In addition to the sound of the dishwasher, the washing machine running incessantly, and the teenager yelling at his video game, another sound has been a constant companion for the entirety of my time in this family. That is the tippy-tap sound of Sascha’s feet (and the bell on her collar), our 16 year-old Shih-tzu. We’ve always joked that she is part cat, full of energy, self-sufficient, and accepting of affection only on her terms. As I write this, we’re just a few hours away from an appointment at our veterinarian’s office at Grant Square Animal Hospital in South OKC, where we’re afraid it’s time to say goodbye.  Sascha came into my wife Amy's life as a beacon of hope amidst personal upheaval. Rescued from a …

Find out what’s going on this weekend in our town from river to river (Downtown OKC to Norman). Read on to get your weekend on!  Would you like YOUR EVENT included in “This Weekend In South OKC Metro”?  Email [email protected] today! Festival of the Arts Where: Bicentennial Park 552 Couch Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, United States Presented By: Arts Council Oklahoma City When: Thursday, April 25th, 2024 - Sunday April 28th, 2024  Thurs 11AM - 9 PM Fri & Sat 11AM - 10PM, Sun 10AM - 7PM Price: Free The 58th annual Festival of the Arts is on the way! Join us April 25 – 28 for OKC’s biggest celebration of the arts, presented by Arts Council Oklah…

If you grew up in South OKC or Moore, The Christmas Connection might sound familiar to you. As a kid in Moore schools in the 80s & 90s, I clearly remember collecting pennies & toys for drives to benefit them, but I never really understood what they were for. Years later, as a single mom who found herself humbly shopping in a church for my boys at Christmas, I understood more. Now, as a local business owner & supporter of nonprofits, I finally understand their full light and mission, which shines so brightly across 3 Oklahoma counties. Christmas Connection is a beautiful example of compassion and community spirit here in the metro area. Under the leadership of CEO April Jolley, Director of Development Bailey Kest…

Long before anyone nowadays was thinking about travel planning, Mr. Bentley Hedges was way ahead of the game. After a 50 year head start on most, Bentley Hedges still stands strong as the South OKC Travel Leader. Bentley Hedges Travel is proof of what the enduring spirit of family enterprise and community service can do. Angie Hendricks, the CEO and majority owner, now guides the company that her father, Bentley, and mother, Alice, founded in the comfort of a duplex living room back in 1970. From these humble beginnings, their family travel business has evolved into a beacon for business travelers, group globe-trotters and solo adventurers alike. "My dad started this business with just a dream and a bi…

Just north of OU on Elm in Norman, there's a coffee shop that's redefining what it means to be a community hub. Not Your Average Joe (NYAJ) is more than just a place to grab a quick caffeine fix; it's a sanctuary of inclusion, empowerment, and “accept-ional” people. With Peyton Kapavik at the helm of marketing and Tim Herbel as the visionary founder and Executive Director, this exceptional establishment is brewing hope and opportunity, one cup at a time. A Mission Born from the Heart The story of Not Your Average Joe is one of profound loss and unwavering determination. Tim Herbel, the driving force behind the shop, experienced a personal tragedy when his nephew Braxton, who had special needs, passed…

Find out what’s going on this weekend in our town from river to river (Downtown OKC to Norman). Read on to get your weekend on!  Would you like YOUR EVENT included in “This Weekend In South OKC Metro”?  Email [email protected] today! Earth Fest Where: Scissortail Park 601 S Robinson Ave, OKC, OK 73109 Presented By: OKC Beautiful When: Saturday, April 20th, 2024  11AM - 4 PM Price: Free Celebrate Earth Day with the community! Earth Fest will have vendors, live music, classes, giveaways, and more. Learn more at www.okcbeautiful.com/earth-fest Learn More Cleveland County Master Gardener Plant Sale Where: 601 E Robinson St, Norman, …

I can’t think of anything I love MORE than when someone else does things FOR me. If I could work that into my budget for most daily tasks, I probably would… In South Oklahoma City, on the East side of Chatenay Square, Stretch Zone is redefining what it means to age gracefully & make more use of our bodies, no matter our age. That’s something we can all appreciate! Stretch Zone is not exactly a therapy office nor is it a typical fitness center (no, it is not really dfy Yoga, though it's been described as such by clients.) With a unique focus on stretching those muscles most of us never activate, it's a place where generations converge for the sake of health and well-being.  I was sitting in their waiting are…

Find out what’s going on this weekend in our town from river to river (Downtown OKC to Norman). Read on to get your weekend on!  Would you like YOUR EVENT included in “This Weekend In South OKC Metro”?  Email [email protected] today! It’s FREE!!!  Lebanese Food and Heritage Festival! Where: Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Mission 500 Alameda St. Norman Presented By: Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Mission Dates: Saturday, April 13th, 2024   Price: Free Time: 11AM - 7PM Free entrance and fun for the whole family. And, of course, FOOD! Enjoy freshly-prepared Lebanese specialties, and then shop the "bake sale" for your favorite foods…

Find out what’s going on this weekend in our town from river to river (Downtown OKC to Norman). Read on to get your weekend on!  Would you like YOUR EVENT included in “This Weekend In South OKC Metro”?  Email [email protected] today! It’s FREE!!!  Let's Have a Party 1st Annual Benefit for The OK Kids Korral: Honoring Toby Keith Where: 4712 N Porter Ave, Norman, OK, United States, Oklahoma 73071 Presented By: Hollywood Corners Station LLC Dates: Friday, April 5th, 2024 & Saturday, April 6th, 2024   Price: Free Time: Apr. 5th @ 7PM, Apr. 6th @ 11:30PM SAVE THE DATE -- Let's Have a Party 1st Annual Benefit for The OK Kids Korral: Honoring …

Find out what’s going on this weekend in our town from river to river (Downtown OKC to Norman). Read on to get your weekend on!  Know of an event coming up that should be included in “This Weekend In South OKC Metro”?  Email [email protected] today! Tulip Festival at Myriad Botanical Gardens Where: Myriad Botanical Gardens  301 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City  Presented By: Myriad Botanical Gardens Dates: Saturday, March 30th, 2024 - Sunday March 31st, 2024   Price: Free Time: 10 AM Saturday - 5 PM Sunday  Recurrence: None Experience the enchantment of 50,000 beautiful tulips blooms as we celebrate the arrival of spring with the 2…

Seda Law Firm, located in the heart of South Oklahoma City, is a guiding light for individuals and families seeking to secure their future through comprehensive estate planning and probate services without being overwhelmed with the legal mumbo-jumbo. Led by down-to-earth local attorney Roberto Seda, the firm's journey since its founding in 2019 reflects a commitment to community service and a proactive approach to legal counsel.  We recently had the privilege to talk with Roberto about the significance of estate planning and probate and what they're really all about. The Importance of Estate Planning Estate planning can be a bit intimidating, but it’s vital for financial and legal preparedness. Roberto emphasizes …

In the heart of South Oklahoma City stands Westmoore Community Church (WCC), a place where the doors are always open to anyone seeking solace, community, or a fresh start. Affectionately known as "The Flock that Rocks," WCC is more than just a church—it's a vibrant, welcoming community that embraces all with open arms. At the helm of this dynamic congregation is Pastor Glenn Quirk, who recently took over from Founding Pastor Paul Cunningham to lead the church into the next era of growth and outreach. Pastor Paul was led to start WCC in 1994 in a small shopping center located at 89th and S. Walker. His goal was to create "a new church for a new generation"—a place where people could come as they are and worship God in a n…

Find out what’s going on this weekend in our town from river to river (Downtown OKC to Norman). Read on to get your weekend on!  Know of an event coming up that should be included in “This Weekend in South OKC Metro”?  Email [email protected] today! SPRING Move Your ScissorTAIL BLOCK PARTY Where: Scissortail Park (Lower Park) 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City, OK  Presented By: Scissortail Park and First United Bank Dates: Saturday, March 23   Price: Free Time: 11am – 4pm   Recurrence: None SPRING Move Your ScissorTAIL BLOCK PARTY Saturday, March 23 | 11am – 4pm Lower Park Sponsored by First United Bank Come out to enjoy a day o…

In the heart of Norman, Oklahoma, a revolutionary initiative is changing the game for youth sports. Youth Scoreboards, spearheaded by visionaries Coach Barry Switzer and Mike Henry, is not just about keeping score; it's about building community, supporting local businesses, and fostering a love for sports in young athletes. Born from a simple observation at his grandson's baseball game, Henry saw an opportunity to enhance the sporting experience for kids, parents, and spectators alike. Mike Henry Mr. Henry founded Sports Magazine of America in 1978. This company published team-specific magazines for several universities, including Sooners Illustrated (Oklahoma), Huskers Illustrated (Nebraska), Longhorns Illustrated (Texa…

Right here is where you find what’s going on this weekend in our town from river to river (Downtown OKC to Norman)! Read on to get your weekend on!  Know of an event coming up that should be included in “This Weekend in South OKC Metro”?  Email [email protected] today! St. Patrick’s Day Parade Where: Stockyards City (Begins at Exchange and Pennsylvania)  Presented By: Oklahoma's Stockyards City Dates: Saturday March 16th, 2024   Price: Free Time: 10:00 AM   Recurrence: None Come to Historic Stockyards City, in Oklahoma City, on Saturday, March 16th for the annual St. Patrick’s Parade! It is a celebration of Oklahoma Irish heritage and the …

The last few years have been pretty rough for a lot of industries, and the insurance landscape is no different. It has been undergoing a seismic shift, with rates climbing to heights not seen in centuries.  The pressing question for every policyholder becomes clear: “What does my insurance truly cover, and how will it serve me when I most need it?” We recently got the chance to sit down with Jeff of the Jeff Blood Insurance Agency as he demystifies the surge in insurance rates and arms us with the knowledge to make informed decisions about our coverage. When uncertainty is the only certainty, understanding our insurance has never been more crucial. The Perfect Storm: Understanding the Current Insurance Climate …

Right here is where you'll find what’s going on this weekend in our town from river to river (Downtown OKC to Norman). Read on to get your weekend on!  Know of an event coming up that should be included in “This Weekend in South OKC Metro”?  Email [email protected] today! Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)  Where: Moore Public Library, located at 225 S Howard Avenue, Moore, OK, 73160 Presented By: Pioneer Library System Dates: Saturday March 9th, 2024, through Apr 13, 2024 Price: Free Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Recurrence: Recurring weekly Saturday Tax preparation volunteers will help prepare basic federal and state income tax returns on a first-come, firs…

Interior of A New Beginning Florist In the heart of our community, where every flower tells a story of resilience and rebirth, stands "A New Beginning Florist," a testament to owner Jenifer Caldwell's indomitable spirit. Amid the bustling streets of Moore, and now also South Oklahoma City, Jenifer has cultivated more than just blooms; she's nurtured a sanctuary for souls seeking solace and celebration.  Her journey, marked by profound loss, has blossomed into a beacon of hope, demonstrating that from the deepest sorrows can emerge the most beautiful beginnings. This is the story of how Jenifer, through her dedication and love for floristry, transformed her grief into growth, touching the lives of so many in our community.&nb…

In the landscape of global wellness, few journeys are as compelling and transformative as that of Lowell Doug Bynum, known affectionately as the "Young Wolf." From the humble beginnings of small-town life to the expansive horizons of military service and beyond, Doug's path has been anything but ordinary.  With each step, from local lad to world-traveler, he has woven a rich tapestry of experiences, shaping a unique perspective on health and vitality. This narrative not only charts the evolution of a wellness philosophy but also captures the spirit of a man who, at 70, embodies the vigor and forward-thinking of youth, while championing a holistic approach to community health.  Join us as we trace the remarkable jour…

Find out what is going on this weekend in our town from river to river (Downtown OKC to Norman) right here! Read on to get your weekend on! Know of an event coming up that should be included in “This Weekend in South OKC Metro”? Email [email protected] today! Where: 2401 Chautauqua Ave. Norman, OK, OK 73072 (405) 325-7977 Presented By: Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History Dates: February 10, 2024–April 27, 2024 Price: $10 Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday The Bug Squad is coming to Oklahoma, and kids and families are invited to climb, jump, and play their way through this animatronic insect a…

As the scent of freshly brewed coffee is soon to waft through the Cleveland County Fairgrounds, the community of Norman is buzzing with anticipation for the 3rd Annual Common Grounds Coffee Festival. Coming up on Saturday, March 2, from 9am to 4pm, this event is more than a celebration; it's a pivotal moment for community building and supporting Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity, the local affiliate for Cleveland and Pottawatomie counties. This isn't just any festival; it's a testament to the power of community and the universal love for coffee, ingeniously brewed into a single event. Set against the backdrop of our vibrant local scene, the festival promises to be a gathering like no other, where aficionados and casual sippers alike ca…

Gary Shelton's journey from pastoral care to insurance isn't your typical career path. Yet, for Gary, both professions are deeply intertwined, rooted in a fundamental desire to help and protect others. This desire led to the establishment of the Gary Shelton Agency under Farmers Insurance, a venture that combines Gary's pastoral compassion with his commitment to providing comprehensive insurance solutions. A Pastor's Heart for Insurance Gary's transition from ministry to insurance was sparked by a significant change in his life. His pastoral work, centered around listening and providing support, laid the foundation for his approach to insurance. Gary saw insurance not just as a business but as a continuation of his mission …