77.2 F
Claremore
Home Blog

RCB Bank Welcomes Catherine Woldridge as the Community Outreach Coordinator

Claremore, OK – Catherine Woldridge brings over four decades of experience in community outreach and social services to RCB Bank. Renowned for her dedication to community engagement and successful fundraising for local non-profits, Catherine is a trusted leader. Her passion and experience make her an invaluable asset to the RCB Bank team and community.

Catherine’s early life was shaped by international experiences, as her family lived abroad due to her parents’ work. Returning to the United States for high school, she later earned a Bachelor of Science in Family Relations and Child Development from Oklahoma State University. In 1997, she married Roger Woldridge, and together they are active members of Cedar Point Church, participating in ministries that serve local youth and families. Their blended family includes eight grandchildren and they enjoy spending quality time with them.

Professionally, Catherine began her career with the Department of Human Services in Tulsa, focusing on family services and managing the licensing of childcare facilities. After retiring in 2014, she joined United Way, ultimately overseeing programs across multiple counties. In 2025, she transitioned to a part-time role at RCB Bank, where she continues her passion for community involvement.

Catherine values strong communication and is known for her approachable and solution-oriented nature. She enjoys connecting people to resources and solving community challenges. When asked why she chose RCB Bank, Catherine states, “The supportive environment at RCB Bank and the opportunity to continue learning have made this new chapter especially rewarding, allowing me to balance meaningful work with family life.”

GET IN TOUCH
Catherine Woldridge
Community Outreach Coordinator
300 W. Patti Page Blvd., Claremore, OK 74017
918.342.7219 | catherine.woldridge@rcbbank.bank

RCB Bank is a community bank with locations across Oklahoma and Kansas. Founded in 1936, RCB Bank is committed to serving its communities with conservative banking practices and progressive banking products. Learn more at RCBbank.bank or give us a call at 855.BANK.RCB. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #798151.

Area Organizations Work Together To Help Foster Families In Rogers County

Kami’s Kid’s – A Fostering Hope Closet and CASA of Northeast Oklahoma are working together to help foster children and families in Rogers County. 

Clothing and items collected during CASA of Northeast Oklahoma’s Paper Doll Project held during the month of April, which was National Child Abuse Prevention Month, in Rogers County was recently presented to Kami’s Kids – A Fostering Hope Closet by CASA of Northeast Oklahoma.

“We’re so thankful for this partnership and the outpouring of generosity from our community.  The Paper Doll Project was such a beautiful way to raise awareness and rally support, and every donation is a reminder to these children and families that they are seen, supported, and not alone,” said Peyton Moore, Store Manager, Kami’s Kids – A Fostering Hope Closet. 

Kami’s Kids – A Fostering Hope Closet located in Claremore. It serves as a free store for foster families, providing them with clothing, shoes, and other essential items. The organization was founded by Tonya Goss with the goal of supporting foster children and their caregivers. Kami, after whom the organization is named, remains an inspiring figure, and her legacy lives on through this valuable resource for foster families. They accept donations of gently used clothes, toys, diapers (all sizes), and baby wipes. If you have items to donate, you can schedule drop-offs by texting Peyton at 918-720-4551.  Additionally, they occasionally seek specific items like bunk beds or pack and plays.

“We are pleased to be able to join with Kami’s Kids – A Fostering Hope Closet, in making sure clothing and other items that were so generously donated by area businesses, organizations, churches and individuals during our recent Paper Doll Project are given to foster children and families that need them,” said Emily Bowling, Executive Director, CASA of Northeast Oklahoma.  “We look forward to working with Kami’s Kid’s – A Fostering Hope Closet in the future.”

CASA of Northeast Oklahoma’s mission is to advance the welfare of northeast Oklahoma children through best interest child advocacy and family strengthening efforts that are individualized and culturally sensitive.  CASA makes sure a qualified, compassionate adult will be there to fight for and protect a child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and will have a safe, permanent, loving home where they can grow and thrive.  

To find out information regarding Kami’s Kids – A Fostering Hope Closet contact Peyton Moore at okpeytonmoore@gmail.com  or 918-720-4451 and contact CASA of Northeast Oklahoma at casaneok.org or 918-923-7276.

Shepherd’s Cross Summer Barn Sale & Plant Swap

Thursday June 5, Friday June 6, Saturday June 7, 2025

7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Barn Sale:

Donated items graciously accepted. Please drop off your donations at the barn Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm through May 31st.

Huge, Multi-Family Garage Sale of donated articles including appliances, antiques, farming items, furniture, wall décor, housewares, DVDs, farm and garden items, children’s games and toys, home decorator items, bedding, office supplies, books, and collectibles, as well as clothing for the entire family.

Photographs of sale items can be found on our Facebook page the week of the sale at:
https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsCross

Indoors and air conditioned.

Sale benefits Farming Missions, Starter Flocks, and Wool Mills in remote locations around the world. Locally, the sale benefits Baby Blessing Bags.

100% of funds from the barn sale will go directly towards the projects.

Monetary Donations towards these missions are greatly appreciated. A tax-deductible receipt is provided upon request.

Plant Swap:

Bring a plant to leave and take a plant home. Plant selections may include bulbs, tubers, bushes, trees, grasses, seeds, herbs and much more! This is a great way to expand your garden. Please be prepared to identify the plant you leave with its name, color, and planting characteristics. Great fun!

In addition, the following activities are always available at the farm (on a donation basis):
Touring the educational & interactive Farm Museum & Silo
Touring the Bible Garden – self-guided – Podcasts available: https://shepherdscross.com/biblegarden.html
Spinning and Wool Mill demonstration
See and Pet the Farm Animals


Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility, a Made in Oklahoma Company, and is Animal Welfare Approved.

Website: https://shepherdscross.com/index.html
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShepherdsCross
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsCross
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherds_cross/

Contact Information:
Shepherd’s Cross & Heart of the Shepherd
Dr. Diane Dickinson
16792 East 450 Road
Claremore, OK
Farm@ShepherdsCross.com
918-342-5911

June Events by Visit Claremore

With May in the rearview, our summer is in full swing! Claremore is ready to keep you entertained this month with everything from the Farmer’s Market to the Fireworks. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us in Claremore!

Shepherd’s Cross has some great things going on this month. June 5th, 6th, and 7th they will have their annual Summer Barn Sale and Plant Exchange. The Barn sale will open at 7am each day and close at 6pm. All proceeds support missions locally and around the world. While you are out there, stop in and leave a plant for someone else and take one for yourself to help expand your garden!

On June 8th Compassion Women’s Center will release butterflies in a remembrance ceremony to honor babies gone too soon. The Butterfly release ceremony will be held at the Teaching Garden located at 1564 Camden St in Claremore with a start time of 2pm and a mass release at 3pm. We encourage you to reserve your butterfly by texting Butterfly to 918-475-0500.

Get ready to see some cool cars driving around town June 12th-15th as we welcome the MidAmerica Route 66 Nationals! On June 12th and 13th, we will kick off the event with a Street Party at the Claremore Expo Center. Each night from 6pm – 10pm there will be food trucks, live music by Oklahoma’s own Jake Tankersley both nights along with opener Jared Hard on Friday Night, and of course cool cars. This event is free and open to the public. The 14th will be drive and race track days but come back Sunday, June 15th from 8:30am – 1:30pm and bring dad along for the Father’s Day Cruise in at the Claremore Expo Center! Enjoy cars of all makes and models along with food trucks while you make special memories with dad! Visit https://midamericaroute66nationals.com/schedule/ for their full schedule!

On June 15th from 10am – 5pm head out to Shepherd’s Cross and check out some awesome antique tractors while learning about America’s rich agricultural heritage. Stick around for Gospel Singing which will begin at 1pm.

Will Rogers Memorial Museum will hold the annual Will’s Wild West Kids Camp on June 16th,17th, and 18th. During the camp kids will learn all about Will’s life and character. There will be activities, games, and tons of fun! Registration is required and space is limited. For more information please visit https://www.willrogers.com

The Claremore Chamber of Commerce will kick off Restaurant Week on June 22nd and it will run through the 28th! From Bakeries to Sandwich Shops, grab a Bingo card and try one of our many local eateries during the week to fill up your bingo card! For more information on Restaurant Week or participating businesses, please visit https://www.claremore.org/

The week continues with the Lilac Festival on June 26th, 27th, and 28th! The first night will kick off with Food Truck Thursday Festivities include food trucks, entertainment, and activities for whole family! Friday night (tentatively 6-9 PM) is all about music, square dancing and sweets, as a lively Street Dance and Pie Auction take center stage. Saturday morning sees a Main Street Market Day in full swing. Downtown businesses will open early at 9 AM, offering special deals and lilac-themed surprises. Watch for more information on this family friendly event!

The Claremore Expo Center will be hosting the Hunter Jumper Summer Fest Horse Show presented by Stewart Equine Enterprises on June 28th and 29th. Inside the Indoor Arena, these beautiful horses and their rider will exhibit with grace and style as they work through different courses and obstacles. Be sure to also stop by the Expo hall on Saturday, June 28th for the Indoor Flea Market! Both events are free!

The Annual City of Claremore Lake Fireworks will be held on Saturday June 28th at Claremore Lake Park. Don’t miss the beautiful show over Claremore Lake! There will be food and entertainment inside the park starting at 6:30 with the fireworks show beginning at approximately 9:30 p.m. Entry into the park is free and open to the public. Parking is available at Stampede Park with shuttle service available.

Stop by the Rogers County Farmers Market, located in the Rogers County Courthouse Parking lot on Saturdays in June to grab fresh produce, local honey, eggs, baked goods, and other local items. You don’t want to miss this great family-friendly event! The Farmers Market is open from 7am – 11am.

June has so many other exciting events! For more details on individual events we invite you to check out all things Claremore on www.visitclaremore.com, including event information, local favorite eateries, hotel accommodations, and attractions!

June dates to remember

• Rogers County Farmers Market every Saturday in June – Rogers County Courthouse 7am-11am

• June 5th-7th – Summer Barn Sale and Plant Exchange; Shepherd’s Cross 7am-6pm

• June 6th – Radium Waters Exhibit Unveiling; Claremore MoH 6pm – 8pm

• June 6th & 7th – Sling’n Dirt Nationals; Will Rogers Downs 11am – 6pm

• June 8th – Follow the Butterfly Trail -Walking Through Miscarriage and Infant Loss; The Teaching Garden at Will Rogers Park 2pm-3:30pm

• June 12th – Mid American Route 66 Nationals Street Party; Claremore Expo 6pm – 10pm

• June 13th – Mid American Route 66 Nationals Street Party; Claremore Expo 6pm – 10pm

• June 12th – 15th – Mid America Route 66 Nationals; Claremore Expo – times vary

• June 14th – Gospel Singing & Antique Tractor Show; Shepherd’s Cross 10am – 5pm

• June 14th – 40th Annual Tiawah Fire Department Fish Fry; Justus-Tiawah South Campus Schools 3pm – 7pm

• June 16th- Hope After the Storm-A Community Event; Eastern Hills Baptist Church 5pm-8pm

• June 16th – 18th – Will’s Wild West Kids Camp; Will Rogers Memorial Museum 8:30am – 12:30pm

• June 21st – “Juneteenth; Claremore Museum of History 12:30pm – 4pm

• June 21st – Pride in the Park; Claremore Lake Park 3pm-9pm

• June 22nd – 28th – Chamber Restaurant Week

• June 23rd -28th –Summer “Learn to skate” Camp; Roller World 12pm-3pm

• June 26th – The Lilac Festival Food Truck Thursday; Downtown Claremore 6pm-9pm

• June 27th – The Lilac Festival; Downtown Claremore 6pm-9pm

• June 27th – Movie Night; Will Rogers Memorial Museum 6:30pm-9pm

• June 28th – The Lilac Festival; Downtown Claremore 9am–12pm

• June 28th – Indoor Flea Market; Claremore Expo Center 8am-3pm

• June 28th & 29th – Hunter Jumper Summer Fest Horse Show; Claremore Expo Center

• June 28th – Claremore Lake Fireworks Show; Claremore Lake Park

• June 30 & July 1st – Lil Buckaroos Kids Camp; Will Roger Memorial Museum 9am-11:30am

CASA Of Northeast Oklahoma Celebrates 30 Years Of Service!

What do all four of these ladies have in common besides wanting to help change children’s lives for the better?  They are all on the staff of CASA of Northeast Oklahoma and all started out as a CASA volunteer.  Photo (left to right):  Lana Kite, new Recruitment and Training Coordinator; Lori VanNoy, Advocate Coordinator for Craig and Washington County; Susan Moody, Advocate Coordinator for Delaware and Ottawa County and Shawnee Tribal Court; Sandra Rains, Assistant Director (celebrating her 20th Anniversary with CASA).

“Lana is our newest addition to our staff and now allows us to have someone be able to concentrate full time on recruiting and training volunteers in meeting the ever-increasing number of children needing an advocate,” said Emily Bowling, Executive Director, CASA of Northeast Oklahoma.  “These ladies, along with our other staff members, volunteers, board members and supporters, allow us to be there to help change children’s lives for the better.  I am so proud to be able to work with such dedicated people, with the goal that all children deserve a safe, permanent and nurturing home where they can be happy and thrive.”

CASA of Northeast Oklahoma provides advocacy services to abused and neglected children living in foster care. Their service area encompasses six counites (Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Ottawa, Rogers, Washington) covering over 3,800 square miles.  They have six (part-time and full-time) staff members and 65 volunteers. 

For questions regarding CASA of Northeast Oklahoma or for more information about volunteer and donation opportunities, please go to www.casaneok.org or call (918) 923-7276.   Together we can change a child’s live for the better!

Rogers County Disaster Recovery Expo

Disaster recovery isn’t easy…
Having trouble with your insurance company paying for disaster repairs?
Having difficulty with FEMA appeal or you need to appeal?
Having emotional stress as a repercussion from tornado?

Rogers County Disaster Recovery Expo

Saturday, May 10
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Rogers County Courthouse (2nd floor)
200 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd, Claremore, OK

Been impacted by recent storms? Come get the help and resources you need.

Services Available

• Case Management & FEMA Info
• Safe Room Rebate Grants (up to $3,000!)
• Help with Insurance Claims
• Free Legal Aid for eligible families
• Emotional and Mental Health Resources
• Smoke Alarm & Preparedness Kits
• Free Weather Radios (while supplies last!)

Participating Partners

Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma
Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc.
Oklahoma Insurance Department
GRAND Mental Health
Rogers County Emergency Management
The Salvation Army of Arkansas & Oklahoma
Serve.Love

Whether you need help now or just want to be prepared — this event is for you. Bring your questions, bring a friend, and let’s get connected.

May Events by Visit Claremore

During the Month of May, Claremore is bustling with excitement and celebrations. From the Farmer’s Markets to a Six Time PRCA Small Rodeo of the year, May is full of fun and exciting things happening all around town.

In May, we welcome back the Rogers County Farmer’s Market! The Farmer’s Market will take place every Saturday in the Rogers County Courthouse Parking Lot from 7am – 11am. This is a great opportunity to support some of our local folks and try some of our local products.

Another fun weekly event is the Claremore Friday Night Cruise! Every Friday -weather permitting of course- you can cruise on down to the Ne-Mar Center and check out all the cool cars and meet some awesome people!

Looking for a great way to enjoy the Kentucky Derby, only from Claremore? Join our friends at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs for Derby Day on May 3rd! Live racing, simulcast racing of the Derby, Kentucky Derby Hat Contest, food and tons of fun!

We will also welcome a new event on May 3rd at Stampede Park! The first annual Clem McSpadden Cowboy Trade Day and Ranch Horse Show will begin at 8am and run through 6pm. There will be over 70 vendors, a Ranch Horse Show, Live entertainment and plenty more to enjoy the day and get into Rodeo mode! For more information please visit cowboytradeday.com

If you are looking for a new opportunity or know someone who wants to move into our great community this is a must attend event! On May 6th, The Opportunity Hub: Rogers County will be held at the Northeast Tech Claremore Campus. This event will connect job seekers and employers from all across Rogers County. Stop by between the hours of 9am – 4 pm for your chance to talk to some of the great companies looking to hire.

May 10th offers plenty of activities! Shepherd’s Cross will host its Hand Dying Yarn class (fees apply), Gatorfest 4 will take place at the Claremore Lake Park with live music and vendors, Lawn Mower Races at Will Rogers Downs, and Family Day at Stampede Park!

The fun and excitement of The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo returns May 23rd -25th! To kick off the Rodeo, Claremore Main Street and the City of Claremore will host Boots on the Boulevard, a street festival in historic downtown Claremore. This old fashion street fair will host food trucks, live entertainment, and activities for the whole family. Many of the Main Street Merchants will be open late that evening. The event is from 6pm to 9pm on May 22nd; all activities are free.

Pure rodeo action starts off each night of Memorial Weekend, Gates open each night at 6pm with the rodeo action beginning at 7pm. Each night features all the favorite performances such as bull riding, mutton bustin’, team roping, barrel racing, and bronc riding. Advanced tickets can be purchased by visiting the Will Rogers Stampede Rodeo website. For a full list of Rodeo activities visit our website Visit Claremore.

The Claremore Expo Center will welcome the Oklahoma-Kansas Welsh Pony Society on May 23rd through May 25th. This Welsh Pony and Cob Show will offer a variety of classes. Spectating is free for this event and hours will vary based on entries.

Some other great things are happening through out the month of May including local area graduations, the Wayne McCombs Classic at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, and Movie night at the Museum. Summer is right around the corner also and the Claremore Splashpads will be opening on May 23rd.

The staff of Visit Claremore invites you to check out all things Claremore on www.visitclaremore.com, including more detailed event information, local favorite eateries, hotel accommodations, and attractions!

Local Artist Hosts Book Signing Saturday Downtown Claremore at The Same Page

Local Claremore artist Gerry Mooney will be having a book-signing and linoleum printing demonstration for his new illustrated edition of Charles Dickens’s epic novel BLEAK HOUSE on Saturday, May 3 at 2PM, at The Same Page bookstore, 514 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore.

Mooney spent five years creating forty new linoprint illustrations for BLEAK HOUSE, considered by many to be Dickens’s greatest novel. It tells the story of an interminable court case, Jarndyce v. Jarndyce, and the way whole generations are swept up and destroyed by a heartless court system, the Court of Chancery.

The artist will do a reading from the book and will do a live demonstration of the linoleum printing process, a block-printing method that involves carving an image into a block of linoleum, then rolling ink onto it and pressing a sheet of paper upon it to create a series of copies. As a completely hand-made medium, no two prints are exactly alike.

A full set of original linoleum prints for the book will be on display, and copies of the book will be available for purchase.

New Event Kicks Off Rodeo Month in Claremore!

The 1st Annual Clem McSpadden Cowboy Trade Day and Ranch Horse Show, is an exciting new event coming to the Will Rogers Stampede Arena Grounds, is set to take place on May 3, 2025 from 8:00am-6:00pm. This event is the kick off for rodeo month here in Claremore starting festivities that lead up to the Will Rogers Stampede Rodeo which is held May 23-35, 2025. The goal of this event is to bring together all facets of people from spectators to shoppers to cowboys and ranchers and even the kids. Attendees can look forward to over 70 vendors to shop from, a Ranch Horse Show, Live Entertainment and many other things that are planned through the day. There will also be a concession stand on site with different home cooked items in which proceeds will go to aid Crosslyn Mooney, a bright and shining 11 year old cowgirl from Welch, OK, in her fight with a rare brain cancer.

“Events like this bring us back to our community roots and western heritage by sharing in the different aspects of the day” says Hannah Mendell and Jenny Bailey, the event organizers. “It has been such a pleasure working with the Will Rogers Stampede Heritage Association to be able to organize and bring this event back to life” they also say.

It is with pleasure that we are able to bring this event to the public free of charge, meaning free entry and free parking. This event has had enough attention that we have been able to secure Hampton Inn as the host hotel for this years show as well as have had vendors asking and planning for a multi-day show in 2026.

Hand Dyeing Yarn Day Retreat at Shepherd’s Cross

Hand Dyeing Yarn – Day Retreat
Saturday May 10 th , 2025, 8:30 am

Learn how to easily create vibrant and uniquely colored yarns & roving. Gaywool Dye is an easy, safe, economical, color fast and dependable dyeing product. Class includes all materials needed to take home beautifully dyed yarn and roving. The class is taught by a Gaywool Dye Instructor.

Choose between a full day or half day class
Full Day
Make 3 colorful skeins and one colorful braid of
roving
8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Class Fee: $109

Half Day
Make 2 skeins of colorful yarn
8:30 am – 12:00 noon
Class Fee: $59

Bring a sack lunch. We provide beverages. There is a class minimum of five, and a maximum of 20 participants.

Additionally, inquire about hosting a hand dye class at your location or about becoming a Gaywool Dye Wholesale Dealer.

Retreats are augmented by hands on learning tools available in the Educational Farm Museum. There you can find a collection of fiber arts from around the world. Other fiber arts classes are offered on an individual or group basis throughout the year.

The Farm Store is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, year-round, offering Gaywool dyes in a variety of sizes, hand dyed and un-dyed natural yarns, roving and Gaywool Dyes. Additionally, the store offers handmade gifts, farm fresh meats and produce, and many more items.

Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility, a “Made in Oklahoma” Company, and Animal Welfare Approved. It is home to a non-profit Christian organization named Heart of the Shepherd that hosts this event. Teaching basic agricultural principles and their relationship to the Bible are instrumental in the educational component of the farm.

Website: https://shepherdscross.com/dyeing.html
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShepherdsCross
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsCross
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherds_cross/

Contact:
Gaywool Dye North American Headquarters, Shepherd’s Cross
16792 East 450 Road, Claremore, OK 74017
Dr. Diane Dickinson
farm@shepherdscross.com
918-342-5911