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P.18
IN THIS ISSUE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 10 P.22
OH18 SPOTLIGHT 18 HIDDEN MENU 22 CHICKASHA OUTLOOK 28 SMALL TOWN STORIES 38
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A NIGHT IN 42
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.
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Check out all the Oh18 area has to offer and live local, friends!
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wow! 2022 already? If you are like me, you're thinking "How is it already the new year?" Oh18 has really dug into the Chickasha community over the past year and it's been a whirlwind of fun, growth, exciting events and incredible things happening all through town. One of my favorite twists of 2021 was watching this town begin to take on a new attitude. When negative comments have been made, our citizens have taken action combating the negativity and covering Chickasha with positivity. It only gets better from here. As we take on this new year with a new attitude, there will naturally be new challenges, but I personally can't wait to see how our community takes them on one-byone. It seems every time we are thrown a new curve, we come out on the other side better and stronger.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Kristen McGregor COPY EDITOR Kristyn Allbritton PHOTOGRAPHY Kristyn Allbritton DESIGN & LAYOUT Kristen McGregor
So, here is to our future - the challenges which make us stronger and the positive outlook ahead. Wishing you all an incredible 2022!
Kristen McGregor
Kristen McGregor Chief Operating Officer
ON THE COVER Coming Soon HTeaO Dog Park
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.
CURRENT OBSESSION Blowfish shoes from Tammie's Bling Boutique.
©Copyright 2022 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.
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JAN/FEB EVENTS 1/1 New Years Day 1/6 – 1/7 Auditions for The Big Day Chickasha Community Theatre 1/7 – 1/8 Outlaw Cart Super Bowl Grady County Fairgrounds 1/15 – 1/16 Central 4D Barrel Races Grady County Fairgrounds 1/17 Martin Luther King Day 1/22 Dodgeball Tournament University of Science & Arts Fieldhouse 2/8 – 2/12 SW District Livestock Show Grady County Fairgrounds 2/13 Super Bowl 2/14 Valentine's Day 2/17 Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series: The Peking Acrobats University of Science & Arts (Performing Arts page 21) 2/28 – 3/3 Grady County Jr Livestock Show Grady County Fairgrounds FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR WEEKLY, UP-TO-DATE EVENTS
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CHICKASHA WORD SEARCH
CHICKASHA
EAT
CULTURE
DROVERS
SPORTS
COMMUNITY
CHICKS
THEATER
EXPLORE
ROCK ISLAND
LAKE
SHOP
LOCAL
PARKS
WASHITA
AIRPORT
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121 WEST CHICKASHA AVENUE, CHICKASHA
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AT HOME WORKOUT 3-5 ROUNDS | 8-12 REPETITIONS
SQUATS LOWER BODY modified
Seated chair squats
LEG RAISES CORE modified
Seated leg raises
PUSH-UPS UPPER BODY modified
Knee push up
SHOULDER PRESS W/WEIGHT CANNED FOOD, HALF GALLON JUGS OF WATER, DUMBBELLS IF YOU HAVE THEM modified
Shoulder press w/o weight
LATERAL LUNGES modified
Lateral step without lunge
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GYM ETIQUETTE ALWAYS re-rack your weights when finished. USE one piece of equipment at a time. CLEAN equipment once you have finished with it. LISTEN on headphones rather than on a speaker. BE RESPECTFUL, don’t stare, point at, or make fun of others. TREAT others the way you would like to be treated. TAKE phone calls outside of the workout area.
Workout with
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Oh18 SPOTLIGHT
The Beautiful Baker SHOLLIE HAMMONS
When did you open your bakery?
I opened in May 2016 after being a home baker for about 10 years and working in the food service industry for roughly 8 years.
Why did you start this business?
I realized if I wanted my business to grow and have the opportunity to serve more people, I would have to make it official. I also wanted to be able to sell my cakes to restaurants which requires a commercial kitchen. I love getting to serve the community!
How did you start baking?
I began baking with my grandmothers and mom when I was younger, then was a home baker.
Shollie’s Sweets
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G RY · CATERIN · JERKY BAKE
Did you go to school for this career?
I have my Associates degree in Culinary Arts so I’m a Certified Culinarian and Pastry Arts Certified as well.
What is your Favorite part of having a bakery?
I couldn’t choose one favorite thing, but my top three are the amazingly talented people I get to work with, making customers happy and getting to create beautiful and delicious desserts.
What all do you offer?
We offer custom decorated cakes for all occasions, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, pies, eclairs and more. We also make lunches daily and homemade soup every Friday. We make really awesome beef jerky in five flavors.
What is your favorite thing to create/bake?
My favorite thing to create is a custom, decorated cake and my favorite thing to bake is the new concoctions we dream up. We have a very creative crew and we regularly come up with new ideas. And, of course, the taste testing is one of my favorite things!
What events do you take part in each year?
We serve the Festival of Light each year by making thousands of cookies, cinnamon rolls and cake tacos for the concession stand. We have had a booth at the Rock Island Arts festival and Grady County Fair for many years. We also attend Wings and Wheels along with many other community events and craft shows.
What else would you want readers to know about Shollie's Sweets?
Most importantly, I want people to know that everything we do here at the bakery is a group effort. I have wonderful employees and an amazing family who have helped me every step of the way.
I’m so fortunate to do what I love and want people to know that with hard work and dedication you can do anything you set your mind to!
O P E N T U E S - S AT | 1 1 8 N 5 T H S T | 4 0 5 . 2 74 . 1 9 8 2
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AT
G
E IV
KE EP
IRIT OF GIV IN
AL
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SP
We always dreamed of giving back to others as we grew. That’s why we started the Blessing T. Each month we choose a different charity to bless with these t’s. All net proceeds are donated to be a blessing to them!
JANUARY
FEBRUARY The Charis Center in Duncan helps new moms who are choosing life for their babies.
Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children gives hope BE A BLESSING. to children through their BUY A homes. We are donating in honor of Hailey 802 W. Chickasha Ave. 405.574.6545 Henderson. Chickasha, OK 73018 shopwingts.com
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TRY SOMETHING NEW
Hidden menu MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE Some of your favorite eateries have let us in on a little secret - hidden menu items! Almost every restaurant or drink shop has a special little something they are able to make, but don't keep on the regular menu. From Chicken Exotic to Seafood Queso, we've been given the keys to unlock the hidden treasures on the menu. Now get out there this new year and try something completely new!
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Enjoy!
Alexander Eats PIMENTO CHEESE add this scratch made, original recipe to any sandwich, flatbread or Potacho JALAPEÑO POPPER CHICKEN SALAD fresh mixed greens, grilled chicken, sautéed jalapeños, bacon, colby jack, Alexander House Sauce or ranch
Crazy 8 CUSTOM SANDWICH build your own sandwich just the way you like it
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China Moon CHICKEN EXOTIC chicken with vegetables, lovingly tossed in a spicy, tangy, garlic sauce
bj's GUISO choice of fajita beef or chicken cooked in red sauce with jalapeños, tomatoes and onions, topped with a fried egg
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jake's rib RACK OF RIBS grilled and seasoned rib dinner with two sides
interurban SEAFOOD QUESO spicy alfredo, mixed cheeses, shrimp and mushrooms served with croutons BLACKENED GROUPER on a bed of bacon mushroom risotto topped with seafood fondue (same as seafood queso with no mushrooms) and andouille sausage, served with grilled asparagus
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Chickasha outlook
2022
It’s hard to believe that the new year is upon us, but I am very excited for what 2022 will bring to Chickasha! As the effects of Covid continue to diminish, I believe we will see more new businesses open in Chickasha. Resolving issues with supply chain shortages and a shortage in the labor pool will make it more feasible for retail expansion. There is great news for everyone that enjoys coffee and tea, as Starbucks, HTeaO and Iron Tree Coffee Company will all open this year in Chickasha.
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Courtesy of
Jim Cowan Economic Development Director
hteao
iron tree coffee company
starbucks
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Photos not an actual depiction of upcoming park.
downtown park Downtown revitalization will benefit from the start of construction at the new Downtown Park. Plans are for phase one to open during the 2022 Holiday Season with phase two a year or so after that. Funding for the park will come from grants and private donations. The goal is to create a smaller version of OKC’s Scissortail Park or Tulsa’s The Gathering Place in the eight acres by the Depot. As progress is made with the Park, expectations are high for new retail businesses that would benefit from the increased tourism traffic.
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housing Multiple housing projects will continue to bring new homes to Chickasha. Redbud Ridge will be the first gated community in Chickasha with over 40 lots to be sold. Sleepy Hollow and Rausch Coleman Homes continue to build and a new mixed use development on East Grand promises Garden Homes and new Apartments. In 2021, Grady County was recognized as the 2nd fastest growing small County in the United States. Easy interstate access coupled with small town charm make Chickasha a popular choice for new home buyers.
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christmas town Chickasha has long been recognized nationally for the Festival of Light. The FOL expanded Downtown in 2021, but plans are underway now for more growth at both Shannon Springs Park and Downtown to make 2022 an even busier Holiday Season. More attractions, more lights as well as several surprises will welcome visitors as Chickasha implements a very strategic holiday tourism plan and stakes it’s claim to being recognized throughout Oklahoma as THE ChristmasTown.
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dog park
Photo courtesy of Mpact Media
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The most exciting part of Chickasha’s growth in 2022 will be the people. Our Community is growing in Civic Pride. The Keep Chickasha Beautiful project will continue to expand with volunteers working on beautification in all areas of Chickasha. More and more businesses are taking the “Pledge” to do their part to welcome visitors to our town. A growing confidence among residents that Chickasha is positively moving forward will impact economic development throughout the year.
Chickasha…It’s a Wonderful Life!
outdoor murals
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food truck court JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022 // 35
START YOUR JOURNEY TO
Relationship Banking Chickasha 405-222-3700 36 \\ JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022Dr. 2401 Ponderosa
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OCW 1931
S m al l Tow n S to r i e s T H E H I S T O RY O F C H I C K A S H A' S
I
Science and Arts
n the beginning when Oklahoma was being established as a state, one of the main topics being discussed was how to establish schooling for the state. A Chickasha Local, Miss Annie Wade O’Neil, repeatedly presented herself in front of state legislature and local citizens’ groups pleading for a prep school for women. With Miss O’Neil’s persistence and 20 acres offered by James B Sparks, which was his late daughter Nellie’s inheritance, the college became a reality. Although there were initial funding issues, the Oklahoma Industrial Institute and College for Girls opened in September of 1909 in the basement of Chickasha High School with 119 students present and Miss O’Neil as part
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of the facility. In the beginning not only was the school a college for women but a preparatory high school for women. By 1912 enrollment jumped to 282 women. As enrollment increased, housing became necessary. The freshman residential hall would be developed in 1913 and named in memory of Nellie Sparks. In 1912 after a judge had sentenced a young troubled woman to the “industrial institute” the school began the process of changing its name to avoid this misunderstanding. In 1916, OIICG was officially changed to Oklahoma College for Women OCW.
Greek Theatre (aka columns) 1943
President's home built in 1919
The preparatory high school continued until 1925 and the college remained women-only until 1965. When the college began to allow men to enroll the name was officially changed from OCW to Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts. Due to social unrest at this time, the college became unsuccessful. In an effort to turn things around, the college changed its name to University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma as of 1974. Today USAO is thriving with over 700 students enrolled to advance their education. To learn more, please visit usao.edu. 1908-16 Oklahoma Industrial Institute and College for Girls OIICG 1916-1965 Oklahoma College for Women OCW 1965-1974 Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts 1974-Present University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
F U N FA C T S
1973-1974 Intercollegiate sports began at USAO 1983 USAO hosted a hot air balloon festival with 20 participants Argus, a Greek mythological god with a thousand eyes, was chosen as the name for the yearbook as a symbolic meaning to watch over the girls of the college 1923 Lions and Rotary Clubs provided a shelter for the girls waiting on the street car to take them downtown Girls were to wear uniforms to avoid ostentation The Dean held “trunk checks” before each term to ensure the girls had no more than one party dress - if so, the dress was sent back to the girl’s home “Not for livelihood but for life. The school will seek not only to improve the intellect and morals of the girls, but will strive in every way to prepare them for homemakers, leaders in social, civic, industrial and educational affairs.” Thank you to Grady County Historical Society and The History of Chickasha Facebook page for photos and historical information.
English Lit class - Oklahoma Industrial Institute and College for Girls in 1909
Shelter built by Chickasha Lions and Rotary Club for OCW students to wait for street car
Administration building - the first building on campus which began as a farming field JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022 // 39
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A Night In Written by Kristyn Allbritton
With the cold settling in, it may be a great time to plan a family night in or a date night at the house. What you may not know is this social interaction is beneficial for your mental and physical health.
ESTABLISH RULES AND BOUNDARIES
According to a New York Times article, there have been dozens of studies which confirmed people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends, and community are happier, healthier, and live longer. If you are keeping track, this is just another reason to live local.
Everyone’s involved Be sure everyone has a hand in each activity.
There are many ways to bond and enjoy quality time together without stepping a foot outside. In an effort to slow down time and soak in every minute with loved ones, here are some ideas for a fun evening.
No phone zone Eliminate distractions by removing phones from the evening.
PLAN AHEAD Buy ingredients Decide what you’d like to do and purchase things you need for cookies, smores or dinner to prepare and enjoy together. Set up an interactive game Download an at home Escape Room or Murder Mystery. These are fun to dress-up for and get in complete character.
ACTIVITY Have some fun Play a board game, make a pallet in the floor and watch a movie together or have a dance party and put on a talent show for one another. If all else fails, build a fort. Life gets busy and it is easy to get caught up in a daily routine. It is time to stop, look around, and interact with those around us. This will make us as individuals stronger and our relationships better. So put down that phone, and let’s have some fun!
EXTRA TIP: IF YOU ARE ANYTHING LIKE ME AND GET A CHANCE TO BE HOME ALONE, REARRANGE THAT LIVING ROOM!
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Serves 6 Tacos
Shredded Chicken Tacos with a Hint of Sirracha
Preparation
Ingredients
Step 1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• 2 thinly sliced chicken breasts • 2 Tbsp Sriracha • 6 corn tortillas • 1 cup chopped red cabbage • ▢1/2 cup chopped peppers • ▢1/4 cup feta cheese • ▢1 lime
Step 2 Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and top with Sriracha. Bake for 30 minutes (or until they're fully cooked). Step 3 While the chicken is baking, heat the tortillas up (optional). Step 4 Top each tortilla with chopped red cabbage and chopped peppers. Step 5 When the chicken has finished baking, shred it and place in the tortillas. Step 6 Top each taco with feta cheese and a drizzle of lime.
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Credit: loveandlemons.com
Roasted Vegetable Pasta a go to weeknight dinner
Preparation
Ingredients
Step 1 Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
• 4 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces • 3 zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces • 10 cherry tomatoes • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, more for drizzling • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar • 2 garlic cloves, minced • ½ teaspoon herbes de Provence • Leaves from 8 sprigs fresh thyme • 16 ounces penne pasta • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese • ½ cup fresh basil, for garnish • Juice of ½ lemon • Pinches of red pepper flakes • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Step 2 Place carrots and onions on the first sheet and zucchini and tomatoes on the other. Drizzle both sheets of vegetables with olive oil and pinches of salt and pepper. Place the sheet with carrots and onions in the oven first and roast for 20 to 30 minutes (until the onions are tender and lightly charred, and the carrots are tender and browned). Place the second sheet in and roast for 20 minutes (until the squash and zucchini are golden brown around the edges) Remove from the oven and set aside. Step 3 In the bottom of a large bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the sherry vinegar, garlic, herbes de Provence, thyme, ¼ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Stir in the roasted vegetables. Step 4 Prepare the pasta according to the instructions on the package, cooking until al dente. Drain and transfer the warm pasta to the large bowl with the roasted vegetables and toss to coat. Step 5 Add the feta, basil, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes and gently toss. Season (generously!) to taste with more salt, pepper, and lemon juice, as desired. Step 6 Garnish with more fresh basil and generous drizzles of olive oil.
Serves 4
7
winter car tips 1 Install winter wipers
Summer blades are much lighter since they are really only used to get rain off of your windshield. Winter wipers are much stronger as they are built to handle heavy snow and freezing rain.
2 Change your fluid
Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a winter mixture. The winter mixture prevents the fluid from freezing on your windshield.
3 Pack a winter safety kit First aid kit, ice scrapper, flashlight with batteries, blanket, coat and jumper cables
4 Keep maintenance up to date
Maintenance is important to keep your vehicle performing at its best in attempt to avoid a breakdown.
5 Watch tire pressure
The temperature drop can affect the air pressure in your tires.
6 Check the tank Keep the gas tank at least half full
7 Clean up
Make sure all debris is removed from car before driving
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of the M O N T H
Greeli Gree { P E T
Breed Havanese
Color White and Chocolate Brown Best Trick Posing for photos duhhhh Favorite Treat Interurban leftovers Lovable Quirk Protecting my mom Owner Madison Haskell 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
CASA {
The mission of CASA Voices for Children Inc. is to speak for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the courts, through trained volunteers, to obtain a safe, permanent, and nurturing environment. Our not for profit organization was established in 2005 and since has advocated for hundreds of Grady County’s most vulnerable citizens; our deprived children and their families. It is our greatest hope to help reunite these children with their families. Sadly, sometimes this is just not possible and a new safe haven must be found. Our organization is funded through grants, donations and fundraisers. Our most fun and loved fundraiser is our annual “CASA Playhouse” giveaway during the Grady County Free Fair in August of each year.
{
To become a CASA volunteer or to donate please email casav4c.org , call 405-224-0404, visit CASA Voices for Children on Facebook or drop by and see us at 402 Chickasha Ave. Suite 120.
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CHANGE IS HARD Statistically for the small group of us who do commit to making a resolution about 80% fail by February. With such a high failure rate, no wonder the majority doesn’t even waste time making a resolution. The purpose of making a resolution is to quit a bad habit, better yourself in a specific area, or to set goals for your year. We tend to fail because our goal is too vague. Who hasn’t picked “lose weight” as their resolution. Okay, but what are you going to do to lose weight? Our challenge to you is to pick a resolution this year, something you would like to improve on, then break it down into subgoals if you will. If you want to lose weight as your end goal, great! But choose how to lose weight; for example cut out desserts or pop. Stick to that for a year. On average it takes a person over 2 months to create a habit. Once you have that down, move to your next subgoal. If one challenge isn’t enough for you, here is another! Start speaking positivity.
Instead of just thinking a positive thought about someone or something, let that person know.
My Resolution Subgoals
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love where you live #oh18livelocal to find yourself in the next issue
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A GUIDE FOR LIVING LOCAL
J A N U A R Y- F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 2