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Shepherd’s Cross 1st Quarter 2025 Weaving Classes

Weaving is a great winter month activity. Begin the new year with a new craft or expand upon your current weaving knowledge with one of our classes. Registration for each class is required. Information and registration forms can be found at: https://shepherdscross.com/weaving-classes.html or call 918-342-5911.

Navajo Weaving – Jan 9-11

Learn how to weave in the Navajo tradition in one weekend. This is a basic weaving class, including fiber arts history and practical technology; offered on site or virtually. Each participant will finish a project to take home. 

Retreat fee is $299.00; all materials provided.

Inkle Loom Weaving – Jan 18

Learn to warp and weave on an inkle loom in this 3-hour class. Each participant will make and take home a sash and a bookmark.

Class fee is $49; all materials provided

Beginners Rigid Heddle Weaving: Mug Rugs – Jan 25

Learn how to warp and weave on a rigid heddle loom. Take 4 finished mug rugs home with you.

Class fee is $99; all materials provided

Table Loom Weaving – Jan 31-Feb 1

Students will warp and weave their projects on a table loom. Each participant will make & take home a scarf or table runner and a trivet

Class fee is $159; all materials provided

Rag Rug Weaving – Feb 8

Learn to weave on a pre-warped floor loom and take home a beautiful woven rag rug.

Class fee is $10 plus $10 per foot woven, all materials included. Class participants decide on the length they prefer during class. A deposit of $20 is required.

Floor Loom Weaving – Feb 27-March 1

Students will warp and weave their projects on a harnessed floor loom. Each participant will make & take home a scarf or table runner and a trivet

Class fee is $259; all materials provided

Freestyle Weaving on the Rigid Heddle Loom for Beginners – March 8

Learn to warp and weave in a freestyle fashion on a rigid heddle loom. Participants will leave with a beautiful wall hanging or a coffee table runner.

Class fee is $99; all materials provided

Log Cabin Weaving on the Rigid Heddle Loom – April 5

Learn to warp and weave a log cabin design weaving on a rigid heddle loom. Participants will leave with a beautiful scarf or table runner.

Class fee is $99; all materials provided

Our classes go a degree farther than most, and teach some history of fiber arts, and practical technology. As well as being augmented by hands on learning tools available in the Educational Farm Museum.

Shepherd’s Cross offers weaving and fiber arts classes year-round, on an individual or group basis. Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility, an Oklahoma Museum Association member, and a Made in Oklahoma Company that processes local Animal Welfare Approved fiber (chemical free, hormone free, free range, all natural). Shepherd’s Cross hosts a mini wool mill, processing the wool from their own sheep raised on site.

Heart of the Shepherd is the non-profit organization (501-C3) that operates at the farm and establishes wool mills in remote, impoverished areas around the world. Heart of the Shepherd teaches Biblical references to the harvest, the animals, farming, and gardening.

Shepherd’s Cross Farm Store is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 – 5:30, year-round (closed some holidays).

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:

Shepherd’s Cross & Heart of the Shepherd

Dr. Diane Dickinson

farm@shepherdscross.com

918-342-5911

Claremore’s Holiday Happenings by Visit Claremore.

Throughout the month of December, the Claremore Lake Lights will be glowing nightly from
dusk until 10 p.m. Take a drive around the Lake park and enjoy the light display. While you are
enjoying the beautiful scenery, we encourage you to capture your memories and share them with us by using the hashtag #ClaremoreLakeLights on social media.

Another Christmas favorite is Shepherd Cross’ Christmas at the Farm. This event will take place
on December 12th – 14th and December 19th – 21st. Experience a shepherd’s Christmas at an
authentic working farm, nestled inside a cozy Amish-built barn. Step back in time and journey
with the shepherds for a peaceful reflection upon the original Christmas night, when Christ was born. Indoor and Outdoor activities from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. with the Final Manger scene beginning at 7:15. Admission is free and there are many free activities for the whole family to enjoy as well as some special activities that have a fee. Bring the whole family and start a tradition with this awesome event. For more information, visit https://shepherdscross.com/christmas-at-the-farm.html

If you remembered to shop local throughout the month of November and participated in the
Santa Cash, you will want to head out to the Will Rogers Downs on December 14th for the 21st
Annual Santa Cash Drawing! The Drawing will begin at 11 a.m. so gather your tickets and cross
your fingers that they draw your lucky number!

December 7th is the Claremore Christmas Parade! This year the parade will start at the Claremore Expo Center and will end at the First Baptist Church. This year, the theme is Wild West, so bring the whole family out at 6:00 p.m. for all the festivities and fun. You might even get a peek at Ol’ St. Nick! For more information, https://www.claremore.org/claremore-christmas-parade/

Staring on December 13th, we have another opportunity to support our local merchants with their Twelve Days of Christmas! From the 13th of December until the 24rd of December local merchants will be participating in this exciting #shoplocal event. There will be discounts and promotions from participating businesses around Claremore. To stay up to date, find your favorite local shops on Facebook and keep an eye out for the list of who is participating and what they have to offer!

The Candlelight and Carols Home Tour presented by Claremore Museum of History is returning for year number two! This year’s home tour will be on the evening of December 7th from 4pm to 8pm. The theme is Candlelight & Carols and the cost is $20 per person. This event showcases beautifully decorated homes and exudes Christmas vibes! For tickets visit the Claremore Museum of History!

During the month of December, Santa will be making numerous stops around town for your
chance to capture those special memories! To see when and where he will be stopping by visit
http://www.visitclaremore.com/events

For a complete listing of events visit our website at http://www.visitclaremore.com/ or follow us
on Facebook at Claremore CVB, or Claremore Expo Center.

CASA Receives PSO AEP Donation

CASA of Northeast Oklahoma received a $20,000 donation from Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) through their AEP (American Electric Power) Foundation.  The money will be used to promote and support quality volunteer representation for abused and neglected children to provide each child with a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.  To make sure a qualified, compassionate adult is there to fight for and protect their right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family.  Helping them find permanent homes, if possible, through reunification wit their parents or in an adoptive home.”

“Giving back is foundational to Public Service Company of Oklahoma and American Electric Power to support and play an active, positive role in the communities where our employees live, work and we provide safe, clean and reliable electricity.  Our vision includes giving back to the communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, like CASA of Northeast Oklahoma, creating a lasting positive impact on those in need.  Especially children, through no fault of their own, find themselves going though the worst time of their lives.  We appreciate the services CASA provides these children and families and are happy to be able to  help in making  these children’s lives better,” said Michael Gordon, External Affairs Manager, Public Service Company of Oklahoma.

CASA of Northeast Oklahoma is a nonprofit organization whose 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.  They speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in district and tribal courts in six counties (Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Ottawa, Rogers, Washington) in northeast Oklahoma.  Promoting and supporting quality volunteer representation for children to provide each child with a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.

“This donation couldn’t have come at a better time.  We recently received notification that we are going to be receiving a drastic decrease in funding from our largest financial source.  This at a time when we are recruiting additional CASA volunteer advocates to meet the ever increasing number of children needing an advocate.  This is not the first time PSO has been there to help CASA.  A couple of years ago, through another AEP Foundation grant, funds were provided to support a new enhanced background screening and fingerprinting program for volunteers and staff.  We can’t thank PSO and the AEP Foundation enough for their support.  Their donation will help CASA’s efforts to make sure every abused and neglected child has someone standing with them making sure they have a voice,” said Emily Bowling, Executive Director, CASA of Northeast Oklahoma.  

For information regarding CASA of Northeast Oklahoma and how you can be part of helping make abused and neglected children’s lives better visit www.casaneok.org or call 918-923-7276.  If not you – who?  If not now – when?

Christmas at the Farm returns to Shepherd’s Cross

Christmas at the Farm at Shepherd’s Cross

December 12, 13, 14, & 19, 20, 21, 2024 

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 10:00 am – 8:00 p.m.

Experience a shepherd’s Christmas at an authentic working farm, nestled inside a cozy Amish-built barn. Step back in time and journey with the shepherds for a peaceful reflection upon the original Christmas night, when Christ was born.

Indoor activities include a living manger scene, with live animals and character portrayals, musical performances, storytelling, “A Shepherd’s Christmas” audio-visual story, angel craft, coloring contest, tabletop games, the educational Farm Museum and Silo, fiber arts demonstrations, and Farm Store.

Outdoor activities include winter yard games, Christmas lights, wagon rides, tours of the Bible Garden, and a sheep flock reminiscent of the first Christmas pastoral scene.

Enjoy a peaceful moment of reflection as this age-old scriptural story springs to life in the Living Nativity. 

Final Manger Scene for the evening begins at 7:15. 

Plan on spending 1 – 2 hours for this Christmas experience.

Christmas at the Farm will proceed even in the case of inclement weather.

The Farm Store will be open, featuring a host of Made in Oklahoma crafts & gifts. Over 70 artisans provide unique hand-made items. Additionally, the shop features Shepherd’s Cross 100% natural wool and alpaca yarns and products. Farm produced food items are available as well as locally made food items. The store also features hand-made fair-trade products, returning 100% of the proceeds to the indigenous peoples that have made the products. Shepherd’s Cross is a Farmer’s Market Hub store, open year-round.

Winter is walnut and pecan harvest season. Walnuts, pecans, and nutty treats will be available.

As always, this event is donation-based admission. All proceeds benefit missions.

Shepherd’s Special Bundle Deals are as follows:

#1Basic Nativity Includes all donation-based activities – suggested donation $5.00 per person.

#2Shepherd’s Journey Package – $9.00 per person – Includes all donation-based activities plus a wagon ride in a sheep meadow & take-home Christmas craft ($4 value).

#3Shepherd’s Journey & Wreath Package – $25.00 per person – Includes all donation-based activities, wagon ride & DIY take home fresh wreath kit ($20 value).

If you, your family, or small group would like to volunteer as characters in the Manger Scene, musicians, demonstrators, or story tellers, please contact us. Shifts are for two hours, indoors, and involve no lines. Participants experience memorable, peaceful, quality family time. Costumes are provided. Volunteers receive a free wagon ride, a free DIY craft, and one DIY evergreen wreath kit per group. Additional information is found on the website below.

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

Event sponsored by Heart of the Shepherd – a Christian Public Non-profit organization (501-C3) that operates at Shepherd’s Cross.

Website: https://shepherdscross.com/christmas-at-the-farm.html

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShepherdsCross

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsCross

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherds_cross/

Shepherd’s Cross Inc. & Heart of the Shepherd Inc.

Dr. Diane Dickinson, Owner & Executive Director

sheepfarm@ShepherdsCross.com

918-342-5911

16792 East 450 Road, Claremore, OK 74017

Route 66 Centennial Monument Project Debuts in Claremore on the 98th Anniversary of America’s Iconic Highway

CLAREMORE, Okla. | Nov. 11, 2024 — Today, the City of Claremore unveiled the first Route 66 Centennial monument in Northeast Oklahoma—and the second in the state—in celebration of the 98th anniversary of the Mother Road. This historic event launches a nationwide initiative to honor and preserve the legacy of Route 66. Timed with Veterans Day, the unveiling also pays tribute to the route’s early role as a vital military convoy path.

The monument, designed by Oklahoma artist Stan Carroll, is endorsed by the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission as an official project of the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Celebration to commemorate Route 66’s enduring legacy, tourism and community pride throughout America’s most famous highway. The Claremore monument is located at J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, 330 N. J.M. Davis Blvd.

“As the proud first host of this remarkable tribute, Claremore is opening a new chapter in the story of Route 66,” said John Feary, Claremore City Manager. “We are grateful to BancFirst for their generous support. This landmark will not only honor the Mother Road, but also invites a new generation of travelers to experience and connect with our community.”

With the generous support of BancFirst, monuments appearing across Oklahoma will create attractions designed to inspire travelers to explore, learn and engage with the historic highway. Upcoming installation sites include Stroud, Chandler, Luther, Oklahoma City, El Reno and Weatherford.

“We began working on this project more than a year ago, so we’re extremely excited to announce its birth today in Claremore, fittingly on the birthday of Route 66,” said Brian Brown, Project Director. “We have several more installations happening in the next few weeks across the state, and look forward to future installations across the United States from Illinois to California.”

Each monument is fitted with a unique QR code that links visitors to historical insights and tourism information for that specific location, creating an interactive experience for Route 66 enthusiasts and local visitors alike.

Endorsed by the Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission, the Route 66 Centennial Monument Project is a collaborative endeavor between VOX Industries and Oklahoma City artist Stan Carroll, co-designer of the renowned Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City. Each monument stands 16 feet tall, is double-sided, crafted from routed steel, and illuminated with LED lighting to ensure visibility day and night.

For more information about the Route 66 Centennial Monument Project, visit https://oklahomaroute66monuments.com.

November Events by Visit Claremore

Fall is in full swing and here in Claremore, that means that the holiday season is kicking off!
From Holiday happenings to lighting up the Lake Park, Claremore has plenty to be thankful for in November!

With the holiday season right around the corner, who wouldn’t want to support local for a chance to win some Christmas Cash! November 1st kicks off the Annual Santa Cash events. Shop at local participants for your chance to win part of the $17,500 that will be given away on December 14th! For official rules and a list of participating business, visit https://www.claremore.org/

This month we will be celebrating Oklahoma’s favorite son, Will Rogers. The Will Rogers Days
Motion Picture Festival is an ideal way to honor the film star. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum will host the Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival from October 30th to November 2nd. The festival will offer movies, lectures, workshops, food and fun for film buffs and fans alike. They will be honoring today’s movie makers during the Festival with contest submissions from around the world and celebrating the amazing movie career of Will Rogers. This is a ticketed event and admission fees will vary by event.

On November 2nd the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club will do their part to celebrate Will Rogers with their annual “Hats off to Will” and Wreath Laying Ceremony. Festivities will take place at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum at 10am. To finish out the ceremony there will be entertainment and a luncheon. This is free and open to the public so come out and celebrate with us!

The celebration doesn’t end at lunch! We will continue celebrating with the Will Rogers Days
Parade. The parade will begin at 3pm and will start at the Claremore Expo Center and travel East down Will Rogers Blvd. Once the parade is finished, head up the Will Rogers Memorial Museum for the Will Rogers’ Birthday Party with trick ropers Kevin and Will Fitzpatrick. There will be cake and a Nintendo Switch giveaway (giveaway is open to kids 15 and under and must be present to win).

The Motion Picture Festival will wrap up on the evening of November 6th with the Reception and Awards Ceremony. For more information, visit willrogers.com.

While celebrating Will Rogers, be sure to visit our friends at the Claremore Museum of History for the Native American Arts and Crafts Show on November 2nd! From 10am until 5pm the Museum of History in conjunction with the Native American Arts Alliance will be showcasing Native American and local artisans.

On November 7th we will kick-off the holiday season with the 4th Annual Down on Mainstreet Holiday Open House, from 4pm to 8pm in Historic Downtown. There will be shopping, bingo, eats, drinks, and prizes! Don’t miss the opportunity to support our local shop owners on this wonderful night of fun.

While the ladies enjoy the Holiday Open House, the gentlemen can enjoy the Claremore Chamber of Commerce’s Gentlemen’s Whiskey and Cigar Event at the Melton Gallery. Tickets will go quick for this one so purchase them while you can at Claremore.org

Claremore’s Veterans Day parade will be Monday, November 11th starting at 11:11 am and will route from the Claremore Expo Center to downtown Claremore. Join the community in paying tribute to our men and women in the Armed Forces, for those who have served, are serving and honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Get ready for the high-octane action of the GT Arena Motorcross Nationals! November 15th and 16th at the Claremore Expo Center. Experience the thrill as top riders from across the nation compete on a challenging indoor track filled with tight turns, massive jumps, and intense obstacles. This adrenaline-packed event is perfect for motocross enthusiasts and families alike, offering non stop excitement from start to finish. Witness the raw power, skill and determination of the best in the sport as they battle it out for the championship title. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event – where speed, precision and heart-pounding action collide! Tickets for this event are available at https://arenamotocross.com/

We are excited to light up Claremore Lake Park again this year! Starting on November 20th and running through January 4th, we encourage you to take a drive through Claremore Lake Park and enjoy the Christmas lights. The lights will turn on at 6pm and the park will close at 10pm nightly. There is no charge for this spectacular Claremore Lake Lights.

To get yourself in the holiday mood, make plans on November 22nd and 23rd to attend Dickens on the Boulevard. It is a Victorian-themed Christmas festival in historic downtown Claremore. Beginning at 6pm each evening, visitors will enjoy carriage rides, food, Victorian Window Sitters and more. A Victorian street dance will be held both nights of the event. Santa will be at Three Twenty on Main from 4pm until 8pm to see all the kids! Browse through the festive shops and decorated boutiques of downtown Claremore. A living nativity, a scavenger hunt, and a Cricket match will be taking place both evenings. The year’s Dickens will be one you don’t want to miss so make plans to come out!

In conjunction with Dickens on the Boulevard, the Claremore Museum of History will be hosting their 5th annual Reindeer games! There will be caroling, face painting, hot cocoa and of course Rosie the Reindeer will be on site! Bring the kids and enjoy and evening of fun at the MoH on November 22nd and 23rd from 6pm – 9pm.

November 23rd is the Festival of Trees fundraiser benefitting Safenet Services, Inc. This event which will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and is Safenet Services’ premiere fundraising initiative and helps to support their general operating funds. Tickets are required for this enchanted holiday event. To purchase your tickets, visit https://givebutter.com/c/L4VJno

November also means that RSU basketball is back! Please come out and watch our Hillcats this season! For a full schedule of games visit https://rsuhillcats.com/

The JM Davis Arms and Historical Museum is still exhibiting the American Treasures: The Railroad Museum of Oklahoma. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this exhibit before it leaves on January 11th, 2025. The JM Davis Arms and Historical Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am – 5pm and operates on a donation passed admission

Visit Claremore is your resource for all things Claremore. A complete list of events, information on attractions, restaurants, accommodations, shops and more can be found online at visitclaremore.com or call our office at 918-342-5357.

Head to the Hill this Halloween

Musical theater returns to the Hill this Halloween with a darkly comedic musical entitled “The Sandman.”

Presented by members of RSU’s Student Theater Organization, “The Sandman: A Little Nightmare Musical” will be presented nightly Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. in Baird Hall’s performance studio on the Claremore campus. Tickets $7 cash only. Sponsored by RSU Student Government Association, Bancfirst, and the Will Rogers Memorial Museum.

Claremore’s Annual Veterans Day Parade set for Monday, November 11

One of the most anticipated events in Claremore is scheduled for Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, kicking off from the Expo Center at 11:11 a.m. This year the Channel 6 evening news team of Craig Day and Lori Fullbright will be the announcers.

This year’s parade is looking like it will be the biggest ever, with Channel 6 storm chasers added to the parade of Veterans, businesses, schools, bands, American Veteran Motorcycle Club, Will Rogers Museum, Claremore High School JrROTC cadets, Thunderbird cadets and many more already signed up.

The 2024 Grand Marshal is set to be 101-year-old U.S. Army Sgt. Paul Perryman, WWII Veteran who served in France with a mortar platoon. He carried 18 mortars on his back, “I carried nine on each side. We only shot three of them,” he laughed. He arrived in France near the end of action but was awarded a Bronze Star.

The parade website (ClaremoreVetsParade.com) has the application and this year there is a commemorative parade t shirt available, the parade application is also available online on the new Claremore Veterans Day Parade Facebook page.  If you would like an entry application emailed to you, email coordinator@claremorevetsparade.com or call 918.829.9668.


The deadline for applications is October 31, just a week away.

Any questions should be directed to the parade coordinator at 918.829.9668.

Annual Storewide Sale Open House at Shepherd’s Cross

Shepherd’s Cross Farm Store

Saturday November 9, 2024 – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Come join Shepherd’s Cross at our Annual Storewide Sale Open House as the season of gift-giving begins. The Farm Store offers 10% off storewide this one day only. Find something for everyone on your shopping list.

We have one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, from over 70 local consignors. Shepherd’s Cross wool products, including yarn, fiber, handcrafted items, meats, and produce, are available. Also available are yarn, scarves, silk products, jewelry, wool rugs, handmade children’s toys, books, handmade cards, baby items, needle felting supplies, fiber spinning and weaving supplies, Christmas ornaments, essential oils, meats, dried fruits and nuts, Amish baked goods, fudge, candies, jams, and local raw honey. We accept major credit cards, SNAP/EBT cards, cash, CashApp, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and checks (with proper ID).

Enjoy complimentary cider, coffee, cappuccino, tea, and snacks as you browse.

Items made by missionaries and mission groups from around the world may be purchased here at the farm. We return 100% of the proceeds back to them. Countries include Afghanistan, Uganda, Malawi, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, India & Mongolia. Our Mission Shop is a Fair Trade shop.

If you would like to display and sell your goods in our shop, please request a consignor application.

Shepherd’s Cross is a Farmer’s Market Hub, Made in Oklahoma Company, and is Animal Welfare Approved. We are an educational and Accredited Agritourism Facility. In addition to the shop, the farm hosts a Farm Museum, Bible Garden, and Mini Wool Mill. Come pet animals in our Farm Animal Barn. You are welcome to come out anytime year-round, Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. We do close for major Holidays.

Website: https://shepherdscross.com/annual-open-house.html

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShepherdsCross

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsCross

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherds_cross/

Shepherd’s Cross Inc. & Heart of the Shepherd Inc.

Dr. Diane Dickinson, Owner & Executive Director

sheepfarm@ShepherdsCross.com

918-342-5911

16792 East 450 Road, Claremore, OK 74017  

CASA of Northeast Oklahoma’s Spotlight Volunteer of the Month for October

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Northeast Oklahoma is a local nonprofit organization that trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system in northeast Oklahoma.

Each month CASA recognizes a volunteer as a Spotlight Volunteer of the Month for their work in helping change a child’s story.  

For the month of October CASA recognizes Leslie Christian. 

CASA volunteers and staff work to help change a child’s story.  They work to make sure children who have been taken from their homes because of evidence of abuse and neglect do not face dependency court and foster care alone.  

“I was looking for ways to help the children in our community and heard from a CASA friend this was a great way to be active and help support local kids.  I also wanted to know more about our DHS system and how foster care operates,” said Leslie Christian.

Leslie and her husband have four children, two daughters and two sons.  She lives in Claremore and has served as a CASA volunteer advocate in Rogers and Mayes County for about two years. 

“The most rewarding part working as a volunteer is the children have a voice.  Getting to help them express their needs and desires,” said Christian. 

Regarding the most frustrating thing she has experienced so far, she said “It is the difficulty with some parents attempting to break free from addiction and their personal struggles.  Seeing them actively trying to better themselves with little or no support, “said Christian.

“The kids are what motivates me to stay involved.  All kids need someone in their corner.  They need to know they are loved, worthy and important.  Unfortunately, we have many children in the communities that have no one, or no parents involved at all,” said Christian. 

“Leslie is one of the kindest human beings I have ever met.  I cannot imagine anyone not liking her.  She always puts everyone at ease, making them comfortable around her.  You just know that when she makes a connection with a child, their family and others assigned to the child’s case, that it is a genuine connection that will remain for a long time,” said Sandra Rains, Assistant Director.  “Congratulations Leslie Christian on being selected Spotlight Volunteer of the Month for October.” 

“Something that most people might not know about me is that I am a homeschooling mom of four.  It is a lot of work, but so worth it!  All the extra time with my kids is the best payment!  I also love horses and got the opportunity to be a horse-riding instructor for several years before we started a family,” said Christian. 

“If someone is considering becoming a CASA volunteer, I would say Go for it!  The training prepares you so much that you are ready and capable to help support these children.  All CASA workers have been so kind and supportive of me, I am sure they will be the same for you,” said Christian. 

The CASA movement is central to fulfilling society’s fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for and protect a child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect and learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family. 

About CASA of Northeast Oklahoma:       

Incorporated in May 1995, CASA (then Tri-County CASA) was formed serving Rogers, Mayes, and Craig County.  It is now a regional program serving six counties (Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Ottawa, Rogers, and Washington) in Oklahoma, plus the Shawnee Tribal Court. 

CASA of Northeast Oklahoma envisions a world where every abused and neglected child has a CASA volunteer appointed to represent his or her best interests, a world where all children have a safe, permanent home and where children experience improved wellbeing.

For more information about volunteer and donation opportunities, please visit www.casaneok.org or call 918-923-7276.  

To donate by mail, please write it to CASA of Northeast Oklahoma and mail it to, 1222 N. Florence Ave., Suite A, Claremore, OK 74017

For any other questions, please contact Mark Ogle at mark@casaneok.org,  918-694-2510.