WASS Holiday Magazine 2022

Home & Heart for the Holidays

I have been on a journey to develop my personal brand

Over the course of more than a decade, I've developed brands of all kinds I've developed brands for restaurants, home services, coaching, counseling, and the list goes on... I have developed my own brands even! There's something about developing a personal brand that puts things into perspective in a way that until you do it you just can't understand. For me, I refuse to be anything but authentic The real me Nothing else Nothing diluted. If I can't be me and show up as I am, I just don't have any stamina in the situation With that being said, the fact that I can tell you that I'm looking forward, with a little bit of nausea, to my personal brand launching this month fills me with gratitude

I'm proud of the work that we're doing and I'm excited about the journey that myself and my team are on together Come join me as I tell stories of my past and share my daily life with you. I'm going to talk about the real stuff, at least real for me, business, kids, faith, culture, marketing!, and everything in between I'm not leaving anything out because, to be honest with you I don't know how to do anything halfway

I hope you'll join me!

Dani Myers

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Experience Oklahoma's longest running evening parade taking place in Downtown Sand Springs. December 2,2022 @7pm

01 GNOMES HOLIDAY HUNT

02 CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES

Oklahomas longest running eveneing parade! Taking place Dowtown Sand Springs December 2nd at 7 pm Sand Springs Community theatre presents "Merry Comes Home for Christmas" Showings December 3rd 2:30 & 7:00pm - December 4th 2:30pm

CALENDAR CONTINUED

A CRAFTY CHRISTMAS MARKET

Start your weekend off creating crafts with your family December 3rd 10am at 1050 W Wekiwa Rd With over 50 vendors you won't want to miss this crafty Christmas event

CAROLS & CRUMPETS

Hosted by Herb Society of Tulsa, lunch will be served at the Snowflake Cage Don't miss out on seeing local artist presenting their original work Dec 3-8th 8am - 3pm

MEET SANTA

Annual Free Santa Pictures at Riddle Plant Farm, 3510 Summit BLVD. Decemeber 10th 2pm-6pm & December 17th 9am-12pm

For kids activities and a Santa visit - head over to the Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum from 10AM - 2PM!

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

FAt the Woodland Cemetery Memorial Park, wreaths will be placed at 12pm For more information go to www..witkopfoundation.org

Sandite Holiday Traditions

We want to hear all about your traditions Sandites! Share with us what make your holiday season so special this year because we want to share the love with the rest of our community This is a time of happiness for many people but for some the holiday season brings grief and sadness. For those members of our community we want to provide them with some new ideas for traditions and let them know that they are loved and seen.

We know that Sandites are the best around and truly look forward to ready and seeing your many traditions. Perhaps you visit the parade each year or your family visits a tree farm together Maybe you bake cookies or volunteer each week. Whatever your tradition, we extend a jolly invitation to share it with us at wearesandsprings.com!

Merry Christmas Sandites!

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICE COMPARISON

CHURCH ON THE MOVE WEST:

Service times: December 17th at 5 PM , December 18th at 9:15 AM & 11:15 AM, and December 24th at 4 PM & 6 PM

Gather your family and friends on December 17 or 18 to enjoy beautiful worship, meaningful moments, and a timely message from our Pastor Seth Swindall. On Christmas Eve, come experience the beauty of Christmas with carols, candle lighting, and communion.

CROSS POINT

The Christmas Train: December 10th and 11th at 6 PM

CHURCH THAT MATTERS

Christmas Offering: December 11th

This is a great opportunity for us to remember that God gave the greatest gift of all to us and so our best gift this Christmas season should be given to him This year’s Christmas Offering will take place in both Worship Encounters on Sunday, December 11th The money received from this offering will be divided into three parts: missions, ministry, and margin Begin praying, planning, and preparing for what you and your family will give this year

HARVEST CHURCH

Christmas at Harvest: December 18th at 10 AM

Christmas at Harvest is here again and we are PUMPED for you to join us! Harvest Kids have an exceptional service planned for your kids to have fun and learn about the Christmas story We also have over 50 toys to GIVE AWAY! We promise to have an over-the-top experience during our morning worship service where you will see and feel God's love We have a seat saved just for you! See you at CHRISTMAS AT HARVEST!

ANGUS CHURCH

Christmas services: December 24th at 5 PM and December 25th at 10:30 AM

UNITED METHODIST SAND SPRINGS

Christmas services: December 24th at 6:30 PM and December 25th at 10 AM

ST. PATRICK CHURCH

Christmas Masses: December 24th at 6 PM and December 25th at 10 AM

HILLSPRING CHURCH

Christmas Eve Service: December 24th at 4 PM

The colder temperatures are officially setting in, especially during the night hours. Our pets do not need to be left outside for long hours during the day and we need to be sure we are taking the proper precautions for our animals, not only at night but all throughout the day. We love our four-legged pets and their lives are at risk if we are not intentional with their care during the winter. Here are some helpful tips to keep our animals safe and healthy during the cold months of the year.

Keep Pets Inside

As the temperatures continue to drop in the fall and winter months, we should take this into consideration for our animals. Short-haired animals do not have enough hair to keep them warm enough, so they should not be left outside all through the day, and definitely not overnight. Our pets with longer hair and thicker coats are able to bear the temperatures a little more, but still, be aware of the time they are spending outside. Letting your animals out to use the bathroom, or taking them on a short walk are a couple of mindful ways to give your pets the exercise they need, but also keep them from being out in the cold temperatures for too long. With freezing temperatures and wind chill, animals' lives are at risk. By simply keeping them indoors as often as possible, we are protecting our animals.

Bundle Up, Wipe Off

In order to keep our household pets warm while being outside, we should be bundling them up when they go on a walk, when they are let outside to play, or even if they are going out to use the restroom. Another thing to be aware of when taking pets on a walk in the winter months is the rock salt or snowmelt that is in neighborhood roads and driveways. This can irritate your animal's paws, so to prevent your animals from ingesting those chemicals, or their paws becoming

irritated, wipe their paws off right after their walk.

Outdoor Animals

It is important to be aware of the animals that are living outdoors during the winter months. Stray cats, neighborhood cats, or other small wildlife will typically crawl in the hoods of cars to keep warm. It is always smart to bang on the hood of your car to scare off any cat, or animal that could have crawled up in the engine.

Speak Out

Wintertime neglect is often a concern and should be addressed. If an animal is being neglected, or not being properly taken care of during this cold season, approach the owner of that animal with your concerns. If you continue to see neglect take place, call your local animal control or county sheriff's office to communicate your concerns. Pets are deserving of proper care throughout the cold season and your role in that is so important.

Sandite Site Teachers 2022-23 School Year

Teachers, no matter where they are located, are the bread and butter of our community A few words we have heard to describe our local teaching community are: Kind, Supportive, Brave, Courageous, Mentor, and Committed. We love our teachers with a passion and appreciate their tenacity as they brave the school room every day to teach our students life lessons, arithmetic, culture, and community

In early November

Sand Springs Public Schools announced the Sandite Site Teachers of the 2022-23 year We couldn’t pass up another opportunity to showcase our Sandite teachers for all their hard work!

Madison Orme: Early Childhood Education Center

Reanna Barr: Angus Valley Emelentary

Stephanie Sivadon: Limestone Technology Academy

Melissa Nelson: Pratt Elementary

Amber Alexander: Garfield Stem Academy

Taylor Greppando: Northwoods Fine Arts Academy

Kay Jackson: Sixth Grade Center

Katy Edmonson: Clyde Boyde Middle School

Kaitlyn Knowlton: Charles Page Freshman Academy

Jessica Sprague: Charles Page High School

Caysie Yearmen: Sand Springs Virtual Academy

Neely Horn: Tulsa Boys Home

I have the opportunity to inspire and to build confidence Seeing my students step out of their comfort zones to try to grasp something that seems unattainable is an honor to be a part of Inspiring them to keep trying and opening their minds to new ideas, is why I love teaching!

My passion for teaching started well before I even knew what teaching was. I feel I was born with a teaching gene! Though I tried to ignore this deeply rooted teaching spirit, it always came out in various ways. I am the oldest of three; as the oldest I naturally taught them what I learned. I was a talented athlete who always took the time to help my teammates I was lead to teach Sunday school, my job during college was teaching others about different products, and as a mom, teaching comes at every turn! Teaching is my passion and educating is who I am!”

By Reanna Barr

"As a 3rd generation educator, I always knew I wanted to go into education. I found my home in SSPS at the ECEC. I love working with littles and getting to be one of their first experiences with the school. They make every day fun and exciting!"

“I love teaching because

Angus Valley Emelentary

Early Childhood Education Center

Photo & Quote Madison Orme

School & Community Partnership Program

The School & Community Partnership Program includes guest speaking, industry tours, career fairs, internships, etc for local senior high school students

The program began 5 years ago. The first event was a Business Forum that was well attended by many of the Business leaders in the Sand Springs area The business community was asked to partner with the program to provide opportunities to the Charles Page High School students

As the program expands the goal is to make connections with business partners

Charles Page High School tries to get students to think about life after high school. The goal is for students to be immediately successful when they leave CPHS. Some students choose to go to college, a technical school or directly into the workforce.

The internship program gives senior students an in depth, real life experience into the career of their choosing. The students can earn school credit while also earning a paycheck!

When did the program start?

Why was it started?

Success of the program.

"One student worked as an intern for LDKerns Construction and helped build the new 9th grade center. He would go to school in the morning and after lunch he would go to work

Another student interned with KKT Architects and helped design the new 9th grade center. He sat in on all of the design meetings He currently attends the University of Arkansas and is in their engineering program " - Ryan Bivin

How can you help?

Parents can help by talking with their students about their career interests and making sure they are taking steps toward their goals Community members can help by continuing to partner with CPHS to provide opportunities for the youth in our community. If you are interested please contact Ryan Bivinryan bivin@sandites org- Ryan Bivin

Grateful Giving

One of the most wonderful things about our town is the heart of giving you find all around. Here are some practical ways you can give of your time and resources this holiday season.

Support the Sand Springs Salvation Army by donating funds, goods, clothing, donoradvised funds, or by hosting a Red Kettle Challenge You can also find Angel Trees at participating locations and shop for a family's Christmas gifts, who would otherwise not have gifts this year! Learn more and donate by visiting their website.

Support the Sand Springs Care Closet by donating baby wipes, new socks and new underwear for all ages You can drop off those items between the hours of 4 pm and 7 pm on Tuesdays at 1 West 41st Street.

Contacts for Giving

Support the Sand Springs Animal Shelter by donating items to Time After Time Resale located at 14 w 41st st in Prattville. They will accept household items, furniture, working appliances, clothing, purses, jewelry, linens, and most other useable items. 50% of the sale of these items goes to the shelter. Drop off at the store.

Sand Springs Community Services always needs Peanut Butter, Tuna, 1/2 Gallons of Milk, Eggs, Cheese, and Meat There is also a need for personal items such as shampoo, conditioner, diapers, toothpaste, blankets, laundry soap, and household cleaners. Volunteers are one of the most important parts of SSCS. You can visit the events calendar or contact the office for opportunities to donate your time.

SAND SPRINGS COMMUNITY SERVICES

(918) 245-5183 www sscsok org

SAND SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER

(918) 246-2543 +76 209 1092 4095 www sandspringsok org/139/AnimalWelfare

SAND SPRINGS SALVATION ARMY (918) 245-2237 https://www salvationarmyusa org/usn

SAND SPRINGS CARE CLOSET

(918) 809-3088 www facebook com/careclosetsandsp rings

Christmas is the season of joy, of gift-giving, and of families united

SENIOR IN THE SPOTLIGIHT

Meet Kade Holland, a senior at Charles Page High School here in Sand Springs. Kade began his Sandite education at ANGUS Elementary. "I really liked all of my teachers while I was there I started playing basketball in 1st grade and have continued all the way through my senior year," said Kade.

KADE KADE KADE HOLLAND HOLLAND HOLLAND

First day of pre-k

Kade's favorite teacher during his years of being a Sandite was Mr. Dean. He also shared that his greatest takeaway from high school was the skills he was able to learn and practice in his tech class. "I really enjoyed playing and growing the Sandites Basketball team," said Kade. After graduation Kade plans on joining the military

Stick with it, don't get discouraged if you have a bad day, it will get better.

Advice to sandites from Kade

THIS YEAR’S GRADUATING CLASS WAS THE FIRST CLASS AT THE ECEC AND THE LAST CLASS TO ATTEND AT CENTRAL NINTH GRADE CENTER.

12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

Work beginning on an expansion at Webco on Highway 51 that will become their new headquarters and training center CDBG waterline project on Lincoln from 8th to 10th Partnership with ODOT on an ADA sidewalk project to soon start on 2nd Street from Wilson to McKinley and McKinley from 2nd Street to 10th Street Design and bidding of Streetscape for the 100 block of South Main Street with anticipated construction this Spring

Passage of 2022 GO Bond Proposition 1 which will provide for $4,325,000 00 for roadway overlays.

Passage of 2022 GO Bond Proposition 2 which will provide for new storm sirens and a new Animal Welfare facility

Passage of 2022 GO Bond Proposition 3 which will provide for Sports Field Improvements, Portable Restroom Facilities, Page Park Rehabilitation, Neighborhood Trail Improvements, A new Dog Park, Repairs to the Sand Springs Museum, Golf Course Parking Improvements and New Parks Maintenance Facilities

19. 20. 21.

Passage of 2022 GO Bond Proposition 4 which will provide for more downtown streetscape improvements as well as a cooperative effort with Sand Springs Public Schools to construct a new downtown plaza N W of the Triangle Partnership with our local Chamber of Commerce, and Local Church Network on Christmas season events Partnership with the Sand Springs Home who is helping on economic development issues