Learn to Find A Grave at Genealogy Society Meeting

If you are unfamiliar with the genealogy process, or you are just starting out and require more assistance, there is free help available.

The Butler County Genealogical Society, held the third Thursday of each month, September to May, will host this month’s meeting on Thursday, Sept 20, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Kansas Oil Museum.  These meetings are free and open to the public.

The September meeting will discuss how to locate ancestors through the new Find A Grave website, as well as many other websites and resources. This first meeting will probably last less than an hour at the museum; then a hands-on activity is planned.

Attendees will carpool to local cemeteries in El Dorado and do some searching together. How to gather information from the headstones and the cemetery will be discussed.

In October, the topic of discussion will center around organizing your records and research. You will learn how to tame your digital and printed paperwork.

November’s topic centers on discovering ways to track your Civil War ancestor.

Mark your calendars and plan on attending the upcoming Butler County Genealogical Society meetings held at the Kansas Oil museum beginning this Thursday, Sept. 20th, and bring a friend.

 

Performing Arts Center | Through the Decades

After a year of construction and 80 years of history, the USD 490 Performing Arts Center was rededicated during a ceremony on Sunday, September 16, 2018.

With the script taken straight out of the annals of history, El Dorado High School Drama students reenacted yearbook memories while acting as tour guides through the decades, giving the audience a glimpse into days gone by.  

The program included music by the El Dorado High School Orchestra Ensemble, Encore and Jazz Band as well as El Dorado Middle School Drama Students and students from Blackmore, Grandview and Skelly.  

USD 490 Board of Education Vice President and EHS Class of 1984 Alumnus, Tom Storrer shared his joy at being “…part of the PRIDE…” and recognized all the EHS graduates and current students in the audience.  He then invited everyone to join the El Dorado High School Student Council members in singing the Alma Mater.

USD 490 Superintendent, Sue Givens, acknowledged Gravity Works and Simpson Construction for their dedication and persistence in creating a beautifully renovated building.  But stated it was the vision of the school board, whose courage and confidence brought the project to this day. Additionally, she recognized the Facility Task Force who crafted the plan to renovate the building and the Kid’s Committee, led by Sharon Waugh and Jean Plummer who ensured the board’s vision would be accomplished through the Bond Campaign.

A special song was presented by 1997 EHS Graduate Katie Banks-Todd as dedication to the building and joining her on stage to sing, “For Good” was Ms. Givens.

Following the program, guests were invited to tour the newly renovated facility.

Kansas Oil Museum | Family Fun Day

Kansas Oil Museum Family Fun Day, with the theme of the ‘Roaring Twenties,’ to help kids learn about 1920’s culture and style, was held on Saturday, September 15th.  The museum hosts the Free Family Fun Days for children of all ages and their families on the third Saturday of each month from 12-4p.  

Ardath Lawson, Museum Curator develops the monthly program with games and learning activities that center around a different theme each month.  

While regular admission rates still apply for touring the museum galleries, many of our free Fun Days showcase items from the museum collections for kids to look at and handle, providing a chance for unique hands-on encounters with history, nature, and science.

The next Free Family Fun Day at the Kansas Oil Museum is scheduled for Saturday, October 20th and the theme is “Spooky Spectacular” and will include Halloween and spooky things.

 

YMCA After School Program

The YMCA, USD 490 and Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital have partnered to offer a free after school program for all El Dorado Middle School students. The Program held it’s kick-off bowling party for the new school year.  Grizzly Bowl was host to the party on Saturday, September 8th. But it’s not too late to join the fun.

Membership to the YMCA is not required.  It is free to all EMS students but parents are required to fIll out an online form to register, which provides for consent.

According to Alison Oelfke, Youth Program Director, it focuses on “things from healthy eating, stress management to [a variety of] game situations to get them active to learn a little more about their health.”

The program developed out of a need for after school activities. Other than intramural sports, there were not a lot of options for the sixth graders, who tend to make the up the majority of those who attend the program.

A partnership with USD490 provides transportation to the YMCA after school, and if desired, transportation back to a community bus drop off location after the program.  

The program operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the YMCA after school until 5:30p. On Tuesday, the focus is on “Club Time” for individual development and Thursday’s focus is on group activities which are designed to develop teamwork and good sportsmanship.  For more information call the El Dorado YMCA at 316-320-9622.

 

Friends of the Library Book & Bake Sale

Friends of the Library held their bi-monthly meeting on Monday, September 10 at the Bradford Memorial Library.  The group meets in the Clymer room downstairs and joyfully welcomes new members.

The recent topic of discussions revolved around the upcoming Fall Book and Bake Sale, scheduled for October 4-6, and the Annual Sloppy Joe Dinner and Dessert Auction, to be held October 26th at the Civic Center.  Both events benefit the Friends of the Library.

Proceeds are used for various activities.  

From providing funds to purchase books for the Outreach Program, which benefits those who are homebound in El Dorado, in the hospital, or are in a nursing home or assisted living facility; to purchasing books to be given out during Trick or Treat Down the Street, the goal is always the same, supporting the Bradford Memorial Library.

Located in the Clymer Room on the the lower level of the Library, the hours for the Book & Bake Sale will be Thursday, October 4th from 5-8p; Friday, October 5th from 9a-5p; and Saturday, October 6th from 9a-2p.  Books will be .50 each or $7.00 a bag.

Tickets for the Sloppy Joe Dinner and Dessert Auction will be available for purchase during the Book and Bake Sale.  Tickets are $8 a person.