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COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Recent sports or academic highlight?
Last year, my team had a great run at the state tournament; we ended up making it to the state semifinals.
Personal highlights?
I am the son of Jim and Sue Bond. I spend most of my free time playing basketball, but otherwise, I love goofing off with friends.
How do you maintain balance?
It helps me to balance my life when I have fun while doing so. I make sure to have a positive attitude in whatever I am doing, no matter how I actually feel about it.
Plans for the future?
I plan on attending a small college where I can play basketball, major in biology, and then go on to med school to be an orthopedic surgeon.
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COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Recent sports or academic highlight?
The No. 1 highlight of my career at Community Christian School would most definitely be winning the state title in volleyball two years in a row with an amazing group of girls.
Personal highlights?
I am a senior at CCS in Norman, which I have attended for 12 years. My parents are Chris and Charlotte Apel. I play volleyball, basketball and soccer. When I am not at school or in sports, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family.
How do you maintain balance?
Balancing school and sports has always come naturally to me. Staying on top of homework and attending practices is not something I find to be difficult. Although sports and school come easily to me, I definitely have to make an effort to stay involved in my personal relationships because of my busy schedule.
Plans for the future?
I will be attending the University of Oklahoma in the fall of 2022, pursuing my dream to become a physical therapist. I was inspired to go into this field because of an amazing experience I had while recovering from a torn ACL during my sophomore year. My physical therapist’s dedication and positive attitude pushed me to recover and become a stronger athlete than I was before surgery.
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
DECEMBER 2021 PUBLISHER
Jimmy Darden | jimmy.darden@lifestylepubs.com 405-541-5650
Winter photo by Amber Neel
MANAGING EDITOR
Happy Holidays! BIG PLANS FOR CHRISTMAS? With new vaccines making it safer to be around family and friends, it's a sure bet many of our readers are gearing up for a big Christmas this year. We're just about to put up the Elf on the Shelf for my 4-year-old grand-
Jerri Culpepper | jerri.culpepper@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Mary Albers L AYO UT DESIGNER
Kirstan Lanier
nephew, who has been asking his mom and me to turn on some Christmas music on
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
the radio since before Thanksgiving!
Brooke Barnett, Jerri Culpepper, Lindsey Davies, Joy Hampton, Staci Elder Hensley, Amber Neel
For some of our neighbors, getting one square meal a day, much less a feast on
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Christmas, is a challenge. You'll read in this issue about McFarlin Memorial United
Joy Hampton, Agi Lurtz, Amber Neel
Methodist Church's Food Pantry which, along with other community food pantries, is helping to ensure that no one goes hungry. Some of the other topics in this issue: DIY upcycled holiday projects that won't break the bank and are fun to do; a shop that opened recently in Norman's historic downtown featuring delicious cookies inspired by Okie people and places; and two hearty soup recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Of course, those are just a few of the highlights. We know this is a busy time of year for our readers, but we hope you'll find some time to fix yourself a hot chocolate (don't forget the whipping cream and peppermint stick!) and read about some of
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
your friends and neighbors who make this community such a special place in which
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
to live and work.
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
Before closing, we wanted to note that Pat Fields, the OU football player featured in the November issue, was named a finalist for the Campbell Award after press
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
time in October. He will receive an $18,000 scholarship and the overall winner will be announced this month. Given by the National Football Foundation, the award is given annually to the absolute best scholar-athlete in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Congrats! 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
Publisher Jimmy Darden and I wish all our readers and advertisers a bright and joyous holiday season. ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN
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PHOTO COURTESEY SAM NOBLE MUSEUM 10
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
Proverbs 3:5-6 Cleveland County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cleveland County area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cleveland County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
HEALTHY SMILES
for life.
SARA K. SPURLOCK, DDS JENNIFER M. JENKINS, DDS
& associates
FROM ALL OF US TO YOU
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! We are grateful for the support, kindness and trust you have extended to us this year and we are honored by the opportunity to continue to serve our patients, team, families, friends & community.
SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
to come see
(405) 321-6166
dental design studio | www.normandentist.com 561 MERCHANT DRIVE, NORMAN, OKLAHOMA
INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2021
FEATURES 24 An Upcycled Christmas DIY Holiday Projects Range From Simple to More Complex
28 McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church Food Bank Only One Way They Are Giving Back to the Community
32 Meet the Cookie Queen Okie Baking Co. Making Magic at The Cookie Cottage
32 24
36 Soup's On! Hearty Soups Easy to Make, Easy to Personalize
36 DEPARTMENTS
28
10
Lifestyle Letter
14
Good Times
19
Around Town
22 Local Experiences 24 DIY 28 Locals Only 32 Now Open 36 Culinary Creations 40 Local Limelight 44 Faith Reflections 48 Inspired By 50 Realty Report 53 Lifestyle Calendar
The Spirited Senior Living Community You’ve Been Waiting For. Coming Soon. Sooner Station at University North Park is a spirited senior living destination in Norman, OK offering 189 residences for active adults seeking independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. A premier Senior Living Sponsor of the University of Oklahoma Alumni Association, Sooner Station residents will enjoy direct access to continued learning, campus visits, events, and more. Find out more at www.SoonerStation.com/winter and pre-select your apartment today! Or, call now 405.267.4968 to schedule a complimentary tour.
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GOOD TIMES 1.
2.
3.
Black & White Dueling Pianos Gala Proceeds from the Assistance League of Norman’s Black & White Dueling Pianos Gala, held Oct. 14 at Legacy Park in Norman, will benefit the nonprofit’s programs, including Operation School Bell. For more information, visit assistanceleague.org/norman. BRANDON WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
5.
4.
7.
6.
8.
10.
11.
9.
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1. Chris and Lori Kolb, Jeff and Susan Raley | 2. Craig and Tiffany Bodenhamer, Lisa and Mike Dionisio | 3. Jennifer and Judge Michael Tupper | 4. Karen Telford and Stephany Haxel | 5. Lance and Jennifer Sanders, Alex White | 6. Lawrence and Elizabeth McKinney, Gene McKown, Megan and Andy Sherrer | 7. Marcy and Dr Chris Paskowski | 8. Mariann Lawson and Sherri Haynes | 9. Megan Sherrer and Stephanie Clinton | 10. Nele and Dr. Mike Rogers | 11. Susan and Bob Aikman | 12. Susy Ferrell, Vicki Worster, Sherri Haynes, Linda Holt, and Suzanne Burgess 14
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
SWITZER SOONER LIVING’S AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET IS LESS THAN 5 DAYS
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GOOD TIMES
Meet October's OU Jr. Captain The October OU Jr. Captain was Nash Neal! Nash, his family and five friends enjoyed the OU vs. Texas Tech game, thanks to Orthodontics Exclusively. Sign your child up for the OU Junior Captain Experience at OrthoExc.com.
Get a Start on Your Fitness Journey The holidays can be a difficult time to stay motivated, but that has not stopped the Orangetheory fit fam from crushing their fitness goals! Get a head start on your fitness journey by calling 405.703.5259 or visiting OrangeTheory.com!
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Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin Based Upon the Paramount Pictures Film Written For the Screen by Norman Krasna Norman Panama and Melvin Frank Book by David Ives and Paul Blake
101 E Main St. | Norman, OK | (405 321-9600 www.SoonerTheatre.com CityLifestyle.com/ClevelandCounty
17
Merry Christmas
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Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
AROUND TOWN
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
SOONER THEATRE TO STAGE WHITE CHRISTMAS The Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St., Norman, will present White Christmas, featuring music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, Dec. 10-12 and 17-19. The musical is based upon the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank, and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney.To order
K I D S PA R T I E S
|
BALLOONS
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POPCORN
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tickets, visit SoonerTheatre.org/tickets. (Photo from Sooner Theatre’s 2012 production. Wendy Mutz Photography)
Wine Tasting Opening Soon
LIBRARIES OFFER HEALTH PROGRAMS, RESOURCES Pioneer Library System supports your healthy lifestyle, especially throughout the holiday season, through programs like Gentle Yoga and Tai Chi, information sources like Health Source and Medline Plus, and hundreds of thousands of health-focused titles available in physical and digital check-out.
wewmooreok.com | 405.232.WINE (9463) 2001 S. Broadway Ave Moore, OK 73160 Follow us on
for updates.
CONTINUED >
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AROUND TOWN Find these resources and more by visiting any of the 12 PLS locations, downloading the PLS Connect app, or visiting pioneerlibrarysystem.org.
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF NORMAN SETS HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
MIKE COCHRAN, OWNER
The Assistance League of Norman’s annual Holiday Home Tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10-11. This year, five homes are decorated for the holidays. Featured homes this year are: Ruth and Dr. Jack Beller, Tamara Hopkins, Jennifer and John Davenport, The Montford Inn, and Pat Tucker. Proceeds
from
the
fundraiser
benefit the programs of Assistance League
of
Norman,
including
Operation School Bell. To purchase tickets, which are $35 and include a virtual tour, visit AssistanceLeague.org/Norman.
SUNDAY WITH SANTA EVENT BENEFITS OPERATION SCHOOL BELL
Bring your child, grandchild or any A TRUSTED NA young friend to meet Santa during CAR REPAI
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EXPERIENCE THE NICE DIFFERENCE FOR YOURSELF!
benefit Operation School Bell.
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Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
Oklahoma Mon Amour also received the prestigious Special Remi Award at the 2021 WorldFest Houston. The Oklahoma premiere debuted at the Norman Depot as part of the Norman Film Festival. Many OU students and alumni participated in the production of the film, which received support from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of International Studies and the Film and Media Studies Department.
2 NORMAN TEACHERS FINALISTS FOR PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Two Norman educators are among the six state-level finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Teaching. David Powell and Laura Vaughn, both with the Norman Public Schools, were named as science finalists. Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest recognition a K-12 mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Awards alternate each year between elementary and secondary teachers. This year’s honor recognizes secondary-level teachers. Powell teaches college prep and AP chemistry. He has been a Teacher of the Year finalist for his school and is a three-time American Chemical Society Hach Grant Recipient. He has eight years of teaching experience. Vaughn has 22 years of experience and currently teaches seventh-grade science at Irving Middle School. She has served on a number of committees, including the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Science Standards Writing Committee, Solar Schools Norman Committee, Sutton Urban Wilderness Advisory Committee and the Norman Arts Council Grant Review Committee. She was Teacher of the Year for her school in 2018, and an Improvement Fellow for the Oklahoma Excel Program.
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Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle. com/Cleveland County using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.
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LOCAL EXPERIENCES
WINTER AND REVEL WINTER IS A TIME TO ENJOY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHILE USHERING IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Whether you are enjoying one of the many festive activities our city has to offer or spending time with loved ones, the memories made will be cherished.
THINGS TO DO IN WINTER + Limo Holiday Lights Tour: Schedule a two-hour tour of OKC's most spectacular holiday lights via limo. Through Dec. 30. Prices vary; email okcviplimo@yahoo.com. Through Dec. 30th. Prices Vary. + Lights From the Heart: Make your way through tunnels of magical lights and watch as the lights reflect on Purcell Lake. Through Dec. 31. Free, but donations accepted. 1400 Chandler Road, Purcell, OK 73080 + The Polar Express: The Oklahoma Railway Museum's Polar Express includes entertainment, hot chocolate, a scrumptious cookie and a keepsake sleigh bell to bring home. Through Dec. 31. 3400 Northeast Grand Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK + Chickasha Festival Of Light: The Chickasha Festival of Light, with over 3.5 million twinkling lights, is one of the top holiday light shows in the nation. Through Dec. 31. 2400 S. 9th St., Chickasha, Oklahoma 73018 + Oklahoma City Zoo: Safari Lights is OKC Zoo's larger-than-life light display showcasing over 59 wildlife-themed light sculptures viewable on a driving tour through the zoo. Through Jan. 9. 2000 Remington Place, Oklahoma City, OK 22
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
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DIY
ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER
An upcycled christmas Snow-tipped pinecones look great in baskets and bowls.
Add a stuffed animal to the flocked pinecones and you have a great holiday display basket.
Your imagination's the limit when creating these pinecone settings.
AGI LURTZ LOVES TO CREATE BOTH
DIRECTIONS
DECORATIVE
+ Don your rubber gloves and grab
AND
FUNCTIONAL
ITEMS USING FINDS FROM NATURE OR UPCYCLING PRODUCTS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE END UP IN THE
1 // snow dipped pine cones
24
one pinecone. + Dip the dry brush into the paint, covering just the tip of the brush.
LANDFILL. Here, she shows how to easily
+ Holding the pinecone at a 45-degree
make your own flocked pinecones, a hol-
angle and, starting at the top, run the
iday-scented room freshener using pine-
brush from the tip down to the bottom
cones as the base, and an Advent calendar.
of the cone. This should result in just a tiny bit of paint on nearly each scale
1// SNOW TIPPE D PINE CONE S This is the easiest craft to do, with great results!
and appear as if snow hit just the tips of each scale of the cone. + Allow
to
dry
and
repeat
with
other pinecones. YOU WILL NEED: + 1 dry, flat paint brush
A mix of painted and unpainted pine-
+ Acrylic paint (most people use white; I
cones look great in baskets or bowls.
used an eggshell color for a warmer feel)
If you’d like, you can jazz it up with a
+ Pinecones
stuffed animal, ribbon, ornaments or
+ Rubber or nitrile gloves
other items.
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
PHOTOGRAPHY BY AGI LURTZ AND AMBER NEEL
DIY HOLIDAY PROJECTS RANGE FROM SIMPLE TO MORE COMPLEX
YOU WILL NEED: + Pinecones + Carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil
2 // holiday pinecone
+ Your choice of fragrance or essential oils, such as orange oil, clove oil, vanilla oil
oil fragrance
+ Small travel-size spray bottle DIRECTIONS + Into a small, travel-size spray bottle, add your own favorite essential oils to the carrier oil (almond oil) at a ratio of 10/1 (10 parts almond oil, 1 part essential oils). For the holidays, consider cinnamon, cloves, orange and other earthy oils. + Place oil mixture inside spray bottle and prime the pump (this could take 10-12 tries before the oil starts to spray). + Spritz pinecones with the oil and place into the black take-out bowl or whatever solid container you wish to use. The cones will soak in the oil and keep your home smelling wonderful for about a month. Re-spritz as needed to freshen up the scent. + If desired, arrange three or more pinecones in the black Chinese takeout bowl and decorate with greenery, ribbon, twigs, or other items.
3 // diy tomato cage holiday tree
Amber Neel also loves to use items from nature as well as recycled items to create both decorative and functional works of art. Here, a tomato cage forms the basis of an easy-to-make Christmas tree. YOU WILL NEED: + Tomato Cages (no longer in use in the garden) + Garland of your choice + String of lights + Star or other topper DIRECTIONS + Turn tomato cage upside down. Pinch the three legs together and wrap the garland around the cage and secure. + String lights loosely around the garland. (Battery-operated lights work well for these!) + Hang or secure the star or tree topper. Repeat steps 1-4 for as many trees as you’d like. Enjoy! + Simple variations: Use lights without garland or use burlap, fabric or ribbon, wrapping paper, ornaments/bulbs, wire mesh or mesh tubing instead of garland.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/ClevelandCounty
25
DIY (CONTINUED)
4 // advent calendar for adults
+ Find a way to fasten the doors to stay closed. Get creative! Options include screw-in hooks, paper brads or even a decorative bead or button. You can add rubber bands or, for a cleaner look, elastic thread. This becomes the loop to pull over your fastener of choice.
If you’ve seen Advent calendars filled with wines or
A quick and easy solution involves using 1/8” or ¼”
beers, then you also probably noticed the price. Most run
elastic by the yard. You will need to cut it into three
near $100 or more. However, you can make your own by
identical pieces, which you can staple to the top edge
following these easy steps. Estimated time of completion:
of the backside of the box, then stretch to wrap over
one to two days.
the top, down in front of the door edges, and under the bottom of the box. Then, simply tuck the doors under
YOU WILL NEED: + 24-compartment Crown Royal box
the elastic band to hold them shut. + Decorate as you wish. With the black chalk paint, it was
+ Black chalk paint
easy with white chalk to hand-letter each door with a
+ Wrapping paper or wallpaper
number of the day to open. You can also glue on num-
+ Box knife
bers if your hand-lettering skills are not what you wish
+ Duct or packing tape + White Chalk
they were. + Use shredded wrapping paper to give it a nice little
+ Wrapping paper (shredded)
“nest” for each bottle. You can purchase mini wines and
+ Elastic by the yard, rubber bands, or some kind of closures.
spirits from $1 up. If you don’t wish to do alcohol, con-
+ Mini wines/spirits or other small gifts (to place inside box)
sider small gifts such as cheese, chocolates, keepsakes, love notes and jewelry.
DIRECTIONS
+ Personalize as desired. For example, for one couple
+ Find an empty Crown Royal box with 24 compartments
Agi arranged the bottles according to their tastes, then
(your nearby liquor store can probably help you out)
asked that the wife open all the even-numbered days,
+ Paint or cover the box with wrapping or wallpaper. Agi used
the husband the odd-numbered days. (Side note: the
chalk paint, and hand decorated the box once it dried. + You can leave the box flaps attached, as the “doors” for
couple liked the gift so much, they returned the box to Agi so she could use it again.)
all the outside edge compartments. Use a box cutter or Xacto knife to cut away the excess, which you will need for the remaining doors. Or, you can remove the flaps with a box knife and use duct tape or packing tape to attach the doors individually. Don’t worry too much about the tape, as the paint or covering should hide it well. Agi cut the duct tape to be the exact length of the height of the door and attached it much like a hinge; it then became a part of the overall design. You can also use the tape as a “hinge” from the inside of the compartment and attaching the door on the non-visible side of the door.
26
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
// there are no rules, other than be patient, use your creativity and have a lot of fun.
Decorating your Advent calendar can be done using wallpaper...
... or black chalk paint and white chalk lettering.
A Crown Royal box with compartments forms the base of Agi Lurtz's Advent calendar.
CityLifestyle.com/ClevelandCounty
27
LOCALS ONLY
hello, sunshine! NEW OKLAHOMA HOME AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION GROUP SERVES LITTLE AXE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOY HAMPTON
Oklahoma Home and Community Education Sunshine group members Donna DeMun, Vickie Gray and Louise Moody look over Christmas projects.
28
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
"For me, t he group fills a void bec ause my husb and and I did everyt hing t oget her," Jean said. "He supported me in my craf ts and my sewing. I t hink he would be proud of me, and I get t o help t he community." JEAN LAWSON LOST HER HUSBAND A YEAR AGO
In this case, a key quality-of-life improvement
AND JOINED ONE OF CLEVELAND COUNTY’S
was to obtain sewing machines for the Little Axe
OKLAHOMA
Community Center.
HOME
AND
COMMUNITY
EDUCATION GROUPS SO SHE COULD BE MORE INVOLVED WITH HER COMMUNITY.
“I applied for the grant for the sewing machines through OSU Extension’s State Ambassador pro-
“For me, the group fills a void because my husband
gram,” Brenda said. “I have done classes at the Little
and I did everything together,” Jean said. “He sup-
Axe Community Center, and I had many requests for
ported me in my crafts and my sewing. I think he would
sewing classes, and they needed those resources.”
be proud of me, and I get to help the community.” While Jean lives in the Little Axe area, she initially joined another group until someone told her they
Those sewing machines are available for the public to use at the community center and they also serve as a resource for the new Sunshine group.
were starting a local group and needed leadership.
“I appreciate our OHCE members and Brenda Hill-
Now she’s the president of the new OHCE Sunshine
Alta for working with the community center to bring
group that meets at the Little Axe Community Center
this resource to our east side residents,” Darry said.
on the second Friday of every month.
The Sunshine group is excited to be sharing skills
Oklahoma Home and Community Education, Inc. is
with area residents and the sewing machines is a boon
a statewide, county-based organization that has a
for all. While Little Axe previously had an OHCE group,
unique partnership with Oklahoma State University
over time, members moved away and the group died,
and OSU Extension. Through their activities, local
leaving a void the new members are anxious to fill.
members develop leadership skills and learn about
“This is a new OHCE group,” Brenda said. “It’s a
everything from sewing and crafts to quilting, garden-
long way into Norman and it’s wonderful that they can
ing, safe food handling and canning.
have their own little community with a place to grow
Working together, OHCE members and county Extension Educators like Cleveland County’s Brenda
and a place to learn and to have some equipment to do it with.”
Hill-Alta identify issues facing their local communi-
The Sunshine group is coming up with sewing proj-
ties and use research-based information from spe-
ects and teaching those projects to interested persons.
cialists at OSU to help solve those problems. “Working together, Cleveland County, the OSU Extension Office, and local municipalities can help
“I teach them, and they turn around and teach the community,” Brenda said. “They are FCS (Family and Consumer Services) Master Volunteers.”
improve the quality of life for rural residents,” said
Brenda said the various OHCE group members
County Commissioner Darry Stacy. “In this case, the
can go out and help people in their communities,
community center is run by the city of Norman Parks
reaching more people than she could working alone.
and Recreation, and we’ve had a lot of opportunities
While some topics, such as canning, must be taught
to partner with them in the Little Axe area for the ben-
by experts, these master volunteers can teach things
efit of the folks who live out here.”
like sewing and fine arts. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/ClevelandCounty
29
LOCALS ONLY (CONTINUED) “We are new and learning,” said treasurer Vickie Gray. “We had several ladies that made exhibits for the fair, and we really learned by going to the fair.” Vickie said she looks forward to everything she’ll be learning from OHCE and is excited to learn about canning in the future. “I think these groups get people involved in the community,” Vickie said.
Vickie Gray
“We had a breadmaking class, for example. Our OHCE group has a learner lesson each month, so it’s educational, and we also get together and sew. We learn from each other as well.” The community center’s new sewing machines are a boon to the group as well as to the community at large. “We don’t have to haul our machines to the community center now,” Vickie said, also noting that the group participates in activities statewide. “We visited the sod house in Aline, Oklahoma, and there was a quilting group meeting there so we also learned from them,” she said. The group is open to anyone interested in learning and people can come check out the activities. “We’ve tried to invite some of the women out there to join us,” Jean said. In addition to Jean, many in the group are widows, including Vickie, who lost her husband a few months ago. For all of the members, the camaraderie and the chance to give back to the community brings meaning to their lives. “It’s a rural community and we needed more activities out here,” Vickie said. “We’re hoping to get more younger ladies and girls involved.”
Donna DeMun
OHCE members do a number of volunteer activities, but they also seize opportunities to help others when they come along. In one case, a 5-yearold boy wanted to make an apron and they helped him find a child’s pattern and make a Superman apron. The members also enjoy making gifts or things for their homes. “We made wind chimes,” Jean said. “We’re trying to do things we can do at the community center and have people who want to come in and join us.”
Louise Moody shows pillowcases she’s made as part of the group’s current community service project. The pillowcases will be donated to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. 30
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
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ARTICLE BY AMBER NEEL
he co t n t e e oki e m e que
OKIE BAKING CO. MAKING MAGIC AT THE COOKIE COTTAGE WIFE, MOTHER, UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA GRAD AND COOKIE QUEEN SHANNON HANCHETT IS TAKING THE COOKIE SCENE BY STORM! “In February of 2018, I started a home-based bakery on a very small scale, baking for family members, friends, former colleagues. I baked out of my home until November of 2019, at which point I had the opportunity to move into a space at Yellow Dog Coffee Roastery. I loved working there and I made lots of great community contacts and friends, but in December of 2020, I decided that it was time to focus on getting my own space,” she recalled. Shannon pitched her dream to the owner of a historic, downtown building. She imagined baking while oldies played in the background, surrounded by vintage collectibles and Oklahoma history. 32
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
“Over the course of the next nine months, we got everything in place to move Okie Baking Co. into the nearly 100-year-old, 484-square-foot building that I lovingly named The Cookie Cottage. My grand opening was on Saturday, Oct. 2, and I have been going nonstop since that day!” Since the doors to Okie Baking Co. opened, Shannon has sold out of her delicious cookies almost daily. She is honored to have been nominated and made it to the voting portion of The Norman Transcript’s Reader’s Choice Awards for The Best Local Bakery, alongside big names like La Baguette and Dara Marie’s. “Most of us Okies have heard of OKC, Tulsa, Norman and Lawton, but have you heard of Depew, OK? Did you know that it’s home to one of the state’s largest nudist colonies? I want people to be able to come into my cookie cottage, buy a sweet, simple treat that brings back feelings of warmth and nostalgia, and maybe learn a little bit about this fascinating state that we call home in the process.” Okie Baking Co. provides cookies for Bison Witches and for the seasonal
Mr. and Mrs. Claus, aka Bo Turner and wife Jeanne Booze Turner, and Shannon Hanchett
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/ClevelandCounty
33
NOW OPEN (CONTINUED)
i e c o m p a ny h ook as c e l a t it ve l y ry e s m t o y h l e n m spec i coo he'; e c i z n ' i f i c i l ki of es cia y e p ins tor places that ma s i Is d p h i r e d by t h e ke an e d l o p ai ur o s e sta pe t e g r e a t! " s h custard sandwiches made by Rusty at The Custard Factory. She takes online and wholesale orders through her website, and sample packs are available at the Cookie Cottage four days a week! “I make about 47 different cookies. My favorite that I bake is the McLoud Spiced Blackberry Jam Thumbprint, but my most FAVORITE cookie in the whole wide world are my mom’s Christmas sugar cookies,” Shannon said. “My earliest cookie memories are of me and my sisters gathered around our kitchen table, decorating these delicious cookies with homemade frosting and gobs of sprinkles. They are one of my most favorite things about the holiday season, which is by far my most favorite time of the year! “Although I don’t make or carry decorated sugar cookies in my shop, I do offer Decorate Your Own Cookie Kits. Each kit includes a baker’s dozen of cutout sugar cookies, two pastry bags full of homemade royal icing, and three bags of seasonal sprinkles, all for $25. These kits are great because they provide the fun part of decorating and eating the sugar cookies without having to deal with all the hassle!” Cookie kits are available for preorder online from Dec. 3-17. The Cookie Queen is decorating and will have Santa and a local photographer visit The Cookie Cottage for holiday photos. THE COOKIE COTTAGE 231 W. Main St. | Norman, OK 73069 | 405.213.2896 shannon@okiebakingco.com | OkieBakingCo.com Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (or until sold out) Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
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CULINARY CREATIONS
S O O N U ! P S
MITZI BLACKMON LEARNED TO MAKE THIS HEARTY SOUP FROM HER GRANDMOTHER LOTTIE BELL AND HER MOTHER, BARBARA, WHO BOTH LIVED IN ANDERSON, SOUTH CAROLINA. Her grandparents always maintained a large garden, from which they sourced most of the vegetables that went into their soup. While Mitzi uses partly frozen vegetables for convenience, she tries to always use organic products, including her seasonings, as well as minimal sugar and no MSG. You’ll note amounts are omitted; like her grandmother and mother before her, Mitzi never measures her ingredients, instead using her experience and taste tests to guide her. “We love to share and put the soups up on the freezer,” Mitzi says, noting that she also sends soup home regularly with her son, since he works all day and attends nursing school at night, leaving little time to prepare nutritious meals. What better way to say, “I love you”?
HEARTY SOUPS EASY TO MAKE, EASY TO PERSONALIZE ARTICLE BY JERRI CULPEPPER
36
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
Ma and Nanny’s Carolina Beef Vegetable Soup, submitted by Mitzi Blackmon
M A + N A N A' S CAROLINA BEEF V E G E TA B L E S O U P
SEASONINGS + Onion seasoning mix to taste
Sprinkle roast beef on top and bottom with seasonings and place
+ Steak rub to taste
into a crockpot the night before the day you plan to serve it. If
+ Roasted garlic and herbs seasoning
desired, brown the meat first in a skillet with 3 Tbs. oil. Cook on low
blend to taste
overnight, about 8 hours.
+ Organic ground black pepper to taste + Salt to taste
The next day, remove the meat from the crock pot, allow it to cool, then cut it into cubes and place into a large pot. Cover with the
ingredient s
SOUP
broth from the crock pot and add the onion, celery and potatoes.
+ 3 Tbs. oil
Cook until the potatoes are done, then add remaining ingredients
+ 1 roast beef
and allow to simmer for an hour or so.
+ 2 large cartons beef broth + 1 large onion (chopped) + 2-3 celery stems (sliced into small
SERVING SUGGESTION:
pieces) + 10 small potatoes (skin on or off as preferred, cut into small cubes)
Add cornbread or cheese toast to make this a hearty meal that’ll keep you warm for hours.
+ 1 ½ bags frozen mixed vegetables + 2 bags frozen okra + 1 bag frozen corn + 2 28-oz. cans diced tomatoes + 2 cans Rotel + 1 or 2 15-oz. cans tomato sauce
direc t ions CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/ClevelandCounty
37
CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)
Agi Lurtz admits to not being a big soup eater, nor is she a fan of peas. “However,” she says, “there is something about this soup that is so good, and so hardy, it warms you on a cold day. And, when you add the chicken, it can be your entire meal.” Agi generally makes a big pot of this soup because it freezes well. If you wish to make less, she says, reduce the amount of water and ingredients proportionately. Agi encourages people to personalize this soup by adding their favorite ingredients, such as cut frozen carrots and minced onions.
HUNGARIAN PEA SOUP WITH NOKEDLI
Hungarian Pea Soup with Nokedli, submitted by Agi Lurtz
Bring water to a boil, then turn the heat down to slightly less than boiling and add cream of mushroom or chicken soup, garlic, garlic powder, soup base and black pepper. + 3 ½-4 quarts water + 1 Tbs. of soup base (chicken
Stir well and mix in the cream of mushroom or chicken soup
bouillon or other; Agi’s favorite is made
until it blends in with your soup base. Hold back on the peas for
by BENDE and is called Super Veg.)
now (Agi uses the frozen peas to take the boiling water down if it
+ 2 26-oz. cans cream of mushroom soup (or cream of
starts to boil over, especially while adding the Nokedli—a trick she learned from her mom).
chicken, if preferred)
ingredient s 38
+ ¼ tsp. ground black pepper + 1 ½ Tbs. minced garlic (fresh, in the jar or freeze-dried in the spice section) + 1 ½ tsp. garlic powder + 2 Tbs. minced garlic + 6 Tbs. Hungarian or Spanish paprika + 1 ½ Tbs. hot paprika (optional) + 24 ozs. frozen peas + Pancake syrup (optional) + (Optional) Cooked chicken breast, cut into small pieces (You can also use leftover turkey or roasted chicken if you have leftovers)
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
direc t ions
Add the Nokedli (dumplings) to the soup while its still boiling.
Nokedli is basically homemade dumplings and are super easy and fast to make. When making it for this soup, Agi adds a dab of the dough directly into the boiling soup. She likes to mix this up while waiting for the large pot of water to boil.
NOKEDLI
In a medium-sized bowl, mix up all the ingredients until you get a sticky dough consistency. Add additional flour or milk, if needed. Unless you have a Spaetzle maker, the quickest and easiest way to make the noodles is to grab a smaller spatula and a dinner + 3 cups white or wheat flour
knife. Load up the spatula with some dough, hold over the boiling
(all-white, or 2 cups white
soup, and use the dull side of the knife to push small amounts of
and 1 cup wheat)
the dough into the soup, one-by-one. (You can also use two tea-
+ 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or 1%)
spoons, but it tends to take longer.) Make the noodles as small or
+ 2 large eggs
large as you like.
+ ½ tsp. salt + 1/8th tsp. pepper
If the soup starts to boil over, use the frozen peas to knock it down
ingredient s
before it boils over. Once you’ve used up all the dough, add any remaining frozen peas, and cook for another 10 minutes or longer. Now would be the time to add the pre-cooked chicken or turkey, if you wish. Once the chicken is heated, the soup is ready to serve, unless you decide to add the pancake syrup. If so: Turn off the heat and add in one squirt (approximately a tablespoon), of pancake syrup and stir well. It’s optional, but it does give it an extraordinary flavor. Serve with bread. Note: This soup gets better when you cook it for 30 minutes or more. And it’s even better the next day!
direc t ions CityLifestyle.com/ClevelandCounty
39
LOCAL LIMELIGHT
FOR THe KIDS POPS & DIDI BOOKS MEANT TO BE READ FROM THE LAP
FOR DECADES, GREG AND DIANA NIETO WOULD TAKE LONG CAR TRIPS WITH THEIR CHILDREN— TRIPS WHERE HE WOULD INVENT FUNNY, CREATIVE STORIES ABOUT EACH CHILD TO KEEP THEM ENTERTAINED. As the decades went by, those stories expanded to include the couple’s seven grandchildren. “Pops and DiDi,” as the couple were affectionally known, created a new character for each grandchild, serving as a source of family fun and bonding. Naturally, over the years, everyone from friends to family told them the stories needed to be published. They agreed, but the busyness of life kept it to a “someday” project. Fast forward to 2019, and the Nietos finally put their stories on paper, creating the first two books of a planned “Pops & Didi” series, with animal and automobile characters based upon their grandchildren. Jaylyn and Jaxon: Let the Adventure Begin, was the first to be printed, followed by And Then There Were Three. Named after the two oldest grandchildren, Jaylyn’s character is a jaguar and Jaxon’s is a jalopy. It’s an odd combination, but it actually helps the story along, because with two unlikely companions, “sometimes our differences become our connections,” Diana Nieto said. What motivated them to finally begin publishing, Diana said, is when she and her husband started noticing that parents weren’t interacting with their young children in a personal way. Instead, they were almost always using phones or tablets or some other technology. The book series is their way of fighting back against that trend, and re-establishing the experience of sharing a book together. “Parents and grandparents need to make time for young kids to sit in their lap and read to them,” she said. “It’s just such a unique bonding time. That was sort of our legacy, to focus on gathering your kids in your laps and reading to them.”
ARTICLE BY STACI ELDER HENSLEY 40
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
The Pops & Didi books focus on positive relationships and making friends and are ideal for young children up through about age 8. “Even infants like the pictures, and I’ve seen older kids reading it as well,” Diana said. “Our goal was to be positive with characters that are inviting. I’ve never yet seen a child who doesn’t like them.” Incorporated into the stories is an additional
important
message
that
Diana learned from her father: “Be something. Do something. Leave something.” So important is that message, that the Nietos trademarked the saying prior to publishing. Both lifelong Norman residents, the couple had dreamed of writing books, but it took until 2019 before they completed all the necessary steps required to self-publish. They were assisted by Oklahoma City-based artist Koon Vega, who worked closely with the couple to obtain the exact positive “vibe” for the characters. “If you look at children’s books today, the characters in a lot of the illustrations look unhappy or just odd,” she said. “We worked for over a year with Koon, who was wonderful, and it gave us the exact look we wanted.” The Pops & Didi books can be purchased
through
the
website,
PopsandDidi.com, or at the Press & Plow Café in Norman. Originally, the books were planned as a series of eight, but unfortunately Greg Nieto passed away suddenly in early 2021. Diane said she isn’t sure yet if she
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will finish the series or not but hopes that its positive message will live on in the ones already published and in the special memories her family has of their beloved “Pops.” “We were multifaceted in our intent with these books, and I believe we achieved that,” she said. “He lives on in
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FAITH REFLECTIONS
ARTICLE BY LINDSEY DAVIES
MCFARLIN METHODIST CHURCH
FOOD BANK ONLY ONE WAY THEY ARE GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Volunteers prepare for McFarlin's Food Pantry.
THIS TIME OF YEAR, FEASTS AND FAMILY
they have a need, and we fill that need as best
GET-TOGETHERS ARE ON MOST PEO-
we can. Our Food Pantry is open Tuesdays and
PLE’S AGENDAS. It’s also a time to reflect
Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clients can visit the
on all that we have been given in abundance
food pantry once every 14 days.
and to give thanks for those blessings.
What makes Norman such an incredible
Unfortunately, not all our neighbors share in
place to live is there are many people who are
this abundance and are struggling just to set
willing to help those in need. No church or
food on the table daily. I recently spoke with
organization can do it on their own; partnering
Scott Meier, director of missions at McFarlin
with each other to figure out the places where
Memorial United Methodist Church, about
people are in need and then finding a way to
their food bank and the ways you can help
help is what makes a community truly strong.
them serve the community.
McFarlin is not special. We are just one entity in this community working to make the world
WHAT AREAS/DEMOGRAPHICS DOES
a better place.
YOUR FOOD BANK SERVE? The McFarlin Food Pantry serves people/ families who live in Norman, Noble and Little
44
HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU SERVE MONTHLY?
Axe. We serve people who are in need of food.
We have served over 1,650 families so far in
We don't question why someone would come
2021. The majority of those families we helped
to our food pantry; if they show up, we assume
more than once. The number ebbs and flows
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church is located on Campus Corner, 419 S. University Blvd., Norman.
each month, so to get a true feeling of our
is retail recovery (food that would otherwise
impact, it is best to look at the yearly total.
be disposed of) from Target (about 15,000 to 20,000 pounds per month), Aldi (about 200
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT YOUR
pounds per month) and Homeland (about
FOOD BANK?
1,000 pounds per month).
Norman is blessed to have some great food
We also run a Mobile Food Pantry that deliv-
pantries, all with the desire of helping people
ers each Tuesday night to one of our Partner
and families in need. One of the most import-
Schools in Norman: Adams Elementary,
ant things to think about is that food pantries
Jackson Elementary, Madison Elementary and
help people stretch their available dollars. If
Irving Middle School. We do this to help make
we can provide a family with some food, then
food more accessible to those in need.
they can use that money to pay rent, pay for health care and transportation, buy clothing
WHAT CAN READERS DO TO HELP YOU
for their children, etc.
PROVIDE SERVICES?
Each year in the United States, about 108
There are two ways to help ... one is to
billion pounds of food is wasted, according
donate funds to our Food Pantry. While we
to Feed America. With that amount, no one
accept gifts of non-perishable food, money
in America should go hungry. The McFarlin
allows us to buy what is needed, while search-
Food Pantry helps get food into the hands of
ing for the best available prices. We work with
people in need. Part of the food we receive
the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, which CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/ClevelandCounty
45
FAITH REFLECTIONS (CONTINUED)
provides us with most of the food we distribute, and
We recently funded and built a Habitat for Humanity
those funds donated help us get the most for our money.
house in Noble. We have four partner schools
Second, we are always seeking people to volunteer.
(Adams, Jackson and Madison elementary schools,
Visit our website (listed below) to learn more and to sign
and Irving Middle School). And we partner with
up to volunteer.
local organizations in helping them carry out their missions. These include Food & Shelter, Bridges,
WHAT OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE DOES
Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Women's
MCFARLIN OFFER?
Resource Center and Norman Coalition for Refugee
The mission statement of McFarlin Methodist Church
Support. We also have a partnership ministry in
is “Changing Lives That Change the World.” This guides
Tanzania where we support a church, an elementary
everything that McFarlin does ... we are all about chang-
school, a medical clinic, a Pastors' Training School
ing peoples' lives and changing the world.
and the building of water wells.
In addition to our Food Pantry, we have a Utilities Assistance Ministry that helps people with their utilities.
Find out more about this church and volunteer opportunities at McFarlinUMC.org.
Inspired by Community
It’s time to think
locally
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Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
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INSPIRED BY
Gratefully
ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON PHOTOGRAPHY JANIE JONES
GIVING AWAY AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS IS GIVING $300,000 TO RECIPIENTS IN NEED THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON AND BEYOND... AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!
ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO ANNA SAROL, THE DAUGHTER OF A SINGLE MOTHER, WAS PARALYZED IN A GYMNASTICS ACCIDENT WHEN SHE WAS A FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL, BUT UNTIL LAST YEAR SHE DID NOT HAVE A STAIRLIFT IN HER HOME. The stairlift was made possible when Lifestyle Publications gave her family $10,000. “I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my
“I watched my community come together to help me get this equipment to my house, and words can’t explain how appreciative my family and I are.” —Anna Sarol
family and I are,” Anna says. The money for Anna’s stairlift was part of a giveaway campaign from the company during the 2020 Christmas season that benefited more than 80 recipients across the country with a final distribution of $250,000 throughout the year. When the company opened nominations, they were flooded with submissions. Community leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you nominated people that were in need of assistance. As the eyes and ears of the community, these readers were able to help identify people who might have
Anna Sarol
otherwise gone unnoticed or unrecognized. One such nominee was Kathy*, an aunt who is raising her three young relatives. The children came from an abusive situation, and Kathy, a single guardian, works tirelessly to provide for them. Nevertheless, the family was already living in poverty despite her working seven days a week when Kathy lost her job during the pandemic. She resorted to selling tamales to help pay the rent. When a case manager with a Big Brothers Big Sisters foster youth mentoring program heard about Lifestyle’s campaign and call for nominations, she quickly thought of Kathy. “When I shared the news that Kathy was selected and would be receiving $3,000, she cried, screamed, and was in disbelief,” the case manager said. “She immediately wanted to give back to me and the donor by providing endless tamales. This funding allowed the children to have a small Christmas tree for the first time ever. Kathy was able to pay her rent and utilities for three months, and the children were able to experience a holiday season in peace without financial stressors.” In yet another case, Emily* who worked as a janitor at a school, was a recipient and was struggling to afford simply buying groceries for her children. Before the ongoing difficulties of the pandemic even started, a tornado destroyed the school she worked at just a couple weeks before the initial shutdown in March 2020 which resulted in a loss of income for her. Emily was incredibly surprised and grateful to receive assistance from the giveaway. *Names changed for privacy
48
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GIVE AWAY $3OO,OOO This year the company will have nominations for the giveaway open from December 1-15, 2021. To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. The leaders of Lifestyle Publications believe God has blessed them with their company’s continued success, so they in turn wish to be a blessing and encouragement to others as they increase the amount of this year’s giveaway to those in need to $300,000 for the year.
Nominate HERE! Follow @citylifestyle on Instagram
CityLifestyle.com/ClevelandCounty
49
REALTY REPORT
REALTY REPORT NEIGHBORHOOD
CLEVELAND COUNTY
ORIGINAL PRICE
SOLD PRICE
%SOLD/ORIG
DOM
BDRMS
BATHS
Willowbend 3, Norman
945,875
905,000
95
22
4
3.6
Estates of Belmar, Moore
750,000
650,000
86
38
4
3.1
Brookhaven 33, Norman
635,000
635,000
100
1
4
3.1
Rivendell 12, SW OKC
599,900
585,000
97
13
4
4
Westermier Farm Estate, Moore
509,000
509,000
100
3
4
4
Hallbrooke Sec 2, Norman
509,900
485,000
95
36
4
3.1
Church Hill Estates, Moore
448,900
475,000
105
2
4
3.1
Harvest Hills, Lexington
489,900
450,000
91
3
2
2.1
Rio De Bella, SW OKC
420,000
450,000
107
3
4
3.1
Cascata Lakes, SW OKC
449,999
437,499
97
95
3
3.1
Red Canyon Ranch, Norman
398,113
403,073
101
29
3
2.1
Palmero Place 2, SW OKC
392,834
389,995
99
34
4
3.1
Gentry Crossing, SW OKC
386,898
386,896
100
1
4
2
Pepperwell Oaks, SE OKC
365,000
386,000
105
3
4
3.1
Sonoma Lakes 1, Moore
369,900
370,000
100
6
5
3.1
Springs at Greenlead Trails, Norman
384,990
369,990
96
80
4
2
Talavera, SW OKC
372,500
365,000
97
28
3
3.1
Rock Creek Estates, Moore
350,000
361,200
103
6
3
2.1
Cedar Lane, Norman
359,340
359,340
100
0
4
3
Highland Village 2, Norman
349,000
352,000
100
3
4
2.1
This data is a sampling of sold properties from last month. Source: OKC/Norman Multiple Listing System.
Without integrity, nothing else matters.
Prime Realty Kathy & Steve Griffith (405) 759-3570 Kathy@PrimeRealtyLuxuryHomes.com 50
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
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CityLifestyle.com/ClevelandCounty
51
My vision is to be able to bring out the beauty of all that surrounds us from the big to the small. I believe it is all valuable and serves a purpose. I am an avid nature lover as I feel we can recalibrate our souls away from the stressors of life away in the woods. I travel across our beautiful state to try and capture all the beauty it provides. The images I capture can only be deciphered by the viewer and that is what I love about what I am able to do. I can be contacted through email, phone, or Facebook messenger about any prints you need or anything you would want me to capture specially for you! I will travel as well.
(405) 651-6151
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52
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
DECEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
1-23 LYRIC THEATRE PRESENTS: "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" Harn Homestead, OKC
Lyric Theatre celebrates its 11th anniversary of "A Christmas Carol" with an outdoor production, whisking audiences away to a magical holiday village nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City. LyricTheatreOkc.com/Shows/LyricsA-Christmas-Carol
1-31 CHRISTMAS IN OKLAHOMA TERRITORY
Moore Lindsay Historical House
“Our mission is to be a place of help and hope for people facing addiction and mental health challenges. Recovery takes courage, and we are here to help. We are striving to smash the stigma so more people can have the health and happiness they deserve.”
Museum, Norman
This year, those decorations will be accompanied by text panels describing early Christmas celebrations in Oklahoma Territory. Learn about the Christmas trees of Oklahoma pioneers (they often weren't pine trees!) and
- Teresa Collado, Executive Director
discover how settlers from a variety of backgrounds came together to celebrate the holiday. NormanMuseum.org
4-5 OKLAHOMA CITY TRAIN SHOW Oklahoma State Fair Park, OKC
Come see one of the largest model train shows in the region with operating model train displays, workshops and clinics, vendors, exhibitors and manufacturers from more than a dozen states. Head to this show with
Norman East 801 12th Avenue NE
Norman Hwy. 9 4925 SE 44th Street
Norman North West 570 24th Avenue NW
the whole family to see railroad memorabilia, toy trails, scale model trains
(405) 579-7000 FirstUnitedBank.com
and an assortment of railroad items. OklahomaRailwayMuseum.org/ Events/Okc-Train-Show
Member FDIC.
Equal Housing Lender. NMLS# 400025. © 2021 First United Bank. All rights reserved.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/ClevelandCounty
53
DECEMBER
LIFESTYLE CALENDAR
4-5
list and take in the festive holiday
song, White Christmas is an uplifting
atmosphere at Sleigh Bells Market in
musical worthy of becoming your
'TIS THE SEASON MARKET
Oklahoma City. Whether you're look-
family's holiday treat!
ing for one-of-a-kind crafts or sea-
SoonerTheatre.org/Tickets
Scissortail Park, OKC
sonal decor, you're sure to leave this
Find gifts for everyone on your list
shopping blowout with plenty of
at this outdoor holiday gift market
holiday spirit.
supporting Oklahoma businesses
Revolve-Productions.com
and artisans. Shop home décor, boutiques, clothing, jewelry, candles, woodwork, gourmet food, pet items, books and more. This fun event will also feature live music and visits with Santa. ScissortailPark.org
8 TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT
11 CHRISTMAS ON MAIN
Main and Broadway, Blanchard | 2:30 PM
Blanchard comes together to celebrate Christmas at the annual Christmas on Main event. The whole family is invited to experience the win-
Paycom Center, OKC | 7:30 PM
ter festivities in downtown Blanchard,
4
The exciting, one-day event features
featuring free photos with Santa,
a performance that will get you in the
crafts and plenty of hot cocoa. The
CHRISTMAS IN NOBLE
mood for the holiday season. Titled
whole family can take a train or hay
"Christmas Eve and Other Stories,"
ride before the Christmas concert and
Downtown, Noble | 9:00 AM
the TSO performance features an
lighted Christmas parade begin.
Join us for a fun day full of activities,
amazing light show and rock hits that
CityOfBlanchard.us/Events
holiday market, lighted Christmas
will have you on the edge of your seat.
parade, downtown and Christmas
PaycomCenter.com/events
tree lighting, water tower lighting, hot NobleOk.org/Christmas-In-Noble
10-12, 17-19
5
SOONER PRESENTS WHITE CHRISTMAS Sooner Theatre, Norman
SLEIGH BELLS MARKET
us? We would love to hear from
With a dazzling score featuring well-
you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.
OKC Farmers Public Market,
known standards including “Blue
com/ClevelandCounty using the
OKC | 12:00 PM
Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep
Get In Touch link and let us know
Start marking names off your shopping
Is the Ocean” and the perennial title
what you think.
chocolate crawl, and more.
Would you like to get in touch with
Services Hydrafacial
WELLNESS AND AESTHETICS
Skin Rejuvenation & Tightening Cosmetic Injectables IV Therapy
405.857.7336 2312 North Interstate Drive, Norman elevatewellnessandaesthetics.com
54
Cleveland County Lifestyle | December 2021
PDO Threadlift BioTe Hormone Therapy
2-POINT
AUTO LOAN TAKEDOWN Get 2% off your qualified rate!* Ask about it today! TrueSkyCU.org/ratechop
Promotion applies to new loans only. Promotion may change or be terminated at any time. Rate is determined by individual credit history and repayment term. Credit requirements must be met to qualify. Other restrictions may apply. Federally insured by NCUA.