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New Beginings Art • Music • Culture • Things to Do Volume 5 • Issue 1 • Green Country Scene • Tahlequah Daily Press

Table of C onTenTs Tahlequah Community Playhouse celebrates 50th anniversary..................4 Parade, play and livestock cure winter blues in Muskogee .........................8 ‘Sheep farm’ more than just farming......................................................... 14 Libraries, parks help fight off winter fever ................................................. 18

Kim Poindexter Executive Editor Heather Ruotolo GM/Advertising Director Chris Barnhart Advertising Abby Bigaouette Graphic Designer

Contributing Writers Layce Gardner Cathy Spaulding Ellen Workman

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Green Country Scene • Volume 5 • Issue 1

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Green Country Scene • Volume 5 • Issue 1

TCP actors perform a scene from “Our Town.”

Tahlequah Community Playhouse celebrates 50th anniversary By LAYCE GARDNER

Tahlequah Community Playhouse Inc. is 50 years old this year. It was born of an idea shared by a handful of friends who had one thing in common: a love of the theater. At first it was only an idea. A “my daddy has a barn and my mama can sew, let’s do a play,” type of thing. Little did they know at the time, but TCP would become a mainstay of Tahlequah entertainment. Their first play, “Ten Nights in a BarRoom,” was so well received that deciding to produce another play was a no-brainer – and so was the play after that and the play after that. It was like a snowball rolling downhill. Before they knew it, TCP had a board of directors and was well on its way to becoming the talk of the town. 4

In the last half of its current 50th season, TCP is producing two more plays their audience voted to bring back. The plays were a “best hit” and now new life is being breathed back into them. “The Addams Family” was the first production of the season, followed by “Our Town.” Up next are “And Then There Were None,” a mystery written by Agatha Christie, and “Harvey,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama written by Mary Chase. Craig Clifford has acted in many shows and has directed even more. His joining the ranks of TCP was not an intentional decision. “Patsy, my wife, joined an exercise class that met in the Carnegie Room at the public library,” Clifford said. “Several of the ladies in the class were in TCP. They recruited Patsy to assist with the current

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play, which was ‘Everybody Loves Opal’ at the Tsa La Gi Motor Lodge. As often happens, the husband – me – was asked to assist with tearing down the set, and then we both sold our soul to TCP.” Clifford fondly remembers many past colorful memories from all his productions over the years. “There was the time the police rushed into one of our productions after some of the pyrotechnics were a little too loud,” Clifford said. One of the best things about live theater is that a play is never exactly the same, night after night. “A rearranged set of script lines, a late or non-existing sound effect, and a late entry always adds to the excitement, which adds to the community aspect,” Clifford said. Even though the playhouse has survived and thrived since its inception, there are still goals to achieve and milestones to reach. “We are always recruiting new talent, especially backstage,” Clifford said. “We would love to have our own venue, but so far, none of us has won the lottery or inherited a fortune. An old building in down-

Craig Clifford and Steve Ball, TCP directors of “The Addams Family.”

The cast from TCP’s “The Addams Family.” town Tahlequah with high ceilings and a flat floor would be a delight. Storage space for scenery and costumes is also needed. Our vision is that we want to be identified as Tahlequah’s unique offering for entertainment as the only dinner theater in the region.” One of TCP tenants is giving back to the community. One of the ways they accomplish this is through The Penguin Project. The Penguin Project is live theater for young artists with special needs, whom are paired with mentors to assist them in rehearsal and on stage. By providing access to community theater, The Penguin Project demonstrates the special challenges of a disability should not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences. “The Penguin Project is a unique opportunity for special-needs children to take the stage and go for the applause,” Clifford said. TCP, the grand old dame of Tahlequah entertainment, is looking forward to its next 50 years. Happy birthday, Tahlequah Community Playhouse, and many more. To become involved with TCP, visit tcpok.com.

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Green Country Scene • Volume 5 • Issue 1

Checotah Rough Riders equestrian team is a yearly favorite at Muskogee’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday parade.

Parade, play and livestock cure winter blues in Muskogee By CATHY SPAULDING

cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com

Winter in Muskogee is no time to stay inside — not with these remedies for cabin fever. January marks the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s celebration was extra meaningful in Muskogee, said Derrick Reed, executive director of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. “We are kicking off the 50th anniversary for the Martin Luther King Center in Muskogee,” Reed said. “It was in 1974 that Celestine Johnson started the MLK center, so we’re going to celebrate all year long.” Festivities began with a kick-off luncheon, Jan. 13. Guest speaker was J.A. Reed Jr. whose father, Rev. J.A. 8

Reed, was longtime pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Muskogee. Derrick Reed said the luncheon included tributes to past directors of the MLK Center, as well as plans for the center’s future. The center, built in 2016, hosted a day of celebration on King’s birthday, Jan. 15. Guests enjoyed a free pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. followed at 10 a.m. by Muskogee Ministerial Alliance’s unity worship service. A parade began at noon and went along Martin Luther King Street from 12th to Third Streets. “Each year, our parade has grown,” Reed said. “It is a celebration. More groups have joined us over the year in living out the dream. Celebrating every day in unity, and that’s what every day in Muskogee should look like.

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Highlights included the Checotah Rough Riders equestrian unit, Muskogee High School Rougher Regiment Band and entries from churches, fraternities, sororities and other groups. Christian Ministers Union’s Car Show began after the parade. Muskogee Little Theatre always warms things up around February, and this year is no different. MLT will present the angelic comedy “Heaven Can Wait,” Feb. 9-11 and Feb. 1517. The play, which stemmed two hit movies, focuses on a young boxer who goes to heaven before his time. Hundreds of youth from eight counties show their best pigs, goats, sheep and cattle at the Muskogee Regional Junior Livestock Show, March 4-9 at Hatbox Event Center in Muskogee. The show is open to 4-H and FFA members of Adair, Cherokee, Haskell, McIntosh, Muskogee, Sequoyah, Ok-

mulgee and Wagoner counties. “If we correlate it with sports, it’s kind of the area tournament,” said Rowdy Fewel, who emcees the shows. “It’s the big show before they go to Oklahoma City, which is the Oklahoma Youth Expo.” Fewel said the competition begins earlier in February at dozens of local shows. Then come the county shows. “Now we bring eight counties together to make it the Muskogee Regional Junior Livestock Show,” he said. The week caps off with the show and sale, a lively auction-like event in which supporters bid on the top show animals. However, instead of giving up their animals, the young exhibitors get to keep their animals, as well as the proceeds from their sale. “There will be 1,500 to 2,000 people there,” Fewel said.

Maci Britt of McIntosh 4-H Club guides her bronze medallion-winning Hampshire hog around the show ring as bidders watch during the 2023 Muskogee Regional Junior Livestock Show and Sale. Green Country Scene • Volume 5 • Issue 1

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Green Country Scene • Volume 5 • Issue 1

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Green Country Scene • Volume 5 • Issue 1

Shepherd’s Cross | Courtesy photo

Fiber Festival Retreat participants learn about washing, dyeing, wet felting, carding, picking, and other techniques used in the fiber arts.

‘Sheep farm’ more than just farming CLAREMORE PROGRESS STAFF REPORT

A worldwide headquarters for teaching and sharing the ins and outs of sustainable living can be found at a working sheep farm called Shepherd’s Cross in rural Rogers County. This agritourism site and working sheep farm welcomes guests onsite for free and paid events all year long. It is at 16792 E. 450 Road, northeast of Claremore. Starting in January, Shepherd’s Cross is hosting three annual Fiber Fest Weekend Retreats, along with in-depth animal husbandry and herd health classes and workshops. Farm owner and primary instructor at the farm, Dr. Diane Dickinson, is an agriculturalist with a bachelor’s in agriculture, a doctorate in veterinary medicine, and over five decades of farm and livestock experi14

ence. She serves as an onsite veterinarian and operates a veterinary care unit on the farm. “For those interested in returning to the basics of farming, small ruminants present a great option for sustainable living. Our small ruminant class is a great place to start learning how to be more self-sufficient and for homesteading,” Dickinson said. On Friday, Jan. 12, “Sheep, Goats, and Small Ruminants,” an animal husbandry and herd health class, was taught by Dickinson. The class covered a full day starting 8:30 a.m. lasting until 4:30 p.m. “During these troubled times, small flocks provide stability for our families, communities, and the nation,” Dickinson said. If you want to do more than just learn about animal husbandry, sheep starter flocks are also available at Shepherd’s Cross.

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Caring for small ruminants is more than just sheep. Learning applies to goats, alpacas, and llamas, as well. Class includes instruction, handouts, videos, tutorials, and hands-on experience. Dickinson’s unique perspective of animal husbandry care includes that of a producer, a veterinarian, and a small flock and herd owner. She also shares her experiences in global agriculture, biblical agriculture, sustainable living, natural production, agritourism, and niche markets. The Dickinsons have owned and operated Shepherd’s Cross for over 30 years. Their livestock include sheep, cattle, alpacas, llamas, donkeys, horses, and poultry. Their farm is Animal Welfare Approved, with their livestock pasture-raised and pasture-fed. Class topics include: vaccinations, feet trimming, tail docking, bloodless castration, managing pasture and feeding, parasites and worms, practical profitable flock herd health for working shepherds, sheep, goats, alpacas, lambing, birthing, neonatal care for lambs, kids, and others tubing, wool management, and shearing. For three days, Jan. 18-20, during the first Fiber Fest Retreat of 2024, Dickinson

offered an in-depth experience in processing any kind of fiber; participants worked with wool. Those attending also learned about washing, dyeing, wet felting, carding, picking, spindling, spinning, needle felting, and weaving, and some history of fiber arts with practical technology. Each participant made and kept multiple projects. Shepherd’s Cross holds three Fiber Fest Weekend Retreats a year: January, June, and August. Retreats are augmented by hands-on learning tools available in the onsite Educational Farm Museum, and with a collection of fiber arts from around the world. Shepherd’s Cross offers classes yearround, on an individual or group basis. The farm is an accredited Agritourism facility, a Made in Oklahoma company that processes Animal Welfare Approved fiber that is chemical-free, hormone-free, free-range, and all-natural. Shepherd’s Cross hosts a mini wool mill, processing the wool from its own sheep raised on site. More details and class registration and costs can be found at www.shepherdscross. com. To learn more, email farm@shepherdscross.com or call 918-342-5911.

Clarice Doyle/Claremore Progress

Sheep, goats and alpaca farming are Veterinarian Diane Dickinson’s specialty. She teaches all aspects of animal management as part of her life’s work and mission to share best practices and how farming relates to the Bible. Green Country Scene • Volume 5 • Issue 1

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Green Country Scene • Volume 5 • Issue 1

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Bear Creek Troupe plays at TPL.

Libraries and parks help fight off winter fever By LAYCE GARDNER TDP Special Writer

Winter fever is a real affliction. It happens when people are cooped up in their homes during the long, dark winter months. Seasonal Affective Disorder is another malady that happens when people aren’t outside in the sunshine enough. Battling the winter doldrums is not easy. Walking outside can help, but that causes red noses and burning ears. One solution is to take a trip to the Tahlequah Public Library. The library is not just for kids anymore. The Eastern Oklahoma Library System offers programs and services for all ages – babies and toddlers through senior citizens – with a large variety of topics, activities, and locations. 18

The library has free Wi-Fi, access to the internet, and computers with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. The library offers English Language Learning, literacy classes for adults, and tutoring for the High School Equivalency Test and citizenship exams. Employees assist with green card and other paperwork for adult learners. On top of that, there is a multitude of great programming, including arts and crafts, music, movies, lectures, community meetings, games of all kinds, and technology lessons. The library even has meeting rooms available for the general public’s use. TPL’s vision is to create welcoming libraries that inspire imagination and ideas. In providing a free meeting space for public use, the EOLS libraries support the American Library Association’s

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Library Bill of Rights, which states: “Libraries which maintain meeting rooms, exhibit space, or other facilities open to the public should make them available on equal terms to all persons, regardless of their beliefs or affiliations.” The library is also hosting musical events. Some of Tahlequah’s favorite musicians, such as Bear Creek Troupe and the Mandophonics, have held concerts in the main room. Both bands have played to packed houses. And the best thing is, it’s free. All of the library’s upcoming events are a great way to shake off the winter doldrums, spend quality time with family and friends, learn something new, get some exercise, or escape to a new world through a book. To visit, tutor, mentor, or see a schedule of upcoming events, go to eols.org/ tahlequah/. After winter has thrown off her

snowy cloak, people peek out of their front doors just like butterflies emerging from a cocoon. There is no better way to see butterflies than at the Butterfly Papilion at Muskogee’s Honor Heights Park. The butterfly house is a unique structure. It is an open-air captive sanctuary for many varieties of Oklahoma native butterflies and gives visitors a personal experience. All EOLS cardholders are able to reserve a free pass to Muskogee’s Butterfly Papilion. As spring is shyly peeking around the corner, library patrons can celebrate new beginnings at a storywalk. Storywalk combines family time, physical activity, and literacy in a fun, interactive stroll in nature. This simple experience can encourage a lifelong love of reading, physical activity, and the great outdoors.

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The Historical Museum offers eclectic displays.

Adair County Historical Museum offers archival services By ELLEN WORKMAN

The Adair County Historical Museum is a free establishment furnished by donated and loaned items and run by volunteers. It is housed in a 108-year-old train depot at the heart of Green Country. The former Kansas City Southern depot in Stilwell is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and every second Saturday from 10 a.m.4 p.m., when various Cherokee crafting classes are also taught. Along with the museum, the Adair County Historical and Genealogical Association is headquartered in the venerable depot. The ACH&GA was founded in 1995, but it did not have a permanent home for the first nine years. The depot, which was no longer in use, was expected to be demolished, but lifetime Adair County historian and retired teacher Betty Starr-Barker, 1929-2014, stepped in, saying the destruction of the depot “will be over my dead body.” Primarily through her efforts, the de20

pot was saved and became the property of the city of Stilwell. The building was renovated, and it is now home to the Adair County Historical and Genealogical Association, the Adair County museum, a for-rent meeting room, an office that is used for digitizing Adair County records and genealogy research, and the Betty Starr Baker Archive Room, where records dating back to the early 1900s are stored. All items on display in the museum have Adair County, Oklahoma, ties, and many of them have stories regarding their origins on display. Volunteers offer guided tours and answer questions regarding artifacts, and one corner of the museum is dedicated to a hands-on exhibit, where children of all ages can access vintage hats and play games of a by-gone era. Funding to keep the facility in operation comes from ACH&GA membership fees, meeting room rentals, grants primarily from the Cherokee Nation, sales of items offered in the depot’s emporium, genealogical research, and donations.

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Celebrating Public Power

Stretching out for miles across the landscape, the Grand River Dam Authority's power lines deliver the abundant and reliable electricity that thousands of our neighbors depend on every single day. These lines reach into public power communities, like Tahlequah, as well as industries and electric cooperatives; supplying them all with the power we are proud to produce, 24/7/365. It's what GRDA has been doing for nearly 90 years.

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