September October 2023 - Spend the Day in Chickasha

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Devoted faculty

Distinct campus culture

Great value?

Absolutely, that sounds perfect :)

Then the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma is the place for you! Apply for free TODAY!

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FALL, FAMILY AND FUN

Wow! How is it already Fall again? This is our favorite season here at Oh18. We tend to gravitate toward crisp air, Fall scents, foods of the season and all the fun events which come with this time of year. Oh, and let's not forget, football is in session!

I don't know about you, but the Food Truck Championship and Arts Festival have quickly become some of my favorite events of the year. I immediately start looking forward to them as soon as they're over. Each year, they seem to only get better! This coupled with holiday excitement, decorations and fun around every corner creates the perfect whirlwind each and every Fall.

Chickasha has really upped their game this year too with a new setup for Neewollah, a Fall Festival planned for the town, a Halloween parade, the Food Truck Championship, Arts Festival and so much more! Who wouldn't want to be here?

We know one thing, no matter what the season is, Chickasha is definitely the place to be and that's precisely why this issue focuses on how to spend your days right here in Chickasha.

Happy Fall, friends!

Kristen McGregor

Kristen McGregor Co-Owner, Oh18

Why Chickasha?

What do we love about Chickasha? Easy. The people of Chickasha. The community is so tight knitted and so supportive. We have THE best clients. We knew that opening a nail salon in Chickasha was the best decision my wife and I made.

– Caleb Duong, Nailynn Beauty and Spa

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Kristen McGregor

COPY EDITOR

Kristyn Allbritton

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kristyn Allbritton

DESIGN & LAYOUT

Kristen McGregor

Jungle Ice Fun Zone ADVERTISING

Interested

9/1

The Good Ole Boys*

The Common Room

9/1

Renee Nunley*

Shakespeare Wine Company

9/2

Men & Women's Soccer

USAO

9/2

Justin Duty*

Shakespeare Wine Company

9/4

Men & Women's Soccer

USAO

9/4 - 9/5

Auditions for "The Sound of Music"

Chickasha Community Theatre

9/7

Veteran Resource Fair

Canadian Valley Tech Center

9/8

Ray Pierce*

The Common Room

9/8

Cade Roth & The Blacksheep*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

9/8

Second Friday Art Walk

Downtown Chickasha

9/8 - 9/9

Disco Weekend - 70s Theme

Costume Contest

Shakespeare Wine Company

9/12

Women's Volleyball

USAO

9/13

Men's Soccer

USAO

9/15

Dave Lawrence*

The Common Room

9/15

Kiss Tribute & Midnight Rider*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

9/15 - 9/17

Central 4D Barrel Race Finals

Grady County Fairgrounds

9/16

Women's Soccer & Volleyball

USAO

9/16

Cars & Coffee at the Leg

Chickasha Train Depot

9/16

Dani Carson*

Shakespeare Wine Company

9/22 - 9/23

The Wailers Weekend*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

9/22

James Townsend*

The Common Room

9/22

Lane Mullen*

Shakespeare Wine Company

9/23

Rachel Lynch*

Shakespeare Wine Company

9/23 - 9/24

HOYRA OK Youth Rodeo

Grady County Fairgrounds

9/26

Men & Women's Soccer

USAO

9/27 - 10/1

National Welsh Pony & Cob Show

Grady County Fairgrounds

9/28

Women's Volleyball

USAO

9/29

Doug Stone - James Robert Webb & The Gunslingers*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

9/29

ES Walker*

Shakespeare Wine Company

9/29

David Carey*

The Common Room

9/29 - 10/1

Rock Island Arts Festival

Chickasha Avenue

9/30

Oklahoma Food

Truck Championship

Chickasha Avenue

9/30

Together We Heel: A Walk to End Domestic Violence

Chickasha Avenue

9/30

Rock Island Ride

Rock Island Depot

9/30

Corn Hole Tournament

Shakespeare Wine Company

10/3

Men & Women's Soccer

USAO

10/5

Women's Volleyball

USAO

10/6

Scotty Austin - 9 Left Dead & Gravel Switch*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

10/6

Richard Clift Jr*

The Common Room

10/6

Dark Horse*

Shakespeare Wine Company

10/6

CHS Homecoming Parade

Chickasha Avenue

10/6

Spaghetti Day - JSW

Grady County Fairgrounds

10/7

Men & Women's Soccer

USAO

10/7

BLY*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

10/7

Vanda Quarles*

Shakespeare Wine Company

10/7 - 10/8

Gypsy Horse Show

Grady County Fairgrounds

10/9 - 10/21

Library Book Sale

Chickasha Public Library

10/12

State of the City

Grady County Fairgrounds

10/13

Jeremy McComb - TJ Wicks*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

10/13

Second Friday Art Walk

Downtown Chickasha

10/13

Tracy Lagerquist & Friends*

The Common Room

10/13

Fright Night (adults only)

Chickasha Avenue

10/13

Women's Volleyball

USAO

10/13

ES Walker* Halloween Costume Contest

Shakespeare Wine Company

10/14

Men & Women's Soccer & Women's Volleyball

USAO

10/14

Memories of Elvis - Tribute*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

10/14

OBM Miss Neewollah Pageant

Grady County Fairgrounds

10/14

Hunter Dillard & Kim Turnbow*

Shakespeare Wine Company

10/14

Toy Train Show

Grady County Fairgrounds

10/14

Eclipse Picnic at the Leg Lamp

Leg Lamp

10/18

Legends Rocks ChickashaSaliva & Drowning Pool*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

10/19 - 10/21

Antique Car Club Swap Meet

Grady County Fairgrounds

10/20

Chuck Wimer Band*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

10/20

Jack Tidwell*

The Common Room

10/20

Lane Mullen*

Shakespeare Wine Company

10/20 - 10/21

Fall Fling Craft Show

Grady County Fairgrounds

10/20 - 10/22

Red Dirt Barrel Bash

Grady County Fairgrounds

10/21

Men & Women's Soccer

USAO

10/21

Cars & Coffee at the Leg

Chickasha Train Depot

10/21

Adam Cereal*

Shakespeare Wine Company

10/21

James Townsend & Honky

Tonk All Stars*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

10/24

Women's Volleyball

USAO

10/26

Women's Volleyball

USAO

10/26

Cars & Coffee at the Leg

Chickasha Train Depot

10/26

Push Physical Theatre

DWPAS of USAO

10/27

Line Creek Outlaws* & Halloween Costume

The Common Room

10/28

Women's Volleyball

USAO

10/28

Haunted Golf Cart Ride

The Club at Chickasha

10/28

Def Legend - The Dead Aces & Meanstreak*

Legends Pubhouse & Venue

10/28

Neewollah

Chickasha Avenue

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK OR VISIT OH18MAGAZINE.COM/EVENTS FOR UP-TO-DATE EVENTS

FOR YOU. FOR FAMILY. FOR COMMUNITY.

When you join the Y, you get access to 14 metro locations that o er 600+ free group exercise classes, 9 indoor pools, 19 basketball courts, 4 indoor tracks and 50+ personal trainers. Early registration access and discounts on several programs are also included with your membership.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY or the Chickasha Area YMCA to become a member today. mcaokc.org/join

Best of Oh18 awards

Join Oh18 for the second annual Best of Oh18 awards where YOU have the opportunity to highlight your favorite events, people and businesses. Nominations are being taken now through October 10th. The top 3 nominations for each category will go up against one another starting November 1st to claim the top spot. Winners will be announced in January.

We are excited to honor those in our community who go above and beyond to make Chickasha special. So get those nominations submitted!

oh18magazine/bestofoh18

ANNUAL EVENT

Your favorite reoccurring, yearly event

LOCAL BAND

The best local individual, musician or full band

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Your go-to space to catch live music

AUTO REPAIR

The place or person you rely on to keep your vehicle running

DRINKS

Your favorite location for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages

EATS

Your favorite location for eating (restaurant, food truck, other)

APPAREL STORE

Your go-to location to shop for clothing, shoes and accessories

GIFTS & HOME STORE

Your go-to location to shop for gifts, decor and home goods

FLORIST

The person you look to for flowers, arrangement or house plants

MEDICAL PRACTICE OR PROFESSIONAL

The group or individual who keeps you feeling your best (doctor, optometrist, dentist, chiropractic, etc)

EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL

An individual who works for a school or daycare who deserves extra credit (teacher, admin, janitorial, etc)

FAMILY FUN

The place you can't wait to spend time with your family

CONSTRUCTION

BUSINESS/INDIVIDUAL

The reliable person or group who excels in their craft

FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL(S)

The people you turn to for help with finances (CPA, accountant, other)

SALON/SPA

The individual or business where you go to look and feel your best (nail, hair, massage, facial, etc)

BUSINESS OWNER

The individual who takes pride in the presentation of their physical business, cares for their employees and is involved in the community

BARTENDER

Your favorite mixologist

BAKER

The individual who provides great taste and quality presentation

PERSONAL TRAINER

The individual who motivates well and gets results

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION/CIVIC CLUB

The local organization which is making a difference in their field

BEST NEW BUSINESS 2023

Business established in 2023

REALTOR

The individual who finds the best spaces

PUBLIC SERVANT

The best local firefighter, EMT, law enforcement officer, city worker, paramedic, etc

BEST MURAL/ART INSTALLMENT

The perfect local spot to use as a photo op (indoors or outdoors)

LIGHT

R e s i d e n t i a l p r o p e r t i e s C o m m e r c i a l p r o p e r t i e s H o s p i t a l i t y p r o p e r t i e s M u n i c i p a l i t i e s H o m e o w n e r s A s s o c i a t i o n s

ROCK ISLAND WEEKEND

BITES, BIKES, ART VIBES

With three big events becoming more and more popular, this weekend has expanded from the Depot area all the way down Chickasha Avenue. Enjoy the Rock Island ride starting at the 100 block of Chickasha Avenue then move to the Food Truck Championship beginning at block 200 and end in blocks 400-600 with the Rock Island Arts Festival.

Don't miss a minute of this incredible, fun-filled weekend!

ROCK ISLAND ARTS FESTIVAL

The 15th Annual Rock Island Arts Festival returns September 29 - October 1st Enjoy this family-friendly event stretching from 4th-6th Street on Chickasha Ave. with arts, crafts, live music, food trucks, wineries, breweries and vendors galore! There is something for everyone at this year's event. And, don't miss out on the downtown window mural competition!

TOGETHER WE HEEL

ROCK ISLAND RIDE

This charity bike ride will roll out of the Rock Island Depot at 9am. The routes vary from 9.6 mile rides up to 63.4 mile rides. This event's success allows them to donate to multiple organizations like Mobile Meals of Chickasha, the Chickasha Emergency Food Pantry, Salvation Army and Chickasha's Shop with a Cop program. Registration deadline is September 29th.

The 8th Annual “Together We Heel” walk aims to raise awareness about domestic violence in Chickasha and the Grady County area. Participants will take a mile stroll in high heel shoes, symbolizing the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence. The event will kick off on September 30th at the Leg Lamp and proceed down toward the Rock Island Arts Festival in downtown Chickasha, uniting the community in the fight against domestic violence.

Photos courtesy of Chickasha Chamber of Commerce and Dean Images

Get ready to celebrate the 6th year of the Oklahoma Food Truck Championship! Join us in downtown Chickasha, where the festivities kick off at 10 am with an array of mouthwatering food trucks from near and far. Indulge in the culinary delights as thirty food trucks compete for a chance to win the grand prize of $10,000! Arrive early and grab your Ultimate Cheat Day Checklist, featuring insider info on each truck’s signature dish and codes to access their full menu. And that’s not all - enjoy free live music at the event from 12 pm to 9 pm. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of unforgettable flavors, fun, and fantastic entertainment!

Shout out to last year's overall winner, Mindy Mae's Fat Stacks!

SEPTEMBER 30

FREE ADMISSION

2023 FOOD TRUCK LINEUP

Afonso's Smoked BBQ

Aunties Soul Food

Barbells & BBQ

Casserole Kitchen

Creek Bottom Burgers

Cutie Pies

Daisy Mae's Icy Creamery

Dos Gringos Cabana

Gordo's Authentic Mexican Food

Hangry's Snack Shack

Insurgent

Jimmy's Bag of Donuts

Lyn's Lumpia

MASA

Meat Monkey

Metro Minis

Mindy Mae's Fat Stacks Grill

Newman's FireHouse BBQ

Oak City Pizza Co

Oh My Gogi

Project Krave

Psycho Taco

Puerto Rico to Go

Raven Rock Pizza

Redbone Indian Tacos

Rickie's Sweets and Eats

Scotty's Treats

Smokin' Joes Rib Ranch

Some Like It Tot

Sophia's Haitian Cuisine (Born Ready)

Squatchmoes

Sushi Dojo (RNTN Investments)

The Pizza Spot

The Urb Express

The Wandering Pig Modern Street Food

Aguita (Drinks)

Happy Camper Hand Crafted Sodas (Drinks)

Squeeze me Lemonade (Drinks)

The Coffee Box (Drinks)

Viridian Coffee (Drinks)

To stay up to date on new trucks being added to the lineup, follow @OFTCofChickasha on Facebook.

LET'S EAT!

SPEND THE DAY IN CHICKASHA

It's no secret, big things are happening in Chickasha! New food options are popping up, exciting entertainment venues are being built and events are in full swing. With so many options, it can get a little overwhelming so we wanted to help navigate the best way to plan a day in the Oh18. We have fun-filled days for couples, families, guys and gals in the pages to come.

Don't worry, we created checklists so you can plan out your day as a team. We even left space for you to take a photo during your day out and cherish it forever right in this publication!

Oh, and be sure to tag it on social so we can check out how your day in Chickasha panned out!

#Oh18Adventure

New businesses will be announced later this year close to the USAO Campus that will make College Students VERY happy!

FAMILY ADVENTURE

PLAY HARD

(Choose One)

„ Mini Golf | Jungle Ice Fun Zone

„ Play | Centennial Park

„ Double Feature | Chief Drive-In Theatre

FAMILY DINNER

(Choose One)

„ Pizza | Ben & Jay's Pizzeria

„ Burgers | Interurban

„ Chicken | Chicken Express

SOMETHING EXTRA

(Choose One)

„ Candy | Rock Island Candy Co.

„ Ice Cream | Uptown Scoops

„ Cookies | Dirty Dough

While you are out on your family adventure, snap a picture and place it to the right. Don't ever forget your fun day together! For extra fun, mix up the options and create another day together. The options are endless and the adventures never end when you do things together.

YOUR PHOTO HERE

DATE NIGHT

HAVE FUN

(Choose One)

„ Throw Axes | Wild Ox Ax Throwing

„ Live Music | Canadian River Brewing Co

„ Art Gallery | Art Wrecker Studios

GRAB A BITE (Choose One)

„ American | Rock Island Grill

„ Pizza | The Flower Shop Pizzeria

„ Chinese | China Moon

BONUS (Choose One)

„ Matching Tattoos | Downtown Tattoo

„ Flowers | Life in Bloom

„ New Bling | Jay's Jewelry

With your night on the town, be sure to take a photo and place it to the right. Never forget these sweet memories as a couple. Keep the magic alive by trying different date night combos, make notes of your favorites from each version and create the ultimate date night!

YOUR PHOTO HERE

Photo Courtesy of Dean Images

GIRL'S DAY

PAMPER YOURSELVES

(Choose One)

„ Pedicures | Nailynn Beauty & Spa

„ Reflexology | Nail & Hair Saloon

„ Facials | Vellum Skin Care

FOOD & DRINK

(Choose One)

„ Wine Slushies/Charcuterie Board | Shakespeare Wine Co.

„ Coffee/Greek Salad | Viridian Coffee

„ Smoothie/Sandwich| Tropical Smoothie Café

SHOP AROUND

(Choose One)

„ Clothing | Tammie's Bling Boutique

„ Home Goods | Okie Mountain Trading Co

„ Home & Clothing | Ross

True Value Hardware

As you are out and about enjoying your day, get a picture with your best gal pals and place it to the right to commemorate your beautiful day. Grab different friends and mix up the day with multiple choices to create the best girl's day out in Chicaksha!

GUY'S DAY

ENTERTAINMENT

(Choose One)

„ Gun Shop | Two Vets Clothing Co.

„ Airsoft Battle | Misfit Tactical Airsoft

„ Basketball | YMCA

CHILLIN'

(Choose One)

„ Concert | Legends Pubhouse

„ Golf | Chickasha Golf & Country Club

„ Cards | Saltcreek Casino

GET SOME FOOD

(Choose One)

„ Chicken Fried Steak | Brandi's Bar & Grill

„ Mexican | La Fiesta

„ BBQ | Smokin' Joes

Guys aren't the best at taking photos, but give it a shot for the day! Take a photo of the guys and keep the memories alive for years to come. Put your photo in the space to the right then mix up the options to make another day's worth of fun. Keep it going until you've eliminated all options!

PHOTO HERE

EVENTS FOR DAYS

HALLOWEEN

(Choose One)

„ Family Fun | Neewollah

„ Adults Only | Fright Night

„ Haunted Golf Carts | Chickasha

Golf & Country Club

FOOD FEST

(Choose One)

„ Food Trucks | Food Truck Championship

„ Chili Cookoff | Neewollah

„ Spaghetti Day | Grady County Fairgrounds

EVERYTHING ELSE

(Choose One)

„ Family Fun | Rock Island Arts Festival

„ Watch a Game | USAO Drovers

„ Cars & Coffee | Leg Lamp

There are so many great events to choose from this Fall. Pick a few from the list - or try them all! Be sure to grab a photo while you are there to remember how fun it was and attach it to the right. Enjoy food, fun and festivities all Fall long and don't forget to tag #Oh18Adventure!

PHOTO HERE

WHAT IS A TRADE SCHOOL AND WHY IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?

When thinking about the next step for your career, are you considering a trade school? Canadian Valley Technology Center, CV Tech, offers an array of different job opportunities in the trade industry. Just a couple of things that set CV Tech apart are the hands on training in each specific field, smaller classes, affordability and shorter time period to complete your education versus a 4-year college.

The trade industry is growing and in constant need of employees. These skilled trades offer a sense of security in today's workforce.

CV Tech offers programs to begin training while you are still attending high school. The ability to get started in your career prior to receiving your High School Diploma gives you a jump start whether you are wanting to attend college or immediately enter the work force. The hands on training gives you a better understanding of the trade to highlight your interests when deciding a life-long career path.

On the flip side, if you are looking for a career change or decide college isn't for you, CV Tech can often be a better choice for you and your needs. CV Tech's involvement in the community will give you insight on great local job opportunities upon completion of your certification.

Providing high-tech educational opportunities for high school students, adults, small businesses, and large corporations.

FULL TIME COURSES

Accounting & Business Management

Auto Collision Technology

Auto Service Technology

Aviation Maintenance Technology

Biomedical Sciences

Business & Medical Administration

Computer Aided Drafting & Design

Computer Information Systems

Computer Programming

Constructions Trades

Cosmetology

Criminal Justice

Diesel Technology

Digital Media Technology

Early Care & Education

Electrical Trades

Graphic Design

Health Careers

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Industrial Automation

Medical Assistant

SCHOLARSHIPS

Medical Coding Specialist

Patient Account Representative

Practical Nursing

Pre-Engineering

Precision Machining Technology

Service Careers - Hospitality

Service Careers - Building & Grounds

Surgical Technology

Teacher Prep

Vision Care Technician

Welding

One of the great things about CV Tech, it works as a great tool for those who are working but want to further their career. In addition to all of the full time courses, CV Tech offers a number of short - term courses and online courses to fit your schedule.

Specific to CV Tech is the "Next Step Scholarship." Students eligible for their tuition to be completely covered must be 24 or under, have a High School Diploma or GED and live in the District. Not eligible?

No problem. CV Tech accepts other forms of scholarships such as Oklahoma Promise and FAFSA. A complete list of scholarship opportunities can be found on CV Tech's website or you can set up a time to meet with a counselor to run through your options.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GOING TO CV TECH?

Hey, I'm Kristen McGregor and I'm one of the owners of Oh18 Magazine. When I was a sophomore in high school (what seems a lifetime ago), I took a tour of CV Tech and learned about many of the fantastic programs they had. During the tour, we stopped in on a little class known as Graphic Design. The moment I stepped foot in the class and saw the artwork being created, I was hooked. I don't even believe I've questioned my career or path one time since this single moment in time where I found my calling at CV Tech now that I think about it!

My Junior year, I began the Graphic Design program and was absolutely thrilled with every part of the program. I was able to learn at my own pace, push my creative limits, dig into the computer programs and find new strengths. The instructor was incredible, pushing me to be better while encouraging the work I was doing.

Everyone at CV Tech was honestly wonderful. Instructors and admin were helpful, encouraging and full of great advice I've carried with me through my journey and still use today. I also met a lot of great people from other schools I would have never met otherwise. This is something I truly valued because I was from a smaller school and going to a trade school gave me opportunity to make connections and friendships outside of my normal crew.

Going through the Design Program gave me a huge leg up at the college level as well. I attended Oklahoma City Community College following CV Tech was able to use the Tech's classes as credit toward my degree as well as breeze through courses with the knowledge I'd gained beforehand. I firmly believe it prepped me and allowed me to be slightly ahead of others in the class which led to my first job/internship in the design world and eventually led me to bigger jobs to now the magazine and serving our very own community with professional Graphic Design!

I honestly attribute any success I've had to our incredible little tech school. CV Tech is the reason I started and succeeded in this field and it's the reason I am here writing this article in this particular magazine.

So, if you've ever questioned whether or not to try out CV Tech or see what courses they offer, I say do it. Without question, it could be the best decision you've ever made and may very well change your life's trajectory.

GHOULS GOBLINS

KIDS

 Don’t search through the candy bowl looking for “the good stuff.” Take a piece from the top

 Don't forget to say please and thank you.

 If you don’t like the candy being offered, take a piece anyway, and say thank you!

 If you’re going trick-or-treating, then you have to wear a costume!

ADULTS

 Leave your lights on if you are handing out candy. When you run out flip the switch. In turn leave your lights off if you are not partaking.

 Wear a costume when handing out candy. Join in the fun with the kids! But be mindful of small children coming to your door.

 Secure all pets in another room. You know that little Fluffy wouldn’t hurt anyone, but the small child at the door isn’t so sure.

 Be extra cautious. It's dark and kids are excited. They are more likely to run into the street without thinking.

 Don't hand out homemade treats, but spring for the good candy.

 Don't ask kids what they are - say “Tell me about your costume!” instead. Asking who they are makes it seem like it’s not obvious, and believe me kids think it's pretty obvious who they are.

Organizing 101

The Drop Zone

As kids go back to school, routines become more fluid and life begins to find a new rhythm, create a space to drop the baggage as you walk in the door. Literally, create a place for the bags! Entries are underutilized, so install some hooks, cubbies and a bench with shoe storage for the perfect drop zone as you enter your home.

Closet Clean Out

Get ready for Fall as you get rid of anything you didn't wear during Summer and store items no longer in season. Too many tees? Create a bin of shirts you aren't into right now and store them in an easily accessible place. When you're tired of your tees, swap some out of the bin - new tees year-round! Don't forget to try drawer dividers and new folding methods along the way.

Organized Art

Make better use of those beautiful hats and scarves you own by hanging them as displays rather than tucking them in the closet. Strategically hang them in the entry or down a hallway as a work of art. You can add shelves with bags if space allows!

Out with the Old

in with the new

We all have those spaces we overlook or some we even avoid. You know the ones - junk drawers, medicine cabinets, the weird cabinet above the fridge. It's time... Choose one space every day for a week and thank us later. Discard old medication and decide what you need to restock before cold and flu season hits. Empty the junk drawer, throw away all you can and use small organizers to create order. Sit in the floor and clean up the cabinet under the sink - consider a lazy susan or smaller sliding drawers to keep clutter to a minimum. Don't forget the cabinet above the refrigerator. Use this to store large pots only used once or twice a year or small appliances used less frequently. Lastly, check your silverware - it may be time to toss the mismatched items and start fresh!

Peaceful Baking

As baking season approaches, ensure you are ready to cook up a storm by prepping your chef's kitchen. Toss old, out-of-date ingredients and put the rest in nice jars or airtight containers with labels. Refresh your pantry and ingredients with new stock. Use drawer dividers to separate measuring cups and spoons from utensils. Experiment with new bins or containers and attachable drawers to find what works best for your space!

organic & organized

Kitchen Art

Much like hats and scarves, you can hang pots, pans, utensils and cutting boards neatly in the kitchen. It looks beautifully organic and creates an easily accessible storage for items you use regularly. It's a win-win!

Think Creative

Find unique ways to organize by looking for spaces being underutilized. Add a small shelf inside a cabinet for double the storage. Try a cool pegboard with fun attachments to hold odds and ends while being able to easily see everything. Install a rod with hooks under cabinets for mugs or utensils. You could even add pull out bins or baskets under benches for added storage. Keep your eyes peeled for spaces being unused which could double as creative organization.

Kid Craze

Toys, games, toys, clothes, toys! You know the drill. Go through those toys and weed out what you can then get started with the organized chaos. Use floating shelves to store books with the cover out for fun! Install hanging baskets for toy cars, stuffies and smaller items. Create under bed storage for out of season clothing. Lastly, don't overdo it! Kid rooms should be fun and free - the simpler, the better for kiddos!

Happy Organizing

Serves 9

Easy Tiramisu

the classic 90s dessert

Ingredients Preparation

Step 1

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, mix the mascarpone, maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and vanilla until fully combined. Fold in the whipped cream until smooth.

Step 3

Add the coffee to a shallow bowl or pie plate. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee, being careful not to soak it, and add to a 9×9-inch baking dish in a single layer (you’ll use half the ladyfingers).

Step 4

Spread half of the whipped cream mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat with the remaining coffee, ladyfingers, and whipped cream mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5

Dust with cocoa powder and remaining cinnamon before serving.

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1 cup mascarpone, room temperature

• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

• 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups very strong coffee

• 1 (7 ounce) package ladyfingers

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Chicken Stuffing Casserole

classic stuffing recipe with a crispy twist

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the center position.

Step 2

Spread bread pieces onto large rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring halfway through until dried out, about 15 minutes.

Step 3

Heat Dutch Oven, over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Transfer sausage to large bowl and place Dutch Oven back over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Season chicken thighs with 2 teaspoons of salt. Add chicken, skin side down, cook without disturbing until chicken skin is brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to plate.

Step 5

Add onions and celery and cook in residual chicken and sausage fat until just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Transfer onions, celery and drippings into bowl with sausage. Add bread pieces, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, toss to combine. Drizzle chicken stock over the bread mixture and toss gently to combine. Transfer bread mixture to Dutch oven.

Step 7

Nestle chicken thighs, skin side up, into bread mixture. Bake, uncovered, until chicken thighs register 170°F on an instant read thermometer, about 40 minutes.

Step 8

Transfer cooked chicken thighs onto plate. Give the bread mixture a stir to incorporate with any excess liquid in the bottom of pan. Garnish with extra parsley.

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 1 loaf Italian bread, torn into 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups)

• 1 pound ground mild Italian sausage

• 6 chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in

• 3 teaspoons sea salt

• 1 large yellow onion, diced

• 4 celery ribs, ¼-inch sliced (about 1½ cups)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves

• ¼ cup minced flat-leaf parsley, plus more for serving

• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

• 1¾ cups chicken stock

Small Town Stories

Rose Hill Cemetery

Unknown exactly when Rose Hill Cemetery was erected, there are many interesting stories of how Chickasha's Cemetery first began. One rendition is that a member of the Chickasaw Nation was sent out in search of an area to designate as a burial site after a death in their community. The land he found is thought to be today's Rose Hill Cemetery.

A more dicey story comes from a legend of the Cemetery's very first inhabitant. As legend has it, a gentleman by the name of James Speed owned the land and designated a portion of the land

for the cemetery. When Rose Hill's first customer wanted to buy this portion of land the two men began to argue and a fight ensued. Mr. Speed ended the argument by shooting and killing the buyer. The man resides in Rose Hill and Mr. Speed was sent to trial for his murder.

Whether one of these past stories are true or not, we do know the IOOF (Independent Order of Oddfellows) was responsible for the Cemetery prior to the City of Chickasha taking over. This group is responsible for many cemeteries across the United States.

2002 Tour Stop - James Dorn portraying John Flack Mausoleum

The oldest tombstone noted is from 1893, Mr. James Samuel Trimble, but there are believed to be older grave sites in Rose Hill. Unfortunately, a fire in the Cemetery's office in 1926 destroyed all the records of the unmarked graves.

Rich in history, Chickasha's Area Arts Council began hosting Cemetery Tours in 2002 and continued through 2008 to honor our past Chickasha citizens. After choosing individuals who reside in the Cemetery, researching the person and the era in which they lived, they had actors dress accordingly and speak of the person's life.

Each year, multiple past members of our community were honored in the Cemetery Tours. Among those honored were Nellie Sparks, who you may recognize from a previous Small Town Stories article, John Flack, Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher and Luther "Red" Emery Grady. During USAO's 100 year celebration, the Cemetery tour consisted of past USAO alum.

The last tour took place in 2010 after a short break in 2009.

FUN FACT

Prior to 1910, Mr. Joe West proposed to Ms. Pearle Lamberton on a bench near the Henry Johnson lot in Rose Hill Cemetery. Below you can see a photo of the couple - Ms. Lamberton is on the left and Mr. West is in the middle.

2002 Actors for Cemetery Tour

Ms. Lamberton and Mr. West

Thank you to Grady County Historical Society for photos and historical information.

Football Facts 90

MILLION

PEOPLE FLUSH THE TOILET DURING THE SUPER BOWL HALFTIME

Football is the Most Popular Game in the United States

American football was invented in 1882, making it only 136 years old.

American footballs are made of cowhide, not pigskin which was used for soccer balls.

The Super Bowl trophy is worth about $50,000.

HISTORY

ROUGHLY

DURING AN NFL GAME YOU WATCH

11 minutes of actual playing

17 minutes of replays

3 seconds of cheerleaders

67 minutes of players standing

Paul Hubbard, a deaf quarterback in the 1890s, introduced the huddle for the first time in order to hide his hand signals from the other team.

Breed

Small breed mix - Rescue

Color

Black and brown Best Trick

Waiting to eat his treat until given permission

Favorite Treat Carrots

Lovable Quirk

Stealthy food snatcher

Owner

Matt, Whitney, Grace, Ellison, & Brooks Palesano

If you'd like to submit your pet for pet of the month, send a photo and info to oh18.livelocal@gmail.com.

NONPROFIT of the MONTH

Chickasha Soup Kitchen

The Chickasha Soup Kitchen is a Christ lead group of volunteers determined to make Chickasha a better place. This nonprofit serves the community by feeding those in need five days a week and are heavily involved in supporting the community in multiple ways such as assisting Michigan Avenue Church's backpack bash and representing themselves at the Grady County Fair.

The organization has a board of directors who meet monthly to determine the best way to serve.

Now located in their permanent home at 520 W Pennsylvania, the Chickasha Soup Kitchen is always accepting nonperishable food items and volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering visit www.chickashasoupkitchen.org.