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THE LONG ROAD — 50 years ago, the Moore High School Class of 1974 ran for cover as a tornado shut down their graduation. This summer, members of that class finally got a chance to walk the stage and get diplomas.
FFA/4H SPOTLIGHT
HOPS & GRAPES — You may know that Oklahoma is home to an explosion of popularity in micro brewed beer, but you might be surprised to learn there’s a chance for you to learn more about the process behind making beer AND wine in the Sooner State.
HEALTHY MOORE
EXPANDED SERVICES — That beautiful new building you see along I-35 and Tecumseh Road is the latest piece of Norman Regional’s plan to keep providing the top health care for local residents.
Letter from the Editor
Here in Moore, things typically calm down a bit in mid-summer as the heat locks in and vacation-time is explored. But this summer it’s busy, busy, busy. We have a LOT of great news for you in this month’s issue.
CHIEF OF THE YEAR — Moore’s police department has been on the cutting edge off positive developments for years and now Chief Todd Gibson has been recognized as one of the nation’s best police chiefs.
And it starts with a story of perseverance and triumph for the MHS Class of '74. The graduates of that class never got a chance to walk the stage and receive their diplomas because shortly after the invocation a wall cloud was spotted bearing down on the school. But in June, members of that class along with the current MPS administration joined forces for a celebration that brought tears to those in attendance.
It’s not often we get to say, “Congratulations 1974 Graduates!!!” But this issue, we do just that!
The Long Road 50 Years Later Moore Class of 1974 Finally Graduates
On a warm May afternoon in 1974, around 500 Moore High School seniors gathered in their caps and gowns for that quintessential teenage moment: graduation.
Without the benefit of today’s smartphones to track weather forecasts, the students, family members, and friends took their seats at the football stadium, unaware that a storm was bearing down on them.
“You can look at y our phone now and check the radar to see if storms are imminent today,” said Lloyd White, Class of 74 Student Council Rep and Mu Theta President, “But we didn’t have that back then. All we knew is that when the siren blew, you better run.”
Even as the clouds began to gather, there wasn’t an immediate sense of urgency. Phyllis Clark remembers being more focused on the speech she was supposed to give than the weather.
“Frankly, I have no recollection of thinking the weather was going to be bad until right before,” said Clark. “You know, thunderstorms come and go in Oklahoma.”
Graduating senior Mike Wilson says he only remembers clear skies as he and his classmates walked the track to their seats for the graduation ceremony.
“Bright sunny skies are what I remember,” said Wilson. “But my back was to the west as we came in, and I didn’t see what was going on.”
1974 school board member Leon Brining did see what was going on.
“Very early on, things got very serious looking,” said Brining. “Someone got the superintendent's attention and let him know about the possibility of a tornado.”
An opening prayer. Maybe one song. And then, “Don’t panic. Be safe, but we need to get out of here.”
“The storm blew up really quickly,” said Bob Baker, 1974 Class President. “I had given the invocation when the superintendent grabbed the microphone and warned us. The funny thing is that
nobody panicked. But we had a problem with our blue robes.”
Back in the 1970s, graduation robes were made out of some sort of paper fiber. Those who had those blue robes on that day remember very well that they were NOT colorfast.
Baker said, “The rain started up pretty quickly and pretty hard, and as those gowns got wet, they leaked through, and many folks ended up with their nice clothes being colored royal blue.”
By all reports, this was the worst damage experienced by those leaving the graduation ceremo-
bit scary, but as I remember, a tornado didn’t happen. But the worst was that the poor students didn’t have an opportunity to graduate.”
Students and their families were sad, but most say that, as they remember it, they were pretty quick to let go of the disappointment of not getting to experience the actual graduation ceremony. Class reunions came and went: five years, then 10, 20, and more.
However, for a small group of friends from the Class of 1974 who gathered regularly, the 50-year reunion seemed to call for something unique.
“We’ve had a reunion every five years since we graduated,” said Wilson. “But this core group of us, about 20 or so that got together for dinner every few months, began to talk about the idea of doing something special regarding the graduation.”
Wilson, who announces sports at Moore High School, approached athletic director Courtney Walker with the idea of a graduation redo. Walker told him to drop by her office so they could try and figure something out. Wilson says he was thinking of something simple in the gym.
Wilson said, “Doctor Romines was in the meeting, and the next thing I know, Rachel Starks (MHS Principal), Robert Romines (MPS Superintendent), and all the other principals are saying, ‘Let’s do this right.’ We got the auditorium. They got us new tassels and gowns and ensured we had diploma holders. They even helped get some current seniors to help out as well as helping with the choir.”
Baker says he was impressed with how the current Moore Pub lic School administrators rallied to make the 50th-anniversary gradua tion happen.
“Honestly, I was stunned at how everyone came together,” said Baker. “And then to have 200 people out of our class of 550 show up, especially
considering the number of people we’ve lost over the years, it was genuinely moving.”
“I know that Robert (Romines) grew up in Moore, and his family was a part of the high school back then,” said Brining. “I’m sure he facilitated many things, but I know the entire administrative
staff was more than cooperative and really wanted to make this a great occasion.”
And so on Saturday, June 8 of this year, 50 years after the Class of 1974 was chased from their ceremony by stormy weather, around 200 class members gathered in the Moore High School commons to finish what they’d started five decades earlier. The moment was every bit as emotional as you might imagine.
“It’s so hard to say what my favorite part about the night was,” said Wilson. “I mean, it’s like picking out your favorite child. You really can’t say you have a favorite because you love them all. And just seeing all those smiling faces was amazing.”
“50 years is a long time to wait to graduate,” said Baker. “What I know is that we didn’t give up, which gave us a unique chance to reconnect with so many people. And to hear the speeches given by Lloyd and Phyllis and the thought they put into that was so cool.”
Clark’s speech was an amended version of the speech she had intended to give on that May graduation day back in 1974. She had lost the speech, but her cousin had clipped it from a local newspaper and hung onto it over the decades.
Many in the crowd found themselves swinging back and forth between happy reunions with old friends and quiet reflections on the day's deeper meaning.
“At first, I didn’t remember much about my speech at all,” said Clark. “But as I read it, I remembered that my original thought process was to speak to college-bound students and every student. And so I thought I would weave some thoughts from today into that, and it worked out well.”
Clark also hoped to open a window into the past so that the younger generations could see who the Class of 1974 was…and has become.
Clark said, “The main thing that was running through my mind was that I wanted to relate not only to my classmates from 1974 but that our children and grandchildren would see who we were and who we are now. They never got to see us as high schoolers, so it meant a lot to me for them to get a little glimpse into who we were.”
Baker also remembers reliving a classic high school prank the senior class pulled off during football season. The Lions were preparing to take the field against the Norman Tigers that week. At that point in time, Moore had never defeated Norman on the football field.
“The night before the game, a bunch of us got together to make a bunch of signs and a giant flag,” said Baker. “After sundown, we drove down to Norman and snuck onto campus. One of the guys
shimmied to the top of the flagpole and tied it there. He pulled the chain up and tied it to the top so they couldn’t just bring it down. Then he greased the pole on the way down.”
Norman school officials were forced to call the fire department to remove the flag. No one can say for sure what kind of impact the classic prank had on either team's mindsets, but what did happen was that the Moore Lions went out and beat Norman in football for the first time.
Wilson also remembers the prank and all the good times with his close-knit group of friends.
“I don’t care what anyone says,” said Wilson. “We had the best cars and the best music back then. And the best friends.”
50 years. And the memories are still rich and colorful for the Class of 1974.
“When we left that graduation ceremony, we didn’t know what 50 years later would be like,” said White. “You hear the phrase ‘Living your best life’ from folks often, and I think that’s true for our class. My faith tells me that we’re just getting started, and we don’t know what 500 years from now will be like either, but I think we were created with a purpose, and part of that is finding out what we’re being prepared for in eternity.”
JULY 2024
July 1 9:00 a.m. Classic Movie: Armageddon
July 2 10:00 a.m Wii Bowling 12:15 p.m Genealogy with Jinni
July 3
12:15 p.m Independence Day Party
12:30 p.m Board Games 1:00 p.m Afternoon Movie
July 4 Closed for Independence Day
July 5 9:00 a.m Open Art Studio 12:15 p.m Bingo with Flora 2:00 p.m Table Tennis
July 8 9:00 a.m Classic Movie: The Perfect Storm
July 9 10:00 a.m Library with Cheyenne Day 10:00 a.m Wii Bowling 12:15 p.m Genealogy with Jinni
July 10 12:30 p.m Board Games 1:00 p.m Afternoon Movie
July 11 11:00 a.m Speaker: Jeremy Global Health
12:15 p.m Okie Stompers 12:30 p.m Corn Hole
July 12 9:00 a.m Open Art Studio 12:15 p.m Bingo with Terry 2:00 p.m Table Tennis
July 15 9:00 a.m. Classic Movie: The Outlaw Josey Wales 12:15 p.m Bingo with Scott
July 16 10:00 a.m Wii Bowling 12:15 p.m Genealogy with Jinni
July 17 11:45 a.m Fresh Cobbler
12:30 p.m Board Games
1:00 p.m Afternoon Movie
July 18 11:00 a.m Speaker: Bettina Centric Home Health
12:30 p.m Corn Hole
July 19 9:00 a.m Open Art Studio 2:00 p.m Table Tennis
July 22 9:00 a.m Classic Movie: The Newton Boys
July 23 10:00 a.m Library with AJ 10:00 a.m Wii Bowling 12:15 p.m Genealogy with Jinni
July 24 12:30 p.m Board Games 1:00 p.m Afternoon Movie
July 25 10:30 a.m BP Checks provided by Aspire Specialty Hospital 11:00 a.m Speaker: Rebecca Halo Hospice 12:30 p.m Corn Hole
July 26 9:00 a.m Open Art Studio 2:00 p.m Table Tennis
July 29 9:00 a.m Classic Movie: Dragon Heart
July 30 10:00 a.m Wii Bowling 12:15 p.m Genealogy with Jinni
July 31 12:30 p.m Board Games 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Movie
Exercise: Mon, Wed, & Fri 10:15
Stretch, Strengthen and Health: Tues. 8:30
Open Art Studio: Fri. 9:30
Chair Yoga: Tues. & Thurs. 10:15
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: $2.25
Required cost for guests under 60: $5.00
Nine Daily Habits That Will Make You Happier
We have all heard the old adage “it is almost impossible to make others happy, if you are not happy yourself.” With that in mind, here are nine small changes that you can make to your daily routine that, if you are like most people, will immediately increase the amount of happiness in your life. Give a few of them a try!
1. Start each day with expectation. If there’s any big truth about life, it’s that it usually lives up to (or down to) your expectations. Therefore, when you rise from bed in the morning, make your first thought: “Something wonderful is going to happen today.” And guess what? You are probably right.
2. Take time to plan and prioritize. The most common source of stress is the perception that you have too much to do. Rather than obsess about it, pick one thing that, if you get it done today, will move you closer to getting your ‘to do’ list done.
3. Give a gift to everyone you meet. Not a formal present but a smile, a word of thanks or encouragement, even a friendly nod.
4. Assume people have good intentions. Since you can’t read minds, you don’t really know the “why” behind the “what” that
people do. Imputing motives into other people’s behaviors just adds extra misery to life.
5. Eat high quality food slowly. Sometimes, we can’t avoid eating something quick to keep us up and running. Even so, at least once a day try to eat something delicious, like a small chunk of fine cheese or an imported chocolate. Focus on it; taste it; savor it.
6. Let go of results. The big enemy of happiness is worry, which comes from focusing on events that are outside of our control. Once you have taken action, focus on that rather than what might happen.
7. Turn off “background” TV. The entire point of broadcast TV is to make you dissatisfied with your life and so you will buy more stuff.
8. End each day with gratitude. Before you go to bed, write down at least one wonderful thing that happened. Whatever it is large or small, be grateful because that day will never come again.
9. Enjoy Your Happiness!
Soda Pop’s Café: Consistency Keeps
Customers Coming Back for 30 Years
It’s been 30 years since Dorothy Mize and her husband opened Soda Pop’s behind a big peacock farm. Those three decades of service to customers have been marked by a menu that is high quality and consistent, with favorites like their award-winning burgers and chicken-fried steak.
Earlier this year, Mize sold the popular restaurant to long-time co-workers Joe Allen and Jeremy Cottrell. At the heart of the decision to sell to Allen and Cottrell was the commitment the two men have to staying the course.
“We’ve been talking about this with Dorothy for a couple of years, actually,” said Allen. “And at the heart of all those conversations was the commitment that Jeremy and I have to keeping all the things that our customers love about Soda Pop’s in place.”
Cottrell wholeheartedly agrees with that basic business philosophy.
“The thing that our customers appreciate is that we haven’t changed anything,” said Cottrell. “The chicken-fried steak, the chicken-fried chicken, the burgers…we make all of it the way we always have, even when prices were going crazy
following COVID, we stuck with the high quality, and that means people know what they’re getting when they come in.”
And people come into Soda Pop’s in droves. In a world where restaurants come and go, Soda Pop’s has been welcoming returning and new customers since 1994. Allen has worked at the restaurant for 29 years and Cottrell has been on the team for 17 years. That’s a ton of experience that is stacked up in favor of keeping the popular place firmly locked in the “local favorites” category.
“I remember living in Moore and driving by this place 29 years ago,” said Allen. “About two weeks later, I was looking through the want ads and saw they were hiring. I was 22 years old at that time, and I’m still here today because I love it, and I love the people we work with.”
The menu, décor, and music of Soda Pop’s have been consistently great over the 30 years the restaurant has served locals. Cottrell remembers hearing about Soda Pop’s from his cousin 17 years ago, then applying for a job the very next day.
“I started out as a dishwasher and worked my way up,” said Cottrell. “I met my wife here, too. She was working as a waitress when I first started.”
It’s that kind of foundation and history that can give Soda Pop’s regulars the confidence that one of their favorite restaurants is in great hands, especially in a world where conglomerates and faceless executives make changes without much concern for the impact on local residents.
“We have a great menu and a great core of people,” said Allen. “You’ll see the same faces and have the same great food every time you walk through our door. That’s our promise.”
Cottrell adds, “Everybody here is like family to us, and that includes our customers. We’re excited to see where the next 30 years take us.”
Wherever that road leads, customers will not only find their favorites cooked the same way they’ve always been prepared, but they’ll also be able to enjoy onion burgers, grilled pork chops, country-fried chicken salads, and special dessert items. Allen and Cottrell also recommend folks follow Soda Pop’s on social media to keep up with their plans to celebrate 30 years of business in July.
Explore Hops and Grains Production at Field Day in July
You might be surprised to know that Oklahoma is home to the growing of hops and grapes. Coming up in July, Oklahoma residents will have a chance to learn more about the state’s specialty crops at the Growing Hops & Grapes in Oklahoma Field Day.
“We are hopping into year three in the Cimarron Valley Research Station hopyard,” said Katie Stenmark, a doctoral student in the OSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. “We will discuss all things hops — cultivar selection, trellis construction, seasonal management, harvest and post-harvest handling.”
The event will take place at the Cimarron Valley Research Station in Perkins, Oklahoma. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the event will last from 9:00 a.m. to 11 30 a.m. Stenmark says the OSU hop and vineyard offers a unique opportunity to learn from experts and network with fellow enthusiasts.
with numerous new microbreweries and home brewers emerging across the state. Hops remain a crucial ingredient for these local brewers, contributing to the unique flavors and aromas that define their craft beers. This growth has spurred increased interest in locally sourced hops, making this field day an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enter or advance in the hop-growing industry.
Topics explored in the the vineyard include the grape research project, disease management, and wine shipping information. This is a great chance to learn about
In the hopyard, which is in its third year of production, you can get a look at key aspects of hop cultivation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into cultivar selection, trellis construction, planting, irrigation, training, pest management, disease control, and harvest and post-harvest handling of hops. With the hop industry in Oklahoma experiencing significant growth, this field day is an excellent opportunity to understand the latest practices and innovations that are driving this expansion.
The Oklahoma craft beer industry has grown significantly in the last five years,
the cutting-edge research being conducted in grape cultivation and how it can be applied to improve vineyard productivity and grape quality.
The event will conclude with an open invitation for a discounted brewery tour (all ages) and beer/wine tasting (21+) at the Iron Monk Brewing Company, 519 S. Husband St., Stillwater. This is an ideal setting to relax, network, and discuss the day's learnings with fellow attendees.
Don't miss this chance to deepen your knowledge of hop and grape cultivation and connect with the vibrant community of hop and grape enthusiasts in Oklahoma.
Photo by Mitchell Alcala, OSU Agriculture
Norman Regional Prepares to Celebrate New Flagship Location
In a significant stride towards advancing healthcare accessibility and quality in south-central Oklahoma, Norman Regional Hospital is poised to open its expanded flagship location at 3300 HealthPlex Parkway. This expansion, a cornerstone of the Inspire Health plan, represents a commitment to enhancing medical services for the community.
Scheduled to open its doors on July 28, 2024, Norman Regional Hospital will consolidate acute care services previously offered at the Porter campus into its newly expanded HealthPlex facility. This move underscores the health system's dedication to modernizing infrastructure and elevating regional healthcare standards.
"This is a promise to the community we made in 2019 to modernize our facilities and provide leading-edge healthcare," remarked Richie Splitt, President and CEO of Norman Regional Health System. "Norman Regional has kept that promise, and we are excited to welcome patients and visitors to the newly enhanced hospital."
The official opening celebrations will commence with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 19, 2024, featuring esteemed speakers including Richie Splitt, Mayor Larry Heikkila of Norman, Chief Operating Officer John Manfredo, Board Chairman Doug Cubberley, and a local physician. This event will highlight the hospital's expansion and its deep-rooted connection to the community it serves.
Following the ribbon-cutting, Norman Regional invites the public to a lively Open House Celebration on July 20, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon. This family-friendly event promises a day filled with activities such as facility tours,
Hotrods for Healthcare, live music, pet adoptions facilitated by the City of Norman, and complimentary food provided by Standley Systems.
The expanded facilities at Norman Regional Hospital will include an updated Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) designed for convenient outpatient care, upgraded Critical Care Towers, and an expanded suite of five Cath labs. These enhancements are tailored to meet the evolving needs of cardiovascular patients and ensure comprehensive healthcare services are readily accessible.
Norman Regional Hospital's expansion signifies a physical transformation and embodies a renewed commitment to providing exceptional healthcare close to home. As the expanded facility opens, community residents can anticipate improved medical capabilities and a healthcare experience designed with their well-being in mind.
For those eager to witness the unveiling of this stateof-the-art healthcare hub, mark your calendars for the ribbon-cutting on July 19th and join in the festivities of the Open House Celebration on July 20th. Norman Regional Hospital invites all community members to come together to celebrate this monumental achievement in healthcare’s future.
Event Details:
Expansion Ribbon Cutting
• Date: Friday, July 19, 2024
• Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
• Location: Norman Regional Hospital, 3300 HealthPlex Parkway, Norman, OK 73072
Open House & Family Fun Fest
• Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024
• Time: 9 a.m. to noon
• Location: Norman Regional Hospital, 3300 HealthPlex Parkway, Norman, OK 73072
As Norman Regional continues to uphold its promise of innovation and excellence, we invite the community to celebrate the future of healthcare in our own backyard.
WGet Grilling This Summer!
hat’s the best part of summertime? Grilling and cooking outside! Spending time outside with family and friends is not only very fun, but it’s also great for our health. Cooking at home, in general, tends to be better for our health because of the reduced sodium and added sugar in home cooking. Moreover, that additional time spent with family laughing and having fun is great for our mental health. So, let’s get outside and get grilling!
Grilling is a method of dry heat cooking, allowing fat drippings to render off between grates and make for a healthier choice of meat. However, a whole array of foods that taste amazing grilled aren’t meat! Here are some plant-forward foods to bring home for your family barbecue
Zucchini — This little squash is high in the various B vitamins, which are essential cofactors in nearly all our bodily functions. You can slice it lengthwise and grill it as is, or rough chop it and add it to a skewer with your other favorite veggies (yellow squash, red onion, and peppers always pair well in this instance). Further, it is rich in vitamin A, which helps us see at night.
Cauliflower — this cruciferous veggie is packed with flavones, the pigment that gives this vegetable its white color. Increased consumption of flavones is linked to a healthier heart and lower risk for heart attack or stroke. Try adding this to a skewer (so you don’t lose any florets between the grates) and douse in Buffalo sauce for a fun and spicy addition to your grill. Check out this recipe below!
Carrot — we aren’t talking about your mother’s steamed carrots here! Try adding lengthwise sliced carrots to the grill. Their natural sweetness compliments the smoky/savory grilling flavors and adds wonderful color and taste to your plate. Not to mention, carrots are high in beta carotene, another powerful antioxidant that gives the carrot its’ pretty orange color. That pigment promotes good eye health. Further, they are fiber-rich to keep you “regular” and ensure your colon health is in tip-top shape!
Corn — you can’t forget this classic! Grilled corn is delicious and full of niacin, one of the richest sources in our food system. Additionally, corn is very rich in insoluble fiber. This type of fiber helps keep all of the nooks and crannies in our gut squeaky clean. Grill up your corn like normal, and try adding it to side salads for a fun, smokier flavor!
Recipe: https://www.loveandlemons.com/corn-salad/
Romaine lettuce — I know what you’re thinking, “You lost me at grilling lettuce,” but just hear me out. Though relatively low in fiber, Romaine is rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous. All of these help keep our bones strong and our muscles functioning well. Try to liven up your Caesar salad with some smoky flavors. Chop your Romaine head lengthwise, and quickly grill for only a minute or two to get those beautiful grill marks. Top with Caesar dressing and parmesan, and trust me, you won’t look back this summer.
Get creative this summer and add some color to your grill! Not only is it fun to try these new things with family and friends, but it’s also great for our health.
Gibson Awarded Chief of the Year Honor FIRST RESPONDER SPOTLIGHT HEROES OF MOORE
In the four years since Todd Gibson took over as Moore's Chief of Police, the department has experienced positive change and growth. In June, Chief Gibson’s peers recognized his leadership and awarded him the 2024 Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police (The OACP) Large Agency Chief of the Year.
The prestigious award is given to any Oklahoma Chief Law Enforcement Officer who has distinguished themselves in a commendable manner and serves a population of over 15,000.
Chief Gibson’s commitment to excellence and positive change makes him very deserving of this award, but even in receiving the recognition he points to those he works with as being critical to the Moore Police Department’s trend toward excellence.
“I would say that although I get recognized this year as chief of the year or whatever that award is called, it is a reflection of the men and women that are out doing the job and the level to which they are doing the job, and our ability to connect and engage, with our community that supports us so well in it,” said Chief Gibson.
As Chief Gibson reflected on his first four years in Moore, he expressed a lot of pride in his and his team's work.
“When we came in, we wanted to implement some modernization and culture change,” said Chief Gibson. “Not that it was bad, but we knew it had all the ingredients to be even better. And so we've looked at the different things we've accomplished over the last four years and the work that staff has put into moving the needle towards excellence.”
Even though many goals have been met, Chief Gibson believes there’s room for improvement
as the department looks to serve the Moore community. He’s most excited about how the department’s culture and environment have grown to help officers thrive and make a positive impact no matter what role they play.
“We can't control the 911 calls or what happens in the community and on the street,” said Chief Gibson. “But what we can control is the culture and environment inside the building. If we are treating our employees properly and leading them properly, and helping them be the best people they can be, both professionally and personally, then we know when they go out and deliver service to our community, that they will enhance our community by making positive impacts on individuals that they contact.”
The outworking of that philosophy for Gibson and the Moore Police Department is that while they will never likely achieve perfection in the execution of their duties, they still treat all of those duties as highly valuable, no matter how big or small.
“We believe every call, every contact is important,” said Chief Gibson. “I look at this as a journey, and we talk internally about being on a journey towards excellence. We're not seeking perfection because perfection would tell us that we've reached the pinnacle. We're finished, but we're never going to be finished. And so every day, every year, every month, every call, we're striving for excellence.”
As Chief Gibson looks to the coming years, his plan is to the journey toward excellence with initiatives like their geographical policing initiative, which seeks to connect individual officers with various communities in Moore.
“We’re a mid-sized city in a large metropolitan area, but we don't want our community to feel like they're just a number or they're just a call,” said Chief Gibson. “We want to have a direct connection with our community. And part of that comes at the patrol officer level. So, having those officers out on the street who are invested and know the area of the city that they police and provide service to create those individual partnerships in the town at the officer level, not just at the command or executive level.
John Means
is MNTC’s Architecture and Mechanical Design & Drafting program instructor. He graduated from OU in 2000 with a civil engineering degree and worked for 12 years as a design engineer. Watching his father serve as a police officer, his mother serve as a social worker, and his wife work as a teacher stirred a passion for giving back to the community. He’s been teaching at MNTC since 2012.
Chris Crook
is a certified CADD (Computer Aided Drafting and Drawing) operator and traffic count manager at Traffic Engineering Consultants in Oklahoma City. He is a 1996 graduate of MNTC’s Mechanical Drafting program and has been with Traffic Engineering Consultants since 1996. He is also a licensed drone pilot.
Skilled Workforce Series
Drafting and Design Program Opens Major Career Doors
for MNTC Students
Today’s job market offers plenty of exciting opportunities for those trained in computer-aided design and drafting. Moore Norman Technology Center’s program is designed to prepare and certify high school students and adults to step into that world confidently. John Means teaches the Architecture and Mechanical Design courses at MNTC, and he believes the program is a fantastic opportunity for local students and adults.
“Our program is two years for high school students and one year for full-time students,” said Means. “Basically, what we try to do is instill the students with not only the knowledge they’ll need for this job field but also a sense of professionalism that will help them achieve excellence.”
Means says the program trains students in the use of software programs like AutoCAD, Inventor, and Revit. These are the most popular programs used in the architecture and engineering industries.
“In our first semester, we explained the fundamentals of drafting and trained them in the fundamentals of using AutoCAD,” said Means. “That prepares them for AutoCAD certification, and they can choose between architectural or mechanical paths. We also help provide certification for Revit and Inventor.”
MNTC’s training program effectively prepares and certifies students for that first job in the world of drafting and design, but Means says he and the MNTC team can also help them make those essential hiring connections.
“Our students are very well prepared for those entry-level jobs and quickly rise to the level of expertise expected at the companies they work for,” said
Means. “We also have several different avenues to help them land that first job, including my own connections I’ve developed over 15 years of working in the field.”
Chris Crook graduated from MNTC’s drafting program in 1996. His first job was with Traffic Engineering Consultants, the company he still works for today as a civil drafter.
“I had been in drafting all through high school and had considered architecture,” said Crook. “But it was too much for me, so I chose mechanical drafting at Moore Norman.”
Crook says MNTC’s program thoroughly prepared him for a lifelong career that he loves so much that he’s encouraging his son to give it a try.
“My instructors at Moore Norman were fantastic, and the program challenged me in some great ways,” said Crook. “I remember my instructor telling us that we would probably never get a 100 in his class because there were no perfect drawings. I took that as a challenge, and even though I never had a perfect drawing, I learned a lot from him.”
In addition to the instruction, Crook says Moore Norman was there to help bridge the gap between classes and the working world.
“They were extremely helpful in setting up interviews and all the job search details that I didn’t really know much about,” said Crook.
To find out more about Moore Norman’s MNTC’s Architecture and Mechanical Design & Drafting program, visit mntc.edu or call 405-801-5000 and ask to speak to a career advisor.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
FRED JONES MUSEUM
555 Elm Ave, Norman, OK
Art Adventures
July 16th, 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 accompanied by an adult, but kids of all ages are welcome. For more information, contact learnandengage@ou.edu. Made possible by generous support from the Newman’s Own Foundation.
THE YELLOW ROSE THEATER
1005 SW 4th Street
Shades of Motown
Through July 13
Don't miss your opportunity to see "Shades of Motown", June 7th - July 13th! Starring D.Hill and the Motown 5 with very special Guest Tasha Sanders! You will hear hits from the Temptations, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, and more! Call the box office right now to make your reservations at 405 7937779!
Time Warp: Top Music of the 60s, 70s, and 80s
July 26 – August 24
Your award-winning Yellow Rose Dinner Theatre Presents "Time Warp: Top Music of the '60s, '70s, and '80s!” Tickets are on SALE NOW! 5 Star Dinner, Dessert, Drink, and show are all included in one low ticket price! CALL NOW at 405-7937779 and enjoy the show!
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).
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Monday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Faith Crossing Baptist Church, 13701 S. Pennsylvania. For more information, contact Nancy at 405-514-9990.
CITY MEETINGS & EVENTS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, July 1 at 6:30 p.m.
Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore
PARKS BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, July 2 at 6:00 p.m.
The Station at Central Park, 700 S. Broadway
URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY
Monday, July 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING
Tuesday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore
MOORE FARM MARKET
Saturdays through September 21, 8 a.m. to Noon
Central Park Multi-purpose Pavilion, 700 S. Broadway. We are excited to announce our partnership with Cleveland County, manager of the Norman Farm Market. The County will be the manager/operator of the Moore Farm
Market beginning May 2024. More than 20 farmers and ranchers will make up the backbone of this farmers' market. Moore Farm market is currently fully booked with a waiting list for vendors. Vendor applications are closed until later in the season when we will reopen to allow in additional farmers and ranchers. Feel free to contact the Cleveland County Market Manager for information about the vendor waiting list: Tara McClain, 405-366-0674 or email TMcClain@clevelandcountyok.com.
CELEBRATION IN THE HEARTLAND
Thursday, July 4
2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th Street
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks show in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 pm and will be set to music. FM 89.7 should carry the music if you are watching from outside of the park. There is no cost to enter the park. Vendor, crafts, and small business sales will be available throughout the park.
Featured bands: G4 Guitar School (33:45 p.m.), The Broadcasters (4:30-6:30 p.m.), Jason Young Band (7:30-9:45 p.m.). Food Trucks: Chef Ray's Street Eats; Dos Gringos Cabana; Newmans Firehouse BBQ; Cone Heads; Yum Pig; Kettle Popstar; Whoopie Wagon; Dang Pholicious; HTeaO and City Ice Truck. Breweries: Anthem and 405 Brewing Co. Wineries: Wild Horse Canyon and Native Spirits.
Helicopter Rides: $50 per person Children’s Tent by Moore Public Library – offers Free Actitivites
Activities include Gametime Inflatables (will accept Cash, CashApp, $3lowery64, and Venmo). Inflatable include: Mechanical Bull - $6 for 2 tries Rockwall - $6 for 2 tries
Toxic Combo - $3 for 2 minutes
Cliff Climb Slide - $3 for 2 slides Leaps & Bounds - $3 for 2 tries
30’ Obstacle Course - $3 for 2 times thru
Radical Run ABC Obstacle - $3 for 1 time thru
Wristbands (All Day) - $20 - does not include the Mechanical Bull
Important Information:
Happy Tails Dog Park Closed: June 29th - July 6th
Buck Thomas Park Closed: July 3rd for vendor set-up
Permitted Items:
- Chairs
- Service Animals (no other dogs allowed)
- Umbrellas
- Coolers*
- Strollers
* Coolers and bags may be searched by event security
Prohibited Items:
- Alcoholic beverages unless provided by an on-site approved city vendor
- Glass containers of any kind
- Drug Paraphernalia / Weapons
- Pets (Dogs are not allowed in the park for this event.)
- Fireworks
- Smoking or vaping
DIVE-IN MOVIE: MULAN
Saturday, July 13, 8:30 – 10:00 p.m. The Station Aquatic Center, 700 S Broadway. Movie: Mulan (1998) (PG)Max. 300 tickets available. Fee: $5.00 per person.
Join us for a dive-in movie at the pool plus concessions. This event is held in the lap pool only. All other aquatic areas will be closed. Tickets can be purchased in person only on the day of the event starting at 12:00 pm at The Station Aquatic Center admissions office. The Station Aquatic Center will close at 7 pm for this Special Event. For more information please call (405) 793-5090
MOM & SON PARTY AT THE POOL
Friday, July 19, 6:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m.
The Station Aquatic Center - 700 S. Broadway. A date night for sons escorted by any adult figure. Bring your swimwear and enjoy dancing, snacks, and door prizes. Tickets are $10 per person or sold the day of the dance for $15 (until sold out). The Station Aquatic Center closes at 5 p.m. for this Special Event. Call The Station Front Desk for more information at 405-793-5090.
COPS & BOBBERS
Saturday, July 20, 8:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m.
Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th Street. Come out and cast a line with us at Buck Thomas Park on Saturday, July 20th, from 8-10 a.m.
We're hosting a free fishing clinic for kids and adults of all ages and experience levels. Have gear? Great! Need Gear? We have you covered! No registration or fee is required.
ADULT SWIM PARTY
Friday, July 26, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Station Aquatic Center, 700 S. Broadway. Purchase tickets at The Station Recreation or Aquatic Center. Cost: $10 pre-sale or $15 the day of the event. Ages 21 and up. Tickets/ ID is required for purchase and gate entry. 500 per person maximum tickets will be sold for this event and must show ID with the purchase. BEER SALES: 405 Brewing. FOOD TRUCK SALES: Psycho Taco. No outside drinks or smoking/ vaping will be allowed in the Aquatic Center. The Station Aquatic Center will be closing at 6 pm for this Special Event. For more information please call (405) 793-5090.
KIWANIS 5TH MORE CARS FOR MOORE KIDS ANNUAL CAR SHOW
Saturday, August 24, 7:30 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
Regal Warren Parking Lot, 1000 Telephone Road. Auto, Truck, Motorcycle, Vendor Show. Featuring Door Prizes, Entertainment, Food Trucks, Vendors, and more. Awards include First Place and Runner Up trophies in each class: Class Category, Sponsor’s Choice, Best Paint, Best Engine, Best Interior, Kids Choice and Best in Show (Best in Show Award also receives $200).
Registration from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Show runs from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Awards at 12:30 p.m. Car Registration: $30-Day of Event. Vendors: $30 for 1 booth space/$50 for 2 booth spaces or food truck. Proceeds benefit children’s causes along with Kiwanis civic projects in the Moore community. For more information visit: www.moorekiwanis.org.
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.
AMERICAN LEGION MOORE POST 184
207 SW 1st Street, Moore, OK. 73160. Monthly Membership Meetings: 7:00 p.m. (Every 2nd Tuesday of every month). Post is open for business Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 12:303:30 p.m. 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 pick-up.
DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE
Meetings on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 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. – 7:00 p.m. (no meeting in July)
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. – 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. – 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
At First Christian Church, 220. S. Webster. You don’t have to live in Norman to join in. The December 11th program will feature the Childrens Choir from All Saints Catholic School. For more information contact Susie Orsenigo at 561-914-0771.
THE MOORE TIPS CLUB
Weekly on Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 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. Have a question about our business referral group, or 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
Closed July 3-5
MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2024 GOLF TOURNAMENT
Monday, July 8, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Hidden Trails Country Club, 6501 S. Country Club Drive, OKC. The Chamber's annual Golf Tournament has come around again - but BIGGER than ever! It will be a full day of fun with lunch and 19th-hole treats, 18 holes of golf, prizes, added games and opportunities to win, and MORE! Get out of the office and make connections on the course. NEW TIMES: Registration starts at 7:30 am., Driving Range opens at 8:00 am, Shotgun start at 9:00 am
Golf attire required: collared shirt, no denim. Registration: Team of 4 - $700 - Includes lunch, 19th hole after party, 2 mulligans per player, 4 drink tickets per team, 2 golf carts.
Sponsorships available where you can get TOP BILLING and TONS of exposure throughout the event!
Presenting (SOLD) - $2,500 - exclusive, top billing on ALL promotion, includes 1 team
Greens (SOLD) - $1,500 - limit 1, logo on ALL 18 green flags, includes 1 team
Lunch - $750 - limit 1, logo on Lunch signage & networking
Beverage Cart - $500 - limit 2, logo on beverage cart signage & networking 19th Hole - $500 - limit 6, logo on 19th Hole signage & networking
Golf Ball - $500 - limit 1, logo on golf ball sponsor signage & networking
Awards - $500 - limit 1, logo on awards & networking
Contest Hole - $250 - limit 2, logo on contest hole signage & networking
Vendor Hole - $250 - limit 5, logo on vendor hole signage & networking
Hole/Tee Sponsor - $150 - limit 36, logo on hole signage
For more information contact Kim Brown at 405-794-3400 or email kbrown@ moorechamber.com.
MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NETWORKING LUNCH
Tuesday, July 9, 11:45 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
Regal Warren Moore, 1000 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 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Thursday, July 11, 5:00 p.m. –7:00 p.m.
First United Bank, 10731 S. Western Avenue, OKC. It's 5 o'clock at First United Bank and we're cookin' out and coolin' off with cold beverages. Join us June 13, 5 - 7 p.m., for some summer fun, some incredible give-a-ways, and be prepared for some Back Yard fun and games! For more information contact Elizabeth Fox at 405-634-1436 or email elizabethfox@ southokc.com.
SOUTH OKC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NIGHT WITH THE OKC WILDCATTERS
Thursday, July 11, 7:45 p.m.
Paycom Center, 100 West Reno, OKC. Hey South OKC Chamber Members! Ready for a night of thrilling rodeo action? We've got an exciting opportunity for you! Join us for Chamber Night with the Oklahoma Wildcatters PBR team and enjoy discounted tickets exclusively for Chamber members. Located in the heart of rodeo country, the Wildcatters feature a roster of skilled riders and some of the toughest bucking bulls around. With a rich tradition in Professional Bull Riding, they consistently thrill audiences
with their electrifying performances and fearless athleticism. This is your chance to witness the Wildcatters' commitment to excellence and their passion for the sport that makes them a dominant force in the PBR world.
For more information contact Elizabeth Fox at 405-634-1436 or email elizabethfox@southokc.com.
MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS UNWIND
Thursday, July 18, 5:00 p.m. –7:00 p.m.
Newcastle Casino, 2457 Hwy 62 Service Road, Newcastle. Moore Chamber of Commerce, 305 W. Main Street. 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. This event is free for Moore Chamber members. For more information contact Kim Brown at 405-794-3400 or email kbrown@moorechamber.com.
FILL THE BUS SCHOOL DRIVE
Friday, July 19 and 26, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Walmart Supercenter, 501 SW 19th Street. Moore Chamber Foundation's annual school supply drive that benefits Moore school teachers, kicks off on Friday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter at 501 SW 19th Street in Moore. Additional efforts associated will be Food Pantry at MNTC as well as developing/funding for scholarship program for Moore Public Schools. An MPS school bus will be sitting at the front of the parking lot where shoppers/ donors may drop off donations for the drive. Additional drop-off dates are Friday, July 26 and Friday, August 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then concluding at National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the Regal Warren Moore Theater parking lot from 7 to 9 p.m. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Sponsorships available: Superintendent - $200, company logo on event calendar pages,
social media mentions & company volunteer able to help distribute school supplies to the schools. Principal - $100, company logo on event calendar pages & social media mentions. Educator - $50, company logo on event calendar pages & social media mentions
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, and Pens. Learn more about Moore Chamber's giving program: www.moorechamber.com/ givingback.
STATE OF THE CITY
Tuesday, July 23, 11:45 a.m. –1:00 p.m.
The Station at Central Park, 700 S. Broadway. Join us for our annual State of the City Luncheon on Tuesday, July 23, from 11:45am to 1pm at The Station at Central Park at 700 S Broadway in Moore. Tables of 8 and individual tickets are available. $30 GML member individual ticket (Early bird pricing of $25 before 7/16/24), $35 GML non-member individual ticket (Early bird pricing of $30 before 7/16/24), $225 GML member table of 8, $275 GML non-member table of 8. For more information contact Kim Brown at 405-794-3400 or email kbrown@moorechamber.com.
MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CARDS & COFFEE
Thursday, July 24, 8:00 a.m. –9:00 a.m.
Moore Public Library, 225 S. Howard. 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 contact Tish Norman at 405-794-3400 or email tnorman@moorechamber.com.
SOUTH OKC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INSTANT CONNECTIONS
Thursday, July 24, 3:00 p.m. –4:30 p.m.
First United Bank, 10731 S. Western Avenue, OKC. This fun networking event is in a roundtable format and will allow attendees to share information about their respective businesses. Attendees are allowed 90 seconds at each table to share information and then move to a new audience and repeat the process. Make sure to bring business cards or any company swag you'd like to hand out to attendees! Instant Connections is limited to the first 36 responders and is a members-only event. For more information contact Elizabeth Fox at 405-634-1436 or email elizabethfox@southokc.com.
MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WIN NETWORKING HOUR
Tuesday, July 30, 4:00 p.m –5:00 p.m.
Ace Party Supplies and Showtime Concessions, 200 SE 19th Street. 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. Free for Chamber members. For more information contact Kim Brown at 405-794-3400 or email kbrown@moorechamber.com.
SOUTH OKC CHAMBER SERIOUSLY FUN NETWORKING
Thursday, June 6, 3:30 p.m. –4:30 p.m.
Pub W. 10740 South May, Suite 101. This is one of the Chamber's networking groups. The Seriously Fun Networking meets for happy hour on the first Thursday of each month at one of the Cham-
ber-member places of business. We always have a round of self-introductions and will begin having a few MINI-spotlight speakers. Pre-register on the Monday Morning Memo OR chamber's online calendar so that we can prepare appropriately! For more information, contact Jamie Crowe at 405-634-1436 or email jamiecrowe@southokc.com.
SOUTH OKC CHAMBER COFFEE & COMMERCE NETWORKING
Friday, June 21, 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m.
The Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine, 700 SE 89th Street. Join us for our Coffee & Commerce networking! We have a round of self-introductions plus opportunities for free-style networking with other business professionals. We meet on the 3rd Friday morning of each month. Free to attend. For more information, contact Jamie Crowe at 405-634-1436 or email jamiecrowe@southokc.com.
SOUTH
OKC
CHAMBER BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS
Thursday, June 27, 8:00 a.m. –9:30 a.m.
NMotion in the YFAC Sports and Human Performance Center, 2201 Trae Young Drive, Norman. Join us for a morning of coffee and networking at NMotion in the YFAC Sports and Human Performance Center! Learn more about NMotion: NMotion Sports and Human Performance is proud to provide an opportunity for athletes – current, past, or future – to take a holistic approach to their health and wellness, in order to optimize performance not only in sports, but also in life. Our collaborative methods integrate nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, and stress management to establish new routines for better health. For more information contact Elizabeth Fox at 405-634-1436 or email elizabethfox@ southokc.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.
Reviewer: Cheyanne Weller, Librarian, Moore Public Library
To keep her spot on the hockey team, hot-headed star player Alix must enlist the help of drama boy Ezra to cool things both on and off the ice. Alix finds Ezra to be calm as he faces his bully, so she asks for his help to face her own bully, the hockey team captain, Lindsay. Together, Ezra helps Alix find a way to stand up for her and her teammates without raging out. All the while, Ezra shares how, beneath his own cool exterior, he has built a wall between himself and those he loves. If you are looking for a coming-of-age story filled with theatre, sports, and a bit of romance, check out Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy by Faith Erin
Travel Guide for Monsters
Author: Lori Degman
Reviewer: Heather Fellenstein, Library Associate, Children’s Services, Moore Public Library
“Buckle up and get ready for a rollicking road trip with merry monsters.”
Travel Guide for Monsters by Lori Degman is a quirky, fun little story about traveling around the United States on a monstrous road trip. In this book, you will get to see natural roadside attractions that exist in the U.S. It’s a great guide for some fun places to visit on a family road trip with or without your favorite monster friend. If you would like a sneak peek of this book, please visit the Moore StoryWalk® this summer at Central Park, just down the street from the library.
Hicks. This book is on the Oklahoma Library Association’s 2025 High School Sequoyah list.
You can find this title at your local library or check it out digitally using the PLS Connect or Libby apps!
Travel Guide for Monsters is the perfect family read-aloud for a family road trip or bedtime, and it is great for ages 5-8. For more information on finding a copy of “Travel Guide for Monsters” and other travel-themed summer reads, please visit the Moore Public Library Children’s Services Desk or call us at 405.793.4347 . You can also visit our website, pioneerlibrarysystem.org , or download our app, PLS Connect .
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
Many virtual programs require signup in advance with a valid email address. Go online to www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/calendar for more information and the most current schedule of upcoming events.
Tuesday, July 9, 1:00 p.m. – Virtual Author Visit: Kate DiCamillo
Tuesday, July 9, 6:00 p.m. – Zoom Book Discussion: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Monday, July 1, 2:00 p.m. – Painting Together: Step by Step
Tuesday, July 2, 10:30 a.m. – Family Story Time (All Ages)
Wednesday, July 3, 17, 2:00 p.m. – Land that Job: Drop-In Resume Help
Friday, July 5, 19, 26, 2:00 p.m. – Connection Corner: Board Games
Tuesday, July 9, 23, 10:30 a.m. – Music Connection
Thursday, July 11, 4:30 p.m. – Animal CSI: Stories Uncovered
Thursday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. – Book Discussion with SOKC Library
Thursday, July 11, 2:00 p.m. – Connection Corner: Board Games
Saturday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. – Early Explorers
Monday, July 15, 6:30 p.m. Get Moving with RACE Dance Collective
Tuesday, July 16, 6:35 p.m. – Eat Smart: Summer Smoothies
Wednesday, July 17, 10:30 a.m. – Early Explorers
Thursday, July 18, 4:30 p.m. – Inspyral Circus: Hula Hooping with Hooplahoma
Saturday, July 20, 10:30 a.m. – Creativity Unleashed
Tuesday, July 23, 4:30 p.m. – Extreme Animals
Wednesday, July 24, 6:00 p.m. – Build a Better Business: Small Business Jump-Start
Thursday, July 25, 4:30 p.m. – Interactive Musical with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
Thursday, July 25, 6:30 p.m. – Creativity Unleashed: Wood Burning
Friday, July 26, 5:30 p.m. – Get Moving – Dance Party
Saturday, July 27, 10:30 a.m. – Family Story Time (All Ages)
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: https://www. cityofmoore.com/departments-divisions/parks-recreation or by calling The Station front desk at (405) 793-5090
SUMMER SWIM
LESSONS AT THE STATION AQUATIC CENTER
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-after Private Lessons. Classes are 30 minutes. When: Through August 1
11–11:30 a.m. – Private, Preschool 1 & 2, Youth 2 & 4 AGES: 6 months–14 years old Fee: Group Weekday $40 Group Weekend $30 Private/Semi-Private $90 (Must register in person.) Call 405-793-5090 for more information.
When: Monday-Thursday, Through August 7, Saturdays through July 27
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Who: Toddlers and Caretakers
Fee: $2 per person
Where: The Station Aquatic Center (Baby Pool Only)
SUMMER
CAMPS AT
THE STATION
SCIENCE LAB CAMP
This camp is specifically designed to engage children’s attention to the wonders of science. Participants will learn about science in a hands-on environment while engaging in fun science labs all while making new friendships along the way!
When: July 8 – July 12
Time: 1 - 4pm
Ages: 8 - 12 years
Fee: $95.00
Where: The Station Recreation Center
Registration: Through July 7 at cityofmoore.com/fun
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S. Broadway, Moore
DIY KID CRAFT ROBOTS
Come and tinker with us! In this fun-filled class, kids will be able to make their own mini robots out of common household items. Each week kids will be able to take home their projects and show off
what they created!
When: Mondays in July (July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29)
Time: 6-7pm
Ages: 6-9 years
Fee: $30.00
Where: The Station Recreation Center
Registration: Through July 29 at cityofmoore.com/fun
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S. Broadway, Moore
ERUPTION: A VOLCANO EXPERIENCE
3…2…1… Come and join us as we countdown to Eruption week! This class is EXPLODING with excitement! You don’t want to miss out as we make our very own volcanoes!
Week 1: Kids will make the base out of paper and tape
Week 2: Kids will make the structure out of paper and glue
Week 3: Kids will paint their volcanoes
Week 4: ERUPTION WEEK!When: Tuesdays in July 9 (July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30)
Time: 6-7pm
Ages: 6-9 years
Fee: $30.00
Where: The Station Recreation Center
Registration: Through July 9 at cityofmoore.com/fun
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S. Broadway, Moore
MAGIC CAMP – GREEN WAND
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: July 15 - 19
Time: 1 – 4pm
Ages: 6-12 years
Fee: $175
Registration: Through July 14 at cityofmoore.com/fun
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S Broadway, Moore
SUMMER 2-DAY BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMP
Description: For any young athlete who is looking to improve his or her skills, work hard, make new friends and have fun.
When: July 18 – July 19
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S. Broadway, Moore
Ages: 6 - 12 years
Time: 9am - Noon
Fee: $40
Registration: Through July 17 at cityofmoore.com/fun
Where: The Station Recreation Center
MULTI-GENERATIONAL SMART PHONE TECH
Do you need a little help with your smart phone? From QR codes to Bluetooth to screenshots, sometimes things can get a little confusing. In this multi-generational class for Boomers and Gen-X'ers, participants will begin to have a better understanding of how to use their smartphones.
When: July 19
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S. Broadway, Moore Ages: 44+
Time: 6 – 8pm
Fee: Free (advance registration required to attend)
Registration: Through July 18 at cityofmoore.com/fun
Where: The Station Recreation Center
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: July 22-26
Time: 9am - Noon
Ages: 6 -9 years
Fee: $95
Where: The Station Recreation Center
Registration: Through June 23 at cityofmoore.com/fun
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 different animals. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
When: July 22 – July 26
Time: 1 – 4pm
Fee: $125
Ages: 6-12 years
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S Broadway, Moore
Registration: Through June 21 at cityofmoore.com/fun
SUMMER 2-DAY VOLLYEBALL SKILLS CAMP
For any young 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: July 25 – July 26
Where: The Station Recreation Center
Time: 9am - Noon
Ages: 8 - 12 years
Fee: $40
Registration: Through July 24 at cityofmoore.com/fun
MAGIC CAMP – ORANGE WAND
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: July 29 – August 2
Time: 9am - Noon
Ages: 6-12 years
Fee: $175
Registration: Through July 28 at cityofmoore.com/fun
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S Broadway, Moore
SUMMER 3-DAY BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMP
Description: For any young athlete who is looking to improve his or her skills, work hard, make new friends and have fun.
When: July 31 – August 2
Where: The Station Recreation Center, 700 S. Broadway, Moore
Ages: 6 - 12 years
Time: 9am - Noon
Fee: $60
Registration: Through July 30 at cityofmoore.com/fun
Where: The Station Recreation Center
PROGRAMS AT THE STATION
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.
When: First Friday of the month (unless otherwise noted)
Time: 6 – 10 p.m.
Where: The Station Activity Room (7-12 years old) / Child Watch Room (3-6 years old*) 700 S. Broadway Ave. Ages: 3-12 years
Fee: $20 for Passholders / $25 for Non-Passholders
Registration Type: Parents can register online or in person up until the day prior to the event.
Registration: Through March 14 at www. cityofmoore.com/fun
Upcoming: February 2
*Children must be potty-trained to attend. Drop-off begins at 6 p.m., and children must be picked up by 10 p.m. Parents will incur a $30 charge for any late pick-ups. For more information, please call 405-793-5090.
Lion Homecoming: Full Circle for MHS’s Haddox
Joe Haddox, Moore High School’s new baseball coach, is very familiar with the school he now leads.
“I don’t think I knew exactly what this would mean to me until I walked in the doors,” said Haddox. “When I walked into the facility here, it hit me for the first time how good it feels to be back home and looking at our regional championship plaque from my senior year.”
Haddox graduated from Moore High in 2012, leaving behind a three-sport legacy of passion as a Lion athlete. He signed with Wichita State, and after a coaching change in Wichita, he finished his career at Oklahoma City University.
“I didn’t start right off the bat at Wichita State, but got an opportunity over spring break as a freshman to start,” said Haddox. “I loved that team, and it was a great experience, but then the coaching staff changed my sophomore year and transferred me to Oklahoma City University. Looking back, I was a 20-year-old kid who didn’t really take responsibility for his actions, and that led to my choice to transfer. I got to finish out my two years there and was fortunate to play for two coaches who are legends of the game.”
Coaching was something Haddox said he fell into naturally right after college.
“I felt like I wasn’t ready to be done with this game,” said Haddox. “So I spent a lot of time on the travel side of coaching, in youth baseball. I did that full-time and helped run a travel organization.”
Haddox was successful in that role, but marriage and a first baby caused him to reevaluate his career path.
“I knew my focus had to shift and I was thinking about finding something more steady,” said Haddox. “Honestly, I never thought I could coach at the high school level because I wasn’t confident in my ability to teach. But then I got a call from Kevin James out at Yukon, and I joined them as a life coach.”
A couple of months into his move to Yukon a math teacher’s position opened up at the middle school. Haddox applied and started working on his certification. When James left the following year, Haddox got a call from the family of a player he had coached about applying in Midwest City. Ironically, he got an offer to coach the Bombers just as Moore’s head coaching position opened up.
“It just didn’t feel right to do that to Midwest City, so I accepted the job,” said Haddox. “But when Moore came open again this year, even though I fought against it a little, I knew it was the right time to come home.”
He brings with him some rich memories of his Lion playing days.
“As a freshman, I was fortunate to be able to watch guys like Jeff and Chris Hinkley,” said Haddox. “Guys who went to back-to-back state tourna-
ments. I got to watch the way they carried themselves and went about their business. And I remember having a pretty big sense of pride, wearing that logo on my chest.”
Haddox says his expectations are high when it comes to what the Lion baseball team can achieve in the near future.
“I’m really excited to get going,” said Haddox. “I feel fortunate to walk into a situation where we have a lot of talent and some great coaches in place. So for me, this is one of those rare opportunities to step in and compete with the goal of playing in a state tournament.”
The expectation to compete at the highest level is something that Haddox embraces and he believes the Lion baseball team can rise to that level.
“I don’t really feel any pressure about that kind of expectation,” said Haddox. “He have the pieces, for sure. And we have great coaches who are committed to these kids. Honestly, I wish we could lace ‘em up and start playing tomorrow.”
Photo Courtesy
Moran Ready for the Challenge of Lady Lions Basketball
The Moore Lady Lion's new head basketball coach is very familiar with the area, having grown up in Blanchard. Courtney Moran graduated from Blanchard in 2012 and spent her first two years after high school playing basketball at Oklahoma Baptist University. She finished her college career at Oklahoma Wesleyan, where she graduated with a degree in exercise science. From there, Moran began a slow but steady trip across the Midwest.
“My coaching journey started at Northeastern State in Tahlequah, where I also pursued my Master's in kinesiology,” shared Moran. “After two years at NSU, I moved to the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota, then Omaha,
Photos Courtesy of Courtney Moran
and later Pittsburg State in Kansas. Eventually, I transitioned into high school coaching at Casady School.”
Moran spent three years as the head coach at Casady before connecting with Moore a few weeks ago.
“I was super excited to get that phone call,” said Moran. “There’s so much about the Lady Lions program and the Moore community that is encouraging to me. And it was such a positive opportunity that, after lots of prayer and thinking through things, it felt like this was the next step God was leading me in.”
Courtney and her husband have a daughter who just turned one, so the opportunity to continue to be close to family is important to her. Also important to her is the role faith has played in her life.
“When you coach it’s easy to let your identity get wrapped up in wins and losses,”’ said Moran. “Not that those things aren’t important, but for me, the journey is about knowing that I’m a child of God first, a wife and mother second, and then I’m a coach. For me, it’s about perspective and being confident of your identity, whether I’m succeeding or not.”
But make no mistake about it. While her faith keeps her grounded, Moran is passionate about the game and about playing to win.
“I’m highly competitive and I’ve always been on the aggressive side,” said Moran. “I like to attack and I like our team to play at a fast pace. So, we’re going to be aggressive but balanced on both ends of the floor. That doesn’t mean we’re going to be undisci-
plined. But we are going to be an up-tempo, fun team to watch.”
Moran says the Lady Lions have some key players coming back that should help the be competitive in a very tough 6A district.
“We have a lot of height and players that are really competitive,” said Moran. “These girls already seem to have some of those intangibles that you can’t each, so I think they’re going to go out and play hard and compete.”
Moran says the returning seniors, mixed with some promising underclassmen, are setting the stage for an exciting season.
“We have a good mix of core pieces coming back,” said Moran. “I’m ready to get a look at the whole team, to see who’s ready to come in and compete. I think we’ll be able to find that chemistry and put the pieces together for a successful season.”
And as she prepares for her first season at Moore, Moran says she will continue to rely on her faith.
“As a coach I crave control, but the simple truth is that you can’t control everything,” said Moran. “For me, that’s where faith comes in. I’m never going to push my faith on anyone, but it’s always going to be a big part of me, how I coach, and how I love the kids I get to work with.”
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