Happy birthday to Peggy Underwood, Taryn Knowles, Brock Hail, Hunter Perigo, Whitney Johnson, Mark Whitley, John Rummage, Farron Hottel, Emrie Hays, Bobbie Calvert, Mark Holden, Cynthia Calixto, Sofia Ortiz, Amanda Powell and Fran Ray.

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School has started in the Heart of Oklahoma.

Crosswalks and neighborhood streets will be filled with children walking and bicycling to school.

The message is simple: Mortorists - Put down the phone, stay alert and watch out for these precious, vulnerable children.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Teen Connect: Painting and Poetry” Thursday, August 17, from 4-6 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Make new friends while painting canvases of your favorite poems or quotes. Connect with and learn more about other’s experiences while sharing your own. Designed for teens ages 12-17.

Join us as we come together to paint quote art and get to know people who share a similar interest. Discover new techniques and perspectives as we meet with others to learn about their experiences while sharing your own.

Art supplies and snacks will be provided.

Registration is required and you can save your spot by calling 405-527-5546 or online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Healthier You: Navigating Medicare” Tuesday, August 29, from 10-11 a.m. in the meeting room.

Join Chelle McCaskill as she presents the program on how to navigate Medicare. Become more confident in advocating for yourself and others by discovering accurate tools, techniques and resources in this information and interactive presentation designed for adults.

Registration is required. You can save your spot by calling 405-527-5546 or online at www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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The Purcell Farmers Market is held each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santa Fe Plaza on Main Street.

Fresh, local produce, crafts, artisan food/drinks, book and vintage finds are all available.

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The August Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be held Thursday, August 31, at 12 p.m. at the Mid-America Technology Center, 27438 State Highway 59, in Wayne.

The luncheon will feature superintendents Dr. Toby Ringwald, Wayne; Dr. Sheli McAdoo, Purcell; Chad Hall, Lexington and Mike Eubank, Mid-America Technology Center, who will be speaking on the “State of the Schools.”

The host for the luncheon is McClain Bank.

RSVP by Monday, August 28, by callingor texting 405-527-3093 or email elisabeth@theheartofok.com.

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I’ve made this recipe with roast before but really liked it better with chicken.

Mississippi Chicken

2 pounds chicken breasts boneless and skinless

1 packet au jus mix

1 packet ranch seasoning

Stick of butter, sliced into pats

6 pepperoncini peppers or sliced banana peppers

Add the chicken to the slow cooker.

Sprinkle on the au jus mix, and ranch seasoning, then top with butter and pepperoncini.

Cook on low for 3 hours, or on high for 1.5 or 2 hours. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred it while it’s still warm using a hand mixer, 2 forks, or your hands.

Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice or  serve it on a sandwich.

Note: I have used both chicken legs and thighs and they both were delicious!