Hi friends,

Happy Sunday! As we settle into December here in Woodward, the town is starting to feel extra cozy — twinkling lights popping up, busy kitchens, and plenty of small-town magic in the air. This week’s Shoutout is packed with festive events, a sweet pup who needs a home, a local restaurant you’ll want to revisit, and even a little throwback from Woodward’s past.

Grab your coffee (or cocoa!) and enjoy what’s happening right here in our hometown this week. Let’s jump in!

🎥 “Easy DIY Mason Jar Candle Holders for Cozy December Nights”

🎄 Local Events This Week

Here’s what’s happening around Woodward and nearby communities this week — plenty of Christmas charm, live performances, and small-town fun to enjoy!

📍 Saturday, Dec 13 at 11 AM — Christmas on the Plains Open House

Plains Indians & Pioneers Museum
Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas celebration with local history, festive displays, and a warm holiday atmosphere.

📍 This Sunday at 1:30 PM — Christmas Tour of Homes 2025 (WATC Fundraiser)

816 Main St, Woodward
Take a beautiful walk through stunning homes decorated for the season. A local favorite!

📍 This Sunday at 6 PM — Arnett Christmas on the Square

Arnett Fire Department
Hot chocolate, lights, music, and plenty of holiday spirit in Arnett’s town square.

📍 Friday, Dec 12 at 5 PM — Ladies Night 2025!

1417 Oklahoma Ave, Woodward
Free gifts, free wine, and a fun night out with friends — perfect for a holiday treat.

📍 Tuesday, Dec 9 at 5 PM — Cookies with Santa!

Temple Houston Dr, Woodward
A family-friendly event where kids can meet Santa and decorate cookies.

📍 This Sunday at 10:45 AM — Friendsgiving Service & Dinner

1010 40th St, Woodward
A warm community meal and gathering — a great chance to connect and share gratitude.

📍 Sunday, Dec 14 at 10:45 AM — Behold the Lamb of God Live Theater Presentation

400 Downs Ave, Woodward
A powerful seasonal production retelling the story of Christmas.

📍 Tuesday, Dec 9 at 6:30 PM — Santa’s Holiday Hoedown

301 Miller St, Vici, OK
A cheerful event with dancing, music, and a small-town Christmas feel.

📍 Wednesday, Dec 10 at 7 PM — Waynoka Chamber of Commerce Meeting

1555 Main St, Waynoka
Local business owners and community members gather to plan upcoming town happenings.

🐶 Featured Pet Looking for a Forever Home: Meet Ella Bird

Say hello to Ella Bird, a beautiful young shepherd–husky mix with the bluest eyes and the sweetest personality. She's full of energy, loves to play, and absolutely adores people. If you already have a dog at home, she’d be thrilled — she truly shines when she has a buddy her size to romp with.

Ella is house trained, walks well on a leash and harness, and is spayed, fully vaccinated, heartworm negative, and on monthly prevention. She’s ready to go home today.

Adoption Fee: $200

Rescue: WOOF Pet Rescue Society Inc.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, Ella Bird might just be the girl who steals your heart. 💛

Vance Chevrolet has donated $5,000 to the Woodward Police Department to help upgrade its communication equipment.

This gift, part of Chevrolet’s First Responder Appreciation program, reflects a growing trend of local businesses aiding emergency services.

General Manager Matthew Mitchell underscored the dealership’s commitment to supporting first...

🍽️ Local Restaurant of the Week: Carlito’s Café

If you haven’t visited Carlito’s Café on Main Street lately, this is your sign to stop in. Known for their colorful, fresh dishes and warm hometown service, Carlito’s brings a little burst of flavor to every plate.

One standout? Their strawberry & cranberry salad topped with creamy queso fresco — bright, festive, and delicious. Their menu ranges from hearty steaks and seafood to burgers, salads, and comfort-food favorites. And don’t forget to try one of their Colombian-inspired specialties, a nod to the owner’s heritage.

📍 517 Main Street, Woodward, OK
📞 (580) 254-2883

A perfect spot for a cozy December lunch or a relaxed dinner out.

🌦️ Your Week-at-a-Glance Weather

Here’s a quick look at the week ahead in Woodward!
Temperatures are dipping a bit as we move deeper into December, but we’ve got a mix of sunny days and light winter chill — perfect for holiday shopping, local events, and cozy evenings at home.

✨ Tip: If you’re heading to any outdoor Christmas events, keep a light jacket handy — afternoons look mild, but evenings cool quickly!

Woodward, Oklahoma, often celebrated for its founding in 1887 as a vital shipping point along the Fort Reno Military Road and the Southern Kansas Railway, holds a history much deeper than its official narrative. Long before European-American settlers arrived, the land was significant to the...

🗞️ On This Day in Woodward History: December 7, 1900

On this day back in 1900, Woodward was a bustling young frontier town, full of merchants, ranch families, and new settlers carving out their lives on the plains. The Woodward News reported updates on winter supply prices, ranch sales, and upcoming holiday socials — the heart of community life at the time.

Local shops were advertising everything from wool coats to Christmas candies, encouraging families to “shop early before the rail shipments run thin.” Churches were preparing holiday programs, and the town was buzzing with excitement for the upcoming Christmas gatherings.

It’s a charming reminder that even 124 years ago, Woodward folks were doing exactly what we’re doing today — getting ready to celebrate the season, checking the weather, supporting local businesses, and staying connected with their neighbors.

Some things really never change… and that’s what makes our town special.

🌸 Community Spotlight: A Cozy Winter Craft to Try This Week

This week’s spotlight is something simple, relaxing, and perfect for a chilly December afternoon — DIY Handmade Mason Jar Candle Holders.

Not only are these beautiful for your own home, but they make heartfelt, inexpensive gifts for friends, teachers, or coworkers. And the best part? You can make them with items you likely already have around the house.

✨ What You Need:

• A mason jar (any size works)

• Mod Podge or clear-drying glue

• Tissue paper or scrapbook paper

• A little twine or ribbon

• A battery tea light

✨ How to Make It:

1. Tear or cut pieces of tissue paper into small shapes.

2. Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the outside of the jar.

3. Place your paper pieces on the jar and smooth them gently.

4. Brush another layer of Mod Podge on top to seal.

5. Tie a ribbon or twine around the top for a cozy touch.

6. Drop in a tea light — and enjoy that warm winter glow.

It’s easy on the hands, arthritis-friendly, and perfect to do while watching a Christmas movie or visiting with the grandkids. 🕯️💛

"When we seek to discover the best in others, we bring out the best in ourselves."
— William Arthur Ward

🛠️ Men’s Corner: A Quick Winter Workshop Tune-Up

With colder weather settling in, this is the perfect time for a simple workshop reset — nothing overwhelming, just a few handy tasks that make winter projects smoother and safer.

✔️ 1. Check Your Power Cords

Cold weather stiffens insulation. Take a minute to inspect extension cords and tool cables for cracks or weak spots — especially on older tools.

✔️ 2. Sharpen Your Essentials

A sharp chisel, knife, or hand plane makes winter woodworking so much more enjoyable. Five minutes with a sharpening stone goes a long way.

✔️ 3. Add a Pegboard “Drop Zone”

Clear a small section of your wall and hang frequently used tools — tape measure, clamps, screwdrivers. It keeps everything visible and reduces clutter.

✔️ 4. Check Your Shop Heater

Plug it in, test it, and make sure the cord and outlet stay cool. A warm workshop makes all the difference this time of year.

A little prep now means smooth projects and fewer headaches later — whether you’re fixing something around the house or gearing up for a winter woodworking project.

💡 Life Hack of the Week: The 2-Minute Clutter Sweep

Here’s a simple little habit that can make your home feel calmer fast, especially during the holiday rush.

It’s called the 2-Minute Clutter Sweep — and it works wonders

.

How to Do It:

1. Pick one small area: an end table, the kitchen counter corner, the coffee table, or even the entryway.

2. Set a timer for 2 minutes.

3. Put away only what obviously doesn’t belong. No deep cleaning — just the quick wins.

You’ll be amazed how such a tiny burst can reset a space and boost your mood. Even better? It’s an easy habit to do daily without feeling overwhelmed.

A cleaner home in two minutes? That’s a win.

📬 Closing & Call to Action

Thank you for spending part of your Sunday with the Woodward Shoutouts Newsletter. I love getting to share the heart of our community with you each week — the events, the stories, the pets, the food, and the people who make Woodward feel like home.

If you enjoyed today’s issue, would you do me a small favor?

👉 Forward this newsletter to a friend or neighbor who might love staying connected, too.

👉 Reply anytime with an event, business, or local gem you’d like to see featured next week.

👉 And if you’re out and about at a local event, snap a picture — I’d love to share it!

Have a wonderful week, Woodward.

See you next Sunday! 💛🌾

Love,

Matt