Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Kendra Walker recognized as Unsung Hero at WOFCC banquet

Two ladies from Burns Flat, Oklahoma were recognized Tuesday evening, 15 November 2016 as Unsung Heroes.   One of them was Kendra Walker.

Kendra Walker (left) after the WOFCC Banquet

 An Unsung Hero, as the title suggests, is someone who day in and day out do the things than need to be done to make a cohesive, safe, and viable community out of whatever their surroundings may be.  These may be police, service men and women, emergency workers, or the person who climbs the power poles in the ice storm to get the power back on.

These people do what they do not for recognition or accolades, but because of a unique call to service that has come alive in them.  The Western Oklahoma Family Care Center recognized Kendra Walker at its fundraiser banquet last night in accordance with the following citation.

Kendra is the mother of 4, a full-time student at SWOSU, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, and Scout Leader for Pack 310 of the Cub Scouts.  She also got the pack established from the ground up several years ago.  She has been kitchen coordinator for Wednesday night services, choir leader, and drama team member.  When there is a funeral, she is always ready to put together a dinner for the family and friends of the deceased.  These things she does without accolades, medals, or monetary incentive.  She is the epitome of the unsung hero.

Kendra has also been crucial to the overwhelming success of the Backpack Ministry.  She is not only a leader, but a dedicated shopper who has a keen eye for bargains on school supplies in the off season stretching donations for this ministry to the point of a modern-day miracle.  She also has the mettle to shop for school supplies for more than 100 children in the melee that is the back to school rush.


Kendra is an unsung hero and truly deserving of this recognition.

Laci Stegall recognized as Unsung Hero at WOFCC banquet

Two ladies from Burns Flat, Oklahoma were recognized Tuesday evening, 15 November 2016 as Unsung Heroes.   One of them was Laci Stegall.

Laci Stegall (right) following the Unsung Heroes Banquet

 An Unsung Hero, as the title suggests, is someone who day in and day out do the things than need to be done to make a cohesive, safe, and viable community out of whatever their surroundings may be.  These may be police, service men and women, emergency workers, or the person who climbs the power poles in the ice storm to get the power back on.

These people do what they do not for recognition or accolades, but because of a unique call to service that has come alive in them.  The Western Oklahoma Family Care Center recognized Laci Stegall at its fundraiser banquet last night in accordance with the following citation.

Laci is the mother of 2, finishing her student teaching next month, Vacation Bible School Coordinator, youth leader with her husband Garrett for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat, church camp counselor, and key member of the newly formed Parks and Recreation Committee for the Burns Flat community.  She is also found working the church kitchen, singing in the choir, and taking her turn in the nursery or attending to a special needs child.  She is also frequently engaged assisting her husband in many ways as he coaches various youth sports in the community.  These things she does without accolades, medals, or monetary incentive.  She is the epitome of the unsung hero.

Of all the things that she pours herself into, her role on the Parks and Recreation Committee for the town has resulted in revitalized baseball fields, a new skate park, a color run, and most recently a town birthday celebration that truly promoted a sense of community more than anything the town has done in 2 decades.


Laci is an unsung hero and truly deserving of this recognition.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Scouts and Students Kick off Fall Food Drives

Saturday, 12 November 2016.  Gathering at 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning may be a challenge for some but not for all.  Over two dozen students gathered with a few adults at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat to go out into the community to collect food to begin the fall food drives.  This event was sponsored by Scout Troop 310 but truly was a community event because of the student involvement.


In less than two hours, food was collected, checked for expiration dates, and sorted by type.  Food drives at Will Rogers Elementary and the BFDC High School typically add to this so that the needs of those who might otherwise go without are met.  Participation of the students not only made the tasks of the morning go quickly, it is also training in service and helps to promote compassion in the generations to come.

Much more food is needed, so please support the school food drives or bring your donations in person to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

What would you do?

What would you do if you were in extreme pain from an abscessed tooth?  You and I would go to the dentist, right?

What if you had no insurance and couldn’t afford to go?  Most of us that have faced extreme pain in any fashion just can’t imagine what it would be like if we just had to tough it out. 




Twice in my life, I have performed my own dental surgery.  No, I was not bored and looking for something off the wall to do.  I was in places where there was no dentist and I couldn’t just leave and go back to civilization and find one.  I did have the luxury of having antibiotics flown in to me so as to fight the original infection and any infection caused by my self-mutilation.  Yes, this was damage that I had done to myself in the process of relieving that extreme pain brought on by an abscessed tooth.

My point is not that I secretly desired to be a dentist.  I didn’t and I don’t and on top of that I wasn’t very good at it.  It is that I would have rather perform very clumsy surgery on myself with a heated Swiss Army Knife than endure any more of the pain that was throbbing in my body.

Would I do the same thing now in the middle of the civilized world if I had no insurance or money?  It is not a crazy question, but it is insane that someone might have to ask that question in our modern world.  What do you do when you can’t afford to get medical or dental treatment?  What do you do when the pain is so great, you are ready to become your own surgeon?

I hope that nobody must ask that question in these parts because there is an answer.  Well, there is an answer as long as those of us who are blessed remain generous.  We have the means and desire and knowhow to provide medical and dental treatment to those who don’t have insurance or money, but we need money to continue operations.  And so we come to the heart of the matter.

The time for the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center Fundraising Banquet is approaching fast.  It will be on Tuesday, 15 November 2016 at the Elk City Civic Center.  The silent auction begins at 6:00 p.m. and the program and meal commence shortly thereafter.  This year’s theme is Unsung Heroes.

What’s the big deal about the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center?

This is a place where people who can barely keep their heads above water go for help.  They may have a minimum wage job and generally get by in life, but one week of missing work due to an accident or the flu or four kids out of school with the flu and suddenly the electric bill is past due.  The Family Care Center has rescued many a family that were trying hard to make it in life but just needed a little boost when the cutoff notice arrived a week before the next paycheck.

Have you ever had an abscessed tooth?  That’s normally not something that you tough out and hope it goes away, but some people don’t have the money or insurance needed to get it fixed.  Many have found relief at the Hope Clinic.  Others come for other reasons but the common denominator is that they can’t afford to go anywhere else.  Whether you like the Affordable Care Act or hate it with a passion; there is still a large part of our community that has no health insurance and can’t afford to get it.  That does not mean they cannot get care.  Over the past few years, the two clinics that are a part of the WOFCC have provided the equivalent of more than 1 million dollars’ worth of services to patients at no cost to them.

The clinic pharmacy has also provided medication to people at no charge.  Some people may be able to afford a $4 copay for a prescription at their local pharmacy but many cannot afford even that and would go without were it not for the WOFCC pharmacy.

Stranded travelers, fire victims, people on the verge of homelessness, and so many more who have just hit a rough spot in their lives have found help at the WOFCC.  Please note that this is a hand up and not a hand out organization.  The WOFCC is a faith based non-profit organization and that means making every encounter with the clientele count.  Workers practice mercy and do it cheerfully but do speak the truth in love.  More than money, so many of our clientele need lifestyle changes, the discipline to budget, and a family of faith to call home.


The WOFCC does its best to guide, mentor, counsel, and even challenge those served to know a better way of life.  Many of the people that are helped are just focused on the short-term issue but those who serve on the board, the few employees in the organization, and the volunteers are focused on helping people for the long haul as well.  All who are called to serve have found that the monetary help given, the medical services provided, and everything else that happens during a day of service just come down to loving our neighbor.  Those are familiar words in these parts.

What’s the big deal?  What’s not a big deal?  This is where the rubber meets the road in loving our neighbor in Beckham, Custer, Roger Mills, and Washita Counties.  WOFCC services rely on donations.  The November Fundraiser is critical to continued operations.  Some will donate thousands of dollars, some a few hundred, and others will buy a ticket to the banquet.  All donations help.
You may think that times are tough and this is not the right time to make a donation.  Realize that for many, times are not tough—they are desperate.  Without the WOFCC, many would lose hope.  Even a donation of $25 or $100 helps the clinics serve just a few more patients or maybe keeps the power on for a family with a house full of children.



If you live in Washita County and need a ticket or would like to donate, please contact Reverend Thomas Spence at (580) 562-4706.  If you live in the other three counties that are served, please contact the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center at (580) 225-5500.

Western Oklahoma Family Care Center
Unsung Heroes
Fundraiser Banquet
Tuesday, 15 November 2016
Elk City Civic Center
6:00 p.m.
Tickets $30

Advance Purchase $25

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Do you know an Unsung Hero?

They don’t’ get recognized on television because they stand or don’t stand for the National Anthem.  They won’t get an Oscar, Tony, or even a Golden Globe this year.  They are not famous but you know who they are.


Who?  The Unsung Heroes of our community, that’s who.  These are the men and women who serve as police, in emergency services, or in the armed forces of the United States.  They are also the foster parents who take on one more child that nobody else wants.  They are the Sunday school teachers and Scout leaders that go the extra mile.  They are the person that you see at almost every volunteer event, often the first there and the last to leave as well as the hardest worker. 


 Occasionally, people thank them for their service.  These people don’t do what they do for the recognition or the thank you; but every once in a while; these folks should be recognized.  That is exactly what is happening at the Unsung Heroes WOFCC Fundraiser dinner on 15 November 2016.
This is a fundraiser for the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center but it is also an optimal venue for recognizing many unsung heroes in Beckham, Custer, Roger Mills, and Washita Counties. 


How does someone get recognized as an unsung hero?  It is as simple as a $100 donation to the WOFCC with a short (1 paragraph) description of why this person is worthy of recognition at this time.  That $100 donation provides a ticket for the unsung hero and spouse and two tickets for the donor.  Those recognized do not need to prepare a speech or rent a tuxedo.  Some may not even be able to attend because of what they do, but the account of their service will be read during the banquet.  You may submit a deployed serviceman or service woman as well.  They may be on the other side of the world, but they will be recognized here.



Realize that this is a fundraiser for a very good cause—the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center. That is why each unsung hero submission needs to be accompanied by a $100 or more donation.  If that seems like a large amount for your finances, consider getting a group together to sponsor an unsung hero.

If you live in Washita County and would like to sponsor an unsung hero, please contact Reverend Thomas Spence at (580) 562-4706.  If you would like to sponsor an unsung hero from elsewhere in the state, please contact the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center at (580) 225-5500.



And for those who want to do more...





Fundraiser Banquet only a few days away

There are only 10 more days remaining!
Until what?  The election?  No.
Veterans Day?  No.

The time for the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center Fundraising Banquet is approaching fast.  It will be on Tuesday, 15 November 2016 at the Elk City Civic Center.  The silent auction begins at 6:00 p.m. and the program and meal commence shortly thereafter.  This year’s theme is Unsung Heroes.

What’s the big deal about the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center?

This is a place where people who can barely keep their heads above water go for help.  They may have a minimum wage job and generally get by in life, but one week of missing work due to an accident or the flu or four kids out of school with the flu and suddenly the electric bill is past due.  The Family Care Center has rescued many a family that were trying hard to make it in life but just needed a little boost when the cutoff notice arrived a week before the next paycheck.

Have you ever had an abscessed tooth?  That’s normally not something that you tough out and hope it goes away, but some people don’t have the money or insurance needed to get it fixed.  Many have found relief at the Hope Clinic.  Others come for other reasons but the common denominator is that they can’t afford to go anywhere else.  Whether you like the Affordable Care Act or hate it with a passion; there is still a large part of our community that has no health insurance and can’t afford to get it.  That does not mean they cannot get care.  Over the past few years, the two clinics that are a part of the WOFCC have provided the equivalent of more than 1 million dollars’ worth of services to patients at no cost to them. 

The clinic pharmacy has also provided medication to people at no charge.  Some people may be able to afford a $4 copay for a prescription at their local pharmacy but many cannot afford even that and would go without were it not for the WOFCC pharmacy.

Stranded travelers, fire victims, people on the verge of homelessness, and so many more who have just hit a rough spot in their lives have found help at the WOFCC.  Please note that this is a hand up and not a hand out organization.  The WOFCC is a faith based non-profit organization and that means making every encounter with the clientele count.  Workers practice mercy and do it cheerfully but do speak the truth in love.  More than money, so many of our clientele need lifestyle changes, the discipline to budget, and a family of faith to call home.

The WOFCC does its best to guide, mentor, counsel, and even challenge those served to know a better way of life.  Many of the people that are helped are just focused on the short-term issue but those who serve on the board, the few employees in the organization, and the volunteers are focused on helping people for the long haul as well.  All who are called to serve have found that the monetary help given, the medical services provided, and everything else that happens during a day of service just come down to loving our neighbor.  Those are familiar words in these parts.

What’s the big deal?  What’s not a big deal?  This is where the rubber meets the road in loving our neighbor in Beckham, Custer, Roger Mills, and Washita Counties.  WOFCC services rely on donations.  The November Fundraiser is critical to continued operations.  Some will donate thousands of dollars, some a few hundred, and others will buy a ticket to the banquet.  All donations help.

You may think that times are tough and this is not the right time to make a donation.  Realize that for many, times are not tough—they are desperate.  Without the WOFCC, many would lose hope.  Even a donation of $25 or $100 helps the clinics serve just a few more patients or maybe keeps the power on for a family with a house full of children.

If you live in Washita County and need a ticket or would like to donate, please contact Reverend Thomas Spence at (580) 562-4706.  If you live in the other three counties that are served, please contact the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center at (580) 225-5500.

Western Oklahoma Family Care Center
Unsung Heroes
Fundraiser Banquet
Tuesday, 15 November 2016
Elk City Civic Center
6:00 p.m.
Tickets $30
Advance Purchase $25



And for those who are called to do more...





Saturday, October 22, 2016

God bless Burns Flat and western Oklahoma

I was setting up my table for the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center today at the Burns Flat Birthday Bash.  It is a wonderful thing that some of the younger leaders in our community have put together in grand fashion for 2 years now. They are turning the tide in community involvement.

It was time for the official kick off to the event so I moved to where the microphone and stage and high school band were to see what would take place.  To my delight, the event kicked off with the band playing the National Anthem.  Everyone stood, caps were removed, and hands moved to cover hearts as the music started.



Near the front was an older lady (meaning older than me) who was a bit on the frail side.  She was seated on the curb and nobody would have given her grief for not standing in her condition, but she would have none of it.  It took her until what so proudly we hailed to get upright and a beat or two longer to get her hand over her heart, but she would not stop until she was facing our National Ensign and rending proper respect.

It is good to live in western Oklahoma where God is welcome and Old Glory still brings men, women, and children to their feet.

So many have forgotten that God is to be first in all things that that we have no rights that we have earned.  Our rights that are so often taken for granted and often abused were given to us by each generation that answered the call to protect and defend this great nation against all enemies. 

Every week I deal with people whose lives are upside down.  Every once in a while, it is good to see that we get something just right.


God bless western Oklahoma!

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Would you help if it cost you absolutely nothing?

Would you give us the rest of the year?

What?



Would you give us the rest of the year as your Amazon.com designated charity?  It doesn’t cost you anything extra.  A small percentage of your purchase goes to the charity that you select when you are a part of Amazon Smile.

Your purchase price does not go up.  Amazon just donates a little to the Western Oklahoma Family Care Center when you take a few moments to select us.  It may be just a little but if we can get everyone that we know who uses Amazon and knows our good works to select us, then it will add up to something that will produce good fruit for this wonderful ministry of mercy as we help those who need help the most.

Follow this link and help us help others at no cost to you.  If you don’t think you are helping anyone, then change to another organization in a few months.  I am certain that you will like what we are doing and want to continue.  Again, I remind you, this doesn’t cost you anything but it helps us help those in need.

If you think that this might just be the greatest thing since sliced bread or the latest smart phone model, then share it with everyone.  We can make a big difference with many very small contributions.



Calling all volunteers this Saturday!

Looking for a short term volunteer opportunity?  We need labor, muscle, smarts, tools, and great attitudes to converge at Christi’s at 10 am this Saturday.  You heard that we were fixing some things.  We need to move furniture and merchandise, do some painting, and a few things that we don’t even know need done until we get started.

We need volunteers who can move things large and small, disassemble, clean, paint, take out trash, put down drop cloths or just pitch in where needed.  We need people with tools or people without tools who can do some grunt work.  We are calling for volunteers.

If you have wanted to be a part of this wonderful ministry, now is the time to gather with board members and volunteers and help us move towards our grand reopening at Christi’s.

10 am
Saturday, 8 October 2016
Christi’s Bazaar
110 S. Main Street
Elk City, Oklahoma


If you can’t make it exactly at 10, stop by as soon as you can.  Having a second and third wave of help would be fantastic.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Election officials warn of e-mail phishing scam

Leah Jones of the Washita County Election Board released the following advisory concerning phishing scams associated with local election board look alike emails.


Election officials warn of e-mail phishing scam
 
(Oklahoma City) – Oklahoma State Election Board officials are warning voters to be cautious after multiple Oklahomans reported receiving phishing e-mails designed to look like communications from state or county election boards.
 
The e-mails indicate the recipient’s voter information has been changed or is in need of verification and contain a link to a malicious website.
 
Do not open links from any e-mail sent unsolicited from someone claiming to be an election official. All communications regarding changes in voter information or the need to verify registration information are sent by U.S. mail and not through e-mail.
 
People can verify their registration information, access other important information and contact the Oklahoma State Election Board at http://elections.ok.gov. The election board responds to e-mails sent through a web form on its website. Those responses will always be from someone with an elections.ok.gov e-mail address and will not be sent unless you have provided your e-mail in an effort to contact the agency.
 
Military and overseas voters may receive e-mail from a no-reply address ending in okelections.us, however all replies are sent directly to the appropriate county election board’s e-mail address.
 
Voters who are unsure of the authenticity of an e-mail claiming to be from the Oklahoma State Election Board or their county election board should contact the state election board at (405) 521-2391 to verify whether the communication is legitimate.
 
Those who receive phishing e-mails should report them to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov and/or the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@antiphishing.org.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Backpack Ministry Helps 101 Local Children

The generosity of the Burns Flat-Dill City community reached 101 children this year with a full complement of school supplies.  This Monday, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church gave out 98 backpacks to children of families that needed a little extra help this year.  Another 3 were helped the next day.  If annual patterns hold true, a few more will come seeking assistance over the next two weeks.

How does this all come together?  First the Cumberland Presbyterian Church budgets $1000, then the Vacation Bible School dedicates its offering to the Backpack Ministry, and then local businesses and individuals are led to add to that amount.  In the end, every child that came for supplies was given a new backpack and a grade specific bag—and sometimes tub—full of supplies.


While the economy may still be a little rocky in these parts, generosity still prevails among those who remain.  The Burns Flat Cumberland Presbyterian Church wishes to thank all donors and helpers.  We have once again been blessed to be a blessing!



... A little post script.  As of 15 August 2016, the number of children helped was 105.

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Welcome to the Burns Flat News

This is the Burns Flat News.  That's right, the metropolis of Burns Flat, Oklahoma has its own newspaper.  You might say that it is a periodical as it is published periodically.



It is mostly for keeping up with what is about to happen in the small community but occasionally, it also offers a venue for events past.  Check it out.  Subscribe or follow or set the feed for your site to receive these occasional articles.


Is it all the news that's fit to print?  No, but all that is printed is fit to read.









Thursday, July 21, 2016

Backpack Ministry kicks off in Burns Flat – Dill City



For the past decade, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat, Oklahoma has helped needy children with school supplies.  The church consistently helps between 75 and 100 children.

This year, the church plans once again to help all of the local elementary children who need supplies but can’t afford them.

Concurrently, the church is asking the community to respond to this need with money, supplies, and other gifts-in-kind.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church offerings taken up at Vacation Bible School were dedicated to purchasing school supplies.  If historical trends continue, several individuals in the community will find Pastor Tom sometime over the next two weeks and give him a donation for this much-needed ministry.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church will also take up special offerings over the next two weeks to support this ministry.  Historically, it costs about $50 to outfit a child with supplies.  That means that the need is $5,000.

Registration to receive supplies will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday 3 August 2016.  Dates and times for issue will be provided at that time.

Parents must come in person to register.  There are no “qualifying conditions” to receive supplies for households with children enrolled in the Burns Flat – Dill City School System.  All are reminded that these are not “free supplies” available for the taking, but supplies for those who need them and cannot afford them.  Parents are asked not to register for supplies just because there is no charge, but to assist the ministry in stretching the supplies and funds available to those who need them most.

Groups and individuals desiring to donate to this local ministry may stop by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church or mail checks to CPC, Box 8, Burns Flat, OK 73624.  Please note “Backpack Ministry” in the for line of the check.

The church is located at 205 State Highway 44 in Burns Flat.  That is immediately north and east of the town’s only traffic light.

Frequently Needed Supplies
Crayons (both 48 and 24 count)
Colored pencils
Large bottle of Elmer’s Glue
Jumbo Glue Sticks
Markers
Pencils (#2) Box
Pencils (#2) Box of pre-sharpened
Washable Classic Colors Markers (Box)
Water colors
Disinfecting wipes
Blunt tip scissors
Fiskar sharp-pointed scissors

Kindermat

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Pyatt updates community on the Projects of the Foss Lake Association


In addition to announcing this year's Christmas in July, Neva Pyatt also provided an update on what the Foss Lake Association has been doing and plans to do.  Her update follows:



Annual Events
Organize and manage the Christmas in July Festival each year, which honors our Veterans and Military and Provide a huge fireworks display * Participate in the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Lake by furnishing money for the prize eggs.

This Year
Provided feed for the Buffalo * Paid for material to extend boat ramps during drout *
Paid for a track hoe to clean up the silt around the boat ramps

Previous and Ongoing Projects
Monetary support for the Veteran’s Center Comfort room in Clinton * Helped purchase of a Sonar GPS 360 degree depth finder, which solved a 40 year mystery involving 2 cars and several missing people. It is capable of locating victims in the event of an accident on the water * Support the Boy Scouts life vest lending program and added one on the north side * Planted willow trees around the lake to prevent erosion on the banks * Placed approximately 700 cedar trees in the lake for fish habitat * Worked with game department to restock the fish in the lake * Helped with planting of aquatic vegetation in the lake for fish habitat * Improved and expanded boat trailer parking at Sandy Beach * Furnished help and paid a percentage on the new main dock * Worked with Foss State Park and others in getting storm sirens at the lake * Helped with two new docks for Foss Lake * Stripped the lanes at the Marina boat ramp * Paid for feed for the buffalo * Bought hand held radios for the F.L.A.P. workers

New Projects in Planning Stage
Lake side I.D. emergency and cove I.D. signage with solar strobe lights

New Playground Equipment * Tornado Shelter * Additional RV hook-ups & better electrical services * Continued improvement & monitoring of docking facilities  

Christmas in July is just around the corner


26th Annual FOSS LAKE CHRISTMAS IN JULY Festival
A SALUTE TO VETERANS AND CURRENT MILITARY

The following announcement was provided by Neva Pyatt

It is time to mark your calendars for the 26th Annual Foss Lake Christmas in July Festival, July 8th and 9th, 2016.  This event is planned for the entire family!  Friday, July 9th all the vendors will be in place by 1:00 with the opening ceremony at 6pm at the Main Stage, north of the Marina on Cedar Point, where our Veterans and current Military will be honored. The Altus AFB Honor Guards will present the colors. The Cheyenne Community Choir, directed by Casey King, will present a medley of patriotic music.

This year there will be a Bike Show following the Veterans program, where Foss Lake Association will match the proceeds from the entry fees and that will go to the VA Center in Clinton.   Come and show your support and appreciation for the men and women who have given their time and service to provide a free country in which we can reside!

This year we have a very special ceremony on Friday evening at 7:30 where the Boy Scouts, Western Plains District, will have a “Flag Retiring Ceremony”.  That ceremony will take place on Cedar Point, north of the Marina. If you have a flag you want to retire contact Bryce Murphy at 580-774-8480.

Next up, J W Lane and County Road X will be bringing a free concert on the Main stage from 8-11pm.  Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the music and the evening. Friday will also be a good time to go thru the vendors who will have jewelry, t-shirts, crafts and of course, great food. And, the kids always love the rides offered by the carnival including a zip-line and a slip and slide.  These vendors are going to set up Friday and stay until late Saturday night, so come out and see all the fun things that they have to offer.

Another new event this year is the “Dam Color Run 2016”  starting at 7:00 at the Foss State Park office.  The run is organized by the non-profit group “Project Snip and Stitch” with the proceeds benefitting Project Snip and Stitch and the Foss Lake Association. For additional information go to their Facebook page or register for the run at active.com.   Project Snip and Stitch is a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Western Oklahoma. Call them at 580-323-0752 for more information.

Registration begins at 9:00 Saturday morning at the Foss State Park Office for a poker run which will benefit the Veterans Center in Clinton.  Register for $20. High hand will receive at least $500. Last bike out is at 10:00 and last bike is in at 2:00. Gardner Guns donated a pistol to help raise additional funds for the Veterans.  Tickets will be $10.   Contact Cindy Hunnicutt at 580-445-4450 or Willaim Morrison at 580-821-0990. 

The Foss Lake Little King and Queen Pageant will is at 10:30 in the Main Stage area,.  Entry forms are available at Broadway Babies, Stage and Carousel Connection in Elk City, the Pink Zebra in Clinton, B & K Bait House and the Park office at Foss Lake.  Come and cheer for these little ones as they take the stage.

The Gospel Music Jamboree will be in the Main stage area at 6 pm, Saturday, featuring April and Zach Gaddis from Weatherford.  They will sharing from their new album, “From A to Z” . 

The 9 hole Disc Golf Course will be open the entire weekend and is a great way for the family to have fun. The festival will close with a spectacular fireworks display at dusk Saturday night wrapping up the 26th Annual Christmas in July Festival.

This event is sponsored by many area companies and businesses each year and organized by dedicated volunteers. Please support our sponsors when you have the opportunity and thank the volunteers who come and help. If you would like to help please contact Neva at 580-497-6217, Joe at 580-497-6130 or Eric at B & K Bait House – 580-592-4518.  

Foss Lake Association contributes to many projects around the lake.  One of the ways the Association helped was with the purchase of a Side-scan sonar for Foss Lake. This piece of equipment helped solve two 40 year old disappearance cases. Your donation at the entrance to the festival is greatly appreciated and will go towards other projects around the lake and camp grounds.


The water levels are up and every doc is open, so, bring your boat, camper, tent, family and friends to the 26th Annual Foss Lake Christmas in July Festival, July 8th and 9th.  This promises to be a fun-filled weekend with events for everyone to enjoy. You can now reserve camping spots at Foss State Park by going to gocampok.com.  Reservations must be made 5 days in advance.  Foss Lake is located between Elk City and Clinton, North of Foss Oklahoma.  Take I-40 to exit 53, go north on Hwy. 44 about 6 ½ miles to highway 73 west.  Go a few 100 yards west and on the right you will see the Foss Lake sign.  Follow the signs toward the Marina.

See you at Foss Lake July 9th and 10th.


Friday, June 17, 2016

Crazy for Color Fun Run is tomorrow morning

Crazy for Color has come to Burns Flat America!






That sounds great, but I have no idea what it is.  It is a 5K (3.1 mile) fun run that kicks off at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.  The registration and check-in begin at 9:00 a.m at the city pool which is located at 102 Sooner Drive in Burns Flat, Oklahoma.

So what’s the Crazy for Color part?

Throughout the course, race participants will experience color splash zones.  Yes, people will be splashing color on you.  You might want to wear glasses and something white.

Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome.  Yes, you can bring your stroller, and yes the color is nontoxic and will wash off.

Now here is the big question:  Why?  

Why would anyone hold a crazy run like this?

It is to raise money for the Parks and Recreation Committee for future improvements to our community.  If you haven’t noticed, baseball fields have been improved and the town has a new skate park.  The Parks and Recreation folks have ignited the pride in long-term members of our community and want to make Burns Flat a great place to live and raise a family.



This Crazy for Color 5K run is a fun way to raise some money.  Entry fee is $25 and may be paid at the town hall or at registration.

Crazy for Color
5K Fun Run
Burns Flat City Pool
Saturday - 18 June 2016
9:00 a.m. – Registration
10:00 a.m. – Race Starts
Entry Fee - $25


Come and have some fun for a very good cause!

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Pool News for adults


Do you wish that you could have a little time at the pool but don't want to be in the middle of 200 screaming and splashing kids? 

Would you like to get in a little exercise?



There are two options available at the Burns Flat Pool.  Check with the pool for prices and packages but you will find them quite reasonable.

Check out these adult-only activities for the summer.

Adult Only Swim (18+) – Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30-8:00 p.m.


Water Walking/Lap Swimming (18+) – Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Big Yard Sale for a Great Cause begins Thursday

The town-wide yard sale does not officially begin until this Saturday, but nobody told the Cumberland Presbyterian youth that.  They are holding a yard sale at 323 Suwannee in Burns Flat beginning this Thursday and continuing through Saturday. 

Why a 3-day sale?

The answer is because they have too much to sell in one day.

Why should I go to this yard sale?

The answer is that these sales help send elementary youth to church camp this July.  Camp is a place where many transformations take place but it costs $300 per child to go to camp.  It is expensive but well worth it.

So what are those who can’t afford it to do?  Raise money!  Selling hotdogs at Atwoods, silent auctions, and yes—a 3-day yard sale helps these youth earn their way to camp.

These youth belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat, Oklahoma.  You may have seen them handing out Gospels of John or blue wrist-bands that say:  God loves you – Love one another.  This week they need a little boost to get them to camp.

Donations are being accepted now.  The sale begins on Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m.  Donate something that you don’t need anymore.  Buy something that you can’t live without.  Send a kid to camp!


Yard Sale
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday
9-11 June 2016
323 Suwannee

Burns Flat, Oklahoma 73624

Chewy Tuesdays is Underway!

Chewy Tuesdays kicked off its 6th summer season today—Tuesday, 7 June 2016.  What is Chewy Tuesdays?

It is a ministry of the Burns Flat Cumberland Presbyterian Church conducted on every Tuesday in June and July to feed children in Burns Flat.  This year the ministry has expanded to include Dill City.  It is more than a food ministry.  It is a chance to tell children that God loves them.  Children do not heart that simple message enough.

Among the kid-friendly lunch fare are hot dogs, ham and cheese sandwiches, and the long time favorite—peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  There are some simple sides to go with this meal delivered in a decorated paper bag but among them the most valued is fresh fruit.

Fruit is something that many children simple do not get in the course of the summer.  Prices have precluded many families from purchasing grapes and bananas and even apples.  Regardless of the main course, each meal always includes fruit.

Ministry members have been contacting families that they know have children that might enjoy the Tuesday lunch but so many just don’t know about Chewy Tuesdays.   The only requirement to receive the meals is that the parents contact the church or the ministry leader, Don Foust and report any food allergies for any of the children receiving meals.  It’s just that simple.  Income level does not matter.  Every child needs to be told that God loves them, so it is important that the children are present to receive the meals. 

Ministry members also appreciate a phone call if the children will be out of town on any given Tuesday.  If you would like your children to receive these meals and this wonderful reminder of God’s love, please contact Don Foust:  (580) 660-6666.  If you would like to help support this ministry, you may contact Don or the church at (580) 562-4706.  If you can’t participate directly but would like to donate, please make your check out to CPC and put Chewy Tuesdays in the “for” line. 


The  Cumberland Presbyterian Church is located at 205 State Highway 44 in Burns Flat, Oklahoma.  The mailing address is PO Box 8, Burns Flat, Oklahoma 73624.  The church motto is God’s Love in Action!

Friday, April 22, 2016

Back to Beyond the Pallet--Tom is signing books again!

He’s back!




What?  Who is back???

Western Oklahoma author Tom Spence, will be selling and signing his books at Beyond the Pallet  in  Elk City, Oklahoma on Saturday, 23 April 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Tom signed books here once before just as the new business opened.  He’s back signing books and enjoying the pleasant atmosphere and wonderful fare of this revitalized establishment.  Beyond the Pallet is located at 103 South Main Street in Elk City

Tom will have a variety of books published by Tate Publishing.  Two of the most hard-hitting books, especially for those in western Oklahoma, are Throw Away Kids and PoMo Poverty.  In these companion selections, Tom goes beyond identifying society’s problems; he brings us to solutions that don’t wait on the government to fix or ignore the problems.



Since Tom was last at Beyond the Pallet, he has published two books/scripts with fast moving dialogue where people actually talk about important things.  Defense mechanisms get turned off and people really talk.  The first involves two women trapped in an elevator and is titled Going Up.  The second book involves two men who meet weekly and is based entirely in conversation.  The title is simply, The Conversation.



Tom is an ordained minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the pastor of the congregation in Burns Flat, Oklahoma. 

As a pastor, he returned this past summer from his second trip to Africa to train pastors and church leaders in Kenya and Uganda.  He has served as moderator of the Red River Presbytery but perhaps is best known as the guy who gives out wristbands that read:  GOD LOVES YOU – LOVE ONE ANOTHER.


He is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer that served in all four Marine Divisions, including a tour training reservists.  He has served in Iraq and Kuwait, Japan, aboard Marine bases on the east and west coasts of the United States, and has a substantial amount of service afloat.  His final tour was as a program manager in charge of maintenance and modifications of Marine Corps ground training systems and simulators around the globe.



Tom served as both student and instructor at the Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia—the Crossroads of the Corps, and proudly boasts that he successfully avoided a tour in the Pentagon for his entire career.  Tom wrote two books specifically about the Marine Corps.  The first was a first person collection of observations and anecdotes titled Sea Stories.  The other was Christianity for Marines.


Please join Tom on 23 April 2016, buy a few books, and get a cup of coffee  or something delicious at Beyond the Pallet, and enjoy a Saturday afternoon in this fine establishment.


Book Signing by Tom Spence
Beyond the Pallet

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.