8- The Elk City News October 18, 2023 Registration open for Rural Renewal Club News Symposium in southwest Oklahoma Calling the meeting order of the Washita Chapter on Oc- this ceremony encompasses.” ‘The program, “Drought Resis- tober 9, 2023, the Regent Kay tant Pollinator Gardens: was Hagerman assisted by the By Gail Ellis al tour of downtown Hobart, ence 3 1/2 hours away in Still- ery has co-authored six books, Chaplin Judy Tracy, led the presented by Laura Haggerty, Oklahoma, as an extension of water during the week was not eight book chapters and over group in the Opening Ritual. Soil Conservationist Urban STILLWATER. - The Rural Re- the third main session on in- the most accessible,” Harvey 30 peer-reviewed journal arti- It was followed by the group and Small-Scale Production newal Initiative at Oklahoma vesting in rural downtown dis- said. “Our whole focus is on cles, She has developed coach- reciting the following : Pledge USDA Natural Resource Con- State University will host the tricts,” Harvey said. “We'll put investing back in rural commu- ing techniques for community of Allegiance, American's servation Service. She was annual Rural Renewal Sym- symposium research into ac- nities and getting researchers leaders that center around Creed, Preamble to the Con- assisted by Courtney Wey- posium Nov. 2-3 at Quartz tion in a rural community and off campus to see the beauty, identifying pathways for com- stitution, Salute to the Okla- mouth also of USDA Natural Mountain Lodge in Lone Wolf, learn how it has come to life.” struggles and everything in be- munity growth that span age, homa Flag and the singing of Oklahoma. ‘The symposium will also host a tween that rural Oklahoma has gender, class and culture. Em- a patriotic song, accompanied Resource Conservation Ser- The event brings together panel on the Rural Scholars ex- to offer.” ery’s work has been founda- vice. students, faculty, community perience. Eleven OSU students The Rural Renewal Sympo- by Doris Minor. Committees giving reports: tional in the field of rural com- members, nonprofit organiza- spent the summer living and sium also highlights two out- Ellena Womack gave the Pres- munity development, and her ident Gener’s Message that re- American History, American tions, corporations, govern- working in small towns across standing individuals each year work has had broad impacts in flected on “how much our or- Indians- Virginia Reid spoke ment leaders, tribal leaders southwest Oklahoma. As OSU through the Rural Renewal Re- both research and practical ap- and anyone with a passion for Rural Scholars, they studied search Prize and the Rural Re- plications. ganization has accomplished about the movie, “Killer of revitalizing rural communities. the leading issues rural resi- newal Citizenship Prize. Rural Renewal Citizenship during the past 133 years”. the Flower Moon” and the ‘The symposium is designed to dents often face. Rural Renewal Research Prize Prize The organization has wel- Osage Tribe, Commemora- support interdisciplinary re- Mary Emery, director of Ru- Bethia Owens, manager of the “A couple of the scholars and a comed more than 1,045,000 tive Events-The earliest orga- search within rural communi- community member who has ral Prosperity Nebraska at the women into membership. All nized written political activity ties and provide a space for all worked with them will walk University of Nebraska-Lin- Muldrow Tubbs Library and Stanley Memorial Library in Sal- with unique “backgrounds, people driven to improve rural through the experience and coln taken by women in American lisaw beliefs and life experienc- history was the signing of areas to come together and give perspective on how the ‘This award is distributed to a share their perspectives on ru- Rural Scholars program bene- global leader in rural renewal ‘This award recognizes a lead- es but sharing the common a resolution against the tax er who has made important bond of lineal descent from a ral issues. fits students and small towns,” research, education and en- contributions to the renewal Patriot of the American Rev- policies of the British Empire Linnea Harvey, OSU Rural Re- Harvey said. “All of the schol- gagement. Honorees are em- by 51 women, Women's Is- newal Initiative coordinator, ars will present the final re- ployed by colleges, universities of one or more rural commu- olution” said this year’s program will sults of their summer research or research institutions world- nities. The recipient is an ex- ‘The National Defense Report sues—Judy Tracy encouraged feature sessions that focus on in poster presentations Friday wide and nominated by their ceptional role model, promotes given by Phillys Stevenson members to write their own society, human capital, natural morning of the conference.” colleagues. The prize includes a community welfare and advo- taken from the National De- histories. She gave out a pa- resources, infrastructure and This year marks the first time plaque and cash award. cates for community needs. fender and an article written per that will help them get technology. Main themes will the symposium will be held Emery earned a Bachelor of ‘The prize includes a plaque and by Ruth Brent Tofte, was a started. include information on eco- off campus in southwest Okla- Arts at Livingston College as cash award. review of the ending of WWII nomic development, health homa to better accommodate well as a Master of Science and Owens, a native of Muldrow, ceremony on “The Mighty A story from Patriot Records care and accessibility, water, community members who col- doctorate from Rutgers Uni- Oklahoma, received a mas- MO”, the USS Missouri that Project told the story of Que- food shortages, and preserving laborate with Rural Scholars. versity. Over her 30-year ca- ter's degree in library and in- was anchored in Tokyo Bay, ry Sweating, a slave, that historic Main Street areas in “We heard a lot of feedback last reer, she has become one of the formation studies from the Japan. The surrender ceremo- enlisted into the Continen- rural Oklahoma. preeminent scholars in rural University of Oklahoma. She year from community mem- ny was staged on 2Septmem- tal Service and mustered out “We are offering an option- bers that having the confer- community development. Em- was awarded grant funding in ber 1945, at what would be on March 6, 1778 with 120 1994 to build a library from known as the “altar of peace” pounds Sterling. In today the ground up in her home- aboard the battleship the town. The library was com- USS.S. Missouri. Ensign Sher- money that would be $23, OSSBA Offers School Board Candidate pleted in 1998. She has played man F. Drake who served on 238. an integral role in supporting that ship wrote a description ‘The group will be delivering library services in Sequoyah Information Sessions County and increased acces- of the scene that was printed the items that were collected in his hometown newspaper: for the Clinton Women’s Cen- sibility to computers, WiFi, “Only 2 hours ago I had the ter following the meeting. The Oklahoma State School period. emphasize the importance of books and meeting spaces for honor and privilege of stand- ‘The meeting was closed with Boards Association is hosting Shawn Hime, OSSBA's execu- school board service. community members. Owens ing on the ceremonial quarter the reading of the Daughters five virtual information ses- tive director, and Julie Miller, Public school districts in Okla- invests in library programming deck of the famous ship and sions for Oklahomans interest- OSSBA's deputy executive di- homa typically have three-, by developing and supporting Pledge. watching while history was ed in serving on a local school rector and general counsel, will five- or seven-member school health literacy, summer read- being made. To you at home, Those attending were: Mar- board. share information and answer ing, cultural and youth STEM ci Grant, Kathryn Harrison, boards, with at least one seat programs, no matter how many pictures ‘The first three “So You Want to questions about the qualifica- up for election each year. If you read or radio descriptions Evelyn Hart, Kay Hagerman, be a School Board Member?” tions required to run for school two people file for the same Additional information on the you hear, you shall never be Deborah Lippencott, Doris sessions - at 6 p.m. Oct. 24, board, the election process and Rural Renewal Symposium and seat, a general election takes registration details are avail- able to feel the excitement, Minor, Virginia Reid, Phillys noon Nov. 15 and 6 p.m. Nov. the roles and responsibilities 30 — are free and open to any- of school board members. place in April. If more than two able online. Registration rates the pride, the glory, the de- Stevenson, Linda Stewart, increase after Oct. 23. spair, the humiliation, the Betty Todd Judy Tracy, Mar- one who wants to learn more OSSBA, a non-profit organi- people file for the same seat, a To learn more, contact Linnea historical greatness nor the ilyn Wilson, Ellena Womack primary election takes place in and guests-Laura Haggerty about school board service. The zation that promotes quality Harvey at ruralrenewal@ok- momentous influence on our fourth and fifth free sessions public education through sup- February. state.edu. present and future lives which and Courtney Weymouth. at noon Dec. 13 and 6 p.m. port for school board members To learn more about running Dec. 19 are designed for those and school districts statewide, for school board and to regis- who filed for a school board launched the Get on Board ter for an information session, seat during the Dec. 4-6 filing campaign four years ago to visit ossba.org/getonboard. Having Appliance Troubles? OKC Zoo Moves Official Opening Of Expedition Africa To March 2024 The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden our giraffe herd, and a complete reimagining of announces that it will be delaying the official the Zoo's historic pachyderm building. opening of Expedition Africa until March 2024. ‘This expansion was funded by private fundrais- Despite the OKC Zoo's best efforts to complete ing efforts combined with funding from a dedi- the 12-acre expansion for an opening celebra- cated 1/8-of-a cent sales tax, approved by Okla- tion on Thursday, October 12, the Zoo has made homa City citizens in 1990. Expedition Africa is the difficult decision to delay the official open- the OKC Zoo's largest endeavor yet and we are ing until next spring. This fall, as buildings and extremely grateful for the support of our ded- | habitats become completed and animals have icated staff, ZOOfriends, volunteers and com- John and Amye Carter to Help You Today! acclimated to their new environments, the OKC munity and philanthropic partners for helping Zoo will begin opening select pathways and bring this vision to fruition. Servicing ALL appliance brands and models: buildings in Expedition Africa for guests to dis- The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden Ice Makers * Stoves Refrigerators * Freezers * Washers cover. is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last * Dryers * Dishwashers * Ovens * Ranges * Cooktops Currently guests can view the Zoo's new ring- entry at 4 p.m. Purchase advance Zoo admission * Vent Hoods « Microwaves « Trash Compactors * Wine Coolers tailed and red-ruffed lemurs now on public view tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the en- at Expedition Africa. The lemur habitat present- try lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and ¢ Disposals * Hot Water Heaters & More! ed by The Chickasaw Nation is located near the 1-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the As- Call 580-323-3074 today to schedule repairs! front entrance and features an expansive view- sociation of Zoos and Aquariums, the American ing deck that provides a complete look of the Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adven- Kluver's vertical, arboreal environment for these playful ture District and an Adventure Road partner. (and vocal!) primates. Guests will also have the Regular admission is $16 for adults and $13 for opportunity to see a flock of flamingos that re- children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. cently relocated to Expedition Africa. Children two and under are admitted free. Stay Located in the heart of the Zoo, Expedition connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Insta- Africa presented by Inasmuch Foundation will gram, Linktree, Threads and TikTok and by vis- feature enhanced animal habitats, diverse en- iting our blog stories. Looking for a year of Zoo vironments, memorable wildlife experiences adventures? Consider a 12-month, ZOOfriends for guests to enjoy and over 60 species native Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo providing to the African continent such as giraffe, lemurs, general admission year-round and exclusive of- wildebeest, honey badger, hyena and more. A fers while supporting the Zoo’s ongoing animal highlight of the project is a new state-of-the-art care and conservation programs. Memberships giraffe barn, offering indoor viewing areas of can be purchased at okczoo.org/membership.