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!

Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Feb 2, 2014
Monday night's Chamber  of Commerce banquet was an uplifting event for our community.   Chamber President Vicki Williams gave a rousing and positive address, pointing out that Watonga has something that has brought outsiders to invest in our community and encouraging local citizens and businesses to invest in our town.   The key speaker was Oklahoma State Senator Tom Ivester, who reminded us that small towns such as Watonga are not going to be the same as they were in the 1950’s and 1960’s but that we can still grow and prosper.  At the end of the evening, it felt as if a death pall had been lifted from the town.

The Chamber of Commerce gave the following awards to local citizens and businesses:
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 


At the banquet, Bobbi Schenk was recognized as Teacher of the Year by Superintendent Bill Seiter.   Also present were State Representative Mike Sanders and his lovely wife Nelly, and Mayor Clay Loosen. Todd Lafferty acted as Emcee. The  meal was catered by End O’Main and was delicious.  Pre-program entertainment was provided by the Rural Route Ramblers,  made up of Katie Ballew-Lyle, John Diamond, and Verne Brickman.  There are many  talented people in our community.   Congratulations to all of these very deserving recipients of recognition by our Chamber of Commerce. The new year is off to a good start for Watonga!


The goal of the Watonga Chamber of  Commerce  is to make our community a better place  to work, live and play.  Through its administrator and membership, the Chamber works to promote Watonga through business and tourism, and to advance the economic, industrial, professional, cultural and civic welfare of the citizens of the City of Watonga and the surrounding community. Contact Mary Larsen at 580-623-5452 for questions about events sponsored by the Chamber throughout the year, or check out their website at www.watongachamber.com. 

COMMUNITY CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! I've got a feeling it's going to be a good year all around. 

It's already the second week in January and things are getting back to "normal" after the holidays.

 The agenda for the first Tuesday's regular City Council meeting was not posted on the City Clerk's door this week so I haven't been able to determine if it was held and what business was conducted. Generally the regular City Council meetings are held on the 1st and third Tuesdays of the month, and committee meetings are held as voted on by the general council.  The agendas are required to be posted on the city's website also, www.cityofwatonga.org, but for some reason the City Clerk doesn't think she has to comply with that requirement.  Many citizens have been trying to get the City to post agendas on its website, as sometimes people cannot get by the City Clerk's office to see what is posted on that door. 

Beside city council meetings, there are lots of other events going on this month in Watonga.

The Watonga Hospital Auxillary is holding a BLOOD DRIVE at City Hall on Tuesday, January 14, 11 am to 6 pm.  Call 580-233-9323 for more information or to schedule an appointment.  No appointment is needed, but knowing how many people are coming helps the staff be prepared. 
 
The Watonga Library is hosting a program called "Eat Better, Move More" every Tuesday  in January from 11:00 - 12:00 noon.  It's a series of mini-talks on fitness and nutrition.
 
Don't forget the Brisket lunch served at the Mercy Watonga Hospital on Thursday, Jan 9.  A full brisket sandwich box lunch, including dessert and drink, for $5.00! 

Saturday, Jan. 11, is breakfast by the Masons at the 100F building on Main Street at Burford from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

On January 12, the Kiwanis is holding its annual Spaghetti Dinner at the Watonga Christian Church, from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm.  Proceeds from this fundraiser go to further the youth programs sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Watonga, including summer youth program, sports activities, and scholarships. The food is delicious and served with a smile, so come out and support this fundraiser.

On that same afternoon, at 3:00 p.m., the Blaine County 4-H Club is putting on it's "Share-the-Fun" talent show at the Liberty Theatre.  Admission is free.  This program helps encourage youth to develop public speaking, poise, and self-confidence skills by performing before an audience.  Come out on Sunday afternoon to find out "What does the Fox say". The public is invited to come show support for these youth and their efforts.
 
On Monday, Jan. 13, Byron Berline will be performing at the Liberty Theatre.  Admission is FREE but donations are accepted to help bring more entertainment to the Theatre.  Watonga and the surrounding area has lots of talent and we are fortunate to have a place for musicians to perform.  A  big "thank you" to Jon Diamond for his efforts to bring (hopefully regular) musical events to the Liberty Theatre sponsored by the Cowboy Church.
The Liquid ART evening at Whirlwind Winery in Watonga on Saturday, Jan 18.  Call 580-623-4269 for your reservation, as attendance is picking up.  Bring a friend and help support the Phoenix Circle Foundation's efforts to bring art classes to Watonga!  All funds go to provide art supplies -- the wine tasting is complimentary and generously provided by Whirlwind Winery who is doing their part to support the arts in Watonga.   You'll have a great time without having to drive to another city, and you'll go home with your very own work of art.  You don't have to be an "artist" to participate! 

 

Additional dates are February 15 (celebrating Valentine's Day), and March 22, 2014.  Watch the facebook page for Liquid ART and watonga news blog for more information and pictures of the art pieces we will recreate. 

 

FINALLY, on January 29, 2014, the First United Methodist Church is holding its annual Pancake & Sausage Supper at 5:00 - 7:00 at the church in Watonga.  Tickets are available in advance from members of the 1st UMC or at the door.  It's the best deal around -- $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12, FREE for children 3 and under. And EVERYONE knows how good the smoked sausage is!  Come have a great meal, visit with friends, and support this community activity.

Have a great January and watch for updates as we become aware. 

 

LIVING NATIVITY play at Liberty Theatre

WOW!  On Sunday afternoon  we attended the LIVING NATIVITY program at the Liberty Theatre.  I have to say that it was especially excellent!  We all know that Watonga has some talented people, else we wouldn't have an active theatre group. With everyone's busy schedules, it is harder and harder to put on live entertainment at the Theatre, but the building itself is a treasure our town should be proud to have (and I know we are proud of it!) but should also make use of to bring the arts to Watonga. 

 

If you can, get out and see ithe program this evening. It is short and sweet. the pre-show musical entertainment was extra-special and highlighted some of the local talent this town has. I highly recommend the program!  The Watonga Community Theatre board is serving cookies and punch and hot cider afterwards. 

/Linda

Community Calendar for December

It's coming on Christmas
They're cutting down trees
They're putting up reindeer
 and singing songs of joy and peace. - Joni Mitchell

Thanksgiving Day is over; we can now officially begin putting out the Christmas lights, Santa, reindeer, manger scenes, nutcrackers, toy soldiers, and whatever else represents the Christmas season to each of us (not that everyone waits this long!).  Personally, I really don't like to get all of the tinsel out until after Dec. 10.  But this year I'll probably get busy earlier, since the weather is going to be pleasant this next week and our children are coming to visit in mid-December.  As soon as I put on the James Taylor Christmas CD I get in the mood to bake and decorate the house.

In keeping with the real spirit of Christmas, bear in mind that there are needs in our community that YOU can help with. 

DHS Christmas Angels Trees (for children in custody and foster children) are placed in the following places in Watonga: Alco
Cornerstone Bank
First State Bank
Nazarene Church

 • Pick an Angel...
• Register the Angel with the initial & number
• Please do not wrap the gift
• Return the Angel to DHS office at  410 W. Main, Watonga, OK by December 2, 2013 ** Please attach Angel to the gift when you return it

 

Feather Warrior Casino is holding a canned food drive, and a toy drive.  On Friday and Saturday (one time per week), you can take in an unwrapped toy (worth $5.00) and receive $10.00 in FREE PLAY.  On Monday and Tuesday (one time per week), take in THREE canned goods and receive $5.00 in FREE PLAY.  Of course, you can take in your canned goods and unwrapped toys at ANY TIME just to help out.

There are lots of activities in town and surrounding communities to put on your calendar. Mary Larsen from the Chamber of Commerce does a great job of promoting events and putting them on the Community Calendar.  The calendar can be accessed by going to the website www.watongachamber.com and then clicking on CALENDAR on the top bar. Here are some of the things NOT TO MISS:

The Chamber of Commerce-sponsored "IT PAYS TO SHOP WATONGA" program is going on NOW.  A perfect time to buy that Angel Tree gift and enter your name for the drawing for Watonga Bucks!!

Sat. Nov. 30 -- SHOP WATONGA. Today is Small Business Saturday -- support your local busiensses AND for each $10.00 purchase at participating Watonga merchants you get an entry into a drawing for Watonga Bucks (drawing to be held on Dec. 19).
 Dec. 6 - Santa's Village and Holiday Bazaar at Blaine County Fairgrounds  9:00 am - 4:00 pm. There are lots of homemade gift ideas -- you can get most of your Christmas shopping done here!
Dec. 7 -- HOSTY DUO  performs at ROMAN NOSE STATE PARK LODGE --General Admission is $10.00, or book a room and see the concert for $105.00.  ROOMS also available at the Chaparral Retreat & Guesthouse just down the street from the Park. Call 580-623-4269 for discounted rates for that weekend.   
Dec. 8 - The Living Nativity live performance at Liberty Theatre.  2:30 pm.  Adult tickets are $8.00, members Free, and you can get in for half-price if you bring an unwrapped toy for the Blaine County Angel Tree.
Dec. 15 -- First United Methodist Church of Watonga will present its annual Christmas Cantata at the 10:50 a.m. service.  420 N. Weigle.  Everyone is invited.
Dec. 18 - Community Christmas Choir program at Liberty Theatre. Support our local talent by sharing an evening of beautiful music.
Dec. 19 - Centennial Park on Main St. (City Hall if weather is bad) -- 5:30 p.m. Chamber of Commerce's drawing for Watonga Bucks (everyone who shopped at participating merchants and entered their name into the drawing is eligible).   Come out and have some hot chocolate and see who won $500, $200, $100 (2) or $50 (2) for shopping in Watonga -- it might be you! 

OK. I'm tired of typing for now.  Time to get out and SHOP!  But check back later for more news.
/linda

Thanksgiving

The beginning of the holiday season started this past week with a covering of snow and freezing temperatures!  On Sunday Nov. 24, the Ministerial Alliance of Watonga hosted the annual Community Thanksgiving dinner at the Foley Building at the County Fairgrounds.  Many of our local churches, both ministers and members, provided the food, cooked, and served the homemade meal, including the Oasis Church, First United Methodist Church, Christian Church, First Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, and the Nazarene Church.  If I've neglected to mention any church by name, please forgive me. Pastor Steve Davis from the Methodist Church gave a short sermon, and we were treated to some beautiful Christian music by Matt Giles and his wife, and from Doug Jackson and his daughter.  Applemarket donated 25 turkeys for the dinner.  Around 175 people showed up in spite of the cold snowy weather. The attendance shows us the need in our community, and those who worked on providing the dinner deserve a big "thank you" for their Christian spirit. 

Today is Thanksgiving Day.  It will be filled with football, family, friends and lots of food for most people. Let us be thankful for the blessings in our lives, not just today but every day of the year. Let us be thankful that there are people who care about others. Let us be civil in our conversations and discussions about local and world events even if we don't agree with one another.  And most of all, it is my prayer that we can all be kind to each other.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY to all!
/Linda

Thur 11/21/2013

It is sad when people become so closed-minded that their bitterness is all that comes through. When a person who claims to be a Christian cannot accept that there are those who disagree with him/her and bad-mouths that person, smiles and even gives gifts to that person but then stabs them in the back, they've lost sight of what it means to be a Christian.

This blog is intended to report what is going on in Watonga and surrounding area that I hear about so that information can be shared and not hidden.  It covers both good and bad. We've tried to balance reports of actions taken by our City officials to reports of upcoming events in the community.  We welcome comments but only ask that they are not racist, unintelligible, or just downright mean spirited.  One does not have to agree with what is written here. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. No one is blocked from commenting unless those comments become inappropriate in the arena of decency.  Let's please just keep a civil discourse going.   [Ed.]