Feb. Calendar

I've gotten off to a late start in publishing the calendar of events for February (due to the weather, lack of internet for several days, and just plain laziness)!  The Watonga Chamber of Commerce Banquet was held on Feb. 3, with Representative Tom Ivester as keynote speaker.  Lots of community leaders and business people were present for the uplifting and positive messages given by Mr. Ivester and the Chamber President, Vicki Williams.  Music was provided by the Rural Route Ramblers -- don't miss them next time they perform in Watonga!  Congratulations to the winners of the community awards given by the Chamber, all of whom are deserving and set a good example for our community: 
Business of the Year: Whirlwind Winery
New Business of the Year: Lumber Yard
Volunteer of the Year: Bill Kelly
Citizen of the Year: Mark Pinkerton
Beautification Award: Sonic
Bobbi Schenk was recognized as Teacher of the Year by Superintendent Bill Seiter. Thanks go to End O'main for catering the event, and to Todd Lafferty for acting as MC.  Also, a BIG thank you to all who came out for the banquet, especially with the weather the way it is! 

Today is Fri. Feb. 7 -- Watonga High School basketball at Crossings Christian at 6:30 pm (JV at 4:30 pm)
For more information on school athletics dates, go to www.watongapublicschools.com. 

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, don't forget to VOTE .... whether you vote "yes" or "no" on the school bond issue, it is important that you VOTE!!

Friday Feb 14 - VALENTINE'S DAY  Check out Aunt Toot's on Noble (across from the Noble House) and Hi-Tek Designs on Main Street for come sweetheart gift ideas. 
Then, on Saturday, Feb. 15, do something different with or for your special "somebody" -- go to the LIQUID ART evening at Whirlwind Winery, enjoy some wine tasting, and make some ART.  Sponsored by the Phoenix Circle Foundation (a 501(c)(3) organization), all supplies are provided and the fee is tax-deductible.  Call 580-623-4269 for reservations so that they have enough supplies for all you lovers!  Check out "Phoenix Circle Foundation" on FACEBOOK for more information.

Also on Feb. 14, the Watonga Public Library is holding another "Let's Do Lunch" with Jennifer Kidney discussing Barbara Kingsolver's books (The Poisonwood Bible) .  Bring your lunch and get excited about reading!  I had never read any of Ms. Kingsolver's books before hearing a presentation by Jennifer, and I am now in the middle of my second novel of hers!

Once the weather warms up (to above-freezing temperatures), the After School Art program at the high school will resume == hopefully on Wed. Feb. 12.  Call 580-623-4269 for more information on this free program. 

 Feb. 17 is PRESIDENT'S day and the children will be out of school. 

The next City Council meeting in Watonga will be on Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m.  If you want to know what's going on with the City, you MUST attend some of these meetings because the City Clerk does not publish or provide any information to the public on a voluntary basis.  The Agenda is sometimes posted on the City's website at www.cityofwatonga.org, and is generally posted in print on the door of the City Clerk's office on Weigle on the Friday before each meeting on Tuesday.     

Feb. 28 - March 2 is the annual TROUT DERBY at Roman Nose State Park lakes, sponsored by Friends of Roman Nose Association and the Watonga Chamber of Commerce.  Register to win fabulous prizes, and catch fish to win even more prizes.  You don't have to be a fisherman to register for the grant prize [I hear it's going to be a $500.00 gift certificate to a major sporting goods store -- where there's something for everyone!].  The weather should be good but check www.weather.com for up-to-date local weather (not OKC weather!).  And don't forget that the state record rainbow trout was caught at Watonga Lake !!  More information on the trout derby can be found at www.watongachamber.com 

Mark Reed of Bridge Creek at Lake Watonga.  Courtesy of NewsOK.

The goal of this post is to keep the public informed .... if you know of anything that needs to be included on the monthly calendar, please comment here or email me at phoenixcir@yahoo.com.

HAVE A GREAT MONTH!