Sonic Drive In Honored at Chamber Meeting; Upcoming Events Announced

Sonic Drive In was named the Member of the Month at the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting Wednesday. Darren Girdner, left, chamber president, presents the award to Esther Sainer, co-owner and widow of the late Sonic Drive In owner Chuck Sainer, and Denise and Toby Norvell, current owner-operators.

In presenting the award, Girdner said, “Chuck and Esther Sainer moved to Sallisaw in 1973 and Sonic opened its doors in 1974. Helping and being active in the community was always a priority. . .from Chuck doing his work as a Shriner Clown to sending birthday wishes to people in town and all of the other things he did for so many others. He and Esther always did everything they could to make Sallisaw a better place to live and visit.

“Denise and Toby have carried on that tradition,” Girdner said. “Organizations and individuals all over town have benefited from the generosity of the Sainer and Norvell families. From area schools to the Boys and Girls Club to fundraisers for the ill and other events they’re asked to sponsor or to donate to, Denise and Toby have always made it a priority to give back to the community.

“Their kids, grand kids, families, friends and neighbors all live here in Sallisaw and everything they do just makes Sallisaw a better place,” Girdner said. “Every festival, gathering and event brings people to the area, which is only better for everyone in town. Sallisaw is an amazing place to live and to raise families, and with business owners like Denise and Toby, it will only continue to get better.”

Upcoming Events

Among the upcoming events planned by chamber members are the following:

-Bassnanza will be held Saturday at Kerr Lake south of Sallisaw, and is sponsored by the Sallisaw Chamber. The entry fee is $150 per boat and entries close Friday. There is also a $25 Big Bass entry per boat. Bassnanza offers a 100 percent payback and weigh in is at Applegate Cove Boat Ramp and Campground. A free complimentary meal will be offered at the weigh in. For more information call the chamber at (918) 775-2558 or visit www.basszone.com. Entry forms are available at www.sallisawchamber.com.

-Bryan Warner, Cherokee Nation tribal council member, announced Cherokee District 6 community meetings will be held on Nov. 6 at the new Sallisaw Middle School and on Nov. 10 at the Nicut Community Building. Warner said he plans community meetings throughout his district and welcomes anyone who wishes to visit with him about the Cherokee Nation.

-Stacy Bell, Foster Care Specialist with People Inc., said People Inc. is now working with the Department of Human Services to provide foster care homes for children. A luncheon to explain the program will be held Nov. 11 at People Inc. She said 127 children in Sequoyah County alone were in need of foster care in September but there are not enough foster care homes available. For information call Bell at 918-775-7787 or 918-315-7178.

-The annual Veterans Day Ceremony, sponsored by the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce, will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 on the lawn at Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library in downtown Sallisaw.

-Joe Peters of Peters Agency said the health care management agency will celebrate 20 years in business at an open house on Nov. 17.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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