MOORE MONTHLY - August 2023

SPARKS ARE FLYING — Women’s softball is surging and popularity and Sydney Sherrill feels blessed to be riding that wave. Sherrill shares her thoughts on what its like to help make history in the sport.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

SOMETHING TO TACO BOUT — Tacologia offers authentic Mexican food for those looking to experience a culinary-geographical tour of Mexico.

ASK A DIETICIAN

HELL AND HIGH WATER — As temperatures soar into Hades territory, Norman Regional wants to remind you of some great ways to stay properly hydrated.

SPORTS

RACING TO THE TOP — A 15-year-old Moore teen is living the dream, competing

Moore has been blessed with a great history of athletes who have gone on to have a major impact on the world of sports. In this month’s issue we find ourselves in the very position to mark the career paths of two more individuals who are achieving at a remarkable level of excellence. One is an athlete in her prime and approaching an historic, professional peak. The other is a youngster, just starting out.

Sydney Sherrill is helping the OKC Spark fight for supremacy in the inaugural season of World Professional Fastpitch. Keeaira Sherrill will be competing at the UCI World BMX Cycling Championships in Scotland this month. No, the two are not related. But they are both on an upward path that impacts women’s sports around the world.

SOUTHMOORE’S SYDNEY SHERRILL IS SET ON MAKING HISTORY

Way back in 2008, the USA. The Women's National Team was in Oklahoma City to play a series of games against international competition. A young Sydney Sherrill was among the throng of fans in the stands to watch. Sherrill says she doesn't remember many details about the experience, just that she was so thrilled to be there and incredibly excited to see superstar pitcher Jennie Finch.

"It's so crazy to think about being there to watch Jennie Finch pitch," said Sherrill. "I was still playing baseball at the time but was moving into softball, and my parents took me to the Hall of Fame to watch. The thing I do remember so well is standing in line after the game to get Jenny's autograph on my glove."

Sherrill says it's ever crazier for her that the cycle of softball stardom has turned to the point where hordes of young softball fans now stand in line to get her autograph. As a member of the Oklahoma City Spark, in their inaugural season for the World Professional Fastpitch League (WPF), Sherrill now carries the banner for softball like Finch, and her teammates did back in 2008.

"Just to think about how far the sport has come over the past ten years is awesome," said Sherrill. "I've been so blessed that I have been able to experience part of that rise in my career."

Sherrill's spectacular career includes a school-record 283 games played at Florida State University, where she was one of the most decorated players in Seminole history.

Among her many honors from her time in Tallahassee are multiple selections as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and All-ACC Team. She also helped lead Florida State to an NCAA national championship in 2018. In high school, Sherrill starred for the Southmoore Sabercats, leading them to a 2017 6A Oklahoma State championship and being named the Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year.

"Honest, I do not have the words to express how grateful I am for my time in Moore and Tallahassee," said Sherrill. "I'm so proud of everyone in the sport of softball, how hard they've worked, and how far the sport has come. Especially Oklahoma City. It's amazing

to me every year how OKC softball fans show up to support the sport. But just to be playing in the Hall of Fame again 15 or so years after watching Jenny Finch and Team USA play as a little girl is so awesome."

Those who were paying attention during the 2023 Women's College World Series know that Sherrill also became an off-the-field, viral internet sensation with her support of Florida State during this year's tournament. Various videos of Sherrill enthusiastically leading cheers for the Seminoles during the playoffs circulated. Those who know Sherrill well were not surprised by her passionate support.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAURY NEIPRIS

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAURY NEIPRIS

"Playing at Florida State changed my life, and I still have a lot of friends on the team," said Sherrill. "I just wanted to be there for them and cheer them on because I had the time of my life playing with them."

That passion for the sport and her teammates has been a hallmark of Sherrill's playing time since high school. She says she is still having the time of her life this summer, playing third base and leading off for the Oklahoma City Spark. She is also very aware that she and her teammates are part of a history-making season.

"I hope this is the first step in getting our sport to a point where

won't have to worry about a job outside of softball. She will just be able to play the game she loves."

Sherrill wants to make sure that as much as she longs for a professional path for softball players, she still loves the life she gets to live now, which includes a new full-time coaching position at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona.

"Honestly, it's a dream come true for me to be able to do this," said Sherrill. "To continue to play and get to work with Coach Hays at Grand Canyon."

The path to coaching comes as naturally to Sherrill as playing softball. But don't think that means all these opportunities simply fell into her lap. She says she has always worked hard to get to this

"I started doing teaching lessons, running camps and clinics in Tallahassee," said Sherrill. "I realized that my knowledge of the game is something I can give back to the younger generation to help grow this game. I just became very confident in my ability to coach and teach. I also began to think about my coaches' great impact on me as a player and a person, especially Coach Alameda. The impact she had on me as a player and a person, moving to Florida 15 hours away from home when I was 17 years old, and how she helped me through all my ups and downs of life helped

That is a life-lesson Sherrill intends to pass on to younger players now as a Grand Canyon assistant coach. She was Coach Dan Hays's volunteer assistant last year and is ready to step into a full-time role.

"Grand Canyon is building such a great program and had a really successful year this year," said Sherrill. "Coaching at a mid-major is a fun experience, and our goal is to get to a super-regional. After that, the sky is the limit."

As she navigates this new career path balancing playing professionally with coaching, Sherrill says the sense of playing a role in elevating women's softball to the next

"I understand that I am playing at a high level right now," said Sherrill. "And the fact that I get to play in Oklahoma City with players like Jo (Jocelyn Alo) and Michelle Moultrie is helping raise the bar for the sport and for the players who are yet to come. Everyone on our team and in the Spark organization is

For Sherrill, that's a wonderfully crazy, full-circle thought for a kid who once sat in Hall of Fame stadium stands, watching Jenny

10 Simple Meals in 10 Minutes or Less

With the sky-high cost of going out to eat and making meals at home, it is still easy to have some simple and affordable meals that you can make for yourself and your family members that take the anxiety out of the dinner hour. Finding the inspiration to prepare meals every day can be difficult enough without the added task of trying to keep things affordable. Having ten meals that you can put together in 10 minutes or less helps to control your weekly food budget.

1. Tacos – tacos are tough to beat for healthy, fun eating that brings together multiple food groups. They are also incredibly flexible, with chicken, beef, fish, and vegetarian and vegan versions available.

2. Soup on the Fly – While many soups require longer prep times and slow simmering, there are a few ways to get a decent soup on the table in minutes. A version of pasta fagioli is one. Onions and celery cook quickly, carrots can be grated to speed the process, canned beans are already cooked, and most dried pasta cooks in six to eight minutes. Add a quick salad and some bread, and you have a nice summer meal on the table in no time.

3. Fried Rice – for this super-quick inexpensive meal, use precooked rice from a prior home-cooked or takeout meal or a minute rice, then add almost anything you want.

Whether you’re using leftover pork ribs, sale ham, or chopped chicken, fried rice is a great way to use leftovers of all types. Don’t forget the soy sauce.

4. Gourmet Sandwiches – horseradish-infused tuna melt, oven-toasted ham, and Swiss, a fresh mozzarella caprese-style sandwich spread with fun condiments and bargain banana peppers. Add some homemade potato chips or crispy oven fries, and you get a decently replicated café’ experience right at home.

5. Dinner Salads – There are plenty of creative opportunities for salads: Chicken Caesar, sliced steak, spinach, and strawberry with feta and sunflower seeds. The time-saver here is the low number of

prep dishes to scrub and scour and the reduced or removed cooking time depending on whether you use precooked meat or grill it up fresh that night. Either way, this strategy puts a healthy, fast meal on the table in a flash.

6. Stir-Fry – Thinly sliced beef, shrimp, small chunks of chicken, and tofu cubes all cook quickly. Add to that the rapid cook time of diagonally sliced vegetables, and stir-fry bumps nearly to the top of the list for time-saving dinners.

7. The Slow Cooker or Air Fryer – The benefits here are the extremely reduced preparation and flexibility and fewer dishes to wash afterward. It takes no time to cook something with either kitchen tool. Having a hearty dinner ready when you walk through the door is decadent indeed. Many simple, time-efficient recipes are out there for slow cooker and air fryer meal prep.

8. Rip and Dunk – These are simple, flexible, and extremely affordable, depending on your choice of ingredients. Hummus with a selection of flatbread and vegetables is one way to go. Bread-bowl dinners and fondue are others. This type of dinner option can be as rustic as you like.

9. Breakfast for Dinner – This is yet another area where you have great flexibility. Both quick options are using homemade baking mix or on-the-go pancakes and waffles or serving a hearty egg scramble with sausage and peppers.

10. Affordable conveniences – Still cheaper than takeout or restaurant dining, having a few convenience items on hand for those evenings when your schedule is completely out of whack is a viable alternative. Frozen grocery store entrees, rotisserie chicken, and even tater tots can get everyone fed easily. The time saved can be used to regroup and get things back on track for the next morning.

Enjoy this opportunity to add more fresh vegetables and fruit as convenience foods. So many colorful and flavorful easy meals can be made with them. Enjoy the rest of the summer!

AUGUST 2023

August 1 8:30 a.m. Open Art Studio 10:00 a.m. Country Music House Singers

″ Wii Bowling

″ Sr. Games Darts * Registration Required*

August 2 12:30 a.m. Games 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Movie

August 3 11:00 a.m. Speaker Rick Gunter Golden Age Health 12:30 p.m. Corn Hole

August 4 8:30 a.m. Open Art Studio 12:15 p.m. Bingo with Kristin Oak Street Health

p.m. Senior Games Hand & Foot

*Registration Required* 2:00 p.m. Table Tennis

August 7 9:00 a.m. Classic Movie

August 8 8:30 a.m. Open Art Studio 10:00 a.m. Library with Cheyenne 10:00 a.m. Wii Bowling

August

August

Meeting with Kim Lopez

August

August

August

August

August

August

August

August 29

August

August 31

Exercise: Mon, Wed, & Fri 10:15

Stretch, Strengthen and Health: Tues. 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.

August 16 11:45 a.m. Fresh Cobbler provided by Village on the Park

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.

Graham Amanda Senior Center

Reservations for meals: 793-9069

Donation for a meal for seniors 60 & above: $2.25

Required cost for guests under 60: $5.00

BUSINESS: Tacologia

ADDRESS: 2100 N Eastern Ave, Suite 5

PHONE: 405-735-7525

WEBSITE: tacologiaok.com

SOCIAL MEDIA: facebook.com/mooretacologia/ and Instagram.com/tacologia_moore/

Tacologia: A Delightfully Geographical Tour of Authentic Mexican Food

HOURS: Monday – Friday 11 am – 7 pm Saturday 11 am – 4 pm Sunday Closed

While there is a certain rationality to the name of one of Moore’s best authentic Mexican restaurants, Chef Ray Delgado says Tacologia is more about location than logic.

“The initial idea was to offer a special menu item from different parts of Mexico,” said Delgado. “And we wanted to make sure everything on our menu was an authentic Mexican recipe.”

Delgado is a classically-trained chef who has worked most of his life in the Pacific Northwest. He says every recipe in the store is a personal effort using only fresh ingredients.

We take so much pride in what we do, so everything is fresh,” said Delgado. “We do everything in-house, so absolutely no processed foods. And this is authentic Mexican, not Tex-Mex.”

Tacologia is a true, family-owned, and operated business. Delgado and his wife, Blanco, own and run the business with just two other employees. They chose a fast-casual, counter-service concept with a small menu to allow them complete control over the quality of the dining experience. Those decisions have paid off with loyal clients who appreciate the fast service and uniquely delicious food.

Delgado and his wife were determined to bring their unique brand of authentic Mexican food to the area, even though they realized there were already many “taco shops” open in the area. They have also weathered the challenge of starting up a new business about 15 months ago, in the wake of the pandemic when so many other businesses have been closing.

“Beginnings can be rough, and you must be very dedicated,” said Delgado. “But we take the attitude that our customers are our friends and neighbors, and if we can just get an opportunity to share our passion and food with them, they will continue to support us. We are so grateful to the people in Moore for their support.”

Moreover, one thing that genuinely sets Tacologia apart and keeps customers coming back is the originality of the food. Delgado, who has been cooking for almost 35 years, says coming up with these recipes is a labor of love. He also loves the more intimate atmosphere here after a successful career managing large hotels with multiple kitchens and hundreds of employees.

”These are all my own recipes,” said Delgado. “My background and training as a chef has allowed me to do a lot of research. I’ve taken authentic Mexican recipes and added my own twist on it and believe we’ve come up with some delicious things for our customers.”

Researching and experimenting never really stops at Tacologia. While customers will always settle on favorites, you’ll also occasionally be surprised with new items.

“We have a foundation menu, I guess you would call it,” said Delgado, “But we also have specials that sometimes we keep because our customers like them so much. That’s why the shrimp, fish tacos, and enchiladas are now on the menu.”

What You Need to Know Before Purchasing Solar Panels for Your Home

know this type of usage is not the norm. The other nine months of the year, electricity consumption decreases for the majority of consumers.

During the summer months, solar companies are out in full force selling at-home solar panels to residents. They typically offer lofty deals and sometimes promise to make electric bills all but disappear. Some have even claimed to be partners with electricity providers, which could be a false claim to make. Most electric providers have a plethora of solar resources available on their websites so those interested can make a fully informed decision.

The information given to homeowners by solar companies is often misleading and inaccurate, causing them to purchase solar systems that are far too large for their homes. What can you do to avoid falling victim to these misleading sales tactics? OEC’s Energy Efficiency Solutions Specialist Daniel Lofland offers some tips.

“When solar salespeople size a home for solar panels, they typically look at your July and August electric bills as the standard,” he said. “They will try to sell you a system that will offset that usage, which is typically the highest period when looking at your last 12 months due to air conditioning, pool pumps and other heavy power users.”

We all have experienced higher usage and higher electric bills in the summer, but we also

“If they build a solar array to fit that high summertime usage, that system will be over-producing in March or April when you use half the amount of power as you do in July or August,” said Lofland. “Electric utilities in Oklahoma — and most other states — only credit consumers for excess production based on the cost of fuel that wasn’t purchased to produce that home’s power, because that home produced its own. This typically equates to about 3.5¢ per kilowatt-hour — and THIS is the key piece of information solar salespeople leave out when selling panels to a homeowner.”

Residents should ensure the size of their solar array is based on their electric consumption during “shoulder” months like October, November, March or April.

“Before you consider installing solar panels, I encourage homeowners to ensure their homes are performing as efficiently as possible,” said Lofland. “Most electric providers offer home energy audits — some at no cost to the consumers. A solar array can certainly offset usage, but it’s important that your home be well insulated and sealed before installing any kind of distributed generation to maximize savings. This step will also help you avoid installing a system too large for your family’s energy consumption.”

Your electricity provider should be your first call if you are considering installing solar panels on your home. Call their solar experts and request they visit your home and help you size your solar array accordingly. Their expertise in the science behind solar generation, as well as in-depth access to your usage history, will be vital information to have as you make a purchase decision.

Norman Neurosurgeon Marks Completion of 150 Robotic Spine Surgeries

Using the Mazor robot in surgery also decreases the need for additional surgeries, Dr. Eichert said, adding that it is ideally suited for patients with osteoporosis who require a lumbar fusion.

Clint Miller, clinic manager for Neurosurgery Associates, said Dr. Eichert’s achievement with robotic-assisted spine surgeries offers patients needing spinal surgery more peace of mind.

Stephen Eichert, DO, a board-certified neurosurgeon at Norman Regional’s Neurosurgery Associates, is the first surgeon in Oklahoma to successfully perform 150 robotic spine surgeries using the Mazor X Stealth Edition Robotic-Guidance Platform.

Dr. Eichert became the first surgeon in Oklahoma to complete 100 robotic spine surgeries last summer. Furthermore, now, he has finished 150 surgeries.

The Mazor robot is designed to support spine surgeons’ need to operate with precision by providing comprehensive information and visualization before the surgery starts. With robotic technology, spine surgeons can pre-plan the surgery based on the patient’s unique spinal anatomy and then execute the plan in the operating room using navigation and robotic guidance for enhanced precision.

“Robotic-assisted surgeries offer benefits to the patient, including less pain, shorter recovery time, and less blood loss during surgery. They also offer me a clearer picture to plan the surgery and more precision during the procedure,” Dr. Eichert said. “I’m excited to be the first surgeon in Oklahoma to complete 150 robotic spine surgeries.”

“Having a neurosurgeon be the first in the state to complete this many robotic-assisted surgeries helps assure the patients of his experience, knowledge, and expertise when it comes to their surgery,” Miller said. “Dr. Eichert was already a skilled neurosurgeon, offering expert precision on every surgery, but the Mazor robot enhances his skills even more to ensure the best outcome for every patient.”

Dr. Eichert is just one of Norman Regional’s neurosurgeons; other surgeons include Drs. Clay Cochran and Michael Martin. The Neurosurgery Associates team performs all types of surgeries on the spine, brain, and peripheral nervous systems. Patients seeking care should first visit their primary care provider, as they can help find the root of the problem and then either treat the patient themselves or refer them to the clinic.

For more information on what Neurosurgery Associates has to offer, visit https://www.normanregional.com/services/neurosurgery or call 405-307-3300.

Hydration: Why it is Important and How to Stay Properly Hydrated with the Increasing Heat

With the increasing heat in Oklahoma, we all know it is important to stay adequately hydrated, especially during the summer months! But why is that? Water is essential to keeping all bodily systems working properly, including temperature regulation, reducing the risk of developing kidney stones, urinary tract infections, constipation, and preventing dehydration.

Dehydration occurs when the body excretes more water than is being taken in through fluids or food intake. Many factors can influence how much water you need to prevent dehydration from occurring, including the temperature, your activity level, or if you have been sweating or are sick. Some symptoms of dehydration to monitor would include

• Thirst, dry tongue, thick saliva

• Nausea, Headaches, Dizziness, Confusion

• Tiredness/Fatigue

• Increased body temperature

• Decreased urine/dark yellow

• Cramping in legs

There are many symptoms of dehydration, be sure to stay aware of how you feel during the summer months. Although uncommon, overhydration is also of concern, making it important not to go overboard on fluid intake.

How much water do you need?

As mentioned before, many factors influence how much water each person needs. Fluid requirements are based on age, sex, activity level, health, and medical conditions.

For generally healthy individuals, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that the average woman needs approximately 9 cups (72oz) of hydrating fluid per day, and men need about 13 cups (104oz) of hydrating fluids per day to replenish fluids lost. Keep in mind that fluid needs vary on many factors, and this should not be used as a set guideline.

A quick way to check your hydration status would be to perform a “color check” with your urine, preferably in the morning. Light-yellow colored urine usually signifies adequate hydration, while a dark yellow or amber-colored urine color signifies the need to increase the amount of water consumed.

What should you do to stay hydrated?

A great method to stay hydrated would be to drink water throughout the day and listen to our body: if thirsty, drink water and avoid sugary drinks. A way to accomplish this would be to keep water with you at all possible times and use a straw to increase the ease of drinking. For

example, if working a desk job, consider carrying a larger water bottle that can be refilled or a tumbler with you to work to keep at your desk. If you forget to take sips of water throughout the day, choose a word that is said or used frequently, and take a sip of fluid when you hear that word. Another way to increase fluid intake during this time of year would be to always take a water bottle or refillable cup with you when running errands or in the car.

Some hydrating fluid options can include Plain water flavored with lemon, lime, berries, and cucumber. Sparkling water is also a great option if wanting some carbonation. Electrolytes could also be added to the diet if sweating or when sick. Electrolytes will help maintain your fluid balance in the body and help prevent muscle cramps. When looking for an electrolyte drink, lower sugar if preferred, and it should contain sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride.

Now let’s talk about food you can consume to increase your hydration. Yes, some foods are very high in water content and can help maintain hydration! Approximately 20% of fluids consumed are from food sources. Some fruit and vegetables have more water content than others. Options with 90-100% water content include watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, lettuce, cabbage, celery, spinach, and squash. Options with 70-89% water content include bananas, grapes, oranges, pears, pineapple, carrots, broccoli, and avocado. Some dairy products also are high in water content, including yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and fat-free milk.

During the next few months, it is vital to stay properly hydrated so that we can all enjoy these long summer days and stay as cool as a cucumber while doing so!

Move from Los Angeles to Moore Fits Perfectly for Montague FIRST RESPONDER SPOTLIGHT

He joined the Marine Corps Reserve and says he enjoyed it and the military lifestyle. His unit was activated in 2008 and sent to Iraq in 2009. When he returned, it wasn't long before the possibility of law enforcement arose.

"Towards the end of my military career, a recruiter from LAPD came down and talked to a bunch of the Marines. They were offering the written test right then and there. I passed it and was off to L.A."

disappear for a while. In Los Angeles, it's like building a sandcastle at the beach. The waves sweep it away as soon as you build it."

More importantly for Montague, the Oklahoma lifestyle truly fits him and his family. He says he always felt like a fish out of water in California. Now that he's in Oklahoma, he enjoys outdoor life as a single dad with two young daughters, ages six and three, and a son who is five years old.

Officer Chris Montague was born in California's Bay Area but grew up in the Los Angeles area when his family moved there shortly after his birth.

"I was pretty much born and raised in Southern California," said Montague. "I grew up doing the beach thing, surfing, skateboarding, and all that. Pretty typical Southern California kid."

Montague says he loved history in school and originally wanted to be a history teacher.

"I still am a history nerd to this day," said Montague, "But I really wasn't at my best academically, so when the war broke out in the mid-2000s, and I graduated in 2006, I decided to take some time in the military to figure things out."

That was 2010, and Montague says he really enjoyed working as a police officer in the sprawling city of Los Angeles, even with the obvious challenges that came with the job.

"I think it was a great workplace," said Montague. "And holy cow, what a great place to learn and get exposure! I had a lot of great mentors, too. But once I got married, had kids, and was thinking about raising a family, we started looking for a good Christian value-based area."

That search led Montague and his family to the Moore area. He started in Norman, but it was only a short time before he moved to Moore. He says he quickly fell in love with the city.

"I think one of the best things here is that the community is much smaller, so have a larger impact," said Montague. "If you arrest somebody who's burglarizing an area, you'll actually see those burglaries

"We're hitting the t-ball stage, and we love to go bombing around our property on the quads," said Montague. "We're on ten acres, so if we're not doing sports, we're swimming in the pond or digging for bugs, fun stuff like that."

And after having patrolled in some of the toughest urban areas in the country, including South Central Los Angeles, Montague says the move to Oklahoma has been perfect for him.

"The way I was trained in L.A. was essentially that I was a hammer looking for a nail," said Montague. "That's not the fault of the police force, necessarily. It was just all the things that had happened over the years that led to a challenging situation for both police and the public. But here, we're just super fortunate to have such a great city to work for and such great leadership, from Chief Gibson through the city council and city manager. They all put us in a position to have a positive impact in our community."

Moore Norman Technology Center is celebrating 50 Years of service and education to our local community. Established in 1972, MNTC is considered one of America’s top educational and training institutions. It’s also one of 29 technology centers within Oklahoma’s globally-recognized CareerTech System. Moore Norman is constantly adapting to the times, providing critical training and skills to a workforce that is undergoing consistent change. With more than 1,000 career programs and hundreds of short-term programs, businesses and students can gain meaningful career and technical skills, including state and national certifications.

Moore Norman Technology Center Kicks Off 50 Year Anniversary

Congratulations on reaching the 50-year milestone! How has your institution evolved and adapted to the changing needs of industry and the local community?

Moore Norman Technology Center was created to support industry in our community by providing the very best in workforce development and training. In doing so, we have also provided countless thousands of individuals with career training in high demand, high wage professions. This training has enabled our students to earn state and national certifications, enjoy a fulfilling career, make an excellent living wage, and take care of themselves, their families, and contribute to our community.

In 1975 Moore-Norman Vocational Technical School offered programs that are still available today like welding, HVAC, auto service, and practical nursing. Back then, however, there were also programs in general clerical, and mass merchandising. By the early 1980s computers and word processing programs were added and eventually training in less in-demand fields was ended. We became Moore Norman Technology Center in 1998 as technology began making its way across many fields and trades. In the decades since we have continued to study local, state, and national data to understand and anticipate changes in workforce needs. We also have advisory committees for each of our career programs made up of industry professionals. These industry pros keep us informed about what is happening in their fields, what kind of employees they need, and what kind of skills and equipment training potential employees should be gaining. MNTC is always listening and strives to be agile and quick to respond to the workforce needs in our community and beyond.

What do you believe has helped your institution foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to stay rel-

evant and successful in a rapidly evolving technological landscape?

Innovation and continuous improvement are cornerstones of career and technical education in Oklahoma and Moore Norman thrives on growth and advancement. We are constantly scanning the environment for shifts and trends in workforce and economic development and when we see an opportunity that is right for our students and the community, we act on it. That’s why we have worked swiftly to earn FAA approval to start an aerospace program. When the need for public safety training became apparent, we answered the call with our Basic Peace Officer Program which has led to the development of our public safety training center. We also collaborate with many community partners who work with us to forge these new paths.

How will you be commemorating your 50-year anniversary? Are there any special events, initiatives, or projects planned to celebrate this momentous occasion the community should look out for?

We have events planned throughout the year and encourage people to follow us on social media and visit our website for the latest information. We also have the new MNTC Alumni Association that will provide former students with the latest information on news and events. People can join the Alumni Association by visiting www. mntc.edu/alumni and completing a short online form.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for the next 50 years? How do you plan to build upon your legacy and continue to be a leader in vocational education and training?

While we are always innovating and staying ahead of the curve, one thing that will not change in the next 50 years at Moore Norman Technology Center is our commitment to changing the lives of our students, faculty, staff, and the community for the best. We know industry is built on innovation and change and we are here to move along with it, staying ahead of the game so that the people and businesses in our community (and beyond) can thrive.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART

555 Elm Avenue, Norman

Exhibition: Yellowstone in Color

Through November 26, 2023

"Yellowstone in Color" celebrates the first U.S. national park through art, but we hope you’ll explore the beautiful parks right here in Oklahoma this summer too. When you drop by our new exhibition this weekend, pick up a free state park passport and a field notebook to take on your adventures while supplies last. Thanks to Lake Thunderbird State Park for the passports! For more information call 405-325-3275.

Spotlight Saturday: Color Block Printing

Saturday, August 12, 2:00 p.m. –4:00 p.m.

Drop by the studio space in the new exhibition "Yellowstone in Color: Thomas Moran and Louis Prang Print the West" to make an exciting color print of your own. Free and fun for all ages! For more information call 405-325-3275.

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

PARKS BOARD MEETING

Tuesday, August 1 at 6:00 p.m. The Station at Central Park, 700 S. Broadway.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Tuesday, August 1, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Moore Warren Theater parking lot, 1000 S. Telephone Road. The “40th Annual National Night Out” (NNO), a unique crime prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. We cordially invite you to join us this night at the Warren Theatre parking lot (1000 S. Telephone Rd.), from 7–9 p.m. Among the activities scheduled for the evening include Ambulance, Fire, and Police demonstrations. There will also be local vendors and community partners present.

MOVIE IN THE PARK

Friday, August 4, 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Parmele Park, 1308 N. Janeway. Join us under the starts for a free showing of the movie, “Remember the Titans (PG).” Bring your family out to enjoy a flick and concessions on site.

CITY

COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, August 7 at 6:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETING

Tuesday, August 8 at 5:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

Tuesday, August 8 at 7:00 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

Friday, August 11, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Central Park Multipurpose Paviliion, 700

S. Broadway Ave. Join us for your lunch break and some live music at our Food Truck Fridays!  A variety of different food trucks right here at Central Park in Moore.

Food Trucks:  Coits Food Truck, Cousins Main Lobster and Cutie Pies Concession.

Live Music:  Aaron Newman.

URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY

Monday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore

MOVIE IN THE PARK

Friday, August 18, 8:30 p.m. –10:30 p.m.

Little River Park, 700 SW 4th St. Join us under the starts for a free showing of the movie, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG).” Bring your family out to enjoy a flick and concessions on site.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

Friday, August 25, 11:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m.

Central Park Multipurpose Paviliion, 700 S. Broadway Ave. Join us for your lunch break and some live music at our Food Truck Fridays!  A variety of different food trucks right here at Central Park in Moore.

Food Trucks:  Yum Pig, The Whoopie Wagon, and Yum Yum Bites.

Live Music:  Joey Wallace.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

ADOPT-A-PET

Moore Animal Shelter, S-I35 Service Road. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., closed on holidays. For additional information call (405) 793-5190.

BIG TRASH PICK UP

Moore residents will be allowed two FREE big trash pick-ups a year and one free voucher to the city landfill for each physical address in Moore. Call (405) 793-5070 to schedule your trash pick-up.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM

Moore Police Dept. is starting a Neighborhood Watch Program. If you’re interested in helping your neighborhood reduce crime, contact Sgt. Jeremy Lewis, (405) 793-4448.

OKLAHOMA PARKINSON’S ALLIANCE SUPPORT

GROUP

First Tuesday of each month, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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. to 1:00 p.m.

Moore Chamber of Commerce, 305 W. Main St. Moore Rotary Club meetings are held weekly. At our meeting, we aim to have fellowship and fun, enjoy a good meal and listen to an interesting speaker as well as communicate activity updates to members. There are membership fees associated to Rotary International. Come visit at least once and we’ll be happy to discuss membership options. Rotary International is an international service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service and advance goodwill and peace around the world. It is a non-political and non-religious organization. For

more information contact Dee Ann Gay at 405-300-6202.

405 BUSINESS CLUB

Weekly on Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. to 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.

FILL THE BUS SUPPLY DRIVE

Tuesday, August 1, 7:00 p.m. –9:00 p.m.

National Night Out, Moore Warren Theater Parking lot. Fill the Bus, Moore Chamber Foundation's annual school supply drive that benefits Moore school teachers, kicks off on Friday, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter at 501 SW 19th Street in Moore. 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 21 and 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then concluding at National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Regal Warren Moore Theater parking lot from 7 to 9 p.m. Monetary donations will also be accepted. 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 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, Pens. Sponsorships are available. Contact Kim Brown at 405-794-3400 or email kbrown@moorechamber.com.

SOUTH OKC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CITY CONNECTION

Tuesday, August 8, 7:30 a.m. –9:00 a.m.

Frontier State Bank, 5100 S. I-35. Come join us for some coffee and conversation as we hear from Ward 6 Councilwoman JoBeth Hamon and Director/ Administrator of EMBARK and City of Oklahoma City Assistant City Manager Jason Ferbrache. For more information contact Elizabeth Fox at 405-6341436 or email elizabethfox@southokc. com.

MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NETWORKING LUNCH

Tuesday, August 8, 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Del Rancho, 1409 N. Moore Ave. Tickets are $15/person, which includes a catered Fuzzy’s Taco lunch. Registration and full payment are expected before the event. Join us for great food, door prizes, 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. Thank you. For more information contact Amy Lee at 405-794-3400 or email alee@moorechamber.com.

We will do this through events and programs throughout the year. Price: $30 for Chamber member individual ticket (Early Bird Pricing - $25 before 8/4), $35 for Non-Member (Early Bird Pricing - $30 before 8/4), $225 for table of 8 Members, $275 for table of 8 Non-Members. For more information contact Kim Brown at 405-794-3400 or email kbrown@moorechamber.com.

MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Tuesday, August 15, 5:00 p.m. –7:00 p.m.

Newcastle Casino, 2457 Hwy 62 Service Road, Newcastle. 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! Thank you. For more information contact Amy Lee at 405-794-3400 or email alee@moorechamber.com.

MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EGGS & ISSUES

Wednesday, August 16, 8:00 a.m. –9:00 a.m.

Moore Chamber of Commerce, 305 W. Main Street. Join us for a Moore Public Schools Update from Dr. Robert Romines, MPS Superintendent, on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 8am at Moore Chamber, 305 W Main in Moore. For more information contact Kelly Arnold at 405-794-3400 or email karnold@ moorechamber.com.

legislative session and what we can be looking forward to for 2024. You must RSVP to attend this luncheon. $30 for members, $40 for non-members. For more information contact Elizabeth Fox at 405-634-1436 or email elizabethfox@ southokc.com.

MOORE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS

Wednesday, August 23

Valir Physical Therapy, 1414 N. Eastern Ave. 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! Thank you For more information contact Kelly Arnold at 405-794-3400 or email karnold@ moorechamber.com.

SOUTH OKC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT

Thursday, August 24, 8:30 a.m –1:00 p.m.

MOORE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WIN GIRL BOSS LUNCH

Friday, August 11, 11:30 a.m. –1:15 p.m.

Moore Norman Technology Center

(S. Penn), 13301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Newly formed in 2020, WIN was created to bring the businesswomen of Moore and the surrounding areas together for strength, support, and camaraderie in both business and life.

SOUTH OKC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEGISLATIVE RECAP LUNCH

Wednesday, August 16, 11:30 a.m. –1:00 p.m.

Moore Norman Technology Center, 13301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Join us for our Annual Legislative Recap Luncheon as we hear from Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd and Majority Floor Leader Representative Jon Echols on all of the updates from the 2023

Silverleaf Shotgun Sports, 8513 S. Douglas Blvd., Guthrie. The South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce is proud to invite you the 2023 Sporting Clays Tournament!  Join us in this excellent opportunity to be outdoors, network, and have fun! There will be four-person teams. Individual entries are also encouraged!  This event is open for members and non-members. Registration deadline is August 11. Sponsorships and teams are still available. Secure your team today, as space is limited. Team of 4: $500, Individual: $125. For more information contact Elizabeth Fox at 405-634-1436 or email elizabethfox@southokc.com.

SOUTH OKC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Thursday, August 24, 5:00 p.m. –7:00 p.m.

Oklahoma City Community College VPAC Center, 7777 S. May Ave. Join us

for an evening of networking. For more information contact Elizabeth Fox at 405-634-1436 or email elizabethfox@ southokc.com.

2023 MOORE WAR RUN

Saturday, August 26th, 7:30 a.m.

Starts at Moore High School, Main and Eastern Ave., finish line is located on Broadway near the Old School Business Center. The 15th Moore War Run starts at 7:30 a.m.. You’ll want to arrive at the start line prior to 7:00 a.m. Now in its 15th year, the Moore War Run 5K supports student initiatives at Moore and Westmoore High Schools in the Moore Public Schools District. Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome. You can register online right up until the race starts. Register at moorewarrun. cm. Cash is not accepted for registrations. Packet pickup will be on Friday, August 25, at Westmoore High School from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. You can

pick up a packet on Saturday morning, but it’s strongly recommended that you pick it up on Friday evening.

FOOD FRENZY FRIDAY

Friday, August 25, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. South OKC Chamber of Commerce, 701 SW 74th St. Food Trucks, Sweet Treats, Vendor Booths, Free Networking, & Door Prizes! We're excited to have this summer program to show our current members and also non-members to all the great networking events we have to help build their business. Free for members and non-members. For more information contact Jamie Crowe at 405-634-1436 or Marla Robinson at 405-514-8937.

SENIOR CONNECTION

P.A.L.S. PROGRAM FOR SENIORS

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

PROJECT RETURN HOME FOR ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS IN MOORE

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

TRANSPORTATION:

• Metro Transit will provide van service for age 60 and older on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the Moore area

to Oklahoma City for medical appointments. Call Jackie at (405) 297-2583.

• Moore Council on Aging

Seniors may have transportation anywhere in the city of Moore for errands or appointments. 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. Call (405) 799-3130 at least one day in advance.

• “Share-A-Fare” for age 60 and over or disabled. Purchase taxi fare at 40% off.

ACTIVITIES & CLASSES

This is a partial list of schedules, activities, and classes available through the Moore Parks & Recreation department. You can find something of interest for everyone by visiting 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 PROGRAMMING AT THE STATION

AQUATICS FITNESS

WHEN: Mon-Thu, Through August 9

TIME: 7:00-7:50 a.m./8:00-8:50 a.m.

WHERE: The Station Aquatic Center

COST: $6-Moore Residents / $10-Non-Residents / Free-Passholders

LAP SWIM

WHEN: Mon-Thu, Through August 9

TIME: 5:30-6:50 a.m.

WHERE: The Station Aquatic Center

COST: $6-Moore Residents / $10-Non-Residents / Free-Passholders

TODDLER TAKEOVER

WHEN: Mon-Thu, Through August 9

TIME: 10:00-11:00 a.m.

WHERE: The Station Aquatic Center – Baby Pool Only

WHO: Toddlers and Caretakers

COST: $2 per person

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: 6-10pm

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: www.cityofmoore.com/fun

Upcoming:

Friday, August 4, 2023 | 6:00 - 10:00pm

Friday, September 1, 2023 | 6:00 - 10:00pm

Friday, October 6, 2023 | 6:00 - 10:00pm

Friday, November 3, 2023 | 6:00 - 10:00pm

*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 405-7035090.

BALLOON TWISTING FOR KIDS

Balloon twisting isn’t just for people with red rubber noses anymore. Come and join us for some fun, in this all-new class designed specifically for kids! Each day kids will learn new skills and take home fun balloon projects!

When: August 15-October 3

Time: 6 - 7pm

Fee: $35

Where: Moore Community Center, 301 S. Howard Street

Registration: Through October 2

2023 MOORE SENIOR GAMES

Tournaments will be available through September 2023.

This program is for all adults 50+ who like to stay in shape and love competition! The games run from June through September 2023.

AGE CATEGORIES: 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Registration deadlines, unless otherwise stated, is 7 days prior to tournament dates.

Fee:  Free to participate

Call (405) 793-5090 or (405) 793-3130 for more information.

Tournament Schedule:

Darts

Games: Tuesday, August 1 @10am

Where: Brand Senior Center

Registration: Through July 21

Hand and Foot (Card Game)

Games: Friday, August 4 @12:30pm

Where: Brand Senior Center

Registration: Through July 28

Horseshoes

Games: Tuesday, August 16 @9am

Where: Fairmoore Park

Registration: Through August 9

Fitness Challenge

Games: Tuesday, August 29 @9am

Where: The Station Recreation Center

Registration: Through August 22

Board Games

Games: Wednesday, September 6 @12:30pm

Where: Brand Senior Center

Registration: Through August 30

Table Tennis

Games: Sunday, September 10 @9am

Where: Moore Community Center

Registration: Through September 3

Basketball Hot Shot

Games: Thursday, September 21 @9am

Where: The Station Recreation Center

Registration: Through September 14

https://www.cityofmoore.com/departments-divisions/parks-recreation/activities-camps-programs

FIT AS A FIDDLE

Toddlers will enjoy getting their exercise by running, jumping, tumbling on mats, and dancing to favorite energetic songs.

When: Every Tuesday starting Sept. 5

Time: 1-2pm

Ages: 3-5 years

Fee: $25 per month/5 Station Passholders per session no charge

Where: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room-700 S. Broadway Ave.

Registration: By the first Tuesday of each month, 20 maximum

FITKIDS CLASS

This 55-minute class is packed with entertaining music, foundational fitness moves, and fun games. Fit Kids will get your child moving and learning the importance of making healthy choices all while having fun! Parents are welcome to stay.

When: Sept. 6 - Sept. 27; Oct. 4 - Oct. 25 and

Nov. 1st - Dec. 6

Time: Wednesdays; 5-6 pm

Ages: 7-12 years

Where: The Station Recreation Center Activity Room

Fee: Free for passholders; $20 for non-passholders

YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES

2023 - 2024 YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Registration August 1st - September 25th

$20 Late Fee Registration September 26th

- October 9th (end of business day) No

Exceptions

Registration Type Online Only - Every player must register

Ages Boys and Girls 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 years old

Age Determination December 1st, 2023

Time TBD (Games are Fridays and/or Saturdays)

Where The Station Recreation Center and Moore Community Center Games Start December 8th & 9th - 7 Game season

Fee $70 Resident / $80 Non- Resident - $20 late fee

Bye Weeks: Dec. 22&23 and Dec. 29&30

2023 - 2024 YOUTH ALL STAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Registration August 1st - September 25th

$20 Late Fee Registration September 26th

- October 9th (end of business day) No

Exceptions

Registration Type Online Only - Every player must register

Ages Boys and Girls 11/12 years old

Age Determination December 1st, 2023

Time Game Times are TBD - Friday nights or Saturdays

Where The Station Recreation Center and Moore Community Center

Games Start December 8th & 9th - 7 Game season

Fee $70 Resident / $80 Non- Resident - $20 late fee

Bye Weeks: Dec. 22&23 and Dec. 29&30

2023 - 2024 YOUTH BASKETBALL VOLUNTEER COACHES

Registration Online or call (405) 793-5090

Contact person: Holly Hackett at hhackett@ cityofmoore.com

ADULT SPORTS LEAGUES

2023 FALL MEN'S ADULT BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Games: Monday nights starting August 28 -

(Bye Week on 9/4 for Labor Day)

Time: 6-10pm

Fee: $450 a team

For: Men 18 Years and Older

Where: The Station Recreation Center – 700 S. Broadway Ave.

Registration: through August 21

Registration Type: Online–Coach Registers

Team

League runs 7 weeks + Tournament

For more information, please call 405-7935090 or contact Holly Hackett at hhackett@ cityofmoore.com.

Fee: $300 a team

For: Adults 18 years and Older

Where: The Station Recreation Center – 700 S. Broadway Ave.

Registration: Through August 22

Registration Type: Online–Coach Registers Team

For more information, please call 405-7935090 or contact Holly Hackett at hhackett@ cityofmoore.com

2023 FALL CO-ED ADULT BASKETBALL LEAGUE

When: August 31st - October 26th

Games: Thursday Nights - League runs 7 weeks + Tournament

Time: 6pm - 10pm

Ages: Men & Women 18 years and Older

Fee: $450 per team

Where: The Station Recreation Center – 700 S. Broadway Ave.

Registration: July 10th - August 24th

Coaches Meeting: TBD

For more information, call Moore Parks & Recreation at (405) 793-5090 or email Holly Hackett at hhackett@cityofmoore.com.

2023

FALL CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

Games: Tuesday nights starting August 29

(Bye Week on 9/5 for Labor Day week)

Time: 6-10pm

Registration Type: Online-coach Registers Team

(Minimum 2 women per team) *Each team must have matching uniform with numbers on the back by the 3rd week of the league.*

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.

Monday, August 7, 21, 2:00 p.m. Healthy Brain, Healthy Mind: Meditation

Tuesday, August 8, 6:00 p.m. Book Discussion on Deception Point

Monday, August 14, 3:00 p.m. Behind the Story: Author Talk with Robert Jones, Jr.

Wednesday, August 23, 7:00 p.m. Behind the Story: Author Talk with Cassandra Clare

Wednesday, August 30, 1:00 p.m. Behind the Story: Author Talk with Jeff Selingo

IN–PERSON PROGRAMS

Moore Public Library, 225 S. Howard Ave.

Tuesday, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 10:30 a.m. Preschool Story Time (3-5 Years)

Tuesday, August 1, 15, 22, 29, 5:00 p.m. Connection Corner: Knit Together

Wednesday, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10:30 a.m. Rhythm Babies (0-18 Months)

Thursday, August 3, 17, 31, 10:30 a.m. Early Explorers

Friday, August 4, 2:00 p.m. End of Summer Dance Party

Saturday, August 5, 2:00 p.m. Creativity Unleashed: Studio Ghibli Film Series

Monday, August 7, 14, 21, 28, 4:30 p.m. Career Explorers (Ages 5-7 and Ages 8-11)

Thursday, August 10, 24, 10:30 a.m. Toddler Story Time (1-3 Years)

Thursday, August 17, 24, 31, 6:00 p.m. English Language Learners: ESL Class

Tuesday, August 15, 22, 29, 6:00 p.m. English Language Learners: ESL Class

Saturday, August 19, 2:00 p.m. In My Experience: Generations Together

Thursday, August 24, 6:30 p.m. Book Discussion with the Moore Library

Friday, August 25, 10:00 a.m. Information Investigation: Medicare 101

Southwest OKC Library, 2201 SW 134Th Street, OKC

Tuesday, August 1, 1:00 p.m. Creativity Unleashed: Studio Ghibli Film Series

Tuesday, August 1, 6:00 p.m. Kick-Start Kindergarten

Friday, August 4, 5:30 p.m. Get Moving – Dance Party

Saturday, August 12, 11:00 a.m. Creativity Unleashed: Ukulele Workshop

Tuesday, August 22, 10:00 a.m. Navigating Medicare

Happy Place

Author: Emily Henry Genre: Adult Romance Fiction Length: 388 pages

Reviewer: Cheyanne Weller, Library Associate, Moore Public Library

Fellow readers, looking for an escape from the Oklahoma heat or trying to pin down your reading list for an upcoming vacation? Try visiting the fictional town of Knott’s Harbor, Maine in Emily Henry’s 4th book, Happy Place. This beach-read is filled with flashbacks, lobster, and secrets. In her happy place our main character, Harriet, is hiding from her ex-fiancé who broke her heart six months ago. Before she can unpack her bags, Harriet is faced with her ex and the realization that none of her friends know about the break-up. Follow our complex leading lady as she navigates sharing a room with her ex and keeping up with her secrets in this complicated but romantic story.

PIONEER LIBRARY SYSTEM — CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW

Frizzy

This title can be found at your local library or check it out digitally using the PLS Connect app or the Libby app!

For more information on finding a copy of Happy Place and other recommendations, please visit the Moore Public Library or call us at 405.793.4347. You can also visit us online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org or download the PLS Connect app

Author: Claribel A. Ortega Illustrator: Rose Bousamra

Reviewer: Adara Bates, Children’s Library Associate, Southwest Oklahoma City Public Library

Have you ever spent hours in a salon chair getting your hair done? Tried product after product in an attempt to tame your curls, waves, or frizz? Marlene definitely understands this! Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega is a middle grade children’s comic book that follows Marlene as she goes on a journey of personal growth and empowerment by embracing her natural hair, frizz included! Despite the bullying she has experienced from the kids at school, she is going to honor her natural hair and quit straightening it. The only thing she has to do now: convince her mother that embracing her natural hair is a good idea and that having curly, wavy, or frizzy hair is not less beautiful or less professional. This story is a great example of how accepting ourselves for who we are and supporting those we love in doing the same, can bring us closer together. No one should

feel they have to change a part of themselves to fit in with the crowd!

A quote from the book that really depicts the overall message—Marlene’s friend Camilla says to her:

“You know I love your curls! But it doesn’t make a difference what you look like to me. I just want you to be happy.”

We all deserve to have people in our lives who just want us to be happy. Check it out!

For more information on this title or other recommendations, call the Southwest OKC Public Library at 405.979.2200, or visit us in person or online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

Moore’s Keeaira Sherrill is Ready to Take on the BMX World

It's the middle of July and the middle of the afternoon. Blast furnace time in Oklahoma and the last place you would expect to find a 15-year-old Moore teenager racing at breakneck speed around a black asphalt BMX track. But for Keeaira Sherrill, this is what you call "living the dream." Furthermore, it's the kind of attitude that has made her one of the top BMX racers in the world.

"The goal is to get up to as fast as possible and make myself better every single day," said Sherrill. "Right now, my goals are pretty much the Olympics, so this is pretty much just trying to live

my life as best as I can and get as far as I can go in racing."

For Sherrill, "as far as I can go" means an August trip to Glasgow, Scotland. That's where she'll be competing in the 2023 UCI BMX Racing World Championships. Sherill will compete in two classes: 15 Challenge Girls on a 20" bike and 13-16 Challenge Girls Cruiser on a 24" bike. She'll be riding on a new course built specifically for the world BMX championships, with plenty of banked turns and hills. Just looking at a BMX course can cause an average bike rider to break into a cold sweat.

"It is definitely intimidating," said Sherrill. "A lot of racing is obviously physical. But I don't think most people know there's a lot about the sport that's mental. Riding your bike and racing against people almost every other weekend is incredibly hard on your mind, and it's tough to keep your cool, especially when you're about to race out there."

Sherrill has embraced the tension between her love of the sport and the mental and physical challenge since she was seven.

"Whenever I was little, I used to ride out at the skate park, which is like freestyle tricks," said Sherrill. "When I was almost eight, I went to the BMX track to try out a race night, and I completely fell in love with racing."

Her love of racing and action sports is something Sherrill says she grew up with.

"My brother skateboards, and Dad and I always rode bikes," said Sherrill. "We have always traveled to different places just to ride our bikes. But when I started racing, we started traveling the world to do that."

It is not a typical lifestyle for a 15-year-old Oklahoma girl, but Sherrill says she's fully aware of how her passion and skills for BMX racing have given her entrance into a unique experience.

"It's kind of become mostly what I do," said Sherrill. "It's an amazing life and an amazing opportunity to be able to travel the world all the time and be able to race my bike everywhere. I mean, when you stop to think about it, especially going to Scotland."

Back to the mental side of the sport, it's been incredibly challenging for Sherrill over the past few months as she has had to come back from an injury. There is a saying among cyclists of all types: "There are two types of riders – those who have fallen and those who are going to fall." Sherrill knows the truth of that saying all too well.

"I've taken one of the worst wrecks that I've had in a very long time, and I was actually out for a while," said Sherrill, "But I'm coming back, and I'm very excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for me."

Her mental toughness is serving her well. Sherrill says she has learned to focus and visualize races to overcome any jitters she might feel before a race.

"I kind of keep to myself and listen to music a lot," said Sherrill. "On a big race weekend, I just work on my breathing and keeping my mind calm. I just keep telling myself that I'm gonna do good and everything is gonna be ok."

Away from racing, Sherrill loves to draw, paint, and hang out with her friends. She says that her family and friends have all been incredibly supportive of her passion for BMX racing.

"I'm amazingly grateful to everyone who has helped me get here, and I cannot wait to go and do my best," said Sherrill. "I'm especially thankful for my family. They have always been supportive of me. It's amazing, we're all just like a BMX family, and we all have a lot of fun supporting each other."

(All scheduled events are subject to change)

FOOTBALL

MOORE

August 17 Scrimmage

August 25 Edmond Memorial (Scrimmage)

S0FTBALL

August 7 @Westmoore

August 10 Broken Arrow

August 11-12 @Broken Arrow Tournament

August 15 PC North

August 18-19 Southmoore Festival

August 22 Southmoore

August 24 @Sand Springs

August 29 Booker T. Washington

August 30 Yukon

VOLLEYBALL

August 8 @Broken Arrow

August 10 Piedmont

August 15 Westmoore

August 18-20 @Regent Prep Tournament

August 29 Edmond North

August 31 @Southmoore

CROSS COUNTRY

August 12 Norman Time Trial/5K

August 19 @Deer Creek

August 26 Moore War

SOUTHMOORE

FOOTBALL

August 17 @Carl Albert (Scrimmage)

August 24 @Norman (Scrimmage)

SOFTBALL

August 7 @Booker T. Washington

August 10 @Yukon

August 11-12 @Tuttle Festival

August 14 Putnam City

August 15 Sand Springs

August 18-19 Southmoore Festival

August 22 @Moore

August 24 @Broken Arrow

August 25 @Pryor Festival

August 28 PC North

August 31 @Edmond Santa Fe

VOLLEYBALL

August 10 Edmond North

August 15 OCS

August 17 @Edmond Memorial

August 22 Edmond Santa Fe

August 29 @Norman North

August 31 Moore

CROSS COUNTRY TBD

WESTMOORE

FOOTBALL

August 12 Jag Jam

August 17 @Enid (Scrimmage)

August 24 Union

S0FTBALL

August 7 Moore

August 8 Stillwater (Location TBD)

August 11-12 @Broken Arrow Tournament

August 14 @Lawton

August 18-10 Southmoore Festival

August 21 @Norman

August 28 Norman

August 29 Stillwater (Location TBD)

VOLLEYBALL

August 8 Yukon

August 15 @Moore

August 22 Shawnee

August 24 Norman North

August 25-26 @Choctaw Tournament

August 29 Piedmont

August 31 @Edmond North

CROSS COUNTRY

August 12 Norman Time Trial/5K

August 19 @Deer Creek

August 26 Moore War

MPS Free/Reduced Meals Eligibility

criminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail: US. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Each school and the office of the 615 S. Tower Dr., Moore, OK 73160 has a copy of the policy which may be reviewed by any interested party.

tions and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities

Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at https://www.usda.gov/sites/ default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged dis-

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS to our Moore Urgent Care and Family Medicine Clinic

Located at 1015 SW 4th St, our new facility is over 9600 square feet and will house our Moore Urgent Care and Family Medicine clinics. It has 15 exam rooms, and a state of the art X-Ray and Lab.

Our hours of operation are:

Classen Urgent Care: NEW HOURS STARTING AUG. 1

6 am – 8 pm daily 365 days a year (no appointment needed!)

Classen Family Medicine: Monday thru Friday, 7 am – 5 pm

Medical care by experienced, board-certified medical providers when you can’t see your doctor, or don’t have one.

Lisa West, PA-C Quynh Chao, PA-C

Brenda Mah-McCaa, M.D.

Daniel Rau, PA-C