District 4, January 2025

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season surrounded by family and friends! As we step into the new year, let’s take a moment to highlight the last few months of 2024 for District 4.

At the Spiro Community Center, we celebrated a truly remarkable milestone—the 100th birthday of Leatrice Carter! It was a joyous occasion to honor a century of life and wisdom.

We also gathered in Durant for the Outstanding Elders Banquet, where we celebrated elders who have paved the way for us. Representing Poteau were Sherry McCullough and Gary Williams, while Spiro was proudly represented by Patsy Gist and Tom Tobler.

Both Spiro and Poteau Community Centers hosted Halloween Carnivals for the kids. These events brought plenty of smiles with candy, costumes, and laughter. Poteau also had special visitors from the Choctaw Head Start program, to trick or treat with the staff.

November began with the PowWow in Durant, a wonderful event that brought the community together to celebrate culture and traditions.

Thanksgiving was marked with community meals in Heavener, Spiro, and Poteau. It was heartwarming to gather and share the spirit of gratitude with so many familiar faces.

A special congratulations to Tenley Reece, who represented the Choctaw Nation in the 2025 Jr. Miss Indian Oklahoma pageant! She earned the Congeniality Award and the Entrepreneur Award. District 4 is so proud of you, Tenley!

Our seniors also enjoyed a day at Joy’s Pecan Orchard in Idabel. It was a delightful outing filled with pecan-picking, lunch, and meaningful fellowship.

District 4 seniors from both Spiro and Poteau took trips to Branson. They enjoyed the Christmas lights, shows, and had a great time.

December was a month of celebration and togetherness. The Kids’ Christmas with Santa events brought joy as children lit up with excitement receiving toys from Santa. Community Christmas meals at our centers were another opportunity to come together and celebrate the holiday season.

Of course, Christmas parades were a highlight, as always, with their festive energy bringing cheer to all who attended. We were able to attend the Poteau and Wister parades this year.

A particularly exciting moment was the groundbreaking for the new Dale Cox Community Center in December. We’ve outgrown our current center, and this new hub will serve as a vital space for gatherings and activities in the years to come.

As we step into 2025, we embrace new beginnings and the opportunities they bring. I’m excited for what’s in store for District 4 this year and look forward to continuing our journey together.

If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and blessed New Year!