Winter Edition November 2013

Dale Rogers Training Centerquarterly

ANNIVERSARY

Dale Rogers

Shoo

ting

down

myt

hs a

bout

peo

ple

with

disa

bilit

ies si

nce

1953

OctOber 13, 1953-2013 60th AnniversAry

Something magical happened At 23rd & UtAh AvenUe

Roy (Dusty) Rogers, Jr., Wanita B., & Dustin Rogers

Robin’s CoRneR

Gift shop & MuseuM unveiled

hiGh RideRs ConCeRt

huGe hit

WyMan Retail fRaMinG open

Page 2N

ovem

ber 2

013

Nov

embe

r 201

3

Dale rogers training Center

Becky Cook, DRTC Board President

Connie Thrash McGoodwin, M. Ed, Executive Director

Deborah Copeland, M. Ed, Director of Communication

& Training

Lisa Riley, PR Coordinator, Staff Writer

Gayle L. Curry, Graphic & Media

Coordinator, Publisher

Brian Landreth PR Assistant/Graphic Designer

No one tells a story better than Former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh. He drew more than a few tears at the donor & advocate anniver-sary brunch, telling the story of a young man at an IHOP, yelling at him across a parking lot to tell Donna (his lovely wife) he now had a job.

First Lady Donna Nigh has been fierce in her efforts to pro-vide residential facilities to people with intellectual disabilities. She spoke at the brunch about her long history with people with disabilities and made a presenta-tion to the Rogers family.

DRTC’s Papa Murphy’s featured in the New York Times

The New York Times interviewed Papa Murphy’s Community Director and DRTC’s Executive Director, Connie Thrash McGoodwin, about DRTC being the first non-profit in the U.S. to buy a Papa Murphy’s franchise. The The article appeared in the Giving Section on November 7th. Find a link in the Newsroom on www.drtc.org

“Hey George, Tell Donna I Got a Job!”

Former First Lady Donna NighFormer Governor George Nigh

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2013

Papa Murphy’s store on NW 23rd between May and Pennsylvania.

Page 3 Novem

ber 2013

Three Years of Planning Three years ago, Deborah Copeland, Director of Communications and Training, Mark Woods, Chief Operating Officer, and I carefully selected the October 13th date and started the Planning Committee for the 60th Anniversary Celebration. First, OU decided to go from the first weekend in October to the 2nd weekend to play Texas. Then, to add insult to injury, Mother Nature tried to rattle us by threatening rainstorms the day of our event. But the force was with us, and our trio of events exceeded even our own expectations. The day was flawless from start to finish. For me, it was my favorite day of my 32 years here. I was so proud of our folks, the programs, the Center’s accomplishments, the beautifully renovated campus and landscaping and the new museum and memorabilia exhibit. The staff and volunteers were amazing that day. Brunch, Anyone? Over 120 donors, long-time advocates, and elected officials attended the 60th brunch and were moved by comments from Jane Jayroe, Governor and Mrs. Nigh, Roy Rogers, Jr. (Dusty), his son, Dustin Rogers, and Dr. Bob Blackburn. Who knew Jane wanted to grow up to ride a horse named Trigger and be Roy Rogers? Roy Rogers, Jr. and Dustin brought a lump to many throats telling the story of Robin, how his mother came to write the book “Angels Unaware” from Robin’s perspective and how proud Dale would be today. Dr. Blackburn, one of the most prolific and admired historians in Oklahoma, stated “If Robin Rogers was born today, look at the variety of programs and options she and her family could pick from.” “It’s The Way You Ride The Trail That Counts” This is one of my favorite sayings, it was penned by Dale Evans Rogers when she wrote the lyrics of “Happy Trails”, which became the signature song of their televi-sion series in the ‘50s. All the brunch guests received goody bags with a Prism Place acrylic memento that says “It’s the way you ride the trail that counts”. It’s not about your title, the size of your house, or how expensive your car is, it’s what you’ve done, how you’ve conducted yourself, what decisions you’ve made. Roy and Dustin I have many visuals from that day, some real and some had to come from my imagination. Roy, Jr. and Dustin arrived about 8:00 Sunday morning from Branson, and did their sound checks. Then they asked our staff where the nearest church was. They both had on their Sunday best, western shirts, boots and hats. They looked more than authentic. Roy, Jr., Dustin, and another band member headed out to go to services. Can’t you just imagine the murmurs when these 6’4”ish cowboys came sauntering into the sanctuary of a small local church? The other Rogers visual was real. Roy, Jr. and Dustin stood 30-40 minutes after their amazing concert and posed for pictures and autographs for every client or guest who wanted one. No handshake for me, I gave each a huge hug for spending the entire day with us. Those Rogers boys were mighty sharp looking, even Dustin’s 3 little guys had on DRTC Anniversary T-shirts. I have never been prouder of Dale Rogers Training Center staff. I feel so fortunate to be carrying on Robin and Dale Rogers’ legacy.

From the DirectorConnie Thrash McGoodwin, M. Ed.

60th Anniversary Leaves Very “Happy Trails” and a Few Tears. . .

Page 4N

ovem

ber 2

013

120 donors and advocates enjoyed the brunch

General Dick Burpee (Ret.), Former Governor George Nigh and Donna Nigh, and Sally Burpee visited over brunch in the new Workforce Skills Training building

Part of the new entry to Dale Rogers Training Center’s renovated campus

60th anniversary celebration!A t d A l e r o g e r s t r A i n i n g C e n t e r

*oCtober 13, 2013*

Page 5 Novem

ber 2013

Marc Edwards, Former DRTC Board President, described the

new building Roy Rogers, Jr. is interviewed by the

Magic Man, from Magic-104.

DRTC Board President Becky Cook welcomed the guests

A member of the impressive OCU quartet

Roy Jr. and Dustin Rogers visited with Oklahoma City Councilman Dr. Ed Shadid

Happy faces of Sue and Bob Hale, DRTC Board Member

Connie McGoodwin, DRTC Executive Director, presented Roy Rogers Jr. and his son, Dustin Rogers, with an official Oklahoma Commendation in honor of Dale Evans Rogers

Sponsors, Advocates & Cowboys

Page 6N

ovem

ber 2

013

Watch that statue - it moves! A kitty cat from the Lil’ Buckaroos area

A tearful fan was overwhelmed with joy when meeting Roy, Jr.

Donna and Corey from DRTC’s Tinker Contracts pose with Dylan while

enjoying the festivities

Roy Rogers, Jr. with Jane Jayroe Gamble and Wanita B. in the new Robin’s Corner Gift Shop

Pat White admires the new Robin’s Corner Museum Exhibit, which features items donated to DRTC from the Roy and Dale Rogers Museum in Branson, Missouri

60th anniverSary celebration!A t d A l e r o g e r s t r A i n i n g C e n t e r

Page 7 Novem

ber 2013

DRTC’s Tinker Food Service display where DRTC’s Papa Murphy’s chocolate

chip cookies were servedRoy Rogers, Jr and the High Riders performed an awesome concert!

Scooter the Clown, roped around with Phillip, an alumni of DRTC, who was thrilled to be back as part of the celebration where over 1200 people visited the newly renovated campus and family fun event. Phillips’ mother and sister are former Board members

60th anniverSary celebration!A t d A l e r o g e r s t r A i n i n g C e n t e r

*oCtober 13, 2013*

Page 8N

ovem

ber 2

013

Whiskey the Service Dog, who is deaf, enjoyed the day chasing

bubbles

Displays of photos gave lots of informa-tion about the DRTC contracts at Tinker

Air Force Base

Scott Fairbairn, a volunteer from the West OKC Rotary, was challenged to facepainting for a donation matching

Roy, Jr. with Georgianna Schmitz, donor of the memorabilia collection

Ruth Ford, President of the Central District Square Dance Association, and her dance

partner entertained the guests

Georgianna Schmitz was honored for her donation to DRTC of her 30 years of Rogers memorabilia, now on display in DRTC’s new Robin’s Corner Gift Shop & Museum

Fabulous Fun, Food & Friends

Page 9 Novem

ber 2013

Happy Trails To You...

Roy, Jr., and his son, Dustin, performed that evening after they unveiled the new Robin’s Corner Museum Exhibit at DRTC, featuring items donated by the Rogers family

Dr. Bob Blackburn, Oklahoma’s leading historian, spoke of the

history and legacy of the Rogers family Learning the fine art of roping Visitors flocked to see program displays

Page 10N

ovem

ber 2

013

The Wyman Frame ribbon cutting initiated the official kick off for the 60th anniversary celebration. DRTC celebrated the grand opening of their new retail frame store, Wyman Frame, hosted by the Northwest Chamber. The Wyman family, whom DRTC purchased the business from, also took part in the celebration. Wyman Frame offers custom framing and a five day fast framing option. The five day fast framing starts with

a unique, easy-to-navigate menu that allows you to pick your price first to stay within your budget. Custom framing offers over 500 moldings, 1100 mat boards and a range of glass from premium clear to museum. With over 25 years of framing experience, Carla Folks, the Wyman Frame Manager, is also one of the only Certified Professional Framers in the state. Additional training

and employment opportunities are provided to people with disabilities with this new business entity and Carla’s expertise. People with disabilities handle the process of finishing the item by gluing, applying backing frames, hanging bumpers, finishing hardware and making the frame ready to hang. Some can even use the “chopper” saw. The Wyman Frame showroom is located within the newly renovated NW main building on the northwest corner of 23rd and Utah, which also houses the Robin’s Corner Gift Shop & Museum. Everyone is invited to come see what’s going on at NW 23rd and Utah! F

Papa Murphy’s Was that a pizza slice I just saw walking by? It was, along with excited Papa Murphy’s employees passing out samples. Besides the usual fresh and delicious pizzas, guests enjoyed s’more dessert pizza, cinnamon frosted rings, and cheesy bread as well.

“We stop by Papa Murphy’s on NW 23rd between May and Pennsylva-nia every week for fresh pizza night” said Frank Stone, Board member and proud parent of Emily. F

(left to right) Carla Folks, Becky Wyman, Jim Wyman, and Mark Woods join in the Ribbon Cutting for Wyman Retail Framing hosted by Northwest Chamber

Carla Folks (right), Wyman’s Certified Framer, discusses custom framing with a customer

Wyman Retail Framing Opens

Page 11 Novem

ber 2013West Oklahoma city rotary sponsors and volunteers

birchall & hampton employee benefits, Life insuranceBill, Jim, Cindy, Debbie & Nicole

Wes & Lori Lane

Dr. Nick Knutson & Ann, former Board member

hamilton & Associates, inc.Carl Hamilton, Board member

Prosperity bankPat White, Vice President

Gerald & Jane Jayroe Gamble

sonic, corp.Chairman & CEO,Clifford Hudson

Bob Hale, Board member and Sue

blue & Gold sausageDon, Willadean, Brett & Greg Ramsey

General richard burpee (ret.), Dick and Sally

hinton refrigerationJeremy Stafford

Advanced integratorsWindi Epperson

American OptinetKen Yetter

Meade energy corp.Virginia A. Meade

Grooms PlumbingJeff Grooms

Moon-baker insuranceDuane Murray

Barbara, former Board member & Gayle Hahn

interbankMatt Klem

Fuzzell business equipmentJoe Fuzzell

Susan Hammond

initial callCatherine Brown

coldwell banker commercialhocker & AssociatesJerry Hocker, Board member

Principal technologies inc.Owner & CEO, Pam Fountain-Wilks

Bill & Julane Borth

Family buildersExecutive Director, Laura Gamble

cedar hill seasonings teamOwner & CEO, Felicia Schaefer

eWF internationalViviana Burgess

harrison-Duncan electricCharles Duncan

bancFirstH.E. Rainbolt

sunbeam Family servicesExecutive Director, Ray E. Bitsche, Jr.

Lynn institutePresident & CEO,Karen Vinyard Waddell

Rebekah Ebbs

Nancy K. Hall, PhD, David Ross Boyd Professor Emeritus, OU

United Way of central OklahomaPresident & CEO, Debby Hampton

Rev. Linda Brinkworth

hall estill Attorneys At LawElaine Turner Jim & Becky Wyman

Meg Salyer, Ward 6 Councilman

clark, stakem, Wood & Patten, P.c.Helen Stakem, Board member and Special Education Teacher, Moore

Gene Binning, Board member

Oklahoma city community FoundationNancy Anthony, CEO

tile & Design, incKathy Reed

Mudd Print Promo, LLcDirector of Sales, Vince Mudd

Marc, former Board member& Nikki Edwards

Rebecca Cook, Board member

Pat & Joe Saunders

sPeciAL thAnKs!

Oklahoma History MuseumPapa Murphy’s PizzaSenator Cliff Branan’s officeKLF ConsultantsHarkins TheatresTyler MediaCamelot Wine & Spirits

*thAnk yoU for yoUr sUpport of oUr 60th*

Sponsors & Advocates!*

**

*

*

Page 12N

ovem

ber 2

013

Dale Rogers Training Center2501 N. Utah AvenueOklahoma City OK 73107405.946.4489 – TTY 405.947.3872www.DRTC.org

Concert ends with Happy Trails and a few tears... Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

Happy trails to you, keep smilin’ until then.

Who cares about the clouds when we’re together?

Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.

Happy trails to you, ‘till we meet again.

Some trails are happy ones,

Others are blue.

It’s the way you ride the trail that counts,

Here’s a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you, ‘till we meet again.

written by Dale Evans Rogers

Blazing TrailsPromoting Abilities From DRTC’s Schmitz Memorabilia Collection

High Riders Concert A Hit!Not being a fan of western or country music, I was not prepared for the wonderful musicality and extraordinary talent of the Rogers band, nor did I realize how many people LOVE cowboy music. I also learned cowboy music themes include sunsets, horses, cows and campfires vs. the lying, cheatin’, fightin’ and dying of country music lyrics. Around 450 fans gathered to hear Roy (Dusty) Rogers, Jr., son of Roy Rogers, and his son Dustin, as they continued the Rogers’ legacy in a heartwarming performance. “Ghost Riders in the Sky”, “Blue Shadows on the Trail”, and “Tumblin’ Tumbleweeds” are just a few of the classic cowboy tunes featured in the show. To add to the spectacular music, Dusty yodeled, sang tributes for the Veterans, and told childhood tales about his father and mother, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.With their outstanding three part harmonies, the wonderful High Riders band, and the addition of Dusty’s son, Dustin Roy Rogers, it was a memorable experience as was evidenced by two standing ovations. F

A New Fan