Happy birthday to Les Hudson, Bobby Musgrave, Charles Goddard Jr., Patrick Haynes, Jeff Page, Pam McCurdy, Cheryl Feigal-Jams, Dru Ann Niehaus, Brian Gantz, Paige Brown, Vernon Brady, Alessandra Tompkins Sanchez, Mike McCaskill, Raul Jr. Trejo, Diana Trejo, Mary York, Sofia Estrada, Adrian Jones, Daisy Resendiz, Adam Still, Carol Bennett and Eduviges Diaz.

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The Washington Masonic Lodge is hosting a fish fry and chicken strip lunch Sunday, September 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a $10 donation.

This is to help with the Christmas Parade and the upcoming community events.

The lodge is located at 206 Sharp Street in Washington.

Everyone is invited so come hungry and leave full.

The next event will be an all you can eat breakfast Saturday, September 20, to help the McClain County Deputy who had his house burned down.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Creativity Unleashed: Where the Book Garden Grows” Saturday, September 13, in this come-and-go event scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

The program is designed for all ages.

We all have an inner artist. Join us in discovering the endless possibilities of your creativity.

You will be guided through this program exploring book covers to produce your own work of art.

Supplies will be provided.

For more information call 405-527-5546 or online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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Homecoming at Purcell High School is Friday, September 19.

The homecoming parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. and make its usual trek down Main Street.

The 2025 football homecoming queen will be crowned Friday night in a ceremony prior to the Purcell-Lexington football contest at Conger Field.

The King and Queen will be announced at the coronation ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m.

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The Purcell Public Library will present the “Hispanic Heritage Festival” Thursday, September 25, from 5-7 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Discover the diverse cultures, traditions and experiences that make up our Hispanic community. Join us for food, fun and even some furry friends!

Deepen your connection with your community and expand your mindset on Hispanic culture. Learn with others in this interactive program with different Hispanic performers, entertainment, food trucks and more!

The program is for all ages.

For more information call 405-527-5546.

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The Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival will be held Saturday, September 27, in downtown Purcell.

The first band will perform at 11 a.m. and performers will include The Great Divide, Brother Heywood, Etowah Road, Gary Gibson Bank and Red Dirt Rangers.

The event will also feature food trucks and vendors and admission is free.

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With the weather turning slightly cooler, I thought this sounded like a good recipe to make.

Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

2 chicken breasts, still frozen

1 can Rotel tomatoes

1 can corn kernels, do not drain

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 pkg. Ranch dressing mix

1 TBL cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. onion powder

8-oz pkg. cream cheese

Put the chicken in the crock pot. Top with the tomatoes, corn, the drained and rinsed beans, ranch dressing, cumin, onion and chili powders.

Stir to combine then top with the cream cheese.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring one or twice to blend in the cheese.

Shred the chicken into large pieces and serve over rice, in tortillas or taco shells.

If using rotesserie chicken, dump everything together and cook 45 minutes.