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IN THIS ISSUE
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 10 BEST OF OH18 WINNERS 14 TA S T E O F S O U T H E R N COMFORT 20
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I D E A S F O R S TAY I N G INDOORS 32 CAMPUS TO COMMUNITY 38 A L I T T L E B I R DY TO L D M E 40
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RECIPES 46 SMALL TOWN STORIES 52 P.38
W H AT I S O H 1 8 ? Oh18 is all about the 73018 and surrounding areas. We love to promote living local by showing off our great shops, giving insight into local eats and highlighting live music and events. Check out all the Oh18 area has to offer and live local, friends!
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HAPPY 2024! I almost can't believe it's already 2024. It seems like we just started 2023, but here we are ready to begin another year. In the grand scheme of things, I guess it does make sense why the year went by so quickly. Looking back over the previous year, our town hustled, bustled and grew! The growth has been absolutely amazing and I, for one, am feeling very blessed to even be a speck on the wall to experience the change. No town is perfect. There will always be some type of drama, something causing a bit of a rift. Our town is no different than the rest, however, when we look at all of the change, growth and rebuilding, one thing never seems to change - our foundation. Chickasha has something pretty special we get to build on year after year - something I think so many towns lack - the community. The people here have created a web of support wound so tightly, it's hard to fall apart or crumble. So when we see this growth around us, I have come to believe it's because our foundation is so strong, we can handle whatever is tossed at us. Whatever your belief may be, I hope you never stop believing in our small town and the people who make up this community.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Kristen McGregor COPY EDITOR Kristyn Allbritton PHOTOGRAPHY Kristyn Allbritton DESIGN & LAYOUT Kristen McGregor
Keep hustling, keep bustling, keep building, but above all else, keep the support and connection stronger than ever because that is where success takes root and grows! Happy New Year!
ON THE COVER Interurban
Kristen McGregor Kristen McGregor Co-Owner, Oh18
Why Chickasha? Chickasha is “home” for me. I’m a 4th generation business owner here and I’ve witnessed first hand the friendship, love and generosity of this community. Not to mention the unprecedented embrace of the arts, specifically filmmaking that I have seen over the last few years. All of these things make me ask, “Why live anywhere else?” – Reagan Elkins
ADVERTISING Interested in placing an ad in the next issue of Oh18 Magazine? Please contact us at oh18.livelocal@gmail.com or call us for more information at 405.219.4397.
©Copyright 2024 Oh18 Publishing and Oh18 Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without prior written consent of Publisher. Oh18 Magazine is published bimonthly and distributed in Chickasha.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 7
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JANUARY C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S *Live Music
1/2 Karaoke with Jayson The Speak Lounge
1/11 Singo Jungle Ice Fun Zone
1/23 Karaoke The Common Room
1/2 Karaoke The Common Room
1/11 Bingo The Club at Chickasha
1/4 Women's & Men's Basketball USAO
1/12 Karaoke with Jayson The Speak Lounge
1/25-1/28 OK Scrappers New Year Retreat Wagon Wheel Ranch Retreat
1/4 Singo Jungle Ice Fun Zone
1/13 Asa Davidson* The Speak Lounge
1/4 Bingo The Club at Chickasha
1/13 Karaoke The Common Room
1/4-1/5 Auditions | One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Chickasha Community Theatre
1/16 Karaoke with Jayson The Speak Lounge
1/5 Scott Ryan* The Speak Lounge 1/6 Women's & Men's Basketball USAO
1/16 Karaoke The Common Room 1/18 Women's & Men's Basketball USAO
1/25 Singo Jungle Ice Fun Zone 1/25 Bingo The Club at Chickasha 1/26 Scott Ryan* The Speak Lounge 1/27 Karaoke with Jayson The Speak Lounge 1/27 Karaoke The Common Room 1/27 Women's & Men's Basketball USAO
1/6 Karaoke The Common Room
1/18 Grady County 4H Soup-A-Palooza Grady County Fairgrounds
1/6 DJ Buckets* The Speak Lounge
1/18 Singo Jungle Ice Fun Zone
1/30 Karaoke with Jayson The Speak Lounge
1/6 Cricut Class Wagon Wheel Ranch Retreat
1/18 Bingo The Club at Chickasha
1/30 Karaoke The Common Room
1/7 Advance Cricut Class Wagon Wheel Ranch Retreat
1/19 Gisel Rogers & Frank Ryan* The Speak Lounge
2/1 Women's & Men's Basketball USAO
1/9 Karaoke The Common Room
1/20 DJ CDON* The Speak Lounge
2/1 Singo Jungle Ice Fun Zone
1/11 Girl's Night Out the Show Legends Pubhouse & Venue
1/20 Karaoke The Common Room
2/1 Bingo The Club at Chickasha
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1/27 SW Oklahoma Toy Show Grady County Fairgrounds
FEBRUARY C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S *Live Music
2/2 Jack Tidwell* The Speak Lounge
2/13 Karaoke The Common Room
2/22 Singo Jungle Ice Fun Zone
2/3 Women's & Men's Basketball USAO
2/15 Women's & Men's Basketball USAO
2/22 Bingo The Club at Chickasha
2/3 Karaoke The Common Room
2/15 Glenn Miller Orchestra USAO - DWPAS
2/23 Gisel Roges & Frank Ryan* The Speak Lounge
2/3 DJ Buckets* The Speak Lounge
2/15 Singo Jungle Ice Fun Zone
2/24 Women's & Men's Basketball USAO
2/3 Craftapalooza Market Grady County Fairgrounds
2/15 Bingo The Club at Chickasha
2/24 Karaoke The Common Room
2/6 Karaoke The Common Room
2/16 Karaoke with Jayson The Speak Lounge
2/24 Karaoke with Jayson The Speak Lounge
2/8 Singo Jungle Ice Fun Zone
2/17 Gone Too Soon - Michael Jackson Experience Legends Pubhouse & Venue
2/26-2/29 Grady County Junior Livestock Show Grady County Fairgrounds
2/17 Karaoke The Common Room
2/27 Karaoke with Jayson The Speak Lounge
2/17 DJ CDON* The Speak Lounge
2/27 Karaoke The Common Room
2/18 Extreme Dwarfinators Grady County Fairgrounds
2/29 Singo Jungle Ice Fun Zone
2/19-2/20 Auditions | Barbecuing Hamlet Chickasha Community Theatre
2/29 Bingo The Club at Chickasha
2/8 Bingo The Club at Chickasha 2/9 Scott Ryan* The Speak Lounge 2/10 Karaoke with Jayson The Speak Lounge 2/10 Karaoke The Common Room 2/10-2/11 B&G Craft Show Grady County Fairgrounds 2/13-2/17 SW District Livestock Show Grady County Fairgrounds 2/13 Karaoke with Jayson The Speak Lounge
2/20 Karaoke The Common Room 2/22 Women's & Men's Basketball USAO
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK OR VISIT OH18MAGAZINE.COM/EVENTS FOR UP-TO-DATE EVENTS
2/22-2/25 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest Chickasha Community Theatre JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 11
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winners
The votes have been counted and now it's finally time to announce the Best of Oh18 Awards - nominated and voted on by you, the community!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS! ANNUAL EVENT
Festival of Light LOCAL BAND
Dollar.98 LIVE MUSIC VENUE
The Stage
Flower Shop/Brandi's AUTO REPAIR
Todd's Muffler & Auto Repair DRINKS
Shakespeare Wine Co. EATS
Interurban
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APPAREL STORE
Tammie's Bling Boutique GIFTS & HOME STORE
Okie Mountain Trading Co. FLORIST
Life in Bloom Florals MEDICAL PRACTICE/PROFESSIONAL
Abby Houseman, D.O. Five Oaks Medical Group
EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL
Jennifer Phillips Chickasha Public Schools FAMILY FUN
Jungle Ice Fun Zone CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS/INDIVIDUAL
CMS Willowbrook FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL(S)
Arvest Bank
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SALON/SPA
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION/CIVIC CLUB
BUSINESS OWNER
BEST NEW BUSINESS 2023
Nailynn Beauty & Spa Josh Woods Zach Grayson BARTENDER/MIXOLOGIST
Tara Rudick Shakespeare Wine Co. BAKER
Crazy 8 Café PERSONAL TRAINER
Ashley Kulhman
Friends Fur Change
Rock Island Candy Co. REALTOR
Amanda Bertelli Eastwood Realty Group PUBLIC SERVANT
Jimmy Blue
Chickasha Fire Department BEST MURAL/ART INSTALLMENT
Leg Lamp
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 17
CREEPING YOU OUT? EMAIL OH18.LIVELOCAL@GMAIL.COM
REPLACE THIS AD WITH YOUR OWN
TAS T E O F
Southern Comfort Being from the South, we know what a good dish of comfort food looks like and when it's chilly and everything outside looks a little glum, there is nothing better than a heaping pile of comfort on a plate. Check out all the delish comfort foods we found in town! >>
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Biscuits & Gravy M A M A C A R O L' S K I T C H E N 625 S. 4th St. | Chickasha
Mon-Fri 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat-Sun 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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classic lasagna
N A P O L I ' S I TA L I A N R E S TAU R A N T 1732 S. 4th St. | Chickasha
Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
CHINA MOON CAFÉ 1328 S. 4th St. Chickasha Tues-Sat 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tues-Sat 5 - 8 p.m.
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house special lo mein
pot roast
Thurs-Fri 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
W H E E L E R FA R M S
737 Co. Rd. 1360 | Chickasha
Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
CR AZY 8 CAFÉ & COFFEEHOUSE 424 W. Chickasha Ave. Chickasha Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sat-Sun Closed
Chicken noodle soup JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 23
fried chicken sandwich P AW P AW ' S H A M B U R G E R S 1028 S. 4th St. | Chickasha Monday 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tues-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
chicken pesto pasta FLOWE R SHOP WINERY & PIZZER IA
117 W. Chickasha Ave. | Chickasha Tues-Thurs 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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steak & shrimp INTERUR BAN
300 E. Grand Ave. | Chickasha
Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sun 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 25
enchilada plate ROCK ISLAND GRILL 3509 S. 4th St. | Chickasha
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Tues-Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sun-Mon Closed
chicken tenders LEGENDS PUBHOUSE & VENUE
Sun-Sat Open Daily Hours Vary
3127 S. 4th St. | Chickasha
BRANDI'S BAR & GR ILL 101 W. Chickasha Ave. Chickasha Mon-Wed 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thurs-Sat 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
bowl of chili JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 27
caldo de pollo
L A F I E S TA M E X I CA N 220 W. Almar Dr. | Chickasha Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
alfredo penne A&E GR ILL
802 W. Grand Ave. | Chickasha Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
E NJ OY YO U R TAS T E O F
southern comfort 28 \\ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024
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WEATHER AWAY UKELELE OR GUITAR | BEE KEEPING | PAINTING | BARN QUILTS | DRAWING | STAINED GLASS | FITNESS
Beat the winter blahs and learn a new hobby!
Canadian Valley Technology Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator: ridgewayt@cvtech.edu; 504 Coordinators, 504@cvtech.edu, 405-262-2629, 6505 E Hwy 66, El Reno, OK 73036
See the complete short-term catalog @ cvtech.edu JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 31
I D E A S fo r S TAYI N G IND O ORS It's that time of year again! When the air starts to chill, we all retreat to the warmth;w safe inside our homes. With the retreat, we tend to get a little restless, a little bored and even a little depressed, but have no fear, we can help! We have a great list of things to do indoors this winter season. We challenge you to at least try two new things during the cold months this year!
Enjoy the indoors!
For Yourself
1
Enjoy a Good Book
2
Take up Journaling
3
Start a New Hobby
4
Do a Home Reno
5
Try a New Recipe
There are few things better than relaxing while getting wrapped up in a great new story you can't put down.
Writing about what is happening in your life is not only cathartic, but also creates lasting memories.
Whether you like solving puzzles, woodworking or knitting, it's never to late to find a new hobby you love.
Sometimes you need a refresh and a simple home project like painting or rearranging can freshen up your space.
Grab your whisk and try out that new recipe you've been eyeing for months whether it's savory or sweet.
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With Company
1
Charcuterie Party
2
Plan a Girls Night
3
Get the Guys Out
4
Have Dinner
Pick a theme and invite friends over for a fun evening of snacking and great conversation!
Dust off the old dart board, grab snacks, a few drinks and watch the big game.
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Grab your besties for a night in while you catch up, paint nails and watch the latest episodes.
There's nothing wrong with simple. Cook dinner for your friends to relax and catch up.
As a Family
1
Play a board game Strengthen relationships by turning off the screens, getting around a table and having a little friendly competition.
2
Start Sketching
3
Have a Movie Night
4
Make a TikTok
Channel your inner creativity and pick a picture for you and the kids to draw - YouTube has great "Guided Drawings" options.
Pick a movie, prep your fav snacks and make a pallet in the floor or build a tent for your own personalized movie experience.
Dust off those dancing shoes and have your kids teach you a trending dance - convince them to be in a TikTok with you!
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Community Involvement The college begins to do more with the community such as Art Wrecker and Street and Greet
College Events
Campus to Community
USAO hosts events such as Spring Triad, sports, DWPAS, graduations and more
Drover Support
USAO
The community supports the campus and campus supports the community
Student Enrolls Local and non local students choose to attend the college
Provides Employment Professors and adjuncts choose to work at USAO full time and part time
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Eats. Shops. Plays. Provides Events
Many people know we have a college in our town, but do you know the benefits of being a college town? In this simple infographic, you can see how USAO has a huge effect on our community! We are better, together.
Locals Attend Returns for More Visitors Come to Town Eats. Shops. Plays.
Graduates Gets a local job
Eats. Shops. Plays.
Volunteers in Community
Community Strengthened
Moves to Chickasha
Eats. Shops. Plays.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 39
a Little
Birdy told me
In a town that's currently bustling and moving at a fast rate, it's hard to keep up with what's new and what's coming soon so we've done
some digging and found some exciting things for you to check out!
2024 will be a year to remember!
new
to town
scooter's coffee
hteao
Drive-thru coffee spot with both
Mix and match 25 flavors
2103 S 5th St
sweet and savory items
1127 S 4th St
of fresh-brewed iced tea
chik-fil-a
oklahoma yoga
Delicious food made fresh daily
Full-service yoga studio, open
2107 S 5th St
with quality ingredients
238 E Grand Ave
to all at any level of practice
new
to town
downtown mercantile 102 E Chickasha Ave
Chickasha's visitor center, gift shop and local merch store
wild ox axe throwing 301 W Chickasha Ave
Party and entertainment venue with axe and knife throwing
adventurescape
214 West Chickasha Ave
Interactive, puzzle-based adventures
with the simple quest of escaping time
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Coming
soon townsend
1oo Block Chickasha Ave Restaurants, entertainment, distillery, brewery and more
luigi's bistro 117 N 2nd St
Homemade authentic
Italian-American cuisine
roaster's marketplace 510 W Grand Ave
Restaurant, convenience store and gas station
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 43
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Ready in 50 mins
Lasagna Soup
a little something to keep you warm Preparation
Ingredients
Step 1 Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil to brown the ground beef. Add salt and pepper. Drain fat. Heat 1 Tbsp to sauté chopped yellow onion, about 3 minutes. Add in garlic and saute for an additional 30 seconds.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Step 2 Add in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil then reduce to med-low for 20 minutes. Step 3 Prepare lasagna noodles according to package. Step 4 Mix mozzarella, parmesan and ricotta. Stir cooked pasta into soup along with parsley. Thin soup with broth if desired. Step 5 Ladle soup into bowls, dollop with a large scoop of the cheese mixture and sprinkle chopped parsley.
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Credit: cookingclassy.com
2 Tbsp olive oil 1 lb ground beef 1 large onion, diced 5 garlic cloves, minced to taste 4 1/2 c low sodium chicken broth 14 1/2 oz can petite diced tomatoes 14 1/2 oz can crushed tomatoes 2 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste 1 3/4 tsp dried basil 3/4 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp dried rosemary 1/2 tsp dried thyme Salt & pepper to taste 8 lasagna noodles 1 1/4 c shredded mozzarella 1/2 c shredded parmesan 8 oz ricotta 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
Credit: theworktop
Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole breakfast in bed for your sweetie
Preparation
Ingredients
Step 1 Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a light layer of butter on 9x13 casserole dish. Unroll crescent dough and cut along perforated lines. Smear a dollop of cream cheese on each triangle. Roll the dough. Place rolls in the casserole dish.
• 2 (8oz) cans of crescent rolls
Step 2 In a large bowl, beat together eggs and milk. Mix in shredded cheese, ham, jalapeño, parsley, pepper and salt. Pour mixture over rolls evenly. Use fork to distribute mixture all the way to the edges.
• 2 c shredded cheese
Step 3 Bake in the middle of the oven for about 30-40 minutes, until cooked through. The entire casserole will be puffy and golden brown. If is browns too quickly, cover with foil. Cut and enjoy!
• 2 tsp freeze dried parsley
• 4 oz cream cheese • 6 large eggs • 1 c whole milk • 6-8 oz thick cut ham cubed • 1-2 whole jalapeño(s) • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1/2 tsp sea salt
Pro Tip: Use cream cheese once it's at room temperature to spread easily.
Ready in 55 mins
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 47
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Full Service Marketing Video • Social Media Web • Graphic Design Together, Intellego Media, Oh18 Creative and Mermaid Designs, have put together marketing subscription packages developed to increase visibility for businesses and organizations. Partnering with this team will increase visual content at a discounted price for professional, fresh content. A yearly agreement will set you up for success: full production videos • web/social video • social content • custom social posts • web design • web advertising • marketing campaigns • high quality design • branding
reagan@intellegomedia.com | oh18.livelocal@gmail.com (405) 863-0446 | (405) 219-4397
ITTL L A
E ABOU
T
What started as a fun hobby to help their local school and church eventually lead to what we know today as Wing T's.
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After purchasing a manual screen printing press, the ladies got to work making unique shirts for their community. As time went on and the demand grew a name was given to their hobby. Deciding a name can be difficult but after hearing the lyrics to "Set the World of Fire" by Britt Nicole the answer was clear. "I am small, but You are big enough. I am weak, but You are strong enough to take my dreams, come and give them wings. Lord, with You there’s nothing I cannot do.”
WING T'S Relying on faith, Wing T's brick and mortar was opened. The store houses their own shirt designs, offers custom designs and sells boutique clothing. After praying and trusting, it's obvious He gave their dream wings!
SHOP
Within the shop, you can find candles, shoes, clothing, jewelry, gift items and more.
FUNDRAISERS
Create a fundraiser shirt design with the team, they'll make you a custom web page to sell!
CUSTOM PRINTS
Contact directly to have customized shirts made for your event or organization.
BLESSING T'S
Specialty shirts made to support a specific person or cause where all proceeds are given back to that group.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 51
Sma l l Tow n Stor ie s
T H E H I S TO RY O F C H I C K A S H A ' S
Grady County Historical Museum The Grady County Historical Society Museum is Chickasha's sole museum that houses many artifacts from all decades. Located inside the old Dixie Department Store building, the museum itself is rich with history. The museum has everything from when Chickasha Avenue was a dirt road, the prototype for Festival of Light's Christmas tree and even the old phone board where operators had to physically connect your calls. As the seasons change, so do the displays within the museum. No matter when you stop by you will see something new.
Want to know more about Grady County? Stop by often! The museum is free of charge, but donations are welcome.
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P E T S of the M O N T H
Bear & Honey Breed Bear: Corgi Honey: Golden Retriever Best Trick Bear: High fives Honey: Taking the longest naps Favorite Treat Bear: Braum's Ice Cream Honey: Strawberries Lovable Quirk Bear: Grunts like a pig when excited Honey: Loves to give hugs Owner Blair & James Schoppa If you'd like to submit your pet for pet of the month, send a photo and info to oh18.livelocal@gmail.com.
N O N P R O F I T of the M O N T H
Lions Club Chickasha's Lions Club is one of the original Founders Clubs of Lions Club International and has been proudly serving Chickasha for over 100 years. The purpose of the Lions Club is to serve the local community by establishing a positive and helpful resource to Chickasha. The Club plans fundraising events and returns profits to the community. On a regular basis, the Lions Club will make and provide peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the community. In addition, the club sets up a collection for used eyeglasses to be donated and recycled for those in need. Lions Club is also known to partner with other nonprofit groups in friendly competitions to see who can gather the most donations. Learn more by visiting e-clubhouse.org/sites/chickasha/index.php JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2024 // 53
A GUIDE FOR LIVING LOCAL
J A N U A R Y- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4