The Scoop Oct. 8, 2008

Shawnee’s School Superintendent Marilyn Bradford was honored earlier this week with the courtyard at the new Early Learning Childhood Center named in her honor.
Bradford, who has been superintendent in Shawnee for 11 years, was honored during a ceremony on Sunday attended by family and friends, school board members, teachers and other educators. The special dedication was sponsored by the First National Bank and Trust Co. in Shawnee, and the Pottawatomie County Facilities Authority.
The Early Learning Childhood Center is FNB’s adopt-a-school. The new facility, first occupied in late spring of this year by students and faculty, was constructed as part of the $22.1 million bond issue approved by school patrons in October of 2005.
Larry Briggs, president and CEO of FNB, said the bank was pleased to take part in honoring Bradford “for all that she has contributed to the education of children in our community.”
He noted “it is an extra special day. Not only because we are honoring Marilyn, but we’re doing at the Shawnee Early Learning Childhood Center holds a special place for us at FNB as our adopt-a-school.”
Briggs described her as “an exceptional superintendent, respected by teachers and your peers,” and added “you have a long history not only as an administrator but as a classroom teacher and principal, having lived in Shawnee for more than 20 years and been intricately involved in our community.”
He pointed to a number of organizations she’s been involved with and said “you have pursued ways to invest your time and impact the future of our community.”
Briggs concluded his remarks by comparing Bradford with advertisements on TV that talk about the need for having the right types of heroes. He mentioned the ad shows an EMT, a corporate executive with strong ethics and others. He said “it questions our heroes of sports figures, entertainers and the rich and famous. Marilyn, I can honestly say to many in this community you are one of our heroes” to which his remarks drew an applause from those gathered in the courtyard for the ceremony.
Bradford told the people “I’m humbled by the recognition and moved that you would want to name the courtyard after me. Truthfully, what we’ve accomplished here has come from the hard work of many. Because I believe the good comes from the efforts of those who come together with nothing more than their goodwill and unselfish desire to improve the lives of children.”
She thanked the taxpayers of the I-93 Shawnee School District and parents for their trust and yes vote for the bond which made the facility a reality. She also praised the school board, of which several members were present, saying they have been “unwavering in their support of our efforts and shared the dream of an early childhood center.”
The superintendent thanked the staff, teachers, and principals--those present and past-- “that saw what could be taught in challenging facilities, never losing sight of the dream or possibilities. For in the end,” she continued,” it was good teaching and quality programs for young children year in and year out that paved the way for us to stand here today in this new center.”
School Board President David Parsons praised Bradford for “having a vision” and helping make the school district enjoyable. He said he and other board members enjoyed coming to board meetings because of Bradford and the leadership she has exerted.
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The third annual Community Health Fair is being held this Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Bethel United Methodist Church. The fair is free to the public and it’s open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Activities Building. The church is located at 35500 Hardesty Road.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute will have a blood drive during the fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Organizers says that flu shots will be given from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. that day and pneumonia shots also will be available.
For more information, you may call 273-1205 and ask for Ann or leave a message if she is not available.
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Wanda Hill advises that the retirees of Oklahoma Natural Gas Co. will hear from Roger Mitchell, president of ONG, at their meeting Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at the I Don’t Care Restaurant at the Cinderella Inn, Shawnee. Retirees and spouses are invited to attend and hear about the latest news about ONG, she says.
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If you want to vote in the Nov. 4 general election, and you are not registered, you have three days to do so. Voter registration deadline across Oklahoma is this Friday, Oct. 10.
County election board Secretary Diana Knight said that any person who has submitted a voter registration application and who has not received a response within 30 days should contact the county election board office.
Oklahoma Voter Registration Application forms are available at the County Election Board office, 325 N. Broadway, Room 105, Shawnee, and at most post offices, tag agencies and public libraries in the county. Knight said that applications also are available on the Internet at www.elections.state.ok.us.
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If you have ideas or something of interest for this column, please call me at 214-3922 or e-mail me at michael.mccormick@news-star.com, but please include your name and a phone number for contact purposes.