January - Busy month!

Jan 25, 2018

Today is another very windy day, but at least it is warm -- 60 degrees and overcast.  We really could use some rain but the last time I checked the forecast, the rain was going to bypass our area this week. Everyone around here is praying for some moisture.

After recovering from the real flu and taking time to get my strength back over the holiday season, on Jan 15  I challenged myself and went out in 28 degree weather to give a hiking tour of the Three Springs area at Roman Nose State Park to two visitors from Norman, OK.   Even in the winter, the scenery in the park is beautiful and peaceful. I couldn't help but give a little history on the Park, talk about the Native American culture and the Civilian Conservation Corp.  Our faces were frozen by the time we finished the hike from the Shelter to the swimming pool bath house and back up to the parking lot.  We drove to the Lodge and walked down the hallway to look at the current and historical photographs. This part of Oklahoma really is special.

On Sunday, Jan 14, the first Oklahoma House Concert of the year was held at the Chaparral Retreat.  A young, sweet, and very talented musician, Abbigale Dawn, from Norman, OK put us all under her spell with her lovely lyrics and vocals.   She was referred to our place by Oklahoma singer/songerwriter Dylan Stewart.  Phoenix Circle Foundation organizes these house concerts not only to support musicians, but in the hopes that we will also be able to raise a few dollars to go toward the Foundation's mission of bringing arts opportunities and experiences to an underserved part of rural Oklahoma.  It is a win-win proposition for everyone - musicians, the Foundation, the audience, and of course Andy and I.  We win by getting exposure for the BandB and by not having to drive an hour for entertainment and fun.  We so much appreciate the musicians who are willing to come out here, and the people who come out for the concert.   We already have several concerts lined up for the first half of this year!

We've been busy with the Friends of Roman Nose State Park Assoc. and the new management at the park in organizing the annual Trout Derby, scheduled for the first weekend in March.  The FORN group will be working with the Chamber of Commerce and we hope to have a good turn-out.  Registration and prize information is available through the Chamber of Commerce. 
The FORN group is also working on getting a reprint of the book by Dr. M.C. Weber, "Roman Nose State Park--A History" that the group sells as a fundraiser.  The book is the essential guide to the history, geology, and culture of the Park.

We are excited to hear that the Chamber of Commerce has hired a new admin director, Teresa Ann France!  That should  mean some good things happening in Watonga in the coming year.  The CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL BANQUET is scheduled for Feb. 5 at the high school.  Tickets are available from the Chamber (or check their webpage or facebook page for information, prices, speakers, etc.).  I am looking forward to hearing Teresa's vision for Watonga!

I know that Andy and I and Phoenix Circle Foundation  have some plans for new and fun activities once we get the Arts Center open .... and on that front, we are thankful and happy that the Phoenix Circle Foundation has been awarded  a grant from Keep Oklahoma Beautiful to put towards the redo of the building on Main Street that Andy has been working on all year.  The money will allow us to finish the front of the building with new windows and an awning, and that will mean all of the storefronts on the northeast end of Main Street are attractive and have businesses in them.   Once that is completed, Andy can then turn his attention to finishing the inside of the building. specifically to a heating and air conditioning system before the summer.  I'll be looking for and requesting donations and grant money for that equipment and installation.  I'll also be sending in a Press Release to our local newspaper in the next week or so to let the public know where the grant money is coming from -- a great organization called KEEP OKLAHOMA BEAUTIFUL that has lots of conservation, litter cleanup and recycling programs, and even art projects that repurpose, recycle, and reuse things that might otherwise be thrown away.   The Okeene community has been involved with KOB for some time now and are using their resources to do some new things in Okeene that bring in visitors.  I hope to work with the Chamber of Commerce and the local schools on a couple of these KOB  projects to keep Watonga and the State Park  looking good.   

The road we live on, Hwy 8A, is only a couple of miles long and leads right into Roman Nose State Park.  It is amazing to me how much trash and litter is thrown out of cars that use that road, both coming and going from the Park.  When Dr. Max and Marjorie Barrett lived here, they walked along the easement every day and picked up trash from the roadsides for years.  It was great exercise for them, and kept the highway free of litter that would otherwise be blown by the wind onto the properties of those who live along the highway.  I think that would be a great project for a 4-H group or Boy Scout group, or even an after-school project for elementary and middle school youth.

We're working on a House Concert in February (Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Valentine's Day???). 

On March 1, Caroline Cotter and a special guest is coming to perform at the Chaparral Retreat, and on March 23, Mandy Rowden will be here for a House Concert. I'll post an "EVENT" on the OKLAHOMA HOUSE CONCERTS Group page for all upcoming activities as I finalize details. Anyone is welcome to join our Group page for Oklahoma House Concerts to get updated information.   WISHING ALL A HAPPY WEEKEND!!

Looking forward to comments on this post or by email at phoenixcir@yahoo.com !!

/Linda Barrett (Ed.) 

 

More good news from Watonga...

I just learned that the Watonga Chamber of Commerce has hired a new Admin. Director, Teresa Ann Kennedy.  She sent out an email introducing herself and giving us an update on the next Chamber-sponsored event, the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet.

     "I am so very excited to be back in Blaine county and working in the Watonga Community.  I am looking forward to an eventful 2018 here in Watonga.  My roots run deep in Blaine county, some may remember me as a kid growing up in the Greenfield area as that youngest Kennedy girl, and those that don’t, I am looking forward to developing a good business partnership with you as we focus on growth and strategic advertising for your business.  I took the Watonga Chamber Director position last Thurs.   So, this week I have been learning the ropes and focusing on tasks that require immediate attention.  Please give me grace as I navigate through procedures, and please, feel free to call me with any questions you may have. 

     First on the agenda in my new role, is our Annual Chamber Banquet and meeting.   I would like to invite each of you, February, 5^th 2018 @ 6:30 p.m. to the Watonga High School Commons Area for BBQ dinner, a look back at 2017, our vision for 2018, civic and community awards, a meet and greet, door prizes and a chance to visit with your local and state civic leaders.  I encourage you to come, share your thoughts, see our vision as we welcome in 2018."  

 

Teresa Kennedy France

Director, Watonga Chamber of Commerce

www.watongachamber.com

www.watongacheesefestival.com

580.623.5452 (o)

918.884.5550 (c)

Teresa and Greg France are gettting married and going on their honeymoon, and Teresa said she is eager to "hit it hard" when she returns from their trip. 

 

I am attaching a copy of the Chamber Banquet information Teresa posted on facebook and will share the information on all of the fb Groups and pages I administer. Information is also available on the Watonga Chamber facebook page.

I hope everyone will send a welcoming message to Teresa Ann and make her feel comfortable in her new position by offering to work with the Chamber of Commerce and its members so that our town can continue to move forward!

New Year is off and running ...

Jan 16, 2018

Fishermen from all around the State of Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Arkansas are waiting for word on the annual Watonga Trout Derby.  We'll post something here and share it on facebook as soon as Friends of Roman Nose State Park Association hears something.

On Saturday we took a couple visiting from Tulsa to introduce them to Brad's wine & cheese pairing experience.  There were a couple of other couples there too, and we had lively conversation.  We called the TB Ferguson Home to see if we could get a tour, but got the answering machine -- figured it was too cold for them to be open but we'll definitely take other visitors another time. 

On Sunday, the first Oklahoma House Concert of the year was held at the Chaparral Retreat & Guesthouse, just outside of Watonga on the Hwy 8A, the road to Roman Nose State Park. A young, sweet, and very talented musician, Abbigale Dawn, from Norman, OK put us all under her spell with her lovely lyrics and vocals.   Phoenix Circle Foundation organizes these house concerts, but can't do it without the financial support and presence of those who come out to see and hear these musicians. You know who you are and I hope you know how much your support is appreciated.  




Yesterday (Monday), I once again challenged myself and went out in 28 degree weather to give a hiking tour of the Three Springs area at Roman Nose State Park to two visitors from Norman, OK.  Even in the winter, the scenery is beautiful and peaceful. I couldn't help but give a little history on the Park, talk about the Native American culture and the Civilian Conservation Corp.  Our faces were frozen by the time we finished the hike from the Shelter to the swimming pool bath house and back up to the parking lot.  We drove to the Lodge and walked down the hallway to look at the current and historical photographs. 

JUST IN ON MY FACEBOOK FEED: 

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful   "We are pleased to announce the winners of our Affiliate Only Grants!  A big THANK YOU goes to Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and Oklahoma Department of Transportation for providing us the ability to assist our affiliates in Environmental Beautification Projects and Roadside Beautification Projects. The lucky recipients are, Keep Enid Beautiful, Pride In McAlester, Earth Rebirth, Twin Cities Revitalization Project, Phoenix Circle Foundation, Okeene Historic Preservation Group, Up With Trees, and Crescent, Oklahoma. We cannot wait to see all the beautiful things they will do. Congratulations and let's #DoBeautifulThings "

Thank you, thank you, thank you to KOB, DEQ, and ODOT and everyone involved in the decision to award these grants and for giving PHOENIX CIRCLE FOUNDATION this chance to help KEEP OKLAHOMA BEAUTIFUL with a project at 111 E. Main St., Watonga.  We are still hopeful that some Watonga businessses and patrons of the Arts will step up to help bring this building back to life -- we are almost there !!   /Linda Barrett, Executive Director #DoBeautifulThings

Upcoming Event at Roman Nose State Park

The Friends of Roman Nose State Park Association met with the new Park manager, Kyle Bernis, on Monday evening to work on plans for the 2018  Watonga Trout Derby.  The three-day event is scheduled for March 1, 2, and 3, 2018, with early registration to be available from Watonga Chamber of Commerce members and members of Friends of Roman Nose State Paark Association.  On-line registration site will be available soon.  Day-of registration will be set up at the General Store inside Roman Nose State Park on Friday, March 2.
 
This long-time event  put on by the Watonga Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Friends of Roman Nose State Park Association and Park management gives fishermen an opportunity to catch tagged trout for prizes.  One hundred tagged trout are put in the Watonga Lake at Roman Nose State Park in conjunction with the normal trout stocking done by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.  Pre-Registration is suggested.  Visit the Watonga Chamber of Commerce office at 505 S. Clarence Nash Blvd.

A  Valid Oklahoma State fishing license is required.  A trout stamp is no longer required by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife.  All fishing must comply with Oklahoma State fishing laws.
The Derby has two divisions:
• Senior Division: 18 years old & older, registration fee (tbd) for all three (3) days of the Derby.
• Junior Division: 17 years old & below, registration fee (tbd) for all three (3) days of the Derby.
Prizes are awarded daily, with door prizes provided by local merchants to be given on the last day of the Derby.  A Grand Prize is also awarded by random drawing from all entries in the Derby.
 Watch for more details coming soon, on this blog, on the Watonga Chamber of Commerce website, and on the facebook ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK FRIENDS Group page.  In the meantime, mark the dates on your calendar and plan to come out for family fun on the first weekend in March!  /Linda (Ed.)

 

Upcoming House Concerts

Jan 6, 2018 -- Today is Epiphany, commonly known as Three Kings’ Day in the United States, signifying the end of the Christian Christmas season.  It celebrates the three wise men’s visit to baby Jesus and also remembers his baptism, according to the Christian Bible’s events.

The Red Carpet Country annual Visitors' Guide is going to press.  Watonga has two pages of promotion in the guide, which will be good for tourism and increased number of visitors to our area throughout the year.

Friends of Roman Nose State Park Association will meet at the RNSP Lodge on Monday, Jan. 8, at 6:00 PM.  Plans for the annual Trout Derby at the lake will be discussed.  This event has been a collaboration between the Watonga Chamber of Commerce and the Friends of Roman Nose State Park Assoc. nonprofit group for many years and it requires community volunteers to make it a successful event.  Everyone on the Chamber of Commerce board of directors are invited to attend and give input, as well as all members of the Chamber and all residents and business owners in Watonga.  It is an event that brings lots of visitors to our area.  Come out to the meeting and meet the new Park Manager, Kyle Bernis.

The 2018 Oklahoma House Concert series at the Chaparral Retreat is off to a good start, with bookings already scheduled for the first three months of the year and new inquiries coming in daily from touring musicians.  As a director of the program, we are excited about the exposure we are getting and the interest of musicians in coming to Watonga.  The next House Concert will be on Sunday, January 14, featuring ABBIGALE DAWN, a young singer/songwriter from Norman, Oklahoma.   If you want facebook notifications of upcoming events, join the "Oklahoma House Concerts Group" page.  In 2017, a few shows were held at our local Whirlwind Winery, bringing people to downtown Main Street. We are looking forward to the opening of the building next door to the winery at 111 E. Main St. where we will be able to host all kinds of arts events in 2018.

Speaking of which, significant progress has been made on the renovation of the old building at 111 E. Main St.  The inside has been gutted and prepared for installation of plumbing and electric, and the outside front of the building has a complete new look.  SADLY, several of the new windows  have been vandalized and broken, and several panels will already have to be replaced.  The incidents have been reported to the police, and the owners hope that neighboring business owners and other residents will report suspicious behavior around the building to the police.  The owners of the building regularly drive to the building and around the block several times a day, but the vandalism seems to be occurring overnight under cover of darkness. Now that the police department and neighboring business have been made aware of the vandalism, maybe the problem will stop as more people are watching.  We are waiting to see if we receive a roadside beautification grant we applied for through Keep Oklahoma Beautiful for the building.  The winners should be announced soon. 

I hope 2018 is off to a good start for everyone!  /Linda Barrett (Ed.) 







  

Happy New Year 2018

The weather has been COLD for the past two weeks and I'm tired of it. The animals are staying indoors to stay warm, and I think we're all getting a little cabin fever.
BUT I did get out yesterday, January 1, to participate in the First Day Hike at Roman Nose State Park.  Five people braved the very cold weather (outdoor temp was 12 degrees) for the Hike, and it was well worth the effort!
The new Park Ranger, Martin Ramos, and the RV park host who spent time here as a child, led the hike from the swimming pool bath house, to the Big Spring cave, then over to the middle spring "watering hole". From there they took us back through some less used trails and we ended up back at the Big Spring. There was a fire in the fireplace outside of the bath house where we started and ended, which really added to the experience. Lots of good information, and attentive and interested participants. 

 The best source of information about the Park, its history, geology, and Henry Roman Nose is "Roman Nose, A History of the Park" by former SWOSU professor M.C. Weber. There are a few copies of the book available at the Lodge front desk for sale; proceeds will go toward a reprinting of the book as there are only a few copies left from the previous printing. There may be a copy of the book at the Watonga Public Library to borrow, and we have a copy we keep at our B&B for visitors to read. Join the facebook Group, ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK FRIENDS, for upcoming events and activities at the Park. 

Today I'm staying in with a fire in the fireplace and reading "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann. I didn't see anything in last week's local newspaper worth getting out for.  Tomorrow will be a little warmer and maybe nice enough to go outdoors for a while.  
/Linda  

End of 2017

2017 has been a good year--productive, sometimes stressful, but overall I feel like I've accomplished a lot both in my business ventures, in my writing, and in stress and my health management. Though I got hit with the flu at the end of this year, my health has generally been good all year. I haven't been as consistent as I would have liked to have been this past year in several areas, but think I am getting the hang of managing my time among all of the things I want to do and, if I wanted to call it a new year's resolution, it would be to put some of the ideas I've read and learned this past year into practice in the coming year. Today I'm going to try and catch up on this blog!  Most of this end of year update has been posted at some time during the year on facebook.

Andy and I and our family want to wish everyone a safe and happy new year celebration and success in 2018 in all of your endeavors!

We are still working on building our clientele for the Bed & Breakfast but pretty much stay as busy as we want to. It is such a treat for us to meet new people, make new friends, and catch up with returning guests. All of our "advertising" is on social media or word-of-mouth, with TravelOK.com, TripAdvisor, and Google searches bringing us guests looking for a special experience. We have a great relationship with the Park Lodge staff and management and we each refer potential guests back and forth. There is a new Park manager and a new Park Ranger at Roman Nose State Park and we look forward to working with them, both in promoting their programs and attracting more people to this tucked-away treasure in rural Blaine County. 

New Mexico patio     Oklahoma Room (Q-size bed)View from NM patio

  Kiki the Garage Cat 

The Chaparral Retreat & Guesthouse has become a "secret" favorite place for touring musicians as well as local Oklahoma musicians to perform in a unique and intimate setting. The Oklahoma House Concerts series has attracted many talented musicians from around the U.S., and our audience is growing.  We've been working with the owners of the Whirlwind Winery in downtown Watonga to "cross-promote" our businesses.  They bring in lots of people from the OKC metro area through their wine & cheese pairing Groupons, and Brad and Don (owners) allow us to promote our B&B and the House Concerts at their storefront on Main St.  We have even held a couple of house concerts at the winery, trying to get more visitors to the Watonga downtown area. 

 

There are three shows already booked for 2017: 

 Abbigale Dawn on January 14 (Sunday afternoon); 

Caroline Cotter on Thurs., March 1; and 

Mandy Rowden on Fri., March 23. 

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS and join the Oklahoma House Concerts fb group page for Event postings and up to date information. 

This summer we held an art auction and house concert as a fundraiser, featuring Brian Pounds and Grace Pettis from Austin providing some awesome music, and works of art donated by several Oklahoma artists for us to sell. Both the Whirlwind Winery and K&R Liquor provided some adult beverages, and we had Bedre' chocolate for our guests. We cannot say "thank you" enough to everyone who helped make this small event a success. I've posted our thanks on all of our facebook pages, but we can never thank these awesome and generous people enough!

Brian Pounds and Grace Pettis 

  Donated Art for Auction/Fundraiser

 
We haven't done any Liquid ART classes this year but did provide supplies and art instruction for two local fundraisers -- one for a woman's medical expenses and one for a Relay for Life team. Mainly, we have been focusing on the music series and renovating the building next to the Winery on Main St. Watonga in order to open an Art Gallery/Creative Space. Andy has made lots of progress this year with the help of Drew and several volunteers. Phoenix Circle Foundation received a small grant from Walmart and I've submitted several other grant applications that we hope to hear from in January. The space is coming together slowly but surely, and we want to have it ready for some children's art projects and to use as a live music venue by Mid-March. In order to do that, I do a lot of "begging"/fundraising, and praying for that special "angel" -- a local business person or corporation who can see our vision for Main Street to become a year-around tourist destination and is willing to invest in the community with a significant philanthropic gift to Phoenix Circle Foundation. 

bldg in 2013

 

Bldg at end of Nov. 2017.  The brick used is salvage from the old Watonga Cheese Factory -- keeping Watonga history alive!

We are thankful for the individuals who support our efforts and support the arts with their donations and attendance at activities and events we have held over the past couple of years, including the house concerts. This past year Phoenix Circle Foundation sponsored at least one house concert a month, held a sidewalk chalk art activity for children in town, and gave away free school supplies to local children/families. PIONEER TELEPHONE and Geary resident Kaye Base donated to our arts scholarship fund, an effort to encourage youth to pursue art experiences with a $250 scholarship to a high school student n May. I've worked with the high school counselors and art teachers in the schools in Blaine County that have some kind of arts program -- music or visual arts -- to raise awareness about Phoenix Circle Foundation's mission.
 

This is all I have strength to write today -- I may edit later, but for now, I hope everyone is able to stay healthy, warm, and safe at the start of the new year!!