Taking Flight
keep the change
RESIST THE PROGRAMMING
We live in a consumerist culture. Everywhere we turn we are bombarded with messages to spend, spend, spend. Our social media algorithms, mainstream media articles and mobile games are all designed to market to a demographic and geared to show you exactly the types of things they think you want to buy.
Our challenge as the budget-conscious is to resist the messaging programmed especially for us. This takes a remarkable amount of self-control but also an ability to peel back the curtain and identify the messages we’re receiving.
• Assess your actual needs. Not what marketers tell you is necessary. Not what influencers tell you is desirable. Not what status symbols are being applied. What do you actually need? What about your family? Is the latest technology necessary, or is the message that your life will be lacking without it is what’s winning in your decision making? Rather than upgrading according to the marketing cycle, teach yourself to wait until an upgrade is unavoidable — something broken down or key features are being lost in old models.
• Reassign your dopamine rush. A certain part of our brains actually responds positively to the act of purchasing something new. It’s not even necessarily in the receiving of the new thing or the using of the new thing but the act of purchasing itself releases dopamine — a pleasurable hormone — in our brains. So maybe look for new ways to get that feeling. Rather than buying a new outfit, find a new outfit by re-imagining the items you already have. Visit Pinterest for inspiration and consider what you already own that can give you the desired look. Find other ways to apply this principle in your life.
You are no one’s robot, so resist the programming and become your own person — outside of someone else’s marketing strategy.
Angela Rowland is an OBU graduate and a stay-at-home mother of four. She enjoys finding new ways to stretch the paycheck and sharing her favorite tips and deals.
www.shawneeoutlook.com
Rowland
MOOD-BOOSTING FOODS FOR HEALTHY FALL
s the school year begins, sports schedules pick up and the holidays creep closer. Fall can feel overwhelming for many families. With busy days and shorter daylight hours, it’s not uncommon to notice changes in energy, mood and even stress levels.
The good news?
What we eat can play an important role in supporting mental health and boosting mood during this busy season.
One of the best ways to help your brain and body cope with stress is by fueling with nutrient-dense foods. Omega-3 fatty acids – found in salmon, walnuts and chia seeds – are linked to improved mood and brain function. Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide folate, a B-vitamin that helps regulate a key “feel-good” chemical called serotonin. Whole grains like oats, quinoa and brown rice provide steady energy and help stabilize blood sugar, reducing irritability and fatigue.
Don’t forget about colorful fruits and vegetables. Berries, oranges and bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help lower stress and protect brain health. Bananas and sweet potatoes are excellent sources of vitamin B6, which also plays a role in serotonin production.
Even dark chocolate – when enjoyed in moderation – can provide a natural mood lift.
Packing these foods into lunches, mid-day snacks and family dinners can make a noticeable difference. Try having apple slices with almond butter, preparing a quinoa and veggie salad ahead of time or serving baked salmon with roasted sweet potatoes for dinner.
As life gets busier this fall, remember that nourishing your body is one of the best ways to care for your mind. A balanced plate not only supports physical health but also keeps stress lower, energy steadier and moods brighter all season long.
Enjoy the below recipe to help your mood today.
healthy fats and fiber. This dark chocolate trail mix is a quick, make-ahead option that fuels both body and mind while providing a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
¼ cup almonds
¼ cup pumpkin seeds
2 Tbsp dried cherries or cranberries (unsweetened if possible)
1 Tbsp dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and portion into four small snack bags for grab-and-go convenience.
Nutrition Facts per serving: Makes 4 servings; ¼ cup each Calories 160 Total fat: 11g Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 40mg Carbohydrates:13g
Dietary Fiber: 3g Protein: 5g
Nutrition 101: This trail mix is more than just a tasty snack –it’s a nutrition powerhouse. Almonds and pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, a mineral linked to improved mood and reduced stress. Dried cherries provide antioxidants and natural melatonin, which can support better sleep quality. Finally, dark chocolate – at least 70% cacao – contains flavonoids that enhance blood flow to the brain and may improve focus and memory. Together, these ingredients create a smart snack that not only satisfies hunger but also supports emotional well-being. Whether you’re looking for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a post-workout recovery snack, this dark chocolate trail mix delivers flavor, balance and mental health benefits in every handful.
Andrea Beck, a registered dietitian and personal trainer, received her master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. She offers personal training and nutrition education through an online platform, StrongHER along with functional nutrition and labs through Laser Focus. For inquiries, visit strongherwithandrea.com, or the Facebook page, Nutrition and Exercise 101 with Andrea.
Dark Chocolate Trail Mix
art of the matter
OPTICAL ART
New Exhibition Features ‘Moving’ Designs By Renowned Artist Vasarely
SUBMITTED BY DELAYNNA TRIM, CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS MABEE-GERRER MUSEUM OF ART
Do you enjoy those images that look like they are moving even when they are not?
If so, then the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art has some good news for you. Come by the museum while it hosts the exhibition, “Good Vibrations: The Prints of Victor Vasarely,” from now until Oct. 19.
Vasarely was an innovative artist in the field of optical art. Early in his career, he experimented with light, shadow and perspective. His fascination with light came from visiting the south of France and studying the effects of light. Vasarely became a graphic designer and a poster artist during the 1930s combining patterns and organic images.
Optical art uses geometric shapes, lines, patterns and colors to create the illusion of movement. The term “optical art” was first coined in 1964 by Time magazine about Julian Stanczak's show, “Optical Paintings at the Martha Jackson Gallery,” but many consider Vasarely’s piece “Zebra” from 1938 to be one of the first examples of optical art. It is made entirely of curving black and white stripes that create the zebras.
Vasarely used small, repeatable geometric shapes and manipulated the colors and shapes into these new optical art pieces. In the late 1950s, he started using the distinctive checkerboard pattern and concave and convex shapes. The viewers’ movement helped change the piece and create endless new art pieces. This simplifying of patterns helped create a universal art language. By the 1960s, Vasarely created his “Alphabet Plastique,” which was a visual compositional system of elements designed to be combined in limitless ways.
Vasarely was a pioneering graphic designer and poster artist and helped stir the optical art fascination of the 1960s and 1970s. The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will display a special exhibition of his works until Oct. 19.
Optical Art Hand Design
Supplies: paper, pencil, markers
1. Lay your arm down on your paper and trace it with your pencil. Start at the very bottom edge of the paper and trace all the way around.
2. Now take a marker. Starting on the bottom left of the paper, draw a straight line that follows the bottom edge. When you reach your pencil wrist, continue the line in an upward arch – like a rainbow – over to the other side of your wrist pencil line.
Scan this code to visit the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art’s athome project page.
Optical art became popular in the 1960s and 1970s. An exhibition called “The Responsive Eye” at the Museum of Modern Art in 1965 launched optical art in the U.S. The works focused on the illusion of movement and the interaction of colors. While many art critics were not fans, the public loved this new style of art. More than 180,000 people attended the exhibition. Make sure to stop by the museum before Oct. 19 to see these pieces move before your eyes.
For optical art design ideas, check out, https://www.mgmoa.org/art-projects or scan the QR code.
3. Continue this same pencil line straight across, near the bottom of the page over to the right side.
4. Take a new marker and repeat steps 2 and 3 with a line just a little above your first line.
5. Repeat these steps moving up slightly and changing markers.
6. Each time you are inside the hand/wrist/arm area, make your lines arched. When you are in the spaces on the sides and in between, make your lines straight.
7. Continue this process until you reach the top of the paper.
Victor
over the fence
ROOTED IN RELATIONSHIPS
New Adult Programs Strengthen Shawnee Families
SUBMITTED BY COMMUNITY RENEWAL OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY
Nearly a decade ago, Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County (CRPC) was born out of a simple but powerful idea: communities thrive when relationships are strong. Inspired by the neighborhoodbased work of Community Renewal International — founded by Mack McCarter over 30 years ago — the Shawnee initiative took root with a bold mission: to restore the fabric of community life by reconnecting people, block by block.
Since 2015, Community Renewal has been a quiet but powerful force for good in Shawnee. Its foundation was laid through the launch of the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Network, the establishment of Block Leaders and the opening of two Friendship Houses – hubs of hospitality and support placed in neighborhoods where connection was needed most.
But CRPC’s work didn’t stop there.
In 2016, Community Renewal kicked off its first Kids Club and began a strategic partnership with Shawnee Public Schools. That collaboration evolved into what is now known as the We Care. Campus initiative, a program that has reached more than 1,900 students and hundreds of educators through relationship-building clubs and life-skills classes. Over the years, CRPC has walked with students and teachers through some of their most difficult moments, offering consistent support and genuine care.
And through that work, one thing became crystal clear: adults need relational health just as much as students do.
The Community Renewal team agrees: “Supporting young people means supporting the adults in their lives too. If we want lasting change, we have to equip caregivers, parents and mentors with the tools to foster healthy relationships.”
With that insight, CRPC made a renewed commitment in the past year to expand its offerings for adults, and they now offer five programs focused on building stronger families, healthier communities and a more connected Shawnee.
Making Sense of Your Worth (MSOYW) is an eight-week course focused on the foundation of positive self-worth and secure attachment. Designed for men, women and teens, it helps participants unlearn the lies they’ve been told about who they are and replace them with truth, confidence and healing.
Building Freedom Within continues where MSOYW leaves off. This eight-session program dives deeper into how
our environments shape our sense of self and how we can rebuild healthy relationships — starting with ourselves.
Parenting for Positive Self-Worth (PPSW) is a must for any caregiver who wants a stronger, more connected relationship with their children. Based on Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) techniques developed at Texas Christian University, the course offers eight two-hour classes that teach strategies for calm, connection-centered parenting.
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) itself is also offered as a stand-alone program. It’s a trauma-informed, attachment-based approach to parenting that emphasizes empowerment, connection and correction. While rooted in research, its heart lies in building strong bonds with children — especially those who have experienced adversity.
And then there’s EveryDay Dads, one of CRPC’s most beloved and impactful programs. More than just a course, it’s a community of fathers who gather weekly to learn, laugh, eat and grow together. EveryDay Dads is all about empowering men to be the best versions of themselves, not just for their kids, but for their partners, their families and their neighborhoods. When a father is at his best, his kids do better. Their mother does better. Their family does better. Their community does better.
As Community Renewal looks ahead to its next decade, the focus is clear: stronger adults mean stronger families, and stronger families build stronger neighborhoods. With continued support from donors, partners and volunteers, this growing network of hope and connection will keep transforming lives, one relationship at a time.
The best is yet to come.
S
ormation visithttps://www.niaaa .nih.gov/
Preventing Underage Drinking
Preventing Underage Drinking
Several key approaches have been found to be successful . T are:
Several key approaches have been found to be successful. They are:
Individual-level interventions. This approach seeks to change t way youth think about alcohol so they are better able to resist pressures to drink .
eventing Underage Drinking ches have been found to be successful . They
Individual-level interventions. This approach seeks to change the way youth think about alcohol so they are better able to resist pressures to drink.
erventions This approach seeks to change the ut alcohol so they are better able to resist
School-based interventions. These are programs that provide students with the knowledge, skills, motivation, and opportunit they need to remain alcohol-free.
School-based interventions. These are programs that provide students with the knowledge, skills, motivation, and opportunities they need to remain alcohol-free.
ventions. These are programs that provide nowledge, skills, motivation, and opportunities alcohol-free.
Family-based interventions. These are efforts to empower pare to set and enforce clear rules against drinking, as well as improv communication between children and parents about alcohol
Family-based interventions. These are efforts to empower parents to set and enforce clear rules against drinking, as well as improve communication between children and parents about alcohol.
entions These are efforts to empower parents lear rules against drinking, as well as improve ween children and parents about alcohol
Community-based interventions. Community-based interventi are often coordinated by local coalitions working to mitigate ris factors for alcohol misuse
nterventions Community-based interventions ed by local coalitions working to mitigate risk misuse.
Community-based interventions. Community-based interventions are often coordinated by local coalitions working to mitigate risk factors for alcohol misuse.
ntions This approach makes alcohol harder to raising the price of alcohol and keeping the Drinking Age at 21 Enacting zero-tolerance ving after any amount of drinking for people also help prevent problems
Policy-level interventions. This approach makes alcohol harder get for example, by raising the price of alcohol and keeping the U.S. Minimum Legal Drinking Age at 21 . Enacting zero-tolerance laws that outlaw driving after any amount of drinking for peopl younger than 21 can also help prevent problems
Policy-level interventions. This approach makes alcohol harder to get–for example, by raising the price of alcohol and keeping the U.S. Minimum Legal Drinking Age at 21. Enacting zerotolerance laws that outlaw driving after any amount of drinking for people younger than 21 can also help prevent problems.
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HAPPY TRAILS
Shawnee Wolf Pack Mountain Bike Team Roll Out
For League’s Inaugural Season
BY DAVID DINSMORE
Some local students are blazing an historic trail for local youth cycling sports as part of the inaugural season for a statewide mountain biking league.
The Shawnee Wolf Pack mountain biking team features 11 riders grades 6-12 who compete in regional and state races throughout Oklahoma. The team joins seven others from around the state participating in the first league in the state that falls under the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, which was established to promote youth mountain biking programs in the United States.
Though the season has started, however, there are opportunities for more riders to join the team for the remainder of 2025.
An avid rider himself who has helped
organize cycling events in the Shawnee and Tecumseh area, head coach Canaan Crane took notice of the announcement of the new Oklahoma association. He reached out to volunteer his support and was asked if he’d like to take the lead for a local team.
Crane and other riders he knew interested in starting a team began spreading the word about looking to recruit young riders to participate.
“It was a lot of word-of-mouth and people telling their friends about it,” said Crane, who also works as a professor and director of the graduate program in marriage and family therapy at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Before they knew it, they were hosting try-it-out sessions in April and May with
students coming from a variety of school districts around the community. Some were multi-sport athletes trying their hands at a new challenge while others were participating in their first athletic pursuit.
Crane and his coaching team began hosting regular practices at the Shawnee Middle School, which features trails and other terrain suited to teaching the athletes some skills and gaining some experience they would take into the season once it started in the late summer.
Mountain biking may be the term used to describe the sport, but the discipline is also known as cross country — also called XC. Riders tackle terrains along designated courses in their states and regions in an attempt to finish with the best time and stand atop the podium.
The Shawnee Wolf Pack are one of eight teams competing in the inaugural season of an Oklahoma league under the guidance of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. The team currently features 11 athletes competing in races around the state through the fall, and there are opportunities for new riders to join midseason. — Photos by Juan Ramirez >
“They're not doing downhill courses, not jumping off of rocks, etc.,” Crane said. “They're on trails in the woods and crossing grassy areas on what we call single track. They're having to navigate around trees and over some rocks and up some rocks or whatever, but it's all in a manageable, less dangerous way.”
Riders are grouped by factors like age, gender and experience level with junior varsity and varsity designations in some cases, and they compete against others in their same groupings, Crane said. The distances and other race elements also can be tailored with these factors in mind.
The races challenge the riders with the top five in each category landing themselves on the podium at the end of the event.
After practicing through the summer, the Wolf Pack took to the trails of Lake Arcadia for their first official race against teams from other parts of the state. The four-mile course — which required two laps for the older riders — tested what Crane had taught his athlete, and their performances landed the team a first place finish, two second place positions and a fifth place podium. Those on the podium receive medals while first place finishers get a leader jersey to wear at the next race.
“The race was really cool,” Crane said soon after they finished
the Lake Arcadia event. “The kids were very excited about it. They were nervous about it, of course, but man, very courageous and just got excited and hyped up.”
The team is gearing up for at least three more races as the season stretches into the fall, Crane said. Individual riders and their teams will accumulate points from their performances at the races during the season, and that will help determine the makeup of the championships in Oct. 25-26.
In addition to trail skills, the athletes involved with the team also learn about the mechanics of their bikes and how to provide proper maintenance, Crane said, and they also gain a deeper understanding of cycling safety they can carry into other future pursuits that may require some proximity to road traffic.
Crane said despite the reputation of its terrain, Oklahoma does feature some areas with intriguing and challenging trail systems, and this is one aspect of developing a love for the sport among local students that he and other riding enthusiasts would like to see gain momentum and lead to the establishment of more trail systems in the Shawnee area.
“There's a lot of really cool opportunities to build some things,” said Crane, noting some progress and investment in
Welcome Home
Home
the local built environment while acknowledging the potential for more. “I mean, part of my kind of heart is that. As we build out these kids, more kids riding on bikes, mountain biking, we’ll build some energy toward getting some trails in Shawnee as well.”
The majority of this year’s team are among the younger qualifiers, which gives his athletes time and room to develop and grow over the next few seasons, Crane said. In fact, even though the team has begun to race it is not too late for new riders to join the Wolf Pack in 2025.
During the offseason, however, Crane, the riders and team leaders will look to continue spreading the word about the league and the opportunities presented by being part of the Wolf Pack in 2026 as they look toward next spring try-it-out events ahead of the season start.
For now, the Wolf Pack will stay focused on the course ahead as they look to make an impact at the remaining races this season.
“It's been really cool to see them kind of test themselves and experience some nervousness and stress but to lean into it with courage,” Crane said. “That's been very kind of enriching and rewarding for me to see them get to do that.”
For more information about the Wolf Pack or sponsorship opportunities, email ShawneeWolfPack@gmail.com or find and follow Shawnee Wolf Pack on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information about the Oklahoma chapter of NICA, visit oklahomamtb.org. S
TAKING FLIGHT
Photos submitted by Citizen Potawatomi Nation
CPN Balloon Festival Inspires Awe For Estimated 50,000 Visitors
FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s eighth annual FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest drew an estimated 50,000 visitors to Shawnee Aug. 8-9.
Dozens of hot air balloons filled the balloon field at sunrise and sunset, stunning spectators with spectacular views.
The festival also featured a 5K race, kids’ carnival rides, food vendors, helicopter rides, a drone show, the Outdoor Nation Expo, Dock Dogs competitions and live music.
“Seeing the balloons never gets old,” said Kelley Francen, director of employee engagement. “We love seeing this event grow each year, welcoming more friends and families, locals and travelers to enjoy the festival.”
The free event is open to all, bringing thousands of visitors each year and supporting Shawnee tourism and businesses. Welcoming the community to such a celebration reflects the Potawatomi spirit of hospitality.
Country music band Ricochet headlined the live outdoor musical performances, taking the stage on Saturday for a night to a welcoming crowd. Other performances throughout the weekend included Cam Allen, Craig Wayne Boyd and Jesse Keith Whitley.
Attendees also had the opportunity to shop with nearly 100 local vendors who provided a range of homemade crafts, services and food options. The Outdoor Nation Expo, located next door at the FireLake Arena, drew large crowds with its interactive fishing and hunting demonstrations.
GOOD ‘FRIENDS’
Supporter Reflects On 40 Years Of Fall Book Sale Benefitting Library FROM STAFF REPORTS
The Friends of the Shawnee Public Library have hosted an annual book sale in the fall for 40 years with good deals and unique finds. This year’s sale will happen Oct. 1-4 at the library at 101 N. Philadelphia.
— Photos submitted
Since the big move from the Carnegie building to the present location at Philadelphia and Main, the Friends of the Shawnee Public Library have hosted a big book sale in the early fall — though never on the OU-Texas weekend.
I don’t believe we have raised prices during all that time: our standard prices at the sale and Book Nook in the library remain 50 cents for paperbacks and $1 for hardbacks,” Bill Hagen said. “Try to find those prices anywhere else.”
This year’s sale will run Oct. 1-4 at the library at 101 N. Philadelphia and will feature a different schedule with reduced pricing on certain days.
From 4-7 p.m. on that Wednesday, Friends members can have a first shot at what the group calls the “preview
sale.” For those interested in becoming a member of the Friends, the cost is $10 a year for a family and less for seniors and students. Memberships will be available at the door.
On Thursday, the sale will be open to the public from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
On Friday, the prices get reduced $5 per bag and $10 per box from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Once Saturday comes around, any donation amount made from 9 a.m. to noon allows donors to take as many books as they want.
“We really hate to box and heave unsold books back to storage,” Hagen said.
Although members are invited to an annual luncheon and other events during the year, the book sale is its major
fundraising event.
“We’re all volunteers, so what we make we use to support library programs,” Hagen said. “A number of us began because we were asked by a man whom we considered a model of volunteer service — Tom Terry. It was hard to say ‘no’ to Mr. Terry.”
Terry could be found carting books back and forth in his white Ford Taurus station wagon for years — probably decades, Hagen said. He heaved boxes of books often without a back brace until the Friends “promoted” him to supervisor.
That’s when Hagen took over “U-Hauling, with a perfect safety record in backing the truck into the front porch of the library on Main street.
“I self-retired after I mistook the
attractive green nozzle at a service station for gas. Luckily, someone stopped me. In my defense, the truck seemed to run fine on its gas/kerosene mixture.”
As the Friends gained wisdom and experience, they got smarter about moving the books, Hagen said. High school honor societies and Oklahoma Baptist University social clubs all have lines about community service in their codes or constitutions, and many of their members had the energy level and physical attributes to help with the heavy lifting.
“We have come to rely on such organizations during our move-in and take-down days, offering free books to those that help,” Hagen said.
Past sales have brought along with them some interesting experiences for the Friends involved.
“We used to get a number of book dealers who would join on Preview Night, seeking to buy at our prices, knowing they could sell the same books for twice as much,” Hagen said. “Early on,
we had to curb their enthusiasm. Some would sweep a whole row of books off the table into a box so their competitors wouldn’t have a shot at them. Then they would go over to a corner, find what they wanted from the row and leave the rest in the box – a mess.”
Some sales featured a local man who specialized in collecting sets, such as encyclopedias, classic series and even law sets, Hagen said. Year-after-year, he would buy them because they were sets, and there was some curiosity among the Friends as to the reasons behind these quests.
“Did he donate them to classrooms or individuals?” Hagen wondered. “Someone speculated he might have been gluing them together to make furniture. The problem with that is that the covers are all the same dull color. I speculated that he was using the volumes to insulate his house. Anyway, we were so happy to see those heavy boxes of sets go out the door that we never thought to ask him what he did with them.”
Though they have improved their
processes, there are some elements of the sale that have not had an easy resolution.
“One mess we’ve not been able to avoid: we have so many books — particularly novels and mystery titles — that we often end up putting rows or boxes of books under the tables,” Hagen said. “Volunteers come in regularly to straighten rows and move books to the top of the table. Some of us who don’t like to stoop will wander the aisles with sacks to encourage those holding three or more books in their arms to go ahead and fill the sack. Having perused the tables, I can sometimes steer browsers toward authors or titles that might interest them.”
In addition to the deals, the sale also provides casual and avid readers the chance to have some fun wandering among the books, many of which Hagen said represent untried authors and titles.
“We encourage buyers, ‘When in doubt, buy it!’” he said. “After all, if you don’t like it, you can donate it back to the Friends for next year’s sale.” S
GO LONG
SHS Football History Stretches Back 120 Years
BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER
Shawnee High School started playing football 120 years ago … before Oklahoma was a state.
There had been football in the area, but records show 1905 was the first official year of competition. Shawnee lost all three of their games to Enid, El Reno and to Oklahoma City. Those first few years of competition were against schools where the railroad allowed travel.
The competition over the years was tough and included the Oklahoma A&M second team and Ada Normal College. By 1911, football in the city and throughout Oklahoma was popular. Despite their struggles, Shawnee’s team finished 4-3-1 in an eight game schedule.
Finally in 1912, Shawnee became a “big time” school and played for the state championship, losing to Norman 3-0. Yet, they had finally defeated Oklahoma City and Ada Normal College. Charles Higgins was also the team’s first All-Stater.
cluding a park, an empty field, a school playground and most often on the Oklahoma Baptist University field. Then in 1936, Shawnee was awarded money through some public works government programs to construct their own stadium.
It was built just south of the baseball field on the west side of town. In September, Athletic Park football stadium was dedicated at the opening game against Wewoka, which the Wolves won 19-6. After the death of local hero, Jim Thorpe, in 1953, citizens were planning to construct his resting place between the football and baseball fields. His body was in the mausoleum at Fairview Cemetery, but when his wife moved it out of state, Shawnee chose to name the stadium in his honor.
Shawnee High School fielded its first football team in 1905 before Oklahoma had achieved statehood. — Photo submitted
The following year, Shawnee was defeated by Tulsa 21-13 in the state championship after compiling a 6-1-1 record, which included 102-0 win over McAlester. They made the championship game the next year that ended in a 13-13 tie with Norman.
By then, high school sports in Oklahoma were well organized. In 1918, the season was cut short by the Spanish Flu pandemic, but Oklahoma City continued to dominate. The mid-20s was the first mention of a Shawnee team name — the Wolves.
Their color at the time was blue, but by the early 1930s, it had been changed to purple. Reportedly it was because the blue material of the jerseys often faded. Experimenting created a darker shade that appeared purple, so that became the Wolves’ color.
Then during World War II in the 1940s, the school’s color changed again. It was difficult to obtain red dye, and it takes a mixture of red and blue to make purple. Since that time, the Wolves have been blue and white.
The history of Wolves football includes the playing field. For the first few years, games were played at various sites, in-
Since then, there have been many additions and upgrades to the fine football field, including dressing rooms and iron fencing. The latest improvements have been due to the 2023 tornado that struck the area that now also has become the location of the high school since the construction of the field. Jim Thorpe Stadium lost the press box, but a more modern one will become part of the longtime home of the Wolves.
Shawnee has just begun the 119th year of high school football, and during those years, there have been disappointments and excitement. The Wolves won state championships in 1932, 1973 and 2003 — the latter as a 21-20 victory over Lawton MacArthur. Across several years, Shawnee also had runs of a few games into postseason play.
Earlier this month, the Oklahoma City newspaper featured the Wolves with the headline, “Shawnee Ready to Surprise Sleepers in Class 5A.”
The article reads, “Shawnee has all the makings of a team capable of making noise in 2025.”
Could be another year where players might follow the dozens of players who have gone on to play in college and even the two who have Super Bowl rings, but it all started with a few boys more than a hundred years ago who bought their own equipment and uniforms and played their handful of games on school grounds.
PARTICIPATION, NOT PERFECTION
How Can I Stop Being Hard On Myself But
Still Try My Best?
BY PAULANN CANTY, MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST, MS, LMFT
Paulann Canty is a licensed marriage and family therapist and longtime Shawnee resident whose practice, Growthlines LLC, has decades of experience helping community members with a range of issues. She believes seeking therapy takes courage, and she will be answering questions from the community in the Shawnee Outlook every month. Have a question for Paulann? E-mail your question to editor@shawneeoutlook.com with the subject line, “Ask Paulann.”
Judge and Jury asks: I have struggled with perfectionism for as long as I can remember. I want to do my best in everything I do, which I think is good. But I realize I am a harsh judge of myself whenever I fail to “do it right.” I spend a lot of time beating myself up and worrying about what others think of my performance. Is it possible to learn to do my best without self judgement when it’s not perfect?
Dear Judge and Jury,
Doing your best is a worthwhile goal. Perfection is not. If we understood perfection as engaging in the process of becoming more and more the best version of ourselves, then maybe, but perfection is never a one and done.
In the process of living the whole of our life, judgement based on “doing it right” may mean we’re measuring our value before the race is over. Thirty years ago, I discovered the book “Words Were Originally Magic” by Steve de Shazer. It was a clinical book about the use of language in therapy. The title has stayed with me over the years as a reminder of the power of words; of the way they become attached to life events; of the different meaning and impact a single word can have on each of us; and how that can affect our understanding or misunderstanding of each other.
I don’t know all of those word connections for you or of the measures you use for self judgement. I hope you will find the following words helpful, thought-provoking and encouraging. The words we use with ourselves and others matter.
• We often measure ourselves by how we are performing. What if we shifted our focus from performance to participation? Performance in and of itself isn’t a bad word, but it seems to have become something we judge in ourselves and others. Focusing on participation may allow you to let go of perfection while focusing on the process of growth in yourself and others. Participation is open to partnership with others in ways that performance doesn’t always allow.
• Judgement may be a functional word, but it often carries a component of punishment. Judgement of performance in ourselves or others often leads to some form of reprimand or punishment. I find grace to be much more approach-
able than judgement. Grace isn’t blind to our missteps or growing pains but uses them as moments of discovery and lessons learned. Judgement reminds us of our failures. Grace sees all of who we are and celebrates our possibilities as we continue to become.
• Expectation can be a word of possibility, of “what if.” It can also be a word that demands without room for adaptation. Be clear that your expectations for yourself and others invite freedom of movement that allows for “redeciding” when we discover a healthier or better option. Humans are at risk of thinking that if we are good people doing the right things, life will be good and will go right for us and our trail will be smooth. It doesn’t take much living to discover that the trail can be incredibly difficult and uncertain no matter how good we strive to be.
We can live from a bitter place of having been cheated. We can believe that in spite of our determination to be good, we must be flawed and deserving of the hardships we face. Or we can choose to accept that the rain falls on the just and the unjust and that as humans we are not performers but hikers on a trail of undetermined length with a wide array of conditions both awe inspiring and intimidating. And in that space, we have the possibility of discovering the goal of this adventure is not to smooth the trail. The goal is to become a courageous and efficient hiker. To take offense at the fact that the trail is hard is the wrong place to start. Lean into the trail and allow it to teach you all you can be. And in the moments when you stumble or the trail gets rough, dismiss the judge and jury and allow grace to call you out and lead you on to your next best self.
Resources for the Trail
• The Pain of Perfectionism, Leslie Jamison. https://www. newyorker.com/magazine/2025/08/11/the-pain-ofperfectionism
• The Real Reason to Avoid Self-Judgement, Lindsay Staples Ph.D. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/makeup-with-your-mind/202108/the-real-reason-to-avoid-selfjudgment
• Self-Judgement Versus Self-Awareness. https://www. insightsts.com/blog/self-judgement-versus-self-awareness
• Developing a Growth Mindset, Carol Dweck. https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ
• “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,” Carol Dweck
• Offering Yourself Grace, A Personal Perspective: It’s easier said than done. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ the-unedited-offspring/202311/offering-yourself-grace S
Paulann
Sept. 1-30: Legacy Parenting Center will host a month-long diaper drive for Diaper Needs Awareness Week (Sept. 15-21) to collect diapers and wipes for families in need in the areas they serve in Shawnee and beyond. Visit legacyshawnee.com/dnaw or call (405) 432-2844 for information about drop off sites.
Sept. 1-Oct. 19: The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is happy to host the special exhibition, “The Prints of Victor Vasarely,” featuring works by one of the most innovative artists in the field of optical art. Information: mgmoa.org
Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26: Come out and enjoy live music at Theopolis Social Club every Friday night at 419 E. Main St. Follow Theopolis Social Club on Facebook or theopolissc.com for lineups and information.
Sept. 6: The Grey Wolves Jazz Band will play a free concert in the park starting at 6 p.m. at the amphitheater at Woodland Veterans Park at 100 E. Highland. Information: facebook.com/ ShawneePR
Sept. 12: Cole Barnhill will bring his high energy performance to Shawnee for the first time with a show starting at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theatre at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzshawnee.com
Sept. 13: Celebrate the Splash Pad Reopening at Briscoe Rotary Boy Scout Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1400 E.
Sept. 13: Astronaut and NFL wide receiver Leland Melvin will be the keynote speaker at Spark A Change: An Evening of Inspiration, Exploration, and Possibility starting at 6 p.m. at Gordon Cooper Technology Center at 1 John C. Bruton. Presented by the Pioneer Library System Shawnee Public Library, the free event will feature Melvin’s sharing his remarkable journey from the football field to space, and how perseverance, curiosity and courage can launch anyone toward greatness. Information: (405) 275-6353
Sept. 18: Enjoy the sounds of music and melody as Oklahoma Baptist University music students showcase their talents during this upcoming recital at 12:30 p.m. at University Baptist Church at 2515 N. Kickapoo. Free and open to the public. Information: okbu.com/event/musicalrecital
Sept. 18: Legacy Parenting Center will host its ninth annual Tapas and Trivia fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center at 1700 W. Independence to help fund its educational and diaper programs for young families. Information: legacyshawnee.com
Sept. 18: Bikes on Bell Bike Nights returns at 6 p.m. in downtown Shawnee. This monthly family-friendly gathering/ celebration of motorcycle enthusiasts, riders and their friends and family features events, vendors, giveaways and charity fundraising, A portion of the proceeds will benefit Shawnee
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High School band boosters. Information: facebook.com/ ToolboxLLC
Sept. 18: The Third Thursday Poetry Reading will begin at 7 p.m. at the Lunch Box at 217 E. Main St. with a reading by a featured guest followed by an open mic session for attendees to read up to two poems of their own or from a favorite poet. The Lunch Box will open at 6 p.m. with desserts and drinks available.
Sept. 19: Rock out to the high energy sounds of The Dead Aces and The Tyler Lee Band during their show starting at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theatre at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzshawnee.com
Sept. 20: Pott. Co. Pedal Palooza is an exciting community bike festival designed to promote bicycle safety and provide a fun-filled day for families starting at 10 a.m. at Briscoe Rotary Boy Scout Park at 1400 E. Main. With a bike parade, rodeo, community ride, decorating station, giveaways, games, food and music, attendees can expect a variety of engaging activities aimed at fostering a community spirit while emphasizing the importance of bicycle safety and healthy living. Information: facebook.com/PottawatomieCountyGo
Sept. 20: Come get to know A Man Named Cash, a tribute to the music and lives of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash with a show starting at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theatre at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzshawnee.com
Sept. 25: The Community Market of Pottawatomie County is excited to host its annual Harvest Moon dinner starting at 6 p.m. at 120 S. Center St. This is the market’s largest fundraiser and directly impacts the services they are able to provide to hungry families in communities in Pottawatomie, Seminole and Lincoln counties. It will be a night full of good food, great drinks and even better company. Information: ourcommunitymarket.org
Sept. 27: Kiss tribute band Dressed to Kill will rock downtown Shawnee along with Karma, a Stone Temple Pilots tribute band, with a show starting at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theatre at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzshawnee.com
Oct. 1-4: The Friends of the Shawnee Public Library book sale will feature a variety of discount days and membership
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opportunities during its four-day event at the library at 101 N. Philadelphia.
Oct. 3: Redeemer Lutheran Church will host a free monthly movie night presented by for a fun night of fellowship, movie, pop and popcorn at 7 p.m. at 39307 MacArthur St. Parents and grandparents can enjoy a worry-free evening of movie entertainment while the kids watch an age-appropriate movie. Information: facebook.com/redeemerlutheranshawnee
Oct. 3: Texas-based singer-songwriter Brayden Stewart will bring his sound to town with a show at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theatre at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzshawnee.com
Oct. 4: St. Benedict Catholic Church is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved and renamed Fall Festival. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever with an array of activities and attractions for all ages. The festivities will kick off with the much-anticipated Granny's Attic sale starting at 9 a.m. offering a variety of treasures and unique finds. Starting at 10 a.m., the festival will come alive with kids' games, adult games, vendors, beer garden, live entertainment and a delicious assortment of food. Information: stbenedict.us/fall-festival
Oct. 4: Worrel’s Haven women’s sober living house will host a spicy competition during its 2nd annual chili cook-off from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Shawnee High School at 1001 N. Kennedy. Information: facebook.com/WorrelsHaven
Oct. 5: Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma will host its monthly public run 1-4 p.m. at 29626 Lake Drive in McLoud. Ride the rails on powered ⅛-scale locomotives right outside of Shawnee Twin Lakes. Information: locotrains.org
Oct. 9: Celebrate Project Safe’s 40th birthday at its annual Honey Do Auction and Fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Casino event center at 777 Grand Casino Blvd, which supports its Freedom House emergency shelter and work with survivors of domestic violence. The evening will feature food, live and silent auctions and author and speaker Robert Attaway, who will share his experience of growing up with domestic violence. Information: projectsafe.com/about-3-1
If you know of any events you would like to see featured, email editor@shawneeoutlook.com.
