I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Christmas season and is ready to welcome the new year. The end of 2025 was a busy and joy-filled time across District 4, with our communities coming together to celebrate accomplishments, traditions, and one another.
In October, our 4-H students proudly showcased their hard work at the Tulsa State Fair. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and achievements.
We also had the honor of celebrating Charlene Dunn’s 97th birthday at the Poteau Senior Lunch—an inspiring milestone.
Both the Spiro and Poteau community centers hosted fun-filled Halloween events for the children, complete with candy, costumes, and plenty of smiles. Our associates and volunteers did an outstanding job creating memorable experiences for our kids. The Head Start students also visited the community center to trick-or-treat, always a highlight for everyone involved.
Senior News
Our Poteau seniors enjoyed a lively Halloween costume contest, while the senior volleyball team gathered for dinner and fellowship.
At the Outstanding Elders Banquet in Durant, District 4 was represented by nominees JC Byous and Sherry Benefield from Poteau, and Joe Perry and Yvette Edwards from Spiro.
Each month, Poteau seniors hold their First Friday Indian Taco Sale, and this season they also enjoyed special trip to the Ranch Restaurant and to the Capitol to view the Christmas lights.
Spiro seniors celebrated the season with a memorable trip to Branson to enjoy Christmas lights and shows.
Veterans & Community Celebrations
We honored our veterans in both Spiro and Poteau, presenting each with a Choctaw veteran coat and cap in gratitude for their service.
Thanksgiving lunches across the district were filled with fellowship, gratitude, and community spirit.
In November, we celebrated Native American Heritage Month. I attended Poteau School’s celebration, and it was wonderful to see our students participating and proudly representing their culture.
December Christmas Events
December brought even more joy to District 4. Heavener, Spiro, and Poteau hosted their annual Christmas toy giveaways for local tribal children. Santa joined in the fun and personally presented each child with a toy, making the day truly special.
Our community centers also held Christmas lunches, offering a wonderful opportunity for families, elders, and staff to come together, share a meal, and enjoy the Christmas spirit.
The Dale Cox Community Center is nearing completion! We are looking forward to moving in soon! It is going to be a great facility for District 4.
As we move into the new year, I look forward to more opportunities to support and celebrate the people of District 4. Yakoke for allowing me to serve you.
