story and photo by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

As the holiday season approaches, shoppers eagerly seek that holiday magic; twinkling lights, festive decorations and the perfect Christmas tree. For those looking to surround themselves with the spirit of the season, North Pole City, is the ultimate destination. Here, the magic truly comes alive, with a dazzling array of Christmas trees, sparkling lights, and unique ornaments at every turn. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, another enchanting display awaits, making it a holiday wonderland unlike any other.
David Green is the owner and founder of North Pole City. He recently shared the inspiring story behind his journey to entrepreneurship. “I’ve always been drawn to sales and have genuinely enjoyed the process,” he began. “When I was 12 years old, I dreamed of owning a bicycle, but my parents couldn’t afford to buy me one. Determined to make it happen, I started helping behind the counter at Harvey’s Drugstore, doing whatever tasks were needed. Over time, I saved enough money to purchase a shiny new bike. That moment was crucial to me. It taught me the value of hard work and perseverance and showed me that with dedication, my efforts would eventually pay off.”
When asked how he decided to open a Christmas store, David replied, “I guess it all started when I was a kid. My mother always made Christmas a truly special time for our family. Those memories stuck with me. After I got married in 1983, my wife and I would travel to Dallas, Texas for market, and there was this incredible place called The Original Christmas Store. It was absolutely beautiful and left a lasting impression on us. At the time, I owned a ceiling fan business, which kept me and my employees busy, mainly during the summer. But, I wanted to find something to keep us occupied in the winter months as well. That’s what led me to the Christmas business. The idea of opening a store dedicated to the magic of Christmas felt like a perfect fit. We chose the name North Pole City because it captured the spirit of the season. Today, we’re proud to be the only Christmas store in Oklahoma City.” The business, which began in 1987 when David Green built the original building, has been a family affair from the start. “Of course, my wife, Darra has been instrumental in everything over the years,” David shared with a smile. “We work side by side and have spent countless hours building this dream together. Our partnership has been a cornerstone of our success.” Now, their older children are becoming involved in the business, ensuring that North Pole City will carry on to the next generation. “This is truly a family-owned and operated business,” David emphasized. “We put a lot of thought and care into the displays and decorations because we want everyone who steps through the doors to feel genuinely welcome. Seeing the wonder on people’s faces when they walk in, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
David explained that North Pole City operates as a year-round business, with a buying season that begins in December and runs through the middle of March. “Starting in December, we also begin inventory work, which continues all the way through September. There’s a lot that goes into getting everything ready for the many people who visit our store each year,” he said. To keep things running smoothly, the business relies on a dedicated team of employees. “Right now, we have 12 year-round employees and an additional 25 seasonal staff during our busiest time. I’m fortunate to have some truly amazing people working for me. They’re like the cream of the crop,” David said with pride. “We’re like one big happy family. I have several employees who have been with us for over 35 years and others for at least 25 years. That kind of loyalty and dedication is rare and I have the utmost respect and trust for all of them. They’re a huge part of what makes North Pole City so special.”
David shared his vision for North Pole City over the next five years, emphasizing a focus on growth and innovation. “We’re always thinking of new ideas to enhance the experience for our customers and keep the magic of Christmas alive,” he said. “I’d love to see us continue to grow, possibly even build a new, larger space to expand our offerings, and create an even more mesmerizing experience. The goal to keep improving and finding fresh ways to bring joy to everyone who visits our store.”

By Nick Thomas

‘Tis the season when television channels bombard us with round-the-clock Christmas movies while radio stations across the country add festive tunes to their daily playlists. In the latter case, one divisive ditty has been traditionally considered naughty or nice.
Elmo Shropshire didn’t write “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” but he’s been singing the jolly jingle with the not-so-jolly lyrics since first hearing it in Lake Tahoe in the late 70s. The song was released in 1979 and credited to duo Elmo & Patsy, with Elmo’s then-wife Patsy Trigg.
Turning 88 this year, Shropshire (known also as “Dr. Elmo”) is a competitive distance runner, too, gathering several national and world titles in his 80s. He still performs music and for several years has traveled to the East Coast in November/December with a group of musicians called The Holiday Express presenting shows at soup kitchens, hospitals, and schools for kids with special needs, where they also distribute food and gifts.
While he readily acknowledges that not everyone is a fan of his now-classic Christmas song, audiences would probably riot if he didn’t include the novelty ballad – a catchy tune wrapped around witty and admittedly macabre lyrics, featuring Shropshire’s distinctive raspy voice.
“I had no musical background or sang before moving out to California in the 60s,” said Shropshire, a Kentucky native and graduate of Auburn University’s veterinary college, and now lives in Novato, north of San Francisco.
After graduating from Auburn, he worked with horses at racetracks around New York, then moved to the West Coast after a trip to San Francisco and later opened an animal clinic in the Bay Area. He soon became interested in bluegrass music, learning to play the banjo and began performing with Patsy, although the couple later divorced in the 80s. Shropshire even hosted a bluegrass radio show recorded from his boarding house.
When songwriter Randy Brooks played his reindeer song for the couple when they were all stranded in a Lake Tahoe hotel due to bad weather in 1978, Shropshire knew he wanted to record his own version.

“I just made this funny Christmas recording as a gag and a friend took it to a radio station and they started playing it,” he recalled. “People began calling in to say they loved it, but so did others who hated it. After that first Christmas, I thought that would be the end of it. But every Christmas the stations would play it again. Unbeknownst to me, they were copying the song on cassettes, and radio stations began playing it all over the country in the early 80s.”
Shropshire knew he had a hit. In 1983, he sold his vet clinic and used $30,000 to produce a video of the song with one modification: “Grandma survives in the video!” he said. “And I played grandma and grandpa.” Patsy played Cousin Mel.
The original video currently has over 15 million YouTube views (see
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgIwLeASnkw), while the song has sold millions of units over the years in various formats – vinyl, cassette, CD, digital, and ringtones.
“It’s impossible to tell the exact number because it’s been used so much and on so many different albums and online recordings,” said Pam Wendell, Shropshire’s wife since 2000. But the royalties keep coming anytime his version is used – in movies, TV shows, and even a plush toy reindeer that plays the song.
While Shropshire has recorded many other songs including various versions of his ‘grandma’ theme – “The Ballot of Grandma” and “Grandma’s Killer Fruitcake” – he takes the controversy of the original in his stride.
“It’s just wonderful to have a hit song, even if you only have one,” he says. “I never thought I could still be making a living from it. It’s just one of those things you could never predict.”
And for those of you grinches who still can’t warm up to a Christmas novelty song about a granny taken out by a hit-and-run reindeer, just be grateful her encounter wasn’t with a John Deere.
That really could have been gruesome.
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala., and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. See https://www.getnickt.org.

Dear Savvy Senior, How can I get my doctors to listen better? I just turned 78, and over the past few years I feel more and more dismissed by my doctors. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way. Any suggestions? Dissatisfied Patient

Dear Dissatisfied,
Communication difficulties between patients and their doctors is nothing new. Many older patients feel like their doctors are dismissing their concerns, which can be frustrating and lead to missed diagnoses and delayed care. If you believe your doctor isn’t listening to you, here are some tips offered by the National Institute on Aging that may help.
Prepare for your appointment: Before your exam, make a written prioritized list of any questions and concerns you want to discuss with your doctor, or print any online health research you’ve gathered, and bring it to your appointment so you won’t forget anything. If you’re in for a diagnostic visit, you should prepare a detailed description of your symptoms, when they began and what makes them worse.
Be honest and upfront: Even if the topic seems sensitive or embarrassing, it’s important to be honest and upfront with your doctor. You may feel uncomfortable talking about memory loss or bowel issues, but these are all important to your health. It’s better to be thorough and share detailed information than to be quiet or shy about what you’re thinking or feeling. Remember, your doctor is used to talking about all kinds of personal matters.
Ask specific questions: If you and your doctor aren’t communicating well, ask specific questions that require a response. For example: What might have caused the problem I’m dealing with? What’s the specific name of my diagnosis? Is the problem serious? Will it heal completely or require ongoing management? What future symptoms might suggest you need emergency care or a follow-up visit? When and how will you receive your test results? If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask: Can you explain that in simpler terms? Or: Can you give me more details about that?
Take someone with you: Bring along a family member or friend to your appointment. Your companion can help you ask questions or raise concerns that you hadn’t considered and listen to what the doctor is telling you and give you support.
Be persistent: If your doctor isn’t addressing your questions, repeat them or rephrase them. If you still don’t get anywhere, follow up with one of these statements: “I’m worried that we aren’t communicating well. Here’s why I feel that way.” Or: “I need to talk with you about X. I feel like I can’t. Can we talk about this?”
For more tips, the National Institute on Aging offers a free booklet called “Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older Adults” that can help you prepare for an appointment and become a better and more informed patient. To order free copy or see it online, visit order.nia.nih.gov/publication/talking-with-your-doctor-a-guide-for-older-adults.
Consider moving on: If you’re not making any progress with your doctor and the problem persists, it’s probably time to start looking for a new provider. Depending how unsatisfied you are with your care, you could also notify your doctor’s medical group and your insurance company or leave feedback on their online profile. If you’re dealing with a serious issue – like a doctor who prescribes the wrong medication or fails to provide test results in a timely manner – it might be appropriate to file a complaint with the state medical board.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit https://savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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

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.

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.

story and photos by
Nick Thomas

With over 90 miles of trails weaving through the area, Oklahoma City’s numerous parks are a haven for walkers, joggers, and hikers alike. While the green urban spaces invite exploration of the hidden gems and points of interest throughout the city, one must-see landmark for visitors – day or night – is the iconic Skydance Bridge.
Arriving late in the afternoon, we parked on SW Second Street before heading south on foot through Scissortail Park, named after Oklahoma’s state bird – the scissor-tailed flycatcher. Our destination was the 380-foot-long pedestrian Skydance Bridge that spans I-40 and connects the north (40-acre) and south (30-acre) portions of the park. Opened in 2012, the state bird also inspired the bridge’s design with its striking V-shaped steel sculpture towering nearly 200 feet above the walkway, resembling the flycatcher’s distinctive forked tail feathers.

After admiring the bridge, we continued through the park and surrounding area waiting for sunset since the bridge is especially stunning when lit by LED lights during the evening. But there was no shortage of dazzling sights to fill the remaining daylight hours, including a walk around a lake with surrounding trees teeming with colorful chirping birds. Rental pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks glided slowly over the water as their occupants absorbed the relaxing view dominated by Oklahoma City’s tallest building. The sleek 50-story Devon Tower, also completed in 2012, is a skyline scene stealer with its reflective glass exterior. The Vast Restaurant occupies the top two floors offering both meals “sourced from local producers” and spectacular views of the city.
Myriad Botanical Gardens, just a couple of blocks north of the park off Reno Street, was intriguing. Since originally conceived by city leaders in the late 1960s, the 17-acre plot most recently underwent an $11 million renovation in 2022 and features immaculate landscaping, a children’s garden, a restaurant area, fountains, sculptures, and the dazzling Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory encased in a shell of over 3,000 translucent acrylic panels housing an impressive exotic plant collection.
The “Taking Flight: Light as a Feather” art piece, installed 2 years ago at the north end of Scissortail Park, was a delightful surprise find. The 6-ton 31-foot-tall metal sculpture is the artist’s vision of a delicately curved feather gently floating earthward. Stunning any time – and especially at night when fiber optic lights illuminate its intricate details – the sculpture truly comes to life just prior to sunset when we happened to walk past. As the sun hung in the darkening sky behind the sculpture, its dying rays filtered through the figure highlighting the steel bars comprising the feather’s ribs, offering an inspiring picture-perfect moment we were lucky to experience.
For many visitors, however, the star of Scissortail Park will be the illuminated Skydance Bridge straddling the busy Interstate below. The remotely controlled lights, programmable for holidays and special events, displayed a vibrant deep blue glow during our visit, dramatically highlighting the structure’s sweeping design. But the color varies from night to night. When viewed from the bridge’s south end and set against the backdrop of city lights, it was the perfect conclusion to our 2-mile urban nature walk around Oklahoma City.

Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. His hiking column describes short trails, hikes, and walks from around the country that seniors might enjoy while traveling.
Visit www.ItsAWonderfulHike.com.

By Marilyn Olson,
VillagesOKC Executive Director

Carissa Burns, 22, will be a December graduate of Southern Nazarene University with a bachelor of science degree in psychology. As part of her study, she completed a three-month practicum with VillagesOKC, learning about active older adults and the many connection opportunities VillagesOKC provides.
Admittedly reluctant at first, Burns finished the practicum with an enlightened understanding of the realities of positive aging. She said initially she had hoped to work with middle-aged adults, but working with older adults has been rewarding.
“I’ve never worked with just older adults,” Burns said. “Never attended nonprofit events before. Never done any real volunteering. Working with Marilyn and the others has really changed my perception.”
She supported the VillagesOKC team at a Senior LifeSkills Learning workshop and the daylong Positive Aging: Inflammation workshop. In addition, she volunteered to help register and check-in participants at the Second Half Expo, which was attended by 1,675 people and more than 100 exhibitors.
“Our goal was to expose her to as much of the 50+ world as possible,” said Executive Director Marilyn Olson. In addition to supporting team member projects, she was given books to read and videos to watch. Books included Being Mortal by Atul Gawande and The Mindful Body by Ellen J. Langer.
Burns’ goal is to become a clinical therapist after she earns her master’s degree. This was her second practicum. The first was at Bethany High School working with students with learning disabilities.
She said her early reluctance was because she wasn’t sure the practicum at VillagesOKC would give her the experience she needed for her psychology degree. However, after talking with Olson and her practicum advisor Dr. Delilah Joiner Martin, Program Director Family Studies & Gerontology, they came up with plans on how to get her the experience she needed.
“I have learned so much from my time with VillagesOKC. It’s knowledge that I’ll be able to use as I work toward my career goal,” Burns said.
During the practicum, Burns has continued a full course load at SNU, participated with the track team and worked two part-time jobs. She has worked at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club for the past four years. She also works three days a week in the fitness center at Expand Energy, the former Chesapeake Energy.
She is a graduate of Bethany High School and ran track all four years, finishing first in 4A State in the 100 meter sprint and second in the 200 meters. From an athletic family, both her parents are personal trainers. Her dad, Dutch Burns, is a track coach at Southwestern Christian University. Her mother, Denise Penczak Burns, is a personal trainer and Pilates instructor.
Olson said working with Burns has been rewarding and she hopes to continue the connection.
“We love being able to influence and encourage younger adults so they have role models for aging with vitality and purpose,” she said.

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 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.