CHANGES – The announcement of a new 330,000 square foot distribution center for Moore’s north side is just one of a number of changes coming to the City in the next couple of years.
FIRST RESPONDER
FEELS LIKE HOME — Darrell Weaver is back behind the badge as the Cleveland County Sheriff. He talks about how his unexpected return to law enforcement comes at exactly the right time.
BAM
MVP — Southmoore alum Justin Bean is leaving his mark on the other side of the world, helping underdog Alba Berlin win a championship in one of Europe’s toughest basketball leagues…and claiming the Most Valuable Player award.
NEW COLUMN
— John and Donna Burruss bear a re-
couple
Letter from the Editor
Summer is finally winding down and while we still have to endure some hot temperatures, it’s still not nearly as hot as some of the changes that are headed our way.
Honestly! Who had “Fortune Top 10 Company Coming to Moore” on their Bingo card? The announcement of the new 330,000 square foot McKesson Distribution Center is a massive feather in the City of Moore’s cap. But it’s just one of a number of changes on the horizon that will impact every single Moore resident.
We walk you through those changes this week, but leave you with this bit of advice: keep your eyes and ears open because there’s almost certainly more to come in the years ahead.
OK 73153 trifectacomm.net
CHANGES: New Projects Helping to Reshape Moore
Folks who’ve lived in Moore for more than 20 or 30 years often share their memories of a small, tight-knit community that looks nothing like the bustling city we know today. Tales of riding bikes along dirt and gravel roads that are now 19th Street and 12th Street. Vivid recollections of the Old School Building, with the lower grades on the first floor and the high school on the second floor. Vast open spaces of farmland surrounded a lively downtown area that is now known as Old Town.
More changes are on the way. Construction has begun on projects that will help shape Moore's face over the next 10 years, and more are in the offing.
MCKESSON DISTRIBUTION CENTER
CHANGES:
New Projects Helping to Reshape Moore
One of the biggest changes on the horizon is the construction of the 330,000-square-foot McKesson distribution center just north of First Baptist Church. McKesson Corporation is a Fortune 100 company (actually, a Fortune Top 100 company). They play a key role in healthcare, serving as a logistical and operational support structure that ensures hospitals, medical facilities, and patients have access to medicine and medical supplies.
Deidre Ebrey, Moore Assistant City Manager, spent more than a year working to bring McKesson to Moore and says the company's impact on the area will be substantial in many ways.
“This facility will bring in well-paying, quality jobs with benefits,” said Ebrey. “And ultimately it will add a substantial amount of revenue to the City of Moore’s tax base.”
McKesson, which is headquartered in Irving, Texas, currently has a small facility near Will Rogers World Airport and conducted a nationwide search for this massive new building, settling on Moore. Ebrey said Moore worked closely with the Oklahoma State Department of Commerce and the new Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition to bring the state-of-the-art facility to town. The company qualified for state grants and property tax exemptions for five years, but will ultimately generate significant revenue for Moore in other ways.
“Property taxes will be paid to the county based on the size of the project,” said Ebrey. “The big benefit is not just the 330,000-square-foot facility, but also the product that’s inside the building. The value of that inventory actually exceeds something like an Amazon distribution center. So, they will be paying inventory taxes on a highly-valued inventory.”
Ebrey adds that the project's construction phase will also generate around $4 million in sales tax revenue.
Plans for the facility have already sparked other projects in the area, especially since the city is adding key infrastructure changes to make the area more accessible for the massive McKesson project.
“We are adding an industrial road for the purpose of this facility that will be Northeast 35th Street,” said Ebrey. “It's going to parallel to the City limit line and will connect Pole Road to the I-35 access road.”
That means McKesson will be at the corner of Pole Road and the new ly constructed Northeast 35th Street. New signal lights will also be added at the intersection of Pole Road and Northeast 27th Street, just east of First Baptist Church.
As for other projects in the area, Ebrey says there are plans for a 250,000-square-foot building next to the McKesson distribution center and potential for office and retail developments on the 30-acre tract along the I-35 frontage road.
These projects should have a positive impact on Moore's growth for decades to come.
“Moore is going to continue to grow,” said Ebrey. “We want to manage that growth and have businesses come here that will make this a better place to live and allow us to continue to support police and fire, along with all the infrastructure and things that we have come to like in our cities.”
OLD SCHOOL REBUILDING
One of the more bittersweet changes coming to Moore centers on the Old School Building site. The Moore Public School Board of Education voted to purchase the building two years ago with the hopes of renovating and modernizing it to house the MPS Vista program and other district needs.
Sadly, it didn’t take architects and engineers long to discover that rehabilitating the building would be a nearly impossible task. Dr. Robert Romines said after long and careful study, problems with the foundation and internal structure were just too much to overcome.
“The building was built in the early 1900s, and it was tough and strong,” said Romines, “But while the brick exterior looks good, the very old wooden interior was aging poorly. And that presented some significant challenges.”
Clay Griffin, principal architect with AGP, says that as the investigative process continued, the team also discovered they were pretty much flying blind when it came to understanding the building’s foundation.
“There were so many unknowns right from the beginning,” said Griffin, “But we also discovered there was a lack of good documentation about the foundation. We were going to have to perform careful excavation to determine what the footings were like.”
It quickly became clear that the interior would have to be rebuilt entirely. That meant finding a way to preserve the building’s exterior walls while replacing the existing interior structure with a modern, safe reconstruction. Dr. Romines said recent construction challenges made it clear this would be a difficult path to follow.
“We were going to end up with four, freestanding walls, supported by stilts,” said Romines. “I think everyone remembers what happened to the indoor practice facility at Westmoore when that solid steel framework was hit with Oklahoma straight-line winds.”
The discovery led to some deep-soul searching for everyone involved and led to the decision to pivot from restoration to reconstruction. It was a gut-wrenching decision.
Griffin said shifting plans from restoration to a complete rebuilding project gave the team room to preserve the building's historic character, even though it would now be a completely new structure.
“We’re going to be replicating the three-color brick look of the original building,” said Griffin. “We’re also going to salvage some of the ‘cast stone’ pieces, especially the main front entrance. That will allow us to incorporate that back into the new building.”
Griffin says the new plans will include space to preserve elements of the old building and display them in a place of honor and reflection. That includes the “Washington Irving Camped Here” monument in front of the building and portions of the old basketball court that are currently in place on the auditorium’s stage.
“We’re determined that this building will continue to reflect its place as the heart of Old Town Moore,” said Romines. “For example, one of the things that people notice as they drive past the building is those black metal staircases on either end of the building. We don’t typically have those on a two-story school building, but we’re going to keep those because it’s a distinctive part of the Old School Building’s history and look.”
OLD TOWN MOORE
A grant from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce has sparked a move toward revitalization of Old Town Moore. Assistant City Manager Deidre Ebrey says the City of Moore is taking advantage of the grant by working with a team of community marketing professionals to help breathe new life into the City’s historic core.
“There’s a new level of energy in Old Town with businesses that have come online lately,” said Ebrey, “We really have some synergy going on, and this is a great time to meet their energy with what the city can bring to the table.”
While Old Town Moore has churches, school property, and municipal property, it doesn’t have much space for commercial development. Ebrey says that doesn’t have to limit the kinds of things that can be done to inject new life into the area.
“One of the things we’ve done is identify 20-plus walls that we feel would be great candidates for a mural program,” said Ebrey. “We’ll start with around 8-to-10 murals with the goal of having those complete in time for our October 31st events (Haunt Old Town and the Red Ribbon Parade).”
Ebrey says that the construction of the new “Old School” building will also have a direct impact on Old Town.
“Like everyone else, it’s sad to lose that piece of history,” said Ebrey. “We do believe the new building will help anchor things and bring new energy to the area that will be exciting. It will provide a little more traffic in the evenings that could be helpful to businesses.”
Finally, there are the plans for the Old Town Park that are still in the works.
“We’re still waiting for clarity on the railroad right-of-way,” said Ebrey, “Our hope is that once the 4th Street project is completed, along with the pedestrian bridge, we would have a rapport with BNSF that would allow us to cooperate and get that project moving again.”
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS
Another unique opportunity in process is the development of the Cleveland Heights area of northeast Moore, located on the southwest corner of NE 12th Street and South Sunnylane Road. The City of Moore has been acquiring rights to the property with plans to redevelop it in line with the Envision Moore Plan 2040. For City Manager Brooks Mitchell, it’s one of the more exciting projects in the works.
“We own almost 100% of Cleveland Heights,” said Mitchell. “We hope to own the rest of it within the next year, and at that point in time, we’ll put out a request for proposals and see what the developers come back with.”
Mitchell said one of the most exciting things about Cleveland Heights is the chance to build affordable homes mixed with retail on the north side of the city.
TOBY KEITH EXPRESSWAY
Construction is now well underway on the first phase of the new Toby Keith Expressway, which will run from Interstate 44 at Newcastle to I-35 at Indian Hills Road. Beams have now been put in place for the bridge that will carry traffic across the Canadian River between I-44 and I-35. Ladan Nelson, the ACCESS Program Manager for the OTA, says the bridge will span a ten-mile-wide floodplain.
“That bridge is going to be about 7,000 feet long,” said Nelson. “We are proud to say that it will make it the longest bridge in the state, which will be a huge bonus to the surrounding area.”
Nelson says the connection between I-44 and I-35 is the first-priority segment, and the timeline for completing the first phase is set for the end of 2027. That first phase will provide a “minimum connection.”
Construction plans for the interchange of the turnpike and I-35 have already had an impact on the area, with businesses like Mooney’s closing their location on the east side of the interstate. Mooney’s has taken over ownership of Hollywood Corners. ODOT is also stepping in to build a dedicated turnaround at the 19th Street bridge over I-35, helping motorists avoid the traffic lights in the busy area. That turnaround is estimated to be complete in late 2027 to early 2028.
“It’s not just going to be a housing area,” said Mitchell. “Our vision is to have a little bit of everything over there. So, not just housing, or office space, or retail, but a unique mix of things.”
The development of the Cleveland Heights area is coming at a time when many other projects are creating momentum for Moore, according to Mitchell.
“We are at a very unique point in time,” said Mitchell. “We just landed a top ten company on the Fortune 100 list, we’ve got the Toby Keith Expressway coming in south of us, and ODOT will be adding a turnaround at 19th Street, which will help traffic flow. The 4th Street underpass project is essentially on schedule. I think we’re positioned well to take advantage of these opportunities.”
The seven-year construction project will create some problems, but Nelson says the OTA will be working hard to minimize those problems.
“I-35 will always be two lanes in each direction, so we won't ever pinch it down any tighter than two lanes,” said Nelson. “But there's going to be nighttime closures for bridge operations that will be ongoing, that the traveling public will experience. There's going to be a point where Indian Hills Interchange is going to close, and the traveling public is going to have to utilize the posted detours that we're going to be putting out, such as 19th Street or anything along Tecumseh and Norman.”
4TH STREET UNDERPASS
Finally, the construction of a new railroad underpass at 4th Street in Moore is on schedule for completion in late spring 2027. Moore Assistant City Manager Jerry Ihler says that delays caused by the relocation of an ONG utility line have been put in the rear view mirror and the project is back on track.
“For ONG, it’s actually a ‘relocation of a relocation’,” said Ihler. “They had originally relocated the line prior to beginning work on the project. But when crews began working on the east side of the underpass location, they discovered the line was still in the wrong place.”
Ihler says crews have also recently met the deadline for the first of two “BNSF shutdowns,” which are critical to keeping the project on time.
“This shutdown doesn’t mean BNSF completely shut the track down,” said Ihler. “What they did is give us a 24hour window where no trains would be parked along the 4th Street area. That allowed contractors to be able to drill shafts for the supports of the overpass.”
15 shafts were drilled during the 24-hour window, and now crews are filling those shafts with concrete and rebar. Ihler says the next 24-hour window will occur in early August.”
“They’ll have 14 more holes to drill during the first week of August,” said Ihler. “If we get that done and get those shafts filled with concrete and rebar, that keeps us fairly close to being on track for a late spring 2027 completion date.”
The Challenges of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
As grandparents, we usually have the benefit of interacting with our grandkids at a level one step removed from the day-to-day responsibilities of parents. For many of us, grandparenting means a weekend together now and then, an afternoon play date, an evening babysitting, a summer vacation, or chats on the phone. But when life circumstances change – through divorce, the death of parents, or changes to a parent’s work or school-related responsibilities, for example it often falls to grandparents to assume full or part-time responsibility for their grandchildren.
According to the most recent American Community Survey data (2021–2023), about 39,900 Oklahoma children are being cared for primarily by their grandparents, representing approximately 4.0% of all children in the state.
This often means giving up leisure time, the option for travel, and many other aspects of independence. Instead, you once again take on responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance of a home, schedules, meals, homework, and play. And if it is tragic circumstances that require you to step into the role of a parent, you will face many other stress factors, such as coping with your own and your grandchildren’s grief.
Raising your grandchildren, while challenging, can also be incredibly rewarding. Yes, you may have to deal with colicky babies or moody teenagers, but you will experience a much greater connection to your grandchild’s world, including their school and leisure activities. You may also find yourself rolling back the years, rejuvenated by the constant companionship of much younger people. You will derive immense satisfaction from providing your grandchildren with a safe, nurturing, and structured home environment in which to grow and feel loved. Here are some tips:
1. Acknowledge your feelings. It’s important to acknowledge and accept what you are feeling, both positive and negative. Don’t beat yourself up over your doubts and misgivings. It’s only natural to feel some ambivalence about child-rearing at a time when you expected your responsibilities to be dwindling. These feelings don’t mean that you don’t love your grandchildren.
2. Take care of yourself. You weren’t expecting to be raising kids again at this stage of your life. At times, the physical, emotional, and financial demands are overwhelming. When you are preoccupied with the daily demands of raising grandkids, it’s easy to let your own needs fall by the wayside. But taking care of yourself is a necessity, not a luxury. You cannot be a good caretaker when you are overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally depleted. To keep up with your grandkids, you need to be calm, centered, and focused. Looking after your own mental and physical health is how you get there.
3. Realize your grandkids will have mixed feelings too. Moving to a new home is never easy, even in the best of circumstances. When children are dealing with the loss of regular contact with their parent or parents, the move is even harder. It will take some time for your grandchildren to adjust, and in the meantime, they may act especially contrary and difficult. And, if the children have suffered from emotional neglect, trauma, or abuse, those wounds will not disappear just because they are now in a safe place. They will need time to heal.
4. Focus on creating a stable environment. While it will take your grandkids time to adjust to their new living arrangement, there are steps you can take to make the transition easier. Above all, your grandchildren need to feel secure. Children thrive in a stable, predictable environment.
5. Encourage open and honest communication. Communicating openly and honestly with your grandchildren is one of the best ways to help them cope with their new situation. It’s especially important to take the time to really listen to your grandkids. In this difficult time, they need an adult they can go to with their questions, concerns, and feelings.
If you are a grandparent raising a grandchild, Aging Services, Inc. can help you with respite vouchers to help you take care of yourself and/or your grandchild in a way that gives you a much-needed break. We also have support groups and training in your area to help you find others who can best support you. There is strength in being embraced by others who are doing exactly what you are. Please call 405-321-3200 and ask for a respite case manager. We want to help you raise your grandchild with all the challenges and rewards that this time in your life can bring.
AUGUST 2026
August 3
August
August 5 12:30 p.m. Board Games 1:00 p.m Afternoon Movie
August 6 11:00 a.m. Speaker Robby w/ Home Care Squad 12:30 p.m Corn Hole
August 7 11:00 a.m. August Birthdays 12:15 p.m Bingo w/ MCOA 2:00 p.m Table Tennis
August 10 9:00 a.m.
August 11
August 12 12:30 p.m Board Games 1:00 p.m Afternoon Movie
August 13 11:00 a.m. Speaker Weston Depreist on S.S. & Estate Planning 12:30 p.m Corn Hole
August 24 9:00 a.m. Classic Movie “The Shakiest Gun in the West”
August 25 10:00 a.m. Wii Sports 10:00 a.m. Library
August 26 12:30 p.m Board Games 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Movie
August 27 11:00 a.m. Speaker PENDING 12:30 p.m Corn Hole
August 28 1:00 p.m Crafting w/ Linda (Must Sign-Up) 2:00 p.m Table Tennis
August 31 9:00 a.m. Classic Movie “Mister Roberts”
Exercise: Mon, Wed, & Fri 10:15
Stretch, Strengthen and Health: Tues. 9:30
Open Art Studio: Tue. 8:30 & Fri. 9:00
Arm Chair Travel: Wed. 9:00am
Woodcarving: Wed. & Thurs. 9:00 – 11:00
Dominos, Card games, Jig-Saw Puzzles, Pool, Quilting, & Volunteer work to assist the homebound or work is available at the Brand Center.
Moore Council On Aging Bus Service: 799-3130 Seniors may have transportation anywhere in the City of Moore for errands or appointments 8am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday
Aging Services
Monday through Friday
Call & make reservation by 1:00pm. Reservations for meals: 793-9069
Donation for a meal for seniors 60 & above: $3.00
Required cost for guests under 60: $6.00
1332 SW 89th, OKC 73159
405-698-3125
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Back-to-School on Moore’s Roads
On August 13, Moore’s streets change overnight. The buses come back, the school zone lights start flashing again, drop-off lines spill into the street, and a fresh crop of sixteen-year-olds pulls out of the high school lot at 3:15. For a few weeks, everybody is out of practice at once — which is exactly why late August is rough on our roads.
Here is the checklist worth keeping.
In a school zone, the fine doubles. When the posted reduced limit is in effect, Oklahoma law doubles the speeding fine — not as a discretionary bump, but by statute. Nine over in a school zone is not the ticket; it would be elsewhere.
Stop for the bus — both directions. Red loading signals flashing means you stop, whether you are behind the bus or facing it. Stay stopped until the signals go off. The fine starts at $100, plus another $100 special assessment.
If your child is hit, call 911 and file a report, even if the driver is apologetic or it looks minor. Get the name, insurance, tag, and any witness numbers yourself, and photograph the scene, not just the injury. Then get your child properly checked out — and keep watching for days, not hours, because concussions take time to show.
Call your insurance agent this month. Ask three questions: who is covered under my policy, what uninsured and underinsured motorist limits am I actually carrying, and what would higher limits cost? Ask specifically whether your coverage extends to a child walking or biking rather than riding in your car — that turns on the policy language and isn't the same for everyone.
Know the one exception — it is narrow. You need not stop only if the bus is on a different roadway of a highway with separate roadways, or if you are on a controlled-access highway and the bus is stopped in a loading zone where pedestrians are not permitted to cross. A painted center line does not make a road “separate roadways.” Neither does a turn lane. When in doubt, stop.
Assume you are on camera. A bus driver who sees your tag can report it, and a warning letter goes to the registered owner. Districts may also run cameras at stop arms, and that footage can reach the district attorney.
Know your teen driver’s actual restrictions. A learner permit means 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a licensed driver at least 21 in the next seat. On an intermediate license, your teen generally may carry no more than one passenger unless everyone lives in the same household, or unless a licensed driver at least 21 is seated beside them — so Friday night’s carload of friends is very often against the rules.
Walk the route with them before the first day. Go at the hour they will actually walk it. You will spot the blocked sightline and the sun-in-your-eyes corner. And teach them that a car stopping is not the same as a driver seeing them — make eye contact first.
If a bus or city vehicle was involved, the clock is much shorter. Against a private driver, you generally have two years. Against a school district or the city, you generally must give written notice within one year, and the extra time the law gives children does not extend it. From there, the claim is generally deemed denied if it is not fully approved within 90 days, and you generally have 180 days after denial to file suit. Settlement talks do not extend that deadline unless the claimant and the government agree in writing. Ask early.
None of this requires being a nervous driver — just extra attention through the first few weeks of school, while the whole town remembers how the year works. Slow down where the sign says to, stop for the bus when in doubt, know what your teenager is allowed to do, and spend twenty minutes on your insurance before you need it.
To read the full version of this article, visit MooreMonthly.com.
D. Colby Addison is a trial attorney and the founder of Addison Law Firm. He can be reached at 405.698.3125 or online at addison.law. This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.
D. Colby Addison Attorney at Law
ACTIVITIES & CLASSES
This is a partial list of schedules, activities, and classes available through the Moore Parks & Recreation department. You can find something of interest for everyone by visiting Moore Parks and Recreation website at: cityofmoore. com/parks or by calling The Station front desk at (405) 793-5090
AQUATIC CENTER
2026 AQUATIC CENTER SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST
Aug. 3, 2026 - Aug. 7, 2026:
Open Noon-6 p.m.
Last Weekday of the Season is 08/7
Last Day of All Aquatic Programming is 08/7
(Moore Schools start 08/13)
Weekends Only: Aug. 8 - Sept. 7, 2026 Sat-Sun, Noon to 6 pm
Check Pool Schedule for early closing times due to Special Events
For pass prices and more information, please call (405) 793-5090 or visit cityofmoore.com
CAMPS
MAGIC CAMP – GREEN WAND W/ AFTER CAMP CARE
Hurry and sign up for magic camp before all of the spots disappear! Participants will learn about cool magic tricks and illusions from a real magician!
When: August 3 - 7
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S Broadway Ave
Ages: 6-12 years
Fee: $165 (without After Care Camp)
$190 (with After Care Camp)
*After Care Camp (New this Summer on select camps)
The Station Recreation Center is pleased to offer After Camp Care. Our newest addition to select summer camps. After Camp Care is designed to provide parents with extra child care time after the regular camp day ends. This gives families added flexibility, allowing campers to stay in a fun-filled safe environment, just a bit longer. Come and join us as the fun continues in After Camp Care!
• Offered from 4-5:30pm
• Must be signed up in one of the camps listed below
• Only $25 (plus camp fee)
• Campers will enjoy recre ational activities, games, and movies
Registration: Through August 2 at cityofmoore.com/fun or The Station front desk.
2-DAY TENNIS CAMP
For any youth aged athlete who is looking to improve his or her skills, work hard, make new friends and have fun. In this camp, participants will learn the ins and outs of tennis! Parent must sign child in and out of camp daily. Campers need to be dropped off and picked up from Buck Thomas Tennis Complex.
When: August 3 - 4
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S Broadway Ave
Ages: 8-14 years
Fee: $40
Registration: Through August 2 at cityofmoore.com/fun or The Station front desk.
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
Parents, do you need a night off? Enjoy a night to yourselves while your kids have a blast at The Station! Children can enjoy activities such as arts & crafts, board games, video games, and free play on an exclusively reserved basketball court before finishing the night off with a movie. Pizza will be served for dinner, along with a surprise treat for dessert. *Children must be potty-trained to attend. Parents should indicate any food allergies or special needs at registration so staff can best accommodate your child. Drop-off begins at 6:00 PM, and children must be picked up by 10:00 PM. Parents will incur a $30 charge for any late pick-ups.*
YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUE CONTACT
INFORMATION
Baseball:
Moore Youth Baseball Association
- www.myba-online.com
Softball:
Moore Girls Softball Association
- www.okmgsa.com
When: Friday, August 7 (First Friday of each month)
Time: 6pm – 10:00pm
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S Broadway Ave
Ages: 6-Adult
Fee: $20 per child (passholder) or $25 per child (non-passholder)
Registration: up until the day prior to the event at cityofmoore.com/fun or The Station front desk (15 maximum per age group).
Football:
Moore Youth Football Association
- www.mooreyouthfootballleague. com
Soccer: Moore Youth Soccer League - www. cityofmoore.com/fun
Basketball: Moore Youth Basketball League - www.cityofmoore.com/fun
For more information please call 405793-5090
SHOPPING expo
Tuesday, August 18th, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Enjoy an afternoon of shopping til you drop at the Southwest Mansions’ Shopping Expo! We’ll have vendors with a wide selection of items too many to list!
VETERAN'S SPOTLIGHT
Connor Still Going Strong After 77 Years
Joseph Connor just celebrated his 77th birthday back in March, but he says he’s as excited about life and his role as Sergeant at Arms for the local American Legion Post as he’s ever been.
“In 2024, there were about three of us here who were resaid Connor, “Dan Thomas invited Carrie Moore to come over for a conversation that led to her being named Commander. She made me feel like family and has done so many great things for the post that I look forward to being here every day.”
Connor was born in DeWitt, Arkansas, in 1949 and lived there until his family moved to Washington state in 1956. When he graduated from high school in 1968, he says military service was the choice he was ready to
“My dad tried to talk me into going into the Army,” said “I just had one problem with that: I didn’t like sleeping on the ground. So I picked the United States
Connor says he flew to San Diego for boot camp in July of 1968, and then his journey as a member of the US Navy began in earnest.
“We left Travis Air Force Base, and they flew me to the Philippines to catch my ship,” said Connor. “We were off the coast of Viet Nam from 1968 until, I think, March of 1969. Then we came home, and I was stationed in Long Beach.”
Spending his first two years as a Boatswain’s Mate, commonly called a “Bosun’s Mate”, Connor spent most of his career up on deck. His brother also served on the same ship after their mother signed a release allowing both of them to serve together.
“My mom had to sign a waiver so that we could both be on the same ship,” said Connor. “He was in the boiler room, and I went down to see him one time, and it was just too hot for me. I told him, ‘You need to come up on deck to see me.’”
Connor was serving on the aircraft carrier USS Hancock in 1975. He remembers that crews were loading planes onto the ship when, suddenly, they began removing them.
“We didn’t know what was going on until the captain came on the speaker and told us that we’d been ordered to head to Hawaii and pick up a load of helos (helicopters) because Saigon had just fallen,” said Connor.
The USS Hancock picked up the helicopters in Hawaii and then sailed west, where they participated in the evacuation of Saigon. Connor, who was serving as a gunner at the time, remembers watching the skies as the aircraft brought in refugees.
“I was watching them come in and thinking, ‘I need to make sure these are our helos’ and wondering if I was going to have to knock one of them out of the sky,” said Connor. “I didn’t have a real good feeling about that, but I was lucky that I didn’t have to make that choice.”
After reenlisting in 1984, Connor retired from the Navy in 1995 and began looking for a place to move with his wife.
“We wrote a letter to all these different states and got a letter back from the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce,” said Connor. “It looked pretty good here, and the people were friendly, so we decided to leave California and move to Oklahoma City.”
Connor says he was having a hard time after his wife passed away in 2020. Still, it was the plight of another veteran that led him to join the local American Legion Post, which has given him a new passion for helping other veterans.
“I think there are two bits of advice I’d give people,” said Connor. “First, you gotta have God in your life. And second, be nice to one another. It ain’t really all that complex.”
Sketches
Moore’s General Stores
By L.T. Hadley
Not everyone likes to hunt, or gather vegetables and fruit, or plant and reap; but everyone does like to eat. Our society advanced greatly when we realized that there are some natural gatherers and there are some natural buyers. Probably the earliest business in Moore was a small store offering salt, sugar, flour and bacon a far cry from the modern markets of today. However, a hungry person will not care about the amenities of the store, but the availability of food.
In 1907, Smith bought out a grocer next to his livery stable. In 1912, fire destroyed all the buildings on the north side of Main. Smith joined with Lester Dyer, a pharmacist, in building a two-story concrete-block building across the street. He continued to operate the Smith Groceey Store in that building for 39 years, until his death.
Albert as caretaker. He served in that position, without pay for 40 years, then in 1960, was given a monthly salary of $25.00. He retired after 50 years, in 1972, and was retained on a consulting basis until his death. He served as town clerk and was also on the Cleveland County Election Board for 37 years.
Smith was small in stature, but big in interest in people and his hometown. He was knowledgeable about everything to do with Moore, and a trip to his store could bring a person up to date on Moore's business. He loved to talk and had a world of human-interest stories.
He and his wife, Ida, lived in a stately two-story white house on the northeast corner of North Broadway and First Street until the late '50s when it was moved to the southeast part of town to make way for one of the first fast-food establishments in town.
The Smith Grocery or the Kitchen or Jury or Payne Groceries would not take up the fruit section of today's markets. You couldn't buy stationary or dog food or a head of lettuce; but you would be greeted by name and a handshake. In the "process of progress," some things are lost in order to gain others. That's life; but the sweet smell of nostalgia still lingers.
There have usually been several grocery stores at any given time in Moore. Some of the early grocers had such names as Kitchen, Payne, Jury, and Dreessen. The shops were small and the shelves held only staples, no perishables, since there was no refrigeration because there was no electricity.
Albert J. Smith was born in America, but grew up and was educated in England; then lived in Canada before migrating to the Moore area in 1891 to take up a homestead farm. He bought the livery stable on the north side of Main Street between Broadway and the railroad tracks and began buying and selling horses and mules and operating a hauling business.
During World War 1, he furnished horses and mules for the U.S. Army.
A. J's son, Albert A. Smith, had assisted his father and continued in the family store until 1961. He could see a vast change beginning to take place in the grocery industry and did not feel he wanted to make the change at age 69, so he sold the store that had operated in Moore for 54 years.
Albert A. spent most of his his years living in Moore, having come as a child of one year, and he claimed that he had lived in Moore longer than any other person, since all of those who had been around when the town began were gone.
Other Oklahoma towns were beginning to put in water systems, and he wanted one in Moore, so he served on the town board to work toward it. It took eight years, but he and other board members were successful. In 1925, financed by a bond issue, a well, a 50,000-gallon storage tank, and house lines were installed in Moore.
At a town board meeting in 1919, the members agreed to buy the cemetery from J. W. Payne, and they appointed
Tina Fitzgerald
Tina Fitzgerald is the Construction Trades Training Coordinator. She has been pivotal in establishing evening welding and HVAC classes, allowing MNTC to serve more students and get people into the workforce quickly. She has been with Moore Norman Technology for more than 20 years.
MNTC ADDS “HANDS-ON, DIY” CLASS OPTIONS
MNTC has some interesting classes coming up related to homes and building. Is there a renewed interest in this area?
Moore Norman Technology Center is seeing renewed interest in traditional skilled trades such as HVAC, electrical and carpentry. At the same time, there is growing interest in the traditional trades, but we are also seeing an increase in demand for hands-on, do-it-yourself classes. The interest has grown to the point that we have added Cabinetmaking to our evening lineup and brought back Home Inspection.
Evening trades classes are perfect for a wide range of students, including working adults, single parents, homeowners, retirees, house flippers and hobbyists. Some are looking to develop skills for a new career, while others want to improve their homes, explore a new interest or gain practical knowledge they can use in their personal or professional lives.
What kind of student would benefit most from Cabinetmaking? Would this be an appropriate class for someone who is interested in starting a career in carpentry, or is it intended for hobbyists?
The Cabinetmaking course is designed primarily for hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts and individuals who want to develop their woodworking skills. It is also an excellent opportunity for someone who is interested in exploring cabinetmaking or carpentry as a potential career.
Students will develop their skills in planning and building while gaining practical experience working with the tools and techniques used in cabinetmaking.
What kinds of skills will students learn in the Home Inspection course?
MNTC’s comprehensive 90-hour Home Inspection course is designed to help students understand how a professional home inspection is conducted from start to finish while preparing them to meet Oklahoma home inspector licensing requirements.
The course covers inspection reporting, licensing requirements and business considerations. A key component of the course is hands-on experience. Students can participate in a residential inspection and practice the inspection process in the field. This allows them to see how the individual systems of a home work together as part of a complete structure. The course is designed to help students meet the educational requirements associated with pursuing an Oklahoma home inspector license.
How could a student who is interested in carpentry, real estate, etc. build a career path taking evening programs like these?
One of the advantages of evening education is that students can build skills progressively while continuing to work and manage their other responsibilities.
Someone interested in carpentry or woodworking might begin with Cabinetmaking to develop practical skills in planning and construction. A student interested in real estate, house flipping, property management or other housing-related fields might combine construction knowledge with the Home Inspection course.
Understanding how homes are constructed and how their major systems operate can provide valuable knowledge for individuals working in real estate, property management, maintenance and other areas of the housing industry.
Skilled Workforce Series
More broadly, MNTC's evening programs allow students to explore a field before committing to a longer career pathway. A student may begin with a short-term or evening course, discover an area of interest and then continue building skills through additional education and training.
The goal is to give students options. Career and technical education does not always have to be a single decision made at the beginning of a student's career. For many adults, education is a process of building skills one step at a time as their interests and opportunities develop.
How would potential students register or find out more about these two courses?
Students interested in Cabinetmaking, Home Inspection, the trades or any of MNTC’s many other programs can learn more and enroll online at mntc.edu by visiting the Short-Term Classes section. They can also call 405-801-5000 and work with one of MNTC’s Information and Enrollment Specialists.
Most of our longer short-term evening programs qualify for MNTC’s payment plan option, which can help make continuing education more manageable for working adults.
Whether someone is looking to develop skills for a new career, start a side business, improve their home or simply learn something new, evening programs offer a flexible way to continue building skills. For many students, one class can be the beginning of a much larger career pathway.
Feels Like Home for Cleveland County Sheriff Darrell Weaver
After a successful 28-year career in law enforcement, including nearly a decade as the Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN), Darrell Weaver served as an Oklahoma State Senator from 2018 to 2025. Now Weaver is back behind a badge after being appointed sheriff for Cleveland County.
“When you do something for as long as I did, you never really forget it,” said Weaver. “So, it does feel good and familiar in some comforting ways.”
Even though he wasn’t directly involved in law enforcement during his two terms as a state senator, Weaver says supporting law enforcement in Oklahoma was always at the forefront of his efforts.
“Being in the Senate and being the public safety guy, I was always working on legislation, working with police departments, sheriff’s offices, and the state police. So, my world really revolved around policy when it came to that.”
The road to law enforcement opened up to Weaver shortly after he graduated from Cameron University in 1986. He graduated with a degree in accounting, but it didn’t take him long to realize that being a CPA didn’t really scratch his career itch.
this year’s election. But even during his time in politics, he remained deeply involved in national law enforcement. Weaver has served as one of 21 national commissioners for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), which is considered the “gold standard” in public safety accreditation.
“We meet three times a year all over the United States,” said Weaver, “So, even though I haven’t been involved in daily law enforcement, we have ties to departments from New York City all the way down to smaller, mid-size sheriff’s offices and rural departments.”
That kind of experience made Weaver a home-run choice for the Cleveland County Commissioners, who were looking for someone to step in after Chris Amason's resignation, which left the office under a cloud back in April.
Weaver not only brings a deep well of leadership experience to his new role, but also a view of how to treat everyone, including those incarcerated at the Cleveland County Jail, grounded in his deep faith in Christ.
“I think you can influence the lives of people who are in trouble,” said Weaver. “My faith dictates to me that I need to treat people, all people, in the way that I want to be treated. So we’re going to treat everyone with dignity, even when they’ve done something wrong.”
“I was like a bull in a china closet,” said Weaver. “I just didn’t fit my personality well. I found myself being strongly pulled toward law enforcement.”
Weaver says the tragic 1984 bank robbery in Geronimo that left four people dead, including a basketball coach who left behind a pregnant wife, was a big reason he changed careers and headed into law enforcement.
“I was just a young college student when that happened,” said Weaver, “But I remember following the story and the manhunt for those guys that were caught. The idea that someone committed such a horrible crime and how it affected the community really hit me hard.”
That desire to make a difference led Weaver into that nearly three-decade career, including the top role at the OBN. Weaver left the Senate for an unsuccessful run at the Lieutenant Governor’s office in
Weaver admits this isn’t an easy thing to do, especially when violence is involved.
“As a human being, when you see somebody who has committed a violent crime against somebody, especially a child, that’s hard,” said Weaver. “Anybody who tells you it’s not hard isn’t telling the truth. But you still have to get up and make a difference in the world.”
He believes that challenge makes his role in law enforcement a calling more than a job.
“I didn’t know this job was going to come open,” said Weaver. “I was focused on that statewide (Lieutenant Governor) race, but I have always believed in ‘blue’ and as my wife will tell you, I always will. So, the old saying that ‘God works in mysterious ways’ is very much true for me. I believe I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
Friday, August 7th 6PM
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
Tuesday, August 4, 1:00 p.m. – Behind the Story: Author Talk with Paula Johnson
Tuesday, August 11, 6:00 p.m. – Book Discussion on A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor
Thursday, August 20, 6:00 p.m. – Behind the Story: Author Talk with G. Neri
Thursday, August 27, 1:00 p.m. – Behind the Story: Author Talk with Lucy Foley
IN-PERSON PROGRAMS
MOORE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 225 S. HOWARD AVE.
Saturday, August 1, 10:30 a.m. – Creativity Unleashed: Family Art
Wednesday, August 19, 6:30 p.m. – Connection Corner: Textile and Fiber Art
Thursday, August 20, 6:45 p.m. – Eat Smart: Cookbook Club
Thursday, August 27, 4:00 p.m. – Manage Your Money: One-on-One Financial Counseling
Thursday, August 27, 5:00 p.m. – Manage Your Money: Drop-In One-on-One Counseling
Thursday, August 27, 6:00 p.m. – Manage Your Money: One-on-One Financial Counseling
SOUTHWEST OKC LIBRARY, 2201 SW 134Th Street, OKC
Monday, August 3, 6:00 p.m. – Connection Corner: Kindergarten Night
Tuesday, August 4, 2:00 p.m. – Buckaroo Bart
Tuesday, August 11, 2:00 p.m. – Information Investigation: Genealogy Club
Thursday, August 13, 4:00 p.m. – Career Explorers: Babysitting (10-15 year)
Thursday, August 13, 6:30 p.m. – Book Discussion with South OKC Library
Thursday, August 20, 6:30 p.m. – Creativity Unleashed: Woodburning
Plan
ahead to attend this year’s Connection Corner: Kindergarten Night!
PIONEER LIBRARY SYSTEM’S SW OKC PUBLIC LIBRARY, CLEVELAND COUNTY, OK.
Monday, August 3, 6 – 7:30 pm
Southwest OKC Public Library, 2201 SW 134th, Oklahoma City
PLS would like to invite you to our Kindergarten Night in partnership with Moore Public Schools -Educators will share activities and tips to boost the skills needed for kindergarten readiness. Children will be encouraged to explore various skill-building stations. Navigating kindergarten doesn’t need to be overwhelming! We are here to help you engage in interactive activities with your child to develop the academic, self-management, and social skills needed for them to excel in kindergarten. This come-and-go event will provide parents and caregivers with the information needed to transition to a school environment, along with tools and resources to continue learning at home. Each station at the event will focus on a specific aspect of school readiness to equip your child for the classroom. Children attending kindergarten this fall will receive a packet of activities and supplies to practice during the summer. This program is designed for children ages 4-5. Supplies are limited to the first 75 children. Registration opens July 20 at 6 pm, and registration for the children in attendance is required. If you need additional information for any questions you may have, please CONTACTPLS@PIONEERLIBRARYSYSTEM.ORG or phone 405.979.2200.
Pioneer Library System (PLS) inspires innovation, engagement, and learning across 10 communities in Oklahoma’s Cleveland, Pottawatomie, and McClain counties. Through 12 library branches, Information Stations in rural communities, 24-Hour Libraries, and robust digital access, PLS provides welcoming spaces and resources that connect people to information, technology, and experiences that support lifelong learning, workforce development, and community engagement. PLS ensures equitable access to information, technology, lifelong-learning programs, maker tools, entertainment, and community experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. A modern community hub, Pioneer Library System helps communities grow, thrive, and imagine what’s possible. Learn more at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.
“Tell Me What You See” is a great read by Shannon Hale! If you’re looking for a picture book with lots of illustrations with fewer words, this would be the perfect book. It’s a colorful and imminently readable book that sets a flawless mood for bedtime.
For those familiar with “Brown bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”, this book will grab your child’s attention as it is told in the same style and uses the four seasons as its premise. “Tell Me What You See” is colorful and engaging and it builds on the page before it. This helps the reader get excited to see what comes next! The story can initiate conversations with your child about
animals and seasons. Another great feature of this book is its use of rhyming, great for early literacy fundamentals.
Growing Like a Read or GLAR for short is a pre-literacy program of the Pioneer Library System. The program is used for promoting brain development for literacy skills with children from ages 0-4. Please visit one of your hometown libraries or visit our web site at www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org to find out more information.
“Tell Me What You See” and other Shannon Hale books can be found digitally on our Libby app. Please take a look at all the digital options we have by visiting our website as seen above. Happy digital reading!
Get more recommendations by watching this series on YouTube. With weekly uploads, you'll never be short of book recommendations and library insights!
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART
555 Elm Avenue, Norman
SPOTLIGHT: HAMMER TIME
Saturday, August 8, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Discover, play, and create at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art during our Spotlight event series. Hammer Time invites visitors of all ages to enjoy activities inspired by On the Edge: The Abstract World of Frederick Hammersley, a special exhibition exploring geometric shapes, organic forms, and vibrant colors. Live on the edge before the end of summer. Turn simple shapes into a masterpiece using the sun, stamp abstract designs with LEGO bricks, express yourself with face painting, and more! The Spotlight event series is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Norman Arts Council. Included with museum admission. No charge for children and teens (17 and under) or for OU students, faculty, and staff. General admission for adults is $12
CHURCH & SPIRITUAL CONNECTION
FIVE LOAVES FOOD PANTRY
Wednesday, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. 291 W. Main Street – the Northeast Door. Or by appointment: call 405-7946671 (Moore First United Methodist Church).
FRESH
START COMMUNITY CHURCH FOOD PANTRY
Open the third Thursday of each month, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 309 N Eastern Avenue, West Campus-Family Life Center. Canned and dry goods available. Must be a resident of Moore (please bring an ID).
CITY MEETINGS AND EVENTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore
PARKS BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, August 4 at 6:00 p.m.
The Station at Central Park, 700 S. Broadway.
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Tuesday, August 4, at 7:00 p.m.
Warren Theatre Parking Lot, 1000 S. Telephone Road. The “43rd Annual National Night Out” (NNO), a unique crime prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. We cordially invite you to join us this night at the Warren Theatre parking lot (1000 S. Telephone Rd.), from 7:00–9:00 p.m. Among the activities scheduled for the evening include Ambulance, Fire, and Police demonstrations. There will also be local vendors and community partners present. Vendor information: Officer Elexa Sanders 405-793-4662 or E-mail: csu@ cityofmoore.com
URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
Monday, August 10 at 6:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING
Tuesday, August 11 at 5:30 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.
PARTY IN CENTRAL PARK
Friday, August 14, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Multipurpose Pavilion, Moore Central Park, 700 S Broadway. FREE EVENT! Music, Lawn Games, Inflatables, Food Trucks: City Ice Truck; Carnival Eats & Treats, and The Lemon Mill, $1 Snow Cones, and more! Join us for a Party in Central Park, down at the Multipurpose Pavilion, for an end-of-summer event!
Movie: Starting at 8:30pm - Zootopia 2 (PG)
MORE CARS FOR MOORE KIDS CAR SHOW
Saturday, August 15
Registration starts at 7:30 AM Warren Theatre Parking Lot, 1000 S. Telephone Road.On August 15, the Warren Theatre parking lot won’t look anything like it does today. It’ll be filled with polished classics, roaring muscle cars, lifted trucks, customs, motorcycles, great food, music, and hundreds of people who decided they didn’t want to miss one of Moore’s favorite summer traditions. The only people who won’t be talking about it afterward…are the ones who stayed home. The Kiwanis Club of Moore’s 7th Annual More Cars for More Kids Car Show isn’t just about incredible vehicles. Every registration, raffle ticket, and sponsorship helps us invest back into kids and families throughout our community. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your favorite ride. Because once the engines fire up and the trophies are handed out, you’ll either be in the pictures…or wishing you had been. For more information call 580-220-5960 or email moorekiwanisclub@gmail.com.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
ADOPT-A-PET
Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., closed on holidays. Moore Animal Shelter S-I35 Service Road. For additional information call (405) 793-5190.
AMERICAN LEGION MOORE POST 184
Monthly Membership Meetings: 7:00 p.m. (Every 2nd Tuesday of every month). Post is open for business Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 12:30- 3:30 p.m.
207 SW 1st Street, Moore, OK. 73160. VA Certified VSO on-duty to serve all
veterans and their families with VA Claims. 'NO VETERAN LEFT BEHIND' Tel: (405) 794-5446
BIG TRASH PICK UP
Moore residents will be allowed two FREE big trash pick-ups a year and one free voucher to the city landfill for each physical address in Moore. Call (405) 793-5070 to schedule your trash pickup.
DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE
Meetings on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Moore Public Library, 225 S. Howard Ave.
For more information email Josh Turzanski at josh@dbsaok.org.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM
Moore Police Dept. is starting a Neighborhood Watch Program. If you’re interested in helping your neighborhood reduce crime, contact Sgt. Jeremy Lewis, (405) 793-4448.
OKLAHOMA PARKINSON’S ALLIANCE SUPPORT GROUP
First Tuesday of each month 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
13200 S. May Ave. For more information contact the Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance at 405-810-0695.
MOORE ROTARY CLUB MEETING
Weekly on Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Moore Chamber of Commerce, 305 W. Main St. Moore Rotary Club meetings are held weekly. At our meeting, we aim to have fellowship and fun, enjoy a good meal and listen to an interesting speaker as well as communicate activity updates to members. There are membership fees associated to Rotary International. Come visit at least once and we’ll be happy to discuss membership options. Rotary International is an international service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional
leaders to provide humanitarian service and advance goodwill and peace around the world. It is a non-political and non-religious organization. For more information, contact Dee Ann Gay at 405-300-6202.
405 BUSINESS CLUB
Weekly on Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Toby Keith’s “I Love This Bar & Grill”, 1199 S. Service Road. Here members learn more about each other's businesses and pass referrals between members of the group, all while building friendships, camaraderie, and eat lunch. Meetings are open to visitors looking to find a networking group to join, however; we only allow one business per business category. So before you choose to come, please check out our membership and determine if there is an open seat for you & your business in our group.
NORMAN NEWCOMERS MEETING
Second Monday of the month, 10:00 a.m.
First Christian Church, 220. S. Webster. You don’t have to live in Norman to join in. For more information, contact Susie Orsenigo at 561-914-0771.
THE MOORE TIPS CLUB
Every Thursday, 12:00 p.m. Business and Networking meeting, every Thursday, 12:00 p.m. at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill, 1199 SS I-35 Service Road. A small but effective business networking group, empowering others through valuable and trusted recommendations. We strive to build each member’s business. Do you have a question about our business referral group, or do you want to see if we match your specific needs? Join us on Thursdays from 12pm – 1pm in Moore, Oklahoma @ Toby Keith’s. See the map for location! Send us a message or call one of our members! We're always happy to connect with new businesses! For more information visit mooretipsclub. com.
MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMUNITY COFFEE
Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
AUGUST 5 – NOSH, 200 SE 19th Street
AUGUST 12 – Grace Pointe Living, 1501
Grace Pointe Drive
AUGUST 19 – Shelter Insurance Freeman Clark Agency, 290 SE 4th Street, Ste 100
Start your day with a cup of coffee and great company at our Community Coffees! These informal gatherings are the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow community members, business professionals, and local leaders in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. What to Expect: Networking: Build meaningful relationships and grow your connections within the community. Conversation: Engage in casual discussions about local initiatives, business updates, and upcoming events. Community Spotlight: Learn about local businesses, nonprofits, and key projects shaping our area. Community Coffees are a great way to stay connected, share ideas, and start your day with positive energy. For more information call 405-794-3400 or email info@ moorechamber.com.
SOUTH OKLAHOMA CITY CHAMBER
SERIOUSLY FUN NETWORKING
Thursday, August 6, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Slate at Founders Tower, 5900 Mosteller Drive (20th Floor), OKC. Join us for Seriously Fun Networking, one of the South OKC Chamber’s most relaxed and engaging networking groups. We meet for happy hour on the first Thursday of each month at a Chamber-member business, giving you the perfect opportunity to build connections, share ideas, and unwind with fellow professionals. Come grow your network, strengthen relationships, and have some fun while doing business. Free to participate, only cost is food or beverages that you choose to order. For more information contact Jamie Crowe at 405-634-1436 or email Jamiecrowe@ southokc.com.
SOUTH OKC CHAMBER MONEY, MOMMY, & ME
Saturday, August 8, 11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m.
4330 SE 15th Street, Room AB, Del City. Our mission with Five Rings Financial is to provide as much free education about money as we can and we do that through one of three avenues: Money 101, Wine, Women & Wealth and our newest venture Money, Mommy and Me. Our goal with this program is not only to educate our communities about how money works, but to change how the next generation is taught about money so that they won’t need this education as adults - because they will already know it - and what better gift can we give our children than that? Imagine a place to learn how to navigate through important discussions with our children and to share that experience with other parents all while having a cup of coffee while the children are being looked after? For more information, contact Renita Ejiofor at 405-420-5512 or email renita.ejiofor@ outlook.com.
FILL THE BUS (NATIONAL NIGHT OUT)
Saturday, August 8, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Warren Theatre Parking Lot, 1000 S Telephone Rd, Join us for FILL THE BUS, a community-driven event aimed at supporting local students and schools by collecting essential supplies. This impactful initiative brings together businesses, organizations, and individuals to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed. WHAT TO EXPECT: DONATIONS IN ACTION: Help us fill a school bus with much-needed supplies for students and teachers. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION: Connect with local businesses and residents coming together for a great cause. SUPPORT LOCAL EDUCATION: Contribute to the success of our schools and the future of our community. All supplies are being donated directly to the Moore Public Schools to help teachers offset the personal costs of school supplies during
the year. By investing in our children today, we are providing them a path to a brighter future tomorrow. Every child deserves a chance to succeed. List of supplies most commonly needed: #2 Pre-sharpened Pencils, Glue Sticks, Crayola Crayons, Markers & Colored Pencils, Folders, Dry Erase Markers, Facial Tissue, Index Cards ,Backpacks, Calculators, Reusable water bottles, Composition Books ,Pens. This event is a powerful way to give back, make a difference, and show your support for education in Moore. Let’s come together to Fill the Bus and make a lasting impact
HEROES ON THE FAIRWAY GOLF TOURNAMENT-A MILITARY & VETERAN MENTAL HEALTH BENEFIT
Monday, August 10, 7:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast, 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start.
Earlywine Golf Course, 11600 S. Portland, OKC. On behalf of the Cohen Clinic at Red Rock, we are excited to invite you to partner with us for our inaugural “Heroes on the Fairway” golf tournament benefiting military and veteran mental health services in Oklahoma. The event will take place on Monday, August 10, 2026, at Earlywine Golf Course in Oklahoma City and will bring together community leaders, businesses, veterans, military families, and supporters for a meaningful day focused on giving back to those who served. Please connect with others who may be interested in this, as well. For more information call TJ Courtney at 405-696-3272 or Colleen Cook at 405-655-5668.
MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NETWORKING LUNCH
Tuesday, August 11, 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
IHOP, 2501 South I-35 Service Road. Join us for a NETWORKING LUNCH, a casual and engaging opportunity to connect with fellow professionals while enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant. These lunches are designed to help you expand your network, share
your business highlights, and discover new opportunities. SPOTLIGHT OPPORTUNITY: Each attendee has up to one minute to introduce themselves, their business, and share a highlight or tidbit about their company. Should you need or want more than one-minute, additional opportunities are available to increase your exposure at this event. Contact Tish Norman, Director of Development and Engagement, for more details. Bring your business cards and get ready to share, connect, and grow your network in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Contact Tish Norman at 405- 794-3400 or email info@moorechamber.com for more information.
SOUTH OKC CHAMBER BUSINESS NETWORKING LUNCH
Wednesday, August 12, 11:30 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
The Garage, 1024 West I-240 Service Road. Business Networking Lunch is a casual, efficient way to connect with fellow South OKC Chamber members during the workday. This group meets for lunch, offering a relaxed setting to build relationships, exchange ideas, and expand your network — all without taking too much time out of your schedule. Join us to make meaningful connections, share conversations, and enjoy great company over lunch. For more information contact Jamie Crowe at 405-634-1436 or email Jamiecrowe@ southokc.com.
GUACAMOLE, SALSA, & QUESO THROWDOWN FUNDRAISER
Saturday, August 15, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
111 North Main Street, Goldsby. Join us for the Guacamole, Salsa & Queso Throwdown, a fun-filled evening where 6 local restaurants go head-to-head to serve up their best flavors—all while supporting a meaningful mission. Hosted by Full Circle Adult Day Center, this exciting fundraiser helps provide respite care services for seniors living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and developmental disabilities, giving caregivers the break they need and deserve. WHAT
TO EXPECT: Tasting from 6 amazing local restaurants. Vote for your favorites (People’s Choice Award!). Live entertainment, Silent auction & raffle prizes, Great food, great people, and a great cause. Every ticket purchased helps support families in our community. Contact Information: Full Circle Adult Day Center, call 405-447-2955, email info@ fullcircleok.org, or visit https://www. fullcircleok.org/.
SOUTH OKLAHOMA CITY CHAMBER
COFFEE
& COMMERCE
Friday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Old School Bagel, 138 SW 134th Street. Start your morning with Coffee & Commerce, a welcoming South OKC Chamber networking event designed to spark connections and conversations. Enjoy a round of self-introductions followed by relaxed, free-style networking with fellow business professionals. It’s a great way to build relationships, share what you do, and connect with the local business community. Join us on the third Friday morning of each month — we’d love to see you there. For more information contact Jamie Crowe at 405-634-1436 or email Jamiecrowe@southokc.com.
SALVATION ARMY’S 2026 “CHAMPIONS OF HOPE” GALA
Saturday August 22, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
NCED Conference Center, East State Highway 9, Norman. An Evening of Hope, Inspiration, and Community. The Salvation Army of Cleveland and McClain Counties' Champions of Hope 2026 Gala will be an unforgettable evening featuring special guest Bob Stoops, legendary college football coach and former head coach of the University of Oklahoma. Coach Stoops led the Sooners to a National Championship in 2000 and captured 10 Big 12 titles during his remarkable career. Known for his leadership, integrity, and impact on student-athletes, he remains one of the most respected figures in college football and continues to serve as an ambassador for both the game and
the University of Oklahoma community. This elegant evening will bring our community together to champion compassion, dignity, and hope while supporting The Salvation Army's mission throughout Cleveland and McClain Counties. All proceeds directly benefit vital programs and services that assist individuals and families experiencing hardship across our community. For sponsorship opportunities and RSVP information: https://give.salvationarmyaok.org/event/2026-champions-of-hope/ e802448
MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EGGS & ISSUES
Wednesday, August 26, 8:00 a.m. –9:00 a.m.
Norman Regional Moore Conference Center, 700 S Telephone Road. Eggs & Issues Educational Insights will feature one of our community's most anticipated annual conversations as Moore Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Romines provides an update on the district. Each year, this breakfast draws a tremendous crowd of business and community leaders eager to hear about the successes, challenges, and future of Moore Public Schools. Due to its growing popularity, we've moved this year's event to a larger venue to accommodate more attendees. Join us for this important discussion about the district's impact on our community, workforce, and the future of Moore. Admission: $25 member; $35 non-member
SOUTH OKC CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Tuesday, July 28, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Join the South Oklahoma City Chamber for Business After Hours at Eskridge Honda for an evening of networking, connection, and community. Tour the dealership, meet the Eskridge Honda team, and build relationships with fellow Chamber members in a relaxed, after-work setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to unwind, connect, and grow your business network. Bring a coworker, invite a friend, and come see
why Business After Hours is one of our favorite ways to connect. We can’t wait to see you there! For more information, contact Elizabeth Fox at 405-634-1436 or email ElizabethFox@southokc.com. appropriately!
BOOKED FOR THE END OF SUMMER EVENT
Saturday, August 29, 11:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m.
The Last Page Bookstore, 222 North Broadway. Come hang out and enjoy the end of Summer with Give-Aways, local authors, food trucks, local vendors and lots of fun!!
SENIOR CONNECTION
TRANSPORTATION:
Metro Transit will provide van service for age 60 and older on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the Moore area to Oklahoma City for medical appointments. Call Jackie at (405) 297-2583.
MOORE COUNCIL ON AGING.
Seniors may have transportation anywhere in the City of Moore for errands or appointments. 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Call (405) 799-3130 at least one day in advance.
“SHARE-A-FARE” for age 60 and over or disabled. Purchase taxi fare at 40% off.
FAITH, FAMILY, AND FOCUS: Justin Bean’s Journey to a Championship
Growing up in Moore, Justin Bean had one goal when it came to the game of basketball, the game he loved with a fiery passion.
“I just wanted to play Division I,” said Bean.
“I wrote down, ‘You will play Division I” on a piece of paper and put it on my nightstand. Every morning I woke up and looked over and saw that piece of paper.”
That kind of focus and determination has led Bean on a unique journey, filled with twists and turns that have landed him at the top of a professional basketball peak that, while it may not have been one he expected, is certainly one that he’s passionately enjoying.
Bean and his professional teammates on the Alba Berlin team won the championship in Germany’s top professional basketball league in June.
Bean was named the Finals MVP. The German league is one of Europe’s most competitive, making the team and individual honors highly impressive.
“What was even sweeter was that we were the underdogs in that series,” said Bean. “FC Bayern Munich was considered the favorite, but we managed to rally and knock them off with a big comeback in the final game.”
Rally is an understatement. Bean and his Alba Berlin teammates trailed FC Bayern Munich by 20 points at half-time. Bean’s numbers in that epic final showed why he was selected as MVP: 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists.
“The thing that sticks out most for me about the series and game is that FC Bayern Munich is a powerhouse,” said Bean. “They have a much greater budget to
spend on players than we do and have been at the top of the league for the last few years. But we just wanted to go in and play fearless, team basketball.”
Bean says winning the championship is a moment he will remember and cherish forever, playing on a team with so much unity. As for being named MVP, he says the moment left him stunned.
“When you hear your name called, it’s just one of those moments that’s just surreal,” said Bean. “I was feeling so much joy and gratitude, but I didn’t really have time to take it in because my teammates were smothering me, tapping me on the back, and loving on me.”
That kind of team closeness is something that Bean says he experienced growing up and playing at Southmoore. It’s a period of his life that he still cherishes to this day.
Courtesy of Alba Berlin
Courtesy of Alba Berlin
Courtesy of Alba Berlin
Justin Bean’s Journey continued...
“It’s hard to say how much I loved my time in Moore and at Southmoore,” said Bean. “I saw Coach Brown just a few days ago, and I keep in touch with all those guys. I message Cooper Battiste quite often.
Back to that note on Bean’s nightstand and his single-minded goal to play Division I basketball. He succeeded in that quest, with a couple of detours along the way. He had a breakout junior season before tearing his ACL, but returned to form in his senior season. After that season, he chose to serve a two-year mission for his church before heading to college at Utah State.
The decision to put faith before basketball may seem strange to those thinking, “But he was so focused on playing Division I.” For Bean, the choice of faith and mission was easy, and it came with life lessons that have profoundly helped him.
“It has certainly played a huge role in where I am on and off the court,” said Bean. “And not just the basic things like learning to live on your own. I learned so much about life and about bringing people closer to Christ. I had a lot of great conversations, but I also experienced a lot of rejection, which sounds dramatic, but it was part of
the experience.”
It was two full years away from family, with minimal communication. A tough time for someone who comes from a very close family. But when it came time to chase that Division 1 dream, Bean was ready. He went to Utah State University as a preferred walk-on, where he was named to the Mountain West Conference Second Team in his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. He had a brief stint with the Memphis Grizzlies before joining Alba Berlin in 2023, where he quickly became a fan favorite.
And the MVP of a championship team.
But in the midst of it all, Bean says being a husband and a father is his most fulfilling role.
“As much as I love basketball, it’s now more than just a game for me,” said Bean. “It’s a job, and I think it took becoming a father to put that in perspective. Being a father, I can come home after a win or a loss and just read a book to my son or hold my daughter and cherish those moments. And I don’t know where I’d be without my wife. She’s a champion and, as Kevin Durant said about his mom, she’s the real MVP…the gift that keeps on giving.”
AUGUST SPORTS CALENDAR
(All scheduled events are subject to change)
MOORE
FOOTBALL
August 28 Westmoore
SOFTBALL
August 10 Westmoore/Southmoore@ Westmoore
August 13 @Stillwater
August 14-15 @Broken Arrow Festival
August 17 Norman
August 18 @Ponca City
August 21-22 Big Cat Festival
August 25 @Deer Creek
August 31 Piedmont
VOLLEYBALL
August 13 @Piedmont
August 14-15 @Westmoore Invtiational
August 18 Deer Creek
August 21-22 @Broken Arrow Tournament
August 25 @Edmond North
August 27 Southmoore
CROSS COUNTRY
August 29 Moore War Run
SOUTHMOORE
FOOTBALL
August 28 Bishop Kelly
SOFTBALL
August 10 @Westmoore/Moore
August 11 Muskogee
August 14-15 @Broken Arrow Festival
August 17 Owasso
August 20 @Carl Albert
August 21 Big Cat Festival
August 24 Union
August 26 @Jenks
August 28 @Norman Festival
August 31 @Washington
VOLLEYBALL
August 11 @Edmond North
August 14-15 @Westmoore Tourney
August 18 Capitol Hill
August 25 @Duncan
August 27 @Moore
CROSS COUNTRY
August 29 Moore War Run
WESTMOORE
FOOTBALL
August 28 @Moore
SOFTBALL
August 5-6 Westmoore Festival
August 10 Moore/Southmoore
August 14-15 @Broken Arrow Tournament
August 17 Enid
August 18 @PC North
August 20 @Norman North
August 21-22 Big Cat Festival
August 24 @Choctaw
August 25 Edmond North
August 27 Blanchard
August 31 @Edmond Memorial
VOLLEYBALL
August 11 Santa Fe
August 14-15 Jag Invitational
August 20 @Norman North
August 25 @Piedmont
August 27 @Mustang
CROSS COUNTRY
August 29 Moore War Run
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
THE BURRUSSES EMBRACE THEIR NEXT CHAPTER
When it comes to familiar faces in the Moore community, few are more recognizable than John and Donna Burruss. Both are long-time Moore residents with deep roots in the Moore Public Schools. They have been active in various community organizations and efforts that benefit students, especially with groups like The Sparrow Projects.
Oh…and they’re dead ringers for a certain North Pole couple who bring joy and light into the lives of children around the world. We’re not saying they are THE Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
But there’s something profoundly emotional about the pair that goes way beyond just putting on the outfits at Christmas.
“Last year we went to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at Norman Regional for the first time,” said John. “It was such a blessing for us to be there, holding those tiny little babies with parents who are so appreciative…knowing that for some of those babies, this might be the only Christmas they would ever see.”
If it sounds more like “ministry” than “Christmas magic”, then you’ve just scratched the surface of why John and Donna do what they do each holiday season.
“It was such a blessing for us to get to do that,” said Donna. “And then we have one family whom John taught in high school. They married, and have six children, and each one of their children has four children of their own. So, every year we go to their house where there are 18 grandchildren, and we do Santa and Mrs. Claus for the whole family.”
John moved to Moore in 1963 and graduated from Moore High School in 1979. Donna is originally from Ohio but moved to Moore in 1980. The couple met at Emmanuel Baptist Church and later married.”
“I was a teacher at Moore Christian Academy, and she was the director of the Moore Christian Preschool,” said John. “We got married on April 1, no joke, and we just celebrated our 37th anniversary.”
For John and Donna, the decision to follow a career path in education was never about the paycheck.
“The long hours and maybe a lack of pay don’t really compare to the impact you have on kids and the things you learn about life,” said Donna. “These days, we’ll see the children of some of the kids we taught who grew up to be parents, and how their families turned out, and they remember you. That’s rewarding.”
John added, “I had sophomores a lot, and they grow up a little later. And the most rewarding thing is when they come up to you and tell you that they learned a lot more in your class than just lessons about computers.”
The deep passion that powered them as educators is the same thing that fuels their passion as the famous North Pole couple today: their faith in Jesus.
“There have been some ups and downs,” said John. “But the one thing we’ve learned about God is that He’s always there. He’s with you through and after the storm. He’s the only real constant there is.”
“God has always been faithful,” said Donna. “Sometimes we couldn’t see it clearly, but when we look back, we can see that He’s been directing our lives.”
Nowadays, that includes looking back at a town that has grown up around them in remarkable ways.
“When I moved here Janeway was a gravel road at 12th Street,” said John. “I rode my bike where houses are now on Kelly, and Moore High School was on Broadway, where Central is now.”
After the May 3, 1999 tornado, Berry Tramel and Mike Sherman interviewed the Burrusses, asking them why they chose to live here. For John and Donna, the answer was easy.
“It’s home,” said John. “Things happen and things get knocked down. But we build them back again because it’s our home. And we see people still moving here because they know that this is a special community –a good place to work, to raise your kids, and your grandkids.”
Photos from Mommy & Son Party at the Pool
from Celebration in the Heartland.
Photos
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