s first Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. Cars, vans and pickup trucks — their trunks and beds full of dangerous materials — lined up early, before the event even began. It was an opportunity many local residents had waited years for. With his vehicle full of DDT, tar, aerosol and paint cans, Lowell Rockett was happy the day had finally arrived to rid his house of its dangerous items. “We cleaned out our garage and everything else we could find,” Rockett said. “I think this was absolutely a good idea and we should have one more often.” From car to car and truck to truck his sentiment was echoed for those that waited to dump their “stuff”. “I had this paint over ten years and didn’t know what to do with it,” Wanza Bruder said. “I had moved it from the pantry to garage and was happy to finally have a place to finally dispose of it.” With his van full of paint cans — 25 in all — Eldridge Manering, used the opportunity to rid his church, as well as his own house, of all hazardous materials. “I waited for this for a long time and had been trying to convince people we needed an event like this,” he says. “We all really appreciate this and would certainly support another one.” Even City Commissioner Dick Stone took advantage of the opportunity to empty his house of his hazardous waste. “We all have things that hang around our houses and I am glad to see this day because these materials are a hazard to ourselves, neighbors and environment.” Tons of chemicals, oils, antifreeze, batteries — and even shotgun shells were collected. There were pesticides and herbicides too. Luckily for those doing the collecting, nothing too peculiar was deposited. Volunteers and members of Conoco’s Hazardous Material Response Team collected, separated, poured and containerized all the dangerous items deposited during the six hour period. The materials were then transported out of Ponca City. The City contracted with EnviroSolve, a national firm whose job it is to properly dispose of the hazardous waste collected during the event. “We sort, process and dispose of the collected material and try our best to extract all recylables, to extract the good stuff so it can be used again,” EnviroSolve owner Scott Logan said. “Recycling and being environmentally friendly is what our company is all about.” The event was a joint venture, co-sponsored by the City of Ponca City and Conoco, and its success was not surprising to the Ponca City city manager. “We had wanted to sponsor one of these events for ten years but because there were not many hazardous waste disposal companies back then it was cost prohibitive,” City Manager Gary Martin said. “We knew there was a real need for this type of event because our citizens do what is environmentally correct and are not the type that would improperly dispose of these items.” According to Logan, 75 percent of all the waste collected was only one material — paint. The enormous amount of paint deposited during the one day event reinforced the need for a new service to soon be offered in Ponca City. “Beginning the first of the year we’ll start collecting paint at our recycling center and then donating it to local organizations,” Public Works Director Ken Parr says. “This event just emphasized the need for such a service here in Ponca City.” Ponca Tribe In Preparation For ElectionWHITE EAGLE — The Ponca Tribe elected five election board members Saturday to prepare for the tribe’s Dec. 18 election. Clendon Warrior was elected as chairman of the election board, along with Tony Arkeketa as vice chairman, Eulala Twobabies as secretary/treasurer, Betty Stallings as clerk, and Levi Orange as member. The election board was chosen to handle the election in December, which this year will be for the tribal seats currently held by Dwight Buffalo Head, Douglas Rhodd and chairman Lionel LeClair. EditorialsEditorial - Esthetics Key To IssueContinuing the half cent city sales tax in the upcoming election Tuesday should be a foregone conclusion. The City Commission and City Manager Gary Martin have kept their word and more by bringing in the downtown fire station on time and well within budget. The newly expanded and remodeled west wing of the civic center looks great and is remarkably true to the original. Civic pride alone should make it an easy decision to finish the job and renovate the rest of the complex. Over a decade ago, the appearance of our downtown was suffering. With the renovation of the Poncan Theatre, the expansion of the Library and improvements the property owners are beginning to make we are on our way to reviving the entire area. Finishing the Civic Center will continue that process dramatically. Esthetics are far from the only reason to complete this project however. After the renovation the city will be able to bring most of the departments back into one area, making administration much more efficient. It will also make it easier for the public to work with the different departments. Those employees who have been working in the aging and crowded building in unsatisfactory conditions for years are also likely to perform better and more efficiently. The half-cent cent sales tax will not change the current sales tax at all. It will start the first of December when the previous sales tax ends, meaning no change to you the customer or the businessman. That is exactly how we understood it would be. The city has shown the Civic Center can be successfully renovated and that it can be done within budget. The ballot clearly states the three year length of the sales tax and that the money can be expended only on the Civic Center. Don’t assume that this issue will pass whether you vote or not. Let’s finish the job, get out and vote to pass the sales tax on Tuesday. — TM Editorial - Courageous Bold StepThe Ponca City School Board took a bold step in the right direction at their last meeting when they established new promotion and attendance requirements for kindergarten through eighth grade. The new standards require reading ability to be within one grade level before a student can be promoted to the next grade level. They also set a 90 percent attendance requirement for promotion to the next level. It’s a pretty stringent requirement but not without statistical backing. Both standards require the student to attend summer school for a chance to meet the requirements and advance with the rest of their classmates. We aren’t sure we agree with the details of the new program, but we weren’t on the committee which studied the problem in detail to know all the options which were considered. The important point is that the school board took measured steps towards reducing one of the key problems affecting education. Social promotions have long been a bane of education systems throughout the country and they don’t have a place in today’s world. This is the leadership the board should exert and we are glad that they have taken the bull by the horns. There will be complaints and problems as there always are with new initiatives. There will be abuses, mistakes and confrontations. This is the real world and difficulties have to be met and handled. We are dealing with school children and we should expect to deal with each situation individually. Having guidelines like these will raise the standard by which those situations are judged and that should be good for the whole system. Whether the new program needs to be tweaked or not will be decided over the next year or two, as we see the results. Until then we should back the board and make the effort to set an example the rest of the country will be eager to follow. — TM Couple Makes Great Escape During Real Fire Months EarlierBy MAX STOKESBERRY News Staff Writer The emphasis was on practicing for “The Great Escape” during last week’s observance of Fire Prevention Week. Residents were urged to plan and then rehearse exiting their homes, with the idea of being prepared should fire invade the premises. But a Ponca City man and his wife had learned their lesson a few months earlier — the hard way. Ray and Clara Hasselwander were fast asleep in their home three miles east and a quarter-mile south of the Pioneer Woman Statue the early morning of Thursday, March 4. Suddenly both were awakened about 2:30 a.m. to discover the back part of their house ablaze. As they ran outside their thoughts immediately turned to Clara’s mother, Sena Postier, who lives at Breckenridge but was visiting them and sleeping in another bedroom at that time. Ray ran to rescue his mother-in-law and Clara backed their car out of the garage and used the car phone to call 911. While he was arousing Mrs. Postier, smoke became so thick in the room that Ray couldn’t relocate the door. There were some anxious moments until he used a night stick to break out the glass of a window, through which Mrs. Hasselwander pulled her mother outside to safety. Ray then took the same route out. The rapidly spreading fire had enveloped the dwelling before Ponca City fire units could reach the scene. And when they arrived their efforts were hampered by the low pressure in the water lines. The McCord Volunteer Fire Department joined in battling the flames with a grass fire unit and tank truck. The house, at 122 Roadrunner, was totally destroyed and the Hasselwanders lost everything but the clothes they had on and a few tools from the garage. This had been their home for about 10 years, since moving to Ponca City when Ray became manager of the Farmers Cooperative Association. Only minor burns and bruises were suffered by the two women, but Ray was pronounced in critical condition for a while due to smoke inhalation. An ambulance took him to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, where he received emergency treatment before being flown by helicopter to the Baptist Burn Center in Oklahoma City. He was in the intensive care unit from Thursday to Sunday and dismissed the next day. In a few days he was able to start working half days at the Ranch Drive elevator. The association also owns elevators at Tonkawa, Perry, Lucien and Coyle. The Hasselwanders don’t know what woke them up. But they feel fortunate and are thankful that something did. “The grace of God is the only explanation,” Clara said. She added that friends were very supportive, particularly those at their church, First Lutheran, and at the Co-Op. An electric short is being blamed for the fire, but investigators were unable to determine exactly where it started. While memories of their narrow escape are something Clara tries to forget, she agrees with her husband that recovery from their ordeal has gone smoothly. They sold their lots at their former location and soon were relocated in the home they purchased at 3504 Wellington Drive. They now know quite a lot about “great escapes” but fervently hope they are never called on for a repeat performance. Les Gilliam Will Appear At The PoncanLes Gilliam, favorite son of Ponca City, will perform in the Poncan Theatre this month. Les brings his Silverlake Band to the Poncan on Saturday, Oct. “It’s always special to have Les perform for us,” says Kenn Wessel, director of the theatre. He says “this summer, Les helped us learn about western swing music in association with one of our subscription concerts. Nobody gives a better talk about this great music than Les.” Now Gilliam comes back with his band in a full concert at the theatre. Gilliam has recently been in some illustrious places. In the spring, he performed in Austria for the third year in a row. And this summer, he performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., representing the State of Oklahoma on Oklahoma Day in the nation’s capitol. He also was on stage to celebrate the Gene Autry Film and Music Festival at the museum in Gene Autry, Okla. He performed with such notables as Johnny Western and “Riders in the Sky.” Wessel says “Les has really been on the road lately, and we’re honored to have him back at home.” In 1998, Gilliam was named the “Oklahoma Balladeer,” a designation awarded by both Houses of the Oklahoma Legislature. The House Resolution quotes Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that “music is the universal language of mankind,” saying that Les Gilliam “speaks that language most eloquently.” Gilliam entertains both as a solo artist and with the Silverlake Band. Les has been nominated for “Male Vocalist of the Year” by the Academy of Western Artists and by the Western Music Association. He has recorded three albums and two videos. Gilliam’s presentation of country or cowboy music includes fascinating stories about the songs and artists who recorded them. He also includes original songs and comedy material. Audience participation is customary and standing ovations are the norm. Kids love the cowboy stories and songs, and older adults particularly enjoy the touch of nostalgia frequently used in his shows. For tickets, patrons should call the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943. The box office is open from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Poncan Theatre is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City. NOC Fall Open Jackpot Cattle Show Set SaturdayTONKAWA — The Northern Oklahoma College Fall Open Jackpot Cattle Show is slated for Saturday at the Agriculture Facilities located on NOC Drive east and south of the Tonkawa campus. Sponsored by the Northern Livestock Judging Team, the show features heifer, steer and showmanship classes, according to Tricia Hamilton, Northern agriculture instructor and team coach. Entry fees are $20 per animal and $5 for showmanship entrants. According to Hamilton, 70 percent payback on classes, including Breed and Reserve Breed Champions for each breed, will be awarded in cash prizes. In addition, the Champion Steer and Supreme Heifer of the Show will receive ribbons, trophies courtesy of Larry and Sharon Dye, and trophy buckles, courtesy of Service Bank, Tonkawa Branch of Farmers Exchange Bank, Cherokee, and M&M Charolais of Perry. Heifer breeds to be judged include Angus, Hereford, Polled Hereford, Shorthorn, Limousin, Simmental, Charolais, Chiania, Maine Anjou, Commercial and All Other Breeds. Steer breeds include Angus, Hereford and Shorthorn and All Other Breeds. If five or more of another breed are entered, a category for that breed will be added, Hamilton said. Showmanship categories are Junior Showmanship (ages 13 and under) and Senior Showmanship (ages 14 and over). Papers on heifers will be checked at 8 a.m. with the show beginning at 10 a.m. Steer weigh-in begins at 10:30 a.m. with the show starting at 1 p.m. James Ryan, agriculture instructor and FFA sponsor at South Haven (Kan.,) High School, will judge the show. A native of Coyle, Okla., Ryan earned his degree in agriculture from Oklahoma State University. He has taught for 22 years at South Haven and has judged livestock at several Kansas county fairs for a number of summers. Show announcer will be Lane Dye, Ponca City, assistant coach for the Northern judging team. Livestock judging team members are Marci Lee, Ponca City; Jennifer Buxton, Marland; Jeremy Lockwood, Brad Meador and Clay Testerman, Newkirk; Mandi Williams, Morrison; Dawndra Cawood, Stillwater; Elisha Sayre, Pawnee; and Kandy Burwell, Garber. OBI Manager Guest Speaker At Pioneer TechPixie Rowland, manager of the Oklahoma Blood Institute in Ponca City, was the guest speaker for Pioneer Technology Center’s Medical Assisting and Health Science Technology I & II students on Thursday. Rowland addressed the group prior to the blood drive that is scheduled for Oct. 14, from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. in Room C101 at Pioneer Technology Center, where the Medical Assisting and Health Science students will be on hand to help with paper work and refreshments during the blood drive. OBI staff members will explain to donors what they should do before donating blood and what to expect during the process. Rowland explained to the group how the blood donation process works, who is eligible to donate blood, and the testing and screening process of donated blood. Before dismissing the group, Rowland also highlighted the benefits of donating blood and the number of lives blood donation saves each year. OBI is a not-for-profit regional blood system that is responsible for providing the blood supply to over 70 hospitals across the state of Oklahoma. OBI has been providing blood to central Oklahoma for 22 years. OBI has six locations in Enid, Oklahoma City, Lawton, Ardmore, Ada, Tulsa, and Ponca City. Poncan Subscription Campaign Getting Off To Great Success“We’re already showing some great success,” says Kenn Wessel, director of the Poncan Theatre. “And that’s a sign that the people of northern Oklahoma like what we have to offer.” He’s speaking about the Millennium Subscription Campaign, now under way at the venerable old theatre. “Our shows are top-flight again, and we hear a lot of compliments about providing such entertainment here in Ponca City,” Wessel says. This coming season, subscribers will hear “The Diamonds” in a holiday show in December. Then they’ll hear the fabulously successful “Oak Ridge Boys” in February. “The Platters” perform in April with “The Marvelettes” opening the show for them. Gary Lewis and “The Playboys” come to town in June, with the added treat of Mitch Ryder, former lead singer of “The Detroit Wheels,” on stage with them. In September, “1964: The Tribute” to the Beatles will perform on the Poncan stage, reprising one of the most successful acts in the 70-year history of the theatre. “We’re really proud that we’ve been able to keep membership prices the same as last year,” Wessel says. “We think it’s a great buy.” At $75 for a Regular Membership, the average cost per admission is just $15, he points out. “If you were to see acts of this caliber in a large city, you should expect to pay quite a lot more for tickets,” Wessel says. “That’s particularly true if you factor in the size of the Poncan. There are no bad seats in the Poncan, and every seat is close to the artist. By the standards of most large venues, every patron in the Poncan is closer than the average patron in an amphitheatre.” “Of course, there are other levels of membership,” Wessel adds. Each different level of membership has special privileges. “We find that our patrons really enjoy the way we’ve structured the memberships. It took some time to work out bugs, but we hear a lot of positive feedback about the way we’re doing things.” Corporate sponsors have made the difference in ticket prices. This year, the sponsors are Cable One, Oklahoma Natural Gas Company for “The Diamonds.” “The Oak Ridge Boys” are sponsored by Boettcher, Ryan and Martin Attorneys. Conoco will support “The Platters” and “The Marvelettes.” Gary Lewis and “The Playboys” will be here thanks to Pioneer Bank and Trust along with Evans and Associates Enterprises. And “1964: The Tribute” will be supported by Home National Bank and The Ponca City Publishing Company. “Because of them, our ticket prices are lower. We hope our patrons express appreciation to these fine businesses, and support them just as they have supported the community.” Patrons may purchase Subscription Memberships by calling the theatre office. “If you’re on our mailing list, you will receive a notification in about a week,” according to Wessel. But anyone may call. The Poncan office is located next to the front door of the theatre at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City. The office is open 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Poncan Theatre accepts MasterCard and Visa. Singer B.J. Thomas Coming To Poncan“Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” is just one of the great hits of B.J. Thomas. He has had 15 Top 40 Pop Hits, 10 Top 40 Country Hits, and a whole slew of other awards to boot. In fact, B.J. Thomas has impacted most of the major areas of popular music. He has been celebrated in Country, Pop, and Christian circles, and he has been among the most visible artists around since the 1960’s. Now he’s coming to Ponca City. The Poncan Theatre will host Thomas at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5. Thomas became one of the most recognized and respected voices of his generation. He has sold almost 50 million records, including Platinum singles and Platinum albums, as well as several Gold singles and Gold albums. Among his titles are “Eyes of a New York Woman,” “Hooked on a Feeling,” “It’s Only Love,” “I Just Can’t Help Believin’,” and others. Oklahoma is Thomas’ home state. He was born in Hugo. From here he went on to perform regularly on such television shows as the “Ed Sullivan Show” and in top concert halls around the country. One of his personal favorite experiences was performing on the Academy Awards show. Part of his success is that Thomas has always chosen to present positive, uplifting material. His songs are always “feel-good” songs, whether his material is country, pop, soft rock, or Christian. B.J.’s first successes came, he says, from being in the right place at the right time. He catapulted to national stardom after the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” was released. He recorded the theme song, “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head,” which won the Academy Award and which is still probably the favorite among his followers. Among his successes in the 1970’s and 1980’s are two Dove Awards. In 1977, he won his first “Gospel Record of the Year” award for “Home Where I Belong.” In 1981, he repeated the success with a recording of “Amazing Grace.” The B.J. Thomas concert at the Poncan Theatre is sponsored by the Ponca City New Car Dealers Association. Tickets for the B.J. Thomas performance will go on sale to the general public beginning Wednesday. The Poncan Theatre box office is open 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Poncan Theatre is located at 104 East Grand in downtown Ponca City. For more information, patrons may call the box office at 580- 765-0943. The Poncan Theatre accepts telephone reservations. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Third Annual Oklahoma Breast Cancer Symposium ScheduledProject Woman, a committee of the American Cancer Society, will host the Third Annual Oklahoma Women’s Cancers Symposium on Friday, Oct. 19, at University Center at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. Planned around the theme, “Survivorship, It’s a Gift, Pass It On!” the Symposium offers breast cancer survivors and healthcare professionals educational sessions. These sessions focus on healing, from the latest medical treatment options to complimentary and holistic therapies, which are now being used to improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. Marion E. Primas, Ph.D., will deliver the keynote address at this year’s symposium. Primas is a recognized expert in the field of caring for the elderly, and more specifically elderly minority women. She currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Office of Minority and Women’s Health. Each Symposium participant is invited to participate in a group effort to “Piece It All Together,” by creating a quilt block as part of a group quilt. The quilt is scheduled to be assembled during the opening ceremony as participants “piece it all together.” Sponsors include the University of Central Oklahoma, Susan G. Komen Foundation, INTEGRIS Oncology Services, University Health Partners, and KWTV News 9. Registration is $20 per person, which includes parking, lunch, and an evening reception. Continuing education credits and continuing education units for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Master’s level Social Workers, and Mammographers are an additional $10. For more information or to receive a registration form, contact your American Cancer Society at 843-9888 or 1-800-733-9888. Robbers Cave Fall Festival Begins Friday at WilburtonWilburton, in Latimer County, is home to just over 3,000 people, but each October, for one exciting weekend, Wilburton grows 20 times that size. This year it’s Oct. 15-17. That’s when almost 60,000 people flock to southeastern Oklahoma for the Robbers Cave Fall Festival. The Robbers Cave Fall Festival celebrates a bit of everything. The Lawn Chair Nationals Classic Car Show on Saturday brings 500 restored classic automobiles from all over the region. Arts and crafters share the state park grounds with food vendors offering a variety of delicious treats from turkey legs to Indian tacos. Amateur and professional entertainers take the stage to show their talents. Robbers Cave Resort Park and the City of Wilburton have hosted the Fall Festival for 13 years and watched it grow into one of southeastern Oklahoma’s premier fall events. It started with a crowd of just 4,000 and has grown larger ever since. Eighteen of Latimer County’s nonprofit organizations run the food booths at the festival. They get 90 percent of the profits so it really benefits everyone in the county. “It’s a great community event. We work really hard to make it fun and I guess it works, people just keep coming back,” states John Barnes, Robbers Cave Resort park manager. Some of the highlights of this year’s Robbers Cave Fall Festival include the carnival that runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday, live music Friday and Saturday and a full day of live gospel music on Sunday. The festival opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. On Saturday, shuttle buses take visitors from downtown Wilburton to Robbers Cave to ease the traffic and parking crunch. Robbers Cave Resort Park is located 5 miles north of Wilburton on State Highway 2. For more information on the Robbers Cave Fall Festival, call the Festival Committee at (918) 465-3400. Court of Honor Sunday Honors Eagle Scout StahlA Court of Honor will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in recognition of Mark Andrew Stahl’s advancement to the rank of Eagle Scout. Mark is a freshman at Ponca City Senior High. He is a member of the Marching Wildcats, the Foreign Language Club, and the American Sign Language Club, where he serves as secretary-treasurer. He has been listed on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll every year. He is an active member of First United Methodist Church, where he participates in the Chapel Choir, the Ann Yeary Handbell Choir, and First United Methodist Youth. Mark began his career in scouting as a Tiger Cub at Washington Elementary. He was a member of Pack 14 in the second through fourth grades and earned his Wolf, Bear, and Webelos badges. He earned the highest award in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light, on April 30, 1996, and joined Troop 90. He attended summer camps at Will Rogers Scout Reservation for three years, Spanish Peaks Scout Reservation, and canoed the Boundary Waters in Minnesota. He has also served as a den chief for the Webelos of Pack 17 for two years. He was inducted into the Inola Order of the Arrow on Sept. 26, 1998. He set a personal goal of becoming an Eagle Scout while he was fourteen years of age and achieved that mark on July 27, 1999. His service project was the cleaning, rearranging, and organizing the teachers’ supply and craft room at First United Methodist Church. He is the son of Dan and Linda Stahl, 7290 River Ridge Drive, and the grandson of Howard and LaVonne McIntyre, 208 North Irving and Norman and Betty Stahl of Tulsa. City Millennium Party a Bash, Not Computer CrashThe Ponca City Millennium Party will be a bash not a computer crash. While there are many who believe that the Millennium really begins on January 1, 2001, the simple fact of the matter is, those who choose to wait to celebrate, will miss the biggest celebration ever held in downtown Ponca City, according to Bret Carter, chairman of the Landmark Conservancy. The Conservancy is one of many organizations who has taken on a millennium project this year. The group has set about raising funds to restore the decaying gated entrance into Pioneer Park. Other organizations throughout the community have also been challenged to enhance their year with a project. For nearly two years, the Ponca City Millennium Commission has planned the upcoming festivities to bring the community together in commemoration of the new year. Downtown is the focus of the entire celebration, of course, since it is the “heart of Ponca City.” “Our mission is not only to celebrate the coming of the next 2000 years, but also to leave long lasting legacies to our children and grandchildren,” says John Raley, commission chairman. As a result, Millennium Eve entertainment is geared for both the young and young-at-heart. To attend the Dec. 31 events, a Millennium button can be purchased in advance for $5, per family member, at the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce office. After Dec. 25, buttons will be sold for $7. The buttons are approximately three inches in diameter and feature the millennium logo. Matching banners can be seen attached to poles along Grand Avenue. Entertainment scheduled for the evening include: Zen Okies, Les Gilliam and Band, Byron Berline, Bob Westmoreland, Vibe, One Light, Forgiven, Country Mile, All Church Combined Choir, New Life Baptist Gospel Choir, Story-Telling Festival, Historic Fashion Show, arts and crafts and Mid Life Crisis. Additionally, celebration goers can enjoy a barber shop quartet, Sweet Adeline’s, a Mariachi band, Native American dancers, face painting, finger art, millennium family photos with a millennium backdrop. To date, the commission has sold Millennium posters. Of 2,000 originally printed, Cathryn Ferguson reported that less than 1,000 posters are still available. In addition, a memorial tree planting program was established and will continue through 2000. Special signs have been erected outside of town identifying Ponca City as Oklahoma’s first Millennium Community. These are but a few projects which have been leading up the “Big Bash”. Coming Up Future dates to remember are the lighting of the Festival of Angels, an annual event highlighted this year with the addition of a new “2000” angelic lighted display in Centennial Plaza. On Dec. 3, families can attend the Millennium Lights Christmas Parade downtown. Marching bands, a Civil War Marching Unit, singing choirs, Cherokee Wheelmen, colorful floats, and visitors from the North Pole will promenade east on Grand Avenue toward Centennial Plaza. Afterwards, local firemen will host a hot chocolate/apple cider warm up. The Millennium Ball, annual gala, is scheduled at the Marland Mansion on Dec. 24. A special millennium painting commissioned by the Ponca City Millennium planners will be auctioned at the ball. Nationally known artist, Larry K. Stephenson is currently at work on this project. Prints of the painting will also be available for purchase to defray costs involved. On Dec. 30, a free contemporary Christian concert will be held by “Big Tent Revival,” at the Hutchins Auditorium. The concert will be hosted by Christian Radio and area church youth groups working with the Millennium Commission. Argus Hamilton Coming Poncan Theatre patrons will be entertained by Ponca City’s own Argus Hamilton, a 1969 graduate of Ponca City High School, who will join a host of other homegrown entertainers to make the Millennium celebration one to remember. Laughter promises to abound from theatre goers as Hamilton will be in form due to the upcoming political elections, said Raley. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Dec. 31, a free 5K and Millennium Mile Run around the original 1889 Ponca City Township is scheduled. Also, a ceremony honoring all veterans will begin at noon at Centennial Plaza. Special guests include: Attorney General Drew Edmonson, the Ponca City High School Marching Band, a B-52 Flyover and Mary Jane Barraclough, singing of “God Bless America.” Leadership Ponca City Class leads the way as North Central Oklahomans bury a time capsule in the plaza. Additional surprises are in store for the last hours of 1999, and will be released in future articles. Agenda Includes Railroad CrossingBy BOB PATTERSON News City Editor An effort to repair the railroad crossing on Prospect Avenue will be brought up at the Ponca City Board of Commission meeting Monday. The session, set for 5:30 p.m., will be held at the Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. The city has entered into an agreement with Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway to have BNSF install new concrete crossing surface at the Prospect Avenue, and Grand Avenue crossings. However, in an effort to completely repair and smooth the crossings, city engineering staff recommends that a portion of the streets, on both sides of the crossings be removed and replaced with new concrete paving, adjusting the elevation of the street approaches to smooth the transitions into the crossings. By doing this, a change order with the construction firm, Chitwood Construction, in the amount of $50,375.30 will need to be approved. The item is part of the regular session of the city, and would be an addition to a regular contract with Chitwood. Crosswalk Sought In other new business for the commission, a request by Tim Burg of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, seeks a marked crosswalk on Fairview Avenue, north of Hartford Avenue, for hospital employees who park west of Fairview and have to cross it to get to the hospital. Another item on the agenda is a recommendation for an Oklahoma Municipal League by-law change to allow the most immediate past president instead of all past presidents to continue as a member of the board of directors of OML. The consent agenda includes an application for the Small Community Development Block Grant program for the third year of funding for the improvements and repairs to Lake Ponca Dam, a resolution concerning the operating budgets of various city funds during the fiscal year 1999-2000, a change order at the new No. 1 Fire Station amounting to an addition of $16,191.49, a change order and final payment of $62,500 to United Golf, LLC, for work completed at Lew Wentz Memorial Golf Course and a resolution appropriating money for payment of claims. Commissioners will also meet as members of the Ponca City Utility Authority, and will consider a contract on a sewer repair project at Overbrook Avenue amounting to $52,185; a change order on work at the wastewater treatment plant amounting to $89,814.36; and an amendment to the FHC Inc. work package at the wastewater treatment plant improvements. The consent agenda for the PCUA includes: •Budget amendment for one-half the cost of a study by Black and Veatch to evaluate the condition of Steam Unit No. 2 boiler. •A resolution amending the operating budgets of various PCUA funds for the fiscal year 1999-2000. •The partial disbursement request amounting to $21,074.68 for improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. •A change order on the replacement of a sanitary sewer line at South Avenue and Ash Street. •A payment request on the replacement of 554 feet of the line. •A payment request on work performed on the Turkey Creek sanitary sewer project. •A change order for Airport Industrial Park water pump station enhancements. •A resolution appropriating money for payment of claims. The commissioners will also meet as members of the Ponca City Development Authority to consider a resolution amending the operating budget of various PCDA funds for fiscal year 1999-2000, a lease of Darr School Building No. 5 to Pioneer Transit Inc., and a resolution appropriating money for payment of claims. One Hundred Years of Broadway Set as Millennium Entertainment“One Hundred Years of Broadway,” a musical entertainment starring over two dozen of Ponca City’s best vocalists and instrumentalists from the past two decades will highlight the millennium celebration here. “If you live in Ponca City, you don’t need to worry about computerized travel arrangements to have a terrific New Year’s Eve,” said John Raley, chairman of the local millennium commission. “This entertainment will rival any musical you’ve ever seen before and will be showing live here at the Poncan Theatre at 8:30 p.m. New Years Eve. Tickets go on sale Friday at the office of the Poncan from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The price for premier seating is $40 and will include an hors d’oevres reception at Home National Bank; $25 and $20 seats will also be priced according to location. The program will feature top hits from each decade of the 20th Century, the century which made America the queen of musical comedy. A live orchestra, conducted by Tulsan Dr. William T. McConnell Jr., will accompany the singers. Leslie Rardin, Ponca City music teacher and well-known musical director of the centennial musical “The Gift of Willie Cry,” “Taste and Tasteless,” as well as a number of Ponca Playhouse musicals, will direct. The evening is presented by the Ponca City Millennium Commission and sponsored by Conoco, Inc., Home National Bank, and Smith Home Furnishings. The Cast Former leading men and women from playhouse musicals and Ponca City High School vocal entertainments, many of whom are now making their livings in professional music, will take the stage. Janet Gary and Heidi Stoeckley of New York City; Alfred McDaniel of San Diego, Calif.; John Logan Rardin Jr. of Los Angeles, Calif.; Iris Ballou of Tulsa; Robert Maril of Greencastle, Ind.; Kevin Goldman of Edmond; and Yona Wade of Winston-Salem, N.C. will be home to sing. Ponca Citians joining them include Mary Jane Barraclough, Annette Hunt, Julie Adams-Tapken, Tim Muniz, Gary Stephens and Keni Ray. The Orchestra The orchestra will be made up of Ponca City High School graduates to include Brant Bayless of Logan, Utah; Kari Bell, Norman; Chad Bell, Richmond, Va.; Kathy Cripps, Shawnee; Molly Baugh, Norman; Elizabeth Heslip-Brodt, Oklahoma City; Stephen Heslip, Yukon; Christopher Johnson, Minneapolis, Minn.; Rhonda Johnson, Columbia, Mo.; Lance Johnson, Los Angeles, Calif.; Pat Muchmore, Norman; Sara Parsons, College Station, Texas; Anne Rardin, Los Angeles, Calif.; Chad Steffey, Fairfax, Va.; Karen Stokke, Norman; Cynthia Thompson, Denton, Texas; Anne Marie Webster, Des Moines, Iowa; Ted Sissons, Tempe, Ariz.; Gary Gackstatter, Arkansas City, Kan. Ponca Citians playing in the orchestra will include Mary Beth Lindsay, Doug and Sheryl Martin, Dineo Heilman, Dan Larson, Danny Burns and Kevin Rowe. People are urged to get their tickets this weekend as sales are expected to be brisk with the possibility of a sellout by Sunday afternoon. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Dangerous for Unborn, or ChildImagine exposing your unborn baby or small child to anything that can cause neurological problems, learning disabilities and developmental trouble. Unfortunately, with carbon monoxide poisoning, the potential for doing exactly that without even being aware of it is very real. “The increased danger the very young face from carbon monoxide is due to higher oxygen requirements for smaller bodies,” said Dr. Marc Bayer, Connecticut Poison Control Center medical director. “Because children have faster metabolic rates than adults, they require more oxygen for vital organs such as the brain and the heart. Since carbon monoxide interferes with oxygen delivery, it can lead to damage to an infant or child’s developing nervous system.” Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion, present whenever fuel is burned. In the home, common carbon monoxide sources include gas or oil furnaces or hot water heaters, gas clothes dryers, gas ovens and ranges, fireplaces, barbecue grills operating in enclosed areas and cars left running in attached garages. According to American Family Physician, three factors make the fetus vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning. First, carboxyhemoglobin (the compound formed by carbon monoxide in the blood stream) in the mother’s blood decreases the amount of oxygen released to the fetus. Second, hemoglobin in the fetus has a higher affinity for carbon monoxide than does adult hemoglobin. Third, fetal levels of carbon monoxide will continue to rise after the mother’s levels have peaked and begun to fall, taking longer for the fetus to eliminate the poison from its bloodstream. While the mother may recover completely, the fetus may be stillborn or suffer serious brain damage. “Fetal hemoglobin, opposed to the adult type, binds carbon monoxide with a much greater affinity,” said Dr. Bayer. “This substantiates the findings of medical investigators who have found a higher percentage of spontaneous abortions, fetal demise in utero and birth defects in children of mothers exposed to seemingly low levels of carbon monoxide during pregnancy.” An Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. listed carbon monoxide alarm with an audible signal may be the only way to know when carbon monoxide is present in a home. This alarm gives a read out of the level of carbon monoxide in the air during an alarm activation. The CO level feature allows a homeowner to check to see if CO was detected while the home was unoccupied. In the case of a CO alarm, it shows the emergency responder or technician how high levels were before they arrived. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the International Association of Fire Chiefs recommend that every home have at least one carbon monoxide alarm with an audible alarm located near the sleeping area. Additional alarms on every level and in every bedroom provide added protection. Carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association . At least 1,500 people die and 10,000 become ill from carbon monoxide poisoning each year. Low level symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu and are often misdiagnosed. Headaches, nausea, fatigue and dizziness are all non-specific symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Response Indicates Never Too Old To Learn About ComputersWith an overwhelming response to the new computer classes for senior citizens, it’s proof that you’re never too old to learn. Pioneer Technology Center began offering their first “Cyber Senior” classes in September to further meet the needs of the adult members in the community. “We thought that if we offered special classes geared specifically toward older adults, it would help them to feel more comfortable in attending the classes,” said Frank Vascellaro, adult training and development coordinator. Computer classes that are currently being offered to senior citizens are Using Windows 98, Introduction to Computers, and How to Use the Internet. The classes taught by Patti Lundeen, offer lecture, guided activities, hands-on activities, and individual assistance. “Right now I have a mix of computer users,” said Lundeen. “I have some that are taking the classes for the first time and some with computer experience. I even have some seniors who are inheriting computers from their sons or daughters who are wanting to give them an opportunity to communicate and stay connected with distant family members and friends.” Two class members, Ina Bond and Charlotte Rembke, both from Ponca City, are taking the classes to stay connected not only with distant family members and friends, but just for themselves. “I am just enthusiastic about learning,” said Bond. “I am always trying to learn something new and learning about the computer is one of them. I just love it! There is so much information out there and so much to learn that I can hardly wait to take my next class, Introduction to the Internet.” Much like Bond, Rembke loves learning and is eager to begin the Internet class so she can e-mail and communicate with her family members and one friend in particular living in England. “Patty is great,” said Rembke. “She is very knowledgeable about computers and she just makes it all so easy to learn.” Both Bond and Rembke have taken computer classes before at Pioneer Technology Center, but both stated that they think offering a special class like this would encourage others their age to attend. “Some just think it is beyond them, especially people my age,” said Bond. “But when this special senior class came around, it really turned out to be ideal for our age group.” In addition to the three full-time computer courses that Pioneer Technology Center is offering, they have also offered six one-day workshops on Fridays. “The workshops were filled as fast as the classes were,” said Vascellaro. “We have had people that are in their 60’s enroll and even some in their 90’s. It has been really great to see this type of response and see so many people that are eager to learn.” Mature adults and seniors have become a significant part of computer users and buyers in the United States. According to Senior.Com in the U.S., adults over 55 made up 36 percent of all PC buyers during 1993, and in 1995, 25 percent of seniors had a computer in their home. “These percentages are definitely increasing,” said Vascellaro. “Especially with the additional uses that some seniors are using the computer for. Some have mentioned they are interested in using the Internet, whether it be through shopping, planning vacations, corresponding with friends, to even learning how to create their own newsletters.” Vascellaro added that plans are also under way for the summer session where “Cyber Senior” courses will be offered in Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel. For more information on the “Cyber Senior” classes or other short-term training programs, call 762-8336. City CalendarItems for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon. Anytime FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs). Alcoholics Anonymous, Alano Group, Ponca City’s first established AA Group, meets at Noon and 8 p.m., seven days a week. All noon meetings open, all 8 p.m. meetings closed except Fridays, 603 South First Street. Today The Electric Department Open House, 1 p.m. dedication, open house to 3 p.m., Northwest Substation, corner North Ash Street and West Prospect Avenue. Monday Ponca City Board of commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Tuesday The Civic Center Complex Sales Tax Election, polls open 7 a.m., close at 7 p.m. Economic Development Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce. Ponca City Library Board, 11:30 a.m., Library Board Room, 515 East Grand Avenue. AARP, 12:30 p.m., Wheatheart Nutrition Center. McCord Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., McCord School Library. Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road. Wednesday Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., for more information call 762-9866 or 718-0314. Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission, 11:30 a.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue (meeting canceled due to lack of quorum). Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3, 7 p.m., District Pump Station, Perch Lane, Sandy Park Estates. Thursday Ponca City Housing Authority, 10 a.m., Broadway Plaza, 201 East Broadway Avenue. Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest Meeting Room, Western Sizzlin’. American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue. Friday Historic Preservation Panel Work Session, noon, Planning and Engineering Conference Room, 400 East Central Avenue, Suite 305. Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Chicken Noodle Dinner, 5-7 p.m., Asbury United Methodist Church, 700 West Liberty, adults $4, children $2, homemade pie, 50 cents. Saturday Larry K. Stephenson, artist, and former Ponca Citian, autographing copies of newly published children’s illustrated book, “The Butterfly King,” 2-4 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street, Ponca City, those unable to attend may call to reserve autographed copies. “Fall Fling” annual event fund raiser for St. Joseph Medical Foundation, 6:30-10 p.m., Marland Mansion, call 765-0301 for tickets. October 17 Rock and Reach Christian Concert with Overton and Broadway, 6 p.m., First Christian Church, North Fifth Street and East Cleveland Avenue, everyone welcome. October 18 Ponca City Board of Commissioners Work Session, 2 p.m., Public Safety Center Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm, call Beth Wright, 765-6738 for information. United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, ConvaTec Product Demos, with sales reps Jackie Miller from Tulsa and Donna Way from Wichita, 7 p.m., Stillwater Medical Center Board Room. October 19 Kaw Lake Association, noon, Golden Corral, North Fourteenth Street and Bradley Avenue, Ponca City. Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate Conference Center. DAV, 7 p.m., 401 South Lincoln Street. Osage Cove Volunteer Fire Department, 7 p.m., Fire Station, corner U.S. 60E and Keeler Road, new volunteers always welcome. October 20 Ponca City Public School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Library. Ponca City Tourism Authority, 2 p.m., Cultural Center Sunroom, 1000 East Grand Avenue. October 21 Park and Recreation Advisory Board, 5:30 p.m., Municipal Courtroom, Public Safety Center, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. October 23 American Legion Pancake and Sausage Feed, all the pancakes you can eat, 6:30-10 a.m., adults $3.50, children under 12 $2, children under 6 free, proceeds to children and youth activities, American Legion Building, 407 West South Avenue.. Kay County Shrine Club presents Matt and Robyn, a Branson Type Show, Country, Gospel, Comedy, 7:30 p.m., Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue, tickets (580) 765-5676. October 25 Ponca City Board of commissioners, Ponca City Utility Authority, Ponca City Development Authority, 5:30 p.m., Public Safety Center Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue. October 27 Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning and Engineering Conference Room, Suite 305, 400 East Central Avenue. Ponca City Main Street Authority Inc. Board Meeting, 1 p.m., Main Street Office, 117 North Third Street. October 28 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Conference Room A. American Legion Huff-Minor Post 14, 7:30 p.m., Post Home, 407 West South Avenue. October 29 St. Paul’s United Methodist Church UMW Salad Luncheon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., East Hartford Avenue and Pecan Road, adults $5, children $2. Ponca City Alliance for Youth Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention Taskforce, noon, Western Sizzlin’, 1209 East Prospect Avenue. October 30 McCord Arts and Crafts Festival, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., McCord School at Sherwin Avenue. Ambuc K-9 Fund Raiser “Cops vs. Coaches” and kids costume party, 5-9 p.m., Robson Fieldhouse, Ponca City High School. Halloween Trick or Treat night. November 5 World Community Day, 9:30 a.m., Albright United Methodist Church, sponsored by Church Women United. November 6 Veteran’s Parade Lou Dean, author of “Angels in Disguise” and “Paw Prints in My Soul” autographing her new book, “Osage County Kids,” 2-4 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street. Where To VoteThe City of Ponca City has called a special election for Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1999, with a proposal asking to extend the one-half cent sales tax for an additional three years in order to finance improvements at the Civic Center and East Wing of City Hall. Polls are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. The following are voting places for the special election: 413 Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth Street and Grand Avenue, Ponca City. 414 Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road. 415 Pioneer Christian Church, 1701 East Hubbard Road. 419 Community Christian Church, 2109 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City. 420 Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department. Ponca City 503 Central Baptist Church, 618 East Hartford Avenue. 504 Grace Episcopal Church, Thirteenth Street and East Grand Avenue. 507 Sunset Baptist Church, 915 West Greenwood Avenue. 516 Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse 517 St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 408 South Eighth Street. 523 Church of Christ, 1300 West Grand Avenue. 527 Hartford Avenue Church of Christ, 1905 Joe Street. 530 Pioneer Vo-Tech, 2101 North Ash Street. 532 Unity Gym, 1908 East Woodland. 533 St. Luke’s Church of Nazarene, 1715 East Prospect 534 N.E. Baptist Church, 2200 North Pecan. Jazz Band Concert At Poncan on FridayPlaying music is a vital part of Phillip Mitchell’s life, particularly when he plays with his jazz band, Mitch’s Brew. This touring group will perform at the Poncan Theatre in Ponca City, Friday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Mitch’s Brew jazz concerts are energetic and enlightening, exploring a wide range of musical composition including Ellington, Gershwin and Miles. They offer a variety of music that runs the gamut from traditional jazz tunes to hip hop, and they can deliver easy listening rhythm and blues, followed by a rhythmic beat that will knock your socks off. The group is composed of John Harris on piano, Gary Clardy playing saxophone, Trevon Houston as drummer, Lee Rucker playing trumpet and Mitchell on bass violin. Phillip Mitchell has been known as one of the most respected bass violin players in the area for several years. He wants to pass along to the next generation his love and respect for his favorite kind of music — jazz. He loves to play for a room full of kids who are just digging the music and who came to hear jazz. And it is even better when the kids bring their parents along. “Jazz in Oklahoma is nothing new, it’s just a renaissance of the music that was played here from the 1930s through the 1970s,” said Mitchell. “Many great jazz musicians got their start in our state, including Count Basie. I plan to carry on this tradition by educating young people about the history and performance of jazz,” he continued. He will present a jazz workshop to students at East Mid High on Friday afternoon, Oct. 15. Mitch’s Brew performance at the Poncan Theatre is a presentation of Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, Conoco, and Oklahoma Arts Council. The performance is free. DEATHSQuay T. Bonfy Quay T. BonfyWINFIELD — Quay T. “Shorty” Bonfy, resident of Winfield, died Saturday morning, Oct. 9, 1999, at Good Samaritan Village in Winfield. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1999, at First Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Ralston under the direction of Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Born March 29, 1907, at Skedee, Okla., he was one of three children born to Bert and Pearl Horne Bonfy. While growing up in Skedee, Shorty was a member of the Methodist Church, and he attended country and Skedee schools. He was baptized at the Ralston Bible Baptist Church. On Oct. 23, 1930, he was united in marriage to Margie M. Teichmer at Skedee, and the couple lived and farmed in the Skedee area for several years. In 1937, the Bonfy’s moved to Ponca City to serve in the 101 Ranch Resettlement Project. They lived and worked on a farm located within the boundaries of the original 101 Ranch for over 50 years. Following retirement, they moved to Winfield in 1992. Mrs. Bonfy preceded him in death on Dec. 28, 1996. He was a member of the 101 Truck Growers Association, the Farmer’s Union, the Ranch Drive Co-op and AARP. His interests included hunting and trapping, fishing and country music. He also enjoyed playing dominoes with his family and friends. Survivors include one daughter, Wilma Roady of Winfield; two sons, Dick Bonfy of Winfield and Buddy Bonfy of Albert Lea, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one brother, Don Bonfy; one sister, Ina Brown; and a great-grandchild, Calder Bonfy. A memorial has been established in his name for the Calder Bonfy Memorial Scholarship Fund at Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City. Contributions may be made through Miles Funeral Service, 4001 East Ninth, Winfield, Kan. 67156. Friends may call at the funeral home until 9 p.m. on Monday. ObituariesUlala Adleide RidgewayUlala Adleide Ridgeway, lifelong Ponca city resident, died Friday, Oct. 8, 1999, at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 80. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1999, at the First Pentecostal Holiness Church with the Rev. Noel Sneed officiating. Burial will follow in the Longwood Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Casket bearers will be her son-in-laws, Larry Dye, Dean Rinehart, Kirby Bricker, Mike Carson, Dwayne Roady, and Rodger Kates. Honorary casket bearers will be David Mowdy and Dr. Bob Gibson. Born Aug. 8, 1919, in Guthrie, Okla., she was the daughter of Oscar Wallace and Beulah Dell (Lewis) Reaves. The family moved to Ponca City in 1923. She attended the Sunnyside School through the fourth grade and then attended school in Ponca City. On June 25, 1941, she was married to Johnnie L. Ridgeway in Newkirk. The couple made their home in Ponca City. Mrs. Ridgeway worked in nursing homes in Ponca City and also as an in home caregiver for many years. She enjoyed caring for people and cooking “Big Meals”. She lived for her family. She was a member of the First Pentecostal Holiness Church and enjoyed fishing and playing cards with her “Buddies.” Surviving are seven children, Shirley Mowdy of Hayworth, Okla., John Wallace Ridgeway of Dothan, Ala., Sharon, Dye, Peggy Rinehart, Susie Bricker, Mary Carson, and Connie Roady, all of Ponca City; one brother, Floyd “Bus” Reaves of Ponca City; 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister and four brothers. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 600 N. Union Ponca City, Okla. 74601 The family will be at 504 N. Birch. paid obituary Lucille Burgess WhitecloudRED ROCK — Lucille Burgess Whitecloud, longtime Red Rock resident, died Friday, Oct. 8, 1999, at her home, after a lengthy illness. She was 87. The Tradition Indian Feast will be held at noon, Monday, Oct. 11, 1999, at the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cultural Center in Red Rock. Burial will follow in the Otoe-Missouria Tribal cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Lucille was born on Feb. 22, 1912, in Perry, to William and Belle Burgess. She attended Pawnee Indian School and Riverside Indian School in Anadarko. She was a longtime resident of Red Rock and was a homemaker. She was married to Melvin Whitecloud. He preceded her in death in 1972. She loved gardening, fishing, and sewing. She was also a member of the Otoe-Missouria Indian Baptist Church, the Otoe Chapter of American War Mothers, and was a Sergeant of Arms for over twenty years with that organization. She is survived by: three daughters, Mary Haze and Alma Warrior of Red Rock, and Anna Belle Pratt of Ponca City; five sons, Lelus Pumley and Leroy Marlow of Oklahoma City, Henry Marlow and Aldon Marlow of Red Rock, and Dean Marlow of Ponca City; 25 grandchildren, 69 great- grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sisters, 6 brothers, and 2 sons. paid obituary NEWS BRIEFSClothing Sale Canceled — The clothing giveaway at First Assembly of God Church will be canceled Monday due to the holiday. Hunting And fishing licenses available at Shooter’s Workshop and Pawn, 105 West Grand. adv. Board Meeting — The Ponca City Board of Education will hold a special board meeting on Monday at noon at the Po-Hi cafeteria. On the agenda will be the approval of the 1999-2000 Estimate of Needs. 20% Off all picture frames, until October 15th. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, downtown Ponca City. adv. Library Preschool Programs — The program for the Ponca City Public Library on Tuesday and Wednesday, will be “Once Upon a Tree.” Tuesday the programs are at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. for ages 4-7, with the program at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. for ages 2-3 on Wednesday. The program Oct. 26-27 will be “Pumpkin Fair.” Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv. Subject Held — The Communications Center received a call from Miller Market at 12:47 p.m. Friday reporting an adult male shoplifter in custody. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department responded and held a 41-year-old man for petit larceny. Don Sawyer’s Chimney Sweep. 26 years experience. Call now before the rush and get on his list. 580-762-8883. adv. Code Enforcement — A person reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 2:11 p.m. Friday that a refrigerator with the door still on had been abandoned at the southwest corner of North Third Street and East Comanche Avenue. An officer was assigned and code enforcement of the city handled the situation. Unusual Halloween fiber optic Boo tree, copper jack-o-lanterns, pins, etc. See our fall arrangements or bring your container in. Christy’s 3005 N 14th. adv. Citations Issued — Two different complaints had been received after 3 p.m. Friday concerning a reckless driver in the 200 block of West Grand Avenue. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned and citations were issued. Furr’s Dining Now open continuously 11-8 Sunday-Thursday, 11-8:30 Friday and Saturday. adv. Items Missing — A person from the 800 block of North Fourth Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 4:29 p.m. Friday that some items were missing from the residence. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Kids/Her Review now accepting children’s, women’s fall consignments. 309 E. Grand. adv. Accident — The Communications Center received a report at 4:44 p.m. Friday that a two-vehicle accident had occurred in the Wal-Mart parking lot. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Butter Braids: Plain, cream cheese plus five fruit flavors. Thaw-bake and enjoy. Great gifts. 114 S. 5th. 767-8336. adv. Subject Held — An employee at Wal-Mart reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 6:22 p.m. Friday that a shoplifter was in custody. An officer was assigned and a 17-year-old boy was held for petit larceny. The juvenile was released to a parent on a promise to appear in court. Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential. Hours: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. 765- 9689. adv. Accident — The Communications Center received a report at 6:35 p.m. Friday that a two-vehicle accident had occurred in the Citgo parking lot at South Fourth Street and East South Avenue. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv. Vehicle Damaged — An employee at Albertson’s Grocery reported at 6:44 p.m. Friday that her vehicle had been keyed. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. New Door County Candles! Peppermint Stick, Cookie Dough, Butter Pecan. Mrs. Brown’s Attic, downtown Ponca City. adv. Check for Fire — The Communications Center received a report at 8:01 p.m. Friday that a fire alarm was going off at a residence in the 2100 block of Oriole Street. Two stations from the Ponca City Fire Department sent units but it was determined to be a false alarm. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. For professional carpet cleaning, call the professionals. Jueschke Carpet Cleaners. 765-3421. adv. Subjects Held — Assistance from the Ponca City Police Department was requested from a residence in the 600 block of South Eleventh Street at 10:02 p.m. Friday. Two officers were assigned and a 39-year-old man was held for public intoxication and a city warrant for failure to pay. Another 48-year-old man was held for public intoxication. Affordable Health and Dental Insurance for the self-employed. Call today! Ask how to get your premiums back . 100% tax right off . Call Gary at 918-486-2100. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of West South Avenue and South Waverly Street at 11:56 p.m. Friday that a 19-year-old woman was being held for DUI and following too close. Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, patios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 2000 block of Lake Road at 2:01 a.m. Saturday that a 35-year-old man was being held for DUI and having no insurance. Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of North Second Street and East Highland Avenue at 2:26 a.m. Saturday that a 24-year-old man was being held for DUI and driving left of center. Luncheon Monday — The Royal Neighbors will have a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Monday at the Golden Corral, North Fourteenth Street and Bradley Avenue. LIFESTYLESDoralyn Hobbs Becomes Bride of Anthony Mears Doralyn Hobbs Becomes Bride of Anthony MearsCann Memorial Garden was the setting Sept. 25, 1999, for the wedding of Doralyn Hobbs and Anthony Mears. Their double ring vows were officiated at 2 p.m. by the Rev. Jesse Manering. The bride is the daughter of Leanne and Dale Neidig of Ponca City, and the late David Hobbs. She is the granddaughter of James Hobbs, Mrs. Edith Hobbs, Mrs. Ada Cavett, Mrs. Charlene Neidig, all of Ponca City, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kirchenbauer of San Antonio, Texas, and the late Louis Cavett, and the late Dale Neidig. The bridegroom is the son of Carolyn Mears and Dane Monsour, both of Ponca City, and the grandson of Noble B. Mears of Ponca City, and the late Ida Mae Mears. Decorations included pedestals holding arrangements of greenery accented with large tulle bows. Cynthia Crowe sang and played guitar. She sang “The Rose” as guests were seated by Kevin Carmack and Jerry Day, and “It Is Love” as the family was seated. “Evergreen” was sung as the couple lit the unity candle. Cheryl Fry attended the guest book and Aubrey Day was in charge of the gift table. Telara Day was flower girl, and Scott Jeffcoat, cousin of the bridegroom, served as ringbearer. Best Man was Jason Smith, and Matron of Honor was Carrie Verrette. She was attired in a full-length burgundy gown designed with a vee-neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves highlighted with slim straps. She wore a laurel of baby’s breath in her hair and carried an arrangement of cream-colored roses, baby’s breath and greenery tied with burgundy and cream ribbon streamers. Escorted by her stepfather, the bride wore a floor-length candlelight satin gown styled with a beaded teardrop neckline and off-the-shoulder, tiered sleeves. The Basque waistline was embellished with beading, and complemented the full skirt. Her elbow-length veiling was edged with satin and secured by a floral headpiece adorned with pearls. She carried a cascade of cream-colored silk roses, burgundy flowers, baby’s breath and greenery tied with burgundy ribbon streamers. Following tradition, she carried something old, a handkerchief belonging to her great-grandmother; something new, diamond earrings, a gift from the bridegroom; something borrowed, a diamond heart pendant from the bridegroom’s mother, and necklace chain from the bride’s mother; something blue, her garter; and she carried a penny in her shoe. Assisting with the reception on the patio of the Cann home were Anna Nichols, Christina Nichols, Katie Bennet, Tammy Keller, Ruth Cales, and Valynda Christian. The basketweave-iced cakes were made, as a gift to the couple, by Ruth Cales and Wilma Walls. Floral arrangements for the bridal party were created by Anna Nichols as a wedding present. Music was provided by Bruce Mears, uncle of the bridegroom, and serving as wedding coordinator was Sherrie Bottger. The newlywed couple resides in Ponca City. The bride is employed in the retail accounting department at Conoco and is a student at Northern Oklahoma College. The bridegroom is employed as a computer technician at Sykes Enterprises, and does artwork for Speedy’s. Among the guests attending were B.J. and Corey Hunter and family of Colorado, Tammy Lasher and son of Edmond, Cheryl Jennings of Kansas, Cheryl Fry of Muskogee, John and Mary Seward, Margaret Walsh of Oklahoma City, Toby Verrette of Kansas, Margaret Jones of Kansas, Nancy Langdale of Newkirk, Mary Birdsong of Enid, Tabitha Burklin of Tulsa, and Anna Nichols of Norman. Wedding Plans Announced for McDaniel and LessertAnnouncement is being made of the engagement of Meredith McDaniel and Keith David Lessert. The couple plans a Nov. 27 wedding. The 2 p.m. ceremony will be at Notchey Creek Baptist Church, 5529 New Highway 68, Madisonville, Tenn. The reception will be held in the fellowship hall following the ceremony. The bride-elect is the daughter of Jerry and Genelle McDaniel. Parents of the prospective bridegroom are Chuck and Vicki Lessert, 2201 Joe. Emerald Beach Is Setting For Couple’s Nuptial VowsMr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Batey are residing in Republic, Mo., following their Sept. 9, 1999, wedding on Emerald Beach, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Their double-ring vows were officiated in a ceremony at 9:30 a.m. The bride, the former Cyndee T. Norman, is the daughter of Chuck and Sue Norman of Eldridge, Mo. and Trela and Roy Mattocks of Ponca City. She is the granddaughter of the late C.T. and Rene Norman and the late James and Doris Usrey. Batey is the son of Mike and Linda Batey of Springfield, Mo., and the grandson of Jeanne Batey, Jack and Rene Hamilton, all of Springfield, Mo., and the late Ward Batey. The bride wore a full-length white linen sundress and a sequin and pearl headdress. She carried a bouquet of tropical flowers and, following tradition, wore her grandmother’s necklace and earrings. The couple was honored with a dinner-dance reception Sept. 25 at the Deer Lake Golf Club in Springfield. Mo. Lookin’ With LouIf I Had the Money …By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE News Staff Writer If I had the money — I would pay for an ego-press printed phone book. Not one of those with a full-page ad — such as a workers’ comp lawyers run — but one that has all the phone numbers I call semi-regularly. An address and phone book that has to be written in is out of the question. My phone book would be user-friendly. For instance it would show the Post Office’s number. Right now it is listed under U.S. Government, but if you can’t read the fine print or you don’t know it is located on Grand Avenue, you could be calling Burbank, Marland, Newkirk, Blackwell or Tonkawa. Why couldn’t it be listed under Ponca City or Post Office? For instance the Tag Agent is just listed under Tag Agent, and that is helpful. Some years ago it was listed otherwise, and, by the time I found it, my tag was expired. If I had the money — I would contract a real person to answer the phone for AT&T so they could have real live conversations instead of punch one or two, etc. If I had the money — I would buy myself one of those cute ego car tags that say something like “Lou’s Lexus,” “Grammobile,” or “What’s New?” Or maybe just a pink bumper sticker that reads “Honk if You Like Sauerkraut!” If I had the money — I would pay up my health insurance, go roller blading and hope to be covered when I fall down and break my buns. If I had the money — I would keep a locksmith on retainer for when I lock my keys in the car. If I had the money — I would want a glamour photo taken wearing a skimpy off-the-shoulder evening gown and a feather boa to be used with my paid newspaper obituary. If I had the money — I would eat three pieces of calorie-loaded chocolate pecan pie and then sign up with a friend for one of those two-for-one diet programs. If I had the money — I would have a pin-up “hunk” tattooed underneath my eyelid so I could see it and no one else could. If I had the money — I would engage a med-tech to open my arthritis medicine when my grandson is busy programing my computer. If I had money — I would select a far-sighted doctor to read my cholesterol chart. If I had money — I wouldn’t be writing this column! Photo ChangePhotographs of scholarship winners will no longer be used on the Lifestyles pages. Information concerning the award and its recipient will be used in a story if the organization’s news is usually reported in Lifestyles. Scholarship information should be submitted for placement on the Education page. Lamont Alumni Plan November ReunionThe Lamont Alumni Reunion is scheduled for Nov. 27 at the United Methodist Church. Coffee will be served from 10 until 11:30 a.m., and a meal will be served at noon. Tickets for the event are for advance sale only, and must be purchased by Oct. 30. No tickets will be sold at the door. Ticket information may be obtained by calling 580-388-4345. Tickets may be purchased at the State Exchange Bank in Lamont. Garden Club To MeetMembers of the Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club will meet Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 9:30 a.m. at the Cann Garden Home. Mary Anne Potter will speak on the topic of “Infusions and More.” Guests are welcome to attend, and further information may be obtained by calling 762-9866 or 718-0314. Reception Honors EwersMax and Phyllis Ewers recently observed their 50th wedding anniversary. The couple was married Sept. 18, 1949, at Nash. A reception in their honor was held Sept. 19 at the Second Baptist Church, and was hosted by their four children and six grandchildren. Mr. Ewers was employed at the Ponca City Post Office for 35 years before retirement. Their children and their families are Judy Murray, and husband, Richard, of Wellington, Kan.; Janet Jaime, and husband Reggie, of Oklahoma City; Kristi Struble, and husband, Steve, of Ponca City; Tony Ewers, and wife, Ellen, of Woodstock, Ga. Grandchildren are Richard Murray III of Wellington, Kan., Ashley Murray of Wellington, Kan., Myshie Ewers of Woodstock, Ga., Morgan Ewers of Stillwater, Dawson Ewers of Woodstock, Ga., and Lyndsay Suttles of Ponca City. DAR To Hear Program About Standing BearPonca City Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will meet at 12:45 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, at the Cultural Center. A program on Standing Bear Park, as well as community involvement in the project, will be presented by T. L. Walker, Executive Director of Standing Bear Native American Foundation. Ms. Walker is chairman of the Project Tree 2000 (Ponca City Millennium Commission). She also holds membership in the Ponca City Rotary, Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, and Board of Directors — Arts Adventure. She is Managing Director of Chameleon. Ms. Walker is also a singer, musician, performer, director and producer. Following Ms. Walker’s presentation, Rosa Lee Johnson, Frontier District director, will tell about the DAR State Regent’s plans for the year. Hostess chairman is Patsy Lessert, assisted by a committee consisting of Joel Trout, Margaret Yeakley, Judy Million, Karen Hunter and Leslie Rarden. Birthday PolicyAs a service to readers of The Ponca City News the Lifestyles section will include a picture and brief story concerning a resident’s 90th and older birthday. When submitting information please give date of birth and details concerning receptions, mailing address for cards, etc. Pictures will be returned when an address is included. Mail or bring information to the Lifestyles Desk, P. O. Box 191, Ponca City, OK 74601. Singles Network Lists ActivitiesSingles’ Network is a support group for any divorced, widowed, or never—married person in the Ponca City area. We invite you to join us for any of this week’s activities. Sunday — Soup supper, 4 p.m. Call Nancy for information, 762-1289. Tuesday — Eat at Arby’s, 6 p.m. Thursday — Meet in lobby at Furrs to eat, socialize and plan November’s calendar. Saturday — Brunch at 11:30 a.m. Call Edie, 762-3071. Sunday, Oct. 17 — Meet at Mazzio’s, 4 p.m. Brenda Winn Bride-ElectA Nov. 6 wedding in Napa Valley, Calif. is being planned by Brenda Kay Winn and Jeffrey Ian Staley. The bride-elect is a 1988 graduate of Ponca City High School and has attended Central State University. She is a flight attendant for American Airlines, based in San Francisco, Calif. Staley, a 1993 graduate from the United States Air Force Academy, earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California. He is currently senior program manager for Aspect Telecommunications. Miss Winn is the daughter of Collins and Francie James of Ponca City, and Dennis Winn of Houston. The prospective bridegroom is the son of Joel and Carolyn Moulin and Don and Diana Staley of Raleigh, N.C. TOPS Chapter Members MeetTOPS OK 308 Chapter met Monday evening. Ann McCoy called the meeting to order, and Wanda Headrick gave the devotional, A Calorie Counter’s Prayer. Joanne Radabough led the Tops Pledge, and Jewel McFarland gave the KOPS Kreed. Natalie McCoy called roll, and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Donna McCoy was Best Loser, and Fern Black won the Ha Ha Pot. Candy was named the forbidden food for the week. Wanda Headrick was the September Angel. Perfect attendance charms were presented to Natalie McCoy, Ann McCool, Loretta Riley, Blanche Pontius and Jamie Fairchild. Wanda Headrick and Ruth Ann Lenz presented a skit for the program. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs. Contests are used to encourage weight loss. Weigh-in time is from 6 to 6:45 p.m. each Monday and meetings being at 6:45 p.m. For more information contact Betty Flower at 765-5448 or Delpha Clemens at 762-2844. Democrats MeetThe Kay County Democratic Party will hold the regular monthly meeting on Oct. 14, at 7:30 pm at the PACE Hall (formerly OCAW) located 1202 West Ponca Avenue, Ponca City. All interested democrats are urged to attend. The business meeting will include an update on state activities as well as upcoming local events. For more information call Donna Swope, Kay County Chair, evenings at 580-767-8354. Wedding Announced by Marlar and WynnAnnouncement is being made of the marriage of Laura Marlar and Jim Wynn in a private ceremony Oct. 1, 1999, in Arkansas City, Kan. The couple resides in Ponca City. The bridegroom is employed by Evans & Associates, and the bride is employed by the Ponca City School System. Kathy Adams Will Address AAUW EventThe American Association of University Women will meet at 10 a.m. Oct. 16 at the Ponca City Country Club. Everyone who is interested is welcome to attend. The program, “Secrets of the Marland Mansion,” will be presented by Kathy Adams. AAUW is an organization vitally interested in education and advancement of women. Its mission is to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal changes. Founded in 1881 in the United States, every member is required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. AAUW seeks a diverse membership to achieve its educational goals. AAUW meets each month, September through May. Ponca City branch meetings are held the third Saturday of the month at the Ponca City Country Club. The local branch also has a bridge group, literature discussion group, and an “Out to Lunch Bunch.” For additional information, call Bette Lee at 762-2000 or Grace Chism at 765-3519. Homecoming Event for Prairie ChapelThe 70th Annual Homecoming was held Sept. 26 at Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church with 57 people attending. The Rev. Don Martin, pastor, conducted the morning worship service with the sermon “The Tortoise And The Hare” based on the scripture in Matthew 21:28-32. Camille Sneath led the singing, accompanied by Glenda Pameticky at the piano and Willa Mae Overman at the organ. A basket dinner was served at noon. During the afternoon service, Roger Allen led in congregational singing, and Alicia Allen played a piano solo. The church history was read by Marcina Overman and Karen Overman. Communications were read by Willa Mae Overman from Jim and LouAnn Schmidl, Laura Beighle, and Roylyn Selvy. Telephone calls were received from the Rev. Don and Barbara Waters and the Rev. Robert and Mary DeMoss. Velma Carmichael from Yakima, Wash., Bob and Jane Ferguson from Houston, Texas, Eleaner Venable from “Dan Antonio, Texas, and Amy Pameticky from Fort Benning, Ga. came the farthest. Pearl Sprow was the oldest to attend. MacKinzie Overman was the youngest. Those attending told of memories of Prairie Chapel Church. The afternoon program concluded with the group singing “God Be With You” and the benediction given by the Rev. Don Martin. Those attending were Bob and Jane Ferguson, Houston, Texas; Orvin and Peggy Johnston, Wendell Johnston, EI Reno; Velma Carmichael, Yakima, Wash.; Eleaner Venable, San Antonio, Texas; Julie Johnston Barnard, Stillwater; Nedra Johnston Field, Tulsa; Danny and Judy Mitchell, Arkansas City, Kan.; Jennifer Pameticky, Oklahoma City; Amy Pameticky, Fort Benning, Ga.; Clyde and Marilyn Robins, Alcia Taylor from Ponca City; the Rev. Don Martin, Jay and Michelle Tripp, Jerry and Marilyn Johnston from Braman; and Thelma Padgett and Keith Howard from Blackwell. Those attending from the Prairie Chapel community were Mildred Pameticky, Marcina Overman, Pearl Sprow, Doris Broyles, Harlan and Karen Overman, Bryan Overman, Roger and Susie Allen, Alicia, Matt, and Lacey Allen, Evelyn Johnson, Eddie and Myra Manley, Larry and Camille Sneath, Gavin Sneath, Gene and Joe Ann Guyer, Glenda Pameticky, Betty Klusmeyer, Evelyn Waggoner, Dustin Waggoner, Scott and Michelle Overman, McKinzie Overman, Rickey and Earla Sue Alley, Shawn and Jesse Alley, Earl and LaVerne Byler, Willa Mae Overman. Pick Up PhotosSeveral photographs used in the Lifestyles pages the past three years for engagements, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays are available for pick up at the Lifestyles desk in the newsroom. Those persons who made arrangements to pick up pictures after they were used in the newspaper need to retrieve the photos soon. Video Donated To Local LibraryThe local Chapter 432 of the American Association of Retired People has donated a video to the Ponca City Library on an incident not mentioned in history books. A spokesperson summarized the video by saying “in 1934 there was a plot to overthrow FDR in the White House. There were a number of very wealthy Republicans and a number of dissident, but well known, Democrats involved. Watching this extremely interesting video raises far more questions than it answers and points out that past presidents had their problems while in office.” This film had been shown in the last two years on the History Channel, but a lot of people missed it because they were scheduled to show a different film at the time said a member of AARP. Wheatheart NutritionFor Wheatheart Nutrition Menu information call 767-1620. Volunteers are needed to deliver noon meals to the elderly homebound. Menus for this week are as follows: Monday, Oct. 11: Holiday Tuesday, Oct. 12: Chicken Enchilada casserole; beans; tossed salad with dressing; Mexican cornbread with margarine; sherbet. Wednesday, Oct. 13: Ham salad; vegetable beef soup; cabbage slaw; crackers with margarine; apple crisp. Thursday, Oct. 14: Chicken friend steak with gravy; mashed potatoes; buttered carrots; biscuits with margarine; pineapple upsidedown cake. Friday, Oct. 15: Sliced ham; yam patties; buttered broccoli; muffin with margarine; pudding with whipped topping. Death by Chocolate Topic of Writers Event“Death by Chocolate” will be the topic at the Oklahoma’s Women Mystery Writers panel discussion Tuesday, Oct. 19. The event will be held at 7 p.m. in Stillwater in the Browsing Room of the Edmon Low Library on the campus of Oklahoma State University. Come meet the authors and enjoy sinful, sinful chocolate. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with “A To Die for Dinner” with the authors. Tickets are $10 for dinner and reservations must be made by Tuesday, Oct. 12. Participating authors include M.E. Cooper of Stillwater, author of “Unlikely Assassins” and “Blood & Pity”; Sandy Dengler of Norman, “Hyaenas” and “The Quick and the Dead”; Carolyn Hart of Oklahoma City, The Henrie O. Mysteries, including “Death on the River Walk”; and Eve Sandstrom of Lawton, “The Homicide Report” and “ The Down Home Heifer Heist.” For dinner reservations, make $10 check payable to OSU Library, Oklahoma Women Mystery Writers, 216 Edmon Low Library, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla. 74078-1071. Space is limited. For additional information, call (405) 744-7311 or visit the website www.library.okstate.edu. Powells Observe FiftiethA family dinner Oct. 7 at the Rusty Barrel honored Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lee Powell, 4091 McCord Road, on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Hosting the event were their daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Mark Wilson of Ponca City; a son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Susie Powell of Marland; and a grandson, Daniel Powell, and his fianceé, Michelle Mills. The honorees have three grandchildren, Michelle Lynn Wilson, Michael Shane Wilson and Daniel Vernon Powell. Richard Powell and the former Twila Thompson were married Oct. 7, 1949, at the First Christian Church. Attendants were Kenneth and Carol Mann. Mr. Powell retired from the purchasing department at Conoco in 1992 after 43 years of service. Mrs. Powell retired in 1979 from the J C. Penney company. The couple is affiliated with Albright United Methodist Church and belong to the Conestoga Campers. The Powells recently returned from a three month, 13 western states tour. Highlights of the trip were Crater Lake, Mt. St. Helens, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell, Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. Mayor Discusses Upcoming VoteThe scene is 1917, and Ponca City gathers to send 40 men off to World War I. Our founding fathers saw a need for a place where the community could meet for events such as this. The need was met on Nov. 14, 1917, when the current Civic Center main auditorium portion was dedicated as Ponca City’s Convention Hall, said Tom Leonard, mayor, in a recent address to members of the local Kiwanis. Fast forward to 1999. Thankfully we are not needing a place to meet to send men and women off to a world war, but our local government still sees a need to have a Civic Center where people can meet, conduct city business, and pay utilities in one location, said Leonard. He also told Kiwanis members that he wants “to continue the successful completion of the No. 1 Fire Station” and urges renewal of the 1/2 cent sales tax for renovation of the rest of the Civic Center complex. Local businesses inform our city government that around 40% of our sales tax revenue is funded by people from outside the Ponca City ZIP codes said Leonard. Ponca City revenue from the current sales taxes is earmarked 2 cents for the general fund, 1/2 cent for the No. 1 Fire Station renovation (this 1/2 cent is what officials hope will be renewed as the Civic Center renovation), 1/2 cent for economic development, and 1/2 cent for our streets according to city government statistics. Leonard confirmed that “this renovation will bring the City Commission meetings back to the Civic Center in a more user-friendly room with updated technology available to televise the meetings.” Y2K readiness of Ponca City was a question asked Leonard at the close of his presentation. “Ponca City has tested our systems, such as the wastewater system, for compatibility and has contacted as many manufacturers as possible questioning whether there are imbedded chips in the product and if the chips are Y2K compliant,” answered Leonard. He further explained that “because Ponca City owns the diesel plant, we should be able to have power within approximately 24 hours, even under worst-case scenarios.” He went on to explain that “the city is still conducting tests, helping surrounding communities with their tests, and communicating with the hospital, Conoco, and others to formulate strategic worst-case scenario plans.” Any men and women interested in community service may attend a Kiwanis meeting on Tuesdays at either E.W.’s or the Caucus Room at the Marland Estate from noon to 1 p.m. Pair Celebrates 60 YearsRoy and Bessie Mae Essary recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a family dinner at the il Sorrento Restaurant in Dallas, Texas. The event was hosted by the couple’s daughter and son-law, Linda and Joe Keffer, and son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Lynne Essary. In an earlier celebration of their anniversary, the couple traveled to Anaheim, Calif. for an Essary family reunion. Following the reunion, the couple visited with son and daughter-in-law, Mel and Daria Essary, and grandchildren, Daniel and Amanda, in Gardnerville, Nev., and the Lake Tahoe area. Roy Essary and the former Bessie Mae Williams were married Sept. 30, 1939, at the First Christian Church in Tonkawa. They have spent their married life in Ponca City and have resided in their present home for 41 years. The Essarys owned and operated Essarys Donut Shop for 39 years, retiring in January 1980. Their children and grandchildren are Mel and Daria Essary, Daniel and Amanda of Gardnerville, Nev.; Linda and Joe Keffer, Brian and Michelle of Richardson, Texas; Dennis and Lynne Essary, Kyle, Brad, Justin and Bryan of Plano, Texas. Brewer Family Holds ReunionThe 11th annual Brewer reunion was held Sept. 24 and 25 at the Wentz campgrounds in Ponca City. The family members are descendants of Willie and Bertha Brewer. The reunion had 72 in attendance this year. Kenneth Moore traveled the farthest from Centreville, Va., and the oldest in attendance with the Brewer name was Loyd Brewer from Onie, Ark. The youngest was Whitney Tally, daughter of John and Malenda Tally; she is 2 1/2 months and resides in Kaufman, Texas. She is the granddaughter of Bob and Jude Henderson and the great-granddaughter of Coy and Wylidene Brewer. On Saturday, the family had a gospel singing with Gwen Powelson and son Matthew demonstrating sign language to a gospel song. The family celebrated Kenneth Moore’s upcoming 50th birthday with a cake and a variety of gifts. The invocation at dinner was given by Ralph Brewer of Ponca City. Attending from Ponca City were Shirley Alexander, Gladys Ramsey, Ralph and Lucy Brewer, Marion and Dene Fredricks, E.E. Rorie, Frank Rorie, Don and Cathy Hicks, Dale and Donette Hicks and Jeff, Cody Stark, Chery] Brewer and grandson Ryan, Denny and Diana Brewer and Jordan, Jared, and Jennae, John and Gwen Powelson and Matthew, Peggy Hannum, Mary Fredricks, Kerry Carter and Trevor, Bradley and Helen Cassity. Others attending were Matt and Donna Hicks, Candy, Josh and Ty of Tonkawa; Elaine Hardman and Megan of Deer Creek; Paula Aldrich, Sarah and Whitney of Lamont; Spike and Karey Henderson of Enid; Retha Moore of Oklahoma City; Darrell and Vickie Harman of Choctaw; Cherryl Tucker, Brandon, Kaylee of Marlow; Gary and Rhonda Layman of Tulsa; Tonia Cassity of Oklahoma City;. Rachael Fredrick of Lamont; Coy and WyIidene Brewer, Joe and Pat Brewer of Newkirk. Attending from out of state were Henry and Oneida Harness of Wichita, Kan.; Bob and Judie Henderson of Overland Park, Kan.; Kenneth Moore of Centreville, Va.; Bobby and Sheron Carter of Siloam Springs, Ark.; Geraldene Sutton of Timbo, Ark.; James and Deloris Brewer of Mountain View, Ark.; Loyd and Veaner Brewer of Onia, Ark.; Dexter and Evelyn Brewer of Cypress Inn, Tenn.; and Malynda Tally and Whitney of Kaufman, Texas. AARP Sets Meeting At Nutrition CenterThe October meeting of Chapter 432 of the Ponca City Chapter of American Association of Retired Persons will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Wheatheart Nutrition Center, 319 West Grand. The speaker for this month’s meeting will be from Ponca City Emergency Medical Service and will be covering additional training |