LOCAL

Local Students Named To Academic All State
Former Ponca Citian To Enter Hall of Fame
Safe Driving Tips Offered For Holidays
Christmas Tree Recycling Planned
No Trash Pickup Until Wednesday
Gary Puckett Returns To Poncan Saturday
State Election System Best in Nation
City Commission Shifts Meeting to Wednesday

Local Students Named To Academic All State

Eight Ponca City seniors have met the rigorous requirements to be eligible for Academic All-State Scholars. Students chosen are Sunita Chahar, Raisa Durrani, Katie Homp, Michael Keen, Mark Keller, Andra Nuzum, Eric Whitebay and Ryan Yeakley.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence recognizes and honors academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools through an impressive awards program, which bestows $199,000 in cash awards annually to outstanding students, public school educators, university educators, alternative education programs and public school foundations.

Described by David L. Boren, chairman and founder of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence as “Oklahoma most rigorous academic competition,” requirements for nomination to Academic All-State must include at least one of the following: ACT score of 30 or above, SAT score of 1350 or above, National Merit Semi-finalist, National Hispanic Scholar Semifinalist or National Negro Scholar Semi-finalist.

With most nominees in the top one percent of all public high school seniors, the Selection Committee must also consider how these young people have utilized opportunities available to them, not only academically, but also interpersonally.

The committee examines leadership experience, participation in extracurricular activities, and community involvement as presented on the nomination form. An essay question allows nominees the opportunity to exhibit their creativity and to express their ideas. Their school principal or superintendent must nominate all applicants. Two directed recommendations are also required for each nomination application.

“It is always exciting to see 100 new public high school seniors from across Oklahoma take their hard earned place among Oklahoma’s elite Academic All-Staters. These young people exemplify the commitment Oklahomans have to excellence in public education,” says Emily Stratton, executive director of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.

Local Students Selected

Sunita Chahar, the daughter of Bharat and Hazel Chahar, has been active in swimming, Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. She has won numerous academic honors such as being a National Merit Semifinalist, an AP Scholar with Honor, an earned the NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) Achievement Award in Writing. She has placed twice in the Oklahoma State High School Math Contest, finishing second and fifth.

The daughter of Javaid and Nancy Durrani, Raisa Durrani, has been active in student government, varsity basketball, track, the Foreign Language Club and the instrumental music program. Additionally, she is active in the Islamic Association of West Wichita and serves the Ponca City Literacy Council as a reading tutor. Her academic awards include the AP English department award, the U.S.S.A. National English Merit Award and the NCTE Writing Award for 2000. She has also been selected as a 2000 AP Scholar as well as being recognized as a National Merit Commended Student.

Katie Homp is the daughter of Mark and Carol Homp. She has been active in softball, volleyball, basketball, marching band and jazz band. She is also active in her church youth group and the church youth choir. She has been a Sunday School teacher and the Trinity School Chapel pianist. Katie’s academic honors include participating in Math League, earning academic letters for ninth, 10th and 11th grades as well as being on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll this year.

The son of Randy and Susan Keen, Michael David Keen has been active at school in the Foreign Language Club, football, FCA, the Robotics Club, the Math Club, SADD (Students Against Drunk Drivers) and the National Honor Society. He has also been active in his church as a member of the Youth Choir Chimes group, and as a volunteer in several areas. His honors include “Who’s Who,” Football All-Academic Honor Roll Team, Superintendent’s Honor Roll, Science Departmental Award, Social Studies Departmental Award, National Merit Award for Government, the Earl Sullins Scholastic Award and the Wildcat Award.

Mark Keller is the son of Steven and Penny Keller. Mark has been active in varsity football, the Civic Air Patrol and the Foreign Language Club. He has also been active in the First Baptist Church Youth Group for five years. Academic honors he has earned include being named a National Merit Scholar Commended Student, listed on the Principal’s Honor Roll and a member of the All-Academic Team in football.

The daughter of Don and Lori Nuzum, Andra Nuzum has been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll all four years in high school, is a member of the National Honor Society and was selected as an OU Honors Scholar this year. She has held various offices in the Youth Traffic Court and has been on the Orchestra Council, the Park and Recreations Advisory Board and captain of the varsity swimming team. Other clubs and activities include the Civic Orchestra, Foreign Language Club, Science Club, and the United Methodist Youth group. Andra has participated in community activities such as the March of Dimes, the 5K Cancer Walk/Run, and volunteering for the Ponca theatre. She has earned numerous awards and honors in orchestra and swimming such as Spirit of Orchestra, superior ratings in solo and ensemble competitions, Wildcat of the Week, Spirit of the Swim Team, All-Conference and Swimming State Qualifier.

Eric Whitebay is the son of Lee and Lynn Whitebay. Eric has been listed in “Who’s Who” for 1999 and 2000. He has been on the Principal’s and Superintendent’s Honor Rolls throughout high school and is currently a member of the National Honor Society. He has earned scholastic awards in Trigonometry and Geography/Humanities. He has also placed first in the regional high school math contest sponsored by Northern Oklahoma College. Very active in swimming, Eric has earned three varsity letters in the sport, has been team co-captain for the swim team, a member of the USA Swimming for five years, and swam in the Oklahoma Junior Olympics for three years. His community activities include being vice president of the Northern Oklahoma Iris Society and having his gardens as part of the city’s iris tour for the last four years. He has won top awards with his show and hybridizes iris in the Enid as well s the Ponca City Iris shows for the last five years. He has also served as a tutor at Garfield Academy and worked as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the Ponca City YMCA.

The son of Mark and Kim Yeakley, Ryan Yeakley has been a member of the Superintendent’s and Principal’s Honor Rolls throughout high school. He has also been listed in “Who’s Who.” Active in the marching and concert bands, he has lettered in band throughout high school. He is active in the Grand Avenue Church of Christ Youth Group and has created a web page for the church. He received first place in the Computer Science competition at Oklahoma Christian College.

Former Ponca Citian To Enter Hall of Fame

OKLAHOMA CITY — Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise will play two roles during the 2000 Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame ceremonies — the role of featured speaker and inductee. Haise, along with four other individuals and two organizations, will be honored the evening of Saturday, January 13, 2001 at Omniplex. In addition, one individual will receive the Clarence E. Page Memorial Trophy.

The black-tie/military dress event will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and the awards presentation.

Each year, photos and biographies of new honorees join those of nearly 150 past inductees who are permanently recognized in the Hall of Fame exhibit in the Air Space Museum at Omniplex. In addition to the inductees, the Clarence E. Page Memorial Trophy is given to an individual who has shown dedication to the promotion and/or progress of the aerospace industry in Oklahoma.

The following five honorees will be inducted during the January 13 awards presentation at Omniplex:

Inductee and featured speaker for the event, Fred Haise, was born in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1933, and began his military career in October 1952 as a Naval aviation cadet at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. In 1959, Haise graduated with honors in aeronautical engineering from the University of Oklahoma and served in the Oklahoma Air National Guard with the 185th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. As one of 19 astronauts selected by NASA in 1966, Haise served as backup crew for the Apollo 8, 11 and 16 missions. Haise also flew as the lunar module pilot on the aborted 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission, which was dramatized in the Hollywood movie, “Apollo 13.” Haise has logged 9,100 hours of flying time in over 80 types of planes, in addition to 142 hours and 54 minutes in space.

Lu Hollander, a communications professional with over 30 years of experience, is a “for the fun of it” private pilot who has held her license since 1970. A resident of Oklahoma City, Hollander served eight years on the board of The Ninety-Nine’s, Inc., an international organization of licensed women pilots, including a term as president. She currently holds the position of executive director.

As a flight inspection pilot for the FAA Flight Standards Service, Christine A. Lawrence was one of the first female aircraft commanders, the first female to fly international flight inspection, and the first pilot (male or female) to fly the initial flight test for the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) System and GPS Approach Certification. Currently, Lawrence is manager of the Aircraft Division for the Transportation Safety Institute and director of the National Aircraft Accident Investigation School, located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City.

Maj. Gen. Jerry D. Holmes was born July 14, 1935 in Jenks, Okla. Commissioned in the Air Force in 1958 through the Reserve Officer Training Program, Holmes graduated from primary pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in 1959 and then completed his graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma in 1964. From October 1969 to October 1970, Holmes flew 135 combat missions in RF-101s and RF-4s from Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. In 1981, Holmes became commander of the 552nd Airborne Warning and Control Wing, Tinker Air Force Base.

William John Frye (1904-1959), commonly known as Jack Frye, was born near Stillwater, Oklahoma. Under Frye, Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA) became a leader in high-altitude research and fostered the development of a series of advanced transport aircraft including the DC-1, DC-2, Boeing 307 and Lockheed Constellations. In 1955, Frye formed his own company, The Frye Corporation, to develop a rugged trimotored airplane for use in underdeveloped countries.

Don Finch, formerly of Ponca City, will be presented with the Clarence E. Page Trophy for his efforts to promote aviation in Oklahoma. In 1988, Finch became director of the Oklahoma Air and Space Museum and lead the creation of an extensive aerospace education program, which quickly gained a reputation for excellence. Finch also oversaw the development of the Clarence E. Page Aerospace Education Complex at the museum. When the Oklahoma Air and Space Museum merged with Omniplex Science Museum and Kirkpatrick Center in 1996, Finch served as interim executive director, and then provided leadership as vice president of museums until his retirement in December 1999.

Two organizations headquartered in Oklahoma, The Ninety-Nine’s, Inc. and Boeing Aerospace Operations will also be recognized for their contributions to Oklahoma aviation. The Ninety-Nine’s, Inc. is an international organization of licensed women pilots more than 6,000 members from 35 countries. The Boeing Company is the leading aerospace company in the world as measured by total revenues. Boeing is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft and provides related services worldwide. In Oklahoma, there are currently 2,600 Boeing employees in five cities supporting commercial, military and space and communications programs.

The Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame was established 21 years ago to honor Oklahomans who have made significant contributions to the advancement of aviation, the exploration of space, the development of the aviation and aerospace industries, or the development and use of aviation in the U.S. military. Non-Oklahomans who have made significant contributions to aviation or aerospace progress within the state of Oklahoma are also eligible for induction.

Omniplex is located at 2100 NE 52nd Street in Oklahoma City.

For more information about the Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame or to receive an invitation to the event, please call (405) 602-3673.

Safe Driving Tips Offered For Holidays

In order to have a safe and enjoyable trip while traveling over the holidays, Emergency Manager Tom Montgomery is asking residents to take a few minutes to review a few basic safety tips.

These tips are:

• Keep others informed of your schedule.

• Make sure your car is in good operating condition and your fuel tank is at least half full.

• Carry along blankets or sleeping bags as well as some food and water.

• It would also be good to have a shovel, kitty litter or some other ice-melting chemicals.

• Don’t forget to bring along special needs like prescription medicines and baby food.

Other items for your winter car kit are: An ice scraper, battery-powered radio, a flashlight and extra batteries, mittens, hat, tow chain or rope, tire chains, a fluorescent distress flag, booster cables, road maps, candles, lighter or matches and, if possible, a cell phone.

Christmas Tree Recycling Planned

According to officials, the Solid Waste Division and the Ponca City Recycling Center are joining forces to provide Christmas tree recycling for city residents.

The public is invited to bring cut Christmas trees and deposit them in the fenced area across the street from the Recycling Center from Dec. 25 through Jan. 17. The trees will be chopped into usable mulch, which will be free to the public and available on Jan. 24.

Officials say leftover trees from commercial Christmas tree lots are welcome at the site, as well.

For more information, call 767-0411.

No Trash Pickup Until Wednesday

The city of Ponca City will observe Monday and Tuesday as official holidays for employees.

Because of this, residential refuse will not be collected on these two days. Normal services will resume on Wednesday.

Also closed on these two days is the Recycling Drop-off Center, 1001 West Prospect Avenue, and the city’s landfill site. Both are expected to reopen on Wednesday for normal operation, as well.

Gary Puckett Returns To Poncan Saturday

Gary Puckett of the Union Gap comes to the Poncan Theatre Saturday for a special end-of-the year concert.

Tickets are available for the 7:30 p.m. show. Puckett’s return to Ponca City is due to the great response from those who enjoyed Puckett’s last appearance at the Poncan.

Poncan Theatre executive director Michael Varnum says, “Tickets are still available to hear Gary Puckett. We are very excited to have Gary back at the Poncan. The response we had the last time he was here was tremendous. I have talked with Gary’s wife and she said they are anxious to perform for us. She also mentioned that she is looking forward to seeing the Poncan Theatre. Gary reported to her that it was a beautiful and great place to perform.”

Gary Puckett & the Union Gap was an appealing band from San Diego. They had a number of Top 10 hits in the late ’60s. Puckett’s first band was formed as the Outcasts in 1967. The Outcasts started off as a bar band in San Diego, mostly playing covers of the popular songs of the day.

They became popular very quickly and, late in 1967, made some changes just before hitting the big time. The name of the band was changed to The Union Gap featuring Gary Puckett, a name they had taken from the town of Union Gap, Wash.

They started dressing in Civil War outfits when performing, and signed a contract with Columbia records. A short time later they had their first hit song, “Woman, Woman,” which reached the Top 10 early in 1968. The group’s producer, Jerry Fuller, wrote some songs for them that became very popular, including their next two big hits, “Young Girl” and “Lady Willpower.” By the time the latter song was released, they had altered the name of the band once again, this time to Gary Puckett & the Union Gap.

More hits followed, including ‘Over You,’ “Don’t Give In To Him” and their final Top 10 entry, “This Girl Is A Woman Now,” which was a hit in the fall of 1969. The members of the group began to develop other interests and eventually disbanded in 1971.

Puckett still tours extensively and performs the hits of the Union Gap. Puckett’s return to the Poncan is a great way to celebrate the end of the year.

ITC Premium Meat Processor is corporate sponsor for Gary Puckett’s appearance at the Poncan.

For ticket information call the Poncan Theatre at 580-765-0943 or visit the theater’s web site at poncantheatre.org. Tickets are $22.50, $17.50 and $12.50. The Poncan box office is open Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. The Poncan Theatre is located at 104 East Grand in Ponca City.

State Election System Best in Nation

By KATHY ZEHR

News Staff Writer

NEWKIRK — While Florida kept the nation on the edge of its seat for 35 days as votes were counted and recounted and the nation learned about various types of chads, Oklahomans knew who they had voted for.

Kay County Election Board Secretary Carol Stafford recently talked about the most stressful election in the history of the United States and, at the same time, expressed her pride in the almost flawless Oklahoma voting system.

“In spite of the adverse coverage by media on the historic Florida vote counting calamity, and the heavy load on our office to answer questions and defend our own system, Oklahoma and Kay County came out tops in the nation,” she said.

In defending the state voting system, she said, “Oklahoma had final, complete and accurate results on the internet by early Wednesday morning, Nov. 8.”

According to Lance Ward, secretary of the Oklahoma State Election Board, records show that 1,244,253 people voted in person or by absentee ballot in 2,202 precincts and only one 14-vote margin election of hundreds of races was contested in only one of the 77 counties.

Stafford said, “There is usually a lot of pressure and stress on our office before, during and after election but this one was unprecedented. No one outside our profession knows how complicated and difficult elections are. They have no concept of what it is like in our office weeks before the election, when Kay County voters want to know who, what, when, where, why and how about registering to vote, absentee voting, polling places and voting.”

She laughed and continued, “Then after this presidential election, the other half wanted to talk about Florida and what we were going to do about it.”

Stafford agrees with Ward, when he says “Oklahoma has been long recognized by national election authorities as a model for election conduct.” Since the Florida fiasco, that fact is also now recognized by media and the general public, he says.

Though voting devices are the most visible part of a system and get the most attention, Ward says, Oklahoma’s strength is in the statewide, uniform, standardized system for election administration and conduct. No other state has such a system and most are like Florida where each of its 67 counties has developed a different system.

“Oklahoma has one computer system, one software package, one voter registration system and one office administration system in every county,” says Ward.

Oklahoma has one vote-counting and tabulation system and one kind of ballot in every precinct. Oklahoma has one set of laws, rules, procedures and operation manuals for the entire state. “If there is an election challenge, it is resolved the same way statewide,” he said.

Stafford explains that in her county office the ballots are made up before each election and sent to the state office for approval before being sent to printers. “When we get the ballots back from the printers, and before the elections, we run more than a hundred ballots through the voting machines to make certain they are being read correctly,” she continued.

Oklahoma’s unique Election Management System (OEMS) has a three-phase history and a $20 million price tag. In the mid-1980s Lee Slater, State Election Board secretary (1971-1988), said most states had a decentralized hodgepodge of election systems, and knew that Oklahoma was beginning to follow suite as each county looked toward computerization.

In 1985, three Oklahoma counties were using computers, four had voting devices and 73 were still hand counting paper ballots. All were looking to computerize and automate vote counting. Slater quickly realized that most would use different programs and the state was on the verge of creating 77 different election systems. Few, if any, would be able to communicate with others. A law was quickly passed by the 1986 legislature prohibiting counties from changing their voting systems.

In 1987, Slater submitted a plan to the legislative leaders calling for a unified, automated system of statewide voter registration and vote counting. The legislature gave the Secretary of the State Election Board authority “to purchase equipment for and implement a unitary, unified, integrated system of election administration for the State of Oklahoma …”

In 1989-90 computers were purchased and installed in every county. A statewide database was created and used for the first time and Oklahoma was recognized as the first state to use a statewide computer system. Oklahoma was also the first to implement computerization of election administration functions in 1991, and the first to use optical scan vote counting devices in every precinct in 1992. The cost of the almost foolproof system was $10 million.

Richard Smolka, a respected national election authority and publisher of Election Administration Reports wrote, “the transition in Oklahoma from a decentralized system to the uniform optical scan vote counting system is the most dramatic ever made in one election cycle by any state.”

In a recent letter to Stafford, Ward said, “No election system is perfect, but ours is the best. We have the best laws and the best equipment.”

He concluded, “But, the laws won’t work and the equipment is useless without good people, and you (Stafford’s Kay County staff) are why Oklahoma is now a shining example to the rest of the nation.”

City Commission Shifts Meeting to Wednesday

By JEFF POLITE

News Staff Writer

Ponca City’s Board of Commissioners are scheduled for a regular session on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Public Safety Center’s commission chambers, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Because of the Christmas holiday, the meeting was changed from Monday to Wednesday and from 5:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

One of the items highlighting the meeting, the board will consider and vote on entering into an interlocal cooperation agreement with Kay County for roadway improvements to L.A. Cann Drive from Kygar Road to approximately 2,600 feet northeast of the city limits.

A second item topping the agenda is to consider and vote to submit the Oklahoma Trails Grant Application for a grant for Phase II of the Marland Estate Walking Trail to the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation to rehabilitate approximately 3,000 square feet of trailhead area at the entrance to the Marland Estate and add six additional light fixtures.

A third item is to authorize Fieldstone Development Company as an agent for the city of Ponca City on the Pecan Water Line Extension project.

Members will also consider approving a bid from Federal Signal Corporation for one outdoor warning siren, Model 2001, and I-H tone alert receiver for $12,849.

A final item to be discussed is an agreement for the Emergency Management Performance Grant program between the state of Oklahoma and the city of Ponca City.

The government of the city of Ponca City encourages participation in city activities by all interested persons.

If your participation at this meeting is not possible due to a disability, you are asked to notify the City Clerk’s office, 516 East Grand Avenue, at 767-0304 prior to the meeting time so any necessary arrangements can be made.

DEATHS

Gary Ray Hankla
Emma Faye Anderson
June Marcele Chouteau

Gary Ray Hankla

BLACKWELL — Gary “Breeze” Ray Hankla, resident of Blackwell, died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2000, at the Blackwell Regional Hospital. He was 51.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2000, in the chapel of Roberts Funeral Home with the Rev. Jack Adams, pastor of Friendship Bible Church of Ponca City, officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery in Tonkawa.

Gary Ray Hankla was born Feb. 19, 1949, in Ponca City, the son of Earnest Ray and Margie Sprowe Hankla. He grew up in the Blackwell and Tonkawa areas attending schools in both towns. He was raised by his father and stepmother, Doris Jeanne Wooden Hankla. Following his schooling, he entered the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He returned to Blackwell following the war and began employment in the oil fields on various drilling rigs in the area.

Survivors include a fiancé, Tommie Lou Austin of Blackwell; a stepson, Jody Strother of Golden, Colo.; a sister, Janice Womack of Ponca City; two brothers, Mike Hankla of Tonkawa and Monty Hankla of Ponca City; a stepbrother, Jack Adams of Ponca City; three stepgrandchildren; and numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Casket bearers will be Rick Stout, Chance Hankla, Robert Estrada, Jorge Mora, Brian Hankla and Jody Sheldon. Honorary bearers will be Chuck Fahs, James Colburn and Deener McConnell.

Obituary

Emma Faye Anderson

Emma Faye Anderson, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday morning, Dec. 22, 2000, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 81.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2000, in the First Freewill Baptist Church. The Rev. David L. Bigger will officiate and burial will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park under direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Born Emma Faye Struble on June 14, 1919, in Lyle, Kan., she was the daughter of John Morgan and Florence Nightingale (Hogan) Struble. When she was a small child, the family moved and settled in Glencoe, and she attended Glencoe schools.

On Nov. 12, 1938, Emma and Kenneth “Andy” Anderson were united in marriage in Cushing, and in 1940 they moved to Ponca City and made their home at 204 Coolidge. She was content in being a homemaker and a precious mother to her three daughters. Emma had a special knack and a very loving spirit for she was a “Mother” to every little child she would come in contact with, this included her sons-in-law and all of her neighborhood. She was baptized in the First Church of God and had attended the First Freewill Baptist Church. Emma enjoyed sewing, camping, gardening, her children whether adopted or her own, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her great great grandchildren.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory three daughters, Wanda Gard of Ponca City, Betty Hinkley and her husband, Robert of Winfield, Kan., and Carrol McKee and her husband, Jonnis of Ponca City; one sister; 11 grandchildren of whom are: Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Gard, David Gard, Mr. and Mrs. (Chris) Denise Baldwin, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Gard, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hinkley, Michele Kennedy, Anita Gray, Emily Lawson, Mr. and Mrs. Ted McKee, Mr. and Mrs. Tracy McKee and Mr. and Mrs. Troy McKee; 23 great-grandchildren and they include, Lauren Gard, McKenzie Gard, Courtney Gard, Chelsie Baldwin, Kyle Baldwin, Katelynne Baldwin, Natalie Baldwin, Cody Gard, Cameron Gard, Sara Hinkley, Andra Beckwith, Jeremy Beckwith, Bobbie Woodards, LaShauna Woodards, Anthony Treadway, Desmond Kennedy, Laura Kennedy, April Lawson, Kari Lawson, Hillary McKee, Shelby McKee, Andrew McKee and Brandon McKee; three great-great-grandchildren, Destiny Nichole Crowder, Kierstin Kay Crowder and Emery Atkins; two very special friends she took as family, Doris Arant and Anita Lunn; several nieces and nephews as well as other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth “Andy” Anderson; one brother, John Struble Jr.; one grandson, Tony McKee; and one son-in-law, Jerry Gard.

Casket bearers will be Kyle Crowder, David Gard, Steve Gard, Kenneth Hinkley, Ted McKee, Tracy McKee, Troy McKee, and Bruce Gard.

paid obituary

Services Pending

June Marcele Chouteau

June Marcele Chouteau, Arkansas City resident and former Ponca City resident, died Friday afternoon, Dec. 22, 2000, at her home. She was 59. Survivors include her husband, Louis of the home and a daughter, Mary Denise Edens of Ponca City. Arrangements are pending with Grace Memorial Chapel.

NEWS BRIEFS

Subject Held — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, told an officer with the District Attorney’s Office that a subject was in the store possibly purchasing items for the manufacture of methamphetamine at 8:11 p.m. Friday. The DA investigator and two Ponca City police officers responded to the scene. A 37-year-old man was taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine and manufacturing methamphetamine.

Inventory Clearance sale on in stock storm shelters and aluminum pickup ramps. Leave message. 765-7199. adv.

Meeting Canceled — The Support Group Meeting at Lincare scheduled for Tuesday morning has been canceled. The meetings will go on next month as usual.

Wright Masonry for all your masonry needs. Call Raymond or Doug 1-580-765-1901. adv.

Burglary — A man in the 500 block of South Eighth Street reported to Ponca City police at 9:33 a.m. Friday someone had gotten into his vehicle and taken some packages between Wednesday and Thursday. The man didn’t want to file a report, but did request an extra patrol.

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

Accident — A two-vehicle accident with injury at the intersection of Hwy. 11 and 77 was reported to Ponca City police at 11:08 a.m. Friday. The Kay County Sheriff’s Department and Oklahoma Highway Patrol was advised.

Don Sawyer “The Chimney

Sweep”. In business for 26 years,

no mess. 762-8883. adv.

Intoxicated Subject — Someone reported to Ponca City police at 12:44 p.m. Friday a intoxicated woman was near the intersection Fifth Street and Fresno Avenue. An officer responded to the scene, and a 47-year-old woman was taken into custody for public intoxication.

Fireworks Christmas special. 14th and South Avenue. Buy one get one free. Hometown Thunderbird fireworks. adv.

Subject Held — An officer in the 400 block of South Pine Street reported a 19-year-old man was taken into custody for assault and battery at 3:01 p.m. Friday.

Theft — A sales associate at Wal-Mart, 1101 East Prospect Avenue, reported a juvenile was being held for shoplifting at 3:06 p.m. Friday. An officer was assigned and a report was taken. The juvenile was taken into police custody for petit larceny, then later released to parents.

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

Fire Run — Someone reported an electrical problem behind a business in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street to the Communications Center at 3:23 p.m. Friday. Three Ponca City police officers responded to the scene. Officers advised the power had to be shut off for the problem to be repaired.

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

Domestic — A woman in the 500 block of South Lincoln Street requested a Ponca City police officer remove an intoxicated man from her residence at 9:04 p.m. Friday. Two officers responded to the scene. Two ambulances from the Ponca City Fire Department also responded to the scene to treat two assault victims. A man was transported code red to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. At 2:42 a.m. the emergency room called police to advise the man was ready to be released and two officer responded to the hospital. A 27-year-old man was taken into custody for domestic assault and battery.

Last Chance for Gayla pictures. December 29th Creative Photography. 767-1433. adv.

Subject Held — An officer with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol transported a 47-year-old man to the Ponca City Police Department for booking into the city jail at 11:21 p.m. Friday after the man had been stopped for driving under intoxication and no insurance.

Intoxicated Subject — A Kay County sheriff’s deputy requested assistance with an intoxicated woman and her stalled vehicle at the intersection of Pecan Road and Prospect Avenue at 11:51 p.m. Friday. A Ponca City police officer responded to the scene, and a 39-year-old woman was taken into custody for public intoxication.

Subject Held — An officer in the 3100 block of east U.S. 60 reported a 58-year-old man had been taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under intoxication and careless driving at 12:18 a.m. Saturday.

Subject Held — An officer in the 200 block of North Oak Street reported a 29-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving under suspension and on Kay County warrants at 2:10 a.m. Saturday.

Subject Held — An officer an officer in the 1900 block of North Fourteenth Street reported a 27-year-old man was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving while intoxicated and speeding at 2:46 a.m. Saturday.

Subject Held — An officer at the intersection of Ash Street and Chestnut Avenue reported a 31-year-old woman was taken into custody after a traffic stop for driving while intoxicated, driving under suspension, no insurance and a city warrant for petit larceny at 3:38 a.m. Saturday.

Miscellaneous — Police received a 911 call from a woman in the 3300 block of El Camino at 4:52 a.m. Saturday advising her daughter may have been assaulted. Two officers responded to the scene and a report was taken.

LIFESTYLES

Thuringia the Cradle of the Christmas Decoration Industry
Meals on Wheels Menu
Wheatheart Nutrition Center To Be Closed Monday, Tuesday
Marlene Roth To Give Program For Gardeners
Ponca City Board of Realtors Installs New Officers
Kelly Ann Weaver Becomes Bride of Lynn David Payne
Let’s Hereby Resolve To...
Bob and Kay Anthony Lead Group in Christmas Caroling
Little News
Dalton Wayne Owens
Anna Elizabeth Draper
Singles List Calendar
Unit II Gathers For Luncheon
Multiple Winners for First Local Christmas Gala Toy Drive, Pageant
Pair Celebrates Anniversary
Vera Beaty Celebrating 90th Birthday
Reception Honors Taylors
Enid Quilt Survey Collection Donated to Oklahoma Historical Society
Oklahoma Historical Society
Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Members Meet for Party
Ponca City Happenings

Thuringia the Cradle of the Christmas Decoration Industry

Editor’s Note: This article includes the second and final part of a Christmas tradition feature begun Dec. 17. Information was gathered from a variety of Internet sources and books about the holiday season, including the University of Illinois extension site, Oklahoma extension site, Herbert Hoover archives from the National Archives and Records Administration, Christmas archives, “It’s a Wonderful Tradition” and others.

By PATTI CARMACK

News Lifestyles Editor

When your children ask why you do the same things year after year during the holiday season, this might be the time to begin their education in the time-honored traditions of your families. Whether you choose to observe Hanukkah, Kawaanza, Christmas, Boxing Day, etc. most families preserve their heritage with custom and tradition.

Perhaps you cook the same dishes that your mother and your grandmother do at holiday time. Maybe you have added your husband’s family recipes to the tradition.

Trading a specially-wrapped gift box year after year during Christmas is one of those little things sure to mean a lot to the recipient. Playing “Pass the Ornament” while a story is read seems to be a favorite pastime for several Ponca City families.

This can be the year you have the grandparents and great-grandparents record a story for future generations to enjoy. Write down those memories so often retold that you think you won’t forget — but probably won’t remember the same way your sibling might!

The spirit of this season is sometimes eclipsed by the “razzle dazzle” of shopping, bright lights and Santa Claus. Many area churches are open for those who wish to spend some quiet time reflecting on the “reason for the season.”

Just for fun, and hopefully, you will find it worth reading, I have gathered some information about trees, traditions and customs for Christmas. Enjoy! ...And Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Tradition Not for All

Christmas wasn’t always celebrated the way it is today. In fact, the Puritans of Massachusetts banned any observance of Christmas, and anyone caught observing the holiday had to pay a fine. Connecticut had a law forbidding the celebration of Christmas and the baking of mincemeat pies! A few of the earliest settlers did celebrate Christmas, but it was far from a common holiday in the colonial era.

It is hard to pinpoint the first decorated Christmas trees in America. Some say the tradition began with the Moravians of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania who decorated trees in the very early 1800s. Others say the first American Christmas tree was set up by Hessian soldiers at Trenton, New Jersey, in 1776. We do know that by the early 1800s there were numerous decorated trees throughout our country, but the term “Christmas tree” was not in common use until 1830.

The Christmas tree tradition was spread across America by German immigrants beginning in the early 1800s. The Germans baked fancy ornaments for their trees and then ate the ornaments when the trees came down. After Christmas, these frugal people would strip the needles and wrap the branches in cotton to extend the tree’s life for several Christmases to come.

Southern Custom

Before the Civil War, the North and South were divided on the issue of Christmas, as well as on the question of slavery. Many Northerners saw sin in the celebration of Christmas; to these people the celebration of Thanksgiving was more appropriate. But in the South, Christmas was an important part of the social season. Not surprisingly, the first three states to make Christmas a legal holiday were in the South: Alabama in 1836, Louisiana and Arkansas in 1838.

In the years after the Civil War, Christmas traditions spread across the country. Children’s books played an important role in spreading the customs of celebrating Christmas, especially the tradition of trimmed trees and gifts delivered by Santa Claus. Sunday school classes encouraged the celebration of Christmas. Women’s magazines were also very important in suggesting ways to decorate for the holidays, as well as how to make these decorations.

By the last quarter of the nineteenth century, America eagerly decorated trees, caroled, baked, and shopped for the Christmas season. Since that time, materialism, media, advertising, and mass marketing has made Christmas what it is today. The traditions that we enjoy at Christmas today were invented by blending together customs from many different countries into what is considered by many to be our national holiday.

Chronological History

Why do we have a decorated Christmas Tree? Here is the St. Boniface story. In the 7th century a monk from Crediton, Devonshire, went to Germany to teach the Word of God. He did many good works there, and spent much time in Thuringia, an area which was to become the cradle of the Christmas Decoration Industry.

Legend has it that he used the triangular shape of the Fir Tree to describe the Holy Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The converted people began to revere the Fir tree as God’s Tree, as they had previously revered the Oak.

By the 12th century it was being hung, upside-down, from ceilings at Christmastime in Central Europe, as a symbol of Christianity.

The first decorated tree was at Riga in Latvia, in 1510. In the last quarter of the 16th century, Martin Luther is said to have decorated a small Christmas Tree with candles, to show his children how the stars twinkled through the dark night.

Christmas Markets

In the mid 16th century, Christmas markets were set up in German towns, to provide everything from gifts, food and more practical things such as a knife grinder to sharpen the knife to carve the Christmas Goose!

At these fairs, bakers made shaped gingerbreads and wax ornaments for people to buy as souvenirs of the fair, and take home to hang on their Christmas Trees.

The best record we have is that of a visitor to Strasbourg in 1601. He records a tree decorated with “wafers and golden sugar-twists (Barleysugar) and paper flowers of all colors.”

The early trees were biblically symbolic of the Paradise Tree in the Garden of Eden. The many food items were symbols of Plenty, the flowers, originally only red (for Knowledge) and White (for Innocence).

Tinsel

Tinsel was invented in Germany around 1610. At that time real silver was used, and machines were invented which pulled the silver out into the wafer thin strips for tinsel. Silver was durable, but tarnished quickly, especially with candlelight. Attempts were made to use a mixture of lead and tin, but this was heavy and tended to break under its own weight so was not so practical. So silver was used for tinsel right up to the mid-20th century.

First English Trees

The Christmas Tree first came to England with the Georgian Kings who came from Germany. At this time also, German Merchants living in England decorated their homes with a Christmas Tree. The British public were not fond of the German Monarchy, so did not copy the fashions at Court, which is why the Christmas Tree did not establish in Britain at that time. A few families did have Christmas trees however, probably more from the influence of their German neighbors than from the Royal Court.

Victorian Household

The decorations were Tinsels, silver wire ornaments, candles and small beads. All these had been manufactured in Germany and East Europe since the 17th century. The custom was to have several small trees on tables, one for each member of the family, with that persons gifts stacked on the table under the tree.

The Victoria and Albert Tree

In 1846, the popular Royals, Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were illustrated in the Illustrated London News. They were standing with their children around a Christmas Tree. Unlike the previous Royal family, Victoria was very popular with her subjects, and what was done at Court immediately became fashionable — not only in Britain, but with fashion-conscious East Coast American Society. The English Christmas Tree had arrived!

Decorations were still of a ‘home-made’ variety. Young ladies spent hours at Christmas crafts, quilling snowflakes and stars, sewing little pouches for secret gifts and paper baskets with sugared almonds in them. Small bead decorations, fine drawn out silver tinsel came from Germany together with beautiful Angels to sit at the top of the tree. Candles were often placed into wooden hoops for safety.

Mid-Victorian Tree

In the 1850s Lauscha began to produce fancy shaped glass bead garlands for the trees, and short garlands made from necklace ‘bugles’ and beads. These were readily available in Germany, but not produced in sufficient quantities to export to Britain. The “Rauschgoldengel” was a common sight. Literally, ‘Tingled-angel’, bought from the Thuringian Christmas markets, and dressed in pure gilded tin.

In the 1860s the English Tree had become more innovative than the delicate trees of earlier decades. Small toys were popularly hung on the branches, but still most gifts were placed on the table under the tree.

Around this time, the Christmas tree was spreading into other parts of Europe. The Mediterranean countries were not too interested in the tree, preferring to display only a Creche scene. Italy had a wooden triangle platform tree called as ‘CEPPO’. This had a Creche scene as well as decorations.

The German tree was beginning to suffer from mass destruction! It had become the fashion to lop off the tip off a large tree to use as a Christmas Tree, which prevented the tree from growing further. Statutes were made to prevent people having more than one tree.

Just as the first trees introduced into Britain did not immediately take off, the early trees introduced into America by the Hessian soldiers were not recorded in any particular quantity. The Pennsylvanian German settlements had community trees as early as 1747.

America, being so large, tended to have ‘pockets’ of customs relating to the immigrants who had settled in a particular area, and it was not until the communications really got going in the 19th century, that such customs began to spread. Thus references to decorated trees in America before about the middle of the 19th century are very rare.

By the 1870s, Glass ornaments were being imported into Britain from Lauscha, in Thuringia. It became a status symbol to have glass ornaments on the tree, the more one had, the better one’s status! Still, many homemade things were seen. The Empire was growing, and the popular tree topper was the Nation’s Flag, sometimes there were flags of the Empire and flags of the allied countries. Trees got very patriotic.

Woolworth Sales

They were imported into America around 1880, where they were sold through stores such as FW Woolworth. They were quickly followed by American patents for electric lights (1882), and metal hooks for safer hanging of decorations onto the trees (1892)

High Victorian Trees

The 1880s saw a rise of the Aesthetic Movement. At this time Christmas Trees became a glorious hotchpotch of everything one could cram on; or by complete contrast, the aesthetic trees which were delicately balanced trees, with delicate colors, shapes and style. They also grew to floor standing trees. The limited availability of decorations in earlier decades had kept trees by necessity to, usually, table trees. Now with decorations as well as crafts more popular than ever, there was no excuse. Still a status symbol, the larger the tree - the more affluent the family which sported it.

The High Victorian tree of the 1890s was a child’s joy to behold! As tall as the room, and crammed with glitter and tinsel and toys galore. Even the “middleclasses” managed to over-decorate their trees. It was a case of “anything goes.” Everything that could possibly go on a tree went onto it.

By 1900 themed trees were popular. A color theme set in ribbons or balls, a topical idea such as an Oriental Tree, or an Egyptian Tree. They were to be the last of the great Christmas trees for some time. With the death of Victoria in 1903, the nation went into mourning and fine trees were not really in evidence until the nostalgia of the Dickensian fashion of the 1930s.

The American Tree

In America, Christmas trees were introduced into several areas - the German Hessian soldiers donated their tree customs in the 18th century. In Texas, cattle barons from Britain added their customs in the 19th century, and the East Coast Society copied the English Court tree customs.

Settlers from all over Europe contributed their customs also in the 19th century. Decorations were not easy to find in the shanty towns of the West, and people began to make their own decorations. Tin was pierced to create lights and lanterns to hold candles which could shine through the holes.

Decorations of all kinds were cut out, stitched and glued. The General Stores were hunting grounds for old magazines with pictures, rolls of cotton batting (cotton wool), and tinsel, which was occasionally sent from Germany or brought in from the eastern states. The Paper “Putz” or Christmas Crib was a popular feature under the tree, especially in the Moravian Dutch communities which settled in Pennsylvania.

The British Tree

After Queen Victoria died, the country went into mourning, and the tree somehow died with her for a while in many homes. While some families and community groups still had large tinsel strewn trees, many opted for the more convenient table top tree. These were available in a variety of sizes, and the artificial tree, particularly the Goose Feather Tree, became popular. These were originally invented in the 1880s in Germany, to combat some of the damage being done to Fir trees in the name of Christmas.

American Brush Tree

In America, the Addis Brush Company created the first brush trees, using the same machinery which made their toilet brushes! These had an advantage over the feather tree in that they would take heavier decorations.

After 1918, because of licensing and export problems, Germany was not able to export its decorations easily. The market was quickly taken up by Japan and America, especially in Christmas Tree lights.

Britain’s Tom Smith Cracker Company, which has exported Christmas goods for over three decades, began to manufacture trees themselves for a short while.

In the 1930s There was a revival of Dickensian nostalgia, particularly in Britain. Christmas cards all sported Crinoline ladies with muffs and bonnets popular in the 1840s. Christmas Trees became large, and real again, and were decorated with many bells, balls and tinsels, and with a beautiful golden haired angel at the top.

But wartime England put a stop to many of these trees. It was forbidden to cut trees down for decoration, and with so many raids, many people preferred to keep their most precious heirloom Christmas tree decorations carefully stored away in metal boxes, and decorated only a small tabletop tree with homemade decorations, which could be taken down into the shelters for a little Christmas cheer, when the air-raid sirens went.

Large trees were erected in public places to give morale to the people at this time. Postwar Britain saw a revival of the nostalgic again. People needed the security of Christmas, which is so unchanging in a changing world, as one of the symbols to set them back on their feet. Trees were as large as people could afford.

Many poorer families still used the tabletop Goosefeather trees, Americas Addis Brush Trees were being imported into Britain, and these became immensely popular for a time. But the favorites were still real trees. The popular decorations were all produced by a British manufacturer, Swanbrand. and sold by FW Woolworth in Britain.

Translucent plastic lock together shapes, Honeycomb paper Angels, ‘glow-in the -dark icicles; also Polish glass balls and birds In South Wales, where real trees were often difficult to find in the rural areas, Holly bushes were decorated.

The mid-1960s saw another change. A new world was on the horizon, and modernist ideas were everywhere. Silvery aluminum trees were imported from America. The ‘Silver Pine’ tree, patented in the 1950s, was designed to have a revolving light source under it, with colored gelatin windows, which allowed the light to shine in different shades as it revolved under the tree. No decorations were needed for this tree.

Decorations became sparse. Glass balls and lametta created an elegant modern tree. Of course, many families ignored fashion and carried on by putting their own well-loved decorations on their trees!

America made a return to Victorian nostalgia in the 1970s, and it was a good decade later that Britain followed the fashion. At first this was a refreshing look, and manufacturers realizing the potential, created more and more fantastic decorations. Some American companies specialized in antique replicas, actually finding the original makers in Europe to recreate wonderful glass ornaments, real silver tinsels and pressed foil ‘Dresdens’.

Real Christmas trees were popular, but many housewives preferred the convenience of the authentic looking artificial trees which were being manufactured. If your room was big enough, you could have a 14 foot artificial Spruce right there in your living room, without a single dropped needle - and so good that it fooled everyone at first glance. There are even pine scented sprays to put on the tree for that “real tree smell!”

As our knowledge of allergies increases many people have found the artificial tree is easier on the nose and sinuses than the “real thing.” Anyone who has a “real” tree get too dry and the branches catch fire from the light strand will appreciate the use of an artificial tree. Containerized trees have become popular for apartment-dwellers.

Whatever you choose to decorate with at the holidays, if it pleases you, then that’s all that is necessary. Our tree wouldn’t be the same without our traditional nativity set to point out the “reason for the season.”

Again — Happy holiday to you and yours!

Meals on Wheels Menu

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

Meals are available to persons 65 years of age and older.

Those younger than 65 may receive meals if disabled or for two weeks following dismissal from the hospital. Cost is $2.50 per meal, and adjustment is made for financial need.

For more information call 762-4707 or 765-0331. Substitutions may be made by SJRMC if necessary.

Monday, Dec. 25: Meatloaf; mashed potatoes with gravy; buttered cut corn; marinated asparagus; apple crumb cobbler.

Tuesday, Dec. 26: Maple glazed ham; baked sweet potatoes; green beans; red fruited jello salad; gingerbread.

Wednesday, Dec. 27: beef stew; lemon-buttered broccoli; biscuit or dinner roll; fresh orange slices; iced pound cake.

Thursday, Dec. 28: Savory chicken; buttered lima beans; stewed tomatoes; Waldorf salad; orange cake.

Friday, Dec. 29: Breaded pork chop; seasoned mashed potatoes; brown gravy; cauliflower and peas; dinner roll; tossed salad with dressing; chocolate pudding.

Wheatheart Nutrition Center To Be Closed Monday, Tuesday

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

Monday, Dec. 25: Closed

Tuesday, Dec. 26: Closed

Wednesday, Dec. 27: Meatloaf with Creole sauce; seasoned green beans; mashed potatoes with gravy; bread; chilled peaches.

Thursday, Dec. 28: Chicken Enchilada casserole; beans; tossed salad with dressing; cornbread; sherbet.

Friday, Dec. 29: Ham salad; vegetable beef soup; cabbage slaw; crackers; chocolate chip cookies.

Marlene Roth To Give Program For Gardeners

The Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the Cann Garden Home. Coffee and social time will begin at 9 a.m., with the program scheduled for 9:30.

Marlene Roth will speak about gardens she has visited in Scotland, England and British Columbia. She, and husband, Jim, and children, Heather, Abby, and Doug, have resided in Ponca City for eight years. The speaker is active in Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, and has served as secretary of the Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs 1995-97.

Mrs. Roth will tell about Butchart Gardens Victoria, British Columbia, and High Tea at The Empress Hotel. She also plans to show a video of the Butchart Gardens. The public is invited to attend the meeting. If the weather is bad, announcement will be made via radio or television about the cancellation.

Ponca City Board of Realtors Installs New Officers

New officers and directors were installed at the annual banquet for the Ponca City Board of Realtors held recently at the Ponca City Country Club. More than 100 members, spouses, affiliate members and guests attended.

Dr. Joe Surber, assistant superintendent of Ponca City Schools, and Brian Surber, assistant District Attorney, both served as master of ceremonies. Dr. Joe Surber introduced the affiliate members and guests. Brian Surber administered the oath of office for the new officers and directors.

Mike Nash of Century 21 Group One was installed as president. Other officers for the year 2001 are: Fran James of Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors, president-elect; Rachel Gardner-Gravel of Century 21 Group One, secretary; Janie Gearhart of J.B. Smith Real Estate, treasurer; Susan Albee of J.B. Smith Real Estate, Realtor-Associate Director; Bryan Streeter of Century 21 Group One, immediate past president; and Tom Stracener of Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors, James Smith of ReMax of Ponca City, Tommy Chestnut of Century 21 Group One, Board Directors.

Award presentations included the prestigious “Realtor of the Year” presented to a Realtor/Broker who has “actively participated in their local and state associations, displayed exemplary conduct and dedication as well as maintaining and improving the standards of the profession.” Tommy Chestnut of Century 21 Group One was honored with this award.

The “Realtor of the Year” award was presented to Rachel Gardner-Gravel of Century 21 Group One. This is given to a Realtor Associate in recognition of “conduct related to the Realtor's code and standards as well as their participation and support of the Ponca City Board of Realtor’s committees and activities.”

Another special honor is the “Eagle Award.” This is bestowed upon a person in “honor and recognition of outstanding achievements or deeds performed by a member of the community.” This year’s recipient is Raymond Ham, Chief of Police of the Ponca City Police Department.

Outgoing President Bryan Streeter presented the gavel to incoming President Mike Nash, and Nash in return, presented Streeter with the past president's plaque. In closing, Nash spoke to the group about plans for the coming year.

Kelly Ann Weaver Becomes Bride of Lynn David Payne

Their ranch west of Shidler was the setting for the recent outdoor country-style wedding of Kelly Ann Weaver and Lynn David Payne. Their double-ring vows were officiated by the Rev. Charles Richey of Webb City. Music included “I Love You” by Sarah McClachlan and “There’s Only You” by Kevin Sharp.

The bride is the daughter of Shirley and Frank Weaver of Webb City, and the bridegroom is the son of Judy and John Payne of Shidler, and the grandson of Jane and Holton Payne of Newkirk.

Joana Mae Weaver and Stephany Lynn Weaver distributed bags of birdseed, and Misty Dawn Weaver attended the guest book. All are nieces of the bride. Flowergirls were Lana Faye Weaver, niece of the bride, and Ashley Payne, niece of the bridegroom. Colton Scott Weaver, nephew of the bride, was the ringbearer.

Maid of Honor for her aunt was Tiffney Weaver of Newkirk, and bridesmaids were Amanda Jane Payne, sister of the bride, and KonyaK Linde. Each wore a navy blue chiffon gown and pearl jewelry and carried a bouquet of white and navy blue carnations tied with silver and navy blue streamers.

Abe Payne of Newkirk, cousin of the bridegroom, served as Best Man, and groomsmen were Jeff Hunsaker of Webb City and Joe Lynn Voegle of Shidler. Dusty Weaver, nephew of the bride, was the usher.

The bride wore a full-length white satin and floral-patterned brocade sleeveless gown with a sweetheart neckline. The back bodice featured criss-crossed straps. The dress was accented with a floor-length train and white western boots.. The bride’s waist-length organza and silk veiling was banded in satin and attached to a rhinestone tiara. She carried a bouquet of white and navy blue carnations, baby’s breath and ivy tied with silver and navy blue ribbons. For something old and borrowed, she wore white pearls belonging to the bridegroom’s mother; something new was her gown; and something blue, her garter. She also carried a small white Bible, a gift from her father.

Hosting a reception at the ranch were April Hunsaker of Webb City, Jerrica Lockwood of Newkirk; Monica Burries of Shidler; Leslie, Joana, Misty and Stephany Weaver.

The bride is employed at AMSCO Supply in Ponca City and the bridegroom is self-employed in ranching and employed with the One Arm Bandit and Company Entertainment.

Let’s Hereby Resolve To...

For all you folks out there asking what the heck is Boxing Day, which appears on some calendars — here is the answer.

Boxing Day is a British holiday and falls on the first weekday after Christmas, when Christmas gifts or boxes are given to employees, letter carriers and so on.

Here in America we just put our boxes on the curb and expect to the sanitation crew to haul them off to the dump (land-fill). Some recycling goes on, but most of that is with popular gift bags.

Isn’t it interesting that there are several Saint holidays, and none of them are American — but we honor them anyway?

There is the Feb. 14th — St. Valentine’s Day, named for the Roman Saint and a time for presenting tokens of love.

A big day in Irish lore is St. Patrick’s Day, also celebrated in the United States — recognizing the patron Saint of Ireland. This holiday also has it’s own date — March 17.

We Americans are a little more indecisive. We claim Labor Day on the first Monday in September, and Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday in November. Meanwhile, Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October.

Along with our indecisiveness and the recent election fiasco, we Americans can probably claim April Fool’s Day as a legal holiday.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way — let’s get on with the New Year’s “resoluting.”

Top ten reasons for New Year’s resoluting.

No. 10 — It is the thing to do — everyone does it.

No. 9 — Drink more water, visit the bathroom frequently.

No. 8 — Speak evil of no one — not even the in-laws.

No. 7 — Speed not, even the given 5 miles over the limit.

No. 6 — Tell no more Clinton/Gore jokes.

No. 5 — Tell absolutely no more Gore/Bush jokes.

No. 4 — Never vote on a butterfly.

No. 3 — Make no fun of the third world countries election process.

No. 2 — Not to spend the promised tax-cut before we get it.

No. 1 — To snigger not when Bush appoints Gore to re-invent the Internet.

Bob and Kay Anthony Lead Group in Christmas Caroling

When the Noon Lions met Dec. 20, Bob and Kay Anthony led the club in singing a medley of Christmas carols. The couple also performed several individual numbers. Kay, a longtime Ponca City resident, taught music at West junior High for 30 years and was choir director at Albright Methodist Church for over 26 years. She plays the piano at the weekly Lions meetings. Her husband of 36 years, Bob Anthony, is a retired Conoco research engineer.

Special numbers performed by Bob Anthony included “White Christmas,” “I Wonder as I Wander”, “0 Holy Night.”

Special songs sung by Kay Anthony included a spiritual, “Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head”, and “Jesus Our Brother Kind and Good”. In addition, the Anthonys gave several seasonal readings.

Guests included Elma Robson, Millie Stafford, Annette Pittman, Joyce Felix, Greg Rohr, and Travis McKay. Russ Allen was song leader, and Darrwn Hiatt gave the invocation. Student Lions were Josh Schatte and Amanda Myers. Myers, a senior at Po-Hi is in the orchestra, and is on the school newspaper staff

In addition to working at Dougan’s BBQ, Myers has been a camp counselor and is a 2-year letterman in orchestra well as being on the honor roll. She plans to major in education. Schatte, a Po-Hi senior, is a member of First Lutheran Church where he operates the sound system, ushers, and is a member of the youth group. He is a member of Post 69 Explorer Group and enjoys golfing and mountain biking. He’s on the honor roll and has been recognized by Who’s Who in American Students. He plans to major in business in college.

The Ponca City Noon Lion’s Club meets at the American Legion every Wednesday.They are the largest service organization worldwide and in Ponca City. Their goal is to assist in “wiping out all preventable blindness worldwide” and to provide eye exams and eyeglasses to the needy in the local community. Their motto is “We Serve.”

Little News

Daniela Marie Irwin

Daniela Marie Irwin is the name chosen by Lourdes Guadalupe and Christopher Paul Irwin of Tonkawa for their daughter born at 7:41 a.m. Dec. 8, 2000, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The baby weighed 10 pounds and measured 20 1/2 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Maria and Conrado Santos of Tonkawa, and paternal grandparents are Linda and Ronald Irwin of Riverside, Calif. Great-grandmother is Imogene Hendrickson of Tonkawa.

Dalton Wayne Owens

Steve and Michele Owens of Ponca City announce the birth of a son, Dalton Wayne Owens, at 5:07 p.m. Nov. 25, 2000, at the Stillwater Medical Center. The baby weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces, and measured 21 inches long.

Grandparents are Richard and Pat Adkins, Tom and Mary Owens, all of Ponca City. Great-grandparents are Marie Driesel, Bess Adkins and Pete Ward, all of Ponca City.

Anna Elizabeth Draper

Announcing the birth of a daughter are Randy and Cammy Draper of Broken Arrow. Anna Elizabeth Draper was born at 12:31 p.m. Nov. 1, 2000, at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces, and measured 19 3/4 inches long. She has a brother, Garrett Draper, 4.

Grandparents are Richard and Pat Adkins of Ponca City and Chuck and Carol Draper of Claremore. Great-grandparents are Marie Driesel and Bess Adkins of Ponca City, and Rubye Hester of Sheridan, Ark.

Singles List Calendar

Singles Network Activity schedule for the week of Dec. 24- 30 includes the following:

Monday, Dec. 25, Merry Christmas; Friday, Dec. 29, Coffee, Cake and Conversation at Dorothy’s from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., call 765-1403; Sunday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Party at Edies, Bring snacks to share at 9 p.m. Call 762-3071.

If you are interested in joining the Singles Network call any of the numbers listed above.

Unit II Gathers For Luncheon

Members of the Unit 11 of the Ponca City Mother's Club met on Dec. 1 in the home of Sue Ziegenhain for a Taste and Tell luncheon meeting and the Christmas ornament exchange. There were 17 members and one guest, Carla Gilmore, attending the event.

Jerri Boyer and Theresa Bohon served as the co-hostesses for the occasion. Sue Ziegenhain, chair lady, led the members in saying the Collect. Jerri Boyer presented a reading program ,

“A Cup Of Christmas Tree,” by Tom Haeg.

Donated items of mittens, hats, and socks from the members were collected and taken to the Domestic Violence shelter. Carolyn Bourne was the winner of the door prize. The next meeting will be held on Friday, Jan. 5, 2001 and the members will be notified on the time and place.

Multiple Winners for First Local Christmas Gala Toy Drive, Pageant

Ponca City was the setting for the first annual Christmas Gala Toy Drive sponsored by Miss American Sweetheart pageants. The pageant was held on Dec. 2 at Hutchins Memorial Auditorium, with 22 area contestants entered. Each contestant brought toys to the pageant to be given to underprivileged children within the community.

Competition was held for the title of “Snow Royalty,” and the pageant featured a show with Angela Owen of Ponca City performing a variety of Christmas songs. Also making their appearance was Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus (Cain Cook and Makayla Byers; both of Blackwell.) The pair awarded a bicycle from the drawing to Ivee Hall of Blackwell.

In addition, the 2000 Snow Royalty was crowned by the Snow Princess ambassadors: Makayla Byers, and Taylor Billings.

The following titles were earned: Supreme titles and heart of gold and age division awards. Supreme Snow Queen crown was won by Breia Nicole Sober, 17, of Ponca City; Supreme Snow Princess, Kira Vandermeer, 4 ,from Blackwell; Heart of Gold was presented to Breia Nicole Sober for her generosity of donating 100 toys.

Ivee Hall, 17-months-old ,from Blackwell brought home the title of Baby Snow Princess, and most beautiful. Angelinda Mimbela, 13-months-old, from Ponca City earned A Snow sweetheart award, and best dressed. Kenzee Peetoom, 2, from Blackwell, was awarded the title of Tiny Snow Princess.

Kailee Peetoom was crowned Little Snow Princess, with Morgan Sober, 5, from Ponca City taking best dressed and a Snow Sweetheart Award. Kira Vandermer, 4, from Blackwell won “most beautiful” in addition to her supreme title. Kimberlee Fleming, 3, of Blackwell and Erikah Parcher, 3, of Braman both earned Snow Sweetheart Awards.

Brittany Luna, 6, Blackwell, took Junior Snow Princess, and best dressed. Ashlee Fleming, 8, also of Blackwell, earned Most Beautiful and a snow sweetheart award. Cherokee Combrink, 8, from Ponca City, and Laryn Rice from Fairfax both took home Snow Sweetheart Awards.

Anne Bennett, 11, Blackwell, took Young Snow Princess title, and most beautiful. Shelby White, 10, Ponca City earned Best Dressed, and a Snow Sweetheart award. Raven Combrink, 11, from Ponca City, took home a snow sweetheart award.

The title of Snow Princess was awarded Cassidy Pease, 14 , Fairfax, along with the title of Most Beautiful. Kayla Ware, 12, Blackwell, earned Best Dressed and a Snow Sweetheart award. Amber Combrink, 13, of Ponca City, took home a Snow Sweetheart award.

Snow Queen was awarded by Amber White, 18, of Stillwater. Breia Nicole Sober, 17, Ponca City, took home Most Beautiful and best dressed in addition to her Supreme and Heart of Gold title. Brooke Bennett, 17, of Blackwell, and Victoria Jenkins, 17, Ponca City, both took home Snow Sweetheart awards.

The pageant was successful in bringing in a total of 247 new toys, donated to Blackwell and Ponca City’s fire departments. Due to the abundance of toys donated, transportation to both fire stations was provided by Lester B. Ebert Sr. of Blackwell.

Accepting the toys at Blackwell fire department was Sharon Vetters, and David VanBuskirk accepted the toys for Ponca City.

Pair Celebrates Anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. James Dexter of Ponca City will be honored on the occasion of their golden wedding anniversary with a family reception. Cards, photos and/or “memories” may be sent to them at 2267 City View, Ponca City, OK 74604.

Their family includes children and grandchildren, Dennis, Pat and Erika Self of Muskogee, Bob, Melinda, brad and Matt Dexter of Ponca City.

The couple was married Dec. 30, 1950, in St. Anthony’s Church in Strong City, Kan. with the Rev. Mr. Rohr officiating.

Mr. Dexter worked for the Santa Fe Railroad until his retirement in 1989. The couple resided in Shell Knob, Mo. for 10 years, moving back to Ponca City in 1999. Mrs. Dexter, a housewife, enjoys gardening, crafts and flowers.

Vera Beaty Celebrating 90th Birthday

Vera Houston Beaty will observe her 90th birthday with a celebration at Marland’s Grand Home Saturday, Dec. 30, 2-4 p.m. Friends and family from Ponca City, Arkansas, Texas, Washington and London, England, will help her celebrate. She moved from Arkansas to Ponca City in 1973.

Mrs. Beaty is a member of First Baptist Church, Senior Friendship Class, and the Retired Senior Bridge Club that meets at Unity Gym. The honoree has been a Girl Scout leader, organizer of youth projects, and participates in family activities. Family says she is called the “Flower Lady” as she enjoys gardening, entering Iris shows, making floral arrangements, and sharing plants.

Vera was chosen as “Beauty Princess” at the Hope, Ark. Watermelon Festival in 1929. She married Ralph Beaty in 1930. Their children are Ralph Beaty Jr. of Ponca City and Rita B. Goolsby of Richland, Wash.

Vera’s family includes a daughter-in-law, Pauletta Beaty; a son-in-law, O.K. Goolsby; five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren: Brad and Tina Beaty, Kaity and Braden of Ponca City; Jana B. and Chris Bright, Sophie and Sam of London, England; Susan Beaty of Oklahoma City; Grant and Janae Goolsby, Rachel and Dylan of Richland, Wash.; and GayLynn Goolsby of Pullman, Wash.

Reception Honors Taylors

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Taylor celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception hosted by their children and grandchildren. Their family and friends gathered on Dec. 2 at Central Christian Church Arkansas City, Kan.

The couple was married in Arkansas City on Dec. 22, 1950, in the First Presbyterian Church. They made their first home in Ponca City, where they reared their three children, and resided for 34 years.

Mr. Taylor returned from four years of military service in World War II to work for Conoco Oil. He retired from the R&D Department 34 years later. Mrs. Taylor, an Arkansas City native, remained active in their church and children’s schools, and held leadership positions in various civic organizations while in Ponca City.

Sixteen years ago they moved to their present home in Bella Vista, Ark.. Most of their time there has been spent on the golf course and tennis court.

Hosting the celebration were their children: Jim and Leigh Sills of Broken Arrow, Clarke and Janice Taylor of Jenks, and Scott Taylor of Bella Vista, Ark. Their grandchildren are Quinn, Ainsleigh, Lincoln, Soleil, Aubrianna, Simmone, and Judah Sills; Collin, Kristin, Micah, and Luke Taylor; Page and Chase Taylor of Austin, Texas.

Enid Quilt Survey Collection Donated to Oklahoma Historical Society

Enid area families and their quilts are well-represented in a database collection recently donated to the Oklahoma Historical Society, it was announced by Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn.

More than 4,000 quilts were documented in the late 1980s, including photographs, descriptions and stories. Enid was one of the 19 cities and towns to host a “Quilt Day” meeting.

The Oklahoma Quilters’ Guild members Jane Harnden and Sue Rose tackled the project, according to Blackburn.

Over the last few years, Harnden has put the raw data on a computer database so that users may search quilts by the person who made it, the pattern used, and the database tells how many quilts in each region of Oklahoma are made from certain patterns.

The gift to the Society includes the database, slides of all the quilts, patterns and other information about the Quilt Project.

The information will be a part of an interactive quilt exhibit in the new Oklahoma History Center. The History Center, to be located at N.E. 23rd and Lincoln Blvd., in Oklahoma City, is scheduled for completion in 2003.

Each quilt that Harden, Sue Rose and others examined between 1987 and 1989 had a story. They collected the stories, documented the quilts and then edited the data to create “Oklahoma Heritage Quilts: A Sampling of Quilts Made in or Brought to Oklahoma before 1940,” a book published in 1990 by the American Quilter’s Society. The book quickly sold out and is no longer in print.

Harnden and other quilters spent three years researching textiles, patterns and stitches before they were ready to travel the state in search of Oklahoma quilts. By 1987 they identified 19 communities in Oklahoma they would visit. They didn’t want anyone to have to travel more than one hour to get their quilt evaluated.

“People were so warm,” Harnden said. “They kept saying ‘we can’t believe you came to us.’”

Quilt Project organizers asked communities to provide use of a room with 25-foot-high ceilings for a day, 30 volunteers and lunches for them and the 10 quilt project volunteers who would be visiting. When the day arrived, volunteers set up paper-covered tables and donned white gloves in order to protect the quilts from the oils in human hands. Volunteers hung each quilt to photograph it, examined each quilt and took notes on who made the quilt and the story behind it.

“We did up to 400 quilts a day,” Harnden said.

The goal was to have everything documented in time for a quilt show in 1989.

The volunteers were often able to tell the owners how old their quilts were, judging by the pattern, fabric and stitches.

“A quilt can be no older than the newest piece of fabric,” Harnden said.

Volunteers were careful not to put a dollar value on any of the quilts.

“The value was of the skill of workmanship, the value as a family historical piece,” Rose said. “We at no time got into appraisals.”

At one town, Harnden and a team of volunteers were visiting communities across Oklahoma to document Oklahoma quilts in the late 1980s when they noticed a woman hovering in the background at one of the meetings.

“She was dubious about trusting her quilt to these strangers from out of town,” Harnden recalled.

The woman finally came forward and presented a quilt her grandmother had made. The quilt had a log cabin pattern with the top portion blackened from a fire.

Her grandmother, the woman explained, had lived in a “humble house in northwest Oklahoma” where she made the quilt. One day the house caught fire and the grandmother escaped with only the quilt. She then used the quilt to bat out the flames.

That story is a tiny part of a quilt database that Harnden has donated to the Oklahoma Historical Society. The database includes information on 4,000 quilts brought to or made in Oklahoma prior to 1940.

“Through bits of fabric and careful stitches, quilts tell the stories of families — their pasts and their dreams,” said Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Director Bob Blackburn. “Some quilt patterns were handed down from generation to generation. Others were original designs, while others were simply copied out from publications. The information that Ms. Harnden has collected documents important parts of Oklahoma history.”

While the fire-charred log cabin quilt “was not a pretty quilt to begin with,” Harnden said, the story behind it had immeasurable historic and family value.

Rose was most impressed by a woman who wanted to bring her quilt but had to first buy a car to get there. Once she picked up her quilt after it was documented, the woman said, “Now I need to go get a license.”

The most popular patterns of Oklahoma quilts, Harnden said, are “Grandmother’s Flower Garden” and “Double Wedding Ring.” Women who hang on to quilt patterns their entire lives amaze her. As they get older, women often move from large houses to one room in a retirement home.

“Whatever you save is something that is really important to you,” she said. “These women saved these patterns knowing they would never use them again.” For more information, contact Dr. Blackburn at (405) 521-2491 or via email at bblackburn@ok-history.mus.ok.us.

Oklahoma Historical Society

JANUARY

Jan.-May - Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School, Perry: “A Day at Rose Hill School, living history for students in one-room school; visitors welcome to observe, call for schedule (580) 336-2405.

Jan.-Mar. - Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: Quarterly exhibits on colleges, universities of Oklahoma, regular museum hours, free (405) 744-2828.

Jan. 1-May 31 - State Museum of History, Wiley Post Historical Building, Oklahoma City: Special exhibits - “When They Were Young: Folk Art Paintings by L.E. Bailey” and “USS Oklahoma Battleship exhibit (indefinitely), regular museum hours, free (405) 522-5248.

Jan. 6 - Chisholm Trail Museum and Seay Mansion, Kingfisher: Making Victorian Costumes seminar, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., free (405) 375-5176.

Jan. 9 - State Museum of History, Oklahoma City: Elda Martens on her collection of quilts and stories behind them from her Mennonite background at Wiley Post Historical Building Auditorium, 2100 Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, 7 p.m., free (405) 522-5248.

Jan. 16-31 - OHS Archives and Manuscripts Division, Wiley Post Historical Building, Oklahoma City: Closed for annual maintenance and inventory, (405) 522-5209.

Jan. 18 - Oklahoma Historical Society Board Room, Wiley Post Building, Oklahoma City: Historic Preservation Review Committee Meeting, 10 a.m., free (405) 521-6249.

Jan. 20 - Chisholm Trail Museum and Seay Mansion, Kingfisher: Tatting Workshop by Judi Banashek, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., free (405) 375-5176.

FEBRUARY

Feb. 1 -Mar. 31 - Oklahoma Museum of Higher Education, Stillwater: Quarterly exhibits on colleges, universities of Oklahoma, regular museum hours, free (405) 744-2828.

Feb. 1- May 31 - Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School, Perry: “A Day at Rose Hill School, living history for students in one-room school; visitors welcome to observe, call for schedule (580) 336-2405.

Feb. 1-May 31 - State Museum of History, Wiley Post Historical Building, Oklahoma City: Special exhibits - “When They Were Young: Folk Art Paintings by L.E. Bailey” and “USS Oklahoma Battleship exhibit (indefinitely), regular museum hours, free (405) 522-5248. Feb. 1 - Collage 2001 Registration deadline at Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City (405) 522-5241.

Feb. 3 - Fort Gibson Historic Site, Fort Gibson: Victorian Valentine Workshop, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., fee $10, (918) 478-4088.

Feb. 14 - Museum of the Cherokee Strip, Enid: Brown Bag Luncheon with Glen McIntyre of museum staff as speaker on “Three Oklahoma Authors,” noon, free (580) 237-1907.

Feb. 17 - Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Governor’s Process on Kingfisher Main Street, 10:30 a.m., free. (405) 375-5176.

Feb. 17 - Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Gov. Seay Inaugural Ball living history at Kingfisher County Fairgrounds Women’s Building, 7 p.m., fee $10, (405) 375-5176.

Feb. 17 - Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: Tatting Workshop by Judi Banashek, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., free (405) 375-5176.

Feb. 17 - Pioneer Heritage Townsite Center, Frederick: Oyster Fry by Frederick Chamber of Commerce with entertainment and crafts in afternoon, oysters at 5 p.m., fee $10 (580) 335-5844.

Feb. 21 - Museum of the Cherokee Strip, Enid: Brown Bag Luncheon with Dr. Robert Gray of Enid as speaker on “The Enid of Marquis James,” noon, free (580) 237-1907.

Feb. 22-25 - Fort Towson Historic Site, Fort Towson: 1830s Fur Trade Rendezvous living history, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day; school groups on Feb. 22-23 free; open to public Feb. 24-25, $2 per car, (580) 873-2634.

Feb. 24 - Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher: History of Pioneer Druggist, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., free (405) 375-5176.

Xi Zeta Lambda Chapter Members Meet for Party

Xi Zeta Lambda chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority met on Dec. 20 at the home of Cassandra Kifiak with 16 members and two guests in attendance. Guests were Tracy Lewis, daughter of Melva Keen, and Michelle Barber, daughter of Lila Logan.

A short meeting was conducted by Doretta Jackson, president. Roll was called and minutes were read by Phyllis Pledger. Judy Watt gave the treasurer’s report.

Nida Austin reported that the Ways and Means committee will meet in January to discuss the Mystery Dinner.

The Friendship Basket was won by Phyllis Pledger. The program was given by Cassandra Kifiak, who read a book about Candy Canes and distributed candy canes to each member and guests. After the meeting, those present enjoyed a Christmas Party and Secret Sister gift exchange.

The next meeting will be held on Jan. 4 at the home of Francie James.

Ponca City Happenings

Sunday

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

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

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

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

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

Monday

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

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

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

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

Ponca City Rotary Club, noon Monday, American Legion.

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

TOPS OK 308 members weigh-in time is 5:45- 6:15 p.m. on Mondays. For information call Betty Flower at 765-5448, or Delpha Clemens, 762-2844.

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

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

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

Tuesday

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

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

Kiwanis Club, noon Tuesday, Apple Cart restaurant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter FC of PEO will meet at St. Paul’s United Methodist church at 1 p.m. Jan. 3. Co-hostesses will be Betty Thompson and Verlee Gardner. Grace Chism will give the program about “Founder’s Day.”

Thursday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday

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

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

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

Saturday

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

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

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

Overeaters Anonymous group meets 10-11 Saturday mornings at Woodlands Christian Church. The meetings are open to “anyone who desires to stop eating compulsively.” For more information call 762-2161.

SPORTS

Cowboys’ Defense Stops Lamar Cold for Easy Win
Tulsa Needs No Practice
Tonkawas Fath Named to All State

Cowboys’ Defense Stops Lamar Cold for Easy Win

STILLWATER (AP) — Oklahoma State used a big defensive effort to pick up an easy victory Friday night.

The Cowboys held Lamar without a basket for the first 9 1/2 minutes, limited them to 31.5 percent shooting and came up with 21 turnovers in an 86-45 victory.

“I think we came out and really jumped all over them in the beginning,” said guard Victor Williams, who had 13 points and seven assists.

“Coach wanted us to come out and pick up the intensity and that’s what we did.”

Fredrik Jonzen scored a career-high 26 points on 11-of-13 shooting in just 29 minutes and grabbed 11 rebounds.

“Fredrik played like he did the last seven or eight games of last season,” coach Eddie Sutton said.

Lamar (3-4) didn’t make a basket until Joey Ray hit a 3-pointer from the right wing with 10:29 left in the half, making the score 22-5. Oklahoma State (7-1) held Lamar to just 14 first-half points.

“They’re better than us at every position, including their substitutes, and they played like it,” Lamar coach Mike Deane said.

Lewis Arline led Lamar with 12 points.

Oklahoma State outrebounded the Cardinals 45-28 and limited them to one shot for a turnover on 13 of their first 15 possessions.

“I thought our defense overall was terrific. I thought we really forced them out of their offense early,” Sutton said.

“When we’re at our best is when we’re able to force turnovers that lead to early baskets.”

Meanwhile, the Cowboys scored on just about every trip to open a comfortable lead.

After Ray’s basket, the Cowboys scored 10 straight points to take a 32-5 advantage.

Oklahoma State started the second half with a quick 8-2 run to end any thought of a Lamar comeback. The Cowboys’ widest lead was 52 points, 78-26.

“It’s a great thing to hold an opponent like we did there early in the first half,” Jonzen said. “If we can have that effort every night, we’ll have a very good defensive team.”

Melvin Sanders scored 12 for Oklahoma State, while Jason Keep had 11 and Jack Marlow had 10.

OKLAHOMA ST. 86, LAMAR 45

Lamar (3-4)

Arline 5-9 2-5 12, Adande 0-2 0-0 0, Spears 3-10 0-0 7, Robinson 0-4 0-1 0, Austin 4-4 1-1 11, Ray 1-5 0-0 3, Rowan 2-5 0-1 4, Petteway 2-7 0-0 4, Hackstadt 0-6 4-5 4, Ridgway 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 17-54 7-13 45.

Oklahoma St. (7-1)

Jonzen 11-313 4-4 26, Sanders 5-9 1-2 12, Keep 4-8 3-5 11, Baker 1-3 0-2, Williams, V. 4-8 4-4 13, Lawson 1-3 0-0 3, Fleming 1-1 0-0 2, Anderson 1-2 0-1 2, Williams, A. 2-8 1-4 5, Marlow 4-6 2-2 10. Totals 34-61 15-24 86.

Halftime—Oklahoma St. 42, Lamar 14. 3-point goals—Lamar 4-16 (Spears 1-3, Robinson 0-1, Austin 2-2, Ray 1-4, Hackstadt 0-5, Ridgway 0-1). Oklahoma St. 3-10 (Sanders 1-2, Baker 0-2, Williams, V. 1-3, Lawson 1-2, Williams, A. 0-1). Fouled out—None. Rebounds—Lamar 28 (Arline 16), Oklahoma St. 45 (Jonzen 11). Assists—Lamar 7 (Hackstadt 3), Oklahoma St. 23 (Baker 8). Total fouls—Lamar 16, Oklahoma St. 18. A—11,839.

Tulsa Needs No Practice

TULSA (AP) — David Shelton and his Tulsa teammates barely practiced their offense this week. It paid off with a 78-49 win over Wichita State.

After practice sessions in which coach Buzz Peterson drilled his team on nothing but defense, Shelton scored 23 points and nabbed three steals to power Tulsa’s Friday night victory.

“We needed to concentrate on a good half-court defense before we did anything,” Shelton said.

Shelton, who had averaged 12.6 points per game, scored 12 points in the first half alone. He finished 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.

Wichita State (5-4, 0-1 Missouri Valley Conference) trailed by just 5 points at the half, but Tulsa (7-4, 0-0 Western Athletic Conference) held the Shockers scoreless for more than 4 1/2 minutes to stretch its second-half lead.

Shockers coach Mark Turgeon had nothing but praise for his team, though. He said he saw more effort and less selfishness in their play than in two previous losses.

“Wichita State is going to be fine,” he said. “Tulsa’s really going to be fine.”

Peterson also expressed relief after Tulsa’s own two straight losses. All those defensive drills seemed to have returned the Golden Hurricane’s intensity, he said.

“It’s all been defense,” he said. “Every little mistake they made I blew the whistle. We stopped and said ‘This is what we did wrong, lets do it again.’ ”

Wichita State’s Terrell Benton opened the game with a 3-point bucket and the Shockers jumped to an 11-4 lead. But his team began to struggle when Tulsa’s defense finally came alive.

Benton, who had averaged 17.4 points going into the game, managed only 6 points total. Duke Tshomba led the Shockers with 13 points and O.J. Robinson had 11.

Shelton’s 3-pointer at the 12:46 mark touched off a 13-0 Golden Hurricane first-half run. Tulsa pulled even at 16-16 on a basket by Antonio Reed and pulled ahead at the 8:57 mark when he followed it with a 3-point shot.

Reed finished with 16 points for Tulsa, including four 3-pointers, and Dante Swanson scored 13 points.

Wichita State never trailed by more than 6 points in the first half, and came as close as 4 points early in the second half. But a Shelton basket triggered a 17-4 run with 16 minutes in the game and the Shockers never recovered.

Tonkawas Fath Named to All State

OKLAHOMA CITY — Tonkawa quarterback Brady Fath has been named to the coaches’ All-State football team.

The Oklahoma Coaches Association announced the rosters for the 2000 McDonald’s All-State Games football team this week. The game is scheduled for July 27, 2001 at University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

Last year, the West jumped out to a 21-0 first quarter lead en route to 49-6 romp over the East.

The West will be coached by Mike Tyson, Thomas; Mark Box Mangum; Greg Gothard, Velma-Alma and Nick Warehime, Choctaw.

The East will be coached by Johnny Bohannon, Dewar; Ron Webb, Tecumseh; Mike Adams, Bishop Kelley and David Moore, Catoosa.

OKLAHOMA COACHES ASSOCIATION

20004001 ALL STATE FOOTBALL TEAM

EAST OFFENSE

Pos Name School

QB Tyler Gooch Union

QB Josh Fields Stillwater

QB BRADY FATH TONKAWA

RB KeJuan Jones Jenks

RB Lamont Moore Owasso

RB Seymore Shaw Shawnee

RB Shane Jones Br. Arrow

TE Matt Mangrum E. Central

TE Kellen Davis Stigler

C Trevor Foster Holdenville

C Russell Sanford Talihina

OL Jake Hager Perry

OL Michael Toineeta Hominy

OL Chris Miller Stillwater

OL Nick Williams Pawhuska

OL Michael Ballard Claremore

OL Chris Hilton Seminole

WR Clint Rountree Tahlequah

WR David Carlton Bisop Kelley

WR Chad Palm Jay

EAST DEFENSE

LB Josh Dupree Union

LB Kelby Bohannon Dewar

LB Blake Wilson Catoosa

LB Erick Warren Poteau

LB Seth Greer Welch

DL Brandon Jones B.Kelley

DL Corey Curtis Owasso

DL Jason Dobbs Sallisaw

DL Jason Willhite Broken Arrow

DL Matt Culwell Ada

DL Bryan Baucom Collinsville

DB Bobby Klinck Jenks

DB Patrick Cobbs Tecumseh

DB Avery Shine Eufaula

DB Jermaine Landrum Vinita

DB Justin Fisher Bristow

DB David Spears Morrison

WEST OFFENSE

QB Dusty Johnson Pioneer

QB Rodney Skinner Clinton

WR Jace Sherrell Putnam North

WR Brian Peters Pauls Valley

WR Brandon Barker Clinton

WR Derek Amyx Deer Creek

RB Chad Tsotigh Moore

RB Santee Jackson Carl Albert

RB Marshall Chiles El Reno

RB Matt Rushing Lone Grove

RB Nazareth Gates Star Spencer

TE Jay Steinbroner L. MacArthur

TE Kyle Hix Dixon

C Eric Icke Enid

C Brody Winchester Turpin

OL Derek Warehime Choctaw

OL Tito Grifth Lawton

OL Colt Davidson Westmoore

OL Trey Palacol Velma-Alma

OL Michael Milligan McGuinness

OL Chris Cobbs Commanche

West Defense

DL Andy Reed Apache

DL Robert Sykes Chickasha

DL Danny Brown Midwest City

DL Charles Ward Lawton

DL Andrew Franklin L. Eisenhower

DL Joe Vaughn Del City

LB Chad Hamilton Millwood

LB Sam Treat Woodward

LB Michael Pruitt El Reno

LB Brent Watson Moore

DB Cody Larkin Krem.-Hillsdale

DB Josh Litssch Edmond North

DB Scott Shinn Minco

DB Chase Holland Holland Hall

DB Melvin Watts Davis

DB Mike Robertson Carl Albert