story by Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

Historic authenticity meets holiday festivity during A Territorial Christmas Celebration, an annual tradition for over 35 years in Guthrie.
From a costumed Christmas parade to Victorian home tours, this celebration immerses visitors in the city’s lively Territorial period.
The 2024 edition of Guthrie’s Territorial Christmas Celebration spans three weekends Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14.
The first event was a Gatlin Brothers Christmas and Country concert on Friday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. at Guthrie’s Scottish Rite Temple. Doors opened at 6 p.m.
Opening Night kicked off Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. with the Territorial Christmas Parade.
The parade started at the Scottish Rite Temple, led by the Territorial Governor candidates. From there, a promenade of illuminated cars, trucks, dune buggies, and even be-lighted people went west along Oklahoma Avenue, which included an appearance by Santa Claus.
The parade ended at the State Capital Publishing Museum and was immediately followed by the Territorial Governor ceremonies.
The Guthrie Territorial Christmas Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3), operates the yearly Celebrations.
Each year Guthrie’s Territorial Christmas Foundation nominates a few citizens to run for Territorial Governor and Junior Governor. Votes are sold for $1 each, and candidates compete to buy their way to the title.
After the parade on the steps of Guthrie’s Post Office, this year’s Territorial Governor and Junior Governor was announced and the lighting of the Territorial Christmas tree.
This year’s celebration includes the “Territorial Tots: Baby Governor Photo Contest.”
Unlike the Territorial Governor and Junior Territorial Governor campaigns and activities, this is purely an online contest for Guthrie babies to dress in their Victorian best and claim the honor of Territorial Tot!
Voters had until Nov. 27, to vote for their favorite tot by donating online! You can find the name and age of each little one under their photo.
All proceeds are funded for Guthrie’s Territorial Christmas Celebrations: Opening Night, Victorian Walks, and Distinctive Homes Tour.
The Distinctive Homes Tour offers you an opportunity for an exclusive look inside some of Guthrie’s most impressive homes and historic buildings that are specially selected by Guthrie’s Territorial Christmas and are dressed up for the holiday season.
According to the GTCC Facebook page “The tour is our largest fundraiser and, as such, we only invite the best and most beautiful homes in Guthrie to participate!”
This year’s Homes Tour is Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 each.
Proof of purchase is required for entry into the homes/buildings.
Reserve your tickets online for pickup on the day of the event, or purchase in person on Dec. 7 between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Guthrie City Hall located at 101 N 2nd Street.
Guthrie’s Territorial Christmas Victorian Walks will be held Saturday Dec. 7 and Saturday Dec. 14.
During Guthrie’s Victorian Walk Evenings, visitors will step back into the Victorian era with carolers in early-1900s dress and decorated store windows complete with re-enactors depicting Victorian-era Guthrie. Participants can enjoy treats from peanut vendors lining the downtown streets.
Guthrie’s Christmas Market will open three weekends at 117 E Oklahoma Avenue on the corner of Wentz and Oklahoma Avenue with vendors and food trucks.
The Christmas Market will be open Saturday, Nov. 30 from noon to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 7 and Saturday Dec. 14 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Over 30 years, 1,000 performances, and 150,000 patrons “A Territorial Christmas Carol” is back in this reimagining of Dickens’ classic tale at Guthrie’s Pollard Theatre.
The show runs Nov. 22 through Dec. 22.
As a not-for-profit organization, the Pollard Theatre’s mission is to produce meaningful, entertaining, and diverse theatre within the City of Guthrie and the greater state of Oklahoma. Honoring the legacy of the Guthrie Arts and Humanities Council, their work strives to engage and inspire audiences within their community and beyond.
“These events are so special because our downtown absolutely comes to life with visions of times gone past,” Economic Development Director Shawnda Rooney said. “The Victorian talent along the street closures and the Victorian talent that make up all of the live windows create such a magical atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.”
For more information about Guthrie’s Territorial Christmas Celebration visit www.guthriesterritorialchristmas.com or visit www.thepollard.org

NEAR ALINE, Okla. – The Sod House Quilters are stepping in to celebrate and commemorate the 130th anniversary of the Sod House the “quilted way.” Christmas trees throughout the museum will be decorated with quilt blocks such as log cabins, yo-yos, four patches, stars and Christmas tree blocks. The Sod House itself will have seasonal decorations on display.
“A Quilter’s Christmas” open house will be on Saturday, December 14, from 1-3 p.m. The Friends of the Sod House Museum will celebrate this milestone with cookies and cider and door prizes. Visitors can buy raffle tickets for a queen-sized quilt with the theme of “Chickadees and Trees,” made by the Sod House Quilters. Tickets are $2 each, three for $5 and 6 for $10. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the museum or calling 580-463-2441.
The Silver Strings and Friends musical group will share their love of music with guests at the Christmas Open House. They will play folk, traditional Christmas music, gospel, country and unusual instrument music throughout the day. As part of the celebration, the audience will be encouraged to join in during the musical presentation.
The museum is located southeast of Aline on State Highway 8. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Story by Matt Neil, Oklahoma Real Estate Planner

Since the holiday season is upon us, it is a wonderful time to reflect about how your home has been a centerpiece for the memories that have been made there and the traditions your family has kept. It is also an opportunity to think about what meaningful legacy you will create to continue to enrich your family for years to come.
Your home is much more than a property, it’s a place filled with memories, love, and laughter. Whether it’s the house where your children grew up or where you’ve hosted countless holiday gatherings, it holds a special place in your family’s story. As Oklahoma’s Best Real Estate Planner, I help families think about how they want their home to be a part of their family’s future.
If passing your home down to your children or grandchildren is part of your plan, make sure your wishes are clearly outlined in your estate planning document. We encourage you to speak with an estate attorney to ensure your property is transferred smoothly and in line with your intentions. Most people don’t know that over 70% of families argue over real estate when a family member leaves a property behind without a plan to divide it. In real estate planning, we help families think about how they want to divide their real estate, as it is often overlooked and is often a point of contention among families.
While your home is a tangible part of your legacy, your values and traditions are just as important. The holiday season offers a wonderful opportunity to reinforce what matters most to you and your family. Consider creating traditions that can be passed down for generations, such as baking a family recipe, decorating together, or sharing stories around the table. Write down or record your memories, life lessons, and hopes for the future. These treasures can serve as a guide for your loved ones, reminding them of the foundation you built and the values you cherish.
Creating a legacy plan is about more than finances—it’s about ensuring that your love, traditions, and values live on. If you’d like help finding the perfect home to complement your legacy or need guidance on how to align your real estate plans with your family’s future, I’d be honored to assist. Give us, your certified Real Estate Planner, a call at 405-757-9980, or email at [email protected]. Let’s make sure your legacy is one that brings your family together for years to come.
Matt Neill is a realtor who has lived in Oklahoma over 17 years and enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and cheering on the OKC Thunder.

By Marise Boehs

This Christmas marks the thirty-eighth annual Norman Christmas Day Community Dinner, which is held at the Norman High School Commons cafeteria and is coordinated by the Paula M. and Bob D. Magarian Norman Christmas Day Community Dinner Foundation, Inc.

This free, traditional Christmas dinner, which is open to everyone, and delivers over 300 meals to residents who are shut-ins. On average, 2000 meals are served through dine in and carry out.

The Dinner is held on Christmas Day from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Guests are greeted and served by 300 volunteers. There is a large toy room where children walk through and select what they want. Gloves, caps for children and adults, socks, scarves, and adult grooming items are distributed by our volunteers. Santa is there to take pictures with the children and hand out candy while a local band plays Christmas songs to bring joy to the families. Through the years, for some families, this is their only Christmas. Banks, businesses, and private donations along with 300 volunteers make the dinner possible.

But it hasn’t always been so. In 1987, the Magarian family of six, got together with a few caring individuals and together they organized a free community Christmas Dinner to benefit those who were alone, or those who were unable to prepare a Christmas meal.

“On Christmas Eve 1987 we had the church all set for the dinner. It was decorated and the women of St. Michaels had prepared the food. Toys were in place. It was all arranged and I went home,” said Bob Magarian.

“The next morning I woke up early to the worst ice storm in the history of Norman to date. It was horrible. Ice was hanging from everything. Trees where down,” he continued, “But I started for the church. It took me a long time to get there. It was 5am when I arrived and Howard Moore, my right hand man, was the only one there. He was heating up the roasters.”

But the day did not go smoothly. The bus sent to the designated pickup spots only had one rider and then the bus caught fire. So the men from St. Michaels got in their cars and drove, sliding and dodging fallen limbs, around Norman.

In the end, 20 people came and 24 volunteers served them. “One family with children told me if it wasn’t for that dinner they would have not had Christmas because he had been laid off from his job two weeks earlier,” Magarian said. Thus the Annual Christmas Dinner was decided. In 2017 the Magarian family lost their only son, Bob Dwight, unexpectedly, and in 2020 their oldest daughter, Paula Marie, from brain cancer.

The family decided in 2021 to honor their memory by establishling the “Paula M. and Bob D. Magarian Norman Christmas Day Community Dinner Foundation, Inc.”

story and photo by
Van Mitchell, Staff Writer

Sherri Law, a disabled U.S. Army veteran, believes in giving back to help others.
Her late daughter Sicily Whatley embodied that trait every day, and Law is carrying on that commitment via a blanket drive helping the Homeless Alliance of Oklahoma City.
Whatley died Aug. 19, 2023, at age 39, due to prolonged untreated blood pressure.
“It was very unexpected,” Law said.
Whatley, who worked at Homeless Alliance of Oklahoma City, left behind three children.
“She really enjoyed working with the homeless,” Law said. “Her death was traumatic for her children and for me. I wanted to do something in her memory because she was so well-liked at the Homeless Alliance. Last year we did a blanket drive and just friends and family donated blankets to the Homeless Alliance.”
Law said she was determined to make the blanket drive an annual event.
“It’s just a way to give back, to pay it forward, to do something for someone less fortunate than ourselves,” she said. “We’ve gotten over 100 blankets, and we’re partnering this year with BrightStar Care of Oklahoma City, and Hope for the Future, which is a non-profit for children who have been removed from the home. We’re going to present them to the Homeless Alliance Dec. 3 at 11 a.m.”
Law said she wanted her grandchildren to learn from grief.
“They were going through such horrible, intense grief. They couldn’t seem to get past the fact that they had lost their mom,” she said. “I wanted them to see that even though you are going through something like this, that there are people worse off than us who don’t have a home, that don’t have a bed to sleep in and that don’t have food on the table. Let’s try to get out of this valley that we are in emotionally and give back.”
Law believes her daughter would be proud of her family’s efforts.
“I think she’s up there smiling. I’m sure she would’ve never thought that her family would come together and do something like that in her memory,” Law said. “I really think that she would just have the biggest smile on her face.”
Law said the Homeless Alliance is appreciative of her family efforts.
“I try to accommodate what their needs are,” she said. “They send us thank you letters. They’re very grateful.”
The Homeless Alliance operates a multi-agency homeless resource campus with access to multiple nonprofit and government agencies providing services including health clinics, veteran services, budgeting and legal assistance. The campus also includes Oklahoma City’s only low-barrier Day Shelter which serves breakfast and lunch, offers showers, mail service, lockers, phones, computers, a pet kennel and access to classes and other service providers. The Homeless Alliance also has a street outreach team which goes out into the community to find people and connect them with services and operates four low-barrier employment programs including the Curbside Chronicle, Curbside Flowers, Sasquatch Shaved Ice, and Curbside Apparel.
Each year, Oklahoma City takes one day to count and survey people who are experiencing homelessness. The intention is to provide a snapshot of homelessness in Oklahoma City, of both the number of people and their characteristics. A large team of community volunteers from more than 25 organizations surveyed people in emergency homeless shelters, transitional housing facilities, hot meal sites, crisis facilities, encampments, and various street locations.
In 2024, there were a total of 1,838 “countable” people who were experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City on the night of the Point in Time count.
Law works at the Homeless Alliance Winter Shelter located at 1724 NW 4th Street, which is open Nov. 1-March 31.
“The shelter opens at 4 p.m. and they give them a warm bed, a blanket, and a meal,” she said. “We can hold 270 people, but when the temperature drops below 32 degrees, we don’t turn anyone away.”
As a disabled veteran, Law receives home healthcare from BrightStar Care of Edmond/Oklahoma City, via her VA benefits.
“Because of some health issues, I do have to have a home care health aid, which the VA provides for me because it’s medically needed,” she said. “I’m able to use my motorized wheelchair, and that’s how I’m successful on the job.”
Law said faith has helped guide her through her military experience, as well as the loss of her daughter, and led her to a job at the Homeless Alliance.
“I do believe in God, and I do believe He is still on the throne. He still hears prayers,” she said. “I applied for a job there and got it. I’m working. They all remembered Sicily. They loved my story. I am very grateful for this experience to work and honor my daughter.”
For more information about donating blankets to the Homeless Alliance call (405) 415-8410 or visit www.homelessalliance.org.

By Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready

The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) is ready to assist Oklahomans affected by the severe storms that impacted central and eastern Oklahoma Nov. 2-4.
“I know folks are feeling overwhelmed in the wake of these storms,” Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. “OID is here to help you navigate your insurance claims process or address any issues you might have with insurers.”
Anyone impacted by storms can contact OID’s Consumer Assistance division at 1-800-522-0071 or by visiting oid.ok.gov. Commissioner Mulready also reminds Oklahomans to report damage at damage.ok.gov.
Here are some post-storm tips for victims:
1. Access and document your damage. Take numerous photos or videos of the damage. Don’t throw anything away unless your insurance company tells you to.
2. Make the necessary repairs to prevent further damage. Cover broken windows, holes, leaking roofs and damaged walls. Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement with them on the cost of appropriate repairs. Move undamaged items to a safe location when necessary to avoid theft or additional loss.
3. Have your roof inspected by a trusted roofing contractor. If the damages are below or slightly over your deductible, you will want to pay for the repairs. If they exceed your deductible, turn the claim in to your insurance carrier.
4. Contact your insurance company or agent after you have an estimate for repairs. Ask what forms, documents and information you need to provide to process your claim. Remember that replacement cost policies require the work to be completed within six months of the date of loss to receive the replacement cost payments that were withheld.
5. Save all receipts. If you made repairs to your property, save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs that your insurance policy might cover.
6. Ask about additional living expenses. If your home is damaged to the extent that it is unlivable, ask your insurance provider if you have coverage for living expenses incurred while repairs are being made.
Remember these tips when you’re dealing with contractors to avoid fraud:
• Always get more than one bid.
• Check references and phone numbers. Contractor complaint information is collected by the Better Business Bureau. You can contact the Construction Industries Board to make sure the contractor has a valid license to do business in the state and that they carry liability insurance.
• Don’t pay upfront, and don’t make your final payment until the job is finished.
• Avoid contractors who offer to waive your deductible or promise a rebate (It’s against the law!).
• Never sign a contract with blank spaces; always keep a copy for your records.
If you suspect contractor fraud, contact the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit at 1-833-681-1895.
You can find more information about preparing for storms and reviewing your insurance coverage at oid.ok.gov/GetReady.

Dr. Daniela Yuschenkoff earned American College of Zoological Medicine board certification as zoological medicine specialist.

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is proud to announce Dr. Daniela Yuschenkoff is the third member of the Zoo’s veterinary medicine team to earn the prestigious title of Diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine (DACZM). There are only about 300 board-certified zoological medicine specialists in the world, and Oklahoma now has six.
“We are very excited to welcome Daniela into the American College of Zoological Medicine,” said Dr. Jennifer D’Agostino, the Zoo’s Chief Animal Programs Officer and ACZM vice president. “This distinction is a testament to all of her training and hard work and we are thrilled that we have another Board Certified Specialist in Zoological Medicine™ on the OKC Zoo vet team.”
Associate Veterinarian Yuschenkoff joins D’Agostino and Dr. Gretchen Cole, the Zoo’s Director of Veterinary Services, as diplomates of the ACZM.
“This is the highest level of certification for a zoo veterinarian,” Yuschenkoff said. “As soon as I knew I wanted to be a zoo vet, this has been my ultimate goal.”
It’s an intense certification program requiring years of veterinary schooling, internship, and residency, culminating in a comprehensive two-day exam.
“It’s a very rigorous process,” she said. “It’s been three years of compiling and organizing information, and six weeks of intense study just cramming all that material in my head before the test. It’s been my goal for more than nine years of my veterinary training, and now that I’ve achieved it, I’m very excited to continue growing, learning, and improving for the sake of our animal family.”
Having three ACZM diplomates at the OKC Zoo indicates the Zoo’s animal family is receiving the best possible veterinary care available, Yuschenkoff said.
In addition to exemplary training, being a diplomate also opens doors for communication and collaboration between veterinarians.
“The zoo veterinarian group is a very small community, but it’s a close-knit community,” she said. “When we’re up against a problem we don’t know how to solve, we can reach out to each other, across specialties, to get the help we need to provide the best care possible for the animals at the Zoo.” Yuschenkoff detailed the amount of intense study and training necessary to complete her certification in a blog at www.okczoo.org.
Guests have the opportunity to view animal exams and procedures at the OKC Zoo’s state-of-the-art Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital and watch the Zoo’s expert veterinary care team in action. Scheduled animal exams are posted on the Zoo’s Facebook page and Instagram stories, and are dependent upon animal participation or other emergencies.
Spend the most wonderful time of the year with OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, open nightly through January 1, 2025. The Oklahoma City Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. The Zoo will be closed to the public during the daytime on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day as well as Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December 3 through February 5, 2025.
Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission is $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Membership has its perks! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission all year-long, plus many additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming and conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Join or renew today at www.okczoo.org/membership.

Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit https://www.okczoo.org.

At 76, Richard Amend, M.Ed., Journey to Becoming a Certified Santa Claus

Transforming Christmas magic into unforgettable moments, and inspiring joy across generations.

story and photo by Darl DeVault, contributing editor

At 76, Richard Amend, M.Ed., recently took his passion for creating the best Santa Claus experience to new heights. He traveled to Denver to become a Certified AuthentiClaus, a significant achievement after two decades of playing Santa. His attendance at the Santa Claus Portrayal & Business Mastery training is a testament to his commitment to embracing the spirit of Christmas.
His 2023 portrayal of Santa was a milestone for Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living in Northwest Oklahoma City. Campus Director, Joyce Clark, says the time with Santa for photos was the largest ever staged photo session in the facility’s 22-year history.
“Arranging for residents and their families to take photos together with Santa is a prime example of how we emphasize fun and resident-centered services. Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living’s activity calendar is packed with entertainment, games, crafts, outings, speakers, singing, spiritual times, and things to do. We offer the most and best life enrichment program I have ever seen” Clark said in an interview.
Amend has dedicated the past 40 years to working with seniors and has been the Director of Community Outreach at Saint Ann for 18 years. He is especially tickled with his new certified Santa status, which came with training to interact with special needs children, adults, and at-risk youth. This enhances his devotion to creating magical, heartfelt experiences that leave a lasting impression on audiences of all ages. On behalf of Saint Ann, Amend portrays Santa at a number of other senior living and healthcare providers in the region.
Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living is a ministry of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. People of all faiths love living at the recently remodeled campus that includes independent living, assisted living, and a convent for the Carmelite Sisters of Villa Teresa. Residents blossom in the home’s active lifestyle and caring atmosphere.
Last year, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Eusebius J. Beltran, posed with Santa, staff, residents, and the nuns. Beltran’s vision of a senior living ministry motivated the Archdiocese to develop the campus 22 years ago. The assisted and independent living center is a not-for-profit Catholic organization serving people of all faiths. Residents are cheerful and very pleased with the rich services and amenities at Saint Ann. Laughter and conversation in the dining rooms accompany delicious meals. Residents say they love Saint Ann’s food. They also enjoy being driven to appointments and shopping in one of the two limousines Saint Ann has in its fleet of vehicles. A 24-hour concierge is a focal point for communications and assists residents with everything from check cashing to package delivery.
Resident families are encouraged to visit and participate. Three guest apartments are available for out-of-town visitors. Many guests come to eat with residents or to enjoy singers, bands, and parties. The grand theatre, private dining room, and other areas are often reserved for family celebrations.
Assisted living at Saint Ann is a cozy lifestyle where helping hand services are offered in addition to all the other campus amenities. Staff are available to assist with bathing, dressing, medication administration, and a number of individualized services. Three fully furnished respite apartments have been popular for folks who want a short-term stay to recover or be attended to while their caregiver is away. Respite care is a wonderful way to check out the assisted living experience without having to move or make any long-term decisions.
As Christmas approaches, anticipation is building for the day Santa’s authentic sleigh will arrive. Wish lists are being created and costumes prepared for photos with Santa Amend. For many, that photo becomes a cherished Christmas card or festive social media post.
Amend says it is a privilege to don the Santa suit every year. “Our residents are full of life,” Amend said. “They invigorate me with their enthusiasm for the season. People say their time with Santa is special, but it is even more so for me. I get to play the role of one of the most loved icons in our culture who conveys kindness and gifting of special things at Christmas.”
Amend is not the only staff member who helps make the Christmas season cheerful. “Our life enrichment team, concierge, marketing, maintenance, dining service, housekeeping, nurse aides, and everyone helps in numerous ways. You will see some of them dressed up as Santa’s helpers, elves, reindeer, and a snowman to make Saint Ann’s winter wonderland more festive,” Amend said.
Saint Ann Assisted and Independent Living is also known as Saint Ann Retirement Center. It is located at 7501 W. Britton Road in northwest Oklahoma City.
For more information about Saint Ann Retirement
Center visit www.saintannretirementcenter.com

Senior Events at the Metropolitan Library System – December

This holiday season, the Metropolitan Library System has a festive and lively lineup of programs tailored for seniors. From wellness classes to crafting sessions, there’s something for everyone.

Wellness and Fitness Programs

• Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL): Chair exercises to boost strength and mobility.
• Almonte Library: 10 a.m., Dec. 3, 5, 10, and 12.
• Choctaw Library: 10 a.m., Dec. 4, 11, and 18.
• Tai Chi: Improve balance and muscle strength. Space is limited-register early to secure your spot!
• Choctaw Library: 1 p.m., Dec. 4, 11, and 18.
• Intermediate Tai Chi at Southern Oaks Library: 10:15 a.m., Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12, and 19.

Support and Safety

• The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s: Learn to recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s and next steps.
• Northwest Library: 6 p.m., Dec. 16.
• S.A.L.T. Council (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together): Discuss scams targeting seniors and how to stay safe.
• Warr Acres Library: 10 a.m., Dec. 2.

Crafting and Creativity

Seniors can get crafty this holiday season with these engaging activities.
• Deck the Bottles: Christmas Wine Bottle Upcycling
• Edmond Library: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 4.
• Cross-Stitch Ornaments
• Southern Oaks Library: 3 p.m., Dec. 8.
• Needle Felt Architecture Painting
• Almonte Library: 2 p.m., Dec. 14.

Ongoing Crafting Groups

Connect with fellow crafters through these regular programs.
• Downtown Crochet and Knit Club:
• Downtown OKC Library: 2 p.m., Dec. 7.
• Craft Along:
• Bethany Library: 1:30 p.m., Dec. 4 and 18.
• Beginner-Friendly Crochet Night:
• Belle Isle Library: 6 p.m., Dec. 16.
• Maker Meetup:
• Bethany Library: 6 p.m., Dec. 11.

Fun with Your Grandkids

Create meaningful memories and enjoy the season with these family-friendly events.
• Makerspace: Winter Whittle: Learn how to turn soap into festive works of art.
• Choctaw Library: 4 p.m., Dec. 11.
• Take-and-Make Felt Animal Ornament Kit: Create adorable woodland decorations.
• Edmond Library: Dec. 9-15.
• Paper Mosaic Holiday Cards: Craft unique holiday cards as keepsakes.
• Choctaw Library: 3:15 p.m., Dec. 12.
• Resin Ornaments: Make dazzling resin holiday ornaments.
• Midwest City Library: 5 p.m., Dec. 12.
This December, the Metropolitan Library System is your destination for staying active, learning new skills and making meaningful connections. Join us for these events and more!

Patty Stevens

(Right) 100 years old. Patty Kelly Stevens, born in 1924 in Honolulu, Hawaii, was captured by Japanese soldiers in 1941 and interned in Manila until freed by U.S. troops at 20. She co-authored Waiting for America to share her story and proudly flies the U.S. flag, reminding all to “Honor Your Country!” We celebrate her resilience and love for her nation.

Helen Nigh

(Left) 100 years old. Meet Helen Nigh of Tulsa. She had a career as a commercial artist and her artwork is still in use for the Enid Christmas in July poster. Helen also painted a mural of animals in the Pediatric ward at St. Mary’s Hospital in Enid. She loves chocolate and Christmas is her favorite holiday. Helen’s words of wisdom to us today are: Never Close the Door.

Beulah Jones

(Right) 100 years old. Beulah (Underwood) Jones of Pawnee, born November 3, 1924, dedicated 40 years to hospital maintenance and community service. A devoted homemaker, she loved gospel music, quilting, and with Christmas being her cherished holiday, strengthening family ties. Her advice: “Nurture health through walking, balanced eating, and diligence; and cherish joy.”

Dottie Pennington

(Right) 100 years old. Dottie (Dorothy) Pennington of Tulsa celebrated her 100th birthday with lots of her favorite color – Pink – attire, balloons, cake and more! She was married to a US Air Force Lt. Colonel and moved often to bases around the world. Her extended family calls her Mama Dottie and tells great stories of visiting her on summer vacations. She sang them to sleep with her favorite hymn, Jesus Loves Me. Dottie’s words of wisdom for us today are: Always be Truthful.