bmonthly December 2023 by bmonthly Magazine

December 2023

DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

1415 SE Washington Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006 918-333-0380

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Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. 2

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

How will the SECURE Act 2.0 affect your retirement planning? It’s time to plan for these changes now! Call us today to discuss how these changes may affect you! Currently Effective 

Required minimum distribution (RMD) age has increased to age 73 in 2023 and to age 75 in 2033. If you turn age 72 in 2023, your RMD is not due until 2024.

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Beginning 2023, a one-time $50,000 QCD paid directly from your IRA to certain split-interest entities, including charitable remainder annuity trusts, charitable remainder unitrusts, and charitable gift annuity. The $50,000 is part of the $100,000 QCD annual limit. Beginning 2024, the $100,000 QCD annual limit will be indexed for inflation. Employers can offer matching contributions to qualified employer sponsored retirement plan (QRP) 401(k), 403(b), and

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governmental 457(b) designated Roth accounts Starting 2024 

You no longer have to take RMDs from QRP designated Roth accounts

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Beginning in 2024, 529 designated beneficiaries can make a rollover contribution from their 529 to their Roth IRA if certain conditions are met: • 529 must have been maintained for 15 years • May not exceed the aggregate of contributions and earnings in the account more than five years before the rollover • May not exceed $35,000 lifetime limit • Are subject to annual Roth IRA contribution limits • The Roth IRA owner must have earned income at least equal to the amount of the rollover Allows 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b) and SIMPLE IRAs to “match” student loan payments

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You may be able to contribute to an employer-sponsored emergency fund savings account

Starting in 2025 

Starting in 2025, if you are aged between 60-63 you can contribute the greater of either $10,000 or 50% more than 150% of the regular catch-up contributions to 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b)plans. For SIMPLE plans the catch-up contribution for the same age group will be the greater of $5,000 or 50% of 150% of the catch-up contribution limit.

4160 SE Adams Rd, Ste 102 Bartlesville, OK 74006 918-213-4899 • www.cadywealthmanagement.com Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured/NO Bank Guarantee/MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice. This communication cannot be relied upon to avoid tax penalties. Please consult your tax and legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Whether any planned tax result is realized by you depends on the specific facts of your own situation at the time your tax return is filed. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and nonbank affiliate of Wells Fargo and company. PM-02282025-5922923.1.1 DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

WHAT’S INSIDE

what’s inside...

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THE CENTER WEDNESDAY, 6TH AT 7:00PM 5 DECEMBER Upfront BARTLESVILLECENTER.COM | (918) 337-2787

Profile: Jim Curd Jr.

67 77

Funny You Should Ask: Why We Create

51 53

From the Heart: Rejoice! A Little Goes a Long Way When We Work Together On the Road: When Virtual Becomes Reality

Arts & Entertainment: Christmas Cheer!

Holiday Fun: Christmas in the ‘Ville Popular Downtown Holiday Event Opens Dec. 1

Unsung Heroes: William C. Rigg Attack on Pearl Harbor Prompted Military Career

Making a Difference: Above the Turbulence

12 22

Feature Story: The Growth of the Early Church Feature Sponsor Story: Around Town With Edgar Weston

Kids Calendar

Chick-fil-A Events Calendar

Now You Know: The Dewar Santa House

Business Spotlight: Giving Back to Bartlesville Gateway Making a Difference Beyond Business

Looking Back: A Spiritual Legacy Looking Back at the Journeycake Family

A Fresh Perspective: Ten Feet

Wandering Germany

A Good Word: Holding Strong to Tradition Americans Have So Much to be Thankful For

Local Business: PioneerDream Media Company Founders in for a Busy Month

Out & About: Photos From Around Town

Let Freedom Ring: A Tale of (More Than)

Health & Beauty: Beauty is no Problem... For Permanent Makeup Artist Sierra Dunkle

2 Santas

DECEMBER 2023 4

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

upfront

Welcome to December friends. Christy and I want to wish you…our bmonthly family of thousands and thousands of readers...a very Merry Christmas. This is the busiest time of the year for us and the most cherished time. I’m writing this Upfront the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Our kids and the grandbabies will start arriving Tuesday and Wednesday. All the kids will be here Friday after Thanksgiving to celebrate with a full-blown meal that is all prepared by Christy! When we first got married and blended our families, it worked out well for us and our seven kids to have Thanksgiving the day after. It’s been a tradition that will always be a part of this family. When I was thinking of the cover photo of Santa this year, I threw out some ideas to Christy. She liked my ideas, but then asked if we could have Santa on the Kiddie Park train. My response was “YES, that’s awesome!” Then we set off to make this photo happen. We want to thank Wayne Clark with the Kiddie Park for making this idea become a reality. I called Wayne, whom I have known since high school, to ask him if we could photograph Santa on the train. He said, “Come on! Let’s do it!” Every year we call on Tony Lehmer, who has been taking the photo of Santa since 2011. We want to thank Santa for flying down from the North Pole before Christmas and for his commitment to bmonthly magazine for the last 12 seasons. For the feature story this month, I had Sarah Gagan finish the History of Our Churches, which she started last year. This city was built on Christianity. The influence of our churches over the years has made such a difference in our community. When I looked at the data, we had about 90 active churches in this city. I believe that is one of the many reasons this city is such a great place to live, work, play and pray! Every December I write a story looking back on the past year, but this year I will highlight some of the biggest moments in this Upfront. In January, baby Justice was the winner of the Baby New Year contest and was on the magazine cover. This was the first time we ever had “bots” in the contest (someone paid for votes), which threw our contest into chaos! After spending many late nights working on this, we figured out which votes were not real. We announced confidently that Kolt was our People’s Choice winner. We are confident that the Baby New Year contest at bmonthly is the largest in the country. For last year’s contest we had over 285,000 people - from all fifty states and five countries - look at the Baby album on Facebook. The Baby album had over 3000 shares and over 35,000 total votes for all the babies. Skipping to our April issue, we focussed on your favorite pet with the “Best of Pets” issue. This contest over the last three years has become really popular with our readers.

UPFRONT

Bernice was our cover winner. We had over 99,000 people look at the Best of Pets album. We had 20,000 votes for all the pets in this issue with 46 states represented and 4 countries joining in on the fun! Our July issue has become our 3rd installment for a contest. Each year Christy and I pick a building or a scene that represents Bartlesville. We ask you - our readers - to dust off the old camera (heck, just break out your smartphone) and take pictures. This year we chose the JohnstoneSare building for the topic. This is probably my favorite building in Bartlesville. The history of this building is incredible, and I always call it the anchor of downtown. Our good friend, Crystal Sare, took on this mammoth project after it almost burned to the ground. She brought back this masterpiece. Crystal has always been so good to work with, whether it’s for the Baby New Year photos or for the venue where we hold our annual bmonthly party. Thank you, Crystal, for saving this historic site and sharing it with all of us. The October issue is the highlight of this fall. Debbie Neece wrote the feature story on how the best-selling book and the movie ‘‘Killers of the Flower Moon” started. This story tells how much research goes into these books. It also talks about the attention to detail that has to be spot-on when writing about such a sensitive moment in our history. We love telling the stories of this city and the area because it is so unique to Oklahoma and American history. Finally, Christy and I want to say thank you to such a great staff of writers, graphics designers, photographers, and those behind the scenes who have committed themselves to sharing their love and passion for bmonthly and this city. Bmonthly continues to be the best city magazine in the state! We want to say a big thank you to Brian Engel, the owner of the magazine, who every month for the last 5 years has let us have complete editorial and design control. Thank you, Brian, for believing in our vision and our love for this city. Finally, I want to say thank you, Christy, for ALL you do each month. We wouldn’t have a magazine or much less go to press without you. Not only do I get to work with the love of my life everyday, I get to be with my best friend…Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight! God Bless, Keith

Volume XIV Issue XII

Bartlesville Monthly Magazine is published by

ENGEL PUBLISHING

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

www.bartlesvillemonthly.com facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly

Publisher Brian Engel brian@bartlesvillemonthly.com Graphics Copper Cup Images design@coppercupimages.com Director of Sales & Marketing Keith McPhail keith@bartlesvillemonthly.com Community Liaison Christy McPhail christy@bartlesvillemonthly.com Project Manager Andrea Whitchurch andrea@bartlesvillemonthly.com Administration Shelley Greene Stewart Delivery and Distribution Tim Hudson Calendar/Social Media calendar@bartlesvillemonthly.com Contributing Writers

Debbie Neece, Kay Little, Kelly Hurd, Lori Kroh, Jay Hastings, Sarah Leslie Gagan, Brent Taylor, Keith McPhail, Jay Webster, Waymond White, Joe Todd, Lori Just, Maria Gus

Contributing Photographers Bartlesville Area History Musuem, Becky Burch, John Weston

Kids Calendar Jessica Smith

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

ABOUT THE COVER Bartlesville is all aboard the Christmas Express.

Creative concept by Keith and Christy McPhail Design by Copper Cup Images

Keith and Christy McPhail with Santa. DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

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DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

PROFILE

Jim Curd Jr.

Businessman, Councilman, Community Changer by Sarah Leslie Gagan

Throughout his 40-plus years living in Bartlesville, Jim Curd Jr. has seen many changes. More importantly, he has been the change in many circumstances. Improving the quality of life in our community has always been his focus and his priority. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Jim, graduated high school there, and also met the love of his life, Kacy, while in the seventh grade. The couple celebrates 45 years of marriage this year. Following graduation, Jim attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, Co and also Texas Tech in Lubbock and did some continuing education at Colorado University Extension in Denver. The couple lived in San Diego, California briefly before moving to Bartlesville in 1980. Jim’s parents had already relocated to Bartlesville where his father worked

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

with the H.C. Price Company as an advertising agent. Jim kept busy working at his brother-in-law Charlie Martin’s construction business. Charlie and Jim’s sister DeeDee opened Dink’s Pit Bar-B-Que in 1982, and would later sell the restaurant to Jim Jr. in 1986 when they moved back to Colorado. Dink’s had began to make a name for itself in Bartlesville by that time, known for their wood smoked meats and delicious BBQ sauce. Jim and Kacy have two sons and four grandchildren. Youngest son Landon and wife Kristin are parents to grandchildren Brooklyn and Kennedy, and oldest son Austin and wife Stephanie are parents to grandchildren Ava and Tanner. Landon is the current co-owner of Dink’s, carefully carrying on the family tradition by running the day to day operations, and son Austin lives in Tulsa and works for the Grand River Dam Authority. After a few years of success with Dink’s, Jim and Kacy partnered with Mark Spencer

PROFILE in opening Sterling’s Grille in 1992. Both Dink’s and Sterling’s have become staples in our community, loved by all who dine there. Jim would eventually buy Mark Spencer’s portion of the restaurant to become the sole owner of Sterling’s Grille, which incidentally derives its distinguished name from Jim and his father’s middle name, Sterling. It just seems to fit. Jim is also co-owner of River Grille Steakhouse in Bentonville, Arkansas with partners Mark Spencer and Brenda Swango. Jim and Kacy love their customers and Kacy loves greeting everyone as they come in to dine. She has always been an important part of Jim’s success. Growing up, Jim watched his mother as she worked on the campaigns of several congressmen, and while he never envisioned himself in politics, he did become naturally acquainted with the matter. After he moved and became established in Bartlesville, he found himself wanting to become more involved in bettering the quality of life of his community. This interest would lead him to run for and win a seat on the city council in 1993. He served a three-year term then as Ward 3 Councilman and Vice Mayor alongside Mayor Harvy Little. Jim was very interested in improving our parks and playing fields and focused on those areas, as well as accelerating the clean-up of the National Zinc smelter site, in west Bartlesville, assisting to form the Bartlesville Coalition working to prevent it from becoming labeled a super-fund site. He learned a lot during that first term and would run and win again in 2016, where he again holds the title of Ward 3 Councilman and Vice-Mayor. Regarding his work as councilman, Jim reflects, “I’ve always been interested in Parks and Recreation and felt like we’ve done a great deal to better those over the last six or seven years. In fact, the tax payers have committed close to $18 million improving ball fields, building the skate park, building Unity Square downtown at Tower Center, and bettering Pathfinder. We’ve just done a lot in the last six or seven years to notably change the landscape of our Parks and Recreation. I think that’s helped attract and retain people to live here.” Jim is all about making our community more attractive so that people who live here will enjoy it and to make our community more attractive to those looking for a place to settle and call home. He considers it money well spent to attract, employ and keep people here in Bartlesville. Jim is also an active board member of the Bartlesville Development Authority. The group was created to assist in financing local development projects and/or certain facilities for

the purpose of promoting economic development in the City of Bartlesville and surrounding areas. It has been a successful part of our community growth so far. Jim is also excited about the BDA’s newest endeavor to help create jobs by transforming the donated historic First Christian Church building into a film studio and academy. Jim is proud to have been involved in the creation of Unity Square and the renovation of Price Fields to name two. Jim would easily tell you, the thing he is most proud of is his family. His wife and sons and their families are Jim’s greatest joy. He loves watching Kacy interact with the customers at Sterling’s in the evening and is thankful for a lighter work schedule during the day to allow him to play golf with friends at Hillcrest Country Club and spend time improving our town. He gives much credit to his parents for his work ethic and drive to get things done. They both were people of great integrity and honesty and played important influential roles in Jim’s life. Jim acknowledges, “I certainly owe much of the success of my restaurants to long term staff at Sterling’s Grille, Dink’s and River Grille. Many of them have been with me for over 20 years. At Sterling’s: Julie Fulton, Julie Sayre, Shawn Berry and Phil Conlee and Joe Purrington, many of those for over 20 years. At Dink’s: Jesse Hernandez, Landon Curd, Justin King, Matt Dalton and Michael Hale and several severs that have been there nearly 20 years, Jesse himself over 40. And at the River Grill: partners Brenda Swango and Mark Spencer. You can’t stay in business for 30 to 40 years without tong term and loyal staff.” Sterling’s is now 31 years old, and Dink’s is 41 years old. When asked what he loves most about Bartlesville, Jim replied, “The people here just everyday continually amaze me. That’s why I enjoy my time on the council so much. There’s a lot of varied opinions and we’ve got a lot younger demographic of people here in town and we’ve also got retirees. So it’s just a very unique community and it’s very self-serving in the sense that we take care of ourselves here. You know everyone. Everybody that I work with, from the city administration to my fellow councilors, we are all in for making Bartlesville a better community and I’ve am proud to work with them.” In the end, Jim hopes to be remembered first and foremost as a good father and husband, and someone who genuinely cares about his community. He considers himself very blessed to be a part of our community, is still working toward fulfilling his dreams for Bartlesville. Our town is lucky to have him, and to benefit from his knowledge, dedication, care and concern for each one of us. We thank you Jim for all you have done and continue to do for Bartlesville! DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

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

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SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Jesus continues, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18

Bartlesville Catholic Church, 1916

DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

First Assembly of God Church Years before Bartlesville became a settlement, Christianity came to Indian Territory. Since Civil War days, missionaries and traveling preachers visited Indian Territory sharing the Gospel of Christ to the residing tribes. In 1870, the first Indian Tribe to settled along Silver Lake, just south of what would one day become Bartlesville. They built a school, along with several other buildings, on the east shores of the Lake, and held church services led by the traveling preachers. Pre-statehood years brought many settlers into Bartlesville, and many new churches formed. This was a time of rapid growth for our community, and as the population grew, so did the faith of the people of Bartlesville. By 1929, according to the oldest church survey on record, there were 27 churches of various denominations registered. These early years of our town also experienced revival services held by traveling ministers, in addition to the growth of existing churches and organization of new churches. Let’s take a look at some snapshots of the faith landscape of those early Bartlesville years.

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

Revival In 1934, Aimee Semple McPherson, founder of the Foursquare Church, arrived in Bartlesville on July 30, a threeday stop on the sawdust trail. A special fund-raising dinner in the American Legion Room at the Civic Center was held before the free evangelistic meeting. It was a sweltering 104 degrees that day, and the sun was still up as the crowd of 2,000 filed into their seats, dressed in Sunday church attire, clutching fans. On the stage sat city ministers, Sunday school superintendents, teachers and other Christian workers as the revival choir and orchestra started the meeting, singing old time hymns. “Redemption” was the sermon title. Dressed in a dramatic delicate white gown, Mrs. McPherson ended each service with a benediction, lifting her arms with sleeves flowing down to shape a cross. A lecture presented the following afternoon at the Civic Center was “The Foursquare Gospel.” It was a scorching hot day that made the building feel like a cook stove. Yet, a thousand people attended that Tuesday afternoon to hear that “the church needs old-time power” and “old-fashioned prayer meetings.” That

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Silver Lake Baptist Church evening, even hotter, the sermon was “The Second Coming of Christ.” The sermon outline was “He is coming; how is He coming; when will He come; and for whom will He come.” At the depth of the Depression, the congregation had little to give, $27 on Monday, and $8 on Tuesday, to defray the expenses of the revival.

prayer meetings continued through the winter. During the summer of 1922, the Harmon – Nevilles revival was conducted at Second and Osage. So many miracles occurred that the local paper, The Daily Examiner, published many front-page articles regarding this move of God.

On Wednesday afternoon, there was a healing service after a sermon titled “Jesus Christ, the Divine Physician.” Some 30 Bartians were healed of various maladies. Among them, R. H. Williams was cured of deafness. Of course, they prayed for rain.

The fruit of this revival, plus the subsequent ministry of Rev. Jack Nevilles, was a group of people on fire for God. In 1922 and 1923, Jack Nevilles held a series of revivals in what was known as the Old Candy Kitchen on Park Street. They quickly outgrew this building and rented a larger building on land now occupied by the Schlumberger Company. In 1924, under the leadership of Rev. James Kerr, the congregation purchased land, and a modest frame building was erected at 1025 W. Third Street.

That evening Mrs. McPherson gave her always popular sermon testimony, “The Story of My Life.” It was delivered with the dramatic flourish that made her famous. In the excitement of the last meeting, the newspaper gave no report of the number of those who came to accept Christ as their Savior. For years, many citizens told of the amazing revival meeting held during one of the hottest summers on record. First Assembly of God During the spring of 1921, Mrs. Adeline Godwin of Bartlesville visited her brother in Colorado. During this visit, she experienced a powerful touch of God in a service at a local Assembly of God church. After returning to Bartlesville, she began to hold prayer meetings in her home. These

Frances Yares at First Presbyterian Church.

On October 5, 1924, The First Assembly of God in Bartlesville became an official part of the Assemblies of God church organization. This was the culmination of Mrs. Godwin’s dream for an Assembly of God church in her hometown of Bartlesville. First Church of the Nazarene In the early spring of 1921, Rev. I.D. Farmer (pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Wann, Oklahoma) and Rev. W. H. Barlow (pastor of the Oologah, Oklahoma Church of the Nazarene) DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

First Presbyterian Church conducted a Revival Campaign in a one-pole tent located in the West Side Park, where the west wing of the Schlumberger building is now located. Bartlesville was a young and growing town with a population of 15,000. The day’s activities included a preaching service Sunday morning, a basket dinner (prepared by the members of the Wann and Oologah Churches) at noon in the park, a preaching service in the afternoon and a preaching service Sunday night. On Sunday afternoon, July 4, 1921, the First Church of the Nazarene, Bartlesville, Oklahoma was organized with twenty charter members. The church held their services in the home of J.W. Parker at 100 N. Theodore until the members could hire a pastor. Rev. F.C. Savage was called as the first pastor and moved to Bartlesville in October 1921 into the parsonage at 912 S. Jennings. Pastor Savage secured a twopole tent owned by the Oklahoma District and had it set, chaired and ready for service on the NE Corner of Second Street and Osage Avenue. Street services were held each evening before the service on the NE Corner of Third Street, now Frank Phillips and Johnstone Avenue. “From the Street to the Tent” was the slogan, and it was so successful that at times the march to the tent almost blocked traffic. The church had no place to hold worship services except 16

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

in the tent. They worshiped there until cold weather forced them to move into the court room in the new Washington County Courthouse. For two years, they worshiped in the big tent in summer and the court room in winter. During the first ten years of the church, much work was done to establish the church in the community. In addition to pastoring, local pastors held services in surrounding communities, conducted street and jail services, and the deaconesses helped provide food and clothing for those in need. The congregation purchased the land at the corner of Third Street and Seminole Avenue in 1923, later the location of Oakley Pontiac used car lot. A four-room house was moved to the location for a parsonage, and a wooden tabernacle without floor or windows, was built for a place to worship. In 1924 the tabernacle was replaced with a one-room church, a 40-foot by 60-foot wood structure. First Presbyterian Church Oklahoma was Indian Territory in 1905 and Dr. F.W. Hawley, the superintendent of Presbyterian missionary work in Indian Territory, conducted church services in Bartlesville, laying the groundwork for the First Presbyterian Church. During the summer of 1905, Rev. A.E. Weston conducted services in the opera house on the corner of Dewey Avenue and Third Street. In September 1905, Dr. Ralph

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Greater First Baptist Church J. Lamb, who had recently moved to the United States from England, along with 29 other people decided there was enough interest to organize a Presbyterian Church in Bartlesville. They purchased the land at the corner of Fifth and Dewey to build a new church, but continued to meet in the opera house while the church was being built. The first service was held in the new building July 28, 1907, almost four months before Oklahoma became a state. Ivy eventually covered the church building, which came from an original sprig that Dr. Lamb brought from Westminster Abbey in England. As Bartlesville grew, so did First Presbyterian Church. During WWI, many of the men served and the women became active in Red Cross work. The Presbyterian Church served as a hospital in 1918 during the influenza outbreak which ravaged the

Redeemer Lutheran Church.

world. During the 1920’s, the church started programs to help the poor in Bartlesville, continuing through today. They provided help to each other and the community during the Depression, such as serving supper at the church on Wednesday nights for 25 cents. During the dark days of World War II, activity once again focused on the Red Cross and other types of relief efforts. Eighty-seven men from the church served in the Armed Forces. During the post-war period, the church helped a steady stream of displaced persons from Germany, Indonesia, Cuba, and other nations. Due to the growing membership, they built a new education building. Greater First Baptist Church In 1908 a group of baptized believers in God saw the need to organize a Baptist church for Black people to attend in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The same year, Pastor Kilgore founded New Hope Baptist Church, which was located in the 700 block of Rogers Street known as the “Brick Yard.” The area was also called “Shackle Rods” because there was nothing past Rogers Street but pumping oil wells. Shackle rods are long rods attached to each oil well that extracted the oil from the ground. The members of New Hope Baptist Church approved a resolution to change the church name from New Hope Baptist to First Baptist Church in 1925. According to courthouse documents, the name was recorded as First Baptist Church-Colored because another First Baptist Church had already formed in Bartlesville. Later, the church changed the name from First Baptist ChurchColored to Greater First Baptist Church. During the 1920’s the church moved to the 600 block of West Sixth Street. With unity and hard work, the membership decided to build a new church. Construction began on the church base

DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Highland Park Baptist Church ment located at 616 West Seventh Street, which is now known as Adams Boulevard. The church members moved from the basement to the sanctuary during the 1940s. Highland Park Baptist Church During the early 1920s, Bartlesville First Baptist Church sponsored a mission Sunday School, which met at Highland Park Elementary School. The group who had been attending this Sunday School voted to organize themselves into a Baptist church on February 11, 1934, with the name Highland Park Missionary Baptist Church. They also voted to cooperate with the local Southern Baptist Association, the Oklahoma Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention. They then held their first business meeting, in which they elected Fred Brown as moderator and Grace (Mrs. Ben) Scruggs, church clerk. They also voted to rent a small, four-room house at 127 SE Cholwell for $10 a month and began holding regular services, with 25 charter members. On April 1, 1934, Reverend Dan Beltz became the first pastor of Highland Park Missionary Baptist Church. Highland Park Baptist Church The congregation moved into a new building at the corner of Michigan and Highway 75, built by volunteer labor from church members and friends. This was the first church in the community east of the Caney River. When the State of Oklahoma decided to build a new Highway 75 in the early 1950s, the church 18

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had to move, as the church building was in the middle of what would be the new highway. The congregation moved back to the Highland Park School for services while they looked for a new place. On February 17, 1952 Reverend Joe Ray Land moderated a business meeting in which the people agreed that the church purchase the Jeanette Stout property, a three-acre plot at the corner of Washington Blvd. and State Street. The property included two buildings; one was a beer joint by the name of “The Cadillac Inn” and the other was a four-room house. The house was moved and the beer joint became a Wednesday night meeting place and recreation center for the young people of the church. Mr. and Mrs. Ben Scruggs were members who felt that the church would need more land so they purchased additional property, which adjoined the site purchased from Ms. Stout and gave it to the church. In February of 1953, the church broke ground for the first unit of their new building. Memorial Christian Church Memorial Christian Church actually started in 1914 as Reverend Lowery of Tulsa held a union meeting in Bartlesville, which resulted in great success. Out of this, a Sunday School was organized at the Sand Creek schoolhouse, near Circle Mountain, as a mission of First Christian Church. On September 2,

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Redeemer Lutheran Church 1923, Sand Creek Sunday School became Sand Creek Christian Church. The Mission became a self-supporting congregation in 1925, calling Mrs. Sam B. Waggoner as pastor, who served as their minister until she died in 1959. The church purchased a building in 1926 from the United Brethren Church and moved it to 1605 Keeler Avenue, to become Keeler Avenue Christian Church. First Christian Church had originally built this church building. Several years later, while Mrs. Waggoner was still the pastor, the congregation moved to Virginia Avenue and Cudahy Street and Keeler Avenue Christian Church became Memorial Christian Church. New Harmony Baptist Church A new church started meeting on December 18, 1921, in the former Truskett School. The members of the church had purchased the old school and Mr. Hall of Muskogee gave them some land a short distance north of the school, where they moved the school building.

Shortly after the congregation started meeting, Reverend W.T. Scott of Tulsa conducted revival services at the church, with at least 13 additions. They needed to hold a baptism service, but the building had no baptismal, so they decided to baptize in Silver Lake. Brother John Bullick was the minister. He asked Brother Mason to help him baptize, since they had so many. They started at opposite ends, with one baptizing, then the other. Therefore, when the church was organized, Brother Bullick suggested the name New Harmony, as they were all in harmony together. Hard times hit the church during the Depression of the 1930’s and the church closed its doors for a few years because so many members left the area. During the 1950’s the building that later became the parsonage sat on the corner of the church property. The young people would walk over to the house from the main church on Sunday mornings where they would have their Sunday School classes. The building also served as the Fellowship Hall. The church moved the building north and west of the present church property several years later, creating a parsonage. Brother Ralph Dershem and his family were the first pastor and family to set up permanent residence in the house. Years later, the parsonage would become the “Prayer Chapel.” In 1938 the church once again became active, but only with Sunday School services at first. As the congregation grew, they once again started conducting a full program of worship. By 1953 the church had grown to the point that additional space was needed. Again, during the 1960s the church built more additions. Redeemer Lutheran Church

First Baptist Church Women

Pastor Karstensen of Coffeyville, Kansas first attempted a Lutheran church in Bartlesville in 1908. Several families held wor DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

St. John Catholic Church ship services in their homes for about a year, but the services were eventually discontinued. W. Brackensiek, missionary-at-large for Oklahoma, began services again in the fall of 1922 and Pastor Karl Frese of Tulsa took over the work after a short time. Services were held over Laderer’s Clothing Store at 111 SE 3rd Street, later Frank Phillips Blvd; then they were moved to a room in the Washington County Courthouse. Sounds from the County Jail, directly overhead, often accompanied the church singing. On August 10, 1930, Pastor Clarence Schultz was ordained as the new minister, and in April 1931 the Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bartlesville was organized. In May 1935 the church purchased a parsonage and an adjoining vacant lot at Fourth and Wyandotte. The church built a chapel and held a dedication in November. The church began to grow rapidly, attaining an average attendance of about 50 people and their debt was nearly cut in half by a $2,000 gift from the Frank Phillips Foundation. The parsonage building burned sometime later. In October 1946 the church became self-supporting, having been financially assisted by other Lutheran congregations in Oklahoma for 15 years. In May 1948 the church purchased the property at Ninth and Cherokee. The building was completed and dedicated in the spring of 1952. In 1958 the congregation purchased five acres in Woodland Park, and in 1959 the Building Committee chose Bruce Goff to design the Education Building. Working plans were approved and ground was broken in April 1961. The building was dedicated in December of that same year. Immediately, all of the Sunday school classes were 20

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

moved to the Education Building, but worship services were still held downtown. St. John Catholic Church By 1901 four Catholic families had moved to the town of Bartlesville, all storekeepers — two of Irish descent, one French and one German. The families were Filkins, Gate, Govreau and Gates. Bartlesville did not have a Catholic church yet, but there were thriving Catholic churches at both Pawhuska and Vinita. A greatly anticipated and favorite outing of that day was attending Mass at Pawhuska. The faithful left Bartlesville soon after dawn by horse drawn buckboard. A lunch was packed, as it was a one-day journey to Pawhuska and back, often over uncharted fields, as there were no roads, only trails. Mass was at 11 o’clock, followed by the trip home after lunch. The area over which they traveled has been described as a “sea of violets.” The first mass was said in the Filkin’s Millinery Store in 1901, by Father Edward Van Wassbergbe (known as Father Edward), who was then pastor at Pawhuska. Mass was said first monthly and then semi-monthly after the first church was built in 1903. The original structure was 33 feet by 40 feet and was built on a lot donated by William Johnstone, owner of the original town site. Bishop Meerschaert, First Bishop of Oklahoma, dedicated the mission church on January 22, 1906. The first recorded baptism was that of Hazel Mary Daley on March 1, 1905, by Rev. James J. Wallrapp. The first recorded First Communion Class was March 17, 1907. The first recorded Confirmation Class was February 14, 1911, with 40 members in the class. The first marriage recorded was that of William O’Keefe and Maria E. Allen on September 14, 1905 by Father Wallrapp.

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

United Bretheren Church Discovery of oil in this area brought an influx of population, including many Catholics. Prior to discovery of oil, the population consisted of a few white settlers and the rest were Indians, with farming and trading as the principal occupations. The church built in 1903 was remodeled in 1910 and expanded to 33 feet by 112 feet. This included the addition of a transept, installation of stained glass in all windows and refinishing the interior in Gothic style, all for a total cost of $12,000.00. The enlarged structure had a seating capacity of 400 and served the parish until 1953, when it was razed to permit construction of the new church. St. John’s first school opened September 1912 in a two-story, four-room building with eight grades; two grades in each room. The original school building, located across the street west from the present school on the southwest corner of Eighth and Keeler, served the parish until the new school was ready for occupancy in September 1950. The Generosity of Frank Phillips During the 1930’s, the Great Depression had a stranglehold on the United States, but Bartlesville and Phillips Petroleum did not experience it to the extent that the rest of the country did. Frank Phillips was able to keep the business in his control and by the end of the decade, Phillips Petroleum was a very prosperous company. In the Fall of 1935, Frank solicited information about the local church finances from the Secretary of the Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce, E.L. George, who was conducting a 1935 Church Survey for the Chamber. The Chamber had conducted a similar church survey in 1929 and because of

the growth of the town and added churches, they wanted to update the survey. 1936 was a very prosperous year for Phillips Petroleum Company, which helped make 1937 a good year for Frank, his company, and the community of Bartlesville. Thus, he paid off debts for the five largest churches in Bartlesville. This act of kindness even made headlines in the April 5, 1937 issue of Time Magazine. Phillips Petroleum Company celebrated its 20th anniversary on June 13, 1937. By August, Frank started the Frank Phillips Foundation, Inc., to “aid public religious organizations, charitable organizations, preparatory, vocational and technical schools, institutions of higher learning and scientific research; to establish, maintain, conduct, assist, and endow public charitable, religious, literary, educational and scientific activities, agencies and institutions engaged in the discovery, treatment and care of disease; and its endowments and funds shall be administered exclusively for such purposes.” The Frank Phillips Foundation donated money to the Ochelata Methodist Episcopal Church soon after the Foundation’s incorporation. The Foundation finished paying the final debt for Grace Epworth Methodist Church in 1949, and towards the debt of Redeemer Lutheran Church two times, once in 1939 and again in 1962. Rich History of Faith Bartlesville churches are a strong component of our community. They always have been and the trend shows no sign of slowing. Those first Christians who planted and grew the first churches blazed a great path of faith for us to continue forward. May we make them proud. DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

FEATURE SPONSOR STORY

Around Town with Edgar Weston by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum

House of Karpets became the staging area for construction materials. In addition, during Boots Adams’ 66th birthday celebration, a sea of chairs welcomed guests to hear speakers in the parking lot south of the House of Karpets.

Welcome back…Last month we spoke about the Adams Building, home of the Phillips Aquatic Center and the Splash Club, where many of the youngsters of Phillips employees took swimming lessons, achieving the status of guppy first, followed by minnow and then SHARK! They have different categories now but lessons still continue. The 500 block of South Keeler Avenue was once lined with homes, Esther Weaver’s Apartments and the Cinderella Nursery Daycare. At 500 S. Keeler, the Reynolds & Burton Motor Company, Atlas Auto Rental, NuWay Laundry pick station, AAA Auto Club, Yellow Cab and finally Bartlesville Automotive Safety and Radiator Service occupied that corner from 1946-1964. In 1965, the corner was cleared to allow the construction of the Professional Building at 117 W. 5th Street, which was completed in 1967. This five-story building has been the home of Harris & Upham Stock Brokers, Central States Investments, 66 Federal Credit Union, Murphy’s Downtown Restaurant, Colonial Gift House, doctors, lawyers, real-estate developers and more. Chuck and Charlene Spears established Spears World Travel in 1958 with their office in the lobby of the Burlingame Hotel at 405 S. Johnstone Avenue. When the Professional Building construction was completed, Spears Travel was one of the first tenants and the family business is still going strong today…65 years later at 500 S. Keeler Avenue. By 1966, all of the homes in the 500 block of Keeler Avenue were cleared for parking which wrapped around Toney Gable’s brick building at 215 W. 5th Street. Gable opened his business in 1956 as the House of Karpets. During the construction of the Phillips 19-story building, the parking lots surrounding the

Seeking retirement, Gable sold the business to William and Velma Harmon in 1964. The Harmon’s then operated the House of Karpets, Harmon’s Furniture Village, Harmon’s Discount Rug Center until their retirement about 1970. At that time, Jack Moore purchased and operated the House of Karpets until about 1977, when Fifth Street between Jennings and Keeler was cleared and the street closed creating an area for the Plaza Park. Exiting the south entrance of the Adams Building, the Plaza Park was built for lunchtime relaxation, entertainment activities and holiday decorations. Below the Plaza Park’s surface beauty is a continuation of the Phillips tunnel system with access to the ConocoPhillips Information Center at 511 S. Keeler Avenue. The Information Center was designed by the Dallas architectural firm of Dahl, Braden, Jones and Chapmen and built at this location in 1977. Reportedly, the 237,000-square-foot, six-story building is tornado proof. Let’s hope that theory is never tested. Although the building has few windows and is often referred to as a giant puzzle, the building adds to the architectural diversity in Bartlesville’s downtown streetscape filled with brick, mortar, glass and copper. The buildings of downtown Bartlesville may have varied architects, contractors and funding sources, but they seem to blend in a harmonious relationship, melting into the prairie and hills where skyscrapers might seem out of place. To be continued…

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

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DECEMBER CALENDAR SPONSORED BY 1

Festival of the Nativity

9 AM; St. John Catholic Church Bartlesville Festival of the Nativity is a multi-faith celebration of the Savior’s birth through nativity displays and music thisevent will enter its 13th year with an expanded reach and is set to become the largest nativity in Green Country.

5:45; Downtown Bartlesville Opening night: Tree & Park Lighting, Outdoor Ice Rink, Food Trucks, Downtown Merchant Crawl, Movies in the Park, Carriage Rides, Tot Train Rides, Presents with Perspective Advisors & free pics with Santa! The event runs through the end of the month.

Wonderland of Lights

5 PM; Woolaroc A wonderful holiday tradition returns again this year at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, with the spectacular Wonderland of Lights. The grounds and buildings of Woolarocwill 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 18th.

FantasyLand of Lights

5 PM Johnstone Park Fantasy Land of Lights is an annual, drive-through Christmas light display at Johnstone Park in Bartlesville, OK that has become a holiday tradition. With the help of generous donations from the public, Fantasy Land of Lights continues to grow each year.

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

Christmas in the ‘Ville Opening Night

Breakfast With Santa

9 AM; Jarrett Farms Join us for our annual and delicious breakfast! There will be singing and entertainment with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Tickets will include entertainment and a meal. $20/children (under 12), adults $25.

Bartlesville Christmas Parade

6 PM; Downtown Bartlesville Bartlesville is brimming with Christmas cheer! Come line the streets downtown and get ready for the Bartlesville Annual Christmas Parade on December 2nd! Kick off the most wonderful time of the year during this event that captures the spirit of the holiday season at this family-friendly event. Marvel at the colorful floats, enjoy a festive atmosphere, and share unwrap the magic of the season right before your eyes.

OKWU Women’s basketball vs NEOSHA 11 AM; OKWU Gym

OKWU Men’s basketball vs Redemption Life Prep 1 PM; OKWU Gym

Bruin Wrestling (Muskogee Dual)

OKWU Women’s basketball vs York

7 PM; Bruin Fieldhouse

1 PM; OKWU Gym

OKWU Men’s basketball vs York 3 PM; OKWU Gym

OKWU Women’s basketball vs NEO 1:30 PM; OKWU Gym

OKWU Women’s basketball vs OCU 1:30 PM; OKWU Gym

Bruin basketball vs Edmond Memorial

4 PM; Bruin Fieldhouse (JV) 6:30 PM; Bruin Fieldhouse (G) 8 PM; Bruin Fieldhouse (B)

DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

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

Fri, Dec 1

18th. 5 PM

9 AM

Sat, Dec 2

FantasyLand of Lights

Festival of the Nativity

St. John Catholic Church 715 S Johnstone Ave Bartlesville Festival of the Nativity is a multi-faith celebration of the Savior’s birth through nativity displays and music thisevent will enter its 13th year with an expanded reach and is set to become the largest nativity in Green Country.

7:30 PM

Johnstone Park

9 AM

Fantasy Land of Lights is an annual, drive-through Christmas light display at Johnstone Park in Bartlesville, OK that 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!

Breakfast With Santa

5:45 PM

Bartlesville Christmas Parade

Jarrett Farms Join us for our annual and delicious breakfast! There will be singing and entertainment with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Tickets will include entertainment and a meal. $20/children (under 12), adults $25. 6 PM

5 PM

Wonderland of Lights

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve A wonderful holiday tradition returns again this year at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, with the spectacular Wonderland of Lights. The grounds and buildings of Woolarocwill 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

Christmas in the ‘Ville Opening Night

Downtown Bartlesville Opening night: Tree & Park Lighting, Outdoor Ice Rink, Food Trucks, Downtown Merchant Crawl, Movies in the Park, Carriage Rides, Tot Train Rides, Presents with Perspective Advisors & free pics with Santa! The event runs through the end of the month.

Downtown Bartlesville Bartlesville is brimming with Christmas cheer! Come line the streets downtown and get ready for the Bartlesville Annual Christmas Parade on December 2nd! Kick off the most wonderful time of the year during this event that captures the spirit of the holiday season at this familyfriendly event. Marvel at the colorful floats, enjoy a festive atmosphere, and share unwrap the magic of the season right before your eyes.

Bartlesville Cholale presents Handel’s Messiah

The Center A holiday tradition in town, experience this quintessential oratorio with a full orchestra and professional soloists. From the famous “Hallelujah” chorus to the beloved “For unto us a child is born,” every movement in Handel’s Messiah overflows with memorability and musical brilliance- an excellent addition to the start of the holiday season.

Mon, Dec 4 5 PM

Beginning Spanish Class

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. Free Beginning Spanish Class every Monday evening at 5 pm in Meeting Room B on the first floor of the Bartlesville Public Library.

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Daniel Holdman, MD Elizabeth Sherrock, MD

Friday

M. Ryan Vaclaw, MD Amanda Gutierrez, LPC

8:00am - Noon Saturday 9:00am - Noon 26

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

Ellen L. Conn, APN, APRN-CMP

Se Habla Español

918-331-9979

EVENTS CALENDAR Wed, Dec 6

Sat, Dec 16

5:30 PM

7:30 PM

Wednesday Citizenship Class

The Nutcracker

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. Citizenship classes are held on Tuesdays at 6 pm, Wednesdays at 5:30 pm. 6 PM

Johnstone Irregulars Book Club Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. 7 PM

Million Dollar Quartet

The Center Inspired by the Tony Award-nominated hit musical, Million Dollar Quartet, this holiday reimagining brings together soon to be legends, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley for a musical holiday celebration featuring a nostalgic string of charttopping favorites. This brand-new musical is inspired by the true story of the momentous homecoming in December 1956 of rock ‘n’ roll newcomers, and soon to be legends, as they reflect on Christmases past and contemplate Christmases present and yet-to-come at a moment when no one knew if rock ‘n’ roll was a fad or a revolution.

Mon, Dec 25

The Center Join Clara and her uncle, Herr Drosselmeier, as this magical Christmas story comes to life! Everyone’s favorite ballet features Leo Ahonen’s choreography and a cast of local children and adults. It’s a real Christmas holiday treat!

Sun, Dec 17 2 PM

The Nutcracker

8 AM

Christmas Breakfast First Wesleyan Church

If you will be alone on Christmas morning, please join us for breakfast. The Christmas breakfast will be a hearty meal of some of your breakfast favorites. We want to invite you and your family to celebrate Christmas with us.

Through December Woolaroc Retrospective Exhibit & Sale Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve is proud to announce its upcoming art exhibition, The Woolaroc Retrospective Exhibit and Sale, opening to the public on October 14, 2023, and continuing through December 31, 2023. Woolaroc and its art show committee first debuted their art show in 2013 and has since featured an array of nationally acclaimed artists over the course of the last five exhibits.

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

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DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

NOW YOU KNOW

The Dewar Santa House by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go…to celebrate the Christmas holidays and create joyous family memories. Well, in Bartlesville, it was down Cherokee

Prior to 1929, Cherokee Avenue began at Johnstone Park and traveled south towards 14th Street. During that time, Cherokee Avenue addresses past 14th Street were recognized as Hillcrest Drive. Later, Highway 123 from Barnsdall branched to become SH-123A at West 14th Street as the pair of streets traveled east to Cherokee Avenue/Hillcrest Drive and then south, over the Caney River Bridge, in the shadow of H.V. Foster’s LaQuinta Mansion, meeting the Old Tulsa Road/Silver Lake Road. Avenue…past the stately homes of some of Bartlesville’s most influential families…past the home of famed aviator Billy Parker…past 14th Street to the southeast corner of Hillcrest Drive, where the street intersects with the meandering Delaware Avenue… to a house that could share incredible Christmas memories, known to area residents as the “Santa House.”

as artistic address advertisements.

When World War I interrupted his future, Dewar was a young bachelor living in an apartment at 108 W. 7th Street (later renamed Adams Blvd.) and employed as an accountant at Frank and L.E. Phillips’ Lewcinda Oil Company. He joined the hundreds of young Washington County men being “called out” with a gathering at the Washington County Courthouse before a celebratory parade to the Santa Fe Depot where they climbed aboard the train for basic training at Camp Travis, TX. He became a naturalized American citizen October 1917, during his service, and two years later received his honorable discharge as a Lieutenant.

Stewart Dewar married Roena Allender in 1920 and the couple settled in Bartlesville, where Stewart was employed at Phillips Petroleum Company as an Assistant General Supervisor. In the Canadian born, John “Jack” early 1930s, he resigned from Phillips to become an independent Stewart Dewar arrived in Bartlesville in oilman in the Dewar Oil Company. About that time, the Dewars 1911 and found employment as a bookkeeping clerk with Barnsdall hired Tulsa architect Alexander Thorne to design their two-story Oil Company whose office was in the original Masonic Building at Mediterranean Style stucco mansion, which was built at the crest the southeast corner of Third Street and Johnstone Avenue. Third of Hillcrest hill. The Street was a haven of Bartlesville’s Memorial Bridge, also known as the Seventh Street Bridge Dewars were socialites, upper floor oil company or Veteran’s Bridge, features four decorative pillars sharing ten plaques well known at Hillcrest offices posting their honoring our 1,561 Washington County WWI servicemen. Among the Country Club, often names on the windows names is Jack Stewart Dewar. held parties at their 30

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

NOW YOU KNOW 1500 Hillcrest Drive home, and annually placed a large Santa Claus in their secondfloor balcony, gaining the name of the Santa House. In 1948, Stewart accepted a position as Vice-President of H.C. Price Pipeline Company’s Somastic Pipeline Corrosion Coating and HeviCote (concrete) Division. About 1955, the Dewars sold the 1500 Hillcrest Drive home and moved to the 1818 Crestview Apartments, south of College High School while their new home at 1800 Country Club Road was being designed by John Duncan Forsyth and constructed by Arthur Gorman Construction in 1959. The Crestview Apartments were later razed to make room for a Bartlesville High School expansion. John Waldo Tyler and his wife Margaret purchased 1500 Hillcrest Drive and lived there until 1962. John was the director of the Dewey First National Bank and son of Don and Irma Tyler, of the Dewey Portland Cement Company. Directly across the street to the north, John’s sister Helen Tyler Beesley and her husband Scott Beesley lived in the Walton Everman designed home at 1408 Hillcrest Drive. Scott was Vice-President of Union National Bank and the couple lived at this address until about 1965.

Phillip Mitchell lived at 1500 Hillcrest Drive through 1986; then, David and Linda Tippeconnic became residents beginning in 1987-1990. Mr. Tippeconnic was the Vice-President of Human Relations at Phillips Petroleum Company and enjoyed posting Santa on-watch each Christmas season. Joel and Patricia Romines owned the stately mansion from 1991-2014. Then, in 2015, Doug and Penny Quinn bought the 8,349 square foot 1500 Hillcrest Drive property with six bedrooms and nine baths. One of their prestigious invited guests has been Santa Ron Adams. The tradition of placing Santa on the balcony of 1500 Hillcrest Drive has been enjoyed by generations of Bartians and rumor has it buying the Santa House comes with a Christmas magic responsibility. According to Doug Quinn, “If Santa is not visible the day following Thanksgiving each year, Penny and I receive calls and emails asking WHERE’S SANTA?” Ron Adams and Joe Sears are Friday afternoon Dewey Hotel “Porch Talkers” and recently found their conversation turned to reminiscing about driving by the Santa House during the holiday season. “It’s just a Christmas tradition,” said Santa Ron. Doug and Penny Quinn proudly carry on the Santa tradition and are faithful believers in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the 1946 Academy Award Nominated American Christmas Classic. Over the years, the watchful balcony Santa has received a few costume upgrades and extra make-up touches but you can count on Doug and Penny Quinn to have Santa ready for your viewing pleasure so make driving by Bartlesville’s Santa House part of your family’s holiday tradition. Merry Christmas to all!

Did You Know? The Masonic Building was located at 101-103 E. Third Street (renamed Frank Phillips Blvd. in 1951) until their building at Fourth and Dewey was completed. At that time, they moved to the 9th floor of the new building and sold the Third Street building. In the wee hours of Christmas morning in 1932, fire sirens awakened all slumbering downtown residents. Daybreak revealed the charred remains of the old Masonic Building and the smoldering embers of the Boston Store that operated on the first floor. The corner was cleared of debris and remained vacant until the Martin Department Store was built at that address in 1940, now the I.T.I.O. building and home of Bambino’s Bistro.

Now You Know * DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

Your Gateway to helping put good

customer service, common decency and actual humanity, back into the banking experience

This is your bank, Bartlesville. At Gateway, our goal is to treat you right by creating a better banking experience based on what you want. From the products and services we provide, right down to how we treat you in person, online or over the phone, this is your bank. So, share your voice with us. We’re listening. gatewayfirst.com First Bank. Member 32© 2023 Gateway bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Giving Back to Bartlesville Gateway Making a Difference Beyond Business This holiday season, you’ll find Gateway throughout Bartlesville, volunteering throughout the community, contributing to charitable organizations, and more. But that’s not new. Though Gateway moved into their downtown location just this October, they have a history of community involvement here, with some of their employees’ charitable works going back decades. Jeannie Strachan has been serving Bartlesville banking customers since 2016. Now the portfolio manager at Gateway in downtown Bartlesville, she likes that fact that she’s a familiar face for customers who are transitioning to Gateway for the first time. “As in any change, people have questions,” she told B Monthly. “More than once I have heard, ‘we are glad you are in our corner.’” Gateway customers aren’t the only people with Jeannie in their corner, however. She’s been a familiar face to organizations across Bartlesville for years. She has served on the board of The Lighthouse in Bartlesville, has been a member of the Bartlesville Rotary Club, and for more than 20 years has been volunteering for the Washington County Foster Parents Association.

Jeannie’s just one example of the community spirit you’ll find at Gateway. Since the launch of the Gateway Gives Back Community Outreach Program in 2018, Gateway team members have donated over 7,761 hours of volunteer time. Since 2019, Gateway team members earned $19,000 in bonus funds to give to charities of their choice. Gateway has also donated and sponsored over $750,000 to organizations across their national platform that supports affordable housing, community services and education. Here in Bartlesville, it’s the same story. “We love being involved,” says Gateway Market President Chris Revard, who recently participated in the Dancing with the Stars fundraiser for Paths to Independence, a private Bartlesville school for students with autism. “We support numerous non-profits throughout Bartlesville, plus sponsor the broadcast of Bruins athletics, opening night of Christmas in the Ville, and more.” “We count it an honor to be in Bartlesville,” added Gateway Regional Banking President Kyle Hubbard. “And like any good neighbor, we make it a priority to help out, give back, and support all the things that make Bartlesville such a great community.”

“Washington County Foster Parents Association is here to Employees like Jeannie Strachan prove their point. When assist children and families with any support or extra needs she’s not helping Gateway customers this month, she’ll be they may have,” she explained. “Our main event every year getting ready for the Washington is a Christmas Party where all County Foster Parents the Washington County foster/ Association Christmas Party. So, kinship/shelter children and if you see her or any Gateway families are invited. Each child Oklahoma-based Gateway is a leading financial team member out and about receives a gift and Santa and institution that provides banking and mortgage volunteering at parades and Mrs. Claus are there, plus food, services to individuals and businesses. Gateway is charities and other local events, games, door prizes and fun—all one of the largest financial institutions in the state, just look at it as positive proof provided by generous sponsors. with assets totaling over $2 billion. In addition to that this Bartlesville business’ We organize other fundraisers its 10 banking centers in Oklahoma, Gateway has a helpful nature extends far beyond and provide for their needs strong mortgage presence nationally, with more than banking. throughout the year. It’s a great 115 mortgage locations and almost 950 employees. cause!” Learn more at www.gatewayfirst.com.

About Gateway

DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

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LOOKING BACK

A Spiritual Legacy Looking Back at the Journeycake Family by Kay Little, Little History Adventures

Charles Journeycake, who would leave a spiritual legacy in our area, was born in 1817, in a Delaware Indian Settlement in Ohio. When Charles was 10 years old, his mother became a Christian and told everyone around her about Jesus. After the Delaware moved to Kansas Territory, Charles became a Christian and was baptized at age sixteen. He was the first Delaware to become a Christian west of the Mississippi and the first Protestant to be baptized in what is now Kansas. Charles started preaching to other tribes, many times traveling across the territories. In 1837, Charles, at age twenty, married Jane Socia, a sixteen-year-old strong, Christian Delaware girl. They had eleven girls and three boys. They were married 56 years and were devout Christians the rest of their lives. Charles was also a great statesman and was appointed chief of the Delaware tribe during the 1860’s. He traveled to D.C. several times on behalf of his tribe. He and his tribe remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War, even though they had trouble through the years with the U.S. government. Then, in 1867, Chief Journeycake and other Delaware leaders made a treaty with Cherokee leaders for the Delaware to relocate to the Cherokee Nation, in what is now Oklahoma. Even through the controversy of this decision, the Delaware revered and loved their chief, and considered him their chief and pastor until his death. Shortly after moving to I.T., revival broke out and Charles started the Baptist Church in Alluwe. In 1872, he was ordained and worked full time in church ministry. This church started three mission churches, one of them being what is now Silver Lake Baptist. Many of the Delaware had settled at Silver Lake after the Osage left. Charles would travel to Silver Lake every other week to preach. Members of this church founded three more Baptist Churches. The largest one is now known as Bartlesville First Baptist Church, organized in 1891. Local historian Elmer Sark describing Chief Journeycake, wrote “his strength of character, his interest in and service to his fellow man made him an outstanding example among all Indians that will be remembered for many years.” One of the chief’s daughter, Nannie Bartles, a daughter of Chief Journeycake and wife of Jake Bartles, was instrumental in starting what is now Dewey First Baptist Church. In 1900, she organized meetings in Bartles Hall in Dewey. Before that, she helped organize church and Sunday School meetings while living in the northern settlement of what is now Bartlesville. She originally named the Dewey church Journeycake Memorial Baptist Church.

The first church building was completed Sunday, November 25, 1906. The church outgrew this building and a new one was built in 1926. In the early 1970’s, the current building was erected. By 1960, the name had changed to Dewey First Baptist Church. Several friends and relatives of Mrs. Bartles gave stained glass windows that were placed in the first and second church buildings. One of those windows was a likeness of Chief Journeycake. When the current building was erected, they realized the paint on the chief’s face had oxidated to a green color and did not look good, so they put it in a closet. Debbie Neece found out and asked if the history museum could acquire it, which they did. Angela Jeffers was commissioned to paint the facial features and the window is beautiful once again and on display at the Bartlesville Area History Museum. When you see the window, you can see why someone described Chief Journeycake as having firm and strong features and his eyes as those of a zealot. Several churches and businesses in the area were started by some of the Journeycake daughters and their husbands, including names like Armstrong, Barndollar, Bartles, Johnstone, Overless, Pemberton and Lawson. Several years before Chief Journeycake died, he made this famous speech, “The white man came into our country and drove our cattle and horses away and sometimes killed our people. We try to forget these things, but we would not forget that the white man brought us the blessed gospel of Christ, the Christian’s hope. This more than pays for all that we have suffered.” Charles died January 11, 1894, at age 77. He is buried at the Nowata Cemetery with his loving wife, Jane. DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

A GOOD WORD

Holding Strong to Tradition Americans Have So Much to be Thankful For by Pastor Waymond White

The fall season is finally here and Jack Frost has made it. The signs are everywhere as the leaves are turning to radiant colors. The contrast between the evergreens and all the assorted colors is a painter’s canvas dream. Now we are in the month of Thanksgiving! Please permit me to share with you a Thanksgiving holiday dinner at our house. There is a very familiar aroma in the house of homemade potato rolls, which indicates the last thing to be baked is almost done. Then the smell of sage and onion from under the foil, as mom checks the dressing, overpowers the first aroma. Surely this meal is almost ready. She then bastes the turkey one more time, being sure that it browns just right, and just then the doorbell rings and she asks Papa to get it. But even before he can get there, in rushes the grandchildren, screaming “We’re here!” and the quietness of the house is now pleasantly full of hugs, chatter, and kisses. Her children compliment mom on how wonderful the dinner smells and asks if there is anything they can help with. She graciously says the pies have cooled and are ready to be cut. Mom begins to transfer all the sides into bowls to be table-ready. And she has forgotten nothing: green beans, corn, mashed potatoea with her special giblet gravy, the dressing, and of course her own cranberry sauce, and finally the potatoe roles with butter. Everybody helps to get it all on the table, and Papa brings out the beautiful golden-brown turkey. The table is surrounded with the regular chairs, but then added is the piano bench for the twins, and of course the baby chair for the newest member this year. It’s finally time to sit down for dinner, everyone chooses their seat, with the baby secured, too. Then Papa reaches to both sides of the table to join hands for prayer. The circle is soon complete, even making sure the baby’s hands are held, too. Then when Papa looks at each one to see all are ready, he begins his prayer: “Heavenly Father, we stop at this moment to give you the recognition you so richly deserve, to thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon mom and I by giving us these beautiful children, and now even our grandchildren. Thank you for all you have provided for us and the means in which to establish a Godly home. We understand today the reason out forefathers of this nation stopped to give You thanks for all Your blessings. You are watching over us each

moment of every day. As David wrote in his song to you: we will enter into your gates with thanksgiving, and into your courts with praise, and be thankful unto you and bless your name. Thank you Father, in Jesus’ Name.” Then mom added “Father, bless and watch over all our men and women in the military who are separated from their loved ones, Amen.” While we recognize the holiday of Thanksgiving, let us also be thankful for every moment we have to do the work of Jesus. To see those around us who are less fortunate and reach out with a hand up to allow God to prove Himself and His love. Jesus came here to reveal the love of our Heavenly Father. The wisdom of God’s plan of salvation, and that it is available to whosoever will receive and give thanks! We pray continually over our government, our leaders both nationally and state. Thank you Father, we live in the best country on the planet. And we will always pray Your Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaver, in Jesus’ Name! God bless America and we pray for peace over Israel. DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

OUT & ABOUT

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DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

TECH TALK ALL TH E TALK HAPPEN I NG AT TECH JANUARY EMT COURSE APPLICATIONS Graduate in SIX months! Clinical training through Bartlesville Ambulance and Jane Phillips Medical Center Emergency Room is included in the course. Upon completion of the training, students are expected to complete the national EMT Certification Test. January applications close December 5, 2023. *Students must have a high school diploma or GED, provide TB skin test results that will remain current for the duration

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UPCOMING TRAINING SESSIONS The Workforce and Economic Development Department has various training courses available. Courses include CPR, First Aid, AED, OSHA 10, Lunch and Learn on multiple topics, and Rescue Tower Training. Register and see the complete list of courses and dates with the QR code. Have something else in mind? Give us a call at 918.331.3255, and we can discuss how we can personalize training for you or

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Beauty is No Problem . . . For Permanent Makeup Artist Sierra Dunkle by Maria Gus

Cosmetic Solutions, located in Bartlesville, has been providing fresh looks in medical micropigmentation for the past six years. Stacy Lard started the company, soon adding her daughter Kelsi Edwards to the team and aesthetician Mary Kate Vaclaw. Recently, Cosmetic Solutions has added the artistic touch of Sierra Dunkle to the team.

Dunkle encourages those with hesitation to talk to someone who has had permanent makeup done. “I had my brows done by Stacy with touch ups done by Kelsi. I’ll tell you I’ve never regretted it,” added Dunkle. “Imagine waking up and your eyeliner or eyebrows are already done? It’s a great feeling!” Her approach is timeless, avoiding trends and focusing on enhancing natural features, staying true to the client’s symmetrical shape.

“Sierra was a quick learner on current makeup and worked really hard to develop her skills,” said Lard. “Also, Sierra is one of the kindest people you could meet. She really likes to help people feel better about themselves.” Dunkle’s path to becoming a permanent makeup artist developed after meeting close friend Kelsi Edwards in nursing school. After graduation in 2014, Dunkle took time to stay home with her family. About eight years later, she decided to look for an opportunity to work outside the home. Edwards suggested taking a look at medical micropigmentation and two months later, Sierra found herself enrolled in school, marking the beginning of an incredible journey. For Dunkle, customer service is her number one priority. According to Dunkle, the moment the customer steps into Cosmetic Solutions, they’ll be greeted by warm and friendly staff. “I try to schedule appointments thoughtfully, ensuring minimal wait times,” said Dunkle. What sets her apart is the personal connection she establishes with clients – providing her personal number for any questions before or after the procedure. Working alongside Kelsi Edwards and Stacy Lard, Dunkle feels like she’s part of a family at Cosmetic Solutions. The camaraderie and support create an environment where she has room to be creative, and the ability to maintain a great work life balance. “Being a permanent makeup artist allows me the flexibility to make my own hours, and still be a wife and Mother first, my most important job,” added Dunkle.

Addressing common concerns, Sierra assures that the process isn’t akin to regular tattoos. The machines used are gentler, and top-notch numbing compounds ensure clients’ comfort throughout the procedure.

and mother first.

A Dewey, Oklahoma native, Sierra now resides west of Bartlesville in scenic Osage County. Family plays a central role in her life, and on her days off, you’ll find her in the barn, riding horses, or working on an oil lease with her husband. Being a permanent makeup artist allows Dunkle the flexibility to be a dedicated wife

Dunkle is committed to excellence and the use of the latest tools and techniques, ensuring her clients receive the best experience and results. Her dedication is not just to her craft but to the individuals who entrust her with their beauty transformations. As a special treat for our readers, mention “B MONTHLY MAGAZINE” when you text 918-440-8998 to book your appointment with Sierra at Cosmetic Solutions, and enjoy $50 off any new procedure and $25 off annual touch-ups. This exclusive offer is valid from December 1, 2023, to February 14, 2024. So, if you’re looking to enhance your natural beauty with the gift that keeps on giving, make an appointment with Sierra Dunkle at Cosmetic Solutions. Your journey to timeless beauty awaits! DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK

by Jay Webster I’ve spent the better part of thirty years making stuff up for a living. It actually started when I was a kid. Growing up, I suffered from Dyslexia before it was cool. In the early years of elementary school, when my brain would bump up against things it couldn’t process, it just sorta stopped and moved to something else. Complicated words, spelling, reading…these obstacles sent my brain quickly turning to less obstructed passageways like Pac-Man running through an electronic maze. The path of least resistance was usually daydreaming or trying to make other kids laugh. I literally started to make stuff up to entertain myself. In third grade, to get out of the discomfort of reading in class, I asked to be excused in order to write an original play. 46

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

My teacher was more than happy to free herself (and the class) from me as a distraction for a couple of hours. While other kids were inventing imaginary friends, I turned my bike into a Star Wars “Speeder Bike” and often pretended to walk an imaginary horse up the stairs to our classroom after recess. When I was left at home alone, I acted out elaborate Hollywood fight scenes . . . by myself. Side note, I often won. By high school, my dreams had evolved. I helped form a rock band, despite the fact that none of the founding members had any musical talent whatsoever. (We did have a name and logo and somehow that felt like enough.) To woo my wife, I routinely sent her poems (sometimes shoe-

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK polished onto her car windshield), and usually anonymous. Nothing attracts girls quite like not knowing who you are. By the time I married my soon-to-be coconspirator and business partner, I realized I’d met my match. Where I was a dreamer, Ann-Janette was a dreamer and a doer. And, as the Mister Rogers song will tell you, that’s the most important part of dreaming . . . the doing. “You can make-believe it happens, or pretend that something’s true. You can wish or hope or contemplate a thing you’d like to do, But until you start to do it, you will never see it through ‘Cause the make-believe pretending just won’t do it for you. You’ve got to do it. Every little bit, you’ve got to do it, do it, do it, do it” The doing is the place of resistance—the place of secondguessing and distraction. You can have ideas all day long, but making them a reality takes work and courage and a general venerability that most of us don’t want to embrace. That’s why I am always so impressed with those who take the risk and make the effort to keep creating, especially as we get older and know the cost. Creativity comes in so many forms: landscaping, childcare, entertaining, gift-giving. . . And when someone puts in the extra energy and time and care to be creative, it always means a great deal to me. My daughter, Evanjalyn, has never known a life free of making. As a small child, she would gravitate to anything that could be built or assembled: Lego, building blocks, gadgets and gears, rock shows, and plays. Unlike her dad, who just thought about these things in secret daydreams to avoid school, she actually did them. She had ideas and forced her way into making them: elaborate tent cities, original dresses for Barbie and her friends, plans for a playhouse, housing for underserved stuffed animals . . . The beauty of that age is that you are unfettered by either the workload of doing those ideas or the fear of failure. The joy is truly in the journey. The beauty of being my age and creating is that I have never been more “capable” than I am right now or more experienced at knowing where the light is and when to move on. There is something so life-giving about seeing someone create. How many times have you been invited to someone’s home just to be surprised at how they’ve decorated their table or thought to try a whole new dish? You gaze at it, ask questions about it, converse about it. Usually, we even take pictures of it on our “little phones” so we can show it to others and talk to them about it. There have been moments when we’ve gone camping as a family and spent a full hour (or more) just stacking rocks beside the lake as if we were creating some medieval monument for later generations to find. “What were these laborers trying to tell us?” Answer: “We weren’t any good at fishing from the shore, got bored, and built this instead.” I love creativity so much because art has a way of expressing what words often can’t. Art can bypass the brain and get straight to the heart. The brain will often catch up, but all too

often in the beginning it just gets in the way. My wife just completed a new album (Songs No One’s Heard). I was fortunate to be part of the process, so you can trust me when I tell you that despite no longer being twentysomething, these are the best songs she’s ever written. They are honest, flavored with a life well-lived, hopeful, but often raw with emotion. They are songs most twenty-somethings can’t write because they don’t have the colors yet in their palette. When we started out on this journey together three decades ago, we of course shot for the stars. We wanted to be “discovered.” We wanted to be big. That was necessary. It pushed us. Now we simply work to be faithful to whatever is inside of us that is trying to get out. Creativity (in all its forms) is always saying something. Sometimes we recognize it right away, sometimes we don’t. Most days, I’m just glad it’s still speaking and I get to be part of the process. Don’t ever buy into the lie that creativity is for the precious few. Creativity is problem-solving. It’s asking: What if. It’s putting everything on the table. It is, as my father-in-law Jason Elmore would say, “There are other ways of doing things.” There are other ways of celebrating Christmas with your family. Other ways of starting a New Year. Other ways of carrying a heavy load. Other ways of feeling content, needed, and useful. Other ways of making other people feel loved, alive, and appreciated. Each of us is born with the “creativity gene,” we just don’t recognize it sometimes. But it is there. So make sure you employ it every chance you get. Ask yourself: Is there another way to do this? Is there another option here? If we put everything on the table, what might we do, where might we go, what might we leave behind for someone else to find? It can be such a healthy place to be. Happy creating friends. I’ll see you next month.

DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

Rejoice!

FROM THE HEART

A Little Can Go a Long Way When We Work Together by Lori Kroh

Bill was sitting on the corner bundled up in a coat and the old scarf was flapping in the wind. He was whittling on a piece of old wood and very focused on the task before him. You may have seen him before, as he is usually sitting on the corner of Walmart and HIghway 75. He is one of many in Bartlesville and he is without a home. Most days he can be seen using his hands and making his creations out of wood. I sat and stared at him and wondered about the hands that can change wood. I thought about a Creator and how He loves every single one of us. I looked at his rough hands and it changed me. It was then that I thought of another who used his skills with wood and it changed the world. I pondered that if only each of us knew what our gifts were and how to use them…how all of humanity would be touched. In the quaint town of Bethlehem, amidst the rustle of olive trees and the cool breeze of a starry night, a miraculous event was about to unfold. The world would soon bear witness to the birth of a child destined to change the course of history. The task fell upon a skilled carpenter named Joseph, a man known for his dedication to his craft and his gentle spirit. Joseph’s hands were the hands that would shape the destiny of the manger, a simple yet profound vessel that would cradle the Savior of mankind. As Joseph approached his work, he felt a divine calling, a sense that this project was more than just carpentry; it was an act of faith and devotion. The first step was selecting the perfect wood, and Joseph chose a piece of olive wood, symbolizing peace and longevity. With each stroke of his chisel, he poured his heart into the creation, knowing that this piece would play a role in the unfolding of God’s plan. The wood, once rough and unassuming, transformed under Joseph’s skilled hands into a vessel of love and warmth. Joseph envisioned the manger not just as a crib but as a symbol of humility and acceptance. He crafted it with an open design, welcoming all who approached, just as the divine child inside would welcome all of humanity. The sides of the manger were adorned with delicate carvings, telling a silent story of love and salvation. As Joseph worked, he was joined by Mary, the chosen mother, whose eyes

sparkled with anticipation and joy. Together, they added personal touches to the manger. Mary wove a soft blanket from the finest wool, symbolizing the warmth of motherly love that would envelop the baby. Joseph fashioned a small pillow, a tender support for the infant’s head. The animals of the stable observed with a curious gaze, as if sensing the sacredness of the moment. A donkey, a cow, and a few sheep gathered around, witnessing the creation of the vessel that would cradle the One who would bring peace on Earth. In their eyes, there was a quiet acknowledgment of the divine significance of this cradle. The night air was filled with a celestial melody, as angels sang in the heavens, celebrating the impending arrival of the newborn King. Their ethereal voices seemed to guide Joseph’s hands, infusing the manger with an otherworldly grace. Every stroke of the hammer and every careful carve resonated with the harmony of the celestial choir. Finally, as the first rays of dawn began to break, the manger stood complete—a masterpiece of devotion, a symbol of love, and a cradle fit for a King. It was not adorned with gold or jewels, but its simplicity spoke volumes about the purity of the miracle it cradled. The manger became a beacon of hope, a physical representation of the divine love that descended to Earth that night. As the infant Jesus was placed in the manger, the world paused in awe. The animals, the shepherds, and the angels—all gathered around, witnessing the fulfillment of a prophecy. The manger, crafted with love and purpose, held within it the promise of salvation and the embodiment of grace. And so, the story of the manger is not just a tale of carpentry; it’s a story of faith, love, and the extraordinary things that can be achieved when guided by a divine purpose. The manger, born from the hands of Joseph and Mary, became a symbol of the greatest gift ever given—a child, a Savior, and the source of eternal hope. May your heart be moved this season and may your hands be moved to make the difference you have been called upon to make. A little can go a long way when we all work together. Godspeed to all whose hands reach the lost and broken and their love helps the weary world REJOICE! DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

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ON THE ROAD

When Virtual Becomes Reality Opening the Gift On the Wrap-Around Deck in Montana by Kelly Hurd Back in the day, when John Hurd was managing a couple of Ted Turner’s ranches, he attended corporate meetings for Turner Enterprises in Montana from time to time. The corporate world of enterprise isn’t exactly John’s first choice of places he loves to be. He’d much rather be horseback somewhere on the back side of Osage County, or in a pen with some dog-broke cattle and a couple of yellow dogs off the chain. Now, although he didn’t know it then, I really think God was preparing him on those Montana trips for the wife He was sending his way a few years down the road… I’ve always loved Montana – at least what I imagined it to be. In my mind, Montana was a big beautiful, rugged, western frontier wilderness and a wanna-be pioneer gal’s pick of places to get off the grid, and get back to nature. I designed my imaginary log home there with a wrap-around deck and views that just made the cool morning coffee taste like a Folgers commercial. I had it all planned out on my imaginary planner I kept in the back corner of my mind, and I even had a live-in maid up there who took care of things when I wasn’t home. In my imaginary world, I would run yearlings up there in the summer, and then I would winter down on the southern plains in Texas where my momma cows lived yearround. It was a good life I had dreamed up, just ask anyone who knew me a few years back, way down Texas way. They most likely could even tell you the name of my maid. That imaginary dream of mine, I’ve come to realize, was operating most effectively as a state-of-the-art coping mechanism that helped me deal with the real-life situation that came to spoil my coffee mornings and dash my hopes on a regular basis – so I would dream – of Montana -- and a different life where I was inspired by the beauty and the peace that surrounded me there… And then, along the lines of a Brady Bunch theme song, “Til the one day when the lady met this fellow,” all of a sudden

life took a turn in a new direction, and the state-of-the- art coping mechanism was no longer needed – but the heart of the handsome newly-wed cowboy wanted to bless his new bride, so he planned a trip that made her imaginary dream come true – and he took her to Montana for her birthday this year. Thanks to his Ted Turner days, John had contacts in Montana and they not only hooked him up with an amazing log cabin with a wrap around deck in the middle of a beautiful, rugged, western, scenic, base-of-the-mountain ranch pasture – they entertained us around a heated pool and took us to supper one evening as well. I woke up to views I had dreamed of, sipped coffee on the porch and watched elk in the distance – and the best part of it all was – I did it, not to escape a painful reality, but to enjoy a beautiful one because I did it with someone who makes reality a place I want to relish. In this season, it’s just that good and that sweet, and I don’t want to miss one drop of it. Knowing what you’ve got when you’ve got it - is a gift, but that gift is often purchased by the price of wishing for deliverance in seasons of pain. I don’t think you can truly know joy unless you’ve drank a cup of sorrow… So I’ll say this - Montana in real time is better than Montana in virtual reality, but if your reality has you coping, just hoping you’ll make it through – let me encourage your heart to hold onto your dreams because many times those dreams are Godplanted hope seeds meant to bust through the sod of your own life down the road – and cause you also to relish in your reality at the realization that deliverance has come and God is better than you thought He was… “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Ps 30:5. Thanks for going “On the Road” with me this month! Merry Christmas, y’all! DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas Returns to The Center The original team behind the Tony® Award-winning Broadway hit, Million Dollar Quartet, reunites with Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, a heartwarming holiday rock ‘n’ roll musical, returns to The Center for arts, events, and community on Wednesday, December 6th at 7:00pm. There’s no place like home for the holidays, and Sun Records is just that for rock ‘n’ roll newcomers and soon to be legends – Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley. In a fortuitous twist of fate, all four musicians stop by their famous Memphis recording studio alma mater the same wintry evening, unbeknownst to them that they had the front seat to a revolution.

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Holiday Gift Package Available The Center would like to remind everyone that short season Broadway in Bartlesville! subscriptions make the perfect Christmas gift! Here’s a look at the upcoming shows available in the holiday gift package: MEAN GIRLS Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 7:30pm Mark your calendar for “MEAN GIRLS,” hitting the stage on February 1. Based on Tina Fey’s creative genius, this musical comedy explores the highs and lows of high school life and friendship. With direction by Casey Nicholaw, music by Jeff Richmond, and lyrics by Nell Benjamin, this show promises laughter and energy galore. Join in the fun and experience the magic of the teenage world!

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas brings that momentous homecoming to life with an electrifying ON SALE tale of family,TICKETS nostalgia, faith, humor, heart break, and revelry. Journey through a story of Christmas past, present and future, MONDAY jam packed with unforgettable performances of classic | (918) 337-2787 HAIRSPRAY 9TH chart toppers such as BARTLESVILLECENTER.COM holiday hits OCTOBER and favorite “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 7:30pm “Blue Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town,” “Ring of On February 20, get ready to travel back in time to 1962 Fire,” “Santa Baby,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Run Run Baltimore with “HAIRSPRAY.” Follow the captivating story of Rudolph” and more. 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad as she strives to dance her way The four iconic roles of Million Dollar Quartet Christmas are onto TV’s most popular show and inspire change. This Tony brought to life by Alex Swindle as Elvis Presley, Jared Freiburg Award-winning musical is brimming with romance, laughter, as Jerry Lee Lewis, Zack Zaromatidis as Carl Perkins, and Bill and unforgettable tunes. Don’t miss out on the chance to relive Scott Sheets as Johnny Cash. The cast also features Kathleen the ‘60s and join the irresistible dance party! Macari as Dyanne, Matthew Mucha as Sam Phillips, Michael THE CHER SHOW Sinclair as Brother Jay (Jay Perkins), and Jamie Pittle as Fluke. Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 7:30pm The show is directed by Scott Weinstein, featuring a Join us on April 9 for “THE CHER SHOW,” a musical book by Colin Escott, with orchestrations and additional celebration of the one and only Cher. Experience her arrangements by Chuck Mead. The design team is led by remarkable journey through the decades, portrayed by three Kimie Nishikawa (Scenic Design), Izumi Inaba (Costume talented actresses. From her early days to becoming an icon, Design), Ryan O’Gara (Lighting Design), and Diego Garzón this Tony Award-winning production is a tribute to Cher’s (Sound Design). Million Dollar Quartet Christmas is produced enduring legacy. Get ready to be dazzled by the story of a true by Madison Wells Live. superstar! There is still plenty of time to reserve your spot in the COME FROM AWAY audience. Ticket can be purchased by stopping in or calling the BCC box office at 918.337.2787 from 9am – 5pm on weekdays Friday, June 28, 2024 at 8:00pm (NEW DATE & TIME) or online to bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com. Online orders On June 28, be prepared to be moved by “COME FROM will be placed in Will Call for your convenience and may be AWAY.” This poignant musical recounts the heartwarming true picked up during regular business hours or one hour before story of a small town that opened its doors to 7,000 stranded the show. passengers following the events of 9/11. Witness how cultures Special thanks goes to ConocoPhillips who provided united, friendships formed, and music soared in the face of funding for an extra night of Million Dollar Quartet adversity. Written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Christmas, the choice for their corporate holiday show, so Hein, and directed by Tony-winning Best Director Christopher that the Bartlesville Community Center could sell tickets Ashley, this show is a testament to the power of compassion as a fundraiser. Other local media sponsors include: and humanity. Examiner-Enterprise * KGGF-AM KGGF-FM KUSN KQQR

THE CENTER

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6TH AT 7:00PM

DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

A Gift for the Community from The Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce

Opening Night Tree & Park Lighting, Outdoor Ice Rink, Food Trucks, DownFriday, Dec. 1 town Merchant Crawl, Movies in the Park, Carriage Rides, 5:30-9PM Tot Train Rides, Presents with Perspective Advisors & free pics with Santa!

Historic Downtown Public Hours Enjoy Bartlesville with outdoor

Dec. 2-17

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ice skating, carriage rides,

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BREAKFAST

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 25th 8-11AM First Wesleyan Church CEC CAFE

Check our website for bus pick up times and locations. 1776 Silver Lake Road . 918-333-4760 . fwcbartlesville.org 56

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

Christmas in the ‘Ville

HOLIDAY FUN

Popular Downtown Holiday Event Opens December 1 The Bartlesville Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of their seventh annual “Christmas in the ‘Ville” – a month long Christmas festival that features a real ice skating rink set up in their parking lot just north of the Chamber Depot at 201 SW Keeler in the heart of downtown Bartlesville. The festival, which is sponsored by Perspective Advisors & Keller Williams, The Koster Team, and many other local companies, will open Dec. 1 to the public and run through Jan. 2, 2024. “We are excited to bring back this fun entertainment gift to our community. We have a really special downtown and the Chamber staff, wanted to come up with something to highlight that, particularly during the holidays. We have created a family friendly, old- fashioned Christmas atmosphere in the heart of downtown Bartlesville,” said Sherri Wilt, president/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. “We wanted to set ourselves apart from other holiday rinks by surrounding our guests with beauty and entertainment, and people have loved our quaint, family friendly atmosphere and ease of free parking,” said Wilt. “The festival has grown every year with the addition of new things.” During the festival, the Chamber’s property will be magically lit from the Frank Phillips Park at Keeler and Frank Phillips Blvd. all the way to the north parking lot where their vintage AT&SF No. 940 locomotive train sits. One can climb up into the locomotive and blow the whistle and explore. The train also features four other cars including a caboose. All have been lovingly restored and are lit and decorated to make a beautiful back drop to the west side of the rink. The park is filled with twinkle lights and includes a magnificent 12 foot walk-through ornament and 28 foot Christmas tree. There is also a north end back drop to the rink that portrays a vintage village. Another favorite is the many photo ops around the property, which makes for great stops for holiday photos.

Beginning December 1, the festival will be open every Friday from 6pm-9pm and every Saturday and Sunday from 1-9pm. Fridays Dec. 8 and 165the rink is reserved from 4-6pm specially for families skating with children under 12. After Dec. 20 when schools are out for Christmas break, the rink will be open every day from 1-9pm but closed Christmas day and open 1-5pm Christmas Eve. Horse drawn carriage rides are also available. See www. BartlesvilleChristmas.com for their schedule. Santa is available for take-your-own photos in the big red sleigh on the weekends. (see www.BartlesvilleChristmas.com for specific times and full calendar of events.) Evenings feature Christmas movies in the park on the north lawn. Benches are set up like a little drive-in and families can enjoy some classic holiday movies while sipping hot chocolate. Yard games on the south lawn are also a favorite with families. There will be a community wide celebration for the season and opening of the rink on Friday, December 1 at 5:30pm. The evening will include the lighting of the Chamber park and 28 foot community Christmas tree with the flip of a switch. The evening will also feature other fun activities including visiting with Santa, local food trucks, a downtown merchant crawl featuring some great prizes, festive photo-op stops, real tot train rides, Presents with Perspective Shop where kids shop free for family members in the Perspective Advisors tent, carriage rides through downtown, and much more. Admission to skate is $12 and includes skates and unlimited skating time. Most of the other activities, except carriage rides are free so families can spend time together and create special holiday memories. “We hope the people will slip on out and enjoy some frosty family fun in Bartlesville,” Wilt said. For more information about the festival including the schedule of events visit www.BartlesvilleChristmas.com and follow on Facebook at Bartlesville Christmas in the Ville. DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

William C. Rigg

UNSUNG HEROES

Attack on Pearl Harbor Prompted Military Career by Joe Todd

William C. Rigg was born 19 March 1925 in Perry, Oklahoma. He graduated from Perry High School in 1941. His father was the Station Agent for the Frisco Railroad in Perry and had a moderate income and the Depression had little effect on the family. He had an uncle that made the Land Run of 1893, which brought his mother’s family to Noble County. He had a paper route and was delivering a Special Edition concerning the German invasion of Poland and thought the US would eventually get involved in the war. After high school he enrolled at Tonkawa Junior College. He had a date with Jackie, his future wife on Sunday to see a movie when the Japanese attack on Hawaii was announced. The students were moved out of the dormitories and the Air Corps took over to train men in the Tonkawa area to fly Piper Cubs. He wanted to be in the Flying Service and joined the Air Corps in October of 1942 and called to active duty in January 1943 and sent to Shepherd Field, Texas for Basic Training. Basic lasted eight weeks and was mainly indoctrination into the Army. After Basic, he was sent to the University of Denver to study Engineering and Science. The classes were geared specifically for the Air Corps. Denver University had closed its door to local students to accommodate the Air corps. The students had eight hours training in the Piper Cub but did not solos. The course lasted six weeks and he was sent to Santa Ana, California for Pre-Flight Training. Each student was given a series of tests and he and passed the test for Pilot Training. His Pre-Flight Training lasted two months, then was sent to King City, California for Primary Flight Training in the PT-22. He had his solo flight at King City then sent to Taft, California in the fall of 1943 for Basic Flight Training and flew the BT-13, a larger airplane. His most vivid memory of Basic Flight Training was Instrument Flying. In instrument flying, a hood was placed over your head so all you could see were the instruments. Basic Flight training lasted two months and was sent to

Fort Sumner, New Mexico for Advanced Flight Training in the AT-6, which is a single engine and the AT-10, a twin-engine airplane. He received his commission as a pilot at Fort Sumner in 1944. Each pilot could request fighters or bombers and he chose bombers because they had multiple engines. He was sent to Las Vegas for Gunnery School, which lasted three weeks. After Gunnery School, he was sent to Salt Lake City, Utah and assigned as the Co-Pilot in the crew of a B-24. The crew was sent to Norwich, England and assigned to the 491st Bomb Group June 1944 at North Pickingham. The bomb load of the B-24 was 5,000 to 6,000 pounds of bombs and his first mission was to bomb an oil refinery in Germany near the Danish Border. On his 6th mission, one of the Waist Gunners had a very serious injury and from then on, the crewmembers were conscious of the possibilities of injuries and being shot down. Another vivid mission was flying supplies to US Paratroopers at Nijmegen and Arnhem in Holland. They flew at treetop level to drop ammunition, food and medical supplies. On the 16th mission to the Misberg oil refinery, German fighters attacked his bomb group until American fighters drove them away. There were 30 bombers on that mission and only 12 returned to England. His plane was damaged several times by German fighters and anti-aircraft fire but always made it back to England, but it close several times. He flew 30 missions and his last was on 26 February 1945 to Berlin to bomb the Marshalling Yards. The bombardier could not get a visual sighting but bombed by radar because the Marshalling Yards made a vivid image on the radar screen. Returned to the US on the Queen Elizabeth, landed at New York and knew he was home when he saw the Statue of Liberty. Was in San Antonio on V-J Day. Began working for Phillips Petroleum and moved to Bartlesville in 1947. DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Above the Turbulence by Carolyn Deck

Carolyn Deck is known for crafting compelling narratives that captivate readers and leave a lasting impact. With a passion for exploring themes of resilience, personal growth, and the pursuit of purpose and hope, Deck has brought readers on a transformative journey through the pages of her book “Above The Turbulence. Your Ticket Out of Pain to Purpose.” From New Zealand to the World. Carolyn Deck hails from the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand. Her life journey has been a testament to transformation. Triumphing over her past pain growing up in a dysfunctional family, navigating generational trials, overcoming hours of therapy learning to walk again many times over, challenges of relocation both within families and countries, plus so much more, she lives with unwavering hope, driven by the belief - Greatness Out of Disaster, Give Order in the Decision GOD provides all that’s required to rise above adversity. Uncovering the secrets hidden within her life’s dark crevasses, she empowers and inspires her readers to know we all have choices. How we react, even to the choices made for us and others we never wanted or asked for, determines our destination. Carolyn embarked on an international adventure in her youth, spending a year as an international student in Kansas, USA. This experience broadened her horizons while presenting further challenges and choices but never dampening her passion for adventure and travel. After returning home, Carolyn’s career in the travel industry took off. She climbed the ranks and became an Area Manager in her mid-twenties, showcasing her ability for leadership and adaptability. Carolyn’s life has been a journey marked by change. She and her husband of over 32 years have been away from home for over twenty-five years, raising their five children in Australia and the United States. She has visited over twenty countries, constantly embracing adventures and facing further challenges along the way. Carolyn’s deep-seated hope is to guide and support others in coping with change, overcoming life’s trials, and living a life they might have never thought possible. Her experiences and wisdom are a source of inspiration and empowerment for those seeking transformation and purpose. Above the Turbulence weaves words into stories that inspire, motivate, and resonate with readers of all backgrounds, providing entertainment and enlightenment. Join Carolyn on a voyage through the realms of imagination and insight, where every page is an opportunity to experience the power of storytelling. Be prepared to be moved, inspired, and to find your own path. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter serve to unlock your life truths and give applications to take the next steps. Transform your experiences into tools to live a hope-filled life and become a beacon of inspiration for yourself and others.

Joining the Dots: A Match Made in Heaven In a world that often seems to move too quickly, where the noise of our daily lives can drown out the quieter, more profound stories, we bring you a tale that’s been decades in the making—a story of love, Africa, and the magic of connection. It all began when Carolyn Deck was just a child, turning the pages of her birthday book. The enchanting images of Africa’s savannahs and the wild creatures that roamed its landscapes captivated her heart. Little did she know that these early impressions would shape her destiny. Fifteen years later, as her life would have it, Carolyn found herself in the heart of Africa. The dust of those Savannahs she had dreamed about as a child caked her boots. Collecting sticks for a fire one evening, she had a chance encounter with the most unexpected guests: the bright, beaming faces of the local children. Their shrieking laughter and joy warmed her heart as she realized this was their home, and she was their welcomed visitor. Another 30 years later, her daughter experienced Carolyn’s love of Africa. Finding herself in Malawi, she made mud bricks to build homes for orphaned children. What delight in the faces of those children. Fast forward another decade, Carolyn found herself at a writer’s workshop in Austin, Texas. After a day that seemed to stretch endlessly, Carolyn joined her fellow writers around a crackling outdoor fire. Words had filled the day, but now the stories flowed, painting the night with the magic of shared experiences. Then they met. Carolyn, eyes frozen in amazement on a brochure held in Eric’s hand, saw those faces again. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the familiar faces from her past—the same faces she had seen in Africa and in the photos her daughter had captured. “I’ve founded, with my wife, Susan, FaceswithNames.org.” At that moment, Carolyn realized the voice she had heard as a child, woman, and mother finally came full circle; “Here is your love.” The dots connected in a way she never expected. Tears of joy rolled from her eyes, realizing the longing she had experienced to help bring hope and happiness to these children had arrived. With immense joy in her heart, Carolyn donates her book proceeds to Eric and Susan Mill’s foundation, Faces With Names International. (https://faceswithnames.org/). This story proves that love, connection, and the power of giving can span continents and generations. It serves as a reminder that when hearts connect, the journey can lead to a match made in heaven. Lives touched and transformed give hope that spreads to the far corners of the world. DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

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A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Ten Feet Wandering Germany by Brent Taylor When my son was preparing to leave for a semester at the University of Hamburg, we spoke with experienced travelers who had been to Germany. The advice to my son included how to grip a Bavarian milking cow. This was udderly fascinating advice although it seemed to be casting pearls to swine. After our son was settled in his studies in Germany, we flew to Hamburg for a visit. On the flight, we sat next to a gentleman from Dresden. He showed my wife how to pause her movie, “The Hunger Games,” so she could eat her brownies covered with strawberries and whipped cream. I asked him about the fire bombings of Dresden during World War II. He said the core of his city was totally flattened. He was an extremely genial and cordial gentleman. Based upon our travels around the country, Germans seem much more friendly than in the movies. It was 1969 when I first considered Germans, in the woods behind our family home, looking for the enemy along with my ten-year-old buddies while helping a friend celebrate a birthday. He wanted to play army after cake and ice cream so we scoured the timber firing our fingers like browning automatic rifles at anything suspiciously German. There’s something brooding and mysterious about Germany, but also something beautiful and majestic. We visited Rothenburg, dubbed the “most German of German” cities by Hitler. We walked the cobblestones as young artists gazed at tower clocks, giant sketch pads in their laps drawing shape, shadow, and contour. The sun-drenched pastel walls reminded me of words written by George Eliot in her book Middlemarch. “Miss Brooke had the kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress…and her profile as well as her stature and bearing seemed to gain the more dignity from her plain garments, which by the side of provincial fashion gave her the impressiveness of a fine quotation from the Bible.” Beyond the walls and moat of this old city is modern

Rothenburg. The new city left the old city behind four hundred years ago in favor of enlightenment. From the religious certitude of the Thirty Years War, the festering boils of the Black Plague, and the ashes of World War II bombings, arose beauty. Old Rothenburg is remarkably beautiful. The simple beauty of a city set in relief by poor dress like a fine quotation from the Bible. Driving back to Berlin from Rothenburg, we saw old stone churches with steeples rising over the red tile roofs of tiny towns like fingers pointing home. And the Berlin Wall broken and crumbling, but covered in brilliant graffiti, handprints, cartoons, the creative canvas of a complex city divided overnight by barbed wire and masonry. We strolled the streets of Hamburg and my son pointed to bronze medallions embedded in sidewalks near particular residences, the names of Jews taken from that home, murdered, because they were so presumptuous to be born Jewish. My daughter Lauren sat next to me on a train ride in Berlin and she said, “I never really knew why people hated them.” “Hated whom?”, I replied. “The Jews.” I asked her, “Why did they hate them?” “They were smart and rich,” she answered. I didn’t have a response so I sat looking at Berlin pass by out the train window. I realized that I was a foreigner in a Gentile country. Gentiles are the people who have no identity other than the nature of what they are not. They are not Jewish. And yet, they are just like me. As Lionel Blue once said, “Jews are just like everyone else, only more so.” Jewish sons and daughters on medallions impressed on poured concrete in Hamburg sidewalks are just like me only more so, not unlike those artists painting their souls onto a crumbling iron curtain, looking to a future that’s sculpted by a past they try to forget, yet cannot. It helps me to see those unlike me, Germans and Jews, the plain and the sublime. The Lord God made us all. DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2023

LOCAL BUSINESS

PioneerDream

Media Company Founders in for a Busy Month “It takes two to make a thing go right / It takes two to make it outta sight” That may well be the theme for the founding duo of media company PioneerDream, Jay and Ann-Janette Webster. This month the team is celebrating the release of two new original projects (a new book by Jay as well as a new album of original songs by Ann-Janette). Songs No One’s Heard is the latest album from singer/songwriter Ann-Janette, who says even four albums in, writing remains a necessity for her. “I write music because I need to. It clears my mind and revives my soul so I can process life. All of these songs are honest, and I hope listeners might see themselves and their own struggles in them. Maybe people will be encouraged a bit, uplifted a bit, and even though they come from a sometimes raw place, that the music will make them feel better about things.” The album has been described as: “revelatory, triumphant, and altogether relatable.” Ann-Janette says the key is writing with a light hand, to try to listen and follow where the song goes. That has led her to some very interesting musical experiences.

refreshed columns, others are previously unpublished essays and some are just funny observations over time. bMonthly’s readership has always been so generous to read and respond to the column, I had so many of them in mind in putting this together. I’m anxious to get the book into their hands.” The pair are excited to announce that starting in December, both releases are available to the general public. Songs No One’s Heard (available as a CD or digital download) and the book can be found online on the “Merch” page at pioneerdreamers.com and locally downtown at Moxie on Second. Music and book lovers are invited to join a champagne book + album signing party at Moxie on December 8 from 4:30-6 pm. “It’s such a cool thing to be able to drop a new book at the same time as Ann-Janette’s album. We love our local audience and the support they’ve always shown. Over the last couple of decades, it feels like we’ve entered into so many of these creative projects (movies, concert events, books, albums, frisky buffaloes…) hand in hand with our home community. We couldn’t be happier to launch these two new projects here first.”

“Even though I don’t really set out to do this when writing, most of my songs end up having a sort of question-and-answer thing going on. An honest sharing about fears, disillusionment, the struggle it takes to stay creative and continue to be who you’re made to be, etc. Those are the challenges, the questions we all wrestle with. But, almost always… in part of the song often in the bridge - there’s a hopeful answer in there as well. I just can’t help but be hopeful - the curse of an eternal optimist.” In addition to the album, Ann-Janette’s partner and husband, Jay is releasing a new book this month entitled You Really Don’t Have to Read This: Musings, Questions, and Mostly True Memories. (bMonthly readers will likely recognize Jay from his monthly column.) “The book is really a series of short conversations in the form of bite-sized chapters. Some of them are based on DECEMBER 2023 | bmonthly

LET FREEDOM RING

A Tale of (More Than) 2 Santas by Jay Hastings

As a child, my family’s tradition was to open gifts Christmas morning and, of course, see what Santa brought. I can remember wanting to go to bed early as, somehow, that would make the morning come faster! Even so, I would inevitably have difficulty going to sleep for wondering about Santa and anticipating the joys of the morning. The concept of Santa is known and revered around the world. One of the earliest versions is centered on St Nicholas, a fourth century Greek Christian bishop known for giving generously to the poor. December 6th was eventually noted as St Nicholas Day. Traditionally, children were given gifts on that day in St Nicholas’ honor. Later, through the leadership of Martin Luther, the gift giving was moved in conjunction with the Christmas holiday, with the intention of directing children to honor and recognize the gift of Jesus Christ rather than the works of St Nicholas. Father Christmas dates back to the 16th century in England. He was considered as a large man, clad in a green or scarlet robe lined with fur. At Christmas, he was believed to bring a spirit of good cheer and peace, as well as good food, wine and revelry. Sinterklaas is celebrated in areas of the Netherlands and Belgium. Our character of Santa Claus compares with Sinterklaas, both of whom are patterned after St Nicholas. A similar character is known to the Dutch as the Christmas Man and to the French as Father Christmas. Kris Kringle was a common variant of Santa in parts of the United States by 1845, including the custom of children hanging up stockings on Christmas Eve to serve as a place for Kringle, or St Nicholas or Santa Claus, to leave gifts. The name varied by geographic region but the concept 74

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remained fairly consistent. In the United States and Canada, children may leave a glass of milk and a plate of cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. In Britain and Australia, sherry or beer and mince pies are offered instead. In Denmark, Norway and Sweden, children commonly leave out rice porridge with sugar and cinnamon, and in Ireland, Santa is often left Christmas pudding or mince pies along with milk or, you guessed it, a pint of Guinness! I find the different names and traditions interesting, how they have changed and progressed through the years. When I think back on my Christmas memories, I recognize how my own perspective has changed over time. I remember as a child making a very detailed Christmas list of toys I desired from the Sears, JC Penny, and Montgomery Ward catalogs. At some point, I started making the list for my parents to have instead of Santa. Later, as a parent myself, the focus turned to providing gifts for my children and working hard at making sure a visit from Santa would be very obvious to them when they awoke on Christmas morning. Thinking back, I never won the argument with my wife as to why Santa would not have eaten all of those cookies. Somewhere along the way, the importance of gifts given and gifts received fell away. Instead, the most treasured gift became that of time spent together with family. We spent many Christmas lunches at my parents’ house. Often, I would take a group picture of everyone who was able to be there. Those photos have become especially important to me in recent years, particularly since the passing of my father and oldest brother. Traditions change over time. We no longer have small children at home, but Santa still visits. He may leave something big, or something small. Something fun, or something useful. Whatever it is, is intended to bring joy and to communicate love with no strings attached. In fact, it is not unlike our greatest gift of all, given to us through Jesus Christ. So, while we celebrate the spirit of Santa – or St Nicholas, or Sinterklaas, or Father Christmas, or…. you get the idea – we do so acknowledging the greatest example of giving was established long ago in what would come to be known as the First Christmas.

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