LOCAL

Letter - Not Surprised at Selfish Actions on Dr. Bob
NERB Aids Needy With Goal to Help Out
State Regents Approve Newer Standards on College Admission
Commission Session Set For Monday
Lt. Gov. Fallin Honorary Chair for Tennis Classic
Area Air Force Captain Honored
Grant Will Allow Wheatheart Center To Obtain Computer
Amateur Radio Class Offered
Charitable Giving Seminar Set Friday
New Fire Station Pleases Everyone
Regents Pick Ponca City for Pilot Program
Prospect Ave. Closes Monday
Overbrook Closes Tuesday
100 Years of Broadway Talent From Many Areas
City Calendar
Book(let) Review Farmers’ Almanac Special
World Honoring Key Volunteer Organizers
Stamp Collectors Set For Christman Event
All Staters Include Two Wildcat Cheerleaders
School Board Filings Will Begin Monday at County Courthouses
Y2K Woes Should Be Minimal for Ponca City Schools
Hardly Time for State of the Arts in 999
School Menus
Eighth Grade Chorus Program At East Middle School Friday
School Calendar

Letter - Not Surprised at Selfish Actions on Dr. Bob

As a past residence of Ponca City I read the paper daily from Phoenix, Arizona. I was not surprised at the action taken against Dr. Bob, this is the type of self served, selfish actions taken by a few that effect many. As a child neither myself or my family used Dr. Bob as a physician, not due to his ability but through choices my parents made. I however had many friends that used and praised him for his abilities and his compassion for his patients.

After I graduated from Ponca City High and moved on I had no real reason to keep up with what was happening concerning Dr. Bob until 1976. In 1976 one of my best friends became very ill. My friend went to many Doctors in Ponca, none could diagnose his illness, my friend was down to 98 pounds and was obviously dying. My friends father was a patient of Dr. Bob and he talked him in to going to him. At first sight Dr. Bob referred my friend to a Dr. in Halstead Kansas, the diagnosis was Kromes disease, my friend would have died had it not been for the actions of Dr. Bob.

Over the years it seems as though many of the Physicians in Ponca City have been allowed to continue their practice well past the point of senility but they have not “bucked” the system. Dr. Bob has chosen to not only care for his patients but he has cared for many of them free of charge, isn’t that a novel idea, not one shared by any other Dr.’s I know of in Ponca.

I would hope that all of the people of Ponca that support Dr. Bob take whatever actions necessary to help him regain his license, unfortunately many of them are very elderly or sick and may not be able to speak up for him.

Stan Polwort

NERB Aids Needy With Goal to Help Out

The New Emergency Resource Board accepts money and nonperishable food to share with those families experiencing a short-term emergency situation. Food to feed a family for one week, emergency help with utility bills and rent, arranging for the filling of life-threatening prescriptions, and Christmas are some of the services provided by the NERB.

Tom Short, director of the NERB, said “Our goal is to help out — not just give a hand out. We will give emergency aid and then refer families to the agencies that can help remedy the situation which cased the emergency.” Donita Cooper and Lori May greet people at the door, help keep the pantry organized, and meet people’s needs.

The New Emergency Resource Board is a United Way agency, but it also relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations to help fill the need for food and payment of utilities and rent. Donita Cooper informed Kiwanis members Jody Sanford and Paula Coppock that “people are hungry all year round. The Boy Scouts help with the ‘Scouting for Food’ drive and the local U.S. Post Office employees support the May drive for food. However, the summer months can be slim for incoming donations.” Donations may be delivered to the NERB at 500 North First Street.

State Regents Approve Newer Standards on College Admission

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

TONKAWA — Oklahoma State Regents of Higher Education meeting Friday on the campus of NOC, approved several landmark decisions including college and university admission standards that increase the focus on academic preparation.

Specifically, Regents added a third option for college admission based on high school student’s grade point average in the 15 core high school courses currently required for college,. Institutions must implement the option by fall 2000.

Under the new admission standard, students wishing to attend a comprehensive university Oklahoma State University or the University of Oklahoma — can earn a Grade Point Average (GPA) in the core courses that ranks in the top third of their class, currently a 3.0.

Students wishing to attend a regional four-year university can earn a GPA in the top half, currently a 2.7.

Another landmark decision was to create an Online College of Oklahoma (OCO). The OCO, which will begin as a pilot project in spring 2000, will build on existing distance-education resources to provide Oklahomans with convenient access to high-quality educational courses, programs and resources offered by state colleges and universities.

The Online college will be offered through the technical infrastructure of OneNet, the state’s telecommunications and information network.

Oklahoma Model

Oklahoma will serve this year as a national pilot state for a new, comprehensive educational planning tool designed to better prepare high school students for college, according to an announcement made by the Regents.

Through the program, the Oklahoma school districts that participate in the Educational Planning and Assessment System, which provides free academic skills and career assessments to eighth and tenth grade students, will receive additional data needed to evaluate the impact of their instruction on student performance.

The new EPAS tool is made possible through a collaborative effort between the State Regents and ACT and will focus on student performance on PLAN, a tenth grade academic skills assessment test offered through EPAS, and ACT, an exam used by college and universities as part of the admissions process.

OSU-Tulsa

In other action the Regents accepted the Oklahoma State University - Tulsa plan for future development and requested that the plan be implemented to the maximum extent possible.

Regents noted that the majority of items in the plan, such as proposed partnerships with various entities, do not require State Regents’ action.

Items in the plan that do not require Regents’ action include proposed partnerships with Tulsa businesses and other educational organizations, new program offerings within OSU-Tulsa’s current function, and enhanced relationships with the University of Oklahoma on graduate and education and research.

Commission Session Set For Monday

The Ponca City Board of Commissioners will hold a work session starting at 2 p.m. in the Public Safety Center Commissioner’s Room, 200 East Oklahoma Avenue.

Prior to that meeting, commissioners will convene in a work session as members of the Ponca City Utility Authority, to take up one agenda item at 1:45 p.m.

The PCUA will consider submission of a state revolving fund partial disbursement request numbered 36, as ‘final’ for the wastewater treatment plant improvements, phase two, in the amount of $846,148.86.

There will be time allotted for citizens comments during the PCUA session.

Upon adjourning into the city commission work session, commissioners will take up a discussion on the closure of the Marland Estate Hotel and Conference Center.

Commissioners will then hear a report from the city manager, and also other communications from the mayor and other commissioners.

That will come prior to entering into an executive session to take up various situations on employment of personnel, and negotiations concerning employees and representatives of employee groups.

Commissioners are to return to the regular work session to take any necessary action if appropriate, on items discussed in the executive session.

Lt. Gov. Fallin Honorary Chair for Tennis Classic

Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin has been named Honorary Chairperson of the 2000 IGA Superthrift Tennis Classic, it was announced Friday at the event’s kick-off press conference.

“I’m pleased to be honorary chairperson of the 15th IGA Superthrift Tennis Classic. With an average of 20,000 to 25,000 visitors to the Sooner State and a television audience of more than 15 million homes, this has become a great forum to showcase Oklahoma each spring. Oklahoma is a fine venue for professional tennis. I’m glad to see our community, specifically IGA Superthrift, putting its support behind this top notch event,” Fallin said.

“We are thrilled to have the support of Lt. Gov. Fallin,” said Doug Austin, director of marketing for the IGA Superthrift retail group. “Her participation signals that the event is important not only to the citizens of Oklahoma City, but to the entire state.”

Lt. Gov. Fallin is joined on the Honorary Committee by Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys, state Sen. Brooks Douglas, and Keith Beachler, chairman of the IGA Superthrift Steering Committee.

On a national level, Lt. Gov. Fallin has served as chairman of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors, and included among the 13 state boards and commissions on which she serves is the Tourism and Recreation Commission.

Area Air Force Captain Honored

Air Force Capt. Wendi L. Betz has been decorated with the Air Force Commendation Medal. The medal is awarded to those individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement or meritorious service in the performance of their duties on behalf of the Air Force.

Prior to separating from the Air Force, Betz was a behavioral health center chief with the 71st Medical Operations Squadron, Vance AF Base in Enid.

She is the daughter of Ronald W. and Diane Walker of 622 West College in Blackwell. Her husband, Roger, is the son of Earl R. and Kay Betz of 42 South Main in Blackwell. The captain is a 1988 graduate of Blackwell High School, and a 1991 graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Norman. Betz earned her doctorate in 1997 from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

Grant Will Allow Wheatheart Center To Obtain Computer

By BOB PATTERSON

News City Editor

A grant of approximately $5,600 has become available to Wheatheart Senior Center and will be utilized for the purchase of a computer and going online at the center, according to director Marolyn Madden.

“We were informed by NODA (Northern Oklahoma Development Authority) that the grant has been made. We’ll use it to purchase a computer, and thereby be able to have our clients use it to email family and friends,” Madden said.

She said that one of the clients at the center has had considerable experience with computers and had been an instructor. “He’s primarily responsible for us to get the grant, and will be setting up the system once we decide what to get,” she said.

It isn’t expected that Wheatheart will have that accomplished by the end of the year, but “we’re looking forward to having it sometime early in January.”

“What this grant will also do will be to allow us to stay open longer at the center. We’ve been closing at 2 p.m. and we may be able to stay until 4, giving us an extra two hours,” Madden said. The center opens at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, and by having the computer and having the extra two hours may increase the crowd.

“We’ll also have to increase our list of volunteers. We need more volunteers now, to help take out the 70 meals that we provide to area residents. The reservation list at the center calls for an average of 75 eating at the center at noon each day,” Madden said.

“We could use at least two more volunteer drivers per day, to help take meals out. Counting the food table volunteers, we have about 25 volunteers and more are needed to help keep the center working without any problems,” Madden said.

She said that volunteers get to know their customers and it’s “kind of a dependent system.”

Meals are brought from Blackwell and arrive some time before 11 a.m. each of the five days, and volunteers get the meals into the center and then others are taken to the 70 residents who can’t get out, according to Madden. There are six such routes, one of which is quite lengthy, and Madden said it needed to be split up. Meals are paid for strictly through donations, and “several leave $1.75 a day to pay for them. Others leave a little more or whatever, but we never ask for anything from any of the clients except to keep the donation box in mind.”

She said that the center provides good meals, with a low calorie diet to eight or nine diabetic customers. “Like today, we had chili, a fruit cup, and cinnamon roll.”

“We also have various entertainment during the month. Bill and Friends Band comes in twice a month,” Madden said.

She said that the center opens at 9 a.m. and there’s usually several in here playing cards and table games, and several like to shoot pool. “We have a cake walk once a week, and would like to start a Bingo day or two. Everybody likes Bingo,” she said.

With a computer and the extra hours the center’s activities are expected to pick up in the next month or so.

Amateur Radio Class Offered

The Kay County Amateur Radio Club (KCARC) will be offering a free “No Code” Technician class in January. The study guide is $20. Registration deadline is Dec. 17 and class size is limited to the first 20 applicants.

Starting Jan. 10, and continuing every Monday for seven weeks the class will be held at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse, north side, from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. A test will be held during the last class session.

To pre-register, or for more information, contact David Balli, 767-1984; Joe Widner, 767-1076; or Tom Montgomery, 765-8636.

Charitable Giving Seminar Set Friday

The community is invited to attend a charitable giving seminar on Friday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Joseph Medical Foundation Inc. is the sponsor of the program titled “How to Get the Most Out of Your Charitable Gifting.”

Gary Bracken and Terri Hadley will present the program. Bracken is a local attorney and Hadley is a Certified Public Accountant.

“This program is especially timely as many individuals make a gift to their favorite not-for-profit organization near the end of the year,” said Sandy Gearhart, St. Joseph Medical Foundation director. “The seminar will focus on how to make charitable contributions most beneficial to the donor and the organization.”

There is no charge for the seminar, which includes lunch, but reservations are required. Call Gearhart, 765-0301, by Wednesday, Dec. 7.

New Fire Station Pleases Everyone

By BOB PATTERSON

News City Editor

A real pat on the back came from every speaker at the dedication ceremony Friday afternoon of the No. 1 Fire Station in downtown Ponca City.

Staged on the steps of the Civic Center, which is expected to be renovated along with the East Wing of the City Hall complex, City Manager Gary Martin welcomed all of those who were in attendance, and the crowd continued to grow throughout the afternoon.

Martin welcomed a number of noted figures throughout the crowd, and noted that the clock in the West Tower would be replaced “maybe as early as next (this) week.” He said that it was to arrive Monday and be installed within a few days.

Noting that the facility is an emergency facility, Martin said, “If an alarm goes off while we have the open house, please just get next to a wall and allow those who have to get on with their duty to do so.”

Mayor Tom Leonard welcomed the crowd also, noting “this certainly is a special day. We have to look with such heritage of the city, obviously including the civic center, and realize that we’re just finishing a phase of the project. We’re looking at having a facility that will last another 100 years.”

Leonard recognized the efforts of many, and introduced several former mayors and city commissioners, as well as present city commissioners.

Architect Troy Lewis said he was impressed with the crowd, and that there should be recognition to a number of people who had a hand in helping with the design and engineering of the structure. “We visited several other cities to learn what really had to be done.”

Rick Scott, owner of Rick Scott Construction, general contractor, said he was impressed with the faith in the citizens to allow the local firm to handle the construction. “We got most of our sub-contractors and supplies right here in Ponca City, and that is appreciative. We and the city had faith in using local firms.”

Fire Chief Gary Denny said he wanted to thank former Fire Chief Larry Mullikin, who has since taken a position in Stillwater, for leaving the ideas to make this renovation actually a new facility. “A lot of effort came from the work of Dale Hicks, Deputy Chief, and we had a lot of additional help in getting the right things done.”

It was Denny, with assistance from former mayor Marilyn Andrews and Mayor Tom Leonard, to cut the ribbon to the north door of the station, utilizing — what else — a fireman’s ax.

Those in attendance were allowed to tour the facility on their own, and enjoy cookies and drinks in the large garage area of the station. The station allows access from the east and west, simply put, drive-through access for all vehicles using the station.

Regents Pick Ponca City for Pilot Program

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

TONKAWA — Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education meeting Friday on the campus of Northern Oklahoma College approved a measure calling for the Ponca City Schools to become a pilot for the Oklahoma Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (Gear Up).

Oklahoma was awarded a five-year federal grant totaling $20.5 million for Gear Up to better prepare students, especially those from low-income families, for college.

As the first focus district school Ponca City will help the State Regents develop student preparation programs and services for eventual implementation in 180 school districts statewide.

Through Oklahoma Gear Up, 30 Oklahoma school districts will be invited to participate as focus schools each year. These focus schools will represent districts in various parts of the state that have higher participation in the free and reduced lunch program and a proven commitment to student preparation.

In addition to Ponca City, 29 other school districts will be selected this year. Those will be announced at the State Regents meeting in February 2000.

Gear Up staff will work directly with the schools to help implement the new programs and services. Additionally, focus schools will be eligible to receive numerous free programs provided by Oklahoma Gear Up partners, organizations that are donating funds and programs to the Gear Up initiative. The schools will also receive $18,000 in direct funding to support fee-based services provided through the program.

University Learning Center

Another Ponca City first was the establishment of the University Learning Center on the campus of Conoco. Dr. Brenda Stacy, director, told the Regents how the program is working.

Thursday evening the group was hosted to a reception and dinner at Conoco, where they toured the University Learning Center facilities.

Students can earn graduate and undergraduate degrees at the Learning Center. After visiting the facility and hearing a report by Dr. Stacy, Chancellor of Higher Education Hans Birsch told The News “I think the Learning Center is one of the most exciting innovations we have, not only in Oklahoma but in the United States.

“What it really indicates is that people who are sincerely interested to get services in their community can stand up and be counted, roll up their sleeves and get it done. In this case Ponca City has really risen to that challenge, has rolled up its sleeves and did not just wait on getting a college or waiting on the Legislature or some other event for educational services to be brought here.”

The Chancellor added, “It is a partnership situation that really will benefit everyone, particularly the folks here in Ponca City. It will not only help to bring about a better level of education but also the potential for a higher standard of living through better jobs.”

He continued, “And that’s in a sense what we are all about. Ultimately after we’ve had that wonderful opportunity to learn, we need to apply it — we need to find jobs. This particular learning center will enhance the economic development agenda of Ponca City and we don’t know what the limits are, but it is limits that we have not dreamt of that can unfold.”

Prospect Ave. Closes Monday

Motorists will need to find an alternate route from Prospect Avenue at the railroad crossing beginning Monday.

That area will be closed to all traffic, to allow the installation of new concrete crossing surface and upgrade of the tracks to accommodate the new surface at the crossing.

The railroad crossing west of Fifth Street will be closed for a period of three to five days barring any delays due to bad weather, in an effort to allow Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company an opportunity to do the work.

Construction signing and barricades will be in place and traffic will be detoured, around the construction area, on North Union Street and North Fifth Street, to and from Hartford Avenue.

The project is the first phase of a reconstruction that is scheduled at the Prospect Avenue railroad crossing.

After the first of the year, a portion of the street on both sides of the crossing will be removed and replaced with new concrete pavement; adjusting the elevation of the crossing approaches to smooth the transitions into the crossing.

Any questions about the project should be directed to the city engineering department at 767-0333.

Overbrook Closes Tuesday

A sewer repair project along Overbrook Avenue will necessitate the closing of the street to all traffic beginning Tuesday. The area to be closed will be from Overbrook Avenue from Virginia Avenue to Elmwood Avenue.

A sanitary sewer line under the street is in need of repair and the city has contracted with Bluestem Construction Inc. of Newkirk to do the work.

Besides Overbrook Avenue being closed, the intersection of Elmwood and Overbrook may be closed for short periods of time throughout the duration of the project, which is to take approximately two weeks barring any delays due to inclement weather.

Residents of the construction area will need to find alternate parking during construction. Representatives of Bluestem Construction Inc. will be distributing construction notices and contacting residents in the construction area to notify them of the project.

Construction signing and barricades will be in place to direct traffic as required in the construction area. Any questions about the project may be directed to the contractor or to the city engineering department, 767-0333.

100 Years of Broadway Talent From Many Areas

“100 Years of Broadway” begins at 8:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve and is scheduled for conclusion in plenty of time for audience members to join the celebration of the new millennium on Grand Avenue at midnight said a spokesperson for the musical event. Featuring a variety of performers, the sell-out show at the Poncan Theatre is one of several highlights planned to usher in the millennium locally.

Karen Stokke

Karen Stokke, the daughter of Vicki and Olaf Stokke, is coming home for the holidays and will appear in the orchestra of “100 Years of Broadway.”

A 1996 graduate of Po-Hi, Karen is in her fourth year as a violin major at the University of Oklahoma. In Ponca City she was a student of Jeff Fox, and a three-year member of both the Ponca City High School Orchestra and the Po-Hi Chorale.

She was an Academic All-Stater, a National Merit scholar, and a member of the OMEA All-State Orchestra for three years. She also spent two summers at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan, and traveled with its world Youth Symphony Orchestra to perform at the Olympics in Atlanta in 1996.

For the past two summers she has attended the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado. In Norman, she performs regularly with the OU Symphony Orchestra, the OU Chorale, the Academia Philharmonic Orchestra and the Searcy-Sudgen String Quartet at McFarlin Methodist Church.

Pat Muchmore

Pat Muchmore, a music student at the University of Oklahoma, will be joining the string section of the orchestra. Pat is a graduate of Ponca City High School and has played with the community orchestra as well.

He was one of the youngest members of a Playhouse pit band when, as a junior high school student, he was playing in the pit for “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” Since then he has appeared with many Playhouse orchestras and bands. He is the son of Terry Muchmore and Tom Muchmore, both of Ponca City.

At the Poncan Theatre he appeared in an octette string ensemble featuring world renowned classical guitarist Robert Bluestone. Muchmore was a three-time All-Stater as well as an academic All-Stater in high school, and a member of the orchestral studies group at the Oklahoma Arts Institute in Quartz Mountain.

He has played with the Lawton Philharmonic and is having a percussion ensemble piece he wrote, entitled “Phage,” premiered by the OU percussion ensemble this winter.

Mary Jane Barraclough

The voice of Mary Jane Barraclough will be joining the professional and semi-professional musicians bringing in the next century with song on New Year’s Eve at the Poncan Theatre. The once-only show plays at 8:30 p.m. under the direction of Leslie Rardin, with live orchestra conducted by Dr. William T. McConnell of Tulsa.

Mary Jane has been a vocal music instructor for the Ponca City Independent School District for 26 years. Currently, she teaches at Woodlands Elementary. She is a veteran of vocal performances with the Ponca City Area Chamber Orchestra and Chorus, the Ponca City Music Club, the American Guild of Organists, the Community Concert Association and for the First Baptist Church. She has served as interim choir director at both St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Grace Episcopal Church.

In addition to teaching in her private music studio, she has spent many hours coaching music for Ponca Playhouse productions. She was vocal director for such plays as the children’s theatre shows “Rags to Riches” and “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” and the main series musicals “The King and I” and “My Fair Lady.”

Mary Jane is perhaps best known for her role as the Mother Abbess in “The Sound of Music.” She and her husband, Stanley, are the parents of two sons, James and Charles.

Kevin Roe

Kevin Roe, a long time veteran of Bob Westmoreland’s band, quartets, and trio, will be adding the music of his tenor sax to Ponca City’s big millennium show. Kevin was a music teacher for six years in Newkirk and other Oklahoma towns, but, says he “decided to pursue a less dangerous career.” So now he’s a firefighter with the Ponca City Fire Department.

Kevin also plays string bass and has played with area country bands. He and his wife, Nancy, live in Newkirk. They have four children.

Kathy Cripps

Kathy Cripps, a former drum major with the Ponca City High School band, is joining the musicians in Ponca City’s millennium musical show.

Kathy is currently a student in music education at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. Her primary emphasis is in piano, but she is also an experienced flute teacher and a woodwind section leader.

The daughter of Ray and Karen Cripps, Kathy has been the children’s music intern at First Baptist Church, Ponca City, a substitute at McCord Elementary and a frequent day camp assistant, also at First Baptist. While she was in high school, she served as an accompanist for the chorale, ensembles and soloists in rehearsals, contest and performances.

“100 Years of Broadway” is being produced by the Ponca City Millennium Commission under the sponsorship of Home National Bank, Conoco and Smith Furnishings.

City Calendar

Items for the City Calendar should be brought in or telephoned (765-3311) to Bob Patterson, at the Ponca City News, by Thursday noon.

Anytime

FOLOBS (Friends of Library Ongoing Book Sale), anytime the Ponca City Library is open, North of Multimedia Room (downstairs).

Alcoholics Anonymous, Alano Group, Ponca City’s first established AA Group, meets at Noon and 8 p.m., seven days a week. All noon meetings open, all 8 p.m. meetings closed except Fridays, 603 South First Street.

Now through Dec. 31

Festival of Angels, Holiday Lighting Celebration, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly.

Oklahoma Watercolor Artists Exhibit, Wednesdays through Sundays, 1-4 p.m., Artist Studio, Marland Estate, sponsored by Ponca City Arts and Humanities Council, free admission.

Today

Ponca City Council of Garden Clubs Annual Holiday Open House and “A Garden of Gifts” Bazaar, 1-5 p.m., Cann Memorial Garden Center, 1500 East Grand Avenue.

Panhellenic Christmas Homes Tour.

United Ostomy Association, Stillwater-Ponca City Chapter, Christmas Party, 2-4 p.m., Conoco Clubhouse, 1500 South Fourth Street.

Carole Suggs Bender, Po-Hi Class of 1970, autographing “Bob Gibson: I Came For to Sing,” 2-4 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.

“Once Upon A Child,” presented by Silvertones (Senior Adult Choir) 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, admission free.

Monday

Ponca City Utility Authority Board Work Session, 1:45 p.m., Public Safety Center, Commissioners’ Room, 200 East Central Avenue.

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

Tuesday

“Morning on Main Street,” 9-11 a.m., McGee Jewelers, 219 East Grand Avenue, meet the new Main Street Director, Michele Jean.

Planning Commission Regular Meeting, 7 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Central Avenue.

Wednesday

Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., for more information call 762-9866 or 718-0314.

Rural Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Management District No. 3, 7:30 p.m., District Pump Station, Perch Lane, Sandy Park Estates.

Thursday

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

Agrarian Club, 6 p.m., Southwest Meeting Room, Western Sizzlin’.

Friday

Historic Homes Holiday Tour, selected homes.

“Presby Present,” live, drive-through Nativity Scene, 6-9 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue.

Saturday

Hospice of Ponca City Holiday Memorial Service, 2 p.m., Woodlands Christian Church.

Tulsa Attorney, William Bernhardt, bestselling author of numerous “legal thrillers” autographing “The Midnight Before Christmas,” 2-4 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.

December 12

Historic Ponca City Open House, 2-4 p.m., Marland Estate, Cann Garden Center, and Ponca City Cultural Center, free admission to Ponca City residents.

“Jingle Bells,” a Christmas musical presented by the elementary choirs (grades 1-6 of First Baptist Church, 6:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church.

Silver Bells and Diamonds Concert, Poncan Theatre.

December 13

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

December 14

Economic Development Advisory Board, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce, 420 East Grand Avenue.

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

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

Marland Estate Commission, 4:30 p.m., Marland Estate Conference Center.

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

Rural Water District No. 1 Regular Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Enterprise School on Lake Road.

December 15

Planning Commission Work Session, 7:45 a.m., Planning and Engineering Conference Room, 400 East Central Avenue, Suite 305.

Ponca City Public School Foundation, noon, Ponca City Library.

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

December 16

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

Martha Gilliam’s taste tempting samples from her new cookbook, “Back on the Range,” while husband Les Gilliam entertains with songs from his tapes and CD’s, both will autograph, 7-9 p.m., Brace Books and More, North Fourteenth Street.

KLVV 88.7 FM and the Northwest Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Christmas Concert featuring 4HIM, a Contemporary Christian Group, 7 p.m., Enid’s Mark Price Arena, tickets available Nov. 11 at Master’s Touch, call 767-1400 for more information.

December 17

Historic Preservation Panel Work Session, noon, Planning and Engineering Conference Room, 400 East Central Avenue, Suite 305.

Traffic Commission, 1:15 p.m., Public Safety Center, 200 East Central Avenue.

December 18

Hometown Christmas Review, Poncan Theatre.

December 19

“Journey of Hope, The Birth of A Savior,” Christmas Spectacular, presented by Adult Choir and Orchestra, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, admission free.

December 20

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

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 6:30 p.m., Albright United Methodist Church, 128 South Palm Street, call Lori White, 767-1668 for additional information.

December 21

DAV, 7 p.m., 401 South Lincoln Street.

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

December 24

Christmas Eve Vesper Service, 5:50 p.m., First Baptist Church.

December 27

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

December 30

KLVV 88.7 FM, the Millennium Commission, and area church youth groups present Big Tent Revival, Contemporary Christian Group, in concert, 7:30 p.m., Ponca City Hutchins Auditorium Fifth Street and Overbrook Avenue, admission free, call 767-1400 for more information.

Argus Hamilton, Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.

December 31

100 Years on Broadway, 8:30 p.m., Poncan Theatre, Ponca City.

Millennium Celebration, Downtown Ponca City.

Book(let) Review Farmers’ Almanac Special

By Marge Decker

News Staff Writer

“If you must make mistakes, it will be more to your credit if you make a new one each time.” So goes the PhilosoFacts in the time-honored Farmers’ Almanac for the year of our Lord 2000.

This 183-year-old tradition in these United States is chock full of weather prognostications, anecdotes, smiles, puzzles, brain teasers, bits of wisdom, free stuff and helpful hints, for both city and country folk of today. Or so says the front cover — and it has always been so “on the nose” about the downright “good stuff” contained in this little volume — and this one’s a “special year 2000 edition.”

Right off the bat, the first page gives cooks the lowdown on herbs and their use ... from basil to thyme.

This little “jewel” goes on to point out that the new decade ends with a year that ends with a zero and each new decade begins with a year that ends with a one ... therefore, the decade we are about to enter does not begin until 2001.

A planting and gardening calendar gives the reader the good signs and bad signs for planting, and everything connected is charted ... times for above ground crops, root crops, seed beds, transplanting flowers, time for killing plant pests and time to set eggs.

Page 10 talks about eclipses and the planets in 2000, and also explains that all events listed on the calendar pages are plotted to an accuracy of approximately one minute, and computed for the sea horizon for the rising and setting of the upper limb of the Sun and Moon ... and all this good information is on page 11 ... we’re just getting started.

Movable holidays and church days in 2000 are discussed and what to expect in the winter of 1999-2000. This is a good note - the Almanac predicts February will be milder, but with more snow. Chillier and wetter-than-normal weather may delay the spring, and summer promises to be a hot one.

Why we have leap years is also explained, and by the way, the Year 2000 is a Leap Year — and the “why” of leap year has to do with trying to get the calendar year to equal the astronomical year ... and that can boggle the mind, believe me.

Since we get that extra day this year — February 29 — why not figure out something spectacular to do on that day ... like start a new trend, ask someone to marry you (that is, if you’re not already married), bake a pie, sleep late ... just something to make the day memorable.

Then we have the month by month analyses, telling us about moon phases, church days, astronomy, weather forecasts, all that good stuff that keeps up on our toes throughout the year.

And let’s not forget the seasonal recipes included for the various seasons of the year. This year there’s a great Winter Fruit Curry discussed, from a reader in California; Aunt Neva’s Beef Stew from a Florida reader; for summer there’s Grandad’s Favorite Fried Tomatoes from a New Jersey fan, and an autumn goodie, “Lemon Bread” from a Wyoming reader.

Sports fans have a page of trivia. Did you know the first American public female boxing match dates back to March 16, 1876. On that date, Miss Nell Saunders defeated Miss Rose Harland, and won a silver butter dish. How about that?

Last year the Almanac publishers invited readers to send in their predictions for the year 2000 and the 21st century. Selected for publication were those sent in by a 5th grade class in North Carolina, and you’ll find them entertaining, and even insightful.

Weather wit, puzzles and brainteasers, home remedies for cold symptoms and some “most memorable weather events of the past one hundred years” will delight the reader — and best of all, elementary grade students writing their answer to the “If I could be anything in the world, I would be ... who?”

To top it all off, there are 22 penny pinching plans from North America’s No. 1 miser, Ian Nicholson to top off this delightful issue of Farmers’ Almanac for the year of our Lord 2000 ... Leap year.

If you would like a copy for yourself, or maybe several copies to give to your friends and family for Christmas (limit 6 Almanacs per household), send $1 for postage per book, and a return address label to: Farmers’ Almanac Special Edition, P.O. Box 629, Burgin, KY 40310.

World Honoring Key Volunteer Organizers

Communities around the world today are honoring professionals like Pam Hodge who organize volunteer programs in observance of International Volunteer Program Manager Appreciation Day.

Hodge works with 30 to 40 volunteer tutors from the Ponca City Area Literacy Council to provide basic reading and writing instruction to adult learners in the Kay County area.

“Volunteer efforts are vital, not only to local literacy programs, but to so many of our communities’ projects and services,” Leslie Gelders, Oklahoma Literacy Resource Office coordinator, said. “We at the state level are pleased to honor those individuals who help keep local volunteer programs running smoothly.”

Oklahoma’s literacy volunteer program manager each received a certificate of Appreciation from State Secretary of Education Dr. Floyd Coppedge and Oklahoma Department of Libraries Director Robert L. Clark Jr.

This first observance of International Volunteer Program Manager Appreciation Day is organized by representatives from The Points of Light Foundation, the Association for Volunteer Administration, Volunteer Today, and local volunteer associations throughout the country. This year’s Dec. 5 celebration represents the first observance of International VPM Day. According to organizers, the date was chosen to coincide with International Volunteerism Day to reflect the many players vital to the success of community service.

Stamp Collectors Set For Christman Event

Stamp collectors, and would be stamp collectors, are invited to the Ponca City Stamp Club Christmas meeting. There will be refreshments to go along with an auction where bidding for stamps is fun and inexpensive said a spokesperson.

Additionally, there will be a drawing for a valuable stamp related door prize. It’s all happening on Friday, Dec. 10 starting at 6 p.m. at the Conoco Fourth Street Clubhouse (old railroad station) located on the west side of South Fourth street.

Every first time visitor will receive a free gift of 100 all different foreign or U.S. stamps (visitor’s choice). For more information call John Hedrick, club secretary, 580 762-6702 after 5 p.m.

All Staters Include Two Wildcat Cheerleaders

All-State tryouts for cheerleading were held on Nov. 6 at Del City High School. The three senior representatives from Ponca City High School were Erin Shaw, T.J. Dancey and Eric Chambray.

Candidates for the tryout earned the honor by being named All-Region Cheerleader at a competition at Stillwater High School gym. The three seniors all made the 12 member All-Region Cheer Squad out of a field of 40 cheerleaders from Region 2. In the All-State tryout, no more than two cheerleaders from a school can make All-State.

From a field of 48, both Eric Chambray and Erin Shaw were named to the 16-member All-State East Squad, while T.J. Dancey received the honor of one of the eight alternates.

The tryouts are highly competitive, based on cheerleading skills of tumbling, jumps, motion technique and projection. There must be representation on the squad from each of the classes in Oklahoma (Class A, 2A, 3A, 4A and 5A). This is an OSSAA activity and governed by those rules.

The East and West squads will practice during the summer, cheer for the All-State Football and Basketball 2000, and receive an All-State ring.

School Board Filings Will Begin Monday at County Courthouses

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

Area residents who wish to run for a board of education seat in Kay County may file Declarations of Candidacy at the Kay County Courthouse in Newkirk beginning Monday, Dec. 6 at 8 a.m. The filing period will close on Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. The annual school elections will be held statewide on Feb. 8, 2000.

Office No. 7 of the Ponca City Board of Education will be vacant after current board member Kyle Keffer announced he would not seek reelection.

Those wishing to run for Office 3 at Pioneer Technology Center may also file on Monday. The office is held by Fred Haub, who plans to run for reelection.

Other offices to be filed for in Kay County include:

— Blackwell School District I-45, Office No. 5, five-year-term;

— Braman School District I-18, Office No. 5, five-year-term;

— Kaw City School District C-84, Office No. 2, three-year-term, and Office No. 3, unexpired one-year-term;

— Kildare School District C-50, Office No. 1, three-year-term;

— Newkirk School District I-29, Office No. 5, five-year-term;

— Peckham School District C-27, Office No. 2, three-year-term; and

— Tonkawa School District I-87, Office No. 5, five-year-term.

The annual school mill levies (local support, emergency and building fund) will also be on the ballot for Ponca City residents in February. These levies are required for normal operations of the district. There will be not be a school bond issue on the ballot in February.

Osage County

Residents of Burbank, McCord, Osage Hills, Shidler and Woodland who plan to run for the annual school elections should file at the Osage County Election Board located at 630 Kihekah, Pawhuska, beginning at 8 a.m. on Dec. 6. Filings will also close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 8.

Offices for board filings include:

— Burbank School C-20, Office No. 1, three-year-term;

— McCord School C-77, Office No. 1, three-year-term;

— Osage Hills School C-3, Office No. 1, three-year-term;

— Shidler School I-11, Office No. 5, five-year-term; and

— Woodland School I-90, Office No. 3, four-year-term, and Office No. 2, four-year-term.

Y2K Woes Should Be Minimal for Ponca City Schools

By KRISTI HAYES

News Education Editor

As the new millennium approaches, businesses, churches, towns and the nation are preparing for what Y2K will bring to the nation. Ponca City Public School is no different. The district has been busy for several months locating any problems within the software equipment.

Jerry Jantz, computer coordinator for the district, says that all critical software, including student information and financial accounting, is Y2K compliant. Jantz points out, however, that some of the older models are not Y2K compliant. “We have a few older models that we know won’t come on. We feel confident that all the other computers will be fine,” Jantz said. Replacing the older model computers will be part of the next phase of bond issues.

“We have gone through all the check lists to make sure we have done everything that needs to be done. I’m sure we will all find out on Jan. 1 just how much damage, if any, was done.”

Jantz also said that the district voice mail system is finished being changed over to a Y2K compliant system.

The heating and air conditioning systems at the local schools are also Y2K compliant. New bell systems that are Y2K compliant have been installed in all newly remodeled buildings. “The older systems in the remaining buildings are not affected by Y2K,” he added.

Jantz pointed out that the district received certification on the compliance of the computer software. He said tests have not really been run on the systems. “You can’t get certification unless the computers are compliant.”

“We have done everything humanly possible to make sure our computers/software are compliant. The possibility of ‘glitches’ still exists, but at this point, we are prepared for the next millennium.”

The nation will find out in 27 days!

Hardly Time for State of the Arts in 999

Editor’s Note: The Ponca City Millennium Committee has commissioned a series of articles on the subject of “Life in the Year 999.” The articles are researched and written by Dr. Kennis Wessel, Executive Director of the Poncan Theatre. Twelve articles will appear during the year 1999, anticipating the Second Millennium. This article is the tenth of the series.

By KENNIS WESSEL, Ph.D.

Special to The News

Where do you get your entertainment? Radio? Television? Just imagine how new those are. One fourth of the people of Ponca City can remember a time before television. Over seventeen million Americans can remember a time before radio broadcasting. At the beginning of the twentieth century, many Americans found entertainment in theatres. Many Americans enjoyed singers, dancers and comedians who made it their purpose to entertain.

In 999, none of that occurred. To be sure, theatre had a thousand year history, but the fall of Rome killed it off. To be sure, musicians had been known by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. But in 999, there was hardly time for them. The arts and entertainments of the first millennium were largely in the Catholic Church. Outside the church, the hard-working people of the first millennium were bent on survival, and performing arts were not a part of their daily lives.

The Theatre Reinvented

Today we see actors almost daily. We see them in films, on television, and on stage. Acting is a part of our education, since school plays and skits are performed by kids from elementary school. Theatre sprang into being in Athens around 500 BC. The Romans continued it. They built magnificent outdoor theatre all around the Mediterranean, loving to see drama, dances, mimes, and other entertainment. But the Roman Empire crashed to dust around 500 AD. With the collapse of Rome, theatre was lost, too. The huge theatres were empty, except for grazing goats and an occasional Christian preacher.

Actually, Christians were glad theatre collapsed, because under the Romans, theatre had been a tool to victimize Christians. It mocked them. It showed them as a counter-culture trying to revolutionize the Roman Empire. Many of the invading tribes had little interest in theatre. The Huns, the Goths, and the Magyars were not inclined to such refinements.

Then, just before the first millennium, an amazing thing happened. Sometime after 950 AD, a Nun in Germany reinvented theatre. Her name was Hrosvitha, and she wanted to use theatre, not to attack Christianity, but on behalf of Christianity. Hrosvitha found ancient manuscripts of plays by the great Roman writer Terence. As a Nun, Hrosvitha was able to read Latin fluently. She was excited by the high quality of Terence’s writing, but she was offended by the pagan message of his plays. So Hrosvitha revised the scripts of Terence, and put in new characters who exemplified Christian teaching. It’s not clear whether her plays were ever produced. More likely, they were intended to be read as lessons. Hrosvitha not only reinvented a major art form. She was also the first female dramatist in history. Sadly, after her death, drama fell back into the dark ages.

It was another hundred years before theatre was reinvented in Europe again. When new architectural ideas made it possible to build massive cathedrals, the Catholic Church created an entirely new theatre to match the architecture. The magnificent stained glass windows often told a story. Someone in the Church got the idea to dramatize the stories in little skits, each of which was performed in front of its appropriate window. If the window told the story of Jonah, then the skit would show a man swallowed by a big fish. If the window told the story of Jesus’s resurrection from the tomb, the skit would show the three Marys and an angel. People walked around the huge cathedral, stopping in front of each window to see a story enacted before their eyes.

The Church became very clever in developing these plays. They made costumes. The costumes were often emblematic of a character. Moses would carry tablets. Eve might carry an apple. Most Biblical figures were dressed like common people of the first millennium. Devils were half beast, half men, often in red costumes with pointed ears and tails. The performers even made angels “fly,” by lashing a boy to a rope and suspending him from the top of the cathedral. From above, he would swing down to rescue the sinners below. Church drama became a very powerful tool to communicate the Word to village peasants who had no ability to understand the Latin in services.

Literature in 999

The legends of a people are often half-truths. In 999, stories of heroic struggles helped establish community pride. The tales of family members who gave the good fight were more than campfire tales. They expressed the identity a whole tribe. They created a bond between people. They were an effective way to protect a clan, for if your father and his father before had sacrificed to protect a people, how could you not be thrust into their footsteps? How could you not take up their torch? Such tales of heroism tell about actual events, and they spin the narrative to make the points more effective.

The year 1000 was possibly the year of “Beowulf,” one of the greatest legends in English literature. Beowulf was a fictitious character, but based on real men. It tells about tribal struggles of the Anglo-Saxons who began to migrate into England in the fifth century AD. Some of those struggles were real. Some were imaginary, as when Beowulf fights a dragon.

“Lo! We have heard of the glory of the kinds of the people of the Spear-Danes in days of yore — how those princes did valorous deeds.” The storyteller hopes to ignite the passion of Anglo-Saxons to protect themselves. It invokes the values of an ancient warrior society. It shows courageous, bonded men who defended each other out of mutual trust and pride. It praises men who serve a king to defend a people. Men were asked to serve out of honor. The Beowulf saga shows men who served a king, even to the death, out of loyalty rather than out of obligation.

“Then the son of Healfdene bestowed on Beowulf as the meed of victory a gilded ensign, a decorated battle-banner, a helmet, and a corselet; many saw the jeweled sword of honor borne before the hero. Beowulf drank of the cup.” Beowulf consciously chose the heroic life. His greatest and last adventure is a quest for jewels protected by a fierce dragon. Time after time they charge each other. Finally, the dragon “rushed upon the hero, and enclosed his whole neck between his sharp teeth.” The wound proves fatal to Beowulf, but a young man of his tribe, Wiglaf, a Scylfing prince, kills the dragon as an honor to Beowulf.

Another great saga of the English is called “The Battle of Maldon.” This long poem describes an actual encounter to protect England in 991 AD. Bryhtnoth, an aged and honored Anglo-Saxon ruler, is confronted by the Viking Olaf Trygvesson. The site of the battle is Maldon, an actual place on the east coast of England. The Vikings invaders came by sea, landing on a narrow strip of land separated from the mainland by a narrow tidal basin, just a hundred yards across. Bryhtnoth and his warriors stood on the mainland, daring the Vikings to cross. And as the tide rolled out, it seems that Bryhtnoth made a daring choice. Rather than let his Viking tormentors leave to return again, he allowed them to come onto his ground, inviting them to an honorable battle. “Come quickly to us and to battle. God alone knows who will control this place of slaughter.”

As it happened, Trygvesson and his Danish Vikings won the day. Bryhtnoth’s sword arm was severely cut and he was immediately defenseless. “Thanks to Thee, Lord God of hosts,” he said, “for the joys I have experienced in this world.” Then Viking plunderers fell on him with their swords. As others ran from the scene, Bryhtnoth’s aged servant stayed behind with his fallen master. “Courage shall grow keener, will clearer, the heart fiercer, as our force fails,” he vowed. “Though I am white with winters I shall not away, for I mean to lie by the side of my lord, by the man so dear to me.”

Such sagas have a valuable place in the needs of the community. As stories and as literature, they are repeated time after time. They are parables, teaching tools, conveyors of a value system. By exalting the hero, subsequent generations are taught to defend their land, their families, and their race.

The Power of Music in 999

The Church was facing a challenge at the first millennium. A whole caste of people, the monks, were in active service to God every minute of the day. Hour after hour was given to devotion. But the body is frail, and a squandered moment was a sin. The problem was to intensify the monk’s devotion, to place every ounce of energy in the act of sanctification, to focus both the body and the thought in prayer. The solution was music.

The idea came from one of the great figures of the early medieval era, Pope Gregory the Great. In the difficult sixth century, Gregory was a phenomenal innovator for the church. One of his most enduring inventions was the idea of chanting devotionals. It became such a central act of devotion that it came to be named after its inventor. To this day, we still hear magnificent examples of Gregorian Chant.

The chant was much more intense than a private devotion. It called an entire brotherhood into a collective act. It required a conscious act, for each participant had to listen to the others and merge his voice in unison. It was effective at almost any moment, as during formal rituals, or as a line of monks filed through the cloisters, or during other labors. Cook and sing. Sew and sing. Plow and sing.

The chant served the needs of teaching. It placed intense focus on the word. “Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison,” the words said. “Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.” They might take three seconds to speak. But chanted, the same words might take a minute. Syllable by syllable, the monks poured spiritual energy into magnificent words. An important word such as “eleison” would not sound on just one note, but on many. A single important syllable might have five, ten, twenty different notes. A single word would be drawn out on beautiful, arching melody that seemed to speak an eternity of spirit.

Imagine the setting as Christian architecture grew in size. Monasteries, cloisters, cathedrals came to be massive. The sound in a huge stone building was filled with echoes. Long, mellifluous melodies of the chant would double back to the ears of the singer. The sound of a singer’s prayer seemed to be alive itself. The chant seemed to linger, reaching every corner of God’s world.

Parts of a monastery were set aside for visitors. The pilgrim, the ill, the aged all might stop for a time and take refuge. They could hear the monks chanting around the clock, and the chant was thought to have medicinal healing qualities. The chant was like a heartbeat, a rhythmic pulse that seemed part of the fundamental order of the universe. And what Christian, singing as a choir on earth, wouldn’t imagine the great choir in heaven?

Just a few years after 999, a fine church musician named Guido of Arezzo developed a system of sight-singing from written notes. One hymn, the “Ut queant laxis,” rose by one note on each of the phrases in its text. The words were “Ut queant laxis, Resonare fibris, Miragestorum, Famuli tuorum,” and so forth. In the next hundred years, as Latin gave way to Italian, the first word, “Ut,” was changed to “Do.” And from the first word of each phrase we get the words “Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La.”

Music was also a part of peasant rituals, but recorded history tells us very little about this point. Jugglers and other entertainers traveled about, performing for food and lodging. Often they carried simple musical instruments. A small drum. A tambourine. A wooden flute. Perhaps a string instrument, like a lyre.

The Visual Arts in 999

The arts of Christianity were often exquisite. But for a time, they followed very rigid and conservative principles. Only two hundred years before the first millennium, images were banned in the church. A period of church history called “The Iconoclastic Controversy” was stimulated by concern that images were banned by the Bible. The prohibition of the Ten Commandments caused church fathers to fear an unholy use of images. Images of Saints, even images of Mary and Jesus, were thought to promote idolatry.

But a thaw began in the middle of the eighth century, when it became clear that the church needed images as a teaching tool. Latin was spoken by monks and nuns, but not by the rest of Europe. Most people couldn’t understand the primary texts of Christianity. So the new missionary zeal of the church stimulated a revision in the prohibition on images. A picture, they reasoned, was worth a thousand words. By 999, images were a growing part of church interiors, although the real burst of energy still awaited new development of architecture in the next hundred years.

In 999, the crucifix was a fairly new image in Christianity, no more than a century old. At the end of the first millennium, the lives of people across Europe were a constant struggle. Poverty, famine, the fear of attack, the prospect of abduction into slavery, all were constant elements in the lives of real Europeans. The Church was sensitive to these concerns. The crucifix expressed the agonies of Jesus on the cross, and it was a perfect image for the believer. It was an image the believer could identify with. If Jesus could withstand such an unspeakable terror of the flesh, could not his example encourage all Christians to look to a better life free from hardship? Changes in the crucifix for hundreds of years reflect the primary concerns of Christians at each moment of time.

But small images were everywhere in Christianity. One of the principal occupations of monasteries was to copy ancient books. Since there was no printing, any book worth keeping had to be copied by hand. The monks took the task seriously, some individuals spending an entire lifetime to reproduce just a few books. But the results were glorious.

The text of books were sometimes fabulously decorated. “Illuminated manuscripts,” we call them today for the incredible ornamentation. Page after page were painstakingly painted. Sometimes the decoration “shed light” on the subject of a passage, and the text was thus said to be” illuminated. The products of medieval monks are some of the most impressive visual creations in the history of book making.

“Illumination” sometimes was simply an elaborate letter. The first letter of many pages was often huge compared to other letters, and often ornately decorated. “Illumination” also often depicted the stories in the text. Or it sometimes simply satisfied the monk’s instinct for creativity. Some show daily scenes from life of the times. Some show the labors of peasants in the fields or by the hearth. Illuminations from 999 are some of the most useful sources of information for scholars today, because they show customs of dress, means of accomplishing tasks, and the social standing of different people.

Illuminations were often painted in colors. Some actually are painted in gold leaf. Some are intended for teaching and learning. Some are intended as gifts fit for a king. A few books have a front cover that is covered by massive jewels set in gold, some with ivory carvings that tell a story about the king to whom it’s given.

There is no printing in Europe in 999. Printing had been invented by this time in China, but it was extremely difficult. Because there are so many characters in the Chinese language, the printer’s plate for an entire page had to be hand carved in one piece. So every page in a book was carved by hand out of a block of wood. Some manuscripts were thousands of pages long. But having made such a plate, the book could be reprinted many times.

In Europe, however, books were lettered by hand. The word “manuscript” actually means “written by hand,” so each copy was absolutely unique.

Art and Entertainment after 999.

In the next few hundred years, the arts began to expand wildly. The Crusades opened up significant new values across Europe. Crusaders were on a pilgrimage, and a passion developed across Europe to visit shrines with holy relics. Many churches had reliquaries, which were ornamented cases that contained body parts of saints. These were visited more and more by pilgrims eager to experience the force of a saint’s special power to hear prayer. Reliquaries were often phenomenally beautiful.

Larger churches often had paintings and mosaics that showed Christian scenes. Many showed regional figures, such as a local saint or a Holy Roman Emperor, in a scene that seemed touched by God.

The explosion of architecture around 1100 stimulated a incredible growth in the visual arts. Stained glass windows came into being, projecting wonderful, vital images of Christian scenes. Drama began to take off, as those windows energized a new kind of story telling. Drama was taken out of church buildings in the early thirteenth century, and came to be produced by trade guilds. They spent incredible time and energy producing skits, all performed outside, usually in front of churches or on town squares. Drama was still intended to teach right Christian behaviors, and that was its primary purpose into the sixteenth century.

A new vitality came into the arts from the Cult of Mary, which venerated Mary as a special model of womanhood. As women came to be exalted, new arts began to flourish. The troubadours in France and the Minnesingers in Germany began to celebrate a new code of love. They praised love as a high element of human behavior, carefully depicting devotion to ideal conduct between men and women. They traveled from manor to manor, singing love songs and reciting poems of ideal love.

Popular arts began to flourish also. More and more lords of the manor came to wealth. They wanted entertainments. Itinerant troupes of singers, dancers, and jugglers made their living “singing for their supper.” Until the thirteenth century, supper was traditionally at 3 p.m. Performers often entertained the lord and lady before supper, which meant around 2 p.m. But 3 was considered the end of morning. Since the French word for morning was “matin,” the performers were performing in the “matin,” which is where we get the word “matinee.”

In the Late Middle Ages, popular arts were much more vigorous. Because the quality of life had improved, more time was given to peasants to entertain themselves. More feasts developed. More vitality came to the arts. People at all stations of life came to recognize the power of art to express the heart.

In 999, art and entertainment was at a turning point.

Copyright 1999 by Kennis Wessel

School Menus

Elementary Breakfast

Monday — Pop tart or cereal or hostess muffins, assorted juices and milk.

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

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

Thursday — Pancakes with syrup and bacon or pop tart or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

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

Elementary Lunch

Monday — Chicken strip tenders with hot roll or taco snack burrito, mashed potatoes and gravy, spiced apples, Oreos, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Meat and cheese nachos or corn dog, apricots, California vegetables with cheese, lettuce and tomato salad, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Chicken and noodles with hot roll or pizza pocket, fresh fruit, mashed potatoes, seasoned green beans, sour apple slime, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Hot dog or Taco Bell burrito, tossed salad with ranch dressing, french fries, Curious George fruit snack, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Pretzel with cheese sauce or pizza stick, fruit cocktail, corn, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

West Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Donut rings or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

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

Wednesday — Ham and cheese bits or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Pancakes with syrup and bacon or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Cinnamon raisin biscuit or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

East Middle School

Breakfast

Monday — Donut rings or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Tuesday — Biscuits and gravy or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Wednesday — Ham and cheese bits or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

Thursday — Pancakes with syrup and bacon or cereal, assorted juices and milk.

Friday — Cinnamon raisin biscuit or cereal or pop tart, assorted juices and milk.

West Middle School

Lunch

Available on Tuesday and Thursday at West Middle School is Subway.

Monday — Chicken strips with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, tossed salad with ranch dressing, Oreos, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Meat and cheese nachos, apricots, mexican beans, lettuce and tomato salad, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Pizza pockets, fresh fruit, salad with ranch dressing, seasoned green beans, sour apple slime, saltine crackers, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Chili dog, tossed salad with ranch dressing, french fries, fresh fruit, saltine crackers, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Pizza, corn, lettuce and tomato salad, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, saltine crackers, dill spears or assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

East Middle School

Lunch

Available at the Mid-High Monday through Friday are Domino’s and Subway.

Monday — Chicken strips with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, tossed salad with ranch dressing, Oreos, fresh fruit, dill spears or baked potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Meat and cheese nachos, apricots, refried beans, lettuce and tomato salad, fresh fruit, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Pizza pocket, fresh fruit, lettuce and tomato salad, twice baked potatoes, seasoned green beans, sour apple slime, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Thursday — Hog dog, tossed salad with ranch dressing, cheese potatoes, fresh fruit, Curious George snack, dill spears or potato with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

Friday — Pizza sticks, fruit cocktail, corn, lettuce and tomato salad, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, dill spears or pasta with fixings, assorted cold sandwiches, chef salad, cottage cheese salad or yogurt salad, juice and milk.

High School Lunch

Available every day at Campus Mart, the Training Table Deli offers a pasta bar, baked potato bar, lean items and fresh fruit. The Ala Carte Wildcat line offers Pizza Inn and Subway. The Retro Mart features a Mexican food, bakery/deli and Italian food courts.

Po-Hi Campus Mart

Monday — Teriyaki chicken or egg rolls with sweet and sour sauce, oriental vegetables, oriental rice, pineapple rings, seasonal fresh fruit, Rocky Road pudding, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Macaroni and cheese with hot roll, Italian blend vegetables, Jello jigglers, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Burrito with chili and cheese or frito chili pie, corn, tossed salad, mexi rice, frozen peaches, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Thursday — Fried chicken with hot roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

Friday — Queso nachos or meat and cheese nachos, refried beans, tossed salad, seasonal fruit, juice and milk.

McCord Elementary

Breakfast

Monday — Biscuits and gravy, juice and milk.

Tuesday — Ham patty, toast, juice and milk.

Wednesday — Cereal, toast, juice and milk.

Thursday — Oatmeal, toast, juice and milk.

Friday — Sausage roll, juice and milk.

Lunch

Monday — Hot dog, relish, mustard, ketchup, tator tots, carrot sticks, Jello with fruit and milk.

Tuesday — Fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, carrots, apple crisp, hot roll and milk.

Wednesday — Grilled ham and cheese sandwich, fries, green beans, peaches and milk.

Thursday — Chicken noodles, mashed potatoes, peas, pears, hot roll and milk.

Friday — Pigs in a blanket, blackeyed peas, orange wedge, chocolate cake and milk.

Pioneer Technology Center

Tuesday — Beef tips with rice, barbecue grilled chicken or chef’s choice, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts.

Wednesday — Beef enchiladas, almond chicken or vegetable stir fry, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts.

Thursday — Lasagna, pork chop and dressing or chef’s choice, salad bar, soup, assorted vegetables, breads and desserts.

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

Eighth Grade Chorus Program At East Middle School Friday

The eighth grade chorus at East Middle School, under the direction of Carol Green, will present its Christmas Program on Friday, Dec. 10 at 8:15 a.m. in the Ralph Lester Auditorium. The public is invited to attend.

The program will include “It Feels Like Christmas,” from the Muppet Christmas Carol, “Somewhere in My Memory,” from Home Alone, “Caroling” and “Christmas Is,” from Forever Christmas. “Silent Night,” and “Who Would Imagine a King,” from The Preacher’s Wife. The program will conclude with “Cool Yule.”

Vocal solos will be sung by Krystle Loney, Brittney Gilliam, Shannon Love, Audrey Eubank, Aaron Wright, Elizabeth Myers and Kimberly Evans. A duet will be sung by Lindsay Weems and Laci Baird. A violin duet will be played by Andrew Davis and Aaron Wright, and piano accompanists will be Kyla Lewis, Paula Krueger and Aaron Wright.

Character parts will be played by Josh Engle as Santa Claus, Christina Senseman as Loretta Poinsetta, Garret Merle as Bill Holly, Daak Love as Scrogge, and Paula Krueger as Tina Tinsel. Santa’s Elves will be Mariah Pappan, Kari Lawson, Sheila Payne and Janna Green. The Rappers will be Sherletha Mathia, Chastity Swindoll, Brett Springer and Jakeb Coon. The Reindeer Sisters will be Michaela Cavener, Shannon Love and Kimberly Evans. The Snow Surfers will be Mitch Fezer, John Lowery, Aaron Worley, Brett Springer, Nicholas Durham, Jakeb Coon, Jarrod Hobbs, Tre Lambeth and Joe Stransky. Chipmunks will be played by John Lowery, Mitch Fezer and Daak Love.

Narrators will be Mitch Fezer, Nicole Ham, Amanda Neal, Ashley Selvidge, Ashley Pemberton, Hillary Wright, Kelli Milligan, Lindsey Klick, Shari Peeples, Nevin Porter, Tedi Hill, Lacey Hodges, Jarrod Hobbs, Teresa Fox, Deitric White, Brian Yerkes, Megan Meguire, Aaron Worley, Leah Dester, Elizabeth Tucker, Emily Viele and Jenny Rutter.

Choreography will be done by Christina Senseman, Joe Stransky, Jarrod Hobbs, Laci Beard, Whitney Quiram, Sherletha Mathis, Chastity Swindoll, Audrey Walker and Lindsay Thomas.

Other chorus students appearing in the program will be Tara Allison, Kassie Allmon, Kristin Angle, Haley Bible, Elizabeth Biby, Sara Birch, Sarah Blueback, Julie Browning, Brittney Bruner, Katherine Burriell, Katie Caudillo, Nikki Cox, Kristen Davis, Samantha Durbin, Susan Emmons, Samantha Faulk, Gladys Garcia, Stephanie Garino, Morgan Ham, Melanie Harris, Leslie Hudson, Anh Huynh, Amber Jackson, Lacey Jones, Danielle Kennedy, Amanda Lee, Jensi Leatherman, Kim Leatherman, Brittnea Lewis, Heather Loggan, Sarah Lynn, Nicole Mansfield, Shamell McBride, Jennifer McCullough, Demetria Mcquerry, Amy Morarity, Shandi Parent, Elizabeth Pearson, Lindsay Pruitt, Heather Rasor, Amanda Reiss, Jennifer Sherman, Ann Smith, Emily Thompson and Sunshine White.

Sound technician is Jim Armstrong assisted by T.C. Hankins and Thomas Feuerbon. Stage lights will be done by Shanell Robb and Brandy Homan. Spot light will be done by David English.

School Calendar

Po-Hi

Dec. 6

Chorale at Rotary Club, noon.

Ninth grade red boys and girls basketball against Ark City at East Middle School, 5 p.m.

Chorale and Orchestra concert at Hutchins Auditorium, 7:30- p.m.

Dec. 7

Pep assembly at RFH, 9 a.m.

Ninth grade blue girls basketball at Longfellow, 3:30 p.m.

Swim and dive meet at Edmond, 4 p.m.

Junior varsity and varsity basketball at Broken Arrow, 4 p.m.

Ninth grade blue boys basketball against Longfellow at East Middle School, 4 p.m.

Junior high and high school wrestling against Broken Arrow, 6 p.m.

Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band concert, Hutchins Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Ninth grade red boys and girls basketball at Sand Springs.

Dec. 8

Chorale at Lions Club, noon.

Luminaries at Po-Hi campus, 6 p.m.

Dec. 9

Vo-tech orientation at Assembly Center, 8 a.m.

Blood drive at girl’s gym, 8:30 a.m.

Ninth grade blue girls basketball at Waller, 4 p.m.

Ninth grade blue boys basketball against Waller, 4 p.m.

Junior varsity and varsity wrestling against Edmond Memorial, 6 p.m.

Chorale concert at Howell Auditorium 7 p.m.

Dec. 10

Ninth grade red boys and girls basketball at Sand Springs.

Varsity boys basketball at Blue Valley Tournament.

Varsity wrestling at Perry.

Dec. 11

ACT testing at MSB building, 7:45 a.m.

Ninth grade red boys and girls basketball at Sand Springs.

Varsity boys tournament continues.

Dec. 12

Jazz Band concert at Howell Auditorium, 3 p.m.

DEATHS

W.E. Dunn
Clarence Euel Ramsey
Walden W. Wright
Margaret L. Hosman

W.E. Dunn

PAWNEE — W.E. “Bill” Dunn, resident of Pawnee, died Friday, Dec. 3, 1999 in Stillwater, Okla. He was 87.

The funeral service will be Monday, Dec. 6, 1999 at 10 a.m. in the Eshelman Memorial Chapel in Pawnee with the Rev. Virgle Calvert officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery in Pawnee under direction of Poteet Funeral Home, Pawnee.

W.E. “Bill” Dunn was born April 4, 1912 in Keystone, Okla., the son of L.L. and Nellie (Lord) Dunn. He and Leta Marie Sneed were united in marriage in Chandler on Nov. 12, 1938.

He had lived in Pawnee, Okla. until 1942, moving then to Cleveland, Okla., and returning to Pawnee in May 1999. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Cleveland, and a member of the Cleveland Masonic Lodge.

He went to work at Osage Oil Co. in February 1963, and was a chief gauger, retiring in December of 1979.

He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family.

His wife preceded him in death July 29, 1994.

Survivors include a daughter Deonna Ailey of Pawnee, five granddaughters, six great-grandchildren and a number of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Nolan Dunn; one grandson, Kevin William Ailey and two sisters, in addition to his parents.

Clarence Euel Ramsey

Clarence Euel Ramsey, resident of Ponca City, died Friday, Dec. 3, 1999 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He was 79.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, 1999 at Odd Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Larry E. Nigh, pastor, Northeast Baptist Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home.

Clarence Euel Ramsey was born May 26, 1920 in Arkansas, the son of Sim and Phoebe Atchley Ramsey. He was raised in Oklahoma and moved to Ponca City as a child. He worked in the refinery at Conoco and then enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in World War II in Italy. After his discharge, he returned to Ponca City and continued his work at the refinery, retiring in 1981 after 40 years with the company.

He and Annie Stanbrough were united in marriage in February, 1969. She preceded him in death on Feb. 4, 1991.

Clarence is survived by one daughter, Ruth Lewis of Ponca City; three sons, Harold Ramsey of Ponca City, Al Ramsey of Iowa, and Mike Ramsey of Ponca City; one step-daughter, Sue Farmer of Casper, Wyo., several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.

Obituaries

Walden W. Wright

Walden W. Wright, longtime Ponca City resident, died Friday morning, Dec. 3, 1999, at his home. He was 91.

A graveside service will be held Monday, Dec. 6, 1999, at 2 p.m. at Forest Park Cemetery, Fort Smith, Ark., with the Rev. Ron Williamson, pastor of Spradling Avenue Baptist Church, Fort Smith, officiating. Burial will be with military honors under the direction of Trout Funeral Home, Ponca City. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Walden W. Wright was born Feb. 29, 1908, in Spiro, Okla. He was the son of William Webb and Sallie (Watson) Wright. He spent his younger years moving with his parents. He joined the U.S. Navy at an early age and was honorably discharged. During World War II, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy, served in the Navy Seabees and was honorably discharged March 22, 1944.

On Dec. 4, 1946, he married S. Orene Tiffee in Columbus, Kan. Mr. Wright earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Northeastern Oklahoma State College. He taught school in Westville, Okla., and Tonkawa before coming to Ponca City in 1960. He retired from Liberty Elementary School in 1971.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ponca City. He was also a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Association of Retired Persons. Mr. Wright was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed gardening. He was a baseball enthusiast and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals He was a very active supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s sports activities.

He is survived by his wife, S. Orene Wright of the home; daughter, C. Evlyn Schmidt and her husband, John, of Stratford, Texas; son, Merl Wright and his wife, Charla, of Ponca City; and brother, R. Lee Wright of Delta, Colo. Additional survivors include five grandchildren, Courtney Gibbens and her husband, Thomas, of Dallas, Texas; Bartlend Webb Wright and Braxton Major Wright, both of Ponca City; Jacob Randall Schmidt of Denver, Colo., and Nicholas Wright Schmidt of Lawrence, Kan. His parents and two sisters, Bernice Tucker and Margaret W. Miller, preceded him in death.

Honorary bearers will be Jacob R. Schmidt, Nicholas W. Schmidt, Thomas Gibbens, Bartlend Webb Wright, Braxton Major Wright, Paul Lockhart, R. Lee Wright, and Harold Phillips.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Ponca City, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

paid obituary

Services Pending

Margaret L. Hosman

Margaret L. Hosman, 3885 Tanglewood Circle, died Friday, Dec. 3, 1999 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was 74. Survivors include her husband, Paul, of the home. Services are pending with the Trout Funeral Home and will be announced later.

NEWS BRIEFS

Afghans Available — The perfect gift! A Pioneer Woman Afghan in Navy, Williamsburg Blue, Hunter green or burgundy. United Methodist Women’s Mission Project. Call 765-0157, 762-1429 or 762-1681. We will deliver.

Ponca City Pictorial History Books have arrived! Pick up your copy today! Will make a great Christmas Gift! Ponca City News Business Office, 8:00-5:00, Monday thru Friday. adv.

Arts and Crafts Show — The Senior Citizen Center will be holding an Arts and Craft show Wednesday starting at 12:30 at the center located at 319 West Grand. A table is free for seniors 55 and older and $5 for all others.

Don Sawyer’s Chimney Sweep. 26 years experience. Call now before the rush and get on his list. 580-762-8883. adv.

Red Cross Offers Lifeguard Training — The American Red Cross will offer a Lifeguard class on Dec. 11, 17, 18, 19. The class includes CPR for the Professional Rescuer which is a requirement to complete the class. For more information call the Ponca City Chapter, 765-6605. Participants may register and pick up a class schedule at the American Red Cross, 525 Monument.

Christmas Special. Leather handbags $20 at Crafters Mall, Down town Ponca City. adv.

Breast Self Exam Reminder: Have you called your buddy?

Do You know that you can get the same prices for hearing aids as the big city does but the big difference is it is located right here in Ponca City. Heartland Hearing Aid Center, 1302 North 7th. Local service and support

five days a week just for you. 767-1961. adv.

Toys for Kids — K-Mart is also a part of the “Toys for Kids” drive being sponsored by the Ponca City Firefighters Local 2470. The drive is under way and will continue until Dec. 22. Please help by dropping off a new toy at the store. They will be distributed just before Christmas to needy families.

Lost Three ring zippered notebook with poems/writings. Sentimental value. Leave message, Patsylou 765-8188. adv.

Accident — The Ponca City Police Department received information at 7:35 a.m. Friday that a minor accident had occurred at Ponca City High School. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Court Allen Construction. Concrete and flagstone walkways, patios and yard curbing. Call 765-2720. adv.

Vehicle Burglarized — A man from the 1600 block of Yale Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 7:54 a.m. Friday that his vehicle had been burglarized. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Attempted Break-In — A woman from the 2200 block of Joe Street reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 8:43 a.m. Friday that someone had attempted to break into the residence through the garage door. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Turkey Shoot-out! December 12th, 1:00 p.m. Shooters and Nonshooters. 5 miles West of Ponca City on Hwy 60. adv.

Vehicle Damaged — A man from the 500 block of Foster Avenue reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:22 a.m. Friday that the door of his vehicle had been kicked in. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

Chamber Bucks - Great stocking stuffers! For the hard to buy for person. $10 or $25. 765-4400 Chamber of Commerce. adv.

Abandoned Bicycles — A man reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 10:23 a.m. Friday that three bicycles had been abandoned in the alley behind the old Farm Fresh property at West Cleveland Avenue and North Union Street. Animal Control was contacted to remove the bicycles.

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

Vehicle Hit — A woman was at the Ponca City Police Department at 11:56 a.m. Friday to report that she had hit another vehicle in the parking lot of Dollar General on West Grand Avenue and had been unable to make contact with the other vehicle owner. Information was logged.

101 Ranch Oldtimers 2000 calendars available at The Glass Negative, 104 North First. Also previous years available! $10. 765-9785. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 700 block of Marland Drive at 1:55 p.m. Friday that an 18-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay, and a Kay County warrant for robbery by force.

Butter Braids: Plain, cream cheese plus five fruit flavors. Thaw-bake and enjoy. Great gifts. 114 S. 5th. 767-8336. adv.

Pasture Fire — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:15 p.m. Friday that a pasture was on fire in the 7300 block of Old River Road. The McCord Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene with three units and handled the situation.

Windshield Chips repaired professionally. Guaranteed and insurance approved. Ponca Glass, 762-6522, 762-7957. adv.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the 200 block of East Walnut Avenue at 6:46 p.m. Friday that a 23-year-old man was being held on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Injury Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 2:16 p.m. Friday that an accident had occurred 15 miles south of U.S. 60 on U.S. 177. Two ambulances and a rescue unit from the Ponca City Fire Department responded to the scene and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was notified.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Accident — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 3:14 p.m. Friday that a two-vehicle, non-injury accident had occurred in the 1400 block of East Hartford Avenue. An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was assigned and a report was taken.

Get Mobile with the help of our lift chairs, wheelchairs and walkers. Sale prices now through Christmas on in stock or special order medical equipment at O’Connor Pharmacy, 1113 East Hartford, 765-3055. As always, free delivery. adv.

Hit and Run — A man was at the Ponca City Police Department at 3:34 p.m. Friday to report that his vehicle had been hit while at the intersection of North Fourteenth Street and East Highland Avenue. An officer was assigned and the information was logged.

Have Pet? Can travel! In-home pet sitting service. We love them when you have to leave them! 762-4205. adv.

Grand Larceny — An employee at Budget Bride, 220 West Grand Avenue, reported to the Ponca City Police Department at 3:38 p.m. Friday that two women had stolen a wedding dress. An officer was assigned and a grand larceny report was taken.

Stressed? Consider massage, a wonderful relaxation and overall wellness enhancer. Certified Massage Therapist with 19 years experience, Genise Hallisey will be scheduling appointments during regular family visits. Gift certificates available. 1-888-272-6513. adv.

Bicycle Stolen — A person was at the Ponca City Police Department at 3:58 p.m. Friday to report that a bicycle had been stolen from West Middle School. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Great Gift ! Needle point pillows, last Christmas of the century, 1999. Mrs. Brown’s Attic. Downtown Ponca City. adv.

Suspicious Activity — A woman from the 800 block of North Birch Street requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 4:02 p.m. Friday reporting that juveniles were across the alley shooting BB-guns at a privacy fence. An officer was assigned, contacted the juveniles, and information was logged that they were told of the city ordinances that prohibit guns being fired within the city.

Subject Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department reported from the intersection of South Pine Street and West Ponca Avenue at 5:17 p.m. Friday that an 18-year-old man was being held for driving under suspension and having no insurance.

$16.00 Off NCOHA’s nationally awarded Kay County History. $60.00 with 1000 pictures, 900+ indexed pages. 765-7169 or 1304 North Seventh on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons. adv.

Assault — The Communications Center received a 911 call at 5:37 p.m. Friday from a person in the 400 block of South Perry Street that an assault had occurred. Two officers of the Ponca City Police Department were assigned, a report was taken, and information was logged.

Cut Christmas trees, decorations, wreaths, roping and Poinsettias. Keathly Nursery. 2448 Bridge Ave. 762-2922. adv.

Harassment — A woman from the 900 block of East Broadway Avenue requested assistance from the Ponca City Police Department at 6:07 p.m. Friday concerning a threat and harassment. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

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

9689. adv.

Hit and Run — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 7:13 p.m. Friday that a hit and run accident had occurred in the 2100 block of North Fourteenth Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Saturday special 4-8 p.m. All you can eat beef brisket with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th, 765-7979. adv.

Subjects Held — An officer of the Ponca City Police Department was contacted by an employee at Wal-Mart at 7:17 p.m. Friday that two shoplifters were in custody. Another officer was assigned and a 23-year-old woman was held for grand larceny. A 22-year-old woman was also held for grand larceny.

Vehicle Towed — The Ponca City Police Department received a report at 2:20 a.m. Saturday that a vehicle was off the roadway in a construction area at North Ash Street and West Hartford Avenue. Two officers were assigned and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

LIFESTYLES

Musical Medley Program Planned For Century Club
Pioneer Genealogical Society To Host Event
Holiday Event Open To the Public
Homebound Entrepreneur Wrapping Up the Future
Glasgows Celebrate 75 Years
Cultural Center Renovation Begun; Exhibits Placed in Temporary Storage
Wedding Plans Announced for Hughes and Nesselrode
TOPS OK Chapter 308 Holds Meeting
Denise Linnae Lane Weds Shawn Michael Rexford
April Stout Becomes Bride Of Michael A. Dorigatti
Card Shower
Ponca City Medical Minutes
Lookin’ With Lou
Reception To Honor Couple
Singles Network Announces Plans
Chrysanthemum Club Hosts Event
Former Residents Celebrating
Smiths Observe Anniversary
Precision Tool and Die Program Topic For Recent Kiwanis Club Meeting
PrimeTimers Attend Events
Wheatheart Nutrition
City Calendar
Ponca Prairie Pleaters Plan Christmas Party
Popular Science Awards Named
Proposed Trimester Schedule Will Accommodate State Requirements

Musical Medley Program Planned For Century Club

T.L. Walker and the group “Chameleon” will present a medley of Christmas and other music when members of the Twentieth Century Club meet Friday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Cultural Center.

Mrs. Thomas Carter, president, will conduct the meeting. Refreshments will be provided by social committee members under the direction of Mrs. Paul Davis and Mrs. Steve McGuire. Greeters will be Mrs. Harold Cogman, Mrs. Larry Stephenson, Mrs. Harold Jones, Mrs. Carl Renfro and Mrs. John Warren.

The Ponca City Cultural Center is decorated at Christmas time each year by members of the Twentieth Century Club as one of their projects. Others projects this year have included Arts Adventure, Golden Villa, Grand Central Station, Ponca City Library, Ponca Theatre restoration, Quartz Mountain Arts Institute, Friends of the Cultural Center and the YMCA.

Pioneer Genealogical Society To Host Event

Pioneer Genealogical Society will host a Christmas party at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at the library program room. Members are reminded that dues may be paid using the renewal form in the newsletter or by contacting Delbert Fair, treasurer.

Named as officers for 2000 are Sue Clinton, president; Frances Bohannon, corresponding and recording secretary; Delbert Fair, treasurer. Louise Williams will continue to publish the newsletter, and Joy Stafford will be on the program committee.

Persons interested in genealogy are invited to join the organization.

Holiday Event Open To the Public

The Ponca City Garden Club Council is hosting their annual holiday open house and “A Garden of Gifts” bazaar today, 1-5 p.m., at the historical Ponca City Cann Memorial Garden Center, located at 1500 East Grand and North Fourteenth streets.

A selection of gifts and holiday decorations will highlight the event. The public is invited to attend the open house and bazaar and enjoy a cup of traditional wassail and other holiday “goodies.”

Members from six garden clubs have decorated the home in a Victorian holiday theme. A nine-foot Christmas tree features a mauve and lace motif. Club members recycled old Christmas decorations purchased at the Art Center’s flea market and created a variety of Victorian tree ornaments under the direction of Jannie Ross, member of the Red Rose and the Sage, Rosemary and Thyme Garden Clubs.

Fresh cut greenery and berries are used for accents throughout the home, as well as decorating the front porch where guests will be welcomed.

Homebound Entrepreneur Wrapping Up the Future

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Business Editor

Selling online has become a way of life for a number of homebound entrepreneurs. Pam Ross, Ponca City, has joined the ranks of home-based merchants as she sells her cuddly cloth diapers over the Internet. She went on the “net” in September.

A 36-year-old housewife and mother of three, Pam did not come to the world of online business unequipped. Her computer skills were honed at Sykes, where she spent about a year as the first wave of computer literate employees.

At Sykes she was a team leader and worked with several big name clients. After her son Cameron, now three, was born she opted to stay at home, and continued to do so after her daughter Chloe, now 14-months-old, was born. Another son, seven year-old Colton, attends school at McCord.

Markets From Home

From her house at 3978 Kelley Avenue she not only sews the cute and serviceable fleece and terry diapers, but runs the business through her personal computer.

She has her own catchy web page where she markets her “Sweet Pickles” diapers. The name is sort of a play off of “Sweet Pea.” Her business card says “Sweet Pickles — Get Your Baby In One!”

Although she had never stitched a piece of clothing before, Pam began making cloth diapers for her infant daughter Chloe about eight months ago.

After she had bought some cloth diapers online she started making the kiddie print diapers for about six months before going online to market the infant wear. From start to finish it takes about 30-minutes for Pam to stitch up a diaper.

Sometimes Pam only sews for 15 minutes at a time — depending on the time she has free from child rearing. At this time she is still breastfeeding Chloe. For a time she found herself staying up sewing in the wee hours and decided she couldn’t keep that up.

This is one discipline housewife entrepreneurs must learn — not to push themselves to the point that they suffer the same treadmill stress as if they were working out in the public arena.

Advantage of the home entrepreneur is that she can be comfortable in her robe or jeans and still turn out a product.

Demand is There

A lot of parents are opting to do the stay-at-home routine, taking care of the children, and operating a business on the Internet, Pam explained. And, there is a big demand for cloth diapers. One of the products that Pam makes is a diaper with a fleece exterior and a snap-in liner. She explained that fleece is waterproof and a plastic cover is not required. The snap-in pad can be washed over and over and the outside as needed.

The cloth diapers allow some air through and lessens the chances for rash. Another reason people use the cloth diapers is due to the environmental issue.

Snap Press Helpful

Operating out of a small sewing nook off the kitchen, Pam has the tiny space organized for as much efficiency as possible. One investment that has paid off in terms of time saved is a heavy duty snap press that inserts the fastener into the diaper with one stroke. Before, she was using the hammer technique on metal snaps.

The plastic snaps, fleece and other supplies are ordered online with a co-op group. Pam explained that there are a number of cloth diaper makers and others who use sewing material. By joining forces they can buy the material in bulk. There are cloth diaper chat rooms and web rings so she keeps in touch with the rest of the online cloth diaper industry. “It is like a community out there,” said Pam.

Running a household, taking care of two toddlers and a grade school child, sewing, packaging and marketing can get a bit hairy. But, on the other hand, if Pam doesn’t feel up to sewing that day or the children aren’t feeling well, she can put it off.

Asked how her husband Charlie, who works for Mertz, deals with this, she says he’s all right with it, but did mention that at first “she talked a lot about diapers.”

Clever with her marketing, Pam knows that women pay a lot of attention to packaging. So the diapers are individually wrapped in nice plastic and tied with small fancy ribbons.

On the business side the diapers are shipped by Priority Mail. Pam has a set-up with a scale so she can weigh outgoing orders and print postage online off of her computer. She can print a stamp for $3.20 and the customer pays the postage.

Another convenience operated through the computer is payment by “Internet Checks.” She does her own bookkeeping.

The diapers, as Pam says, are not cheap. They sell for $12, $13 and $14 depending on the size, Newborn (5 to 15 lbs.); small (15 to 25 lbs.) and large (20-40 lbs.) The snaps allow for expanding bodies.

The “Baby Gherkin” is a deluxe fleece all-in-one, replaceable snap-in diaper with snap closure. These have elastic legs and back waist. Then there is the snap-in flannel diaper which has two layers of flannel with soaker pad and additional snap-in diapers can be ordered.

Also available are optional nighttime liners for extra protection. Another product is the plus fleece diaper can also be used as a “Fleece Wrap” to go over other diapers.

Right now Pam has enough orders that she is not accepting any new orders at this time. Her home page address is http://pages.lvillage.com/pp/prossl/Sweet Pickle.html

The News learned about this story from Suzanne Wolfgram, Green Bay, Wis., who E-mailed a note about the business to us, as well as placing an order with Pam.

Glasgows Celebrate 75 Years

Maye and Clyde Glasgow are celebrating their birthdays as well as their 75th wedding anniversary. Clyde recently turned 94 and Maye was 93 years old on Nov. 25. Friends and neighbors are invited to stop by and visit with couple. Cards may be addressed to them at 3645 Glasgow Road, Ponca City, OK 74604.

Adding to the celebration was the birthday of their oldest daughter, Darla Wesbrook, also on Nov. 25. The Glasgows were born and reared in western Oklahoma, and were married on Nov. 26,1924, in Gage. They lived near there until the 1930s when the couple had to leave their home and farmland during the dust bowl and depression.

They farmed and owned a dairy in the Blackwell-Dilworth area, as well as on the Kaw city highway. The Glasgows then bought a farm and ranch located between Ponca City and Burbank, and operated a dairy in the area which is now Kaw Lake. They have owned and operated several businesses in the area, as well as, raising cattle, hogs, chinchillas and thoroughbred horses. Both are members of the Osage Heights Baptist Church, Pythian Lodge, Moose Lodge, Braden and Findley community organizations.

They bought the property in Osage County where they now reside in 1955. The couple has two daughters, Darla Wesbrook of Treasure Island, Fla. and Carol Hamrick of Ponca City; a son-in-law, Darrel Hamrick of Ponca City; four grandsons and their families, Randy and Kelli Ross, Brett, Darci, Mindy and Ryan Hamrick, Kevin, Becky, Blake and Jamie Hamrick, Mike, Tina and Melissa Wesbrook.

Cultural Center Renovation Begun; Exhibits Placed in Temporary Storage

The Friends of the Cultural Center Museum Foundation, Inc. have begun an extensive renovation project on the second floor of the center. Three rooms are slated for restoration to the “way they probably looked in the 1920s” said a spokesperson.

Safe Storage

Members of the group stated that “great care has been taken to move the artifacts and exhibition pieces located in these rooms into a safe and temporary storage.”

Other rooms in the house are scheduled for restoration as well, and when completed, the organization said the home would have fresh appeal for the public, as well as adding to the tourism value.

Help Needed

As with any project of this magnitude volunteers and sponsors are needed. The Friends ask that anyone wishing to contribute time, items or monetary help contact Sandy Graves, 762-5635. Some of the items needing sponsors are reproduction era wallpaper, paint for the walls and trim, a shop vac, and a double bed mattress and box springs as well as a bedspread suitable to the era when the Marlands resided there.

The Friends group was organized three years ago to preserve the cultural center and its rich heritage. Current members and prospective members can renew or join the membership now. Several projects are planned for the enhancement of the center and its multi use functions. The center is a favorite place for area residents to meet, host receptions and weddings, luncheons and many other events.

Gifts benefiting the center are also available, such as 101 Ranch and Cultural Center ornaments, books and more.

Wedding Plans Announced for Hughes and Nesselrode

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hughes of Fairfax are announcing the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Tracy Dawn, to Robert Lynn Nesselrode, son of Bob and Doris Nesselrode, 2116 Willowwood Place. A Dec. 18 wedding in the First Christian Church at Fairfax is planned.

Miss Hughes is a 1992 graduate of Woodland High School in Fairfax, and is also a graduate of Northern Oklahoma College and Tulsa Community College. She is a registered nurse at Southcrest Medical Center in Tulsa.

Nesselrode, a 1991 graduate of Ponca City High School, graduated in 1993 from NOC, and from Parker Chiropractic College in 1996. He is employed as a doctor of chiropractic at Potter Chiropractic.

TOPS OK Chapter 308 Holds Meeting

Members of the TOPS OK Chapter 308 met Monday evening. Ann McCool called the meeting to order and also gave the devotional “What Is Christmas?” Fern Black led the TOPS pledge, and Betty Flower led the KOPS Kreed. Natalie McCoy called roll, and Betty Flower gave the weight report. Wanda Headrick was best loser, and Marietta Nelson received the HaHa pot. Forbidden food for the week is candy.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a non-profit organization whose members desire to lose or maintain weight. Members are encouraged to develop individual exercise programs, and contests are used to encourage weight loss. Weigh-in time is 6-6:45 p.m. Monday. For more information contact Betty Flower, 765-5448 or Delpha Clemens, 762-2844.

Denise Linnae Lane Weds Shawn Michael Rexford

Denise Linnae Lane became the bride of Shawn Michael Rexford in a 2 p.m. ceremony recently at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The double-ring vows were officiated by the Rev. John Michalicka. Decorations in the church included two containerized red oak trees decorated with white lights. The trees will be planted near the couple’s home in Red Rock. Other decorations were heart-shaped candelabra accented with red and white bows.

Parents of the couple are Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lane of Red Rock and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rexford, 7650 West Hartford Avenue. Mary Sunshine Cogman was the organist and Cathy Brewer was the soloist. Music included “I Have Loved You” and “Trumpet Voluntary in D” as the processional and “Trumpet Tune” as the recessional.

Leanna Rexford, aunt of the bridegroom, was the reader, and candlelighters were Melissa and Michelle Hoffman, nieces of the bridegroom. The bride’s nieces, Kelbi and Kristi Lane, were flowergirls, and ringbearers were nephews of the bride, Colton and Kyle Lane.

JoDawn Parrish was Matron of Honor and Cheryle Blevins was the bridesmaid. Each wore a fitted evening-length red satin dress created by the bride’s mother. The back bodice was adorned with rhinestone buttons. Each attendant carried a bouquet of white carnations and red roses.

Dusty Rhoades served as Best Man, and Martin Steichen was the groomsman. The men in the wedding party wore western trousers, black boots and tuxedo jackets. Guests were seated by Mark Heidlage and Brian McClaskey.

The bride wore a floor-length gown of white silk crepe with the hemline of the full skirt marked with scalloped lace. The fitted lace bodice featured a sweetheart neckline and wide lace shoulder straps. Lace appliques adorned the gown and chapel-length train. The back bodice featured a row of fabric-covered buttons and a large bow detailed with lace applique. The bride’s double-tiered illusion veiling was secured by a tiara of sequins and pearls. She wore elbow-length gloves and pearl jewelry. Following the tradition of something old, new, borrowed and blue, the bride carried her mother’s prayerbook, which had been carried during her mother’s wedding, for something old. The book was crested with a cascade of red and white sweetheart roses, miniature carnations, white statice, ivy, ribbons loops and beaded pearl hearts. Something new was the bridal gown; something blue was a garter created by the bride’s mother; and something borrowed was a pearl bracelet from the bride’s mother.

Following the ceremony the reception was held at the American Legion. The couple was treated to a horse-drawn carriage ride. Assisting with the reception were Marsha Metzinger, Sherry Bowers, Nancy Hunt, Janice McClaskey and Arlene Stauffer. The bride is a court clerk with the City of Ponca City, and the bridegroom is a camper technician with Kinder’s Campers.

Out-of-town guests included Lawrence and Claudine Penny of Fredericksburg, Texas; Bob, Lucille and Jason O’Neal of Ardmore; Marvin and Peggy Albaugh of Blackwell; Bob and Rita Nally, Brian and Jennifer Turner of Winfield, Kan.; Floyd, Janice, Lanna and Brian McClaskey of Geuda Springs, Kan.; Linessa Rexford, Sarah Phelps, Coena Rexford of Wichita, Kan.; Bill, Susan, Bret and Jared Keeler of Pawnee.

Also Marjorie and Herbert Bruce, Phillip and Michelle Bruce, Mark, Clinton and Mitchell Bruce, Stacy Schalk, James Walker, Jerry and Cindy Schalk, Kevin and Donna Hinkel, Tom, Marcia, Kayleen, Jeff and Garrett Metzinger, all of Arkansas City, Kan.; Todd Smith of Dallas, Texas; and Mark Heidlage of Stillwater.

April Stout Becomes Bride Of Michael A. Dorigatti

April M. Stout and Michael A. Dorigatti were united in marriage Nov. 20, 1999, in a 7 p.m. ceremony at the Marland Mansion with Roberta Shaffer officiating. The bride is the daughter of John and Charlene Stout of Ponca City, and the bridegroom is the son of Cynde and Hyrum Covert of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Mike and Peggy Dorigatti of Marland.

A Christmas decorating theme was used in the mansion and well as childhood photographs of the bridal couple. Angie Bradley, pianist, played “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.” Processionals were “Canon in D” by Pachelbel and Lohengrin’s “Bridal Chorus.” The recessional was the “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn.

Candlelighters were Cynde Covert and Charlene Stout, mothers of the couple. Kendra Love, cousin of the bride, attended the guest book. Michaela Ross was flowergirl and Tristan Dorigatta was the bridegroom’s nephew. Distributing bottles of bubbles to the guests were T.J. Marazas and Courtney Marazas.

Leona Stout served her sister as Maid of Honor, and bridesmaids were Chanté Stout, sister of the bride, and Erin Love, cousin of the bride. Each wore a full-length, Empire-styled burgundy gown with slim straps. Each wore silver jewelry and carried an arrangement of long-stemmed ecru roses tied with white ribbon.

Chris Dorigatti was Best Man for his brother, and groomsmen were Shawn Covert and Jerry Thurson, stepbrothers of the bridegroom. Ushers were uncles of the bride, Clifford Donnelly and David Stout.

The bride wore a white satin gown designed with long sleeves and a sweetheart neckline, and complemented by a chapel-length train. The gown and train were embellished with sequins and beads. Her veiling was attached to a circlet of silk flowers and she carried a Colonial bouquet of ecru roses, small burgundy and white flowers and burgundy ribbon accents.

Assisting with the reception at the mansion were Sheila Foxworthy, Arlene Stauffer and Kris Hockenbury. The triple-tiered wedding cake was decorated with burgundy and mauve flowers.

The couple resides in Council Bluff, Iowa, where both are supervisors for Oakland Foods.

Out-of-town guests attending the wedding were Leona Stout of Fayetteville, Ark.; Julia, Mark, Courtney and T.J. Marazas of Bloomsburg, Penn.; Ericka Nygard of Las Vegas, Nev.; Cliff and Kristin Donnelly of Clarksville, Md.; Nick Donnelly of Kansas City, Kan.; Carl and SeoLjung Donnelly of Dallas, Texas; Lizzy Donnelly of El Paso, Texas; Bruce and Jennifer Kunz of Arlington, Texas; David and Arelia Donnelly of Topeka, Kan.; Addenia Donnelly of Marland; Mary and Rex Key of Elkins, Ark.; David and Debbie Stout of West Fork, Ark.

Also Heather, Chris and Tristan Dorigatti of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Shawn Covert of Kansas City, Kan.; Jerry and Jodie Thurson of Evanston, Wyo.; Hyrum and Cynde Covert of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Doris Rucker, Marsha Kaegi, Hutchinson, Kan.; May McGee of Burrton, Kan.; April Dorigatti and Mike Dorigatti of Council Bluffs, Iowa; June Austin, Fayettesville, Ark.; Neil Donnelly of Oklahoma City.

Card Shower

Burgess and Marie Shriver, former residents of Ponca City, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary Dec. 9. Their children are hosting a card shower in their honor. Cards may be mailed to 711 South Broadway, Marlow, OK 73055. Shriver and the former Marie Young were united in marriage in the Methodist parsonage in Tonkawa Dec. 9, 1939.

Ponca City Medical Minutes

Aging and Alcohol Abuse

By Dr. William C. Hamilton

Alcohol abuse among older men and women is a more serious problem than people realize. Until recently, older problem drinkers tended to be ignored by both health professionals and the general public. The neglect occurred for several reasons: few of our older population were identified as alcoholics; chronic problem drinkers (those who abused alcohol off and on for most of their lives) often died before old age; and because they are often retired or have fewer social contacts, older people are often able to hide drinking problems.

More people are learning that alcohol problems can be successfully treated at any age, and more are willing to seek help to stop their drinking.

Physical Effects of Alcohol

Alcohol slows down brain activity. It impairs alertness, judgment, physical coordination, and reaction time — increasing the risk of falls and accidents.

Over time, heavy drinking can cause permanent damage to the brain and central nervous system, as well as to the liver, heart, kidneys, and stomach.

Alcohol can affect the body in unusual ways, making some medical problems difficult to diagnose. For example, the effect of alcohol on the cardiovascular system (the heart and blood vessels) includes masking pain that might otherwise serve as a warning sign of heart attack.

Alcoholism can also produce symptoms similar to those of dementia: forgetfulness, reduced attention, confusion, and irritability.

Mixing Drugs

Alcohol, itself a drug, is often harmful if mixed with other drugs, including those sold by prescription and those bought over the counter. People over 65 run the greatest risk of a bad drug interaction since they make up 12-15 percent of the population and take 25 percent of all medications. Also, older Americans are heavy users of over-the-counter drugs.

Mixing drugs — such as alcohol, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, painkillers, and antihistamines — can be dangerous. For example, aspirin in some people causes bleeding in the stomach and intestines. Alcohol also irritates the stomach and, when combined with aspirin, may increase the risk of bleeding.

With advancing age, major changes occur in the body's ability to absorb and dispose of drugs and alcohol. Anyone who drinks — even moderately — should check with a doctor or pharmacist about possible drug interactions.

Who Becomes a Problem Drinker?

In old age, problem drinkers seem to be one of two types. The first are chronic abusers, those who have used alcohol heavily for many years. Although many chronic abusers die by middle age, some survive into old age. Approximately two-thirds of older alcoholics are in this group.

The second type begins excessive drinking late in life, often in response to “situational” factors: retirement, lowered income, declining health, loneliness, or the deaths of friends and loved ones. In these cases, alcohol is first used for temporary relief but later becomes a persistent problem.

Detecting Drinking Problems

Not everyone who drinks regularly is an alcohol abuser, but the following actions indicate a problem:

Drinking in order to calm nerves, forget worries, or reduce depression.

Losing interest in food.

Gulping drinks and drinking too fast.

Lying about drinking habits.

Drinking alone with increased frequency.

Injuring oneself, or someone else, while intoxicated.

Thinking that one should cut down on one's drinking.

Using alcohol “to get started” in the morning.

Getting drunk often (more than three or four times in the past year).

Needing to drink increasing amounts of alcohol to get the desired effect.

Frequently acting irritable, resentful, or unreasonable during nondrinking periods.

Experiencing medical, social, or financial problems that are caused by drinking.

Getting Help

Older problem drinkers and alcoholics have an unusually good chance of recovery, because they tend to stay with treatment programs.

Getting help can begin with a family doctor or member of the clergy, through a local health agency, or Alcoholics Anonymous.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., can refer you to treatment services in your area; contact them by calling (800) NCA-CALL.

Lookin’ With Lou

The Time Has Come To Speak Of…

By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE

News Staff Writer

The time has come to discuss the secret drawer in the nightstand beside the bed. Not that one. The other one — the one with all of “get-me-through-the-night” aides.

Just a sample of those night time crutches lurking in my bedside medicine cabinet: a box of allergy capsules, a jar of mentholatum, cough drops, arthritis cream, nose strips to breath easier, antacid, aspirins, inhaler, sinus mask, nose tissue, flashlight, eye drops, ear plugs (cause spouse snores), and a bite plate for the uppers.

Non-essentials include pencil and paper, decks of cards (regular and Tarot), matches and toothpick for dislodging that speck of meat or tomato seed from the evening meal, subliminal sleep tape, and an airline’s sleep mask.

On top of the nightstand there is a “hold-it” basket that stores all the important electronic stuff. First, there is the remote TV control itself. This is accompanied by the beeping TV control finder, the remote for the overhead fan and light, and the VCR control. Then, of course, a relaxing aromatherapy candle to burn on days of tension. A coaster for that nighttime drink is a must. That’s because the drawer also comes with a package of crackers for nocturnal time snacking.

Taking up added space is a “touch it” lamp that comes on at the flick of a finger. When that switch defaults the lamp really takes a pounding before the user realizes a simple turn of the wrist will turn it on and off.

Concealed behind the night stand is a heating pad, and right next to that piece of furniture is a basketful of reading material. Never mind that some of the printed matter dates back to 1996 — those tips on losing weight or hints for a better sex life are timeless — right?

The pencil and paper come in handy when one wake ups in the middle of the night with a brilliant idea or wishes to jot down a fantastic dream, so the shrink can analyze it, or call a stockbroker about a hot tip nighttime vision revealed.

Reception To Honor Couple

Friends and relatives are invited to help Mr. and Mrs. Max Allen Purdy of Blackwell celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary during a reception Dec. 12. The event is planned fo