The holiday season can be particularly difficult for those who have lost a loved one. For those facing the first Christmas, or the umpteenth Christmas spending the season without a loved one can be difficult.

Boswell students recently presented Choctaw County Youth Services a check for $1,929.93. Boswell Schools and Bennington Schools held a contest, “B-Towns Change For Charity Champion.” At each school students brought coins to fill up their jars in their classrooms. The Boswell Scorpions won, raising $1,929.93. The contest was hosted by Mrs. Green and Mrs. Manous, along with the Boswell FCCLA members. Pictured are Rikki Manous, FACS Teacher; Linda Kay Green, School Counselor; Brandy Krohn and Crystal Alexander from Choctaw County Youth Services.

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It’s coming around again. The holiday that one person can dread like the pit of hell itself, but another family member anticipates and salivates for the previous 364 days before it arrives. “Food, man! Lots and lots of good stuff!”

• For 2022 Academic All-State, Outstanding Educator awards OKLAHOMA CITY –– The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, a nonprofit organization that recognizes and encourages academic excellence in Oklahoma’s public schools, is seeking nominations for its 2022 Academic All-State Scholarships and Medal for Excellence Awards. Scholarships and educator awards totaling $125,000 will be presented at the foundation’s 36th annual Academic Awards Banquet on May 21, 2022, at the Omni Hotel in Oklahoma City.

HORACE MANN 2 Head Start recently celebrated Dad’s Day by making a pumpkin craft for the upcoming holiday..

Join the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month with traditional demonstrations and events. Native American Heritage Month, also known as Native November, is a time to celebrate cultural heritage and learn the history of indigenous people.

When a child has a food allergy, holidays can be especially tough for both the child and the child’s family, says Oklahoma Asthma & Allergy Clinic’s Board-Certified Allergist Dr. Maya Gharfeh.

• Candy-flavored products introduce hundreds of Oklahoma children to tobacco and vape each year This Halloween, the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is reminding parents, teachers, health care providers and community leaders about the dangers of flavored tobacco and vaping products disguised to mimic candy and other treats. Research shows that flavored tobacco products have played a major role in the increase of tobacco use among youth, particularly e-cigarettes.

Family Features –– Whether heading to a party, celebrating on social media or greeting little ghouls and goblins at home, getting the entire family - including the four-legged family members - involved in the Halloween festivities can be the biggest treat of all. However, it’s important to take some precautions to avoid spooking your pets, particularly if you’ll be dressing them for the occasion.