bmonthly April 2023

what’s inside...

upfront

Welcome to April, friends, and the most anticipated “Best of Pets 2023” issue. Every year this contest grows leaps and bounds from the previous year. This is the 11th year for this contest, and besides our Baby New Year issue it has become our most popular issue.

When the contest started at 12 noon to sign up your pet, we were not anticipating the volume of signups. The downloading of pictures submitted to our website…you know what happened next…crashed Bartlesvillemonthly.com. In 48 minutes we had 112 pets signed up from dogs, cats, a duck, horse and a donkey. I have to say this year we had some adorable pets, and youthe photographers - took some great pictures. We want to thank everyone who took the time to enter their beautiful pets and make this year record breaking! Here are some numbers from this year’s contest on Facebook. From all the Best of Pets posts we put out before the contest and during the contest, this year’s People’s Choice winner is “ Tank ”! Congratulations to Tank and his owner Cassidy Girard…so back to the numbers…there were over 99,000 people who viewed the posts, a little over 20,000 votes between all the pets and votes from 46 states and 4 countries. We love when we can make Bartlesville the spotlight and believe that no other city or state has a better Best of Pets contest than we do.

This year’s “Best of Pets 2023” prestigious cover winner is  Bernice McNiece! I can promise you that the judges had their work cut out for them and after a second round of votingbecause it was so close - Bernice pulled it off by 2 first place votes to win it all. Congratulations to the McNiece family: Jeremy, Caitlin, and their three kidsBen, Elly, and Jackson.

When I was scouting for a location for the photo shoot, I looked and looked for that special spot and I just couldn’t find it. With time running out I told Christy I’m going to go to Oklahoma Wesleyan College to look. When I first saw these old doors in the courtyard at the LaQuinta Mansion with the colors still holding on after all these years, I knew I had it. Like each Best of Pets cover picture, I turned to our photographer, Chance Franks, and told him what I was looking for and this masterpiece is what we got back! WOW! Thank you, Chance, for another great cover picture.

In January of 2017 Christy and I stopped printing

our coupon magazine that we had in Joplin Missouri for the last 2 years. We had worked extremely hard and spent thousands of hours on the road, but we were ready to get back home. Looking back at those two years, the most important thing we learned was how to work together as a husband and wife. A few months later in April of 2017 Brian Engle came to our house and said to us “I just purchased the magazine called Bartlesville Monthly Magazine, and I want you two to sell advertising for me.” It was 36 pages, the previous owner printed a little over 2,500 copies, and it had 30 different locations around the area for people to pick it up. When we distributed our first issue of the magazine, we were shocked by how many were not being picked up from the previous month. We took over 1500 magazines to the city recycle bin. A little discouraged we put our heads down and expanded the pages with stories of history and those who made them or who are making them now. We slowly changed the look inside and out. By August I started designing the covers, and six years later we print over 12,000 magazines a month. We have over 140 locations in 4 different counties, and we mail out to 22 different states each month, and have over 20,000 readers. bmonthly magazine has become the largest media in Bartlesville, and none of this would be possible without our faithful advertisers of whom 86% have been with us since, we started. We have an amazing staff of writers and designers at Copper Cup Images. Most importantly it’s you, the reader, who at the first of the month practically run to get your copy of bmonthly magazine

Besides the magazine, our Facebook page has nearly doubled over the last 6 years with close to 27,000 followers in all 50 states and 13 countries around the world. We love bragging on Bartlesville and her people. We have produced over 180 videos from the bmonthly show with features like Teacher of the month, Woolaroc, Price Tower, Babies and everything in between, and we have had over one million views. That blows me away to know that so many people have seen our great city and all she has to showcase. Christy and I want to thank Brian for giving us this amazing opportunity 6 years ago and letting us run with it. Thank you all for being a part of this adventure, this story, and most importantly the love we all have for Bartlesville. God bless and cheers to six years of the best city magazine in the state (and country)!

Managing Editors Keith & Christy McPhail.

Keith and Christy

Volume XIV

Issue IV

Bartlesville Monthly Magazine is published by

ENGEL

PUBLISHING

Offices located in Downtown Bartlesville in the historic Price Tower 510 Dewey Ave, Suite 400, Bartlesville, OK 74003 P.O. Box 603, Bartlesville, OK 74005

www.bartlesvillemonthly.com

facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly

Publisher Brian Engel brian@bartlesvillemonthly.com

Graphics

Copper Cup Images design@coppercupimages.com

Director of Sales & Marketing Keith McPhail keith@bartlesvillemonthly.com

Community Liaison

Christy McPhail christy@bartlesvillemonthly.com

Project Manager Andrea Whitchurch andrea@bartlesvillemonthly.com

Administration

Shelley Greene Stewart

Delivery and Distribution

Tim Hudson

Calendar/Social Media calendar@bartlesvillemonthly.com

Contributing Writers

Debbie Neece, Kay Little, Kelly Bland, Lori Kroh, Jay Hastings, Sarah Leslie Gagan, Brent Taylor, Lori Just, Keith McPhail, Jay Webster, Abigail Singrey, Randy Standridge, Rita Thurman Barnes, Maria Gus, Jason Fullerton

Contributing Photographers Chance Franks, Stephanie Huck, Bartlesville Area History Museum Molly Collins, Tiffany Frye, David Hunt, Debbie Hathaway, Mark Blumer

Kids Calendar

Jessica Smith All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or otherwise, without prior permission of Bartlesville Monthly, Inc. Publisher & Editor of Bartlesville Monthly Magazine reserves the right to reject any content or advertisement in this publication.

ABOUT THE COVER

Congrats to the adorable Bernice McNiece, our Best of Pets 2023 Cover Winner! Photo by Chance Franks.

Creative concept by Keith and Christy McPhail

Design by Copper Cup Images

went on to say they had never seen anything like it!

Good job team!

Ignite Medical Resort Adams PARC received a huge shout out from Summit Fire and Security. They were present during our fire drill, and impressed by the response of the entire team. Each department pitched in, and found the “fire” quickly. They

We live, work, and play in Bartlesville, and we’re proud to serve our neighbors with integrity

Experienced, Honest, Local

Lyle Don Carlos Artist

Extraordinaire

by Sarah Leslie Gagan

For seven decades Bartlesville has been home to the great artistic talents of Lyle Don Carlos. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Lyle had an artistic flair from the start.  He had always been interested in being a staff artist for a magazine or newspaper, working within the enthusiasm of a team, and worked with his 4th grade class on their school newspaper. His art career began at the age of 13 when, encouraged by his father, he started drawing cartoons for the Kansas City Star Newspaper.

He attended the Kansas City Art Institute with a scholarship he was awarded yearly sponsored by Hallmark Cards, graduating with a major in illustration. During the summer, Lyle worked as a neon sign designer, bringing the animated signs to life.  After graduation, Lyle was drafted into the Korean War, and was stationed in Germany as a Battalion Draftsman. He also worked as a map maker during the war in the same office as comedian Bob Newhart.

When he returned to Kansas City after the war, a friend of the family, from Bartlesville, carried Lyle’s portfolio back to Bartlesville after a Kansas City visit, and presented it to them Phillips 66 art department.

This unplanned showing of Lyle’s work resulted in a job offer in 1953, working at Phillips 66 under the title of Junior Artist. At the time, in advertising, cartoons and whimsey were very popular, and that was Lyle’s specialty. He stayed busy working on the many Phillips 66 projects, designing and illustrating advertisements and magazines. Phillips was expanding worldwide at this time, so Lyle’s work often included travel to France, Great Britain and other areas to study and promote various products.  Lyle would enjoy a long and gratifying 33-year career at Phillips 66.

During this season of the petroleum era, Lyle had many exciting assignments from designing decorations and invitations for Boots Adams birthday celebration and various executive retirements as well as major projects like the marketing and menu designs for Pier 66 in Florida.

In 1954, Lyle married Patricia, the love of his

life, to whom he was married 68 years until her death in 2022. Together they loved to travel, especially the southwest. They enjoyed backpack hiking, volleyball and canoe trips whenever possible. Both Lyle and Patricia collected southwest artifacts and décor which gives their Bartlesville home a museum like glow. The couple has two daughters.

After Lyle’s retirement from Phillips 66, he opened his home based art studio Prairie Sunrise. He had the privilege of creating the first poster for OKMozart, and has created several more for the festival since. He was hired by OSU and Rogers State University as an art instructor, and also spent time visiting 5th grade classes talking about art, sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council. Lyle loves sharing his style and views on art. It is of particular interest to Lyle that the Indian Tribes images and lore remain intact and passed on to future generations. He has dedicated much time to working and coordinating with various tribes to create and display artwork that promotes their people.

Lyle is inspired by everything around him, nature, people, and television. He will sketch anything that inspires him, from cartoon characters, television characters, to creating a Picasso style Santa Claus just for fun. Lyle uses various artistic mediums, pen, pencil, charcoal, watercolor and grease pencil. He enjoys birds and uses them for a lot of subject matter.

When the Bartlesville Community Center was under construction, Lyle was assigned, through his employment with Phillips 66, to work directly under Wesley Peters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Taliesin West design studio as the adviser to the Bartlesville design and construction committee. He also designed the Community Center logo that is still in use today.

Lyle also creates 3D projects and models of animals or props made out of wood and other solid materials. He still designs holiday themed characters and has prints made for his neighbors and friends. Lyle still draws and sketches daily.

Lyle believes in the importance that every artist needs a sidekick to make the art possible. For Lyle, that sidekick was his wife Patricia. She was the one that kept the housework flowing and made it possible for him to stay at the drawing board. He now relies on other helpers to get things done around the house so he can have time to create art.

Lyle enjoys genealogy and learning about his family tree. He has discovered he is a nephew of Daniel Boone, several times removed, and even a relative of Merriweather Lewis.

When it comes to his artwork, he hopes that each piece demonstrates his appetite for silliness and that his enthusiasm will spread off the page to the observer. He would like to be remembered as a storyteller through his art, using humor as one of art’s many nuances. He loves to quote the famous artist Pablo Picasso who said, “It takes one a long time to become young.”

Lyle with his vast experience, still maintains the admired quality of a childlike imagination, and it shows in his artwork. It is a key part of his creative genius. Jody Kerberger, owner of Talisman art galleries in Bartlesville and Taos, New Mexico is quoted as saying, “After doing business with artists from across the nation, in all my years in business I have only known two true geniuses. One was a New York artist, and the other was Lyle Don Carlos.”

Bartlesville has many bright lights living within our community, many big names and popular faces, but we also have some stars behind the scenes that help make us who we are. Lyle is one of those “behind the scenes” people that makes our community shine. Lyle, thank you for illustrating our lives and representing our community well. We celebrate your 94th birthday with you this month and thank you so much for keeping us young at heart and young at art.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

PEOPLE’S

CHOICE WINNER

TANK

ABBIE

AXEL

BEAN

ABBIE

ATLAS

ADAM

AXL

BEANS

ALICE GRAY OSBORNE

BARRON

BENNY

BIRDIE BOOMER

BELLA

BINX

BERNICE MCNEICE

BLUE BUDDY

BILBO BAGGINS

BOB BARKER

CHIPPER GIRL

DAISY MAE

CHASER

COOKIE

CHLOE ANDERSON

DAISY DESMOND

CINCH

DAISY

EDDEE

GERTIE GURL

GRACIE

DIXIE

GATOR

EVIE

GIDGIT

GRIFFIN

GARRETT

GOTHAM

HARLEY

JARVIS

JESSI

GROMIT

HONEY

HARPER

JASPER

JOURNEY

HONEY

JECKY

LADY

LOUIS

LUNA

KRISPY

LOKI

LAMBERT

LUCKY

LUNA

LEIA

LUKE

MAC

MAYBELLE

MILLIE

LUNA

MAX

MAGGIE FERN

MCKINLEY MILO

MARLIN

MILLIE

MINA

MR CHUB

OREO

MINA

MOXXI PEPILU

MISSY

MURPHY

OREO

MOLLY

MURPHY

OZZY

PO

REMI

OTIS JAK

PISTOL

PEARL

PRADA RICKYE

PIE

PRINCESS PEANUT

SAGE

SPOON

ROXIE

SIR MAVERICK

SCOUT

SUNNY

TEX

SHOOTER

TABBY

THOR

Best of the Pets 2023

SPECIAL THANKS TO CONTEST SPONSOR

ZAK ZAILEY

TREVOR DYE

TOFFEE

TUCKER DYE

WILEY WALLACE

WILLOW

TUCKER

YODA

Passing the Veterinary Torch

. . . From Dr. Clinkenbeard to Dr. Buller

by Debbie Neece,

Bartlesville Area History Museum

Kansas born, Charles Daniel Clinkenbeard, Charley to those who knew and loved him, received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University, then married the love of his life, Carol Ann Strobel at Topeka, Kansas. While traveling from Pawhuska, in 1965, the couple fell in love with Bartlesville’s scenic views from the west; moving here to raise their family, establish their Triple C Ranch, and Charley’s veterinary clinic.

From free rabies clinics to investing in future veterinarians, Charley was a community service type of man. Twelve-year-old Alan Coffman volunteered and worked at Clinkenbeard’s clinic and ranch which inspired him to pursue his own veterinary career. After college, Alan worked at the Allen Veterinary Clinic in Allen, TX for 16-years before purchasing the clinic in 2010, passing the torch from Dr. Mike Overton.

The Clinkenbeard Veterinary Clinic began at 2245 S.E. Washington Blvd., current location of Treasures Jewelry; then, relocated to 2610 S.E. Washington Blvd., next door north of the Truity Credit Union. In 2005, after 40 years of service, Charlie Clinkenbeard retired and sold his practice to Dr. Bruce Buller who renamed the clinic the Companion Animal Clinic.

Nebraska born, Bruce Buller’s love of animals began as a child. His father began a horse breeding program that produced outstanding barrel racing and pole bending horses during the 1960s and early1970s. Bruce and his brother raised and showed performance quarter horses for 4-H, which got him “hooked” on animal care.

Buller completed his pre-vet work at the University of Nebraska and then transferred to Kansas State University, where he received a B.S. in Agriculture and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1975. Dr. Buller had practice experience in Nebraska, Illinois, California and other points in Oklahoma before planting roots in Bartlesville.

Inspired by his childhood experiences, Bruce and his wife Katherine Buller purchased their dun stallion Ben Mark in 1977 from Clarence Markus of Kearney, Nebraska,

who had purchased him from the Waggoner Ranch in Vernon, Texas. Their pride and joy is a bloodline Ben Mark descendant, a dun stallion named “Leavin My Mark” from which they named their quarter horse farm, east of Bartlesville…the Leavin My Mark Quarter Horse Farm.

In 2016, Dr. Buller built a new full-service veterinary medicine clinic at 3432 S.E. Washington Blvd., just south of Rice Creek Road, with in-house pet grooming and boarding services.

Charley Clinkenbeard died August 18, 2021, having enjoyed a full-life of coaching sports with his children, playing with grandchildren, feeding cake to his Ankonian Ayres bull named Alfred, and working the family’s Triple C Ranch. His torch has not been extinguished; his family continues operating the ranch, Dr. Alan Coffman practices in Texas, and Dr. Buller carries the veterinary flame, “leaving his mark” on the field of veterinary medicine for our community.

“As a youngster, I spent much of my free time at Charley’s clinic and ranch. I witnessed his heroic abilities and learned what being a Veterinarian really means. He was a true mentor and friend to me, my wife and my two boys who to this day fondly call him Uncle Charlie. I have been a veterinarian for the past 20 years because of his love, support and influence; and now working to share the torch with my son and pre-vet students.”

— Affectionately, Dr. Alan Coffman, DVM

Charley Clinkenbeard & Alan Coffman.

Bruce Buller

APRIL CALENDAR SPONSORED BY

Paint Your Pet  Party

1 PM; Bartlesville Art Association

Price Tower Annual Youth Art Show

1 PM; Price Tower Arts Center

Easter Egg Hunt

12 PM; East Cross United Methodist Church

Scouts BSA & YMCA

Cornhole Tournament

1 PM; City Center Pavilion

Bruin Girls Tennis vs Collinsville

3 PM; Bruin Tennis Courts

Bruin Slow Pitch Softball vs Muskogee

4:30 PM; Bruin Softball Fields

OKWU Baseball vs Southwestern

3:30 PM; OKWU Baseball Fields

Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Booker T Washington

5 PM; Bill Doenges Memorial Park Stadium

Bruin Softball vs Tahlequah & Owasso

5:45 PM; Bruin Softball Fields

Bruin Varsity Soccer vs Broken Arrow

6 PM; Custer Stadium (G)

8 PM; Custer Stadium (B)

OKWU Baseball vs Kansas Wesleyan

11 AM; OKWU Baseball fields

Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Glenpool

6 PM; Bill Doenges Memorial Park Stadium

OKWU Softball vs Avila

11 AM & 2 PM; OKWU Softball fields

OKWU Baseball vs Kansas Wesleyan

12 & 3 PM; OKWU Baseball fields

Easter Egg Hunt

10 AM; Town and Country Church

Bruin Girls Tennis vs Nowata Dual

3 PM; Bruin Tennis Courts

Bruin Softball vs Wyandotte & Pryor

4:30 PM; Bruin Softball Fields

Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Stillwater

5 PM; Bill Doenges Memorial Park Stadium

Bruin Varsity Soccer vs Tahlequah

5:30 PM; Custer Stadium (G)

7:30 PM; Custer Stadium (B)

Bruin Softball vs Broken Arrow & Jenks

4:30 PM; Bruin Softball Fields

Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Sand Springs

6 PM; Bill Doenges Memorial Park Stadium

14

Spring Trader’s Encampment

10 AM; Woolaroc  Event resumes on April 15.

Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Skiatook

4:30 PM; Bill Doenges Memorial Park Stadium

17

Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Enid

5 PM; Bill Doenges Memorial Park Stadium

Bruin Varsity Soccer vs Owasso

6 PM; Custer Stadium (G)

8 PM; Custer Stadium (B)

Bruin Softball vs Tahlequah

4:30 PM; Bruin Softball Fields

Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Coweta

12 PM; Bill Doenges Memorial Park Stadium

Bruin Boys Golf

8 AM; Adams Golf Course

Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Bixby

6 PM; Bill Doenges Memorial Park Stadium

Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Grove

6 PM; Bill Doenges Memorial Park Stadium

Bruin Boys Varsity Soccer vs Owasso

8 PM; Custer Stadium

APRIL EVENTS CALENDAR

Sat, Apr 1

10 AM

Animal Barn and Mountain Man

Camp

Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve

1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd.

The “crack” of the black powder rifle will be echoing off the walls of Woolaroc as the Mountain Man Camp officially opens for the season. Mountain Men, Wes, and Roger Butcher will have the camp open and ready for the public. Learn the proper art of throwing a tomahawk, shooting a black powder rifle, and seeing how people lived in the 1840s within the beautiful grounds of Woolaroc. The Animal Barn will also be open during regular business hours and is located on the main grounds. The variety of animals is always changing, and may include animals such as rabbits, goats, chickens, peacocks, donkeys, sheep, and more!

Open Normal Business Hours: March 15th - September 4th. Admission is covered with paid admission at the front gate, (Adults are $14, Military Discount –$10, Over 65 – $12, and Children 12 and younger are FREE).

10 AM

Roark Wildlife Exhibit

Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve

1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd.

Woolaroc is excited to partner with regional wildlife sculptor, Dale Roark. This partnership will bring 32 of Roark’s signature pieces to Room 6 of our museum for a 4-month wildlife sculpture exhibition. Roark’s works will be on display in the museum starting March 24th and running through July 28th. Guests will be able to see works ranging from furry creatures, to feathered friends! To see this amazing artwork, visit Woolaroc’s History Museum, open WedSun, 10am - 5pm.

1 PM Price Tower Annual Youth Art Show

Price Tower Arts Center

510 S. Dewey Ave.

Celebrating youth art education and young artists, this annual Youth Art Show has exhibited more than 300 pieces of artwork from students in public, private, and homeschools from grades

Pre-K to 12th grade. In its eight years, this show has captured visitors’ hearts and emphasized the value of children learning and participating in visual arts education. Opening Reception April 1st, 1pm - 2:30pm

6 PM

Sidewalk Prophets: Songs and Stories Tour

Grace Community Church

1500 Kings Drive

Great Big Family Productions presents the “Songs & Stories Tour” featuring Dove Award winning band Sidewalk Prophets. This night is truly one of the most intimate concerts Sidewalk Prophets has assembled. Watch as the band tours as a trio, with each member playing multiple instruments, and lead singer Dave Frey shares powerful and inspiring stories from life, and the road. Ticketing options include an early entry devotional with the band, and the fan favorite VIP Pre-show Party which gives you a unique up close experience with the band.

7 PM Fools In April

The Center

300 SE Adams Blvd

The Bartlesville Chorale presents Fools In April, A Concert Of Musical Jokes! What better way to make the most of April Fools’ Day than with a concert of musical humor? Enjoy a choral concert of fun and silly texts and musical witticisms. Featuring the works of Joseph Haydn, Gilbert and Sullivan, Eric Whitacre, P.D.Q. Bach, and more. Come and share some musical laughs or else the joke is on you! For ticket information, go to www.bartlesvillecenter.com/fools-inapril-event-details_336

8 PM History And Haunts At The Dewey Hotel

Dewey Hotel Museum

801 N Delaware St., Dewey

Spend an evening at the Dewey Hotel. They will go over some of the hotel’s unique histories and take a lantern guided small group tour. You will go into some of the rooms, usually blocked off access to guests. Each journey will be unique, as you can never predict what our fellow specters will do during the tour, or what you might hear or see. Tours are held every Saturday.

Sun, Apr 2

1 PM

Scouts BSA and YMCA Cornhole Tournament City Center Pavilion Cherokee Ave. and Hensley Blvd.

Benefitting the youth of Bartlesville, the Scouts and the YMCA are co-hosting a cornhole tournament in the park! Join us for food, drinks, cornhole, competition, and whatever weather Oklahoma delivers that day!

Mon, Apr 3

11 AM

Virtual Storytime on Facebook www.facebook.com/bvillelibrary

Join us every Monday at 11am for Virtual Storytime on our Facebook page. You can find us by searching for Bartlesville Public Library on Facebook.

2 PM

OKWU Men’s Tennis vs. College of the Ozarks

Hillcrest Country Club 1901 Price Rd.

THE MOST-READ MAGAZINE IN BARTLESVILLE

5:15 PM

Tue, Apr 4

5:30 PM

Free Spanish Classes

Bartlesville Public Library

600 S Johnstone Ave.

Free Spanish Class every Monday evening at 5:30pm in Meeting Room B on the first floor of the Bartlesville Public Library. This class is free and open to the public. Please contact the Bartlesville Literacy Services office at 918.338.4179 if you have any questions.

8 AM

Spring Floral Arranging and Charcuterie Mash Up

Elder Care

1223 Swan Drive

Join us for a Spring Floral Arrangement

Best You Workout With Ashley

Bartlesville Public Library

600 S Johnstone Ave.

The Best You Workout Challenge with Ashley Burson will give you the opportunity to improve your overall health with a calendar of minichallenges to complete with support. This class is FREE and open to the public. It is held on Tuesdays at 5:15 pm in Meeting Room A at the Bartlesville Public Library. Please bring a mat and water bottle. Join us as we work out and discuss strategies for success!

6 PM

Johnstone Irregulars Book Club

Thu, Apr 6

10 AM

ELL Conversation Class

Bartlesville Public Library

600 S Johnstone Ave.

7:30 PM STOMP

The Center

300 SE Adams Blvd

STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique – an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audience worldwide keep coming back for more this pulse-pounding, electrifying show. See what all the noise is about. For ticket information, go to www.bartlesvillecenter.com/stompevent-details_326

Charcuterie Board Mashup! Betsy Faust of Honey’s Flowers will show how to make an amazing arrangement for the season. Melody of Melody’s Creative Cuisine will provide everything we need to make a fabulous grazing board. Take your flowers home to enjoy later, and enjoy your grazing creation at the party. Beverages provided. Open to all adults. Payment is needed at registration and includes all materials. Don’t miss this unique social! To sign up, go to https://abouteldercare.org/event/ spring-floral-arrangement/

12 PM

In The Kitchen With Susan

Bartlesville Public Library

600 S Johnstone Ave.

Please join us IN PERSON in Meeting Room A or live on the Bartlesville Public Library Facebook page for In the Kitchen with Susan. This free program consists of eight healthy cooking classes. Susan is a local restaurateur with many years of cooking experience. Susan loves to share with us how she has made healthy cooking easy in her own home and brings her best ideas and practices to make us all better chefs.

Meeting

Bartlesville Public Library

600 S Johnstone Ave.

The book club meets in the Literary Services Office on the 2nd floor of the library on the first Tuesday of every month.

Wed, Apr 5

9 AM Donation Day

Bartlesville Public Library

600 S. Johnstone Ave.

We accept donations every Wednesday! We accept books, audiobooks, DVDs, and video games (PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One). Please bring your items to the loading dock door and ring the doorbell and someone will be with you shortly.

5:30 PM

Free Citizenship Class

Bartlesville Public Library

600 S Johnstone Ave.

Citizenship classes are held on Tuesdays at 6pm, Wednesdays at 5:30pm, and Thursdays at 11am on the second floor of the Bartlesville Public Library in the Literacy Services office. These classes are FREE and open to the public. Please contact the Bartlesville Literacy Services office at 918.338.4179 for more information.

ELL Conversation classes are held on Tuesdays at 5pm and Thursdays at 10am on the second floor of the Bartlesville Public Library in the Literacy Services office. These classes are FREE and open to the public. Please contact the Bartlesville Literacy Services office at 918.338.4179 for more information.

1 PM

OKWU Men’s Tennis vs. Evangel (MO)

Bartlesville High School 1700 Hillcrest Dr.

Fri, Apr 7

2 PM

Project Glam: Pick A Dress

Delaware Tribe of Indians

5100 Tuxedo Blvd

Come pick out a free prom dress (limited shoes and accessories available), enjoy refreshments, and receive a “Preppin’ for Prom” swag bag! This event is open to the public, students do not have to be tribal to participate.

Sat, Apr 8

10 AM

Dewey Flea Market and Bartlesville & Beyond Boutique Marketplace

Washington County Fairgrounds

1109 N Delaware St.

Come and shop some new and repurposed items with some of the finest vendors monthly on the second Saturday of each month! Admission is FREE.

11 AM

OKWU Men’s Tennis vs. Tabor

Bartlesville High School

1700 Hillcrest Dr.

Sun, Apr 9

Happy Easter!

Mon, Apr 10

8:30 AM

BAHM Exhibit

Bartlesville Area History Museum

401 S Johnstone Ave

Check out our new exhibit at the BAHM, Oklahoma Beginnings: The Legacy of Ranching in Washington County! This exhibit will be on display from April 10th - June 30th. The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (closed on weekends and holidays) at 401 S. Johnstone Avenue, 5th Floor. Museum entry is free, but donations are always welcome. No reservation is necessary. If you have questions, you may reach Bartlesville Area History Museum staff at (918) 338-4290 or history@cityofbartlesville.org.

Tue, Apr 11

5:30 PM

Beginner Stained Glass Workshop

Crafty Candle Classroom

137 SE Washington Blvd

Come make a a dog, cat, or paw print sun catcher! You choose your glass and pattern. All materials provided!

Fri, Apr 14

Tue, Apr 18

3 PM OK Cooking School

The Center

300 SE Adams Blvd.

11 AM

Block Party and BBQ Cookout

Bartlesville Police Department

100 Johnstone Blvd & 300 SE Adams Blvd

10 AM

Spring Traders Encampment

Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve

1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd.

Woolaroc will once again host the Spring Trader’s Encampment on Friday and Saturday at the Mountain Man Camp at Woolaroc. Nestled near the shore of Crystal Lake, this camp is one of the most beautiful of its kind, and the perfect setting for a weekend of the historical retreat. Hosted by Woolaroc’s Mountain Men Wes and Roger Butcher, the camp has quickly become a favorite for traders and re-enactors from across the country. The camp will be historically accurate, recreating what a settlement of this type would have looked like in the 1840s. The Trader’s Encampment is open to the public, and guests are encouraged to park and walk through the camp. There is no additional admission required; regular admission at the gate includes the Spring Trader’s Camp. Many of the campers will set up their tents or tipis and have period crafts for the public to view and purchase.

Sat, Apr 15

2 PM

Putting’ On The Glitz

Highland Park Baptist Church

300 SE Washington Blvd.

Jewelry Style Show and Sale Gala and decadent desserts Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Highland Park Baptist Church from 2pm - 4pm Tickets $20 per person Fundraiser to support Salvation Army programs and services.

6 PM

Jesus Burger

Get Real Ministries

411 W 14th St.

Get Real Ministries is having Jesus Burger every 3rd Saturday of the month. Come be fed spirituality and physically with others that have recovered from all kinds of addictions and life struggles that have been healed or are being healed. We will fight the fight with you! Come witness the “Miracles on 14th Street.” It’s a Holy Spirit revival! Baptisms, free food, free clothes, and free love — all paid for by Jesus. You will leave changed!

Sun, Apr 16

Mark your calendars for the OK Cooking School at the Bartlesville Community Center! We are bringing back by popular demand, former Taste of Home expert and Bartlesville native, Jamie Dunn to lead the show. She will demonstrate step by step how to prepare some of her signature dishes and give you the recipe! Then, you can become a rock star in your own kitchen with your new culinary skills and impress your friends and family. Not only will you leave the event with new recipe ideas, you will also go home with a valuable gift bag. Our ever-popular gift bags include an assortment of products and coupons, including the Cookbook featuring family favorite recipes from the local area. During the show we will choose one lucky winner who will be featured on stage and win a Branson entertainment package. Doors open for Booth Browse through local businesses at 3pm. The stage show will begin at 6:30pm. Concessions will be available from 5-6:30pm by Dink’s Pit BBQ. Visit our website at www.okcookingschool.com for more info!

6 PM

Master Gardners Class - Backyard Landscaping

Bartlesville Public Library

600 S Johnstone Ave.

Don Martin will discuss the OSU Oklahoma proven program and his favorite backyard landscape plants. He will also share photos and experiences from a recent trip to Keukenhof, one of the world’s largest flower gardens located in the Netherlands. Meeting Room C.

Thu, Apr 20

7 AM

Faith in Business Series Crossing 2nd 215 E 2nd St.

12 PM

Simple Eats With Amanda

Bartlesville Public Library

600 S Johnstone Ave. This free program consists of eight healthy cooking classes. Amanda will demonstrate how to make seasonal, simple, made-from-scratch meals using vegetables that you can grow in your own backyard!

The BPD will be hosting their annual Spring block party and BBQ Cookoff, lasting 11am to 3pm. Various events will be held at the 100 block of Johnstone & Dewey as well as the Center Parking lot and Unity Square. Drone, K-9 and Swat demonstrations, Kids zone, live music at Unity Square, BBQ Cookoff in the Center Parking lot and free food while supplies last. BBQ contest will take place at 300 SE Adams Boulevard. Participants do not have to cook in all three categories to take part in the contest. The categories include: chicken, ribs, and cook’s choice. The cook-off will be a non-sanctioned event. No pre-marinated or pre-cooked meats will be allowed.

6 PM

Master Gardners - Annuals and Perennials

Bartlesville Public Library

600 S Johnstone Ave.

Join us for Master Gardeners present Annual and Perennial Plants for the Bartlesville Area as Betty Turner will share her favorite annuals and perennials that perform well and require little attention after being planted. Native plants and droughttolerant choices will also be discussed. Attendees will receive a list of the plants presented. Meeting Room C.

1 PM Hope In The Park

Unity Square

300 SE Adams Blvd.

Make plans to join Ray of Hope, at Tower Center at Unity Square on April 16th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for a fun-filled afternoon. Pack a picnic lunch, bring the whole family, and enjoy music, games, bounce houses, and more. This event is in recognition of April being Child Abuse Prevention Month. If your business or organization is interested in sponsoring this event, contact us at 918.337.6177.

Sat, Apr 22

9 AM

2nd Annual Humble Road Bike and Car Show

Humble Road Church

2228 S. Seminole

Car and Bike Show Hosted by Humble Road A Biker Church, Registration is free and ends at noon. Food, Corn Hole, Axe Throwing, Disc Golf. Drawing for Pit Boss Platinum Smoker, tickets $10 each or 3 for $25. Trophies and Pit Boss Winner announced at 2:30pm. For more information call 620-688-0302 or 620515-9916.

3:30 PM

OKWU Men’s Tennis vs. Bethel (KS)

Bartlesville High School 1700 Hillcrest Dr.

Tue, Apr 25

6 PM

Master Gardners Class - Growing Vegetables

Bartlesville Public Library

600 S Johnstone Ave.

Laura Riley will share some of the soil and pest challenges she has experienced over the years and discuss what has and hasn’t worked in her vegetable garden. Meeting Room C.

Wed, Apr 26

10 AM

Walk A Mile In Her Shoes

Frank Phillips Park

222 Frank Phillips Blvd

SAFE-NOW ‘s 6th Annual Walk a Mile In Her Shoes Fundraiser. Walk a symbolic mile on the downtown sidewalks of Frank Phillips Blvd while wearing our signature red high heels. Bad ankles? Come join us anyway and wear your comfy shoes. All proceeds go towards providing forensic medical care for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Lots of prizes and giveaways!

Sat, Apr 29

6 PM

Harley Party 2023

Boys & Girls Club / Rails On 5th 918 W. 5th Street

Among many of the non-profit fundraisers in Bartlesville, Harley Party stands out among the rest. Harley Party is always a sell-out event, bringing individuals and businesses from Washington County and beyond. Enjoy a night of music, dancing and food, plus auctions, a raffle and a chance to win a real Harley Davidson motorcycle! To get tickets, go to bgcbville.ejoinme.org/HarleyParty2023

Prepare More for the Trip There

by Jason Fullerton

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

— John 14:2

Some people hate traveling, but if you are anything like me, the anticipation of a trip creates a euphoric rush, especially if I’m visiting a location for the first time. New smells, tastes, and vistas are exciting. New places also bring changes in culture, climate, and pace.

When I was younger, I would prepare for a trip by visiting the library and checking out a travel guide. These books, now considered archaic by some, would list details, attractions, tips, and tricks to help travelers prepare for the perfect vacation. Nowadays, before I travel, I get my info from the internet and other travelers, many of whom have visited more remote or exotic places than I have.

With all of the beautiful locations across our planet, there is so much to be discovered. However, one location is more fantastic, wonderful, and inviting than all the others…Heaven. Revelation 21:18 says that “The walls of Heaven are made of jasper, and the city is pure gold.”

There is no travel book to prepare you for Heaven, but thankfully, there is a travel Guide who knows more about it than anyone…His name is Jesus. In John 14:6 He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” So not only does Jesus know about Heaven, but He has also gone there to prepare a place for us.

Sadly, we, as humans who are created in the image of God, and loved by Him, have dedicated very little time to preparing for this trip. If Hawaii, Casablanca, Paris, Bora Bora, or Sydney were on the itinerary, we would pour over travel books, internet articles, Facebook posts, and travel ratings and reviews in anticipation of our departure. But when it comes to Heaven, we remain woefully uninformed.

It may be the element of the unknown, the uneasiness with the concept of eternity, or the busyness of the present that keeps us from thinking about Heaven. But 2 Peter 3:13 reminds us that Heaven is not merely the opposite of hell, nor is it a fantasy land imagined by humans; it is a real place that has been prepared for those who have accepted Christ as Savior and Lord. “We are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth He has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.”

While on the cross, Jesus referred to Heaven as ‘paradise.’(Luke 23:43). We know that there will be no hunger or thirst in Heaven (Rev. 7:16-17), and He will wipe every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. (Rev. 21:4)

Unlike earthly trips, preparing for Heaven doesn’t require luggage, clothes, passports, or sunscreen. Instead, Romans

10:11-12 provides our pre-departure packing list; “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved…anyone who trusts in Him will never be disgraced.”

In his book,  Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis writes that people preparing for a Heavenly journey do more than ready themselves; they look to take as many people with them as possible; “The Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.” In other words, your philosophy of life on Earth is shaped by your perception of Heaven. According to Jesus, Heavenly-minded people have hearts that will not be troubled because they have a place prepared for them, and they know the way home.

Many are more spontaneous than I am, but when I travel, I like to know where I will be staying and how to arrive at my destination. Thankfully, Jesus has prepared both the way and the place for us. We are responsible for studying our guidebook, the Bible, trusting our travel guide, Jesus, and inviting everyone to join us for the journey!

MAKE AN IMPACT

WITH FAITH-BASED INVESTING IN REVO’S BR STRATEGIES

Faith Integration

Many men and women are expressing their faith through a desire to align their values with their investing, finding ethical companies that not only avoid doing bad things, but impact humanity for good.

Dual Mandate Investing

MAKE AN IMPACT

WITH FAITH-BASED INVESTING IN REVO’S BR STRATEGIES

Faith Integration

Dual mandate investing is investing with two goals - profitable financial return and a positive impact on the world. Dual mandate investing adds a second dimension of the impact your investments have on the world, to investing that traditionally focuses only on financial return.

Many men and women are expressing their faith through a desire to align their values with their investing, finding ethical companies that not only avoid doing bad things, but impact humanity for good.

Metrics of Investing

Dual Mandate Investing

Investment Strategies

We choose funds we believe impact the world for good and manage how your assets are allocated over time. Our biblically-responsible faith-based portfolios leverage these core strategies:

Dual mandate investing is investing with two goals - profitable financial return and a positive impact on the world. Dual mandate investing adds a second dimension of the impact your investments have on the world, to investing that traditionally focuses only on financial return.

Investment Strategies

Social Impact: Companies and funds that may include Community Development, Medical Research, Renewable Energy, Global Economic Development, Affordable Housing, etc.

Our Areas of Specialization

Good Profits: Companies that may create value by means of Energy Efficiency, Clean Water Supply, Cybersecurity, Healthy Food Supply, Biotechnology, Customer Loyalty, Employee Benefits, Fair Trade, etc.

Investment

Financial

We choose funds we believe impact the world for good and manage how your assets are allocated over time. Our biblically-responsible faith-based portfolios leverage key core strategies to impact the world for good.

Values-Based Investing & Our Process

Corporate Advocacy: Funds that may work with corporations on known deficiencies, and engage corporate leadership with shareholder resolutions, proxy voting, and on-going dialogue.

Investor Wholeness: Companies and funds to align with your values, reflect your mindfulness and care for others, and make you proud to hold in your investment portfolio.

“We are a family of financial advisors whose specialty is faith-based planning strategies. We counsel clients

biblical stewardship. This goes from the planning process all the way to

Investors are owners in a company, and we think investments should be something you believe in and can be proud of.”

“WE MAKE A LIVING BY WHAT WE GET, BUT WE MAKE A LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE.”

–WINSTON CHURCHILL

Johnstone & Keeler

Bartlesville’s Movers and Shakers

by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum

When history of Washington County is told, there are two entrepreneurs who are often over looked. William Johnstone and George B. Keeler were the driving force in the creation of Bartlesville as we know it. This enterprising, yet ornery, duo poured frustration upon Jacob Bartles to such an intolerable level that Bartles left the area to develop the town of Dewey, leaving this part of Indian Territory to the leadership of Johnstone and Keeler.

Illinois born, George Keeler arrived in Indian Territory in 1871 as an Indian Trader, employed by Louis Chouteau, a French Indian fur trader and trading post operator at Silver Lake, south of current Bartlesville. After Chouteau was killed, Keeler helped liquidate the business and went to the Osage Nation, where he became an adopted member of the Osage Tribe and was given the tribal

White settlers were required to obtain a permit to live or work in Indian Territory. Johnstone and Keeler both married Indian maidens, allowing them to be adopted into the tribes and trade in Indian Territory.

name Ki-Wah-Shin-Ka or “Little Horse.” In 1872, he married the Cherokee maiden, Josie Gilstrap, and eight children joined their union. In 1874, Keeler accepted a clerk position at the Jacob Bartles’ store, along the Caney River horseshoe bend, while engaging extensively in the cattle business.

Canadian William Johnstone came to Indian Territory in 1876 with his family, who settled at Coody’s Bluff in Nowata County. There, he acquired merchandising experience at the Henry Armstrong general store and married Armstrong’s niece, Lillie Armstrong, in 1882. Lillie was a Delaware maiden and granddaughter of Chief Charles Journeycake. That year, Johnstone moved to Jacob Bartles’ Milltown at Catoosa; then, relocated to

KEELER

Bartles’ Northside Settlement where he worked at the Bartles’ Store with Keeler.

In July 1884, Johnstone and Keeler entered into a merchandising partnership and established a competitive store on the south side of the Caney River at North Delaware Avenue. It was from this southside settlement that the city of Bartlesville bloomed.

The city of Bartlesville gained its name through the establishment of Jacob Bartles’ post office at Turkey Creek in 1879. The post office became a “bone of contention” between Bartles’ northside and Johnstone & Keeler’s southside settlements. The control of the post office alternated depending upon the political standing of the current President. If a Republican President was elected, Bartles became the postmaster and if a Democratic President was elected, the southside took great pleasure in a celebratory march across the Caney River to retrieve the post office until the next election.

January 15, 1897, Bartlesville, I.T., became incorporated under Arkansas Laws governing the Cherokee Nation.

Soon the north/south muddy streets were identified by names and east/west streets were numerical. In addition, even numbered addresses were on north/east sides of streets, with odd numbered addresses on the south/west sides.

William Johnstone and Arthur Armstrong had allotted land to the west of the North Delaware Settlement so Johnstone platted the original Johnstone and Armstrong allotments from the Caney River, south to Third Street and from Wyandotte Avenue west to Cherokee Avenue.

Shortly thereafter, Johnstone and Keeler stole the railroad contract from Jacob Bartles and the Santa Fe railroad depot was placed southwest of the present Keeler Avenue and Frank Phillips Blvd. intersection. Johnstone then platted westward to Santa Fe Avenue, encompassing the Caney River to Third Street and offered free Second Street lots to anyone who would construct a substantial business building. Among the first buildings built were Keeler’s cut-stone store at the northwest corner of Johnstone Avenue and Second Street, and Johnstone’s stone building across the street south; followed by the relocation of false-fronted business buildings from the North Delaware Settlement to Second Street. Among the relocated buildings was the original Johnstone & Keeler General Store as the settlement moved en-mass to Second Street to establish a new town.

In 1902, the Dawes Commission created a third survey that stretched from the North Delaware Settlement, west to Santa Fe Avenue, and from First Street, south to Eleventh Street; laying tangent to the railroad. All future streets were laid parallel to the 96th meridian, the Osage/ Washington County line.

After twelve years of business, Johnstone sold his share of the store to Keeler to turn more attention to oil, cattle and banking; namely, the Bartlesville National,

First National and Nowata National Banks. Lillie Johnstone died in 1893, leaving three children; Rilla, Nellie (namesake of Oklahoma’s first commercial oil well, the Nellie Johnstone No. 1), and Leo. In 1902, William married Stella Bixler, with whom their daughter, Virginia, was born.

One could question, just when did these men sleep? William Johnstone and George Keeler were movers and shakers from sun up to sun down. Johnstone established the Bar-Jay Ranch south of Bartlesville with the well-recognized stone Dutch barn. The ranch was later home of the G.C. Richardson Ranch and now owned by Trevor and Shelly Sutterfield.

At just 55 years of age, William Johnstone died at his 800 Cherokee Avenue in-town home in 1915 and businesses across the area closed to allow funeral attendance at the Johnstone home. After which, he was laid to rest near a large “Johnstone” monument at White Rose Cemetery. The two-story Victorian Johnstone home was moved from the 800 block of Cherokee, one block south to 912 S. Cherokee allowing for the construction of Central High School, currently Central Middle School. Mike and Rita Byfield own this home.

After Josie Keeler died in 1892, George Keeler married Josie Blythe Cass, whose daughter Jennie Cass dropped the godevil to erupt Oklahoma’s first commercial oil well, the Nellie Johnstone No. 1. Josie Cass Keeler died in 1915, followed by George Keeler’s death in 1929. He was celebrated by hundreds and his remains were placed in Bartlesville’s White Rose Cemetery Mausoleum with those of his wives.

Did You Know?

The original Johnstone & Keeler Store building was moved to the south side of Second Street, between Johnstone and Dewey Avenues; then, it was relocated to Cherokee Avenue, between Second and Third Streets. The building’s final chapter came in 1937, just shy of its 53rd anniversary, when the building was razed to make room for the art-deco Guy Belt dealership building at the corner of Second Street and Cherokee Avenue, later home to the Oakley Pontiac dealership.

JOHNSTONE

Located in the heart of Downtown Bartlesville

Located in the heart of Downtown Bartlesville

100 SW Frank Phillips Blvd

100 SW Frank Phillips Blvd

Reserve your spot at the top (918)440-6773

Reserve your spot at the top (918)440-6773 JOHNSTONE-SARE The

www.johnstone-sare-theroomatthetop.com

www.johnstone-sare-theroomatthetop.com

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johnstone.sare@gmail.comjohnstone.sare.building

Nellie Johnstone #1

Oklahoma’s First Commercial Oil Well

by Kay

Little, Little History Adventures

After the Osage Indians moved to what is now Osage County, they noticed smelly, dark ooze covering the creeks. They used it to rub on their skin and that of their animals, as an ointment. Otherwise, it was a nuisance. In 1875, Jasper Exendine and George Keeler were rounding up cattle in the Osage Hills. As they were watering their horses, they noticed the horses would not drink and that is when they noticed oil on the surface. They were not happy, but Keeler thought it could be good in the future, but wasn’t yet sure how.

By 1897, William Johnstone and George Keeler became interested in drilling for oil after hearing about the Fosters drilling in Osage County. They decided to drill on the allotment land of Johnstone’s Delaware daughter, Nellie.

They shot the well on March 25, 1897, just months after Bartlesville was incorporated. At 3 p.m. Keeler’s stepdaughter, Jennie Cass, dropped the godevil down the hole of the shaft to set off the nitroglycerin charge. Everyone ran for shelter, including young Nellie. Soon, it exploded and a large amount of oil, water, and debris spurted to the top of the derrick. They named the oil well the Nellie Johnstone #1.

Unfortunately, they had no storage tanks and no way to get it out of Bartlesville, so the well was temporarily shut down and capped. The sealing of the well was done poorly so some local residents were able to get buckets of oil to use to light

fires, lubricate wagon wheels and farm tools. They also used it on the skin as the Indians did.

That winter, the poor sealing of the well caused a lot of excitement. A group of teens were skating on the frozen Caney River and built a fire close by. Unfortunately, the fire was too close to the seeping oil and blew up the derrick. Nobody knew for some time what happened until Nellie confessed that she and her friends has accidentally blown up her derrick.

The railroad finally came through in 1899, so the oil was able to be shipped north to a refinery. The Nellie oil well produced more than 100,000 barrels of crude oil during the 50 years of production until it was completely plugged in 1948. It was known as the first commercial oil well in Oklahoma.

Shortly after the well was closed in 1948, a replica was built. It deteriorated and a 2nd replica was built in 1963. Nellie and WW Keeler, descendants of Johnstone and Keeler, were at the ceremony on March 5, 1964 to dedicate the replica. By 2006, this one deteriorated. In 2007, as a state Centennial project, Service and Technology and Service and Manufacturing created a more durable oil well on the same location as the original.

Nellie was a very important citizen of Bartlesville. Maybe we can talk about her at another time. In the meantime, we can thank George Keeler for remembering about seeing the oil on the creek and then doing something about it a few years later.

Green Country Pet Cremation Service offers private pet cremation with timely return of ashes in your choice of a decorative wooden urn with an engraved nameplate. If no return of ashes is requested, the ashes will be gently scattered on a beautiful pastoral/garden property.

We are located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and gratefully serve pet owners from a wide area surrounding Bartlesville, Dewey, and Northeast Oklahoma.

For our fee schedule, please feel free to call us at any time.

918-766-3812

GCPetCremation@aol.com Like us on

An Eagle’s Eye View

Sutton Aviation Research Center’s Eagle Cam

by

Abigail Singrey

Thanks to the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center, anyone can watch a pair of Bartlesville bald eagles nest, hatch their eggs and raise their young chicks. Bartlesville’s own nesting pair laid three eggs in late February and early March, and the eggs are expected to hatch in the coming weeks. The fledglings will remain in the nest for at least eight weeks, providing lots of viewing opportunities.

At first, viewers can expect to see at least one of the parents in the nest, incubating the eggs while the other parent hunts. Sometimes, the parent eagles can be spotted sharing a meal together. After the fledglings hatch, the parents will spend a lot of time feeding them, but they also bring in objects for them to interact with. These toys have included a turtle shell, an interestingly shaped stick or even a cow pie. The fledglings will also posture and vie for position as the strongest chick in the nest.

“They began to show their personalities, which is always fun,” Daniel Harris, education program manager, said.

As the fledglings prepare to leave the nest, viewers will notice them become more active. They’ll explore the limbs around the nest and practice taking off. They’ll even do exercises, including squats, to build muscle strength and prepare for venturing out into the world.

The eagle cam is an educational outreach activity of the Sutton Center to raise awareness of bald eagles and the importance of conservation. In fact, the Sutton Center was instrumental in the reintroduction of bald eagles into the state. In the 1940’s, DDT became a common pesticide, but it began having adverse effects on the raptor population, such as eagles, falcons, ospreys and more. It thinned the lining of their eggshells, making it hard for them to reproduce. In 1972, DDT was banned, but the bald eagle population was still suffering. By 1983, Oklahoma did not have any bald eagles left. Articles published around the time period proclaimed, “The bald eagle

may be beyond our power to save!”

Luckily, the founders of the Sutton Center came up with a plan. Florida, as one of the few states in the U.S. to still have a strong bald eagle population, became the key. With the cooperation from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department, researchers were able to collect eggs from Florida, leading to those eagles laying additional eggs, known as a double clutch. The collected eggs were hatched at the Sutton Center, then the eagles were released into the wild. Thus, the Sutton Center was able to help restore the bald eagle population in Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Mississippi without diminishing Florida’s population. And those eagles are spreading all over the Southeastern US. Now, Oklahoma is the home to more than 300 nesting pairs of eagles.

“The bald eagle is no longer endangered,” Harris said. “This is the great conservation success story of our time.”

Now, volunteers with the Sutton Center track and monitor bald eagle nests to see if eagles are returning and laying eggs. They strive to be as noninvasive as possible to avoid disturbing the eagles.

“Our BEST (Bald Eagle Survey Team) volunteers do such a great job,” Harris said. “They are the heart and soul of our program.”

Currently, in addition to monitoring the populations of eagles and other birds, staff at the Sutton Center are working to increase the populations of two more endangered birds, the Attwater (or Attwater’s) prairie chicken and the masked bobwhite quail.

“Of course, the goal is for the wild populations to succeed,” Harris said. “Our goal is always to work our way out of a job.”

You can find more information and view the eagle cam at www.suttoncenter.org.

GRACEFEST on the GREEN 2023 FREE CONCERT

MAY 13

MUSIC, WORSHIP, FOOD TRUCKS & MUCH MORE

PCA Goes Solar

by Lori Just

Primary Care Associates (PCA) is the largest, privately-owned family practice in the state of Oklahoma. Their physicians focus on family care and provide a hands-on approach to medicine. PCA was founded by a group of five local, independentlyowned doctors who came together to form a group in 1995. A collaboration of the same management company, nurses, staff, and administrators

became known as Primary Care Associates.

Over the years, PCA has remained progressive in their approach to practicing medicine. As new technologies have become available since the mid-90s, the clinic expanded to offer patients the best possible all-inclusive medical environment. This has also included upgrades to their clinic when they moved to a newly built state-of-the-art facility at 4150 Adams Road over 17 years ago. PCA continues to grow their service lines. In the last several months, PCA has integrated their clinic into solar energy.

“We made this decision not only to lessen overall operating costs for our clinic,” said Mark D. Erhardt, D.O. “But also, to alleviate our carbon imprint on the environment in our local community. Using solar power helps us take the money we save to be reinvested to support other priority health initiatives within our facility.”

Solar energy is a great choice for businesses in all industries, but it particularly benefits doctor’s offices due to the sheer volume of electricity needed to run these buildings effectively. Quality healthcare requires a dependable source of power. For instance, maintaining the ‘cold chain’ for vaccines and medicines is essential and requires refrigeration, cold rooms and information technology systems for stock management and patient records. During this 25-year investment plan, PCA is predicted to cut back on 475 tons of carbon monoxide commission which is equivalent to 5.4 acres of trees being planted or not driving 1,187,927 miles. By switching to solar, PCA can ensure their systems are always at full capacity while

also decreasing their energy costs.

Health care facilities are a place of health and healing, it only makes sense that their energy source matches their method,” added Erhardt. “Renewable energy is considerably safer than energy powered by fossil fuels that over time contribute to poor air quality and environmental health. By switching to solar power, we can promote a healthier, sustainable message that hopefully other companies will do as well.

In addition to minor emergency and routine care, their facility conveniently provides on-site labs and takes great pride in providing quality, comprehensive and compassionate care to the community.

Another benefit is that PCA can react to situations must faster without having to wait on a response from a larger parent company located several states away. For example, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, PCA was able to adjust their clinic operations to ensure the health and safety of all of their patients seeking medical care.

“We do keep ourselves on the forefront of medicine and participate in various programs to improve quality of care,” said Erhardt. “Technology is important too. We want to keep our commitment of quality health care moving forward as Bartlesville continues to move forward.”

Learn more at primarycareassociatesbartlesville.com.

SHAMROCK THE VILLE

MEN IN TIGHTS SUPER BOWL WATCH PARTY

BBBS - BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE

YMCA DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE

Hi Friends. I have so much to tell you about this month.

First, I just got back from a work trip to Vegas and I can report that air travel has lost its romance. If you’ve been on a plane or watched any news reports in the last month, this probably comes as no surprise. From late or canceled flights to unruly passengers, the mystique has gone missing.

On the upside, everyday passengers are playing a much greater role in our overall safety. Instead of one air marshal, you have 200 self-deputized travelers who have no problem making a citizen’s arrest if it means making their connecting flight in South Carolina.

I’m all for it.

by Jay Webster

Do you really want your last line of defense to the emergency exit to be a flight attendant in a short vest and matching ascot? Those people put their lives on the line every day, but it still feels like the ensuing slap fight might not be enough to subdue the assailant. What you really want is someone who feels the threat of missing “snack time” on the plane. “Listen, man…that Dixie Cup of Diet Coke and Jr. bag of pretzels is all I’ve got to look forward to on this Godforsaken two-and-a-half-hour flight to Omaha. You get up from that seat and rush the exit one more time and I will end you.” We all have a carrot that gets us by.

For those who don’t know, in addition to being a writer and speaker, for the last 30 years I’ve worked in the video production/ marketing industry. Some projects are more exciting than others. Along with my wife and a small team of others, we’ve produced

everything from videos for the US Olympic Swim Team to Indie feature films to support materials for non-profits to a slew of recruiting videos for Fortune 100 companies.

Variety (they say) is the spice of life.

For the “Vegas” project, we completed a series of round trips between Cleveland, Minnesota, Omaha, Boston, back to tropical Cleveland, Dallas, and ultimately … Las Vegas. (In a span of about six weeks.) It was all in an attempt to make a career in plumbing manufacturing seem enticing. Even Don Draper would struggle here.

We did manage to structure our travel so that we could end in Vegas. It’s such a great people town. There are so many characters on full display.

At the end of our final interview at a plumbing supply distribution complex — the video just sorta writes itself doesn’t it?— we felt like we’d made a real connection with our interviewee, Anastasia. Apparently, the affection was mutual because at the end she turned to us and said, “Oh, this has been so great. I wish I could take you all out tonight. I want you to meet my best friend. She’s probably the best stripper in town. Well, she’s actually a gay man, but he’s so gorgeous and really amazingly talented.”

The whole time I was just thinking, “If you’re a stripper…won’t the dancer’s true identity be revealed in the end?” I mean, so to speak. Needless to say, we didn’t make the show.

We did manage to see the Cirque du Soleil Beatles “Love” show. It was amazing and well worth any airfare you can pay to get there. I only cried three times … so there’s that.

“We have to.”

All at once they let the robes envelop them.

“Oh man, it’s like being hugged by a giant, warm towel.”

“Dude, we are never taking these off.”

And they didn’t … at the pool, in the casino, at the Starbucks as the line grew 30 deep waiting for $8-morning-coffee.

“Yeah, these were waiting for us in our rooms. We must be part of some VIP program. Feel it. It’s a 100% real Terrycloth. I know, right?”

To me, the brilliance of these two guys was the way they embraced something common like it was royal. They celebrated a gift that somehow seemed to elevate their status. They dared to enjoy something at a level few of us would have the courage to … publicly. I was envious of their happiness and pride. Just two commoners whose station was suddenly changed at the generous whimsey of the Hilton family. Goodness. We should all be so lucky.

To me, the brilliance of these two guys was the way they embraced something common like it was royal. They celebrated a gift that somehow seemed to elevate their status. They dared to enjoy something at a level few of us would have the courage to … publicly.

Of course, we probably gave more to Vegas in many ways than we got. We often joke that they don’t build casinos and banks on every corner because they’re losing money. Food was expensive, the house won most bets, and the entertainment was good but far from free. That having been said, my wife did throw two dollars in a machine that showed several cartoon pigs dancing with flashing lights and thunderous sound effects before it awarded her 100 dollars on a single bet.

(Who is living large now?)

Later that afternoon, the best humans to watch could be found at one of our hotel’s nine pools.

We got done a little early that day and the temps sailed into the mid-sixties with the help of a warm, gentle desert sun. So we found ourselves reclining at the pool (still in our street clothes) basking in someone else’s life. It was perfect. Then from the corner of my eye came two 20-somethings that looked as if they’d just been released from a John Hughes movie. They each were wearing white, monogrammed hotel robes, worn leather sneakers, ray bans, and fresh pool towels around their necks. The only thing missing was white zinc on their noses and a heavy synthesizer soundtrack with electronic drums. I could read instantly what had happened.

After checking in, they ascended 30 some floors to their room. On entry, the first collapsed face down on one of the beds, essentially calling the bed closest to the window. The second went to the closet to hang up his backpack.

“Chad, come here!”

“What is it…” through a mouth full of comforter.

“Robes!”

Chad lifts and turns.

“And they’ve got initials on them.”

Chad springs to his feet dropping his backpack to the ground, approaching his friend and the robe with sacred reverence.

“Should we put them on?”

Our final flight home was bumpy, but nobody interrupted snack time, which was a plus. All in all, it was certainly nice to be back home amongst our own tribe. I would like to have been a fly on the wall when Chad and his friend got home and they recounted how Vegas welcomed them like kings, complete with royal robes. I hope they did the story justice.

Friends, you’re always so nice to stop by each month. I hope you get to enjoy even a few simple things this spring to their fullest. I’ll try to do the same.

Godspeed. We’ll talk next month.

Jim & Pam King

by Randy Standridge

It is a privilege to know longtime friends who have not only been extremely successful in the business or athletic world, but also ones who have made it their lifelong pursuit of changing lives for the better. Jim and Pam King are prime examples of this second category of friends. I’ve known Jim and his wife, Pam, the former Pam Calabrese, since the sixth or seventh grade. Jim was in a grade ahead of Pam and I, but he was essentially the same age, as his parents started him early in school. I always regretted his early start because we could have really used him on our football and baseball teams in high school our senior year. He was a great athlete and actually the redshirting of him by his parents wouldn’t have worked out since he hurt himself in 9th grade football at Madison after running over and around the Central Cubs the previous year as a running back. His injury only got worse his sophomore year in both football and track as well as summer league baseball, requiring extensive surgery and a doctor warning his dad that another injury could cripple him for life. He made the right decision to discontinue playing high school sports, and although he was disappointed he was able to pick himself up and continue on. Jim graduated from Sooner in 1972 while Pam and I did in 1973.

As for Pam, she was the daughter of one of the city’s best pastors, who was the senior pastor at Tuxedo Assembly of God. I often saw her at various church gatherings where both of our church’s youth groups attended as well as at Madison Junior High and then Sooner High. She was a great singer, role model, student and had that beautiful voice that she used for both church and school. Her and Jim started dating at a young age and eventually married in August of 1975.

After marriage and his graduation in 1976 from Central Bible College (CBC) in Springfield, they started traveling full time for 11 years as evangelists in the Assembly of God denomination. They became pastors at a young age at the Muskogee First Assembly of God Church and served there for two years before moving to Tulsa. In March of 1981, Pam lost her father and this sudden loss was a sad day for her family and many friends.

In December 1991, Jim felt God calling him to go around the world and one month later One Hope, who created the Book of Hope and who had just been invited to put Bibles in schools in the Soviet Union, called and asked him to serve as speaker at a crusade with one of their small teams going to Russia. He was asked to go to Irkutsk, Siberia in April 1992. He was subsequently asked to go again and on that trip he felt God calling him to Kiev, Ukraine.

Jim and Pam went to the Ukraine and planted over 206 churches there during the past 30 years. In 1995, they also started shipping large quantities of humanitarian aid to the Ukraine and this required them to register as a humanitarian fund through the government. This later resulted in the director of education in Kahovka, Ukraine requesting that they start an orphanage there. They agreed, opened one in 2006 and today the House of Joy has 49 children (the law allows up to 50 only). They have also started a Bible school program via DVD over the years to continue bringing the message to the Ukraine. A

friend of theirs from South Africa developed the program and they have the right to it in several different languages.

As they opened additional Bible schools in Ukraine in the late 90s, one of the leading pastors asked them to meet him in Israel as they were wanting to plant a church there. Jim went in December 1999, wasn’t able to plant a church there, but he did meet other Christians in Israel who spoke Russian and they were able to establish several Bible schools there. In effect, approximately 20% of the people in Israel speak Russian (which is where many Eastern European Jews migrated to after WWII), so this was a great opportunity to reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jim and Pam continued making ministry trips to Israel and in some visits other U.S. pastors would go and ask them to stay a few extra days and show them parts of Israel. He had some connections there in Israel, especially with one Israeli Christian man who had started a large tour company. Jim was able to work with him and started bringing Americans over for tours with the intent of not really being a business but a way to show many Christians some of the places that are in the Bible.

In 2022, Jim and Pam returned to live in Tulsa after ministering in Austin for a number of years while still supporting the orphanage in the Ukraine, the Bible schools, and the tours. After the lifting of stringent COVID-19 restrictions in Israel in 2023, the tours have now started back with about two tours a year of the Holy Land. They are truly a remarkable couple and have done their best to make this world a better place.

If interested in their two annual tours to Israel, you can contact Drew at 918-494-7772 or drew@awakinghope.com.

Primal People

by Lori Just

Jessicca Yeager, owner of Primal K9s Balanced Dog Training, saw a need within the service dog community to make sure both handlers and businesses were educated and respected. Along with her friends, Kristie Kerr and Renee Eaton, the organization Primal People was born this year. As service dog handlers themselves, they frequently experience firsthand what many other handlers across the country face — access issues, discrimination, or negative interactions with the public.

The goals of Primal People are trifold. The first is to educate the community by giving presentations at schools, clubs, and organizations. They share information on who qualifies for a service dog, what a service dog does, what to do when coming across a service dog, and other pertinent information. They also meet with businesses to help them understand how to protect themselves and their customers by understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. They also teach them the differences between a service dog, an emotional support animal (ESA), and a therapy dog.

A service dog is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities and has public access rights, which means they are allowed anywhere that is not restricted by sterile protocol. An ESA is not a service animal and therefore does not have full public access rights. They are only allowed in pet-friendly places and can be any species of animal. Much like an ESA, a therapy dog is used as comfort for many, not just one person such as counseling opportunities.

“We want to see the public, businesses, and handlers come together and support one another,” said Eaton. “We’re excited to see things change and educating is the way to make that happen.”

Yeager also added that “it’s important to note that most of the disabilities are considered ‘invisible,’ meaning they are not any kind of physical disability that can be seen. There’s a huge misconception that service dogs are only for the blind or physically disabled.” She recommends reviewing the list the ADA sites for examples of disabilities that would fall under this definition.

Their second goal is to advocate by educating businesses and the public that they are advocating for the rights of service dog handlers. If a handler has had access issues, Primal People will also reach out to the offending business and offer to help them understand the ADA.

“The ultimate goal is to create a supportive relationship between service dog handlers, businesses, and the public,” said Yeager. “We are here to respect the businesses and help them just as much.”

Lastly, Primal People empowers by connecting handlers to resources that can help them learn how to advocate for themselves.

“We want to help connect people with the ADA and familiarizing them with their rights, how to de-escalate a situation and have us to help walk them through more difficult environments that are higher in access issue rates,” said Yeager. “We also try to take the preemptive approach by meeting with local first responders to ensure the handler’s rights as well as the business’ rights are fully understood.”

It’s important to remember that the public is not to approach a service dog. Handlers are trying to live a normal life with the dogs making that possible. Some service dogs are trained to alert to life threatening conditions and if someone decides to pet, talk to, make kissy noises, or do anything that could take the dogs attention away from their handler, even for a second, and the dog misses an alert because someone is distracting them it could quickly become life or death for the handler. It is also against the law.

“It’s so important to understand why service dogs should not be distracted and how dangerous that is for the handler,” said Kerr. “We want to advocate and educate for both sides.”

If you or your organization would like to know more, email PrimalPeopleBartlesville@gmail.com.

Cleaning & Organizing

Two Local Businesses Offer Help With Spring Cleaning

by Maria Gus

Spring is definitely in the air and it’s a perfect time to refresh your home. Whether it’s reorganizing one area or giving the house a fresh look from top to bottom, the best part of cleaning and organizing is enjoying the peace when it’s all done.

For Laura Sabine with Green Country Home Organizer, decluttering is her superpower — and she’s willing to share it with anyone who needs the help.

“For a lot of my customers getting their spaces organized is a very good way of managing stress or anxiety,” says Sabine about her organizing services. Sabine says that many of her customers are simply overwhelmed by the clutter. Mental health can be affected and life can seem a bit out of control. After working with GCHO, customers find a system that fits their organizing goals. “They know where everything is,” adds Sabine, “there’s also just peace of mind from having an aesthetically pleasing place to wake up in and return to at the end of their workday.”

Stephanie Ramsey, owner of Simply Maid in Bartlesville agrees that cleaning and decluttering is one way to reduce stress and create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Ramsey says that there are many health and mental health benefits to a clean home and Simply Maid truly enjoys helping their clients achieve these goals. Besides stress reduction, a clean home from Simply Maid can improve sleep, reduce allergens (hello, Spring!), boost productivity, enhance your mood, and make your home more safe. Especially important for young children and the elderly.

“Overall, the key is to approach cleaning and organizing with a positive attitude,” says Ramsey.

Sabine says she also understands that getting organized can be a big leap, one that she approaches with understanding and judgment free. “I want to help them. I understand that it is very difficult for a person to open their home to a stranger,” said Sabine, “That is why I offer a one-hour free consultation which helps us get to know each other better.”

Ramsey and the staff at Simply Maid enjoy their customers and are committed to working with them in a way that

makes them comfortable, but her number one tip? “Hire Green Country Home Organizer and Simply Maid,” she said with a laugh.

Sabine says one tip to keep things from getting overwhelming is to focus only on one project at a time. “Never start a new project if you haven’t completed what you started, learn and establish good habits, involve your family and tidy any room for 10 minutes daily.” Sabine says these tips can really help everyone in the home.

Ramsey says the core value of Simply Maid is FAITH: family, accountability, integrity, teamwork, honesty. “All my staff show their FAITH daily. I truly love my staff as family and I thank them for the hard work that they do daily.” Ramsey said she is grateful for the hard work and help from her staff and especially quality control manager, Dede Edwards.

“This business is truly a labor of love and I am thankful for the ability to have Simply Maid cleaning my home weekly,” adds Ramsey. “And having Laura at Green County Home Organizers come to my home and my business to help with the clutter of my life.  Laura truly is a life saver to me.”

Many GCHO customers said that they feel very satisfied after their spaces get decluttered and organized. “It always makes me very happy after seeing their smiles and thanking me for helping them regain their space,” adds Sabine.

To schedule time for the professionals to clean or organize your home, find GCHO at gchomeorganizer.com or email at gchomeorganizer@gmail.com. To reach Simply Maid find more information at SimplyMaidOK.com, email Clean@ SimplyMaidOK.com, or call 918.770.6345. Ramsey says you can test drive their service this month for only $199 which includes four hours of cleaning, five interior windows, refrigerator and oven clean out.

Spring 2023 is the perfect time to find the peace of mind that comes with a clean and organized home. Why not support these local businesses and do something great for your mental health? This clean dream team is ready to help your family worry with one less chore in 2023!

LAURA SABINE

STEPHANIE RAMSEY

Tri County Tech and Downtown Kiwanis Club are proud to name the March Students of the Month. Our students of the month are chosen based on their character, leadership, and contribution to our community.

We are proud of their performance as students, role models, and future professionals.

About Tri County Tech

No Matter What. . .

It’s Going to Be a Good Day!

by Brent Taylor

George Johnson is a Bartlesville legend, even though he would never claim that status. He’s been doing real estate appraisals in Bartlesville for 40 years. George Johnson grew up on a hill overlooking a bend in the Arkansas river just west of Tulsa. One time, late in the day, I noticed George’s office light still on. I peeked in and said, “George, I’m going home. What’s on your plate tonight?” George said, “I remember when I was a kid growing up in Berryhill and Mom said the Lone Ranger is on at 5:30 p.m., and I thought, no matter what happens, it’s going to be a good day. Today’s kind of like that. Tonight, it’s Oklahoma vs Oklahoma State in basketball, Bobbie’s making soup and cornbread, and no matter what, it’s going to be a good day.”

That’s my friend George in a nutshell. No matter what happens it’s gonna be a good day. For George, a good day means the Lone Ranger is on, or a basketball game, or spending time with grandkids, or sharing a piece of pie and conversation with whomever needs a piece of pie and conversation. George worked for Taylor Homes for a time, and still called my Dad “Boss” thirty years after his last paycheck from Taylor Homes. George had an office across from mine in our early Taylor Homes years. Every time George walked past my office he would say, “Hey Brent!” and without stopping, he would whack the door jamb and proceed down the hall. After a couple of years of  pounding, I glanced at the door jamb and it was battered and scarred. A 12 gauge with birdshot from close range would have done the same thing it took George three years to accomplish. Every time he walked past and whacked the jamb, the ring on his finger hammered that wood. And so that scratched and dented doorway became our marks, like the pencil marks of parents notating the height of their children. I didn’t fix it. It was our sign of friendship, evidence of past greetings, the worn patina of lost steps and past hellos.

George caddied for me at Canterbury Country Club in Cleveland, Ohio at the 1979 United States Amateur Golf Championship. My playing partner the first two rounds was Hal Sutton. It was daunting playing with someone that good, but reassuring to know that George was on the bag. George believed in me and always supported me as a competitor.

I spent time watching him compete also, as he excelled at third base in fastpitch softball leagues. He was the Brooks Robinson of his era, often playing close to the batter, daring them to swing and taking away the bunt in a game often decided by a single run. Once, a batter swung with George playing close at third, producing a Baltimore chop that hit the dirt in front of the plate and bounded over George’s head, prompting him to whirl, sprint back under the descending ball,

snare it with a bare hand and throw to first base in a continuous motion, retiring the batter by a half  step.

George Johnson

George is famous for down-home witticisms. For instance, if you ask George if he wants a piece of coconut cream pie he’s likely to say, “I don’t believe I don’t.” If the topic is what’s for dinner, George says, “If we had some ham, we could have some ham and eggs, if we had some eggs,” and if the mood is melancholy he might resort to, “I feel more like I do today than I did yesterday.”

George is a breath of fresh air in a world filled with stale attitudes. For George, making someone else’s day a better day is like breathing in and breathing out. It’s natural to him. It should be that way for us all. Sometimes all you really need is to draw a deep breath of fresh air into your lungs and let it out. Then, no matter what, it’s going to be a good day. Which is a fine definition for a great person, someone you can share a piece of pie with or a few kind words or someone who continually whacks on the door jamb of your life until you notice the marks and you laugh about it for the rest of your life. That’s my friend George Johnson, the kind of friend you love to be with, like the Lone Ranger and cornbread, never presumptuous, ever humble, always making ordinary days extraordinary.

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It’s Something We Should All Make Time to Do

by Lori Kroh

It sure is getting to be pretty again. As I drive through Colonial, I see all the Bradley Pear trees with their white blossoms billowing in the wind. The pink redbuds are peeking out and I see Daffodils everywhere. I don’t want to be fooled. I want Spring to be here and stay please.

As I was staring at my trees, I had the best memory pop into my head and it was one of my oldest ones. It’s funny how one glance at something can bring you back to where you were and the feelings you had at that time. My immediate feeling was exuberance and although I couldn’t spell it … I remember it. I wasn’t even five years old yet I can see it now.

We were getting ready to leave for church on Easter Sunday and my Grandma Ginny pulled me aside and told me she had something for me that she made for me.

I remember she handed me this purse and it was white at the bottom and then at the top was yarn and it was all light pink. It was cinched together and she told me to open it. I didn’t know how, so she showed me. It was a drawstring that she had crocheted to the white base and at the top it was closed. It formed this cinched closure and lots of tassels dangled off of it. The top was closed so she showed me how to open it and pull it all the way back and it opened into a circle. She whispered to me to look inside. I peered deep down and inside was a little baby doll probably about three inches long at the bottom of the purse. My little baby doll was wrapped in a crocheted blanket with just the head poking out. I reached inside and clasped it and she leaned over and whispered to me. She told me the little baby lived inside the purse and to take care of her and have fun. No one needed to ever tell me twice to have fun. I nodded and understood exactly.

Then, we put the baby back inside and she showed me how to close it up so I could do it by myself. I opened it and closed it. I opened it and took out the baby doll. I closed it.

I can tell you this … I didn’t hear one bit of the Easter story in Sunday School that day. I do not remember the Easter egg hunt or the ham dinner. I played with that baby and purse bassinet all day long. I looked at my trees and saw the white and pink blossoms and took it as a sign.

I will never forget the feeling of peering down into that purse and having another gift within a gift. It was a feeling that came over me and I was too happy inside. I now know the word is exuberance. I looked at my trees today and as the wind moved the branches, it looked like whispers.

I remembered she whispered to me to have fun.

In sheer disclosure and as I grew up, I came to learn she cut off the end of an old clorox bottle and washed it out. She used that as the bottom and then crocheted the pink yarn into a drawstring purse. She must have found the idea in Ladies

Home Journal or the yarn store. The little doll she got at the local dime store and she made the blanket to match.

Now, I know that her time was worth so much more and she spent it making something for me and each of my sisters. She had to go through three bottles of clorox and create the moments to crochet. I remember this like yesterday — only I forget to have fun today. I get busy with life in certain seasons and so I looked at the trees and heard the whisper. I will take the lessons of her life into mine.

We are so busy with our lives and I wonder if we can find the gift within the gift.

This time I plan on hearing the Easter story and inviting others to experience exuberance.

I’ve been looking for reasons to help those who are closed off and perhaps cause them to open up.

Deep down we want to be loved. Deep down we are precious to someone. Deep down is our need for exuberance.

I guess that’s what Spring does for us…it shows us that what we thought was over is not.

It tells us that life is for living and to not forget that each season is only just a season.

Deep down and bursting forth the landscape around us comes alive.

I stared at the blossoms and it came to me.

Make something out of nothing.

Use your talents for others to enjoy. Every once in a while, surprise someone. Most of all, have fun.

Living Life... On the Road Less Traveled

by Kelly Hurd

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

Simple but deep contemplation.

What road would you take if you knew where it led?

What road would you take if you were faith-led?

Knowing the end from the beginning of the journey is what we want, like a safety net below the tight wire.

But I’ve found the greatest sense of living, really living, is when I’ve been brave enough, or had faith enough, to go where I’d never been before and risk it all to possibly find it all. That’s the road I want to travel.

If I knew I could not fail, I would write a book and tell my story, and the introduction would read something like this:

“Like a thunderstorm on the horizon, a deep depression hung in the air; but she resisted the temptation to wrap it around herself like a cloak. Loneliness ached from every atom of every cell of her body. Compound that with a broken heart, and you have the equivalent of a secret recipe for the “perfect storm.”

No, this isn’t the makings of a romance novel – but it may be where you are tonight. If so, keep reading…

She knew this setup like the back of her hand. It had been lurking around corners, seemed to invite itself to holidays, and could be found riding shotgun with her on long drives when her mind had time to wander…

Loss – how do you ever get past it? Pain – how do you ever ungrasp it? Injustice, deception, rejection –how do you ever outlast them?

Oh Hamlet, these may be your questions tonight. And if they are, there’s just one way. You can’t drink away the pain or sleep away the depression or wish away the loneliness or wash away the rejection. Medication, mediation, and meditation aren’t the solution.

As the swelling tide was rising and the storm was rapping on her door, she refused to answer its demands and refused to join its rant. Instead, she chose to whisper ‘Jesus’… in the heartache, she said ‘Jesus,’ and she felt Him join her there –and then the storm didn’t matter anymore because she saw it differently. It was His and hers together. And that made all the difference.

Sometimes He calms the storm, and sometimes He gets in the boat and holds your hand. Either way – it’s peace.

He is the God of new beginnings, of comeback stories, and can provide more comfort than your grandma’s quilt. The storm may be swirling all around you. The pain may be real, deep within you. But, it’s not the outlook or the inlook that will get you through this ... It’s the uplook. #Peace

Writing something worth reading, encouraging hearts still beating, to live a life worth living - along the road less traveled.  Thanks for going On the Road with me this month.  Blessings.

JEFF HALL REAL ESTATE

WE’RE READY TO HELP YOU SUCCEED

Time Marches On

No Matter Your Age You Should Feel Young On the Inside

by Rita Thurman Barnes

One of my favorite quotes says “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

— Reinhold Niebuhr

I guess the quote came to mind when my husband and I celebrated his 83rd birthday which to both of us seemed impossible. We met when he was 27, married when he was 28, and have enjoyed every birthday in between.  We’ll be married 55 years in December of this year and I will be 77 this coming October.  Those are all getting to be big numbers and I wonder if Reinhold Niebuhr might not have been thinking about some numbers in his life as well.

Often I marvel at how deeply I feel “the same” on the inside. Still 21 or 35 or 50. But, then I pass a mirror or two and the proof is in the beholding. I am going on 77 on the outside but will always feel my young self on the inside. It is hard to process the two but even though they’re not what they used to be, my eyes don’t lie, and I must accept it.

I used to have a lot of mirrors in my house — mirrors all over the place but these days I only have one and it is in the bathroom  and it is too big as far as I am concerned. When I was a child, I could only have seen my head and shoulders in it but these days I see nearly all of me.  I guess that’s how it goes when you reach a certain age. I’m lucky we have a small vanity chair on which I can sit even for the short time I look into the mirror. I used to be taller than I am and much narrower to boot. My hair was dark brown, and my skin was tan from all the outdoor activities I partook of.

Swimming, mowing, gardening, walking and more than I c are to recall.

There was also a quote I remember from early-day television, and it simply said, “Time Marches On.” In my young mind, what I saw was a troop of soldiers marching along to a stately song. But, these days, I see it for what it is and as something we should take advantage of.  Looking back at the old days is something we should enjoy from time to time but learning to live in the present and to look forward to the future God has for us is the only healthy way to move forward.

Still, I can’t help but see myself as that 13 year-old girl who sang love songs on her front porch swing on warm summer nights dreaming of what the future held for her. She’s even more real to me as I find myself enjoying my recliner more often. But, I’m thankful to have it and to still have the 83 yearold man whom I adore for the gift of the days we have left together.

Albert Einstein said “I never think of the future. It comes soon enough.” At almost 77, I couldn’t agree with him more.

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• Fully equipped kitchen

• Patio with sliding glass door

• Restaurant-style dining or you can have meals delivered directly to your apartment

• Planned activities; to include regularly scheduled happy hour

• Scheduled transportation for shopping

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New Season Brings Big Hits

Broadway in Bartlesville! 2023-2024 Season Announced

The upcoming Broadway in Bartlesville! 2023-2024 season tickets go on sale April 3! The season features a fabulous variety of shows that promise fun and entertainment for the entire family. Here’s a look at some of the performances that have been confirmed for the upcoming season.

COME FROM AWAY is scheduled for October 1, 2023, and is an award-winning musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world. Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY has won Best Musical all across North America! The story takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by this year’s Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!” On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all. The show is rated PG-13.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR hits The Center for Arts, Events & Community in the Fall of 2023. It is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar. The show is rated PG.

MEAN GIRLS comes to town on February 1, 2024, and has garnered accolades from publications across the country! “BROADWAY HAS WAITED A LONG TIME FOR TINA FEY’S TALENT. AT LAST SHE’S HERE” (The New York Times). Directed by Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon),  MEAN GIRLS features a book by Fey (30 Rock), music by Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), and lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde). Entertainment Weekly calls it “A MARVEL: dazzling and hilarious!” and  New York Magazine cheers, “MEAN GIRLS delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery.” The story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies, this new musical is “fresh, fun and infectious.” (People).  USA Today says, “We’ll let you in on a little secret, because we’re such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!” The performance is rated PG-13.

HAIRSPRAY will hit the stage in Spring 2024. Broadway’s Tony Award® winning musical comedy phenomenon is back! It’s 1962 Baltimore and 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad is out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show, to change the world, and win the hearts of America once again. This mega-hit musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance — and all of the deliriously tuneful songs you

love — hit the road in 2024. And you don’t want to miss this party! Welcome back to the ‘60s — You can’t stop the beat! The show is Rated: PG

LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL makes a stop in Bartlesville on April 21, 2024. Produced nationally and internationally,  LITTLE WOMEN has been praised by critics for its ambition in bringing the timeless, captivating story to vivid musical life on stage. Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life,  LITTLE WOMEN follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March, each determined to live life on her own terms.  LITTLE WOMEN embodies the complete theatrical experience, leaving audiences filled with a sense of adventure, joy, heartache, and a lifting of the spirit. The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartbreak, hope, and everlasting love – the sounds of a young America finding its voice. The show is rated G. Come in and cool down on June 15, 2023 for Broadway in Bartlesville’s! final show of the 2022-2023 season, MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL . Based on the smash hit DreamWorks’ animated motion picture, this show follows all your favorite cracka-lackin’ friends (Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip hip Hippo, and a colony of hilarious, clever penguins) as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventures galore and an upbeat score, you’ll have no choice but to “Move It, Move It!” MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL is the perfect family outing, with vibrancy and pace for audiences of all ages!

Tickets for MADAGASCAR or season subscriptions for the 2023-2024 season are available by phone at 918-3372787 and in person at The Center box office, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. You can also visit their website at bartlesvillecenter.com for 24/7 ticket sales.

Special thanks to The National Endowment for the Arts, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and these local sponsors who make the Broadway in Bartlesville! 2022-2023 series possible: Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Adams

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Operation Fu-Go

Japan Actually Attacked Mainland U.S. During WWII

by Jay Hastings

December 7, 1941, is a day most Americans know as the date Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The event intensified fear Japan may attack the mainland along the west coast. A littleknown fact: Japan did actually attack the U.S. mainland during World War II.

In retaliation for the attack on Pearl Harbor, in 1942 American military aircraft bombed Tokyo and other Japanese cities in what was known as the Doolittle Raid. Japanese military command wanted to strike the U.S. again, but their manned aircraft were incapable of reaching the West Coast of the United States. Meanwhile, scientists had discovered a westerly river of air 30,000 feet high – now known as the “jet stream” – could transport hydrogen-filled balloons to North America in three to four days.

The Japanese military produced thousands of balloons with skins of lightweight but durable paper made from mulberry wood, stitched together by conscripted schoolgirls who were oblivious to the sinister purpose. Using 40-foot-long ropes attached to the 33-foot diameter balloons filled with hydrogen, each balloon carried an incendiary device and 30 pounds of high-explosive bombs, rigged to drop over North America. Japan’s plan was to spark massive forest fires which would instill panic and divert resources from the war effort.

Between November 1944 and April 1945, the Japanese military launched more than 9,300 of the pilotless weapons in an operation code named “Fu-Go.” Most of the balloons fell harmlessly into the Pacific Ocean, but more than 300 of the low-tech balloons actually made the 5,000-mile crossing and were spotted fluttering in the skies over the western United States, Canada, and Mexico, and from Arizona as far east as Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In an attempt to prevent panic and avoid giving the enemy location information as to where their balloons were landing, the U.S. Military censored reports about the Japanese balloon bombs.  In March 1945, one balloon hit a high-tension power line and caused a temporary blackout at the Hanford, Washington, plant that was producing plutonium, which would be used in the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki five months later.

To that point, none of the balloons had caused any injuries. However, on May 5, 1945, six U.S. civilians were killed when they discovered wreckage of one of the balloons which had landed in the Fremont National Forest near Bly, Oregon. Reverend Archie Mitchell and his 25-year-old

pregnant wife Elsie drove up to Gearhart Mountain that day with five of their Sunday school students for a picnic.

While Archie was moving the car, Elsie and the children found the balloon and carriage, which was loaded with a bomb, on the ground. Suddenly, a large explosion occurred and four young boys were killed instantly. The pastor’s wife and another young girl died a short time later.

A bomb disposal expert guessed the bomb had been kicked or otherwise disturbed. Military personnel concluded the balloon had been there undisturbed for weeks. Many locals knew the truth but went along with the military’s official version of the incident being “an explosion of undetermined origin”.

The previously imposed U.S. press blackout was lifted on May 22, 1945, so the public could be warned of the balloon threat. Unfortunately, the information was divulged weeks too late for the six victims in Oregon.

Overall, Operation Fu-Go was a military failure. Very few balloons reached their targets, and the jet stream winds were only powerful enough in wintertime when snowy and damp conditions existed in North American forests, lessening any threat of starting a forest fire. Even so, of military and historical relevance, the Fu-Go balloon was the first weapon system with intercontinental range, with its attacks being the longestranged in the history of warfare to that time.