Premiere Cotillion Winter Ball features dinner and dancing
To see more photos from Parties Extra! gallery….click here
Ricardo Vega, Mitchell Draelos, Blakely Rae Elliott, Alyssa Knox, Griffin Hullender and Carey Sue Vega were at the National League of Junior Cotillions, Premiere Cotillion, Winter Ball white tie event. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Carey Sue and Ricardo Vega were hosts for the Cotillion Winter Ball at Gaillardia Golf and Country Club. Students at the white tie event had a formal six course dinner and danced the dances they learned in class: the Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Waltz, Swing and Merengue. They are associated with the National League of Junior Cotillions.
Jill Justice played the harp during dinner. Centerpieces were white roses and lilies.
There were 75 students in the class, including 10 seniors. Five of the seniors have been with the group for five plus years: They are: Will Hooten, Casady, 8 years; Sky Roberts, Casady, 6 years; Sam Louthan, Deer Creek, 6 years; Megan Wilson, Bishop McGuinness, 5 years, and Andrew Roberts, Casady, 5 years.
Hostess shares Italian recipes with her friends
To see more photos from Parties Extra! gallery….click here
Amanda Oblander, July Stanley, Dahlia Vance, Tracy Hibbs, Susan Keeton, Annie Chermack, Mary Gilliland, Kay Bluethman check out the dinner wines. (Photo provided).
Kay Bluethman held a one -day Italian cooking class for her friends. She took a class in Rome, Italy, two years ago, and her friends aked her to share her lessons with them.
Her teacher was featured on the Food Network.
Bluethman chose Sage Corn Bruschetta with Prosciutto, Chicken Pesto Bruschetta, Scaloppini di Pollo, and Limoncello Berries on Gelato to teach the class and then they ate the results for dinner. Italian wine was served.
Between the main course and dessert, the group watched “Julie and Julia.”
French Heels Club members in Oklahoma City plan to reorganize the former club
To see more photos from Parties Extra! gallery….click here
Tamara Hermen, Carleen Burger, Brooke Cohn, Sherry Sullivan, Millonn Lilly get set to re-organize the French Heels Club.(Photo by David Faytinger).
Carleen Burger had a reception at Kyle’s 1025 Restaurant to organize a committee to revive the French Heels Club, a single women’s social group that was active for years in Oklahoma City.
The group talked about alumni and prospective members and planned an April meeting. New members will be selected by invitation and will be women out of college or 21 years old.
On the committee are: Carleen Burger (contact person for former members of the club), Sherry Sullivan, Brooke Cohn, Millonn Lilly, Tamara Hermen.
What shall we name the baby? 20-40-60 answers
To see more photos from Parties Extra! gallery….click here
Parties Extra!….20-40-60 Question….From a dedicated NewsOk reader.
YOU ASK…WE ANSWER…YOU DECIDE
Question: Our baby is due in the summer months. We have been thinking about names for the baby. What is the protocol for the first born, second born and so on? Should we name the baby with a family name? Or should we just name our baby the best name that we can think of that goes with our last name? Thanks for all your thoughts! Keep up the good work!
Callie’s Answer: Not my department, but that is a tough decision.
Family names are always respectful, and very genuine. Also, choosing a name that will also be passed down from generations is exciting. It is what you and your spouse want to choose for the baby. Choosing a family name might be easier knowing that it already goes with your last name, or have your chosen name and give the family name as the middle name.
Bottom line: it is your decision and your baby.
Lillie-Beth’s Answer: In my opinion, naming a baby is up to the parents. Period. They’re the ones who have to set the tone for the baby’s life that they created (it starts with the name), and they’re the only ones who have to be OK with what the baby is named, at least until the baby is old enough to weigh in.
It’s fun to search the family tree for family names that span generations, and if there are some that stick, then go for it. Family names connect children to their roots, and parents shouldn’t overlook that significance. They’re a good way to honor or remember someone special, too, and using those names is a tradition that dates way back.
However, in the end, it’s up to Mom and Dad to name a child how they see fit. I don’t know of any etiquette requirement in this century for a child to have a family name. The child will grow into the name, and whatever the name is, perhaps someday, their descendants will look up the family tree and use that name for their little one, too.
Helen’s Answer: Your baby will carry his/her name with for the rest of his/her life, so you want to pick the best name possible. Family history certainly plays a role, as do the parents’ aspirations for their child. Some prefer names that can be shortened easily, or turned into nicknames. Others prefer a refined, traditional name.
Personally, I love family names! There are some great ones and there are some terrible ones. I don’t think my grandmother’s name, Ada Pearl, would fit any of my children, but the old-fashioned names have made a comeback. It is really personal choice on this one, and it is a great idea not to tell the name too soon, as it seems like EVERYONE has an opinion about what YOU should name your child.
On further thought: Here’s what I think my children should name any future granddaughters — “Helen.”
(Callie Gordon, a college sophomore, was a 2009 debutante and has been in many new social situations recently. Lillie-Beth Brinkman is a former debutante and currently the assistant features editor for The Oklahoman. Helen Wallace has written a social column for The Oklahoman for many years and has been on various local Ball committees.
This group does not always agree (via age differences), but they ALL see the need for proper behavior.)
Ask a specific etiquette question and you will get three answers…Then you decide for yourself how you would handle the situation. The answers have information for every age range….Callie is 20-ish; Lillie-Beth is 40-something, and Helen is 60-plus.
Please email us with your questions and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and daily blogs. We will try to answer your etiquette questions weekly on the Parties Extra! blog. Sometimes we will ask other people for their opinions.
Look for us!
helen.wallace@cox.net…lbrinkman@opubco.com… calliezok3@aol.com
American Mothers Inc. members introduce Oklahoma “Mothers of Merit”
Irene Costilow, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, Sherri Boyd, Connell Branan were at the luncheon. (Photo by David Faytinger).
The Oklahoma Chapter of American Mothers Inc. members sponsored a luncheon and it was held at Quail Creek Golf and Country Club.
Nine “Mothers of Merit” were introduced and presented a gift. They are candidates for the 2010 Mother of the Year and Young Mother. A panel of judges will choose the winners and they will be announced in a ceremony at the State Capitol in April. They will attend the National Mother of the Year and Young Mother of the Year convention in New York City.
The honorees were Shelly Cline, Oklahoma City; Stacy Ruth Cline, Hennessey; Amy Groeschel, Edmond; Ricki Lea Moore,Lexington, Young Mothers of Merit, and Barbara Brou, Oklahoma City; Dorothy J. Cartmill, Oklahoma City; Mary Cutter, Oklahoma City; Pam Kanaly, Edmond, and Julie Wilson, Broken Arrow, Mothers of Merit.
On the program were Sherri Boyd, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, Connell Branan, Irene Costilow, Shelly Soliz.
Hostesses for lunch were Branan, Boyd, Costilow, Karen Mayfield, Soliz, Lela Sullivan, Rebecca Thompson.
Eight women were honored at the Byliner Award Dinner
click here for more photos from Parties Extra!
Margo Ward and Elizabeth Taylor were at the Byliner Awards Dinner. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).
The 52nd Byliners Awards Dinner sponsored by the Oklahoma City Professional Chapter of the Association for Women In Communications was held at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.
Sherri Coale, Ann Lacy, Jenny Love Meyer, Pattye Moore, Kerry Robertson Kerby, Carol Sorrels, Cathy Stackpole and Dr. Caryn C. Vaughn were award winners at the event.
Committee members were: Mary Melon, honorary chairman; Margo Ward, chairman, Katelyn Turnbull, Elizabeth Taylor, Kristin Van Nort, Heidi Brandes, Sherree Murray, Ashley Barcum, Vonnie Anderson, Mandy Ellis, Kim Holding, Mandi Briggs, Sunny Cearley.
The name “Women in Communications” came into being in 1972. The group was originally called Theta Sigma Phi. AWC uses proceeds from the event to offer education and resources to members and scholarships to students pursuing a degree in communications.
Molly Fritch and Lil Ross enjoy the reception prior to the dinner.
Judy Hatfield and Sherri Coale were at the party.
Two of the honorees were Jenny Love Meyer and Cathy Stackpole.
Tom and Judy Love arrive at the reception prior to the dinner and program at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club
Phi Gamma Delta members celebrate at dinner and dance
click here for more photos from Parties Extra!
Phi Gamma Delta fraternity crest in ice. (Photos by David Faytinger).
Members of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity from the University of Oklahoma had the annual Pig Dinner at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. 375 were at the party. Dave and the Wavetones Band played.
Randy Fudge was organizer for the event .
There was an ice sculpture of the fraternity crest at the front door and centerpieces were purple carnation balls with hydrangeas and tulips.
There were special tributes for members, the late Tom Dulaney and the late Randy Royse, given by John Bozalis and Don Bolen. Also recognized were members at the Ellis table. The brothers were all Phi Gams: Bob Ellis, Dick Ellis, Charles Ellis and Joe Ellis. Another brother, the late Dr. Hal Balyeat, was also a Phi Gam.
Donna and Bill Bozalis, Ramona and Homer Paul were at the Pig Dinner.
Make -A -Wish luncheon set for March 30th at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club
click here for more photos from Parties Extra!
Parties Extra! welcomes… Janell Flanery, honorary chairman of the 2010 Wish Luncheon, and Laura Ogle and Christi Coyle co-chairmen of the Wish Luncheon sponsored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Kappa Alpha Theta celebrates Founder’s Day in Oklahoma City
click here for more photos from Parties Extra!
Gayla Stapleton, Kim Joseph, Tamara Hermen and Beth Portman were at the luncheon. (Photo provided).
Members of Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter celebrated Founders Day with a luncheon at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country.
Eight women were honored as 75-Year Thetas and 50-Year Thetas. They are Betty Fallin and Elizabeth Price, 75 years, and Patricia Catlett Austin, Sue Hagan, Jody Kerr, Sheryl Lott, Kay Oliver and Suzanne SIlvester, 50 years.
A photo presentation and biographies were given about each honoree and Christina Fallin presented them with Congressional Recognitions of congratulations and best wishes on behalf of her mother, Congresswoman Mary Fallin. They also received bouquets of yellow tulips and roses and white lilies.
The 2010 Theta of the Year Award was formally presented to Tamara Hermen for her contributions to Theta as well as the community.
Alumnae president Kim Joseph summarized the year’s events. Amy Cottrell and Angela Timberlake were co-chairmen of the luncheon.
Suzanne Bockus, Christina Fallin and Elizabeth Price were at Kappa Alpha Theta Founder’s Day. (Photo provided).
Theta of the Year…Tamara Hermen. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
How about the barking dogs? 20-40-60 answers
Parties Extra!…20-40-60 Question…received by e-mail from an Oklahoman and NewsOk reader.
YOU ASK…WE ANSWER…YOU DECIDE
Question: Our neighbor of 10 years recently got two feisty dogs. His dogs bark every time we go in our fenced backyard or when he walks them real early in the morning, sometimes as early as 5:30 a.m. I have complained to them. The answer is: “Sorry.” How do I write a polite letter to complain?
Callie’s Answer: Dogs that bark are usually bored, maybe as a gift, you could give the dogs some bones or chew toys to keep the dogs from barking. This way you don’t have to actually say something, AGAIN.
If this doesn’t work, google “dog barking” there is a system that you can buy (it is kind of expensive) but it is a high- pitched noise that only dogs can hear. This will teach the dogs not to bark, and there is no awkwardness between your neighbor.
The device goes as far as 300 feet away! GOOD LUCK!
Lillie-Beth’s Answer: That sounds awful! I don’t have a dog and don’t know how you keep a dog from barking.
I think I’d approach a letter with the idea of “how can we solve this problem together or work out a solution that works for both of us?” Make it clear you like them as neighbors and even the dogs, if that’s how you feel, but tell them just as clearly that you’re having serious trouble coping with the dogs’ barking.
Spell out why, in case they can’t see it from your point of view. Also, are there certain times of the day when you really can’t stand it? If so, maybe you can suggest to them they bring the dogs inside at those times. The less confrontational at first, the better, especially if you find a good compromise.
Here’s one idea I would NOT suggest (at least not right away), although it’s interesting: the New York Times recently reported on a long-time surgical procedure involving cutting dogs vocal cords, called “debarking.” Apparently it is an option for dog owners faced with the choice of getting rid of their dogs or keeping them quiet, such as in an apartment building, although many are now debating the ethics of debarking.
In your case, even if that suggestion solved your problem with the dogs, it would probably create new tension with the neighbors.
And on a light-hearted note, here’s what my 5-year-old said when I asked him what he would tell someone in your situation: “Plug your ears.”
Good luck!
Helen’s Answer: If you have talked to your neighbor about the noise and tactfully expressed your complaint and told him that you are willing to work with him to find the solution that will satisfy both of you and the problem is still going on, then mail a request in writing:
Dear Neighbor,
You may not realize that your dogs are barking every time we go outside into our yard and they are always barking in the morning when they go outside.
Maybe they are bored, scared or lonely. All of us in the neighborhood would appreciate your attention to this.
Another Dog Lover
Wait 10 days and if the situation does not improve, write another letter. Do not make threats, but point out that harboring a barking dog can be against the law in many cities and towns. You might enclose the City ordinance.
Jeanne Hoffman Smith, MSSW ACSW, and dog lover and owner ‘s, Answer:
Dear ???,
I’m writing about a neighborhood problem that I hope we can discuss and resolve. Your 2 new puppies obviously haven’t been trained yet not to bark incessantly, and I don’t want to “hound” you by calling all of the time when they are disruptively barking in the neighborhood.
Dogs, like children need schooling, and my veterinarians tell me that there are several excellent trainers and classes here in the city. Also, the “Dog Whisperer” is a great TV program, on every week night at 6 p.m.
I’d like to walk with you some morning and talk about solutions. Also, I have a book that I want to share with you, called, “Don’t Shoot the Dog”.
I will call you about this next week to make a plan.
Your neighbor and friend,
Jeanne
(Callie Gordon, a college sophomore, is a 2009 debutante and has been in many new social situations recently. Lillie-Beth Brinkman is a former debutante and currently the assistant features editor for The Oklahoman. Helen Wallace has written a social column for The Oklahoman for many years and has been on various local Ball committees.
This group does not always agree (via age differences), but they ALL see the need for proper behavior.)
Ask a specific etiquette question and you will get three answers…Then you decide for yourself how you would handle the situation. The answers have information for every age range….Callie is 20-ish; Lillie-Beth is 40-something, and Helen is 60-plus.
Please email us with your questions and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and daily blogs. We will try to answer your etiquette questions weekly on the Parties Extra! blog. Sometimes we will ask other people for their opinions.
Look for us!
helen.wallace@cox.net…lbrinkman@opubco.com… calliezok3@aol.com
