bmonthly December 2016

Profile

JASON BARTA

Last Call

THE ARTS OF HOPESTONE

Passages

SANTA’S ROCKET SHIP

DECEMBER 2016

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what’s inside...

9.

13.

36.

27.

33.

5

Publisher’s Letter

9

Simply Ballroom & Flow Yoga

13

Feature: Christmas Time in Bartlesville

19

December Events Calendar

24

Fun and Fitness Together Downtown

Find out What’s Happening This Month!

Out & About: Photos from Around Town

38.

29.

27

Community: Wheels for Study

29

Profile: Jason Barta

33

Spotlight: Bushcraft

36

Passages: Santa’s Rocket Ship

38

Last Call: The Arts of Hopestone

Hopestone Cancer Support Center Fundraiser Sun, Dec. 11

December 2016 4

b Monthly | DECEMBER 2016

publisher’s letter

publisher’s letter As a resident of Bartlesville, there is the constant reminder of the special quality that our city possesses. It’s been close to 140 years since our city’s founder, Jacob Bartles, thought the valley surrounded by hills, near the modern day Frank Phillips Boulevard and highway 75, was the perfect spot to establish our city. In addition to choosing the spot to set up our first post office, Jacob then served as Bartlesville’s first Postmaster. I believe his pioneering spirit still contributes to the energy of our city today.

Boys and Girls Club. Jason’s return is at an exciting time that will allow him to assist in the completion of the much needed new facility. As with many others who have come before him, in his time away from Bartlesville, he found that there is a certain sense of community, organization and willingness of volunteers to come together that you just don’t find everywhere. The profile section this month gives you a good look at how Jason thinks, and why we are fortunate to have his influence back in the community.

When I moved to Bartlesville fifteen years ago, I suspected I would stay, but I had no idea how much I would love it! It’s the perfect balance of a small town community where you can live like everyone knows your name, or a place where you can be as anonymous as you choose to be.

Also, our proximity to nature which is not overly trampled by humans is right at our doorstep! No matter the season, it’s there for us to explore and connect with the land in an intimate way. John Muir said, “In Every walk with nature one receives more that he seeks.”

Another Bartian recently returned is this month’s feature writer Julie Pranger. She too moved away for a bit and when we connected again, I sensed that she has returned with a new perspective and appreciation for all that Bartlesville has to offer.

Here at bMonthly we welcome her returned energy and enthusiasm to our city, and we look forward to her continuing contribution to bMonthly.

Jason Barta thought he was seeking fulfillment in his move to another city which took him away from our Bartlesville Boys and Girls Club a little while ago, until fate intervened… Jason is returning to resume his position as chief executive officer of the Bartlesville

This December’s feature is full of family oriented events that can snap anyone into the holiday spirit!

Our community driven culture fosters a flow of new ideas mixed with the long standing tradition of the pioneer spirit that makes Christmastime in Bartlesville better each and every year!

Volume VI Issue XII P.O. Box 44 / Bartlesville, OK 74005

www.bartlesvillemonthly.com facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly Publisher/Owner

Jemme Hennessey jemme@bartlesvillemonthly.com Art Direction

PDG+creative andrew@pdgcreative.com Advertising/Sales

Peg Wilson

saleslady1@bartlesvillemonthly.com 918.914.2965 Copyeditor/Social Media Manager

Katy Holland

katy.m.holland@gmail.com Contributing Writers

Julie Pranger, Lori Esser, Abigail Singrey, Mike Wilt, Kelcey Nobles, Katy Holland Official Photographer

Tony Lehmer

www.lehmerphotography.com Contributing Photographer

Nicole Sutterfield-Cook Calendar Manager

Mark Walker

mark@bartlesvillemonthly.com Distribution

Sarah Cranmer Cerre Wise Visit us online at www.bartlesvillemonthly.com

All Rights Reserved.

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

ABOUT THE COVER: This marks Ron Adam’s sixth appearance on our December cover! Bartlesville’s very own Santa was photographed by Tony Lehmer and in collaboration with PDG+creative, our magical cover was created!

DECEMBER 2016 | b Monthly

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MODEST CHANGES, BETTER

DIABETES

PR E V ENTION PROGRAM

RESEARCH HAS PROVEN THAT EVEN MODEST BEHAVIOR CHANGES CAN HELP CUT THE RISK OF DEVELOPING TYPE 2 DIABETES BY MORE THAN HALF. That’s why Jane Phillips Medical Center presents the Diabetes Prevention Program, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With a dietician and exercise specialist leading the way, participants learn how to make better food choices,

SIGN UP NOW

MEETS WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 11 - APRIL 26, 2017 Jane Phillips Wellness Connection: 918-331-1102 Registration deadline is January 4, 2017.

increase activity, manage stress, and live overall healthier lives.

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JPMC.ORG

8

b Monthly | DECEMBER 2016

business

Simply Ballroom & Flow Yoga Fun and Fitness Together Downtown

By Abigail Singrey

Movement can be a beautiful thing, whether it’s the controlled grace of ballroom dancing or the powerful, flowing movements of vinyasa yoga. Both are offered in one studio, located in a renovated historic building in the heart of downtown Bartlesville.

teaching lessons and by two months, he was entering competitions. He developed his skill with the help of local instructors as well as world champions and worked at several studios before owning some of his own over the years.

Matthew Coulter and his wife, Laura, owners of Simply Ballroom wanted to return to the revived and bustling downtown district, since having been away from the immediate area for several years. They found their perfect spot, with raised wood floors and exposed brick. Adding mirrors and a mural of dancing couples they designed and painted themselves, the new venue was complete and opened in March, this year.

He and the other instructors at Simply Ballroom offer private lessons, providing one-on-one instruction to help students master the basics. They also host monthly parties, where attendees can dance, socialize and enjoy refreshments. It can be a workout or simply a fun date night. Matthew Coulter encourages people to give ballroom dancing a try, even if they aren’t sure if it’s for them.

Matthew Coulter got his start in ballroom dancing 21 years ago, when he walked into a ballroom dancing studio for the first time at age 19 and discovered a talent he didn’t know he had. Within a month, he was

“The toughest part is walking in the front door,” he said. “We’re laid back, and we have a lot of fun. We understand that [first-timers] can be pretty nervous about it.”

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Yoga might seem like an unusual pairing with ballroom dancing, but when Ashley Nicholson stumbled across the studio on a walk downtown, she immediately thought it would be perfect for classes.

“If you can breathe, you can do yoga,” she assured. “I want people to leave feeling really good and confident in their body.” v

Having been teaching yoga out of her house, she needed space to expand. She also noticed that the evening hours of the ballroom dancing classes would allow use of the studio for yoga during the daytime and on weekends. It wasn’t long after that Flow Yoga took up residence, in May. She encourages both beginners and those with intermediate experience to attend her classes.

“You see all these fantastic, fabulous [yoga] pictures on Instagram… but to me that’s not accessible,” Nicholson explained. “So, if I can teach an accessible class to someone, [so] they feel really good in their body and have a chance to bring peace to their mind and slow down, that to me is the best part.”

Many people see significant improvements through yoga – not only physically but also in their mental strength, Nicholson said.

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Simply Ballroom and Flow Yoga are located at 117 1/2 SE Frank Phillips Blvd. For more information on Flow Yoga and to find a class schedule, visit facebook.com/flowyogabartlesville or call 918-397-4204. To learn more about Simply Ballroom, visit facebook.com/bartlesvilleballroom or simplyballroom.biz or call 918-841-9361. Gift certificates are available for both businesses.

Community Education www.tricountytech.edu/experiences For 25% off, use code 01116.

DECEMBER 2016 | b Monthly

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KANE

CATTLE CO.

The Tri County Tech Foundation thanks you for steerin' students toward success! See y'all next year!

Learn more at www.tctcgiving.org. | 918.331.3275

feature

by Julie Pranger

As the saying goes, there’s no place like home for the holidays.

Fortunately for Bartlesville, there’s lots to do during this season. So, our gift to you this Christmas:

A Holidays in the ‘Ville Bucket List

DECEMBER 2015 | b Monthly

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b Monthly | FEATURE

2. Catch a Classic Christmas Movie

1. Enjoy the Local Arts Make plans to attend one of the local productions at the Bartlesville Community Center (BCC). The Bartlesville Choral Society will kick off the holidays on Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. with Christmas with the Choral Society.

This year, the concert will feature the Bartlesville Youth Chorus in a special performance of the Ceremony of the Carols by Benjamin Britten.

On Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Aunt Pearl, aka entertainer Joe Spears, will be stopping by the BCC for a very merry production of Aunt Pearl’s Christmas Eve. The event will be a collaboration of the local arts, featuring holiday pieces from the Bartlesville Choral Society, Bartlesville Civic Ballet, Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra and Children’s Music Theater.

Managing Director Val Callaghan said, “This is the first year for this theatrical collaboration and we are excited.”

The BCC will also feature dancing acts including the Art of Motion: Bartlesville’s Christmas Dance Spectacular on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and the Bartlesville Civic Ballet: Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker on Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. as well as Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. For tickets or questions, visit bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com or call 918-336-2787.

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A miracle on East Don Tyler Avenue is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. with The Bartlesville Film Society’s (BFS) showing of the classic, 1947 black and white version of Miracle on 34th Street. This family event will be at the Heritage Theatre Café and Pub in Downtown Dewey. Admission is free and attendees may participate in a prize raffle as well as a guided Q&A after the film.

“Our board wanted to pick a classic Christmas film, but many of them are played on repeat all over television during the month of December,” said Shaun Henisey, BFS President. “The original film is a classic that does not get the love it deserves. We wanted to take an opportunity to shine a spotlight on it”.

3. Enjoy a Holiday Date Night Even Mr. and Mrs. Claus need a date night once in a while! That means you do too. Treat yourselves to a holiday-themed couples cooking class at Tri County Tech (TCT) on Dec. 13 from 6-9 p.m. Get all the ingredients and steps to prepare the perfect holiday dinner that will be sure to impress your friends and family. The menu will feature pineapple pork loin, homemade stuffing, honey orange sweet potatoes, fresh jalapeno cranberry sauce and cornbread. To learn more about this or other upcoming events, call TCT at 918-331-3333.

FEATURE | b Monthly

4. Visit the Biggest “Tree” in Town While scoping out trees this Christmas, be sure to check out the one “that escaped the crowded forest,” Frank Lloyd Wright’s Price Tower Arts Center. It’s hosting several holiday events for the whole family this year.

6. Go Walking in a Winter

Wonderland

Join the Bartlesville Art Association at their winter show, Art of the Tree opening Dec. 1, 7-8:30 p.m. Enjoy treats and refreshments while exploring the decorated trees donated by local businesses and artists that are available for purchase.

“Price Tower is really excited to celebrate this holiday season with our community,” said Deshane Williams, Price Tower Curator. “Proceeds from the Art of the Tree event will help support the art department in the Bartlesville Public School system.”

On Dec. 10, children are invited to a gingerbread class inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright designs from 1-4 p.m. And, finally, a little reindeer shared that a very special and jolly visitor will be making an appearance at the Price Tower on Dec. 16 from 6-9 p.m. For more information on these events, e-mail datkins@pricetower. org or call 918-336-4949.

5. Eat, Drink & Be Merry Get ready to deck the halls at the 2016 Christmas Crawl, hosted by the Young Professionals of Bartlesville. The event will be held on Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. starting at the Hilton Garden Inn and moving to various locations around Downtown Bartlesville. Admission will be $10 and includes raffle tickets for prize drawings.

Other prizes will be awarded for the ugliest sweater and more.

“One of the prizes will include an Apple watch and all proceeds will go to Bartlesville SPCA,” said Caleb Trantow, Christmas Crawl committee member.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased at the hotel the night of the event, so make sure to arrive early to reserve your spot. For more information, visit YPBartlesville.com.

A wonderful holiday tradition returns again this year at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve with the spectacular Wonderland of Lights. The grounds and buildings of Woolaroc will be covered with over 750,000 lights as the historic ranch transforms itself into a magical winter wonderland! The lights will be turned on Friday, November 25th and will be on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 5-9 p.m., through December 23rd. Admission to Wonderland of Lights is $4 for adults and $1 for children 11 and under.

“This is truly one of those wonderful family traditions for so many people,” said Woolaroc CEO Bob Fraser.

“We have families who meet here at Woolaroc each year to celebrate their ‘family Christmas’ during our lights.

In addition to the lights, we have wagon rides, live entertainment, Santa Claus in the Museum, hot cider/ hot chocolate and cookies for sale in the Lodge; and, if you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the Holiday Horseman, covered in lights, riding across the grounds.

To have the chance to walk the grounds as holiday music drifts through the trees, enjoying the lights, hearing the laughter of children - this is the way things should be this time of year,” said Fraser.

“The Ranch Crew takes care of the Haunted Grove and the main buildings in addition to taking care of the Wagon Rides,” said Fraser. “It is a big undertaking and one that involves every employee at Woolaroc…but it is something that everyone looks forward to as one of the special things that we do each year. The sparkle in the eyes of the children as they walk around makes all the work worthwhile!”

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Entertainment will be in the Heritage Theater almost every Friday and Saturday night, and a schedule of performances will be distributed at the Front Gate when guests arrive. Again this year, the main drive to the campus will be reversed, allowing guests the unique view, seen only this time of year, of the buildings across from Clyde Lake, outlined in lights.

Woolaroc is located 12 miles SW of Bartlesville on State Highway 123 and 45 miles NW of Tulsa. For more information, call Woolaroc at 918-336-0307, extension 10 or 11.”

7. See a Christmas Parade What kind of Christmas would it be without a parade?

On Dec. 3, gather up your friends and family to enjoy the annual Bartlesville Christmas Parade, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Every year, the Kiwanis Club of Bartlesville organizes the parade as a fundraiser to help support local programs and scholarships for the youth. This year’s theme is Season of Giving. Stick around ‘til the end to see Santa on his sleigh!

The parade will depart from Phillips parking lot and head East on Frank Phillips to Osage, South on Osage to 6th St, West on 6th to Armstrong, South on Armstrong to Adams, and West on Adams to the Phillips parking lot.

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8. Attend a Holiday Festival

Last, but not least, take a break from the hectic holidays and celebrate Christmas in a different light by visiting the Bartlesville Festival of the Nativity, featuring over 500 nativity displays from different cultures, countries and styles. This event will take place in Father Lynch Hall at St. John Catholic School, Dec. 9, 9-9 p.m. and Dec. 10, 9-5 p.m.

“Our goal is to bring people of diverse faiths and beliefs together through this yearly nondenominational, community-wide event,” said Melanie Bayles, festival committee member. “There are so many beautiful and unique nativities out there – they remind us that we can all be unique… but we can all come together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.”

Funds raised from event sponsors and donors will go toward making Christmas special for children in need. The festival planning committee invites anyone with nativities to consider sharing them as part of the festival. Visit bartlesvillenativity.org to see a full schedule of festival events or contribute a nativity display for the event.

Whether you have guests to entertain or you’re spending time with those close by, there is something going on for everyone. For more holiday events, see the monthly calendar beginning on page 19 and follow us on facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly. Share your holiday adventures with #BvilleHolidayBucketList.. v

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ARE YOU SOMEONE’S HERO? “A hero helps bring hope to the hopeless.”

-Randy John

BE A HERO AND GIVE AT BARTLESVILLEUW.ORG 18

b Monthly | DECEMBER 2016

Know of an upcoming event that should be listed here?

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

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

December 1

5:00 PM

Colleen Rakes. Tickets $60.Contact (918)

to Osage Ave, South on Osage to 6th

10:00 AM

Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights thru December 20th

766-0991 for more information.

Street, West on 6th to Armstrong, South on

Presented by Price Tower and the

A wonderful holiday tradition returns again

Live Music at Shorties Grille

Kiwanis at www.kiwanis-ok.org or call

116 SW Frank Phillips Blvd.

918.977.3400

510 S Dewey Ave

spectacular. The grounds and buildings of

Live Music Friday night. See Shorties Grille

Woolaroc will be covered with over 750,000

Facebook page for schedule.

6:00 PM

During Art of the Tree, come view Christmas

lights as the historic ranch transforms itself

Art of the Tree Bartlesville Art Association thru December 25th

trees of all shapes and sizes, donated by businesses and artists in the Bartlesville area. If you see a tree you love, you can buy it and take it home with you to enjoy throughout the holidays. The Bartlesville Art Association will also be hosting a pop up shop in the gallery featuring works and handcrafted goodies from their members, so if you want to simplify your Christmas shopping, you can find something for everyone there! The trees will be on display along with “Through the Lens on the Prairie”, a photography exhibit featuring photos of the construction of the Price Tower taken

by Joe Price. The show will be up through Christmas day, making it the perfect stop this holiday season. Admission to enter is $5 per

this year at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve with their. Wonderland of Lights

into a magical winter wonderland! Admission to Wonderland of Lights is $4 for adults and $1 for children 11 and under. Celebrate the Christmas season and join us! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5-9pm.

5:00PM

Bartlesville 4th Annual “Great Jingle Bell Treasure Hunt” Thru Noon December 24th The Treasure hunt is a [ WINNER TAKE ALL ] $1,928 value.HOW TO PLAY? Stop by any Sponsor to pick up / copy the daily clues. Each Sponsor will receive the same daily clues & will post the clues at their business location beginning Monday 21st

adult and free entry for kids 18 and under.

Nov. Everyone is eligible to participate in the

5:00 PM

facebook.com 4th Annual Great Bartlesville

Fantasy Land of Lights Johnstone Park thru December 30th Fantasy Land of Lights is an annual, drivethrough Christmas light display at Johnstone Park in Bartlesville, OK has become a holiday tradition. With the help of generous donations from the public, Fantasy Land of Lights continues to grow each year. Be sure to visit so you can see what is new this year!

Great Treasure hunt. For more info go to

7:30 PM

December 3 11:00 AM

OPEN HOUSE! Washington County SPCA 16620 State Hwy 123

Armstrong to Adams Blvd, West on Adams to Phillips Parking lot. For more info contact

Pawhuska Christmas Parade of Lights An annual tradition in Pawhuska, the Christmas Parade of Lights features lighted floats that slowly wind their way through the historic downtown area. Join this holiday celebration, complete with a visit from Santa

Come visit our community’s only animal

Claus. Visitors to the Pawhuska Christmas

shelter and see the changes we’ve made

Parade of Lights will also enjoy beautiful

this year! Adopt a cat or dog and make a

light displays, downtown retail open houses,

donation to help our shelter pets!

horse-drawn carriage rides and pictures

2:00 PM

29th Annual Bartlesville Motorcycle Toy Run 3005 S.E. Frank Phillips Blvd, Big Lots parking lot Riders are to bring new unwrapped toys for all ages Parade will leave at 2:00pm. If you don’t ride but want to help the kids Bring

with Old Saint Nick. Food and drink vendors will be on-hand, so arrive in Pawhuska early, grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate and secure your seat on the sidelines for a parade that celebrates holiday cheer.

8:30 PM

Live Music with Michael Colaw & Friends Painted Horse Bar and Grill

Jingle Bell Treasure Hunt.

new toys to put in Toy Run

December 2

information.

December 4

5:30 PM

10:00 AM

6:00 PM

ARF’s Puttin’ on the Leash!

Email sidecarbullies@yahoo.com for more

110 SW Frank Phillips Blvd

Sare Building

Bartlesville Annual Christmas Parade

Annual fundraiser including Yappy Hour,

This years theme is “Season of Giving”

Sunday Brunch at Shorties Grille 1st and 3rd

Parade route: Parade will depart Phillips

Sundays. Check out our Facebook page for

parking lot and head East on Frank Phillips

more details.

100 SW Frank Phillips Blvd. Johnstone

dinner, silent and live auctions. Emcee and auctioneer Roger Skelly. Dinner catered by

Sunday Brunch at Shorties Grille 116 SW Frank Phillips Blvd.

DECEMBER 2016 | b Monthly

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b Monthly | EVENTS CALENDAR

2:00 PM

Christmas with the Bartlesville Choral Society

The Bartlesville Film Society’s (BFS) showing of the classic, 1947 black and white

introduce the Bartlesville Youth Chorus in

version of Miracle on 34th Street. This family

a performance of the “Ceremony of Carols”

event will be at the Heritage Theatre Café

by Benjamin Britten, plus other songs of the

and Pub in Downtown Dewey. Admission is

season from around the globe. For tickets,

free and attendees may participate in a prize

visit www.bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com

raffle as well as a guided Q&A after the film.

5:30 PM

GIFTS Marketplace Tri County Technology Center 6101 Nowata Road

b Monthly | DECEMBER 2016

Father Lynch Hall, St. John Catholic School Celebrate Christmas in a different light by visiting the Bartlesville Festival of the from different cultures, countries and styles.

BUSINESSES owned by WOMEN in the

9AM-9PM

December 7 7:30 PM

Aunt Pearl’s Christmas Eve Bartlesville Community Center Join Aunt Pearl, Steven and Susan on a Christmas Eve adventure as they try to find Christmas! This musical journey features choral pieces from the Bartlesville Choral Society; dances from Bartlesville Civic Ballet; the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra and vignettes by Children’s Musical Theater of Bartlesville. Whether you’re one or ninetytwo, you’re sure to enjoy this extraordinary,

10:00 AM

2017 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Certified Navigator Assistance (English & Spanish) Bartlesville Public Library 600 S. Johnstone Certified Navigators available to answer questions, and help with applications and enrollment in Marketplace plans. First come, first served. 10-4. Free.

1:00 PM

Kids Gingerbread Class Price Tower

collaborative, holiday production! Family

Children are invited to a gingerbread class

Pass $40 (2 adults & up to 4 children)

inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright designs

Adults $15, Students $9. BCC Box Office

from 1-4 p.m. For more information contact

918.336.2787

Price Tower at 918.336.4949 or visit www.

December 9 9:00 AM

Festival of the Nativity Father Lynch Hall, St. John Catholic School Celebrate Christmas in a different light Nativity, featuring over 500 nativity displays

20

Festival of the Nativity

Nativity, featuring over 500 nativity displays

by visiting the Bartlesville Festival of the

December, 3rd 9am-8pm 521 Kihekah, Pawhuska www.tallgrassgallery.net

9:00 AM

20+ vendors who are all LOCAL SMALL

(918) 331-3333 for more information.

The Holiday Open House will be from 9am to 8pm giving guests the chance to enjoy the arts in Pawhuska and Pawhuska’s Lighted Christmas Parade that evening. Ole #1 Firehouse will also be open so patrons can also view the ‘Native POP’ exhibit which last showed in Santa Fe.

December 10

The GIFTS Marketplace is an evening with

Bartlesville area.Contact Tri County Tech at

Tallgrass Art Gallery will ring in the holidays with an open house December 3rd. The gallery will celebrate the arts all day with refreshments, and artists “in gallery” demonstrations. Starting at 10am, artists will be present to discuss their work.

Heritage Theatre Café and Pub in Dewey

with a new twist, the Choral Society will

December 6

OPEN HOUSE

Miracle on East Don Tyler Avenue

Continuing a heart-warming tradition, but

or call 918-336-2787.

TALLGRASS GALLERY

7:00 PM

from different cultures, countries and styles.

9AM-9PM

pricetower.org

5:30 PM

Dewey Christmas Parade Dewey’s 29th annual night-time Christmas Parade. The 2016 theme is “Holly, Jolly Christmas”. There will be plenty of food vendors, floats and retailers will have their businesses open for browsing and holiday gift shopping!

EVENTS CALENDAR | b Monthly

7:00 PM

Bartlesville Christmas Dance Spectacular Bartlesville Community Center Presented by Art of Motion Dance Bartlesville’s home town Christmas tradition!

sweet potatoes, fresh jalapeno cranberry sauce and cornbread. To learn more, call TCT at 918-331-3333.

December 15 7:00 PM

The perfect way to kick your holiday mood

The Christmas Gala

into a festive overdrive. The Art of Motion

Presented by Simply Ballroom

Dancers celebrate Christmas by performing

117 ½ Frank Phillips Blvd.

pieces to all the family’s favorite Christmas songs! Everyone is invited to this event. For details contact Art of Motion 918-333-3412

8:00 PM

Karaoke & Dance Party Painted Horse Bar and Grill 110 SW Frank Phillips Blvd.

December 11 1:00 PM

Christmas a la Carte fundraiser for Bartlesville Civic Ballet Bartlesville Civic Ballet’s annual Christmas a la Carte fundraiser, will feature four beautifully decorated homes for touring.

Tickets can be purchased at Sweet P’s and American Heritage Bank and at each of the homes during the tour. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the homes.

Contact 918.213.5557 or go to www.

Music, Food, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Dancing & Family-Friendly Christmas Entertainment.

Admission is 5-10 Canned Good Items which will be donated to the Lighthouse Outreach Center.

December 16 7:00 PM

Christmas Pub Crawl Get ready to deck the halls at the 2016 Christmas Crawl, hosted by the Young Professionals of Bartlesville. Starting at the Hilton Garden Inn and moving to various locations around Downtown Bartlesville.

Admission will be $10 and includes raffle tickets for prize drawings. Other prizes and more. For more information, visit YPBartlesville.com.

December 17

4:00 PM

3:00 PM

Continuing its tradition of supporting cancer patients and their families through the arts, Hopestone Cancer Support Center is hosting its third annual Arts of Hopestone fundraising event. The event will feature approximately 70 original pieces by local artists, up for bid in a silent auction. Supporters can enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, soda and tea while perusing the jewelry, pottery, paintings, sculpture and more, going at prices anywhere between $5 and $500. For more information, contact Debbie Halpin at

Stage Art Productions Presents: Christmas - More Than a Story Oklahoma Wesleyan University Chape 2201 Silver Lake Road Stage Art Dance’s Christmas Showcase is perfect for the whole family! Tickets available now at 308 S. Dewey Ave. or by calling 918-333-7270.

6:00 PM

What Love is This? Christmas Musical Presentation Presented by First Baptist Church

918-766-4673.

Bartlesville

December 13

Come enjoy a full choir and orchestra,

405 S. Cherokee

6:00 PM

multimedia, soloists, Irish dance, artist

Tri County Tech

wdaniel@bfbc.net for more info.

Couples Cooking Class Even Mr. and Mrs. Claus need a date night once in a while! Get all the ingredients and steps to prepare the perfect holiday dinner

SPEAKEASY

The time is 1929 and prohibition is in full force -illegal speakeasies are opening as fast as the authorities can shut them down! Join Price Tower this New Year’s Eve as we transform the gallery into our own 1929 Speakeasy!

will be awarded for the ugliest sweater

ballletbartlesville.com for details.

The Arts of Hopestone

NEW YEARS EVE AT THE

Hilton Garden Inn

Come dressed to the nines in your finest flapper and gangster threads and enter the party through a secret entrance (only after the right password is given). Enjoy specialty cocktails and dance to live music played by Zodiac. Take your mugshot in our photo booth and relax in the Lounge with a glass of bubbly. When midnight rolls around, count down to the New Year while watching the Olive drop from the top of the Tower!

General admission is $25 per person. Bootlegger tickets are $100 per person, and include access to 2nd floor lounge, reserved seating, and complimentary drinks from the 2nd floor bar.

painting, nativity and more! Contact

December 31st, 9pm Price Tower, 510 Dewey Ave. Call (918)336-1000 to reserve tickets.

that will be sure to impress your friends and family. The menu will feature pineapple pork loin, homemade stuffing, honey orange

MerryChristmas Have a

and a

Happy New Year!

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7:00 PM

6:00 PM

Oklahoma Wesleyan University Chapel

Presented by First Baptist Church of

2201 Silver Lake Road

Bartlesville

Stage Art Productions Presents: Christmas - More Than a Story

Stage Art Dance’s Christmas Showcase is

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL PRESENTATION

405 S. Cherokee

perfect for the whole family! Tickets available

Come enjoy a full choir and orchestra,

now at 308 S. Dewey Ave. or by calling

multimedia, soloists, Irish dance, artist

918-333-7270.

painting, nativity and more! Contact

7:00 PM

The Nutcracker Presented by the Bartlesville Civic Ballet Bartlesville Community Center Join Clara and her Uncle, Herr Drosselmeier in this magical Christmas story come to life! Everyone’s favorite ballet features Leo Ahonen’s choreography and a cast of many local children as well as adults. It’s a real Christmas Holiday treat! Plan to attend one of our two performances with your entire family.

wdaniel@bfbc.net for more info.

December 25

Merry Christmas!

December 31

8:30 PM

8:30 PM

Painted Horse Bar and Grill

Painted Horse Bar and Grill

110 SW Frank Phillips Blvd.

110 SW Frank Phillips Blvd.

December 18

9:00 PM

Live music with Lenny Baker

2:00 PM

The Nutcracker Presented by Bartlesville Civic Ballet Bartlesville Community Center Join Clara and her Uncle, Herr Drosselmeier in this magical Christmas story come to life! Everyone’s favorite ballet features Leo Ahonen’s choreography and a cast of many local children as well as adults. It’s a real Christmas Holiday treat! Plan to attend one of our two performances with your entire family.

Live music with High Beams

New Years Eve at the Speakeasy Price Tower 510 S Dewey Avenue The time is 1929 and prohibition is in full force -illegal speakeasies are opening as fast as the authorities can shut them down! Join Price Tower this New Year’s Eve as we transform the gallery into our own 1929 Speakeasy! General admission is $25 per person. Bootlegger tickets are $100 per person, and include access to 2nd floor lounge, reserved seating, and complimentary drinks from the 2nd floor bar.

Call 918.336.1000 for more info.

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out & about Paths to Independence Dancing with the Bartlesville Stars

martha’s task open house

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klife barn bash

Usher in the holidays with this musical production featuring four local Presenting Arts Groups.

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community Barry Switzer to present awards on May 11th.

WHEELS FOR STUDY

by Abigail Singrey

College picked? Check! Roommate selected? Check!

Wheels to have new adventures? Check! One lucky high school senior is going to be able to check that off their list thanks to the Patriot GMC Hyundai Student of the Year award. They are presenting the Student of the Year with the keys to a new Hyundai Elantra, over a $20,000 value.

who is a go-getter, who is ethically sound, who serves others, and does things outside of school.”

“When I was a graduating senior, a new car would have helped me a ton,” Tatton Manning, Dealer at Patriot GMC Hyundai, said. “I had a $3,000 car. . . . (A new car) is the ultimate prize.”

“They will have something to push them,” Werts said.

“They might try harder in their classroom or do extra work at their church or search out opportunities to help out in the community.”

Twelve area school districts - Barnsdall, Bartlesville, Copan, Caney, Kan., Caney Valley, Dewey, South Coffeyville, Nowata, Oklahoma Union, Pawhuska, Wesleyan Christian School and Wynona - each submit two nominations a month. An independent panel of judges - Lindel Fields from Tri County Technology Center, Bill Beierschmitt, former provost of Rogers State University, and Sen. John Ford - select two students of the month during each month of the school year. The students of the month are honored with an article featuring them in the Bartlesville ExaminerEnterprise. At the end of the school year, the judges will select a Student of the Year from among the sixteen students of the month.

The Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise and Patriot GMC Hyundai will also recognize an athlete of the week with a profile in the paper. At the end of the year, one boy and one girl will receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the college of their choice.

The committee is not looking for someone who is only focused on their grades, Manning said. Leadership and volunteering in the community are also key characteristics that the ideal Student of the Month would possess.

“What we are looking for is someone who would be working in a management role in our company someday,” Manning said. “We are looking for someone

Manning says when he has told students about the chance to win a car, their jaws have dropped. He and his sales manager, Jerry Werts, a former educator, hope that the prize will be motivational to the students.

Manning, a former college athlete, says without his sports scholarships he would have had to go to community college and missed out on life-changing opportunities. He was able to attend Oklahoma Wesleyan University on a baseball scholarship, where he met his wife and first fell in love with Bartlesville.

Now, by offering scholarships to other athletes, he is able to pay it forward and help someone else.

Both awards will be presented at the Night of Scholars and Champions on May 11 at the Hilton Garden Inn. Barry Switzer, former coach at the University of Oklahoma and the Dallas Cowboys, will present the award to the athletes of the year. While the presenter of the Student of the Year award is yet to be determined, it will be someone the students can look up to, Manning said. Tickets to the banquet are for sale at the Examiner-Enterprise office. v DECEMBER 2016 | b Monthly

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profile

JASON BARTA

By: Lori Esser

He’s back. And it’s not the Terminator.

It was recently announced that Jason Barta had dusted off his Okie cowboy boots and saddled up to be reinstated as chief executive officer of the Bartlesville Boys and Girls Club. He had held the position for five years before leaving in 2015 to become the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Bentonville, Ark. Barta grew up in central Kansas. So central, in fact, that his county in Smith Center, Kan. is the actually geographical center of the continental US. The location came with its challenges, like the nearest Wal-Mart and McDonalds both being an hour and a half away. He dreamed of taking off to play football or coach for the San Diego Chargers or Kansas State University.

“Now I’m currently a ‘couch coach’ for both teams every weekend in the fall, although neither team has ever called me to ask my thoughts so I am starting to wonder if there is a future in this,” he joked.

Barta went college at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. and earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services.

He fostered his love for the Wildcats and pursued a master’s degree in Adolescent/ Youth Counseling from KSU. “There’s a connection in what I wanted to be when I was younger and where I’m at now,” he explained. “They both involve a component of mentoring others. With coaching, there is an opportunity to teach kids about life and develop character. Both of these things are at the forefront of what we do every day in the Club.”

Barta began his career in the mental health field as a case manager, later becoming a supervisor for Court Appointed Special Advocates for children, DECEMBER 2015 | b Monthly

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“There’s a connection in what I wanted to be when I was younger and where I’m at now,” he explained. “They both involve a component of mentoring others. With coaching, there is an opportunity to teach kids about life and develop character. Both of these things are at the forefront of what we do every day in the Club.” known as CASA prior to his 17-year tenure with Boys & Girls Club, serving in Manhattan and Topeka Kan., Waterloo, Iowa, here in Bartlesville and most recently in Arkansas.

to be a teen. Every year, I look forward to watching them persevere to become contributing members of society and to succeed. Moments like that are reasons why I love what I do.”

Barta described the Boys and Girls Club’s Youth of the Year program as a primary inspiration for his commitment to the organization. Local teens who demonstrate values of leadership and service, academic excellence and healthy lifestyles are nominated to compete at state, regional and national levels, to earn recognition and scholarship funding.

Over the years, Barta has sent several teens through the program and has been personally impacted by their success.

He’s happy to be returning to serve again in Bartlesville, along with his wife Jaimee, daughters Campbell and Claire, and son Jackson, along with their yellow lab Annie. They enjoy spending time together as a family, working in the yard and grilling on the barbecue.

“This program is one of the reasons I stay involved with the club because I’m very passionate about the teen center,” he said. “It drives me every day to do everything we can to get our young people on a path to a great future and making sure they are off to a good first step out of high school.”

“From a professional standpoint,” he continued, “being able to come back and work with the kids, and the highly-engaged staff, volunteers and board leadership make it very exciting. The passion the [they] have to make a difference in the lives of young people is such a joy to be a part of. I feel very fortunate to be a small part of all that is going on with the organization.”

He shared about a particular teen, Nakia who advanced in the program, and how proud he was to hear her speak before judges about what the club meant to her and why she stayed engaged. Now, she’s a college student set to graduate debt-free thanks to the scholarships she earned through the program.

“She was recently brought to a regional conference and spoke as part of a teen panel in front of our national leadership and local board leaders about her club and how important it is to her,” he added. “Seeing her in college and as a leader speaking to our staff and board members on behalf of the club movement means so much to me.

“These kids overcome many obstacles in their lives.

It’s inspiring to hear [their] stories and seeing them go on to be successful is extremely rewarding. This is a critical time for them and it’s not easy in today’s world

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“One of Bartlesville’s greatest assets is the people,” he said. “That’s what was at the forefront of our minds when making the decision to return.

Before leaving, Barta helped implement the development of the new C.J. “Pete” Silas club facility.

Site preparation is underway for the $7 million, 30,000 square-foot facility, located adjacent to the current club building at the corner of 5th St. and Seminole. Centers for science, technology and mathematics, as well as a computer lab will highlight the new building along with an expanded kitchen to help with food programs. The new space will foster incorporation of its teen program which is currently housed off-site.

“We hope to serve more kids, more often [to make a] greater impact,” Barta said. “As much as the Club has accomplished, there are still kids out there who could utilize and benefit from all the Boys and Girls Club has to offer. We have only begun!”

The Boys & Girls Club is a Bartlesville Regional United Way agency and available to all youth for a $25 annual membership fee. For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit bgcbville.org or facebook.com/bgcbville or call 918-336-3636. v

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spotlight

Bushcraft

by Mike Wilt

Getting the inside scoop on the great outdoors is the focus of a relatively new community education class at Tri County Tech. Bushcraft 101 provides students with a basic understanding of what is required to be competent and confident in the wilderness. Former Marine and student of survival Brandon Shofner is the instructor.

“I didn’t know such a word (bushcraft) existed, to be honest with you,” he chuckles. “But being a life-long outdoorsman and having been in the military for ten years I know what it is.”

Bartlesville born and bred, Shofner was an explorer scout for many years and developed a love for Oklahoma’s diverse natural environment.

nearly four years at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California. Located in the Toiyabe National Forest, it is one of the Corps most remote and isolated posts and is covered by snow for half the year.

“That is where my rock climbing and survival skills really took off.”

Shofner was also given the opportunity to pass his knowledge on to many of his fellow Marines.

“I’ve always loved teaching. My goal is to spark people’s interest and then have them take their own reins and go where they want to go.”

“I’ve explored quite a bit of this state. I learned rock climbing in the Wichita Mountains in the southwest corner and trekked through the Ouachita Mountains in the southeast corner and just about everything in between.”

Shofner invested some time putting together the various aspects of the class, which includes cutting tool safety, fundamental survival priorities, gear basics, primitive cooking, plant and tree identification, and land navigation.

During his time in the service, Shofner saw a lot of the world including South Korea and the “hot, dusty, crappy place” of Fallujah, Iraq. But he also was able to spend

“The land navigation information is identical to what I taught hundreds of Marines. It alone is worth taking the class.”

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Bushcraft 101 (Bartlesville) T, TH, S 01/17/17 - 02/04/17 6 - 8 pm 01/17/17 - 01/31/17 6 - 9 pm 02/02/17 8 am - 4 pm 02/04/17 05/02/17 - 05/20/17 6 - 8 pm 05/02/17 -05/16/17 6 -9 pm 05/18/17 8am - 4 pm 05/20/17 Bushcraft 101 (Pawhuska) W, F, S 01/18/17 - 02/04/17 6 - 8 pm 01/18/17 - 02/01/17 6 - 9 pm 02/03/17 8 am - 4 pm 02/04/17 05/03/17 - 05/20/17 6 - 8 pm 05/03/17 - 05/17/17 6 - 9 pm 05/19/17 8 am - 4 pm 05/20/17 Primitive Fire Making Monday 6 - 9 pm 02/06/17 Surprisingly, the bulk of the course is taught in a classroom setting.

“But it’s not listening to me give a lecture.”

Shofner’s teaching style is very much hands-on. Raw materials are delivered to the TCT campus to better accommodate learning.

“This is an introductory class to teach people how to do things they’ve never done before. So, I want to eliminate as many variables as possible. People learn better and develop skills faster when they are in a safe, comfortable environment.”

Shofner realizes some may have a preconception about a “former marine.” But that’s not him.

“In my class I’m very encouraging and have the ability to teach the same thing different ways so that everyone understands.”

For those whose interest is piqued, but are unsure whether to register, Shofner said just do it.

“Take a chance. If you like it, great! If you don’t, that’s okay. But if you like to hunt, fish, or take long nature walks you already have ninety percent of it.”

And that is a love of the great outdoors. v

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How to Make Cordage from Natural Materials Monday 6 - 9 p.m.

04/03/17 Bushcraft Cutting Tool Skills T & TH 6 - 8 p.m.

02/21/17 - 02/23/17 Disaster Preparedness Class Saturday 9am - 1pm 03/04/17 Bug Out Bag Monday 6 - 9 pm 04/17/17 Nature Walk Saturday 9 am - 1 pm 04/22/17 Land Navigation Class Saturday 9 am - 1 pm 04/29/17

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passages

Santa’s Rocket Ship

This photo by the late Frank Griggs, a famous local photographer, shows children eagerly awaiting a ride on Santa’s Rocket Ship in front of the former Peabody Jewelry store in Bartlesville. Photo courtesy of the Bartlesville Area History Museum

by Kelcey Nobles

Santa’s Rocket Sleigh, one of five Christmas vehicles designed by Texas native Lloyd Laster, took children of the mid-20th century throughout the southern part of the United States on a futuristic, space-age ride with the big man himself. Photo courtesy of the Bartlesville Area History Museum

The mid-20th century saw what is known as America’s “Space Age” -- an era beginning in 1957 when the Soviet Union launched the world’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik. From that point on, the world became enthralled with the mysteries and wonders of space -- everyone, including Santa Claus.

In the early 1950s, Santa took his visits to the next level by visiting good boys and girls in something a bit different from his sleigh normally pulled by reindeer -- a rocket ship. Santa’s Rocket Ship toured the country, including appearances in Bartlesville, throughout the 1950s and up until the early 1970s. The brainchild of Texas native Lloyd Laster, Santa’s Rocket Ship was one in a fleet of five vehicles, including three Rocket Ships, a Rocket Sleigh and a Space Sleigh.

The vehicles, constructed from base frames of old commercial buses, traveled the country during the holiday season, visiting shopping malls, department stores and the like. Vehicles were built of aluminum, enclosed in glass and “Flex-O-Glass” and measuring approximately 40 feet long. Each vehicle could hold between 65 and 100 children.

Eager children would pile into the “rockets” and take a truly stellar ride around mall parking lots. Crews of five -- a driver, two attendants, a hostess and the big man himself -- took children on a journey filled with space age entertainment, candy and Christmas treats.

According to a Nov. 17, 1952 article in The Dispatch (New York), some of the vehicles included “a moving floor and moving pictures of the star-strewn universe scudding past the windows,” courtesy of New Yorkbased animatronics producer George Messmore, providing the illusion of a ride in a spaceship.

In a blog post documenting the event, Indiana man Viktor Kuprin describes his childhood memories of 36

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Santa’s Rocket Sleigh in December of 1964: “Space helmets, futuristic toy rifles and pistols, astronaut costumes, space-related games and model kits, all were popular, especially at Christmas time.

Even Santa Claus joined the space age,” he says. “...

(The rocket) was actually a customized bus with a white aircraft-like body, red trim, and big rocket tail fins. The front hatch opened like an old-style airplane entrance, hinged at the bottom so that it folded out-and-down to make a small stairstep entry.” “... Without fanfare, Santa entered the rocket, waved HI, and proceeded to drive us around the shopping center parking lot, past the grimy ice bergs of melting snow,” Kuprin continues. “The rocket’s suspension showed its age, because I remember the ride was bumpy and rough, but I enjoyed it all the same.”

The Christmas vehicles made their way across the southern and southwest regions of the United States, eventually making their way to Oklahoma. Articles in The Lawton Constitution give evidence that the rockets zoomed through Lawton at least twice in the early 1960s. Photographic proof, courtesy of famous local photographer Frank Griggs, also shows that the rockets made their way to Bartlesville, visiting Peacock Jewelry, a jewelry store located in what is now Eastland Shopping Center from 1968 to 1972.

Laster owned the vehicles until his retirement in 1974, when he sold them to a Wisconsin man named Bill Griffith. Griffith continued operating the Santa tours for the next few years, though details of where the vehicles eventually ended up are unknown. It is believed that some of the vehicles were sold to Bill Siro’s Auto Thrills Show, while at least two ended up in a junkyard in Wisconsin. Only one is known to still exist -- in visitor park in Alaska called Mukluk Land. v

Craft Beer Headquarters OVER

1,000 Beers!

1,500 Wines

400 Whiskies

f o d n a l Wonder Lights

Friday • Saturday • Sunday

Nov. 25 - Dec. 23 5 - 9 PM

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last call

The Arts of Hopestone

Hopestone Cancer Support Center Fundraiser - Sun, Dec. 11

By Katy Holland Continuing its tradition of supporting cancer patients and their families through the arts, Hopestone Cancer Support Center is hosting its third annual Arts of Hopestone fundraising event Dec. 11, 4-6 p.m.

Since its foundation in 2012, Hopestone has become a cornerstone in the Bartlesville community, offering a variety of services, from support groups to health education programs, exercise and art classes, to transportation and financial assistance for families battling cancer. The one-of-a-kind organization provides these critical means of support at no cost to its clients, while welcoming anyone in the general public to enjoy their programming. It’s the community’s participation which funds the volunteer-run non-profit.

The unique facility began under the inspiration of Dr. Jennifer McKissick, a Bartlesville native who faced cancer herself. Through her treatment, she discovered the positive impact that art, meditation, exercise and support had on her healing, so she brought the concept back home and acquired a space to create Hopestone.

And it’s one that’s already been outgrown in the organization’s four short years of existence.

“We have tripled the programs offered. Our recognition in the community has grown tremendously,” said Executive Director Debbie Halpin.

So with the financial support of grants from several major foundations and the Bartlesville community, a new space was purchased in June. An upgrade from their previous rental, Hopestone now has a permanent home more than double in size in a historic downtown building. The expanded space will allow them to offer nutritional cooking classes, an on-site counselor and massage therapist, and more.

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As renovations wrap up toward the end of this year, it’s the Arts of Hopestone event that will give supporters a sneak-peak of the organization’s new home at 206 SW Frank Phillips Blvd, before its grand opening on Jan. 8.

The event will feature approximately 70 original pieces of artwork donated by local artists, or those with ties to the area, up for bid in a silent auction. Supporters can enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, soda and tea while perusing the jewelry, pottery, paintings, sculpture and more, going at prices anywhere between $5 and $500.

New this year will be several works created by cancer patients and survivors, as well as a collectible bottle of vintage-dated bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery, not available in stores, up for raffle.

It’s through the generosity of the community at events like this one, Halpin explained, that “enable us to do that much more.”

“All the money goes right back into the community…

It’s amazing the number of people that we are able to help,” she said, describing the empowerment and relief of loneliness so many cancer patients find in the support they receive through Hopestone. “Just to know that they have somebody who has been there and done that.”

Tickets are available for $50 at the door or online at hopestonecancer.org, under the SHOP/DONATE tab.

For more information, contact Debbie Halpin at 918766-4673. A complete events calendar is also available online. Final classes at the current location will be Dec. 16 and will resume Jan. 9 at the new facility. v

Grandma has enough cat figurines.

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501 S Johnstone | 2612 SE Washington TruityCU.org | 918.336.7662