Happy birthday to Mike Spaulding, Glenn Frankenberg, Gunner Mathis, Laverne Gray, Eliyse Spaulding, Sharon Hutchens, Joe Butts, Jonah Northuctt, Karen Horoho, Tripp Eck, Patricia Hudson, Kayleenia Jones, Phyllis Norvell, Jana Rolin, Julie (Wood) Scroggins, Shirley Stark, Roger Mayes, Tristan Rollins, Tracy Jones, Darren Woolly, Miles Pedlow, Michelle Sheehy, Spencer Wallace, Teodoro Aguinaga, Anna Pollok Dean, Kaitlyn Keeler, Damon Clark and Alma Linares.

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Purcell High School’s annual Veterans Day Program, hosted by the National Honor Society, will be held Tuesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. in the Reimer Center.

Veterans are welcome to begin arriving at 10:50 a.m. go to a special seat reserved for them. Following the assembly, a complimentary lunch, provided by NHS members, will be served as a token of appreciation for their service.

Veterans are asked to RSVP by calling Purcell High School at 405-442-0099.

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McClain County Operation Christmas is now accepting applications.

The deadline to submit applications is November 24.

Applications are available at The Purcell Register, the McClain County Health Department, the Purcell Public Library, the OSU Extension Office and Delta Community Action Foundation in Purcell.

For more information contact Peggy Christian at 405-990-4001.

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The Pioneer Library System Foundation invites families to the 3rd Annual Royal Games, a free, family-friendly garden party for children and their caregivers, on Saturday, November 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Veterans Park in Newcastle.

This year marks the first time the Royal Games will be held in Newcastle.

This enchanting event will transport children and their caregivers into a world of princes, princesses, knights, and jesters through games, crafts, story time, and other hands-on activities.

Kids are encouraged to wear medieval or royal costumes to add to the fun.

For more information call the Purcell Public Library at 405-528-5546.

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The Purcell Register will feature Homespun Holidays, a DIY Guide to the Season, in the December 11 issue.

Register readers are encouraged to send us their favorite recipes, a short description of their family’s favorite tradition, DIY craft ideas and decorating ideas.

Pictures are welcomed as well.

Submit your holiday items to purcellregister@gmail.com or drop by our office at 225 W. Main St. in Purcell.

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The Purcell Public Library will present the “Creativity Unleashed: Holiday Crafts! Sublimation Mugs” Saturday, December 6, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

We all have an inner artist. Join us in discovering the endless possibilities of your creativity. You will be guided through this program exploring designing and sublimating a mug to produce your own work of art.

Supplies will be provided. No prior experience is necessary for this program. Program is come and go.

The program is for all ages and registration is required.

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

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Mark your calendars now!

Experience the magic of the holiday season at the annual Purcell Christmas Parade,  “Anything Christmas,” where Main Street Purcell will be illuminated with festive lights and decorations, and enjoy the merriment and joy that fills the air!

The parade is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, at 6 p.m.

To register your parade entry, stop by the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce at 305 W. Main Street in Purcell, email elisabeth@theheartofok.com or call 405-527-3093.

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Purcell’s Lights From the Heart at Chandler Park will be open nightly from Wednesday, November 26, to Wednesday, December 31, from 5:30-10 p.m. nightly.

Over two miles of lights are available to drive through.

Admission is free but donations are appreciated.

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The Wayne Fire Department is holding its 36th annual Toy Drive.

Firefighters are currently accepting toy donations or cash donations to help them meet their goal.

Toys will be given to children at the department’s program December 14.

For more information contact Sarah Kennedy at 405-570-2478 or Meghan Claunch at 405-412-7848.

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Here’s a quick and easy pasta dish that is so good.

Creamy Beef and Shells

8 ounces medium pasta shells

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef

1/2 medium sweet onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups beef stock

15-ounce can tomato sauce

3/4 cup heavy cream

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, about 1 1/2 cups

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat. Set aside.

Add onion to the skillet, and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in beef stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.

    Stir in pasta, beef and heavy cream until heated through, about 1-2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in cheese until melted, about 2 minutes.