Outlook 2013 by Mike Carrels

HEALTHY CITY

Outlook 2013

Reaching tomorrow

Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

New LED lighting at Five Civilized Tribes Museum give more natural and more energy-efficient lighting for the museum’s exhibits. The lighting was installed last year. Muskogee museums have updated their technology, improved facilities and added new displays in the last year.

Parks play role in community’s health

New health system spends $2M on tech

VAMC expands for new MRI suite

Muskogee’s city parks always change to meet the needs of new generations. They also have a tradition to maintain.

Muskogee’s “newest” health care system offers a longstanding tradition of health care as well as advanced technology and programs to take it into the future.

New magnetic resonance imaging services and a push for greater energy efficiency are on tap at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center.

Story on Page 2

Story on Page 4

Story on Page 9

Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Outlook 2013

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Muskogee Phoenix

Page 2

Park system plays vital role in Muskogee’s health By Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Parks and Recreation Department ADDRESS: 837 E. Okmulgee Ave. HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. SERVICES OFFERED: Oversees and maintains Muskogee city parks, Swim & Fitness Center, Kiwanis Senior Center, Muskogee Teen Center and Martin Luther King Center. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 45 full-time, 20 part-time and 100 seasonal. KEY PERSONNEL: Mark Wilkerson, director; Rick Ewing, park superintendent; Joel Everett, events coordinator. PHONE: (918) 6846302. WEBSITE: www.cityofmuskogee.com MUSKOGEE PARKS • Beckman Park, North 16th Street and Broadway. • Bill Pool Park, Gawf and Foltz Lanes. • Civitan Park, 3301 Gibson St. • Douglas-Maxey Park, South Sixth Street and West Southside Boulevard. • Elliot Park, Altamont Street and Tower Hill Boulevard. • Grandview Park, south of 315 Peak Blvd. • Gulick Park, South Seventh and Elgin streets. • Love-Hatbox Sports Complex, 34th and Arline streets. • Honor Heights Park, Honor Heights Drive. • King Park, Gibson Street and East Side Boulevard. • Langston Park, Euclid and Sandlow streets. • Optimist Park, South F and Independence streets. • Palmer Park, Honor Heights Drive and Denison Street. • Ruby Park, Augusta and Gulick streets. • Rooney Park, 2300 Military Blvd. • Rotary Park, South 24th and Elgin streets. • Spaulding Park, East Okmulgee Avenue and East Side Boulevard. • Turner Hill Park, North 12th and Terrace streets. CENTERS • Muskogee Swim & Fitness Center, 566 N. Sixth St. • Martin Luther King Center, 627 N. Third St. • Kiwanis Senior Citizen Center, 119 Spaulding Blvd. • Muskogee Teen Center, 322 Callahan St. • River Country Family Waterpark, 3600 Arline St.

Phoenix Staff Writer

Community gardens, exercise equipment, splash pads, miles of jogging trails and butterflies. Muskogee’s city parks always change to meet the needs of new generations. They also have a tradition to maintain. Muskogee Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wilkerson said Muskogee parks play an important role in the community’s health. “When you talk about well-being and physical fitness, there is a crisis of obesity and a lack of physical activities in the country,” Wilkerson said. Muskogee parks offer all sorts of ways to get fit — and new ones are on the way. The 29-acre Ruby Park, at the corner of Augusta and Gulick streets, has jogging trails running up and down its gentle hills. “We’re planning a new trail loop on the east side of the park,” Wilkerson said. “We’re also planning an outdoor exercise station for Ruby Park.” This isn’t just a chin-up bar Wilkerson’s talking about. The station will feature places where people can do leg presses, leg lifts, arm presses and other exercises previously limited to health clubs. “That will be our first outdoor fitness station,” Wilkerson said. Other parks could get similar exercise stations in the future, he said. The improvements could be ready by Memorial Day, he said. “We also got a grant to seek extension to our trail system,” Wilkerson said. Smaller, neighborhood parks also are getting city attention, Wilkerson said. Langston Park on Euclid Street and Douglas-Maxey Park on South Sixth Street are getting new playground equipment and basketball courts, he said. Parks are now places to get wet, as well as fit. Rotary Park on South 24th Street got a new splash pad and new playground equipment in 2012. Similar improvements are planned for Beckman Park on West Broadway. Living things and edible Staff photos by Cathy Spaulding

LOCAL FOLKS TRYING TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE

A pavilion provides the crowning touch to the new butterfly garden at Honor Heights Park. Butterflies could be fluttering by Mother’s Day. At top: A new sign gives an elegant look to Rotary Park, which also boasts new sidewalks and playground equipment.

021700362201

021710013501

LOW APR FINANCING AVAILABLE *All discounts & rebates are applied.

2307 Bus. Hwy 69 S. Checotah

1-877-835-4685 www.easttomchevy.com Shop us online 24/7

We the staff of Oklahoma School for the Blind, would like to Thank the Greater Muskogee area community for your continued support in all our endeavors throughout the year.

Oklahoma School For The Blind 3300 Gibson St., Muskogee 918-781-8200 or 1-877-229-7136 (Okla. Residents)

things are growing at two city parks, as well as at the Martin Luther King Center. Muskogee’s first community garden sprouted up west of Spaulding Park. Another one is growing atop the hill at Civitan Park. Wilkerson said gardeners get their own places to grow flowers, and vegetables. Several parks, including Ruby and Rotary Parks, have a new look with better signs, Wilkerson said. Butterflies are coming this year to Muskogee’s gem, Honor Heights Park. The Honor Heights butterfly garden is almost complete and should have butterflies by Mother’s Day, said Matthew Weatherbee, president of Friends

of Honor Heights Park. Weatherbee said he sees the butterfly garden serving two missions, with education being the main draw. “Whether you’re a firstgrader or a senior citizen, you should be able to leave the park knowing something you didn’t know before,” he said. The garden will not just be a place to learn about butterflies, but also about plants, he said. “We have some teaching gardens planned.” Weatherbee said he also expects the butterfly garden to be a top tourist draw. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogee phoenix.com.

Muskogee Phoenix

Outlook 2013

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 3

Museums update tech, offer new displays By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer

Sure, you might think museums are only filled with pictures and old stuff. But Muskogee area museums keep finding new attractions, new technology, new programs and new ways to show what they have. For example, if you haven’t visited Three Rivers Museum in a while, you might think it was a different place. A wooden bench, where passengers used to wait for trains at Muskogee’s Katy Depot has returned to Muskogee. Three Rivers Museum Director Sue Tolbert said that when the

USS Batfish and Military Museum ADDRESS: 3500 Batfish Road. HOURS: Winter hours through March 15 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Summer hours — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; Sundays, 1 to 6 p.m. SERVICES OFFERED: World War II submarine and military memorabilia. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: One. KEY PERSONNEL: Rick Dennis, manager. PHONE: (918) 6826294. WEBSITE: www.ussbatfish.com

Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum ADDRESS: 401 S. Third St. HOURS: 10 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment. SERVICES OFFERED: Showcase showing artifacts owned by such stars as Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill. Space for events such as concerts and banquets. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Two full-time and one part-time. KEY PERSONNEL: Executive director Jermaine Mondaine; assistant executive director Micheal Rappe; manager and curator Ronald Boren. PHONE: (918) 6870800. WEBSITE: www.omhof.com

ADDRESS: 2299 Old Bacone Road. HOURS: WednesdaySaturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday- Tuesday 1 to 5 p.m. SERVICES OFFERED: Collection of American Indian artifacts. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Two. KEY PERSONNEL: Cultural interpreter, John Timothy; gift shop manager Roseanne Spinks. PHONE: (918) 7817283. WEBSITE: www.bacone.edu/Ataloa

Five Civilized Tribes Museum ADDRESS: 1101 Honor Heights Drive. HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. SERVICES OFFERED: Display of Native American art and artifacts from the five Civilized Tribes — Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Two full-time and two part-time. KEY PERSONNEL: Director, Mary Robinson; Gift store manager Mary Beth Nelson; assistant collection manager Amanda Barnes; administrative assistant Linda Holmes. PHONE: (918) 6831701. WEBSITE: www.fivetribes.org

Staff photos by Cathy Spaulding

New LED lighting at Five Civilized Tribes Museum give more natural and more energy-efficient lighting for the museum’s exhibits. The lighting was installed last year. Above left: A Tulsa church recently presented Three Rivers Museum with a bench where passengers once waited at Muskogee’s Katy Depot. The bench is one of many changes at the museum in 2012. Above right: The USS Batfish gangway has new steel supports, making a safer walk to the historic submarine.

er, which dates to the 1920s, was donated about six months ago. Three Rivers Museum also oversees the ThomasForeman Historic Home. The farmhouse, built in 1898, was the home of John R. Thomas, a federal judge over Indian Territory. It later was the home of author and historian Grant Foreman.

Tolbert said people are working on updating a caretaker’s home behind the Thomas-Foreman home. People also are planting 1,000 daffodils along the fence of the historic house. Things are looking brighter, more lifelike at Five Civilized Tribes Museum. The museum, which specializes in showing art and artifacts of the Five Civ-

Three Rivers Museum

Pole Barn Supplies Lumber & Metal

NEWELL WOOD PRODUCTS

Quality Service

Ed Newell, Owner

Hwy. 69 N. Muskogee 686-8060

ACT NOW Insurance Low Rates M-Fri 8:30-6, Sat 11-4 Auto*Home*Life

703 N. York 918-687-1112 Call Tracy McGee

ilized Tribes, recently installed LED lighting for its second-floor exhibits. Museum Director Mary Robinson said the LED lamps deliver a brighter, more natural lighting on the paintings and art than the older lamps. The lamps also help cut utility bills, she said. The new lighting was

funded by grants from the City of Muskogee Foundation. The museum also added new strings of light inside its historic displays on the first floor, Robinson said. Historic displays also are changing, she said. In Janu(See USS, Page 5)

Our service department features skilled technicians, factory-trained to service products we sell. We also stock a large inventory of accessories and parts for the products we carry and have the latest computer technology to quickly find any part you may ever need. AGCO Parts PM360 Preventative Maintenance Program protects your equipment from unnecessary down-time and costly repairs. Your AGCO Parts Dealer has the expertise to maximize your equipment’s performance and keep you field ready. Be ready this season by: • Installing Genuine AGCO Parts • Scheduling regular maintenance check-ups This is our 63rd year as a Massey-Ferguson dealer as Bill Chupp Sr. signed the contract with Massey-Harris on Feb. 18, 1950.

CHUPP IMPLEMENT CO. South Hwy 69 4701 S. Mill, Pryor, OK 74361 Phone: (918) 825-2044 Fax: (918) 825-1768 800-713-8220

021700740001

ADDRESS: 220 Elgin St. HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. SERVICES OFFERED: Located in a former railroad depot, the museum keeps artifacts relating to the area’s history. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: One full-time. Four part-time. KEY PERSONNEL: Executive Director Sue Tolbert; front desk workers Judy Dodson, Jean Johnston, Faye Waits, Laura Harris. PHONE: (918) 6866624. WEBSITE: www.3riversmuseum.com

021710630401

ADDRESS: 1419 W. Okmulgee Ave. HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday or by appointment. SERVICES OFFERED: Historic home of territorial Judge John R. Thomas, then historian Grant Foreman. KEY PERSONNEL: Executive Director Sue Tolbert; front desk workers Judy Dodson, Jean Johnston, Faye Waits, Laura Harris. PHONE: (918) 6866624. WEBSITE: www.3riversmuseum.com

Ataloa Lodge

021700323801

Thomas-Foreman Historic Home

Katy Depot was torn down years ago, many of its items were auctioned off. A Tulsa church had the bench and donated it to the museum in 2012, Tolbert said. The museum also has new photo displays of surrounding communities, such as Wagoner, Checotah, even Red Bird. Tolbert said those displays were put up shortly before Christmas. A model horse that once was part of a display at Bully Good Saddle Shop now is part of the museum’s new Livery Stable display. Tolbert said the horse had been in storage and was recently restored. There also is a new crank-operated record player in “Miss Alice’s” parlor. Tolbert said the record play-

Outlook 2013 Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 4

New system spends $2M on tech Two hospitals merge to form new health care system By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer

Muskogee’s “newest” health care system offers a long-standing tradition of health care as well as advanced technology and programs to take it into the future. Muskogee Regional Medical Center and the former Muskogee Community Hospital merged and took the name EASTAR Health System in November. When the new name was announced, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Fowler said the name and the star logo reflect who the sysFowler tem serves. He said stars have been seen as guiding lights, sources of comfort for travelers. The combined hospitals have a total of 320 beds, 45 at its East Campus, 2900 N. Main St., and 275 at the main campus, 300 Rockefeller Drive. In 2012, the health system spent more than $2 million on equipment and technology officials believe will enhance patient care. For example EASTAR’s East Campus offers new equipment that speeds the time for bone density scans and mammograms and gives doctors clearer images. The Lunar iDXA body composition scanner takes 48 seconds to do a spinal scan and 48 seconds to do hips. EASTAR had its first patient on the iDXA Adams on Dec. 13. “With our previous bone density scanner, it took 15 minutes,” said EASTAR Director of Radiology Stephanie Adams. The new machine can handle a range of patients, Adams said. “We can do pediatric studies, orthopedic studies and take body composition scans as well as bone density scans,” she said. It can handle people up to 450 pounds. It’s a big table designed for big people.” The iDXA also can give doctors information on a patient’s potential of getting a fracture within 10 years, Adams said. “And the scans on screen have better resolution,” she said. “The technology advancement with that table is way ahead of what we had before.” People getting mammograms at the east campus also can get their results more quickly with the new Selenia Dimensions digital scanner, installed in midJanuary. “It’s lightning fast,” said mammography technician Margie Angus. Information from the machine goes directly to the physician, who can view the image within minutes, officials said. “And the images are so much better,” said mammography technician Sandra Medlin. Many women’s imaging services previously done at the main campus or Providence Imaging Center are now done on the east campus, Angus said. Providence closed in December, but staff and records moved to the east campus, she said. The east campus also houses the sleep center, outpatient surgery and occupational health services. The occupational medicine

Staff photos by Cathy Spaulding

EASTAR Health System, a merger of Muskogee Regional Medical Center and Muskogee Community Hospital, opens the door on a variety of new possibilities in regional health care. This is the lobby of the East Campus, 2900 N. Main St.

EASTAR Health System ADDRESS: Main Campus, 300 Rockefeller Drive. East Campus, 2900 N. Main St. HOURS: Main Campus open 24-hours each day. East Campus hours vary by service. SERVICES OFFERED: Variety of health services, including emergency, OB/GYN, cancer center, imaging center, pain management. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 868 employees, including 114 on the medical staff. Also, 89 volunteers. KEY PERSONNEL: Chief Executive Officer Kevin Fowler; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jay Gregory, MD; Chief Operating Officer Jim Davidson; Chief Financial Officer Matt Romero; Interim Chief Nursing Officer Angelina Bullard; Chief Quality Officer Becky Elliott; President of medical staff, Dr. Dwayne Atwell. PHONE: Main Campus, (918) 682-5501. East Campus, (918) 687-7777. WEBSITE: www.eastarhealth.com.

The Lunar iDXA scanner can do a full body scan or a spinal scan in a fraction of the time it took for older scanners. The iDXA is one of many examples of new technology and treatments available at EASTAR Health System.

clinic offers such services as pre-employment physicals and screenings, such as when employees are injured at work. The Comprehensive Cancer Center at EAST-

AR’s Main Campus also is showing growth, said Belinda Farmer, EASTAR’s director of radiation oncology. One big sign of growth is the High Dose

Brachytherapy program, which allows a physician to treat a smaller area in a shorter amount of time. Farmer said a patient undergoing this therapy might be treated in three

to five days instead of 28 days. “It’s very specialized,” Farmer said, adding that the treatment is effective in early stages of breast cancer, cervical cancer, or

lung cancer. Brachytherapy also drastically reduces side effects of cancer. The west campus, or main campus, continues to house the emergency center, in-patient surgery, a comprehensive cancer canter, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other services. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogee phoenix.com.

Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Outlook 2013 Page 5

USS Batfish gets new mooring lines, gangway supports Continued from Page 3

Ataloa Lodge being recog- a slew of improvements at ported with steel I-beams nized as not only a place ed- the military museum. and concrete supports. ucators can bring students Other improvements inFuture improvements at to learn but a place for edu- clude a safer gangway sup- the Batfish include recreatcators to learn as well,” he said. Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame continues to be in demand as a venue for concerts, banquets, meetings and other events, said OMHOF Executive Director Jermaine Mondaine. The museum also features costumes, music, records, guitars and other artifacts from its famous inductees, including Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill and Wanda Jackson. OMHOF, located in a former Frisco railroad depot, also features educational exhibits. “Kids can learn the fundamentals of music,” Mondaine said. The USS Batfish is on secure footing, thanks to new mooring lines made of 1 1/2 inch galvanized steel cable. The new mooring is among

ary, the Cherokee display was changed to celebrate its language. The display’s new theme is Progress of Language, from Sequoyah to Windows 8. It features a computer keyboard pad with letters from the Cherokee Syllabary. The museum also continues to put the numerous photos, documents and other works in digital format for computer records. Ataloa Lodge Museum, on the Bacone College campus, also is digitizing its inventory, said John Timothy, cultural interpreter at the museum. “It has been a continuing project since 2010,” Timothy said. “It is an ongoing project that we expect to have completed this summer.” Timothy said the number of Ataloa visitors has increased. “I see in the near future

ing a Walk of Honor and proReach Cathy Spaulding viding a shelter for the mast at (918) 684-2928 or from the USS Oklahoma cspaulding@muskogee battleship. phoenix.com.

Proud Sponsor Of Eufaula Community for 27 Years!

Nobody Beats A Eufaula Ford Deal! 918-689-7767 800-545-5358

Selmon Rd. & 6th St. Eufaula

www.eufaulafordmercury.com

Walk-In Diet & Medical Clinic

021700295001

Now Treating Minor Medical Coughs • Colds • Flu • Earaches • Sore Throats • UTI • Stomach Issues • Rashes • Allergies • Eye Infections

Accepting Health Choice Insurance & SoonerCare

918-686-6551 Muskogee M,T,Th,F 11-4, Sat 9-11

918-473-0110 Checotah M,T,Th,F 5-7:30pm 021700089002

021700033201

021700089001

Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 6

NURSING HOMES 021700354405

021700527801

HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE TRADITIONS HOME CARE, INC Located In McAlester, Poteau, Morris, Park Hill, Red Oak and Porum

Good Neighbor Hospice 1122 N Main Muskogee, OK 74401

918-681-4988 www.goodneighborhospice.com

“Providing comfort and compassion for the terminally ill and their families from the people you know and trust.”

021700671301

GENERATION AFTER GENERATION.... CARING FOR OUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS AT HOME IS A PROUD FAMILY TRADITION.

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED US Patient admission and services are provided without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability (mental or physical), communicable disease, or place of national origin.

Locally Owned and Operated by Robert and Jennifer Gaddy and Cindy Johnson.

021700795201

021710607001

Serving Northeastern Oklahoma

Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 7

HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE Health Care Directory

021700354401

021700210602

021700094702

021700280402

NURSING HOMES VALLEY BROADWAY MANOR EASTGATE VILLAGE PLEASANT HEALTH CARE HEALTH CARE CENTER RETIREMENT CENTER CENTER 1622 E. Broadway 1120 Illinois St. Muskogee, OK 74403 918-682-5391

BRENTWOOD EXTENDED CARE & REHAB

GRACE LIVING CENTER

COUNTRY GARDENS

4717 W. Okmulgee Muskogee, OK 74401 918-683-2914

205 E. Poplar Fort Gibson, OK 74434 918-478-2456

615 S. Co. Club Rd. Muskogee, OK 74403 918-686-8100

CHECOTAH NURSING CENTER 321 SE 2nd Checotah, OK 74426 918-473-2251

021700824402

1033 Hospital Road Eufaula, OK 74432 918-689-3211

021700299302

021700527804

FORT GIBSON EUAFAULA MANOR NURSING & REHAB CENTER NURSING HOME

Assisted Living Community

021710751902

841 N. 38th Street Muskogee, OK 74401 918-683-8070

021700274402

3500 Haskell Blvd. Muskogee, OK 74403 918-682-3191

021709493902

Muskogee, OK 74403 918-683-2851

HOME HEALTH, HOSPICE & HOSPITAL McAlester, Poteau, Morris, Park Hill, Red Oak and Porum 918-426-0983

2303 S. York Muskogee, OK 74403 918-682-6400

ONE HEALTH GOOD SHEPHERD HOSPICE HOME HEALTH

Hometown Hospice

021700795202

2307 S. York Street Muskogee, OK 74403 918-681-4440

021710607002

105 Mimosa Tahlequah, OK 74464 918-456-6851

021700607101

201 W. Okmulgee Checotah, OK 74426 918-473-0505

GOOD NEIGHBOR HOSPICE

021700138401

021711261802

1145 N. Main Muskogee, OK 74401 918-682-3800

1624 W. Okmulgee Muskogee, OK 74401 918-682-4194

021700607102

1122 N. Main Muskogee, OK 74401 918-681-4988

021709327802

Muskogee, OK 74403 918-683-7113

021700671302

021700850602

SOONER HEALTH OUTREACH TRADITIONS SERVICE HOME CARE, INC HOME SERVICES 928 N. York

021700354404

OUTREACH HOME SERVICES LLC

Because every moment counts... Grace Hospice helps you embrace every moment. We provide expert medical care and counseling services to our patients including: 021709327801 I I I I I

Nursing services 24 hours/7 days a week Medications related to the terminal illness Pain and symptom management Emotional, spiritual and bereavement counseling Family support services for friends and family

Grace Hospice serves all of Northeastern Oklahoma, including Muskogee. Please call 918-744-7223 to learn how we can help you and your family. Phone (918) 744-7223 • Toll Free (800) 659-0307 www.gracehospice.com 021711433901

The Family’s Choice. Not affiliated with Grace Living Centers.

2303 S. York Muskogee, OK 74403 918-682-6400

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Muskogee Phoenix

Page 8

NURSING HOMES Caring for others... Caring for others...

021700354406

EASTGATE V ILLAGE HEALTHCARE CENTER 3500 Haskell Blvd. • 682-3191 (N. Country Club & Haskell Blvd.)

0217105751901

Caring for Generations Through Excellence Eastgate Village Healthcare Center is locally owned and operated with over 50 years of Experience, having proudly earned a Reputation for Quality and Excellence.We are Dedicated to providing Quality Care and Services in a warm, loving environment by People who care to give the very best.

Caring for others...

QUALITY CARE & SERVICES • Rehab Services • Medicare Unit • Hospice Care • Church Services • Laundry Services • Nutritional Services • Planned by a Registered Dietitian We are searching for the BEST of the BEST nursing professionals to become a part of our family.We offer a great working environment with support from our entire team of professionals. Benefits and wages are very competitive. Please come by and visit us about a new job opportunity.

Checotah Nursing Center now offers spacious, newly redecorated rooms with private bath. We offer in-house physical, occupational and speech therapy. We offer specialized nursing and hospice & respite care.

Caring for Generations Through Excellence 72028

021700274401

B ROADWAY M ANOR Health Care Center

1622 E. Broadway • Muskogee, OK 74403

• Locally Owned & Operated • Over 40 Years Experience in Nursing Homes

“Leaders in Quality Care” • Supervised by a Registered Nurse 24 Hours A Day • Private & Semi-Private Rooms • Medicare Skilled UnitMedicaid Accepted • Hospice Contract

admin@broadwaymanorhealthcare.com

021700280401

918-683-2851

Choosing an alternative home for your loved one is not an easy task, and we are here to help. Please come by for a tour, we would be happy to answer your questions.

021700824401

Muskogee Phoenix

Outlook 2013

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 9

VAMC expands for new MRI suite By Cathy Spaulding

Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center

Phoenix Staff Writer

New magnetic resonance imaging services and a push for greater energy efficiency are on tap at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center. The Medical Center, located atop Agency Benware Hill on the west side of — Jordan Benware, Muskoacting associate is medical center director, gee, Jack C. Montgomery VA expandMedical Center ing to accommodate the MRI suite, which will include a new MRI machine, plus space for offices, clinics and labs. The 4,500-square-foot addition is the medical center’s first major building project since the bed tower was finished in 1997, said Nita McClellan, the center’s public information officer. She said the addition will be a free-standing building with a glass-enclosed connection to the main hospital. The addition will have enough space for two MRI machines, she said. “Right now, we don’t have an MRI machine, so we have to send people to another facility for imaging,” said Jordan Benware, acting associate medical center director. “That causes a hardship on the families if they have to go to another facility.” Benware said the new MRI machine should be in place by the end of April. The new service will enable the medical center to add two radiation technicians to the staff, he said. “I think the MRI is the project I’m most excited about because it impacts patients,” Benware said. Ground was broken for the facility in October 2011. The medical center also is working to become more energy efficient by adding solar panels,

ADDRESS: 1011 Honor Heights Drive. HOURS: Emergency Department and Inpatient Wards — 24/7; Primary and Specialty Care, Business Office and other Administrative Departments —8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. SERVICES OFFERED: Health care for veterans, plus behavioral health service, clinical pastoral education, programs for former prisoners of war, health promotion, disease prevention program. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Approximately 1,100. KEY PERSONNEL: Medical Center Director James R. Floyd, FACHE; Acting Associate Medical Center Director Jordan Benware; Chief of Staff Thomas Schneider, D.O.; Associate Director for Patient Care Services Bonnie Pierce, MSN, RN, CENP. PHONE: (918) 577-3000 or (888) 397-8387. WEBSITE: www.muskogeeva.gov.

“I think the MRI is the project I’m most excited about because it impacts patients.”

Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

Workers install the support structure for solar panels to go atop the roof of the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center. Officials say solar panels on the roof and over covered parking areas could cut energy costs by $50,000.

he said. Crews already are working atop the medical center’s roof, installing solar panels above an atrium. Other solar panels will be installed in two medical center

parking lots. People who park across from the medical center’s main entrance and in a lot behind the free standing buildings will have covered parking and protection from the elements,

Benware said. “We could probably save about $50,000 in energy costs,” Benware said, adding that he expects the solar panels to be installed by spring.

Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center also boasts of new programs on a smaller scale. The medical center began a free valet parking service for veterans in November. Veterans who wish to use the service may drive to the main entrance and hand their keys to the attendant. The attendant then gives the veteran a numbered ticket and parks their vehicles. The program is managed by Liberty Management Services, LLC of Fort Smith, Ark. Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center continues to be a leader in providing health care to veterans throughout northeast Oklahoma. The main hospital has 111 inpatient beds. The medical center also operates outpatient clinics in Tulsa, Hartshorne and Vinita. The hospital also supports Fort Gibson National Cemetery and the Tulsa Vet Center. The medical center’s cancer program recently received full accreditation with six commendations from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding @muskogeephoenix.com.

Cherokee Nation health care system expands, broadens reach By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH — Cherokee Nation’s health care system saw big changes in 2012, with more to come in 2013, officials said. Connie Davis, executive director of health services for the Cherokee Nation said the tribe is “excited about the progress we’ve made this past year across our system.” “The support we’ve received from Principal Chief Bill John Baker, as well as the Tribal Council, has been outstanding and has been a large part of the driving force behind these positive changes,” Davis said. Progress includes a renewed focus on third party billing efforts, expanding hours at clinics to increase access for patients who have trouble getting in from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the recent completion of a number of expansion projects at W.W. Hastings Hospital — including a new emergency room, urgent care center and expansion of space for optometry, orthopedic services and warehouse space. W.W. Hastings Hospital Chief Executive Officer Brian Hail said the hospital opened the new emergency department and new urgent care department in October, and the hospital has since seen improved efficiency in services. The new system channels less critical patients to get treatment by a physicians assistant or nurse practitioner and allows doctors to treat the more critical patients, Hail said. “The national average for an emergency department is 3 percent that use that strategy, and with our efforts to expand the size of the emergency department and improve the processes, we have decreased our percentage from 6.4 percent in

Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital WHERE: 100 S. Bliss Ave., Tahlequah. OWNER: Cherokee Nation Health Services. KEY PERSONNEL: Connie Davis, executive director of health services; Brian Hail, chief executive officer; Mitchell Thornbrough, chief operating officer; Valerie Rogers, chief nurse; Dr. Doug Nolan, medical director. PHONE: (918) 4583100. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Approximately 900. NUMBER OF PATIENTS SERVED: 42,412 patients served in emergency room in 2012, 400,000 annually for the entire hospital. WEBSITE: www.cherokee.org/Services/Health/D efault.aspx.

Three Rivers Health Center WHERE: 1001 S. 41st St. E., Muskogee. OWNER: Cherokee Nation Health Services. KEY PERSONNEL: Jamie Evans, medical director, and Cindy Martin, assistant clinical administrator. PHONE: (918) 7816500. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 170. NUMBER OF PATIENTS SERVED: 40,000 active patients and 150,000 outpatients per year. WEBSITE: www.cherokee.org/Services/Health/D efault.aspx.

August to 2.8 percent in November after opening the new emergency department,” Hail said. “That is considered to be an important indicator of the functioning of an emergency department, and we have made this a top priority so that we better serve all of

Staff photo by Wendy Burton

Nurse Manager Rebecca Shepherd, left, Supervisory Clinical Nurse Jonathan McBride and Executive Director of Health for the Cherokee Nation Connie Davis meet during a shift in W.W. Hastings Hospital’s new emergency department, which was completed in late 2012.

our patients that come here for emergency care.” Another major accomplishment for the hospital in 2012 is the completion and opening of its new annex which houses optometry, orthopedic, podiatry and physical therapy services. “As we see more patients and recruit additional providers to take care of our patients, we have expanded our facility to accommodate the growth,” Hail said. Davis said the health system expects to see continued progress in 2013 “as we look forward to starting construction on a new Jack Brown Youth Regional Treatment Center that will expand our ability to see youth for alcohol and sub-

stance abuse issues from a current level of 20 patients per treatment cycle to 36 patients.” The tribe is also in the process of expanding its Redbird Smith Health Center in Sallisaw and has plans for further construction activities that will be taking place in 2013 and 2014 at health centers in Jay, Stilwell and Bartlesville to expand access to clinic services to our patients in those communities. At Three Rivers Health Center in Muskogee, 2012 saw additional health care provider jobs, Davis said. The goal for 2013 is to improve access to care for patients by extending operation hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“They expect to meet this goal by the summer of 2013,” Davis said. The Cherokee Nation also recently announced two major changes — a new health plan they hope will pump about $80 million into expanding or replacing the tribe’s eight health centers, including Three Rivers Health Center and W.W. Hastings Hospital. The largest portion of that plan includes building a new $50 million hospital near W.W. Hastings. The new facility will become a surgical hospital, and Hastings would become an outpatient center — freeing up ample space at the existing hospital to expand clinical services and serve more patients. The Cherokee Nation al-

so announced recently it will raise the salaries for more than 200 employees at its eight health centers and at Hastings. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, doctors and dentists on average were scheduled to see an 11 percent pay increase phased into their paychecks beginning Feb. 10. The $5 million pay increase is part of a comprehensive plan by Principal Chief Bill John Baker, the tribal council and health administrators to improve quality in and access to tribally operated health facilities, according to a media release. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton @muskogeephoenix.com.

Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 10

ACHIEVEMENT

Outlook 2013

Sharpening talents

Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

Michael Hait, right, tries on a military cap for Larry Cragg and Susan Winters in the new dressing room at Muskogee Little Theatre. The dressing room and new restrooms were part of an addition at MLT in 2012.

ICTC prepares pupils for careers

Initiative brings Action in Muskogee

Bacone pushes achievement

Students won’t be working on muscles or cardio when they use fitness equipment at Indian Capital Technology Center. They’ll be building career opportunities.

Muskogee’s major initiative to improve everything from education to making the city a desirable place to visit has been moving things along.

Bacone College encourages student to perform at top levels both on the athletic field and in the classroom.

Story on Page 13

Story on Page 14

Story on Page 19

Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Outlook 2013 Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 12

Staff photos by Cathy Spaulding

MLT seeks to build new digs By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer

What used to be Sequoyah Elementary School at the corner of Cincinnati Avenue and D Street has seen a lot of action over the past 40 years. The list includes: • At least two “monkey trials” in Inherit the Wind. • Huge, man-eating flow-

ers in “Little Shop of Horrors.” • Small town Texas shenanigans in “Sordid Lives.” • Trouble that starts with T, rhymes with P and stands for pool in “The Music Man.” Since 1972, Muskogee Little Theatre has used that old school’s auditorium to present a variety of musi-

cals, dramas, comedies and mysteries. MLT plans to keep on growing. The community theater is seeking to build a new facility, which might or might not be at its present location, said MLT Executive Director Coni Wetz. The new theater is in the planning stages, Wetz stressed, adding that she

does not have too many details. However, she did say plans call for a new 250seat theater with an orchestra pit and overhead space to “fly” backdrops, curtains and lights up and down. Plans also call for a larger lobby to accommodate the larger crowds as well as receptions and dining. There also could be space for educational programs.

While Michael Hait watches, Mike Perez checks the sleeves of a white shirt donated to Muskogee Little Theatre recently.

021700139601

“Our summer camp fills up fast,” Wetz said, referring to MLT’s popular youth summer camp. The camp culminates with a musical produced and performed by area youth. Wetz said MLT officials are working with an architect on the plans. MLT also is working with the City of Muskogee Foundation on a grant to help finance the new facility, she said. MLT originally received a grant from the Foundation over three years. However, the Foundation later was asked to restructure the grant. Wetz said MLT is working on an amended grant application. In the meantime, the shows must go on. The MLT building got a boost last spring when volunteers built new bathrooms, dressing rooms and a storage facility. Before the addition was completed — just in time for “The Sound of Music” — male theatergoers had to go to a backstage area to use the restrooms. The dressing area was in a cramped basement. “It was a wonderful donation,” said MLT board president Cindy Smith. “It has a wonderful green room, wonderful restrooms and a wonderful dressing room with a sink.” The theater buzzes with all sorts of activity. “We make sure we have all kinds of shows for all kinds of people,” Smith said. “In this season, ‘The Music Man’ was a good family show for everyone. It was followed by ‘Sordid Lives,’ an adult play and a good

Muskogee Little Theatre ADDRESS: 325 Cincinnati Ave. SERVICES OFFERED: Community theater productions. KEY PERSONNEL: Executive Director Coni Wetz; Board President Cindy Smith. PHONE: (918) 6835332. WEBSITE: www.muskogeelittletheatre.com.

date show. Our Christmas shows speak for themselves. ‘A Few Good Men’ is a serious show, but also a good date show. ‘The Buddy Holly Story’ is a strong show for everyone.” She said the motto of the MLT’s play selection committee is “butts in the seats.” Not only does MLT seek to get “butts in the seats,” the theater also seeks them on stage and backstage as well. Volunteers drive the theater. “We have volunteers come up to work on a spot, they can be ushers,” she said. “On larger shows, we have wardrobe people, kid wranglers, a myriad of things.” Susan Winters, the stage manager for MLT’s “A Few Good Men,” said she first got interested in the theater while watching a production of “Love Letters” about 10 or 15 years ago. “I really prefer to work backstage, being able to see a production from another perspective,” Winters said. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogee phoenix.com.

Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Outlook 2013 Page 13

FG schools tackle changing standards By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer

FORT GIBSON — Fort Gibson’s four schools press on to keep up with changes in education and technology. “Common Core State Standards are changing how we’re teaching and how our kids are learning,” Superintendent Derald Glover said. “And a big, big part of that is technology.” The district has a goal for each stuGlover dent to have a tablet computer or laptop. But this isn’t some “Let’s buy all our students a computer” program. At Fort Gibson, students are picking up some of the slack by bringing their own tablets or laptops to school. Glover said the school is working on details of its Bring Your Own Device policy. “After three years of study and research, this is what we feel is the best and most effective plan,” Glover said. A proposed bond issue, set for March, includes individual de(See TEACHERS, Page 15)

Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

Fort Gibson High School students Ashlyn Frix, left, Courtni Carman and Morgan Green, have lunch in the recently-remodeled Tiger Rock Cafe. Fort Gibson Schools have a total of 1,860 students.

ICTC prepares students for careers By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer

Students won’t be working on muscles or cardio when they use new fitness equipment at Indian Capital Technology Center. They’ll be working on career opportunities in athletic training, physical therapy and sports medicine. Those are two job and career possibilities ICTC offers stuStiles dents at its Muskogee campus. With four campuses in four counties, ICTC is a leader in training people for college and careers. “We’re looking at all our programs to make sure the credentials and certifications are industry-driven and focused,” said ICTC Superintendent Tom Stiles. “Our goal is that all our career majors are business and industry fo-

Indian Capital Technology Center

Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

Indian Capital Technology Center students Hannah Mackey, right, and Myla Love, center, put a TENS muscle stimulator on classmate Au’Ceanna Jack of Muskogee. The high school students are active in ICTC’s new sports medicine program.

and will do the roofing for a new administration on the campus, 2403 N. 41st St. ICTC is moving its administration offices to make room for a new allied health/nursing building. The allied health/nursing building will be part of a joint facility and program with Connors State College’s Port Campus, located just north of ICTC. Assistant ICTC Superintendent Tony Pivec said ICTC’s new administration building could be done by August. Bids for the allied health/nursing building could be taken in Sep-

I N C O M E TA X AND INVESTMENT GUIDE 2013

(See WE’LL, Page 18)

021700210001

021700689101

ADDRESSES and PHONE NUMBERS: • Muskogee, 2403 N. 41st St. E., (918) 6876383. • Tahlequah, 240 VoTech Road, (918) 4562594. • Stilwell, Oklahoma 59 and Maryetta Road, (918) 696-3111. • Sallisaw, 401 Houser, (918) 775-9119. HOURS: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. SERVICES OFFERED: Education and training to prepare people for jobs and ensure success in the workplace. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 185 full-time and 225 part-time employees at the four campuses. ENROLLMENT: 1,357 full-time students; 2,160 adult and career development students; 24,672 taking various programs through business and industry services. KEY PERSONNEL: Superintendent Tom Stiles; Assistant Superintendent Tony Pivec; Business and Industry Services Director Kathy Adair; Adult Career Development Director Sue Godwin; Muskogee Director Roger King; Tahlequah Director Robin Roberts; Sallisaw Director Curtis Shumaker; Stilwell Director Dan Collins. WEBSITE: ictctech.com.

cused.” ICTC seeks to meet rising health care needs in eastern Oklahoma — as well as western Arkansas — by coming up with new career majors and programs. Sports medicine is one of the new allied health care programs high school students can take at the Muskogee campus. This is the first year the program has Caldwell been offered, and the class filled up fast. Instructor Meagan Caldwell said the class is geared to help lead students toward a career in athletic training, physical therapy and fitness. “Physical therapy is an especially growing field with baby boomers aging,” Caldwell said. “Athletic training is a hot button area for the kids. They’re interested in athletics and medicine.” The new fitness equipment, which arrived in August, includes treadmills, stationary bikes, weighted balls, stretch bands and weights. The program also has padded tables where students can learn physical therapy and taping. Students also learn to use ultrasound and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units. ICTC’s Muskogee campus is growing in other ways. Carpentry students are putting up the frame

021700143801 021700354301

Outlook 2013

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Muskogee Phoenix

Page 14

Staff photo by Wendy Burton

Co-chairwoman Lisa Wade Raasch and Chairman Tim Faltyn look over Action in Muskogee documents during a recent meeting. The AIM initiative to form actionable ideas to make improvements to multiple areas of life in Muskogee was kicked into action in 2012, and hopes to see concrete results in 2013.

Initiative brings Action in Muskogee By Wendy Burton Phoenix Staff Writer

Muskogee’s major initiative to improve everything from education to making the city a desirable place to visit has been moving things along. Action In Muskogee was created in 2012 as a way to combine resources, hear the public’s opinion, and form actionable ideas to make improvements to Muskogee. After five meetings in which the public participated, initiative chairs were chosen for one of nine areas on which the meetings became highly focused — a cleaner and more beautiful Muskogee, community pride, making

Action in Muskogee KEY PERSONNEL: Chair Tim Faltyn, Co-chair Lisa Wade Raasch. • Steering Committee: Mayor Bob Coburn, Ann Barker Ong, D.J. Thompson, Earnie Gilder, Eric Elgin, Gene Wallace, Jim Eaton, Lindsey Holloway, Marlon Coleman, Michelle Green, Mike Ebert, Mike Garde, Nate Burden, Nita McClellan and ShIron Butterfly Ray. Staff support: Brien Thorstenberg, Joyce

Muskogee a great place to live and a great place to visit, health and wellness, a stronger economy, community infrastructure, educational excellence, and a more safe and secure Muskogee.

Wooten and Marie Seabolt. • Initiative chairs: Educational Excellence, Gwen Coburn; Safe and Secure, Marlon Coleman; Strong Economy, John Barton; Community Pride, Jim Eaton; Clean and Beautiful, Wren Stratton; Great Place to Live and Visit, Al Stevens; Health and Wellness, Dr. Tracy Hoos; Community Infrastructure, Doug Walton. WEBSITE: www.muskogeedevelopment.org.

In late November, the AIM Steering Committee, led by Chair Tim Faltyn and Co-Chair Lisa Wade Raasch, began appointing chairs of each initiative. Those chairs, along with many volunteers called

“champions” for each initiative recently began holding meetings, or have initial meetings scheduled in the next couple of weeks. “At our last steering committee meeting, we gave our initiative chairs a tool kit so they could have more focused meetings in each of their areas,” Faltyn said. “Today Gwen Coburn gathered her 26 champions, and they began researching the results from the five AIM meetings on educational excellence.” Faltyn and Raasch both said the first of the meetings on educational excellence was high-energy and inspired. “It was an incredible meeting,” Wade Raasch said. “What was clear is

everyone had a shared appreciation for the educational system here. There was a recognition there is so much good going on here to build on and none who think the challenges that exist are insurmountable.” Once the groups establish what their first goals are, and the steering committee votes to move ahead on each of those suggested goals, AIM will make announcements to let the public know what action is ongoing. “Since we’ve begun AIM, I’ve received so much feedback, phone calls, with ideas for our initiatives,” Faltyn said. “People want to give their input and we want it.” Those who want to par-

ticipate in initiative meetings can go to the Muskogee Port Authority website at www.muskogeedevelopment.org and click on the AIM icon on the right side of the page. There is a form to fill out and submit there, but people can also call one of the chairs to volunteer their participation, Raasch said. “The public is invited to any and all initiative meetings, whether they are interested in participating or just want to know what’s going on,” Raasch said. Meeting dates and times will be posted on the Muskogee Development website as well. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton @muskogeephoenix.com.

Cherokee, Creek nations tout progress in 2012, have big plans for 2013 By Wendy Burton

Cherokee Nation

Phoenix Staff Writer

Both the Cherokee Nation and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation report abundant progress in 2012, and big plans for 2013. Some of the accomplishments announced by the Cherokee Nation include: • The opening of its newly expanded Cherokee Nation Casino in Fort Gibson and a new casino in Ramona — both with 100 percent Cherokee employment; • Expansion of W.W. Hastings Hospital, including a new emergency room; • Becoming the first Native American language fully integrated into Gmail; and • More than $231 million in contracts captured by Cherokee Nation business. The Cherokee Nation’s home building program was also said to be a major accomplishment in 2012. About 30 Cherokee families became first-time homeowners in 2012 under Principal Chief Bill John Baker’s new-home construction program. Currently, 1,300 Cherokees are signed up under the program, and the Cherokee Nation plans to build 300 more homes in 2013. “Health, Homes and Hope” is Baker’s focus in

TRIBAL ENROLLMENT: 318,836. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 8,900. KEY PERSONNEL: Principal Chief Bill John Baker, Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden. WEBSITE: www.cherokee.org.

Muscogee (Creek) Nation TRIBAL ENROLLMENT: 75,000. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 1,800. KEY PERSONNEL: Principal Chief George Tiger, Second Chief Roger Barnett. WEBSITE: www.muscogeenationnsn.gov.

Submitted photo

Mandy Adair and son Tosley Martin, moved into their new home on Bryant Road in Tahlequah recently. The family was among 30 to become first time homeowners in 2012 as part of Principal Chief Bill John Baker’s, left, New Home Construction Program.

2013, he said. “I am more focused than ever on creating a healthy Cherokee Nation — healthy Cherokee families and healthy economic growth,” Baker said. “Our goal in 2013 is to build on the foundation that was laid last year.” Some of the accomplishments announced by the

Muscogee (Creek) Nation in the past year include: • The purchase of the Riverwalk Crossing in Jenks; • Entering in a tobacco compact with the state that resulted in increased revenue; • Numerous facility and capital improvement projects;

• The establishment of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Higher Education scholarship Foundation Program; and • The establishment of a tribal employment rights office. “During this past year, we have worked hard to strengthen our Nation through a strategic plan-

ning approach, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief George Tiger said in his recent State of the Nation address. “This strategic plan was the product of representatives from our three branches of government working cooperatively together. This again proves that Muscogee solidarity works.” Among announced projects for the Cherokee Nation in 2013 are: • Major improvements to the tribe’s health care system, including a new $50 million hospital, and anoth-

er $30 million to expand or replace the tribe’s eight health centers; • The opening of the new Veterans Center in June; • Opening of a new early childhood center in Stilwell; and • Raising salaries for more than 200 employees at its eight health centers and W.W. Hastings Hospital; The pay increase — a $5 million impact — is part of a comprehensive plan by Baker, the Tribal Council and health administrators to improve quality in and access to tribally operated health facilities, according to a CN media release. Among announced projects for 2013 for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation are: • Designing a major expansion of the River Spirit Casino, which includes hotel rooms, a theater, spa and other amenities; • Establishment of a non-profit foundation to accept tax-deductible donations to provide Creek students with scholarships; • A health care project that will not be officially announced until August, but is said to be a gamechanger for Creek health care. Reach Wendy Burton at (918) 684-2926 or wburton @muskogeephoenix.com.

Muskogee Phoenix

Outlook 2013

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 15

Teachers coordinate lessons under CCC Continued from Page 13

vices for students who do not bring their own. The bond issue also includes new roofs at several buildings, new science labs and buses, plus new instruments and uniforms for the band. The Common Core Curriculum, a sweeping new curriculum affecting all Oklahoma public schools also changes how teachers work together. Fort Gibson Middle School Principal Greg Phares said one example is the geography class, which is learning about how the Titanic sunk in the north Atlantic in 1912, and the class would learn about where it sunk. An English class reads literature about the historic sinking. A science class features lessons in buoyancy, Phares said. New programs at the high school include a onetrimester elective FAFSA class, which gives seniors a time to focus on preparing for college. During the class, students fill out college applications, scholarship applications, and learn how to best present themselves to recruiters. High School Principal

Gary Sparks said the school also offers an ACT preparation class and an after-school program to help students prepare for the college entrance exam. Several Fort Gibson Sparks facilities also boast a new look. High school and middle school students have several options to dine at the renovated Tiger Rock Cafe. The school cafeteria was renovated in time for the start of the 2013 school year. The cafeteria offers a variety of seating options, including bench-style seating, bar-style seating along the walls and several sizes of tables. Seniors have their own places to meet and eat during lunch. Last year, FGHS added a commons area, where students can gather before or after class. Sparks said the area is a good spot for club meetings. “And we’ve had different speakers from universities, so it’s worked out pretty well,” Sparks said. The commons area, which features dining ta-

Fort Gibson Public Schools ADDRESS: 500 Ross St. SERVICES OFFERED: Educational services from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 220, including 130 certified employees and 90 support employees. NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 1,860. KEY PERSONNEL: Superintendent Derald Glover; High School Principal Gary Sparks; Middle School Principal Greg Phares; Intermediate Elementary Principal Sherry Rybolt; Early Learning Center Principal Shelly Holderby. PHONES: Main, (918) 478-2474; High School; (918) 478-2452; Middle School (918) 478-2471; IES, (918) 478-2465; ELC (918) 478-4841. WEBSITE: www.ftgibson.k12.ok.us

bles and flat screen TVs is open to all students, except during lunch. That’s when seniors get the place all to themselves. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding @muskogeephoenix.com.

021700827501

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Muskogee Phoenix

Page 16

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 021700354403

EAST CENTRAL ELECTRIC

1140 N. Main, Muskogee • (918) 683-6800 www.ok.expresspros.com

021700295101

Making Life Better P.O. Box 1178 Okmulgee, OK 74447-1178

“Check With Us For Employement Opportunities”

021700710801

918-756-0833

CHEROKEE TEMPS:

• Food Packaging • Manufacturing & Assembly Specializing in: The Complete Human * Short and Long Term • Warehouse & Distribution Resource Management * Temporary Employment • Oil & Gas/Energy Company * Payrolling Services • Light Industrial • Skilled Trades OUR SERVICES INDUSTRIAL • Administrative & Clerical TECHNICAL FOR SHORT-TERM NEEDS CLERICAL • General Labor * Substitution for Sick Leave • Government * Replacement for Maternity * Reduction of Overtime Expense • Bottled Beverage Packaging

EEOC 021700338001

021700276601

Muskogee, Okla. (918) 682-1457

Action Group Staffing takes pride in finding the right person, for the right position, for the right client 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

2210 Hwy 69 South Wagoner, OK 74467 918-485-2034 Fax 918-485-2131

www.muellerinc.com (Check with us for employment opportunities)

EOE 021700560601

Providing Quality Service At Competitive Prices.

* Special Projects * Substitution for vacation * Payrolling During Peak Seasons * Staffing for Flexible Workloads * Total Project staffing-Crew & Supervisors * Programs to cut Permanent payroll Costs * Reduction of Payroll Paperwork * Full Staffing for High Turnover Departments * Continued Staffing During Hiring Freezes

Steel Building Systems and Components

Welcome to Action Group Staffing!

418 Eastside Blvd • 918-683-5550

Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 17

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS!!

Roofer/Driver â&#x20AC;˘ Class ACDL License Required Competitive wages, Health, 401K and other benefits available

021700354402

021700056601

METAL ROOFING AND MANUFACTURING

3143 N. 32nd Street Muskogee, OK 74401 918-683-3695 personnel@brbroofing.com

021700295301

021711436401

918.684.2364 918.684.3334 Fax

www.muskogeeregionalmedical.com

Outlook 2013 Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 18 Indian Capital Technology Center sports medicine instructor Meagan Caldwell observes ICTC student Myla Love as she does leg presses. Fitness equipment is part of the new sports medicine program at ICTC’s Muskogee campus. Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

‘We’ll be investing close to $12M’ Continued from Page 13

tember with construction completed by fall 2014. “Over the next two or three years, we’ll be investing close to $12 million in our campuses,” Stiles said, referring to the ICTC-

Muskogee and Connors Port campuses. The culinary arts program at ICTC’s Muskogee campus also has grown. The campus recently expanded the area to have a lab and classroom, doubling the size of the learning

021700104101

area. “Now, instead of sharing kitchen facilities with food services staff that’s doing daily meals, I have a classroom and I have a lab,” said culinary arts teacher Georgiann Belton. Other campuses also are experiencing change. Two ICTC programs have been awarded a $40,000 grant through support of the Google Data Centers Grants Fund. The grant will be used to buy new technology for its Tahlequah campus and a branch of Oklahoma School for Science and Math at the Stilwell campus. Equipment funded by the grant includes tablet computers, e-readers and UniCam fiber optic connector installation tool kits to help train students in fiber technology. The grant will help students in Tahlequah’s Enterprise Network Professional program be able to use innovative technologies. ICTC also is working on an a nationally accredited adult career development paramedic program in cooperation with Kiamichi Technology Center. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogee phoenix.com.

LOOK WHAT WE REMOVED FROM OUR CAMPUS. Starting March 1st, EASTAR Health Will Be 100% Tobacco Free. As a healthcare leader in our community, our priority is the health and well being of every person we serve. Through our new tobacco-free policy, we further reinforce our purpose to model, promote and teach healthy behaviors. If you’d like more information on the resources we offer to help tobacco-users quit, please visit EASTARhealth.com/tobacco. For assistance and support, call the National Quit line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Learn more by visiting EASTARhealth.com MAIN CAMPUS: 300 ROCKEFELLER DR., MUSKOGEE | 918-682-5501 EAST CAMPUS: 2900 N. MAIN ST., MUSKOGEE | 918-687-7777 021711435501

Muskogee Phoenix

Outlook 2013

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 19

Connors focuses on quality education By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer

Connors State College instructor Diane Adair guides beginning nursing students through their lab class. As they change bedding and bathe their mannequin patients, Adair seeks to instill confidence in these students. Much of that confidence comes in knowing that successful students will find jobs upon graduation. “We have a 98 percent passing rate,” Adair said. “Over the last three semesters, our students found jobs.” Connors State College seeks to meet Muskogee’s rising health care staff demands with trained graduates. Connors remains committed to providing quality education not only in health care, but also agriculture, business, child care and other areas. CSC President Dr. Tim Faltyn said Connors is seeking quality students for these programs. “We have a lot more scholarship money for students,” Faltyn said. Faltyn “If a student is desiring to come to college, whether it be in health care, agriculture or general studies, we have more scholarship money across the board.” Connors began offering one such incentive in 2012 through the Muskogee Difference Healthcare Scholarship. The program, announced last August, pays tuition, fees and books for Muskogee residents seeking a health care-related degree at CSC. Students seeking the scholarship must agree to work in Muskogee County upon graduation, Faltyn said.

Connors State College ADDRESS: Route 1, Box 1000, Warner; Muskogee West Campus, 2404 W. Shawnee Bypass; Muskogee Port Campus, 2501 N. 41st St. E. OFFICE HOURS: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Classes available various times during days and evenings. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 200. NUMBER OF STUDENTS: Total enrollment, 2,102. KEY PERSONNEL: President, Dr. Tim Faltyn; Vice president of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ron Ramming; Vice president of Fiscal Affairs, Shirley Twilley; Port Campus coordinator, Rhoda Strode; West Campus coordinator, Mike Jackson; Connors Development Foundation director, Ryan Blanton; College and Community Relations director, Lyndsey Sullivan. PHONES: Warner, (918) 4632931; Port and West campuses, (918) 687-6747. WEBSITE: connorsstate.edu/

Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

Connors State College nursing students, from left, Kimberly Suzuki, Kayley Lewis and Susan Travis change the bedding for their “patient” during a class at CSC’s west campus. Nearly all of CSC’s nursing students are likely to find a job after graduation.

The Muskogee Difference Scholarship now is offered to any student living in Muskogee County. Connors also offers a wildlife study program through its agriculture department, Faltyn said. “It already has maximum enrollment,” he said, adding that the program is designed to teach wildlife science and environmental science. CSC has just the right “classroom” at its 1,327-acre ranch southwest of Warner. The ranch also is the site of Connors annual Summer Wildlife Academy, offered to junior high and high

“If a student is desiring to come to college, whether it be in health care, agriculture or general studies, we have more scholarship money across the board.” – Dr. Tim Faltyn, Connors State College president

school students across Oklahoma. More than $104,900 in grant money has been awarded to fund the program. All three campuses are undergoing major building changes. Each campus now has a success center, where students can re-

ceive tutoring in math, English or other areas. “We have as many as six to nine people every afternoon,” said CSC Port Campus Coordinator Rhoda Strode. Students have access to computers and a tutor to help them.

Sometimes students come in just to use the computers, said Chelsea Hayes, math tutor and instructor at the Port campus. Campuses also have undergone upgrades in security, including more secure door locks and 120 cameras around the Warner and Port campuses. Connors also is building an allied health facility at its Port campus. The building would be connected to a similar facility being built at the adjacent Indian Capital Technology Center. Ground for Connors’ new facility could be broken this spring. Connors also is expanding and updating the student union on its Warner campus. Completion is expected in 2014. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding @muskogeephoenix.com.

Bacone pushes athletic, academic achievement By Cathy Spaulding

Bacone College

Phoenix Staff Writer

Bacone College coaches encourage runners to run faster, hurdlers to step higher, football players to get tough. Their shouts, plus cheers from fellow athletes, echo through what once was a Walmart store at the corner of Shawnee Bypass and York Street. The old store is seeing new activity as Bacone’s Ginny Palmer Student Life Center. The center opened last spring, along with the Bacone Commons, the new home of the library and Welcome Center. “After the regular classes are over, all types of acHopkins tivity picks up here,” said Bacone’s assistant vice president of student life, Sheila Hopkins, raising her voice above the chatter. “Right now we have the track team and the football team practicing.” People also come to the Student Life Center to shoot pool, play ping pong or other board games. Or they may come to have a snack, buy a book or meet with people in Student Services or residential services. The Native American Student Association had its queen coronation pageant in a Student Life Center’s meeting area. The area houses the campus print shop. “We also have movie nights here and a Super Bowl watch party on a 12foot screen,” Hopkins said. “We have planned student activities here two to three nights a week.” And Bacone is not finished. Builders are adding offices to the old Walmart. “We’re relocating the athletic department offices, which are now located in the Warrior Gym annex, said Alan Foster, assistant vice president for athletics. Bacone Commons, locat-

ADDRESS: 2299 Old Bacone Road. SERVICES OFFERED: Liberal arts college affiliated with the American Baptist Church with an emphasis on higher education for Native Americans. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 150. ENROLLMENT: 735 on the main campus. 135 in the division of adult education. KEY PERSONNEL: President Dr. Robert Duncan; Executive vice president and dean of faculty, Robert K. Brown; vice president Duncan of finance, Mustafa Yunden; vice president of Christian Ministries, Leroy Thompson; assistant vice president of student life, Sheila Hopkins; assistant vice president of athletics, Alan Foster; director of American Indian recruitment Kyle Taylor. PHONE: (918) 6834581. WEBSITE: www.bacone.edu

Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

Bacone College student Amber Scott of Corpus Christi, Texas, weaves her way over and under hurdles during track practice. The college’s new Ginny Palmer Student Life Center features athletic practice facilities, a bookstore, a meeting area and a snack bar.

ed in a former grocery store, houses the Welcome Center. “That’s the place where students can find admissions, financial aid, advisement, the registrar and student accounts all in one location,” said Leroy Thompson, vice president of Christian Ministries and acting vice president for enrollment services. “No more running all over

campus.” Thompson said that within the course of one month, the Welcome Center processed at least 400 students. “We could not have accommodated that many people in one place before,” he said. Of course, Bacone College is more than a building. There’s that tradition going back more than 130

years to provide a Christian higher education to American Indians. Bacone has new programs in both those areas. Kyle Taylor, director Taylor of American Indian Recruitment, said Bacone has a goal of having American Indians make up

51 percent of its enrollment by the year 2020. To achieve this goal, Bacone has initiated new student recruitment scholarships. He said the goal is to track, recruit and grow American Indian students. Bacone also is deepening commitment to its American Baptist roots with a Learning Work Community for students of that denomination. A campus building

was remodeled last summer as a dormitory for the students. Thompson said the program is open to students who are children of American Baptist church staff members. “They could be related to a youth leader or the church secretary,” he said. The community also is open to students belonging to an American Baptist church with ethnic members. Bacone also has several new outreach programs for the Muskogee area. One is the Lorraine Bacone Learning Work Community. Thompson said the program is for students who went through a Department of Human Services program such as foster care or a group home. The program pays 100 percent of a student’s room and board. Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogee phoenix.com.

Outlook 2013 Muskogee Phoenix

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013

Page 20

See More of Life The Most Advanced LASIK Technology L/$6,. XVHV DQ XOWUD IDVW ODWHVW JHQHUDWLRQ femtosecond laser to achieve incredible UHVXOWV 7KH IHPWRVHFRQG ,QWUD/DVH L)6 ODVHU FUHDWHV D WKLQ FRUQHDO Ă DS WLPHV IDVWHU WKDQ WKH SUHYLRXV YHUVLRQV Â˛ DOORZLQJ IRU JUHDWHU SDWLHQW FRPIRUW DQG D VKRUWHU SURFHGXUH WLPH The IntraLaseâ&#x201E;˘ iFS machine is the most advanced LASIK device in use today.

Tulsaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Only Bladeless Cataract Surgery Provider Triad Eye Medical Clinic has Tulsaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only LenSx femtosecond laser for true, bladeless FDWDUDFW UHPRYDO 7KH /HQ6[ LV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW )'$ DSSURYHG ODVHU IRU XVH LQVLGH WKH H\H DQG SURYLGHV RXU VXUJHRQV ZLWK FRPSXWHU FRQWUROOHG SUHFLVLRQ DQG LQFUHDVHG OHQV RSWLRQV

Triad Tulsa 6140 S. Memorial Dr. (918) 252-2020 Dr. Marc L. Abel | Dr. Ryan P. Conley

TriadEye.com

Triad Muskogee 3131 Military Blvd. (918) 687-6600