Western Swing Show

The Nowata Country Jubilee is back!

The first and third Saturday nights you can hear  great Western Swing country music at the Jack Ellis Memorial Theater in downtown Nowata. And be sure to bring your sweetie to give her a whirl on the new dance floor!   The doors open at 6:00 and the show starts at 7:00pm. Tickets are only $7.00-the cheapest price in the state, maybe in the US!  And children 12 & under are FREE when accompanied by a paying adult.  The atmosphere is family friendly and everyone is sure to have a great time!  Come visit us in Nowata-the Heart of Green Country!

Nowata VFW Post 2745

747 S Maple

(918)273-1193

Projected Activites Calendar

January

13 – Distribution of Scholarship Applications

19 – YourAdsAtWork – TV installation in Canteen

21 – Chamber of Commerce Banquet – 6:30pm – Business of the Year

**Acquire Bingo Equipment from District 1 HQ’s – Langley

February

13 – Sweetheart Dance – 9pm

17 thru 20 – VFW & Ladies Mid-Winter Conference – Biltmore – OK City

26 & 27 – Nowata County Spring Livestock Show – Fair Building -

VFW Display Booth

March

17 – St Patrick’s Day Extravaganza – 7pm – Karaoke

27 – Easter Egg Hunt Organizational Meeting – 2pm – 3000 eggs

April

1 – Scholarship Entry Deadline

3 – Easter Egg Hunt – 11am – VFW

13 – VFW Officer Elections – 7:30pm

15 – Senior Day – 8am – Nowata Fair Building – VFW Display Booth

15 – Announcement/Notification of Scholarship Winners

21 – Quarterly Organizational Meeting – 7pm

24 – City Wide Spring Clean-Up – 8am

May

1 – Mothers Day Brunch – 10am

5 – Cinco De Mayo Festival – 7pm

15 – Junque Arte Festival & Car Show – Patriotic Children’s Art Workshop

VFW Display Booth – Armed Forces Day

19 – Veterans Day Bash & Parade Organizational meeting – 7pm

31 – Memorial Day

**Presentation of Scholarship Awards at H.S. Awards Assemblies

June

**Christmas in July for Deployed Soldiers Collection Starts**

12 – Colors Retirement – 10am – Spike Park – Boy Scouts

14 – Flag Day

19 – Fathers Day Giveaway – 7pm

TBA – Nowata Ranch Rodeo – More info to come

** Finalize Budget for Veterans Day Bash

July

4 – Wild Turkey Day Celebration – Fundraising Booth – Soldiers Collection Booth

August

7 – Fish Fry Fundraiser– 12pm till ??

TBA – Raise Flags at Ironmen Football Games

21 – Veterans Day Bash & Parade Organizational Meeting – 7pm

Set-Up Committees

September

6 – Labor Day

10 & 11 – KAN-OKLA 100-Mile Yard Sale

15,16,17,18 – Nowata County Fair – VFW Info Booth

29 – Haunted House & Kiddie Karnival Organizational Meeting – 7pm

TBA – Nowata Ranch Rodeo

TBA – Buddy Poppies Sales

October

16 – Veteran’s Day Bash & Parade Finalization Meeting – 3pm

20 thru 27 – Haunted House Set up

27 thru 30 – Haunted House – 5pm to 10pm W/Thu, 5pm to 11pm F/S

29 – Downtown Trick or Treat

29 – Halloween Kiddie Karnival – 4pm to 7pm

30 – Halloween Costume Contest – 10pm

31 – Halloween Observed

November

4 – VFW Post 2745 Charter Anniversary – 1932

8 – Decorating for Vet Day Bash begins

9 – Non-Perishable Food Items for Vet Day Bash Brought In

11 – Veterans Day Observed

13 – Veterans Day Parade – 11am

Veterans Day Bash – 12pm till ???

20 – Christmas Parade Float meeting

25 – Free Thanksgiving Meal for Veterans – 1pm to 5pm

29 – Lights on in Nowata – Anti Crime Campaign

**Set up toy box collection for needy children at Vet Day Bash

**Toys for Tots collection

December

1 – Draw names for VFW Christmas Party Exchange – 7pm

4 – Christmas Parade Downtown

17 – VFW Christmas Party & Gift Exchange – 7pm

24 – Christmas Eve

25 – Christmas – Canteen Closed

31 – New Years Eve Bash

Congratulations to the Nowata VFW for being awarded Business of the Year

by the Nowata Area Chamber of Commerce!!!

I invite you to attend the Nowata Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Thursday, February 21st starting at 6:30pm at the Hillside Christian Life Center. There are many achievement awards this year, so come to celebrate Nowata and its outstanding individuals and businesses.

2010 Lifetime Achievement Award

James Arnold

Having lived in Nowata most of his 93 years, James has consistently had a positive impact on this community.  He exhibits the kind of work ethic and professionalism that one would like to see in all businesses.  Even while working at a full-time professional job over the years, James always found the time to serve in some capacity in many local organizations.  He served on the Board of Directors of the Nowata Hospital, Inc., Nowata City-County Library, area units of the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, and the Nowata Historical Society. James has participated in many fund-raising events, both with his time and generous donations including the Nowata Spring Livestock Show, Nowata School Band, Nowata Jane Phillips Health Center, Nowata City-County Library, Nowata County Historical Society Museum & Glass Mansion, Nowata 4H Club, Nowata 10-33, and was a major contributor to the water reservoir mural which is also being honored with the 2010 Business Beautification Award. And even with all of his “hometown” philanthropic endeavors, James also found time to reach out to the Tulsa community and served on the Boards of the Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Ballet Theater, and the Tulsa Philharmonic. James Arnold has always been positive in his attitude toward what could be done, what is good about Nowata, and proud of its residents and is truly deserving of the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award.

2010 Citizen of the Year

Doris Marler

Born in Nowata County in 1920, Doris Marler’s life has been one of dedication to her family and her neighbors.  Doris and Gail Marler enjoyed 48 years together and worked the farm while raising a family of six children.  She has been a Sunday School teacher, 4-H Leader, Adair Home Extension 62 year member and has served in nearly every office including president.  She continues to serve as a County Fair Superintendent and County Election board volunteer.  She is a lifetime member of the Silver Hair Legislature and has received volunteer awards in that capacity. In 1992, she became the director of the Nowata Senior Citizens Center where she continues to serve today.  She has been instrumental in expansion and improvement of the center through her grant work.  Doris is known for her hard work and service to community and is a friend to all.

Volunteer of the Year

United Methodist Church Dinners With Love

For thirteen years, volunteers at the First United Methodist Church has served meals to the Nowata community free of charge. Each Wednesday, the “Dinners With Love” volunteers cook and deliver to over 200 individuals within the community Free of charge. All the food and supplies are donated and the adults drive and the youth deliver to homes in Nowata. Along with the more than 200 meals delivered, they also serve from 20 to 30 individuals at the church. Meals are delivered to anyone in the community that would like to have a meal at no charge. The Dinners With Love is a fine example of volunteerism to the community.

Girl of the Year

Meghan Gibson

Meghan is the daughter of Carl & Deana Gibson. She is an honor student at the Nowata High School and is involved in many activities including Student Council, National Honor Society, Show Choir, Class Officer, OASC reporters, FCA, Spanish Club, Academic Team, Bible Club, Methodist District Youth Council Member, Girls State Representative, Homecoming Attendant, Cheerleading and will serve as a Oklahoma Senate Page in March 2010. She represents her school and community in a very positive way and is most deserving of the award.

Boy of the Year

Matthew Woolfolk

Matt is a hard-working respectful student whose leadership, work ethic and willing attitude has  been recognized many times as shown by his selection as Student of the Month many times.  His honors include: National Honor Society, Student Council, FFA and a four-year Letterman and Senior year team captain for football & baseball, 2009 Tight End of the Year and community volunteer.  Matt’s positive attitude in school, on the athletic field and in the community, his work ethic and accomplishments most certainly make him a deserving recipient of the award.

Business of the Year

VFW Ballard Lack Post 2745

The Nowata Veterans of Foreign Wars has made great strides this past year in bettering Nowata has a community.  Their list of activities and sponsorships have included: Community Sweetheart Dance, City Wide Easter Egg Hunt, free Mother’s Day Brunch,  Father’s Day Brisket Giveaway, Haunted House & Halloween Kiddie Carnival.  They organized the Veteran’s Day Parade and Veterans Day Bash.  They awarded the first ever Veterans of Foreign Wars Continuing Education Scholarship.  The VFW has consistently assisted veterans in need with equipment, information and in-house fundraisers.  With the assistance of the Ladies Auxiliary, they contributed to the Blue Star Mothers project.    The VFW was a Boys & Girls Club baseball sponsor, coordinated the Junque Arte Festival’s Patriotic Quilt Block workshop for children, producing a quilt with the help of the Senior Citizens Center women, which toured the US in the God Bless America Quilt Exhibit and is now on display at Camp Stryker in Baghdad, Iraq.

Their many contributions to the quality of life has certainly earned them the honor of 2010 Business of the Year.

New Business of the Year

Nowata Community AntiDrug Network

Nowata CAN was formed in 2007 by concerned citizens who realized that Nowata had not escaped the drug and alcohol abuse that was sweeping across the nation. They received their first grant from the Cherokee Nation in November of 2008 and hired a full time specialist and part-time specialist  in January of 2009. Since that time Nowata CAN has gone full speed ahead in their desire to reduce the use and abuse of alcohol by underage drinkers in Nowata.

Their activities and support of the community have included: Sponsoring the statewide Crystal Darkness watch party,  participating with the Domestic Violence Prevention Council, Senior Citizen Day, conducted a Problem Analysis with church youth, helped to sponsor the Nowata After Graduation Party, participation in the First Time Offenders program, facilitated the Not My Kid community presentation, formulated a proposal for county CAN coalitions, provided information and support for passage of the Social Host ordinance in Nowata, provided informational post cards to Nowata pharmacies and supported Red Ribbon Week in the county.   The organization’s vision statement reads “To help reduce underage drinking and substance abuse within the community of Nowata” and Nowata CAN is well on its way to fulfilling that vision and a welcome and worthwhile asset to the Nowata area.

Business Beautification of theYear.

City of Nowata Beautification Committee

The City of Nowata Beautification Committee was established in the early 1990’s by Spike Radcliff  under sponsorship of  the City of Nowata.  The group’s early accomplishments included tree planting and irrigation at Jack Gordon Park, flower box construction and plantings around town and the acquisition and design of the Spikes Railroad Park.  The current committee has worked for the past two years on projects and activities to enhance the beautification of  Nowata which have included City Wide Spring Clean Up,  seasonal lighting and landscaping at Spikes Park, participation in the Second Saturday downtown work days and most recently, the mural project for the water reservoir tank on Hwy 169.

In only six short weeks the Nowata reservoir tank on Hwy 169 went from an eyesore to a beautiful work of art-a mural depicting the history of Nowata-all because of the generosity of several individuals and organizations, working together to make Nowata a more beautiful place to live and work.  Volunteers began cleaning the tank on September 12^th, and after receiving a “Keep Oklahoma Beautiful” grant for 20 Gallons of paint, 18 volunteers showed up on September 26^th to paint a base color on both the reservoir and the pump house.  Dr. Bob Palmer, UCO professor and a crew of four, past and present UCO students, braved the wind, rain and cold last week on Thursday afternoon to begin the mural and by Saturday at noon, the work was complete.   The art crew was headed up by Dr. Bob Palmer with Ike Sharon McCoy, Lisa Quisenberry, Scott Henderson and Christen Humphries completing the group.

Even though it was an organized project of the City’s Beautification Committee, the Nowata Community is to be thanked for the transformation of the reservoir. Major contributors and support included Nowata County Historical Society, Harmon Foundation, Nowata Beautification Committee, ARVEST Bank, Regent Bank, NMW, Inc, La Kee Kon, Nowata Womens Club, Rotary Club, Bimi Hicks, Maggie Blevins, James Arnold, J.J. and Margie Reiner, Nowata Elementary School, Nowata Star, Nowata Oklahoma Blog, Doug Boughner KGCT Channel 25, Nowata Depot Café, Sonic, AJ’s Convenience Store, Pizza Hut, Ironman Lanes, Red Hat Ladies and the Silver Saddle Motel.

For years to come literally thousands and thousands of people driving through will see the rich history of Nowata displayed in a great way-and which appropriately includes the flag designed by Ike Radcliff centered in the middle-a most deserving legacy and example of an outstanding beautification effort.

I want to thank Billie Roane for the above information.

Please come and share in the community spirit and a fantastic meal prepared by Kathy Fitzwater and Charlotte Smalley (those ladies can cook!).

Nowata Will Rogers Health Educator, Jaime Clark, is now forming a Cherokee Community Group in Nowata County. The community group will be an asset to the community by enriching the lives in Nowata County, both Cherokee and Non-Cherokee. An organizational meeting was held January 5^th in the Community Room at the health center, those in attendance were Chuck Hoskins, Jr. , (Cherokee District 9 Tribal Councilman), Megan Maxson, OSU Extension Educator and Suzan Perkins (Nowata Oklahoma Blog, Nowata Farmers Market).

There are several other Cherokee Community Groups in NE Oklahoma, Cookson Hills, Vinita, South Coffeyville and Muldrow, which have been successful. These groups help the Cherokee elders of the tribe to pass on many traditional ways to the Cherokee youth. Jaime Clark teaches cooking, exercise, smoking cessation classes, etc. at the Nowata Will Rogers Health Center.

Some of the goals for the Cherokee Community Group are as follows:

• Community Garden – Located on the Cherokee grounds/Using Cherokee Heirloom Seeds/Growing vegetable plants/Sharing in the tending and produce
• Food Preservation Classes
• Healthy Eating/Traditional Foods Classes
• Participation in the Nowata County Farmers Market
• Cherokee Arts & Crafts Demonstration
• Cherokee Language Classes
• Traditional Cherokee Sports Demonstration/Stick Ball

The next meeting is now scheduled for February 5^th from 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Nowata Will Rogers Health Center. If you are Cherokee or just an interested Nowata County Citizen and would like further information, please call (918)273-7500 and ask for Jaime Clark.

Megan Maxson, Nowata County OSU Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Science and 4-H Youth Development, passed on some great information to me about keeping safe and warm in extreme cold temperatures.

US Department of Health and Human Services

Drink coffee or hot chocolate and stay inside if you can!

If you can’t stay inside, please be sure to wear layers of clothes and take warm-up breaks.

BRRRR!! It is cold! If you find yourself without heat, please go somewhere warm or call for a ride if you have no transportation. In these extreme temperatures the situation could get dangerous very quickly.

Keep warm and safe, my friends.

The Red Cross has set-up a Warming Station for Nowata County in the North building at the Nowata Fairgrounds. The station opens at 12:30 pm today (January 7th)  through Saturday morning, January 9th. They will be serving, coffee, hot chocolate and a light snack. In extreme circumstances, an overnight stay could be possible. For further details, please call (918)336-2216 or (918)766-3589.

The Nowata County Home Community & Education Group held their Winter Christmas Council on December 12th, 2009 at the Nowata County Fair Building. The affair was hosted by the Bellevue and Childers groups which provided very pretty decorations and hosted the lunch. Members brought canned food for the Living Word Family Church.

Groups and members attending were Adair – 6 Members/4 Officers, Bellevue – 2 Members, Because we Care – 0 Members/0 Officers, Domestic Divas – 4 Members/3 Officers, South Nowata – 4 Members/2 Officers, Childers – 3 Members/4 Officers.

Sewing Articles/Officers Duties

Outgoing County Officers for the year 2009 were recognized by Megan Maxson, OSU Family and Consumer Sciences Educator. The outgoing officers were President Marilyn Biggerstaff, Interim President Kathy Rexwinkle, Treasurer Naydean Wesson and Devotional Leader Sharon Watts. Megan installed the 2010 OHCE County Officers using sewing articles to represent the officers duties.

Left to right: Billie Roane, Devotional Leader, Naydeen Wesson, Treasurer, Kimberly Smoak, Secretary, Twyla Scamahorn, Vice President, Sharon Watts, President and Megan Maxson, Nowata County OSU Family and Consumer Sciences Educator.

Megan announced that a new OHCE group was formed called the Domestic Divas. The Divas meet the 1^st Thursday of the month at 5:30pm at the Living Word Family Church on S Ash Street/Highway 169. A light supper for members and their children and excellent childcare is provided. The Domestic Divas have chosen some of their 2010 projects and goals which include a female inmate care package program at the Nowata County Jail, a Pine Street Garden Project, and the Children’s section at the Nowata Junque Arte Festival. For more information on how to become part of this exciting group or more info on these projects, please contact Suzan Perkins at 918-214-3000 or the OSU Extension office at 273-3345.

Megan also announced that OHCE individual award nominations were due by January 15th, that OHCE Yearbooks would be out after the first of the year and that Leader Lessons would be held in Owasso on January 26^th, 2010.

President elect Sharon Watts supervised the county voting for the following items: OHCE Adult & Student Scholarships, Donations for 1033 Wheelchair van, Library and the Norma Brumbaugh Scholarship. Motions were made and carried for each item.

Kenny Freeman from the Nowata EMS gave a presentation on how the 911 system works in Nowata County. Kenny is yet another outstanding Nowata City employee! His presentation was very interesting and prompted many question. For more information contact the Nowata Fire Dept & EMS at 273-3532.

Outgoing Devotional Leader Sharon Watts gave the devotion on Ephesians 3:20 – God is capable of giving us what we pray for Exceeding ! Abundantly! and  Above! our requests. She then gave the prayer over a covered dish lunch provided by all members.

Our guest speaker was Ginger Bohannan of the Nowata C.A.N. – Community Anti-Drug Network. She spoke on the statistics and dangers of teenage drinking.  For more information on this program, please contact Ginger at Nowata C.A.N, 307 S Locust, (918) 273-1500. If you are interested in the program, please stop by to talk to Ginger and Pat Knotts at the office.

Door prizes were given and the meeting was adjourned. For more information on how to become a member of OHCE, please contact Kimberly Smoak, (918) 273-0884 / (918) 237-9643 or the OSU Extension Office 273-3345.

A big thanks goes to Kimberly for much of the above information, she does an excellent job as OHCE Secretary.

Let’s all make 2010 the best yet for Nowata!

The Victor
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t
If you like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will
It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.

…CW Longenecker

Building a Snowman

I want to thank the City of Nowata for cleaning the streets after the Blizzard of 2009! I think the streets are in better condition than the some of bigger towns around, especially the side streets.  Nowata has many, many fantastic folks that work in some capacity for the city, which makes our town a little more special on so many levels. One of which is making Nowata safe for our children to do all the fun things a snowstorm brings.

Great job! Thanks to all of the city employees for everything that each and everyone does for our town.

Snow Angel

One day I received an email from a friend and attached was a link to a Photobucket account. Of course, I clicked the link and found many, many great photos of Nowata events, people and kids in their sports uniform.  I am always interested in our local people and their talents. I contacted Mike Bryant to discuss his photography, etc.

Mike likes to take pictures and he has had some opportunities to take pictures for the Nowata Star. When he found out that a local photographer was not going to be able to take sports photos of the kids in town anymore, Mike stepped up to the plate. He believes that all children need both an individual and a group picture to have as a keepsake of the good times and good friends.  He has been asked when quoting the price of a photo, “Are you sure that is enough?”  One of his statements to me was “Like the ole’ boy in Topeka with the little cafe, “I don’t want to make a million dollars, just a million friends.”  I like Mike’s thinking, friends are better than dollars.

Mike relocated to Nowata about 5 years ago from a city of 100,000. He also owns a small business, a dry carpet cleaning business. If you need your rugs,carpets or upholstery cleaned by a local business at a reasonable cost, email Mike for a quote. There will be many carpets that need cleaned after the holidays, especially with all the snow and mud.

Here is Mike’s email address for questions or requests for carpet cleaning or his photography.

mikethephotobug@yahoo.com

Please visit his Photobucket account. Mike has pictures of the 2009 Christmas Parade, 3rd Grade Gingerbread Houses, the 2009 Bull Blast and so much more.

http://s700.photobucket.com/albums/ww10/mikethephotobug

When you see Mike around at the various Nowata events, be sure to tell him thank you for taking the time to take photographs and posting those photos to the internet for everyone to enjoy.

If you are a coach for a sports team or planning an event or having a family reunion or getting married and want pictures to remember the occasion, think of Mike and email him for his prices.