HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It's hard to believe how quickly the past year has flown by and how many things have changed in the short span of twelve months. As we have been reflecting on another wonderful year in Chickasha, we've recalled both good and bad memories. While reminiscing, we were reminded of how sometimes those seemingly bad moments are hard when they are happening, but as time passes you can begin to see why there needed to be a change.
Change makes room for growth. It's not always easy although we'd like it to be. Those tough moments tend to either take us down or make us stronger. They break us or give us determination. The truth is, those hard times are what separate the people willing to put in the work and be successful from those who are simply hoping for an easy ride.
The good news is our community is mostly made up of the individuals and businesses who choose to rise to the occasion and when I reflect on the past year and any hard times, I mostly remember these people - willing to get their hands dirty, push through those tough moments and come out even better on the other side.
We have a very strong community, an unbreakable network of people in this town who just know how to "make it happen" and for this, I'm extremely grateful.
Whatever this new year throws at you, I pray you rise to the challenge, push through it, work smarter and harder and come out ten times better every time. And, never forget, Oh18 is in your corner - always!
Livin' Local
Kristen McGregor
Kristen McGregor Co-Owner, Oh18
Have you had a pedicure at Nailynn? WOW! If not, you are missing out. They have several pricing options and packages to meet every need, plus they are very personable and kind. You won't regret a day of pampering with the crew at Nailynn!
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Kristen McGregor
COPY EDITOR
Kristyn Allbritton
PHOTOGRAPHY
Kristyn Allbritton
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Kristen McGregor
ADVERTISING
Interested in placing an ad in the next issue of Oh18 Magazine? Please contact us at oh18.livelocal@gmail.com or call us for more information at 405.219.4397.
©Copyright 2025 Oh18 Publishing and Oh18 Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without prior written consent of Publisher. Oh18 Magazine is published bimonthly and distributed in Chickasha.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1/1
Detox Flow with Joe Dawson
Oklahoma Yoga
1/3
Rag Quilt Class
Wagon Wheel Ranch Retreat
1/4
USAO Basketball USAO
1/4
Brad Good*
Shakespeare Wine Company
1/6
USAO Basketball USAO
1/9
USAO Basketball USAO
1/10
Smile Empty Soul*
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
1/10
Nicki Jackson*
Shakespeare Wine Company
1/10
CV Tech Robotics Competition
Grady County Fairgrounds
1/11
State 4H Winter Format
Grady County Fairgrounds
1/11
Kim Hunter*
Shakespeare Wine Company
1/11
USAO Basketball USAO
1/13
Victims Impact Panel
CV Tech
1/16
David Graham & Eskimo Bros
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
1/2-2/27
Bingo
The Club at Chickasha
Every Thursday
1/17
Justin Duty*
Shakespeare Wine Company
1/18
Cars & Coffee Leg Lamp
1/18
Burns Night*
Shakespeare Wine Company
1/18
Charcuterie Board Competition
The Club at Chickasha
1/18 - 1/19
HOYRA
Grady County Fairgrounds
1/21
PACT Act Outreach Event
CV Tech
1/21
OHCE Winter Council
Grady County Fairgrounds
1/24
Dani Carson*
Shakespeare Wine Company
1/25
Round-Up Club Banquet
Grady County Fairgrounds
1/25
Jeff Butler*
Shakespeare Wine Company
1/25
SW OK Toy Show
Grady County Fairgrounds
1/28
Valentine's Day Paint Party
The Club at Chickasha
1/29
FCCLA Star Events
Grady County Fairgrounds
1/29
Wine & Paint Night
The Club at Chickasha
1/2 - 2/27
Singo
Jungle Ice Fun Zone
Every Thursday
1/31
USAO Baseball USAO
1/31
Ducks Unlimited Banquet
Grady County Fairgrounds
1/31
ES Walker & Uncle D*
Shakespeare Wine Company
2/1
Big Train & the Loco Motives*
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
2/1
Toby Wayne*
Shakespeare Wine Company
2/4 - 2/8
SW District Livestock Show
Grady County Fairgrounds
2/6
USAO Basketball USAO
2/7
Live Music*
Shakespeare Wine Company
2/7
Casey Chesnutt*
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
2/8
Bloom from Within Grady County Fairgrounds
2/8
Justin Duty*
Shakespeare Wine Company
2/9
Super Bowl Party
The Club at Chickasha
2/11
USAO Baseball USAO
2/11
Hunks the Show
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
2/13
USAO Basketball USAO
2/13
FLY Dance Company
USAO DWPAS
2/14
ES Walker & Uncle D*
Shakespeare Wine Company
2/15
Beast Feast
Grady County Fairgrounds
2/15
Frank Ryan*
Shakespeare Wine Company
2/15 - 2/16
USAO Baseball USAO
2/19
Skills USA District Contest
Grady County Fairgrounds
2/20
Ninnekah Booster Club Auction
Grady County Fairgrounds
2/20
USAO Softball
USAO
2/21
Nicki Jackson*
Shakespeare Wine Company
2/22
Spread Eagle*
Legends Pubhouse & Venue
2/22
Live Music*
Shakespeare Wine Company
2/22
2nd Annual Rib Cook-Off
The Club at Chickasha
2/22
Craftapalooza!
Grady County Fairgrounds
2/24 - 2/28
Grady County Junior Livestock Show
Grady County Fairgrounds
2/28
USAO Softball USAO
2/28
Tim Brauer*
Shakespeare Wine Company
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK OR VISIT
OH18MAGAZINE.COM/EVENTS FOR UP-TO-DATE EVENTS
*Live Music
CHICKASHA
Charm
with Bobby McFarland, The Salvation Army
What's your favorite place in town?
Our family loves to go to Flower Shop for some good pizza and beautifully crafted atmosphere.
What makes this place your favorite spot in town?
Simply put, the inviting eating space with the hand painted murals and of course the uniquely crafted pizzas and pastas.
What was your first impression when you visited? Wow, was all of this painted by hand?!? Turns out, it is AND by a local artist!
What unique features or qualities does this place have that made it stand out to you?
One huge quality that stands out to us is the location of the restaurant downtown. You're just a little walk away from the local candy shop, Rock Island Candy! We sometimes go pick out some candy for later in the shop, then walk down the strip to whatever calls our attention be it the local bookstore or boutique. Flower Shop's location puts you right you where you want to be to enjoy the wonderful sight of Downtown Chickasha - all with affordable food, cozy dining, and friendly faces to top it all off!
What would you recommend others try or do when they visit?
If you're looking for a nice evening with friends and loved ones, you gotta try The Flower Shop, have a meal, and walk it off enjoying the 50ft Leg Lamp nearby, and skip over to Rock Island Candy - they do thematic decorations and really know how to make you feel like a kid again!
APPAREL STORE
Tammie's Bling Boutique
GIFTS & HOME STORE
Okie Mountain Trading Co.
FLORIST
Life in Bloom Florals
MEDICAL PRACTICE/PROFESSIONAL
Chris Ludwell
Ludwell Chiropractic
EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL
Valerie Walker
Pioneer Public Schools
FAMILY FUN
Jungle Ice Fun Zone
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS/INDIVIDUAL Willowbrook, Inc
FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL(S)
Jamie Henderson
Ross & Henderson, PLLC
SALON/SPA
Nailynn Beauty & Spa
BUSINESS OWNER
Josh Woods
Interurban
BARTENDER/MIXOLOGIST
Gisela Alonso
Interurban
BAKER
Cookies by Jamie
Jamie Duncan
PERSONAL TRAINER
Ashley Kuhlman
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION/CIVIC CLUB
Salvation Army
BEST NEW BUSINESS 2024
Luigi's Cucina Italiana
REALTOR
Amanda Bertelli
Eastwood Realty Group
PUBLIC SERVANT
Gary Boggess
Grady County Sheriff
BEST MURAL/ART INSTALLMENT
Leg Lamp
NEW YEAR r5eset3
Fun and Relaxing Ways to Shake Off Holiday Stress
THE HOLIDAYS
are a whirlwind of joy, chaos, and to-do lists. Once the decorations are packed away, it’s time to prioritize you. Whether you need to recharge solo or reconnect with friends, here are seven fabulous ways to destress and start the new year feeling refreshed.
new y4ear GLOW INTO THE TANNING SESSION with a
SAY GOODBYE
to winter blues with a little faux sunshine. A quick visit to your local tanning salon can give your skin a radiant boost and your mood a sunny uplift. Not into traditional tanning? Many salons offer red light therapy to ease tension and rejuvenate your body.
TANS UNLIMITED
320 West Chickasha Avenue
NAIL YOUR r5elaxation ROUTINE
TREAT YOURSELF
to a fresh manicure or pedicure. Picking a bold, uplifting color or a subtle, calming hue can do wonders for your mood. Bonus: take a friend along for a mini catch-up session while your nails are pampered to perfection.
NAILYNN BEAUTY & SPA
119 South 4th Street
t3ension2 BODY CARE with full
WHAT BETTER WAY
to shed post-holiday stress than by indulging in an adjustment and massage. A skilled chiropractor can remove tension with a professional adjustment of the body and a massage therapist can work out all the kinks. With this full body combo, you’ll walk away from the holidays feeling like a brand-new person.
LUDWELL CHIROPRACTIC
105 North 8th Street (massages not available at Ludwell Chiropractic)
escap3eREALITY
FEW HOURS for a
GATHER
your favorite group of adventurers and head to an escape room. This interactive experience will have you solving puzzles, laughing, and bonding as you work together to beat the clock. It’s the perfect way to shake off stress and focus on fun.
ADVENTURESCAPE
214 West Chickasha Avenue
ed3ge SELF CARE with an
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Get a personal self-care upgrade. Whether it’s booking a tattoo you’ve always wanted, trying a bold piercing or indulging in another creative expression, this form of self-care celebrates your individuality. Make an appointment with an artist whose work inspires you and embrace the transformation.
DOWNTOWN TATTOO
421 West Chickasha Avenue
cozy4 up GOOD BOOK with a
IT'S MAGICAL
to escape into the pages of a great read. Curl up in your favorite chair with a novel or a personal growth book that inspires you. Pair it with your favorite tea or hot cocoa for a relaxing retreat at home.
BOOKSTORE ON THE CORNER
401 West Chickasha Avenue
CHEERS TO f2r3iendship APPS & DRINKS with
THE BEST THERAPY
is laughter with good company. Invite friends out for a night of appetizers and drinks. Whether it’s nachos, sliders, or a craft cocktail, the combination of delicious bites and heartwarming conversation is guaranteed to lighten your spirit.
THE LINE B2ottom
POST-HOLIDAY RECOVERY
doesn’t have to be complicated. From relaxing massages to lively escape rooms, there are countless ways to refresh your body and mind. Pick one—or all—of these activities, and start the year feeling recharged and ready for whatever comes next. You deserve it!
2025 Unique Fitness Tips
the new year to kickstart
The new year brings a fresh wave of motivation to prioritize health and fitness. Whether you're an experienced gym-goer or a beginner seeking at-home workout options, these unique fitness tips will help you make sustainable progress toward your goals.
At the Gym
Use the “three-by-three rule” – dedicate three days a week to three core movements: a squat, a push, and a pull. For example, combine squats, bench presses, and rows for a balanced workout.
At Home
Opt for bodyweight variations like air squats, push-ups, and resistance band rows. Keep it simple to avoid overwhelm.
Consistency beats intensity.
A manageable routine will keep you coming back for more.
02
At the Gym
foam rollers and massage guns to ease post-workout soreness. Use the gym’s sauna if available – it aids recovery and boosts circulation.
At Home Incorporate stretches into your daily routine, focusing on tight areas. A 10-minute yoga flow with poses like child’s pose and downward dog works wonders.
Proper recovery prevents burnout and enhances performance.
04 Make Recovery a Priority Embrace Hybrid Workouts Prioritize Core Strength 03 05 Focus on
At the Gym Mix traditional weightlifting with cardio bursts. For instance, add a 30-second sprint on the treadmill between weight sets.
At Home Combine strength and cardio by alternating bodyweight exercises with high-intensity moves. A simple circuit could include lunges, burpees, and planks.
Hybrid workouts maximize calorie burn and keep your sessions exciting.
At the Gym Add weighted core exercises like cable woodchoppers or medicine ball slams. These functional movements improve balance and overall strength.
At Home Use a sturdy chair for incline planks or a towel for sliding mountain climbers. These creative options engage your core in dynamic ways.
A strong core supports every movement, from lifting groceries to lifting weights.
Mini
Goals
At the Gym Set small challenges, like increasing your squat weight by 5 pounds every two weeks. Small wins build confidence.
At Home Track non-scale victories such as doing five more push-ups or holding a plank 10 seconds longer than before.
Mini goals are more achievable and keep your motivation high.
06 gamify your Workouts
At the Gym Use fitness apps that turn your workout into a game, such as competing against your past performance or earning badges for milestones.
At Home: Challenge family or friends to virtual fitness competitions. See who can complete the most squats in a minute or accumulate the highest step count.
Adding fun to fitness makes it less of a chore and more of a lifestyle.
07 08 Make movement a daily habit fuel your body for performance
At the Gym
Schedule your workouts like important meetings. Keep your gym bag packed and ready to avoid excuses.
At Home
Sneak in micro-workouts throughout the day – 10 squats while waiting for your coffee or a quick dance session during TV commercials.
Small bursts of activity add up and keep you active all day long.
At the Gym:Time your meals around workouts. Have a snack with carbs and protein 30 minutes before hitting the gym for energy.
At Home Prep nutritious snacks like boiled eggs, nuts, or yogurt to resist unhealthy temptations after workouts.
Balanced nutrition supports energy levels and recovery.
At the Gym Familiarize yourself with different machines and equipment. Try new tools like kettlebells or resistance sleds to add variety.
At Home Everyday items like water bottles, backpacks filled with books, or towels can serve as resistance tools.
Creativity ensures you never miss a workout due to a lack of resources.
A successful fitness routine doesn’t require perfection – it needs consistency, creativity, and fun. Whether you’re breaking a sweat at the gym or in your living room, these tips will help you start the new year strong and stay on track for the long haul.
At the Gym: Take progress photos or note performance milestones like improved endurance or strength.
At Home: Keep a journal of how you feel after each workout. Over time, you’ll notice improved energy, mood, and confidence.
Fitness is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate every step forward.
09 10 use what you have celebrate progress, not perfection happier you healthier
where started? to get
Shape fitness
1756 S 4th St, Chickasha
Full gym, CrossFit, classes, tanning and training available.
YMCA
725 W Chickasha Ave, Chickasha
Full gym, courts, classes, training and childcare available.
Declutter Home 10 Tips to your
Is your home feeling more chaotic than calm? Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming —it’s all about tackling one space at a time with simple, practical steps. From your kitchen to your kids' room, these specific tasks will help you reclaim your home, reduce stress, and create a peaceful, functional environment you’ll love to live in.
READY TO GET STARTED?
Let’s dive in!
Entryway 1
CREATE A SHOE & KEY STATION
Make coming and going stress-free
Set up a small bench or shelf by the door with hooks for keys and cubbies or a basket for shoes. Keep only the essentials for daily use here, and relocate other items to closets to maintain a clear entryway.
THE ONE-BASKET RULE
Contain clutter in a single basket
Place a decorative basket near the couch to hold remotes, magazines, toys, or blankets. Regularly empty and reorganize this basket to keep only the items you truly use in the space, and find new homes for everything else.
Living Room Kitchen 2 3
5-ITEMS ON THE COUNTER
Free
up valuable counter space
Pick five items currently on your counter tops that you rarely use and find a home for them in cabinets or storage. Keeping counters clear will make your kitchen look cleaner and provide more workspace for cooking.
Bathroom
DECLUTTER THE CABINET
Streamline your daily routine
Sort through your medicine cabinet or vanity and throw out expired medications, old makeup, and half-used toiletries you no longer need. Arrange the remaining items by frequency of use for quick, easy access.
5 Bedroom
TRY THE 80/20 CLOSET RULE
Maximize your closet with what you actually wear
Pull out the clothes you haven’t worn in the past six months and donate or store them. Focus on keeping only the clothes you wear 80% of the time and organize them by type for a wardrobe you can enjoy without the clutter.
Home Office 6
SORT THE PAPER PILE
Tame the paper chaos once and for all Gather all loose papers in one spot and sort them into three categories: keep, shred, and recycle. Store essential documents in labeled folders, and use a tray or wall organizer to keep future papers under control.
Kids' Room
IMPLEMENT A TOY ROTATION BIN
Reduce toy clutter while keeping things fresh
Store half of your kids' toys in a bin, out of sight. Rotate toys every few weeks to keep them exciting without overwhelming the room with too much clutter. Donate toys your child has outgrown or lost interest in.
Garage
THE SEASONAL SWAP
Make room for current needs
Dedicate a weekend to go through items in the garage, storing seasonal items (like sports gear or holiday decorations) in labeled bins on shelves. Keep only the items you’ll need for the current season within easy reach.
Laundry Room 8 9
CREATE A CLEANING SUPPLY CADDY
Organize for easy access
Gather all cleaning products and tools into a single caddy. This not only frees up space but also makes it easy to carry supplies to different rooms. Keep only what you use regularly and discard any empty or expired products.
10 Storage
THE “TOSS OR TREASURE” GAME
Decide what stays and what goes
Set a timer for 20 minutes and go through boxes or storage bins, deciding on each item: is it a “toss” or a “treasure”? Only keep items that are useful or meaningful to you. Schedule another session next week to continue if needed.
Chickasha History
ACROSS
2. What Chickasha was founded on
5. Theater in downtown Chickasha
7. Tallest building of Chickasha, 5 stories
8. Flying school in Chickasha during WWII
12. Famous teacher/author from Chickasha
13. Hotel for those traveling the Rock Island Railroad
DOWN
1. Original spelling of the main park
3. Quality department store, opened in 1919
4. Home to prisoner of war camp during WWII
6. Hospital originally established for the army
9. Name of USAO when it first began
10. School attended by Ada Sipuel
11. Bottling company in town before Dr. Pepper
CHICKASHA HISTORY
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Find the answers at oh18magazine.com
THE HISTORY OF CHICKASHA'S
Harly Day
Harly Day was a native to Ada, OK who enlisted into the Navy in 1942 serving as Specialist 4th Class (Athletic Instructor. He served for forty months during World War II. By 1946, Mr. Day enrolled at OU where he played on the 1947 Championship Runner-Up Basketball team.
After his college career, Coach Day accepted a position at Chickasha High School as not only the basketball coach, but the baseball coach as well. Coach Day led his basketball team to win the state championship in 19521953 and 1954-1955. The 1953-1954 year, Chickasha brought home the state runner-up.
Coach Day also excelled as Chickasha's baseball coach. He took the boys to state in 1955-1956 where they came home as state runner-up. Coach Day was a member of the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame in 2002.
By 1958, Coach Day hung up his coaching whistle and became the principal of Chickasha High School where he proudly served for nineteen years. After retirement, Coach Day continued his passion in education by serving on multiple educational boards before taking on a new position with USAO as their Assistant Director of Student Services. He served in this position for sixteen years.
Harly Day was inducted into Chickasha Public Schools Hall of Honor in 2024. Coach Day was honored for his performance as a coach as well as a principal where he overcame challenges such as a fire which destroyed the interior of the CHS building.
Mr. Day passed away in 2013. Harly Day Drive was named to honor him and his over 50 years of service in education.
Thank you to the Grady County Historical Society for information regarding this article. Special thanks to Lizzie Stevenson.
FUN FACT
During his time in Chickasha, Mr. Day was a member of a men's quartet, the Chickasha Barber Shoppers.
Display for Harly Day at Grady County Historical Museum
Chickasha Barber Shoppers, Quartet
slow cooker style
Chicken Pot Pie Ingredients Preparation
Step 1
In a large plastic bag combine ¼ cup of the flour, thyme, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Add chicken pieces, half at a time, shaking to coat.
Step 2
In a large nonstick skillet heat 1 Tbsp of the oil over mediumhigh heat. Add half the chicken; cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer chicken to a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker. Repeat with remaining 1 Tbsp oil and remaining chicken. Add broth, carrots, celery, leeks and mushrooms to chicken in cooker.
Step 3
Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 7 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 3½ hours.
Step 4
If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Stir in frozen peas. In a small bowl combine the remaining ¼ cup flour and the half-and-half; stir into mixture in cooker. Cover and cook about 30 minutes more or until thickened.
Step 5
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450°F. Unroll piecrust. Press or roll piecrust into an 11-inch circle; cut into eight wedges. Place wedges on ungreased large baking sheet. Prick each wedge several times with a fork. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until light brown.
Step 6
To serve, top each serving of chicken mixture with a baked piecrust wedge.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 ¾ teaspoon poultry seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cup sliced carrots (3 medium)
• 1 ½ cup sliced celery (3 stalks)
• 1 cup chopped leeks (3 medium) or chopped onion (1 large)
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup half-and-half, light cream, or milk
• ½ of a 15-ounce package (1 crust) rolled refrigerated unbaked piecrust
Breed
Bully mix
Color
Silver grey and white
Best Trick
Gives paw for just about anything and I mean anything.
Favorite Treat
Peanut butter pup ice cream.
Lovable Quirk
He’s the biggest baby and thinks he’s a lap dog.
Owner
Asa & Carly Davidson
If you'd like to submit your pet for pet of the month, send a photo and info to oh18.livelocal@gmail.com.
Alpacas of Oklahoma
Alpacas of Oklahoma was formed as an official affiliate of the national organization, Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) in 2004, with the first 14 farms in Oklahoma. This group is dedicated to the “Ethical Promotion of all Things Alpaca.”
Known by their membership as “A-OK” the group provides its members with a wide variety of services designed to support existing farms and ranches in addition to welcoming those who are new to the Alpaca industry. A-OK adds value to the Alpaca experience and gives its members a resource that supports the health and welfare of these wonderful, approachable friends. Most especially, they are well known for their quarterly meetings that feature education, fellowship, networking and food!
For more information, check out the Alpacas of Oklahoma Facebook page or visit the website, alpacasofoklahoma.com
