Thank you for a great time….. Heart Rhythm Institute luncheon

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Jose Freede, Debby Dudman, Jane Thompson. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).

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Debbie Hampton, Kay Goebel, Barbara Butner, Lana Lopez.

Dear Jane Thompson and Lana Lopez,

Since you all were chairmen of the Heart Rhythm Institute luncheon held Nov. 11th at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, you need to know what a great time we had yesterday.

Your luncheon  was so much fun! Not only did I win one of your “Vignette Opportunities” (A.K.A…. a very spectacular raffle drawing), most of your guests ate every bite of their lunches which included a couscous salad, really good stuffed chicken breast and bourbon poached apple and spiced cake with a cream sauce.  Yum!

The speakers HRI Director Suzanne Owens, Patient testimonial Andrew Schopler, Jewelry designers Chad Hamilton, Andrew Tessier were interesting and to the point. The luncheon ran on time; guests ate during the talks and servers were very quiet bringing plates, and everyone went home at 1 p.m. (Actually, they stayed around to talk some more after it was over and to buy more Andrew Hamilton Crawford jewelry.)

And the jewelry… bracelets, earrings, necklaces were outstanding. Made from sterling silver or 18 karat gold vermeil, each item looked wonderful on its’ buyer. Dede and Bob Benham from Balliets were instrumental in bringing this line of jewelry to us.  Very unique.

Your group has always had unique accessories at their parties.  One year you featured  Judith Leiber; one year it was “Breakfast At Tiffany’s”; one year it was Anthony Nak, and another one had Temple St. Clair.  All very fun for party-goers.

And also connected to this event is the patron party. For some reason (perfect planning I think) it is always fun to go to.  This year Cassie and Charles Bowen were hosts for cocktails and the private viewing and sale of jewelry.

HRI (Heart Rhythm Institute)  was formerly called  the  Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Institute, and is located at the University of Oklahoma Heath Sciences Center.

Event coordinator is Judy Austin. Honorary chairman was B. Ann Cole and patron chairmen were Linda Haneborg and Cheryl Hewell.  Scientific advisor is Dr. Warren Jackman and director is Dr. Ralph Lazzara. On the HRI advisory board are Pam Fleischaker, Laurie Hyde, Stacy McDaniel, Frank Merrick, Julie Mundt, George Records, Tom Schoedter and Will Webster.

And you have already set next year’s date. It is November 10, 2010. We would not miss it (and I have felt that way every year.)  We will be there in 2010.

Thanks for planning one of the best luncheons in Oklahoma City.

Helen Ford Wallace

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Committe member Karen Mayfield with Bob and Dede Benham of Balliet’s.

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The jewelry.

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Gene Barth, Corey Hyde Blake.

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Little heart chocolate candy served with dessert.






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Nominate your mother for American Mothers “Mother of the Year” in Oklahoma

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Kimberly Wright, current National Young Mother of the Year, and Connell Branan, former National Young Mother of the Year,  were at a tea this summer in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).

To nominate Oklahoma Mother of the Year and Young Mother of the Year, contact Irene Costilow with the Oklahoma Association of American Mothers. Deadline is Nov. 15th. Her email address is irene47@cox.net.

To qualify for Mother of the Year, the nominees’ children must be over 18 years old and the Young Mother’s children under be under the age of 18. Other qualifications are listed at www.americanmothers.org.

The national organization, American Mothers Inc., is a non-profit group that recognizes the invaluable contribution mothers make to the future success and happiness of their children and society and the headquarters is in Washington, D.C. Members of the group annually select the National Mother of the Year and Young Mother from candidates throughout the United States.



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Casady School alums meet in Dallas

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There was a reception for Casady School 25 alumni in the home of Alyson and Ben Woodard in Dallas.

Head of School Chris Bright, Associate Head of School David Gorham, Director of Institutional Advancement Aaron James and Director of Alumni Relations Betty Jane Garrett were special guests.

Guests received party favors with the Casady logo including  a large Casady cup, mouse pad and Casady Alumni car decal.  Food was from Zoe’s Kitchen in Snider Plaza in Dallas and centerpieces were from New Leaf Floral in OKC.

Guests included: Amy Cooke, Tiffany and Brad Davis, Betty Jane Garrett, Jennifer and Robert Goodno, David Gorham, Drew Hoffman, Sylvia and Michael Hood, Aaron James, Cristy and David McAtee, Therese and Amit Mehta, Patrick Rooney, Josh Sepkowitz, Chris Stakem, Doyle Tunnell, Alyson and Ben Woodard and Erin and Coler Yoakam.

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Jessica Jung, Josh Sepkowitz,  Amit Mehta and Therese Mehta were at the Casady Alumni party in Dallas. (Photo and decal and invitation images provided).



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Pioneer Woman’s mother in Oklahoma City

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Pioneer Woman’s mother and one of  her daughters. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).

Lela Sullivan invited friends and some former Oklahoma State University members of Pi Beta Phi sorority classmates to have coffee with Gerre Schwert, Port Aransas, Tx.

Schwert was in town for her daughter, Ree Drummond’s (The Pioneer Woman) cookbook signing In Oklahoma City at Full Circle Bookstore. Drummond’s cookbook “The Pioneer Woman Cooks” has recently been released. The group was still talking about how many fans attended the signing, how gracious PW was to sign all the books and pose for pictures.

Birthday cupcakes were served, as it was Gerre Schwert’s birthday.

The Pioneer Woman was still signing more books at Full Circle and then was off to Tulsa for another signing, so did not get to the coffee.

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Gerre Schwert catches up with college friends at the coffee which was hosted by Lela Sullivan.



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Sign up for OU’s inaugural fall symposium

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Images and photos from www.ou.edu/women web site.

Jill Q. Hughes emailed me and asked us to remind everyone about the Women’s Philanthropy Network luncheon and symposium on November 19th at the University of Oklahoma  Memorial Union in Norman.

Called an “educational and inspirational day celebrating OU Women and honoring those who serve as advocates, leaders and philanthropists,” the event will provide opportunities for participants to connect with  women who share common interests, goals and a passion for OU.

It will be from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and features OU President David Boren, OU women’s basketball coach Sherri Coale and Women’s Philanthropy Institute representative Angela White as guest speakers.

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OU President David L. Boren

The event is free, but reservations are required. RSVP by phone, 405-325-3701, or  on the web site.

On the planning committee are Sharon Alexander, Catherine Bishop, Corey Hyde Blake, Jackie Eckstein, Jane Harlow, Suzanne Harris, Becky Heeney, Jill Hughes, Sue Ann Hyde, Jill Irvine, Sandy Kinney, Karen Mayfield, Suzanne McAuley, Kendra Moore, Melissa Nuzum, Caroline Patton, Tatianna Proctor, Tamara Pullin, Chris Purcell, Gail Richards, Les Risser, Lindy Ritz, Linda Rodgers, Mary Sherman, Sarah Sims and Suzie Symcox.

Symposium co-chairmen are Jill Q. Hughes and Les Risser.

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Jill Q. Hughes               Les Risser



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JRB Art at the Elms Gallery has parties, exhibits and a long history

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Joy Reed Belt talks about the JRB Art at the Elms Gallery.



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Amy Grant sings at Oklahoma City Kappa Alpha Theta Flaming Festival

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Jennifer Smith, Amy Grant, Susie Kemp, Johnna Schick were at the Flaming Festival. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).

Kappa Alpha Theta alum ( at Vanderbilt University)  Amy Grant entertained at lunch at the Theta Flaming Festival at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. She sang some new songs and old favorites to the 400- plus crowd.

She was gracious in her remarks in acknowledging the 50-year-Thetas and also in helping promote the purchase of the centerpieces which also included an Amy Grant Christmas compact disc. She talked about her family members including her mother-in-law and sister-in-law who were in the audience.

It was the 53rd annual Flaming Festival and  there were 35 festively -decorated and themed tables by Theta alumnae and area merchants. Themes ranged from “Birthday Party for our Granddaughters” by Cathy Cross, Ann Fleming and Janie Cook to  “Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom Luncheon” by Barb Munneke and Cherry Kay Clifford.

Home-baked cookies were served at a table with former past alumni presidents pouring the tea and coffee. (This lovely tea table is traditional ). The Thetas also had a major bake sale with such items as cakes, cookies and fudge sauce and barbecue sauce for sale.

Co-chairmen of the 2009 Flaming Festival were Susie Kemp and Johnna Schick. President of  the local Theta alumnae chapter is Kim Joseph.

Proceeds go to Food 4 Kids and CASA of Oklahoma County.

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One of the decorated tables at the Theta Flaming Festival.

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Eb Hines wears her Theta pins.

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Linda Kennedy Rossser, Kay Musser and Janie Axton enjoy the party.

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Bertie Foster sells a cake at the bake sale. She made yummy Deloris hot  fudge sauce.

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Marty Margo, Marty Johnson and Helen Crow view all the tables at the Festival.

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The tea table is set with cookies and flowers.

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At the luncheon, Tamara Hermen was announced as the 2009 Theta of the Year.

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Mary Kay Samis, Donna Blakley, Helene Huff and Diana Beeler arrive at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.

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Beautifully arranged table with jars of candy from 42nd Street Candy Shop.

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Glittering table from Jamie’s in Casady Square.

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All 50-year-Thetas were recognized by these pins.

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Sorority friends and family members honored others by purchasing a pansy with someone’s name to add to the pansy patch located by the tea table.





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Luncheon and shopping event planned to benefit Heart Rhythm Institute at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

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Helen interviews  Jane Thompson and Lana Lopez, co-chairmen of the Heart Rhythm Institute luncheon and shopping event, and Laurie Hyde, HRI advisory board.

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Putnam City High School Class of 1959 has reunion weekend

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Richard Jeffries, Karen Otto, Tom Pinion, Judy Walker, Maureen Williams, Francis Lombard, George Lawson were among the alumni had the 50- year -reunion. (Photo by David Faytinger).

Members of the 1959 class of Putnam City High School celebrated with a 50-year reunion dinner at Coles Garden. It was one of the activities during reunion weekend. This class was the first to graduate from the “original PHS” at 50th and Ann Arbor.

Masters of ceremonies was Trent Cornman and David Padgett. George Lawson was 1959 class president and he spoke during dinner. 13 couples who have been married at least 50 years were recognized. Maureen Townsend Williams created a slide show for the event.

When class members arrived at Coles Garden,  just outside the room there was a display of the ample gift baskets organized by Tom Pinion. Pinion, Judy Shidler Walker, Suzie Holmberg Welch and Richard Jefferies handed out name tags.

The sixteen tables had  individual pumpkins with distinctive florals attached and glitter,  flowers and leaves decorated by  Karen Martin Otto,  Dallas.

Alumni Association members had a pancake breakfast and then everyone visited the Putnam City School Museum for a dedication; Lynn and Trent Cornman hosted a barbecue dinner, and the 1959 class was honored at the All Class Reunion.
The class of 1959 received donations from classmates for scholarships for the new graduates of  Putnam City High School.

The first scholarship of $500  honors all classmates who served the country in any branch of the service. The group has  funded one Veteran’s Scholarship.

The second scholarship of $500  honors principal and superintendent  Leo Mayfield.  The class has funded three Leo Mayfield Scholarships.  Mayfield has attended each  reunion but due to health issues was not  able to attend this year.

A third fund raiser was for a new rail around Pete the Pirate at the school.  The new railing was installed October 20th by Richard Queen,  owner of Royal Ironworks.

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These committee members helped plan the 50-year reunion for Putnam City High School. They are Jay Johnston, Gary Webb, Tom Pinion, David Padgett, Jim Walker, Judy Shidler Walker, Bob Deupree, Trent Cornman, Maureen Townsend Williams, Troy Lavon Whitney, Monta Rose Saunders Templin,  Sue Kinney Graham, Bruce Holman, Richard Jefferies, Mary Ann LeGrange Vance, David Moninger, Gayle Templeton Keeton, George Lawson, Suzie Holmberg Welch, Darla Dies Clouse.(Photo provided) .

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Pumpkins ready to be put on the tables at the Saturday night event. ( Photo provided).



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Ann Kilpatrick presents trophies and awards to outstanding sailors

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Ann Kilpatrick at the Commodore’s Banquet. (Photo by Brett Deering, The Oklahoman).

Oklahoma City Boat Club Commodore Ann Kilpatrick presided over her final banquet of the year. The outgoing officer presented annual trophies, sailing awards and recognized outstanding volunteers. The Mystery Dates Band played at the Embassy Suites.

Sailors were given awards for winning races and regattas. Ann Kilpatrick introduced the current/outgoing board members, committee members and race committee members and presented respective officer’s flag pins.   Jim Blakewell is incoming Commodore,



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