DUNCAN —
Duncan residents were awed and inspired Sunday for a good cause at the Aequalis Study Club’s Christmas Open House Extravaganza.
Three Duncan families opened their homes to the community as part of the Aequalis Study Club’s annual fundraiser. Participating this year were Paula and Ricky Harrison, Darla and Carter Waid and Shelly and Jimmy McCord.
The McCord’s home, decorated in Christmas elegance, was the newest home on the tour and their luxurious back yard was also the site of the Sweet Shop featuring baked goods sold as an additional fundraiser by the Aequalis Club.
“We have baked goods, pies, cookies and homemade candies,” Aequalis member Suzy Bruner said. “All of it is gift wrapped and ready to be given as a gift.”
The Aequalis home tour has been a Duncan tradition since 1988. In the past, it has raised about $4,000 to $5,000 and they are hoping to make at least that much this year. The funds raised at the event will go to help local organizations and fund Aequalis academic scholarships.
At the Waid home, the time Darla spent decorating was apparent. Each room had its own decorated theme but was still in holiday fashion for the Christmas season. For the first time, the Aequalis home tours gave visitors the option of seeing the homes at viewing time, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the candlelight tour.
“I am looking forward to the evening tour when everyone can see the Christmas lights,” Darla Waid said.
Waid said there had been a great turnout, which would go to helping lots of people in the community.
“When you put your heart and soul into the decorating, you want a big turnout and people to come see it because it is going to such a good cause,” she said.
Visitors to the Harrison household were immediately greeted by Christmas tunes coming from a beautiful baby grand piano in the living rooms. Family friend Sarah Adkins graced the ivory keys entertaining the visitors as they walked through the rooms filled with Christmas trees and other Christmas decorations including a station to write letters to Santa from an old-fashioned typewriter.
“I always decorate but not this much,” Paula Harrison said. “Now that it is finished, I can enjoy it for the rest of the season.”
The many hours spent decorating by the three families and the work of the Aequalis Study Club paid off as the visitors were enchanted by their surroundings. The tour also initiated many decorating ideas that visitors could take home and implement in their own homes.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Erika Spaulding, Kara Taliaferro and Carrie Blanco, front to back, gaze upon an ornately decorated Christmas tree at the McCord home. Megan Bristow/The Duncan Banner
Duncan homes, decor put on display
- Local News
-
-
Burum presented with plaque for years on CTAC board
Members of the Chisholm Trail Arts Council board met Monday for its annual open meeting and were excited about all they accomplished during the last year. They also are looking forward to the new year.
After a few challenging fiscal years, CTAC treasurer Michele Johnson said this year they will not only break even but have a little left in the bank. -
Youth Services breaks ground for future shelter
Construction on the new Stephens County Youth Shelter is set to begin Monday.
But a few shovels have already hit the dirt. Youth Shelter board members, employees and advocates hosted a groundbreaking at the new shelter location.
“This has been a long, long trip,” Nancy Roop, board president, said. “And you all have been there with us. Finally, we’ve started.” -
Barely crossing paths
Two Duncan natives who moved to Moore are still amazed at how lucky they are to be alive after surviving the tornado that wiped out that city on May 20.
Both women, Debbie Gardner and Brandi Broaddus, shared their stories with The Banner, revealing just how much the tornado impacted their lives on May 20.
Debbie Gardner graduated from Duncan in 1975, and lives about a mile from the Moore city limits. She took refuge in the Moore Medical Center’s cafeteria at the last minute, after trying to get home. -
Tornado warning at DIA delays Duncan resident's flight home
Update: Carberry's plane arrived as scheduled back in Oklahoma at Will Rogers International Airport.
Two tornados were spotted and National Weather Service confirmed that one touched down at Denver International Airport around 2:18 p.m. today.
Duncan resident Jamie Carberry was going through the security checkpoints as she waited to board a plane home after a short vacation there. That’s when the alert was sounded and people began taking cover. -
Duncan resident takes tornado precautions at DIA
People at Denver International Airport are taking shelter, and there are unconfirmed reports that a tornado touched down at Denver International Airport.
-
Hastings to close Duncan store
Corporate officials with Hasting’s Entertainment informed its employees early today at the Duncan Hastings Entertainment store that their store will be closing Aug. 9.
This news came during a mandatory store meeting, where two corporate representatives, district and store managers, were present to make the announcement, confirmed a store employee, who spoke with The Banner after the meeting. -
Former Duncan city manager leaves legacy, inspires current leaders
There are many who love their city, but one of the first things people would learn about Doug Johnson when they met him was his love and dedication to Duncan.
Johnson, a former councilman and city manager for the City of Duncan, passed away Thursday at the age of 82. A lifelong resident of Duncan, he only spent time away from the city during his years attending Baylor University on a basketball scholarship. -
Digital images land man behind bars on child porn charges
Samuel Wesley Brackeen, 34, of Duncan, was charged in Stephens County District Court with two felony counts related to pornography.
Brackeen was originally arrested on both counts.
According to the affidavit filed in district court on June 14, count 1 was possession of child pornography, AFCF, from Jan. 23 to Jan. 30; and count 2 was manufacturing child pornography, on or about Jan. 3, at a Comanche residence. -
Court: Ariz. citizenship proof law illegal
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that states cannot on their own require would-be voters to prove they are U.S. citizens before using a federal registration system designed to make signing up easier.
-
Events this week include Dinos at Duncan Public LIbrary today, ends with Founder's Day fun Saturday
Events at the Duncan Public Library this week include Dinosaurs Live from 2-4 p.m. Monday for ages 7-11 Juggle Whatever from 10-11 a.m. or 2-3 p.m. Wednesday for ages 7-11, 11-11:45 a.m Thursday for ages 3-6 and 2-3 p.m. Thursday for ages 10-17.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Burum presented with plaque for years on CTAC board
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Obama: 'Lives Have Been Saved' by NSA Programs
Obama: Friction in Afghan Talks No Surprise
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
