I FOUND SOME HISTORICAL INFO

Who knew?
Last weekend our family went to Tulsa for a friend's wedding and while there we visited the Woody Guthrie museum.  I don't know Tulsa but I think it is located in the "Brady District".  You can google it.   Andy and I had been to the museum earlier this year and I found it amazing not only for the information about Woody Guthrie and his influence on American music, but also for the information about the Dust Bowl and Oklahoma history.  When we went earlier this year, the museum had a travelling exhibit about the Beatles' first U.S. visit, and that was fascinating too.  This time, the featured travelling exhibit was about Bob Marley.

Since I had gone through the Woody G exhibit and watched the videos and listened to the recorded stories before, I didn't spend much time on it.  But I did notice that the informational video playing this time was different from the last time.  And our son, Drew, caught a comment from someone on the video that I didn't catch.  It was from a musician named "Sis" Cunningham from Watonga, Oklahoma!  The following information is from OKHISTORY.ORG, sent to me by Jane Malcolm after I posted the question on facebook "does anyone know anything about Sis Cunningham"? 

"CUNNINGHAM, AGNES (1909–2004).

Agnes "Sis" Cunningham was born in Watonga, Blaine County, Oklahoma, on February 19, 1909, to William and Ada Boyce Cunningham. She grew up on a small farm that had been homesteaded by her parents around the turn of the twentieth century. Agnes's father was a socialist and follower of Eugene V. Debs, the Socialist Party leader in 1901. Agnes Cunningham studied music at Weatherford Teachers College (now Southwestern Oklahoma State University) in Weatherford, Oklahoma, in 1929. After she graduated, she taught music in the public school system. In 1932 she sought training in socialist doctrine at Commonwealth Labor College, a radical labor school in Mena, Arkansas. There she began writing labor songs and learned the elements of social theater. She also trained in union methods, organizing techniques, labor journalism, and labor-farmer union developments. After finishing her course work, she returned to Oklahoma and recruited for the Southern Tenant Farmers' Union.
In the 1930s Agnes Cunningham helped organize the Red Dust Players, an agitprop theater group, whose members presented short plays promoting political agitation and propaganda. The Red Dust Players performed at union meetings throughout the Oklahoma countryside to educate farm workers, sharecroppers, and tenant farmers on ways in which the union could better their lives.
In 1941 Cunningham married Gordon Friesen, a free-lance writer. The couple moved to New York City, and she became involved with the Almanac Singers, whose membership included Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, and Lee Hayes. The Friesens soon moved to Detroit, and Agnes became an active worker for the Communist Party in the 1940s. By the 1950s she had returned to New York, and she worked with folk groups and published Broadsides, a magazine promoting young songwriters. The Friesens came under investigation by the U.S. House Un-American Activities Committee but were never called to testify. Agnes Cunningham Friesen died in New Paltz, New York, on June 27, 2004."

I am currently working on finding information about the Roman Nose Hills Trail Ride, its history, and checking into whether or not we can get it listed on some Oklahoma Historical register or get some other historical recognition.  Like the Watonga Cheese Festival, which has been going on for 39 years, I've heard different stories from different people about who started it (both the festival and the Trail Ride).  I am a person who wants to know things -- I don't ask questions to cause trouble or make waves, I ask questions to learn, to understand things.  So I'm asking for information about the "Roundup Club" and the Byron Wolfe Trail Ride.  Are they two separate things, are they connected and how?  I can't wait to visit with our friend Coot about some information I've uncovered so far .... he's been here in Watonga long enough to know some things and he's not afraid to talk!!

If anyone who reads this knows anything about any of these events and wants to share, please contact me.  My email address is phoenixcir@yahoo.com. 

A very interesting movie called "the Reckoning" is worth watching.

 

PRESS RELEASE for Arts Center project

June 25, 2015

HERE IS OUR PRESS RELEASE for Watonga Arts Center:  (sent to Watonga Republican 6/25/2015)

Watonga Arts Center LLC is a business started by Andy Barrett and Jerry Sinclair in Watonga, OK. This business will provide art for sale, art lessons, workshops, and rental space for workshops. Down the road we'd like to offer a framing service.

Andy Barrett is the owner/manager of Watonga Arts Center LLC. He purchased the building at 111 E. Main St. in Watonga and began remodeling it in 2013. The wall between the two former businesses was taken out, and steel beams have been installed to reinforce the structure. The plan is to have an open gallery space in the front part of the building with moveable display sections, and workshops or studio spaces in the back half of the building. We intend to feature any and all kinds of artists' work (that will fit in the space!) in the gallery on a rotating basis, for the public to view and to purchase. There are several talented artists right here in Watonga and Blaine County, but we also hope to attract statewide and nationally known artists in the future. As chairman of the art show and entertainment portions of the Watonga Cheese & Wine Festival for the past several years, I've made connections with many artists and musicians and intend to use those connections to bring a variety of arts programs here. Our arts center will (not might) not only benefit the City financially, but will also serve to beautify downtown Main St. and give visitors another destination to experience while in our area. It is located next to the historic Liberty Theatre and the Whirlwind Winery.

Though the building on Main St. itself if not yet open, we've been busy "preaching" the benefits of arts education and giving the community and visitors a taste of what an arts center can provide. We've done art activities at other locations -- the library, the Methodist Church for VBS, and at the Foley building with some 4-H students. Drew Barrett has directed "paint parties" at the Whirlwind Winery, at the Watonga middle school as a fundraiser for the high school after-prom party, and in Fairview as a fundraiser for Relay for Life. The goal of Watonga Arts is to open an arts center on Main St. where we can have various types of art and programs, including visual arts, music, poetry readings, storytelling, writing, even stage a children's play. We know from experience the benefits of children getting to have a hands-on experience with art and are strong advocates of arts education. Watonga school system has a wonderful music program but other arts education is left to the private sector, and that is the niche we want to fill.

I learned of the Chase/Linked-In Mission Main Street Grant through my Linked-in profile. The grant application was lengthy and detailed as to what our business is, how it will affect our community, and our "business plan" for sustainability. Once the application was submitted, we waited to see if it met the criteria. We were notified that the application was accepted, and we then had to get 250 votes for our project via Facebook. That involved many social media posts asking for support, from our own Facebook friends and their friends, Linked-In connections, and from members of artists groups, musicians groups, and writer's groups that I am involved with. Anyone with a facebook page could vote one time for our project, or for any other project in the running. We even received votes from persons who had submitted grant applications in other areas, with notes that they support the arts and arts education. I beefed up my Linked-In profile and the Watonga Arts Facebook information. As with a prior grant application we submitted through SWOSU, our friends and supporters of the arts came through and our project received the votes needed to move up to the next stage for consideration by a panel of Judges. The members of the judging panel can be found at the website: www.missionmainstreetgrants.com.

The dilapidated building we purchased has good "bones" but desperately needs major repairs. We would use the grant money to finish the remodel, including A/C and heating systems, plumbing, hanging systems for the gallery, materials for storage and counter work spaces. Andy Barrett and Jerry Sinclair have provided most of the labor at no cost other than their time spent on the project. With the grant money we would be able to hire contractors to help finish the remodel and open the doors. The primary operational expense that will come out of the grant money is payment of utilities -- we estimate that we should be self-sustaining within three years, so having money to keep the doors open while we get the business end established is vital. We will also use grant funds for marketing, and of course, art supplies and materials.

 Watonga Arts Center LLC is committed to the Arts Center whether we get the grant or not, but it certainly would make it happen a lot sooner. Call me if you have any other questions!! /Linda Barrett 940-735-1065

 

I've been attending a bible study that covers Revelation 2 and the letters to the seven churches in Asia.  I've never been a "fan" of that book as it is completely over my head, but I have to say that the leader of the study is doing a great job of shedding some light on what the book is saying, at least for me.  The discussion with the participants helps my perspective immensely. 
Stop reading here if you don't want to know my opinion. 

This evening I didn't want to be at bible study.  I didn't want to be around people who want to criticize and complain about Muslims, about the protesting African Americans, about political points of view.  I didn't want to hear the snide remarks that people let escape their mouths about someone who isn't around to defend themselves.  I didn't want to listen to hate talk.  Listening to news reports and then hearing how much hate those reports rile up put a knot in my stomach. 
I don't like being around people who smile at your face and talk hateful about you when you aren't around.  I didn't want to be around hypocrites, people who will say nice things to my face, but when I'm not around, listen to mean things being said about me by someone else, especially when they know that those mean things aren't true.  And I didn't want to be that kind of hypocrite that listens to mean or untrue things being said about someone who isn't present and keep my mouth shut for fear that I might lose a friend for not agreeing with them.  That has happened and I've really had enough of it.  I didn't feel like putting myself in that position on this particular night. I was not in a very good mood.
But I put all of those feelings aside and stayed at the bible study.  

One thing I loved about moving to a new place was meeting people and getting to know them, and have them get to know me.  There is genuine love among the congregation  of the church I attend.  I don't hear gossip or backstabbing or mean talk about anyone.  Oh, I know that everyone is not perfect and I know people talk about others to their individual friends, but that kind of behavior is not part of the culture in our church in general. In the community in general it is a different story, and I've experienced it first-hand.

Back to the bible study.  Rev.2: 8-11, reads (from the Revised Standard Version): "8 And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:  'The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. 9 I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.  10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who conquers shall not be hurt by the second death.' "

Jesus is telling the church (the people) that they have suffered and will suffer, but that they are "rich" for it though it might not feel like that to them.  Satan is hate, hate in the hearts of men.  When you hate, you are allowing Satan in your life. And Satan is going to continually try to get you to hate because when you do, you are following him and not following Jesus, who taught that we, as Christians, should love EVERYONE.  He doesn't say that everyone has to LIKE every one else.  He doesn't say that we all have to agree on everything. In these verses of Revelation, the writer is conveying to the people the message of God:  telling the church/people of Smyrna to stay strong and resist the temptation of hate.  It is hard, but the reward will be eternal life with God. Galatians 6, verce 1 says "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.  Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted."

Throughout the Bible, Jesus says to love "your neighbor", and who is your neighbor? -- EVERYONE.  Love your enemy.  Love those who hurt you, love those who you don't agree with, love those who are outcasts or pariah to everyone else.  The message of Jesus is NOT to love only your friends, or the people who agree with your point of view, or those who worship the way you do.  Nor does Jesus say that "love" means agreeing with someone else's point of view or how they worship, or liking how they live or worship.  These verses say to me that our "tribulations" come from our refusal to accept and love those who are different from us. Love doesn't mean hugging someone or calling them a friend, but it does mean accepting them, and praying for their salvation as you pray for your own salvation. This letter tells us to love EVERYONE. 

This was a very powerful message to me.  Today there is a lot of hate in the world, some for petty reasons and some for serious reasons.  This passage tells me to put that hate aside and let God be in control, in my own life and in the life of others.  

This is a hard lesson to abide by.  It is difficult not to harden my heart in the face of so much hatred.  But Jesus says I must.  I have to remember this lesson every day as I walk down the street and come into contact with people who hate me, people who are jealous, people who want recognition and will do and say anything to get it, even at my expense. People who don't want to acknowledge that their hate hurts not only the people they hate but themselves also. I have to continually remind myself that I am not that kind of person.  I don't want to fall into the trap of treating people badly because they treat me badly. Staying on the right path in life takes a lot of mental reminders, a lot of prayer.

A new leaf

WOW!  I did not realize that it has been almost a year since I posted anything on this blog.  Since then, there has been a change in city government and we are once again hopeful for the future of our town. 
 
So let me start again:
KUDOS to Andy Barrett (aka "Andy Bennett") and writer Nathan Gunter for getting a great write-up and photos of the Watonga Cheese & Wine Festival into the current Oklahoma Today Magazine! You did a great job as Festival Director overall and especially in working with the owners of Whirlwind Winery and OGIC making Wine a part of a long-standing Festival (what is better than WINE & CHEESE?). Perhaps your success has something to do with your many years of marketing experience?!?!? 
I am so proud of you and all that you've done in the Watonga community. 
I am re-inspired to promote Watonga as a tourist destination, the "Gateway to Roman Nose State Park", with the Chaparral Retreat B&B, the Oven, Oklahoma House Concerts, the Many Hands Art Space, and the Liberty Theatre.
I ask readers to check in at this blog for the "rest of the story".  I am in contact with Oklahoma Tourism magazine and other publications to see if we can get some more print coverage of what's available in Watonga. 
/Linda

July 2014

My name is Linda . I am a resident outside of the small rural town of Watonga. Watonga is the closest town to me where I can shop. I run a business.  I was a paralegal for over 30 years, working on all kinds of different legal cases. I've owned and operated a publishing business.  I've raised two children.  I have no family here except for my husband. I like to write and hope to publish something someday.
This is my place to write and express my opinion and feelings.  No one is forced to read it. I treat it like my journal -- expressing myself and getting things off of my chest without bothering anyone else.  I will no longer link it to the Watonga news  blog Facebook page -- that is something I write for the benefit of the community to let people know what's going on since the City of Watonga does nothing to promote our town and there is no other central information source.   You can take that statement as being "negative", and in fact it is intended to be negative about the City government, but not about the town itself.  Over 1100 people are in agreement with me according to my facebook posts, "likes", "comments", and private messages.
 The first step to fixing a problem is recognizing and acknowledging what the problem is, not just blaming the messenger who points out a problem and then using that blame as an excuse to not correct the problem.  Every successful business person knows this tenet. 
I have, since moving here, considered Watonga a great place to live, even though it has some problems and issues that need to be dealt with to make it a better place for families and businesses. There is not a place in the world that is "perfect".   I've promoted the town and its businesses regardless of which business owners like me personally or don't.  Watonga is my permanent home and I'm in this to make it the best place it can be for me and my family and my friends.  I've said over and over that it is a gem in the rough and could be a destination for people to come to experience the park and a  nice place to shop and enjoy some art. I don't understand why people  and organizations here won't work together for the benefit of the COMMUNITY, but I am always hopeful it can happen.

APRIL EVENTS

APRIL is going to be a very busy month.  Check the Watonga Republican for the various Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday services this month. 

Every Wednesday evening at the Methodist Church in Watonga (420 N. Weigle) is mid-week peak dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Home-cooked meals prepared by volunteers from the church, it's always supurb.  Why cook dinner at home when you can come out and have a great meal with great fellowship.

YOU ARE INVITED -- Men's BIG Breakfast on Saturday, April 5, 7:00 a.m. at Watonga Christian Church (by donation). Cowboy Pastor JC Perkins from Thomas, OK will be there.

On April 19, 2014 at the Liberty Theatre, local musicians, choirs, and praise bands will be performing at the Liberty Theatre on Main Street Watonga.  This is a FREE GOSPEL MUSIC event, with a request for donations to go to the Phoenix Circle Foundation to promote it's efforts to bring more ARTS to Watonga.  

Another one of the ARTS we have to offer in Watonga are the "Live at the Liberty" music shows.  On April 10,  Hard Road Trio will be performing.  And don't miss Vintage Wildflowers in May! Watch for more information.

The Watonga Community Theatre is presenting its spring show on April 12-13 called PONY EXPRESSO.  It's a Western Comedy, great for all audiences directed by Kim Coney. Two shows on Sat April 12, 1 show Sunday April 13. 

Also on April 12, at 8:00 PM, the fiddle and guitar duo (HonkyTobnk StepChild) Casey and Minna will be at Roman Nose State Park Lodge.  This is a FREE show.  Stay at the Lodge or spend the night at Chaparral Retreat just outside of the state park.  Either place is beautiful this time of year.


April 3 - Brisket at the Hospital

April 12, at 7:00 am Mason's breakfast

April 17 - Burger day at Hospital

HAVE A GREAT MONTH! 

March in Watonga

March 5, 2014
We are still fighting cold, icy, sometimes snowy weather, but "this too shall pass."  According to the Farmers Almanac, March will be "chilly" and wet and may not warm up until the last week of the month. The forecast calls for average daytime temperatures in the 50's, which will be a nice change from freezing temperatures. We may have some pleasant days off and on throughout the month.

In spite of the cold temperatures, many people showed up at Roman Nose State Park to participate in the annual Trout  DerbyTournament sponsored by the Watonga Chamber of Commerce and the many businesses and individuals who donated money and prizes for these hardy fishermen.  Friday was beautiful, the cold did not stop them!  

 (photo by Douglas Cook)
Check out the Watonga Chamber facebook page or www.watongachamber.com website for more details about the Trout Derby and upcomning events sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking of Roman Nose State Park, the Lodge is continuing with its concert series and will host singer Jaime Michaels from New Mexico on Saturday, March 8.  No other information is available on the Park's website or facebook page, so contact the Lodge directly for cost and more information.  If you're at the Park and the weather turns bad, you can always spend the night at the Chaparral Retreat B&B just outside the park.  Call us at 580-623-4269 or 214-763-3823. 

Some upcoming things to check out close to home: 

On March 7 (Friday) from 5:00 - 7:00 pm is a Burger Benefit for Maurice "Moe" Brown at the Church of the Nazarene.  Donations will be matched by the Watonga Masonic Lodge. The family is in need of financial help while Moe struggles with stage 4 stomach cancer. Come out and support a worthwhile cause.

The Watonga Senior Citizen's Center is holding a BIG GARAGE SALE on Saturday, March 8, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.   There are sure to be treasures to be found there!

KIWANIS is holding it's annual Pancake & Sausage supper at the Watonga Middle School on Tuesday, March 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.  Another good night to "eat out" and support the projects sponsored by the Kiwanis Club.  Tickets are available from Kiwanis members (just ask!) and at the door. 

The OASIS Church is holding a forum on "Human Trafficking on Wed., March 12 at 7:00 pm  This forum is to help educate our community about the dangers of human trafficking and how it can affect us here in our area.  Youth (over age 12) and adults are urged to attend at the Oasis Church, 121 W. Main, Watonga.  [The forum is not  appropriate for children under age 12 and child care is NOT available.]

On Friday March 14th DAVID GRIER from Nashville, TN will perform at the Liberty Theatre FREE as part of the "Live at the Liberty Theatre" fundraisers coordinated by John Diamond. He has been able to bring some good musical groups to our small town. David Grier is a legendary bluegrass guitarist. The program for April 10 (Thursday) is HARD ROAD TRIO from New Mexico, a naationally known Americana group. On Friday May 9th VINTAGE WILDFLOWERS with SCOTT SCHMIDT from Tulsa will perform. Put these dates on your calendar and watch for other events and activities on this site or the Watonga news facebook page.

March 15 is the next Liquid ART evening at Whirlwind Winery.  You don't have to drink wine to enjoy an evening of art, music, and conversation.  The bonus is you can learn a little and paint your own masterpiece!  A $30.00 donation to Phoenix Circle Foundation is requested but not required.  PCF provides all the materials: canvas, easels, paints and brushes, and instruction.  These evenings are fundraisers that go toward bringing art instruction to Watonga children free of charge. (we currently have an afterschool art program at the high school and want to expand to provide art lessons to younger children).   The more adults participate in Liquid ART, the more we can plan art classes for children. Call 580-623-4269 to reserve your place for the 15th, or to schedule a special group event.

 

HCE is holding a COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE at the Foley Bldg in the Fairgrounds on Tuesday, March 18 between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm.  Call to make an appointment (623-7059) and help save a life! 

The OK State Dept. of Health will be holding a CPR and first aid class at First United Methodist Church on Wed, March 19.  Contact Heather Ward at (405) 282-3485 to register to attend or for more information. 

The First United Methodist Church has a weekly meal on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.  All are invited. However, there will be NO meal on Wed. March 19 due to Spring Break. If you have any questions, call 580-623-5221 for information.

As I receive information about the goings-on in Watonga, I'll post them.  Anyone can contact me at phoenixcir@yahoo.com.
/linda