September 17, 2022 Issue, Page 1 of 16

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f 4 y Serving 4 ]q m, Western Oklahoma 4 Since 1901 Weekend Edition P.E.O. members and guests pictured are Judy Haught, Cin- dy Wood, DeAun Ivester, Marsha McComas, Cathy Lewis, Glenda Ivins, Darla Riley Nesmith, and Nan Shiblom. They are holding up a pumpkin that lights up, presented by President Nan Shiblom to celebrate the chapter’s anniver- sary.; Pictured is Marsha McComas whose birthday was also celebrated that evening. Staff photos by Sheryl Ponce. Gigi Smith, Sallie Spillman, the late Pat Sprowls, Tracy Stieben, and Cindy Wood. These women were celebrated as part of the an- niversary dinner. Each charter member contributed to the for- mation of the chapter and supported the growth and love of the sisterhood. ‘The P.E.O. Sisterhood was formed in January of 1869 at lowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, by seven young ladies. joins the Merritt staff ‘The organization’s purpose is to celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, By Merritt intern Emma Wells loans, and stewardship of Cottey College; and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. Experienced teacher, Sarah Pierce, started her eighth year of ‘The group has expanded from a small college society to over teaching at Merritt Elementary School. She became a teacher 250,000 members in chapters throughout the USA and Canada. after being inspired by her third-grade teacher at Clinton. It continues to be a source of friendship and a source support “I thought she was just magical. I loved how she made all her By Sheryl Ponce for the members. The projects help to educate women in several students feel. She made us all feel important, every single per- ways that include the P.E.O. International Awards and Oklahoma son in there. I thought that was just the coolest thing ever. So I ‘The members of Elk City’s Chapter GX of PE.O. met at Pedro's projects. decided I want to be like her,” she explained. for an anniversary dinner to celebrate the formation of the eve- ‘The International awards are the STAR Scholarship that goes She grew up in Clinton, which is also where she graduated. ning group. They were organized August 24, 2003, by Chapter to a high school senior with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0, ‘Then, she went to college at SWOSU in Weatherford, and she DY, the Elk City Day chapter. President Nan Shiblom conducted a and the PSA goes to a person pursuing a doctoral level degree. went to Elk City School district to teach there. Pierce taught at brief meeting prior to the dinner. Cupcakes were provided by the ‘The PCE is for someone who has at least 24 consecutive months Elk City for the last seven years. hostess and Shiblom presented each member with a gift. as a non-student in adult life and enrolled in a certification or “| love Elk City. I was needing a change. This job just came ‘The charter members of the chapter were Tammy Bonds, Ir] degree program, and she is within 18 consecutive months of pro- open, and I decided to apply,” she said. She said the best thing about Merritt is the staff. She contin- Deane Cheatham, Misty Fairchild, Cheryl Firth, Robbie Gilbert, gram completion. It is a one-time need-based grant. The ELF is ued by saying that the staff feels close. She feels like part of a the late Lala Hatcher, Suzanne Hylton, Sheryl Kimball, Cathy the Educational Loan Fund that requires two qualified co-signers Lewis, Marsha McComas, Sherry McDowell, Gina Meador, Helen and minimum credit score of 650. family, and everyone is friendly and welcoming. “The best thing about teaching to me is the light bulb mo- Nayfa, Lisa Nowlin, Lena O'Hara, Mary Lynn Parkhurst, the late See P-E.O. page 2. See Merritt page 2. RCCT Set Auditions for ‘Little Women’ By Sheryl Ponce adoring visual beauty. She pouts, has temper tantrums and is the world at his fingertips. vain. Her natural grace charms others to get her way. The older Mr. Laurence is a 55- to 70-year-old male and the grandfather ‘The Louis May Alcott’s “Little Women” production by Matt Bu- version of Amy at 18 years old has the same characteristics. to Laurie. He is strict and serious. He becomes friends with Beth, chanan will be coming to the Red Carpet Community Theatre No- Beth can be played by a younger version at 13 years old and an showing her his softer side. vember 11th through the 13th and the 18th through the 20th. older version at 23 years old. She is the third March sister who Professor Bhaer is 25 to 45 years old. Fredrich is a immigrant ‘The director, Christy Russell Dobbs, has set auditions for Sept. is quiet and considered the peacemaker and listener. She has the who used to be a professor in Germany. Now he is living in New 19 and 20th at 7 p.m. at the RCCT located at 422 N. Jefferson. knack of making people feel heard and seen. She is loving and York City, barely getting by. He is a writer, honest and perceptive. ‘The play is based on Alcott’s novel about the four March girls, happy with her role in the family. She loves music and playing He inspires others to be their best. He must speak with a German Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy who are growing into adulthood during the piano. the Civil War era in the New England area. The hardships they Meg, a female age 16 to 28 years old, is the oldest of the four accent. endure through loss, as well as the courage they have, is shown sisters. She is kind, gentle and strong, playing the mother of the John Brooke is 25 to 35 years old. He is Laurie's tutor, and he is in this adaptation of the novel. The love the sisters have for each sisters. She leads by example and wants to be like her mother, serious, showing little emotion. He eventually marries Meg and other is part of the strength they have as a family. Alcott lovers Marmee. She likes to act and has a talent for teaching. Her love changes. can expect the show to follow her novel. for the finer things in live is tempered by her responsible side. Mr. March is a 35- to 50-year-old father to the four girls and Dodd is looking for 12 women and nine men, along with the Marmee is a female 35 to 50 years old, and the mother of the married to Marmee. He is in the Army and returns home to work possibilities of casting an ensemble. There will be one young March girls. She is the strong matriarch of the family, and she asa minister. woman for each of the roles of Jo and Meg, who will need to pass is the moral role model for them. She helps them work through Mrs. Gardner is a 30- to 60-year-old mother to Sally. Sally is for a 15- to 25-year-old young women. Some of the roles may be their problems, remaining happy while her husband is at war. the 16-year-old friend of Meg. Also in the cast are a teen boy who doubled, depending on the audition turn outs. Those auditioning Aunt March is a female 45 to 65 years old, who is the rich wid- plays a guest, an additional servant, Jenny Snow who is Meg’s should arrive about 6:45 p.m. ow and aunt of the girls. She is difficult and oppressive but wants 16-year-old classmate, Mr. Davis who is Meg's school teacher, ‘The cast of characters include Jo who is the main character and the best for them. and another teen male. Mr. Scott is a friend of Mr. Brooke's, and the second oldest of the sisters. She wants to be a writer, has a Hannah is the girls’ housekeeper, cook and babysitter. This hot temper, and quick to react. She tries to control herself. She is character could be played with an Irish accent. Lotty is a female servant. Mr. Dashwood is the publisher and edi- a tomboy and does not want to act like a girl because she does not Laurie is a 15- to 25-year-old male. He is a rich boy who has a tor of the Weekly Volcano. like the barriers placed on women. She wants to hold her family good heart, living next door to the March's house. His real name Dodd would like those interested in playing Jo to practice recit- together. is Theodore Laurence and becomes like a brother to the four sis- ing a poem listed on the RCCT’s Facebook page. For more infor- Amy, at 12 years old, is the youngest of the sisters. She paints, ters. He is educated, wealthy, charming, and he believes he has mation email them at [email protected] or call 250-225-5461. aT Te Weather tomorrow 71 Vol. 120, No. 74 75 cents, 16 pgs. Mail delivery 580.225.3000 View online elkcityoknews.com