Parties Extra!—April 30, 2008—Remembering Mex
MEMORIAL GARDEN IS BLOOMING
In front of the Junior League Headquarters at 1001 NW Grand Blvd., there is a circular flower bed filled with pretty red rose bushes and some garden plants.
Last Sunday the members held a dedication/reception for the newly- constructed Memorial Garden and celebrated the permanent landmark.
Inspiration for this garden was the late Mex Frates.
Junior League President Karla Wallace had this to say, in part, about the lovely garden:
“This garden was inspired by the passing of one of our beloved members and past Presidents, Mex Rodman Frates. Mex Frates was not only a league president, but a strong community leader who gave her time and talent to numerous institutions in our community.
“This memorial garden honors Mex for the accomplishments and contributions she has made to the Junior League and the Oklahoma City community.
“As the trees grow and the flowers bloom, each season, bricks will be added to memorialize other women who have made an impact on the Junior League of Oklahoma City and on our community.
The names of the women will remain in this garden, engraved on a brick, memorializing the past, present and future history of the Junior League.”
Our very precious dear friend Mex Frates’ brick is at the front and center of the garden and we shall remember her fondly every time we pass by the garden.
She loved flowers and the people of Oklahoma City. She was kind and had a good word for all. She told great jokes. Her wit and enthusiasm for life was… and is… a wonderful example for all of us.
We miss you, Mex.
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Parties Extra!—April 25, 2008—On The Oklahoma River
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VIP RECEPTION HELD IN REGATTA PARK
Ray and Lou Ackerman were at the 2008 U.S. Sprint Canoe/Kayak Olympic Trials reception. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
STRICTLY VIP… A VIP reception was held during the 2008 U.S. Sprint Canoe/Kayak Olympic Trials. Location was at Regatta Park, adjacent to the Chesapeake Boathouse.
Members of the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation were hosts and members of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau were co-hosts.
On the upper tier of Regatta Park, a three-piece jazz band called “Romantic Jazz” played for guests. A wine bar was set in the middle of the area and bistro chairs and tables and large comfy lounge ottomans were set up throughout the Park in conversation groupins. Mike Knopp welcomed guests and introduced the dignitaries.
The Devon Energy boat took guests down the Oklahoma River where canoes and kayaks were still coming in. The outdoor atmosphere by the River, with redbud trees in bloom throughout the Park, was celebratory.
Burns and Ann Hargis welcome Jim Vallion to their Stillwater home. (Photo by Lela Bennett Sullivan.)
FIRST PARTY….The first party at Oklahoma State University’s Willham House, new home of OSU President Burns Hargis, and his wife, Ann Hargis, was given for members of the OSU art department.
The group was invited in appreciation for the works of art, on loan, that they have placed throughout the President’s home.
The Hargises invited members of the Art Department, faculty, staff and students, as well as other friends and associates, who assisted them in getting the home ready for occupancy. Hargis is the seventh OSU President to live there.
Linda Tuma Robertson, Kay Smith, Stacey Swafford and Maxine Permenter check out the artwork at the Oklahoma Art League guest day meeting .(Photo by David Faytinger).
PARTY FOR ART….Three artists gave the program at the Oklahoma Art League guest day meeting at All Souls Episcopal Church.
They were Linda Tuma Robertson, landscape oil paintings; Suzanne Mears, contemporary glass, and Carol Egger, jewelry designer.
Past presidents of the group were honored and OAL President-Elect Barbara Kerrick gave each of them a rose.
Ezell Potter, Erma Stewart, Wanda Davidson and Pam Woolbright were at the Ladies Music Club Tea .( Photo by David Faytinger).
LUCKY RECIPIENT…Wally Brown was the “2008 Musician of the Year” for the Ladies Music Club and he was introduced at the registration tea. The event was at the Mayflower Congregational Church.
Brown received commendations from Gov. Brad Henry, Mayor Mick Cornett and the Oklahoma Senate. After he received his honor, he played a piano solo.
Chairmen included Ezell Potter, hostesses and food; Pam Woolbright, decorations, and Kay Hedges, award chairman.
Nanette Everest, Jane White and Lacy Saak were among the artists at the Studio Gallery Art Show. ( Photo by David Faytinger).
NEW ART….Friends who paint together with Dennis Johnson as their teacher had a special art show at The Studio Gallery.
They cooked their own hors d’oeuvres and served wine to about 100 guests.
The watercolor, oil, acrylics and pastel painters and hostesses were Lu Beard, Anne Dalton, Sally Davis, Nanette Everest, Beth Hammack, Alice Hoffman, Bonne (cq) Hollingshead, Alice Jay, Claire Kennedy, Virginia Lynn, Peggy McMillen, Susan McPherson, Shirley Pool, Betty Rowntree.
And Lacy Saak, Mary Lee Smiser, Jann Schwabe, Mary Tevington and Jane White.
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Parties Extra!—April 21, 2008—Symphony Show House Special Viewing
Linda and Wendell Patton greet guests as they arrive at the Symphony Show House. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
DOWNTOWN AT THE BROWNSTONES
There was a special viewing of the Symphony Show House April 21.
Members of the Oklahoma City Orchestra League and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and the Bricktown Association invited legislators, Bricktown merchants, neighbors and media members to come to the area at 117 NE 3rd to tour the four wonderful brownstone houses which comprise the Show House.
Guests loved every one of the brownstones and the different ways they were decorated. The interior designers were available for questions.
Wine and hors d’oeuvres were served in the tent behind the houses.
The Show House opens April 27. Linda Patton is chairman of the Show House.
Jim and Beth Tolbert tour the Symphony Show House and enjoyed the view from the fourth floor balcony. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Decorator Jan Farha and volunteer Peggy Lunde show off one of the rooms in the house. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Marie Gravley and Polly Worthington were co-chairmen for the party. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Lois and John Salmeron and Debbie McKinney were at the party. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Betty Burns was one of the Show House volunteers. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
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Parties Extra!—April 18th, 2008—Reception Honors Mother of the Year
Karen Mayfield, Kim Henry, Wanda Swisher and Kelly McLain were at the 2008 Mother of the Year presentation and reception.( Photo by David Faytinger).
FIRST MOMS….2008 Oklahoma Mother of the Year Wanda Swisher and Oklahoma Young Mother Representative Kelly McLain were honored at a ceremony in the Blue Room of the Oklahoma State Capitol and at a reception in the Capitol Rotunda.
They also visited the House of Representatives and Senate during the day.
Also honored as 2008 Oklahoma Honorary Young Mother of the Year was Kim Henry, wife of Gov. Brad Henry.
On the program in the Blue Room were President of Oklahoma American Mothers Inc. Karen Mayfield, Dorothy Hammert, Gov. Henry, Kim Henry and Lt. Gov. Jari Askins. Among the other people on the program were Bill Welge, Cynthia Collins-Clark, Jody Gooden, Madison Wisdom and John Lippert and family members and friends of Swisher and McLain.
Kay Oliver and Paula Stover were at the party given by Carolyn and Don Zachritz. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Barbara and Hank Watson were at the party at that Carolyn and Don Zachritz hosted at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Don and Carolyn Zachritz welcome Gail and Bill Beals to their party at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. (Photo by David Faytinger).
BEAUTIFUL PARTY…. Carolyn and Don Zachritz hosted a gorgeous party at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country.
Everyone came to the event in a party mood and enjoyed the beautiful flowers, the good food and visiting with their friends. The flower arrangements were large bouquets of single-colored roses, lilacs, tulips and daffodils. The buffet table featured all of those flowers, plus peonies and hydrangeas and branches of peach blossoms.
A band played during the evening.
Tom Klos, Laurie Givens, Bob and Mary Kay Samis, Linda Klos, Kent Potter, Shirley Everest, Kathy and Hal Brown, Pete Everest and Charlie Givens, back; Nelson Bolen, Rachel Samara, Rhonda Hefton and Sherry Cash, Front. pose for a picture. Bolen and Samara were honorees at a party given by these hosts. ( Photo provided).
VERY HAPPY….A Mexican Fiesta buffet and tabletop shower honored Rachel Samara and Nelson Bolen. The party was in the home of Sherry and Jerry Cash.
Co-hosts were Rhonda and Dick Hefton, Kathy and Hal Brown, Shirley and Pete Everest, Laurie and Charlie Givens, Susan and Peter Hoffman, Linda and Tom Klos, Karen and Mike Samis, Mary Kay and Bobby Samis and Kent Potter.
Lots of lighted candles and white vases filled with Gerber daisies decorated the tables and the hosts gave the engaged couple a platter in their china pattern.
Dr. Ernest Shadid was honored at the Central State Griffin Memorial Hospital Psychiatric Residency Reunion. ( Photo provided).
HISTORIC AFFAIR…A reunion of Norman’s Central State Griffin Memorial Hospital Psychiatric Residency Training program graduates (1956 to 2007) was held at the Oklahoma City Marriott.
There were 85 alumni members at the party as well as faculty, mental health professionals, family members, guests and friends.
Dr. Ernest Shadid was honored and the late Dr. Hayden H. Donahue was remembered during the program and a Donahue-Shadid Psychiatric Alumni Society was established.
Dr. Willis Holloway jr. was master of ceremonies and Dr. Ana Maria Gutierrez gave the welcome. Talk of the Town Band played.
Among the others on the program were Dr. Jennifer Morris, Dr.Linda Lantrip, Dr. Shadid, Dr. Jodie Edge, Dr. Lori Hake, Dr. Stan Ardoin, Bonnie Jones, Dr. Don Chesler, Dr. Kevin Robinett and Dr. Jane Robinett.
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Parties Extra!—April 14, 2008—Junior League 80th Anniversary Gala
Carrie Leonard and Cyndy Hoenig–Co-chairmen of the Junior League 80th Anniversary Gala. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
CELEBRATION…. 200 Junior League members and guests celebrated 80 years of community service with a 80th Anniversary Celebration Gala at the Skirvin Hotel Ballroom.
The event co-chairmen Cyndy Hoenig and Carrie Leonard noted that many of the events 80 years ago were held at the Skirvin Hotel including the first one, a Spanish Fiesta.
The Ballroom was filled with flower bouquets of orchids, tulips and hydrangeas. Banana Seat played for dancing. Junior League President Karla Wallace led the group in a champagne toast for past presidents and one for all Junior League members.
Past presidents attending were Anne Workman, Midge Lindsey, Kris Frankfurt, Karen Luke, Ann Felton Gilliland, Carol Troy, Jane Crain, Gayle Semtner, Ann-Clore Duncan, Betsy Manton, Lisa Berry and Lee Ann Nordin.
Committee members included Amy Freedman, Amy Logan, Ann Cantrell, Ann Gilliland, Ann Kilpatrick, Beth Kerr, Betty Jane Garrett, Candy Dulaney, Carol Sue Taylor, Casey Resar, Debbie Jones, Elaine Jackson, Elyse Hull and Emmy Stanley.
And Erin Holman, Faustine Curry, Jacque Brawner Dean, Jane Griggs, Jeanie Butts, Jennifer Klos, Joanie Holmboe, Judy Lehmbeck, Kaisa Wallis, Kanela Huff, Karen Killiam and Katherine Hager.
Also Kaye Cook, Kingsley Burke, Kristin Willingham, Laura Hine, Leslie Lynn, Lesley St. John, Linda Garrett, Lorna Swinney, Mary Ann Williams, Marilyn Davidson, Mary Delafield, Natalie Barnes, Pamela Usery, Pam Heckenkamp and Pat Gallagher.
And Sandy Shapard, Sarah Francis, Sarah Owens, Susan McPherson, Suzanne Bockus, Suzy Lytle, Tina Harvey, Todis McDonald and Wendy Mounger.
Kaye Cook, Candy Dulaney, Midge Lindsey and Ann Felton Gilliland were at the Junior League Gala. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Jane Crain and Bill James arrive at the Gala. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Mary and Joe Pointer enjoy the party. She is on the Junior League Community Advisory Board. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Dr. Bob Ellis and Nancy Ellis sit down for the gourmet dinner at the Junior League party. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Carol Taylor, Steve and Ranell Brown arrive in formal attire. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Ann Richter and Amy Bankhead were at the Junior League party. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Ryan and Carrie Leonard greet guests as they arrive. She was co-chairman of the party.
Parties Extra!—April 13, 2008—Outstanding Panhellenic Women Introduced At Luncheon
Kendra Yandell models a bridal dress from JJ Kelly.
( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
PANHELLENIC LUNCHEON….Seventeen outstanding sorority alumni members were honorees at the annual Panhellenic Women of the Year luncheon and fashion show.
They were introduced on the runway set up at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Each of them carried a single rose.
In the 2008 group were Ann Sherrod, Amy Cook, Traci Spencer, Tonya Ryan, Judy L. White, Laura Gary, Claudia Robertson, Marny Dunlap, Deborah Bruce, Rachel Rudisill, Beth Portman, Suzie Buxton, Eve Patterson, Pamela Ann O’Neil, Betty Crow, Oanh Vo Stanger and Karen Oaks.
Panhellenic President Beverly Woodrome gave the welcome and Meg Alexander was the fashion commentator. Fashions were from Talbot’s, New Balance and Francesca’s Collections, J.J. Kelly Bridal and B.C. Clark Jewelers.
Models were Cindi Anderson, Kevyn Coburn, Vikki Kembel, Andrea Malherbe, Joy Richardson, Ruth Stevenson, Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Margaret Creighton, Angela Little, Irene Megehee, Lauren Rieken, Jane Clark, Mandy Ellis, Susan Love, Ashley Nguyen, Susan Shumate and Kendra Yandell.
Susy Smith was fashion show coordinator.
A Spring showers and flowers theme was evident as parasols and terra cotta pots of blooming flowers decorated the tables. The luncheon proceeds go to scholarships for senior high school students.
Claudia Robertson was one of the honorees. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Sandy Trudgeon and Ranell Brown sell raffle tickets at the luncheon. 
Eve Patterson was one of the honorees. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Suzy Smith talks to the models before the fashion show. She was fashion coordinator. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace.)
Women who were being honored as Panhellenic Women of the Year line up before being introduced to the sold-out crowd. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace.)
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Parties Extra!—April 11th—2008 President’s Ball Honors Amy and Eddie Edwards
Cliff and Connell Branan are greeted by Amy and Eddie Edwards at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Eddie Edwards is new Board President. (Photo by David Faytinger).
GLITTERADI….When Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club president Eddie Edwards and his wife Amy were honored at the 2008 President’s Ball, members had the best time ever.
The Brent Van Sickle Orchestra was outstanding. The Country Club was decorated beautifully and all of the food, including hors d’oeuvres, was excellent. Waiters stood near the front door holding all sorts of canapés from lobster corn dogs to duck comfit with goat cheese.
Beef tenderloin was the main course of the gourmet dinner and the menu was printed on a chocolate card (the chocolate was tasty too). A surprise dessert of chocolate espresso held another chocolate card inviting guests to the Great Hall for a decadent chocolate buffet. (This club is great at chocolate everything.)
Thane Swisher, Scott Swisher, Kelly McLain, Wanda Swisher, Kyle Swisher and Bill Swisher were at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club for a brunch in Wanda Swisher’s honor. (Photo by David Faytinger).
TOP MOM….Lela and Mark Sullivan, Ann and John Henry and Rita Moore were hosts for a brunch to honor Wanda Swisher who was named the 2008 Oklahoma Mother of the Year. She was introduced at the State Capitol on April 7th.
The party was in the Regency Room of the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.The invitation noted that “ To her family and friends she is a Mother Hen Superior, but to Oklahoma, she’s Mother of the Year.”
The hosts and the honoree’s husband, Bill Swisher, gave toasts.
Mary Sills and Katherine Shadid enjoy Mary Sills birthday party at Michael’s Grill. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Michael Sills of Michael’s Grill was party host for his mother’s birthday party. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
MARY’S BIRTHDAY…Mary Sills was the honoree at a surprise party at Michael’s Grill. She is 90 years old and her son Michael Sills entertained her best friends and family members.
When she arrived and saw all the people, she wiped away the tears. Michael’s Grill was filled with flowers and photographs of Mary Sills.
A large 90th ice sculpture decorated the buffet table and a continuous video was shown featuring the honoree through the years.
Christina Fallin, J.J. Dabirian, Lily Knox and Corie Marks celebrate Christina Fallin’s birthday on the Devon Energy yacht, the Devon Explorer. (Photo by David Faytinger).
CRUISING….Christina Fallin celebrated her 21st birthday on the “Devon Explorer” boat cruising down the Oklahoma River. Her dad, Joe Fallin, was host.
The 35 guests had dinner and then when the champagne was brought out, they gave toasts to the honoree.A three-tiered birthday cake was served.
Chef George Stella instructs Mary Beth Guard in healthy cooking. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Michael Guard, Melodie Fulmer, Kate Ogle, Karen Sharp were at the events where Chef George Stella cooked lunch and dinner. (Photo by David Faytinger).
STAR ON HAND….Mary Beth and Michael Guard invited celebrity chef George Stella from Orlando, Fla., to cook for a dinner party. Stella was in Oklahoma City in March to promote healthy eating for children.
Mary Beth decided she wanted to learn how to cook and buy foods for a healthier lifestyle, so she went grocery shopping with the chef and watched him prepare lunch and dinner .
“It was the best experience I’ve ever had, “ Guard noted. She plans to adopt the menus to eat fewer calories to be ready for her birthday celebration in August.
Gerald Barnett, Katie Costello, Ritt Costello, Mackenzie and Linda Barnett were at the dinner and dance. (Photo by David Faytinger).
FANCY FOOTWORK….The Spring party for 7th and 8th grade students who are members of the National League of Junior Cotillions was held at the Beacon Club.
The group is an etiquette and social dance-training program. Carey Sue and Ricardo Vega are directors of the local Cotillion program.
They had a formal five-course dinner and then danced the Fox Trot, Waltz, Cha Cha and Swing as well as current dances.
Allen Wise, Doris Wise, Elizabeth Wise and James Wise were at the Phi Beta Kappa banquet. James Wise was named Phi Beta Kappa of the Year. (Photo by David Faytinger).
BANQUET…The annual Phi Beta Kappa dinner was at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Dr. James Wise was recognized as Phi Beta Kappa of the Year.
Linda Cavanaugh was guest speaker and Dean of the University of Oklahoma Law School Andrew Coats introduced her. PBK President Karen Luke coordinated the activities.
Three scholarship winners were announced. They are Sara Marin, Jonathan Shirley and Ashley Zumwalt. They will attend OU.
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Parties Extra!—April 9, 2008—Tulsa Volunteeer Receives Honor
Jean Bonney McGill, Tulsa, was given The American Cancer Society Lifetime Achievement Award for 34 years of dedication to the Society and the fight against cancer. McGill, a native of Oklahoma City, Classen High School and University of Oklahoma graduate, will be presented the Award at the 2008 Cattle Baron’s Ball on May 17 in Tulsa.
She has been on the board of directors of the former Heartland Division, as well as on the National board of directors as treasurer. She and her husband, Jim, were honorary Baron’s Ball chairmen in 2007.
The award recognizes volunteers in the Society’s High Plains Division, which includes Kansas, Hawaii, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
Jean Bonney McGill (Photo provided)
Parties Extra!—April 6, 2008—Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame Honors Nine Journalists
WINNERS….Nine Journalists were inducted into the 38th Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame on April 4. Honorees were William P. Bleakley, Gerry Bonds, Ann DeFrange, Donna Barron Evers, Bill Harper, Lindel G.Hutson, Paul B. Southerland, Barbara A. Walter and Bill Walter.
They were introduced at a luncheon for 250 people at the University Center of the University of Central Oklahoma. Members of the Mass Communication department, UCO President Dr. Roger Webb and UCO Mass Communication head Dr. Terry M. Clark were hosts.
Oklahoma Press Association director Mark Thomas introduced guests and past honorees and was in charge of the inductions.
The Oklahoman’s very talented photographer Paul B. Southerland and very creative writer Ann DeFrange were inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.
Gerry Bonds was another one of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame honorees. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace.)
Attending the luncheon were Southerland and DeFrange’s co-workers Patti Shubert, Michelle Geries and Doug Hoke. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Jim Beckel and Paul Southerland talk before lunch. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace)
Parties Extra!—April 5, 2008—Week of parties
Bart Conner, Nadia Comaneci and Tom and Lisa Price were at The Petroleum Club to celebrate Conner’s 50th birthday. Comaneci and Paul Ziert were hosts. The John Arnold Band played blue grass music. After Conner read several items on his “Bucket List” and checked them off…number 5 was to play backup guitar for blue grass music. The band tuned up and started playing and Conner played guitar for several songs and checked that one off of his “Bucket List.” (Photo by David Faytinger).
Scott and Leslie Samara, Rachel Samara, Nelson Bolen and Fanny and Don Bolen were at the brunch at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club given by the Samaras to honor the engagement of Rachel and Nelson. The couple will be married July 12. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Nick Berry, Dick Fischer, Malinda Berry Fischer, Bennett Berry were at The Howell Gallery to view new artwork by Nick Berry and Bennett Berry. Linda and Ken Howell were hosts for the opening reception. (Photo by David Faytinger).
The 2008 University of Oklahoma President’s Trophy Sorority Winner was Pi Beta Phi and Claire Peterson, Brittany Ryan and Ashley Ross and OU President David Boren show off the trophy. Other winners of outstanding fraternity, sorority, housing center and commuter students were Traditions Square East, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Amy Dawn Bourlon and Barron Ryan. Crimson Club coordinates the competition. (OU photo by Robert Taylor)
Joni, Nancy, Tom, and Ann Flesher, and Tom Flesher III celebrate Tom Flesher’s 85th birthday at a party in the home of Joni and Tom Flesher III. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Beth Wells, Linda Garrett and Carleen Burger were among those attending the Junior League sustainers cooking class and luncheon at Musashi’s Japanese Steakhouse. (Photo by David Faytinger).
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