Ada Sunrise Rotary completed Phase 2 of the Wintersmith Arboretum project this morning, installing and planting raised garden beds to expand our pollinator habitat at Wintersmith Park.

Ten Ada Sunrise Rotarians attended the Southern Oklahoma Roller Derby home bout on June 7th to cheer on fellow Rotarian Sara Trower (derby name: "Anti-PsycHOTic"), who took home the Fan Favorite award as SORD defeated Texoma Roller Derby 212-83. Rotarians also brought pet food donations for PAWS Animal Shelter and enjoyed a night full of community spirit, including a rubber duck throwing contest and a surprise halftime wedding ceremony right on the arena floor.

Ada Sunrise Rotary members and guests came together on May 30th for a decades-themed dance party full of music, great food, and plenty of fellowship, including a dedicated room to watch the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Eleven Ada Sunrise Rotary volunteers spent a Saturday morning at the Wintersmith Arboretum tackling two goals: creating a native pollinator garden and restoring the club's Rotary wheel installation.

Ada Sunrise Rotary welcomed three new members, Chase Roberson, Johnna James, and Kody Stewart, with a potluck orientation on April 29th. Club leaders gathered to share a meal, make introductions, and give the newest Rotarians a real look at how the club works.

Rotarians, family, and friends gathered at Connie and Clint's for one of the club's most beloved social traditions, and Shirley Mixon reeled in the win!

On April 13, 2026, Ada Sunrise Rotary joined ECU Rotaract and the ECU Glass Recycling program for an evening with a local Ada Girl Scout troop, teaching the next generation about recycling, and letting them take home something they made themselves.

Ada Sunrise Rotary members attended the Rotary District 5770 Conference and Foundation Dinner in Norman, Oklahoma on April 10–12, 2026, returning home with two well-earned recognitions and great memories from a strong district gathering.

On March 31, 2026, Rotarians Christen Smith, Chase Roberson, Ty Butler, and Kevin Butler volunteered at Abba's Tables, Inc. in Ada, a simple evening of service that made a real difference.

Ada Sunrise Rotary celebrated Shirley Mixon as she received the Lifetime Service Award from East Central University.

Ada Sunrise Rotary members took a fellowship hike near Sulphur, Oklahoma, enjoying early spring weather and each other's company on the trail.

East Central University President Wendell Godwin presented at the Friday morning meeting, sharing updates on campus initiatives and the university's evolving role in the Ada community.

Ada Sunrise Rotary celebrated Black History Month with a special presentation by Ada historians Walter Whitney and Dr. Vivian Williamson Whitney, held at the Ada Public Library.

Following a Friday meeting program by Huff Electric, club members gathered that evening at Siege Axe Lounge for a fellowship social.

Ada Sunrise Rotary hosted Ward 2 City Council candidate Jeremy Johnson at the Friday meeting and shared written responses from candidate Holly Johnson, giving members nonpartisan civic information ahead of the election.

Members Christen Smith and Sue Jiru brought their dogs to Ballard Nursing Center for a pet therapy enrichment visit, bringing smiles and connection to residents.

Rotarian Connie Hall delivered the final set of District Grant-funded disaster preparedness kits to Mama T's Bread and Blessings, completing the club's emergency preparedness project.

Ada Sunrise Rotary gathered for its annual Christmas party, hosted by Rotarians Christine Pappas and Shirley Mixon, with more than 19 members and guests celebrating the season together.

Ada Sunrise Rotary partnered with Ada Veterinary Clinic to collect socks for residents of Ballard Nursing Center, with a generous donation from Eathen Graham and Mercy boosting the drive.

Club members delivered hoodies, duffel bags, art supplies, and hygiene items to Ada's Unity Point youth homeless shelter, with hoodies provided through a partnership with District Shirt Shop.

Rotary members delivered student dictionaries to third graders at Homer Elementary, Allen School, Sasakwa, Konawa, and other area schools throughout December.

Ada Sunrise Rotary members participated in Ada's annual Parade of Lights, spreading holiday cheer through downtown Ada.

Ada Sunrise Rotary welcomed nationally recognized Holocaust historian Dr. Rebecca Erbelding as the Friday program speaker, coinciding with the opening of the Americans and the Holocaust exhibit at the Ada Public Library.

Ada Sunrise Rotary members distributed disaster preparedness kits to individuals picking up warm meals outside Abba's Tables, a community ministry serving free hot meals Monday through Friday.

Rotary members and friends gathered at J Elaine and David Rhynes' home for the club's annual Friendsgiving, with dinner, games, and plenty of good company.

Club members distributed District Grant-funded disaster preparedness kits to seniors attending the Irving Center, which provides meals, activities, and services to older adults in Ada.

Ada Sunrise Rotary held its annual Veterans Day breakfast, individually recognizing each veteran in attendance, with American Legion Post Commander James Kerchival as the featured speaker.

Club members gathered at Ron and Nancy's home for a Halloween costume party, enjoying an evening of creative costumes and genuine fellowship.

On World Polio Day, Ada Sunrise Rotary heard from Rebecca Kennedy, who shared her family's experience living with polio, grounding the club's advocacy work in personal reality.

Club members assembled nearly 170 disaster preparedness kits at a fellowship potluck evening, working together in a trick-or-treat style assembly line.

Ada Sunrise Rotary hosted a free, dog-friendly community event at Doc's Food Truck Park to raise awareness and donations for Rotary's End Polio Now campaign.

Ada Sunrise Rotary members volunteered at the Glass Recycling at ECU program, helping organize glass and getting a hands-on look at how recycled material becomes pavers.

Ty Butler and Kevin Butler were recognized as Rotary Polio Plus Society members, and Diego Cifuentes presented on the Ada Multiculturalism Committee and an upcoming Know Your Rights community event.

Ada Sunrise Rotary members gathered for a Luau and Tiki social hosted by Jason and Kerrie, featuring a shrimp boil and an evening of fellowship that reminded everyone why this club is special.

Ada Sunrise Rotary held its Friday meeting at People's Electric Cooperative, where Jennifer Beck shared the cooperative's history and its role in Southeast Oklahoma.

Ada Sunrise Rotary members enjoyed a summer pool party hosted by Rotarian David Crisp, celebrating fellowship and the start of a new Rotary year.

Rotary District 5770 Governor Michael Ridgeway visited Ada Sunrise Rotary as a part of the new Rotary year duties.

Ada Sunrise Rotary Club kicked off the spring with our 1st Annual Fishing Derby. Shirley Mixon took home the prize for the most fish by catching 15. Thank you to the Halls for hosting!

After more than 20 years, Rotary and its partners are "this close" to ending polio. Learn more at http://www.rotary.org/endpolio

Cathy Battles, board member and membership chair, welcomes members to 'Bring-a-Friend' to the Friday, August 20th meeting.  Members of the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club will kick-off our annual membership drive with a bang this year!  Members earn points by * thinking of a prospective member to invite to Rotary * by talking to non-members about Rotary * by inviting non-members to Rotary * points are also earned when invitees attend a Rotary meeeting and finally *members receive points when prospective members are inducted as members. 

Bob Greenstreet and Michael Graham, Ada Sunrise Rotarians, have set the example of how to recruit and propose prospective members.  Bob ushers in new member, Dr. Christine Pappas as well as assisting with the re-instatement of former member, Dr. Shirley Mixon.  Outstanding, Bob!!!  Michael, also joins Bob in kicking off the Bring-a-Friend Day by serving as sponsor to what will be the club's newest member, Tara Priest. Way to go Michael!

Go team Rotary! 

New Member Tara Priest and her Rotary sponsor Michael Graham!  

Photograph features Tyler and his twin sisters.  Tyler is a native of Pontotoc County.  As a graduate of East Central University's School of Business, Tyler is equipped and ready to serve the community as a leading officer.  Tyler will share what's new in the market of lending and how you can benefit from upcoming deregulation issues.

Randal Pogue, Captain Kevin Rolan, David Rhynes and Debbie Stoll were inducted on Friday, October 15, 2010.  Welcome!

Bring your spouse or significant other along to this fun filled event.  Happy Hour is a great time to get to know the members you sit with each week but don' have an opportunity to visit with and share. 

More details about the event will be announced during our Friday, October 1 meeting.

Dr. Siegle will share his new avenue of his Women's Health practice with the club on Friday, October 1 at 6:45 am.  Come hear how you can become the health individual you desire to be at this time in your life.  Read the article published in the Ada Evening News, August 31, 2010:

AdaEveningNews.com - Ada, Oklahoma

Doctor to start new health and wellness program

Justin Lofton Staff Writer
Ada Evening News

Ada — After practicing obstetrics, gynecology and delivering babies for more than 20 years, Dr. John Siegle of Ada’s Women’s Health Center said he is now seeing both male and female patients for health and wellness.

He has stopped doing obstetrics and delivering babies, he said, but he will continue to do gynecology and surgery.

“I was looking to expand the practice and do other things as far as healthcare is concerned,” he said.  “About a year and a half ago, we started into a wellness and weight management practice.”

Siegle said he feels medicine is changing to encourage wellness and more preventative medicine rather than acting after the problem presents itself.  One of these problems, he said, is that 73 percent of Americans are overweight.

“Our approach to healthy lifestyle is not very good.  We need to change our approach with regard to our eating habits and our overall approach to fitness,” Siegle said.

He said some of his patients have lost up to 70 pounds on the program.

“I’ve done surgery for years but if you can get someone to lose weight, you can do them a much bigger favor than what surgery does,” he said.  “It’s been really special to see people take off tremendous amounts of weight.”

He said his health and wellness practice has been as rewarding as any part of medicine he’s practiced.

Siegle’s approach includes natural remedies such as amino acids and herbal supplements, diet pills, and the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Diet Guide.

“We’re also using some wellness products that improve health care.  Some of the products include a high-grade Omega 3 fish oil,” he said.  “In addition to that, we use the enzyme CoQ10, which is an energy enzyme.”

He said he has been giving talks around town at local churches and businesses regarding weight management.  He said he’s interested in talking to any group that wants to learn about wellness and weight loss.

Siegle said he’s also started a free walking program at Wintersmith Park at 6 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.  He said anyone is welcome to show up and join the walkers.  He said his approach is similar to Forrest Gump’s.

“I’m just going to start walking,” he said.

Susie Overturf shared her life, educational and vocational experiences with the Club on Friday, September 24, 2010.  Among highlights Susie shared stories of her childhood from McCloud, Oklahoma.  Susie, a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Accounting as well as a Technology Education Degree from East Central University has spent the majority of her vocational career as an Oklahoma teacher.  Susie presently serves as the Information Technology Director at Pontotoc Technology Center in Ada. 

Susie married her college sweetheart, Gene Overturf during her early years at Oklahoma State University.  Susie and Gene have spent the majority of their marriage in Pontotoc County.  They are the parents of two children; Amy and Mandy.  Amy and her husband are the proud parents of the Overturf's two grandchildren: Payton and Garrett.  Mandy lives in Norman and also works for the technology system in Oklahoma.

Gene and Susie share a love of farming and have committed their family time to working and playing together on their local farm.  Pecans and cattle are the commodity of choice for the Overturfs.  Susie also assist in heading up the Club's pecan fundraiser each fall.

Susie is a long-time member of the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club having served in many director/committee assignments.  Susie has also served as the President of the Club and was honored with Rotary of the Year as well. 

We are pleased that Susie has selected the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club for our community and civic connection.

Welcome Dr. Green...learn more about why Dr. Green chose Rotary as his civic club connection...

A message from Governor Thomas - taken from the District 5770 webpage located at

http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/home.aspx?did=5770

Glenda Thomas

Meet Jarred Clark.  Jarred will join the Rotary family on Friday, September 10, 2010. 

Jarred is originally from Purcell,Oklahoma.  He graduated from Lexington High School in the top ten percent of his class. Jarred attended East Central University for four years and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in finance.  Jarred started working at Vision Bank, as a teller, while attending the university. He is now a Consumer Loan Officer at Vision Bank. Jarred is currently attending East Central to achieve a masters degree in Sports Administration. When my banking days are over I hope to be an athletic director or some other form of administration in collegiate athletics.

Jarred and his beautiful wife, Jill Clark, ECU dance coach, are proud parents of a two year old son. 

Mr. Benny Cope shared the development of a local Fire Training Academy located at the Pontotoc County Technology Center.  Mr. Cope explained the process each candidate must complete in order to receive the training certification. 

Mr. Cope indicated that candidates are accepted from a pool of individuals both from the private sector and from Oklahoma fire departments within the region.  Individuals seeking placement in a fire safety and prevention vocation may apply individually to receive the training and expedite their process of job placement.

Additionally, Mr. Cope indicated that volunteer firemen are also trained at the site. 

For more information regarding the Pontotoc Technology Center Fire Training Academy contact Mr. Benny Cope at 580.310.2276 or by e-mailing him at bcope@pontotoctech.edu.

 Join the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club in welcoming Ms. Gina Stower, Ada Main Street Director, as the featured presenter on Friday, August 27.  Gina will share a small sampling of Ada Main Street's history as well as what we can expect in the near future. Come learn more about your community. 

Ada Main Street received its Main Street designation in 1987. The program is for the use and benefit of the citizens of Ada and the surrounding trade area. Its purpose is to promote economic growth and well-being of Ada, preserve and improve the historic value of its downtown, create a quality business environment for both the business and the consumer, and to be an ever expanding informational resource for the downtown area.

      Contact Information:  Gina Stowers, Ada Main Street Director

                                       114 S Rennie - Ada, OK 74820

                                       (580) 436-1600

                                       adamainstreet@cableone.net

                                       http://www.facebook.com/adamainstreet

August 6, 2010, Mary Krause presented an outstanding program focusing on Valley View Regional Hospitals progressive move into the future.

Among the Valley View Regional Highlights, Mary shared the past, the present and the future of Valley View Regional Hospital:

PAST

• Valley View moved under the administrative leadership of Mercy
• Valley View suffered from financial woes over the past several year

PRESENT

• Through supports of the community as well as the innovative management of Mercy, Valley View is now operating as a fiscally fit 501(c)3
• Valley View continues to update their faciities, equipment and personnel to meet the growing demands of healthcare in a rural community
• Introduction of an increased number of hospitalist ensures better continum of care for Valley View's patients
• Oncology department has recently been renovated to better serve patients
• Valley View continues to maintain a high quality care for their patients
• Valley View will make the final payment on the 27 year plus bond agreement~ the pay-off will be made EARLY~a community celebration is planned for September.
• Valley View recognizes their many partners within the community

FUTURE

• Valley View is in the process of going 'paperless' a project that will enable better services and processing
• Valley View maintains its independent board of directors for the Valley View Authority as well as the Valley View Regional Hospital
• The opportunity to continue a management relationship with Mercy will be considered after the first three year stint
• The new healthcare bill will effect all Americans seeking healthcare in the future.
• Valley View Regional Hospital will assist in educating the public, preparing their staff and ensuring the best possible medical care in a rural healthcare setting along federal and state healthcare guidelines as imposed by the new healthcare legislation.
• Valley View continues to recognize the many valuable partnerships within the local community making Ada and rural healthcare strong in the area
• To learn more about Valley View Regional Hospital view their website at:  http://www.valleyviewregional.com/custom/showpage.php?id=104&toplevel=67

Valley View Regional Hospital continues to employ qualifed, competent, staff with the skills needed to face the ever-changing, complex world of healthcare in rural America.  Mary Krause, Certified Public Accountant, Chief Financial Officer, is among the highly qualifed staff of Valley View Regional Hospital.  Mary (Gallup) Krause spent most of her growing up years in Stratford, Oklahoma.  Mary graduated from Stratford High School and then moved to Nebraska to attend college and play basektball.  However, Mary left Nebraska and returned to Ada to complete her higher education at East Central University, completing a bachelors degree in Accounting.Following graduation at East Central University,

Mary received her CPA certificate and began work as a staff accountant for Horne & Company.  She later became the financial officer for Gallup Construction Company, Inc.   Mary went to work for Prepaid Legal Services, Inc. where she served as Vice President of Corporate Finance and Investor Relations for what is now a NYSE listed company.  She left Prepaid Legal and spent the next 12 years running her family owned business, Hart Tackle Company, Inc., a manufacturer of brand name fishing lures.  After selling the family business, Mary became Senior Vice President for Vision Bank and managed a $60,000,000 commercial loan portfolio. 

In August last year, she moved into the healthcare industry as Chief Financial Officer of Valley View Regional Hospital.  Mary speaks to many groups on a wide variety of small business and financial related topics.

Mary has 3 girls, 2 whom graduated from the University of Oklahoma and the youngest is a sophomore at Byng.

She currently serves as a board member of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs, Ada Jobs Foundation and the Ada Lion’s Club.  Mary is very active as a youth leader of St. Joseph’s Church. 

The Ada Sunrise Rotary is pleased to welcome Mary Krause at our August 6, 2010, program presenter.

The Fireball Classic Memorial 2015 Results

$1,000 paid out for a new record for the 10K race:
Men's Scott Smith (31:31) Women's: Ashley Miller (37:56)

$500 paid out for a new record for the 5K run:
Men's Ben Kip (15:00) and Amanda Goetschius (17:28)

We want to thank all the people that help with the race and the runners.  This race wouldn't happen without you.  The park looked great, Thank you, City of Ada employees.  

Results 2014

Pics to follow:

To learn more about Ada Sunrise Rotary Club (ASRC) news, events, and view images of club activities please follow Jack Green, the 2013-2014 ASRC President, on Twitter.

The link follows:

• https://twitter.com/jackwgreen

The first issue Sunrise Matters, the newsletter for the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club (ASRC), is now available for download and review.

Special thanks to club members for their time and effort in providing images, content, and expertise in preparing the document.

Several members have been busy dispersing over 1,000 backpacks and 75 shoe cards from Payless Shoes.  All area schools received school supplies and backpacks for students that are in need.  The funds were raised by the Fireball Classic Memorial and other sponsors.  Thank you for volunteering with this major endeavor and participating in the race.

Thanks to the work of club members, the weekly program calendar is now available for review online.

Please check back often to view the most updated document.

The file can be accessed from the "Download" area located at the far right side of the web page.

Another one under our belts, here are some pictures and the results.  We have 558 registered runners and walkers!  Thank you to all the people working on teams and participating in some way with this race.  It went well and the weather was wonderful.  Profits go to our Back to School Basics to help area students.

Results of 2013 Race

Pictures from 2013 Fireball Classic

2013 Fireball Memorial Classic  July 4, Thursday, 7:00 am  

Wintersmith Lodge, 1701 Wintersmith Drive, Ada, OK 
Packet pickup and registration 5:30 am to 6:30 am
Color Guard presents 6:30 am
10K start 7:00 am
5K run and walk start 7:05 am
Kids fun run! Immediately following 5K start!!!
10K, 5K, and a 5K walk  Map of Course

Packet pickup and registration 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm July 3, Wednesday at Wintersmith Lodge!

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT

Hotel Discount at LaQuinta use the code SPORT  

RESULTS PAGE 2012

2011 Race Results