bmonthly May 2022 by bmonthly Magazine

MAY 2022

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WHAT’S INSIDE

what’s inside... 27 7

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Upfront

Unmissable Events: GraceFest on the Green Popular Free Christian Concert Returns on May 7

Profile: Kevin & Dorea Potter Community Voices

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Introductions: Meet Ellen Conn PCA Announces New Nurse Practitioner Giving Back: A Century of Sisterhood Now You Know: Comrades in Arms Looking Back: First Bartlesville Post Office DAR Dedicating New Monument at Original Site

Business Spotlight: Truity Travels Truity Credit Union Introduces New Travel Program

Summer Fun: Sunfest! Celebrating 40 Years of Food, Fun & the Arts

Feature: The Civil War

Feature Sponsor Story: Officer of the Year Corporal Brad Dunkle Honored by His Peers at BPD

From the Heart: Carve the Little Bird In All You Do and Say, Know that God Sees You

Local Business: Mr. Limey’s Joyce Thurman Looks Back on 36 Years There

A Good Word: Trust God’s Plan

A Fresh Perspective: School’s Out For Summer The Final Bell at Limestone School

Funny You Should Ask: One Hundred and Two

Let Freedom Ring: Operation Neptune Spear A Look at the Plan to Take Out Osama bin Laden

Arts & Entertainment: Broadway in Bartlesville! BiB! Season Finishes Strong with Three Big Shows

Annual Events: Dewey Antique Show & Sale

Kids’ Calendar

Chick-fil-A Events Calendar

Bartlesville’s Own: Lynn Blevins

Family Fun: Sizzlin’ Summer Series

Stars In Our Back Yard: Merchandising Magnate J.C. Penny’s Golden Rule

Out & About: Photos from Around Town

MAY 2022 4

bmonthly | MAY 2022

UPFRONT

upfront Welcome to May, friends. Christy and I want to salute and honor the men and women who over the last 246 years have fought many wars, battles, and conflicts for this country. Through these conflicts, we have had many of our soldiers die in these battles across the world to keep this country free and to help others stay free. Debbie Neece from the Bartlesville Area History Museum and I have been talking about this Feature Story for years. I finally told her it was time to write about it. The Civil War! In this war we fought against each other. It was the bloodiest and most costly war for this country. Of all the wars that the United States has been involved in, this is the one war that I have studied and watched thousands of hours of documentaries on. At the bloody end, we lost over 618,000 thousand men ... fathers, brothers, and sons — regular men who died over uncompromising differences between the free and slave states and over the power of the national government to prohibit slavery in the terrotories that had not became states yet. Over the four-year war, the North (Union) lost more men with 360,000 compared to the south (Confederacy) of 258,000 men. This war forever changed America. Even today, it divides this country, and I ask myself — why? This war ended over a 125 years ago, and today we are taking down statues and monuments that NONE of us had anything to do with whether, you're black or white or from the north or from the south. History can not be changed because you take down a statue or a monument. It will only hide and cover up the fact that we cannot overcome, look past, and actually learn from our history and not hide from it, be shamed by it — but we can become better people for it. Can we not all grow up? Slavery was not started in the United States, but it did end here! My idea for the cover photo was to have the two flags from that era that represented the North and the South. And yes, WE were a divided nation. Over the last few years it seems to me that this Nation has become as divided now as we were then. We should come

together as Americans first because there is not another country in the world like we have here, and we should cherish the freedoms we have, or we might just find ourselves less free. On Saturday May 7th, starting at 5 p.m., we will be having our Second Annual Gracefest on the Green concert featuring Sanctus Real, Stars Go Dim, and Tim Timmons as they bring their nationwide tour “My God Is Still The Same” to Bartlesville. Christy and I are so excited for this concert, and it is FREE. When we came up with the idea last year for Gracefest, we decided then that we never want this concert to be a financial burden on a family or an individual. We want everyone to come and listen to top Christian music and be a part of a family atmosphere. We will have 10 food trucks, and after the concert we will be showing the inspirational movie Greater. It will be the first concert of the year on the Green, and just like last year, all proceeds will go to The Journey Home. Last year, through our amazing sponsors and you, we were able to give a $10,000 check to The Journey Home. We are praying that this year we can donate a $15,000 check to one of the best non-profit organizations in the area. The Journey Home has helped families and their loved ones who are passing away at no cost. The most important thing for us are the salvations won for heaven, and we are praying that miracles will happen just as they did last year. We want to thank all of our sponsors for believing in our vision of a free community concert where the focus is faith, family, and fellowship. Thank you to these incredible companies for your giving: DSR, Patriot Auto Group, Sutterfield Financial, Colaw Fitness, Bartlesville Health and Rehab, Comforting Hands Hospice, Stride Bank and Mortgage, First Wesleyan Church, Hera Soft, Get Real Ministries, The Apartments at Hotel Phillips, The House FM, and KWON Radio. We hope to see all of you on May 7th for this incredible FREE concert. God bless you and God bless America.

Keith & Christy McPhail, managing editors.

Keith

Volume XIII Issue V Bartlesville Monthly Magazine is published by

ENGEL PUBLISHING

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

www.bartlesvillemonthly.com facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly Publisher

Brian Engel brian@bartlesvillemonthly.com Art Direction

Copper Cup Images design@coppercupimages.com Director of Sales & Marketing

Keith McPhail keith@bartlesvillemonthly.com Community Liaison

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Shelley Greene Stewart Delivery and Distribution

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calendar@bartlesvillemonthly.com Contributing Writers Debbie Neece, Kay Little, Jay Webster, Lori Kroh, Jay Hastings, Sarah Leslie Gagan, Maria Gus, Randy Standridge, Brent Taylor, Lori Roll, Keith McPhail, Lori Just Contributing Photographers Chance Franks, Bartlesville Area History Museum, Jessica Smith, Rich Lyke, Library of Congress, Dora Patzkowski, Charlene Dew 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 The Civil War took more than 600,000 American lives in four years and left us ... A Country Divided. Creative Concept by Keith and Christy McPhail Design by Copper Cup Images

MAY 2022 | bmonthly

GRACEFEST GREEN 2022 on the

FREE CONCERT MAY 7

BENEFITTING THE JOURNEY HOME • FOOD TRUCKS ON SITE

Presented by

4 - 5PM OPENING ACTS More Information at www.bartlesvillemonthly.com

Measured By Character presents Greater after the concert

Off The Grid

Sponsored by

BWade

UNMISSABLE EVENTS

GraceFest 2022! Popular Free Christian Concert Returns on May 7 GraceFest on the Green returns for a second straight year, as bmonthly is excited to present Sanctus Real, Stars Go Dim, and Tim Timmons performing a free Christian concert at Tower Center at Unity Square. The family-friendly event is slated for May 7, from 58 p.m., followed by a showing of the movie Greater, presented by Measured by Character. Local artists OFF The Grid and bWade are opening acts, and will perform from 4-5 p.m. “We are excited to bring GraceFest on the Green back to Bartlesville, and we couldn’t be happier to have the artists we were able to schedule,” said bmonthly Magazine Managing Editor Keith McPhail. “Last year was a tremendous success, and we expect this year to be even better. The concert is free, but any proceeds we make will benefit The Journey Home.” Sanctus Real was formed in 1996. The Ohio-based trio has seen major success over their 25-year career span, earning two GRAMMY® Award nominations, a GMA Dove Award® and six GMA Dove nominations. With a total of nine studio albums, most recently 2019's Unstoppable God, which was the follow-up to 2018's Changed, Sanctus Real has accumulated eight No. 1's and eight top five singles on multiple Christian radio formats. Their current hit My God is Still the Same is also rocketing up the Christian music charts. To date, the band has sold more than 1.2 million albums and their music has been streamed 210+ million times globally. With a cumulative radio audience totalling 3.7 billion, they also have more than 25 million lifetime YouTube streams and thousands of days clocked on the road traveling all over the world, touring with other established artists such as MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, needtobreathe, Skillet, and more. Stars Go Dim began as a side project of the Christian rock band Pillar. Wittig and Estelle ultimately left Pillar to focus on Stars Go Dim in 2008. Avalos was also a touring member of Pillar before committing to the new band, and was previously in Justifide. After forming in late 2007, the band finished recording and finally released their first self-titled EP in October 2008, which

consists of five tracks: "Come Around", "Crazy", "Walk On", "Incredible", and, "Get Over It". Avalos stated that, "We just love to write songs that make you want to singalong," and "it wasn't until I had written a twelve or so songs that we realized what we had. It's really this intricate mess of a love story that will unfold itself with our full-length album." The band’s current hit, Yes He Does, is getting a lot of air time on Christian radio stations. After two decades of ministry and a lifetime of looking for Jesus, Timmons is no stranger to pain, cancer, sorrow, failure, joy and hope. “For most of my life,” Timmons shares, “I found myself working FOR God, and not WITH Him, which lead to my tired soul desperately searching for more. Saying, ‘Jesus, is this all there is?’” His latest single, “You Never Let Go” featuring Tammi Haddon, is a prayer to remind us that regardless of the season we find ourselves in, how connected or disconnected we feel to God, He will NEVER, ever let us go. There will also be several delicious food truck on site serving up great dining options, including Shorties Grille, Tate's Tater Truck, Ryan's Dawgs, Local Juice Co., Chick-fil-A, DJ's Southern Snow, The Okie Lemon, Sippin Sweet Co., The Love Shack, and RoSo's Coffee Company. For anyone who is looking for a place to stay after the concert, The Apartments at Hotel Phillips is the official hotel for GraceFest. The concert is sponsored by: Diversified Systems ResourcesDSR, Patriot Auto Group, Sutterfield Financial Group, INC, Comforting Hands Hospice, Bartlesville Health & Rehab Community. Bartlesville Radio, The House FM, Get Real Ministries, HeraSoft, Stride Bank, Colaw Fitness, and First Wesleyan Church. For more information about GraceFest, visit the website at www.bartlesvillemonthly.com/gracefest.

GRACEFEST on the

GREEN 2022 MAY 2022 | bmonthly

PROFILE

Kevin and Dorea Potter Community Voices by Sarah Leslie Gagan Radio is the voice that brings community together. For over a century, the airwaves have brought music and joy into homes, cars, and workplaces, along with valuable news and information. Radio broadcasting today remains an indispensable part of our lives. The Bartlesville community is home to KYFM, KWON, KRIG, and KPGM radio stations, owned and operated by Kevin and Dorea Potter. Bartlesville wasn’t the Potter’s first venture into broadcasting. They began in 1982 by forming their corporation, KCD Enterprises Inc. KCD actually stands for the three-person team that operates the business, Kevin, Christ and Dorea, with Christ in the middle of all they do. They hold true to their vision, stating “It is our mission to run a business with Christian principles, based on integrity, service, and giving back to our community to make it a better place.” Generations ago, the Potter’s forefathers were among the estimated 50,000 people who participated in the 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush, successfully settling in Canadian County. In the 1960s, Jeff and Barbara Potter made their way to Bartlesville. Jeff was a counselor at Madison Middle School and helped start the crosscountry track program in Bartlesville Public Schools. Barbara was a math teacher at Central Middle School and is in the BPS Hall of Fame. Kevin, who grew up in Oklahoma City, is the great-nephew of Jeff and Barbara. Kevin was raised in a “football” family. His dad, Jerry, was an Oklahoma Athletic Hall of Fame football coach. His mom, Ezell, was an elementary school teacher. After a successful football career at Putnam City High School, Kevin continued playing football at Cameron University on a football scholarship. After graduation, he moved to Ardmore to work for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where he would serve for three years.

Dorea also grew up in a sports-oriented family. Her father was a sportscaster in Iowa who was also in the radio industry, owning multiple stations. Dorea pursued her degree in journalism while at OU on a golf scholarship. Kevin and Dorea married in 1982 and celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in April of this year. After they married, the Potters left Oklahoma, moving to Monmouth, Illinois, where they owned and operated WMOI and, later, WRAM radio stations. This was a natural fit for the Potters, as they became a second-generation radio family, following in the footsteps of Dorea’s father. During their years in Illinois, three sons were born to Kevin and Dorea — Heath, Kaleb and Brent. In 1996, a new opportunity brought Kevin and Dorea back to Oklahoma when they purchased KWON and KYFM in Bartlesville. Kevin traveled

While with FCA, Kevin met his future wife, Dorea, a native of Iowa. She was in Ardmore as a member of the University of Oklahoma golf team. That evening, Dorea was awarded the Oklahoma Women’s Fellowship of Christian Athlete of the Year. Later, she won the Big 8 Golf Championship and was honored as OU’s Female Athlete of the Year. She also worked for Fellowship of Christian Athletes for a short time. BARTLESVILLE RADIO STAFF 8

bmonthly | MAY 2022

PROFILE

between Oklahoma and Illinois for a year, running both sets of stations, until the Illinois stations were sold, and the family moved to Bartlesville in 1997. They settled into their new home and immediately became engaged in the community. Since that time, Kevin and Dorea have served as board members, honorary chairs, committee members, sponsors, founders, and volunteers for 60+ organizations and causes both locally and statewide. Because of their outstanding service and community involvement, in 2019 the Bartlesville Community Foundation honored their service by inducting them into the Legacy Hall of Fame. Since purchasing KWON and KYFM in 1996, the Potters have established KCD Towers LLC and Potter Towers LLC., and have purchased KRIG (Nowata), KPGM (Pawhuska) and KGGF KUSN KQQF (Coffeyville). The Potter’s are immensely proud of their team and consider both employees and customers family. Their son, Kaleb, is a third-generation radio broadcaster and is currently Vice President of KCD Enterprises. The Potter family loves Bartlesville. They raised their children here, two of which chose to stay in Bartlesville and make it their home. The size of the town is perfect for them, and as Kevin jokes, “You can be anywhere in Bartlesville in seven minutes!” They also appreciate that it is so close to the agricultural community, which Kevin enjoys.

the staff about just moving here and walked out of his office and walked up to Heath and greeted him warmly. Mr. Sears welcomed him, asked about his interests, and asked him to be his aide for a few weeks as he adjusted to his new school. Dorea cherishes the kindness and compassion she received from Earl Sears that day, and stated it was so much a reflection of their warm welcome to Bartlesville. The Potters enjoy their busy life. They are involved with so much more beyond the radio stations. Community involvement has been a big part of who they are, and they have been recognized with many honors. But, by far they view their greatest accomplishment to be that their three sons and seven grandchildren continue their legacy of being a Christian community partner and that they, too, desire to put their faith first in their family and occupations. They hope to leave the legacy of being givers in this life. The Potters have invested themselves into almost every corner of this community and have made a lasting impact in many areas. They don’t strive for recognition or awards, although they are certainly deserving, but they desire to improve lives, with God’s help, in every area they touch. They truly honor God with their story and their actions. Dorea sums up their lives in the most simple and humbling manor, “God just took two ordinary people and used them to help make a difference for Him.”

The Potter’s have been active with their church, Grace Community Church, since they arrived in town in 1997. They believe it was God’s direction that brought them to Bartlesville. They knew they wanted to come back to Oklahoma but were looking at Ardmore and other areas for a radio opportunity when their broker mentioned Bartlesville. As with everything they do, they prayed and sought God’s direction on the move and know they made the right decision. Dorea has a favorite story she likes to tell of the welcoming nature of Bartlesville. After moving here, she was enrolling her son, Heath, in 8th grade at Central Junior High School. Mr. Earl Sears, longtime administrator at Central, overheard her conversation with MAY 2022 | bmonthly

• Pro-Life • Pro-Gun

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cell phone (918) 440-7295 JohnKaneForOK.com facebook.com/JohnKaneForOK Authorized and Paid for by Friends of John B Kane 2022 P.O. Box 729, Bartlesville, OK 74005

“Bartlesville is where I was born, raised and where I choose to worship. It is where I raised my family and my seven grandchildren are being raised here, too.”

“Public office is a sacred trust to be administered on behalf of all the people of Oklahoma without fear or favor of special interests or pressure groups.” John Kane

“As citizens in some states live in mandated lockdowns and their leaders are seeking to infringe on their freedom, conservative leadership matters more than ever before.”

REPUBLICAN • STATE HOUSE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Truity Travels Truity Credit Union Introduces New Travel Program by Lori Just Truity Credit Union is excited to introduce an extensive travel program available to all members called Truity Travels. This complimentary program, in partnership with Simply Travel, brings members special discounts, personalized booking options, and unique group or individual travel experiences. “During the pandemic, we paused our Club: GO travel and related events,” said Sara Freeman, vice president of business development. “When we were ready to regroup, we chose to partner with an expert in travel to assure that all of our Truity members have the ability to get assistance with their travel needs. Kenny Judd, with Simply Travel, has more than a decade of experience in the industry with group and individual vacations. Having a partner who understands the ever-changing climate is crucial to successful travel plans. Mandates and protocols are ever changing so we needed someone to be on top of that for Truity.” Truity Travels is a program that can help members plan a family trip, couples’ getaway or even group travel. For 2022, there are two domestic group travel opportunities to California and coastal Maine with the potential of an international trip added in later on this year.

“Travel should be fun and exciting, but having to do things yourself can ruin the experience, and we want Truity members to enjoy their vacation from the minute it starts until they arrive safely back at home,” said Judd. “Travel is the only thing you can purchase that makes you richer.” Simply Travel occasionally hosts kick-off meetings to showcase upcoming planned trip opportunities. Services are also available through the website. Travel documents can be mailed or emailed to members. Judd, based out of Arkansas, can also make appointments to meet in-person. “It’s easy and members can still have the full trip experience they are looking for,” said Freeman. “Some people can get overwhelmed by all the arrangements like creating an itinerary and setting up accommodations and transportation. Truity Travels provides this comprehensive planning resource to give you peace of mind and a trip of a lifetime.” To learn more about Truity Travels, you can visit its website at truitycu.org/truity-travels.

“Any member of Truity Credit Union at any of our branches can use Judd’s services for their travel needs,” said Freeman. “We wanted to create a program that provided the benefits our members cared about the most. Whether it’s a Disney trip with the family or you have a ladies’ group that wants to travel, this program can do it all from planning day trips, domestic trips, international trips, and cruises.” Truity Credit Union saw many benefits to the members by shifting to this personalized travel program. Truity Travels has no dues or monthly meetings to attend. It’s also offered to all members instead of limited by age. It allows members the same turn-key experience they are used to such as hometown pickups, ground transportation to airports, destination drop offs with no waiting, local guides, and robust itineraries. MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum

bmonthly | MAY 2022

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

The highly political American Civil War was a layered onion of varied attributing factors. Even as the events unfurled 160 years ago, this subject continues to be wrought with in-depth contention. Picking the scab to portrait this history for you is not meant to be a biased delivery, not meant to create controversy and definitely not meant to be all-inclusive, but to offer you a journey…

MAY 2022 | bmonthly

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

20 Northern states comprised the Union, 11 Southern states made up the Confederacy.

To tell the story of the Civil War, we must step back to Amerwould walk towards joining the Union. As the bedrock of this ica’s Revolutionary War, referred to as the “War of Independence” nation, the Preamble of the Constitution has been incorporated from Great Britain. The original thirteen United Colonies revolted into speeches and is revered by courts as “truths,” never to be against taxation and the lack of self-government, which erupted interpreted. into an eight-year war and “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perCompleting the trifecta resulted in severed political fect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide of the most important docuaffiliations with Britain, who for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure ments in the progression of relinquished control of the the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain American history was the thirteen colonies. and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” first ten amendments of the “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created Constitution, drafted by The nation-founding Decequal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain James Madison in 1789 and laration of Independence unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the ratified December 15, 1791, (drafted by Thomas Jefferson, pursuit of Happiness.” which became known as John Adams and Benjamin the Bill of Rights, limiting Franklin) was adopted by the governmental control and protecting individual liberties. Continental Congress July 4, 1776 declaring independence and forming the sovereign United During the Revolutionary States of America. War, George Washington was In 1787, the Constitution of championed for his exemplary the United States of America leadership skills, branding him (drafted by James Madison, the “Father of the Nation.” As he Gouverneur Morris and James became the first President of Wilson) became the straightforthe United States in 1789, a ward law of the land, laying out “more perfect union” with the principles of government checks and balances of governand basic rights of citizens; mental power and state’s rights however the document was was becoming the solid foundaflawed. It lacked notation of prition of this “equal” nation; vacy and although the word however, that equality did not “slavery” was not mentioned, stretch to women or people of the Constitutional drafters color. In 1787, slavery was danced around the issue in accepted in all states, except order to pave a path that states 16

bmonthly | MAY 2022

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Massachusetts, with the heaviest concentrations in the southern agricultural areas.

The land of opportunity was in turmoil. Not only were battles fought among the early settlers and Indians, but also between the government, citizens and states. As “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” More than two hundred years ago, land hungry white settlers pushed — Fredrick Douglas, 1857 the area of present Oklahoma was further and further south, more argupart of the Louisiana Purchase. In ments arose over constitutional state’s rights resulting in the 1803, President Thomas Jefferson strategically invested fifteen division of the North and South. The northern states moved million U.S. dollars in the purchase of 828,000 square miles of towards industrialism while the southern states remained agriland which became all or part of fourteen current U.S. states; thus culturally rooted, operating mainly with slave labor for their profits. obtaining complete access to the Port of New Orleans, which had been previously controlled by France and Spain. In an action that President Franklin Pierce was a northern Democrat who has been hailed as the “sweetest real estate deal” in the history straddled both sides of the slavery fence but fundamentally of the United States, the Union gained control the Mississippi believed the abolitionist movement was a threat to the Union. waterway, which was trade essential. The government also estabIndividual states took a stand and it was easy to recognize comlished control of trading posts along the Mississippi and Missouri promise, and ultimately the Union, was in jeopardy. While the Rivers for conversion to U.S. military forts. This would become North fought to prevent secession and maintain the Union, the beneficial later. South seceded in the name of their sovereign state’s rights, and this divide festered. Over the next half century, the Louisiana Purchase became split In 1854, Senator Stephen Douand divided into territories which glas proposed the Kansas-Nebraska were eventually admitted into the Act to ease political tensions and Union as new states. In 1830, Presipromote his desire to organize the dent Andrew Jackson signed the territories through which the MidIndian Removal Act which forcibly western Transcontinental Railroad relocated 100,000 indigenous people would cross. Kansas had been to land assigned as Indian Territory, closed to slavery since the Missouri west of the Mississippi River. The Compromise of 1820 and Douglas’ “Trail of Tears” removed Cherokee, Act repealed the Compromise, Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Semiallowing the issue of slavery to be nole and other Indian Nations, decided though a vote of the people. including Cherokee slaves, which The Act, backed by President Pierce, later became “Freedmen.” created a fire storm of pro and antislavery factions in Kansas Territory MAY 2022 | bmonthly

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

resulting in a civil war (1854-1859) called the “Bloody Kansas.” Slavery was still a hotly contested issue in 1860 when Lincoln Some historians believe this was the true beginning of the Amerbecame our 16th President. During his March 4, 1861 inaugural ican Civil War. On January 29, 1861, the free state of Kansas address, Lincoln spoke to Southerners, “In your hands, my disentered the Union as the 34th state. satisfied fellow countrymen, and not The Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri to But there is more… in mine, is the momentous issue of the Union as a slave holding state, Maine as a civil war.” The Kansas-Nebraska Act free state and banned slavery in what was land The Kansas-Nebraska Act deeper was intended to eventually settle the of the original Louisiana Purchase. divided the nation on slavery issues, state by state slavery issues and preexcelling the draw towards Civil War vent secession. However, no Band-Aid could prevent the highly and, most importantly, split the Democratic and Whig parties, contested issue from erupting into a total North vs South sepaforming the North (Republican) and the South (Democratic) parration; a derailment many saw coming, but no one could stop. ties. In 1858, Democratic Senator Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, a lawyer and former one-term Whig congressman, pubAbraham Lincoln was a self-educated prairie lawyer and an lically disputed their individual views in a series of seven anti-slavery politician. Southerners, fearing slavery would soon Lincoln-Douglas Debates with slavery as a key platform. Lincoln’s be abolished, exercised their states’ rights and began seceding paraphrase, "A house divided against itself cannot stand...the govfrom the Union. December 1860, South Carolina seceded from the ernment cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free” was Union and six additional states seceded by February 1861. The taken from Matthew 12:25 "Every kingdom divided against itself southern states formed the Confederate States of America and is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against elected Mississippi Senator Jefferson Davis as their president; itself shall not stand." The southern slave holding states interalthough, Lincoln deemed secession unlawful and refused to recpreted this as culturally and economically threatening; a far-reach ognize the Confederate states. The Confederate militia began of government, which served as the catalyst for secession…furseizing Union military forts throughout the south with eyes glarther adding to the festering situation. ing upon Fort Sumter, South Carolina. Sumter was faced with dwindling supplies and vulnerability. The Confederates fired upon Fort Sumter, forcing its surrender. Their victory was short lived as Lincoln called upon the northern states for military volunteers and the secondary caused of the Civil War began. However, no man could foresee the magnitude of events that would soon unfold.

bmonthly | MAY 2022

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

While the South moved towards a war of independence, milwith no end in sight. Conditions were dire. The weather was itary conflict escalated, political reasoning went out the window relentless. Shoes were worn though, ammunition dwindled and and the all-out civil upheaval pitted food supplies depleted creating The common misconception is the American fathers, sons and brothers against severe malnutrition even hard tack Civil War erupted over the moral issue of slaveach other…standing as stone walls rations could not sooth. They crossed ery, when, in fact, the central issue of the war in bloody battle after bloody battle. valleys and rivers, though thorn filled was states’ rights coupled with the economic The North and South had their own thickets in the dead of winter and the and the political choices of the issue. "why" for the war and determinedly, blazing heat of summer as the battles patriotically and blindly marched many footed miles a day, often waged on leaving in their wake total property destruction, blood seven days a week, strategically positioning for the next battle, drenched fields of bodies and the stench of death. Although not federally recognized at the time, the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry was organized August 1862 and became the first African-American regiment to join the Union cause. They were finally mustered in at Fort Scott, KS January 1863 and served as the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry until December 13, 1864, when they became the 79th U.S. Colored Troops. Reportedly, the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry lost more men than any other Kansas regiment. In August 1863, the 2nd Kansas Colored Infantry mustered in at Fort Scott and served as the 2nd until being designated as the 83rd U.S. Colored Troops on December 13, 1864. By the end of the Civil War, a combined 175 colored regiments had boosted the Union forces by as much as ten-percent and sixteen fierce African-American heroes received the Medal of Honor. Militarily and politically, Lincoln walked a tight-line. In an effort to financially cripple the rebellious Confederate states, he issued an executive order, effective January 1, 1863, freeing enslaved people in states of rebellion under the Emancipation Proclamation. His invitation to join the Union force was answered. This created a genius pivot in the war from saving the Union to a fight of human freedom by shifting the workforce away from the South. Totally genius! In addition, the Emancipation Proclamation estab-

MAY 2022 | bmonthly

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

lished the path for the 13th Constitutional Amendment, permanently addressing and eliminating slavery in 1865.

seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created The three-day Battle of “Disagreements continue to this day. The Union refers to the War equal.” Equal he said…drawGettysburg was one of the as the Southern Rebellion or the Great Rebellion, while Confeding from the 1776 Declaration bloodiest conflicts in the hiserates refer to the War as the War of Northern Aggression or War of Independence. But, Amertory of the American Civil War, of Secession.” ica was far from equal. with an estimated 50,000 — Clint Anderson, Senior Vice Commander, Department of Americans dead or wounded. The Underground RailOklahoma, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War On November 19, 1863, Linroad was a secret coln delivered his Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the transportation network for enslaved runaway people seeking Soldier’s National Cemetery; which said, in part: “Four score and freedom in the northern states or Canada. Kansas was home to

bmonthly | MAY 2022

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

twenty-one safe “stations” where “passengers” found food, shelDuring the Civil War, Indian Territory experienced significant ter and transportation assistance. Indian Territory was the battles at Cabin Creek (Mayes County), Honey Springs (Muskosovereign nation of the Five gee/McIntosh Counties), “I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight Civilized Tribes and a safe Middle Boggy Depot (Atoka years, and I can say what most conductors cannot — I never ran haven on the “freedom trail.” County), Old Fort Wayne my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.” Once the runaways exited (Delaware County) and oth— Harriet Tubman Texas, Arkansas or Louisiana, ers. November 1861, former they were no longer under Indian Agent turned Confedthe jurisdiction of the United States, protected from law enforceerate Colonel, Douglas H. Cooper, was tasked with preventing ment and bounty hunters. One such Indian Territory trail was from Creek Indian Chief Opothlyahola’s band of free blacks, runaway near present Skiatook, north along the 96th Meridian, currently slaves, Loyal Creek, Chickasaw and Seminole Indians from reachWashington and Osage County line, to Kansas. ing Union protection at Fort Row, KS. A series of three Indian

MAY 2022 | bmonthly

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Territory battles – Round Mountain at Yale, Chusto-Talasah at travel with frostbite, hypothermia and starvation. In the wake of Sperry and Chustenahlah near Skiatook – called the Trail of Blood battle, the frozen land was scarred and soaked in blood. on Ice, resulted in a Civil War “If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do Abraham Lincoln was the skirmish at Butler Creek, near it; if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do it; and if right man at the right time in Bartlesville’s Oak Park, as I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would history. As the telegraphed Opothlyahola’s band fled to also do that ... My paramount object in the struggle is to save the casualty numbers arrived Kansas…although their numUnion, and is not to either save or destroy slavery.” from the battle fields, Lincoln bers were greatly diminished — President Abraham Lincoln was overcome with health upon arrival. Note: The Oklarobbing grief. Comparing Linhoma Historical Society, in cooperation of the Oklahoma coln’s inaugural portrait to an image of just prior to his Department of Transportation, has placed Historical Markers at assassination, the crevasses on his face show his internalization these Civil War sites. of the responsibilities It was not a coinciand casualties of war. dence the battle In an effort to help ease occurred at Butler the pain and console Creek. The free blacks the Nation, he hand and runaway slaves penned countless traveling with Chief heart wrenching conOpothlyahola were dolence letters to aware of the “Underfamilies. ground Railroad” trail Recorded in history that passed Gap Road books, the end of the and Silver Lake, folCivil War came when lowing the Black Dog Confederate General Trail to Butler Creek, Robert E. Lee surrenalong the Caney River dered to Union forces to freedom in Kansas. under Ulysses S. Grant Winter hampered their at the Appomattox 22

bmonthly | MAY 2022

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Court House in Virginia, April 9, 1865, and the last battle of the Civil War occurred at Palmito Ranch, TX on May 13, 1865.

ica’s Civil War…a relief from British tyranny and the right of choice for states.

During 1861-1865, America’s deadliest homegrown war ravaged this Nation, cost the lives of almost 620,000 patriots and freed 3.9 million enslaved people from bondage. At the close of the war, survivors returned to find homes burned and crops destroyed. The devastated Nation required a period of reconstruction and forgiveness. Lincoln’s outstretched hand offered southern states re-admittance into the Union with the stipulation that slavery was illegal under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified December 6, 1865, which abolished slavery and made the Underground Railroad virtually obsolete. An 1866 reconstruction treaty emancipated the Cherokee Freedmen who were allowed to be adopted into their Nation or relocated.

It is a false narrative that the Union won the American Civil War, a bloody spot on the history of America; a spot that still grips the Nation in controversy, emotion and despair. There are no winners in a situation that continues to rage for some Americans who harbor hate filled hearts that have not healed even after 160 years. The key to progress as a unified nation is education, communication, diversification and commitment.

The determination to gain freedom from far reaching government and taxation, the very battle fought during the American Revolutionary War was the same battle played out during Amer-

Abraham Lincoln and the strategic American Civil War have been the most thought provoking, heavily researched and written about subjects in the history of this country. There have been lines drawn in the sand, heals dug in and opinions unchanged. And to this day, lessons unlearned…destined to be repeated again. Before Lincoln could see his Reconstruction plan implemented, he was assassinated. God Bless America… One Nation Under God!

MAY 2022 | bmonthly

FEATURE SPONSOR STORY

Officer of the Year Corporal Brad Dunkle Honored by His Peers at BPD by Jay Hastings

Each year, Bartlesville FOP Lodge 117 selects one of its own as Officer of the Year. For 2021, Corporal Brad Dunkle was selected by a vote of his peers to receive the award. A banquet was held last month at the Bartlesville Community Center to celebrate Dunkle. Well over 100 attended the event, at which United States Congressman Kevin Hern was the guest speaker. Brad Dunkle began his law enforcement career in 2011, when Dewey Police Chief Mike Shea hired him as an officer. To that point, Dunkle had been working as a cowboy for the Mullendore, Lynn, and Strom ranches after attending college at Pittsburg State University on a track scholarship. He had a brother-in-law who was already in law enforcement and, through conversations with him, Brad felt inspired to go into the profession. Dunkle said he experienced a strong calling to help others, and a career in public safety would be one way to do just that. In the six years Dunkle worked for the Dewey Police Department, he had many memorable calls. However, one has stayed with him through the years. While on routine patrol one slow and cold winter nightshift, Dunkle heard a medical call go out over the radio regarding a mother whose water had broken and she was in active labor. Dunkle knew he was closer than the ambulance, which would be coming from Bartlesville. He arrived on scene and found the mother on the floor of a bathroom inside the residence. The baby’s head had already breached, so Dunkle suddenly found himself delivering the baby. Once delivered, Dunkle realized the baby was not breathing. He immediately began and continued CPR until medical person24

bmonthly | MAY 2022

nel arrived. Helping others in times of need is just what Brad does. He saved that baby’s life that night, and he still continues a connection to the child today, attending soccer games and rodeos. In October 2017, Dunkle left the Dewey Police Department to come to work for Bartlesville. He still misses working for Dewey, but felt the need to move to a larger agency. Since beginning work with Bartlesville, Dunkle has joined the Special Operations Team and furthered his training for critical incidents, and has also served as a Field Training Officer. Dunkle has since been promoted to Corporal and is now a patrol field supervisor working dayshift. More recently, he was selected to attend Law Enforcement Driver Training and will soon be teaching other officers how to operate emergency vehicles. When you see Dunkle, he always seems to have a smile on his face, no matter what the situation might be at the moment. He explained he tries to keep a positive attitude and constantly reminds himself no matter what kind of day he is having, there are others out there having a worse time. He feels blessed to be where he is, and in a position to help others. Dunkle said he is humbled at being selected as Officer of the Year, especially when he has many well-deserving co-workers. Brad spends his off-duty time with his fiancée and two children. He still works as a cowboy on a few area ranches and helps with others when there is a need. Hunting, fishing, and rodeoing are a large part of how he enjoys time away from work. Our community is fortunate to have officers like Corporal Brad Dunkle, who truly demonstrates a spirit of serving others.

srussell@mcgrawrealtors.com

Welcome Brennen Bissinger to our team!

918-213-5943

MAY 2022 | bmonthly

2022 is our 15th year! Where: Frank Phillips Park, 222 SW Frank Phillips Blvd. (Just South of the train depot) When: Every Saturday, May 7 - Oct 15 • Time: 8-11:30 am

bmonthly | MAY 2022

ANNUAL EVENTS

Dewey Antique Show & Sale Annual Show Offers a Fun Way to Help the Community Love helping out the community? Love antiquing? Love meeting new people? Here's one to put on the calendar — the Dewey Antique Show and Sale on Saturday, June 4. The Antiques and Collectibles Association, a nonprofit organization, is proud to say they are celebrating their 31st annual event. The event is always held on the first Saturday in June at the Washington County Fairgrounds, located at 1109 N. Delaware, in Dewey.

dors will have antique furniture, architectural salvage, books, glassware, kitchen, jewelry, mid-century, vintage signs, vintage hats and purses, tins, tools, toys, and quilts, just to name a few. Local vendor Sudi Freeland will be offering a unique assortment of Western items, like original Tom Mix photographs. Dallas and Jana Stafford from Sparta, Missouri will be here with their beautiful primitive furniture.

It should be a great show this year, as it is never the Admission is $5 per perLast year’s scholarship winner was BHS graduate Wyatt Watts. same thing. The vendors have son and proceeds benefit taken a year to regroup and many Washington County will bring many fabulous items to sell. The vendors like coming to nonprofit organizations including 4H, Dewey Hotel, The Journey the one-day show because the organization takes care of them Home, Tom Mix Museum, FFA programs in Copan, Dewey, Oklaby serving them a free lunch on the Friday before, so they can set homa Union, and Caney Valley, elementary clothes closet, foster up their beautiful booths. children Christmas party, helping needy families at Christmas, and other community groups. For more information, call Leah Everhart 918-440-3375 or Gail Inman 918-440-5200. Cost is $70 for an 8x10 space and $10 for an In addition, at least one $1,500 high school senior scholarship 8-foot table. Like them on Facebook: Antiques and Collectibles . is awarded to a Washington County graduating senior. Depending on ticket sales, the Antiques and Collectibles Association would love to award two scholarships this year. Last year’s winner was Wyatt Watts, a 2021 graduate of Bartlesville High School. The show typically attracts more than 50 vendors with 107 booths from five states and always offers a large selection of items that will appeal to all ages and budgets. Some of the ven-

31ST ANNUAL DEWEY ANTIQUE SHOW Saturday, June 4, 2022 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets $5 Washington County Fairgrounds Building 1109 N Delaware St., Dewey, OK 74029 Contact Leah 918.440.3375 or Gail 918.440.5200 FB page sponsored by Antique and Collectibles Association

MAY 2022 | bmonthly

MAY CALENDAR SPONSORED BY BHS SPring Fling

7PM; BHS Fine Arts Center

Nelly Johnstone 5K & Half Marathon

OKWU Graduation 7PM; OKWU

5:30AM; Johnstone Park

BPS Last Day of Classes All Day; District-wide

Gracefest on the Green 4PM; Tower Center Unity Square It's back friend's, and it's FREE! This year we have Sanctus Real "My God is Still The Same" tour with Stars Go Dim and Tim Timmons performing. We also have local talent starting at 4:00 with OFF The Grid and BWade.There will be over 10 food trucks and it all benefits The Journey Home. After the concert Measured By Character will be premiering the movie "Greater". Come join us for a FREE night of Music.

BHS School Awards Assemblies 9AM; 9th Grade 10AM; 10th Grade 11AM; 11th Grade

BHS School Awards Assemblies 12:30PM; 12th Grade

Athletics Physicals 6PM; BHS Commons

8PM; Custer Stadium

Weekdays Food Truck at Tower Center at Unity Square Food trucks will be available every weekday in May, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tower Center.

History & Haunts at the Dewey Hotel

7PM; BHS Fine Arts Center

BHS Choir Orchestra Concert 7PM; Fine Arts Center bmonthly | MAY 2022

BHS Graduation

Every Saturday

BHS Band Solo & Ensemble Festival

Spend the evening at the Dewey Hotel. They will go over some of the hotel’s unique histories and take a lantern guided small group tour.

bmonthly | MAY 2022

MAY EVENTS CALENDAR

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

Sun, May 1

Tues, May 3

11 AM

10:30 AM

Baptism Sunday

Zumba w/Bee

City Church 4222 Rice Creek Rd.

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

Mon, May 2 7:30 AM

Fri, May 6

Sat, May 7

Zumba w/ Bee is held every Tuesday at 10:30 am in Meeting Room A at the Bartlesville Public Library. This class is free and open to the public.

Justice Pro-Scratch

8AM

8 AM

Hillcrest Country Club 1901 Price Rd.

Stray Kats Kustoms 500 Car Show

Bartlesville Farmers Market

Downtown Dewey

Frank Phillips Park 222 SW Frank Phillips Blvd, Bartlesville, OK

12 PM

In the Kitchen w/ Susan Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

5:30 PM

Free Spanish Classes Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. Free Spanish Class every Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B on the first floor of the Bartlesville Public Library. This class is free and open to the public. Please contact the Bartlesville Literacy Services office at 918-338-4179 if you have any questions. 8:30 PM

Victims Impact Panel of Oklahoma Bartlesville First Church 4715 Price Rd.

This free program consists of eight healthy cooking classes. Susan is a local restauranteur with many years of cooking experience. Susan loves to share with us how she has made healthy cooking easy in her own home and brings her best ideas and practices to make us all better chefs. 6 PM

Johnstone Irregulars Book Club Meeting Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. The book club meets in the Literary Services Office on the 2nd floor of the library on the first Tuesday of every month.

Event runs May 6 – 8. We love "real" Kustoms and Hot Rods. We believe guys are getting tired of going to just another show, so we focus on trying to create a relaxing, laid back atmosphere where you can meet new friends and talk about Kustoms and Hot Rods. We have trophies but they go to the Koolest not the most money spent or the over baby'd. We believe in having fun and enjoying our hobby without the stress of competition. 12 PM

Bartlesville Artisan Market Washington Park Mall 2350 SE Washington Blvd., Ste. 218 The artisan market is an indoor market with fresh baked goods, coffee, home decor, clothing, soaps, live succulents, Unique homemade products, local art and more! Shop locally! The market is open from 12-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 1 PM

OKWU Nursing May Pinning Oklahoma Wesleyan University 2201 Silver Lake Rd.

Event runs Saturdays, May 7 – 28. 8 AM

Wolf Creek Ranch Kin Quest Wolf Creek Ranch 39275 Hwy. 99, Pawhuska Join us for a family oriented, multi-station scavenger hunt. Decipher clues, complete outdoor skills tasks, and enjoy a day hiking with your loved ones. Teams of 2-6 people. Navigate across the Osage to find each hidden location, complete the challenge as a team, and finish before time runs out. Please register by APRIL 30. 3:30 PM

Nellie Jonstone 5K & Half Marathon Johnstone Park 100 N Cherokee Ave. The Nellie Johnstone 5k & Half Marathon is on Saturday May 7, 2022. It includes the following events: Half Marathon, 5k, One Mile with Shirt, One Mile - shirt NOT included, Age 5 & Under FREE!

We would like to honor you and your accomplishment with the Nursing Pinning Ceremony on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 1 PM. in the OKWU Chapel Fine Arts Center.

Website SEO Services Print Marketing Social Media

9183372781 www.coppercupimages.com

Where Marketing Creates Results MAY 2022 | bmonthly

EVENTS CALENDAR Mon, May 9

4 PM

6 PM

Run For The Roses Kentucky Derby Watch Party

Knit and Crochet Night

Crossing 2nd 215 E 2nd St. Wear your favorite derby attire and join other racing enthusiasts in live horse bidding, derby hat contest, heavy hors d'oeuvres, mint juleps, raffle by McCoy's Jewelers, and more. Proceeds raised supports Family HealthCare Clinic's low-cost medical services and programs in Bartlesville.

7:30 PM

6 PM

Waitress

OKWU Graduation Oklahoma Wesleyan University 2201 Silver Lake Rd. Graduates are invited to an in-person Commencement on Saturday, in the Lyon Chapel and Fine Arts Center at OKWU. 7:30 PM

Women’s Conference at Thea-AutLa Springs Church of God of the Apostolic Faith 399758 W 3100 Rd, Ramona

Bartlesville Community Center 300 SE Adams Blvd. Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert piemaker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as "The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie" and "Betrayed By My Eggs Pie." When a baking contest in a nearby county - and a satisfying encounter with someone new - show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness.

Tue, May 10 4 PM

Gracefest Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd. bmonthly presents Sanctus Real, Stars Go Dim, and Tim Timmons performing in a FREE concert at Tower Center at Unity Square on May 7, from 5 pm - 8 pm! Opening acts OFF The Grid and BWade begin at 4pm. This will be a fun evening of worship you won't want to miss! Measured By Character will present the film "Greater" after the concert. The concert will benefit The Journey Home. Text 918416-7418 to donate to The Journey Home. 6 PM

The Good, The Bad, The BBQ Hughes Ranch 63 County Rd 2696 Elder Care’s signature annual fundraising event will include Dink’s BBQ, entertainment, live and silent auctions. Cost is $100/ person. Purchase tickets at AboutElderCare.org/BBQ. Proceeds benefit the programs and services that ensure mature adults have choices for aging in place. Call (918) 336-8500 for more information.

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. This free event is held in Meeting Room C on the second Tuesday of each month. Come join us!

Thu, May 12 5 PM

Alive At 25 Tri County Tech 6101 Nowata Rd Alive at 25 is a highly-effective four-hour course that serves as an excellent complement to standard driver education programs and is also ideal for young drivers who incur traffic violations. Through interactive media segments, workbook exercises, role playing and more, young drivers develop convictions and strategies that will keep them safe on the road. Participants are encouraged to join in non-threatening, non-judgmental discussions exploring how changing driving behavior makes personal, legal and financial sense. 6 PM

Big Country & Western Trade Days

8 PM

Oklahoma Heritage Farm 38512 US-75, Ramona

History Haunts at the Dewey Hotel Dewey Hotel Museum 801 N Delaware St., Dewey

5:30 PM

Event runs Saturdays, May 7 – 28. Spend an evening at the Dewey Hotel. They will go over some of the hotel’s unique histories and take a lantern guided small group tour. You will go into some of the rooms, usually blocked off access to guests. Each journey will be unique, as you can never predict what our fellow specters will do during the tour, or what you might hear or see.

2nd Adult Beginner Stained Glass Workshop - Flowers The Crafty Candle Shoppe Wax Factory 203 S Osage Ave, Bartlesville, OK Flowers are really popular! This is the 2nd class for flowers. Bring a friend and get creative! In this class, you will learn the steps to make your own custom stained glass piece! You will be taught to score and break glass, use a grinder to fit pieces together, apply and burnish copper foil to the glass and then solder, patina, clean and polish, all in one class.

Visit a traditional Trade Days Celebration with vendors selling a variety goods and activities for all ages. Come and browse a variety of vendor products expecting to find just the perfect treasure and while you are shopping, enjoy the day with horse drawn wagon rides, authentic chuck wagon cooking, western actors, music, kids activities & more! 8 PM

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd. Event runs May 12 – 14. Some of Shakespeare’s most engaging characters appear in the beloved comedy, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream", which opens at the Unity Square Green outdoor stage, located between the Price Tower and the Bartlesville Community Center in downtown Bartlesville. All performances are at 8pm.

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

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

bmonthly | MAY 2022

EVENTS CALENDAR

Fri, May 13

Thu, May 19

Sat, May 21

7:30 PM

8 PM

Work Days at Thea-Aut-La Springs

Midas 13 Returns to Osage Casino

Church of God of the Apostolic Faith 399758 W 3100 Rd, Ramona

Osage Casino, Skiatook

6 PM

Zodiac Performs

Third Thursday: Jane Phillips

Cherokee Casino Ramona 31501 US-75, Ramona

9 PM

Bartlesville Area History Museum 600 S Johnstone Ave.

6:00pm

Spay-ghetti Fundraiser for Washington County SPCA

7 AM

Woolaroc Spring Trail Ride

Hilton Garden Inn 205 SW Frank Phillips Blvd

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd.

Benefiting the homeless animals from Washington County SPCA. Tickets go on sale March 1. Limited seating. Reserve early. $50 individual / $400 table for 8

The trail ride covers approximately 15 miles of terrain that is rarely if ever, seen by the general public. Nothing would have pleased Mr. Phillips more than to have known that riders were enjoying his ranch doing something he loved to do... ride. It is common to see bison, elk, deer, and longhorn cattle along the trails of Woolaroc. Registration check-in time is from 7 - 9 am, and the ride begins promptly at 9:30 am. Lunch and rest period is from noon - 1 pm at the front gate.

Sat, May 14 6 AM

Flower Moon Osage Hills State Park 2131 Osage Hills Park Rd The Flower Moon on May 14th with gorgeous Dreamcatcher-inspired medals!! Located within Osage Hills State Park (one of Oklahoma’s seven original State Parks), Flower Moon will offer distances of 4, 13.1, 26.2, and 50 (52ish) miles. Yes, the 50 mile is a bit long, but that buckle should make it worth that extra effort. Read the historical book, watch the Scorsese/DiCaprio movie (shooting on location at the park), run the trails, and collect the swag. We have so much planned for this trail run, including Fry Bread Tacos after the race!

Cocktails, Live Music and Dancing!

Join the Bartlesville Area History Museum for our May Third Thursday event. The galleries will be open and guest speaker Michelle Swaney of the Frank Phillips Home and Jane Phillips Society will give a presentation on Jane Phillips and JPS at 6:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served.

Fri, May 20

Fri, May 27

6 PM

10 AM

Legacy Hall of Fame Gala

57th Annual Delaware Pow Wow Fred Fall-Leaf Memorial Campgrounds Copan, OK

Bartlesville Community Center 300 SE Adams Blvd. BCF's annual black tie gala to honor and celebrate families who have and continue to impact our community for the better. 9 PM

JW & The Ghost Town Ramblers Cowboys Dancehall 1424 E Tuxedo Blvd Underground Country Music!! Outlaw rock and roll, red dirt and southern rock all wrapped into 1 great night...

5 PM

Price Tower Advanced Photography Workshop Price Tower 510 S Dewey Ave. his fall, Andrew will bring his expertise back to the Price Tower Arts Center for a three-day workshop for advanced photographers. Attendees will not only work closely with Andrew to capture Frank Lloyd Wright’s only skyscraper, they will be given access to areas of the tower that are typically closed to the public. The workshop will be held May 20-22, 2022.

Event runs May 27 - 29. Schedule of events: Gourd dance Friday 6 pm to 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday 3 pm to 5 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm. Stomp Dance Friday & Saturday nights following the pow-wow. All specials on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1 pm to 3 pm. Bet Football Game-Men against Women - Saturday at 11 am. Delaware War Veterans Fundraiser Auction for Delaware Veteran’s Memorial – Saturday @ 10:30a at The Brooks Camp. Sunday Morning Church Service 10 am at the arena

NEW HOU RS • • •

Furniture & Home Decor Primitives and Architectural Salvage Gifts for All Occasions (Soaps, Candles, Jewelry, Accessories)

• • • •

Baby & Children’s Boutique The Book Loft Bookstore Hand Painted Signs Gift Certificates Available

410 E Don Tyler, Dewey, OK | Thurs-Sat 10-4, Closed Sun - Wed | Find us on Facebook | 918.534.3378 MAY 2022 | bmonthly

JEFF HALL REAL ESTATE “My commitment to service is my commitment to you!”

36 Years of Real Estate Knowledge Jeff Hall, Broker/Associate (Licensed Broker in OK and NC)

124 SE Frank Phillips Boulevard, Bartlesville, OK 74003 918.440.9199 jhall@mcgrawrealtors.com

BARTLESVILLE’S OWN

Bartlesville’s Own Lynn Blevins Enjoyed a Life of Golfing Success by Randy Standridge I can still remember the first time I ever saw Lynn Blevins. We were both in the sixth grade; I went to Highland Park and he went to Hoover. We were on our schools’ basketball teams playing against each other at Hoover. He was the short kid that kept hitting those long baskets. We didn’t have the 3-point line back in those days, thank goodness, or he would have slaughtered us with those shots. We then played on the YMCA all-star team together, and again, he was the long-shot specialist on that team. That next summer I saw him again, playing baseball. He was the catcher on his team and for a little guy, he had an arm. I wasn’t very big either, but I didn’t have his accuracy or skills in that sport like he did — the same as basketball. He was a really good athlete, but somehow in junior high, I noticed that he gave up those sports and started playing golf. In high school at Bartlesville Sooner High, he was one of our best golfers. He started as a sophomore in 1971 and the team took 2nd in state that year. As a junior, he took the individual honor of taking 5th in the state, followed by a third-place finish place his senior year in 1973. He was also all-conference in 1972 and 1973. He was awarded a scholarship to play golf at the University of Oklahoma. From 1974 to 1977, he served as co-captain both his junior and senior seasons. He placed 5th as an individual in 1975 at the Big 8 Tournament and fourth in 1977. After college, he played in Europe and in several U.S. PGA tournaments. He began his collegiate coaching career in 1979, as head coach at the University of Oklahoma, his alma mater. He coached there for three seasons before heading to Gainesville, Florida, to take the same position at the University of Florida. He was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Coach of the Year following the 1984-85 season. Blevins guided the Gators to the 1985 SEC Championship while finishing third at the NCAA Championships. In 1986, he led UF to a runner-up finish at the SEC Tournament and before he left Gainesville in 1987, he had guided Florida to five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. He produced nine All-Americans and six All-SEC golfers at Florida. His teams won 14 tournaments, including five in 1984. Following his stint at Florida, he began a three-year stay at the University of Iowa. He led the Hawkeyes to their first-ever and only Big 10 Championship in 1992. He was named Big 10 Coach of the Year that season and coached Big 10 Player of the Year Brad Klapprott and Fresh-

man of the Year Sean McCarty. He has coached 15 NCAA AllAmericans and a Big Ten Champion. From 1995-2011, Blevins served as President and CEO of Buffalo Golf Group, Inc., which owned, operated, and managed multiple golf facilities in Oklahoma and Missouri; as well as provided consulting work for others across the country. In 2009, he was asked to start the golf programs for Rogers State University, an NAIA School in Claremore. He was successful in taking both men’s and women’s programs into the Top 20 in the country, leading the Hillcats to nine tournament wins in five seasons and helping the school transition to NCAA Division II in 2013. In 2014, Blevins became the head men’s and women’s coach at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. In 2017, the women’s team won the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championship for the first time in school history. He was also the Women’s Coach of the Year in 2017. Lynn and his wife, Terri, currently reside in Rockford, Illinois, where he is the Director of Golf at Ingersoll Golf Course. MAY 2022 | bmonthly

FAMILY FUN

Sizzlin’ Summer Series Unity Square to Hosts 3rd Season of Popular Series

“We are excited to announce the third season of Sizzlin’ Summer Series at Unity Square,” said Val Callaghan, managing director of The Center and Unity Square. This year’s lineup features Oklahoma bands and our community’s own Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra. “The great news,” added Callaghan, “is the entertainment is not just for one weekend, but with one concert each month, the fun will last from June until August!” On Friday, June 17th celebrate “The Center’s 40th Birthday Celebration,” featuring the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra. Attendees can listen to the sounds of their hometown symphony while visiting Price Tower Plaza and local food trucks for food and drinks. There will be plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained and the 2022 Sizzlin’ Summer Series T-shirts will be unveiled that evening. Friday, July 8th will take us to the “Wild, Wild West” featuring Oklahoma-based band, The Red Dirt Rangers. Music will play as you ride a mechanical bull, enjoy classic lawn games, and participate in a cornhole competition. The littles can beat the July heat with a firetruck for water play and other fun kid’s activities. Dine on classic Oklahoma barbeque and quench your thirst with a beverage from the Price Tower Plaza. It’s a party you don’t want to miss!

Make your transition back to the school year with their final summer concert, “Back to School Bash.” Leave the textbooks behind and dance the night away! Party band Weston Horn & the Hush will close out the series on Friday, August 19th. Enjoy classic American fare with burgers, hots dogs, and brats from food trucks and delicious drinks from Price Tower Plaza. Area vendors will be on-site with local school swag to help you start the semester off in style. Be sure to bring extra school supplies for a chance to win a BHS Football Pass. A Bruins-themed scavenger hunt, crafts hosted by NHS, lawn games, volleyball, and more will provide fun for the entire family. “Add these three free family-friendly outdoor concerts to your calendar now,” said Callaghan. All events are free to the public and family friendly! The Sizzlin’ Summer Series will be held from 6-9 p.m. on June 17th, July 8th, and August 19th. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blanket and come party with US all summer long! For more information, visit unitysquarebville.com or call The Center at 918-337-2787.

MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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Merchandising Magnate J.C. Penny’s Golden Rule by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum James Cash Penney, Jr. was Missouri born to impoverished farmer parents. His father was a stern Baptist minister who raised the Penney children with moral honor, applying the “Golden Rule,” a motto that stuck with J.C. Penney throughout his business career. “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” — Matthew 7:12 In 1898, Penney began working at a dry-goods store in Colorado, ironically called the Golden Rule Mercantile Company. With a chain of stores, owners Johnson and Callahan sent Penney to work in Wyoming in 1902, where he opened a new store and became a junior partner with a one-third interest. This was the beginning of Penney’s profit-sharing ventures which became the staple of his corporate platform. In 1907, Johnson and Callahan dissolved their partnerships and Penney became sole owner. By 1912, his Golden Rule stores numbered thirty-four with over $2-million in annual sales. The following year, he incorporated and changed the name to the J.C. Penney Company, but stayed true to his humble business roots and offered profit-sharing to employees he referred to as “associates.” In 1916, Penney began establishing stores throughout Oklahoma and opened his 297th store in Bartlesville on April 12, 1920 at 312 Dewey Avenue. This store closed July 16, 1977 and reopened at Eastland Shopping Center four days later. In October 1986, the store closed at that location and reopened at Washington Park Mall, which closed in 2018. By his Silver Anniversary in 1927, Penney had 773 stores bearing his name across the states with sales of over one-hundred million dollars. He easily shifted business practices to weather the Great Depression and in 1929 the company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. In an effort to renew his personal connections with associates and shoppers, in 1935, J.C. Penney paid personal visits to Okla-

homa stores. Having a visit from the Chairman of the Board was highly advertised and greatly anticipated. Completing his overnight stop in Pawhuska, Penney traveled to Bartlesville for a reception at the local J.C. Penney store where Henry Armstrong shared bytes of his Delaware Tribal history and took photographs with the merchandising magnate. The entourage then traveled to Woolaroc for a tour of the game preserve before returning to Bartlesville for a Thanksgiving dinner presented at the Peyser home, manager of the Bartlesville store. Following an evening store reception, he was taken to Miami for this final visit. When his Delaware friend, Henry Armstrong was ill in 1950, Penney visited the Armstrong home in Bartlesville for a refresher course of Delaware history and reconnected friendship. When J.C. Penney was laid to rest at the age of 95, his monetary empire was $28-billion; but, his true legacy stands as witness to his “Golden Rule.” His philanthropic generosity extended to churches, organizations and down-on-their-luck farmers. In Florida, he built the Memorial Home Community for retired ministers, church workers and missionaries. And the list continues… There have been books written by and about James Cash Penney but none more memorable than the J.C. Penney catalog… especially the children’s delight, Christmas Toy Catalog. MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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INTRODUCTIONS

The Conn family, from left: Mollie Jensen, Keith Conn, Alan Conn, Ellen Conn, Emma Conn, and Abbie Conn. Not pictured is Ethan Conn.

Meet Ellen Conn

Primary Care Associates Announces New Nurse Practitioner by Lori Just Primary Care Associates (PCA) is excited to announce the addition of a new nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine and women’s health. Ellen Conn, a lifelong resident of Bartlesville, will start seeing clients at the 4150 SE Adams Rd clinic starting June 1. According to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Bartlesville and surrounding area is underserved for family practice physicians by approximately four providers. PCA continues to actively seek medical professionals that offer family practice services to join their medical group. “My goal is to increase access to a primary care provider,” said Conn. “I can see all age groups for a variety of patient needs.” Conn started her healthcare journey based on a suggestion from her mom, who was an LPN. She was looking for a fullfilling career and a way to support her family. Once she started nursing school, she knew there was no other job option for her, as she found it a perfect fit. “I love taking care of people and helping them live their best lives possible,” she said. “I also love educating people on how they can do that.” She has spent many years of her healthcare career in education. She was in public health for over a decade as a clinic nurse. She has been a coordinating nurse for COVID-19 operations for the region, and most recently served as the family planning nurse practitioner. “There is so much to the public health area that I had no idea about until I started there,” she said. “It’s learning about how to

improve the public's health, communicable diseases, and educating on the simple steps someone can take to prevent disease.” She also spent time as the school health nurse in the Dewey Public School district, serving approximately 1,600 students plus staff. She would develop care plans for multiple chronic childhood diseases like diabetes and asthma. While maintaining those care plans, she would make sure the kids were protected from disease by ensuring all the shot records were up to date, providing education to staff, and tackling everything from stomach aches to playground injuries. At the end of the day, when she takes off the nursing cap, Conn and her husband of 26 years, Alan, enjoy spending time with their large family. They have five children with ages ranging from 17 to 29 years and five grandchildren from seven months to nine years. PCA is the largest, privately-owned family practice in the state of Oklahoma. All the physicians focus on family care and provide a hands-on approach to medicine. PCA was founded by a group of five local, independentlyowned doctors who came together in 1995. A collaboration of the same management company, nurses, staff, and administrators became known as Primary Care Associates. Over the years, PCA has remained progressive in their approach to practicing medicine. As new technologies have become available since the mid-90s, the clinic expanded to offer patients the best possible all-inclusive medical environment. You can visit their website at primarycareassociatesbartlesville.com for more information. MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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GIVING BACK

A Century of Sisterhood AW Chapter of P.E.O. Celebrated 100th Birthday in 2021 by Lori Roll On January 21, 1869, seven young women at Iowa Wesleyan College, bound by a kindred spirit to expand women’s opportunities, founded a secret society they named the P.E.O. Sisterhood (Philanthropic Educational Organization). Their emblem incorporates a 5-point star standing for faith, love, purity, justice, and truth. This spirited group of women was passionate about helping women advance through educational opportunities, philanthropy, friendship and loving concern. Their mission was revolutionary at the time, providing an educational loan fund when women could not apply for bank loans. Their bond of friendship and the group’s guiding mission quickly found popularity among other women, expanding membership to over 6,000 chapters and a half-million women in the U.S. and Canada. The Sisterhood sponsors and financially supports six international philanthropies designed to assist women in their educational goals: the Program for Continuing Education, the Star Scholarship, the Educational Loan Fund, the International Peace Scholarship Fund, the Scholar Awards, and Cottey College. The Sisterhood owns and supports Cottey College for women in Nevada, Missouri, an awar- winning independent liberal arts and science four-year college. Since its inception over 150 years ago, the not-for-profit organization has helped more than 116,000 women pursue continuing education by awarding over $383 million in grants, scholarships, awards, and low-interest loans. The AW Chapter celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021. Bartlesville has five P.E.O. chapters which originated from the AW Chapter started by Oklahoma P.E.O. member Pansy Slocum Zook in March 16, 1921, after moving to Bartlesville. The speaker at the AW Chapter’s award ceremony stated, “AW stands for Always Willing, Always Wanting, Always Working to further P.E.O. interests.” AW Chapter members grew from 12 to 45 and four additional chapters were formed: Chapter CH in 1929, Chapter DW in 1948, Chapter ED in 1953, and Chapter FT in 1984. Chapter designations are related to order of letters of the alphabet. The

international P.E.O. has a convention every two years, and state chapters convene every year. The AW Chapter co-hosted the Convention of the Oklahoma State Chapter five times: 1944, 1953, 1978, 1992 and 2002. The AW Chapter supports educational grants for women in the nursing program at Tri County Tech. Karen Oakley, an AW member since 2015, said “Our primary goal is to help women get their feet on the ground with continuing education which may have been delayed. It’s nice to know you had a part in helping their careers and they are always so appreciative.” In addition to education efforts, AW Chapter Serving Sisters volunteer at Hopestone Cancer Support Center of Bartlesville, making meals for cancer patients. P.E.O. monthly meetings are primarily held at other members’ homes, although they sometimes meet at locations where members volunteer. The AW Chapter raises money for their chosen charities by hosting garage sales, bingo, the annual Chocolate Auction, and the “sock it to me” challenge, in which members collect change in their chosen sock. In addition to fundraising efforts, the AW Chapter joins the Bartlesville chapters in hosting All-Chapter Luncheon and Reciprocity meetings twice a year to share what each chapter is doing. They host an annual B.I.L. (Brothers in Love) dinner to include spouses and partners. They host a Book Worms book club, Lunch Bunch, Sippin’ Sisters, Movie Mates, and Museum Muses to develop friendships and strengthen bonds, and an annual luncheon in May for recipients of P.E.O. gifts, grants, and loans. Oakley and Schultes want women to know about P.E.O. and its educational and philanthropical efforts. AW Historian Pam Schultes, an AW member since 2006, noted that many members join a P.E.O. chapter when they retire or when children leave the house. “However, we hosted our first baby shower for a young mother in her 20s whose grandmother got her involved in P.E.O.” “It’s neat to be part of an organization that has been around for 100 years,” Oakley said. “It’s good news. It’s about loving sisters helping others.”

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bmonthly | MAY 2022

NOW YOU KNOW

Comrades in Arms... Each with a Story, Each with a Pain, Each Seeking Comfort in Story

by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum At the close of the Civil War, there was a time of healing and reconciliation across the Nation. A war that had split families and separated states found soldiers returning to establish a new normal life. For some men, that meant moving to a new location with haunting memories that did not stay behind. These men stood side-by-side in battle, fighting for self-survival and that of their comrades. Now, they faced an emptiness that only sharing their battlefield experiences could heal. Over 28,000 Civil War veterans lived in Kansas after 1865 and an overwhelming number of these men were Union veterans. According to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War website, “Throughout the history of the Department of Kansas, there were some 500+ Grand Army of the Republic Posts located in Kansas and Indian Territory.” As one of the last posts formed under the Department of Kansas, G.A.R. Post #494 was formed at Bartlesville, I.T. on April 9, 1891 with 23 Charter Members. The Indian Territory G.A.R. detached from Kansas and April 17, 1893, Post #494 dissolved allowing Indian Territory G.A.R. Post #18 to form at Bartlesville with 95 Charter Members; six members had served in various companies of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry. Then, April 1896, Commander T.H. Gibbs posted a notice in the Bartlesville Magnet of a repost to G.A.R. Post #7.

April 17, 1893 to the last entry for Post #7 on December 2, 1907. According to Dean Enderlin, National G.A.R. Records Officer, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War: “The Department of Indian Territory merged with the Department of Oklahoma G.A.R. in May 1908. The G.A.R. Post in Stillwater was also assigned the number 7. The Stillwater Post had seniority, so Bartlesville had to request another number and became G.A.R. Post #37.” Civil War comrades took every opportunity to gather in order to recount stories of service, celebrate heroism and memorialize fallen comrades. Almost immediately after the Civil War ended, Union reunions began at the national level. At each reunion, the next reunion location was selected and plans began. Reunions were also held by individual regiments. Jacob Bartles hosted the Twelfth Annual Reunion of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry September 21-22-23, 1896 at Bartles Park, on the north side of the Caney River horseshoe bend. Bartles meant business and wanted the “Old Soldiers” to remember his entertaining abilities. He spared no expense, erecting tents as lodging and dining halls to feed the travelers for free…evenings brought tales told and music played around a large camp fire.

While the Nation mended, so did the hostilities between the Union and Confederates. The Sons of On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma became a state. Union Veterans have documented National G.A.R. records at the Bartlesville Area History Jake Bartles during the Civil War. Museum indicate the history of Post #18 from 48

bmonthly | MAY 2022

NOW YOU KNOW Blue and Gray Encampments began October 18, 1882 and continued annually. Edward North Requa enlisted as a Private in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and his regiment battled the men of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry at several points. At the end of the war, he returned to his home in Missouri and, in 1885, moved to Indian Territory. Later, he purchased the Bartles farm, two miles northwest of Dewey, and established a farming operation. While Bartles and Requa served from opposing sides during the war, Requa often joined meetings of the G.A.R. to share war experience stories. In June 1899, as a joint effort of celebration in the 123rd anniversary of the “Independence of the United States of America,” the G.A.R. Picnic and Barbecue Reunion, scheduled at Pryor Creek, became the first annual encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic and Confederate Veteran’s Association of Indian Territory. In addition, veterans of the Spanish-American War were invited to join the festivities with band contests, speeches and much food. Bartles was well known for this elaborate 4th of July celebrations; so, that following month Republicans, Democrats, Blue and Gray sat on the same benches, broke bread and shared experiences with differences set aside. The days were filled with eloquent speeches themed towards healing and unity; and, the Bartlesville Cornet Band played patriotic tunes as they partied in harmony, peace and patriotism. Just like the reunions of the Sixth Kansas, local meetings of the Blue and Gray Reunions continued in an effort of reconciliation with neighbors. One such event happened in Bartlesville’s Johnstone Park on September 8-9-10, 1903. That year, William Little of Ramona won a roping contest and Caney River boating was a highlight. Bartles knew he was losing his battle with Bright’s disease, so while attending the 1907 Sixth Kansas Cavalry Reunion in Parker, Kansas, he made plans to host the reunion one more time. The Bartlesville Interurban reached Dewey in 1908. Couple this transportation opportunity with the convenience of railway travel and Dewey was set for an explosion of visitors during the threeday twenty-fourth reunion of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry.

True to form, Jake advertised he would pay all expenses for his comrade visitors. He borrowed a host of small tents from the Army and set them up in rows at Dewey’s City Park, across the street from the Dewey Hotel. An old regimental brass cannon was placed in the middle of the tents. It has been recorded Dewey was “dressed in gala attire, with flags, bunting, pennants and streamers flying from every available pole and building around the square.” Although Jake was too ill to participate in the festivities, his son, Joe, arranged a cowboy roping contest as entertainment. Jake and Nannie Bartles were able to pose with the Civil War comrades in the only known photo taken at that event. Jacob Bartles worked hard, played hard and enjoyed a prosperous life. He was a generous man of honor and integrity who lost his health battle October 18, 1908. In his absence, his son, Joseph Bartles carried forward a forty-one year tradition – The Dewey Roundup!

Did You Know? In 1948, the final G.A.R. national encampment was commemorated with the issuance of a postage stamp. In 1956, the G.A.R. was dissolved upon the death of the lastknown surviving member of the Union Army; Albert Woolson of Duluth, Minnesota once served the G.A.R. as Senior Vice Commander in Chief. In addition, the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, known as U.S. Route 6, running from California to Massachusetts, is the second longest U.S. highway. Now You Know* MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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announcement as a couple on the 3rd ﬂoor, greeting your waiting guests. 8:00 am to midnight under the happy gaze of friends and family. Saturday or Friday night over night in our Bridal suite included, an extra night is $250.00. Sunday: Pick up your own decor and minor cleaning, no big messes left, and you are leisurely out of the space, 8:00 am to noon. Some prefer to do this Saturday evening. Let us know. Total Price: $5,000.00 Additional guest rooms available on-site through your AirBnB App destination Bartlesville, The Jewel Box Hotel Apartments 1-4. Approximately $140.00 per night. Additional party space available for showers, Bridesmaids luncheons, Anniversaries and other celebrations.

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LOOKING BACK

First Bartlesville Post Office DAR Dedicating New Monument at Original Site by Kay Little, Little History Adventures After Jacob Bartles left Silver Lake, he established his Indian trading post at Turkey Creek, in the Cherokee Nation of Indian Territory, in 1874. The following year, he purchased the Nelson Carr gristmill at the Horseshoe Bend of the Caney River on the north side. While Jake was making improvements at the mill, he applied to become a postmaster and assigned the name “Bartlesville” to his trading post site at Turkey Creek. His wife, Nannie, stayed to operate the trading post, because she was pregnant. She gave birth to their son, Joseph, on December 15, 1875. Bartles was appointed the postmaster of Bartlesville on May 8, 1879 at the Turkey Creek trading post. In 1880, after Jake had his home and store built at the northern settlement at the mill site, he moved the Turkey Creek trading post/post office to the northern settlement. He continued to be the postmaster at the mill site until 1894. The current post office marker that is at Turkey Creek faces west because the old trail that came off the higher ground to the north meandered to the southwest and then looped around by this site. From there it went down a little lower into the nearby Whiteturkey Settlement.

project was perfect. Another fun fact is that Jake Bartles is believed to be a descendant of an American Patriot. On May 8, 2022, at 3 p.m., the DAR will be dedicating the new monument at the original location, behind the Madison Village Apartments and behind the Coney Island and KFC. Turn off SE Frank Phillips Blvd as if going to Dollar General and there will be signs at the parking lot for a walking path to the monument. Several local Boy Scouts made the trail, built a bridge, and set the benches as Eagle projects. The new monument will be placed beside the old one, but facing east. It will have the same wording as the old one, but with the addition of DAR wording. For attenders who want to come on May 8, but do not want to walk, a low frequency radio broadcast will allow you to listen from the parking lot. Please come! So, as we look back, we are also looking forward to more people knowing about this wonderful piece of Bartlesville history.

In March 1851, the Indian Territory Pioneer Association erected a marker at the site of the first post office on Turkey Creek. Don Tyler, of the Dewey Portland Cement Company, donated the marker. Through the years, the marker has deteriorated, and because ITPA no longer exists, local historians, including myself, have wanted to erect a new monument. Several years ago, Tammy Windle Ross and I started trying to find an organization to help us erect a new monument. A couple of years ago, Debbie Cook became the Regent of our local DAR and was looking for a historic project. She approached Debbie Neece and I about the first post office monument. We were excited! I contacted Tammy and she was, too, and started helping us design the monument. Because the pillars of DAR are Patriotism, Education, and Historic Preservation, and are all about serving our community, this

The birthplace of Joe A. Bartles after building was moved to Dewey. MAY 2022 | bmonthly

SUMMER FUN

Sunfest! Celebrating 40 Years of Food, Fun & the Arts! by Maria Gus For 40 years, Sunfest has been one of Bartlesville’s first signs of summer, a welcome kick-off to warmer weather, time with friends, and enjoying the outdoors. Sometimes called Oklahoma’s Biggest Outdoor Picnic, Sunfest is much more than just food and friends. As guests weave their way around beautiful Sooner Park, they’re likely to see live entertainment, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, informational booths, and plenty of delicious treats that one can only get in a food truck. Corn dogs and kettle corn and funnel cakes, oh my! This is a special year for Sunfest, as it celebrates its 40th Anniversary in Bartlesville. For 40 years, Sunfest volunteers have been bringing life to Sooner Park on the first weekend in June. Attendees at Sunfest have seen everything from Hanson (they were performers before they hit the big time) to canine stunt shows to incredible arts and crafts. Several vendors have beautiful handcrafted creations that have become precious keepsakes to Bartlesville families. This year, the Sunfest team promises to have a lot of fun around every corner of the park. On Friday and Saturday evening they’ll be showing movies on the inflatable screen in the bandshell, sponsored by Truity Credit Union. On Saturday morning they’ll host the Summershine Car Show sponsored by Patriot Auto. Throughout the entire festival DSR will sponsor free pony rides for youth. Of course, Sunfest will have plenty of music on the main stage in addition to plenty of activities for youth and events at the bandshell. Event coordinators say the Bassmobile will also be making an appearance, teaching about fishing and the outdoors. Friday night the main stage will feature local musician Aaron Ray Vaughan and Saturday evening has the New Orleans-inspired King Cabbage Brass Band. Sunday brings several worship and praise teams from area churches to show off their talent.

environment brings joy not only to the attendees, but to the volunteers, as well.” Sunfest wouldn’t be possible without the incredible volunteer team that comes out to help each year. Volunteers include those on the executive board, area chairpersons, and dozens of scheduled volunteers over the weekend. Lewis said the board is also grateful for the Sheriff’s deputies who stop by to shake a hand and keep them safe, or the local scout troops who will be there to help keep the park clean. In 40 years, Lewis said a lot has changed but a lot has stayed the same, and the sense of community is what keeps bringing people back year after year. “It is amazing the evolution of the Sunfest board of directors,” said Lewis. “What started with a group from TRW Reda Pump in 1981 to now, our board members have included mayors, company heads, concerned citizens, and now a Scout Master.” Anyone looking to help out at Sunfest this year can reach the board by visiting their website at www.bartlesvillesunfest.org or email event coordinators at sunfestbville@gmail.com.

In his first year as board president, Charles Lewis said he’s most looking forward to seeing people enjoying the Bartlesville community. “We see so many friends reuniting at the park, taking in the festival atmosphere,” said Lewis. “Sunfest is a great time, and the relaxed atmosphere and friendly MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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FROM THE HEART

Carve the Little Bird In All You Do and Say, Know that God Sees You by Lori Kroh One of the best gifts I ever gave myself was the permission to sit down and read for fun. Twelve years ago, when I was to become a Mother for the second time, I chose a daunting novel that would take me on a journey for my soul and into the world of architecture and construction. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett ranks as one of my top five all-time favorite books. He was known for the multiple storylines and his exquisite details that allowed you to peer inside the world where the visions of man were constructed for God. The author spent 10 years crafting his words and knew it was a calling upon his life to write historical fiction. He would give the reader a peek into a world where Cathedrals became second unto God. They were built in precision with stone, timbers, and the handiwork of masters. Through tears, bloodshed, and even loss of lives, they would toil each day knowing that this legacy would have to continue with the next generation. When sleep evaded me, I would read well into the night and could not put it down. It was a wonderful world I discovered. Often when giving this book as a gift ... I inscribe on the inside, “for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees,” and that is also true for you. I would discover life-changing truths that I see as a parallel. We have no record of the names that erected the great cathedrals, as they were not recognized for their work. These builders dedicated their lives for a cause they would never see completed in their lifetime. They made great sacrifices and the notoriety from man did not come. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that God saw everything and they were excellent at the work of their hands. A story of a legend in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, ‘Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof. No one will ever see it' and the workman replied, ‘Because God sees.’ It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me…”I see you. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, no school meeting, no last minute errand is too small for me to notice and smile over.” It was then I gave myself more permission. The permission to not construct a monument unto myself. The peace I received was so overwhelming and the words he wrote

changed my perspective forever. Sometimes in life, you will work with people and on causes that you may not see the final outcome. You won’t know how it ends. Many times we wonder and wait and seek recognition from those who cannot appreciate the hand of the Master. And so it goes for you as you do what is unseen. You carve the little bird because God sees. The time you share, the money you gave and the prayers you prayed. You never know what words of kindness will do or the hugs that heal or how your eyes filled with love will change the perspective of one. All the little nuances of your life that affect others and build them up into a person that will overcome. You carve the little bird because God sees. A legacy will continue and many will be in awe, yet the recognition may never be known. You are a part of the beautiful construction of lives and that is greater than any cathedral. You cannot fathom right now what the handiwork of your heart does for others. Your toil and tears and all the lives you touch, yet God sees. He is peering through the clouds and the surrounding steeples and all the way down to you. He saw the little bird and He smiled. MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | MAY 2022

LOCAL BUSINESS

Mr. Limey’s Joyce Thurman Looks Back on 36 Years at Popular Spot by Maria Gus If someone had asked a young Joyce Thurman if she’d spend 36 years in the restaurant business she probably would have looked at them like they were crazy. When Cities Services left Bartlesville in the 1960’s, Thurman was on the look for a new job. She and a friend went to see Mr. Joe Nelson, who owned a popular fried chicken franchise and a much smaller, new little restaurant that was making fish and chips. When Thurman was offered the job as manager, she didn’t know the first thing about running a restaurant. Thurman did seem to know a thing or two about taking care of people, however. That seemed to be just the secret ingredient the restaurant needed. Mr. Limey's opened when Mr. Nelson, a banker, and a lawyer decided Bartlesville needed a place for fish and chips. In 1969, area students were invited to enter a contest to create a name and a logo for the place, and the winner received a $25 bond. Soon after, Bartlesville’s fish and chips place was known far and wide for delicious fried fish in a friendly, casual atmosphere. “After I had been there about three years, Mr. Nelson came in and said he needed to talk to me,” said Thurman. “He said they were going to close the store.” That’s when Thurman decided they would buy Mr. Limey’s. After talking to husband, Virgil, the restaurant became theirs in September of 1975. “I was 36 when I went in and 72 when I came out,” said Thurman with a laugh. Through the years, Mr. Limey’s saw a wide variety of people come through the doors of their place in Comanche Center. A lot of her former coworkers at Cities Services started coming in, along with Phillips executives, families, and social clubs. Thurman’s regulars became like family and sometimes she was able to put them to work, like Bartlesville Police Department Captain Kevin Ickleberry, who started as dishwasher and worked his way up to manager. Thurman recalled a group of Gold Wing motorcycle riders that came in every afternoon. One year, she had nearly 400 pies to make for custom orders. “The Gold Wing guys came in and folded all those pie boxes for me,” she remembered. Pies were a popular order at Mr. Limey’s with staff spending hours on end in the restaurant gearing up for pie season. German Chocolate and Coconut were the top two sellers in those days. Creativity was sometimes a driver for Mr. Limey’s menu items, too. One day, son Gary Thurman and a bunch of the other young employees were fooling around in the kitchen and that’s how a favorite — fried pineapple rings — came to be on the menu. “We tried to fry everything. Pickles, pineapple rings, hot dogs, homemade onion rings, all ended up on Mom’s menu,” said Gary. “We even tried bananas; that was a mess.”

Throughout the years, the food was always delicious, but it was the hospitality that made Mr. Limey’s special. Customers who frequented Mr. Limey’s also knew that Thurman was a large supporter of law enforcement, too, with a Wall of Fame highlighting the achievements of those in the Washington County Sheriff's Department and the Bartlesville Police Department. Folks like former Sheriff Pat Ballard and Cpt. Ickleberry were friends who became part of that family. A gentleman from Africa who was in Bartlesville for training for several months walked from the Hotel Phillips to Mr. Limey’s every day for dinner. Thurman and Gary said he was one of their favorite customers. They invited him to family events and Thurman became his surrogate mom. Gary recalled a lot of older customers his mom adopted. “We always made sure they had food. As they became older and couldn’t come in, Mom would check on them and bring them food. We thought that was pretty special.” “If someone had something wrong they would tell me, I could see to it that their spouse would have food, little things like that,” added Thurman, “That’s what we’re here for, to take care of each other.” MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | MAY 2022

A GOOD WORD

Trust God’s Plan by Keith McPhail For I know the plan I have for you, declares the Lord, “Plans not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 Where you are today is no accident. God has used, and is using, the situations you are in right now to shape and prepare you for the struggles you will go through. Trust His plan, even if you don't understand it. No matter how broken I have been or how I may feel today, I know God can renew me from within. Our body is not a reflection of our spirit. If we endure hardship for Christ for just a moment, a day, a month, or a lifetime, our trials, failures, and tribulations will be nothing in comparison to the glory we will experience when Christ calls us to Heaven! For this “A Good Word” column, I'm writing about me, us, and yes, you. As I tell you this story, I want you to look back at your life and see what God has brought you through and the Hope that wouldn't let go. On June 4th, I turn 53 years old, and trust me, it is only by God's Grace and Mercy — which is greater than all of my sins — that these words are being written and read by you. Those 53 years are basically two thirds of my life — gone, wasted, treasured, or forgotten? I believe now, more than ever, what the purpose is for my path then and now. Over the last 4 years I have written many stories about my past and, of course, stories about my wife, Christy. When I first laid my eyes on Christy in the fall of 1985, I had only been in Bartlesville for four months. So many events lead to this

night and many mountains were moved for this life-changing event to happen. It was all due to God’s plan for me and for us. God had already planned this out, beginning with my first 15 years of abuse and darkness I lived through before this encounter came to light. This night would forever, and I mean forever, shape and change me into the man, father, and husband that I am today. At that moment in my life, I instantly and forever fell in love with this beautiful girl at the age of 16. Here I am today looking back at this MOMENT in my life from when we met, our 18 years apart, and through His plan, our life together again after all those years of being separated. He knew that one day we would be the hands and feet of Jesus. I honestly look back at my almost 53 years of living on this earth and ask “God why do you have me here?” Is that wrong to think or ask? Honestly, looking back at my life — and really not that far back, God has put situations in my life to completely break me or to make me - to be lost in the darkness or to make me one of His soldiers. It was almost like a God wink to me saying “you are going to do great things and help change many people's lives.” I now understand that these moments had to happen to help change my life first before I can help lift up others. I know my path with addiction, the suffering, the darkness, abuse, the shame, the wasted years, and millions of tears have all led me to help others. He knew the impact and the many lives I would help one day. When people look at me today the only thing that matters is that they see HIM in me. Through the years, we all have faced giants in our lives that can and will break our faith, destroy our Hope, and make us question our purpose in this life. Today when I see a mountain, He sees a mountain moved! I KNOW WITH ALL MY HEART THAT IF HE IS FOR ME, NO ONE CAN BE AGAINST ME! Because of the valleys He has led me through, and whatever the situation is, my God is in control and has a plan for me. My prayer for each of you who read this story is to trust God's plan for you. The journey you're on today and where you have been is His plan for you. Give Him the glory and praise for all of it! God bless you and keep you, and may God shine His light on you. Keith MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | MAY 2022

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

School’s Out For Summer The Final Bell at Limestone School by Brent Taylor What's the greatest three minutes of your life? Alice Cooper says the greatest three minutes of your life is “...the last day of school when you're sitting there and it's like a slow fuse burning.” Cooper’s lyrics of School's Out indicate that not only is the school year ended for summer vacation, but it has ended forever, and that the school itself has been literally blown up. My school did not blow up, but they did tear it down. I asked permission to retrieve a few of the stones during demolition, as if to somehow preserve the part of me that was formed in that schoolhouse. Within those stone walls I heard the clatter of a film projector and a narrator who seemed to know everything about the world except how to find a pair of fashionable eyeglasses. We observed Earth Day and took field trips to learn about why education is important so we could one day work with card punch computer systems at Phillips 66, and we visited places where we didn’t want to work — like the National Zinc Smelters — which was also a form of educational motivation. My 1st grade teacher was Mattie Mayberry, who inaugurated the WPAbuilt version of Limestone school in 1939 as sole teacher of that school. Rusty Matthews, the janitor, kept a Folgers can in his broom closet filled with Brach’s hard candies. He polished the floors with a sheen that enhanced the illusion that the candies accelerated as he flung them down the hall, turning children into candy hockey goalies. Lunch included wacky cake and pigs-in-ablanket served up by women with spider-net hair who called us by name as if they were our cafeteria aunts. We practiced football in Principal Tyner’s nearby backyard because it had bermuda grass without the goat heads that peppered our playground. We wore jeans and sneakers and flimsy helmets purchased at Curtis Sporting Goods. Our rival game was with the Wayside Warriors. We hiked to the game on an oil field service road that roughly translates to Jefferson road. Pump jacks creaked and groaned like monstrous insects as we walked past them, nervously awaiting the competitive pitch of battle. Mr. Tyner called my number on a flanker reverse and I took the handoff and veered along the line looking for daylight. My next memory was of the Wayside boys coming over and whacking a kid by the name of Pickles on the butt, congratulating him for cleaning my clock.

When I graduated 6th grade at Limestone School, I felt a strange melancholy. That day was not the greatest three minutes of my life. Looking back with adult emotions at what my 12-year-old eyes saw that day, I understand why my last day at Limestone School felt different than all the other last day of school moments. Those were days of Cake Walks and costumes as we transformed the school into a Fall Carnival, roaming from class to class for festivals of fun staffed by teachers and parents. My first crush on a girl happened there as I held her hand and thought my world had come undone. We sat on towels in Mrs. Brock’s kindergarten schoolhouse. We eased into uni-desks marked with the compass-scratched initials of our predecessors. We learned, we grew, we had fun. And yet we always knew it would end. As the final bell sounded on 6th grade graduation day, I wandered to the bus zone. My friends were talking and laughing, unmoved by this watershed moment. Summer was here and it was time to move on to camp, pool parties, and teenage romance. A new school year awaited on the other side of summer. Central Junior High would usher in a new era and this one was gone. I watched the buses roll onto Highway 75 and I walked around the gym to the playground, then down the steps to the crosswalk on Nowata road. I walked north on Mission road to my home without looking back. The final scene in the movie Stand By Me features Richard Dreyfuss tapping this line into a typewriter, “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve.” My friends and I would never be the same again. Somehow I knew that as I made that last walk home from Limestone School in the early summer of 1971. MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | MAY 2022

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MAY 2022 | bmonthly

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK

by Jay Webster Well, it happened last month, on Easter to be exact; our good friend of some two and a half decades, Georgia Pearl Call, turned 102. One hundred and two! You could stack two of my lives on top of each other and they wouldn’t reach 102.

somethings with absolutely no agriculture background do to help spur on downtown development. For 10 years, each Saturday was like a weekly street festival with art, music, homemade tamales, and cinnamon rolls as big as Mr. T’s fist. That’s also where we first met Georgia Pearl and her husGeorgia’s lifetime has seen the Great Depression, the Dust band Gene. When the H.O.T. Market as it was called (Heart Bowl, the advent of radio, movies, television and the interwebs, of Town Market) reached the 20th anniversary of its incepthe second World War (and four tion, we poured through old Georgia is old-school when it comes to eating and others), cars and air travel, all photos from all those Saturdays. nutrition. She has never met a child’s appetite that popular music as we know it and There was Gene and Georgia could be spoiled by ice cream, cookies, or boxes of every film you’ve ever seen, 18 U.S. Call sitting in the front row of half chocolates. When we come to visit, the snacks are presidents (so far), indoor eleca dozen of them. out and the sweets are on display. tricity, plumbing, heating & air, Gene and Georgia never had kids of their own, but her first personal phones of any kind, the computer, segregation, equal job here in Bartlesville was as a nanny of sorts. Soon she was rights, the invention of boy bands, “reality” TV, and every fast watching dozens of kids at a time, mostly the children of workfood chain known to man. That’s a lot for a single lifetime. ers from Gene’s construction company. (Gene built about 100 Georgia was born and raised in Prague, Oklahoma — home homes in the area, many of which are still standing today.) Not of the shrine of the tiny baby Jesus. (That’s the interstate sign surprisingly, she made a lasting impact on those children. you see on the turnpike. It just sorta begs you to take the exit Every holiday from Christmas to her birthday will see an and see what it is.) One of 11 children, she lived on a farm onslaught of cards and flowers from “her kids.” where they didn’t have much, but they had enough. Georgia loves cards and flowers. She displays them Almost 100 years ago, we got the idea to start a farmers proudly on her kitchen table for weeks at a time. Her little market in downtown Bartlesville, because that’s what 2064

bmonthly | MAY 2022

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK apartment looks like a green room for a famous entertainer. heat makes time move slower and Joe Bob kept his apartment It’s only fitting, really. at a sizzling 98 degrees) and Georgia loves family. It’s a highlight every year when either way he would look at you her Prague family comes to her apartment with kids Georgia has never learned to and say, “You’re not already leavin tow so they can visit on their way to Kiddie Park. drive (yet), but she and Gene traving are you?” If you even mention eled the U.S., seeing the sights of this great country, fishing and to Georgia that you have a meeting or appointment or even picnicking and visiting friends and family. After my wife, Annjust need to hit the Aldis, she’ll hand you your hat and walk you Janette, and I eventually retired from the exotic, fresh produce to the door. world of the H.O.T. Market, we’d occasionally still see our “old I also love that Georgia is old-school when it comes to eatSaturday morning” friends. So when ing and nutrition. She has never met a child’s appetite that Ann-Janette saw in the paper that could be spoiled by ice cream, cookies, or boxes of chocolates. Georgia and Gene were celebrating When we come to visit, the snacks are out and the sweets are their 60th wedding anniversary, on display. If Ann-Janette or I politely refuse because we’re tryshe made a point to reach out and ing to avoid the “sugar-betes” she just looks confused and send them a gift. That began a trathen huffs — “a little sugar never hurt anyone.” She is constantly dition of our going to see them suspicious that somehow we are withholding food from our every week for the last 14+ years. daughter because “she’s so thin.” Trust me, the calories she Georgia’s “Gene-y-boy” has takes in at Georgia’s place alone could fuel a small power since passed away, but Georgia plant. In return, our daugh-ter, Evanjalyn, likes to read, keeps his memory alive every day. sing, and generally In the meanwhile, Georgia still lives entertain Georgia on her own and she can read you each week — 10 under the table any day of the week. She does years and going. use hearing aids, but she likes to keep them Beyond that, I love that chargin’ so they’re ready for her shows: Wheel of Fortune, with all that Georgia has Lawrence Welk, and Dancing with the Stars (even if she often done and seen, she still wonders out loud “Why they have to be so naked?”). really loves the simple The pandemic has interrupted her almost-perfect attenthings. If you want to see joy, dance record at First Baptist Church. To bridge the gap, you just bring a Taco Mayo tostada by Georgia’s members of the church come to visit her and call to check on apartment. That is one happy lady. her routinely. And, as any good Baptist would, she can still tell Georgia reads every one of these columns, even the bad ones. you how many souls attended last Sunday’s service and about So Georgia, happy birthday. We love ya “a bushel and a peck.” her favorite feature stories in the Baptist Messenger. Georgia loves family. It’s a highlight every year when her Prague family comes to her apartment with kids in tow so they can visit on their way to Kiddie Park. At 102 she gets tired, but not too tired for that.

Friends, thanks for indulging us. I’ll look forward to seeing you again next month.

There are a lot of things to love about Georgia, but here are a couple of my favorites: Despite her age, Georgia is not a stuff person or a hoarder. Even now, her apartment is neat and orderly — the cabinets are not overly full or stuffed, there aren’t leaning towers of papers … she only owns what she uses and needs. In fact, the only thing I’ve seen her collect or keep are her cards and photos and people. Another thing I love about Georgia is that she remains practical. When Ann-Janette’s Grandad was living, we’d drive an hour to South Tulsa to visit, take him to dinner, roam the halls and see his friends, repeat stories, and talk about OU football. We could be there for 24 hours (or so it seemed, because as we all know, MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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MAY 2022 | bmonthly

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LET FREEDOM RING

Operation Neptune Spear A Look at the Plan to Take Out Osama bin Laden by Jay Hastings The year was 2011. In the early morning hours of May 2nd, Pakistani time — May 1st, Eastern Daylight Time — United States Special Forces raided an al-Qaeda compound in Abbottabad Pakistan. They were searching for the world’s most wanted terrorist of the time: Osama bin Laden. Almost 10 years since the horrific 9/11 attack on the United States, its mastermind would finally experience justice. For many years, it had been a widely-known fact bin Laden was the leader of Al Qaeda, a militant Islamist terrorist network. In 2007, intelligence specialists began looking at a courier of bin Laden’s, who they suspected could be harboring terrorists. By 2010, the intelligence specialists had linked the courier to a highlyfortified compound in Abbottabad. On April 29, 2011, President Barack Obama authorized a small special operations team, known as SEAL Team Six, to carry out the planned mission, and thus the team began practicing for the raid on a full-sized replica of the compound. The raid on bin Laden’s compound would be called Operation Neptune Spear, after the trident that appears on the U.S. Navy's Special Warfare insignia. On the night of the raid, the team, made up of two dozen SEALs from DEVGRU’s Red Squadron, flew in beneath radar in just two helicopters, varying their routes to avoid

detection. For specific reasons, namely that the United States was not at war with Pakistan, the military personnel assigned to the mission were temporarily transferred to the control of the civilian Central Intelligence Agency. Through Operation Neptune Spear, five computers, ten hard drives, and over a hundred storage devices were recovered. Bin Laden’s 228page personal journal was also found. Twenty-two people were located at the compound during the mission; five were killed, including bin Laden. By some accounts, bin Laden “used family members as human shields.” He was killed within nine minutes of the initiation of the raid. The operation on the ground lasted only 40 minutes, but required years of planning and training. Once the mission was secure, the SEAL team leader radioed, "For God and country, Geronimo, Geronimo, Geronimo," thus declaring the raid a success.

Timeline of Operation Neptune Spear: May 1, 2011 (EDT) 1:25 p.m. President Obama, along with other top officials, formally approves the execution of Operation Neptune Spear. 1:51 p.m. Stealth Blackhawk helicopters take off from Afghanistan, carrying a group of 25 Navy SEALs. 3:30 p.m. The choppers land on the compound in Abbottabad. One helicopter crashes, but there are no injuries; the mission continues, uninterrupted. 3:39 p.m. Osama bin Laden is located on the third floor of the compound and is shot in the head, above the left eye. Sometime during the operation, three other men, including one of bin Laden’s sons, and a woman in the compound are also killed. 3:39 p.m. The team locates and retrieves multiple items from the compound for intelligence investigation until 4:10 p.ms. 3:53 p.m. President Obama receives preliminary word that bin Laden is identified and confirmed dead. 3:55 p.m. SEAL team members move bin Laden’s body to the first floor of the compound and place it in a body bag. 4:05 p.m. The undamaged helicopter exits the compound. 4:08 p.m. The team destroys the chopper that crashed. 4:10 p.m. A backup helicopter scoops up remaining team members and leaves the area. 5:53 p.m. Both choppers carrying SEAL Team Six members return to Afghanistan. 7:01 p.m. President Obama receives further intelligence information that the body killed in the raid is that of bin Laden. 11:35 p.m. President Obama addresses the nation about the raid. 12:59 a.m. Osama bin Laden’s body is buried at sea within 24 hours in accordance with Islamic law. DNA tests confirm the body was that of Osama bin Laden. ~ Source of Timeline: The History Channel ~

MAY 2022 | bmonthly

2021-2022

Waitress Monday, May 9, 2022

918-337-2787 bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com

Scooby Doo Friday, June 3, 2022

US N BO D ON! ADHOW S

Blue Man Group Wednesday, June 22, 2022

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Broadway in Bartlesville! BiB! Season Finishes Strong with Three Big Shows As the Broadway in Bartlesville! 2021-2022 season hits its final two months, Val Callaghan, managing director of the Bartlesville Community Center, wants to remind area residents of the three terrific upcoming performances, beginning with Waitress on May 9 at 7:30 p.m.. “We have a wonderful performance of the Broadway musical Waitress this month, and will finish the season with two more big productions in June; Scooby Doo and the Lost City of Gold and smash hit phenomenon Blue Man Group,” said Callaghan. “We are excited about these three shows, and encourage people to get their tickets before we are sold out.” Tickets for all three performances are available by phone at 918-337-2787 and in person at the Community Center box office from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For 24/7 ticket sales, visit bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com. In the hit Broadway musical Waitress, you will meet Jenna, an expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying encounter with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness. Scooby Doo was added to the lineup late in the season, to replace Madagascar the Musical, and is scheduled for Friday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. In this extravaganza of family fun, fans of music, discovery, and gh-gh-ghosts! won’t need a passport to travel with ScoobyDoo, Shaggy, Daphne, Fred, and Velma to Alta Luz, a fictitious South American town where ghostly sightings of La Dama de Oro

(The Lady In Gold) threaten to scare attendees away from the annual music festival and Incan sun god celebration. Scooby Doo and the Lost City of Gold is a treat the entire family is sure to love! On Wednesday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. the national tour of Blue Man Group visits Bartlesville for one night only. This show was a special bonus add-on performance to the Broadway in Bartlesville! season. More than 35 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon that is Blue Man Group — and now it’s your turn! Blue Man Group premiers in Bartlesville for a limited engagement on their new North American tour. It’s everything you know and love about Blue Man Group — signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity, and quirky comedy. The men are still blue, but the rest is all new! Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction and hilarious absurdity, join the Blue Man Group in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages. Special thanks goes to The National Endowment for the Arts, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the following local sponsors who have made the Broadway in Bartlesville! 2021-2022 series possible: Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Adams • American Heritage Bank • Arvest Wealth Management • Bartlesville Convention and Visitors Bureau • ConocoPhillips • Copper Cup Images • Mr. and Mrs. Paul Crawford • Diversified Systems Resources • Examiner-Enterprise • Green Country Village • Keleher Outdoor Advertising • KGGFAM KGGF-FM KUSN KQQR • KRIG KYFM KWON KPGM • Nowata Road Liquor • Phillips 66 • Price Tower Arts Center • Robinett/King • Dr. and Mrs. Richard Rutledge • Dr. and Mrs. William D. Smith • Sparklight • Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory • Truity Credit Union • United Linen

MAY 2022 | bmonthly

1976-2022 46 Years of Service

Bartlesville Ambulance Provides: • Coverage 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week • Professionally trained Emergency Medical Technicians & Paramedics • 2-Way Radio Communications with Police, Sheriff, and many Hospitals in Oklahoma • Local and Long Distance Transportation

Memberships will not be sold after May 31, 2022. ENROLL NOW at bartlesvilleambulance.com! Annual Membership Fee: $66.00 - Individual $78.00 - Household 74

bmonthly | MAY 2022

BARTLESVILLE AMBULANCE P.O. BOX 1051 BARTLESVILLE, OK 74005 918-336-1111

A full year of ambulance service for you and your family for one low payment of $78.00

WE GUARANTEE THE LOWEST PRICE ON PRE-ORDERS

WE’LL LOCK IN YOUR TRADE-IN VALUE NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES! Chevrolet: 3800 SE Adams Rd, Bartlesville | 918-336-3000 Hyundai: 2001 SE Washington Blvd, Bartlesville Sales: 918-608-9092 | Service: 918-608-9117

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TRIP TRIP Hooray! Introducing Truity Travels

Truity is excited to announce a new partnership with Simply Travel. Our members now have access to FREE services such as: ▸ Special Discounts ▸ Personalized Booking Solutions ▸ Unique Group (or individual) Travel Experiences Join Truity today and make the most of your next trip, near or far! Get started at TruityCU.org/Join.

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Roaming Coastal Maine Portland, Acadia & Penobscot Bay September 16-22, 2022