bmonthly March 2014

SHAMROCK THE VILLE ‘14

Bartlesville Monthly celebrates the return of the Liverpool Legends on March 29th to benefit the WSPCA.

Music

Sports

NORA JANE STRUTHERS

BRUINS BASEBALL

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bartlesville monthly

Last Call

March 2014

THIS MONTH: PETS AT WORK N GREAT AMERICAN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT N COMPREHENSIVE MARCH EVENTS CALENDAR

Tuesday, March 11 ★ 7:30 pm Wednesday April 2 7:30 pm

918-336-2787 | 800-618-2787 | www.bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com

Bartlesville Community Center

From left to right: Pammala Powell-Ramsey, Richard Sewell, Carolyn Glass and Amy Cady

Our Team is Growing!

Meet Cady-Sewell Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors!

We are excited that Richard Sewell, Senior Vice-President – Investments, and Pammala Powell-Ramsey, Senior Client Associate, have joined with us to create a dynamic partnership.

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Our client experience includes, but is not limited to:  Work directly with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™  Over 65 years of combined industry experience  We seek to limit our client base to 100 families or less to help improve our customer service focus  Consistent communication with you through regular communication and portfolio reviews  A high level of personal services  Focus on fast and efficient resolution to issues  A deeper understanding of various family goals, issues and concerns through multi-generational planning We invite you to visit our team website: www.cady-sewellwealthmanagement.com to learn more about our practice.

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what’s inside...

13.

6.

15.

33.

5

Editors Letter

Go ahead - talk to the animals

6 Feature

Our third annual Pet Issue featuring Pets at Work, local pet-focused not-for-profits, and reader submitted pet photos

13

Event: Help! The WSCPA

15

Music: Stories Americana Style

16

Spotlight: Center Stage

Beatles tribute band Liverpool Legends to perform benefit concert Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line at the Kress Great events coming up this month at the Bartlesville Community Center

34.

19

March Calendar

25

Sports: Triple Play

27

Out & About: Photos from around town

30

Business: The Business of the Game

33

Passages: Intrigue and egg rolls

34

Last Call: Shamrock the Ville

Find out what’s happening this month!

BHS baseball team stars of the past bring experience to today’s team This month, BHS Senior Night, John Fullbright OKM House Concert at Frank & Lolas, and All That Jazz Bartlesville Sports Commission and the GAC The story of Eng’s Cafe offers drama and history Mary Martha funrdaiser run paints the town green

March 2014 4

Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

editor’s letter

bartlesville monthly

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March 2014 Volume 4, Issue 3 206 1/2 SE Frank Phillips Blvd.

Bartlesville, OK 74003 918.336.0681

www.bartlesvillemonthly.com www.facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly PUBLISHER / OWNER

Chris Oldroyd chris@bartlesvillemonthly.com

Go ahead – talk to the animals It’s a good thing animals don’t speak our same language on this earth. Can you imagine the secrets they could divulge if they had that option?

I talk to my pets constantly.They are very inane conversations most of the time. I ask them if they would like to go outside as I hold the door open. I ask them if they would like to come inside as I hold the door open.

I caution them when it’s time for me to leave the house for awhile. “I have to go to a meeting now. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

We sometimes discuss what I will be fixing for dinner. I talk and they listen – very attentively. There is tail-wagging involved and sometimes a big doggy smile. The cats play it cool for the most part – unless the meal involves milk or chicken.

Scoff at me if you must, but science backs up my therapeutic pet conversations – though I am definitely not conversing with the cats and dog as part of any self-help program. It’s more that I talk a lot and there are fewer kids around to listen to me these days.

But scientific studies have found a definite positive connection between pets and people. WebMD – where many of us get medical advice whether we admit it or not – notes pets can help alleviate depression, promote

physical activity, provide uncomplicated relationships and improve health. Pets are shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce stress – though not sure this applies to households where dogs are escape artists.

So if you’re looking for more joy in your life, consider getting a dog or cat or fish or gerbil. Washington County SPCA, Animal Rescue Foundation and other local pet rescue groups in town have animals who are just waiting to find their perfect match. Peruse the photos they post online. Visit their offices. It could be your new best friend is there.

Maybe you aren’t ready for a big commitment yet, but you want to see how you and your family would get along with a pet in the household. Foster care provides a chance for you to experience pet ownership on a short-term basis.

But don’t be surprised if you find yourself having a few conversations along the way. After all, dogs are pretty non-judgmental and cats really can seem like they are interested in hearing the latest office gossip. And besides, some of the best people you know talk to their pets all the time – whether they admit it or not.

Laura

EDITOR

Laura Summers laura@bartlesvillemonthly.com ADVERTISING/SALES

Jemme Hennessey jemme@bartlesvillemonthly.com For local sales dial:

918-336-0681 PHOTOGRAPHER

Tony Lehmer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mike Wilt, Lori Esser, Cris Cunningham Rod Walton, Wesley Taggart CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Our lovely pet-owning readers Bartlesville Area History Museum Mark Blumer CALENDAR MANAGER

Wesley Taggart calendar@bartlesvillemonthly.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Robby Perry For subscription information, please visit www.bartlesvillemonthly.com Bartlesville Monthly is a proud member of:

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or otherwise, without prior permission of Bartlesville Monthly, Inc.

About the cover:

This month we recreated the famous Sgt. Pepper’s album cover with local pets to celebrate the return of The Liverpool Legends on March 29th benefitting the WSPCA. Photos by Tony Lehmer, Digital production by Chris Oldroyd.

MARCH 2014 | Bartlesville Monthly

5

PETS at work

Paw, a black lab and blue heeler mix and rescue cat Riley provide frequent entertainment at Bartlesville Monthly staff meetings.

Our office mascots attend editorial meetings and have occasionally found a way to sneak into photo shoots in the loft.

Holly and Jill are very popular with shoppers at LuBella’s Boutique who often stop by to visit with the dogs and end up making purchases in the downtown store owned by Kayla Wilson.

Candy and Hank Shuringa have a world traveling Jack Russell who helps out around the Second Love store in Dewey.

Lotje has lived in six countries and has his own passport.

6

Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

Willie, named for the Kansas State University wildcat mascot, is a rescue cat saved from a near death experience thanks to Manley Animal Hospital’s expert care. Willie splits his time between Manley’s office and Copeland Appliance Center next door. Here is assisting Dale and Donna Copeland at the FedEx counter.

Trooper is an Australian Shepherd who knows the tools of the trade – or can at least look like he does. He is the mascot pet for Terry Melton Construction of Bartlesville.

Murphy knows what you like to drink. The black lab and his owner Jerry Stahl greet customers each day at Bartlesville Wine and Spirits, located on U.S. 75.

MARCH 2014 | Bartlesville Monthly

7

ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION

Fabulous Fifteen Animal Rescue Foundation has provided homes for pets since 1999

Dogs enjoy the ARF park playground.

Right top – A new shell building has been constructed at ARF sanctuary.

Bottom right – Cats at Animal Rescue Foundation enjoy freedom to roam in the agency office.

A group of five dedicated animal lovers decided to pool their resources 15 years ago and create Animal Rescue Foundation of Bartlesville.

With a $100 start-up fund and a pager that kept them in contact, the group embarked on its mission to help animals in need. Now the group that will mark its 15th anniversary in June boasts more than 825 adoptions of pets to happy homes, along with the creation of a membership-based dog park and the beginnings of an 18-acre animal sanctuary.

“All of our animals are rescues one way or another,” Vicki Adams, ARF Bartlesville treasurer, says. “Either they have been abandoned or people bring them in to us.”

The foundation began with space in a pet store called Noah’s Ark, eventually moved to Dewey and then on to a building at 127 N.E. Washington Blvd. that has served as its home for several years.

Here in this sunny space of park benches, ledges and kitty climbing toys, there are cats young and old happily enjoying the chance to hang out with each other and with the volunteers who come 8

Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

seven days a week from 1 to 4 p.m. to pet the animals and introduce them to guests who are interested in adopting them.

Some of the cats are seniors – older felines who likely will never be adopted out, says ARF Vice President Sheila Taylor.

But thanks to sponsorships provided yearly, the animals have a safe and happy home at the foundation for the remainder of their days.

Those interested in adopting pets from the organization also can find photos online at www.arfok.org.

Work is in progress to move operations to the new animal sanctuary located east of Bison Road on U.S. Highway 60. A shell building now is in place at the new home site and additions will be made in phases as money rolls in for the project.

The ARF dog park was one of the first parts of the sanctuary to open providing a wide open space of lovely grass for canine friends to enjoy. Open from sunrise to sunset, the park is full of fun features.

“There is a creek with crawdads and bullfrogs they love,” ARF Secretary Kay Housman says. “The dogs that like water

love running through it.”

There’s a “splash pad for dogs” as well, according to Taylor, provided by water feature toys that will be in place for dogs visiting this summer. The park also has agility equipment. Membership fees are $10 a month – or $100 annually – for one dog and $20 a month – or $200 annually – for a family pack of multiple dogs from the same household.

Donations and fundraising are key to the success of ARF, which operates without any paid staff. One of the organization’s biggest annual events is coming up May 3 when Paws in the Park takes place from noon to 3 p.m. at the foundation sanctuary on U.S. 60. Another big event – ARF Jazz Brunch – will be held in the fall this year.

Donations to the organization also can be made online at wwwarfok.org or by mailing checks made out to Animal Rescue Foundation to P.O. Box 3292, Bartlesville, OK 74006.

Paws to Remember

Photos courtesy of Bark Park Buddies

COOPER DOG PARK

Cooper Dog Park fundraiser honors cherished pets

Photo left - Both dogs and their owners enjoy socialixing at Cooper Dog Park.

Above, Memorial blocks similar to the ones above are being sold as a park fundraiser will create a commerative paved walkway at the park.

Dogs large and small gather on the grassy field to romp and play with their canine friends.

At Cooper Dog Park, 2400 Adams Blvd., furry friends are free to run around off of a leash inside the fenced areas that cover some 2.5 acres. The fun gathering spot, created through the efforts of nonprofit group Bark Park Buddies and the city of Bartlesville, has been growing and evolving since opening two years ago.

“It’s been an asset to Bartlesville,” says Pat Poindexter, Bark Park Buddies vice president.

The latest project is a memorial walkway known as Paws to Remember, which will provide both a practical purpose – a paved area for dogs to come in and out of the park when the grounds are muddy – and a sentimental purpose – honoring and memorializing cherished pets.

The memorial blocks range in price from $50 to more than $250 depending on size and the number of lines to be engraved on them. There are 4-inch by 8-inch blocks, 8-inch by 8-inch blocks and 12-inch by 12-inch blocks. A form to order the blocks is available online at www.

barkparkbuddies.com Bill Buckles, Bark Park Buddies board president, said the group hopes to build the first phase of Paws to Remember this spring. The campaign will be ongoing with new phases constructed each year.

Funds raised from Paws to Remember will go toward the cost of maintaining the park property. The park opened in January 2012 and perks have been added as money becomes available creating more shade and park benches to sit upon.

The park has proved popular with both pets and their owners.

“One of things it’s become which is a benefit we didn’t think about is it’s become a social outlet,” Buckles says. “There are people who have met at the park and made friendships there.”

Of course it was friendship that ultimately led to the creation of the park in the first place. Poindexter made a Facebook posting one day saying ‘Bartlesville needs a dog park.’ Her Facebook friends liked the status, talked about it enough and a campaign to bring a park to Bartlesville was born.

Known as one of the best civic and

private partnerships around, the municipal park maintained by the private efforts of BPB, is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily offering separate areas for small and large dogs.

In addition to the Paws to Remember fundraiser, contributors can support the dog park financially by joining Bark Park Buddies or sending money. For a $50 donation, one can become a member of the organization and receive a free t-shirt as well.

Keep up with the latest news on the dog park by visiting Bark Park Buddies online and following Cooper Dog Park on Facebook.

Donations to Cooper Dog Park should be made payable to Bartlesville Community Foundation with Bark Park Buddies in the memo line and mailed to P.O. Box 394, Bartlesville, OK 74005.

MARCH 2014 | Bartlesville Monthly

9

Photo by Tony Lehmer

WASHINGTON COUNTY SPCA

The Road Home SPCA foster care, transport programs help in pet adoptions

Puppy love has taken hold of Bartlesville.

Furry little bundles of joy have found their way to Washington County SPCA in abundant numbers this year – bringing forth smiles and frustration in equal measure for the organization charged with finding homes for unwanted animals. Close to 200 pets arrived at the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shelter in the first five weeks of the year – many of whom were part of some unusually large litters of winter puppies.

The agency’s foster care program has come to the rescue many times over providing temporary homes for the young dogs until they are ready for adoption.

“Foster care is a great idea for those who want to have a pet without the longterm commitment,” says SPCA Board President Dawnette Brady. “Families who want their kids to have the experience of being with puppies have a great opportunity providing foster care, rather than having a litter or two of their own.”

Some fostering situations include a mama dog who will be feeding the puppies for awhile. Others involve puppies who 10

Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

need bottle feeding until they are able to begin eating solid food.

Many of the puppies who come into SPCA find homes in other states – including Kansas, Minnesota and Colorado – through transport programs that require the dogs to meet behavioral and socialization tests. Foster care teaches these puppies what they need to know to pass the tests, Brady says.

The SPCA uses many outlets to find homes for the animals who come through the door. Adoptions at the shelter, at off-site events around the region and transports to other states all help the rescued cats and dogs find happy homes.

It’s an ongoing busy world for an agency which in 2013 attended to 2,745 unwanted animals.

Each animal that is adopted from the local SPCA has received vaccinations, microchips and been spayed or neutered.

The organization also regularly sponsors clinics to spay and neuter pets brought in by their owners for the service provided at a free or reduced cost rate.

Washington County’s SPCA, which

opened in 1965, is in the midst of a building campaign. The city of Bartlesville in December granted a permit for the first of the new facilities to be built at the site which will be the SPCA’s new location on U.S. Highway 75. The first building that will be constructed on the 10-acre site will house a clinic and emergency evacuation space for dogs and cats. While fundraising for the new site continues, shelter staff have focused on modernizing the agency’s existing quarters on State Highway 123.

With so many animals to care for in its open intake shelter, SPCA is always in need of assistance. Donations of time, money and pet supplies are always welcome. Watch Facebook for updates on immediate needs that arise when the agency faces a sudden surge in population.

Donations can be made online at www.wcspca.org or by mail at Washington County SPCA, 16620 State Highway 123, Bartlesville, OK 74003.

your pets

12

Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

event

HELP! THE WSPCA

Beatles tribute band Liverpool Legends to perform benefit concert Washington County SPCA is getting by with a little help from their friends this month.

Beatles tribute band Liverpool Legends will perform March 29 at HELP! – a fundraiser benefitting the Washington County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The show is slated 7 p.m. at Bartlesville Community Center.

Tickets to see the Liverpool Legends benefit concert, which are priced $12-$57, are on sale now at www. bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com or by calling 918-336-2787.

The Beatles tribute band, a group of talented musicians hand- picked by Louise Harrison - sister of the late George Harrison, takes the audience back to 1964 with a concert of the Fab Four’s much loved music. And what could be more fun than celebrating the 50th anniversary of the British invasion in a benefit that provides funds to help support the SPCA? Liverpool Legends perform songs spanning the career of the Beatles providing precise attention to musical

details in a show that includes vintage instruments, colorful costume changes and fun special effects.

Headlining their own production in Branson since 2006, the Liverpool Legends have been voted “Best New Show,” “Best Band” and “Best Show in Branson.”

The band is comprised of Marty Scott as George Harrison, Kevin Mantegna as John Lennon, Bob Beahon as Paul McCartney and Greg George as Ringo Starr. Bob Dobro joins the band with assistance on keyboard performance and arranging.

Scott has mastered Harrison’s vocal style, as well as his guitar solos. Mantegna strives for a fun-loving impersonation of Lennon’s playful style, while Beahon’s finetuned attention to detail in his performance of McCartney includes playing bass lefthanded. George is an ideal performer for Starr having developed a playing style that is similar, along with a look that bears a very close resemblance to the Beatles’ beloved drummer.

Liverpool Legends are back in

Bartlesville by popular demand. The group first performed here in July 2012 as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of Sunfest Arts and Music Festival. The tribute band returned to the Ville in April 2013 to play a benefit concert for SPCA, which was so well-received that the organization invited the performers back for another show.

The theme works well as animals featured often in the lyrics or titles of The Beatles repertoire of songs from “I am the Walrus” in 1967’s Magical Mystery Tour to “Rocky Raccoon” in 1968’s “The Beatles” to “Hey Bulldog” of 1969’s “Yellow Submarine.” And, of course, there is “Octopus’s Garden” from 1969’s “Abbey Road,” “And Your Bird Can Sing” from 1966’s “Yesterday…and Today” and “Martha My Dear,” which was inspired by McCartney’s Old English sheepdog and was featured in 1968 on “The White Album.”

To learn more about how animals in Washington County receive help from the SPCA visit the organization’s website at www.wcspca.org or follow the group on Facebook.

MARCH 2014 | Bartlesville Monthly

13

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music

Stories Americana style OKM House concert to feature Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line In today’s musical landscape, the Americana genre casts a wide net encompassing elements of folk, blues, rock, jazz and even classical.

No matter the musical foundation, in its beginnings, Americana music was simply a way for older generations to pass their stories to the younger.

The music of Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line touches multiple genres within the Americana spectrum, but the lyrics reach that same time-honored goal.

Nora Jane Struthers writes story-songs from a woman’s perspective and brings this tradition to a contemporary setting.

OK Mozart and The Original Artist Agency present Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line in concert Sunday, March 23 at The Frank Phillips Club in The Kress Building (206 SE Frank Phillips Blvd). Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins with The Hey Diddles String Band, an Oklahoma City bluegrass band already in favor with Bartlesville audiences.

Tickets are $22 in advance and can be purchased at either OK Mozart or

Bartlesville Community Center box offices, online at www.okmozart.com or by calling 918-337-2787. Complimentary beverages will be provided to concertgoers.

Each tune Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line performs features a unique story. Stretching from the 19th century Antebellum south through the glow in a young girl’s eyes attending her first big tent carnival to an over-bearing mother panicked at the sight of her daughter in possession of a deck of playing cards, these songs tell uniquely American tales from birth to the end of life.

“I’m really passionate about the stories in the old ballads and story-songs,” says Struthers. “I’m trying to bring that element of traditional music forward into a contemporary sonic space. I want story-songs to live on in a way that will be accessible to more people. That’s my artistic mission. When we hear another person’s story, we gain perspective and are changed. We’re able to see our own lives through new eyes.”

While the focus of each song remains

its story, the fantastic band Nora Jane has assembled cannot be overlooked.

The Party Line includes Joe Overton (clawhammer banjo and harmony vocals), Nick DiSebastian (upright bass and guitar), Jack Devereux (fiddle) and Drew Lawhorn (drums). The quintet creates raucous energy and subtle beauty per the demands of each particular tune and the group feeds off of those in attendance.

“We have intense energy exchanges between us on stage and the audience,” says Struthers. “There’s a crackle in the room all the time. We just wanna rock and the energy exchange will only be what you make it. I want to make it joyous, filled with sorrow, pain, excitement; but I want everyone in the room to feel something, that they’re leaving with something new.”

Concertgoers will definitely experience something new as this is the Bartlesville debut of Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line. For more information on this band, navigate to www.norajanestruthers.com or search the multitude of videos available on YouTube.

MARCH 2014 | Bartlesville Monthly

15

spotlight

CENTER STAGE There’s music in the air this spring as Bartlesville Community Center plays host to big shows on the big stage. Here’s a roundup of some not-to-be-missed performances.

The Ten Tenors March 11

With more than 3.5 million concert tickets sold, The Ten Tenors have powered their way to stardom with a unique approach to opera.

Broadway in Bartlesville brings to town this popular Australian troupe, which has four gold and two platinum CDs blending rock and classical music together in their own special style.

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Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

Thank You for the Music Abba Tribute Band March 24

High energy dance and powerful harmonies combine in this dynamic tribute to Swedish pop super-group ABBA. A musical tribute extraordinaire of the unforgettable hits of ABBA this nostalgic journey is sure to get the audience up and moving to favorites like “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo” and “Take a Chance on Me.”

Westside Story

The Abrams Brothers

Musical theater was changed forever 50 years ago when this classic show about New York City came to life. Westside Story returns to make history again in this Broadway in Bartlesville production of one of the greatest love stories of all time.

Don’t miss this thrilling presentation of a matchless work of art combining stellar music and choreography.

A mixture of bluegrass, country and folk rock characterize this young Canadian group of brothers who will take the Bartlesville stage as part of Community Concert Association’s 2014 line-up. With a freshly recorded album and a busy international touring schedule, this group’s program ranges from “Mr.Tambourine Man” to “City of New Orleans” to “Lady Be Good.”

April 2

April 4

MARCH 2014 | Bartlesville Monthly

17

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Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

March Calendar BARTLESVILLE MONTHLY MAGAZINE AND EASTLAND FOUR THEATER PRESENT Know of an upcoming event that should be listed here?

Visit us at www.bartlesvillemonthly.com to submit a listing! It’s free!

All listings are by reader submission. Not responsible for errors. Bartlesville Monthly reserves the right remove inappropriate content.

bartlesville monthly

Saturday, March 1

Monday, March 3

Music With a View

Open House

Bartlesville Community Center,

Elder Care, 1223 Swan Drive 10 AM

300 SE Adams Blvd 7:30 PM

Enjoy a coffee and pastry while taking a

A classical concert: Brahms Symphony

behind-the-scenes tour of Elder Care and

No. 4, Debussy: Prelude to the Afternoon

learn about all our programs.

of a Faun, Nielsen: Helios Overture, and Smetana: The Moldau - with photography.

Tuesday, March 4

St. John Catholic School Gala

Cake Decorating: Ruffles & Roses

Johnstone-Sare Building,

Tri County Technology Center,

Corner of Johnstone and Frank

6101 SE Nowata Road 6 PM

Phillips Blvd 6:30 PM

Learn how to turn a simple cake into a

The night will feature 1920’s menu and

spectacular cake by using only three or

theme. Dress in 20’s duds to really enjoy

four basic techniques, transforming the

the night. Check us out on facebook: St.

flavor & appearance. Space is limited.

John Catholic School Auction 2014.

Couponing Basics Jake Hemphill

Tri County Technology Center,

Painted Horse Bar & Grille,

6101 SE Nowata Road 6 PM

110 SW Frank Phillips Blvd 9 PM

Do you want to learn how to get the best

Live music

deals when out shopping and where to find the coupons you need? Join this

Honky Tonk Saviors

class. Space is limited, call for details.

NINE18 Bar, Osage CasinoBartlesville, 222 Allen Road 9 PM

PINspired: Washer Necklaces

Free, live music.

Tri County Technology Center, 6101 SE Nowata Road 6 PM

Red Eye Gravy

This class teaches you how to turn a

Angelo’s Tavern,

simple washer into a beautiful piece of

130 S Cherokee Ave 9 PM

jewelry! Space is limited, call for details.

Loves It

K-Life Annual Spring Fundraising Dinner

Frank & Lola’s, 200 SE 2nd St 10 PM

Bartlesville Community Center,

This Harmony-driven, Acoustic duo from

300 SE Adams Blvd 6:30 PM

Austin returns! Loves It is family around

Dink’s Dinner and Program.

here, it’s always a treat to have Jenny Parrott and Vaughn Walters in town!

BINGO The American Legion Post 105, 501 NE Washington 7:15 PM

Wednesday, March 5 Walk-In Wednesday Sugarica, 201 S Osage Ave 10 AM Stop by for a freshly-baked sweet treat! Follow us on Facebook for each week’s menu. Open 10 am - 2 pm every

Great American Conference Tournament

Wednesday.

Bruin Fieldhouse, 1700 Hillcrest Drive 12 PM

A+ Rewards

Each bracket – men’s and women’s – will

Washington Park Mall,

feature an eight-team, single-elimination

2350 SE Washington Blvd 10 AM

format to crown their eventual champions,

Wednesday’s are Double Point Days!

who will advance to the NCAA Division II

Make sure to drop your mall receipts

Tournament. Men’s quarterfinals.

at the A+ Rewards lockers next to JCPenney!!!

Prairie Dinner & Cooking School with Aunt Pearl

Ken Spurgeon: Director of Road to Valhalla

The Osage Room @ Tri-County Tech

Bartlesville Area History Museum-

Aunt Pearl cooks up good food and

Pioneer Gallery, 401 S Johnstone-5th

laughs. Proceeds go to The Kiddie Park.

Floor 12 PM

Sponsored by Pilot Club of Bartlesville.

Ken Spurgeon, Director of “Bloody

$50 per person. 918-336-0351 for ticket

Dawn” and “Road to Valhalla” will hold a

info.

Center, 6101 Nowata road 6:30 PM

movie presentation and book signing.

Thursday, March 6 Stan Clark, founder of Eskimo Joe’s Bartlesville Community Center, 300 SE Adams Blvd 11:30 AM Bartlesville Chamber Forum featuring Stan Clark, founder of Eskimo Joe’s.

Chamber Member Event. $25 per person including lunch.

MARCH 2014 | Bartlesville Monthly

19

Growing & Using Herbs

3500 SE Frank phillips Blvd 6 PM

Tri County Technology Center,

Brandon Clark w/ Jimmie Johnson

Informational meeting for the FlowCo free

6101 SE Nowata Road 6:30 PM

Angelo’s Tavern,

community fitness program! Located in the

Learn about growing, storing, & using 10

131 S Cherokee Ave 9 PM

JPMC lower lever classroom. For more

of the most popular herbs: basil, lavender,

Saturday, March 8

information call Kelsey at 918.331.1102

parsley, rosemary, thyme, sage, cilantro, chives, oregano, & mint.

Tuesday, March 11

BINGO

Big Country Breakfast benefitting Pack the BackPacks

BINGO

The American Legion Post 105,

Elk’s Lodge, 1060 Swan Drive 7:30 AM

The American Legion Post 105,

501 NE Washington 7:15 PM

Tickets are $6 and include pancakes,

501 NE Washington 7:15 PM

eggs, biscuits & gravy, sausage and

Karaoke

bacon. Proceeds benefit Washington

“The Ten Tenors”

Solo Club, 408 E 2nd Street 9 PM

County School Supply Drive - Pack the

Bartlesville Community Center,

BackPacks.

300 Adams Boulevard 7:30 PM

Friday, March 7

from Australia brings a unique sound

Great American Conference Tournament

Copper Bar, 510 S Dewey 8 AM

to both classical & pop music. Call the

Bruin Fieldhouse,

Second Saturday of every month Jo

BoxOffice for tckets 918.336.2787 .

1700 Hillcrest Drive 12 PM

Hemian will perform live jazz music in

Women’s quarterfinals & GAC Fan Fest

Copper Bar. Come enjoy live Jazz, a glass

Wednesday, March 12

with appearance by Tulsa 66ers mascot

of wine and a beautiful view.

Walk-In Wednesday Great American Conference Tournament

Sugarica, 201 S Osage Ave 10 AM

“HER WAY: An Interesting Bunch of Gals”

Bruin Fieldhouse,

Stop by for a freshly-baked sweet

1700 Hillcrest Drive 12 PM

treat! Follow us on Facebook for each

St. Luke’s Great Hall, St Luke’s 6:30 PM

Men’s semifinals & Women’s semifinals.

week’s menu. Open 10 am - 2 pm every

Join us for an evening of Music, Humor

Back Roads Band

Songwriter Megon McDonough performs

NINE18 Bar, Osage Casino- Bartlesville,

A+ Rewards

songs of Patsy Cline, Cher, Judy Garland

222 Allen Road 9 PM

Washington Park Mall,

and more. Dinner and Show benefiting

Free, live music.

2350 SE Washington Blvd 10 AM Make sure to drop your mall receipts at the

Angelo’s Tavern,

A+ Rewards lockers next to JCPenney!!!

132 S Cherokee Ave 9 PM

Thursday, March 13

The Yawpers return as they make their

Gardening Class: Perennials, Natives & Annuals

annual pilgrimage to SXSW! This sweaty

Tri County Technology Center,

trio is the most rock you’ll ever find from

6101 SE Nowata Road 6:30 PM

two acoustic guitars and a drummer!

Learn how to select the correct perennials,

Sunday, March 9

natives, & annuals for your garden, as well

Frank & Lola’s, 200 SE 2nd St 10 PM

as methods for journaling your planting successes for future years.

Copper Bar at Price Tower,

Great American Conference Tournament

510 S Dewey Ave 8 PM

Bruin Fieldhouse,

BINGO

Get an early start for St. Paddy’s Day with

1700 Hillcrest Drive 1 PM

The American Legion Post 105,

Kilkenny Road, Bartlesville’s only Irish Pub

Men’s championship & Women’s

501 NE Washington 7:15 PM

band. Featuring lively Irish music and fun

championship game.

pub vocals.

Monday, March 10

Back Roads Band 222 Allen Road 9 PM

FLOWCo General Information Meeting

Free, live music.

Jane Phillips Medical Center,

NINE18 Bar, Osage Casino- Bartlesville,

20

222 Allen Road 9 PM Free, live music.

Free, Live Music!

Angelo’s Tavern, 134 S Cherokee Ave 9 PM

Saturday, March 15

SHAMROCK the ‘VILLE 5K Downtown Bartlesville 9 AM This is a 5K chip-timed race & 1 mile non timed Fun Run in historic downtown Bartlesville. Prizes & great costumes. All proceeds benefit Mary Martha Outreachnon-profit organization.

Wednesday’s are Double Point Days!

Chase Sanford Band

The Yawpers

Kilkenny Road Irish Band

NINE18 Bar, Osage Casino- Bartlesville,

Wednesday.

and Memories as Chicago Singer/

CONCERN Child Learning Center.

Steve Liddell

This outstanding group of vocal musicians

Second Saturdays - Jazz Night

Routie the Roadrunner.

Friday, March 14

Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

Karaoke Solo Club, 408 E 2nd Street 9 PM

Motorcycle Show Washington Park Mall, 2350 SE Washington Blvd 10 AM Christian Motorcycle Association will be hosting their Annual Motorcycle Show.

Jake Hemphill Band Painted Horse Bar & Grille, 110 SW Frank Phillips Blvd 9 PM

St. Paddy’s Celebration Painted Horse Bar & Grille, 110 SW Frank Phillips Blvd 9 PM Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with Kilkenny Road, Bartlesville’s only Irish Pub band.

Featuring lively Irish music and fun pub vocals.

Steve Liddell

Conway Jackson Band

NINE18 Bar, Osage Casino-

Angelo’s Tavern,

SHOP & SUPPORT

Bartlesville, 222 Allen Road 9 PM

YOUR LOCAL SCHOOLS!

Free, live music.

HELP YOUR FAVORITE SCHOOL EARN A CHANCE TO WIN

ITS SHARE OF $10,000

P LE AS E VIS IT WASHINGT O NPA R KM A L L. COM

Cody Shaw & The Rhythm Boys St Pattys Party

Monday, March 24

136 S Cherokee Ave 9 PM

Saturday, March 22 62nd Annual Bartlesville Indian Womens Club Wild Onion Dinner

Angelo’s Tavern, 135 S Cherokee Ave 9 PM

A + REWA R D S P R OG R AM I N PA RT NER S H IP W ITH

Washington County Fairgrounds,

FLOWCo, Washington County’s Community Fitness Program Sooner Park, 6 PM FREE program for all ages, shapes, & sizes! Folks are divided into training groups based on fitness level. Mondays & Thursdays at 6 pm. Call Kelsey for

bartlesville monthly

Dewey, OK 11 AM The Bartlesville Indian Women’s Club will

more information 918-331-1102.

host its 62nd Annual Wild Onion Dinner fundraiser from 11am to 6pm Carry-out is available. Tickets are $8 for adults or $4 for children. Call 918-914-3358 for

A+ Rewards

tickets.

Washington Park Mall,

Jake Hemphill

PILGRIM!

2350 SE Washington Blvd 10 AM

Painted Horse Bar & Grille,

Frank & Lola’s, 200 SE 2nd St 10 PM

Wednesday’s are Double Point Days!

110 SW Frank Phillips Blvd 9 PM

One of Tulsa’s most favorite bands

Make sure to drop your mall receipts

Live music

returns! This is an amazing, tight band

at the A+ Rewards lockers next to

led by Beau Roberson’s big vocals

JCPenney!!!

Retro Rockerz

Thursday, March 20

NINE18 Bar, Osage Casino-

with an undercurrent of JJ Cale & Leon Russell.

Monday, March 17

“Break for the Civil War”

ABBA Tribute Concert Bartlesville Community Center, 300 SE Adams Blvd 7:30 PM An exciting and dynamic tribute to

Bartlesville, 222 Allen Road 9 PM

the Swedish pop super-group ABBA.

Free, live music.

Powerful harmonies, high energy dance, and the unforgettable hits of ABBA make

Bartlesville Area History Museum,

The Hey Diddles String Band

FLOWCo, Washington County’s Community Fitness Program

401 S Johnstone 1 PM

Frank & Lola’s, 200 SE 2nd St. 10 PM

“Break for the Civil War” Spring

High lonesome harmonies, engaging

Sooner Park, 6 PM

Break event for 3rd-6th graders. 1

stage banter and fantastic musicianship

FREE program for all ages, shapes,

pm - 3:45 pm. FREE-RESERVATIONS

defines this bluegrass quintet from OKC.

& sizes! Folks are divided into training

REQUIRED.

groups based on fitness level. Mondays & Thursdays at 6 pm. Call Kelsey for more information 918-331-1102.

Tuesday, March 18

Sunday, March 23

Amaze your friends and family with delicious shrimp, salmon, shellfish, & other delicacies grilled quickly & easily at

FREE program for all ages, shapes,

home. Space is limited, call for details.

& sizes! Folks are divided into training groups based on fitness level. Mondays & Thursdays at 6 pm. Call Kelsey for

This is our monthly meeting. This

more information 918-331-1102.

months special guest is Pat’s Framing, presenting how to frame. Public invited.

BINGO The American Legion Post 105, 501 NE Washington 7:15:00 PM

BINGO The American Legion Post 105,

BINGO

Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line

The American Legion Post 105,

Frank Phillips Club in The Kress

501 NE Washington 7:15 PM

206 SE Frank Phillips Blvd 6 PM

Karaoke

501 NE Washington 7:15 PM

Wednesday, March 26

OKM and Ortiginal Artist Agency team up to bring this fantastic Nashville band to

Solo Club, 408 E 2nd Street 9 PM

Bartlesville. Tickets are $22 in advance

Friday, March 21

and available at okmozart.com. See the

Sugarica, 201 S Osage Ave 10 AM

Retro Rockerz

Free, Live Music!

Stop by for a freshly-baked sweet

NINE18 Bar, Osage Casino-

Angelo’s Tavern,

treat! Follow us on Facebook for each

Bartlesville, 222 Allen Road 9 PM

137 S Cherokee Ave 9 PM

week’s menu. Open 10 am - 2 pm every

Free, live music.

Wednesday, March 19 Walk-In Wednesday

Wednesday.

Grilled Seafood 6101 SE Nowata Road 6 PM

Sooner Park, 6 PM

Johnstone Park Art Center, 7 PM

Tuesday, March 25 Tri County Technology Center,

FLOWCo, Washington County’s Community Fitness Program

Bartlesville Art Asociation Meeting

this musical tribute one not to be missed.

story in this issue for more information.

Walk-In Wednesday Sugarica, 201 S Osage Ave 10 AM Stop by for a freshly-baked sweet treat! Follow us on Facebook for each week’s menu. Open 10 am - 2 pm every Wednesday.

A+ Rewards Washington Park Mall, 2350 SE Washington Blvd 10 AM Wednesday’s are Double Point Days! Make sure to drop your mall receipts at the A+ Rewards lockers next to JCPenney!!!

MARCH 2014 | Bartlesville Monthly

21

Thursday, March 27 Author Steve Cottrell and Artist Andy Thomas

Karaoke Solo Club, 408 E 2nd Street 9 PM

Friday, March 28

Pioneer Gallery,

Celebrity Sing for Youth and Family Services of Washington County

401 S Johnstone 12 PM

Bartlesville Community Center,

Author, Steve Cottrell & Artist, Andy

300 S.E. Adams Blvd., 7:30 PM

Thomas of of Carthage, MO present

Call 918-335-1111 for information on this

there work on the Civil War.

popular annual fundraiser.

Golden Hour

Another Alibi

300 S.E. Adams Blvd. 7 PM

Elder Care, 1223 Swan Drive 5:30 PM

NINE18 Bar, Osage Casino-

The complete Beatles experience with all

A free social night with live entertainment,

Bartlesville, 222 Allen Road 9 PM

proceeds benefitting Washington County

Wink Burcham

food and beverages and giveaways. No

Free, live music.

SPCA. Tickets at 918-336-2787.

Frank & Lola’s, 200 SE 2nd St 10 PM

Free, Live Music!

Another Alibi

pond for European dates in April. Come

Angelo’s Tavern,

NINE18 Bar, Osage Casino-

send him off in style as we raise funds to

138 S Cherokee Ave 9 PM

Bartlesville, 222 Allen Road 9 PM

help him along the journey!

Saturday, March 29

Free, live music.

Monday, March 31

Bartlesville Area History Museum-

HELP! WCSPCA presents Liverpool Legends Bartlesville Community Center,

RSVP required and it is open to anyone over the age of 60.

FLOWCo, Washington County’s Community Fitness Program Sooner Park, 6 PM

Wink returns preceding his trip across the

FREE program for all ages, shapes, & sizes! Folks are divided into training

Pinewood Derby

groups based on fitness level. Mondays &

Washington Park Mall,

FLOWCo, Washington County’s Community Fitness Program

Thursdays at 6 pm. Call Kelsey for more

2350 SE Washington Blvd 10 AM

Sooner Park, 6 PM

information 918-331-1102.

Osage Hills Boyscout District Pinewood

FREE program for all ages, shapes,

Derby. Come out and support the local

& sizes! Folks are divided into training

BINGO

groups based on fitness level. Mondays &

boyscouts.

The American Legion Post 105,

‘

501 NE Washington 7:15 PM

Dustin Pittsley Band

Thursdays at 6 pm. Call Kelsey for more

Angelo’s Tavern,

information 918-331-1102.

133 S Cherokee Ave 9 PM

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Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

at Corner of Johnstone and SW Frank Phillips Boulevard!

24

Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

sports

Triple Play

Coach Spence Rigdon and the Senior Bruins Baseball players.

BHS baseball team stars of the past bring experience to today’s team

BY ROD WALTON Baseball’s past, present and future are linked as tightly as a 6-4-3 double play in Bartlesville.

This spring’s Bartlesville High School squad features a coach with long ties to the city’s programs and a key player whose father was a celebrated former Bruin. The club is short on experience, but long on potential.

“We graduated 13 seniors last year,” Coach Spence Rigdon says. “I think we’ve got some boys who can play. It’s just a matter of doing it.”

Rigdon, in his 10th year leading BHS, knows something about proving it on the field. He starred as a Bruin football and baseball player in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Last year’s team won more than 20 games, but the Bruins have to replace frontof-the-rotation pitchers James Teague and Austin Stone. Tyler Yardley, whose father Randy was a multi-talented teammate of Rigdon’s way back when, will pitch and play first base.

Garrick Johnson, Skylar Frizzell, Ryan Behar and Gabe Mittal also will need to contribute mightily if the Bruins are to

echo past glories.

“That’s what we’re counting on, “ Rigdon says. “We feel like we’ve got a lot of guys who can win.”

Rigdon always knew he wanted to coach – even dating back to his Little League and American Legion years. He looked up to local legends like Jerome Gibson, who coached BHS to softball and baseball state titles in successive seasons, and youth league coaches like Tom Bucher, who mentored young players.

“We won a Little League state championship and got to go to Baxter Springs and play in a regional,” Rigdon recalls. “I thought it was the World Series.”

Bucher’s son Aaron was a teammate of Rigdon’s on all those teams through high school. Aaron Bucher is now athletic director and baseball coach at Arkansas City, Kan., while fellow classmate Tommy DeSalme also coaches basketball at Cowley Community College in Arkansas City.

“We’re all still good buddies,” Rigdon notes. “We communicate, and when we’re together, it’s stories of what you endure.”

Aaron Bucher also recalls those high school athletic days fondly. He believes the trio share an unbreakable bond knowing what the other is going through.

“It is one of those things that when you can no longer play you look for something to satisfy the competitive desire that never dies and coaching is one way to do that ,” Bucher says.

Bucher grew up loving Bruin basketball – he played on one of Coach Steve Hesser’s state championship squads – and BHS and American Legion baseball. He also soaked up the sunny discipline of baseball while learning much from those who taught it.

“I idolized those who played before me and all I ever wanted to do was play baseball at the stadium and basketball at the fieldhouse,” he says. “It’s hard to describe the feelings you get when you think about games and time spent there.”

Rigdon can relate. Those experiences fly by like a cut fastball, but he holds on to them and uses many of them in teaching the game today.

It’s a calling as much as a profession in his opinion.

“I think so,” Rigdon says. “We do have a lot of perks. That’s my pay – to be able to impact kids.”

MARCH 2014 | Bartlesville Monthly

25

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29

business

THE BUSINESS OF THE

GAME WITH OVER $7.5 MILLION IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY TO DATE, AND ON THE EVE OF THE 2014 GREAT AMERICAN TOURNAMENT, THE BARTLESVILLE SPORTS COMMISSION ANXIOUSLY AWAITS WORD IF BARTLESVILLE WILL CONTINUE TO HOST FOR 2015, 2016 AND 2017.

30

Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

BY MIKE WILT Seven years ago, a handful of civic leaders had a vision – to promote and attract athletic events and positively impact the Bartlesville area economy.

While not even formally organized, the unnamed group took its very first step in realizing that vision by submitting a bid to host a four-day NCAA Division II post-season basketball tournament. They believed going through the process would be good experience and would benefit them in the future. But in 2007, officials with the Lone Star Conference shocked the group by naming Bartlesville as the site of its championship tournament…for the next three years.

“We never dreamed we’d get it,” says Bob Pomeroy, one of the members of the group that quickly formed and became the Bartlesville Sports Commission. “The next thing we knew we had a contract to bring a huge event to town.”

The sports commission has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a loosely structured band of Bartlesville boosters. It is an independent, nonprofit organization with the Bartlesville Community Foundation and is led by a 13-person board of directors along with a leadership team that consists of regional business, community, and sports leaders.

It also has grown to host several other noteworthy events including the annual Bartlesville Sports Hall of Fame black-tie dinner.

“Every November, this first-class event recognizes individuals and teams that, through their athletic achievements, have brought honor to themselves, their school, and the community,” says Pomeroy.

The BSC has successfully brought into Bartlesville regional and national amateur sporting events including the American Legion World Series and the American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC) Sandy

Koufax Division World Series for players age 14 and younger. Bill Doenges Memorial Stadium was the site for the 2013 event and will be so again in August of this year.

“Every dollar spent by a visiting team, parent or patron turns over several times in our local economy and positively impacts retail profits and outside revenues for city operations,” Pomeroy says.

One cannot talk about the BSC without mentioning the heart and soul of the organization- more than 300 volunteers.

“We have shown over time that we can put on well-run, professional tournaments,” says Pomeroy. “And that is why the players, coaches, administrators, parents, and fans love coming to Bartlesville. Nobody can do it like we can.”

In March 2008, Bartlesville welcomed 16 Lone Star Conference men’s and women’s basketball teams from Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.

The commission went on to host the LSC tournament for four consecutive years.

“That first year was really hard,” says Pomeroy, who for years has served as BSC chairman. “I really don’t know how we did it because we had never hosted a tournament and the LSC had never held a tournament. It was hard to make a mistake because we had nothing to judge it by. As long as we played basketball, everything was good.”

In March 2011, came a potentially game-changing development. The NCAA announced that the Great American Conference was officially accepted as the 23rd Division II athletics conference. It was comprised of teams from Arkansas and Oklahoma including several that used to belong to the Lone Star Conference.

With only one Oklahoma member remaining in the Texas-based conference, Bartlesville was no longer a viable option for the LSC tournament.Thus, BSC officials began talks with the newly-formed GAC. Negotiations were successful and Bruin

Fieldhouse again was the site of NCAA basketball in 2012 and 2013.

The arena will be host site for the third consecutive GAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships this March 6-9.

“We’ve had a great experience the past two years,” says GAC Commissioner Will Prewitt. “As a new conference, there was a lot of apprehension about finding a good location for our post-season tournament.

But Bartlesville has been a great location and has provided our student-athletes with a first class experience.”

The GAC is headquartered in Russellville, Arkansas and is comprised of six universities in Arkansas and five in Oklahoma with a sixth to be added in the near future.

The four-day, single-elimination tournament will determine which men’s and women’s teams will automatically qualify for the Division II national tournament.

In January, the BSC officially submitted its bid to host the GAC post-season basketball tournament for 2015, 2016, and 2017. The only other bid that was submitted came from Hot Springs.

The winning bidder is expected to be announced on June 17.

All told, the six basketball tournaments to date have positively impacted the local economy by an estimated $7.5 million.

But the BSC does much more than just roll out the red carpet for visiting athletic teams and their followers.

“Our mission is to instill in the hearts and minds of Bartlesville youth the motivation to excel in athletics, to build excitement around all regional athletic events, and to generate and promote athletic activities that will have a positive economic impact on the Bartlesville area,” Pomeroy says.

Seven years ago, that was the BSC’s vision. Seven years later, it is Bartlesville’s reality.

Great American Conference Tournament March 6 – 9 Bartlesville High Fieldhouse Basketball games Thursday through Sunday Bartlesville Community Fan Fest Party on Friday www.bartlesvillesports.com www.greatamericanconference.com

MARCH 2014 | Bartlesville Monthly

31

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32

Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

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Photo courtesy of Bartlesville Area History Museum

Intrigue and egg rolls The story of Eng’s Café offers drama and history

passages

Albert Y. Eng was born on Independence Day in the dynasty of a Hawaiian king, but he chose to leave the islands behind and make his life in the downtown Bartlesville restaurant business.

Eng’s Café was a well-known ChineseAmerican restaurant on Third Street (now Frank Phillips Boulevard) that enjoyed prosperity for nearly three decades. The story of the family and its eatery is filled with intrigue, anecdotes and even murder.

Eng’s employees included “Sonny” and Flo, his son and daughter-in-law, and three other Chinese cooks - Bill Tong, Tom Sing and Hing Woo. Typically, doctors, dentists and attorneys, were some of their best customers.

Mr. Eng led a long and fruitful life through the age of 105 years. Born July 4, 1893, he grew up in his native Hawaii attending both Chinese and American schools with classes that began at 6:30 a.m. each day. He left the islands at the age of 22 years traveling by boat to the San Francisco World’s Fair exhibition.

Most of Eng’s vocational experiences were in restaurants that he co-owned or owned, with the exception of when

he worked in a California peach orchard.

In broken and intermittent English in a recorded interview, he wittily recounted making himself sick on the orchard peaches because Honolulu did not have that kind of fruit.

From San Francisco, he moved to Chicago to work with family in the Golden Pheasant, a very popular restaurant with 25 waiters, two headwaiters and a 10-piece orchestra. Oklahoma became their next destination because of the oil boom.

Living and working in Okmulgee with his family of five sisters, brothers and his mother, the Engs ran a lucrative restaurant, each making $400 a month in wages. Mr. Eng declared “Big money, big money.” By 1939, with five children of his own, Eng moved to Bartlesville and opened his café.

All went along well for the Eng family for the next 20 years or so. Then the Engs’ 17-year old granddaughter Gloria married and problems began. Family stress mounted as harassment and arguments escalated. The quandary climaxed when mother Flo, decided to take matters into her own hands.

Local police had been involved many

times, the last one occurring on Sunday evening in April 1962. Monday morning, Gloria left the house after a call from her husband and met him at the corner of Sixth Street and Delaware Avenue. At 9:35 a.m., Flo came out of the house and told her she had a phone call.

The scene played out like a movie drama ending in death. Mrs. Eng went to the sidewalk, took aim and fired killing Thomas J. McClain. The case went to trial and the drama was played out in the courtroom.

Meanwhile, life went on for the Eng family and the restaurant, which remained open until 1965 when Eng’s Café closed up shop after 26 years in business in downtown Bartlesville. Mr. Eng would live another 40 years in retirement. He became an American businessman who brought his culinary skills to the table and succeeded.

Passages was written by Bartlesville Area History Museum staff. Visit the museum on the 5th Floor of the City Center Building, 401 S. Johnstone, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

MARCH 2014 | Bartlesville Monthly

33

last call

Shamrock the Ville Mary Martha fundraiser run paints the town green

BY LORI ESSER Green body suits. Check. Green tutus.

Check. Green tights, wigs and shoes. Check, check, check. No, this isn’t the Grinch’s closet. It’s the 5th annual Shamrock the Ville - a 5k Run and Fun Run held on Saturday, March 15.

The run is a chip-timed race with prizes to the top three racers overall by age and gender and a quality long-sleeve t-shirt given to every participant. The course is certified by USA Track & Field and winds through historic downtown Bartlesville.

The run benefits Mary Martha Outreach, which helps to combat poverty in five local counties in and surrounding Bartlesville. With the ever-increasing number of families coming into the mission for food, clothing and other essential services, funds raised from this annual event are critical to meeting their needs.

“A new fundraiser during St. Patrick’s Day started evolving as Jamie Wood’s brain 34

Bartlesville Monthly | MARCH 2014

child while the Buffalo event was wrapping up,” says Denay Huddleston, race director and MMO Board Member. “It has become a growing fundraiser ever since. In our first year we had 250 runners and last year we had 702. We go over and beyond to make sure this is a fun and safe race for the participants. We place volunteers at every intersection so runners can concentrate on the race and not safety concerns. And St. Patrick’s Day is just a fun holiday to celebrate and wear green.”

And green is the theme for everything.

Last year, committee members added a green spray-painted couch and photo booth with wacky green objects for participants to capture their race memories. DJ Connections from Tulsa will Emcee as well as playing everyone’s favorite party jams during warm-up, race time and runner’s celebratory finish.

Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m. But don’t wait until race day to sign up. Register at

shamrocktheville.com until March 11 and/ or join in a pre-race party and packet pick up at the Haskell Loft, 115 S.E. Frank Phillips Blvd. , from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13.

“Each year I enjoy seeing people have a good time at this run,” says Huddleston. “It doesn’t matter if you are the fastest runner, if this is your first 5K and you walk the whole time or participating with the little kids in the fun run – it’s all for a good cause and good fun. I like seeing the community coming out at all levels of participation and being involved. We heavily encourage costumes and wearing green.”

Not up to a 5k run? (For those of you not in the know, that’s just over 3 miles).

You can opt to walk the course when the Fun Run starts at 9:15 a.m. or sign up to volunteer. You get the same awesome T-Shirt. Whichever you decide, you will be raising money for a great cause - Mary Martha Outreach.