bmonthly April 2021 by bmonthly Magazine

APRIL 2021

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Investment and insurance products: NOT FDIC-Insured/NO Bank Guarantee/May Lose Value 0119-02618 APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

WHAT’S INSIDE

what’s inside...

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37 53

59 61

Upfront

Profile: John H. Manley Taking Care of All Creatures Great and Small

Helping Hands: Belong. Believe. Become. On the Rock Ministry Provides Chances for Youth

Feature: Best of the Pets Contest Take a Look at All the Furry Friends

On the Osage: Bacon, Beans & Limousines Several Annual Area Events On Tap for Summer

Out & About: Photos from Around Town

Once Upon a Time: Blue Moon & Chopsticks

Making a Difference: SAFE-NOW Program Combats Sexual Assault & Child Abuse

Meet Your Photographer: Tony Lemer Photography Career Took Off After First Camera

12 24

Feature Sponsor Story: Hyman Joseph Harkavy Remembering Bartlesville’s Veterinarian & Patriot

Kids’ Calendar

Chick-fil-A Events Calendar

GraceFest: Rhett Walker Highlights Concert

Showing Love: Jesus Burger

Funny You Should Ask: Summer of Normal

A Good Word: Leaf Launching Handing Your Burdens Over to God Brings Peace

Pets Online: Meet Barkley Oklahoma Chihuahua Facebook Page Draws 26K

From the Heart: Utter Words of Encouragement Even When Faking it, Search for Your Inspiration

A Fresh Perspective: Hiding From the Stars

Looking Back: A Tale of Two Bennetts Both Involved in Education, Politics & Communities

Knowing Nowata: Blackberry

Stars in Our Back Yard: Gretchen Wienecke

Now You Know: Lawless Disorder Killed in the Line of Duty

Tribute: Robert Babcock

Let Freedom Ring: Who Was Paul Revere?

APRIL 2021 4

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

UPFRONT

upfront Welcome to April, friends ... Spring is in the air, flowers are starting to bloom, the days are getting longer, and summer is right around the corner. Every April we do our “Best of Pets” issue, and every year it just gets bigger and bigger. This year's Album post on our Facebook page was seen by over 26,000 people, and we had over 7,000 votes this year for all these adorable pets. We want to thank each of you for entering and can't wait for next year. This year's winner for the “Best Of Pets 2021” is Bardot, owned by Bill and Connie Mattix. She is a Sheepadoodle ... Old English Sheepdog mixed with Poodle. The 10 judges selected her, and we are so happy we don't have their job. We want to thank Bob Fraser for letting us shoot our cover photo in the Frank Phillips mansion. If you didn't notice, that is “Uncle Frank” in the frame on the table. A quick side note for future contests ... please do not cut the hair of your pet until the contest is over. You might have noticed that Bardot had a hair cut from her entry picture. You never know who's going to win until it's over.

days for her to even open her eyes after being taken off it. It was touch and go with one foot in heaven and one on earth. With the hundreds of prayers and Christy’s devotion to her mother, Dona began her journey back to health. Only one person was allowed to be with her, so Christy was at the hospital everyday for 7-8 hours. After 17 days in the hospital, God showed that He still needs Dona here with us. Now, she is out of the hospital and doing physical therapy. We are hoping to have her home soon. Thank you to Ascension St. John and the dedicated doctors and nurses who never gave up on her.

Finally, I want to say Happy Anniversary! Four years ago, Brian Engel came to us and asked if we wanted to work with him on Bartlesville Monthly Magazine. This publication was dying and nobody was picking it up and reading it. When Christy and I delivered that April issue, we gathered up over 3,000 March magazines, which we took to the city recycle center. Literally, nobody was reading it. We had just spent over two years going back and forth to Joplin four days a week trying to build a This year's People's Choice winner is coupon magazine called Best of Joplin. We Brutus. The story behind Brutus is pretty sold the magazine, came back home, and cool and one I want to share with you. Brutook Brian's offer. We started selling ads for tus is the “Gym Dog” whose owner, Kaci the magazine. No writing, no design, no Fleak, said was a favorite at her Dad's gym, covers, no Facebook ... just sell advertising. Extreme Fitness. He received over 300 Four years later, with a ton of prayer, hard votes and no other furry friend was even work, and our incredible staff of writers, close. The real story behind Brutus is that designers, and dedicated advertisers, we five days after entering the contest he run out of magazines in stands each month. passed away. In the rules of the contest it Thank you to our advertisers who believed says the picture must be a current picture in our vision since the first month and allow and your pet has to be living. No one knew the magazine to be free. Most importantly, Brutus was going to pass away, and Christy we want to thank our thousands and thouand I decided the right thing to do was to sands of readers who every month pick up leave Brutus in the contest. Congratulawhat we believe is the best city magazine in tions and we are so sorry for your loss. the state. We have become the largest media source in the Bartlesville area with On Wednesday, March 3rd, Christy over 20,000 readers a month ... we have went out to the ranch to take her mom, subscriptions in 19 states, and over 140 Dona, on a walk, since the temperatures racks in 4 counties. We have over 24,000 were close to 80 degrees. When she Facebook followers in all 50 walked into her mom’s bedstates and 11 countries around room, her mom was on the the world. In the last four floor with a huge goose egg years, we have always tried to on her head. Christy took her put the spotlight on our great to the ER. On Thursday, Dona history, culture, and the peowas admitted to Jane Phillips ple, and places that make our with Influenza B. The flu city unique. Thank you so wreaked havoc on her heart much for allowing us to brag, and lungs. We spent the next to love, and to shine the light 19 days praying for miracles on this great city we all call to happen and, oh, did they. bmonthly managing editors home ... Bartlesville! God Mom spent four days on a Keith & Christy McPhail in Bless, Keith and Christy. ventilator, and it took three May 2017.

Volume XII 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 Art Direction

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

Julie Drake Calendar/Social Media

calendar@bartlesvillemonthly.com Contributing Writers Debbie Neece, Kay Little Jay Webster, Tim Hudson, Lori Kroh Brent Taylor, Kelly Bland Rita Thurman Barnes, Keith McPhail Jay Hastings, Sara Leslie Gagan, Maria Gus Carroll Craun, Gary Gibson, Lori Just Contributing Photographers Becky Burch, Chance Franks Bartlesville Area History Museum Kathy Peaster, Craigs Photography Kim Axsom Fogle, Christy McPhail Kids Calendar

Jessica Smith

ABOUT THE COVER Meet Bardot, the winner of our Best of Pets 2021 Contest. She even got a new haircut for her special photo shoot! Creative Concept by Keith and Christy McPhail Photo by Chance Franks Design by Copper Cup Images

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

This year, we’re celebrating

85 YEARS

of serving Bartlesville with heart, integrity, and value.

Looking back as we MOVE FORWARD OK AR KS MO

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We have proudly stood the test of time, and we are looking forward to serving

YOU for many more years to come. 918.336.6800

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 APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

PROFILE

John H. Manley Taking Care of All Creatures Great and Small by Sarah Leslie Gagan In the heart of every pet owner lies a deep love for their animal friends. They are trusted companions and loyal family members, always ready with an endless supply of unconditional love. And just as for a child, we seek out proper medical care when needed, that is administered with the greatest care and concern for these irreplaceable members of our family. For 45 years, Dr. John Manley has made it his life’s work to provide that necessary loving care to animals in Bartlesville and the surrounding area. As the second oldest child of a veterinarian, John was familiar with the profession at an early age. He and his four siblings moved often, as his father’s position as a federal veterinarian required, which gave John the experience of living in a of variety of locations. The family lived in Kansas, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Mexico throughout John’s childhood, returning to Kansas in the 8th grade. John would go on to attend Kansas State University, where he graduated from the College of 8

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

Veterinary Medicine in 1972. It was not only the influence of his father that led him into veterinary medicine, his mother was a big impact on his career focus, too. She was one who very much loved nature, animals, and caring for the family pets. It was at Kansas State where John met his wife, Xandra, and fell in love. They married while still students at the university. John considers marrying Xandra perhaps his greatest accomplishment in life, and admits she is his right hand. She has been, and remains, a true help mate to him throughout their marriage, being John’s biggest cheerleader. She is truly the woman behind the man he has become. In the early years of his practice, she stepped up and filled whatever role necessary, working the front office and managing the books. Still today, she is John’s true partner in all he does. John and Xandra have three children and 12 grandchildren. With a son and grandson practicing veterinary medicine, the Manley’s have four gener-

PROFILE ations of veterinarians in their family to carry on their deep love of animals and the people who own them. John said he has never regretted his career choice and has enjoyed a lifetime of getting to know the families he has cared for in the decades of his practice. After graduating from Kansas State, the young couple came to Bartlesville. They were somewhat familiar with the city because Xandra’s parents lived and worked in the area. John knew that when he graduated, he wanted to relocate to Bartlesville because it was the size of community he had wanted to live and raise children in. He took a job immediately out of school and became an associate veterinarian with Dr. Charles Clinkenbeard in January 1973 — a position which he would hold for about 10 years, caring for both large and small animals. In July 1982, John, along with the help of Xandra, founded Manley Animal Hospital in Bartlesville, specializing in small animals. He built a successful practice that he enjoyed for many years, continuing to upgrade and expand his practice and facilities, providing outstanding care to his patients and families. Upon his retirement, John’s son, Joel, took over the practice and continues the family tradition of providing exceptional care to small animals. When deciding to call Bartlesville home, the Manley’s liked the size of the town and the ease of traveling anywhere in the city within a short amount of time. They love the fine arts available in Bartlesville — the OKM Music Festival and Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra, to name a few. John and Xandra have loved participating in the seasonal favorite Nutcracker production, as well as various OKM Music productions. They have enjoyed the “big city” fine arts community right here at home, which along with a great school system, have all contributed to a high quality of life in Bartlesville for the Manley family. John and Xandra have been active members of Bartlesville’s First Methodist Church, now known as First Church, for decades. One of the first groups John joined upon relocating to Bartlesville was the Jaycees. The Jaycees, no longer in Bartlesville, was an organization for young men under 35 to become involved in the community through various acts of service. He fondly recalls those years as a young man, coordinating various Jaycee activities in the community such as an annual haunted house and track and field meets for school-age children. John would eventually become president of the Jaycees. He remains active within the community today as a member of Hillcrest Country Club, and is on the board of Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra and Eldercare. He has served on several other community boards throughout the years, and enjoyed coaching little league baseball when his children were growing up. Perhaps John’s greatest act of service was to his patients and families. He has made lifelong friends through the process of caring for their animals. His practice was not limited to small animals, but exotic animals as well. He fondly recalls the relationship built with a family that rescued and cared for raptors, —birds of prey — who would frequent his practice. That was a unique experience for John.

John saw many unusual things during his years of practice. He has performed surgery on a tropical fish with intestine issues, and the fish made it through just fine. Another interesting thing that John experienced occurred while he was working with Dr. Clinkenbeard caring for large animals. He made an on-call visit late one night to assist a cow having birthing difficulty. He palpated two heads when examining the cow, but something didn’t feel right. He performed a cesarian section on the cow and delivered a two headed calf! While the calf was stillborn, his quick action saved the life of the cow, who could never have delivered without his intervention. In addition to the unusual, John has also encountered the endearing aspect of animal ownership. One such occasion was when a little girl and her father brought in her sick little cat, Sissy. It was treated successfully, but John had to break the news to the child that her cat was not a girl, but actually a male tom cat. The girl’s father asked her why she thought it was a girl and she innocently replied that it was because it had a pink nose! In his retirement years, John saw a need in our community and started a business to meet that need. Along with help from his wife and daughter, he started Green Country Pet Cremation Services and continues to serve our community through caring for pets after their death. His small business supports the Bartlesville economy by using local supplies and resources to carry out its day-to-day functions. After it’s all said and done, John would like to be remembered as a man of faith that treated people fairly, lived by the golden rule, and loved his community. He has truly added to our town and served our people well. The service he has provided for our animals has enhanced his quality of life greatly, as well as ours. His acts of kindness have been a priceless commodity that provided a rich and satisfying profession. He loves the veterinary community in Bartlesville and has never seen other vets as competitors, but as colleagues all working toward the common goal. Dr. Manley has helped shape that within our veterinary community, bringing people together through the common love of animals and their well-being. We thank him for his selfless service.

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

Oklahoma Energy & Agricultural Training Experiential agriculture learning by tackling farm chores with 12v ride-on tractors, gators, and ground loaders. Ages 3 - elementary school.

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FEATURE SPONSOR

CELEBRATING THE PETS IN OUR LIVES! Investment Planning • Tax & Accounting • Retirement Planning • Business & Estate Planning • Insurance

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BEST OF PETS

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER

Brutus Fleak 12

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

BEST OF PETS

ABU

ANGEL

AVA

BANKS

BARDOT

“BEAU”DACIOUS

BOOMER

BUSTER, ROSIE & HARLEY

BUTTERCUP APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

BEST OF PETS

CASH

CHARLIE

CHICO

CHIEF

CHUBBS

CINDY

DALLY MAE

DOBBIE

DUKE JABARI BARKER

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

BEST OF PETS

DUNKIN

DUSKY

DUSTY

ELVIS SCHNITZELBAUM

ENKI & ENLIL

FRANK

FREYJA

GIDGIT

GRACIE APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

BEST OF PETS

GRACIE BOO BOO

GUADALUPE

HEIDI

HOLLY BERRY

JACK

JACKSON

JUNO

KIPTON

KONA

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

BEST OF PETS

LADY

LEFTY

LEROY

LIBERTY

LILY MAE

LIZZIE

LOGGAN

LOGOAN

LOLA APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

BEST OF PETS

LUNA

MACY MOOBERRY

MAGGIE MAE

MAX

McKINLEY

MILLIE

MISS LILY

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

BEST OF PETS

MISS PRIS

MOLLY

MR. KITTY

NALA

OLIVER

PABLO

PADMAE

PALOMA

PEARL APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

BEST OF PETS

PENELOPE PEARL EADS

PEPPER

PRINCESS

PUDGE

REX

RICKYE

RO JO

ROCKY

ROSE BUD

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

BEST OF PETS

ROSIE

SABER

SADIE

SALLY

SAPPHIRE

SARGE

SHE-RA PRINCESS OF POWER

SHOOTER

SKYE APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

BEST OF PETS

SMALLS

SOPHIE

SQUIGGY

TANK

TEX

TIMBER

TOBY

TOFFEE

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

BEST OF PETS

TRIPP

TRUMAN

TUCKER

TUCKER RAY

TURQUOISE “TURQ”

WHINNIE

WHISKEY

WOBBLES

ZEUS APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

FEATURE SPONSOR STORY

Hyman Joseph Harkavy Remembering Bartlesville’s Veterinarian and Patriot by Lori Roll Hyman Joseph Harkavy, known in Bartlesville as “Doc,” was born May 5, 1911 in Grodna, Poland. His parents, Isidore and Ida Harkavy, moved the family to New York City, where Harkavy finished high school and received a degree from St. Francis College. He wanted to become a physician, but found that Jewish students were unwelcome at medical schools. He became interested in Kansas State University in Manhattan, which had a respected veterinary school. Harkavy applied to the veterinary school, was accepted, and graduated as a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine in 1936. He worked as a veterinarian in Coffeyville and Nowata before making his way to Bartlesville, where he set up his own practice. When WWII erupted, he volunteered for the US Army. “He was very patriotic,” said his son, Jon Harkavy, of Greensboro, NC. “I think of him in very heroic terms. He didn’t have to go to war. As an immigrant, he was very proud to be a citizen of the United States and always flew the American flag. He felt his country needed him, so he gave up his practice and joined the Army.” While training for military assignment in Chicago in 1942, Harkavy met and married Harriet Louise Gerber, a University of Chicago graduate and a bacteriologist at Kraft Foods. “They met and married in three weeks. They didn’t know each other very well, but they appreciated their common religion and culture.” Harkavy was stationed at Ft. Bliss in Texas, where he trained to be a food inspector. The couple lived there only a few months before he shipped out, and they wrote each other almost every day during the war. Harriet, who was pregnant, moved to California to be near a cousin and lived in the garage apartment at the Lone Ranger’s property. Jon was born in California in early 1943, and didn’t meet his father until he was almost three years old. Harkavy was assigned to inspect meat and dairy products and make sanitary inspections on army bases. He inspected the food for General McArthur and his senior staff, following the General’s retreat to the jungles of New Guinea and Australia. “They were worried that enemies would poison him, so Dad tested the food before it was cooked and served,” Jon said. When the war ended in 1945, Harkavy returned to Bartlesville and reopened his practice at the Harkavy Animal Hospital, on West First Street. Their second son, Ward, was born in 1947. Harkavy stayed in the Army reserves until 1952 when he was honorably discharged as a Major. “Mom ran the office, kept the books, and made sure things ran right,” said Jon. “She was very active in the community and knew so many people that she kept getting excused from jury duty.” Jon and Ward helped at the veterinary hospital, cleaning kennels. “As a result, I never wanted pets, but Ward was always a pet lover and kept animals,” Jon said. The sons left Bartlesville to pursue their own careers. Jon became a successful attorney, mediator, and arbitrator in New York and North Carolina, where he lives with his wife Nahomi, also an attorney. Ward, who passed

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

away in 2020 was Managing Editor of the Village Voice in New York City. In the early days of his practice after the War, “Doc” Harkavy treated large animals and knew many of the area ranchers. Jon said, “I remember going to ranches on Sunday mornings and having breakfast with the cowboys and then they’d round up the cattle and Dad would vaccinate them.” Harkavy gave up large animal practice and focused on small animals, becoming well known by many residents and local oil executives, who brought him their pets. He stayed on the cutting edge of veterinary medicine, attending national conferences and developing a reputation as a specialist in bird surgery. In the mid 1950’s Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev came to the United States to visit American farmers. President Eisenhower and the State Department reciprocated by sending a group of farmers and veterinarians to the Soviet Union. Dr. and Mrs. Harkavy were chosen to be part of the exchange. “It was a big deal at the time, and he gave speeches about it after he returned,” said Jon. As the practice grew, Harkavy branched into boarding kennels for up to 100 animals and a pet store which carried everything from pet food to collars. “Dad devoted his life to his practice, and he was active in many patriotic organizations,” said Jon. Harkavy was a member of the B’nai Emunah Synagogue in Tulsa, Bartlesville Rotary Club, American Legion Post. No. 105, the Bartlesville Masonic Lodge No. 284, the American Veterinarian Medical Association, and the Oklahoma Veterinarian Medical Association. He was known for being very social and would stop to visit with friends and strangers. “Mom and Dad came here knowing no one and they created a complete life, a very successful business, and made a lot of friends. They loved to travel the world and were very active in the community. They really loved Bartlesville and wouldn’t leave even after they retired. Mom and Dad were a big part of the community, and the community was a big part of them,” Jon said. “Doc” Harkavy died in 2000, preceded in death by his wife in 1995.

JOHNSTONE SARE BUILDING www.honeyshouseofflowers.com 918-333-8181

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

#10 Hayden Catlin

#11 Kaleb Brown

#2 William Parsley

#13 Silas Earley

University of Oklahoma

UCO

University of Arkansas

Okmulgee Tech

Majoring in Business Data Analytics

Pursuing Lineman Certification

Majoring in Biomedical Science

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

Majoring in Physical Therapy

#3 Jakob Hall

#4 Braeden Winters

#21 Lucas Ortiz

#6 Drew Nichols

Oral Roberts University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

University of Oklahoma

Baseball Scholarship Major Unknown

Football Scholarship Major Unknown

Majoring in Political Science with Pre-Law Focus

Majoring in Biochemical Engineering

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

APRIL CALENDAR SPONSORED BY Bruins Baseball vs Catoosa

5 PM; Doenges Stadium (V) 7 PM; Doenges Stadium (JV)

No School; Good Friday OKWU Baseball vs Sterling 3 PM: OKWU Baseball Fields

Bruins Baseball vs Owasso

7 PM; Doenges Stadium

OKWU Baseball vs St Mary 3 PM; OKWU Baseball Fields

Bruins Soccer vs Ponca City 4:30 PM; Custer Stadium (JV/G) 4:30 PM; Custer Stadium (JV/B) 6 PM; Custer Stadium (V/G) 8 PM; Custer Stadium (V/B)

OKWU Baseball vs Sterling

Bruins Baseball vs Claremore Sequoyah

1&4 PM; Doenges Stadium

5 PM; Doenges Stadium (V) 7 PM; Doenges Stadium (JV)

OKWU Softball vs Avila 4 PM; OKWU Softball fields

Bruins Baseball vs Edmond Memorial 7 PM; Doenges Stadium (V)

Bruins Soccer vs Ponca City 4:30 PM; Custer Stadium (JV/G) 4:30 PM; Custer Stadium (JV/B) 6 PM; Custer Stadium (V/G) 8 PM; Custer Stadium (V/B)

OKWU Softball vs Southwestern 2&4 PM; OKWU Softball Fields

OKWU Baseball vs Friends 4 PM; OKWU Baseball Fields

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

Bruins Baseball vs NOAH 12 PM; Doenges Stadium

OKWU Baseball vs Saint Mary 1&4 PM; OKWU Baseball Field

OKWU Softball vs York 1&3 PM; OKWU Softball fields

4:30 PM; Doenges Stadium (V)

Bruins Baseball vs Putnam City

4th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 9 AM; Downtown Depot SAFE-NOW (Sexual Assault Forensic Exams-Nowata, Osage, Washington counties) presents Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. The international men's march to stop rape, sexual assault & gender violence. Calling all Men (and women): Come strut your stuff in high heels on the streets of Bartlesville and support victims of sexual assault. Registration: $20 (bring your own heels); $20 (high heels rental-first come basis). Register: www.oksafenow.org Individuals and teams welcome!

Bartlesville Civic Ballet presents Cinderella 2 PM; Bartlesville Community Center Every spring the Bartlesville Civic Ballet brings a full length classical, modern ballet production or a selection of variations from classical ballets to the Bartlesville stage. This year, join BCB for the fairytale classic that sparkles with humor and heart, Cinderella, choreographed by our own Soili Arvola and to the melodious composition of Sergei Prokofiev. Audiences will be captivated by the Pas de Deux between Cinderella and her Price Charming and then burst with laughter over the shenanigans of the ugly stepsisters. Single tickets range from $13-24. To accommodate social distancing and CDC recommendations, the BCC has limited the availability of seating for all performances Free admission for students with purchase of an adult ticket. Offer only available in person or over the phone.

OKWU Baseball vs Mid America Christian

2 PM; OKWU Baseball Fields

Bruins Baseball vs Stillwater 4:30 PM; Doenges Stadium (JV) 6 PM; Doenges Stadium (V)

Bruins Soccer vs Stillwater

26 27

Spring Traders Encampment

Bruin Baseball vs Collinsville

10 AM; 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 historical retreat. Hosted by Woolaroc's Mountain Men Wes & 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. Many of the campers will set up their tents or tipis and have period crafts for the public to view and purchase.

OKWU Softball vs McPherson

4:30 PM; Custer Stadium (JV/G) 4:30 PM; Custer Stadium (JV/B) 6 PM; Custer Stadium (V/G) 8 PM; Custer Stadium (V/B)

2&4 PM; OKWU Softball Fields

Bruin Baseball vs Jenks

Bruin Baseball vs Bixby

OKWU Softball vs Crowley 3&5 PM; OKWU Softball Fields 4:30 & 6:30 PM; Doenges Stadium

Shamrock the Ville 7:30 AM; Downtown Bartlesville As you can imagine, we’re actively monitoring the pandemic situation and want to inform you of our path forward. No later than Thursday, April 1st we will make one of two decisions: 1: Host the race in-person as planned with staggered start times to encourage distancing. 2: Host the race virtually. In the event the race must be cancelled, all paid registrations will be recognized as a donation to Catholic Charities Mary Martha Outreach.

April 9-10

2&4 PM; OKWU Softball Fields

5 PM; Doenges Stadium (JV)

6 PM; Doenges Stadium (JV)

OKWU Softball vs Kansas Wesleyan

OKWU Baseball vs Avila 7:30 PM; OKWU Baseball Fields

Wednesdays in April Animal Barn Open 10 AM; Woolarac One of the most popular places at Woolaroc is our Animal Barn — originally the Dairy Barn for our founder, Frank Phillips. Over the years, the barn has been home to many different animals, including rabbits, chickens, goats, and calves. Masks are required inside all buildings at Woolaroc.

Mondays in April Food Truck Monday 11:00am-1:30PM; Tower Center at Unity Square Food Trucks will be parked in the parking lot every Monday until Labor day. Bring your picnic blanket & friends and enjoy some delicious cuisine that varies from week to week.

“Friendly dealers, great showroom and vehicles, very accommodating. Really appreciate being called by name.” — Matt from Wichita, KS

Hwy 75 in Bartlesville • (918)333-8010 • gopatriotauto.com

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

APRIL EVENTS CALENDAR

Know of an upcoming event you would like to see on our calendar? Visit us at www.bartlesvillemonthly.com to submit a free listing!

Thu, Apr 1 9 PM

Karaoke Angelo’s Tavern 130 S Cherokee Ave. Bring your friends and join us every Thursday of the month for a fun-filled evening of karaoke.

Fri, Apr 2 9 AM

9 PM

Luke Christenson Release Party Platinum Cigar Company 314 S Johnstone Ave. Luke won the Texas Country Music Association Country Songwriter of the Year award this year, and never fails to put on an amazing show, so don't miss it!

Live Music with The Back Roads Band Cherokee Casino - Ramona 31501 US 75, Ramona

ACT Prep Class Rogers State University 401 Dewey Ave. 12 PM

Bartlesville Artisan Market

Mon, Apr 5

Spring Traders Encampment Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd. Hosted by Woolaroc's Mountain Men Wes & Roger Butcher, the camp has quickly become a favorite for traders and reenactors 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.

Looking for a safe place to find healing in your life? You’re not alone! Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone with any hurt, habit, and hang-up of any kind! Join us every Monday night at 6:30-8:30 p.m. We have programs for adults, teens, and kids.

Thu, Apr 8 11:45 AM

Love & Appreciation Luncheon Bartlesville Community Center 300 SE Adams Blvd

Washington Park Mall 2350 SE Washington Blvd., Ste. 218 See April 2 event for information.

314 S Johnstone Ave. Come hang out with us upstairs and have some drinks and a cigar and enjoy music from Jimmie Johnson! 9 PM

Live Music with Let it Ride Cherokee Casino - Ramona 31501 US-75, Ramona Come on out and bring your friends! It is going to be a foot stomping good time! Hope to see you there!

7 PM

Vickie’(50’s) Bee Bop Thirsty Turtle 926 Portland Ave.

5 PM

Lifeguard Training

12 PM

Platinum Cigar Company

Sat, Apr 10

Grace Community Church

2350 SE Washington Blvd., Ste. 218

Bartlesville Artisan Market

8:30 PM

Live Music with Jimmie Johnson

6:30 PM

1500 King Dr, Bartlesville

Sat, Apr 3

10 AM

Celebrate Recovery

Washington Park Mall

An indoor market where you can shop locally, stay warm, get fresh baked goods, homemade products, and more.

Fri, Apr 9

Invite a Front Line Worker who we may honor - bring a friend to enjoy - it's our Love & Appreciation Luncheon. Enjoy sweet treat ideas from Melody Hughes, as well as catering from Melody's Creative Cuisine! Hear Billie Roane share her powerful message. RSVP by noon, Tuesday, April 6 to bladiesconnection@gmail.com. For info, text 918 397 7388.

Richard Kane TMCY 101 N Osage Ave. We are hiring for summer lifeguards and swim lesson instructors. Learn how to save lives and prevent injuries around water with Red Cross Lifeguard Training. The Red Cross has been training and teaching skills for effective responses to all kinds of emergencies for more than 100 years. Prior registration required as well as online portion, all dates/times must be attended. They are: April 9 at 5 p.m., April 11 at 1:30 p.m., April 24 at 12 p.m., and April 25 at 1:30 p.m. May training available as well, Register online at RKYMCA.org or at the Y.

Its Vickie Wickham BIRTHDAY and she wants to celebrate with you. Back by popular demand is the 50s theme, so Round Two Sock Hop. Let’s rock around the clock. 9 PM

Live Music with Alisha Kay Platinum Cigar Company 314 S Johnstone Ave.

Thu, Apr 15 12 PM

Nourishing Knowledge by Jen Virtual Cooking Class Bartlesville Public Library Facebook page

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

EVENTS CALENDAR

Thu, Apr 22

5 PM

PWP and Care Partners Support Group

Times Vary

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds

Elder Care 1223 Swan Dr.

Theater Bartlesville

8 PM

312 S Dewey Ave.

Live Music with Chase Johnson

The performance runs through Sunday, April 25.

Platinum Cigar Company 314 S Johnstone Ave.

Fri, Apr 23

Guess who's coming back to Platinum!! That's right! The one and only Chase Wilson will be here for the first time in over a year! We're excited to have him back, so come in and show him some love!

2 PM

Sat, Apr 17

Bartlesville Civic Ballet presents Cinderella

10:35 AM

BodyFlow Release Class

Bartlesville Community Center

8:30 AM

Body Pump Release Workout

300 SE Adams Blvd.

Richard Kane TMCY

This classic tale of a mistreated princess is sure to put a smile on your face. Always a favorite! Choreographed by Arvola and Ahonen as well as Costume Design by Arvola and Ahonen. Single tickets range from $13-24. To accommodate social distancing and CDC recommendations, the BCC has limited the availability for seating for all performances.

101 N Osage Ave.

Richard Kane YMCA 101 N Osage Ave, Bartlesville 10 AM 8:30 PM

RPM Launch Class

Live Music with Jason & Jackson

Richard Kane YMCA

Platinum Cigar Company

101 N Osage Ave.

314 S Johnstone Ave. Join us for some country music from the Wilson boys!

5:30 PM

9 AM

KWON Cooking Extravaganza Bartlesville Community Center

Frank Phillips Park (Farmers Market)

300 SE Adams Blvd.

222 SW Frank Phillips Blvd.

This event celebrates our outstanding local celebrity chefs showcasing the Best of the Best! They will demonstrate step by step instructions on how to prepare one of their signature dishes and give you the recipe! Then, you can become a rock star in your kitchen with your new culinary skills and impress your friends and family. This event also offers booth browsing before the event. Doors open at 5:30pm.

Calling all men and women to come out and walk a symbolic mile wearing high heels! This is a family fun event. Teams welcomed and encouraged. Walk and support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Register at: oksafenow.org. 10 AM

Cookie Decorating with Royal Icing The Eatery by 3 Kids & a Cake 324 S Johnstone Ave.

5:30 PM

BPS Teacher of the Year & Rising Star of the Year Doenges Stadium 198 N. Dewey (Hensley & Dewey)

Tue, Apr 20 SAFE-NOW Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Tue, Apr 27

Sat, Apr 24 9 AM

ShamRock the Ville Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd. As you can imagine, we’re actively monitoring the pandemic situation and want to inform you of our path forward. No later than Thursday, April 1st we will make one of two decisions: 1)Host the race in-person as planned with staggered start times to encourage distancing. 2) Host the race virtually. In the event the race must be cancelled, all paid race registrations will be recognized as a donation to Catholic Charities - Mary Martha Outreach to its fullest extent.

Bring your family out to the ball field as we celebrate some of Bartlesville's best teachers and announce the Teacher of the Year and Rising Star of the Year! We're moving the event from past years' red carpet to this year's home plate. We're prioritizing your safety with socially distanced seating and mask requirements. Complimentary stadium snacks and opportunities to vote for your "Fan Favorite" teacher. No cost to attend. 6 PM

Ducks Unlimited Fire & Ice Raffle Night Cooper and Mill Brewing Company 200 Dewey Ave, Bartlesville, OK

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bmonthly | APRIL 2021

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FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK

by Jay Webster

Remember Jiffy Pops? They were those little instant popcorn deals you put on the stove top and in a minute or two it exploded with buttery popcorn. I feel like that’s what our seasons are now. We had two weeks of the Snow-pocalypse and then JiffySpring. One minute we were living in PrairieArctica. The next, Julie Andrews was running through the hills alive with the sound of music, followed by armies of vibrant yellow daffodils and animated Disney birds. It’s enough to give you “seasonal whiplash” if you’re not careful. You can tell we weren’t prepared for it either. We count on March as a transition month when we can gradually shed our 34

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

winter coats like a woolly mammoth, carb detox, and slowly start introducing our skin to the sun again. Instead the Spring bandaid was ripped right off and you’re the only one in outdoor dining demanding that a parka is perfectly acceptable at 70 degrees and sunny … because after all, it still gets chilly at night.

Kids don’t feel like that, by the way. We literally have to set official “temp triggers” for our nine-year-old daughter. When temperatures reach 75 or above, that “triggers” short sleeves. Anything below that and we’re “… when I didn’t want to go somewhere, last year I was still in long sleeves (or, ever one considered a hero for considering the health of others as to push the envelope, my more important than my entertainment. God, I was excepdaughter’s new favorite, threetional at that.” quarter sleeves). Without this

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK scale, every day is an intense wardrobe negotiation: “Dad, what’s the temperature tomorrow? I was soooooo hot today in my long sleeves.” To which I have to say, “Honey, it was 58 today. You were not hot, you simply had a fashion hot flash.”

distancing again. (Though in fairness, I’ve been practicing social distancing most of my life, so don’t be suspicious if I hang on to that one.) I’m just not sure I’m ready to boomerang back to life as we knew it before. I don’t really want to time travel back to 2018.

Never mind she weighs only 50 pounds and could easily be blown over by a mild south wind. Do I look forward to a “simSuddenly, her body aches for pler time,” when I won’t have "Restaurants may return to normal hours and service. summer apparel. I get it. We all stashed masks in my car, office, Live concerts may resume ... And in return, we may have want a change of scenery comand home just in case I forget to to get used to wearing pants again … unless you’re going grab mine on the way out the ing off winter and a year of to Walmart, then just let your heart be your guide.” door? Yes. Do I long to be free COVID-19. from the threat of “virtual school?” Oh, God yes. Do I look forThere seems to be a greater urgency than usual for summer ward to smelling like aftershave more than hand sanitizer? I’m this year. People have wild anticipation for what they hope will not really sure … it seems I’ve lost my sense of taste and smell. be the “Summer of Normal.” Can we go to concerts or ball Is that bad? Do I want to walk into a hospital, restaurant, or gym games? What about travel? Can I get on a sold-out plane, rub without someone holding a thermometer gun at my forehead? thighs with a complete stranger in seat B, and breathe recycled It’d be nice. air on the way to a tourist destination? I want overpriced drinks But do I like the more civilized pace we’ve been living at for and questionable fashion now! 12 months? Yes. Do I like having an excuse not to go everyI find myself split on all this. As sick as it may sound, there where and do everything with everyone? Yes. COVID was will be a few things about the pandemic that I will miss. Like perfect for that. Instead of being accused of being a grumpy, masks. I know. I know. They make breathing feel like sucking middle-aged man when I didn’t want to go somewhere, last year in car exhaust through a broken straw. And yes, I never walked I was considered a hero for considering the health of others as into a QT or OnCue without feeling like I was about to commit more important than my entertainment. God, I was exceptional armed robbery. But, I will miss the sense of anonymity it gave at that. me. I felt empowered to get into a store and do my business as a stranger and not as someone who knows a person on It appears that, as in all things, there is a give and take. every aisle. Restaurants may return to normal hours and service. Live concerts may resume. Fewer people may die. And in return, we I’m also going to miss Zoom. I gotta be honest, I don’t want may have to get used to wearing pants again … unless you’re to go to most meetings I’m invited to. Zoom gave you the going to Walmart, then just let your heart be your guide. chance to attend while not really attending. You could login, mute your mic, even disable your camera, and get other work What have you missed most during this crazy year? What done — all while Carl carried on with his prolonged agenda. Be would you like to see returned and what could you continue livhonest. How many of you are going to miss dressing only from ing without? Maybe in a selfish way, what I really want is for the the waist up? (Heavy sigh.) I fear that in a few months, we will option of normal when if fits my wants and preferences. Maybe look back on this last year and not realize how good we had it I want to see a movie or go to a concert and still have room for … aside from the whole dying thing. the holy ghost between me and the stranger next to me. Maybe what I’m really hoping for is “normal” for me and social distancI will miss comfort consuming. On those long winter nights ing for everyone else. That’s probably not healthy at some level. of quarantine, we bought a lot of things we didn’t need. I’m never going to read The Magic of Macrame and You, but that I’ll think on it, maybe even meditate about it as I’m not eating didn’t stop me from ordering the newly revised edition with 12 carbs and privately sunning my shapeless arms in the privacy new, easy-to-follow patterns. Do I really need to make my own of my backyard. It’s at these moments I wish I could socially diswhip cream in a galvanized CO2 canister in just 12 easy steps? tance myself from No. They already make that. It’s called Reddi-Whip. (See, it’s myself. right in the name!). But that doesn’t mean we didn’t order one Friends, Happy in between binge watching episodes of Bridgerton. I’m not Spring. Cheers! sure it’s healthy to know your Amazon delivery person by their first name. P.S. Despite taking Of course, at the time we told ourselves, “It’s all good. We’re using our credit card to earn miles with all these purchases.” Miles? What miles? It’s a pandemic. Where are you going to go? Unless you’re flying to the clinic in Nowata for a rapid test or that vaccine, we’re just going to be sitting here on the tarmac for a while. I don’t know, maybe I’m jaded. There is absolutely a part of me that never wants to hear COVID and pandemic and social

a moment to make light of the last 12 months… as someone who lost friends to COVID … I don’t take that part lightly at all. That pain can’t pass quickly enough.

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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A GOOD WORD

Leaf Launching Handing Your Burdens Over to God Will Bring You Peace by Gary Gibson

More years ago than I can remember, I went through a time when my life hit rock bottom. I'd made some bad choices that were threatening to destroy my life and my family. I felt like I was broken into a thousand pieces. Few things were working out for me and what's more, I didn't care. On an emotionally dark day, in an effort to get away from the confusion and heartache, I headed for the falls on Sand Creek at Osage Hills State Park. It's a peaceful place where I often went when I needed to clear my head and get control back in my life. Little did I realize what an impact this short journey would have on me. Upon reaching the park, I found my favorite spot and sat down on a large rock by the edge of the stream. What happened next seemed to come out of nowhere. As I was contemplating the mess my life was in, I reached down, picked up a leaf, wrote on it, and placed it in the water beside me. I watched quietly as the current pushed it to the edge of the falls and ultimately out of sight. After it was gone, I reached down, picked up another leaf, and repeated the process. This went on for quite a while, and with each leaf launched, I could feel the heaviness in my heart getting lighter. I'm not sure what I thought would be accomplished by this activity but it did turn out to bring healing. You see, the words I was

writing on the leaves named the things in my life that held the greatest importance to me. I wrote my wife's name on the first leaf. On the second, I wrote my daughter's name and on the third, I wrote my son's. I continued the process until I'd included my home, job, health, finances, hopes, dreams, friends, enemies, successes, failures, my past, present, and future. As each leaf went into the water, I prayed. And, as each one disappeared over the falls, I put that part of my life into God’s hands. I can't remember how much time I spent there, but when I got up to head home, I'd handed my burdens to the One who could carry them so much better than I. His peace had taken the place of my pain. As I look around me, I see so many hurting people with broken lives. Some have an ability to hide their pain and others, not so much. All too often, because of the heaviness in their hearts, they give up. But I want you to know that life can't break you so bad that God can't fix you. No matter how chaotic your existence, He can and will bring you peace. Please know, I'm not suggesting you grab a pen and head out to the nearest stream. That exercise worked for me because I'm a very visual person. Seeing those leaves fall out of sight reinforced that I was actually letting go of everything, knowing that God would take care of it all for me. I've only been to the creek once for the purpose of launching leaves, but I've gone to God many times and laid my burdens upon Him. I want to encourage you, no matter the challenges in your life, you don't have to let them defeat you and you don't have to face them alone. Rather than giving up, give your worries to the One who will always take care of you, and then live your life to the fullest.

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Hiding from the Stars Hollywood Stars Are Pretty Much Like Everybody Else by Brent Taylor Movie star sightings in my hometown of Bartlesville have not always been common, aside from the good old days of Tom Mix and Ben Johnson. But with the arrival of Apple Studios and the adaptation of Killers of the Flower Moon, our community and the state of Oklahoma continue to grow in their roles as locations for the film industry. This means we will see more movie stars milling about town, which is fun and gossip-inducing. However, without the benefit of filtered lenses and make-up artists, my interactions with Hollywood royalty seem more mundane. Case in point, Dermot Mulroney, who once received a rude introduction to the gales of Oklahoma. I know this because he called me once after he left his front door ajar while walking his dog. He asked me to repair his Gramercy townhome door latch after the wind caught the door and slammed it shut. In these everyday moments I became an indentured Hollywood puppet, obliged to cater to the stars while fixing door locks and unclogging toilets. In this intersection of fame and reality, the cast of August Osage County — Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Benedict Cumberbatch, Abigail Breslin, Sam Shepherd, Chris Cooper, Dermot Mulroney, and others — stayed at our Gramercy community in 2012 while filming. The cast often gathered at Streep’s Gramercy townhouse to partake of stuffed goat cheese chicken and imbibe glasses of wine while watching the Presidential debates. “We found The Gramercy Lofts, and put all the cast there. So literally, Meryl was next door to Julia, who was next door to Chris, who was next door to Margo. Margo and Meryl are both excellent cooks, and they would cook most nights for the cast. They would get together in the evenings at Meryl’s house and rehearse for the next day”. — John Wells, Director, August Osage County appearing in Cultural Weekly December 2013 I hung out next door with the security guard, who was from Philadelphia. We talked about the best place to get cheesesteaks and how the Phillies and Eagles were faring while doing bicep curls. I sensed that he had a great pair of biceps along with the other gun he was hiding under those loose-fitting sweats. He was a regular guy and I felt comfortable talking with him about anything but Hollywood. Meanwhile, I love Meryl Streep and think her acting is remarkable, and yet I was within a few feet of her and I avoided eye contact while walking in the other direction. I watched Julia Roberts wearing cut-off jean shorts and a ragged tank top while she hung out with her 8-year-old twins, who were riding bikes in the street outside my window. I waited until they were gone before walking to my car for fear of saying something I would regret like, “Hello,” or “Those shorts could use a makeover.”

Filming August Osage County in Downtown Bartlesville.

Searching for the stars in Bartlesville has become a veritable Hollywood scavenger hunt. Along with a desire to actually be in the movies as an extra. My son-in-law, for instance, has a lot of facial hair, which is appropriate because apparently folks around the town of Gray Horse had copious amounts of facial hair 100 years ago. But I must confess. I’m afraid of movie stars and jealous of my college buddy who once carried on a long conversation with Cybill Shepherd, a woman I had planned to marry before Karen came along. Cybill was wearing sunglasses, not a bit of makeup, and seemed remarkably ordinary as my friend described their encounter in the Memphis airport. My wife is also a legendary chaser of stars. Once, in a Tulsa Airport restroom, Karen and Kristin Chenoweth talked like old friends about how to operate electronically dispensed paper towel machines while drying their hands. And while vacationing in Orlando, after exiting the Aerosmith Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Universal Studios, Karen overhead some girls breathlessly mentioning that John Travolta had entered through a back door and was riding the coaster continuously with his son. Before I could process this information into any meaningful behavior, Karen was gone. She sprinted back into the ride area searching for the man she was going to marry before I entered the picture (think Grease rather than Pulp Fiction). While this ended well for me (she did not find him inside) Mr. Travolta saw a reduction in meaningful movie roles since that time, unless you count Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. I’m sure our ships passing in the night has nothing to do with this career downturn. Beauty is, after all, in the eye of the beholder. So as we share our streets, restaurants, and homes with lovely and graceful movie stars in the coming days, perhaps it is good to remember that they are pretty much like everyone else — but only a little bit more so than we want to admit. APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | APRIL 2021

LOOKING BACK

A Tale of Two Bennetts

Both Families Involved in Education, Politics & Community by Kay Little, Little History Adventures One Bennett was the first white man in this area. Another Bennett was the first female commissioner in Washington County. One Bennett family lived on the west side of Silver Lake. Another lived just north of Silver Lake. In the late 1800s, Bartlesville was part of Indian Territory. If a white man wanted to live here, he had to be married to an Indian or have a business that served the Indians. In 1860, Joseph Hardin Bennett came to the Silver Lake area to run Joel Bryan’s trading post while Bryan fought in the Civil War. Bennett was the first white man to settle at Silver Lake. After the war, he married his boss’s daughter, Flora Bryan. Mr. Bryan gave the trading post to the couple as a wedding gift. Several years after Flora died, Joseph married Huldah Ann Ringo at Silver Lake on January 22, 1878. They had their home on the west side of the lake. Joseph did not have much to do with the trading post after he married Hulda. The Osage had left Silver Lake in 1872. Instead, he became one of the largest farmers and ranchers in the area. Joseph built a log home near the Hillside Mission in the southwest corner of Washington County, so the JOSEPH AND HULDA BENNETT children could attend the Hillside School. Joseph died in 1901 and is buried in the Hillside Cemetery. One of Hulda and Joseph’s daughters, Mary Ellen, was the grandmother of Doug, Joe, and State Representative Earl Sears. In 1899, two years after Bartlesville was incorporated, the City Council voted to levy taxes, which meant they were able to offer a free school for area children. Many people in the surrounding areas moved to town so their children could attend free school. Bartlesville had two teachers doing the job of four teachers. The school board had a hard time finding enough schoolrooms. Those early teachers at times had 100 students, ages 6-17 years. One of those early teachers was Miss Blanche Forrester. She first came to Bartlesville in 1900 to visit her Overlees grandparents. She started teaching in the first free school in the city on the banks of the Caney River. The last school she taught in was Garfield. She taught the best she could with the materials she had, and was the only teacher the first year. Even with the over-

JOANNE AND RICHARD BENNETT

crowding and lack of materials, the eager students received a good education. Blanche married Samuel Bennett. One of their sons, Richard, graduated from the first class of Bartlesville College High School, in 1940. After he served in the war, he came home and married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Riney. They were married for 69 years. Richard and Joanne commissioned Bruce Goff to build their home on Silver Lake Rd. Joanne Bennett eventually became the first elected female County Commissioner in the state of Oklahoma, serving 18 years. She and Richard were very involved in the community. One of their grandsons, Forrest, serves in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He credits his grandmother as a mentor. Both Bennett families have been very involved in education, politics, and community. They also have Silver Lake in common, but are not kin. I have the privilege of knowing several members of each family, including having met Joanne Bennett shortly before death. APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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Lawless Disorder

Killed in the Line of Duty by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum Quietly resting at the corner of Johnstone Avenue and Hensley Blvd. in Bartlesville is a monument many residents pass daily with little recognition. The corner was once home of the Bartlesville Police Department and, at that location, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #117 dedicated the monument, May 15, 1990, to Washington County law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in the name of our protection. November 27, 1887 – Although there were ten Dalton brothers, the deeds of four bad seeds overshadowed the other brothers. On the “good” side, Frank Dalton served as a Deputy Marshal, tracking horse thieves in Oklahoma Territory. On November 27, 1887, a gun fight erupted and when the smoke cleared, Dalton and two horse thieves were dead. Deputy Marshal Ed Stokley was wounded but survived to continue the pursuit. A week later, the final suspect was found and a second gun fight resulted in Stokley and the outlaw being killed. To avenge their brother, Grat, Bob and Emmitt Dalton briefly became lawmen, but in 1890, they crossed the line into criminal activity. July 3, 1903 – A two-day July 4th celebration at Chief James Bigheart’s ranch on the Osage Reservation brought an altercation with heavily intoxicated Ed Lisle who threatened Bigheart’s life. Bartlesville’s Deputy Marshal John Jones was onsite to keep the peace. However, Lisle turned with a six-shooter and killed Jones immediately. Lisle escaped but turned himself into Pawhuska authorities two days later. He was taken to Pawnee for trail, found guilty and sentenced to life at Leavenworth federal prison. Jones was buried in Oklahoma City’s Fairlawn Cemetery.

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

Day Force of Bartlesville Police in 1908.

November 16, 1907 – Local antagonist, Ernest Lewis located a parcel of land along the KansasOklahoma border near Caney which was not surveyed or recorded on maps. Since the “No Man’s Land” belonged to neither state, he staked claim and built a shanty which he called his “Modern Monte Carlo” where alcohol flowed freely. Deputy Fred Keeler raided the establishment, destroyed the building, and smashed bottles and barrels of alcohol. Word FRED KEELER on Bartlesville streets was Lewis planned to kill Keeler. Lewis opened a Uno Joint at the northwest corner of Keeler Avenue and Third Street and on Statehood Day, November 16, 1907, a gun fight erupted when Marshals Keeler and George Williams entered Lewis’ joint to enforce the “dry state.” The result was the deaths of Lewis and Williams. February 15, 1911 – When Harrison Jones became Constable of Bartlesville’s Smeltertown, his goal was to clean up the criminal elements in the area. However, a Smeltertown Valentine’s Dance resulted in a drunken disturbance and “free-for-all-fight” with guns involved. Police were summoned to control the unruly crowd; however, a shot from the dark delivered a fatal abdominal injury and the death of Constable Jones occurred two days later. First degree manslaughter and a 15-year sentence was delivered to the Polish assailant.

NOW YOU KNOW September 19, 1912 – At the height of prohibition, Robert Leo Bowman was a Federal Agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. He received information that illegal liquor was being smuggled into Oklahoma from Caney and a team of officers intercepted four wagons of alcohol two miles south of Caney. While tending to the shipment, two cars rolled upon the officers, opened fire and Bowman was killed instantly. October 31, 1914 – Washington County Sheriff John Jordan fell from a moving Frisco train while in pursuit of an escaping prisoner and suffered from injuries for a year before his death. The flag at the Courthouse was flown at half-staff. He rests in the Ramona Cemetery. January 4, 1915 – Bartlesville was the scene of a series of hold-ups in 1915 including one at the dance hall in the “red light district.” Officer William Butler challenged two men and after an exchange of gun fire, Butler and one intruder were dead. Butler rests in White Rose Cemetery. April 27, 1915 – Dewey’s Night Marshal James Gibson was called to a drunken disturbance over the ownership of a pipe. When he arrived, Nathan Bazarth shot Gibson twice and shortly thereafter took his own life. Gibson lingered until May 5th before passing in the Bartlesville hospital. He rests in the Delaware Indian Cemetery in Dewey. August 11, 1918 – Dewey’s Chief of Police Walter Lee Mull was dispatched to a domestic violence incident on Dewey’s westside involving local barber, Aaron Wardlow who resisted arrest. During the scuffle, Wardlow pulled a Colt .45 revolver, shot Mull to death and escaped into a nearby cornfield. Officers used an airplane to locate and apprehend him. The grand jury found Wardlow guilty of murder and sentenced him to life in the McAlister penitentiary. Mull rests in the Dewey Cemetery. June 7, 1922 – Ochelata’s Night Marshal William Lockett was investigating prowlers at the mercantile store when four men opened fire and dropped him dead. Three bandits escaped by car with a posse and blood hounds unsuccessfully tracking another on foot. Lockett rests in the Ochelata Cemetery. November 11, 1922 – Just one day after being commissioned as Dewey’s Special Officer, Herbert E. Marlow was on patrol and noticed a blanket over a window at Dewey’s Model Clothing Store. The bandits escaped to the alley with suitcases full of goods where a gun fight erupted. Marlow emptied his gun but he

The Bartlesville Police Department in 1926.

was killed in the alley. A large gold shield of flowers accompanied his body to Ohio for burial. No arrests were made. October 25, 1924 – The Stevens brother’s crime spree began with a stolen Ford Roadster and escalated when Ochelata’s City Marshal William Ellis started asking questions. The brothers were acting suspicious at Robinson’s Garage and Ellis proceeded to arrest the men. A gunfight ensued resulting in Marshal Ellis and one of the brothers being killed. The other brother fled and was not apprehended. Ellis rests in the Claremore Cemetery. December 30, 1935 – Robert Holland operated a Bartlesville cleaning business. Night Patrolman Henry Cobb was called to investigate Holland’s intoxicated ranting. After a short conversation and brief scuffle, Holland pulled a gun and shot Cobb three times, killing the officer. On death-row, Holland died two years later at the McAlister penitentiary. October 8, 1939 – Amid a gathering at the Searsville Tavern, near Ramona, Ramona City Marshal William Clark got into an altercation with another patron. Clark pulled his gun, threatening the crowd. In self-defense, the patron took the gun which accidentally discharged. Clark died in route to the hospital and was buried at Elk City, KS.

Did You Know? Did You Know? Before statehood, Oklahoma was known as the Indian Nation with laws enforced by the likes of the Cherokee mounted police, called the “Light Horse.” However, the laws only applied to Cherokee citizens and the Indian Nation became a haven for criminals. The situation changed in 1875, when Isaac Parker was appointed by President Ulysses Grant as District Judge to preside over the Western District of Arkansas, which included all of present Oklahoma. Holding court in Fort Smith, Parker sent U.S. Marshalls and Deputy Marshals into Indian Territory with pockets-full of warrants to bring both Indian and white outlaws to justice…a justice that brought Parker the nickname of the “Hanging Judge.” Now You Know* APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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HELPING HANDS

Belong. Believe. Become. On the Rock Ministries Provides Chances for Area Youth by Maria Gus Every kid deserves a chance. That’s the most simple explanation for the mission of On the Rock Ministries or “The Rock,” a non-profit youth ministry program located near downtown Bartlesville. The Rock reaches youth in the Bartlesville area from grade school to high schoo,l and has been serving the community for nearly 25 years. Many may know about The Rock because of their after-school youth ministry, while others may be more familiar with their indoor skatepark. Some people in the community have been to The Rock for birthday parties or special events. No matter the reason, the mission remains the same — The Rock is a place that loves young people unconditionally and helps them feel a sense of belonging, believe they are uniquely created with a purpose, and to fully become who they are meant to be. Their campus has a recreation center, the aforementioned indoor skatepark, a concert center, computer lab, playground, climbing wall, and large outdoor patio. Their vision is to sponsor and promote educational, charitable, and cultural events for disadvantaged children and youth. “The Rock is that place where kids can feel like they fit in,” said Christine Dancer, middle school program director for The Rock. “It’s a place where they can come and feel like they’re part of a family.” Dancer has been with the program for eight years and has filled almost every role within the organization, including director of girls programming and office manager. Dancer is one of about 25 staff at The Rock, and her passion lies in this message for youth: God loves you and you should get to know God. The staff at The Rock is

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

highly trained with an emphasis in reaching each student where they are. “The program is very fun, but also foundational,” said Dancer. “We use compassion, a skate trick, or how to go across the ninja course — fun stuff. Then they get to meet caring adults who are trained and interested in mentoring them and caring about them; showing them care that they may not be getting in other parts of their lives.” Dancer has been using her time to make the teen program special and help students have great experiences. On the Rock Ministries serves between 500 - 600 youth a month. With four after-school programs serving elementary, middle school, and high school, the mission of The Rock is paramount for the organization — but so is a good relationship with the community. “The Rock is here to offer students an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ,” added Dancer. “We try to be the stopgap and love kids to keep them from falling through the cracks.” On the Rock Ministries reaches youth across the spectrum, but programming is geared toward helping youth who are struggling or have a lack of opportunities, whether those be social or fiscal opportunities. Opportunity is abundant at The Rock, which is why co-founder and co-executive director Ken Dossett is always seeking a new way to help area youth. It was an opportunity that led him to the original building for The Rock and opportunity that helped him revisit his plans for The Creamery. His plans to grow the work of The Rock may seem ambitious, but the optimism and faith of the Dossett family promise to carry them far.

HELPING HANDS When Dossett first began his work with On the Rock Ministries, he noticed the old abandoned Crystal Creamery on Frank Phillips Boulevard. He approached the owners about 22 years ago and offered them a dollar for the building. “They laughed at me,” said Dossett with a chuckle. “It’s kind of unique that now, 22 years later, that first building I saw has become more of The Rock.” Dossett and his team have acquired the facility due to a generous donation, and have plans to create a multi-purpose activity center, school, and retail operation to help youth facing challenges find their success. “I really felt it was a gift from the Lord,” said Dossett. “It was exciting for us but then it became the reality of ‘what are we going to use it for?’” Co-founder and co-executive director Sandy Dossett is a long-time educator and literary coach. She has long had the idea of developing a tutoring program for youth at risk of dropping out or getting lost in the system. Sandy has always wanted to build a school and with the new Creamery, the pair has plans to partner with the public school system, work with area teachers, and help youth who have maybe missed their opportunity become successful. Dossett said they plan to work with Bartlesville Public Schools so students will have an actual high school diploma, not a GED. On the Rock Ministries also has plans to utilize The Creamery as a teen center and a headquarters for education, fun, worship, and, of course, opportunity. Dossett said they hope The Creamery will have outlets like a coffee shop, food court, and small music venue for teens and the community to enjoy. Plans are underway to rent out space to retail outlets that will provide revenue for The Rock, and also potential employment income for teens utilizing the high school diploma program. Dossett’s vision is almost as big as his heart for young people. His optimism is contagious, which means once the plans for The Creamery are completed, there’s a very real possibility Dossett will have brought life to another building in downtown Bartlesville. When Dossett describes his plans for the Youth Development Center at The Creamery, others can’t help but get excited. That’s what happened when his son, Andy, the co-director, director of

operations, and camp rock director, found a man who had a collection of old milk bottles. “Andy was researching and found a place in Kansas selling these old milk bottles,” said the senior Dossett. The man in Kansas had saved crates of old milk bottles and when The Rock realized they were from the Crystal Creamery, Andy reached out to find out how they could purchase the entire lot. The man’s grandfather was hired years ago to collect the bottles and destroy them, but he chose to save them instead. When he passed away, his grandson inherited them and just kept moving them from place to place. When the grandson heard the story of On the Rock Ministries he decided to donate the entire collection so they could help them raise money to renovate the building. “He said, wow, he knew why he kept these old bottles,” said Ken. “We’ve decided to share these bottles with every donor to The Creamery and include a certificate of authenticity.” On the Rock Ministries provides young people with a place where they feel they Belong; to love young people unconditionally with the hope they will come to Believe that they are uniquely created with a purpose; to provide positive role models and mentors with the hope that those who participate at the Rock will Become all they were created to be. Belong. Believe. Become. For more information about On the Rock Ministries, their plans for The Creamery, or to donate to their mission to help youth, go to www.ontherockministries.com or call 918.336.2636.

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ON THE OSAGE

Bacon, Beans & Limousines Several Annual Area Events On Tap for this Summer by Kelly Bland Spectacular vernacular or vocabulary that’s anything but ordinary can throw a lasso around an audience and have them hog-tied and spell bound without a moment’s notice. Applicability and resonating substance that dance through off-the-cuff public speaking — stirred in with a good sense of wit and humor — are a recipe for impacting a territory and changing the atmosphere of a country. Throw in a sheepish grin and twinkling eyes from underneath a cowboy hat — and hearts may even melt. Let’s turn the clock back to the days when Frank Phillips would host guests from all walks of life out at his ranch, better known today as Woolaroc. One frequent guest at the ranch was none other than Oklahoma’s Native Son — Mr. Will Rogers. It was the days of Wiley Post, aviation, Bonnie & Clyde, the Great Depression, the oil boom, the Reign of Terror, the dust bowl, Kelly Bland with Woolaroc CEO Bob Fraser, who is retiring this year. and the Cow Thieves & Outlaws Reunion at Frank’s ranch in Osage County. Will Rogers had roped the nation with his newsalso did a little Will Rogers discussing. Claremore is home to the paper columns and radio shows. In a day in time when folks Will Rogers Museum, and will be having its 75th Will Rogers needed a good pick-me-up and a good laugh, his country-boy Stampede Rodeo this May. The way I see it, 1946 must have charm and rural common sense resonated within the average been a good year, because over here in the Osage we’ll be celeAmerican, as well as the stately politician. It was here at the ranch brating the 75th Annual Cavalcade Rodeo in July, as well. where Rogers would team up with Phillips to cut up, catch up, and rest up — surrounded by the beauty of the Osage County I just love it when good things from the past that made us countryside. Imagine that — two world changers, three when what we are still continue on today. In keeping with those sentiWiley Post was on deck — ments, Woolaroc will also be “What this country needs is cleaner minds and dirtier fingernails.” talking it all over amidst having the Cow Thieves and — Will Rogers laughter on the screened-in Outlaws Reunion this fall — porch at the Woolaroc lodge, their voices echoing through the just like way back in the days of Phillips and Rogers. hills … In closing, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention ahead of his When I first started this position, I had to give a report to the upcoming retirement, what an excellent job Mr. Bob Fraser has county commissioners at their weekly meeting. I was a little nervdone as CEO of Woolaroc. Thank you, Bob, for not only continuous. New place. New folks. But as I sat down and surveyed the ing the tradition and the excellence, but for putting your heart into room, to my surprise, hanging on the west wall of the commisthe very expression of what makes Woolaroc what it is. I can see sioner’s court room was an 8 x 10 black and white photo of Will you fitting right in on the porch with Phillips, Post, and Rogers. Rogers. All by itself. Alone on the wall. There he was with his grin While a century separates that possibility, you have earned the and twinkling eyes — and I decided anyplace that would have a right and etched your place into the history of the ranch as one Will Rogers pic hanging on the wall in the county courthouse who spoke well, had a heart for hospitality, and who knew the must have good-hearted folks in it. That’s how we started off on value of a good laugh. With the eloquence of Phillips, the wit of the right foot. You might say Will inspired me that day — inspired Rogers, and the adventure-loving heart of Post — you’ll be me to take on his attitude and make my mind up right then and missed, my friend. there that I was never going to meet a man I didn’t like in Osage Until next time, y’all come see us in the Osage — the home of County — and I haven’t. all things western, the place where #TheCowboyNeverRide(It might also be worthy to note that on the second floor looksAway and where #TheSmilesAreAlwaysFree! Also, Visit ing down the courthouse staircase, there is a sign above the Claremore and The Tourism Gal recorded a recent Osagin’ It stairwell that says, “No Spitting On The Floor.” I’ve heeded that podcast episode about Will Rogers you might enjoy. You can find advice as well. 😉) it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Amazon, iHeart, Pandora, and more! It has been no secret that both Visit Bartlesville and Visit the Osage love cross-promoting and sharing our common history, For more on planning a visit to Osage County, visit us at: but recently I made the trip over to Visit Claremore where we VisitTheOsage.com 😊 APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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ONCE UPON A TIME

Blue Moon & Chopsticks Looking Back at Other Days, Other Times by Rita Thurman Barnes Remember when every parlor or living room had an old upright piano standing in the corner? So do I. You quasi-baby boomers will recognize the familiarity of the children in this photo, which illustrates this story. If you’re also “of a certain age” as I am, you can recall vignettes from your own mind’s eye that appear much like this one. I’ll bet my dog’s extra dew claw that you can guess what these little kids were playing on that old piano. Yep – you’re right, “Blue Moon” and “Chopsticks.” The story behind “Blue Moon,” lyrics by Lorenz Hart, music by Richard Rodgers, is a rather interesting one. The first version the melody that became “Blue Moon” was intended for Jean Harlow to sing in a movie called “Hollywood Party.” The song was called “Prayer” but neither appeared in the movie. The second time around, the “Prayer/Blue Moon” tune was given new lyrics and became the title song of the 1934 MGM film “Manhattan Melodrama” starring Clark Gable, William Powell and Myrna Loy. As children and young teens playing these great old tunes on the piano back then, “Blue Moon” usually required the assistance of an extra pair of hands and whoever got the treble part ended up with all the fun because that’s where the improvisation came in when you were playing as partners. My mom purchased a new Kimball upright piano from L.A. McKinney Music when I was a child. After my mother’s passing, I sold it to a friend who, at my last hearing, still had my mother’s piano. If pianos could talk, that old Kimball would tell a book full of stories. Not only did my friends, cousins and I play duets of “Blue Moon and Chopsticks” on my mother’s Kimball, I suffered through four years of piano practice on it only to discover that I played about as well by ear as I did as a result of the lessons.

Mrs. B. promoted me to fulltime sheet music. Each week she would give me a choice of a new piece of sheet music which she added the price of to my mother’s monthly bill. I still have most of that sheet music and each is marked with the date and price in my old teacher’s handwriting – usually fifty cents. I never got much past “Blue Moon and Chopsticks,” well maybe a little bit, but I have owned three pianos since I sold the one that still contains the musical strains of my childhood. To whoever owns the old piano, take good care of her. She was the best. Also, thanks to the music of Rogers and Hart, I’ll have these musical memories for years to come: Blue moon, now I'm no longer alone; without a dream in my heart; without a love of my own.

My piano teacher, Mrs. Alberta Bradstreet had a garage turned piano studio at 618 S. Keeler, which is now a parking lot. I think Mrs. B. knew from the beginning that I was a one-handed chord player but she gladly cashed the check each month anyway. I never got much past Thompson’s Sonatinas when APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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SAFE-NOW

Program Looks to Prevent Sexual Assault & Child Abuse by Lori Just

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention month— a time to draw attention to the prevalence of sexual assault and child abuse and educate individuals and communities about how to prevent it and support survivors. SAFE-NOW (Sexual Assault Forensic Exams - Nowata, Osage & Washington counties) is doing just that in the tri-county area. SAFE-NOW was started in 1999 by Barbara Eck, RN, to provide compassionate, comprehensive forensic medical exams with evidence collection to all victims of sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, child abuse, and strangulation using specially-trained forensic nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and advocates. “Our medical team members are on call 24/7/365; they are the heart and soul of our organization,” said Shelly Holdman, Board President. “All exams are private and confidential, and no victim is ever charged for our services. These services are vital to the community as a part of a very effective multidisciplinary team.” SAFE-NOW works closely with Ray of Hope Child Advocacy Center, law enforcement, Department of Human Services, and Ascension St. John Jane Phillips Medical Center to provide complete care, recovery, and justice for victim-survivors in our community. Their medical team not only provides medical exams, but also compassionate care during one of the most difficult times in a victim-survivor's life. In 2020, 75 forensic medical exams were performed. About 1 in 10 teens who have been on a date have also been physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year. One of the most important things parents can do is keep the lines of communication open with their kids. “We believe that knowledge is power, and we have partnered with Tri County Tech to provide Teen Dating Violence Awareness Education to hundreds of teens,” said Holdman. “We believe in female empowerment, and have partnered in the past with Broderick Guise and Guise Premier Martial Arts to offer free self-defense classes to women and teenage girls.” SAFE-NOW is a 501(c)3 non-profit, overseen by a board of nine dedicated individuals and entirely funded through the selfless giving of corporate and individual donors and various fundraising events. On April 17, SAFE-NOW will host its 4th annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. This fundraiser is a fun family experience in which men and women walk a symbolic mile while wearing high

heels in support of victims of sexual violence and domestic violence in our community. “We encourage families to walk together and open up the lines of communication,” she added. “This is a fun, relaxed way for families and communities to have conversations about sensitive topics that are normally considered taboo. The men walk in high heels on the sidewalks of Frank Phillips. This is a great way to support the community while only walking a 1/2 mile.” Teams are also encouraged to participate. In the past, SAFENOW has had great support from Emergency Management Services, Bartlesville Police Department, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Nowata Police Department, Bartlesville Firefighters, Primary Care Associates, and the ConocoPhillips Swim Team. “We are looking forward to having these returning teams as well as new teams,” she said. “If you don’t have heels to wear, no worries — we have some you can borrow. And if you can’t walk in heels, but just want to walk in support, you can do so in comfy shoes too.” Register for $20 in advance at oksafenow.org or starting at 9 a.m. on April 17 at Frank Phillips Park, 222 SW Frank Phillips Blvd. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by prizes and giveaways. For more information about SAFE-NOW, call 918-938-4008 or email oksafenow@gmail.com. APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Tony Lehmer Photography Career Took Off After His First Camera by Tim Hudson You may not know Tony Lehmer’s name yet, but you definitely know his work. Namely, dozens of covers for this very magazine and hundreds of published photos. “I’m really proud of the covers and all the work that I’ve done,” he said. He’s right, and we are all thankful for the years of good and community-defining work he’s done. A Tulsa native, Tony started photography after his mom gave him a “Pentax K-1000” as a gift when he was in the 5th grade. “Pretty much everything started from there” he said. “I just kind of did everything when I was super young. I was in Boy Scouts, so we did a lot of hiking and camping and I took pictures of that.” From there, Tony became a photographer for his high school yearbook and learned to develop film, as well as shoot photos in black and white and color. Tony came to Bartlesville in 2000 to be the Toyota sales manager at Doenges. “I was just doing photography for fun, and it was an expensive hobby,” he said, adding that his first big break arrived in the form of his cousin, former OK Mozart Director Shane Jewell. “I had gone to the Friday night concert, which was out at Woolaroc, and had taken my camera. I did a couple shots of the bands and some shots of the crowd and stuff like that,” he said. “I sent them to Shane and and he was like ‘You should start taking pictures for OK Mozart.’” A short time after that, the then-publisher of bmonthly, Chris Oldroyd, took interest in his work. Before long he was shooting his first bmonthly cover, the 2012 Christmas issue that featured long-time Bartlesville Santa, Ron Adams, and football star Billy Sims, who had just opened a restaurant in town. “I started doing work with the Bartlesville Community Foundation and the Chamber, like the Chamber Awards Banquet. I

photographed the Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Event and started taking all the pictures for the Bartlesville Symphony,” he said. Before long, he got the assignment that would prove to be his favorite subject to shoot: live music. “Adam, over at Frank and Lolas, hired me to get some updated shots for their website,” he said. “At that time they were having music every Saturday night, and that's where I really found my forte — musicians. I loved Saturday nights at Frank and Lolas. It's probably my favorite.” As to favorite bmonthly photo shoots, he said he has several. “We did a story on Woolaroc when the museum curator was retiring. We did a shoot out there and then at the end I asked if they still have the shrunken heads. He let me hold a shrunken head,” he said. Several of his favorite shoots involved classic cars. “In the May 2016 issue we had several of the car clubs show up at the downtown Sonic and there was a girl dressed up in a 50s thing. We shot down the sides and you can see the back of the cars at the drive-in ... It was an absolute blast.” he said. “One was the July 2015 issue, when we went out west of Birch Lake. Another was the one super-elaborate ones, where we went and took a 1934 Plymouth and shot the people out at Hughes Ranch. That was really fun!”

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bmonthly | APRIL 2021

SHOWING LOVE

Jesus Burger Helping the Addicted and Afflicted by Lori Kroh One day I saw a sign that said Jesus Burger. I love quirky T-shirts and wondered if they sold them. When Keith and Christy asked me to meet them, I had no idea the stories I would hear or the love I would feel. I met Rando and Shiloh Gamble and soon learned about their love and dedication to see change. Rando was working at Phillips Petroleum in the lab for many years. He had worked his way up and really had a great position and seemingly easy life. I asked him where he studied and he confessed his knowledge didn’t come from a Doctorate in Chemistry, yet rather years of experience from being a hardened addict and abuser of drugs. He admitted he was rather excellent at combining chemicals, and that gave him his chance. He was the epitome of street smart and his degree was back-alley deals. His scars from needle marks were his resume and he had used every type of drug you could name. He went on to tell me he had led a life chasing drugs and never believed he would escape the claws of it’s hold. He should have been dead from years of abuse. However, he found Jesus and his life changed 180 degrees. His dedication to his new life and job provided a way to redeem his days of wasted time. Everyday as he drove by an old building, he started praying big. His prayer was that he would never allow the lure of security to become his downfall. He committed that he would start a church if it was the will of God. One day about six years ago, he drove by and heard the whisper in his heart. He answered and Get Real Ministries was born. He chose obedience and never glanced back. I looked over at Shiloh as she smiled. She shared of being a Marine and how she fell into the gutter of despair through drug use, marriage abuse, and losing herself. She was always searching for the next high. She was in Dallas, Texas as a homeless drug addict and found herself walking about 130 miles to Longview because she was hungry. She heard of a place that served burgers and gave help to those who needed it. She didn’t know the way out, but she did know the way there. The love she experienced came from the original Jesus Burger. She ate her burger with a side of Love. She relocated to Copan and her life began to change.

Rando later married Shiloh and she shared her dream of Jesus Burger for Bartlesville — where needs are met, people are fed, and always served a side of love. Every 3rd Saturday, this couple pours love into the lives of the addicted and afflicted. Hundreds make their way to Jesus Burger, where they provide clothing and share stories of overcoming addictions. They extend the Gospel, perform baptisms, and have live music — all while sharing the love of Jesus along with a burger. The Gamble’s have chosen a lifestyle of loving others because they heard the call to tell their story of how they have overcome. I had tears running down my face as I listened to them. I told them my burger was soggy because I just experienced Jesus while interviewing Jesus Burger. It was my great pleasure to know them. They are all about changing the lives of the lost and unloved. I want the world to know that I will gladly wear their T-shirt because they are committed and convinced that Jesus is Love.

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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Meet Barkley The Oklahoma Chihuahua FB Page Draws 26K Followers by Becky Burch It seems like everyone and their dog has a Facebook page now. And I’m no exception.

other Chihuahuas, who are Bluejacket, Tinky, Puddin, and Petey Pup. Both Barkley’s and Tinks’ Facebook pages have been in magazines and newspaper articles, as well as Newson6 and Newson9.

I am the owner/creator of the Barkley the Oklahoma Chihuahua Facebook page. If Barkley could write, I would be considered her human. The page has one goal — to make at least one person smile, laugh, giggle, or roll their eyes. The first Oklahoma Chihuahua was Tinks. She was a rescue and was expected to live a few months due to a heart defect. She lived almost 4 years. Soon after her death, Barkley took over the page. I started the Facebook page as self-help therapy after my Dad, Robert “Bob” Inge Sewell, Jr., took his own life. It gave me another focus. To the dismay of my family and friends, I inherited my Dad’s questionable humor. Every day that I was with my Dad, he made me laugh. I wish to continue my Dad’s love of making people smile and laugh.

PUDDIN

My career in journalism and photography are a perfect combination for the silly Barkley posts. I was a photojournalist for the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise for 30 years. I won over 60 state and national awards for photography.

I’m now a freelance photographer and a parttime Nowata County Deputy Sheriff. I’m married to Joe Slack and we also board horses, while continuing to rescue Chihuahuas.

Barkley and her posse have 26K followers world-wide. Barkley’s posse includes four PETEY

Sample Facebook Post by Barkley the Oklahoma Chihuahua Good evening, I'm Barkley, the host of the Bloomer Bottom Network. Our story may leave some horrified and others wishing for a peek. Naked dogs are allegedly running amuck in NE Oklahoma. An Oklahoma resident is speaking out against naked dogs. "They shouldn't be naked," says Ethel Thistle Thayer. "I'm pruning my asparagus garden and then...oh, I'm not sure I can go on…” "Miss Thayer, just let it out," yawns a bored Barkley.

"Ahem, I finished my asparagus garden and looked up to find three naked Chihuahuas sniffing my tulips," says a trembling Miss Thayer. "It was terrible, just terrible." "Please continue Miss Thayer,” says Barkley while at the same time calling a therapist. "I look up and see three - again I say - three nude Chihuahuas", says the obvious unhinged Miss Thayer. "I can't abide Chihuahuas flaunting their wares in public." "Miss Thayer, how would you address this problem," asks Barkley, a confessed streaker. "Get the yarn out ladies! These dogs need our help," declares Miss Thayer. Thank you for tuning into the BBN. I am your host Barkley and I refuse to wear yarn. I'm 'a flaunting my wares.

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | APRIL 2021

FROM THE HEART

Utter Words of Encouragement Even When Faking it, Search for Your Own Inspiration by Lori Kroh It was 1979 and we were to learn The Enchanted Journey, based upon Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. My friends and I were assigned parts and met for our practices under the direction of the wonderful Mrs. Carol Garlow. Many of us had grown up together and it was our chance to prove to our parents we could handle “Big” church service. However, this was more like something akin to the Little Rascals putting on a show, yet add Jesus. The stage consisted of painted blue tinfoil for a river and the daisies, roses and tulips were cardboard flowers standing as in a meadow, and it seemed enchanting to us children. Whether our costumes were sewn with hands of love or curated from a thrift bargain box, it did not matter. Our group poured our hearts into the production because we believed in the message and one another. It is one of my most favorite childhood memories. The Pilgrim's Progress, from This World, to That Which Is to Come, was written in 1678 as a Christian allegory. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious, theological fiction in all of English literature. Even though we knew it was a famous book, I don’t think we truly could understand the depth of the words we recited or the message we were to give. John Bunyan wrote, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” I remember the Vanity Fair part with all of the fun costumes and signs the children held up while they glanced into the audience to see if they were indeed being seen — the innocence of vanity amidst the Vanity Fair.

I can still remember the white dress I wore for my costume as I sang the solo to Christian, an “every man.” I have never forgotten the words: “I have come to the river, it’s flowing deep and wide...and all that I long for is on the other side.” Christian is every “man” and he is meant to inspire all. His intelligence and worldliness improve a great deal because he learns from each misstep. He proves that when matched with God's grace, diligence and complete surrender are the keys to enter Heaven. I played Hopeful. It was my place to inspire Christian on the pilgrimage as he leaves the fair at Vanity. I was a very loyal companion and good friend. Hopeful sees promise in situations where Christian does not, and always had the words to encourage his friend no matter what was happening. I remember I had memorized every line perfectly up until it was time to go to Grandma’s house for a week on summer vacation. I took my book to learn the rest of my lines, as they would be the major part of the dramatic ending. I can, to this day, remember never studying at Grandma’s house. So when it came time to perform at dress rehearsal, I was lost

after my big solo. The director attributed it to nerves, while internally I attributed it to never opening the book. I always thought I had more time and yet, in the end, time ran out. I remember sitting in the dungeon with Christian and literally staring out into the dark as Mrs. Garlow uttered each word to me. I would parrot back the words as though the front six rows were none the wiser. I can recall distinctly the feeling of being shocked at how hard it is to fake it. The irony of being in Doubting Castle and being trapped by Giant Despair, who represented the gravity of all despair. The lesson is not lost on me as I leaned into those true feelings and craned my neck to see the mouthing of words. I hoped that I was indeed Hopeful. All of this to say that even though I was faking it, I had learned to utter the words of encouragement. May we all be so inclined in 2021 to search for our own Mrs. Garlow, one who will show you what to do when you can no longer fake it. It’s gonna be okay, friend.

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | APRIL 2021

KNOWING NOWATA

Blackberry Surprise Visitor Ends Up a Member of the Family by Carroll Craun Living in the country, as we do, provides lots of opportunities to see nature up close. I tend to keep an eye out as dusk comes to see what will show up in our pastures and close to the house. Early in the summer of 2019, an unusual skunk kept coming to visit — foraging for bugs and nuts. It was not the usual black critter with a white strip down its back; it was mostly blond in color and waddled as it walked. It kept coming every evening in June, then stopped for a while. When it returned in late July the reason was obvious — it had been pregnant. Momma Skunk arrived with five babies on her back! She decided it was time for them to get off and gave her body a big shake, sending five little creatures flying. All of them looked different. Some were all black, some had stripes, and some were her blond color. One looked really different but I did not think much about it. They would re-group and walk around, shoulder to shoulder with tails in the air. One tail was really skinny. As with any group of children, they tended to play and get into mischief. Momma would give them directions and they would ignore her. When she had enough of this behavior she would stamp her feet and screech. The babies would immediately line up, shoulder to shoulder with tails in the air. She would give them instructions and they would obey for a time, then it was back to play. As it got closer to dark, she would lead them in a line up our drive to the county road and they would disappear, only to return the next day. Over time, we came to realize the baby that looked strange was actually a baby kitten, almost all black and seened to be afraid of nothing. I carried food out to it and put it on the ground under a tree it had climbed, and it flew from the tree like a flying squirrel. This routine went on for a number of weeks. Gradually, we began to only see the baby kitten and occasionally the momma skunk. I did a little research on skunks and discovered they are basically loners. Once the babies are old enough to survive on their own, the mother takes them to different areas and leaves them to strike out and make their way in the world. One morning, Paul and I were out doing some of our morning chores and I happened to catch a glimpse of something diving into a stack of tires that Paul was getting ready to take to Tate Boys. We investigated and Paul slowly lifted each tire from the stack. When he got to the bottom, the little black kitten erupted and ran like the wind up the drive and disappeared down the road. The kitten kept appearing close to dark and I put food out for it. It made friends with other skunks, possums, our half feral cat

named Ranger. It loved to play with the deer that came into the yard. It would run up to the deer, swat them on the nose and run. It would come back, trying to catch their feet or jump on them. The deer were very gentle with the kitten, playing with it and actually looking for it each night when they came up to eat acorns. We did not know where the kitten was staying, but it would appear early in the morning when we fed Range and come to eat. Gradually we realized it was staying in the tree by the dog house. It would come down when it felt safe to play on the trailers parked by our main house and with the deer when they came. We did a lot of talking to it, trying to get it tamed down a little. It did start coming to see Paul — not close, just sticking its head out so we could see it. When it started storming, Ranger accepted the kitten into his special house; he can see all around in it and it has heat. They would curl up together and sleep, coming out to eat. Skunks began showing up to eat, and they would share food bowls. A huge possum even came a few times. As the kitten grew and became braver, it would come by the mudroom and play on the parked trailers. We decided to see if we could get the kitten inside, so Paul cut a hole in the Plexiglas of the mud room and it began to come in to play with us. We had a stick with a string on it, and the kitten really enjoyed chasing it. It would sniff our hands and play with my feet and legs. It gradually began to lick my hand and let me run my hand down its back. Not knowing if it was a boy or girl, Paul named it Blackberry and it began to come when we called it. By now we think the kitten was about four months old. Thinking that there was a small chance we could get it to come in the house, we began to leave the mud room door into the house open when we were playing with it. Paul spent a lot of time sitting on the floor with the stick and string and I would sit on a chair. Gradually the kitten became accustomed to us and began to venture into the great room. Paul would sit by the door and I would sit or stand by the counter by our back entrance and talk to Blackberry. To our great surprise, Blackberry came in and we were able to close the door and keep the kitten contained. We were not sure if we could handle it, but again to our amazement, it let us pick it up the second day in the great room and then it let me hold and love it. It went to sleep on my lap and we discovered it was a little girl. Blackberry has been a part of our family of cats and dogs for over a year and a half now. She is extremely vocal with a huge cat/skunk vocabulary, in constant motion, and my shadow — screaming when she cannot see me. We cannot imagine life without her. She is an example of how nature takes care of abandoned babies — other animals step up to raise them.

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | APRIL 2021

STARS IN OUR BACKYARD

Bartlesville’s Broadway Cinderella Gretchen Wienecke’s Path from the BCC to Broadway by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum Louis Gustave Wienecke began his lengthy career with Phillips Petroleum at Borger, Texas, before being transferred to Bartlesville during the summer of 1934 with his wife and two young daughters, Peggy and Gretchen. Then, their son Lou Jr. was added to the family. At the age of three, Gretchen began dance lessons at June Runyon’s school and her love of performing was solidified as a bumblebee in Runyon’s dance recital at the Bartlesville Community Center. The Wienecke children attended McKinley Elementary, Central Junior High and College High School. Gretchen was leader of the McKinley Rhythm Band in the first grade; and, in 1939, she dressed as the flame on a float in “Uncle Frank Phillips’ 66th Birthday” parade. She was the president of the Student Council in junior high, editor of The Gusher school paper and the College High School Basketball Queen while doubling-up on her JuniorSenior classes to graduate in 1949, a year early. After graduation, she left Bartlesville to pursue a successful career in theater, movies and television. In 1950, she auditioned and was selected to dance in the Corps de Ballet at the St. Louis Municipal Opera; then, she was one of six dancers on the Kate Smith television show in New York; followed by three years as a chorus dancer in Broadway’s “Guys and Dolls.”

Bartlesville’s Broadway Cinderella completed one performance with anticipation of the next, setting self-improvement goals. She changed her name from Wienecke to Wyler at the As much as Broadway did for encouragement of a fellow per“Animals should have the right to run if they have legs, Gretchen’s career, her years on former and mentor, Ray Bolger (the swim of they have fins, and fly if they have wings. ” television opened her to greater Wizard of Oz Scarecrow), who audiences with appearances on — Gretchen Wienecke’s Motto offered the advice in the spirit of an the Ed Sullivan, Bob Crosby and easy to remember stage name. Dean Martin Shows to name a few. She also had a guest shot on Her big break came in 1955 as the singing and dancing star “Who’s the Boss” and a season on the famed “Dallas.” She ended of Cole Porter’s last musical, “Silk Stockings.” Soon after the her stage career in 1997, returning to the St. Louis Municipal opening, “Boots” Adams, president of Phillips 66, and a few of his Opera as the star of “Hello Dolly.” friends, flew to New York in a private plane to see the show. In 2005, she was The tender corners of her heart brought tears to theatrical perinducted into the U.S. formances and a tenacious protective pursuit for “furry citizenry.” Animal Rights Hall of She devoted four-decades as an intense animal rights activist, raisFame and two years ing public awareness through the media and lawmaking. She later, Gretchen Wiefounded a New York animal shelter in 1968 which she managed for necke-Wyler died at ten years and, in 1970, she became the first woman board member her California home of the A.S.P.C.A. In 1978, she moved to California and forwarded May 27, 2007. California as the first state to recognize animal rights.

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | APRIL 2021

TRIBUTE

Robert Babcock Bartlesville Loses a Loving, Cheerful Friend by Maria Gus Everyone who knew him loved Robert Babcock. “Such a nice man” or “never met a stranger” were words often heard to describe Robert. His smile and demeanor were welcoming and kind. In Bartlesville, the absence of Robert Babcock will be felt for a long time to come. Robert was born in Enid, Oklahoma and moved to Bartlesville to work for Phillips 66 as an accountant. Husband to Cheryl, who passed in 2010, father to David and Mary Beth, and grandfather to Eva, Robert spent his time making friends into family and sharing kindness with anyone who stopped to say hi. David said he’ll miss speaking with his father every day and he’ll always cherish the memories of going fishing with his dad as a kid. “He didn’t meet a person he couldn’t talk to,” said David, describing the type of joy his dad brought to the world. “Gramps was very nice and always smiled,” said David’s daughter, Eva. “He was always kind no matter who he was talking to.” "People always ask me why I'm in such a good mood,” said Mary Beth. “I always tell them that my Dad was always that way and taught me to be positive and make the best out of any situation.” It’s true that Robert’s friendliness and gentle smile were infectious, and that enthusiasm can often be seen in his daughter. Robert Babcock had many friends, and locals would often find him hanging out at his favorite place — Frank & Lola’s. Owners Adam and Katy Gilbert gave Robert his own chair at the bar so he could swivel to say hello to anyone who came inside. “Robert's sincere and genuine kindness to every person, from every walk of life, was really something. We should all try to be more like him,” said Adam and Katy. “We miss him dearly, but also can't help but smile every time we hear a quick whistle and think of him walking in our door.” In the past few years, Robert spent a lot of time with companion Jan Gewecke. The two could often be seen at the end of the bar at Frank & Lola’s, attending a fundraiser like Woolaroc’s Cow Thieves and Outlaws, or enjoying time with their families. Gewecke says she’ll miss his contagious smile and how he always left with “I love you.” “I will miss that constant reminder of his loving heart,” said Gewecke. “We were always laughing together. He was a gentleman who could always brighten your day, and his positive energy radiated to everyone around him.” Family friend Kaci Fouts met Robert about 10 years ago and called him the sweet, soft-spoken, sometimes sassy unofficial mayor of 2nd Street. “He was constantly waving at people when

they entered [Frank & Lola’s]. Robert meant a lot to a lot of people in Bartlesville,” said Fouts. “He deserved all the love that he received. Rest peacefully, Pops.” Don Jacobs met Robert when he moved to Bartlesville almost four years ago. He came into the restaurant one night and Robert asked if he was by himself. Don said yes and Robert pointed to the empty chair next to him and invited Jacobs to join him. Jacobs and his wife, Roxanna, spent many a night drinking a PBR and sitting with Robert and Jan. “I miss him a lot,” said Jacobs. “It’s not going to be the same going down to Frank & Lola’s, seeing that chair empty.” Jacobs said he was a “latecomer” to Robert’s vast majority of friends, but the truth is, whether you knew him four years or 40 years, Robert held his friends dear. “He was like a brother to me; we shared a lot of stories, laughs, and beer. He was the unofficial mayor of Bartlesville,” said Jacobs. Marty Swindell was one of those people who didn’t know Babcock well, but noticed his kindness in every interaction. “He was always so friendly. I always made a point to stop and talk to him,” said Swindell. “You had to talk to Robert.” “He always told me when he's having conversations with people, he liked to find something they were interested in,” added Mary Beth. “I'm going to miss my Dad's sweet sense of humor and most adorable smile. He will always be with us in his friendly spirit."

APRIL 2021 | bmonthly

LET FREEDOM RING

Who Was Paul Revere? A Look at the Life of One of America’s Historic Icons by Jay Hastings At age 41 years, Paul Revere was a well-established silversmith in colonial Boston. Additionally, he served as a militia officer and helped organize an intelligence and alarm system to keep watch on the British military. In April 1775, Revere took a midnight ride to alert the militia of the approach of British forces, in what would become the onset of the American Revolutionary War. Revere would later command the artillery in the Penobscot Expedition, which turned out to be one of the most disastrous campaigns of the War. Revere was accused of disobedience and cowardice, resulting in his dismissal from the militia. He was, however, later cleared of the charges. Revere’s midnight ride occurred April 18, 1775, just before the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which were the first engagements of the American Revolutionary war. The British army activity at the time indicated a crackdown on the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. Together, Paul Revere and William Dawes organized the alert. It began with Robert Newman using a lantern signal to warn Charleston colonists of the British army’s advance. By giving the Colonists warning, the ride ultimately played a crucial role in the victories in battles that followed. Revere and Dawes rode horseback to meet with John Hancock and Samuel Adams in Lexington. While on their way, they alerted some 40 other riders of the impending attack. Revere, Dawes, and a third rider named Samuel Prescott rode on to Concord, but all three were quickly captured by British troops in Lincoln. Prescott and Dawes managed to escape, but Revere was returned to Lexington and later set free after questioning by the British troops. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a poem published in 1861 titled Paul Revere’s Ride, which actually helped shape and memorialize the historic ride of 74

bmonthly | APRIL 2021

1775. Longfellow’s poem is credited with creating the legend attached to Paul Revere’s ride. The fame Longfellow brought to Revere, however, did not materialize until after the Civil War ended and amidst the Colonial Revival Movement of the late 1800’s. In 1896, Helen F. Moore penned a parody of Longfellow’s earlier poem due to the fact she thought William Dawes should also be recognized for his part in the midnight ride: 'Tis all very well for the children to hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere; But why should my name be quite forgot, Who rode as boldly and well, God wot? Why should I ask? The reason is clear— My name was Dawes and his Revere. Following his messy military exit, Revere returned to the silversmith trade

and became quite successful. In 1800, he became the first to successfully roll copper into sheets for use as sheathing on naval vessels. In fact, following Revere’s death in 1818, his obituary did not mention the midnight ride of 1775 and focused instead on his achievements in silversmithing. Revere’s elevated historical notoriety also led to unsubstantiated rumors he made a set of false teeth for George Washington. Moreover, the folklore surrounding shouts of, “The British are coming,” likely developed years later, as colonists of the time considered themselves “the British”. Had any such exclamation been made, it likely would have been more along the lines of, “The Regulars are coming,” referring to members of the King’s army. Doesn’t have quite the same ring, does it?

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