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6 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

VOL. 10 • NO. 12 • DECEMBER 2015

10

16

LOCAL STAR WARS GROUP BRINGS SMILES TO MOORE Star Wars impacted a generation, perhaps multiple generations, and one group in Moore is using their love for the films to bring smiles to others. Known as Guardians of the Force, this group, dressed in full costume, light sabers in hand, perform for others, provide free performances for charities, simply to bring joy to others and something good for their community.

74

CITY HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

SCHOOL HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

There are several holiday traditions celebrated in Moore, and we take a look at a few of them in this month’s issue. Old Town will celebrate Christmas with a city-wide event, and the Moore Police and Fire Departments go beyond to help make Christmas special for some deserving children with Shop with a Cop and Santa Express.

All three of our high schools participate in programs designed to help deserving families in our community. This issue highlights many of those programs. Moore High’s Moore for Christmas, Westmoore’s Winter Wishes, and Southmoore’s Holiday Surprises collectively will serve the needs of a few hundred families this December.

From the Editor The holiday spirit is definitely in the air! And if the colder weather will hold out, it might even begin to feel like the holidays!

And while most of us are getting ready to celebrate with our own family traditions, in this issue we will be looking at the traditions of Moore, from our city events to our schools. We will review how our city plans to celebrate the holidays, including Christmas in Old Town and the Lighting of the City Christmas Tree. And we will also highlight the exciting events offered by our fabulous public libraries. And in the spirit of the holidays, we definitely want to include a look at those programs designed to take care of the families that are in need of some help this holiday season. Specifically, we will be looking at the Shop with a Cop program from our Moore Police Department and the Santa Express program from the Moore Fire Department.

And we do not want to leave out our schools.

At a time when teenagers are getting a lot of bad publicity, sometimes we simply need to be reminded that the majority of our kids are kind, compassionate, and hard-working, and highlighting the high schools holiday programs is one way to remember what great kids live in Moore.

And let’s not leave out Santa! He will be making a visit to Old Town and the Moore Library. And some very special kids at Apple Creek Elementary got a chance to make sure Santa got their letters this holiday season.

47

8 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

There is plenty of excitement surrounding the upcoming high school basketball season. Cole Poland takes a look at what to expect and highlights who to watch in the upcoming season.

Moore Monthly Team

And for so many of us, one holiday tradition involves movies. What better way to keep that tradition going than to enjoy the new Star Wars movie, set for release on December 18th, and Rob Morris provides us with his choice of the top five holiday movies of all time. Don’t forget to go online to www.themooredaily.com to agree or disagree with his choices and get your name in a drawing for a $50 gift card!

Cole Poland will bring the top sports stories to you, including a basketball preview for all three high schools and a special look at Moore High School’s Coach Joe Johnson’s fight against cancer.

We are also reminded through our shop and taste articles that we have some incredible businesses in the Moore area. But we are adding something new this issue. In addition to shops and food, we are also highlighting service, and we do so with our very first article about a local concrete business with a very talented owner.

And as always, our regular features will keep you informed about issues important to you.

And I know I say this in every letter, but you have to check out the work from our illustrator/ designer Kenna Baker and our art director Jeff Albertson. They are both so talented.

From our family at Moore Monthly to yours, have a very safe and enjoyable holiday season.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PREVIEW

- Beverly Ferree Editor

Editors Beverly Ferree Brent Wheelbarger Staff Writers Rob Morris Cole Poland Brent Wheelbarger Contributing Writers L.T. Hadley Kathleen Wilson Mike Rush Henry Dumas Molly Dettmann Pat Younts Ruby Asif

Photography Fred Wheelbarger Cole Poland Rob Morris Beverly Ferree Augmented Reality Patrick Glueck Jesse Swartz Illustrator / Designer Kenna Baker Art Director Jeff Albertson

Advertising Sales Donna Walker Distribution Manager Fred Wheelbarger Office Manager Ennie H. Neeley For comments, contribution, or just to say ‘Hi!’ beverly@mooremonthly.com For ad placement, specifications and rates 405.793.3338 donna@mooremonthly.com

201 N. Broadway, Suite 100, Moore, OK 73160 • 405.793.3338 • TheMooreDaily.com

Moore Monthly is a monthly publication by Trifecta Communications, serving Moore and South OKC. Moore Monthly is free to the public. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Moore Monthly is not responsible for the care and/or return of unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, photography, books, or any other material submitted for possible publication.

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 9

BY BRENT WHEELBARGER

From left to right, Tony Herbert “Jedi Alekos,” Frank Prieto “Jedi Oberyn Vos” and Jeanelle Van Buskirk “Lady Cazmal”

10 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

Recently I went with my father to something I had never seen (or rather heard) before, a live performance of Classic Radio Theatre (ClassicRadioTheatre.com). A group of performers reenacted radio show segments from Roy Rogers, Flash Gordon, Jack Benny and the like from the 30’s and 40’s, well before television came along.

Afterwards, dad shared how much he loved those shows as a kid, listening to the radio before he went to sleep each night. To this day he has Roy Rogers memorabilia around his house. It clearly impacted his childhood in a significant way.

For a Generation X’er like myself, you can replace Roy Rogers with Luke Skywalker and Flash Gordon with Han Solo (and maybe Jack Benny with C3P0). The first movie I ever saw was the original Star Wars in 1977, and ever since then childhood dreams have been filled with X-Wing fighters and light sabers. It’s hard to underestimate the impact of Star Wars on generations of people...but we can certainly illustrate it.

Meet Moore resident Frank Prieto, better known in certain circles as “Jedi Master Oberyn Vos.” On some weekends, you’ll find him dressed in brown robes with an assortment of very expensive custom built light sabers, battling it out with his friends Tony Herbert (Jedi Master Alekos) and Jeanelle Van Buskirk (Lady Cazmal, a Sith).

All three are fully grown adults, some with kids of their own. You could say they’re now living their childhood Star Wars dreams as members of an organization called Guardians of the Force.

“Guardians of the Force is based out of California, and we just recently created an Oklahoma division,” says Tony. “The whole goal of the group is to go around and conduct charity events and things of that nature, using Star Wars to bring happiness to people.”

The group always performs for free, most recently at the OU Children’s Hospital where they put on a light saber battle and visited kids in their rooms. According to Tony, “We look around and there’s smiles on everybody’s faces, everyone’s really happy, and the kids are in awe.

You look through some of the pictures that we have from events and you see the kids in the background, their mouths dropped open, eyes wide. That’s when you know you’ve done it right.”

In those interactions, the true power of the Force can be felt. “Everybody comes up to you and wants to get a picture, from kids to grown-ups. It’s amazing,” says Frank. “It kind of brings out their childhood fantasy and they get to be a part of it as well.”

“I actually had a little kid chase me down and tried to fight with me,” says Jeanelle, the Sith (bad guy) of the group. “Most kids want to be a Jedi which is pretty cool.

It’s good that they want to be good guys.”

Which brings us back to those Roy Rogers radio shows. Dad always wanted to be the man in the white hat, riding Trigger into the sunset. For me, it was Luke Skywalker flying an X-Wing into the Death Star. And for kids today, whether at OU Children’s Hospital or front row at the Warren IMAX, Jedi are still alive and well…and still wearing that proverbial white hat.

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 11

We sat down with the Guardians of the Force for a little Q and A about their shows and what it takes to be part of their group.

Answer questions they must.

Brent: “How did you connect with Guardians of the Force?”

Frank: “I joined a light saber group on Facebook. One guy on there mentioned he started Guardians of the Force out of San Diego. I shot him a message and said it was something I’d be interested in.

He said you can be a Guardian anywhere and that’s how we started a chapter here.”

Brent: “How do you prep for light saber battles?”

Jeanelle: “We figured out what skills everybody had and what they could do. And then Frank added a count system to it so it made it a little easier. We count out the strikes we’re going to do. We go off of everybody’s skill level. We’re not going to push anybody to do anything they’re not ready for.”

Brent: “How can people find out more about your group and potentially become members?”

Brent: “Clearly you guys take the light sabers seriously.

Tell me about them.”

Jeanelle: “Basic requirements would be you just need a costume and a light saber, and be ready to go out and make people smile.”

Frank: “I have four. They’re made for dueling. Most of them come with twelve watt LED, with several colors to choose from. They’re machined out of aluminum. Some come with leather grips.

They’re not toys, that’s for sure. They cost a pretty penny. It’s a big childhood fantasy. I have my own light saber now. It’s not just a broom stick.”

Tony “People should know that we’re out to do good work. We’re not just a group of guys and gals who get together on a Tuesday night to sit around and drink beer and talk about Star Wars. Our goal is to go out and do charity work. We’re looking for new members in Oklahoma to build up the Oklahoma division. So if people are seriously interested in coming out and being committed and dedicated, we invite them to come try out.”

Jeanelle: “I knew I was going to be a Sith, so I picked out a dark color, the one that looked the meanest. It lights up red and the base is very light, so it makes it easy to spin around and dual with. So when I’m fighting the Jedi, I don’t really have to think about the weight of the saber, it takes care of itself.”

Tony: “My light saber is blue. Blue’s my favorite color and it’s a Jedi color. It has tones of Luke’s original light saber.”

12 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

Brent: “These are not the droids you’re looking for.”

Frank: “Not gonna work on me.”

If you’d like to join Guardians of the Force or book them for a charity event, they can be reached via Facebook. Look for Guardians of the Force, Oklahoma Division.

the anatomy of a jedi costume For fun Star Wars collectable items, games and clothing, check out DZ Comics in Moore at 625 N. Moore Ave. 735-3994 or go to DZComics.com

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Yes, Darth Paw has options as well. Also can double as an Ewok or Jawa Trader

Spats and other accoutrements: JAFantasyArt on Etsy

Check the MooreDaily.com for a video story about Moore’s Guardians of the Force and to see a 360-degree light saber battle.

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Traditions

BY BEVERLY FERREE

Moore Police Continue

Holiday Tradition with “Shop with a Cop” There are tons of reasons to love the Moore Police Department throughout the year, but during the holidays the officers really go beyond to capture our hearts.

Every December for the past few years, 30 members of the police department volunteer their time, and in many cases their money, to participate in the Moore Police Department program called “Shop with a Cop.” The program started five years ago when Target asked the Moore Police Department if it would be interested in participating in a program to help underprivileged children, and that is how the “Shop with a Cop” 16 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

journey began. Sergeant David Dickinson has run the program since the beginning.

Each year, Dickinson reaches out to elementary schools throughout Moore, asking principals to identify students who are the most in need and deserving of being a part of this program, and they try to include kids who could benefit from having a positive experience with a police officer. The event begins with breakfast at Chick-fil-A. Each student selects an officer through a drawing, and Chick-fil-A feeds the student, the student’s parents or guardians, and the police officer.

“This gives the officers a chance to bond with the kids,” said Dickinson. “And the officer will ask the parents or family member if there are any “off limits” items. If the parent, for example, says no Call of Duty video game, then the kid does not get to purchase Call of Duty.”

After breakfast, the kids load up in the police cars, sirens and all, and they convoy down 19th street to Target.

“There are a lot of bells and whistles,” added Dickinson. “We have VIP’s come in.

Last year we had the OU mascots and some OU athletes show up!”

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Each child gets a commemorative coin that captures the event and a t-shirt, donated by Black Cat Screen Printing in Moore. Each child also gets a picture taken with his or her officer, which Target prints and frames for the children to take home.

Then the shopping begins.

“As we walk in,” said Dickinson, “Target has the carts decorated and lined up waiting for the children.”

And if the officers are in need of help, there are plenty of “elves” to help with the shopping.

“For example, sometimes there might be a male police officer with a six year old girl who wants to buy clothes, and he may need some advice from one of the elves.” said Dickinson.

Each child receives a $150 gift card to shop with, but it is what the kids buy that will touch your heart.

“You think the kid is going to go in there and grab something they really want,” said Dickinson. “But most of them, and I’m talking a high number, will buy for everyone else first. They don’t go for themselves. It’s a brother, a sister, whomever.”

After the shopping is done, Target provides a designated spot and the items needed for the kids to get their gifts wrapped, and local programs donate their time to wrap the gifts.

“One year,” explained Dickinson, “we had a roller derby team dressed up in their uniforms, minus the skates of course, with bruises all over their bodies, paired up with a local church to wrap the gifts. I think they had more fun than anyone working together!”

The program was started with grant money from Target, but other businesses, schools and individuals, including the Moore Chamber of Commerce, have joined with the Moore Police Department and Target to help this tradition continue. At the time this publication went to print, the following businesses and organizations had already donated to “Shop with a Cop”: The American Legion, Allstate, Anytime Fitness, Bancfirst, Black Cat Screen Printing, Broadway Florist, Chick-fil-A, Del Taco, Earls, Elevation Trampoline, First Christian Church of Moore, Freddy’s Frozen Custard, Heyday

Entertainment, Highland East Junior High, Home Depot, Lowes, John Ireland Funeral Home, Kona Ice, Lewis Jewelers, A New Beginning Florist, Men’s Wearhouse, Moore Community Church, Ocean Dental, Raising Cane’s, Sam’s Club, Scroggins Animal Hospital, Silver Star Construction, Target, Tinker Credit Union, University of Oklahoma, USA Taekwondo, and Walmart.

If you would like to join this list of distinguished businesses and organizations by donating to “Shop with a Cop,” you can email Sergeant Dickinson at ddickinson@ cityofmoore.com for information on where to take your donation. You many donate Target gift cards, cash, or checks (made out to Target with “Shop with a Cop” on the memo line).

This year, the “5th Annual Shop with a Cop” program will take place on Saturday, December 12th, at 8:00 a.m. The events start at the Moore Chick-fil-A with breakfast and finish at Target.

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 17

Adopt Y’all: Moore Animal Shelter’s New Push to Save Rescue Animals The Moore Animal Shelter has a new program designed to bring attention to the need for rescue animals to be adopted in Moore. The program was designed by an animal shelter volunteer, and so far it’s been a huge hit.

“One of our volunteers, Terri Owens, got it started,” said John Fryrear of the Moore Animal Shelter. “We started it about a month ago, and we even had Oklahoma State Representative Mark McBride come in. And he actually took the rescue dog with him and adopted it.”

The program started about a month ago, and since then the shelter has had several city officials come in to pose with the rescue dogs, including City Manager Stephen Eddy and his wife and Director of Economic Development Deidre Ebrey.

“We currently have six dogs ready to be adopted,” explained Fryrear. “The cost is $70, which includes all shots and a microchip, and the animal has been spayed or neutered.”

In addition to the rescue dogs available for adoption, the animal shelter also has numerous cats. You can go directly to the shelter to adopt a cat, or you can visit PetSmart, which also houses rescue cats for the Moore Animal Shelter.

“We are attending different events, trying to get more attention for the animals,” said Fryrear. “We need these rescue animals to have a second chance.”

To find out what is available for adoption and to see pictures, you can go to www.cityofmoore.com/pets.

Santa to Make Appearance at “Christmas in Old Town” The arrival of Santa and the Lighting of the Christmas Tree will be the highlights of this year’s holiday celebration, “Christmas in Old Town.” This year will be a very fun-filled, exciting event, free to the public, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5th.

“There will be a lot of exciting things going on,” said Scherry Johnson with Broadway Florist. “The roads will be closed from 4th to 5th streets. The tree lighting is at 6:00. There will be carolers, a band, a DJ, dancers, and carriage rides! Santa will come in on the first horse drawn carriage as he arrives in Old Town! And the Grinch will be at the other end of Old Town!”

Santa will then stop to take pictures, and there will also be the annual “Lighting of the Christmas Tree.”

All of the Old Town merchants will be decorating, hoping to win one of the prizes for the top three best decorated businesses.

18 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

“All the shops in Old Town, from the Sooner Center on 5th Street to 4th Street, are going to have cookies and popcorn and hot chocolate and coffee, whatever the business wants to do,” explained Johnson. “All of the shops will have sales going on and special pricing.”

All the details will be on flyers at businesses throughout Old Town the week prior to the event, and parents make sure to look in your child’s Thursday folder as well for the announcements.

Don’t miss out on this special celebration, as Old Town, the Grinch, and of course Santa bring some holiday spirit to Moore!

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Moore Firefighters to the Rescue with the Santa Express Program We know firefighters always have our backs in case of emergencies or fires, they really are our unsung heroes, but our Moore Fire Department goes beyond the call of duty during the holidays with their annual Santa Express program. Since the 1970’s, the Moore Fire Department has provided toys and gifts for underprivileged children throughout Moore, and the program has continued to grow.

“We now provide gifts for over 500 children. Last year it was 540,” explained Assistant Chief Ronnie Rawson. “And we spend over $40,000.”

The fire department works in connection with local schools to determine which children and families can benefit from the program.

The donations come from fundraisers and local businesses, and, not surprisingly, from the firefighters themselves.

“We have 74 firefighters in Moore, and more than 90% of them donate a certain amount from their checks monthly to the program,” said Rawson.

The fire department has a storage unit and shops for toys and gifts throughout the year. And Santa Express has been serving the city of Moore for so long now, that it is seeing the true effects of giving.

“We are now getting kids that we gave to coming back to donate as adults,” said Rawson.

And this year PetSmart has made the process of donating to Santa Express even easier. When you go to

PetSmart, as you are checking out, you will be asked if you would like to purchase a stuffed animal to benefit the Moore Fire Department. If you choose to purchase the stuffed animal, you can then choose to donate it to the Santa Express program, with the animal going to one of the deserving children.

For those of you interested in donating directly to the Santa Express program, you can drop off any new, unwrapped toy to any fire department in Moore. And soon Chick-fil-A will also be helping out with the donations. You can also go directly to the Moore Santa Express website to donate directly (http://mooresantaexpress.publishpath.com/).

For additional help or information, you can call or (405) 793-5110 or email mfdsantaexpress@ yahoo.com.

So if your heart is looking for a way to give this holiday season, help these firefighters come to the rescue of some deserving children this year by supporting the Santa Express program.

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 19

Santa to Visit Moore Public Library Santa is a very busy man, but he is making time to visit the Moore Public Library on Friday, December 4th, at the 23rd Annual Holiday Gala. The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the library, 225 S. Howard Ave. All ages will enjoy this holiday celebration, which will include crafts, an ornament swap, and a cookie decorating event with representatives from Platt College. There will also be live entertainment from a variety of local singing groups, starting at 5:30 p.m. with the St. Andrews Bell Choir, 6:00 p.m. with Northmoor Star Bright Choir, 6:30 p.m. with the Timber Creek Titan Choir, and 7:00 p.m. with the Canterbury Youth Chorus.

And, of course, there will be a special visit from Santa who will pose for photos.

The Gala is sponsored by Friends of the Moore Library. Registration is not required in advance for any of the activities.

And for those adults a little jealous of the attention children get at the holidays, no worries. The library has not left you out! For you gift wrapping enthusiasts or those in desperate need of some instruction, the library will host a Creative Gift Wrap Workshop at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 5th, for adults 18 and older (space is limited so registration is required in advance). And a holiday favorite at the library is its DIY Yuletide, a craft event for adults, on Tuesday, December 15th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Southwest Oklahoma City Public Library, located at 2201 SW 134th St., will have its own celebration with its Holiday Party to be held on Saturday, December 12th, at 2:00 p.m. This event has something for all ages, including a photo booth, face painting, Christmas-themed crafts and other holiday related activities.

For more details on activities offered by our libraries, check out the Library Calendar in this issue.

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Remember Your Local Shops in December In our November Shop Local Guide, we provided for you a list of local shops to consider when you shop for the holidays this season. Don’t forget the economic benefits to your community when you shop local.

Deidre Ebrey, Director of Economic Development and Marketing in Moore, also reminds you that keeping your money local means supporting your city programs and services, such as the police and fire departments. And what better way to shop for a one of a kind item than from our local artists. Old Town and Showplace Market are just two locations where your money stays local, but there are also many other boutiques and shops around town. As long as you’re within the city limits of Moore, your money stays local.

One example is The General Store in Moore, where you can get customized gift baskets for that special 20 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

occasion or for the holidays. They also carry home décor, gift items and made in Oklahoma merchandise. They are located at 1550 S. Eastern (405-794-9975). Before you head to the malls for those gift basket ideas, give The General Store in Moore a try!

And make sure to also add Moore Vintage Charm to your list! They sell gifts and much more, and you can also find new and repurposed furniture. They are located at 1223 N. Broadway in Moore (405-735-6262). You are sure to find something special for that special someone at Moore Vintage Charm!

Happy holiday shopping, and don’t forget that shopping local means local benefits!

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 21

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Senior Living

One Out of Four Seniors Has Diabetes More than 25% of seniors age 65+ are diabetics. Many folks have not been diagnosed and don’t realize the symptoms they attribute to aging are actually due to diabetes. In 2012, diabetes affected 29.1 million Americans, but only 21 million knew they had it. Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. When we eat most food is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies.

A diabetic’s body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to build up in their blood.

Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lowerextremity amputations. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. About 90% of people with the disease have type 2 diabetes.

Individuals can experience different signs and symptoms of diabetes, and sometimes there may be no signs.

SOME OF THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS ARE: • Frequent urination • Excessive thirst • Increased hunger • Weight loss • Tiredness • Lack of interest and concentration • Frequent infections • Vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu) The development of type 1 diabetes is usually sudden and dramatic while the symptoms can often be mild or absent in people with type 2 diabetes, making this type of diabetes hard to detect. Often the ‘minor’ diabetes symptoms go unrecognized, and physical and neurological problems may arise.

MINOR, LESS RECOGNIZABLE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES: • Blurred vision may occur because diabetes can lead to macular degeneration/blindness.

• Numbness and/or tingling in the hands and feet may occur due to peripheral neuropathy / nerve damage in the extremities.

• Slow healing of minor scratches and wounds may be the result of diabetesrelated impaired immune system function.

• Recurrent or hard-to-treat yeast infections in women are another sign of impaired immune function.

• Dry or itchy skin may result from peripheral neuropathy which affects circulation and proper sweat gland function.

Not everyone will experience the above symptoms, and they are not usually severe in those who do get them.

Visit your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms or think you have diabetes. The most common diagnostic tool is a fasting blood glucose test. After not eating for at least eight hours, usually overnight, your doctor will take a blood sample. The normal, non-diabetic range for blood glucose is 70 to 110 mg/dl. If your level is over 140 mg/dl, you may have diabetes.

Early diagnosis and treatment may reduce your risk of developing complications later on. Diet, exercise, and proper blood sugar management can often prevent or delay more serious symptoms.

28 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

Many people turn to assisted living to help improve their health and quality of life. Assisted living communities offer the nutritious meals, wellness activities, and medication administration that greatly benefit diabetics. For more information, call Featherstone Assisted Living at 405.799.9919. Featherstone is Moore’s new assisted living community at 301 N. Eastern Avenue, across from Moore high school.

Sketches of Moore

Importance of Local History

BY L.T. HADLEY

From 1882, when Moore was incorporated, until 1912, there were no official recorded “minutes” of the actions of the trustees or growth and development of the town. Information handed down from parents to children and on to grandchildren provided the basic record of town progress, along with letters, county records, newspaper articles, and several bits of “personal remembrances.”

Three years ago, almost the last of the earlier sources of Old Moore information died at 93. Carl Jantz lived in and around Moore from the time when as a boy of eight, he and his brother, Dave—on foot—drove their father’s small herd of cattle from Enid to begin a dairy in Moore. Shortly after the family arrived, the father died of typhoid from a polluted water well.

Albert Smith spent nearly all his 87 years in Moore. He served several times as town trustee, chairman, city clerk, and kept the cemetery records for nearly 50 years. He knew virtually everyone because he and his wife, Ida, carried on the operation of his father’s grocery store. He knew at least one story about any name mentioned and loved to tell and retell those stories.

Ethel Curless moved to Moore as a young teenager in 1899. In a town production of a play, she played the part of a girl named Nell, and a young man named Ben Leverich played her

romantic interest. Their romance lasted scores of years after the play, and the name Nell stuck. Uncle Ben and Aunt Nell Leverich operated their café at several locations in Moore.

She had a unique sense of humor and many stories to tell of earlier years.

Mel Dyer built the first brick house in town for his young bride, Sally. The house still stands at the corner and Main and Chestnut. At 99, Sally still went most days to the senior center to quilt. Mel’s father, Sam, homesteaded two miles south of Moore and raised his family of ten. One son, Lester, was in the first graduating class of OU School of Pharmacy in 1906. He and his father bought the pharmacy, renamed it Era Drug, and Lester operated it for over 40 years. It was the place to buy schoolbooks, ice cream, horse reins, medicine, gloves, and fountain drinks.

Mildred Moore was the unofficial town historian. Her father, P.R. Simms, was a jack-of-all-trades and master of them all. He was a watch repairman, jeweler, inventor, barber, builder, and fire chief for 31 years. He took care of the chemical fire cart until he remodeled a pickup into the first fire truck. Every boy in town hoped to be there when a fire happened to see it in use. When asked to build Dyer’s new drug store, P.R. first invented a machine to make concrete blocks.

In 1912, Leon Platt was city clerk and the first to begin recording proceedings of the town and board meetings. He and his father began the Platt Lumber Company at South First and Broadway in 1906, where it operated for many years.

A few days after the 1889 run, W.G. Jury bought a homestead from a dissatisfied settler. After World War 1, Jury’s daughter, Vera, and a young farmer named Allen January from an adjoining homestead married and raised their nine children near the original homestead. Vera and her brother, Joe, told many colorful stores of growing up in Moore.

Applegates, Marvels, Dreessens, Wheelers, and hundreds more wrote some of their book of life in Moore; but have all left this scene of action, and much of their knowledge and experience left with them. A common failure for succeeding generations is to overlook the importance of historical information until too late. Perhaps all are too busy living it to take time to record it. What have you told your children and grandchildren of family or community history?

Note: This edition of Sketches of Moore was first published in a previous issue of Moore Monthly.

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 29

Senior Living

Tips on How to Beat the Holiday Blues

BY KATHLEEN WILSON, AGING SERVICES INC.

The holiday season is supposed to be a happy time filled with get-togethers between friends, neighbors, and family. The holidays are a time of celebration and joy, a time to remind us all of the brilliant, wonderful things life has given us.

But for some people, this special time of year turns out to be a time when joy is replaced with sadness, love with anger, and contentment with anxiety. The demands on us during the holidays are enormous. We must figure a way to find extra money from our already thin economy and low bank account balance to attempt gift buying.

This situation can cause us to lose sleep, eat poorly, and stop whatever exercise we were doing prior to the holidays arriving. These circumstances can cause us to move closer and closer to what can be called the holiday blues. Add to that the often found situation of living alone, without your life long spouse, and you have a situation primed for the holiday blues.

So if you find yourself feeling blue this year, try these tips to fight the holiday blues.

1. Be reasonable about your schedule. Don’t overdo. That can make you cranky, irritable and depressed.

2. Decide what your priorities are and stick to them.

3. Remember that holidays do not automatically take away feelings of aloneness, sadness, frustration, anger or fear.

4. Be careful about resentments related to holidays past. Declare an amnesty with those with whom you’ve had past issues. And don’t allow relatives to laundry list their grievances with you either!

5. Don’t expect the holidays to be just as they were when you were younger. They NEVER are. You have changed and so have the times.

6. If you are feeling under scheduled as far as holiday activities, think about volunteering to ring the bell for donations to the Salvation Army or serve dinner at a homeless shelter or take advantage of one of the many special volunteer opportunities that are available during the holiday season.

7. Plan low cost fun holiday activities, such as going window shopping, attending community holiday events, or touring neighborhoods that have lots of holiday decorations.

8. If you drink, don’t let the holidays become a reason for over indulging and hangovers. This will exacerbate your depression and anxiety. Alcohol is a depressant and people with depression should not drink alcohol.

9. Give yourself a break. Create time for you to do the things YOU love and enjoy.

Do the things that you need to do for your physical and mental wellness. Participate in any activity that calms you down and gives you a better perspective and focus on what is important in your life.

10. If you find yourself feeling blue, try to remember, you still have choices. The sky is partly sunny, not overcast. The glass is half full, not half empty. Try to keep your perspective positive and remember to revel in the bounty, the health, and the hope that is part of your life every day. Believe you have the strength and courage to face each day with hope and determination.

If you continue to struggle with holiday blues or the blues any time of the year, you might consider seeking some professional help. There are many services in this community that can help you deal with depression and many of these services are covered by Medicare. Depression is not a natural part of aging and you do not have to live with the blues. Seek out the help that is available to you. If you need referrals to professional services, contact the Aging Services Inc. main office at (405) 321-3200 for further assistance.

30 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

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DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 31

Calendar of Events & Performances ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Yellow Rose Theater presents Dean Martin’s Home for Christmas on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, November 28th through December 21st.

Call (405) 793-7779 for information and tickets.

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 more information call (405) 793-5190.

CHURCH & SPIRITUAL CONNECTION Bible Study: Advent Bible Study with Amy Graves and Richelle Leibold, Tuesdays, December 1st, 8th, and 15th, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Moore First United Methodist Church, 201 W. Main St., Moore.

Celebrate Recovery, Mondays, December 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Faith Crossing Baptist Church, 13701 S. Pennsylvania, OKC. First Church Moore, Wednesday, December 2nd, 9th, and 16th, 4:00 p.m., 201 W. Main. Homework and Hangout for Youth (7–12 grades). Community Dinner at 5:30 p.m. (cost is $1 for dinner), Family Activities & Church School at 6:00 p.m. Menu can be found at www.moorechurch.com.

Fresh Start Community Church Food Pantry, open every second and fourth 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).

Soul Food Community Dinner, Wednesdays, December 2nd, 9th, and 16th, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Moore First United Methodist Church, 201 W. Main St. Food, fun, fellowship and friends. See menu at www. moorechurch.com.

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.

Business Before Hours, Thursday, December 1st, 8:00 a.m., Sooner Shopping Center, 623-644 N. Broadway.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Judo, classes held Monday through Sunday at 117 Skylane Drive in Norman for ages 7 and up. A non-profit organization, all classes are offered in a family friendly environment at the small fee of $20 per month for an individual or $40 per month for a family. Discount uniforms are available. For more information, call (405) 465-1925 or send an email to fiftyonefiftybjj@yahoo.com.

CT Clothing Closet, last Saturday of each month , 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., CrossTimbers United Methodist Church, 3004 S. Sunnylane, Moore.

CrossTimbers UMC Clothing Closet is a place where those in need can find men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, along with shoes and accessories. All sizes are available for free for community members.

First Baptist Church of Moore Community Life/Recreation Center, open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday open 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Two basketball courts and racquetball courts, fitness center, and walking/running track. For more information, call (405) 735-2527.

Moore Community Center, Normal Hours of Operation: • Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

• Sunday: Closed

Hip Hop Dance Class, Moore Community Center, Thursdays, 7:00 p.m., ages 4+ to 10 years.

Business After Hours, Thursday, December 3rd, 5:00 p.m., Frontier State Bank, 5100 S. I-35 Service Rd.

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

CITY MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Networking Breakfast, Tuesday, December 15th, 8:00 a.m., Moore Chamber of Commerce, 305 W. Main St., Moore. Cost is $10. RSVP at moorechamber.com.

Note: City offices will be closed Friday, December 25th, for the Christmas holidays. Trash will be collected on December 23rd.

Networking Lunch, Tuesday, December 8th, 11:45 a.m., Moore Chamber of Commerce, 305 W. Main St., Moore. Cost is $10. RSVP at moorechamber.com.

Note: City offices will be closed on New Year’s Day, January 1st. Trash will be collected on Dec. 30th.

Old Town Farmers’ Market, Thursdays, 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday mornings 8:00 to noon, Moore Community Center south parking lot, 301 S. Howard, Moore.

City Council Meetings, Monday, December 7th and 21st and January 4th, 6:30 p.m.

Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.

Mayoral and City Council Election Filing Period, Monday, December 28th through Wednesday, December 30th.

Moore Economic Development Authority Meeting, Monday, December 21st, 6:30 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.

Parks Board Meeting, Tuesday, December 1st, 7:00 p.m., Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway, Moore.

Planning Commission Meeting, Tuesday, December 8th, 7:00 p.m. Moore City Hall, 301 N. Broadway,

Bootcamps: • Morning Bootcamp is available at First Baptist Church Moore every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 a.m. Ages 13 and up. The class is $2. Call (405) 793-2600 for more information.

• Afternoon Bootcamp is available at First Baptist Church Moore every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Ages 13 and up. The class is $2. Call (405) 793-2600 for more information.

FITNESS AND DANCE CLASSES Baby Ballet & Tiny Toes, Moore Community Center, Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m., and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., ages 2 and 3. For more information about the classes, go to tippietoesdance.corn/oklahoma-city.

Ballet, Tap, and Jazz Dance Classes, Moore Community Center.

• Ages 3 and 4, Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m.; Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 4:45 p.m.

• Ages 5 and 6, Thursdays, 6:15 p.m.

• Ages 7 and 9, Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m.

• For more information about the classes, go to tippietoesdance.com/oklahoma-city.

32 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

Karate, First Baptist Church Moore, every Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The classes are free for anyone ages eight and up. Uniforms available at a discounted rate. Call (405) 793-2600 for more information.

Moore Community Center Open Gym: • 15 & under (school ID recommended), Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• 16 & up (must have ID), Monday through Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Hours are subject to change without notice. Gym may be closed at any time due to special events, league play, or other activities.

Morning Fitness, First Baptist Church Moore, every Monday at 9:00 a.m. Ages 40 and up preferred. The class is $2. Call (405) 793-2600 for more info.

Pickleball, First Baptist Church Moore, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 a.m. Ages 10 and up.

The class is free. Call (405) 793-2600 for more information.

Senior Exercise, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:15 a.m., Brand Senior Center.

Tai Chi, First Baptist Church, Moore, every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. for ages 13 and up. The class is free.

Call (405)793-2600 for more information.

Tippi Toes Dance Class, Moore Community Center, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, 4:45 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., and 7:00 p.m., ages 18 months to 12 years. $30 registration fee and $50 per month.

For more information, call Tracy at (405) 361-3620.

Toddler & Me, Moore Community Center, Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m., ages 18 months to 3 years. For more information about the classes, go to tippietoesdance.corn/oklahoma-city.

Zumba: • Moore Community Center Zumba Classes, Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. Fee is $15 dollars a month per person or $5 per class.

Instructor: Ritchel Schultz. For more information call (405)793-5090 or register online at www.cityofmoore.com/fun, or stop by in person at the Moore Community Center.

• Christian Life Center Zumba, Mondays at 7:15 p.m. at the Christian Life Center located at 201 W. Main St. $3 fee per class.

KIDS’ CORNER After School Arts Program, Southern Hills United Methodist Church, 8200 S. Penn Ave., Oklahoma City.

Open to children attending preschool to 8th grade to play, do homework, or participate in art activities.

Register online at shumcokc.org or call (405) 681-5515.

Afterschool Matters, First Baptist Church Moore, Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This program helps students work towards academic success.

Available to first through sixth graders. Contact director Carissa Taylor at carissa.taylor@fbcmoore. org to learn more about enrolling your child or to volunteer.

Boy Scouts Meetings, Mondays, December 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, 7:00 p.m., Moore First United Methodist Church, 201 W. Main St. Children’s Chimes, Moore First United Methodist Church, Wednesdays, December 2nd, 9th, and 16th, 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., 201 W. Main St., children 4th through 6th grades will learn to read music.

Cub Scouts Meetings, Tuesdays, December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 7:00 p.m., Moore First United Methodist Church, 201 W. Main St. Girl Scouts Meetings, Tuesdays, December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 7:00 p.m., Moore First United Methodist Church, 201 W. Main St. LEAP (Learning Enrichment Arts Program), Moore First United Methodist Church, Wednesdays, December 2nd, 9th, and 16th, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., 201 W. Main St. Open to children attending kindergarten through 6th grade. Choir, life skills games, snacks, and help with homework.

YMCA Before and After School Care, Moore Community Center. Call (405) 378-0420 for participating schools and more information.

December 2015 MUSIC/ARTS Southern Hills School of Fine Arts, 8601 S. Penn, Oklahoma City. Enrolling children and adults for private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, bass, drums, strings, brass and woodwinds. Call Sarah Gee at (405) 735-6387.

RECOVERY AND SUPPORT GROUPS Celebrate Recovery: • First Baptist Church Celebrate Recovery, Thursday nights, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 301 NE 27th Street. Call (405)793-2600 for more information.

Support and help for those struggling with addiction.

• Fresh Start Community Church Celebrate Recovery 12 Step Program, Tuesday nights, 6:30 p.m., 309 N Eastern, 794-7313.

Dementia/Alzheimer’s Support Group, Village on the Park, 1515 Kingsridge, Oklahoma City. Contact Karen Proctor at (405) 792-8700 for meeting times and details.

P.A.L.S. Program for Seniors. Seniors will be 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 Tuesday and Thursday from the Moore area to Oklahoma City medical appointments. Call Jackie at (405) 297-2583.

• Transportation anywhere in the city of Moore for errands or appointments. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through 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.

COMMUNITY CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Divorce Care, First Baptist Church, Wednesday nights, 6:15 p.m., First Baptist Church, 301 NE 27th Street.

Support group for those going through a divorce. Call (405) 793-2600 for more information.

American Legion Meetings, meets every Wednesday, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., 207 SW 1st St., Moore.

Open for all veterans. Call (405) 794-5446 for more information.

Grief Share Support Group, First Baptist Church, meets every Monday night at 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church, 301 N.E. 27th Street. Support group for individuals and family members struggling with life events such as death, divorce, and disappointments and learning healthy ways to cope with life. Call (405) 793-2600 for more information.

Malcolm Hunter Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, meets the second Wednesday of each month at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church, 6600 S. Penn, at 1:00 p.m. For more information, contact Pat Towns at (405) 376-5653.

GriefShare Support Group, Fresh Start Community Church, meets every Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., +Fresh Start Community Church, 309 N. Eastern, Moore, Fresh Start Community Church Fireside Room.

We offer help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend. Please contact the office at (405) 794-7313, Lyn Jacquemot at (405) 326-5554, or ladylyn1941@gmail.com to register or participate.

HOPE Addictions Recovery, every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Beth Haven Baptist Church, 12400 S. Call Pastor Rick Carter at (405) 691-6990 for information.

SENIOR CONNECTION AARP, meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:00 p.m. at the Brand Senior Center, 501 East Main Street, Moore. Programs are on subjects of interest to persons 50 years and over. Potluck dinner follows the program each month. For more information, contact Mary at (405) 826-2315.

Moore Senior Citizen Nutrition Site, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m., Brand Senior Center, 501 E. Main, (405) 793-9069. Call by 1:00 p.m. the day before to request a meal. Donation for a meal for seniors 60 and above is $2.25. Meal for guests < 60 is $5.00.

Moore Horseshoe Pitching Club, meets Every Thursday, 6:00 p.m. at Fairmoore Park. For more information, contact (405) 237-1171.

Moore Old Town Association, meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at First United Methodist Church. For further information, contact Janie Milum at cjmilum@sbcglobal.net.

Moore Rotary Club, meets Wednesdays at Moore Chamber of Commerce 305 W. Main St.. Civic organization dedicated to contributing and volunteering in our community.

Moore Toastmasters, meets every Thursday, 7:00 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 201 W. Main St., Moore. Become the speaker and leader that you want to be. Join our group as we practice Toastmasters’ proven learn-by-doing program.

The Oklahoma Women Veterans Organization, meets on the third Saturday during the months of February, April, June, August, October and December,11:00 a.m., Sunnylane Family Reception Center, 3900 SE 29th St., Del City. If you need directions, call (405) 445-7040.

South Oklahoma City Rotary Club, meets every Friday, 12:00 p.m., Southwest Integris Cancer Center, SW 44th St. and S. Western, Oklahoma City. Civic organization dedicated to volunteering in our community.

VFW Bruce January Post 8706, Thursday, November 12th, 7:00 p.m., meets monthly on the 2nd Thursday of every month, Lynlee Mae Event Center, 501 W. Main St., Moore. All veterans welcome. Call Mike Eaton at (405) 831-4405 or go to vfwpost8706.org for more information.

Serve Moore. Are you looking for a way to help others? Serve Moore is looking for volunteers to help with disaster relief and renewal projects. If you would like to volunteer or need volunteer help, visit www.servemoore.com/help to submit a request.

You can also visit the Serve Moore headquarters, located inside the Community Renewal Center at 224 S. Chestnut Avenue in Moore. For more information, visit www.servemoore.com or call (405) 735-3060.

Women: Moms Club of Moore, meets the second Thursday of the month, Westmoore Community Church. Go to www.momsclubsofmoore.com for more information.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES American Cancer Society seeks volunteers who would like to help drive patients to their cancer treatment and/or volunteer with our local Relay for Life event. For more information visit www.relayforlife.org/mooreok or contact Mel Rogers at (405) 841-5817 or mel.rogers@cancer.org.

Blue Star Mothers of America. Moore City Hall is a donation drop-off for items for our service members overseas. For needs, see www.bsmok6.org or go to City Hall.

Help Deliver Meals to Moore homebound residents.

Volunteer drivers needed. Call Darlene Carrell, (405) 793-9069, Brand Center.

Check out the Calendar @

The Hugs Project, a non-profit organization, puts together care packages for our troops in the Middle East. For more information call (405) 651-8359 or TheHugsProject@cox.net.

Moore Food Resource Center, a part of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, allows volunteers to help fight hunger in Moore. Volunteers at the Moore Food Resource Center will assist with a variety of tasks, including serving as client shopper helpers, assisting with loading and unloading vehicles, sorting and shelving food items, and cleaning. The Moore Food Resource Center is located at 2635 N. Shields. For more information on becoming a volunteer, contact Alex Strout at astrout@regionalfoodbank.org or call 600-3186.

Oklahoma Ducks Unlimited. Volunteering for Ducks Unlimited is a great way to have fun, meet new people and support Ducks Unlimited’s critical waterfowl habitat conservation mission. Whether you want to sell event tickets, gather donations, secure sponsorships, or help put on a successful party and fundraising event, there are many opportunities that will fit your needs to support your local community!

For more information about volunteering, please contact Mr. Nathan Johnson, Regional Director for Oklahoma Ducks Unlimited at (405) 315-0093 or Mr. Randall Cole at (479) 220-9735.

This story sponsored by

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 33

Moore Public Library Holiday Closing Dates: The library will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 24th and 25th, for the Christmas holidays.

CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT Barks, Barks and Buddies, Tues, Dec. 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 6:30 p.m.

Cuddle Up and Read, Thur, Dec. 17th, 6:00 p.m.

Lapsit Story Time, Wed, Dec. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, 10:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Music Together, Sat, Dec. 5th, 19th, 11:00 a.m.

Pre-K Create and Play, Thur, Dec. 10th, 10:00 a.m.

Rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve 2016 DJ Jam Session, Thur, Dec. 31st, 9:00 a.m.

Rockin’ Noon Year’s Eve 2016 Party, Thur, Dec. 31st, 11:00 a.m.

Sensory Story Time, Friday, Dec. 18th, 10:00 a.m.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Day, Sat, Dec. 12th, 1:00 p.m.

Story Time, Tues, Dec. 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 10:00 a.m.

Tween Scene, Tues, Dec. 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 4:30 p.m.

TEEN/ADULT DEPARTMENT Adult Coloring, Mon, Dec. 21st, 2:00 p.m.

Beginner’s Yoga, Mon, Dec. 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 6:00 p.m.

Creative Gift Wrap Workshop, Sat, Dec. 5th, 10:00 a.m.

DIY Yuletide, Tues, Dec. 15th, 6:30 p.m.

Holiday Gala, Fri, Dec. 4th, 5:30 p.m.

Just Write: A Writer’s Group, Mon, Dec. 7th, 7:00 p.m.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Day, Sat, Dec. 12th, 1:00 p.m.

Tai Chi, Sat, Dec. 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, 10:00 a.m.

Teen Holiday Wreath Craft, Mon, Dec. 14th, 6:00 p.m.

Teen Logo Mindstorms Robots, Sat, Dec. 19th, 1:00 p.m.

Teen Scratch, Hour of Code, Mon, Dec. 7th, 3:30 p.m.

Zumba, Thursdays, December 3rd, 10th, 17th, 6:00 p.m.

34 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

SW OKC Public Library Holiday Closing Dates: The library will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 24th and 25th, for the Christmas holidays.

Sensory Story Time, Fri, Dec. 4th, 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Touch, Learn and Create: Candy Canes, Wed, Dec.16th, 10:00 a.m.

TweenScene Paint Party, Tues, Dec. 8th, 4:30 p.m.

CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT Afterschool Kids, Thur, Dec. 3rd, 17th, 4:30 p.m.

Baby Story Time and Play, Thur, Dec. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 31st, 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Children’s Story Time and Craft, Mon, Dec. 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Holiday Party, Sat, Dec. 12th, 2:00 p.m.

Homeschool Engineering Challenge, Thur, Dec. 10th, 2:00 p.m.

Lego Quest, Tues, Dec.1st, 4:30 p.m.

Minecraft Creative, Fri, Dec. 5th, 18th, 5:00 p.m.

Minecraft Survival, Mon, Dec. 7th and 21st, 5:00 p.m. and 6:10 p.m.

TEEN/ADULT DEPARTMENT Crafting Paper Flowers, Tues, Dec. 1st, 6:30 p.m.

Holiday Party, Sat, Dec. 12th, 2:00 p.m.

Penn Ave. Literary Society, Thur, Dec. 10th, 6:30 p.m.

Pilates, Mon, Dec. 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 6:00 p.m.

Sewing for Teens, Tues and Wed, Dec. 15th and 16th, 6:30 p.m.

Yoga for Beginners, Tues, Dec. 8th and 15th and Thur, Dec. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 6:30 p.m.

Zumba, Mon, Dec. 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 7:00 p.m.

City of Moore Parks & Recreation Moore Community Center Normal Hours of Operation Monday through Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Fri: 8am - 5pm • Sat: 10am to 6pm • Sunday: Closed OPEN GYM • 15 & under (school ID recommended), Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• 16 & up (must have ID), Monday through Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Hours are subject to change without notice. Gym may be closed at any time due to special events, league play, or other activities.

FITNESS AND DANCE CLASSES Baby Ballet & Tiny Toes, Moore Community Center, Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., ages 2 and 3. For more information about the classes, go to tippietoesdance.com/oklahoma-city.

Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, Moore Community Center.

• Ages 3 and 4, Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m.; Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 4:45 p.m.

• Ages 5 and 6, Thursdays, 6:15 p.m.

• For more information about the classes, go to tippietoesdance.com/oklahoma-city.

Hip Hop, Moore Community Center, Thursdays, 7:00 p.m., ages 5 to 10 years.

Tippi Toes, Moore Community Center, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, 4:45 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., and 7:00 p.m., ages 18 months to 12 years. $30 registration fee and $15 per month. For more information, call Tracy at (405) 361-3620.

Toddler & Me, Moore Community Center, Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m., ages 18 months to 3 years. For more information about the classes, go to tippietoesdance. com/oklahoma-city.

Zumba Fitness, Moore Community Center, Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m. and Saturdays, 10:15 a.m. Fee is $15 a month per person or $5 per class. Instructor is Ritchel Schultz. For more information call (405) 793-5090 or register online at www.cityofmoore.com/fun or at Moore Community Center.

Brand Senior Center For more info on activities and times, call 793-9069.

December 1st December 3rd December 3rd

December 4th December 8th December 8th December 9th

December 10th

December 11th December 11th December 15th December 16th

December 18th December 23rd December 24th December 25th December 28th December 29th

Country Music House Singers Nutrition Class Unity Home Care: Blood Pressure & Sugar Checks MCOA Monthly Meeting Library Mustang Ramblers Band Holiday Safety Tips: OKC Police Department Legal Aid Services: Speaking on Power of Attorney BINGO with Eileen U-Got Trivia with Dana Country Music House Singers Fresh Cobbler: Provided by Village on the Park BINGO with Scott Rudy & Mary Sing NO MEALS TO BE SERVED CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS MCOA Board Meeting BINGO with Allegiance Credit Union

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

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

11:10 a.m.-11:25 a.m.

10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

12:15 p.m.

11:00 a.m.-11:20 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

12:15 p.m.

11:00 a.m.-11:25 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

MONTHLY ACTIVITIES: Bus Service, Moore Council on Aging, seniors may have transportation anywhere in the city of Moore for errands or appointments, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Exercise, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:15 a.m.

Line Dancing Lessons, Wednesdays, 12:15 p.m.

Moore Senior Citizen Nutrition Site, Brand Center, 501 E. Main St. Call (405) 793-9069 for

reservations for meals. Donation for a meal for seniors 60 and older is $2.25. Required cost for

guests under 60 is $5.00.

Wood Carving, Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 35

HOLIDAY SHOP Local Guide The Stitching Post You’ll find simply the best gifts at great values to give this holiday at The Stitching Post.

For example, this Simplicity® Limited Edition SB8000 sewing and embroidery combo has 184 built-in sewing stitches, 136 built-in embroidery designs, 6 embroidery lettering fonts, and 3 lettering fonts an included BES® Embroidery Lettering Software 2.

Stop in today. Some machines start as low as $99 or come with Visa Gift Cards!

316 N. Broadway, Moore • 794-0026

Malibu’s Auto Santa stays out of the dog house by keeping Mrs. Claus happy! And, this year, he’s shopping at Malibu’s for a remote starter to keep her warm and toasty. He got it installed for only $249!

Malibu’s Automotive is offering lots of great specials for holiday gift giving.

Many for $99 and less. Malibu Automotive gift cards make a great gift too!

121 SW 4th Street, Moore • 799-6700

Diamond Dee Lite ‘Tis the season to be jolly AND ‘Tis the season to get engaged!

It’s engagement season and you’ll find the perfect ring for your true love when you shop at Diamond Dee Lite.

You’ll find the perfect symbol of love when you shop their large inventory of exquisite and unique rings. Shop the wide selection of diamond engagement rings, in a variety of styles with prices to fit most any budget. You’ll have her saying “yes”, when you find the perfect ring from Diamond Dee Lite 308 SE 4th, Moore • 793-8166

The General Store If you are looking for the perfect gift this holiday season, stop by the General Store and let them create a one-of-a-kind gift basked for you. They carry a variety of Made in Oklahoma jellies, mixes, gourmet pastas, sauces, honey, sodas, soaps and more. Some of the product lines you’ll find here include Bedre chocolates, Della Terra pasta, Prairie Gypsies, Mrs. Netties, Hilltop Gardens, Scott Farms, and Neighbors Coffee. Area delivery is available.

1550 S. Eastern, Moore • 794-9975

36 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

Tilted Tulip Looking for gift ideas for all the fashionistas on your list?? With jewelry, footwear, cozy sweaters, furry vests, great-fitting jeans and more, finding the right gift is easy when you shop at The Tilted Tulip.

Items like trendy and “fring-y” boots are sure to please! Before you leave, you may want to pick up everyone’s favorite drink bottle by S’well for your self.

It will keep you hydrated and your warm or cool beverage at just the right temperature for up to 24 hours!

13316 South Western, Suite Q • OKC • 759-7590

Broadway Florist Need to add some glamour to your holiday gatherings? Go to Broadway....

Broadway Florist that is!

Since 1986, Broadway Florist has created beautiful and unique centerpieces and arrangements that will add a little sparkle to all your festivities. You will also find many other lovely gift items here, perfect for that someone special.

Let Scherry and her staff help you set the stage for the best Christmas yet.

328 N Broadway, Moore • 793-8889

Moore Vintage Charm When Santa needs to find a unique, quirky or custom gift, he heads to Moore’s One Stop Shop Where You’ll Find It All…Moore Vintage Charm.

From original painted/distressed furniture pieces, to frames and from kitchen décor to wall art, you’ll finish all your holiday shopping in no time when you shop Moore Vintage Charm.

Or, get creative by unleashing your inner artist and attend an art or painting class.

1223 N Broadway, Moore • 735-6262

GiGi’s Baby Boutique All of Santa’s good little Princes and Princesses shop for their sweet and sassy fashions at GiGi’s Baby Boutique.

Nothing says “Christmas” more than a red dress of ruffles and bling! This precious angel is glammed up for all the holiday fun in a beautiful dress from Hatley.

Holiday Hours: M-F 9am-7 pm; Sat. 9-6; Dec. 24. 9-3 Get Your Gigi’s Punch Card – You’ll get a punch for every $10 spent, after 10 punches, get 10% off your next purchase.

Find all the sweetest attire for good little guys and gals at GiGi’s .

1991 Tower Drive, at 19th & Tower, across from Showplace Market.

Moore • 434-7499

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 37

38 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

201 N Broadway | O ld S c hool Building

895-6373

www.t woolivesc af e.com

R E S TAU R A N T H O U R S : Monday-Fr iday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm S at urday 10:30 am to 3:00 pm C losed on S unday

C AT ER I N G :

Weddings, Receptions, Bir thday s, Baby S howers and more!

Two Event Rooms that wil l hold up to 200 people.

Great lunc h items to suit al l tastes!

f or c ater ing c al l: 417-1783 Voted Best of Moore & South OKC Best Lunch Spot AND Best Non-Chain Restaurant

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 39

Sports Schedule - December 2015

MOORE

SOUTHMOORE

Basketball December 1 vs. Yukon, 6 p.m.

December 8 at Norman, 6 p.m.

December 10-12 at Okemah Tournament December 15 BATTLE OF THE BIG CATS at Home, 6 p.m.

Basketball December 1 SOUTHWEST SHOWDOWN at Home, 6 p.m.

December 8 at Yukon, 6 p.m.

December 10-12 Men at Tahlequah Tournament December 10-12 Women at Bixby Tournament December 15 BATTLE OF THE BIG CATS at Moore, 6 p.m.

Swim December 5 at Edmond YMCA December 11 at Cameron Univ.

Wrestling December 3 vs. Lawton, 7 p.m.

December 10 vs. Lawton MacArthur, 7 p.m.

December 11-12 at Deer Creek Tournament December 19 at Norman Tournament WESTMOORE Basketball December 1 SOUTHWEST SHOWDOWN at SHS, 6 p.m.

December 4 at Norman, 6 p.m.

December 8 vs.

Norman North, 6 p.m.

December 10-12 at Durant Tournament December 15 at Edmond Memorial, 6 p.m.

December 28-31 Men at Disney World KSA Holiday Tournament Swim December 5 at Edmond YMCA December 11 at Cameron Univ.

Wrestling December 8 at Deer Creek, 7 p.m.

December 11-12 at Mid-America Nationals in Enid December 15 vs. Enid, 7 p.m.

40 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

Swim December 5 at Edmond YMCA December 11 at Cameron University Wrestling December 4 at Del City Tournament December 10 Tri vs.

Edmond North, Deer Creek December 11-12 at Mid-America Nationals in Enid December 18-19 at Kansas City Stampede

John M. Ireland Funeral Home

Select businesses have partnered to sponsor the news and we’d like to personally thank them. Our coverage in the Moore Monthly magazine, on TheMooreDaily.com website and our direct mail piece is made possible in part because of their sponsorships. Be sure to thank the businesses who make our stories possible!

City Beat: John Ireland Funeral Home Sports: Beneficial Automotive Maintenance Weather: Oz Saferooms Tech Library Connections: First United Bank Senior Living / Sketches of Moore: Featherstone Class Acts: Chad Cobble Insurance If you’d like to help keep information flowing to the community while also promoting your business, consider sponsoring the following coverage areas: Sports Ticker (sports email update): Available Business News: Available Lifestyle / Entertainment: Available Calendar: Available News Flash: (news email update): Available Thanks again to our sponsors. Make sure to show them your appreciation for the magazine you’re enjoying!

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 41

The Sooner Theatre Presents NY style pizza

MOORE LOCATIONJamesNOW OPEN! Having a party? Reserve our private room!

In a hurry? Drive by the pickup window!

McMurtry daily discount with school ID 1409 N Moore Nov. Ave 6 • 8 Student/Teacher pm

405 242-2222 BestPizzaOKC.com Order online/call ahead

Monday: Spaghetti with meatball, salad, garlic bread, drink Tuesday: Eggplant Parm, salad, garlic bread, drink Wednesday: Stuffed Bell Peppers, salad, garlic bread, drink Thursday: Sicilian Pizza, salad, drink Friday: Chicken Parm, salad, garlic bread, drink Saturday: Pizza slice, salad, drink

$8.50 $8.50 $8.50 $9.00 $9.50 $8.50

Patty Griffin The Sooner Theatre Presents w/Darlingside Nov. 14 • 8 pm James McMurtry Nov. 6 • 8 pm

Home

for the

Holidays Home

for the

A Musical Sing-A-Long CelebrationPattyforGriffin w/Darlingside the wholeNov. family!

14 • 8 pm A Musical December 9-13 Sing-A-Long Celebration for the whole family!

December 9-13

101Holidays E Main St • Downtown Norman E Main St••www.soonertheatre.com Downtown Norman (405)101321-9600

(405) 321-9600 • www.soonertheatre.com

42 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

Fast Pitch All-City

BY COLE POLAND

FIRST TEAM P – Lindsey Stoeckel, Jr. (Southmoore) C – Trenity Edwards, Jr. (Southmoore) 1B – Halle Melone, Sr. (Moore) 2B – Roxanne Sarrington, So. (Moore) 3B – Sydney Sherrill, Jr. (Southmoore) SS – Kennedy Jackson, Jr. (Moore) OF – Kari Briggs, So. (Southmoore) OF – Kamrie Harrison, Jr. (Moore) OF – Brenique Wright, Sr. (Moore) DP – Sierra Crick, Sr. (Moore)

SECOND TEAM P – Bailey McKittrick, So. (Moore) C – Alanna Leisy, Jr. (Westmoore) 1B – Emily Richardson, Sr. (Southmoore) 2B – Josie Tofpi, So. (Westmoore) 3B – Amanda Moreno, Jr. (Moore) SS – Sydnee Ramsey, Jr. (Westmoore) OF – Rhomie Bradshaw, So. (Southmoore) OF – Sabrina Childers, Jr. (Southmoore) OF – Erycka Pierce, So. (Westmoore) DP – Tatiana Bryant, Jr. (Southmoore)

HONORABLE MENTION Mason Andrews, Sr. (Westmoore) Courtney Barnes, Fr. (Moore) Makenna Burge, So. (Southmoore) Alison Curry, Sr. (Southmoore) Jenny Ensey, So. (Westmoore) Ryann Epperley, So. (Westmoore) Alexa Franks, Jr. (Westmoore) Bailey Gilliam, So. (Westmoore) Karli Petty, Fr. (Southmoore) McKenzie Smith, Sr. (Westmoore) Jade Strickland, So. (Westmoore) Kenzie Zellner, Sr. (Moore)

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 43

44 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

Moore High School Graduate Making Waves in D.C.

BY BEVERLY FERREE

Moore High School graduate Lester Asamoah, class of 2011, is making his voice heard, in more ways than one.

A 2015 graduate of the University of Oklahoma, with a Bachelor’s degree in International and Area Studies, majoring in International Security, Asamoah is currently in graduate school at American University in Washington D.C. He has a laundry list of accomplishments at OU, including being invited as a guest on the Dr. Phil Show, but Asamoah began his journey at Moore High School.

While at MHS, Asamoah participated in Youth in Government, Model United Nations, Speech & Debate, Football, Track & Field, Cross Country, National Honor Society, FUSE, Boys State, and Boys Nation.

But he gives credit to educators in Moore for helping him grow and realize his calling.

“I think attending school in Moore helped me because there have been so many wonderful educators that believed in me early on,” said Asamoah. “From the top down, a lot of people have really set me up with opportunities to grow. There are many different student organizations at Moore, and from travelling around to different high schools across the state I realized how much there is to do at Moore in comparison to other schools. Taking AP classes, having clubs like Youth in Government and Model UN, and being able to run track while doing debate all helped me to be where I am now.”

With the preparation at MHS, Asamoah continued his success at OU, participating in the President’s Leadership Class, Sooner Speech Team, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Campus Activities Council (in the Speakers Bureau executive committee), Student Government Association, Black Student Association, College of International Studies Leadership Fellows, Ronald E. McNair Scholars, and Students for Social Justice. His major awards at OU include an Award of Excellence in Extemporaneous Speaking at the national Pi Kappa Delta tournament and the AfricanAmerican Student of the Year award.

Asamoah was attending OU during the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity scandal, where a video recording of

a group of SAE members chanting a racist chant surfaced, when he was contacted by the Dr. Phil Show to discuss the events.

“The Dr. Phil show was interesting,” said Asamoah. “I would have liked to travel to Los Angeles under better circumstances, but it was still a memorable experience. Dr. Phil is a nice guy and even has some Oklahoma roots.”

While at OU, Asamoah seemed destined for politics, but, as is the case with many students, his road took a turn.

“I think my political aspirations were much stronger at OU than now. I could see myself perhaps running for an office of some kind one day,” explained Asamoah. “More recently though, I’ve learned that there are a lot of ways to make a difference outside of political office. Working at the Oklahoma State Capitol was inspiring, to see politicians really work for their people. Politics are messy, but I think that there are solutions to be found in politics.”

In five years, as part of his requirements for receiving the Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship, a program designed to prepare graduate students both academically and professionally to enter the United States Department of State Foreign Service, Asamoah will be working as a Foreign Service Officer at an embassy, with a goal to eventually be selected as a U.S. ambassador.

But with all of his successes at OU and now in D.C., Asamoah still remembers his days in Moore.

“Of course, I spent many days on the east side of Moore with friends and family,” recalls Asamoah. “My optometrist Dr. Painter has been my optometrist for my entire life, and I remember the days before the Warren, Chick-fil-a, and renovations at Moore High.”

Asamoah may be paving a road to making a difference in the world, but his road will always have Moore as its starting point.

“...I’ve learned that there are a lot of ways to make a difference outside of political office. Working at the Oklahoma State Capitol was inspiring, to see politicians really work for their people.

Politics are messy, but I think that there are solutions to be found in politics.”

Lester Asamoah

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 45

A

Oklahoma City Community College 2015-2016 Performing Arts Series Presents

MELINDA DOOLITTLE

Christmas

“the one who should have won” American Idol Season Six ~ Simon Cowell

Tuesday, December 8, 7:30

P.M.

Tickets: $17– $31 OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater

Purchase online at tickets.occc.edu or call the box office at 405-682-7579 • www.occc.edu/pas Oklahoma City Community College Presenting sponsor: 7777 South May Avenue

Oklahoma City Community College presents the National Broadway tour of

December 13 & 14, 7:30 P.M. Tickets: $33.50–$65.50

OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater Purchase online at tickets.occc.edu or call the box office at 405-682-7579.

Oklahoma City Community College 7777 South May Avenue • www.occc.edu/pas 46 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

Basketball Looks Ahead With Young Talent

BY COLE POLAND

There are plenty of storylines regarding each of the city’s six basketball teams entering this new season. Moore has a new head coach for both their women (Brent Hodges) and men (Gregg Hardin). Southmoore’s men also has a new head coach in longtime assistant, James Lingo. The Southmoore women look to replace the bulk of their talent who graduated last May. Both Westmoore teams show great upside with nearly their entire rosters from last season returning.

The Lady Jaguars might have the highest expectations in town. They’re led by seniors Sydney Chastain, Ashley Gomez, and Kaci Richardson, all 4-year starters.

That kind of experience is hard to come by at any level. They’ve fallen three total games short of state over the last two years, having lost last season to Southmoore in the Area consolation final.

Their counterparts lost only one full-time contributor from last year and have a chance to really impress some people. With top players transferring and the natural cycle of graduation, the men of 6A aren’t exactly top-heavy like they were last year. The Jags have very solid base filled with athletes and shooters.

The SaberCats have to fill holes on both teams, having graduated a majority of their rotation. The women have been playing together long enough to have the confidence to feed off each other in order to compete. The men get up and down the floor quickly and have a little bit of length inside but look to have more luck from about the free throw line out.

Over at the elder school, the women have a core group back on the sideline. They’re fitting into the new system brought over by Hodges. There’s always that transitional feeling of learning about a new coach and vice versa but the Lady Lions have bought in and their excitement for the season comes out clearly. The men are pretty all new to the Lions bench. Only two players have any significant varsity experience. They’re guard play is very strong and should take them a long way but they might have a tough time if their shots aren’t falling.

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 47

Movie Guide - December 2015

DECEMBER 4 Krampus A boy who has a bad Christmas ends up accidentally summoning a Christmas demon to his family home.

Macbeth Macbeth, a Thane of Scotland, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders his king and takes the throne for himself.

DECEMBER 11 In the Heart of the Sea Based on the 1820 event, a whaling ship is preyed upon by a sperm whale, stranding its crew at sea for 90 days, thousands of miles from home.

The Big Short

Sisters

Concussion

Four outsiders in the world of highfinance who predicted the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s decide to take on the big banks for their lack of foresight and greed.

Two sisters decide to throw one last house party before their parents sell their family home.

The Lady in the Van

Joy

Will Smith stars in a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a footballrelated brain trauma, in a pro player.

A man forms an unexpected bond with a transient woman living in her car that’s parked in his driveway.

Joy is the story of a family across four generations and the woman who rises to be-come founder and matriarch of a powerful family business dynasty.

DECEMBER 18 Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens Set 30 years after Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, J.J. Abrams takes us back to a galaxy far, far away where rebel forces are battling the remnants of the Empire.

48 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

DECEMBER 25

Daddy’s Home A mild-mannered radio executive strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids.

Editor’s Note: Each month our Movie Guide provides a listing of top films expected at the Warren. Dates are subject to change.

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 49

Local Concrete Artist Leaves Customers Floored When I first walked into the showroom of Kustom Krete Concrete & Construction in Moore, I expected to simply conduct an interview about a company that is providing a service in Moore. I left realizing that owner and concrete designer Richard Yarber is an artist. Whether you want to simply have stained concrete floors in your home or concrete floors that look like you’re walking on water, Yarber can design and build it.

A 2003 graduate of Westmoore High School, Yarber has been around concrete for his entire life.

“I am a third generation concrete guy,” said Yarber. “I worked with my grandparents and my father growing up. They built swimming pools and did concrete work. I fell in love with the concrete part of the business. I love doing the designs.”

Yarber explains that he can make just about anything in your home with concrete, whether it’s flooring, bathtubs, sinks, countertops, etc.

“People can come in here and I can show them pictures of houses we’ve

done,” said Yarber. “Whether they like modern or country living or something different, I know what to do, and I can design it for them.”

And Yarber definitely comes with some credentials. He just finished designing and making the floors for a 4.4 million-dollar home in the Gaillardia Addition in Oklahoma City, and his company also completed the concrete roads in downtown Jones, stamping and staining the concrete to look like bricks.

But he would also like for people to realize that concrete is a very affordable alternative to traditional tile or hard wood.

“You can spend the same amount of money or less on concrete and have something completely unique that nobody else has,” said Yarber. “I can make the flooring look like clouds or marble. Every house will be different, so you will have a one of a kind custom floor.”

Yarber also does custom designed garage floors, and all of his work is done by hand.

50 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

BY BEVERLY FERREE

“With some I hand draw,” said Yarber.

“But I can also print something out and hand stencil it.”

Yarber is trying to let people know that they have choices when they are building homes, but for older construction home owners that want to change the flooring in their house, he can redesign it as well, including the floors and the countertops.

“And the thing about it is that these floors last forever,” explained Yarber.

Yarber has also ventured out to offer quality storm shelters. He actually has a patent for a door lock for his shelters.

But his first love is concrete.

“I love concrete and construction,” said Yarber. “It’s different every time. I love coming to work. I love what I do.”

You can contact Kustom Krete Concrete & Construction at (405)6938222. They are located just between 4th and 12th streets on the west side of I-35, at 741 N. Moore Avenue.

CONCRETE SAFEROOMS Tornado Shelters by

CUSTOM SIZES FOR ANY APPLICATION

Concrete & Construction K u sto m K r et e C onc r et e & C ons t r u c t i on c a n ta ke y ou r hom e t o t he next l evel w i th a va r i et y of s er vi c es of f er ed :

• • • • • • • • • •

Stamped Concrete Decorative Overlays Concrete Countertops Micro Topping Custom Stencil Logos Interior & Exterior Stamping Driveways Custom Patios & Walkways Pool Decks & Coping One Day Garage Floor Coating

Provid e y ou r f a mi ly w i t h t he p e a ce of mind t ha t come s f r om ha v i ng a n i n ground or a b ov e gr ou nd s t or m s he lt e r.

Kustom Kr e t e C ons t r u ct i on ha s b e e n d oing t or na d o s he lte r s f or t he p a s t te n yea rs and e v e r y s he lt e r me e t s a ll FE MA sp ecifica t i ons a nd gu i d e li ne s s o y ou ca n tr u s t y ou r f a mi ly to b e s a f e w he n you nee d i t the mos t.

Office: 735-6782 Shelters: 693-8222 741 N Moore Ave. (New City Center)

www.ku s t o m kr e t e c o n c r e t e . c o m

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 51

Moore Entrepreneurs How does nonverbal communication play a vital role in my business success?

In the first seven seconds, a first impression or judgement is formed.

Understanding nonverbal communication in business allows us to do the following:

Could be a business acquaintance, chamber networking attendee, or a potential client

1. To read others and respond accordingly

you want to sign up and are meeting for the first time.

The moment that stranger sees you, his or her brain makes a thousand computations: Are you someone to approach or to avoid? Are you friend or foe? Do you have status or authority? Are you trustworthy, competent, likeable, confident? Would I buy from this person?

And these computations are made at lightning speed – making major decisions about one another in the first seven seconds of meeting.

In business, first impressions are crucial. While you can’t stop people from making snap decisions or judgements, the human brain is hardwired in this way as a prehistoric survival mechanism – you can understand how to make those judgements work for you.

First impressions are heavily influence by nonverbal cues versus verbal. Studies show 7% of any message is conveyed through words, 38% through certain vocal elements (tone), and 55% through nonverbal elements (physical behaviors such as facial expressions, gestures, body posture, eye movement, touch and the use of space). Mom was pretty much correct when she said, “It’s not what you said but your tone of voice and how you said it.”

Here are six nonverbal ways to make a positive first impression: • Be aware of what attitude you want to embrace. People pick up on your attitude instantly; your thoughts, intentions, or feelings are played out “visually” in the form of nonverbal communication. Before you turn to greet someone, enter a networking event, make a sales call, or step onstage to make a presentation, think about how you want to show up, and be self-aware about the attitude you want to embrace.

• Straighten your posture. Status and power are nonverbally conveyed by height and space. Standing tall, pulling your shoulders back, and holding your head straight are all signals of confidence and competence.

• Smile. A smile says you are open, it is an invitation and a sign of welcome. It says, “I’m friendly and approachable.”

• Make eye contact. Looking at someone’s eyes transmits energy and indicates interest.

To improve your eye contact, make it a practice to notice the eye color of everyone you meet. Be present and actively listen to the person, maintaining direct eye contact 70% to 80% of the time.

• Shake hands. This is the quickest way to establish rapport and also the most effective. Research shows that it takes an average of three hours of continuous interaction to develop the same level of rapport that you can get with a single handshake. A quality handshake, properly executed, will inspire confidence and build rapport.

• Lean in slightly. Leaning forward shows you’re engaged and interested. Be respectful of the other person’s space - this means, in most business situations, staying about two feet away.

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2. To know when we have their attention, when we’ve lost it, and how to get it back 3. To make the process of interaction go more smoothly with less misinterpretations 4. To make better decisions on virtually everything, including hiring, purchasing, sales and recommendations Every new encounter presents us with an opportunity to make a good first impression.

Understanding the science of nonverbal communication provides the tools for us to make good decisions by reading others and being self-aware of our own nonverbal communication. We only have seven seconds but that is all we need if we understand the rules of engagement.

Henry Dumas Small Business Management Coordinator Moore Norman Technology Center 405-809-3540 • www.mntc.edu

Ask the Tax Guy! This month’s tax column continues answering a question asked last month about the surprise one reader got with a large tax bill in April.

Since the reader did not identify the reasons, we are exploring some of the common reasons that can cause this.

Did you get a divorce in the middle of the year? Like I am with cars, taxpayers can have limited understanding of how these life changes affect taxes. I have had clients tell me that they did not get divorced until late in the year so that they should still be able to file married filing jointly. For IRS purposes, your status on the last day of the year rules. If you are single January 1 through December 30 and get married December 31, you must file Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately. If you get divorced on December 15, you are considered Single on December 31 and must file that way if you are a non-custodial parent. This change in filing status and exemptions claimed can turn you upside-down in a hurry tax-wise.

Are you insured through the new federal health exchange, commonly known as Obamacare? When you apply each year, you use current information to determine what your share of the premiums are going to be.

If you get a promotion or take a new better paying job, you could lose some or all of your advance premium tax credit. Normally, the way most people are using it, the advance premium tax credit is paid directly to the insurer to help pay the premium; you pay the rest. But, if your income ends up being greater than you anticipated or changes, then your advance credit will be ‘recaptured’ by the IRS and you will not be happy with your tax preparer.

This time, rather than calling your tax preparer, you need to contact the Health Insurance Marketplace. You should also notify the Marketplace if you move out of the area covered by your current Marketplace plan.

Hopefully this month’s and last month’s columns have addressed why you owed more money in April than you were expecting. Feel free to contact me if these did not address your exact issues; or contact your tax preparer and be proactive with this year’s tax planning.

Mike Rush, CPA 405.833.0780 Mrush11@cox.net

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 53

Volleyball All-City

BY COLE POLAND

FIRST TEAM Alyssa Bert, Fr. (Westmoore) Kayla Brannon, So. (Southmoore) Chloe Conallis, Sr. (Moore) Sabrina Cooper, Fr. (Westmoore) Sydney Meget, Sr. (Southmoore) Destinee Wilson, Jr. (Southmoore)

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SECOND TEAM Anaya Govindji, Fr. (Southmoore) Ciera Jesse, Sr. (Westmoore) Molly Likes, Jr. (Westmoore) Bri Manvell, Jr. (Moore) Jordyn Owens, Sr. (Moore) Megan Serowski, Fr. (Southmoore)

HONORABLE MENTION Taryn Boyland, Jr. (Westmoore) Brookelin Griffin, So. (Moore) Reagan Hardin, Jr. (Westmoore) Savanna Ragsdale, So. (Westmoore) Shelby Timms, Jr. (Southmoore) Miranda Zawisza, Sr. (Westmoore)

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 55

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Favorite Holiday Films

BY ROB MORRIS

This story sponsored by

Nearly everybody has a favorite holiday movie they simply must watch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. For those families gathering around the television to share that cherished film is as important a holiday tradition as any other…so it only makes sense to tackle holiday movies in this month’s “Five Favorite Films” series. As always, the criteria for consideration is simple: Has a movie somehow impacted your life in such a way that you’ve watched the complete movie more than once? If you come across the movie while channelsurfing, do you stop and watch all or part of it? Do you own the movie (dvd or digital)? And/or does the movie evoke significant emotions for you? Head over to TheMooreDaily.com or the Moore Monthly Facebook page to share your “Five Faves” and you could win a $50 gift certificate to the Warren Theatre.

Here are my top five films in the holiday genre (not necessarily in order):

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©LIBERTY FILMS

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) Director: Frank Capra Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore Best line: “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives.

When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

There’s no better Capra movie to be found than the tale of George Bailey’s glimpse into a reality in which he’d never been born. The story of a man who has repeatedly given up his dreams in order to help others find theirs, but ends up on the brink of taking his own life, is an uplifting and enlightening tale that stands the test of time in ways many holiday movies do not. Sure it’s kinda cheesy. Sure it was a box office disappointment (but not a failure as many would lead you to believe). But the movie is now considered almost universally to be a holiday classic and has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the best 100 American films ever made.

SCROOGED (1988) Director: Richard Donner Starring: Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe Best line: “It’s Christmas Eve! It’s... it’s the one night of the year when we all act a little nicer, we... we... we smile a little easier, we... w-w-we... we... we cheer a little more. For a couple of hours out of the whole year, we are the people that we always hoped we would be!”

Directed by THAT Richard Donner (yep, the guy who directed Superman and Lethal Weapon), Bill Murray brings a very cynical and sarcastic Scrooge to life as a modern-day television executive. The great thing about Scrooged is that Murray gets to be the Bill Murray that we all love, bouncing off a trio of ghosts portrayed by Buster Poindexter (The Ghost of Christmas Past), Carol Kane (The Ghost of Christmas Future), and some enormous guy in a fabulous Grim Reaper suit. The movie is filled with wonderful moments, like the one when Murray is mistaken for Richard Burton by the occupants of a homeless shelter.

ELF (2003) Director: Jon Favreau Starring: Will Farrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Best line: “You sit on a throne of lies.”

Might just be my favorite Will Ferrell movie, primarily because the blend of Ferrell’s off-kilter humor is balanced with a character so in love with Christmas that you can’t help but love his sweetness. Buddy the Elf isn’t really an elf, but a human adopted by elves as a baby. As a grown man he walks through the seven levels of the Candy Cane Forest, through the Sea of Twirly Gum Drops, through the Lincoln Tunnel, and into New York City in hopes of finding his real father. Favreau and Ferrell weave an enchanting story that will make you smile (at least) if not laugh out loud.

A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983) Director: Bob Clark Starring: Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon Best line: “This isn’t flying, this is falling with style!”

Directed by the man behind the bawdy teen comedy “Porky’s,” this tale of a youngster’s quest to land a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle is a slice of nostalgia from the pre-television era. All of the action revolves around 9-year-old Ralphie and his determination to get that prized air rifle. The movie is based on a series of Jean Shepherd short stories called “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash” and has become a regular holiday event with TBS or TNT airing it for 24-hours each holiday season.

DIE HARD (1988) Directed by: John McTiernan Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Sedalia Best Line: “Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho.”

OK, while it’s true that this is a pure action movie…one that elevated Bruce Willis from a relatively popular television actor to a mega-movie star…the fact that it unfolds on Christmas eve does make it an acceptable entry in this particular list of favorites. Willis is spot-on perfect as John McClane, the rightguy in the wrong-place at the wrong-time. The cat-and-mouse game McClane plays with terrorist/bank-robber Hans Gruber (fabulously brought to life by Alan Rickman) was absolutely riveting. Willis nails the wise-cracking New York cop role and makes Die Hard an odd but easy choice for the holidays.

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 57

NOW SERVING MOORE 58 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

EMSSTAT and Norman Regional Moore are here for you.

You can’t predict when you’ll need an ambulance but when emergencies occur and time is crucial EMSSTAT and Norman Regional Moore are here for you. Our ambulances are staffed by highly-trained paramedics 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This award-winning service has provided excellent life-saving care to Norman and surrounding areas for 20 years. Our EMSSTAT team is looking forward to serving Moore and becoming a member of its outstanding public safety team. Plus, the ambulance service will be provided to Moore residents with no new add-on fees or subsidies from the city. Norman Regional’s team of highly trained emergency medicine professionals provide life-saving care to you and your family so when emergencies happen you can be confident you are getting the care you deserve close to home.

NormanRegional.com/EMSSTAT

Moore Medical Center Update RICHIE SPLITT, VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, NORMAN REGIONAL MOORE & HEALTHPLEX

4,500 plus Ultrasound studies, and well over 16,000 X-ray studies.

Our temporary Emergency Services provide fast, convenient and high quality life-saving care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our highly trained healthcare professionals are here for you when you need us most. Whether operating out of a temporary facility or a permanent modern healthcare facility, we look forward to continuing to provide the best healthcare to you and your family. In addition, Norman Regional’s award-winning EMSSTAT ambulance service has recently expanded to provide lifesaving paramedic-level ambulance services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the community of Moore.

As we approach the holiday season and on behalf of the Norman Regional Health System, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for your continued confidence, loyalty and trust. We are deeply thankful and extend to you our best wishes for happy and healthy holidays. This is where the healing begins.

RENDERING BY PATRICK GLUECK

This December is a special time for Norman Regional Health System as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of our temporary Moore Medical Center Emergency Services building, as well as continued construction on our new state-of-the-art Norman Regional Moore medical facility. Our physicians and staff enjoy serving the community they love with the quality healthcare you’ve come to know and trust from us – all from the convenience of our temporary ER and Physical Therapy buildings. And they look forward to continuing to provide their top-notch care at the new facility opening Spring 2016.

Some days it is hard to believe it has already been two years since we opened the free-standing ER building on the site of the former Moore Medical Center. Thanks to the community of Moore’s continued support, we’ve kept busy serving your healthcare needs. Since opening in December 2013, we attended to more than 32,160 patients at the Emergency Department and performed almost 6,000 CT studies,

This story sponsored by

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 59

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VETERANS CARING FOR VETERANS “Your lab work has come back abnormal.”

Those are words no one wants to hear, but that is exactly what retired LTC John Laugerman was told by his on-base primary care provider. When his primary care physician suggested that he meet with Dr. Stan Law, Urologist in Midwest City, John had an immediate feeling of relief. John knew of Dr. Law’s name and that he had previously been an Air Force physician.

After visiting with Dr. Law and hearing the diagnosis of prostate cancer, John shared, “Dr. Law was very thorough and took a lot of time explaining all the different treatment options to me.” After their conversations, John chose to seek therapy from Dr. Christopher Bozarth, a Radiation Oncologist at Optim Oncology in Midwest City. John was treated with IMRT (Intensity-modulated radiation

therapy,) an advanced mode of delivering precise radiation to a tumor. He received treatments, each lasting just minutes, over the course of 8-9 weeks. John felt the staff was professional and personal, treating him like family. He appreciated being able to stay close to home and receive the most up to date therapy for prostate cancer. Nearly 4 years out from his radiation course, John remains cancer free.

Beginning in 2012, Dr. Bozarth and Optim Oncology became the first Oklahoma City facility to use the Calypso™ 4D Localization System for the treatment of prostate cancer. Even today, Optim Oncology is the only center in the Oklahoma City area offering this unique radiation targeting technology that works like a GPS system, determining the exact posi-

tion and movement of the prostate during radiation therapy treatment - optimizing radiation targeting and minimizing side effects. Dr. Bozarth comments, “For men that choose radiation management of their prostate cancer, Calypso localization provides the most accurate, real time targeting and least amount of associated side effects. No other Oklahoma City facility offers this type of motion management technology.”

Both Dr. Bozarth and Dr. Law are prior active duty military physicians serving patients right here in Midwest City. Each could have chosen any state to start their practice, but they love the feel of Oklahoma and especially Midwest City.

2117 Riverwalk Dr. Moore, OK 73160 • 405.703.1400

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DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 61

Moore Healthy

Healthy Winter Comfort Foods RUBY ASIF UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA DIETETIC INTERN

There is nothing like a heaping plate of macaroni and cheese, a steaming mug of hot chocolate, or a crispy grilled cheese sandwich to take the chill out of the winter season.

Comforting or not, though, those classics are typically loaded with butter, milk, heavy cream and refined carbohydrates. But this doesn’t mean you have to give up on your favorites just yet.

Soups, stews, casseroles, and chili are very versatile dishes. Even if your recipe doesn’t call for it, it’s easy to add or substitute any veggie or lean meat that you have in the fridge.

These types of recipes usually make a lot of servings, so they are great for gatherings with family and friends. If you’re not cooking for a crowd, you can always freeze leftovers in individual containers so you’ll have a quick, pre-portioned meal for another day.

Here are simple tips to lighten up your winter favorites: Decrease the fat!

• Try low-fat sauces for vegetables instead of heavy cream-based sauces • Puree vegetables to thicken a broth soup • Use evaporated milk as a substitute for cream in some recipes • Use low-fat cheeses in recipes • Use a vegetable oil or spread instead of butter • Use plain low fat yogurt rather than sour cream • Skim fat off of meat juices when making gravy or sauce • Baste meat with fruit juice or broth instead of fat Add more fiber!

• Serve whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or bulgur to increase fiber • Try whole grain crackers with low fat dips and cheeses for appetizers • Set out raw vegetables with low fat dressing • Bake whole grain muffins or bread • Make fruit-based desserts Make use of a crock pot this winter!

A crock pot allows you to do the prep ahead of time and have a meal ready when you get home. Just throw in your ingredients before you leave in the morning and turn your crock pot on. Come home later, and dinner can be ready.

Moore Vintage Charm

Here is a slow cooker chili recipe that is easy to make and delicious.

Plus, it’s healthy too.

Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 lb 99% lean ground turkey 1 medium onion, diced 1 red pepper, chopped 1 yellow pepper, chopped 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained 2 (15 oz) cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup frozen corn 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon cumin Salt and black pepper, to taste Optional toppings: green onions, shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream/Greek yogurt Directions: 1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place turkey in the skillet, and cook until brown. Pour turkey into slow cooker.

2. Add the onion, peppers, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, corn, chili powder, and cumin. Stir and season with salt and pepper.

3. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours OR low for 6 hours. Serve with toppings, if desired.

Your one stop shop where you’ll find it all!

For nutritional counseling, Norman Regional Health System offers the guidance of registered dietitians. Those interested can schedule an appointment for an assessment with a referral from their family physician. For further information contact 405.307.5730.

62 | MOORE MONTHLY | DECEMBER 2015

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Spend $25 and get your name in the Drawing for a $250 Moore Vintage Charm Gift

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735-6262 • 1223 N. Broadway

Cross Country All-City

BY COLE POLAND

Only Westmoore Jaguar runners made the State cross country meet so this season’s cross country All-City team is made up solely of Jags.

WOMEN Nicole Clapp, Sr. Sydney Muzny, Jr. Peyton Glenn, Fr. Ashlyne Reneau, Sr. Madalyn Harper, So. Sydney Chastain, Sr. Savannah Cottom, Sr.

MEN Jake Bowen, Sr. Jared Brown, Sr. Garrett Elmore, Sr. Hunter Hart, Fr. Brandon Ong, Sr. Marcos Garcia, Sr. Christian Thompson, Sr.

Better golf is at the top of the list for all golfers.

Holiday Package

$ 195

Holiday Package

$ 295

1 Swing Evaluation, 1 Lesson & 1 Video Practice Session

1 Swing Evaluation, 3 Lessons & 3 Video Practice Sessions

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On Game Plans or Lesson Packs, excludes Holiday Packages

GolfTEC makes it easy to give your golfer a gift they’ll love.

GolfTEC is the leader in golf instruction and offers two great holiday lesson packages, both with an incredible value. Also, a 10% discount is available on all other lessons plans.

Visit golftec.com/holiday or call 405-225-3494

1619 S. I-35 Service Road Moore, OK 73160 Located south of the Warren Theatre

*Some restrictions may apply. Prices and participation may vary. Offers expire 12/31/2015. Contact your local GolfTEC Improvement Center for details.

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 63

Shop Moore

BY BEVERLY FERREE

Tilted Tulip Boutique Offers Full Service, Friendliness, and Fashion

Nestled in a shopping strip, just north of S. Western and 134th Street, is a delightful new boutique, owned and operated by two very delightful women. Kristen Bowen-Oravetz and Amanda Moody have been best friends since 4th grade, and after years of dreaming about opening a boutique, finally took the plunge. The result is the Tilted Tulip Boutique, a very fashionable, affordable, somethingfor-everyone and every size type of boutique.

The dream began a few years ago.

“We were both in a dental field prior to opening this store,” explained Bowen-Oravetz. “Amanda’s aunt has a boutique in Arkansas, and we talked about how it would be fun to bring one here. We were in the pool swimming and talking about how awesome it would be to have a boutique, and then, you know, life happened and we went back to work.”

But the women never gave up on that dream, and eventually they left their every day jobs at the dental office, and with some mentoring from Moody’s aunt and with a lot of hard work and determination, the women stepped out on faith.

“We actually stepped out on a lot of faith,” said Bown-Oravetz.

Both women take pride in what their store has to offer, but perhaps what they do best is offer advice when someone needs it.

“Not everyone knows how to come in and put outfits together,” said Moody. “So if you come in and say, ‘I want a new look and I don’t know how to do it,’ well, that’s what we are here for. We have had people come out of the dressing room with something on that just doesn’t flatter them, and we help them.

We are not going to let you leave the store without looking good!”

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And based on the styles, the sizes, and the prices, there is definitely something for everyone, whether you’re a size 0 or a 3X. Everyone will feel welcome.

Something else the women take pride in is the merchandise they offer.

“We have several brands of clothing,” said Moody.

“But definitely one of the benefits of shopping at our boutique is that we order very limited quantities, so there are very rare items. You’re not going to run into 12 people wearing the same thing.”

You can also find other items in addition to clothing.

“We sell Swell bottles,” said Moody. “It keeps cold things cold for 24 hours and hot things hot for 12 hours.”

“And we also do vinyl monogramming here,” added Bowen-Oravetz, as she held up her cup with a self-designed monogram.

“We also carry Bath Balms,” said Moody. “These are handmade and it’s a sphere of moisturizing bath salts that dissolve. They smell amazing, and each balm has a little prize inside, such as a cameo, a diamond, a ballerina…just little trinkets in each.

They are $6 each or 3 for $15 and a lot of people like purchasing them for gifts.”

You can also find jewelry starting at $5, shirts, shoes, necklaces…the whole outfit. This is also a place you can go if you need a quick gift. And if you’re in a hurry, the women can help by wrapping your purchase in a gift bag for you.

The women also enjoy providing merchandise that has a story behind it. For example, the store offers Bracha jewelry, which not only provides one-of-a-kind pieces, but 20 percent of the profit goes to the fight against human trafficking. And the Scarlet and Gold

brand offers anything from printed sayings to fashionable phone cases, and 100 percent of those profits go to benefit couples with infertility challenges.

The boutique also carries a number of brands that are “protected,” which means that the Tilted Tulip will be the only store within a certain radius that is allowed to carry those brands.

You can also find Capri Blue candles, the Livy Lou collegiate line, and Charlie Southern statelove t-shirts.

And the feedback so far has been great, especially because of the location.

“We have had several people comment about how happy they are that there is something on this side of the city,” said Bowen-Oravetz. “Often times they will go get a cup of coffee at The Blue Bean next door and come here to browse or shop.”

The women want all of you to know that shopping at their boutique will be an enjoyable experience.

Whether you need a quick gift or a full outfit, whether you have just a simple question or need fashion advice, they will be there to help.

“Anyone and everyone should feel comfortable walking in our doors,” said Moody. “We are very nice and normal down to earth girls. There is no pretention at this store.”

You can check out their Facebook page via The Tilted Tulip or on Instagram @shoptiltedtulip. The store is located at 13316 S. Western, and if you have any questions you can call them at (405) 759-7590.

Oscar’s at the Warren Offers Movie Goers a Full Dining Experience When Bill Warren had a vision over 20 years ago to make movie going an event, he was apparently way ahead of his time. And we are simply lucky enough here in Moore to have access to one of his theatres in our own backyard. And while many of you know about the theatre, and you may even know about the adult-only facilities upstairs, you may not be aware of just what is offered “upstairs” at Oscar’s.

Oscar’s is a full service bar and restaurant, catering to the adult who is looking for a complete moviegoing experience.

“Bill Warren had foresight,” said Les Padzensky, Vice-President of Food and Beverage for all Warren theatres. “He knew that having restaurant type food in a movie theatre would take off.”

And take-off it did. When you first walk upstairs to the Balcony, you leave the typical movie theatre feel and step into a more upscale atmosphere. There is a full service bar, with beer and liquor choices, and a television playing for those of you needing those last minute sports scores. There are more intimate areas for dining in the lobby, similar to any restaurant.

But the difference at Oscar’s is the choices you have for dining.

“When you purchase a ticket for upstairs, it also comes with a server,” explains general manager Doug Davis. “Once you’re seated, you order from our menu

or our concession stand, either way, and your food is delivered directly to your seat.”

And since all of the upstairs seats are reserved, you don’t have to worry about what time you arrive. And if you’re limited on time, upstairs offers you a chance to still have dinner and a movie.

“One benefit is for the people that have young children,” said Padzensky. “You can have dinner and see a movie, the whole package, even when you have time issues.”

And don’t think you’re getting typical diner food when you eat at Oscar’s. While diner food is available, you also have a choice of fine dining options, such as steak.

“We have anything from sandwiches to salmon,” said Davis. “We are a full service restaurant where you just happen to watch a movie.”

The tickets are an additional $7.50 for the Balcony, but the experience may be worth it.

“When we first decided to try the Balcony and eat at Oscar’s, I was a little skeptical about the additional cost,” said movie goer Zeke Mattox. “But the food was really good, the service was excellent, and it just made the experience more enjoyable.”

But has the concept been accepted here in Moore?

“It’s been a huge success,” said Davis. “In fact, because of the success here in Moore with our two

Taste Moore

BY BEVERLY FERREE

Director’s Suites and two Balconies, when we opened up the Broken Arrow theatre, we expanded to four Director’s Suites and two Balconies.”

And if you have a really large group that you want to entertain upstairs, you have an option of reserving an entire Director’s Suite theatre for the movie of your choice.

“We do a lot of parties too,” explained Davis.

“People rent out Director’s Suites for their businesses, maybe birthday parties. They arrange about a month in advance and buy the entire theatre, pick their movie and they have three hours.

But just so you know, that is not an option for the new Star Wars movie, which has been booked for over a year.

“If you would like to come see a movie on a weekend upstairs and have dinner at Oscar’s, it’s a good idea to buy your tickets on Wednesday,” said Davis.

I would say Bill Warren’s foresight was right on the money.

Check out the menu at warrentheatres.com/oscars.

1000 Telephone Rd. in MooreContact Movie Line: (405) 703-3777 Customer Service: (405) 735-9676

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 65

Moore @ Your Library Kid Book Review THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IN OKLAHOMA Author: Tammi Sauer Illustrator: Victoria Hutto Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books Reviewer: Pat Younts, Children’s Services Assistant, Moore Public Library

When Addison visits her cousin, Ethan, in Oklahoma during the holiday season, she is given a tour of many of the sites and special attractions in Oklahoma.

On each day, she has the opportunity to visit a different location to experience the unique places of Oklahoma, such as the Christmas lights in Chickasha, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Tulsa Zoo, Little Sahara State Park, and other locations filling her twelve-day stay. By the end of her stay, Addison is missing Oklahoma already and looking forward to a return trip.

Oklahomans will be delighted to see many of the places they know represented in this book and will be looking forward to visiting new places. Mrs. Sauer gives us a taste of the many different flavors of Oklahoma.

The delightful holiday illustrations in “The Twelve Days of Christmas in Oklahoma” make it a wonderful addition to your Christmas reading.

For more holiday titles, stop by the children’s desk at your local library or call (405) 793-4347.

For other library events and information visit us online at www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

Adult Book Review CHALLENGER DEEP Author: Neal Shusterman Publisher: HarperTeen Reviewer: Molly Dettmann, Information Services, Moore Public Library

This National Book Award Finalist is a captivating novel that gives a heartfelt portrayal of mental illness that will leave you in awe of the powerful emotions and story being told.

Caden Bosch is a 15-year-old student who loves to draw and spends his free time creating a fantasy game with his friends, but something is off. His friends begin to notice his strange behavior as his drawings become more disoriented. His parents become worried when he lies about joining the track team and instead begins walking aimlessly around his neighborhood, absorbed in his thoughts. To Caden, he is a passenger on the ship, Challenger Deep, where he has been declared the captain’s “artist in resident” as they travel deeper and deeper into the Mariana Trench.

Caden’s loyalty aboard the ship is torn between a cruel captain and his sinister parrot. His friends and family are worried about Caden’s behavior, as Caden slowly becomes immersed by the hallucinations in his mind. Caden is torn between two realities, from his terrifying episodes aboard Challenger Deep to his in-real-life admittance into a metal institution for treatment. As Caden travels deeper and deeper along in Challenger Deep, will he ever be able to leave and return home?

Shusterman’s portrayal of mental illness is beautifully done and is based on his own son’s struggles with schizoaffective disorder. While it is meant for older teens, this novel is also a great one for adults who want to read a story that touches on such a sensitive subject manner in a positive, compelling way without downplaying the seriousness of it.

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Thank You Moore!

To all the kind people and businesses that expressed their generosity and gratitude to the officers and staff of the Moore Police Department: We of the Moore Police Department are humbled and grateful to everyone that has shown us support and caring. It means a lot when many officers in other cities have not been treated so well. We consider ourselves lucky to serve the City of Moore.

We would like to thank everyone from the Back the Moore Blue in all that they did to coordinate the making of gift baskets and for tying the blue ribbons around our police station. We would also like to give special thanks to the following: Alfredo’s, Chick Fil-A, and Tropical Smoothie Café for the food vouchers.

Freddy’s, Applebee’s, Panera Bread, Moore & Norman Starbuck’s, McAlister’s, Chili’s, Taco Mayo, Marco’s Pizza, and Raising Cane’s for providing the meals.

Norman Regional Hospital for the boxes of gloves and health supplies.

New Beginning Florist for the beautiful wreath and ribbon.

Speedy Graphix for the Law Enforcement Banner.

All Hours Animal Hospital and Emergency Center and all the wonderful people who work there for the Warren Theater gift certificates.

Jem Glass and Broadway Florist.

And, the Citizens of Moore for their generosity.

They provided their time, money, and numerous items so that we would enjoy the gift baskets they gave us. We know the effort that they gave. We take nothing for granted and are deeply grateful for all the support in Backing the Blue.

Thank you, everyone!

Respectfully, All the officers and staff of the Moore Police Department.

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This story sponsored by

Craig, Mendes Navigate Bond’s Mid-Life Crisis

© METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS

BY ROB MORRIS Directed by: Sam Mendes Written by: John Logan, Neal Purvis Starring: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Monica Belluci, Ralph Fiennes 28.

That’s the number of times movie-goers have been greeted with the familiar gunshot-to-the-eye sequence and “dum-da-dadum-dum-da-da-da-dum-da-da-dum-dum” opening of a James Bond movie. Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig have all donned a tux and carried 007’s license to kill at one point or another since the British secret agent made his film debut in 1962’s “Dr. No.” “Spectre” is number 28 in the series, and for those looking to check off all the classic Bond tropes they’re all here: Daring opening sequence Pop star theme song Femme fatale Beautiful romantic interest with critical information Shadowy and egomaniacal super villain Ominous and imposing henchman Clever banter Betrayal Car chases Gadgets

This time around the big baddie is Franz Oberhauser (Christoph Waltz) who is THAT CLOSE to infiltrating all of the world’s spy agencies, including British intelligence. Dave Bautista is Oberhausen’s massive and menacing right hand man, filling a role with essentially no dialogue into something more than just a physical threat. Monica Bellucci’s femme fatale role is brief, but loaded with sultry steam. Léa Seydoux, while not particularly remarkable compared to past Bond leading ladies, is lovely, competent and credible.

While “Spectre” doesn’t quite measure up to the spectacular and riveting “Skyfall” (in my opinion, the best Bond movie ever), it does leave you satisfied both as a pure Bond movie filled with all of the things that make a Bond movie familiar and fun as well as diving a bit deeper beneath the surface to reveal new facets of an old friend.

But while the plot is straightforward and familiar — Bond disobeys orders to stop a world-wide plot — director Sam Mendes and star Daniel Craig are adding a level of selfexamination that elevates “Spectre” past the level of just another Bond movie. Craig has always brought a sort of world-weary feel to the British agent, but this time around he plunges full-on into a crisis of conscience. It’s as though Bond has finally become aware of the toll the job is taking on him. He has no real friends. He has no lasting relationships with a woman because…well, let’s face facts: dating James Bond will either get you killed or replaced by a newer model in short order.

That weariness is never front-and-center as Bond ricochets from Mexico City to London to Rome to Austria to Tunisia trying to stop Oberhausen’s evil scheme. But even as the action smoothly unfolds, the script gives Craig plenty of opportunities to allow some of the wear and tear of the years to peek through. And Craig takes advantage through words and deeds.

DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 69

Sports Gallery

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Best of Moore 2016 Congratulations to the finalists in this year’s Best of Moore & South OKC Awards! The final round of voting will begin on December 15th at TheMooreDaily.com

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Best of Moore 2016 BEST GIFT SHOP

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DECEMBER 2015 | MOORE MONTHLY | 73

Local High School Students

Give Back to Their Community in Big Ways

BY BEVERLY FERREE

At a time when teenagers are getting a lot of bad publicity, it is nice to remember that there are more kids doing good than bad. Sometimes we just have to be reminded. Well here in Moore, we have a lot to brag about, especially around the holiday season. All three of our high

schools have a holiday tradition that involves kids working together to provide some relief for those families that are in need of assistance. These are programs run by kids and funded by kids.

So the next time you glance at the news or read about the lazy, ill-mannered

Moore High SchooL About 25 years ago, then history teacher and baseball coach Dennis Morgan had an idea. He wanted to get students involved with the spirit of giving. So he and his baseball team began collecting toys from students to donate to the Marines’ program Toys for Tots. Soon Morgan decided that keeping the collections here in Moore would be a great way for students to give back to their community, and Moore for Christmas was started.

When Morgan took a position as principal, he handed over the responsibilities to then baseball coach David Hinckley, and the program continued to grow. Soon food became involved, and Moore High School students began collecting can goods, toys, and warmth items to give to families in need.

Today, Moore High School serves the needs of more than 200 families annually.

The collections start every November with Penny Wars and the Bedlam Food Drive.

Next, with some help from the counselors at nine elementary schools and two junior highs, needy families are identified and the information is shared with the high school, anonymously of course. Each 2nd hour class then selects a family to adopt, and the students donate toys and money for their family. That money is spent on toys, warmth items, and food. The only toys that are not accepted are weapons, such as toy guns, nerf guns, and swords.

“Throughout the week of Moore for Christmas, the students donate on average anywhere from $700 to $1,000,” explained Moore High School English teacher and Moore for Christmas sponsor Penny Clark.

“With that money, we buy toys and warmth items for families that did not get adopted.

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younger generation on Facebook, just take a breath and remember those examples are simply that…examples. The reality is that most of the teens today are intelligent, talented, focused, motivated, and compassionate, and they deserve our respect and admiration.

Way to go Moore, Southmoore, and Westmoore High School students! We are proud of what you do for our community!

Moore for Christmas No family is left out, and there is no cap on the number of families we serve.”

Last year, the students provided for families from 12 schools and bought toys and presents for 381 children. They also collected 5,564 canned goods and bought 152 hams, 152 five pound bags of potatoes, and 152 loaves of bread for the families.

Moore High School Student Council and Leadership sponsor Valeria Barrett explained how important Moore for Christmas is to all involved.

“It’s one of our biggest events,” said Barrett. “We help so many people. It makes me proud to think that I had my hand (and heart) in that.”

The sponsors for Moore for Christmas include Janet Anderson, Valeria Barrett, Crysta Brock, Penny Clark, Rob Clark, Amy Haskins, Pam Maxwell, and Linda Poorman.

But they simply help the kids stay organized.

Moore Student Council and Leadership are in charge of running the program, and all of the Moore High School students are stewards of the program. They donate the money and food, raise the money, purchase the toys, package the toys and food, and deliver the toys to the elementary schools.

And sometimes some unexpected guests stop by to help.

Last year Moore Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Romines and Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Johnny Bailey dropped in to learn more about the program and to help the students.

“It surprised me,” said Clark. “And it made me proud to see them work with the students.”

Here’s to another 25 plus years of service to the community! Way to go and thank you to all Moore High School students!

Westmoore High SchooL Every year in December, the students at Westmoore High School make some “Winter Wishes” come true for some very deserving families. Westmoore’s Winter Wishes program began in 1988 when the Westmoore Student Council started the program as a way to reach out to families in need.

“We wanted to provide what joy and happiness we could during the holiday season, especially to our children,” explained Westmoore Student Council sponsor James Helton. “Every child should have a fun and joyous holiday.”

Helton and Ben Straka sponsor the Westmoore Student Council, but the kids are definitely in charge.

“We stand back to make sure it’s all going smoothly,” said Helton. “But the passion the kids have for this program means that they do whatever it takes to make it run smoothly and make sure that each child receives from their wish list, along with clothes and other necessities.”

With some help from the feeder elementary and junior high school counselors, as well as the counselors at Westmoore, families in need during the holiday season are identified. Once they are selected, each first hour class adopts the children. And, using the wish lists provided by the children, the students in each first hour class shop for presents. During the second week of December, the presents are

Westmoore Winter Wishes collected and delivered to each school for the children. And the undertaking is a big one.

“The number varies from year to year,” said Helton. “But in 2014 we served 111 children from our community.”

The programs at Moore and Southmoore are very similar.

“I think it is wonderful to see our three high schools working together for the children and families of Moore,” said Helton.

“To me, that spirit is what makes this community so especially strong.”

If you are interested in donating, you may contact James Helton or Ben Straka at Westmoore High School.

Southmoore High SchooL As soon as Southmoore opened its doors in 2008, the school and the students became leaders in the community, and their holiday program, Holiday Surprises, is just one example of how these kids come together each year to give to families in need.

“Holiday Surprises was started by Southmoore Student Council and Leadership, in keeping with the traditions established at Moore and Westmoore,” explained Southmoore Student Council and Leadership sponsor David Burton. Burton and sponsor Brook Lehew work together to guide the students, but the program is definitely handled by the students.

“By and large it is student run,” said Burton. “However, to protect the identity of the families receiving the donations, we do

have adults coordinating the specific personal details involved.”

The families are selected from each of Southmoore’s feeder elementary schools.

The counselors are asked to identify five families in need of some extra help. Those families are then asked to complete a form to identify some of the needs of the family and some of the gifts that the children might want. The families’ wish lists are then given to teams from each of the first hour classes at Southmoore, and those students shop for gifts and nonperishable food items. On delivery day, all of the items are taken to the gym, tagged, and then delivered to the elementary school to be picked up by the families on December 11th. Everything is done anonymously.

And for those interested in participating, please contact James Helton or Ben Straka at Westmoore High School.

“We will be happy to see if there is any way they can help!” added Helton.

Thank you Westmoore students for your compassion and hard work with the Westmoore Winter Surprises program!“

Holiday Surprises

In addition to donations given and collected by the students, Emmaus Baptist Church helps out by providing a complete “Holiday Meal” kit for each of the adopted families.

“We serve approximately 50 families each year,” said Burton. “I believe we helped 48 families last year with a large variety of gifts, nonperishable food items, and the holiday meal kit.”

For those of you wanting to be a part of this incredible program, Southmoore welcomes your donations. They are in need of any assortment of new toys and games representing all age ranges (infant through 18 years), staple nonperishable food items, or cash/check donations (make checks out to “Southmoore” with “Holiday Surprises” in

the memo line). These items can be dropped off at the main office at Southmoore with a message that they are for “Southmoore Holiday Surprises.”

So if you want to give back to your community and help make the holiday season special for some deserving children, what better way than to join the incredible students at Southmoore by helping them deliver some Holiday Surprises! Thank you Southmoore students for all of your hard work and kindness! Way to go!

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Apple Creek Elementary Students Reach Out to Santa

BY BEVERLY FERREE

If you are planning on writing to Santa this year, well you probably need to get busy before it’s too late, but Apple Creek Elementary is one group that is not taking any chances! Mrs. Erin Stone’s afternoon kindergarten class, with help from Mr. Ray Robinson (or just Mr. Ray as his students call him), spent time together to get the younger ones’ letters ready to give to Santa.

The kindergarteners were beyond excited to meet with their mentors to write the letters to Santa. Each kindergartener was paired with a 6th grader who helped write the letter. The kindergarteners got to ask Santa two questions and ask for the one thing they

really want from Santa, and Mrs. Stone’s class had some good questions for Santa this year: “I want to meet Rudolph the red nosed reindeer,” said Anderson Fox. “But for me to meet him, you need to bring your sleigh to school. Please write back to me.”

Nevah Cox asked, “How do reindeer fly? This year for Christmas I want a Tiger.”

But it wasn’t just the little ones who were excited. The older kids seemed to get into the holiday spirit as well.

“It’s a lot of fun to do this,” said Mr. Ray’s 6th grader Moises Perez. “We get to spend fun time with the kindergarteners.”

Jakob Miller, also from Mr. Ray’s class,

agreed, “All of the kids have different personalities, so it’s fun to get to know them.”

In past years, the 6th graders also got a chance to “deliver” letters back to the kindergarteners from Santa! And don’t be surprised if the letters come back from the North Pole almost frozen this year when Principal Pam Huston takes them to the kindergarteners.

“The kids have so much fun,” explained Mrs. Stone. “Some of the kindergarteners even cry when they get their letters back from Santa!”

Kindergartener teacher Mrs. Andrea Prater’s classes and Mrs. Stone’s morning kindergarten class will also be writing

Dear Santa, My name is Neveah Cox. I am 5 years old.

I live in Moore OK. I have a brother. My favorite color is purple and pink. How tall are the elves. How do reindeer fly? This year for Christmas I want a tiger.

Love, Neveah

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letters to Santa with help from some 3rd graders.

Of all of the letters that she has read from the children, Mrs. Stone says there was one that was most memorable.

“It was a letter from a student who didn’t want anything for Christmas except someone to help his mother fold laundry!” said Mrs. Stone.

Thanks to Mrs. Stone kindergartens and Mr. Ray’s sixth graders for giving us a peak at their exciting holiday tradition!

Dear Santa, My name is Courtney. I am 5 years old. I live in Oklahoma City. I have 1 sister, 4 dogs too. My favorite color is purple. I have two questions to ask you. I love your sled, I love your reindeer. This year for Christmas I want paint. I hope you have a merry Christmas.

Love, Courtney

Dear Santa,

Dear Santa, My name is Tabitha. I am 6 years old. I live in Moore. I have two brothers Mik and Glen I also have two dogs Money and Chloe. My favorite color is red. I like to play and slide in my pool. This Christmas I want an Elsa car and a racecar for my two brothers.

My name is Anderson and I want to meet Rudolph the red nose reindeer but for me to meet him you need to bring your sleigh to school.

Please write back to me.

Love, Anderson

Love, Tabitha

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