Scrap Happy Quilters Dedicate Barn Quilt Block
The members of the Scrap Happy Quilters Guild of Okmulgee turned out in force Thursday morning for the dedication of Oklahoma's first barn quilt block at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds. Okmulgee county has the honor of being the first in Oklahoma. In the photo are (front row, left to right) Sue Pittman, June Taylor, Mary Waits, Ronnie Ashford, Francine Daniels, Carol Belter, Teresa Earnhart, Melissa Bigger, Mary Lee, and Norma Kemp; and (back row) Sueanne Collins, Jane Longan, Alice Bingman, Katie Curtis, Carolyn Newberry, and Sue Crandal. Not pictured are members Kathy Goodman, Emma Graham and Wanda Goodman.
(Staff photo by Herman Brown)
Okmulgee County News Source
Scrap Happy Quilters launch state’s barn quilt block site
Other 76 counties across Oklahoma challenged to join the drive for a full statewide tour
The members of the Scrap Happy Quilters Guild of Okmulgee turned out in force Thursday morning for the dedication of Oklahoma's first barn quilt block at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds. Okmulgee County has the honor of being the first in Oklahoma. However, the plan is to have these blocks located all over the state.
Two of the leaders of the Scrap Happy Quilters are Jane Longan and Ronnie Ashford. They want to challenge all the quilt guilds in the other 76 counties to create their own barn quilt block.
A barn quilt is an 8’ x 8’ square that represents a quilt block. This quily block is known as Road to Oklahoma. The state flag inspired the colors used in this barn quilt.
The local members provided the following information about the Oklahoma Barn Quilt Trail - which begins right here in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
A barn quilt is a square fashioned of wood and other materials, painted to resemble a quilt block, and hung on a barn or other building. These quilts celebrate quilting as an American folk art, promote tourism, draw attention to the beauty of our state and promote community volunteerism. Each one usually has a story about the quilt’s significance to the property owner.
In 1989 Donna Sue Groves told her mother, a master quilter, that she would paint a large quilt block on their barn. She intended to do it for years and spoke about it with friends. Finally, they decided to fulfill the promise, but decided to go further. A committee was formed to establish a trail of several barn quilts. The first, a block known as the “Ohio Star,” was completed in Adams County, Ohio in 2001. Donna Sue’s mother finally received her block in 2003. This started a movement across the country. Today, there are approximately 45 states that have quilt trails, with over 3200 barn quilts hung. Go online to quiltbarninfo.com to look at individual states and counties to see how extensive many of them have become over the years.
Although Oklahoma has some barn quilts put up by individuals across the state, it does not have an established quilt trail.
“We plan to change that starting today (Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014),” a spokesman said. “We kick off our trail by dedicating Oklahoma Barn Quilt # 1 at the Okmulgee Fairgrounds. It is a reproduction of a traditional block called “The Road to Oklahoma” and is painted in the colors found in the Oklahoma flag. It seemed appropriate for the first block to honor Oklahoma and convey our state pride. It is painted on an 8’ x 8’ foot square backed with 2 x 4 framing and attached to the building.”
“We intend to continue adding barn quilts to our trail in Okmulgee County, creating a scenic drive that people will enjoy following. Eventually we hope to build a website and provide an online map. In order to do it on the scale we envision we will need lots of community help. We’d love to hear from people who are interested in hanging a quilt on their property and from individuals or groups who wish to volunteer to build, paint, or install quilts. We need a myriad of skills and of course, we will also be seeking funding.”
In addition, the group would like to issue a challenge to the other 76 Oklahoma counties to join the trail.
“We are putting all Oklahoma quilt guilds and art lovers on notice,” the spokesman said. “Now is the time to start a barn quilt trail in YOUR COUNTY! Can’t wait to see it go statewide!”
Acknowledgements: The Scrap Happy Quilters’ Guild of Okmulgee donated the funds for the block. A smaller group of members built and painted the block.
We would like to thank Doug Maxey, Okmulgee County Extension Director, and the Okmulgee County Fair Board for their gracious help and permission to hang the barn quilt there.
“We would also like to thank County Commissioner Bobbie Hardridge and his crew for their assistance in hanging the quilt,” they said.
For more information, pleace contact Ronnie Ashford by email at ronnieashford@yahoo.com or by phone at 918-902-1999 - or Jane Longan at gojanego@cox.net or by phone at 918-344-1540.
County fair will open
at 10:00 am Thursday
The 2014 Okmulgee County Free Fair will officially open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September, 4th at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds. It is one of the best family events of the year - and there is something for everyone.
Some of Thursday’s highlights will include the following:
• Table Setting Contest, 3:30 pm.
• Salad Making Contest, 4:00 p.m.
• Consumer Education Judging Contest
• Food Judging Contest
The livestock show schedules is as follows:
4:00-5:00 p.m. – Rabbits and Poultry must be in place.
5:00 p.m. – Sheep Show
5:30 Jr. Horse Show
7:00 p.m. – Gilt & Barrow Show
The all-important presentation of Premium Order will be accnounced by Chamber of Commerce immediately after swine show.
Here is the schedule for Friday, September, 5th
9:00 a.m. Commercial Cattle Grading
10:30 a.m. 4-H & FFA Livestock Judging
Cowboy Mounted Shooting 6:00
The final day of the county fair will offer the following:
• Saturday, September, 6th
9:00 a.m. – Exhibit Hall Opens
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Family Festival!
Free family activities for all ages
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Impaired Driving Course sponsored by Farm Bureau
2:00 p.m. – Goat Show
5:00 p.m. – Dairy, Beef and Junior Cow/Calf Show – Immediately after Beef and Dairy shows, presentation of Premium Order by Chamber of Commerce.
Kathryn Bell
wins mayor’s
race in Beggs
Ballard advances to
Nov. in District 1 race
There will be a new mayor in Beggs.
Kathryn Bell will lead the city council at Beggs after defeating two challengers in the run-off race on Tuesday. The retired educator collected 147 votes to win the post. Burton Jones finished second in balloting with 76 votes. Former Mayor and council member O.G. ‘Corky’ Thompson was a distant third with 38 votes.
Ron Ballard prevailed in a 2-man Democratic run-off for the Okmulgee County Commissioner District 1 office. Ballard, a former commission, collected 359 votes to longtime school board member Mike Hubbell’s 254 votes.
By beating Hubbell, Ballard advances to the November General Election to face Republican nominee Jack Bell. Bell earned his spot in the finals with a contested 2-vote win several weeks ago in the Primary.
In the State Senate District 8 run-off, Selina Jayne-Dornan of Eufaula defeated Gary L. Clason of Henryetta at the ballot box. Her showing here in Okmulgee County featured a 987 to 732 margin over Clason.
In Morris, residents approved the 25-year non-exclusive francise with Public Service Company of Oklahoma to continue PSO’s efforts to provide electricity to customers in the city limits of Morris. This is a standard agreement that utility companies sign with municipalities across the state of Oklahoma.
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AT A GLANCE
• BEGGS - Mator’s Race
Kathryn Bell, 147
Burton Jones, 76
OG Thompson, 38
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• County Commissioner District 1
Democrat
Ron Ballard, 359
Mike Hubbell, 254
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• State Senator District 8
Selina Jayne-Dornan, 987
Gary L. Clason, 732
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• PSO Proposition
City of Morris
Yes - 85
No - 12
OHS classes from 1960’s
due in Parade of a Decade
Della Higgs is sending out an invitation - and a challenge - for Okmulgee High School alumni classes of the 1960’s to get involved in the 2014 Homecoming event, ‘Parade of the Decade.’ The spotlight this year will be the decade of the 1960’s.
“We invite your class to attend the upcoming homecoming ceremony and become an active participant in alumni activities such as the 60’s Parade of a Decade,” she said.
The OHS graduates from 1960 – 1969 will join forces as a collective unit to participate in the 2014 Homecoming activities as a group. The 10 classes of the 1960’s will be represented in the parade, and will also attend the game.
Della is requesting one person from each class will handle t-shirt orders; please contact Tina of OHS or me to place your orders (918) 758-2075. The proceeds will go to the OHS Athletic Department.
A representative from each class can enter at least three cars for your class in the homecoming parade. Entry fees may apply, so please contact Gene Walters @ OHS for registration for the parade.
Agenda for September 12th
9:15 a.m.– Pep assembly OHS Brock Gym
3:00 – Decorate Cars
Parade line up at the school
*Classes start from 60-69 for line up
4:00 – Parade
6:30 – Harmon Stadium for the big Game
“This is a way to show our school spirit, provide support as OHS Alumni and show these youngsters “This is How We Do It,” Della said. “Join us as we continue to strengthen educational and social foundation for the youth here at the Okmulgee.”
Please contact Della (Alumni of 1986) at d.higgs67@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
OHS HOMECOMING QUEEN CANDIDATES
Excitement is building for these lovely young ladies as they prepare for the 2014 Okmulgee High School Homecoming festivities. The event will be Friday evening, September 12th at Harmon Field before the start of the Okmulgee vs. US Grant football game. Homecoming queen candidates include (not in order) Aaliyah Brown, Brandi Edwards, Makelti Ballard, Janay Wallace, Kenzie Colpitt, Diamond Powdrill, Ar’Rianna Nunley, Chrystn Barnett, Denise Barnett and Kimberly Jordan. More information about the candidates, their escorts and the Homecoming events will be forthcoming in the Okmulgee Times. (Staff photo by Patrick Ford)
Obituaries
PHILLIP LYNN SAWYER
Phillip Lynn Sawyer, resident of Beggs, died in Tulsa on August 25, 2014 at 49 years of age. Phillip was born in Woodward, Oklahoma on May 27, 1965 to Ronald J. and Wilma L. (Bilyeu) Sawyer. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and a member of the Faith Church of Glenpool.
Phillip was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, his paternal grandparents and two cousins. He is survived by his parents Ronald and Wilma Sawyer, two brothers Richard Sawyer of Beggs and Matthew Sawyer and wife Kathleen of Henryetta, paternal grandmother Margrie Sawyer of California, two nephews, four nieces, ten aunts and three uncles.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel in Beggs on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Toby Youngblood officiating. A private entombment will follow at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Phillip’s tribute page at www.mcclendon-winters.com
Patricia Darlene Aldridge
Funeral services for Darlene Aldridge of Chouteau, Oklahoma, who passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2014 in Tulsa, were held 11:00 A.M., Friday, August 29, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Beggs, Oklahoma. Burial followed in the Okmulgee Cemetery. Services were officiated by Mr. Henry Evans and Reverend Chris Gore.
Darlene was born Patricia Darlene Morgan on March 4, 1941 in Centrahoma, Oklahoma. She lived there until her sophomore year and then finished high school at Tupelo High School. She attended cosmetology school and became a licensed beautician and was also a part-time college student.
She married Orland Aldridge on July 8, 1960 in Stonewall, Oklahoma. She is survived by her husband, a son, Jeff, a mathematics instructor at NEO A & M College in Miami, Oklahoma and a daughter-in-law, Paula, a veterinarian at River Trail Animal Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma and a sister, Janice Lester of Whitesboro, Texas. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Minnie and Arthur Morgan of Tupelo, Oklahoma.
Darlene thoroughly enjoyed being a house wife and was an excellent cook. She possessed a green thumb and her flower beds always bore the proof. She enjoyed all outdoor activities, but most of all she was a loving mother and devoted wife.
Arrangements were under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Beggs. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Darlene’s Tribute Page of our website at www.mcclendon-winters.com
WYNEMA ODINE FIXICO
Wynema Odine Fixico, a resident of Vinita, Oklahoma passed away Wednesday, August 27th, 2014 in Vinita at the age of 74.
Funeral services were scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 29th, 2014 at Integrity Chapel with Rev. Kenneth Cooper, officiating. Interment was in the Castle Cemetery under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.
QUEEN ESTHER JORDAN
Queen Esther Jordan, 79, homemaker, a longtime resident of Okmulgee, OK died Thursday, August 28, 2014, in her home surrounded by family.
Arrangements are pending with House of Winn Funeral Home.
RON E. CAUDLE
Ron E. Caudle, a resident of Bartlesville, OK passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 in Bartlesville at the age of 55 years.
A memorial service will be held at the First Assembly of God in Okmulgee on Sunday, August 31, 2014 at 2:00pm. Services are under the direction of the Jackson Funeral Home and Crematory of Okmulgee, OK.
EVELYN C. TUNLEY
Evelyn C. Tunley, age 66, a Retired Educator for Tulsa Public Schools & Beggs Public School, died August 24, 2014 in Tulsa. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday August 30, 2014 at 11AM at the Full Gospel Outreach Ministries (1609 N. Evanston Pl.). Arrangements are under the direction of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc.-Tulsa Chapel
EDDIE COOKS
Eddie Cooks, 74, laborer, formerly of Okmulgee, OK; passed away, August 28, 2014 in Seminole Hospital, Seminole, OK.
Arrangements are pending with House of Winn Funeral Home.
RON YOUNG
Ron Young, resident of Mounds, died August 29, 2014. Services are pending with McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Beggs. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Ron’s tribute page at www.mcclendon-winters.com
For Your Information
News from around Okmulgee
• Town Hall Meeting Tuesday
A Town Hall Meeting has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2nd at the Eastside Baptist Church, 3rd and Osage Streets. All citizens are urged to attend. Under discussion will be local law enforcement.
• Tutors Needed for Adult Literacy Program
Would you like to help your community grow by sharing your knowledge and time?
The Okmulgee Library is looking for volunteer tutors for the Adult Literacy Program.
Illiteracy is a challenge which affects 1 of every 5 Oklahomans.
If you are interested in making a difference, please contact the Okmulgee Public Library at (918) 756-1448
• Help Feed the Bulldogs
St. Matthews Baptist Church along with Calvary Baptist and Eastside Baptist Churches has teamed up with the Okmulgee Athletic Department to feed the High School football team a pre-game meal before every game this season. Anyone interested in helping with monetary donations, food, or supplies please call Mark (918)232-2212 or Shon Tuggle (918)756-4388. Thank you in advance.
• OSL accepting fundraiser requests
Okmulgee Service League is currently accepting letters from local organizations to be considered as recipients for OSL’s 2015 major fundraiser. All letters need to be addressed to OSL Fundraising Chair Michelle Clevenger and received prior to Thursday, Sept. 4. Please send letters to Okmulgee Service League, PO Box 913, Okmulgee, OK 74447 or via email to osl_1959@aol.com. All requests will be reviewed with consideration.
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Holiday Closings
Please be advised that all City Hall Offices and Public Works operations will be closed Monday, September 1, 2014 in observance of the holiday. Emergency service operations, police and fire departments, will remain operational during the holiday.
Sanitation service Monday through Thursday routes will run ONE day late. Friday route will run as normal. City operations will resume on Tuesday, September 2, 2014.
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The Okmulgee County Courthouse will be closed on Monday for the Labor Day Holiday.
The Okmulgee Times office will also be closed on Monday.
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Fire hydrant testing continues by OFD
The City of Okmulgee Fire Department is currently conducting fire hydrant testing.
“We are currently testing Hydrants on Hillman Street and working east and possibly finishing testing by the end of the week of September 1st thru the 4th. said Acting Fire Chief Bruce Swearingen. “We will be testing North to South on each street until complete and then move east to the next street and test South to North finishing on the east side of the City when testing is complete.”
Testing begins at 8:00 AM and concludes at 4:00 PM Monday thru Thursday.
“We realize that hydrant testing temporarily makes your water dirty and we suggest to run your outside hydrant to clear your pipes if testing is in your area.
“We realize this is an inconveniance but the Insurance Service Offices mandates we test hydrants annually to keep your Insurance rates as affordable as possible. Testing is also important to insure adequate water supply and hydrant operation in the event of an emergency.”
For any questions or concerns contact the Okmulgee Fire Department at (918) 756-3265.
Local agencies, tribe to present workshop in Okmulgee Sept. 16
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced that NRCS, the Oklahoma Tribal Conservation Advisory Council (OTCAC), the Muscogee (Creek) Nation (MCN) and Okmulgee County Conservation District are partnering to hold a free conservation workshop and dinner on Tuesday, September 16, 2014.
The workshop will be held at the MCN Elderly Nutrition Center, located at 2915 N Wood Drive (Creek Nation Housing), then east 1/8 mile to the MCN Nutrition Center, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
Pre-registration will begin at 5:30 PM and the workshop will begin at 6:00 PM.
Local farmers, ranchers, tribes, tribal members, youth and women in agriculture are encouraged to attend. The workshop agenda will provide attendees with valuable information regarding the Farm Service Agency’s livestock disaster program and other USDA Farm Bill programs. Attendees will be able to participate in a soil health demonstration that will illustrate the importance of soil health, benefits of no-till, best management practices for pasture and rangeland.
The workshop is open to the public. There is no registration fee to attend; however, RSVP is requested, as dinner will be provided.
If you are interested in attending the workshop, please RSVP by noon, September 12, to the Ronald Goedecke, at the NRCS Okmulgee Field Office at 918-756-0850 ext. 108 or by calling Dr. Carol Crouch at 405-612-9331. You may also email your RSVP to ronald.goedecke@ok.usda.gov or carol.crouch@ok.usda.gov. If you need an accommodation, please contact Carol Crouch by calling 405-612-9331, by September 15. Please plan to join us for dinner and a very informative conservation workshop.
Living Longer, Living Stronger Classes Coming to the area
Project Heart and the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative (OHAI) Northeast Center of Healthy Aging are collaborating to provide the Living Longer, Living Stronger Program. The Living Longer, Living Stronger Program was developed by Stanford University’s School of Medicine. This program is designed for individuals and their caregivers who are dealing with chronic conditions.
Living Longer, Living Stronger will be held at 12:30 pm, Tuesdays, beginning September 9th through October 14th at the Henryetta Nutrition Center at 211 South 11th Street in Henryetta.
The 6 week, 2-1/2 hour classes cover techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation. The program teaches exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance.
The program enforces appropriate use of medications and introduces tools for communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals. Other subjects covered include nutrition education, decision making, and how to evaluate new treatments.
Instructors are provided by OHAI, a program of the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center andsupported by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.
To receive additional information or to reserve your spot in the classes, please call OHAI’s Northeast Center of Healthy Aging at (888) 616-8161.
Ride 4 Gold Poker Run is Oct. 11th
The Okmulgee County Sharks Special Athletic Association will hold their annual Ride 4 Gold Poker run on Saturday, October 11. All proceeds benefit the Okmulgee County Sharks.
The run begins at 8:30 with registration concluding at 9:30. Pre-registration is $25 which includes poker hand, t-shirt and meal. Day of the ride registration at the Creek Council House will be $30.
The ride will start at the Creek Council House and be approximately 100 miles with a meal and auction to follow. Lunch starts at 12:30 - last bike in at 1:00. This event will be held rain or shine.
For more information contact Jill Porter at 918-758-9362 or Jill Rhodes at 918-752-7070. Be looking for more information!
Upcoming Events at St. Anthony
• Patriot Day Prayer Service
Hosted by the Catholic Community of Okmulgee & the First Presbyterian Church of Okmulgee
Join us at St. Anthony Catholic Church 515 South Morton Avenue, Okmulgee
Thursday 9/11/14 - 7:00 PM EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Patriot Day is a Day of Observance, to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States, but also, in a meaningful way to remember those who died, were injured, or served to protect us.
Patriot Day is a Day of Prayer, to give thanks to God, and to humbly ask the Almighty’s Guidance, Protection, and Healing for our Country and World.
Patriot Day is a Day of Recognition, to show gratitude and appreciation to those among us who Serve and Protect us daily.
Please wear your uniform if you currently serve in the military, law enforcement, firefighting, or emergency-rescue services.
Charitable Donations will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
See more at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Reception to Follow in Vestibule
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RICA Classes at St. Anthony’s
Feeling LOST? Need some place to call HOME? Come HOME today.
St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church 515 South Morton Ave.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a great way to find out where Christianity began and how to belong to the Christian community Jesus founded - The Roman Catholic Church.
RCIA is not just a series of classes it is a renewal of the spirit, education of faith, a process of growing in our relationship with God, His people, and the world.
Come join us for an informal dinner and question and answer session Wednesday September 10th at 6pm in the St. Anthony Knights of Columbus Building. Classes begin Wednesday, September 17th at 6pm. You may still join the class after this date. Call our Pastor, Fr. Josh today at (918) 756-4385 and have him SAVE a place for you. Come, taste, and see!
Office: (918) 756-4385
Email: Frjosh@sbcglobal.net
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• Fall Festival
It’s TIME AGAIN!!! for the Annual St. Anthony Church Fall Festival
When: Saturday, October 25th
Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: Activity Center - 601 South Morton Avenue, Okmulgee
“A Fun Family Friendly Affair With More Treat Than Trick!”
• Carnival Games
• Raffle
• Bingo @ 6pm
• Cakewalk
• Concessions
• Awesome Prizes
• Candy
Tickets Only 25¢
918.756.4385