Surrey Nov/Dec 13

Magazine

SURREY

New Options Local facilities helping Alzheimer’s patients

Winter 2013 Vol. 6 No. 2 • A Claremore Daily Progress Publication

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Learning to drive in SURREY snow equips you for life Taking you places today!

As a teen, I remember the first time I had the opportunity to drive on snow and ice-covered roads. I took it slow and guided our 1975 Grand Fury, a monster of a car, through the highways of St. Louis County.

The brown bomber was our family’s second vehicle. It was like driving a tank in the snow, which I soon learned was an advantage. Off of Interstate 44, the Hwy. 141 exit involved a very steep two-lane road. I remember driving home from a school event and taking on that hill.

At the time, I had never heard of white-knuckle driving, but that is exactly what this attack at the hill was. My body was tensed up. My focus was heighted on making it up that hill. The back end slightly fished, but I was able to correct and slowly advance upwards and upwards until I was over the hill.

Snow as a regular, seasonal thing. Our first year in RANDY COWLING St. Louis, we received 27 inches of snow; that was the most while we resided there.

Learning to drive in winter conditions became an easier task as the seasons came and went. Lessons learned: Drive slow, do not panic, always pay attention to other drivers, and most importantly, keep moving.

As a young father with the wife and baby in the car, those lessons would be tested as we drove from Southwest Missouri to Little Rock on Christmas. Travelling that crooked Hwy. 65 from Springfield into the Ozarks was quite an adventure. By the time we had the family’s first grandchild safely at the grandparents, I was worn out. We slipped and slided there and back.

Those memories of winter travel will never leave me. As we experienced wintry conditions in early December, I found myself relying on those lessons learned back in St. Louis.

As you venture out this winter, remember go to slow, pay attention and look out for others and you should be fine — on the roads and in life.

4 Surrey Winter 2013

Surrey©2013 All rights reserved.

Published Bi-monthly by The Daily Progress SEND COMMENTS TO: The SURREY @ The Daily Progress 315 W. Will Rogers Boulevard Claremore, OK 74017 P.O. Box 248 Claremore, OK 74018 E-mail — rcowling@claremoreprogress.com Bailey Dabney Publisher Randy Cowling Editor/Designer CONTRIBUTORS Rebecca Hattaway Tom Fink Mark Friedel Salesha Wilken Tim Ritter

ADVERTISING INFORMATION: (918) 341-1101 addir@claremoreprogress.com All copy and advertising in the Surrey are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced.

Some photos used by permission of source.

SURREY Vol. 6 No. 2 n WINTER 2013

Inside New Options in Care — Page 6

6

New options for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Families in Claremore and the surrounding area now have options when it comes to caring for their loved ones with the disease.

12

Ryan Erwin: RSU athletic director conquering a new challenge Jill Bradley teaches children and their parents music. Her method incorporates making the music become part of the child’s life.

16 Conquering a New Challenge — Page 12

18

No Blue Christmas for soldiers Rogers County Blue Star Mothers have been gathering and packing items to be sent to soldiers during the holiday season so they will not have a Blue Christmas.

Deer Hunting: A woman’s perspective Thousands of hunters go looking to get their annual deer during the fall. Among them is a growing number of women.

20

No Blue Christmas for soldiers — Page 16

24

Claremore Symphony League Since 2007, members of the Claremore Symphony League have worked hard raising funds to support music education and professional performances in the Rogers County area.

The Royal Treatment The new general manager of RSU Public TV, Royal Aills always knew wha he wanted to do. He was recently named GM of RSU Public TV and has hit the ground running.

COVER — Autumn Wood Program Director Debra Parkhurst works on a craft project with Bobbie.

The Royal Treatment — Page 24

Winter 2013 Surrey 5

Residents from Sterling House and Clare Bridge get in the holiday spirit singing Christmas songs during a special program by Richard Hicks.

Claremore has two new options for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia

By REBECCA HATTAWAY

A

lzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, this year Alzheimer’s will cost the nation $203 billion. The number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050.

Families in Claremore and the surrounding area now have options when it comes to caring for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.

Clare Bridge Clare Bridge is the newly-opened sister facility of Sterling House.

6 Surrey Winter 2013

The 28-bed Clare Bridge provides 24-hour, trained associates who provide “person-centered programming” that promotes independence and purposeful activities, said Stephen Williamson, Clare Bridge regional support.

He explained the person-centered approach focuses on sustaining feelings of belonging and purpose while seeking to preserve a sense of self.

That means offering opportunities to find happiness and meaning in an environment that supports their unique interests and needs.

“We want to fill their days with more than bingo and arts and crafts,” he said. “Our goal is to reach our residents physically, mentally, intellectually and spiritually every day.”

The Clare Bridge Dining Program offers dementia-friendly menus, individualized dining assistance, and a supportive dining environment that incorporates small dining rooms with consistent seating to encourage familiarity and socialization.

This takes place through six scheduled activities and eight unscheduled activities everyday, Williamson said. All are designed to maintain the resident’s abilities and encourage the use of their current skills.

Residents participate in outings such as nature drives, museum visits, Christmas lights tours and more.

“Some days there are more small group activities, or one-on-one time with associates, depending on what the residents need,” Williamson said.

Services also include assistance with personal care, three meals and snacks each day, laundry, housekeeping and life enrichment programs.

The Clare Bridge Dining Program was designed by a team specializing in dementia care, culinary associates and registered dietitians.

“Taste buds are very affected by dementia,” Williamson explained.

The dietary program offers dementia-friendly menus, individualized dining assistance, and a supportive dining environment that incorporates small dining rooms with consistent seating to encourage familiarity and socialization.

“Residents have a say in what they eat and all the food is made in the community (Clare Bridge), including bread and desserts,” Williamson said. “The smells coming out the kitchen with the bread baking or the soup on the stove are part of the dining experience.”

Clare Bridge also features “life skills” stations, including a vanity with jewelry, hats and other accessories; an office work station with paper, pencils and a calculator; a laundry station with clothes to fold and

Winter 2013 Surrey 7

Clare Bridge resident Marian Schultz plays trivia with her granddaughter Sharlene Kenyon cheering her on.

iron; and a “nurturing room,” a quiet nursery setting where residents can care for “babies.”

There is also a centralized activity room with courtyard access, media room, full service salon, and relaxing spa room.

“We want to provide the best environment for people suffering with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia and their families,” Williamson said.

“We want them to maintain their relationships with their loves ones and let us provide the care.”

For more information about Clare Bridge, visit www.brookdaleliving.com.

Autumn Wood Memory Care Autumn Wood Memory Care is the sister facility of Wood Manor Nursing Home.

The 60-bed Autumn Wood opened its doors in

8 Surrey Winter 2013

October 2012.

“There are not a lot of nursing home-level facilities specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care,” said Administrator Mathew Snyder, “with the goal being helping our residents function at their highest level possible and remain active and socially engaged as long as possible.”

Snyder says they achieve this through focusing on a holistic, person-centered treatment and care philosophy with activities tailored to each resident’s personal likes, interests and hobbies.

“We’re resident-centered, giving them choices in their daily lives, as opposed to adhering to rigid routines and schedules,” he said.

A resident’s custom activity program is developed with the goal of keeping them socially, physically, mentally and spiritually engaged and active,

Krista Ellis cuts and styles Beverly’s hair in Autumn Wood’s salon.

Autumn Wood residents Peggy and Warren “Bub” dance to oldies music in their neighborhood’s common area.

with the ultimate goal of preventing accelerated decline due to boredom, loneliness and depression that is often one of the major factors of rapid decline in those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, Snyder explained.

“What’s most important to our families and our staff is answering the question, ‘What is possible with Alzheimer’s?,’” said Chuck Wurth, owner of Autumn Wood. “We have found if a resident is given four things, we can greatly improve their quality of life: the right physical environment, social environment, caregiving techniques and medical treatment.

If we can provide those things, we believe we can maximize what’s possible with our patients during their journey with Alzheimer’s.”

Autumn Wood offers five different 12-bedroom “neighborhoods” spread throughout the care center.

“It’s a more intimate setting versus the typical long hallways,” Snyder said. “It’s also a much quieter layout with no central nurses station.”

Along with the 12 private rooms, each neighbor-

Betty Siggins takes care of a “baby” in Clare Bridge’s “nurturing room” which contains a bassinet, changing table and rocking chairs.

Winter 2013 Surrey 9

Several “life skills” stations are found throughout Clare Bridge.

10 Surrey Winter 2013

hood has a shared common area and dining room with a maximum of 12 other individuals.

The dining experience can be set up restaurant-style or tailored to resemble a home-like setting, Snyder said. Each neighborhood also has its own secure patio and outdoor green space. Family members can visit at any time of the day.

Amenities also include a beauty salon, physical therapy room, and on-site medical, dental and podiatrist services available.

“Our staff receives training in Alzheimer’s/dementia best practice care and they receive ongoing training,” Snyder said. “We really focus on reducing the use of antipsychotic medication. One of our goals is to use them at a bare minimum level, and we achieve that through activities and Alzheimer’s/dementia programming.”

For more information about Autumn Wood, visit www.autumnwoodmemorycare.com.

Autumn Wood residents and staff participate in a rousing ball toss exercise.

Winter 2013 Surrey 11

Ryan Erwin, left visits with Ron Bradley after being named Rogers State University’s athletic director.

Conquering a New Challenge Ryan Erwin to lead RSU athletic program

By TIM RITTER

R

yan Erwin hasn’t met a challenge he couldn’t conquered. Since the age of 24, Erwin has guided athletic programs at the NAIA and NCAA Division II level to success on and off the playing fields.

It’s Erwin’s passion for excellence, as well as being a man of integrity and a hard-working leader that has the former Dallas Baptist University athletic director embracing a new challenge on the Hill in Claremore.

“Being at DBU for so long (9 years), and having

12 Surrey Winter 2013

grown up in the Dallas Metroplex, I was just ready for a new opportunity, a new challenge,” said Erwin on accepting the role as Rogers State University’s athletic director. “With RSU transitioning into NCAA Division II, it was something I wanted to be a part of.”

Erwin’s experience — due to strong support and outstanding leadership from his Dallas Baptist University mentors Dr. Blair Blackburn (Executive Vice President) and Dr. Gary Cook (President) — was one of the many reasons why the DBU Patriots athletic programs have been so successful over the past nine years.

Rogers State University Athletic Director Ryan Erwin and wife, Kristy, are pictured with their children, Gage and Gentry during the introductory press conference at the RSU Centennial Ballroom. Erwin comes to RSU from Dallas Baptist University, where he served as the athletic director from 2006-2013.

“I’m competitive and passionate about building a winning program,” Erwin said. “Everything we do as student-athletes, coaches, administrators will be done the right way.

Our biggest impact will be to increase the graduation rates of our student-athletes. They are students first and foremost, and we’re here to prepare them for an awarding future once their athletic careers are over.”

While leading the DBU athletic department, Erwin was actively involved in the planning and developing of the Sadler Patriot Clubhouse, the Tabor Patriot Guesthouse, the addition of Patriot basketball, women’s golf, cheerleading, the construction of the DBU Intramural Field, the remodel of the Lady Patriot Volleyball and

Soccer locker rooms and the construction of the new baseball outfield padded fence.

He also played an integral part in the construction and remodeling of many athletic facilities, including the $1,500,000 renovation of the Burg Center.

Each area that Erwin oversaw during his tenure at DBU only paints a picturesque setting of his love and loyalty toward his alma mater. When asked to describe his passion toward his career in athletic administration, Erwin said, “He’s driven, full of high energy, dedicated and very detail oriented.

I want everything to be precise, top-notch and state-of-the-art.”

Being a young, vibrant leader from the small-town of Terrell, Texas, Erwin got his dream job

— DBU’s athletic director — in April of 2006.

Was he nervous or filled with excitement after having the keys of the DBU athletic department handed to him two years after receiving his Master’s Degree in Higher Education?

“A little of both,” Erwin said, “but accepting of the challenge ahead of me. Drs. Blackburn and Cook saw something inside of me that influenced their decision to give me a chance. I didn’t want to let them down.”

Among his first projects was transitioning DBU from NAIA to NCAA Division II in all sports besides baseball.

“In 2007, we (DBU) moved the baseball program to NCAA Division I, and that proved to be a huge Winter 2013 Surrey 13

success for the Patriots,” Erwin said. “DBU baseball is our flagship sport — having competed at the NAIA World Series for many years — and being located in a recruiting hot-bed that is the Dallas Metroplex.”

After the first eight years as an independent, the DBU baseball program achieved excellence in NCAA Division I with three regional appearances and one Super Regional appearance.

Also, the DBU baseball program, over the years, has produced over 75 All-Americans, and 160 players that have signed professional contracts in the big leagues. The mark of the DBU baseball program, though, resides in its $7 million complex, that Erwin believes is one

14 Surrey Winter 2013

of the best facilities in the Dallas Metroplex area.

“It’s definitely something to be proud of if you’re an alum like myself,” Erwin added. “The DBU Baseball Complex holds a 2,000seat capacity right on campus that’s a nice centerpoint for keeping the students involved and full of spirit.”

Having been so instrumental in the Patriots’ success, Erwin beamed with excitement at the road ahead for the Hillcats in the Heartland Conference.

“The Heartland Conference, year in and year out, is one of the most competitive NCAA Division II leagues across the nation,” Erwin said. “It’s definitely come a long way in a matter of time. With the

addition of RSU, Oklahoma Christian, Lubbock Christian and McMurry, the level of competition just got tougher.”

Erwin also realizes that the twoyear provisional period for RSU — waiting time before fully competing for championships in NCAA Division II — will be important to building a solid, firm foundation.

“First and foremost, during this time, it’s very important that our coaches are honest up front with the recruits during this process,” Erwin said. “The next few years aren’t going to be easy, but you have to measure success in different ways.”

And, one of those ways is through the classroom, where Erwin is a strong proponent toward seeing athletes graduate.

“Our student-athletes are going to be role-models in the classroom and the community,” Erwin said.

“We want the people of Claremore and the surrounding communities to be proud of their representation and Hillcat athletics.”

In order to have a successful athletic program, according to Erwin, the right ingredients of coaches, administrators and athletes have to be on the same page and striving for excellence.

“Character and integrity go a long ways in being successful,” Erwin said.

And, it’s a belief that Erwin has incorporated into his marriage to Kristy and his duties as a father to Gage and Gentry.

Passion toward excellence is what motivates and drives RSU’s Top Cat.

COMING SOON

Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson bringing country music to Rogers County Less than a year after performing for back-to-back capacity crowds, Willie Nelson is returning Feb. 6 to The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.

Tickets start at $50 and go on sale Dec. 19.

Since launching his career in 1959, Nelson has produced 68 studio albums and more than 100 singles, with an astonishing 25 songs peaking at No. 1 on U.S. charts.

Among his most famous charttopping songs are the signature hits “On the Road Again,” “Always on My Mind,” “If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time,” “Blue Skies,” “Georgia on My Mind” and “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.”

His most recent release is October’s “To All the Girls…,” which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, marking his highest chart position since 1989.

The album features 18 duets with many of music’s great female artists, including Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn and Emmylou Harris.

The Abbott, Texas, native has earned numerous awards, including seven Grammys. He is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, a 1993 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 1998 and a 2011 inductee into the National Agricultural Hall of Fame for his work with Farm Aid and other fundraising efforts benefiting farmers.

Willie Nelson

Alan Jackson

Outside of music, Nelson is an accomplished actor, appearing in more than 30 films and television shows, including “The Electric Horsemen,” “Honeysuckle Rose” and the film version of “The Dukes of Hazzard.”

Nelson has penned seven books, including his 1988 memoir “Willie: An Autobiography,” and his most recent release, 2012’s “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings From the Road.”

Also slated to make a stop at The Joint this February is 18-time ACM winner Alan Jackson.

Jackson is one of the most successful and re-

spected singer-songwriters in music. He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that they’ve recorded and taken to the top of the charts.

The 55-year-old is one of the 10 best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica.

His current album, “The Bluegrass Album,” was released Sept.

24 and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums Sales Chart.

Jackson has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide, topped the country singles charts 35 times, and scored more than 50 Top-10 hits. He has written or co-written 24 of his 35 No. 1 hit singles.

Among his biggest hits are “Chattahoochee,” “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” “Gone Country,” “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” and “Good Time.”

For more information about Jackson, visit www.alanjackson.com.

Winter 2013 Surrey 15

Leta Shaw and Susie Bloss fill care packages for troops.

No Blue Christmas Rogers County Blue Star Mothers send off holiday packages

By REBECCA HATTAWAY

T

he holiday season is here and that means Rogers County Blue Star Mothers have filled and shipped Christmas packages to send to troops serving overseas.

While Thanksgiving boxes included all the fixings for the traditional meal, Christmas packages were filled with special items like lounge pants and T-shirts, socks and handwarmers, small games, crossword puzzles and magazines.

“We always want to include extra special stuff for Christmas,” said Wanda Inman, Blue Star Mothers president. “They like a taste of home too, so chocolate is a good thing to send this time of year because it won’t melt. They love chocolate. They said they would even lick it off the package if they had to!”

16 Surrey Winter 2013

Soldiers also appreciate receiving cards from children. Inman encouraged school classes or church groups to make it a holiday project, letting the troops know that people back home are thankful for their service and sacrifice.

“It’s important, especially during the holidays that we don’t forget the men and women who are serving our country,” Inman said. “My son was in Afghanistan, so I know how much it means to them,” Inman said.

That’s what motivates Inman to continue her service with Blue Star Mothers.

“We’re a strictly volunteer organization. Our chapter started in 2008, and it’s been one of the largest in the state,” Inman said.

She and Martha Joslin are two of the original charter members who are still active in the organization

today. While membership is limited to mothers and grandmothers of service men and women, anybody can be an associate and volunteer with the organization.

“The more we can show our support, the more our troops will know they are appreciated — that’s the most important thing,” Inman said.

“We are where we are today because of our military. A lot of them have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. That’s something we can never forget.”

Last Christmas, the chapter sent 200 packages and planned for another 150-200 this year.

Blue Star Mothers collects items for care packages year around.

They try to send boxes once a month.

Donations of care package items or financial contributions are always accepted at the following locations: Claremore Daily Progress, Sterling House, ADPRO and The Nut House, or they can be mailed to Rogers County Blue Star Mothers, PO Box 14, Claremore, OK 74018.

Basic items always needed are hand wipes, disposable razors, shampoo/conditioner (small), deodorant, toilet paper, tooth paste and mouthwash (small), dental floss, lip balm, Q-tips, and all kinds of snack food, like beef jerky, Fruit Roll-Ups, energy bars, crackers, Ramen Noodles, instant oatmeal packets, small jars of peanut butter, cans of tuna, powder drink mixes and candy.

“Budget cuts have cut one of their meals a day and they don’t have the luxury of running out to McDonald’s or QuikTrip for a bite to eat,” Inman said.

Blue Star Mothers often receive emails and Facebook posts thanking them for the packages, like this one: “I’m currently deployed to Sharana, Afghanistan and I received a bunch of packages today from you guys. Usually we aren’t that excited about Blue Star packages from other locations, but you guys by far sent the Wanda Inman and Martha Joslin, two of the founders of best packages Rogers County Blue Star Mothers, get a package ready we have ever for mailing. got. Just wanted to say thank you said. “We appreciate all the donafor sending us awesome stuff.” tions we have received over the Inman said the chapter’s well-re- years — but they’re not home yet.” ceived packages are due to the Christmas packages were generosity of the community. mailed Dec. 10-15.

“Because Rogers County has For more information, call (918) been so giving, we’ve always been 343-2675 or email rogerscountyable to send our packages,” she bluestarmothers@hotmail.com.

Winter 2013 Surrey 17

Salesha Wilken sits in her deer stand waiting for a deer to come by during this year’s deer hunting season.

DEER HUNTING: A Woman’s Perspective

By SALESHA WILKEN

A

cool crisp breeze rustles the leaves on the ground rising to kiss my nose. It is near sunrise and the air smells raw, unpolluted and pure. The coolness shoots through me as the sun peaks over the horizon.

It is opening day on the hunt and this is the moment nine months in the making.

I hear a slight movement in the woods. My heart races with anticipation as I force every fiber of my body to reach a perfect static state.

Alert, my senses are heightened as my mind races. Will today be the day?

With each breath anticipation, increases. The sound is intermittent and then silence falls upon the woods.

Is my mind playing tricks on me? A flash of movement catches my attention and then I see it.

A squirrel scurries through the brush and up the tree adjacent to my deer stand.

A moment of disappointment forces me to question my five o’clock wake up call.

18 Surrey Winter 2013

Then in a moment of desperation I sigh and wait patiently for the moment when a deer crosses my path.

Anyone who has been hunting knows there is more waiting than shooting. It could be hours before I see a deer and there is no guarantee I will see one at all.

As I wait, I settle in to enjoy the secondary amusement of hunting, nature.

I am not sure if other women hunt simply for sport, but for me it is about so much more.

Sure, I enjoy the thrill of the hunt, the adrenaline rush, which is only derived from the sight of an enormous whitetail deer approaching.

Hunting provides an opportunity to strip away the stress of life and enjoy the outdoors.

It is an escape from cellphones, computers, work, busy schedules and all demands of the daily grind.

The sport gives participants a chance to see animals in their natural habitat.

I realize it may sound hypocritical to talk about hunting and the delicate balance of nature. How-

ever, hunting is also about conservation or the wise use of the wildlife population.

Controlled hunting helps keep wildlife numbers well within the carrying capacity of the habitat.

Overpopulation can lead to sickness, death and increases urban encroachment.

In other words, if you would like to decrease your chance of hitting a deer with your car, save your grandma’s garden and preserve your local wildlife, you might consider hunting.

Another benefit is a natural food source. Venison has more vitamins and minerals per serving than beef. It has advantages in iron, vitamin B6, niacin, and riboflavin, according to www.Livestrong.com.

It is leaner than beef and offers a more protein per serving.

I started hunting last year for one reason to spend more time with my spouse.

It didn’t take long before I realized why “the guys” would escape to the deer woods every fall.

It is an affordable escape to the outdoors with many benefits.

What other sport can you enjoy and feed your family at the same time?

While I admit hunting has a few drawbacks (it is cold and cleaning a deer can result in accidental discharge of the bowels), the positive aspects far out way the negatives.

I was able to use the process of cleaning a deer to teach my 10 year-old daughter about anatomy.

Hunting provided a hands-on science lesson she would likely not see until college.

The sport is taking hold with other women and the number of

American women spending time hunting has increased by 25 percent since 2006, according to the Census Bureau. Of the 13.7 million hunters in the United States, 11 percent are women.

My perspective is simple. Hunting is an economical sport, which supports necessary wildlife conservation, while providing a lean nutritional food source.

It provides families a way to connect with each other and nature.

I respect the skill required and feel blessed every time I have had

the chance to harvest a deer.

Personally, I prefer archery hunting instead of rifle season. I enjoy the intimate atmosphere. To harvest a deer you must wait for the animal to come within about 50 feet to get a shot.

Archery gives the animal a better chance for survival, while challenging the skill of the hunter.

In my experience, I have only harvested young deer. Someday I hope to get a mature buck, but regardless I will continue to appreciate the animals and the nutrients they supply.

Despite the endless good-natured teasing I have received as a “Bambi” killer, I am devoted to perfecting my skill.

Men should watch out, they may have some competition as more and more women begin to discover the joy of hunting.

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xxxx Surrey 19

The Tulsa Symphony String Quintet performs at the 2012 Tulsa Symphony Orchestra Music Chamber Concert, held at the Will Rogers Auditorium at Rogers State University. The concert is sponsored by the Claremore Symphony League and is one of the many fundraisers presented by the organization each year.

Claremore Symphony League Supporting music education through new master classes

By MARK FRIEDEL

S

ince 2007, members of the Claremore Symphony League (CSL) have worked hard raising funds to support music education and professional performance in the Rogers County area. Educational activities have included scholarships and grants to study music, as well as master classes for junior high and high school band members.

One of the original organizers of the symphony league and current chairman, Dr. Frank Elwell, said the master classes are specifically for preparing regional band students for All-State and other regional honors.

“The classes are funded by the league’s annual fundraiser, the Symphony League Ball, and membership dues,” said Elwell. “All band stu-

20 Surrey Winter 2013

dents in the region are invited to attend, as Tulsa Symphony members help (the students) prepare for their regional honor band auditions.”

He said the master classes are new to the league this year and will be offered every year after, completely free to the students.

In addition to the classes, the Claremore Symphony League offers $500 grants through an application process to music students, both band and choral, which are used to help purchase instruments or pieces of equipment to further music education within schools.

“We sent the word out to various organizations that we were offering these grants, then had a subcommittee look at the applications,” said Elwell. “It has been pretty successful. We had had about 13 applications processed for the 10 grants offered.”

Claremore Symphony League (CSL) supporters enjoy an evening of fine dining and music provided by the Rogers State University Jazz Band during the annual Symphony League Ball held in February at the RSU Centennial Center.

Through a partnership with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra (TSO), CSL has sponsored concerts by TSO, the Tulsa Opera Company and the Tulsa Honors Symphony at the Robson Performing Arts Center.

“We’ve also presented the concerts to Claremore elementary and junior high students at the PAC,” said Elwell.

“The concerts provide opportunities for the students to hear some of the best musicians in the Tulsa area perform in a professional venue.”

Elwell said last year, CSL donated approximately $6,000 to the Claremore High School choir program to help with their annual musical production.

“The choral program hires professional musicians to perform the music for the production and the funds were aimed to help them with that.”

Since its inception, the organization

Area residents visit with members and sponsors of the Claremore Symphony League during a wine and cheese reception following the organization’s first chamber concert at Rogers State University.

Winter 2013 Surrey 21

has brought more than $50,000 worth of entertainment to Claremore Public Schools.

Fundraisers, donations and membership dues help to fund these projects and more. The league promotes appreciation for professional music, but also, as a long-term goal, promotes the creation of a symphony orchestra in Claremore, including strings. Elwell said the determination has sparked the launch of the annual TSO Chamber Music Concert, to be held March 15 at the Will Rogers Auditorium at Rogers State University.

“The concert is something that we can afford to bring in a couple times a year because it includes only four or five musicians from the strings and brass section of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra,” he said.

TSO Executive Director Ron Predl, who also sits on the CSL board, assisted in bringing the concert to Claremore.

“The concert provides a real showcase for the good work the Claremore Symphony League is doing and we hope for it to encourage more Claremore residents to support and participate in the organization,” he said.

Other CSL fundraisers include the Symphony League Ball, as well as the patronage drive which consists of asking residents to sign up to receive admission into the concerts and to support the symphony league.

“Most of our funds come from the symphony ball,” said Elwell.

“Our corporate sponsors in the re22 Surrey Winter 2013

The Tulsa Honors Orchestra performs during a concert for Claremore students in 2011 at the Robson Performing Arts Center. The Claremore Symphony League sponsored the concert through a partnership with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra.

gion have been very good to us.â&#x20AC;?

The Claremore Symphony League Ball will be March 8 at the RSU Centennial Center and will include a social hour, dinner, dancing and entertainment provided by the RSU Jazz Band.

CSL is currently in the process of building a new website for the organization. For more information on the Claremore Symphony League, call Dr. Frank Elwell at (918) 343-7851 or email felwell @rsu.edu.

Winter 2013 Surrey 23

The ‘Royal’ Treatment New general manager’s vision for station is to increase local programming

By TOM FINK

W

orking in television is something Royal Aills always knew he wanted to do.

“Growing up, I used to watch the ‘News Guys’ on Channel 8 — Bob Hower, Don Woods and Chris Lincoln — and I knew that was what I was going to be a part of one day,” Aills said. “I’ve known that since the sixth grade. I even used to give little weather forecast presentations, pretty much to anyone who would listen, on the chalkboard in class. I knew I was going to work in television. I knew where my life was going.”

While he may have never become a meteorologist, Aills’ childhood vision for himself came to

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pass early on, as his career has taken him to several Oklahoma television stations, and most recently, to RSU Public TV, where he has been general manager since last February.

“We’ve got a great staff here, both in terms of (paid) employees and student workers — it’s a great station, especially for one of its relative size,” he said. “Everyone here is dedicated to what they do and it’s reflected in the station’s quality.”

Aills took over as general manager folling RSU TV general manager Dan Scheidel, who left last year after becoming executive director at OETA. Royal Aills grew up in Delaware County, graduation from Colcord High School and later attending John Brown University, where he majored in Communications.

RSU Public TV General Manager Royal Aills visits with students about the lighting of a show for an upcoming program.

“I started my career in ‘86 at Channel 2 as a news photographer before becoming a field producer,” Aills said. “After 12 years at working for (Channel) 2, I decided I wanted to get into management, and the opportunity came up for me to move over to OETA (Oklahoma Education Television Authority) — the Tulsa site — where I spent seven years working as (station) manager.”

In that position, Aills oversaw a 10-person team and had management authority over station operations, including news, engineering, production, underwriting, sponsorships, public affairs, digital technology management, marketing, budgeting and human resources.

Further, at OETA, Aills worked closely with business partners, vendors, business and community leaders, state legislators and national organizations to advance the station’s interests.

By 2005, Aills was ready for another challenge,

wanting to learn more about the “sales side” of television — an opportunity which didn’t exist at OETA. “During my time at OETA, the station's ratings tripled, its brand was increased in the region, corporate support was strengthened, and it became one of the most watched (PBS) affiliates in the nation, but an opportunity at (KWHB) TV 47 came open and I was blessed enough to get that job,” he said. “For the next two years, I served as general manager, where I ran everything from production to sales — the whole nine yards.

“I ran the sales department as well as community affairs, and station relations, production — I had a (production) manager and a crew, but as GM, I oversaw all aspects of the station’s operations,” he said. “Although I was only there from 2005 through 2007, I learned to love the community involvement and the sales side of the busi-

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Broken Arrow resident Royal Aills succeeded Dan Schiedel as general manager at RSU Public TV last February. A John Brown University graduate, Aills brings more than 20 years experience in broadcast and communications with him to the Claremore-based television station. Among the changes he’s made has been a redesign of the station’s logo, with plans to incorporate increased local programming. ness — that, I just fell in love with.”

As he did with OETA, Aills increased the viewership — and profitability — of TV 47, further expanding the station’s community outreach and relations with business and community leaders.

Following his tenure with there, Aills served as general manager for

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the Tulsa-based Faith Channel, as well as working for the communications industry for AT&T (as account manager) and Cox Communications working with new and existing customers, regarding bundled telephony, data and video products.

“Having been able to find my way (in sales), to speak to people

in ‘their lingo’ is something I brought with me (to RSU TV), only here, I’m not selling someone a 30-second spot,” he said. “Here, I’m working with corporations and foundations — it’s much more of a relationship here than it’s ever been in my previous positions.

We’re here (as a television station) to give back to the community.”

Serving as RSU TV’s general manager since last February, Aills has been working towards making more local programming available to RSU TV viewers.

“We’ve made some changes in the sense that I’ve really focused on building corporate relationships, finding underwriters for original, local programs — we haven’t changed any of the programming

yet, but we’re wanting to introduce more local shows,” he said.

“I’ve been trying to spend time focusing on the corporate relations needed to fund the programming changes we’re looking at.”

As to the programming changes, Aills goal is simple: local, local, local.

“At this point, we’re not sure to what extent our local programming will be increased — that all depends on what kind of funding we can get to support the programs we want to do,” he said.

“Gone are the days when we can just go out and do a show and take it out of our operating budget — no, no, nothing’s for free anymore — if we want to do a show, we have to get (financial) support for it.”

Funding aside, another challenges in selecting the kind of (local) programming is deciding whether to gear it towards Tulsa/Metro or rural, both of which make up large portions of

RSU TV viewership.

But Aills’ ambitious vision for the station is even bigger, reaching across the state.

“Another one of our goals — and we don’t have a date set on this yet, again funding dictates much of the timing of these things — is to put a satellite studio in Bartlesville, so we can focus on telling the story of Bartlesville,” he said. “That’s one of the changes we’re wanting to make. Again, we don’t have a date set for this, but we’re wanting a presence up there. We’re also wanting a program to highlight the activities going on at Grand Lake — that’s right in our back yard. Those are just a few of the (programming) changes we’re looking at, we just need to find the financial support to make them a reality.”

Since becoming general manager at RSU TV, Aills also has redesigned the station’s logo to become more visible when shown over a program ”The old

logo kind of got lost in the picture — we wanted people to be more aware of which network they were watching,” he said), and he has purposed to identify which programs would best appeal to an increasingly Internet-reliant generation.

“Most young people today are getting their information from something with a screen, whether that’s their phones or an iPad or such,” he said. “We’ll always be in competition with those, but television will always be around. Our challenge is finding a way to connect with that younger generation that gets its information from their the Internet — to get into that mix somehow.

“If and when we do that, we have a better shot at staying viable, relevant, and popular,” he said.

Aills is married to wife, Karen.

The couple has three daughters, Catlyn, 19, Korena, 16, and Kristina, 11.

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