A special happy birthday to my mother-in-law, Carolyn Montgomery of Norman.

Voom celebrates her birthday Thursday, June 22.

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Happy birthday to Ruthie Powers, Randy Belicek, Norma Tompkins, Amber McCoy, Joanna Estrada, Nicolas Banks, Gustavo Cayente Jr., Brittany Harvey, David Vega, Isidro Ibarra, Ma. de Jesus Cruz, Shane Ellis, Kathleen Loux, Juan Aguinaga and Pat Martin.

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The Purcell Public Library  will present “Hip Hop & Breakdancing Basics” Saturday, June 24, from 2-3 p.m. in the meeting room of the library.

Join Jesus Martinez from R.A.C.E. Dance Collective to try out beginner Hip Hop and Breakdancing moves while also learning about the culture and history behind the movements.

Please bring any materials to help support your experience and comfort. Participants must sign a waiver before each class, and anyone under 18 must have parent/guardian consent and signature.

This program is a part of the Summer Learning Challenge. Earn prizes, collect badges, and help our community reach 11 million minutes learning by joining the Summer Learning Challenge today! Don’t forget to log this program as learning points.

Register by calling 405-527-5546 or online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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Go to the Purcell Public Library Tuesday, June 27, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for “Interactive Science – Bookish Best Friend” with Science Museum Oklahoma.

Bring your best friend and do fun STEAM activities with Science Museum Oklahoma! Designed for children ages 3 to 12. Registration Required.

Clifford and Emily Elizabeth, Harry and Ron, Elephant and Piggie, The Baby-Sitter’s Club – children’s literature is full of best friends and groups that stick by each other through thick and thin. Bring your best friend and try out some fun STEAM activities inspired by our favorite fictional friendships! Registration Required.

This program is a part of the Summer Learning Challenge. Earn prizes, collect badges, and help our community reach 11 million minutes learning by joining the Summer Learning Challenge today! Don’t forget to log this program as learning points.

Register by calling 405-527-5546 or online at pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

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Purcell’s Independence Day Celebration will be held Friday, June 30, at the Purcell City Lake.

The celebration will include food trucks, games, a car show and the fireworks show.

For more information contact the Purcell Parks at 405-527-7227 or the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce at 405-527-3093.

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The Washington Fire Department, partnering with the American Legion, will hold a Fourth of July Freedom Weekend Saturday, July 1, starting at 6 p.m.

The event will be held at 103 E. Carter Ave. in Washington and will feature a fish fry, food trucks, fireworks, bouncy houses and yard games.

A raffle for new rifles will be also be held and tickets are $20.

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This is really good and so easy. If you have any leftovers, it’s even better the next day!

Cheesy Taco Pasta

8 oz. Rotini

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup water

1 oz. Taco seasoning

1-1/2 cups Salsa

2 cups Shredded mexican cheese (divided)

Prepare rotini pasta to package directions. Drain and set aside.

In a large pot cook and crumble ground beef until fully cooked. Drain fat as need. Add taco seasoning and water to the cooked ground beef. Mix together and cook until water is gone.

Add cooked pasta to pot with cooked and seasoned ground beef along with salsa and mix well. Add 1-1/2 cup cheese to pot and mix until melted.

Remove pot from heat and add remaining cheese to the top and allow to melt.