Happy birthday to my great-niece, Ellianna Rusler of Midwest City.

Ellianna celebrates her 11th birthday Wednesday, September 25.

***

Happy fall, y’all!

Fall officially starts Sunday, September 22.

I’m ready for the  weather to stay cool and not flip flop every other day!

***

Music lovers are in for a treat Saturday, September 28, when the Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival kicks off in downtown Purcell.

The event starts at 11 a.m. featuring local Oklahoma musical artists Red Grass String Band, The Bottom of the Barrel, Gary Gibson, Etowah Road and hometown celebrity, Parker Millsap.

Admission is free.

***

Happy birthday to Kristin Kotecki, Brent Holden, Lucas Northcutt, Kylie Buterbaugh, Cash Castle, Charles Perry, Nancy Ewing Friedman, Rocky Bates, Agnes Belfiore, Mary Ille, Rachel Loux, Tomas Trejo, Brandon Smith, William Troyano, Matt Lohn, Savannah Yates, Adeline Still and Hortencia Legarda.

***

The Purcell Public Library will present the “Hispanic Heritage Festival” tonight (Thursday), September 19, from 5-7 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Discover the diverse cultures, traditions and experiences that make up our Hispanic community. Join us for food, fun and even some furry friends!

Deepen your connection with your community and expand your mindset on Hispanic culture. Learn with others in this interactive program with different Hispanic performers, entertainment, food trucks and more!

The program is for all ages.

For more information call 405-527-5546.

***

The Purcell Public Library will present the “DIY Potted Plants” Thursday, September 26, from 4-6:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Join us as we come together to learn about the science behind taking care of plants while potting and decorating plants for attendees to take home!

You will have the opportunity to get to know people who share a similar interest and learn more about plants. Plants, potting materials, and pot decorations will be provided for this experience.

Registration is required and the program is for all ages.

For more information call 405-527-5546 or register online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

***

The Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament will be held Friday, October 4, at the Brent Bruehl Memorial Golf Course in Purcell.

The four-man scramble will have an 8 a.m. shotgun start followed by lunch and an awards ceremony.

For more information or to sign up contact Elisabeth Baker at elisabeth@theheartofok.com or call 405-527-3093.

***

The 1st Annual McClain County Domestic Violence Awareness Walk is an event aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence and providing support to victims.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 5, at 8 a.m. at the Purcell Lake Trails.

All proceeds from the event will be placed in a new nonprofit for McClain County Domestic Violence Awareness.

***

Hope on Wheels, a mindful journey bus tour, organized by Parents Helping Parents will be in Purcell Thursday, October 3.

The tour stop will be at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce between 3:10-4 p.m.

The group partners with organizations across Oklahoma to deliver mental health and substance use resources to those who need it most.

To learn more about the bus tour and how to participate, email amanda@parentshelpingparents.info or call 405-550-7325.

***

This is really good and so easy.

Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 oz. packet of taco seasoning

10 oz. can Rotel  or use salsa

3/4 cup salsa con queso

1/2 cup chicken broth, optional

4 oz. can mild diced green chiles

Lightly spray slow-cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

Place chicken in single layer and sprinkle chicken evenly with taco seasoning. In a medium size bowl add Rotel, green chiles and chicken broth and mix well. Pour evenly over chicken.

Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 5 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, adjust accordingly.

When ready, drain excess liquids leaving just a smidgen behind, then shred chicken using two forks. Drain well.

Be sure to remove the majority of the liquid before adding queso. Leaving behind too much liquid will result in watery chicken.

Spoon queso on top and gently mix with chicken, coating chicken evenly. Cover and cook on low for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Serve with tortillas, taco shells or over rice.