Happy birthday to Carol DiRienzo, Aaron Perkins, Cannan Haynes, Ryki Gay Hudson, Barbara Lambert, Jerrett Haynes, Candy McCurdy-Clark, Avery Wren, Carol Powell, Sally Abbott, Whitney Wollenberg, Jennifer Corn, Tina Swayze, Micah Chavez, Jacob Dumas, Wyatt Mills, Darren Michael York, Sharon Barton, Leslie Clouse, Lee Anna Forster, Sherri Sikes, Daniella D. Belfiore, Juan Aguinaga, Joshua Banks, Jerod McGee, Tammy Kochn, Cheyanne Pace and Dahnevyn Pace.

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Fall Break is this week in the Heart of Oklahoma.

School kids will be enjoying the last few days of sunshiny, warm weather before we head into cool, fall weather and won’t be looking out for drivers like they should.

This is where you come in.

Use extra caution as you drive around town and watch for kids bouncing basketballs or riding skateboards.

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Making a Difference: Styrofoam Recycling” Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the library.

Join us as we create positive change in our community by recycling Styrofoam.

Learn the impact that recycling has on our community and see how your actions can make a big difference.

We will be working with Churches Caring for Creation whose mission is to “save the planet ‘one drink cup at a time’ by recycling #6 plastic.”

For more information call 405-527-5546.

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The Purcell Public Library will present the “Creativity Unleashed: Cozy Water coloring” Wednesday, October 21, from 3:15-4:30 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 water coloring on cozy pages or your own creative design to produce your own work of art.

Supplies will be provided.

The program is designed for children and teens from 5-17 and registration is required.

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

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The Purcell Public Library will present “Spark a Change Community Resource Fair” Thursday, October 22, from 3-6 p.m. at Landmark Church, 1106 W. Grant St., in Purcell.

Take the next step toward building a stronger future. During this self-directed, come-and-go event, participants will have the opportunity to connect with community organizations committed to supporting justic-involved individuals and their families.

Attendees can learn about resources and opportunities in areas such as educational and training programs, housing and basic needs assistance, financial literacy resources, mental health and wellness services, family support services, legal aid and reentry support an community engagement opportunities.

Participants are encouraged to bring a resume, identification, or other relevant documents if interested in applying for services during the event.

The program is designed for adults 18+.

For more information call the Purcell Public Library at 405-527-5546.

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Homecoming time is here!

Purcell High School, Washington High School, Wayne High School and Lexington High School will all be celebrating homecoming on Friday, October 23.

Check out the stories about all four schools in the October 22 issue of The Purcell Register!

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The Purcell High School Show Choir will be sponsoring a spook house at the Boney Matthews Fieldhouse Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, October 31, beginning at 7 p.m. each night.

A food truck will also be at the site.

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This year’s Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Halloween of the Heart - Treats on the Trail will be held Saturday, October 31, from 3-6 p.m. at the Purcell Lake.

House-to-house trick or treating in Purcell will also be held on Saturday, October 31.

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Daylight Saving Time is Sunday, November 1.

Don’t forget to turn your clock back 1 hour before you go to bed Saturday night, October 31.

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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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Here’s another good recipe to make with the cooler weather ahead.

Easy Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Recipe

2 large chicken breasts or a rotesserie chicken

15 oz. can white beans, drained and rinsed

15 oz. can corn, drained

4 oz. can diced green chilies

1 small onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon paprika

2 cups chicken broth

4 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Place the chicken breasts in the base of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.

Layer diced onions, minced garlic, white beans, corn kernels and green chilies over the chicken. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, oregano, and paprika over the other ingredients.

Pour chicken broth evenly over the mixture.

Cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes tender and easily falls apart. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add cream cheese and sour cream, stirring gently until they melt completely.

Top with your favorite ingredientss like shredded cheese or sliced jalapeños.