From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Friday, November
29, 1996
LOCAL
Nearly News
Long Time Resident Benefits From Home Care
Thunderbird Youth Academy Now Aiding 'At Risk Youth'
Letters Say:
YMCA Offers Variety Of Water Exercises
OBI Encourages Donors Share During Holiday Time
DEATHS
Gene E. Hisey
Calleen Hamilton
Services Pending
Alice P. Grantham
Allen Whitecloud
NEWS BRIEFS
RELIGION
Confirmation Sunday at Grace Episcopal
1st Baptists Plan Musical Treats for Holiday Worship
Christmas Spirit Fair Planned For Dec. 1 at First United Methodist
Pastor's Notes
Christ's Church Plans Concert in Newkirk
St. Paul's UMC Marks Advent
NE Baptists Will Honor Pastor, Hear Missionaries
Baptist Girls Fete Grandparents
EDUCATION
Turkey Feast
Union PTA Book Fair
Tutoring Services
School-to-Work Meeting
Fruit Sale Delivery
Students Inducted Into Honor Society
P.C. Students Receive Scholarships
Aupperle Receives Honor
Students Receive Degrees
Stout Receives Grant
LIFESTYLES
Reception To Honor Couple
Group Sells Christmas Gift Items
Little News
Project Wet Workshop To Focus on Water Issues in Oklahoma
Gina Bowman, president of the Ponca City Habitat for Humanity is really counting her blessings today as she recuperates from injuries received in a harrowing five-vehicle accident in Norman. Her husband Jay Bowman, who was driving the car, told Nearly News a semi-tractor trailer tanker truck rear-ended a car sitting at a stop sign near Norman. That car then spun out of control, rolled three times, hit two other cars, which were stopped at the traffic light. The semi continued on, striking the Bowman car, and wedging it underneath the tanker between the tractor wheels and back wheels of the trailer. A picture of the Bowman car, as it was wedged under the tanker appeared in the Thursday issue of the Norman Transcript. Gina's husband, Jay reports that four people where injured and transported to hospitals but none of the injuries were life-threatening. He has requested prayers for Gina as she recuperates at home.
(Editor's Note: November is National Home Health Care Month.)
Elizabeth Oberschelp recently celebrated her 94th birthday in her own home.
Three months ago she had hip replacement surgery with some complications due to her weakened cardiovascular condition. When it was time to be dismissed from the hospital, her consulting physician suggested a nursing home. However, her family said "no" to that possibility. Mrs. Oberschelp was depressed and wanted to go home. And they wanted her at home. But they would need help. That is when they contacted HomeCall, a local home health agency.
Mrs. Oberschelp is visited one to three times a week by Lori Skidgel, a registered nurse from HomeCall. She is assisted with personal care. Her cardiovascular system is assessed and her response to medication changes is monitored. At the same time, Lori teaches her family to recognize signs of congestive heart failure.
Mrs. Oberschelp's family benefits from her being at home as well. She lives with her granddaughter, Priscilla Wells and her husband, Clarence, and their 8-year-old twins, Katie and John on their family farm southeast of Ponca City. Her mind is sharp and she is an integral part of their lives. Her condition has improved so much that she will be dismissed from home care services at the end of this month. She often says, "I'm in pretty good shape for the shape I'm in."
Home is where the heart is. It is no surprise, then, that when someone like Mrs. Oberschelp is ill, she wants to go home where the environment is familiar. Scientific evidence has shown that patients heal more quickly at home and the risk of complicating infections is less than in institutional environments. The cost for home care is also considerably less. In this time of cutbacks in what insurance will cover, caring for loved ones at home becomes a financial consideration.
November is set aside as National Home Care month with the goal of increasing the public awareness of the home health services available in communities around the United States.
HomeCall had its beginnings in Stillwater in 1978 and expanded to offices in Enid, Perry, Cushing, and then to Ponca City in March of 1995. They offer a full range of services which includes skilled nursing, home-health aide services, pediatric care, psychiatric nursing, personal care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, rehabilitation services, infusion therapy, chemotherapy and medical social services.
By LAURA TREADWAY
News Staff Writer
Thunderbird Youth Academy recently initiated a campaign to recruit students, mentors, community volunteers and regional coordinators around the state. Currently, the academy needs Regional Coordinators in McAlester and Clinton.
This pilot program is the result of legislation enacted in 1992 in response to the increasing numbers of high school dropouts and their perceived and documented negative impact on society, according to the Rockefeller Study in 1989 and CSIS study in 1991.
The primary mission of the academy is to effect the socialization of "at risk youth" by elevating their academic level, improving their self esteem, pride and confidence levels as well as teach them basic life skills needed to compete in the work place and manage a healthy family environment, according to officials of TYA.
The program consists of a 17-month process, including a five month residency at the TYA in Pryor, and a 12-month mentoring phase in the cadet's local community.
These youths are involved in a unique opportunity to learn work skills, complete their general education degree requirements and receive a graduation stipend to further their education or career.
To qualify, students must be 16 to 18 years of age, be a high school dropout, drug free, in good health and not in the legal system. In return, the students obtain training for a lifetime, leadership development, skills to succeed in academics, skills to compete for a good job and improved social skills.
According to the academy, the educational design of curriculum focuses on life skills and GED preparation. Cadets are instructed in the classroom as well as out in the business world. Military assets, doctrine and principles are utilized wherever practical. To effect a positive program environment and outcome, goals are discipline and control, counseling, physical training, community involvement and non-traditional educational methods.
Students are evaluated individually, to allow for improved academic process. Once completing their GED, cadets can continue work in which orients them to business and industries in the local community.
In addition, cadets can pursue college level studies voluntarily. Credits are transferable and the classes are taught by certified college instructors.
The Seventh cycle cadets of TYA have achieved important accomplishments on their way to graduation. These cadets have already accumulated thousands of hours of community service around the state of Oklahoma, according to academy officials.
Not only did the youths participate in four Make A Difference Day projects, but they were instrumental in assisting during the recent Muskogee Air Show. Watch for the cadets at future events in Pryor, Locust Grove, Miami, Chouteau, Grove Christmas parade and Tulsa's Martin Luther King Day parade.
For more information about the academy, to volunteer or find out how the lives of young people are being improved, contact 1-800-656-4111 by phone, 1-918-825-8158 by FAX or write: Thunderbird Youth Academy, 417 South Elliott, Pryor, Okla., 74361.
Editor, The News,
I would like to respond to the letters from Charlotte Baker and Mrs. Duroy concerning the private use of City vehicles. Ms. Baker, while praising the police department, has neglected to identify herself as an employee of same. As far as contacting the police department for help concerning the City vehicle parked in front of the fire hydrant, this has been done several times. The police dispatcher transferred my calls to the Fire Department, who informed me this was not a violation since the area was not "marked in yellow". Ms. Baker, are you saying this IS a violation after all?
Mrs. Duroy has neglected to identify herself as a relative of a police officer. As for feeling more secure with a patrol car in the neighborhood, I don't. We have continued problems with speeding in our neighborhood. Drivers travel at twice the speed limit on Brentwood, Princeton and Windsor, and nothing has been done to stop it, despite dozens of calls to the police department. The police have even been given license tag numbers of the chronic speeders, to no avail.
Am I correct in assuming that City employees are employed by us, the citizens and taxpayers of Ponca City? If this is correct, why are we not allowed a voice in the way these departments are run? Apparently, the truth is making some people very uncomfortable.
Jo Botts
Editor, The News;
Nobody has ever called me a conspiracy nut - because I've never embraced the ideas of those who normally are thought to be conspiracy nuts. But - let me show you a description of a conspiracy - one that you can believe really exists. The Bible says in John 10: 10 "The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy."
Now I'll show you one small example of the results of that conspiracy. The Ponca City News - Nov. 20th - Letters Say: "The U.S. Constitution guarantees the separation of church and state." The thief that John 10: 10 warns us about is also called 'the father of lies' in John 8: 44. If you believe the constitution even contains that - 'separation of church and state' - phrase - let alone guarantees it, then you are believing the deadliest black lie that the "thief" has ever fathered in his conspiracy to destroy this nation. He has stolen the TRUTH!
Forceful, assertive, emphatic warnings resound from almost every speech and writing we have from anyone who had anything to do with writing the U.S. Constitution not to try to make this government work without God - Don't even think about it!! Wouldn't you think the people closest to those who wrote the Constitution would have had to be the most accurate in performing it? Then why did those writers of our U.S. Constitution not sue their children's school teachers for reading the Bible and praying in school - if they intended 'separation of church and state?' It is very, very obvious that they did NOT!
You shall know the TRUTH and the TRUTH shall make you free. Freedom is what this country is all about. If you let the 'thief' steal your TRUTH, then - and only then - will you be in a position where he can finish his conspiracy to kill and destroy. If anybody ought to be sued, it's our school system for criminal neglect - for not teaching our kids where this country came from. It's called "History."
C.R. Osborn
The YMCA offers a variety of water exercise classes at the Community Pool, according to Deena Marazas, YMCA aquatic director Ms. Marazas states that all YMCA water fitness instructors keep up-to-date on the latest advances in water exercise, by attending nationally recognized workshops and certification courses. The YMCA extends an invitation to try one of the following water exercise classes currently being held at the Community Pool:
Water Walking is held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:15 to 9 a.m. Instructor is Deena Marazas, a certified lifeguard and water exercise instructor through the Aquatic Exercise Association, YMCA and Arthritis Foundation. Ms. Marazas' class offers a thermal warm up, pre-stretch, and a 20 minute aerobic segment emphasizing "assisting and resisting" moves while traveling across the pool. The class finishes with abdominal and stretching exercises.
Aqua Jog, an aquatic exercise class held in the deep water, is held Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 8:15 to 9 a.m., with Susan Henning; Tuesday and Thursday. 5:15 to 6 p.m., with Deena Marazas; and Saturday, 10 to 10:45 a.m., with Kyndol Kana.
Students wear flotation belts, which keeps them floating at shoulder level while they get a balanced total body workout. Although music is used to energize students, there are no difficult steps or routines to follow.
Women's Water Exercise is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 to 10:50 a.m. The class is taught by Susan Henning, a certified lifeguard and water exercise instructor through the United States Water Fitness Association, YMCA and Arthritis Foundation. Class segments include warm-up, stretch, upper body and arm toning, cardiovascular conditioning, abdominal, and cool down. Women of any age are welcome. Routines are choreographed.
APYAP ( Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program) classes are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 to 11:50 a.m., with Susan Henning; and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 to 10:50 a m , with Amy Allen.
Both instructors are specifically certified by the YMCA and Arthritis Foundation to teach a series of exercises which emphasize joint mobility, range of motion, and muscle strength, to support every joint in the body. Exercise in the heated pool encourages muscle relaxation, provides a massaging effect, and decreases impact to joints due to the buoyancy of the water.
Step 'n Crunch meets Tuesday and Thursday from 9:15 to 10 a.m. Susan Henning will instruct the class. The class combines bench stepping and water aerobics. Class format includes a warm-up, pre-stretch, 20 minute bench stepping aerobic segment, cool-down, and abdominal workout. Aquatic steps are lowered to the bottom of the pool in 4 to 5 feet of water. Cardiovascular training is accomplished by using the major muscle groups of the legs in bench stepping.
A special abdominal segment concludes the class by strengthening abdominal muscles, stretching the lower back muscles, and increasing the flexibility of the hip.
Aqua Fit: this co-ed class meets Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6-7 p.m. and is instructed by Amy Allen. Ms. Allen is a certified lifeguard, and water exercise instructor through Cooper's Institute, YMCA and the Arthritis Foundation. Aqua Fit includes a warm-up, stretch, 20 minutes of step aquatics, followed by water walking and a cool-down. Aquatic steps are similar to step benches used on land, except they are sunk to the bottom of the pool in 4-5 feet of water.
Classes are $20 per month or $18 per month for those 65 or older. This fee entitles the participants to attend as many of the different classes per month as they desire. Classes are free for YMCA members. Further information may be obtained by calling the YMCA.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center, 418 North Fourteenth Street, is encouraging Ponca Citians to give thanks for their good health and share it with others by donating blood during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Every donor who gives blood through Monday, Dec. 2, will receive the new OBI holiday tee-shirt.
"This Thanksgiving, we encourage Oklahomans to help make a difference in the lives of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center patients by donating blood," said OBI Ponca City Center Manager Pixie Rowland.
"Every three seconds someone in our country needs a blood transfusion, which is why it is so important for everyone to donate blood, especially during the holiday season."
With help from generous donors, the OBI Ponca City Center is the primary blood resource for St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The Blood Institute especially encourages individuals with O-Positive and O-Negative blood types to donate.
Only seven percent of the population has O-Negative type blood, which is considered "universal" because it can be transfused to any patient in crisis situations. O-Positive is the most common blood type, making up 39 percent of the population.
In addition to helping local patients, blood donors help themselves with a free health assessment. All OBI donors receive a free mini-physical each time they donate, which includes checks on blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, iron and cholesterol level. Written cholesterol test results will be mailed to the donor's home within two weeks of the donation.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute, Ponca City Center is affiliated with the OBI, a regional not-for-profit blood system, responsible for supplying blood to 57 hospitals across Oklahoma, including St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and all Enid hospitals.
For more information, call the OBI Ponca City Center at (405) 762-9488
or drop by their offices at 518 North Fourteenth Street.
Gene E. Hisey, Ponca City resident, died Wednesday evening, Nov. 27, 1997, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital, Blackwell. He was 59.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Community Christian Church Disciples of Christ with the Rev. Wayne Majors, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Trout Funeral Home. Military honors will be presented by the Naval Reserve Readyness Center, Oklahoma City.
Gene E. Hisey was born Nov. 21, 1937 in Enid, the son of Edgar E. and Alice L. (Jackson) Hisey. After the death of his mother in 1942, he was raised by his step-mother, Imogene Hisey. He attended schools in Ponca City and graduated from Fort Supply High School. While in high school he lettered in basketball and was active in FFA. Following graduation he attended Oklahoma State University.
In 1958, Hisey entered the U.S. Navy and retired as a Senior Master Chief Petty Officer in 1979. He later owned and operated the Hisey Well Service in Ponca City.
On June 12, 1993, he was married to Renee Gartrell in Ponca City. Hisey was a member of the VFW Post. He enjoyed fishing, making windmills and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Renee Hisey of the home; four daughters, Gina Hunter of Tulsa, Mary Ramsey of Kansas City, Kan., Edwina Bridgman of Ponca City, and Adriana Gray of Stillwater; two sons, Arthur, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Scott, of Ponca City; his mother, Imogene Hisey of Ponca City; and one brother, Don of Ponca City. In addition to his natural parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Emil, in 1968.
Casket bearers will be John Sebring, Scot Hisey, Howard Pearcy, Arthur Hisey, Allen Ramsey and Bill Bridgman. Honorary bearers will be Bruce Robinson, Doyce Dixon, Mike Summers, Monty Sober, Chet Jeffries, and Rusty Sober.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Hisey's name to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 North Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.
The family will be at 120 Austin Road.
BLACKWELL - Calleen Hamilton, longtime Blackwell area resident, died Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 27, 1996, at Blackwell Regional Hospital. She was 92.
The funeral will be held graveside at the Blackwell IOOF Cemetery at 10 a.m. Monday, with Jim Roberts officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberts and Son Funeral Home, Blackwell.
Calleen (Wright) Hamilton was born Sept. 29, 1904, in Kiowa County, Okla., to James Wesley and Josie Lee (Reynolds) Wright. At age six, she moved from western Oklahoma to Browns Creek, Okla., then at age 13, she moved to Sunrise, Okla., where she grew up.
On Dec. 28, 1925, she was married to James Edward Hamilton in Kellyville, where they established their first home. They later moved to Tulsa, then in 1937 moved to a farm north of Blackwell. In 1946, they moved to the White Horse Farm west of Blackwell, then into Blackwell in 1953. Mrs. Hamilton was a member of the Blackwell First Church of God.
Survivors include one son, James Wesley Hamilton of Hamilton, Texas;
two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death
by her husband on Feb. 23, 1983; her parents; a step-mother, Mary Louise
Wright; and one brother, Olin Lee Wright.
Alice P. Grantham
Alice Pearl Grantham, former resident of Ponca City, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 1996, in North Glenn, Colo. She was 96. Survivors include a son, Bob Grantham of Brighton, Colo. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel, Ponca City.
Allen Whitecloud
Allen Franklin Chebon Whitecloud, former Red Rock area resident, died
Friday morning, Nov. 29, 1996, at St. John's Hospital, Tulsa. He was 50.
A prayer service is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Otoe-Missouria Cultural
Center in Red Rock. Other arrangements will be announced later by Trout
Funeral Home, Ponca City.
NEWS BRIEFS
Butterbraid Bread - Wonderful for the holidays! Five fruit filled and
a regular bread choice are available at Grand Central Station, 114 South
Fifth Street, from 2 to 6 p.m. each weekday. Call 762-6700 or 767-8336 to
reserve your Butterbraid loaves or for information. Proceeds are used to
promote teen activities at Grand Central Station teen center. Sponsored
by ProTeens.
Angel Central Extends - Angel Central is now open from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays until Dec. 29 during the Festival of Angels. Angel Central Headquarters and Gift Shop is located in the Pioneer Shopping Center, 413 North Fourteenth Street.
Bridgeway Handles DUI School - State Certified DUI School Bridgeway Inc., is Kay County's only local non-profit organization that offers both midweek DUI School and Assessments. Next school Dec. 4-5, 5-10:30 p.m. 762 for reservations.
ABWA Annual Yule Luncheon - The annual ABWA Christmas luncheon at the Cultural Center is scheduled for Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring homemade salads, lasagna, a variety of desserts and coffee, for $5. Tickets are available from members, and will also be available at the door. For more information, call Karen at 767-8357.
Vandalism - A resident in the 200 block of North Sixth Street reported the son's car vandalized. A Ponca City police officer responded at 8:19 a.m. Thursday and took a report.
Fire Alarm - The Ponca City Fire Department responded to a possible fire in the 2100 block of John Street at 9:44 a.m. Thursday. A firefighter confirmed no fire occurred, just a crispy dinner.
Vandalism - A Ponca City police officer took a report of a vandalized vehicle in the 900 block of North Third Street at 11:02 a.m. Thursday. A second report of vehicle vandalism was taken in the 900 block of North Second Street at 11:42 a.m.
Arrested - A 19-year-old man was arrested by a Ponca City police officer at Oak Street and West Grand Avenue at 11:15 a.m. Thursday for driving under suspension.
Gas Drive Off - An employee of South Avenue Express, notified the Ponca City Police Department at 11:43 a.m. Thursday that a suspect in a brown and white pickup drove off without paying for $44 worth of gas. The information was logged.
Theft - Security of St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, 1900 North Fourteenth Street, revealed theft of money to the Ponca City Police Department at 12:57 p.m. Thursday. An officer took a report.
Dinner to Needy - A resident in the 700 block of North Palm Street, who was upset that no one showed up for dinner, contacted the Ponca City Police Department at 3:06 p.m. Thursday and requested officers come get the turkey. Two officers took the turkey and dinner to a family who needed it.
Minor Accident - A Ponca City police officer reported on a minor accident in the parking lot of Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, at 4:29 p.m. Thursday.
Stolen - A resident in the 1000 block of South Fifth Street notified the Ponca City Police Department at 4:40 p.m. Thursday of a bike stolen from the home. An officer took a report.
Subject Held - A Ponca City police officer arrested a 16-year-old boy
at North Fourteenth Street and Pioneer Road at 11:25 p.m. Thursday for driving
under the influence. The officer released the boy to a parent after signing
a promise to appear in court.
Sunday will be a special day at Grace Episcopal Church with the confirmation of thirteen confirmands at the 10:30 morning service. A service of Holy Communion will also be held at the 8 a.m., according to the rector, the Rev. Kenneth Armstrong.
The Rt. Rev. John Forsythe Ashby, retired Bishop of Western Kansas, will be in Ponca City to administer the Apostolic rite of Confirmation. A reception will be held following the 10:30 morning service, Fr. Armstrong said.
Those persons to be confirmed are Lenita Hopkins, Philip Dotson, Becky Chesnutt, Larry and Polly Feezell, Brent Landers, Charlie and Janie Tiede, Shane Abernathy, Clara Bowen, Thomas Evans, Kathryn Holland and Ali Walston.
Bishop Ashby was born in Tulsa in 1929 and baptized at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Sapulpa in April of that year. He attended grade school in Sapulpa. The family moved to Oklahoma City and the Bishop attended Junior and Senior High School there and was a member of St. John's parish.
He attended Oklahoma A&M (now OSU) and received his BA degree in 1952. He was a member of Delta Chi fraternity, and was one of those named Outstanding Military Student and Outstanding Military Graduate.
The Bishop was made a postulant for Holy Orders in 1951 and enrolled in the newly formed Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in the fall of 1952. He took the Master of Divinity degree in 1955, and in his senior year he was made Seminarian in Charge of Grace Church, Georgetown, Texas.
He and Mary Carver were married in All Saints parish in Austin on Aug. 12, 1954. They now have two daughters, Anne Ghostbear and Elizabeth Wiseman. The Ashbys also have four grandchildren and the entire family now lives in Tulsa.
Bishop Ashby was ordained Deacon on June 22, 1955 at St. Paul's Cathedral, Oklahoma City by the Rt. Rev. Chilton Powell. He and Mary moved to Hugo where he was Deacon in Charge of St. James, Antlers and St. Marks, Hugo. In the fall of 1955 the Ashbys moved to Durant where he was named Vicar of St. John's and St. Peter's in Coalgate. The Bishop was ordained Priest on Dec. 22, 1955 by Bishop Powell.
In August of 1959 the family moved to Ada where Bishop Ashby was made Rector of St. Luke's. He continued as Rector of St. Luke's until he was elected Bishop of Western Kansas Feb. 14, 1981. He was consecrated Bishop of that diocese on May 21, 1981 by the Most Rev. John M. Allin and 19 other Bishops of the Church.
Bishop Ashby served as the chair of the House of Bishops Ministry Committee, as a member of and President of the Council for the Development of Ministry, and as a member of and later President of Coalition 14 (an association of former Missionary Districts in the American Church.) He was also a Chaplain in the Oklahoma National Guard for 22 years, retiring in July of 1981 as the 45th Infantry Brigade with the rank of Lt. Col.
Bishop Ashby retired as Bishop of Western Kansas Jan. 1, 1995, and is living quietly with his wife Mary in Tulsa. He is acting as an assisting Bishop to Bishop Moody of Oklahoma.
The First Baptist Church of Ponca City cordially invites the public to attend a trilogy of special Christmas productions offered on three successive Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. beginning Dec. 1. All three productions are being offered free of charge. All three programs are produced by the First Baptist Music Ministry and will be held at the Church Worship Center, located at the corner of Fifth and Central streets in downtown Ponca City.
The first program offered to the community for Christmas is the popular cantata, "Night of Miracles" by John W. Peterson. It will be performed Sunday evening, Dec. 1 by The Silvertones, the Senior Adult Choir under the direction of the Rev. Larry Masters, Minister of Music. The Church Organist, Marcella Johnson, and the Church Pianist, Lois Lyall will accompany the choir.
Serving as narrator will be Guy Lyall. The soloists in order of appearance will be Tom Short, Helen Ivie, and Lanny Officer.
One of the most performed Christian works over more than 30 years, "Night of Miracles" deals with the miraculous chain of events that culminated in the miraculous birth of Jesus, the Savior! It was a night when centuries old prophecies came miraculously true. It was a night when shepherds were awestricken by a gloriously brilliant heavenly host that announced the coming of the Promised Messiah. It was a night when Christ was miraculously born to the virgin Mary. It was a night when a star miraculously led the Magi to find and worship the Christ Child. It was a 'Night of Miracles" that initiated God's redemption plan for mankind.
Scheduled for Sunday evening, Dec. 8, is the annual "Sing We Now of Christmas" concert by the Elementary choirs of First Baptist. Included will be a musical "Prime Time Christmas" by the Sonshiners (Grades 406 Choir). Then, on Sunday evening, Dec. 15, the Adult Choir of First Baptist Church will present a brand-new contemporary Christmas musical entitled "The Music of Christmas--Listen with your Heart".
It will feature full orchestra, soloists, testimonies, a congregational carol medley and a full-length multi-media slide presentation.
First Baptist hopes the public will attend all three portions of the First Baptist Christmas trilogy on Dec. 1, 8 and 15 at 6:30 each evening.
First United Methodist Church is planning fun, fair, food and family - all and more at their Christmas Spirit Fair.
They are inviting interested folks to join in the afternoon festivities on Dec. 1 between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the church, Sixth and Central.
They are planning to make holiday crafts and ornaments, hear storytellers and Madrigal singers, sing songs, watch as the youth of the church present the Christmas story, and of course, eat.
Sometimes the real reason for the season is forgotten, so Dave May and his puppet, Andy, and his wife, Lori, are planning to help folks remember the reason during a ventriloquist/magic show.
Everyone from infants to fossils will enjoy The Christmas Spirit Fair at First United Methodist.
Those need extra help with the "spirit of Christmas; need to hear the "sounds of Christmas" at First Methodist on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.
The Handbell Concert is scheduled at 7 p.m. with children through senior adults playing Christmas music. On Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. the Chancel Choir Concert will be held, featuring secular and sacred Christmas music.
The public is invited to enjoy these "sounds of Christmas" at First United Methodist.
First United Methodist invites anyone without a place to worship, to join them at 8:30 and 22 a.m. on Sunday mornings. There are classes at 9:45 for infants, children, Jr. and Sr. High, young, medium and older adults. For more information, call 762-1681.
The season of holidays is upon us. Families are beginning the great annual deliberation on where, when, and who at Thanksgiving. Children are planning their strategy to plant the right toy suggestion in some grownup's mind. Turkeys everywhere are getting very nervous. And, many of us are wondering if there's any point to it. Is there any spiritual message to be found amidst the hassle that invades our celebrations of family and faith?
Our faith says YES, there is a wonderful spiritual gift to be given and received. Our commitment must be to discover that God-touched gift right smack in the middle of our lives!
As a college student, I worked with the children at Bethlehem Center, an inner city mission in Oklahoma City. At Christmas, we spread out on the gym floor and made wreaths out of saran wrap, a bit of red ribbon, and a cardboard circle. They were really pretty nice. The children, a hundred or more, would proudly take their wreaths home to hang on the front door. Those little Christmas wreaths hung bravely on the doors of some pretty humble homes and apartments. A sign that the gift of the Spirit was very near, very present, no matter what.
Henri Nouwen writes that the spiritual life is not a life before, after, or beyond our everyday existence. No, he says, the spiritual life can only be real when it is lived in the midst of the pains and joys of the here and now.
Each year about this time, I take a quiet moment to prepare myself to give and receive the gifts that only a loving God can bring. One way I think about it is to imagine myself as a child hanging a saran wrap Christmas wreath. I put it on the door to the places in my heart where I really live. This reminds me that God is far more ready to offer the blessings of his Spirit than I am ready to receive them.
Dr. Kip Wright, pastor
Albright United Methodist
A free Christian concert will be held Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at Christ's Church in Newkirk. The concert features Debbie (Rowe) Forristal who grew up in Newkirk and graduated from Newkirk High School in 1977. Debbie is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Rowe who still reside in Newkirk. Debbie moved to Dallas in 1984 where she met and married her husband, Paul Forristal. They currently reside in Allen, Texas with their 8-year-old son, Benjamin.
Through a complementary mixture of personal testimony and contemporary Christian music, Sunday evening Debbie will be sharing the adversity and low self-esteem she faced in her young adult life. "God showed me that life, the world, and people always change. I've always looked for some stability but I could never find it. I sometimes wondered if there was something wrong with me. God, in His gentle quiet way, showed me that He alone provides stability and is the only one I truly need to count on." says Debbie.
Christ's Church is located at 1001 South Magnolia. Nursery will be provided for babies and toddlers.
Dec. 1 will mark the beginning of the Advent Season - a time of preparation for the meeting of the Christ child again.
Advent is four weeks prior to Christmas during which Methodism concentrates on the peace, love, joy and hope that the birth of Christ brings to Christendom, Pastor Ed Coy Light explained.
St. Paul's will begin their Advent Season with an Advent Festival on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. Six rooms will be set up with various family activities for family participation with instructions provided for making Family Banners, Christmas Manger Origami, Advent Christmas Logs, Decorated Christmas Cookies, Craft Foam Tree Ornaments, and Decorated Christmas Cards which the St. Paul Youth will deliver to the homebound members.
After spending an afternoon creating some interesting crafts, those attending will come together to share a Potluck Snack Dinner in Fellowship Hall. Each family is asked to bring a favorite Sunday evening finger food, salad, or dessert.
At 6:30 p.m. the Hanging of the Greens Service will begin. This service is a time for scripture reading and prayer concerning each phase of decorating the Sanctuary. At intervals during the service there will be stories of what it means to Christians when they decorate. Then the garlands, wreaths, banners will be hung, and the Chrismons placed on the tree.
The service will end with lighting the Star of Bethlehem high in the vaulted ceiling of the sanctuary.
Sunday, Dec. 1, Northeast Baptist Church will honor Dr. Larry E. Nigh, his wife, Sandy, and their children, Julie and Jason, on the 12th anniversary of Dr. Nigh's pastorate with Northeast Baptist. Dr. Nigh and his family began their ministry with Northeast Baptist on Dec. 2, 1984.
Through Dr. Nigh's emphasis on spiritual growth, he has led Northeast Baptist through tremendous numerical growth in recent years. In October, 1984 the church had a total membership of 553 and today that membership has grown to 993. Sunday School average attendance has grown from 225 to 407 with a high attendance of 551. Dr. Nigh has led the church in purchasing the property adjacent to the church which is now used for the youth department, remodeling the sanctuary and fellowship hall areas, built additional parking and has just completed the building of a 640 seat worship center which was dedicated Sunday, Nov. 17. Additional Sunday School classes have been added to meet the needs of the various age groups of the new people worshiping at Northeast Baptist.
Traditionally Northeast has invited missionary speakers on the first Sunday in December, which allows Dr. Nigh to enjoy his anniversary as a member of the congregation. He and his will be honored at an anniversary fellowship following the evening worship service.
Missionaries Frank and Betty Coy Here Sunday
Northeast Baptist will host Frank and Betty Coy, missionary emeritus with the Foreign Mission Board, on Sunday with the Rev. Mr. Coy bringing the message, emphasizing missions and a challenge to the Northeast family as they begin their Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, setting a goal of $8,800 for foreign missions.
The Coys have served as missionaries to Chile for 35 years since their appointment in May of 1960.
The Rev. Mr. Coy is presently serving as pastor of the Primera Iglesia Hispana Church in Oklahoma City. He has also served as missionary in resident at Oklahoma Baptist University and has written two books on the Holy Spirit, a book on marriage and several booklets on various topics.
The Coys spent nine years in evangelistic activities, establishing churches and in associational ministries as field missionaries. In 1970, the family moved to Santiago to allow Frank to assume teaching duties at the seminary where he served as president from 1978 to 1989, and in 1990 as Academic Dean. He and his wife have three children.
The Rev. and Mrs. Coy will have an informal question and answer time with the RA and GA groups Southern Baptist Mission study groups, at 4:30 on Sunday afternoon. Parents of the RAs and GAs are encouraged to participate in this informal session.
The evening service will begin at 6 p.m. with an informal time with the Coys sharing their mission experiences with the congregation. They will bring mementos and slides of their years in Chile. Anyone interested in hearing of the Coys' experiences is invited to participate.
Ranch Drive Baptist Church's fourth, fifth, and sixth graders prepared Thanksgiving Dinner for the grandparents of the church recently.
The girls ;met with their teacher, Dana Fowler, to write invitations
to each family. They also made turkey favors to serve with the dessert.
MRS. JUDY DECAMP'S morning class at the Kindergarten Center held a Thanksgiving Feast in their classroom. The students dressed up like pilgrims and even made their own butter. During the feast, the children ate turkey, friendship salad, corn and pumpkin pie. The children also told everyone what they were thankful for this year. (News Photo by Kristi Grabeal)
Union PTA will be holding a book fair starting Dec. 2 and ending Dec. 6. The hours for the fair are as follows: Monday 12:00 noon to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. All profits generated from the book fair will be used to benefit Union Elementary Library.
Students can now receive help for students in grades 1-12 in math, English and reading at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center. Tutoring hours are Monday-Thursday from 4:00-6:30 p.m. All students that participate will be treated to a pizza party in December. For more information call 765-0628. Flyers with more information can be picked up at your school.
The PTSA Council wish to invite parents, teachers, business people and the general community, to come hear Linda Murphy speak on "School-to-Work" at 7 p.m., Dec. 3, in the Howell Auditorium. Much controversial information has been circulating the community recently. If you would like to have answers to your questions concerning School-to-Work please come to the meeting.
The OoKeeHee Club will hold their next meeting Dec. 3 from 6-7:00 p.m. in Room 104 at the high school. Plans will be made for the Christmas dance and basketball tournament. All interested 7-12 grade students are invited to attend. For more information contact Cher Eagle.
Fruit which was ordered through Po-High Chorale members will arrive in Ponca City on Dec. 7. Students will be contacting their customers regarding home delivery soon thereafter. Cash is welcome, or checks may be written payable to Po-High Chorale Parent Association. The chorale would like to say "thank you" to everyone that helped support them.
Sara Marie Blumer, Kelly Dawn Hunsaker, Brian William Simpson, and Mrs. Jamie Collene Carithers, all of Ponca City, were among 323 Oklahoma State University students who were inducted into Golden Key National Honor Society. Membership is by invitation only, and no more than 15 percent of all students are eligible to join. Hunsaker, a junior elementary major, is the daughter of Mrs. Jeanne L. Hunsaker. Simpson, a junior electrical engineering major, is the son of Mrs. Renee Simpson. Mrs. Carithers is a junior accounting major.
Jennifer Maxson and James Dautrich of Ponca City have received departmental scholarships from the school of civil and environmental engineering at Oklahoma State University. In addition to the College of Engineering Inc. award, Maxson holds the Conoco scholarship and the Independent Order of Foresters scholarship.
A 1992 graduate of Ponca City High School, Dautrich is the son of Jack and Connie Dautrich.
Kelsey Jo Aupperle of Kaw City was among 323 Oklahoma State University students who were inducted into Golden Key National Honor Society on Nov. 13. Aupperle, a junior physiology major, is the daughter of Mrs. Marilyn K. Aupperle of Kaw City.
Tiffany Helems, of Ponca City, received her bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. The students will go through convocation exercises with the Spring 1997 semester graduates on May 10, at 11 a.m. at Milam Stadium on the Weatherford campus.
Heather Stout, a junior at Southwestern College in Winfield, has been
selected to receive one of the most prestigious undergraduate grants offered
for international study. Stout, now in her fifth semester of Russian language
study, is the fifth Southwestern student to win an NSEP grant in the past
three years.
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford M. Johnson will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at a reception Saturday, November 30, 10 a.m. until noon at the parlor of the First Nazarene Church, 1900 West Grand. Hosting the event will be their children: Delynda Baldwin of Austin, Tex., the Rev. Terry L. Jones of Mustang, and Larry G. Jones of Ponca City. An open invitation is extended to friends and relatives to attend the special event.
Clifford M. Johnson and the former Myrna Delay Jones were united in marriage December 27, 1946 at the First Nazarene Parsonage in Wichita. They made their first home in Elkhart, Kan., moving to Ponca City in 1951. They have resided at 2203 El Camino for the past 21 years.
Mr. Johnson began employment at Continental Carbon Company in 1954, retiring June 30, 1983. Mrs. Johnson was employed at J. C. Penney for 15 years. Both are longtime members of the First Church of the Nazarene and have served in various areas and departments of the church. Mrs. Johnson has been a choir member for 50 years.
The couple has nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They are Becky (Jones) Slothower of Michigan; Lori (Jones) Belzer of Aurora, Colo.; Danny Jones of Denver, Colo.; Jamie (Jones) Key, Cindy and Mindy Jones of Ponca City, Kirk Baldwin, Betsy Baldwin of Austin, and Emily Rose Baldwin. Great-grandchildren are Katlyn and Kinsey Slothower of Michigan, Robin Lea Belzer and Michael Key.
The Humane Society calendar "cover kitten" for 1997 is Tiger whose owners are Stan and Carolyn Dillon of Ponca City. Tiger has grown up considerably and is helping to advertise stocking stuffers available from the Ponca City Humane Society. Items currently available are calendars for $5, T-shirts, $12, and doggie sweaters, $15-25. Proceeds benefit the animals at the shelter who have not yet found homes.
Jean Barnes, executive director for the Ponca City Humane Society, is reminding residents that the shelter has an ongoing need for pet food and pet supplies. Anyone who can help is asked to bring gifts to the shelter located at 900 West Prospect. Arrangements can be made for pickup if there are heavy items or large bags of food. Shelter phone number is 767-8877 and the shelter is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Internet users can access the Ponca City Humane Society Home Page at www.pcok.com/~normb or follow the link on the PCOK home page under the clubs and organizations section.
Cristal Berry and Don Hinkle announce the birth of twin sons November 11, 1996. Keaton Quinn arrived at 2:01 a.m., weighed 4 lbs, 12 oz. and measured 19 inches. Born at 2:02 a.m. was Carston Andrew Hinkle, who weighed 5 lbs, 15 oz. and was 20 inches long.
Grandparents are Lois Berry of Ponca City, Ella Mae Hinkle, 1417 Clarke, and the late Don Hinkle Sr. The twins have a brother, Jeremiah Johnson.
The Kay County OSU Cooperative Extension Center is sponsoring a "Project Wet Workshop" to be held Jan. 3, 1997 at the Conoco Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth.
The workshop is an introduction to investigation of water and its uses-from aquatic ecosystems, water conservation, ground water, water pollution prevention, to waste water treatment. This workshop will provide hand-on activities and lessons to explore the curriculum. Oklahoma water issues will be the focus.
Teachers and youth leaders K-12 are encouraged to attend this workshop.
The event is scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with a one hour lunch break. Those
wanting to register for the water workshop should contact the OSU extension
office, 362-3194, by December 20. Registration fee is $10.00.