TAI CHI CLASSES OFFERED

Tai Chi classes held at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays at the First Baptist Church, 210 S.W. 2nd Street in Checotah. Everyone is welcome.

CHECOTAH LITERACY PROGRAM REACHING OUT TO ADULT LEARNERS

The Jim Lucas Checotah Adult and Family Literacy Council now has nine trained volunteer tutors to assist adult learners with several services. They include basic reading, math, writing, health and job related training, citizenship/naturalization preparation, English as a second language, survival skills training, and pre-GED tutoring. The services are free and available to any adult in the area served by the library system. The volunteer tutors recently completed the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Open Minds Tutor Training Program. Tutoring sessions are held at the Checotah Jim Lucas Library. For more information contact DeLois McGee, Director of the Checotah Literacy Council, at Checotah’s Jim Lucas Public Library, or call 918-473-6715.

EUFAULA PLAYHOUSE MOVES MEETING

The Eufaula Playhouse’s monthly meetings will take place on the second Sunday of every month at the Eufaula Public Library at 6 p.m.   We would like to encourage anyone who would like to know more about the playhouse to attend any of our meetings.   Please check our website at: LakeEufaulaPlayhouse.com for more information and the latest news.

HIGHWAY 9 COMMUNITY CENTER SCHEDULE

Thursday, Sept. 6: Tole painting, 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 10: Quilting, 9 a.m. Dance, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11: Cards, 10 a.m. Bridge, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12: Lunch, 12 noon Thursday, Sept. 13: Crafter’s, 1 p.m.

KI BOIS HEAD START IS TAKING APPLICATIONS

KI BOIS Head Start is now accepting applications for enrollment for all 3 and 4-year-old children, including those who are homeless, in foster care or have significant disabilities. For more information call 918-473-5272 or 918-431-1284 or visit 214 SE 2nd St. in Checotah.

CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION LIST IMPORTANT DATES

The McIntosh County Cattlemen’s Association held a board meeting recently to schedule meetings and provide information to members and area cattlemen. Mark you calendars for the following dates: Sept. 18 – Ag credit and ADM forage (Eufaula). Nov. 13 – Wills and trust and oil and gas leases (Checotah). The board is also contacting neighboring counties to hold an area meeting in July. Flyers will be mailed to members closer to meeting dates. If you are interested in joining the McIntosh County Cattlemen’s Association, contact President Gary Updyke, Vice President Josh Emerson or Secretary Betty Whisenhunt.

GRIEF SHARE SESSIONS

New classes for the bereavement support program begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15 at the First Baptist Church in Checotah. The facilitator is Wilmatine Griffin. For information call 918-473-2275. GriefShare is a weekly non-denominational support group for people who are grieving the death of a loved one. The group offers a comfortable environment where the emotions and process of grief are understood and welcomed. Participants will learn practical strategies for grief recovery through the highly acclaimed GriefShare video series, study guide and group discussion. Everything said in the group is confidential. No one is pressured to talk, but most eventually feel the need to. Members come for help and help each other. It doesn’t matter how long ago the death occurred. Some of the topics covered are longterm illness, wrongful death, suicide, anger, guilt, fear, physical pain, forgetfulness, bitterness, forgiveness, betrayal, relief, rejection, and interacting with grieving children. Join us at any session. Reach out and invite others to join.

LIONS CLUB MEETINGS

The Checotah Lions Club meets at noon on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from September through the second Thursday in June.  The club does not meet the fourth Thursday in June nor in July and August.  Lions meet at the Church of Christ Fellowship/Classroom building at 309 E. Gentry.  Visitors are welcome to come and enjoy a meeting and meal prepared by Lion Mitch foreman assisted by Lion volunteers. Formal invitations from Lion members are not needed. Lion President Iris Park said Lions welcome women and would like to have more women join the club.

RESPITE VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR CAREGIVERS

Do you need a break? Are you caring for someone 60 years or older that needs assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, walking, transferring, or toileting? Do you assist someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia? The Caregiver program might be just what you’re looking for. The respite vouchers are a total of $250 for a three-month period. The caregiver can hire someone of their choosing to give them a much needed break. There are no income guidelines for this program. Information: Stacy Williamson, Caregiver director, or Peggy Anderson, Caregiver coordinator, at 918-682-7891 or the SENIOR INFO-LINE 1-800-211-2116.

OUTREACH CENTER OFFERS HELP TO THE NEEDY

Piney Creek Fellowship Church Outreach Center is in need of clothing, household items and food. It is now part of the Eastern Oklahoma Food Bank. You may get household and clothing anytime it is open. There is a maintenance fee of 50 cents per item. The food is given once per month per household and you must provide a current photo ID and utility bill. There is no charge for the food. Location: Longtown. Take SH 9 east toward Stigler. Turn left on Piney Creek Road, go north about three miles and turn left on Hidden Ridge Road. We are on the left side. Just follow the signs. Call for hours of operation. Contact numbers include Linda Rankin at 918-841-5902 and Dawn Bowling at 918-490-2491.

DONATIONS SOUGHT TO HONOR FIRST RESPONDERS

The McIntosh County LEO and Emergency Responder Appreciation Group is seeking donations for a law enforcement officer and emergency responder appreciation pool. This is a way to give back to the local law enforcement and emergency responders who put their time and lives on the line daily. Businesses who want to donate a gift certificate or item can drop it off at the Eufaula Area Chamber of Commerce office at 321 N. Main St., Eufaula or call 918-689-2791. The appreciation group is an extension of the Eufaula Chamber Ambassador Group.

JESUS HELPING HANDS HAS NEW STORE

Jesus Helping Hands has consolidated its two resale stores into one. The new store is located at 113 NW 1st St. in Checotah. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Please bring your donations during those hours or call 918-689-6282. All proceeds go to help those in need. Donations of resale items and volunteers are needed. Information: 918-473-7773 or 918-689-6282.

CLASSES FOCUS ON DUI, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

One Step C.A.R.E. Program, 118 S. Broadway, Checotah, offers several classes. ADSAC (DUI) Assessments and Schools are the first full weekend of the month from 6 to 9:15 p.m. Fridays, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Cost: $150. The 24-hour DUI classes are from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost: $360 or $30 per class. Domestic violence groups for victims are from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Domestic violence groups for batterers or those convicted in court are a 52-week program from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays. The program is attorney general certified. Cost: $25 per session. To enroll in any of these classes, call 918-473-0002.

EAT BREAKFAST IN ONAPA

Breakfast is served every second Saturday of the month at Onapa Community Center and Fire Department located on old Highway 69, south of Checotah or north of Texanna Road. Menu: Bacon, sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy, pancakes or waffles, coffee, milk and orange juice. Donations welcome.

EASTERN OKLAHOMA DISTRICT LIBRARY MEETINGS IN 2018

All board meetings of the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System will be at the library’s Support Services office, 14 E. Shawnee, Muskogee. Meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of alternate months, but for November 2018 when it will be held on Nov. 13, the second Tuesday, to avoid conflict with a holiday. The Tuesday meetings include Jan. 23, March 27, May 22, July 24, Sept. 25 and Nov. 13.

CHECOTAH BOY SCOUT/CUB SCOUT MEETING

Checotah Cub Scout Pack 642 and Boy Scout Troop 642 meet Tuesdays at Masonic Lodge 86, 625 W. Gentry Ave. Cub Scouts meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Boy Scouts meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. All interested boys should contact Scoutmaster Randy Nester, 918-616-0873, for information.

SENIOR DANCING AT RINK

A senior dance will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at the Checotah World of Wheels Skating Rink. Dancing only, no skating. Admission is $5 per person featuring Joe Harris One-Man Band.

DAV MEETS FIRST THURSDAYS IN ONAPA

Disabled American Veterans meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month in Onapa. CSO officers are available. For information call Bill Day at 918-618-2633.

PORUM LANDING VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT EVENTS

The Porum Landing Volunteer Fire Department has a complimentary meal schedule that includes free bingo, with prizes, on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Bingo is at 10 a.m. and the meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Blood pressure and glucose testing is available at 10:45 a.m. The fire department is located nine miles east of U.S. 69 on Texanna Road. Everyone is invited to attend.

CHECOTAH WEIGHT WATCHERS SCHEDULE

Checotah Weight Watchers meets at 5 p.m. for weigh-in and 5:30 p.m. for meetings Mondays at the Jim Lucas Checotah Public Library, 626 W. Gentry.

VISIT SENIOR CITIZENS

Checotah Senior Citizens and Community Center invites everyone to come by and meet your fellow senior citizens for a get together. The center is open every weekday you can play dominos, and have all the free coffee and cookies you desire. Meals are on a donation basis. The center welcomes guests from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

LAKE VETTE CLUB

The Lake Vette Club is looking to grow its membership. It is more of a social rather than a rule-based club, enjoying each other’s company and shared interests like shiny, fast cars. The club meets at local restaurants and has car shows, outings and events in the area along with a few overnight or weekend happenings. Membership will make suggestions and decide what suits members best. Information: Clayton and Linda at ladylindao612@gmail.com; or Wade: wade.carcreekranch@yahoo.com, or 918-348-9230.

LAKE EUFAULA CRAFTERS GUILD

Lake Eufaula Crafters Guild is a group that meets monthly to make new crafts and keep local crafters informed of other craft classes and shows. Membership is not required to attend and there is no membership fee. The only fee is for the use of the building and for materials to make the crafts. The group meets at 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Highway 9 Community Center in Longtown. Everyone is welcome to attend. The fee for the use of the building is $2. Go to the Lake Eufaula Crafters Guild website for more information or call 918-452-3023, 918-470-1227 or 918-799-5096.

FAST LANES BOWLING FALL LEAGUE OPEN

Signup now for fall leagues at Fast Lanes Bowling in Checotah. There are leagues for mixed groups, men’s, women’s, children’s and high school age youth. Information: 918-473-3278.

F.A.I.C. VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT BREAKFAST

Breakfast every third Saturday of the month serving scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, French toast, milk, juice and coffee. Donations accepted.

BINGO

Texanna Fire Department Bingo is at 7 p.m. Saturdays at Texanna Fire Department on Texanna Road. Hot food is served.

CHECOTAH AMERICAN LEGION POST 21

Checotah American Legion Post 21 meets at 6 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the American Legion building, downtown Checotah.

FREE CLOTHES CLOSET AT CHECOTAH FREE WILL BAPTIST

A free Clothes Closet at Checotah First Freewill Baptist Church is open from 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Park by the carport on the south side of the church. Donations of clean clothes are appreciated.

GOD’S HELPING HANDS CLOTHING CLOSET

God’s Helping Hands Clothing Closet is open from 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at the McIntosh County Youth & Family Resource Center, Eufaula. There is a nice selection of free school clothes.

TEXANNA LADY CRAFTERS

Texanna Lady Crafters meets at 10 a.m. every Thursday for Craft Day on Texanna Road, one mile east of U.S. 69. Business meeting is at 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month. It is open for business from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.

FLEAS

FLEAS (Friendly Lake Eufaula Area Supporters) meets at 11 a.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at the No. 9 Community Center. Information: 918-916-0862.

S.O.W.

Lake Eufaula Save Our Water meetings are at 8 a.m. the third Thursday each month at Eufaula First United Methodist Church.