May 12 - Sept. 21
Published: September 21, 2006
The Southwest Finesse barbershop quartet sang "Happy Birthday" in harmony to Ruth Bozalis when she celebrated her 95th birthday. Her children Sharon and John Bozalis, Donna and Bill Bozalis and Mary Ann and Don Haskins entertained Sept. 10 at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club at a brunch in her honor. Two birthday cakes, a chocolate fudge one and a coconut cream one, topped with flowers, were served to the guests including Nellie Bozalis, Harry Schwartz, and family members and friends.
A casual Italian dinner Sept. 8 honored engaged couple Margo Reneau and Harper Ward. Hosts in their Italian-inspired home complete with fountains were Debbie and Ron McCord. Co-hosts were Janie and Greg Cook, Cathy and Mike Cross, Amy and Eddie Edwards, Susie and Tommy Gray, Susan and Carl Edwards, Ann and Zane Fleming, and Anne and Robin French of Houston. The party also was an "around-the-house" shower. Wine bottles with a photo of the couple used as labels were filled with flowers for tables inside and outside. Other parties for the bride-to-be included one given by Kathy and Rosemary Walker, Kris and Meg Weir, Susan and Amanda Wendelken, Alison and Elizabeth Taylor, and Ellen Lisle and Leslie Baker. "Champagne and Chocolate" was the theme. A "Christmas in August" holiday party was given by Patsy Carey, Eve Patterson and Cindy Heatley. Chris Verity, Susan Muehleisen and Bette MacKellar were hostesses for a "Cosmos and Canapes" theme kitchen shower. Reneau and Ward are to be married in October.
Stacey Barry and Judi Freyer from Norman were happy that the OU Sooners won the season opener. BY HELEN FORD WALLACE
Ron Elkins, Robert Don Evans, 6 weeks, and Lida Elkins celebrate Labor Day at the End of Summer pool party at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Shrimp and crawfish dishes, barbecue ribs and fried chicken were on the menu. A disc jockey played music during the party. BY DAVID FAYTINGER, FOR THE OKLAHOMAN
MARGARET VESSELS LOVE SURGERY CENTER DEDICATION: Tom Love and Judy Love, Margaret Love Goodman and Jerry Goodman attend the dinner party. Other people who entertained during the weekend were Becky Love and Greg Love, Jenny Love Meyer and John Meyer, and Laura Love Cameron and Bill Cameron. BY DAVID FAYTINGER, FOR THE OKLAHOMAN
Greg Love and Becky Love welcome Jenny Love Meyer and John Meyer to their dinner party following the dedication of the new addition to Rosary School. The first floor of the 4,800-square-foot addition is the F.C. and Margaret Love Early Education Center, which houses a preschool and Child Care Services Center for St. Francis of Assisi Parish. BY DAVID FAYTINGER, FOR THE OKLAHOMAN
Bennett Brinkman and Madison Jordan show the Oklahoma University Alumni Association sign which was used for table decoration for the pre-game party at the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom at the Union. Hosts were members of the Alumni Association and the President's Associates. Sponsors were members of the OU Sooner Physicians. Party favors were OU lighted fans, cheerleading pom poms, OU fountain pens and stickers. Dinner was fried chicken, barbecue and hot dogs. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
It was more indoors than outdoors when Junior League members met for the Backyard Bash at league headquarters. Members had tents and tables set up outside for hamburgers and hot dogs but quickly moved the tables when storms threatened last weekend. One-hundred twenty-five active, provisional and sustainer members moved inside when clouds built up. Activities chairman Matilda Clements was in charge. Working with her were Betty Bielke, Ashley LeGrange, Lesley St. John, Katherine Hager, Jennifer Harrison, Tamara Hermen, Anna Beasley and Lee Camargo. The party also featured a moonwalk, face painting, croquet, horseshoes, badminton and strolling guitarist Bryon White. Other in-league events during the year include a hayride, Oklahoma Centennial event, bingo night, sleigh ride and a carnival event.
Integris Health Center President and Chief Executive Officer Stan Hupfeld was honored recently when 20 of his medical residents visited the city for a surprise appreciation dinner at Nikz on the Top restaurant. The former residents, now in hospital administration, came from across the United States to be with Hupfeld. Michael Dennis of Denton, Texas, was master of ceremonies for the evening, and party planners were his residents this year, Victor Flores of Oklahoma City and Finney Mathew of Houston. Members of the group told wonderful stories about Hupfeld and how he had influenced them in their careers. He started the residency program 30 years ago in Fort Worth, Texas.
When the Tri Delta Alumni sorority's annual Bullfrog Party rolls around, the women get out the green aprons for husbands who concoct the bullfrog drink, made of limeade and vodka. This year, they couldn't find the green aprons, so new white ones embellished with green frogs were worn by bartenders Jim Lowe, Jim Robertson, Ed Stringer, John Robberson, Van Russell and Bob Floyd. Joy and Jerry Richardson were hosts and decorated their home with plastic frogs and frog balloons. Officers and board chairmen were co-hosts for the event. Guests included Ann Greer, Tina and Elby Beal, Beverly and Jim Thompson, Claudia and Jim Robertson, Marylee and Tim Strange, Sally and Ed Stringer, Teresa and Mark Payne, Sandra and Jim Richardson, Sarah and Doug Butler, Karla and George Cohlmia, Sallie and Wendell Cavin, Marcia Morgan, Jackie Jones, Megan and Armando Rosell, Ann and Max Crandall, Kim Casey and Donna Casey.
The Cohenours threw a surprise party honoring their mother, Patty. Chris, Patty and Caroline Cohenour are happy to be together. The Cohenour children live in California. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Melissa White, Biana White and Pam Shdeed enjoy talking at the wedding shower honoring White. Shdeed was hostess and co-hostesses were Barbara Fretwell, Lois Salmeron, Marilyn Smotherland, Ellie Roberts, Phyllis Stough and TOni Wizenberg.( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Lynn and Dr. Ron White celebrated Bianca and Mason White's May wedding with a reception Aug. 11 at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. The couple were married in Rome, where he has lived for three years. The bride, originally from Romania, lived there six years while attending the University of Rome. An ice sculpture bar greeted guests as they arrived. On it were glasses of "Red River martinis." White gardenias decorated the large white wedding . Friends celebrating with the newlyweds included Janet and Frank Seay, Mike and Barbara Kohn, Lorrie and Mark White, Molly and David Boren, Kim McKinney, Melissa and Mike Brown, Jose Freede, Kelly and Tom Funderburk, Stacey and Chris Allen, Linda and Andy Coates, Maggie Barrett, Jim Vallion, Judy Lehmbeck, Phyllis and Dan Stough, and Mary and Gary England. Also, Dr. Bill Hawley, Marsha and Carson See, Lisa and Ryan Mayes, Kay and Gates Oliver, Linda Ross, Gloria and Jim Satterlee, Lela and Mark Sullivan, Pam and Bill Shdeed, Barbara Fretwell, Anne and Ed Dalton, Lois and John Salmeron, Patty and Fred Gipson, Judi Freyer, Joy and Gary Tucker, Tripp Hall, Rudy Hymer, Marilyn Smotherman, Roland Kelly, Sydney Stough Lackey and Stanton Stough. The newlyweds will live in San Francisco.
Lindsay Schroeder was the honoree at a wedding shower given by M.J. Van Deventer in her home. Guests included Lynda Haller, Leslie Baker, Diane Fowler, Cynthia Post, Gretchen Jeane, Kyle Roubidouz, Karen Eckstein, Charlene Ferris and museum staff members. Also attending were teaching friends of the bride's mother, Kathi Schroeder. Guests told amusing stories from their own weddings. The bride-to-be and Matt Hastings will be married Oct. 14. The reception will be at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, where Schroeder's father, Chuck Schroeder, is executive director.
Members of the John Marshall Alumni Association, classes from 1950 to 2006, traveled throughout the city recently. They decorated their cars in red and blue school colors and caravanned from Taft Stadium to the new school. After walking outside the new school at NW 122 and Portland Avenue with John Marshall Foundation President Terry Harris, they also toured the old school. Alumni members had lunch at Johnnie's Charcoal Broiler and dinner at Rocky's in Bricktown. "The Thrill" band played, and members of the class of 1973 were hosts. Debi Nelson and Susan McCann were in charge of arrangements.
Elizabeth Farabee was guest of honor at dinner at Paseo Grille when she arrived home from Europe. Mother and stepfather, Holly and Clay Healey, were hosts. In the group were Ann Alspaugh, Jim Vallion, Lela and Mark Sullivan, Sue and Skip Healey, Casey and Hugh Killblane, Stuart McLain and Trey Healey. Elizabeth has been in France at the University of Lyon for a junior year abroad. She also spent three months in Geneva.
Ranch Baron's Ball committee members honored their $5,000 and over sponsors on Aug. 17 with a "Baron's Breakfast" in the home of Sara and Rob Northwood. The Oklahoman Foundation sponsored the breakfast. The Ball benefitting the American Cancer Society is scheduled for Aug. 26 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Theme for the dinner, dance, casino and auction is "Kick 'em Up For A Cure!" The party invitation read " We want to give you the Boot....Award." Painted cowboy boots holding flowers were used throughout the home and the breakfast table held a RRB monogrammed boot. Carrie Koewing is planning committee chairman. Others are Janet Bates, sponsor chairman and David Schwenke auction chairman. On the committee are Cathy Allen, Randy Colton, Judy Dearing, Susan Haines, Gary England, Roger Hoskins, Stacy Ketterman, Diana King, Lana Lopez, Dianne Meacham, Mark Morrow, Ronnie Munsey, Vickie Munsey, Donna Nicks, Valrie Pool, Ryan Tate, Jane Thompson, Jason Turnbow, Kris Vculek, Cathy Scheihing, Bryatt Vann and Pat Williams.
The 2006 Wall of Fame honorees — Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange, Marylin Jones Upsher and Rodman Frates — got together for dinner Aug. 1 at Deep Fork Grill. Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation Program Director Kathleen Bartlett said the dinner gave the honorees a chance to meet each other and receive information about the dinner and the foundation. Cheryl A. Vaught is chairman of the Oct. 19 event at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. A champagne reception for the sponsors and honorees will be Oct. 18 in Meg and Chris Salyer's home.
Dahl Luttrell celebrated her 60th birthday in a special way. Her husband, Bob Luttrell, arranged for a party bus to takethem and their friends to Norman for dinner at Missal Bistro. The group of friends met at Harry's Bar at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club for cocktails before boarding the bus, which was outfitted with black leather couches and a wooden floor for dancing. The host arranged for dessert at the Marble Slab ice cream shop next door to the Bistro. The party invitation stated the time the party would be over: Dahl's bedtime (9 p.m.). Among the guests were Barbara and Bud Beeler, Nancy Olney, Lynda and Chuck Nelson, Mary Jo Weaver, Hank Tatum, and Marilyn and Bill Sullivan.
Ann and Bob Hoover celebrated their July birthdays (Ann's is July 9, and Bob's is July 26) at a dinner given by Ann Alspaugh at The Coach House. Alspaugh, Margaret Vallion and Jim Vallion decorated the tables with pink flamingos draped with lots of pearls. Table centerpieces were pink tulips, pink daisies, yellow irises, bells of Ireland and purple roses. Party favors for the women were magnifying glasses. Partygoers included Pat and Jay Edwards, Annie Bohanon, Kaye and Ed Cook, Betty and Bill Jackson, Cathy and Kurt Leichter, Brenda and Tom McDaniel, Cheryl and Steve Browne, and Boots Barnett-Warrick and Alan Warrick.
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation members celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sir Alexander Fleming Scholar program with a banquet at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Hotel. It honored high school and college students and scientists. The program pairs the students with scientists for a summer to conduct biomedical research. Representatives from past scholar classes also attended. The program has been in place since 1956 and has trained more than 400 students.
Harding High School Alumni Association members met recently in the School Library for the first meeting and to elect officers. The new President Mary Susan Sisk-Bond presented a plaque to Johnny McCharen, first alumni president of the group. The podium was flanked by two cardboard Harding Eagle mascots and life-size cardboard figures of the group's former teachers. Other officers are Marty Sanger-McCharen, assistant secretary; Larry Lago, vice-president; Becky Blackstock, newsletter chairman; Johnny McCharen, president emeritus; Roger Edwards, treasurer; Kathryn Bowman-Barryman, special projects chairman; and Robin Johnson, board member.
Jack Zedlitz and daughter, Isabel Zedlitz, 13 months, moved here from Charlotte, North Carolina. Jack , a fomer Oklahoma City resident, and his wife Sara have been teaching history at Charlotte Latin School. He is now a financial consultant with Capital West Securities in Leadership Square.
Mutual friends of Kay Oliver and Nancy Ellis met in the Ellis home to celebrate their 65th birthdays. Nancy's birthday is in August, and Kay's is in July, so they entertained together. The party invitation featured a picture of a toy blowout pipe resembling a New Year's Day noisemaker, and party favors were replicas of that noisemaker and bottles of bubbles. A festive bubble machine at the front door threw out huge bubbles as guests arrived. Lime green pots held colorful zinnias, roses, hydrangeas and berries for the buffet table, filled with flower-shaped cookies, a red ribbon cake filled with lemon and strawberry filling and a chocolate cake. The high-energy crowd included Candy Dulaney, Carol Beard, Linda Reece, Barbara Kerrick, Jessie Ann Arnold, Lori Payne, Patsy Hunzicker, Betty Crow, DeDe Benham, Janie Deupree, Barbara Beeler, Janie Comstock, Martha Bradshaw, Rita Moore, SoRelle Fitzgerald, Carol Gann, Kathy Brown, Ruth Meyers Bode, Mary England, Mary Ann Haskins, Rhonda Hefton, Ann Hoover, Ann Alspaugh, Sharon Bozalis, Dorothy Ellis, Marilyn Balyeat, Ann Trost, Carla Ellis, Sarah Brown, Molly Brown, Ellen Payne, Anna Payne, Jane Harlow, Malinda Fisher, Charlotte Richels, Martha Lyon, Bob Ellis, Emily Ellis, Kate Ellis, and Gates, Karen, David and Blake Oliver.
When family members and longtime friends gathered to celebrate Martha Bradshaw's 60th birthday, it was a special evening. The well-wishers filled the Bradshaw home with flowers and gifts, even though the family indicated "no gifts, please" on invitations. Party hosts were husband Ron Bradshaw and children, Maura and Jason Bradshaw and Libby and Bobby Nelson. The newly remodeled home was already filled with flowers, calla lilies and roses and green berries and orchids. Votive candles were on the buffet table and lined the outdoor walls. Summer vegetables filled the table. The dinner menu was beef tenderloin and coconut cupcakes for the birthday dessert. Among the partygoers were Peter Fryer, Margaret and Fred Ringwald, Burch Fryer, Fanny and Don Bolen, Susan and Dr. Pat Sigmon, Betty Lou and Mike Stewart, Shari Buxton, Barbara and Bud Beeler, Sue and Don Timberlake, Sally and Steve Bentley, Marilyn and Gene Torbett, Patty and Dr. Kent Cohenour, Bebe and Bruce MacKellar, Kathy and Bob Rodgers.
A notable man turned 80 last week. David Brown celebrated at a dinner party given by his children, Susan Ross and Randy Brown, Susan Brown and Bill McCoy and Marianne and Pat Rooney in the Rooney home. Beef tenderloin and smoked salmon were served indoors. The tiered cake had lemon filling surrounded by chocolate truffles and fresh fruit. Guests included Ann Brown, Mary Lou Avery, Nancy and Claude Arnold, Libby and G.T. Blankenship, Mary and Dick Clements, Dolly and David Flesher, Julie Ross and Mel Martin, Ann and Tom Flesher, Carol and Steve Solomon, Joanne and Bill Yinger, Ann Trost, Bill Rutledge, T.D. Lester, Deanna and Nate Bradley, Lois and Bill Goetzinger, Lynn and Ron White and Marsha and John Waldo.
Provisional Admissions and Training Committee members of the Junior League were hosts at Bellini's Patio for a summer social. Active and sustaining members were invited to meet this year's Provisional class of 88 women. Among those at the event were Betsy Mantor, Mary Delafield, Jenifer Stehr, Elyse Hull, Karla Wallace, Ashlee Neimann, Christi Coyle, Kristen Brown, Marian Clopton and Whitney Hooten. The group began community training June 1 and also had a session with former Junior League President Beth Shortt. Staci Aduddell is the Provisional Admissions and Training chairman, and Ashley Duncan is vice-chairman. July 28, 2006 Gallery opening Sylvia and Bob Slater met with former Oklahoma Cityan Lizanne Garrett in Washington, D.C. at the Smithsonian Institution National Portrait Gallery gala. Garrett is the Rights and Reproduction officer for the National Portrait Gallery, and Bob Slater is on the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation board, which funded the gallery. The Slaters attended the grand opening and other parties surrounding the event. One of the paintings in the gallery is the portrait of George Washington, which was at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art as part of a nationwide tour.
“Hats Off to Bob” was the theme for an event at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club marking Bob Ellis’ 80th birthday. Hosts were his children: Liza Meadors, Piedmont; Kathy Funston, San Francisco; Gretchen and Bobby Ellis, Austin, Texas; and Michelle and Mike Ellis, Oklahoma City. The country club was decorated with balloons, and an “80” ice sculpture rotated on the buffet table. Other spotlighted tables included one with a physician’s bag; one with golf balls, tees and scorecards from Ellis’ golf group; one with hunting items; and one with University of Oklahoma football tickets, coach bobble head dolls and other OU-related items. Nichols Hills firefighters brought out an OU football helmet birthday cake with 80 lighted candles. Guests included family members Nancy Ellis, Eunice and Joe Ellis, Dorothy and Charles Ellis, Carla and Dick Ellis, Marilyn Balyeat, Megan Brigham, Mindy and Stan Cunningham, Sam Price, Nan Payne, and Kathy and Hal Brown.
Hadley Hammons and Travis Galt have been honored at several pre-wedding parties in Ardmore. One was a French picnic at the Ardmore train depot. Hosts were Mary Liz and David Reavis, Judy Kenaga, Kay and Wayne Laske, Frankie Carroll, Judy Johnston, JoAnn and Bill Meacham, Luann Snodgrass and Marge Dolman. Wine bottles were filled with colorful zinnias for the tables, and foods were served in baskets and included miniature French eclairs. Guests danced to popular music provided by a pianist. Among Oklahoma City people at the party were Kirk and Royce Hammons, Kay and Gates Oliver, Janie and Bill Comstock, Judy and Tom Love, Ruth and Dick Lampton, Gennie and Bob Johnson, and Ellen and Don Lisle. The engaged couple plan to marry Aug. 13 in Santa Barbara, Calif. July 23, 2006 Planning for 50 The U.S. Grant High School class of 1958 met for a quarterly breakfast at Pioneer Pies recently to begin planning the 50th reunion. The group also planned an October picnic. Larry Warner is committee chairman. Members of the committee are Judy Warner, Carole and Jerry Walser, Patty and Richard Thompson, Richard Parker, Johnny Jackson, Robert Estes, Joyce and Jerry Crews, Barbara Trumbley, Pat Patton, and Carol and Wayne McDonald. July 23, 2006 Premiere In Nashville, Tenn., for a movie premiere and party afterward were Karen and Carroll Mayfield and children Jeremiah and Monty Mayfield. Karen is a first cousin to former Vice President Al Gore, and she and her family were invited to see Gore’s movie, “An Inconvenient Truth.” The movie is about climate change and was shown in the Regal Green Hills Theater. Tipper and Al Gore and their guests attended a party at The Green House after the movie.
Molly Ross Fritch and Paula Love are among the 100-plus Bishop McGuinness High School alumni attending Happy Hour at the Varsity Sports Grill. Alumni association members from the 1950s, '60s, '70s and '80s including Lil Ross, Jim Burton, Michael Kierl, Jim Connelly, Tom Ward, Ginny Starr, Frank Ille, Roy Fletcher, John Paul Merritt and Becky Ross Roten attended the party. PHOTO PROVIDED
Coler and Joan Yoakam, Erin Linhart and Coler Yoakam III attend the cocktail buffet in Carleen and Jerry Burger's home. Linhart and Coler Yoakam III, who have set an Aug. 5 wedding date, were honorees. Hosts were Lucy Rooney, Marianne and Pat Rooney, Lil and Bill Ross, and Carol and Steve Solomon. BY DAVID FAYTINGER, FOR THE OKLAHOMAN
Clay and Jamie Farha, and Jane Harlow are welcomed by Stewart Meyers to his front yard, where a July Fourth picnic was in progress. Sandy and Stewart Meyers were hosts for the party after the Nichols Hills parade. Flag and star cookies were among the red, white and blue party fare. BY DAVID FAYTINGER, FOR THE OKLAHOMAN
A brunch was given for Catherine and Stephen Snyder who live in Los Angeles. They are expecting twin girls in September, but the doctor ordered bed rest, so they couldn’t come to Oklahoma City for the party. Hostesses were Sally Royse, Fanny Bolen, Lynda Nelson, Shari Buxton, Dahl Luttrell, Anita Patterson and Lorinda Crouch in the Royse home. They are all members of grandmother-to-be Kathy Rodgers’ book club. They sent the honorees a gift certificate for a double baby stroller. Grandmother’s gift was a twin bassinet lined in green toile and two pink fur jackets. Most of the attendees gave gift certificates, and some gifts were wrapped in pink gift wrap. All are mailed and on their way to California.
Employees of the former Fidelity Bank met for a reunion on Bellini’s patio. Eighty people attended, including self-appointed party planners Jana Timberlake, Nelson Pickrell, Hilarie Blaney and Joanne Rogers. They hung an “SS Fidelity Bank” banner on the patio. It had been used on one of the American Bankers Association trips and hung on a cruise ship. Old photographs and bank annual reports decorated the tables. Most of the people at the party are retired from or still in the banking business. Frances Gardner, 90, one of the oldest former employees, requested that they plan another reunion in two years. Party planner Joanne Rogers said it was more fun than most high school and college reunions. Fidelity Bank was purchased by Bank of Oklahoma in the 1980s. July 9, 2006 CENTRAL REUNION One hundred and fifty former classmates from Central High School met for the 50th reunion at the Sportsman’s Country Club. Shirley and Tony Murphy were co chairmen. Central High School was Oklahoma’s first high school, built in 1908 and initially named Oklahoma High School. This was the last reunion for the full class of 1956, but smaller group meetings will be held.
The seventh annual Mayors’ Golf Tournament sponsored by Oklahoma City Beautiful featured a luncheon and awards reception in the Grand Hall of the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. The tournament followed a scramble format. Oklahoma City mayors were special guests, and each mayor hit a tee shot with each team on the 15th hole. Winners were Rick Padgett, Steve Eckroat, David Finch and Wes Moore.
Oklahomans celebrated Independence Day Tuesday with parties and parades. They decked out in red, white and blue attire...hats, jewelry, campaign buttons and flip flops and tennis shoes. It was a great day!
Sandy and Stewart Meyers were surprised when they got home from Dallas, and their Nichols Hills home was overflowing with people waiting to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with them. Daughters and their husbands, Sharon and John Williams and Susan and Mark Thompson, were the party planners. Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin read a proclamation about their day. Among the guests were Millie and Johnson Hightower, Dorthlynn and Gil Gaddis, Jose Freede, Linda Lambert, Kirk and Royce Hammons, Martha Williams, Candy and Tom Dulaney, Ann Flesher, Judy Jordan, Dana and Don Childress, Bette and Jim MacKellar, Shirley Blaik, Kaye and Ed Cook, Marilyn and Bud Meade, Jim Vallion, Barbara and Jackie Cooper, SoRelle Fitzgerald, Ann Felton, Barbara and Jay Quillian, Lil and Bill Ross, Nancy and Ed deCordova, Mary Ann and Don Haskins, Kay and Gates Oliver, Alison and Zack Taylor and Tyler, Jennifer and Jack Williams.
Six couples were hosts for a Mexican dinner to honor Melissa and Mike Coats, who were married in May. It also celebrated the recent marriage of Olga and Dr. Michael Last. Hosts were Anne and Ed Dalton, Mary Ann and Don Haskins, Dorothy and Jim Hazelwood, Brenda and Tom McDaniel, Marilyn and Gene Torbett and Joy Reed Belt and John Belt at the JRB Art at the Elms Gallery. Among the guests were Linda and Andy Coats, Dr. Fred Last, Millie Woodruff, Dr. Jan Henry, Lida and Ron Elkins, Beth and Jim Tolbert and Bettye and Bill Bell.
There were 400 people at Northwest Classen High School’s 50th reunion. The Saturday night party was in the Chase Tower lobby. Linda Rosser and Harrison Levy were co chairmen for the weekend. This was the first class at Northwest Classen in its present location. They chose class colors, named the pep club, yearbook and newspaper. Singer and guitarist Mason Williams gave each class member one of his compact discs. Another class member, artist Ed Ruscha, attended the event. During the weekend, there was a golf tournament, a reception at 50 Penn Place and brunch in the home of Ginger and Mike Penn.
A dinner and dance at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club was held to celebrate the 55th Classen High School Reunion. The weekend events drew 160 people and included a golf tournament. Norma Harris was chairman. Arnold Fagin read memorials before dinner. Don Bobzien was the master of ceremonies. The evening closed with the school song “Dear Classen High School.”
Former classmates from nine states were in town for the Central High School 50th reunion. There were 150 of them at the dinner at the Sportsman’s Country Club. Shirley and Tony Murphy were co chairmen. Tony Murphy was master of ceremonies. Class members printed a memory book and gathered at Bricktown Brewery for breakfast and Sportsman’s Club for Sunday brunch. The group will have an all-school reunion during Oklahoma’s centennial year.
Molly Shi Boren hosted a reception at the University of Oklahoma President’s Boyd House for the Sooner Stilettos, Sherri Coale and the OU women’s basketball team. The players brought a gift and cake for Boren because the previous day had been her birthday. The Sooner Stilettos were organized in November 2003 to involve female business and community leaders with women’s basketball.
Guests from throughout the state attended the Oklahoma Heritage Association’s spring garden party at the Hefner Mansion. Music was by the Cleve Warren Band, and the buffet was prepared by staff members of Cheever’s Cafe. Oklahoma Hall of Fame members at the event were Mex Frates, Jane Harlow, Jose Freede, Ralph Thompson, Gilbert C. Gibson and C.D. Northcutt. Also attending were Tom McDaniel and Glen D. Johnson Jr., both scheduled for induction in November. The 2007 party will be in the gardens of the association’s new Edward L. Gaylord-Boone Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Center, 1400 Classen Drive. It is to open in spring 2007.
There were several people in Red River, New Mexico, last week. They escaped the heat and enjoyed daytime temperatures in the 60's and nighttime temperatures in the 40's. The women shopped, played cards and went to a Michael Martin Murphy concert. Another group of women took jeep trips up to Greenie Peak and visited the Philmont Museum and art galleries.
June 12, 2006 Great Artist J. Chris Morel from Taos, New Mexico was in town for Dodson Galleries 23rd Anniversary show and sale. The artist's plein air and studio oil paintings were shown along with 30 other artists' paintings who were exhibiting at the 2006 Prix de West Invitational at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Center.
June 12, 2006 INVITATIONAL ART EXHIBITION Guests got a chance to meet their favorite artists and view the artwork early at the Friday, June 9, preview and reception in the Prix de West Galleries at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The sale was the next evening along with the awards banquet.
June 9, 2006 Arty crowd A buffet dinner was held honoring 2006 Red Earth Festival art competition judges David Dear, San Juan Pueblo, N.M.; Steve L. Grafe, Oklahoma City; Oreland C. Joe, Kirtland, N.M.; and Merlin Little Thunder, Tulsa.
June 9, 2006 Hot ticket The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Academic Award banquet was in Tulsa, where 800 people attended. Boren founded the foundation 20 years ago and serves as chairman.
June 9, 2006 Bigger and better A coffee house was hosted by the Bodes. It was for Central Oklahoma Opera League members. Carol Crawford announced that Tulsa Opera's "Little Prince" will be performed Sept. 9 in Norman.
June 9, 2006 Birthday Girls The honorees belong to a group of women who meet regularly for birthdays, and all of them had children in the Casady School class of 2000. Corbyn, who lives in Santa Fe, N.M., was in town to the attend Harding High School's 40th reunion.
June 9, 2006 Pool Party A pool party was held to celebrate the marriage of Katrina Drain and Brian Diggs. They will be married in September in Guthrie. Texas and Florida residents were among the 75 people attending.
June 2, 2006 Pleasure of your company Jean Whiteneck and Paul Head invited friends for a cocktail buffet in Head's home May 27. An easel at the front door held a blueprint of the home's planned renovation and a velum overlay that said, "Mr. and Mrs. Paul Head Welcome You to Their Home." They were married at All Soul's Episcopal Church before the party. They kept the wedding a secret from party guests until they arrived. The bride wore a pink, ivory and silver evening suit and carried a nosegay of ivory roses with pink edges. The party fare included chocolate mousse served in glasses with lighted stems. Among the guests were Georgie and Porter Berry, Mary and Steve Sims, Liz and Kent Hoffman, Shelley Magness, Lisa and Mark Pierce, Shirley and Pete Everest, Eric Head, Wendy and Danny Foltz, Anita and Pope Van Cleef, Jeanette Caston, Patty Johnston, Sally and Paul Ross Johnston, Jennifer and Mike Leipart, Marcy Benson, Jerry and Mark Gautreaux, Mary and Jim Evans, Sarah and Paul Malloy, Lucinda and David Huffman, Kelli Cupp, G. Jeffrey Records, Claudia and James P. Robertson, Burch Fryer, and Mary Lynn, Janell and Peter Fryer.
June 2, 2006 Outreach Reception Samonia and Clay Pope were hosts May 25 for a wine-and-cheese reception for the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals. Among those attending were Jamie Wade, Greg Main, Mary Ellen Meredith, Ann Ackerman, Carleen and Jerry Burger, Carol Troy, Ken King, Larry and Gay Hellman, and Barbara Bowersox. The group's Town Hall topic is 'Oklahoma's Strategies for the Next 100 Years.'
June 2, 2006 Red Earth Festival The 20th Anniversary Red Earth Festival began with a festival and benefit at the Cox Convention Center. A silent auction of donated artwork was held and fine art award winning entries were displayed. Local restaurants served food to the guests. They included Belle Isle Brewery and Pub, Boulevard Steakhouse, Caffe Pranzo, Cheever's Cafe, Deep Fork Grill, Metro Wine Bar and Bistro, Nonna's , Primo's and Sushi Neko.
David Dear, Steven Grafe, Oreland C. Joe and Merlin Little Thunder were special guests at the dinner that Lela and Dr. Mark Sullivan, and Ann and Bill Johnstone and Phyllis and Dr. Dan Stough hosted in the Sulllivan home. They were in town for the Red Earth Festival which begins with a parade at 10:30 a.m on June 2. Art markets and Indian dance competitions begin at 11 a.m. in the Cox Convention Center.
June's flowers include gardenias and the ones in our backyard are really in full bloom. For bragging purposes, here are several photos. Thanks for enjoying them with me.
The music of Hart and Soul was heard throughout Quail Creek Golf and Country Club on May 20 during the Registry Club�s 25th anniversary dinner-dance. Diane Booze was decorations chairman, and centerpieces were lilies and sterling silver roses in a crystal vase. Etched wine glasses were party favors. About 160 people � all single professional and older than 40 � attended the formal event. Club members have monthly dances and attend art events together. The club also contributes money raised throughout the year to the community. Howard Vincent is president. Ruth Ann Pierson is executive secretary.
Former Junior League presidents met for their annual luncheon May 17 in the large conference room of Junior League headquarters. Ann-Clore Duncan was in charge of arrangements. Videos from previous years were shown, and scrapbooks were displayed. President Katie James told past presidents about current projects. Incoming President Betsy Mantor talked about future activities. Kris Frankfurt gave a detailed financial report about the sale of Blinn House and the new headquarters. Melba Frazier discussed the book drive. Dannie Bea Hightower read the minutes from one of the first Junior League meetings in 1927. Among attendees were Karen Luke, Lee Ann Nordin, Kelly Krahl, Polly Nichols, Carolyn Mee, Jane Crain, Marion DeVore, Patty Anthony and Adelaide Liedtke. May 26, 2006 Saturday night Engaged couple Katie Eidson and Jay Griffin were honorees at a barbecue dinner and dance in Lela and Mark Sullivan�s back yard May 20. Red geraniums decorated the tables. Guests wore red bandanas. The hosts had created wreaths sporting the �J&K� brand. Guests were introduced to the bride-to-be�s parents, Joy and Wayne Eidson from Sulphur. Buck Goucher played country music as guests danced the two-step. In the crowd were Kathy and John Griffin, Katie Griffin, Karen and Rob Luke, Connell and Cliff Branan, Barbara and Bud Beeler, Bev and Paul Kanaly, Bette and Jim MacKellar, Barbara and Jay Quillian, Terry and Hank Bradley, Betsy Hyde, and Carol and Steve Solomon.  Gallery of photos from the week
May 26, 2006 Welcome Prescotts New Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation President Dr. Stephen Prescott and his wife, Susan, were introduced at the annual banquet and awards dinner at the Governor�s Mansion on May 16. They arrived May 1 from Utah. The dinner in the pavilion was served on official state china. Joel Forlenza played the piano. First lady Kim Henry was hostess. Winners and their awards are Gary Gorbsky, Ph.D., the Edward L. and Thelma Gaylord Prize for Scientific Achievement; Robert J. Barstead, Ph.D., the G.T. Blankenship Chair in Alzheimer�s and Aging Research; Kenneth Hensley, Ph.D., the foundation�s Institutional Advancement Award; and Dr. Galen Robbins, Board of Directors Disti |
