TULSA TOWN HALL
Mondays 10a-12p, 2/17-4/15
February 17
Topic: Positive Impact through LOVS 101
Come learn how the Literacy, Outreach and Volunteer Services (LOVS) of the Tulsa City-County Library impacts the lives of Tulsans.
Speaker: Jackie Kropp
Jackie Kropp is the LOVS Manager for the Tulsa City County Library. Before that she was Programs and Outreach Coordinator for the Western Plains Library System. Every other summer, she teaches Reader’s Advisory for the University of Oklahoma SLIS. She started her library journey with Pioneer Library System, where she worked for 7 years. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with her MLIS and MA in History of Science. An active member of OLA, she served on the Advocacy (formerly Legislative) committee for four years, two as chair. She has also been OLA Secretary, Conference Planning Committee chair, PLD Chair and an active member of several other committees. She is an alumnae of the 2010 OLA Gold class and a graduate of the inaugural Impact PLS leadership program. She loves books about science (especially those with obscenely long subtitles) almost as much as she loves romance novels.
February 24
Topic: Bass Reeves: Overcoming Great Odds
Bass Reeves served the federal courts in Indian Territory for over thirty years and is considered one of the greatest Deputy U.S. Marshals of the frontier era. His story is one of overcoming slavery, illiteracy and racism. He faithfully executed his duties according to the marshals’ motto of Justice, Integrity and Service while walking into the valley of the shadow of death on many occasions. At his death, newspapers said “he knew no master but duty.” Learn why some say he is the greatest lawmen of all time.
Speaker: Jonita Mullins
As a fourth-generation Oklahoman, Jonita Mullins grew up in the small town of Haskell, Oklahoma, and graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in English. She is an award-winning author, speaker and preservationist. She has written several books, both fiction and non-fiction, and more than 1,000 articles for the Muskogee Phoenix newspaper focused on Oklahoma’s rich western history. Her latest books are a history of Fort Gibson and her sixth novel titled The Tearful Trail. Jonita has served on the board of the Oklahoma Historical Society since 2018.
March 3
Topic: Say What?! Steps to Take If You Suspect a Hearing Loss
One in three people over age 65 has some amount of hearing loss. Come learn what steps to take if you suspect a loss in yourself or others. Also, learn about low-cost and no-cost resources that most people don't know. You never know who it might benefit.
Speaker: Diana Emerson
Diana is the Community Resources Coordinator at the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Deaf and Elementary Education from the University of Tulsa and a master’s degree in human relations from OU-Tulsa. Diana began her career teaching language arts to hearing children before joining a nonprofit dedicated to serving deaf individuals in 1988. She became a state-certified sign language interpreter in the early 1990s and has been nationally certified for over 20 years through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. With a career spanning 36 years, Diana has worked in community relations roles supporting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, primarily through the Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association and now at the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. She has also facilitated a monthly support group for individuals who have lost their hearing later in life, a group she credits with enriching her understanding and approach to advocacy and education.
March 10:
Topic: What's Old and New on Historic Route 66 (Part 1)
In this two-part presentation, explore the rich history and vibrant present of Route 66, from its early days to its status as America's Main Street. Discover the legacy of Cyrus Avery, the "Father of Route 66," and the businesses that have withstood nearly 100 years of tourism. Through vibrant photos and stories, “drive past” landmarks, wildlife, and natural habitats across all eight states. Plus, learn about upcoming centennial celebrations in 2026, with exciting events planned nationwide.
Speaker: Annette Murray, Educator
Annette Murray is the Concierge at Montereau Assisted Living, where she applies her educational background and experience to enhance the lives of residents. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Oklahoma State University and has completed partial doctoral work at the University of Oklahoma. Annette earned her bachelor’s degree from Mount Vernon College in Washington, DC. She has 22 years of experience as an educator, eight years as a School Library Media Specialist and five years of experience as a picture book author and public speaker.
March 17
SPRING BREAK
No OLLI gatherings this week!
March 24
Topic: Tulsa’s Westside (Part 1)
In this two-part presentation, you’ll discover the rich history of Tulsa's Westside, a region once made up of seven small towns: Red Fork, West Tulsa, Carbondale, Garden City, Taneha/Oakhurst, Happy Hollow/Berryhill, and South Haven. Learn about its industrial roots, including the refineries and railroad switching yard, and its pivotal role in Tulsa's development. Explore landmarks like the first oil well in Tulsa County, a National Historic District high school, and four miles of Route 66. This class highlights the Westside's unique communities and lasting contributions to Tulsa’s history and future.
Speaker: Becky Hatchett, Librarian and Genealogist
Becky Hatchett has been interested in stories and historical events since childhood. In 2019, she retired as a middle school teacher and librarian, after a 43-year career. In her last two years at Sand Springs Public Schools, Hatchett applied for and received grants for the entire school district that allowed students to conduct genealogy research on Ancestry.com and create family trees using special software. She presented professional development for other educators interested in using genealogy to teach writing, history and research skills. She earned her B.S. in Education from the University of Tulsa and a master’s from the University of Oklahoma. She has been a member of the Gillies (Gilcrease Museum volunteer organization) since 2020 and served last year as Gillies President. She also serves as president of the Southwest Tulsa Historical Society and volunteers at the Route 66 Historical Village and the Tulsa Historical Society.
March 31
Topic: Tulsa’s Westside (Part 2)
This presentation continues (You need not have attended last week’s presentation to enjoy this one). Discover the rich history of Tulsa's Westside, a region once made up of seven small towns: Red Fork, West Tulsa, Carbondale, Garden City, Taneha/Oakhurst, Happy Hollow/Berryhill, and South Haven. Learn about its industrial roots, including the refineries and railroad switching yard, and its pivotal role in Tulsa's development. Explore landmarks like the first oil well in Tulsa County, a National Historic District high school, and four miles of Route 66. This class highlights the Westside's unique communities and lasting contributions to Tulsa’s history and future.
Speaker: Becky Hatchett, Librarian and Genealogist
Becky Hatchett has been interested in stories and historical events since childhood. In 2019, she retired as a middle school teacher and librarian, after a 43-year career. In her last two years at Sand Springs Public Schools, Hatchett applied for and received grants for the entire school district that allowed students to conduct genealogy research on Ancestry.com and create family trees using special software. She presented professional development for other educators interested in using genealogy to teach writing, history and research skills. She earned her B.S. in Education from the University of Tulsa and a master’s from the University of Oklahoma. She has been a member of the Gillies (Gilcrease Museum volunteer organization) since 2020 and served last year as Gillies President. She also serves as president of the Southwest Tulsa Historical Society and volunteers at the Route 66 Historical Village and the Tulsa Historical Society.
April 7
Topic: Life Leader Follow up
Speaker: Emily Roberts
April 14
Topic: What's Old and New on Historic Route 66 (Part 2)
Part two of this presentation will close out our Town Halls. You need not have attended part one to enjoy this conclusion. Explore the rich history and vibrant present of Route 66, from its early days to its status as America's Main Street. Discover the legacy of Cyrus Avery, the "Father of Route 66," and the businesses that have withstood nearly 100 years of tourism. Through vibrant photos and stories, “drive past” landmarks, wildlife, and natural habitats across all eight states. Plus, learn about upcoming centennial celebrations in 2026, with exciting events planned nationwide.
Speaker: Annette Murray, Educator
Annette Murray is the Concierge at Montereau Assisted Living, where she applies her educational background and experience to enhance the lives of residents. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Oklahoma State University and has completed partial doctoral work at the University of Oklahoma. Annette earned her bachelor’s degree from Mount Vernon College in Washington, DC. She has 22 years of experience as an educator, eight years as a School Library Media Specialist and five years of experience as a picture book author and public speaker.