The 2019 class of Leadership Rogers County was excited to kick off their year of development and learning Friday, September 21st. 

Each year before the class embarks on their mission of learning everything they can about Rogers County, they spend some time getting to know each other. The students spent their first day at Northeast Technology Center learning about their strengths while also getting to know the strengths and personalities of their classmates. 
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“I was surprised to learn all the areas my strengths could attribute to my career that I had not considered. It was great working in small groups sharing top strengths we each had,” said Sara Moss, class attendee. 
The following Saturday, the classmates used skills and knowledge from their first meeting to tackle the RSU ropes course together. Individuals were able to pull from their discovered strengths to motivate classmates along the obstacles of the course.

“The ropes course was a day of overcoming fears and learning to work as a team. I was able to accomplish things that earlier in the day I didn’t think I could do,” said LRC student Christi Mackey. 
Over the next six months, the leadership class will meet once a month to gain a new perspective on different aspects of the Rogers County community and explore what the county has to offer.
For their October meeting students toured several facilities including: Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Claremore located on 202 N Owalla Ave. Claremore, OK 74107, the Claremore Animal Shelter located on 815 W Ramm Rd. Claremore, OK 74017, and the William W. Barnes Children’s Advocacy Center located on 213 E. Patti Page Blvd. Claremore, OK 74017. Students were able to ask questions about each organization to better understand the organization’s role in the community. 

After the onsite tours the group gathered at Destiny Life Church where they participated in “speed dating” with even more local non-profits from our community. During the brief information sessions, the students were able to spend five minutes with each organization learning about what they do and where they may have the most need. 

A common theme from each organization the student’s met with was the need for volunteers. “None of these organizations are going to turn down financial assistance but what we are truly lacking and want to see more of is people in the community volunteering their time. This can mean serving on a board, heading up a committee or just helping at events throughout the year,” said Courtney Blevins, LRC Class of 2019 student and board president of the Habitat for Humanity Claremore affiliate. 

One after another the non-profit organizations told the students of how integral community support is to their survival. Andy Couch who is a LRC Class of 2019 student and the Executive Director of the Claremore Museum of History said, “I would like to see more participation. Donations and volunteer work are always welcome. However, what I want to see the most is the community supporting our local museums through memberships and participation. The MOH is home to several hidden gems, including: items from the musical Oklahoma!, Andy Payne, Stuart Roosa, and so much more.” 

One organization in critical need left a lasting impression on many of this year’s students. Volunteers for Youth serves the most vulnerable individuals in our county, our youth. The group was formed in 1998 and recently celebrated their 20thanniversary. The organization operates seven (7) mentor and classroom programs within the community. Last year they were unable to match 34 boys needing mentors because they did not have enough male volunteers. “I believe this is a call to action to the men in our community. Donating as little as one hour per week to a young boy who needs a mentor can be life changing to both the child and the mentor,” says Matt Boyer, LRC Class of 2019 student. 

Another shocking revelation came when the students learned that Volunteers for Youth is currently operating on reserves. Unfortunately, they could run out of funding as soon as early 2019. “We were shocked to learn that Volunteers for Youth is facing potential closure. This will be a huge loss that will be felt throughout the community. We need to act fast and help this organization,” says LRC student Aubree Pixley.  

After hearing from the local non-profits, the LRC Class of 2019 is committed to making monthly donations to fill as many of these needs as possible. Next month they will be donating snacks and supplies to the Children’s Advocacy Center with donations of bleach and soap to the Claremore Animal Shelter in the very near future. 

As a class, they will also be giving cash donations when tangible items are not requested. “I think it’s important that we give back to our community in any way we can. As we learned today, that doesn’t always mean a monetary amount, it can sometimes be as simple as an hour of your time. I hope others will follow our lead and do the same,” says LRC student Ryan Kelley. 
 
If you would like more information about Leadership Rogers County, please visit our website at www.leadershiprogerscounty.orgor visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/leadershiprogerscounty

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So I'm a little biased, but that's okay! Your favorite golf tournament returns to Heritage Hills in Claremore on Friday, April 27. That's right, it's time for the 16th annual Leadership Rogers County tournament!
LRC has been in town for more than 25 years. It's a 9-month class consisting of Rogers County residents and business folks. The class meets the second Wednesday of each month, October - April (with a couple of bonus sessions thrown in the mix) and tours all over Rogers County. Each day has a different theme, and the field trips correlate with that. Examples are Health, Education, and Government. It's a great bonding experience, cemented by the first session that includes the RSU Hillcat Challenge ropes course, and it's an ideal networking tool, as well. If you'd like to apply for next year's class, click HERE.
Our one fundraiser is the golf tournament. Each year's class chooses a local organization as the "class project" for which to raise money. Past recipients include She Brews (new kitchen), Claremore Police Department (car engine), Rogers County Mounted Patrol, and Rogers County Youth Services (new furniture for residents). This year's class has chosen Rogers County Training Center. The goal is to purchase a Big Ass Fan (that's the name, I promise) for the industrial warehouse. It gets hot in the summer!
If you would like to participate in the tournament, we are currently looking for sponsors, goodie bag donations, beer and water donations, and players.
Hole sponsors are $100, and the sponsor will have a hole sign featuring company logo. Par sponsorships are $250 (Par sponsors will receive logo recognition in all ads related to the event (2) and one tee box sign with logo and/or company name), Birdie is $500 (Birdie Sponsors will receive logo recognition on all ads related to the event (2), company name listed on the T-shirts, and one tee box sign with logo and/or company name), and Eagle is $1,000 (Eagle Sponsors receive prominent logo recognition on all newspaper ads related to the event (2), prominent logo advertising on the T-shirts, one tee box sign with logo and/or company name and a four-member team).
A four-person team is $250, and lunch and drinks are included. Goodie bag items could be koozies, cups, keychains, pens, anything like that. 120 of each item is needed.
This year's lunch provided by Walke Meat Company, Front Porch Bakery, Subway, and Charlie's Chicken.
Lunch will be served on April 27 at 11a, and there will be a shotgun start at noon. For more information, please contact ashley@moreclaremore.com.

​Leadership Rogers County had the opportunity this month to visit several interesting locations.  The first stop was an historic library that has been converted into the Claremore Museum of History.  During the visit, the class learned that this is the only place in Oklahoma to have Lynn Riggs items from the movie Oklahoma!.  “This year, we are celebrating 75 years of Oklahoma! with something special,” said Andy Couch, MoH director.  August 31st will be the release of something  very rare at the museum.  Keep your eyes and ears out for the announcements to come.
 
Highlights of the day included a trip to RSU-TV and Radio, where the class learned about the unique opportunities RSU students have to prepare them for the workforce. Tanya Andrews of Visit Claremore visited the LRC group and said, “Our goal and mission is to bring people to Claremore as a destination.” 
 
Before wrapping up the morning in Claremore, the class headed over to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, where they were greeted by Assistant Director Jake Krumwiede, and Will Rogers impersonator Andy Hogan, who entertained the group with colorful tales of Will Rogers.
 
The final destination for the day was the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Catoosa.  The class took a behind-the-scenes tour of the property before adjourning for lunch in the Sky Room. Clay Loney of Fox 23 News led a lively conversation about factual news vs. news that draws attention.  He left the group with this quote,  “When you have a message, communicate it clearly.”
 
Leadership Rogers County is a wonderful program that helps encourage active participation in the local community, charities, and government.  Find out how you can get involved today by visiting LeadershipRogersCounty.org.

The 2018 Class of Leadership Rogers County (LRC) spent a day engaging with leadership from both the City of Claremore and Rogers County, taking a deep dive into the processes of local government. The day began with a tour of the Rogers County Courthouse, and a series of panel discussions with county leadership.

The first panel discussion centered on the county judicial process, and featured remarks from Judge Sheila Condren, District Attorney Matt Ballard, County Court Clerk Kim Henry and Undersheriff Jon Sappington. The class learned that Rogers County is unique in the fact that the courthouse is home to two court dogs. During her remarks, Judge Condren praised the court dog program, stating it was greatly benefiting Rogers County’s youngest residents during their courtroom experiences.

County Treasurer Jason Carini, County Clerk Jeannie Heidlage, and Commissioner Ron Burrows also spoke to the group, highlighting the daily operations at the courthouse and how each office works together. The panel also stressed the importance of collaboration within the courthouse to implement efficiencies and interoffice communication.

The class also toured the Amos G. Ward Detention Center. The facility was constructed in 2000, and has been struggling with overcrowding issues for many years. The center is built to house 250 inmates, but the average inmate population at the facility is over 300. In order to help combat this issue, Rogers County has implemented alternative court programs to divert people from being incarcerated. However, this is not solely a county issue; overcrowding and increased prison populations are plaguing jails across the state.

In the afternoon, the LRC team visited the City of Claremore Planning and Development office to learn more about the daily operations of city government. Claremore City Manager Jim Thomas, along with department heads from each of the city divisions, spoke to the class. Each highlighted their unique job position and explained how each city department works together to operate city functions. Thomas also shared the findings of the Claremore Dreams 2025 initiative and discussed the development of the city’s strategic vision.

To end the day, the group visited the Rogers County 911 Call Center and witnessed firsthand what happens when residents call 9-1-1. The facility dispatches calls to emergency personnel across Rogers County and plays a major role in ensuring the safety of regional citizens.
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If you would like more information about Leadership Rogers County, please visit our website at leadershiprogerscounty.org or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/pg/leadershiprogerscounty

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Back L to R: Davis Johnson, Willie Ng, Brandon Parduhn, Erin Griffiths, William Golden, Kevin Fortna, Chip Shepard. Front L to R: Amber Gilliland, Kaleigh Hossack, Sarah Sharp, Ashley Orf

The 2018 Class of Leadership Rogers County kicked off the New Year touring the facilities of Catalayah Elementary, AXH Air Coolers, Baker Hughes, and The Port of Catoosa. Their focus was on learning about some of the economic development partners and industries of Rogers County.

Starting the morning at Catalayah Elementary was as good of a substitute for your morning coffee as anything as Principal Kelly Shuck led the entire school in their daily dance-filled “Rise and Shine Assembly.” Catalayah Elementary School is a Great Expectations model school. Great Expectations and their professional development program enables teachers with the skills needed to create an excitement within the school atmosphere and elements that are basic for inspiring students to pursue academic excellence.

After the assembly, the class had the opportunity to sit in on 3rd grade classes to see the different ways that children are learning to better prepare for future careers in Rogers County. “I was blown away to see teachers and students using iPads, learning how to utilize technology,” said Leadership Rogers County classmate Davis Johnson. “Teaching kids how to operate basic software at this age will be pivotal to their success in the work place later in life.”

The rest of the morning was spent touring AXH Air Coolers and Baker Hughes, getting an in-depth manufacturing floor tour at each facility. Learning about each detailed product and the lengths each company takes to produce them gave a new appreciation for the companies and their economic and personal contributions to Rogers County. Classmate Brandon Parduhn said, “The impact that these businesses have on a local, national, and even global level is far greater than I could have ever imagined. It is incredible that these companies choose to invest here and care and contribute to this community.”

Our lunch was graciously provided by the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority and full of Q and A’s with John Feary, Executive Director of CIEDA, Ron Burrows, Rogers County District 3 Commissioner, and Jill Ferenc, City Planner. The three talked about their efforts to make Rogers County attractive to new businesses and what Rogers County has to offer. 

The class loaded up in vans and headed to their final stop at the Port of Catoosa. At the port, the Maritime Education Coordinator, Sheila Shook, gave the class a history lesson on why the port was created and how it is utilized by industry in the region. Following the information session the class toured portions of the 2500 acre parcel that the Port of Catoosa calls home. With over 4,000 employees, 70 businesses, and 2.5 million tons of cargo shipped annually, Oklahoma’s Seacoast creates an economic impact that shows no signs of slowing down.

If you would like more information about Leadership Rogers County, please visit our website at leadershiprogerscounty.org or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/pg/leadershiprogerscounty

Leadership Rogers County Tours Health Facilities and New Development, The Cornerstone

 
PHOTO – Back left to right: Lovella Jones, Brandon Parduhn, Kevin Fortna, Erin Griffiths, Chip Shepard, Kassie McCoy, Connor Pulley, Jessica Wilbourn and Amber Gilliland. First row left to right: Sarah Sharp, Kaleigh Hossack, Willie Ng and Davis Johnson. 
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The third session of the 2018 Class of Leadership Rogers County was spent touring the Rogers County Health Department, Hillcrest Hospital Claremore, Claremore Rec Center and The Cornerstone, with lunch provided by Front Porch Bakery.
 
At the Rogers County Health Department, a variety of employees came to present to the class, beginning with a warm welcome from Renetta Harrison, the department’s Health Educator. Throughout the morning, presentations were given by Jeff Campbell, Environmental Health; Nancy Horton, Clinic; Julia Burton, SoonerStart; Trena Hickenbothan, Child Guidance/Project Launch; Jennifer Guest, WIC; Janae Hogan, Senior Companion; Amy Schultheiss, Emergency Preparedness & Response; Renetta Harrison, Health Education; and Connie Cordray, Children First. The Health Department’s mission is “to protect health, to prevent disease and injury, and to cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can be healthy,” which was exemplified through the presentations by the employees. The class found the health inspector’s presentation to be the most interesting as it was titled, “Eliminating the Nasty.”
 
“Rogers County is lucky to have the Health Department, which promotes wellness and provides programs for the community, schools, agencies and businesses,” said classmate Kassie McCoy. Classmate Erin Griffiths continued, “Having moved here from Kansas, most of what we heard was new to me. I’m amazed at all that is available here in Claremore varying from programs to provide for families in need to fitness classes available year-round.”
 
After lunch, the group toured Hillcrest Hospital Claremore and then visited the Claremore Rec Center. To start, the class was given a tour of the state-of-the-art facility with a special focus on the new surgical wing. Advanced emergency and medical services are available right here, at home, in Claremore. At the Rec Center, the class toured the facility where they learned about all amenities available including the new daycare area, new workout equipment, indoor tennis courts and an area to host birthday parties.
 
The last stop was made touring The Cornerstone building that houses Dr. Brett Murray’s Reset Chiropractic, Beast Mode, JH Nail Spa, soon-to-open J. Farley’s and Dirty Dozen. Crystal Campbell, owner and developer of The Cornerstone, spoke to the group about her dreams of giving Claremore another community space to spend time with family and friends, and how she looks forward to the positive impact it will have on the community.
 
Leadership Rogers County is a program designed to develop the talent and broaden the perspectives of its yearly class. Class members are selected through an application process and must commit to giving their best efforts to the group for the year. Leadership Rogers County focuses on expanding the students’ knowledge of what Claremore and Rogers County have to offer in the community and gives participants the opportunity to network with local businesses, organizations, public officials, and more. LRC consists of people who want to make a difference in the community. To learn more about Leadership Rogers County, visit LeadershipRogersCounty.org.
 

​Photo cutline: Members of LRC 2018 visited Meyer Hall with RSU president, Dr. Larry Rice. Back L to R: William Golden, Lovella Jones, Rosalie Griffith, Robin LePage, Chip Shepard. Third row L to R: Kevin Fortna, Connor Pulley, Kaleigh Hossack, Jessica Wilbourn. Second row L to R: Davis Johnson, Sarah Sharp, Samantha DeBoer, Erin Griffiths. Front row L to R: Willie Ng, Brandon Parduhn, Dr. Larry Rice, Amber Gilliland, Lacey Gebo. 

A Leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way: Education in Rogers County is Soaring

LEADERSHIP ROGERS COUNTY
“EDUCATION DAY”
 

 
The current Leadership Rogers County class recently spent a day exploring the different educational opportunities throughout Rogers County. The day was organized by Leadership Rogers County Board Members, Rosalie Griffith and Crystal Campbell. LRC Alumni Samantha DeBoer and Lacey Gebo helped facilitate the day. Ashley Orf the Executive Director guided participants through this very informative day.
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After a session on “Effective Networking” by Sara Stephens, Leadership and Organizational Coordinator/Trainer from Northeast Tech, the group traveled to Claremore Sequoyah Public Schools where they were welcomed by The Spirit of Sequoyah – The Sequoyah Eagle Band, Cheer Squad, and Select Choir. Warm muffins and coffee were offered to each of the participants upon arrival. The muffins were prepared by the Family and Consumer Science class. The Leadership class was also introduced to many of the programs SHS has to offer their students. The class seemed very intrigued by the Forensics program where students could perform many hands-on activities like a blood spatter analysis, crime scene processing, and profiling.

The Leadership class also toured Claremore Christian, a private school in Rogers County. Then, they spent the rest of their morning at Rogers State University where they got to spend some time learning about the different programs and history of the University. RSU’s President Dr. Larry Rice and his wife Peggy shared lunch with the class and then took them on a tour of Meyer Hall. Meyer Hall serves as the administrative offices for the President and other administrative staff. Upstairs, the building houses the Oklahoma Military Academy Museum and the Oklahoma Military Academy Alumni Association offices. The class also learned that Meyer Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The class ended their day at Northeast Tech, Claremore Campus. While at Northeast Tech, Campus Director Rick Reimer took them on a tour and informed the class of the different programs Northeast Tech has to offer all the students of Rogers County. He also gave them a brief history lesson on Northeast Tech. Northeast Tech Claremore offers two different types of educational opportunities for patrons: full-time classes and short-term classes. Northeast Tech Claremore offers five full-time programs. Each of these programs prepares students for a variety of career opportunities that exist within that specific career pathway. A variety of short-term classes are also offered at Northeast Tech Claremore. These classes are held at night and on the weekends and include everything from beginning computers and furniture upholstery to medical terminology and basic photography. After the tour of the Tech Center, Amy Evans from the Claremore School Foundation came and shared all the wonderful things the foundation does for Claremore Public Schools. The class also had a discussion on other schools in Rogers County that had foundations set up for community members and how they could help make those foundations successful.

“As a new resident of Rogers County it was exciting to see the diversity of educational option available in our area,” said Connor Pulley, LRC participant.
          
Leadership Rogers County is all about expanding participants horizons so they are aware of all of the opportunities Claremore and Rogers County have to offer. LRC gives participants the opportunity to dive right into the network of local businesses, organizations, public officials, and more. This program will help you stand out from the crowd on a resume, as well as help you become more in tune with the local community leaders. LRC consists of a group of people that want to make a difference in the community.
           
If you would like more information about Leadership Rogers County, please visit our website at leadershiprogerscounty.org or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/leadershiprogerscounty
 

The 2018 Class of Leadership Rogers County is now in session. This group of recognized leaders in the community began their current class year at the beginning of this month. Leadership Rogers County is a program designed to develop the talent and broaden the perspectives of its yearly class. Class members are selected through an application process and must commit to giving their best efforts to the group for the year. Leadership Rogers County focuses on expanding the students’ knowledge of what Claremore and Rogers County have to offer in the community and gives participants the opportunity to network with local businesses, organizations, public officials, and more. LRC consists of people that want to make a difference in the community. To kick off their journey, the group began its first full day of learning what Rogers County has to offer by getting to know our non-profit agencies one-on-one.
 
Students toured the facilities of the Rogers County Adult Daycare, Safenet Services, Rogers County Training Center, She-Brews, Children’s Advocacy Center, and then ended their day with an exciting round of “Speed Dating” with other local non-profits. Greg Crawford of the Rogers County Training Center told the LRC Class that his favorite part of coming to work each day is knowing that the adults with disabilities that they train are able to earn their own paycheck. Crawford said, “Even though it’s not a lot of money, our folks here are always so proud! They just can’t wait to show off their checks and talk about what they are going to do with their money. It’s wonderful being able to see them have so much pride in their accomplishments and their work.”  
“What struck a major chord with me is how seriously our state funding cuts are deeply affecting the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. We have children and adults with disabilities who are counting on the agencies for support, but the agencies are struggling to keep their basic needs met, much less to be able to grow,” said classmate Willie Ng. Classmate Michael Martin continued, “Due to the economic situation of things like the oil and gas industry, all of our local non-profits are suffering because their funding is being cut. Our class wants to learn how we can help, even in our own small ways like volunteering and supplies drives.”
LRC Class of 2018 has decided to do several things to help their local non-profits, like selecting needs from each of the agencies that they met on their tour and focusing on one specific need each month. November will be dedicated to helping the Children’s Advocacy Center by helping to re-stock their food pantry. The Children’s Advocacy Center is an agency that works to reduce the trauma of abused children. The Center offers a child-friendly environment to compassionately serve and protect children while coordinating the interviews of children, providing medical services, case reviews and victim advocacy. Jessica Wilbourn said, “At the Children’s Advocacy Center, the children are invited to have their hand painted so they can add their handprint to the walls of the center. This symbolizes that they were there, that they do matter and that they are safe now. Seeing all of those handprints of so many sizes, large and small, really struck us all hard. As a mother, it’s hard to imagine the trauma those precious children have experienced in their short lives. It’s something that I’ll certainly never forget, and neither will my fellow classmates. I am so proud to be a part of this group and I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve others with all of my new friends. I’ve always heard that Leadership Rogers County is really life-changing, and simply from day one, I now know why.”
 
If you would like more information about Leadership Rogers County, please visit our website at leadershiprogerscounty.org or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/pg/leadershiprogerscounty
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