Community Leadership Development Class VI Gather in Alva

December 14, 2018

The City of Alva and the Alva Chamber of Commerce hosted OML’s Community Leadership Development class in Alva on December 7th and 8th. The Alva Review-Courier published an article on this event that you can read on their website.

Thursday evening the class toured the Cherokee Strip Museum.  Many historical artifacts are displayed at the museum.  The museum has a new exhibit, Nancy Denner, Miss Oklahoma 1957.  This exhibit shows a video from the Miss America pageant where Ms. Denner was 2nd runner up, it also showcases some of her gowns and crowns. The Cherokee Strip Museum houses unique items such as relics from the German Nazi Prisoner of War camp that was located just on the outskirts of Alva, iron lungs, medical equipment, some of the first communications equipment and even a computer system from the early 1970’s! Also, on display is one of the only known land claim flags remaining in existence. 

After the tour the class was welcomed by Joe Don Dunham, Alva City Business Manager and Alex Mantz, Economic Development Director.  Everyone enjoyed a chicken fried steak dinner while being entertained by Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s choir.  The choir sang beautiful a cappella Christmas songs.

Friday the class gathered at the Northwest Technology Center.  Alva City Business Manager Joe Don Dunham and member of CLD Class 5, and Mayor Kelly Parker gave a warm welcome to Alva.

Session 5’s topic was Community Assessment. Elesia Church, Treasurer and Grant Administrator, City of Elk City presented Community Assessment, Shane Hampton, Director, Institute for Quality Communities, University of Oklahoma spoke on how Community Assessment and Placemaking work together.  Our last speaker of the day was Charlotte Hadwiger, BIS/ACD Director, Northwest Technology Center; Alva presented Coaching Skills for Supervisors.

The class had a delicious homemade Italian lunch at the historic Runnymede hotel.  After lunch the group walked to tour one of Alva’s oldest buildings, the Bell Hotel which was built in 1924. Then the group stopped by Holder Drug for their famous Jack & Jill ice cream sundae. 

A big thank you to our sponsors, the Community Leadership Development Class VI would not be possible without the generous support of community partners, including Oklahoma Gas and Electric, Oklahoma Natural Gas, Public Service Company of Oklahoma and Phillips 66.

CLD would also like to thank the City of Alva and the Alva Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring this session!  Be sure to visit Alva, this community has a lot to offer.  Alva is brimming with art, culture and history.