END OF 2016 - UPCOMING EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

December 31, 2016    Happy New Year's Eve! 
I only have a couple of notes to pass on before I write the "end of year" post.
The WHIRLWIND WINERY is open Today, Saturday, from 12:00 noon until 6:00 PM.

The winery is located on east Main St. in Watonga, OK.  Go by and wish a happy new year to Brad and Don, and pick up a bottle or two of their wines for tonight's festivities.  These guys bring a lot of visitors to our town with their Groupon offers and support the idea of tourism being an economic development tool. 




Speaking of tourism, the 2017 issue of the Red Carpet Country Visitor's Guide will be out soon and available locally around mid-January.  I am honored to be a member of the RCC Board of Directors and promote activities in and around Blaine County on Facebook through pages I administer:  Watonga Community Events, Blaine Co. Community Events, Oklahoma Travel & Tips, and by sharing with numerous groups I contribute to.


One of the upcoming events in our area is the FIRST DAY HIKE at Roman Nose State Park on Jan 1. Get more information by calling the Park or check out their facebook page.

   

The next OKLAHOMA HOUSE CONCERT at the Chaparral Retreat & Guesthouse, is  Jan. 22, 2017, 5:00 PM.  A  $10 donation to Phoenix Circle Foundation (tax-deductible) is requested, which allows that charitable organization to offer FREE art activities to local children.  Advance ticket/receipt available, call 580-623-4269.  BYOB and a snack if you choose to.  You can SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC, and make a difference in the lives of children through arts education, by attending these House Concerts or making a donation directly to Phoenix Circle Foundation.  The owners of the Chaparral Retreat provide free lodging and food to touring musicians, and in return they perform in the unique and comfortable setting of the Retreat.  The musicians we've hosted come from all across the country and we try to show them OKLAHOMA hospitality.  There is nothing else like these shows, so come share the experience.  In February, we have a returning musician, Caroline Cotter, coming with a friend, so it will be a completely different show than her solo performance last year.  Get more information at www.chaparralbb.com, and check out our Discover Oklahoma segment on youtube by typing in "chaparral retreat" in the search box at the youtube website. 

We hope everyone has a safe and festive new year's eve.  I'll be working on an "end of year" post, and want to thank all of my followers and supporters. 

/Linda Barrett

KUDOS to the Enid OK Newspaper (link below)

Headline from NY Times article by Manny Fernandez, Dec. 26, 2016:  "An Oklahoma Newspaper Endorsed Clinton. It Hasn’t Been Forgiven."   The article is not reprinted here, but the entire article can be read by clicking on this link:    http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/26/us/oklahoma-newspaper-hillary-clinton-endorsement.html?mwrsm=Facebook&_r=0 


The Enid News and Eagle newspaper endorsed Clinton.  It hasn't been forgiven.   A 730 word editorial caused quite an uproar in small-town America, revealed the extraordinary divisions exposed in this election and the surprising ways in today’s digital media age that newspaper endorsements still have the power to generate a reaction, even if they don’t necessarily change people’s votes.  According to the NY Times article, the Enid newspaper has lost many subscriptions and advertisers because of the editorial.  "I hope people can respect that we’re entitled to our opinion, too, and that that can be different from news,” said Rob Collins, the executive editor of The Enid News & Eagle."


One comment from a facebook friend:  "People seem to forget that, just because you live in a "blue county" or a "red county" or a "blue state" or a "red state", that doesn't mean that everyone shares the same beliefs and opinions. Even if one party wins more often than the other, it is still that party's duty to represent the electorate at large, not just its own members. If you vote leaders into office expecting that those leaders will do everything you want, despite what the electorate wants, then you aren't voting for an American democracy."


Kudos to the Enid editor for printing their editorial opinion. Every American has the right to express their opinion, and when we act out of fear of reprisals, personal, financial, physical, we are giving in to the fear tactics that demagoques and dictators use as weapons against a free America. Even though OK is considered a "red state" doesn't mean that every person here supported or voted for Trump. Long ago I adopted a kind of slogan (from a quote by Thomas Jefferson) that represented a truth to me): WHEN TYRANNY BECOMES LAW, RESISTANCE BECOMES DUTY. As free-thinking Americans, we each have the right to believe what we want to believe, but we don't have the moral right to insist that another person with a different point of view be forced to agree with another's point of view, or to squelch another person's expression of their belief through threats and intimidation. So much of our media has already given in to threats by advertisers which severely restricts true and complete information  the public receives. We've seen it in our own local newspaper, though no one wants to admit or talk about that.  Cancelling subscriptions only serves to limit the possibility of that person getting true and correct information. My policy is to get information from many sources, not just the ones who broadcast and distribute information that I want to believe. I'd love to see this post SHARED.


One of the earmarks of our democracy is our right to free speech.  Editorials like the one in the Enid News should serve to open civil discussion among people with differing opinions and not be used as a weapon against free speech. 


/Linda

The State of Tourism

December 11, 2016

"Times have never been better for adding tourism to a small town's economic mix." says  Joanne Steele from  the Center for Rural Affairs.  A link to her complete article “Rural Tourism: It's Never Been A Better Time to Be A Small Town”  will be posted on facebook on the Blaine Co. Community Events page. 

Red Carpet Country tourism association held their December board meeting at the Sod House Museum near Aline.  The Sod House and Museum is an amazing visit !  It is the only existing original sod house in Oklahoma.  If you are traveling through NW Oklahoma on Highway 45 or close to Cherokee, Cleo Springs or Fairview, go by and check it out! I have driven by it many times and never stopped, so I am so glad the meeting was held there. I recommend that everyone looking for something to do in NW and N Central Oklahoma check out the facebook page and website for RED CARPET COUNTRY -- you're sure to find lots of fun and family-friendly activities in Red Carpet Country. 

TOURISM is the third largest industry in Oklahoma, and Blaine County has a natural draw for tourists -- Roman Nose State Park.  Once here, visitors have few options other than the park and the Lodge. There a couple of gift shops, small "down home" restaurants, but the biggest draw to Main St.  Watonga has been the Whirlwind Winery, which is open every Friday and Saturday. The winery participates in the “Groupon” program and brings visitors from all parts of Oklahoma and even some from Kansas and Arkansas and Texas.    

Watonga Arts Center is a building next to the Whirlwind Winery, currently being renovated  to be turned into an Art Gallery with additional spaces for art workshops and art lessons.  It can also be a venue for live music, storytelling sessions and other arts activities for the community.  Once the Arts Center is open the east end of Main St. will be completely full  of active business storefronts.   As a day-trip destination, the City will benefit from  visitors and their tax dollars.   

Working with the PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,  the owners of Watonga Arts is  hoping and waiting for local business people to step up and support their effort to help make our downtown more attractive.  This area is a flower bud about to bloom, but it will die on the stem if it isn’t nurtured. 

I have found that “not all small towns are alike”, doomed to fade away, as many locals are fond of saying.  Since I have had the opportunity to be part of the Red Carpet Country tourism board, I’ve travelled across the north west and north central part of the state, and visited with directors of Chambers of Commerce, City Managers, directors of tourism.  I have witnessed the transformation of a dying town into a quaint, active, and prosperous town that still maintains that “down home” atmosphere, historical sites, and welcoming spirit.  The towns of Watonga, Okeene, Geary, and Canton are all taking steps to attract tourists to this area. As the saying goes, “If you are coasting, you’re going downhill.”  Blaine County is ripe and ready to start going uphill.  

[Blogger: Linda Barrett]

 

 

A SEASON FOR GIVING

Since moving to Watonga, I've seen almost  ALL of the local businesses and businessmen give money to almost every "fundraising" request, supporting all sports activities, cheerleaders, band students, helping to pay medical bills for some residents, concerts at the Liberty Theatre, and church fundraisers.  I know this community to be a giving community.



Dr. Max Barrett and Marjorie Barrett were long-time residents of Watonga, and upstanding members of the community, supporting the town and the schools, participating in governmental and civic organizations, volunteering their time for the betterment of the community and its residents. We have tried to follow the example set by Dr. and Mrs. Barrett.




As most of those who read this know, we  are on a board of directors of the Phoenix Circle Foundation, an Oklahoma 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children through programs that involve wellness, arts education, charitable giving. I'm not going to list all of the activities and programs we've headed up or helped with over the past four years.  We provide a public report at the end of each year.  I'm certain you know someone who has benefitted from our efforts in one way or another.



Without further explanation, we are asking for your help with donations that will allow us to continue our programs here.  If the community is not willing to help --i.e., "talk the talk but not walk the walk",  we will not be discouraged and will continue our efforts through grants and, surprisingly, donations we've received from people who don't even live here!  Those donors are people who are interested in making this a better world for our children and they should be applauded for their willingness to help.
 
SO, we are extending a CHALLENGE to each business and business owner, and individuals who support other "nonprofit" activities in Watonga, to make a donation to Phoenix Circle Foundation.  Your money stays here and benefits our community.  There are five ways you can respond:




1.  Send a check, in any amount (every $1 is important) to PCF, PO Box 427,Watonga, OK 73772.  You will receive a receipt for tax purposes as these donations are tax-deductible.




2.  Donate through our "GOFUNDME" campaign.  Log on to www.gofundme.com and search for Scissortail Creative Space.  Phoenix Circle Foundation is registered as a nonprofit with GoFundMe. They take credit cards, but in the interest of full disclosure, they also keep a very small percentage of donations to cover their costs of taking credit card donations.




3.  The EASIEST way to donate is through www.smile.amazon.com when you shop at Amazon online.  You can go directly to that website, or from the www.amazon.com site, type in Amazon Smile in the search box and it will take you to the amazon smile program.  You shop the way you always do, but there will be a box where you can choose a charitable organization to support.  Five are listed, then there is a box to type in another -- in that box type in Phoenix Circle Foundation, and you can confirm that on the next page that pops up.  Amazon will then make a donation -- it's not added onto your bill but is paid by Amazon.  Several people we know are using this method to support us, and we thank them immensely.  Since this is the "shopping" season, your purchases through Amazon can make a huge difference.   If you have any questions about the smile.amazon program, give me a call (940-735-1065 or home: 623-4269 and I can walk you through the process.




4.  You can attend our OKLAHOMA HOUSE CONCERTS and make a donation there + experience a unique and intimate evening of live music from musicians that come from all over the country.




5. You can do nothing -- and stop complaining that our children are running around, have few choices for educational activities to do after school, and aren't getting the well-rounded education all parents want for their kids. 




THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR FOR GIVING, so I hope you will consider these words --

 "All the streets are filled with laughter and light

And the music of the season

And the merchants' windows are all bright

With the faces of the children

And the families hurrying to their homes

While the sky darkens and freezes

Will be gathering around the hearths and tables

...

Well they call him by 'the Prince of Peace'

And they call him by 'the Savior'

And they pray to him upon the seas

And in every bold endeavor

And they fill his churches with their pride and gold

While their faith in him increases

...

Well we guard our world with locks and guns

And we guard our fine possessions

And once a year when Christmas comes

We give to our relations

And perhaps we give a little to the poor

If the generosity should seize us

But if any one of us should interfere

In the business of why there are poor

They get the same as the rebel Jesus." 

--lyrics by Jackson Browne

I am posting this on December 1, 2016 and hope to get responses by December 10.  At that point we will have to spend money on letters and stamps to get our requests out (and I hate spending donated monies on administrative expenses!!).



We thank you for your support.
/Andy Barrett, Director
Phoenix Circle Foundation

ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

The "Matching Funds" fundraising campaign for PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION is over, but the Arts Education organization is always in need of funds to do the work of our mission statement.  We received more donations from people who don't live in Blaine County than from our local residents, parents, and business people.  Interesting.....  but we're not giving up on the dream of having a place for your children to have the opportunity to experience the arts.  In communities like Watonga, where funds are not available for Arts programs, the private sector can work together to take up the slack, and that is what Phoenix Circle Foundation is trying to do. 


We are in the process of putting together our programs -- drawing and painting, reading, writing, chalk art -- for December and the coming year.  These works of art were done by students of different ages.

Watercolor by Canton student    

 

Chalk Art



WHY ARTS EDUCATION MATTERS:


1. Students who study art are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and 3 times more likely to be awarded for school attendance.
2 Arts and music education programs are mandatory in countries that rank consistently among the highest for math and science test scores, like Japan, Hungary, and the Netherlands.
...

3. Arts and Music programs are constantly in danger of being cut from shrinking school budgets even though they're proven to improve academics. If public school budgets aren't able to provide these important programs, there are private sector organizations that can take up the slack. Show how important arts are in your community by donating to PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION and contact them for times and dates of arts programs.

4. The No Child Left Behind Act clearly mandates The Arts (music, art, foreign language, etc.) as a core academic subject. If public school budgets aren't able to provide these important programs, there are private sector organizations that can take up the slack. Show how important arts are in your community by donating to PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION and contact them for times and dates of arts programs.


5. One study group showed that 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students who were taught a foreign language every day in school outperformed the students who were not exposed to a foreign language on their Basic Skills Test. The term "arts" includes Language Arts, which covers reading and writing skills.


6. Researchers find that sustained learning in music and theater correlates strongly with higher achievement in both math and reading.


7. In a study of a high-poverty schools in Chicago, the schools that were participating in the Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE) made huge strides in closing the gap between high- and low-income students’ academic achievement.


8. Multiple studies have concluded that curricular and extracurricular art studies and activities help keep high-risk dropout students stay in school.


9. New brain research shows that exposure to music and art improve skills in math and reading, but it promotes creativity, social development, personality adjustment, and self-worth.


10. Research suggests that studying a second language is essential to the learning process, creative inquiry and critical thinking. Foreign language studies have proven to increase problem-solving skills and overall cognitive development.


PLEASE DONATE SO THAT YOUR CHILDREN CAN EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF THE ARTS RIGHT HERE IN WATONGA!!   Send your tax-deductible donation to
Phoenix Circle Foundation – an Oklahoma nonprofit
PO Box 427
Watonga, OK 73772


You can also donate through our GOFUNDME campaign AND/OR through the AmazonSmile program. 
We really appreciate our supporters who have already used the AmazonSmile program -- we've received our first "distribution" from Amazon this month!!!  Every dollar counts, and you can make a huge difference during this holiday shopping season (and throughout the year) by designating Phoenix Circle Foundation as the beneficiary of the AmazonSmile program. 

 THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! /Linda Barrett, Director, Phoenix Circle Foundation  11/14/2016
 

EAGLE VALLEY EXPRESS YOUTH PROJECT

There is a new youth project starting up in Watonga -- EAGLE VALLEY EXPRESS YOUTH PROJECT.  They are holding a chili dog lunch tomorrow, SATURDAY, OCT. 22, at the Dollar General parking lot from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.  PLEASE GO OUT, meet the organizers, and support their mission!!  

The focus of Phoenix Circle Foundation at this time of year is fundraising, not only for our programs but also to support projects like the Eagle Valley Express Youth Project  that wants to set up an after-school youth center.  They are not a 501(c)(3) organization yet, but you can make a tax-deductible donation to them through PCF.  Just note on the memo line of your check "EVE"; we'll send you a receipt and then write one check to EAGLE VALLEY EXPRESS YOUTH PROJECT. THANKS!!

Once again Phoenix Circle Foundation has an anonymous donor who will match donations received from 10/15 - 10/31, so your donations go further! 

  

THIS YEAR WE SPONSORED SEVERAL free ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN, INCLUDING SIDEWALK CHALK ART EVENTS, A READING PROGRAM, SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVE-AWAY, AND ART PROJECTS WITH 4H KIDS AND CHILDREN ATTENDING VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT A LOCAL CHURCH. WE STARTED THE BLAINE COUNTY HEALTH & HUNGER COMMUNITY GARDEN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OSU EXTENSION SERVICE AND INVITE FAMILIES TO COME GROW PRODUCE AND LEARN ABOUT EATING HEALTHY, WATER CONSERVATION, COMPOSTING AND RECYCLING; I EVEN GOT TO HELP THE 4H KIDS PREPARE AND SERVE A MEAL FOR THEIR PARENTS. 

 

WITHOUT LISTING HERE ALL THAT WE HAVE ACCOMPLISHED WITH YOUR HELP THIS YEAR, WE HOPE YOU WILL VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGES: WATONGA ARTS CENTER; SCISSORTAIL ARTS DAY; OKLAHOMA HOUSE CONCERTS, and the PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION.

.

WE'RE NOT "BRAGGING" -- WE WANT YOU TO KNOW WHAT WE ARE DOING IN OUR COMMUNITY WHEN WE ASK THAT YOU SUPPORT THESE EFFORTS BY SENDING A DONATION TO PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION, PO BOX 427, WATONGA, OK 73772. ANY AMOUNT IS HELPFUL! OUR CONTACT PHONE NUMBER IS 940-735-1065. 

OUR THANKS TO ALL WHO SUPPORT THESE EFFORTS IN OUR COMMUNITY! /Linda Barrett, Director      

 

“FROM THOSE TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS EXPECTED.” - LUKE 12: 48 (PARAPHRASED)

TIME TO DIG DEEP

Oct 19 2016

In looking back over my journal I was reminded of what a busy year it has been. Phoenix Circle Foundation has accomplished much in this community with the support of those who believe in what we are trying to do and the partnerships we have been able to form with like-minded groups. 

 PCF is an Oklahoma non-profit corporation, qualified under IRC 501(c)(3) to receive tax-deductible donations. Our mission and purpose is to (1)  promote education in all areas, including health and wellness, the environment,  the arts and humanities; (2) to sponsor and promote educational, charitable, and cultural events and opportunities for the public, and specifically for children in disadvantaged areas; (3) assist local public schools and other charitable organizations by providing materials, resources and programs to further the education of our children; (4) raise funds, apply for grants, and distribute monies and resources to further our purposes and achieve our mission.

We can only do this with the help of volunteers, grants, and private donations from individuals and businesses. Both adults and children benefit from our efforts to bring these programs to our community. Arts  programs and arts education can also be effective economic development tools, bringing visitors to our area.  

We believe in working together to help others through voluntary efforts rather than through a government imposed tax or initiatives.  Without listing here all that we have accomplished with the help of our supporters, we hope you will visit our facebook pages:  Watonga Arts Center; Scissortail Arts Day; Oklahoma House Concerts; Phoenix Circle Foundation.

Our focus right now is fundraising/getting sponsorships for upcoming House Concerts and helping Eagle Valley Express Youth Program get started.  We've been able to attract so many really good and diverse musicians from all over the country.  These shows are advertised as FREE but of course nothing is really free -- we ask attendees to support the musicians with tips and urchase merchandise.  The Chaparral Retreat B&B provides lodging and meals to the musicians and Phoenix Circle Foundation provides "gas money". Check youtube to see some of the musicians we've hosted:  My Politic; Merry Ellen Kirk; Ruth Acuff; Judy Painter and Rose Kimball; Glenn Roth; Katie & Kelly Country Duo; Caroline Cotter.  If you haven't been to one of these intimate house concerts, just ask someone who has -- they are definitely a unique experience.   

 This year we held several activities for children, including sidewalk chalk art event, a reading program, school supply give-away, and art projects with 4H kids and children attending Vacation Bible School at a local church.   PCF gave a $250 scholarship to a graduating senior from Watonga High School to help her toward her education in an arts-related field. 

We started the Blaine County Health & Hunger Community Garden in partnership with the OSU Extension Service and invite families to come grow produce and learn about eating healthy, water conservation, composting and recycling.  Though the garden was started late in the year, volunteers worked hard to get several beds established, a fence erected around the garden, began laying down cardboard and woodchips in the aisles between the beds, and began a composting program.  I got to help the 4H kids prepare and serve a meal for their parents and we showed them the garden and the basics of composting kitchen scraps.  We've been harvesting tomatoes and there are still some green ones on the vines we're hoping will ripen before a freeze.  We've planted sweet potatoes, and have one (1) okra plant that is blooming.  It doesn't sound like much but we consider it a good beginning and know that next year's garden will be awesome. 

We're not "bragging" -- we want you to know what we are doing in our community when we ask that you help us continue these programs by sending a donation to PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION, PO Box 427, Watonga, OK 73772.   Any amount is helpful!   We are sending out our fundraising plea NOW in the hopes that you can make your donation before the end of the year. 

 Many of Watonga's local businesses and community leaders support other activities in our community, so please add Phoenix Circle Foundation to your list of charitable organizations to support.   Our contact phone number is 940-735-1065.  THANK YOU to all who support these efforts in our community!

Linda Barrett, Director, Phoenix Circle Foundation

“From those to whom much is given, much is expected.” - Luke 12: 48 (paraphrased)

Glenn Roth performing tonight at Chaparral Retreat

https://youtu.be/hqv8PvdI6Sg


Click on the above link to hear a sample of Glenn Roth's fingerstyle guitar work. 


Glenn will be at the Chaparral Retreat (Hwy 8A, 1 mile from Roman Nose State Park near Watonga, OK) for a House Concert this evening, Saturday, Sept. 17, at 6:00 pm. Sponsored by Phoenix Circle Foundation, the concert is FREE; tips are welcome and appreciated. It is BYO beverage, snack, lawnchair or blanket. Come out for a unique experience in rural OK under a canopy of native oak trees.

Glenn is a fingerstyle guitarist, his thumb riding the bassline and the melody driving all. His compositions suggest multiple guitars, but it’s really just one guy, ten flying fingers, one instrument. All instrumental, Glenn’s songs suggest moods and narratives that compel the listener to fill in the details.

Glenn's usual workspace is the vaulted splendor of Grand Central Terminal or the tunnels and platforms of the New York City subway system. A literal “underground” sensation, Glenn is a licensed performer in the MTA’s “Music under New York” program, playing for the most distracted and demanding audience in the world: legions of workers rushing to jobs throughout the Big Apple. And his fingers work magic, creating a soundscape of compelling melodies that invite them to leave the city rush behind on an aural escape.

Glenn plays regularly throughout the northeast and tours nationally & internationally to bring his music to new fans and locales.

The Chaparral Retreat is the ONLY place in Oklahoma Glenn is playing on his current tour. Come out and SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC.  As always, donations to Phoenix Circle Foundation allow us to continue to bring this kind of arts program and more to rural Oklahoma.  Thanks for your support!

[Linda Barrett, Ed.]

GRAPE HARVEST and MORE

Sept. 5, 2016  Monday  Labor Day
In spite of this weekend being a traditional "holiday", many have been laboring with end-of-summer chores.  Our local winemaker spent this past weekend and last weekend with friends and family volunteers harvesting grapes, then going through the crush and press process to get the juice for future wines. Once the grapes are snipped off the vines (by hand), buckets of the juicy fruit are brought into "town", Watonga, and the crush and press is done on site of the winery on Main Street.  It is a wonderful agri-tourism activity, with people coming from Edmond, other suburbs of OKC, and as far away as Dallas to help.  Brad's wife cooks and sets out a wonderful lunch for the workers. They are harvesting again this morning to try to get the last of the grapes off the vine, so it will be another busy day.

There were family reunions and gatherings all weekend in the area.  Motels were full, the Lodge and campsites at  Roman Nose  State Park were all filled, and Chaparral Retreat & Guesthouse B&B had a full house.  The weather was beautiful.  There were more boats on Canton Lake than I have seen out there in several years, and the beach was packed. This was a perfect weekend to attract tourists to our area. 


The Blaine County Free Fair was held last the last weekend in August.  Winners in the numerous categories will be in the Watonga Republican.  On a personal note, I won ribbons on two photographs I submitted (below).  I encourage all Blaine County residents to start thinking about what they can contribute to the Blaine County Fair for next year!! 

  (c) Linda Barrett 2016

(c) Linda Barrett 2016

Thanks for reading!  Send any information or events or activities you'd like shared on my social media network to me on my Facebook page, "Blaine Co. Community Events", or by email at phoenixcir@yahoo.com. 





Musician GLENN ROTH coming to Chaparral Retreat to perform

Out in the middle of rural NW Oklahoma, just one hour from Oklahoma City, the owners of the Chaparral Retreat & Guesthouse have started  a series of OKLAHOMA HOUSE CONCERTS that is quickly becoming a destination for musicians from all over the country!  Next month (Sept. 17), Mr. Glenn Roth will be stopping in to perform here following his appearance at the  Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield,KS  and before he heads to Rio Rancho, NM and Taos ,NM.  We are so fortunate to be able to provide a unique venue for musicians and an informal and beautiful setting for these concerts.
These concerts are  FREE -- the proprietors provide lodging and meals to the artist, and accept donations to the PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION (a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational nonprofit organization to be able to bring music and arts education programs to rural Oklahoma.  Of course, tips to the musician and CD sales help them as they journey across country to share their talents. 
The evening is BYO Beverage, snacks, lawn chair, and cameras.  We guarantee you'll have a special experience at an OKLAHOMA HOUSE CONCERT.   More information is available on our facebook page or the Retreat's website, www.chaparralbb.com.  We also promote these events at watonganews.blogspot.com and on KOSU Community Calendar.

NEXT OKLAHOMA HOUSE CONCERTS

Glenn Roth, Sept. 17, 6:00 pm
Merry Ellen Kirk and Ruth Acuff,  Oct. 6, time TBA

WATONGA CHEESE FESTIVAL?

The 40th Watonga Cheese Festival is coming up, Oct.14 and 15. The items below are now nostalgic mementos, as I understand the Festival is going to be "different" this year and it is a little sad to see after spending the last four years working to build it back up after 2007. The Cheese Factory was condemned after the 2007 storm Erin came through Blaine and Kingfisher Counties, and just last year the building was demolished. FORTUNATELY, we were able to salvage some of the old bricks and will incorporate them into another building in Watonga. The cheese is now made in Perryton, Texas, but it is available in Watonga at a couple of retail stores. I don't have details of the festival other than the date, but read watonganews.blogspot.com  blog for information as we become aware of what the schedule is going to be.  I check the Watonga Chamber facebook page and website daily and you can look at those sites for info too.

In 2004, long before we moved to Watonga, there was a "call" for drawings to be used on the Rat Race Tshirts.  My son entered his drawing and it was chosen!  Naturally we had to drive up from Dallas to be at the festival and he rode in the parade. It has been a special treat for our family to see that the logo he designed was used up until 2012.

On another note, the First United Methodist Church is holding a Community BBQ on September 7. WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS COMING SOON. 

(c) Linda Barrett

BACK TO SCHOOL!

August 24, 2016


Earlier this month one of my favorite people (a teacher) posted this prayer on Facebook. I don't think she would mind if I share it here:
"As the teachers report for the new school year, I offer up this prayer.  "Lord, please fill each teacher with strength to lead, grace to guide, & hope to thrive in their classrooms. Bless them beyond measure for their willingness to pour into the next generation through education." Amen


The mystery of the lower turnout at the school supply giveaway at First United Methodist Church has been solved. Next year Phoenix Circle Foundation will revamp the project so that more students can receive free school supplies and the schools themselves will receive supplies of tissues, Clorox wipes, copy paper, and other staples.  Check out the Watonga Community Events page regularly for information on all the activities and projects sponsored by PCF working with community partners.


Meanwhile, the Blaine County Health Coalition held a back to school "fair" and gave away  backpacks and school supplies, along with lots of resource information for families. The Lion's Club had a health-check trailer, and Mercy Hospital hosted a table indoors.  I didn't write down the names of all of the "partners" who worked together to make the event a success so please excuse me for not naming all, but it was a great example of a community effort to bring healthy living resources and family-friendly activities to the public.


(c) Linda Barrett 8/2016

More news that isn't

Aug 11, 2016
Just goes to that show you can't always believe everything you read in a newspaper and you don't always get the entire story.
Phoenix Circle Foundation is happy that the FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES program we started four years ago in Watonga has grown so much, according to the local newspaper.  Our thanks go out to donors who support this project with donations of money AND school supplies they purchase. This year was actually the fourth year we provided free school supplies to Watonga students. Since partnering with the First United Methodist Church in 2014, the number of children who have benefitted from the school supply giveaway has increased thanks to the efforts of volunteers who have been able to raise more money for this specific purpose.  With such a success story, we will be expanding the program to other Blaine County school districts next year.  Phoenix Circle Foundation does fundraising activities all year to be able to provide this service (along with arts education, health and wellness, and reading programs), so please keep us on your "giving" list. Send your donations to PCF, PO Box 427, Watonga, OK 73772, and THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Past and future news

July 27, 2016

My husband called me this morning and said "there is a good write-up in the Watonga Republican about the paint party you did to help raise funds for Leah Weber."  I was glad to hear it and eager to read the article once I got home from work  
The article was short and sweet and highlighted people coming together for a good cause.  A slight correction though: it was not only faculty members of Watonga schools who came together for the fundraiser.  Phoenix Circle Foundation provided the supplies (paint, canvases, and instructions) for the group of friends and family who came out to participate in this different kind of fundraiser.  Linda Barrett led the class in creating individual pieces of art that the participants could take home.   Phoenix Circle Foundation's program called "ART for FUNd$$(c) has worked with several organizations to help raise funds, including Relay for Life teams here and in other towns, and the 2015 After-Prom Party in addition to the fundraiser to help Leah Weber.  Because it is a non-profit organization, it doesn't have a budget for newspaper advertising so it relies on social media, word of mouth, flyers posted locally and at places of business in nearby towns, and publication of our "press releases" which we send out regularly to numerous print publications.
  
When you work with Phoenix Circle Foundation on a fundraiser, you get multiple benefits:  
*  donations are tax-deductible to the individual donor because we are a 501(c)(3) organization, and we provide a receipt for your records;
*  you and the people you bring together for the fundraiser help support the mission of Phoenix Circle Foundation, which is to promote educational, charitable, and cultural events and opportunities in our area and SPECIFICALLY, but not exclusively, to children; and
*you are able to raise funds for your cause in a unique way (a paint party, pizza dinner, other activities) and enjoy the company of others who share your goal.  


So, here's our "ad":








































We can also be reached by email at "phoenixcir@yahoo.com.



NOW, ON TO OTHER NEWS ---


On July 22, the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service held a program where youth ages 9-15 prepared a meal and invited a guest for dinner.  The group met at the First United Methodist Church and Joy Rhodes taught them about food safety, healthy eating, and then gave them a hands-on experience of preparing and serving a meal.  The youth visited the Blaine County Community Garden and learned about composting and growing fresh produce. They set aside the "kitchen scraps" from the vegetables they cut up for the dinner and took them out to the composting section of the garden.  The youth did a great job measuring and cooking the food, were wonderful hosts, and the meal was delicious (and nutritious!).  Parents of the cooks were invited to come for a "family dinner" and a good time was had by all. The kids also helped clean up after the meal.  The program was made possible by a Walmart Foundation - 4H Healthy Living Grant.  [Ed note:  A big "thank you" to Joy Rhodes for her hard work in getting the grant and organizing this activity for the youth. Thank you too to the First United Methodist Church for allowing the use of their kitchen and fellowship hall for the activity.]



The Blaine County Free Fair is coming up - August 25, 26, and 27.  There are many many categories for ALL AGES to enter something, and Joy Rhodes and others have been working with 4H youth on activities and projects in preparation for this event.  Personally, I am excited to work with the youth on art projects.  Several of the children who have attended art classes have entered their work in the Fair and have received RIBBONS -- the look of confidence and pride in their accomplishments is priceless.  
  

 photo used w/permission of parent.

PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION will hold paint classes for children and youth sometime early in August, so check out the facebook page for PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION for dates, times, and ages.

There are plenty of categories for Adults to enter also.  Pick up a copy of the BLAINE COUNTY FREE FAIR insert from the Watonga Republican Office or wherever you see one on shelves in stores around town or the library. 

Before those activities, Phoenix Circle Foundation is once again partnering with the First United Methodist Church to give away school supplies to students in Watonga.  Heading up the project this year is Rory and Becky Espy, who can be reached at  907-398-4985.  The give-away is scheduled for SATURDAY, AUG 6, from 11 AM - 1 PM in Fellowship Hall at the First United Methodist Church.  

FYI:   The price of scrap iron is down.  We got a good rain out by Roman Nose State Park last night and early this morning. 

(c) Linda Barrett, Ed. 



A little Watonga history

July 25, 2016

This past weekend we had the pleasure of visiting with relatives of "Sis" Cunningham, who were staying at the Chaparral Retreat on Hwy 8A near Roman Nose State Park.  It was especially interesting after having learned about "Sis" at the Woody Guthrie museum in Tulsa, OK.  
An accomplished musician,       Agnes 'Sis' Cunningham was one of five children.  Always known as Sis, was born at Watonga, Oklahoma, in February 1909. Her mother was a schoolteacher, her father a farmer eventually driven from his homestead (on a former Indian reservation) by a series of natural disasters which persuaded the bank to foreclose.

Sis Cunningham was a member of the Almanac Singers with Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger and a founding editor of "Broadside" Magazine, which published among many others the first song by Bob Dylan to appear in print. She passed away in New Paltz, N.Y. at age 95.

      The Almanac Singers performed protest songs in the early 1940s at union halls and to audiences of farm and factory workers throughout America. Sis Cunningham played the accordion with Guthrie on guitar and Seeger on banjo. Guthrie called them "the only group that rehearsed on stage"; they were among the first to bring blues, hillbilly, mountain music and Southern Methodist hymns to urban audiences.Sis was accomplished on piano, guitar and accordion, but trained as a teacher before enrolling at Commonwealth College near Mena, Arkansas, for "theoretical training in radical politics".  While there, she began writing songs, including "How Can You Keep On Movin' Unless You Migrate Too", which was recorded by Ry Cooder.  After leaving school, she worked for the Southern Tenant Farmers' Union while performing with the Red Dust Players, who sought to mobilize the poor of Oklahoma with radical songs and skits. She married George Friesen in 1941, a time of extreme tension between the Oklahoma state government and the Communist Party - of which she and her husband were members. The Party leadership was arrested and, fearing that they might be next, she and Friesen accepted an invitation from Guthrie and Seeger, whom they had met in Oklahoma, to move to New York.  Sis and Friesen moved in with them at Almanac House on West 10th Street.  She played accordion on their album Dear Mr. President (1942), and wrote the song Belt Line Girls, urging women to help with wartime production.
Source:  www.accordianusa.com

(No copyright infringement intended - some text and photos are used under the "fair use" copyright doctrine.)

MUSIC AND ART - the spice of life

July 22, 2016

I met some very special, big-hearted, courageous, and talented people last night at the Paint Party fundraiser for Leah Weber. Candice Blevins did a GREAT JOB organizing the event; I know how much work went into that and I appreciate her and all of her helpers and supporters of this fundraiser. 


ART forFUNd$ (c) by Phoenix Circle Foundation, is a way for anyone to raise money for a special cause, and your donation to participate in a Paint Party is tax-deductible to individuals. We believe in helping the community and in win-win endeavors. 

 

 

 

 

 

On Tuesday, Judy Painter and Rose Kimball from Austin Texas stopped in at the Chaparral Retreat on their way to Illinois and performed for us out on the front porch.  OKLAHOMA HOUSE CONCERTS has been featured on the KOSU Music Minute and we are getting a wide variety of musicians come through.  The atmosphere is unique and intimate.  Since Phoenix Circle Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), we don't have an "advertising" budget but are attracting people from all around NW OK and OKC suburbs from our posters, facebook posts, and word of mouth recommendations.  Donations to Phoenix Circle Foundation are appreciated and are tax-deductible to individuals.  We are so blessed to have these wonderful musicians come here.  

 

 

On September 17, guitarist Glenn Roth will be here, and on October 6, Merry Ellen Kirk will return for a second performance here.  OKLAHOMA HOUSE CONCERTS are FREE.  Andy and Linda Barrett provide lodging and meals for the minstrels, and these artists play for tips and CD sales and the sheer enjoyment of sharing their craft.  To receive information on upcoming shows and events, go to our facebook page, PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION, and "LIKE" it, or send us your email address at phoenixcir@yahoo.com.


(c) Linda Barrett, Ed.

Mid-July

July 12, 2016
The First United Methodist Church has a new pastor, Ms. Tracey Ivy, who started on June 1 and preached for the first time on June 12.  She is a breath of fresh air for our town.  She has attended one meeting of the Watonga Ministerial Alliance and met several of the ministers from other churches in town.  Moving itself is a daunting task, but transitioning from a city suburb like Chicago, where she is originally from, or even Broken Arrow, where her last post was, has to be overwhelming.  She has confessed that she is impatient but she has hit the ground running and we pray that the hardest part of the move is over.  Come hear her message on Sundays.  The FUMC's Sunday School is at 9:30 am, then we have a light breakfast "snack" and fellowship, and the service starts at 10:50 a.m. 


The Red Carpet Country Tourism board is working on renewing memberships and this fall's issue of the Visitor's Guide.  The annual Tourism Conference is scheduled for August 23, 2016 in Fairview, OK.  Find out all the information you need on the RCC facebook page or on the website at www.redcarpetcountry.com.   You can contact Linda Barrett, the board member representing Blaine County, for membership (580-623-4269, or  Sherri Feely for advertising (580-822-0001). 

Tonight we will be serving pizza dinner to youth groups from Clinton SC and  Ozark, MO who are in our area doing mission work through the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Oklahoma.  This is the third time Steve Graham has brought youth groups out to the Chaparral Retreat for dinner, and they are a joy to visit with. Each group has been an amazing testament to God's love. 


I guess that's all the news that isn't News for this week! 
(c) Linda Barrett

All the News that isn't news ...

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!! 


This past week has been busy. 
Check out the wonderful creativity of the 4H children of Blaine County who expressed their patriotism though ART -- these aren't all of the works of art the children did, only ones I got photos of.  There are others posted on the Blaine Co. Community Events facebook page.  The smiles on the faces of these children is so inspirational and I am so happy to be able to work with the 4-H Coordinator and families. 


Speaking of 4-H, the Blaine County Free Fair is coming up in late August - a booklet showing the categories should be available soon.  ART is one of the categories, along with sewing, cooking, canning, growing vegetables, livestock show  .... lots of categories for all ages.  The dates will probably be posted in the Watonga Republican.


The BLAINE COUNTY HEALTH & HUNGER COMMUNITY GARDEN is ready for groups, families, or individuals to "adopt a plot" or volunteer to help maintain the garden space while you grow produce for your family and to share with the community.  There are actually tomato plants GROWING in spite of the heat.  It would be nice to see more participants and more beds filled up.  For signup forms or general information, Contact Linda at the 1st United Methodist Church, 623-5122. 

 

On Tuesday July 19, JUDY PAINTER and ROSE KIMBALL will be playing a house concert at the Chaparral Retreat at 6:30 pm.  Oklahoma House Concerts are informal, intimate shows and we are lucky to have musicians stop here on their way to another gig.  A donation of $5 is requested, and  Andy and Linda Barrett provide lodging and meals while they are in our area (tips for the girls will be appreciated.  Judy and Rose will be heading to Illinois after they play here.  Check them out on youtube at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0ZBfhMiNsg...

 Here is a link to their webpage:
http://www.judyandrosemusic.com/#!judy-and-rose-videos/c1yws.  Flyers will be posted around town and on facebook:   Oklahoma House Concerts, Chaparral Retreat & Guesthouse, Blaine Co. Community Events pages. 

CANDICE BLEVINS is hosting a canvas painting fundraiser for Leah Weber!! There are a few details to come, but MARK YOUR CALENDARS for JULY 21 (Thursday) at 6:30 pm! This event is going to be so much fun, and we are going to help raise money for the amazing Leah Weber as well!  There is a flyer on Blaine Co. Community Events facebook page and the ART for FUND$ page. 

If you would like to donate a baked good, or tea, lemonade, or water, please get in contact with any of us tagged.

*Update*  The sunflower picture is what we will be painting! A $30 donation is requested, and all supplies are provided. 

Mark your calendars! July 21st, 6:30!  Tickets are available for pre-sale:  Call Linda at 623-4269 or 623-5122, or call Candice Blevins.

SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVE-AWAY.  The First United Methodist Church and Phoenix Circle Foundation are partnering again this year to give away school supplies to elementary and middle school children.  Last year we were able to serve over 100 children and there were still children who we did not receive supplies -- we gave away all that we had.  We can't do it without community involvement -- anyone can help by dropping off school supplies at the First United Methodist Church, or making a donation which will allow us to purchase supplies.  Phoenix Circle Foundation is able to get supplies at a substantial discount.  If you have any questions, please call the church office at 580-623-5122 and leave your name and phone number. 



[(c) Linda Barrett, Ed.]