Memoirs of a Tortoise

Author: Devin Scillian Illustrator: Tim Bowers Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

Reviewer: Miriam Hernandez, Children’s Library Associate, Southwest Oklahoma City Public Library

Memoirs of a Tortoise is a children’s picture book about a tortoise named Oliver and his human pet, Ike. The story opens in the spring and as the months go by, we get to see just how beautiful their friendship is. Suddenly one day in the fall, Oliver notices that Ike hasn’t come out to spend time with him or feed him. He seeks answers and decides to visit his very wise mother who knows everything, seeing as she is 137 years old. Oliver’s mother explains to him that tortoises live longer than humans do. She reassures him that although they only get their pets for a little while, he should count all the beautiful days he was lucky enough to have Ike. Oliver knows his mom is right, but will his garden ever be the same?

Memoirs of a Tortoise is a tender story intended for children ages 4-10. It tackles the difficult topic of losing a loved one and appreciating the friendship and moments you’ve had with them. The straightforward comments and questions that Oliver has about loss echo those of children and resonates with readers.

In 2021, Memoirs of a Tortoise was the recipient of the Donna Norvell Oklahoma Book Award. This award honors a book that has made a significant contribution to the field of literature for children through second grade. It is an AR book with a reading level of 2.8 and is worth 0.5 points.

You may find this picture book and other similar titles in the children's department of your local library. For more book recommendations or assistance call 405.979.2200 to connect with a librarian at the SOKC Public Library. For other library events and information visit pioneerlibrarysystem.org or download the PLS Connect app.

OCCC VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

7777 S. May Avenue, OKC

Jazz at the Lincoln Center: Songs We Love

Thursday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. Songs We Love is a journey through the first 50 years of jazz song. Under the musical direction of Riley Mulherkar, 3 guest vocalists will join an all-star band made up of New York’s rising stars. Combining their distinct talents, the group will sing their way through four decades of music, beginning with the early blues and jazz of the 1920s and ending in the early 1950s. Iconic singers to be explored include Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. Tickets are $29-$57 + $3.00 handling fee. Visit occc.universitytickets.com or call the VPAC box office at 405-682-7579.

Miss Oklahoma USA and Oklahoma Teen USA Pageant – Preliminary Competition

Saturday, March 25, 7:00 p.m.

Join in the excitement as we discover who will be crowned the next Miss Oklahoma USA® and Oklahoma Teen USA®. Some of the most beautiful, intelligent and talented young ladies from across the state of Oklahoma will be scored in swimsuit (MISS), active wear (TEENS), evening gown, and interview. Don't miss out on supporting your favorite contestant. WHO WILL SHE BE???

panied by an adult, but kids of all ages are welcome. For more information, contact museumtours@ou.edu. Made possible by generous support from the Newman’s Own Foundation.

Tueday Noon Concert of Saturday events exploring the five senses. Our SENSEsational journey continues March 25, 2-4 p.m. with a focus on SMELL through hands-on art activities inspired by the museum’s collection, chances to meet Factory Obscura artists, and more! SENSEsational Saturdays are free for visitors of all ages! If you or a member of your family have a sensory sensitivity, we invite you to join us for a "quiet hour" starting at 1 p.m. For further information about this pre-event, contact the Learning + Engagement department by visiting https://www.ou.edu/fjjma/ Events.

Tuesday, March 7, 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday Noon Concerts is a weekly series coordinated with OU's School of Music. These 30-minute concerts occur during the semester in the Sandy Bell Gallery located in the museum's lower level. This week's performance is by Shawn Welk's oboe studio.

Time Warp: Hits of the 60s, 70s, and 80s

March 17-25

Relive the greatest hits of the 60's, 70's, and 80's as we celebrate our newest show ..."Time Warp"!!! Great New Music, Great New Show with all the fun of the three decades of great music! Tickets Include Dinner and Show. Call 405-793-7779, now!! 1005 SW 4th St. Moore,Oklahoma.

Fresh Start Community Church

FOOD PANTRY

SYNTHESIA Late Night

Friday, March 10, 5:00 p.m.

The first floor of the museum will stay open until 7 p.m. for visitors to experience Factory Obscura's SYNESTHESIA after dark.

Art Adventures at Home

Tuesday, March 21, 10:30 a.m.

The museum’s virtual storytime includes a book and related art activity, using materials you’re likely to have on hand at home. Register for this online program at the link below. Recommended for ages 3 to 8 accompanied by an adult, but kids of all ages are welcome. For more information, contact museumtours@ou.edu. Made possible by generous support from the Newman’s Own Foundation. To register click visit: https://www.ou.edu/ fjjma/Events.

Tueday Noon Concert

Tuesday, March 21, 12:00 p.m.

Tueday Noon Concert

Tuesday, March 28, 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday Noon Concerts is a weekly series coordinated with OU's School of Music. These 30-minute concerts occur during the semester in the Sandy Bell Gallery located in the museum's lower level. This week's performance is by Jay Wilkinson and Lonnie Easter’s Jazz Combo.

Schusterman Center and Presidential Dream Course Lecture Series

Thursday, March 30, 5:00 p.m. “Rembrandt and the Rabbie,” with Steve Nadler (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

THE YELLOW ROSE DINNER THEATER

1005 SW 4th Street

Bennie Wheels as The Man in Black

March 10 and 11

Ticket Prices: $65 + $3.00 handling fee. Visit occc.universitytickets.com or call the VPAC box office at 405-682-7579.

FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART

555 Elm Avenue, Norman

Art Adventures at The Fred Tuesday, March 7, 10:30 a.m.

Enjoy a book and hands-on art activity before exploring the museum with your family. No advanced registration is required for this free drop-in program. Recommended for ages 3 to 8 accom-

Tuesday Noon Concerts is a weekly series coordinated with OU's School of Music. These 30-minute concerts occur during the semester in the Sandy Bell Gallery located in the museum's lower level. This week's performance is by Suzanne Tirk’s clarinet studio.

SENSEsational Saturdays

Saturday, March 25, 2:00 p.m. Join us throughout the year as we celebrate Factory Obscura’s immersive art experience SYNESTHESIA with a series

Join us for our Oklahoma Branson 23 Tour, Great Branson Style Entertainment with out the drive! Join us March 10th & 11th...ONE WEEKEND ONLY!! For the Man in Black Mr. Johnny Cash, Starring Bennie Wheels. Tickets Include Dinner and Show. Sell Out Warning!, so call 405-793-7779, now!! 1005 SW 4th St. Moore, Oklahoma.

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).

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Monday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CITY MEETINGS & EVENTS

Faith Crossing Baptist Church, 13701 S. Pennsylvania. For more information, contact Nancy at 405-514-9990.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore

PARKS BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, March 7 at 6:00 p.m. The Station at Central Park, 700 S. Broadway.

URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY

Monday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING

Tuesday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.

Planning Commission Meeting

Tuesday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.

City Council Meeting

Monday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore

Community Connection

ADOPT-A-PET

Moore Animal Shelter, S-I35 Service Road. 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. For additional information call (405) 793-5190.

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 pick-up.

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.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

First Tuesday of each month, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 2800 SW 131st Street. For more information contact Connie Daniels at 405703-2300.

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.

SOUTH OKC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SERIOUSLY FUN NETWORKING EVENT

Thursday, March 2, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

HarborChase of South OKC, 10801 S May Ave. Our networking groups invite Chamber members to join them for fun, food, and connections. There is no cost to participate in the networking sessions! The only cost is the food and beverages which you purchase. Any South OKC Chamber member can attend, non-members are also invited to attend to learn about the Chamber. Register online at business.southokc. com/events.

South Okc Chamber Of Commerce Dream Team Networking Event

Wednesday, March 8, 1:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m

Granny’s Kitchen, 9101 S Pennsylvania Ave . Our networking groups invite Chamber members to join them for fun, food, and connections. There is no cost to participate in the networking sessions! The only cost is the food and beverages which you purchase. Any South OKC Chamber member can attend, non-members are also invited to attend to learn about the Chamber. Register online at business.southokc. com/events.

SOUTH OKC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COFFEE & COMMERCE EVENT

Wednesday, March 8, 8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

Best Western Saddleback Inn & Conference Center, 4300 SW 3rd Street. . Our networking groups invite Chamber members to join them for fun, food, and connections. There is no cost to participate in the networking sessions! The only cost is the food and beverages which you purchase. Any South OKC Chamber member can attend, non-members are also invited to attend to learn about the Chamber. Register online at business.southokc. com/events.

Moore Chamber Of Commerce Networking Lunch

Tuesday, March 14, 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Johnnie’s Charcoal Broiler, 2305 S. Telephone Road. Join us for great food and an opportunity to grow your business knowledge, share new ideas and connect with our business community. Each attendee is given the opportunity to present information regarding their business to all in attendance. So, bring your best sales pitch - make it innovative and memorable. To make sure that the restaurant is fully prepared for our arrival if you plan on attending, we will need you to register. Thank you. For more information contact Amy Lee at 405-794-3400 or email alee@moorechamber.com.

South Okc Chamber Of Commerce Networking Happy Hour

Wednesday, March 15, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

HarborChase of South OKC, 10801 S May Ave. HarborChase will be hosting a Happy Hour Networking Event in our Fusion Lounge every 3rd Wednesday of the month! Come join us for complimentary signature cocktails, an assortment of appetizers made by our Executive Chef, and live music! For more information contact Staci Seilkopf at 405-229-4528 or email sseilkopf@ harborchase.com.

MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EGGS & ISSUES – OPEN TOPIC

Wednesday, March 16, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Moore Chamber of Commerce, 305

W. Main Street. Eggs & Issues is the Moore Chamber of Commerce's forum where our business and community leaders gather to discuss business and legislative issues on local, county, state, and federal levels that have an impact on the Moore business community. For more information call Kelly Arnold at 405-794-3400 or email karnold@ moorechamber.com.

MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Thursday, March 16, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Check moorechamber.com for location. This event is a business networking opportunity for Moore Chamber of Commerce Members. Attendees can make meaningful connections that can result in successful business leads. Food and beverages are served. Check out the Chamber Calendar for the location of the next one! For more information call Kelly Arnold at 405-794-3400 or email karnold@moorechamber.com.

MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOWLING TOURNAMENT

Tuesday, March 21, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

HeyDay Entertainment, 3201 Market Place, Norman. The tournament is open only to 16 teams, so reserve your lane today! Entry fee includes 4-person team, shoe rental, and dinner. Warm-up along with two games (max time 1 hour per game) will be played with trophies to be awarded to the 1st and 2nd place teams. Sponsorships available: 4-person Team

- $500 Awards Sponsor - $500 (Logo placed on awards), Scorecard Sponsor - $250 (Logo placed on scorecards), Lane Sponsor - $150 (Logo placed on lane). For more information contact Kim Brown at 405-794-3400 or email kbrown@moorechamber.com.

Moore Chamber Of Commerce Business Before Hours

Wednesday, March 22, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

See the Moore Chamber Calendar of Events online for location. This event is a business networking opportunity for Moore Chamber of Commerce Members. Attendees can make meaningful connections that can result in successful business leads. Food and beverages are served. Check out the Chamber Calendar for the location of the next one! For more information call Kelly Arnold at 405-794-3400 or email karnold@ moorechamber.com.

Moore Chamber Of Commerce Win Networking Hour

Thursday, March 30, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hampton Inn & Suites, 614 NW 8th Street. 2023 WIN program annual sponsorships are currently available, call us! Victory - $500, Reach - $300, Success - $100. Empowering, Impacting and Encouraging women in business and life. Newly formed in 2020, WIN was created to bring the businesswomen of Moore and the surrounding areas together for strength, support, and camaraderie in both business and life. We will do this through events and programs throughout the year. For more information contact Kim Brown at 405-794-3400 or email kbrown@ moorechamber.com.

Senior Connection

P.A.L.S. PROGRAM FOR SENIORS

Seniors are assigned to a buddy who will call every day to check on you. Sign up with Sgt. Lewis, Moore Police Dept., (405) 793-4448.

PROJECT RETURN HOME FOR ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS IN MOORE

For information about enrolling a loved one, contact Virginia Guild at (405) 793-4478 or Sgt. Jeremy Lewis at (405) 793-4448.

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.

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 The Station website at: activiecommunities.com/mooreparks/home or by calling The Station front desk at (405) 793-5090.

Walk The Parks

Walk The Parks

Begins: March 13, 2023

Walk the Parks is a physical activity-tracking program that encourages participants to practice healthy walking habits while exploring our exercise-friendly parks in the City of Moore. The goal of Walk the Parks is to promote health, wellness and community by encouraging physical activity and highlighting free resources for all ages. Register online at https://www.cityofmoore.com/walktheparks

Programs At The Station Recreation

Spanish For Adults

Come and learn Spanish with us! In this course, adults will begin to learn the basics of speaking and reading in Spanish. Before you know it, you will begin to understand simple phrases and words in conversational Spanish!

WHEN: April 3-May 22

TIME: 7-8 p.m.

AGES: 15+

FEE: Free – Registration required https://www.cityofmoore.com/departments-divisions/parks-recreation/activities-camps-programs

Fun With Paint

When April 4 - 25

Time Tuesday's 6-7 pm

Ages 10-12 years

Where The Station Recreation Center

Fee $30 - Use Coupon Code #FUN for $5 Off!

Come and join us as we have fun with paint! In this 4-week class, participants will learn about the different types of paint while also creating beautiful projects along the way. Each week participants will be able to take home a different painting project!

Spring Break Volleyball Camp

For any young-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 a variety of volleyball skills!

WHEN: March 13-17

TIME: 9am – Noon

AGES: 6-12

FEE: $95

Spanish For Kids

Come and learn Spanish with us! In this course, kids will begin to learn the basics of speaking and reading in Spanish!

WHEN: April 3-May 22

TIME: 6-7 p.m.

AGES: 8-14

FEE: Free - Registration required https://www.cityofmoore.com/departments-divisions/parks-recreation/activities-camps-programs

Spring Break Basketball 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 a variety of basketball skills!

WHEN: March 13-17

TIME: 9am – Noon

AGES: 6-12

FEE: $95

WHERE: The Station Recreation Center

REGISTRATION: Through March 13. Online at cityofmoore.com/departments-divisions/parks-recreation/activities-camps-programs.

WHERE: The Station Recreation Center

REGISTRATION: Through March 13. Online at cityofmoore.com/departments-divisions/parks-recreation/activities-camps-programs.

Spring Break 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!

WHEN: March 13-17

TIME: 9am – Noon

AGES: 6-12

FEE: $95

WHERE: Buck Thomas Park

REGISTRATION: Through March 13. Online at cityofmoore.com/departments-divisions/parks-recreation/activities-camps-programs.

Spring Break Extreme Animals Camp

Are you ready for an experience of a lifetime? If so, come and join us as we get up close and personal with Extreme Animals. Campers will get to hold and interact with a variety of Extreme animals. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

WHEN: March 13-17

TIME: 9am – Noon

AGES: 6-12

FEE: $125

WHERE: The Station Recreation Center

REGISTRATION: Through March 13. Online at cityofmoore.com/departments-divisions/parks-recreation/activities-camps-programs.

Spring Break Art Camp

Come and join us for a week of fun as we explore our creative side! All week long, we will be making art projects that allow us to be expressive and show how beautiful our artistic side can be!

WHEN: March 13-17

TIME: 9am – Noon

AGES: 6-9

FEE: $95

REGISTRATION: Through March 13. Online at cityofmoore.com/departments-divisions/parks-recreation/activities-camps-programs.

Oasis Summer Camp

WHEN: May 30 – August 4 (except Memorial Day and July 4th)

TIME: 7:00am – 6:00pm

AGES: 5-6, 7-9 (Wait List), 10-12

WHERE: Moore Community Center (301 S

Howard Ave.)

FEE: Passholders – Full Summer is $135/ week, Select weeks are $150/week

Non-Passholders – Full Summer is $150/ week, Select weeks are $165/week.

REGISTRATION: February 13 – March 12:

Full Summer Registration Only March 13 – May 28: Select Weeks and Full Summer Registration

Must register in person at The Station Recreation Center front desk.

Summer Swimming Lessons

Summer Swimming Lessons

The Station’s swim lesson curriculum emphasizes proper swimming technique and water safety, all while having a blast at The Station. Swim lessons available are Parent/Child, Preschool 1 & 2, Youth Levels 1–4 and our highly sought out Private Lessons. Classes are 30 minutes.

TIME:

• 9:00–9:30 a.m. – Parent/Child, Preschool 1 & 2, Youth 1, Private

• 9:40–10:10 a.m. – Parent/Child, Preschool 2, Youth 2 & 3, Private

• 10:20–10:50 a.m. – Preschool 1 & 2, Youth 1 & 4, Private

• 11–11:30 a.m. – Preschool 1 & 2, Youth 2 & 3, Private

AGES: 6 months–14 years old

FEE:

• Group Weekday $40

• Group Weekend $30

• Private/Semi-Private $90 (Must register in person.)

WHERE: The Station Aquatic Center (700

S Broadway Ave.)

Registration: March 1-TBD Open for Everyone www.cityofmoore.com/fun