CITY ADMINISTRATION NEWS UPCOMING MEETINGS

MONDAY, MAY 8

Board of Commissioners/PCUA RegularMeeting City Hall, Commission Chamber, 516 E. Grand Ave., 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 9

Library Board Library Board Room, 515 E. Grand Ave., 12:00 p.m.

PONCA CITY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM NOW AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS

Ponca City residents with a cell phone, landline phone, or email address can now enroll in the Ponca City Notification System. The Ponca City Notification System provides notifications at no cost to those that complete the simple online registration. Once registration is complete, users will immediately be able to receive notifications. There is no waiting period.

Notifications are available as text messages, phone calls or emails. Residents may select one or all methods.

Those suffering with hearing loss may choose to receive “text” notifications, while those with vision challenges may choose “voice” notifications.

Weather notifications are sent directly from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service. Notifications from the City of Ponca City regarding power outages, water outages, road closures, and other alerts will soon be provided.

For more information and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please go to: www.poncacityok.gov/pcnotification- registration or email em@poncacityok.gov

GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP 2023 AT LAKE PONCA!

The City of Ponca City is participating in the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Great American Cleanup 2023!

On May 13, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the public is invited to participate in the Lake Ponca Cleanup 2023 and show Oklahoma just how much Ponca City takes pride in our Lake Ponca!

“COFFEE WITH A COP” ON WEDNESDAY MORNINGS

The public is invited to join the Officers of the Ponca City Police Departmnet on Wednesday mornings from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for good coffee and conversation at The Perk, 415 N. 14th St. Contact: Don Bohon, Police Chief, 580-767-0370

CELEBRATE E. W.

MARLAND’S BIRTHDAY

Marland’s Grand Home, at 1000 E. Grand Ave., will be celebrating E. W. Marland’s Birthday on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be a cake cutting ceremony at 11:00 a.m. This event is FREE to the public.

Visit Marland’s Grand Home Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

PONCA CITY SENIOR CENTER NEWS MONDAY, MAY 8

Exercise, 8:00 a.m.

Dominoes, 8:00 a.m.

Afternoon Games, 12:30 p.m.

Movie, 12:30 pm.

Senior Diner, 11:30 a.m., $4.00, Scalloped Potatoes with Sausage

TUESDAY, MAY 9

Exercise, 8:00 a.m.

Dominoes, 8:00 a.m.

Afternoon Games, 12:30 p.m.

Line Dance, 2:00 pm.

Senior Diner, 11:30 a.m., $4.00, Chicken Enchiladas

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Exercise, 8:00 a.m.

Dominoes, 8:00 a.m.

Pitch and Bridge, 12:30 p.m.

Afternoon Games, 12:30 p.m.

Senior Diner, 11:30 a.m., $4.00, Tilapia

THURSDAY, MAY 11

Exercise, 8:00 a.m.

Dominoes, 8:00 a.m.

Row at a Time, 10:00 a.m.

Afternoon Games, 12:30 p.m.

Senior Diner, 11:30 a.m., $4.00, Pepperoni Sandwich

FRIDAY, MAY 12

Exercise, 8:00 a.m.

Dominoes, 8:00 a.m.

Lunch-n-Learn, Legal Aid, 11:30 a.m.

Afternoon Games, 12:30 p.m.

Movie, 12:30 pm.

Senior Diner, 11:30 a.m., $4.00, Chicken Corn Dogs Contact: Natalie Elwood, Senior Center Program Specialist, 580-763-8051

LEW WENTZ GOLF COURSE NEWS MONDAY, MAY 8

Senior Day: Those 60+ get an 18-hole cart for the 9-hole rate.

TUESDAY, MAY 9

Ladies Day: Ladies get an 18-hole cart for the 9-hole rate.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Drink Specials: All drink prices reduced, all day.

Contact: Rod Alexander, Golf Pro, 580-767-0433

PARKS AND RECREATION NEWS RED CROSS LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION

• Become a certified Lifeguard by completing this Red Cross lifeguard training course. Taught by certified instructors. Participants will learn what it takes to become a pool lifeguard. o Class dates: April 15 & 16 (register thru April 12) o Class dates: April 29 & 30 (register thru April 26)

• These are 2-day classes on Saturday and Sunday and meet from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. each day.

• For ages 15 and up. The cost is $150.00 per participant.

• Register online at: www.poncacityok. gov/parksandrec-registration

KIDS NIGHT OUT

• Sign your kids up for this awesome 5-hour fun-filled event! The RecPlex will provide dinner, multiple crafts for your child and of course lots of fun in the facility. The kids will wind down with a “popcorn bar” full of treats to snack on while they watch a fun movie.

• Saturday, April 22, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.

• For ages 2-12 years old. The cost is $35.00 and Siblings $10.00.

• Register online thru April 21 at: www.poncacityok.gov/parksandrec- registration Contact: Eric Newell, Parks and Recreation Director, 580767-0430

PAINT NIGHT AT THE RECPLEX

• Paint Night at the RecPlex will help you tap into your creative side to relax and have fun.

• The class is May 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the RecPlex Art Studio.

• For ages 12 and older. The cost is $35.00 per class.

• Register online by May 18 at: www.poncacityok.gov/parksandrec- registration

TAEKWONDO CLASS

• Master Primo Venegas, an instructor with over 30 years of teaching experience, will have 4-week sessions of Taekwondo classes.

• Classes are every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. o Session 2: May 2 thur May 25 (Registration deadline is April 29) o Session 3: June 6 thru June 129 (Registration deadline is June 3) o Session 4: July 10 thru august 3 (Registration deadline is July 7)

• For ages 7 and older. The cost is $75.00 per session.

• Register online at: www.poncacityok. gov/parksandrec-registration

COLOR RUN

• Gather your family, friends or co-workers for the 3rd Annual Color Blast Fun Run! Enrollees will receive a race shirt that will be perfect to wear as you run through 5 various color stages. In order to ensure a shirt, enrollments must be completed by April 23.

• The Color Blast Fun Run will be Saturday, May 6 beginning at 9:00 a.m.

• Open to all ages. The cost is $15.00 per participant.

• Register online thru May 6 at: www.poncacityok.gov/parksandrec- registration

DISCOVER SCUBA

• This class is designed to be a quick and easy introduction into what it takes to explore the underwater world. This is NOT A CERTIFICATION, but rather an experience! All equipment will be provided.

• Class times for May 13: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.

• Class times for May 14: 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.

• For ages 8 and older. The cost is $60.00 per participant.

• Register online thru May 10 at: www.poncacityok.gov/parksandrec- registration

DODGEBALL LEAGUE

• Get your friends together For your 4 v 4 Dodgeball team!

• On Sundays, June 4 thru July 9, at the RecPlex Trampoline Court.

• For ages 12 and older, the cost is $40.00 per team.

• Register online thru June 1 at: www.poncacityok.gov/parksandrec- registration

YOUTH SUMMER BASKETBALL

• Summer Basketball League is a competitive league for Middle School to High School age teams looking for games in the offseason to improve their development and skills.

• Games are Monday thru Thursday, June 5-30, at the RecPlex and Unity Gym

• For ages 12 and older, the cost is $300.00 per team.

• Register online thru May 19 at: www.poncacityok.gov/parksandrec- registration

YOUTH SKATE CLINIC

• The Parks and Recration will be hosting a Beginners Youth Skate Clinic and an Advanced Youth Skate Clinic. The instructor led camp will teach the techniques and skills fundamental to making a great skater. Those who need the necessary gear, boards, pads and helmets will be provided.

• The camp is on Mondays, June 5-26, Beginners are 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Advanced are 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dan Moran Skate Park.

• For ages 8-14, the cost is $40.00.

• Register online thru May 29 at: www.poncacityok.gov/parksandrec- registration

KAYAK RENTAL KIOSK NOW AVAILABLE AT LAKE PONCA

The Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with Phillips 66, is pleased to announce a new kayak rental kiosk available at Lake Ponca, located south of the swim beach on Checkstand Road. The self-contained, self-serve kiosk further advances the shared goals of the two entities, providing Ponca City with more expansive recreational opportunities.

Rent.fun, the vendor responsible for the installation, service, and maintenance of the kiosk, kayaks, and associated equipment, makes renting available via their smartphone application, seven days a week, from dawn to dusk, during the rental season.

Renters can select from one of four kayaks, by scanning an individual compartment of the kiosk and completing the steps on the smartphone application. Each rental includes a paddle and required personal flotation device. Once renters have finished their time on the water, they simply return equipment and finalize their rental at the kiosk.

For further information regarding the new self-serve kayak kiosks or to get information about Parks and Recreation’s beautiful guided kayak tours or special event/group kayak rentals, please contact the Ponca City RecPlex at 580767-0430.

EDWIN FAIR TO HOST MAYFEST

Edwin Fair Mental Health Center will be holding their Mayfest event on Thursday, May 11 on their front lawn at 1500 N. 6th St. in Ponca City from 3 pm to 5:30 pm. Mayfest exists as a means of celebrating May as Mental Health Month and to raise awareness for mental health.

The event will feature several activities, information and treats including community wellness information, booths, a petting zoo, bounce houses, hot dogs, snow cones, chips, popcorn, carnival games, door prizes, and vendors from the area to share their programs and services.

“THE JOURNEY TO HEALING AFTER A LOSS” SUPPORT GROUP OFFERED AT HOSPICE OF NORTH CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

Hospice of North Central Oklahoma will host a 6-week grief support group entitled “The Journey to Healing after a Loss” beginning Wednesday, May 3.

In a safe place surrounded by others who have shared a similar experience, this group will be led by a seasoned professional and will look at the specific issues and bereavement needs of people who grieve the death of someone loved.

Relevant topics, such as the process of grief, secondary losses, and when do I know I am getting better, will be discussed. Time will be set aside each session for individuals to share some of the uniqueness of their grief journey. This can bring healing and comfort, especially if you feel you must put on a brave face while struggling inside. If you have ever wondered, “What do I do now after the loss of my loved one”, this group is for you.

The group will meet at Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Avenue, Ponca City from Noon to 1:15 p.m. each Wednesday. Beginning Wednesday, May 3 and ending June 7. Light snacks will be provided.

RSVP requested. Space is limited. For more information, contact our office at 762-9102.

BASKETBALL TRYOUTS: 9th Grade: Monday, May 8 JV/Varsity: Tuesday, May 9 All tryouts will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at Robson Fieldhouse.

If you are unable to make the scheduled date or for additional questions, contact Jacob Birnbaum at birnbj@pcps.us.

OKLAHOMA MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION TO HOST SMARTIES VIRTUAL TRIVIA NIGHT Fundraiser Open for Team Registration

(OKLAHOMA CITY) – The Oklahoma Museums Association (OMA) will host their annual Smarties virtual trivia night on Friday, June 9. Team registration is open through May 31 to anyone ready for a friendly evening of competition in support of OMA’s programming and professional development for Oklahoma’s 500-plus museums and cultural institutions.

Registration is $25 per player or $200 for a full team of eight. Team members can be together or have individuals in different locations as long as internet access is available. To register and find more information, visit OKMuseums.org/ its-smarties-time.

Individuals must login to the online trivia platform at 6:30 p.m. to join their team’s room and the first round of trivia play will start at 7 p.m. Prizes for first, second and third place will be awarded as gift cards to each registered team member. All registered participants logged in during the event will also have the opportunity to win door prizes. Trivia questions will be created from an assortment of topics with varying degrees of difficulty throughout each round. “Smarties is an evening of fun, friendly competition that we look forward to every year,” said Brenda Granger, Executive Director of the OMA. “The trivia questions are created from an assortment of topics and varying degrees of difficulty throughout each round, so it keeps all team members interested and intrigued. All proceeds benefit our mission to empower Oklahoma museums.”

Event sponsors currently include The Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma Today, Quail Creek Bank, The Route 66 Alliance and West Oklahoma City Rotary Club. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and listed at OKMuseums.org/itssmarties- time.

The Oklahoma Museums Association is a non-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization founded in 1972. Programming offered by the Oklahoma Museums Association is important as the primary source of information and professional development for Oklahoma’s 500-plus museums, historical societies, historic sites, zoos and botanical gardens, historic houses, living history museums, tribal cultural centers and other museum-related institutions.