Shawnee Outlook

Shop Shawnee | School Turf Project

DECEMBER 23 Vol. 20 Number 10

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CONTENTS

19

features

DECEMBER 2023

PUBLISHER

Okie Icon Media

MANAGING EDITOR

David Dinsmore

ADVERTISING SALES

Brad Carter

CREATIVE DIRECTION Kelsey Walker Fawn Wilson-Olivarez

10

departments

9 Angels Wings: Modern Depictions Of Angels Have Changed Over Centuries

6

KEEP THE CHANGE NUTRITION 101

10 Solid Footing: Turf Project A Reality Due To School, Community Partnerships

6 22

OVER THE FENCE

24

SONIC CONTEST

13 Shop Shawnee: New eGift Cards Keep Holiday Dollars In Shawnee

25

SHAWNEE HISTORY

26

MENTAL HEALTH

19 Bodéwadmimwen: National Endowment Immerses Students In Potawatomi Language

29

CALENDAR

WRITERS

Andrea Beck Alicja Carter David Dinsmore Brandon Dyer Ann McDonald Angela Rowland Delaynna Trim Paige Willett

CONTACT US

PO Box 1365 Shawnee, OK 74802 info@shawneeoutlook.com

To Advertise, call Brad (405) 445-3033

Volume 20, Number 10 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Okie Icon Media. © 2023 Okie Icon Media Articles and advertisements in Shawnee Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Okie Icon Media. Okie Icon Media does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

The acceptance of advertising by Shawnee Outlook does not constitute endorsement of products, services, political candidates/parties or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Shawnee Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

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5

keep the change

nutrition 101

TRAVEL L AFFORDABLY

M

y family recently returned from a trip I didn’t think we’d ever be able to afford, but with a little bit of ingenuity, patience and spontaneity, we were able to make it happen.

Here are my tips: • Subscribe to a travel watch site. Going.com allows you to select dream destinations and will email you regularly Angela Rowland with deals for flights and more that you might find interesting. They have a paid subscription, but the free options were enough to help us find our flight deals.

• Fly cheaper airlines. Southwest has often been the standard cheap airline option, but these days, other budget airlines like Frontier or Breeze help you save with bare bone options.

• Be flexible. Being willing to fly out of various cities within a certain radius may give you more affordable options. Being flexible on your dates may also help you save – flying on weekdays, for example, can often save hundreds.

• Pack lightly. It has become common for airlines to charge for checked bags. Making the most of your carry-on and personal item will save you on checked-bag fees as well as time spent at baggage claim.

• Check home rentals. AirBnB and VRBO are the top options for home rentals, but there are other options as well. Book well in advance but be sure to check the cancellation policy. As your travel dates approach and while in your free cancellation window, be sure to check again. Some accommodations may open up or new listings may be created.

You may find nicer options for less than your original booking.

• Save on sightseeing. Focus on free sights to visit – some things worth visiting are free without tours or other frills. Others might be bundled with a city pass or memberships, so do your research. S

Angela Rowland is an OBU graduate and a stay-at-home mother of four. She enjoys finding new ways to stretch the paycheck and share some of her favorite tips and deals.

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VITAMIN D TIPS FOR WINTER ow vitamin D levels are pretty common, especially in these colder months.

Signs that you should have your vitamin D checked would include extreme fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, muscle aches, muscle cramps, mood changes, depression and anxiety. Low vitamin D can even be associated with heart disease, cancer and immunity problems. Low vitamin D levels are even more common in older adults, those with limited sun exposure, diseases with decreased fat absorption, obese individuals and those on certain medications that block the absorption. Oftentimes in the colder months, we aren’t getting enough sun exposure. Ideally we would get around 30 minutes of sunshine three times a week. The sunlight’s UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. When you get that 30 minutes of sunshine, don’t wear sunscreen so your body can absorb the sunlight. After 30 minutes of sunshine, you can put on your sunscreen.

If any of the above symptoms or issues sound familiar, I would highly recommend getting your vitamin D levels checked by a professional like me or your primary care provider. When the results are in, we know to look for at least a range of 20-40 ng/mL with optimal levels between 40-70 ng/mL. Not having your vitamin D levels within range can lead to osteoporosis. Two other ways of getting your levels up is through food and/or supplementation. Oily fish like salmon, sardines, swordfish and tuna can help you vitamin D levels. How much supplementation is needed depends on how low the levels are and an individual’s weight. Obese individuals and those with really low levels need a higher supplementation amount. When looking for a supplement, it is best to get vitamin D3 with K2 in it. Taking these two together could help to increase the body’s ability to metabolize calcium effectively.

Dietitians can also help you with your vitamin D supplements if needed. We are always here to help. In the meantime, try this easy way of working some tuna into your meal routine.

Salad Topped with Tuna

Need a quick lunch? You can put this meal together pretty quickly and get in all your food groups with the great health benefits of tuna.

Ingredients: 2 cups of leafy greens 1 can tuna ½ cup shredded broccoli 2 Tbsp avocado oil slaw dressing ½ cup sliced cucumbers 1 cup of fruit on the side Directions: Place all ingredients except the salad dressing in a bowl. Put dressing on when ready to eat. Makes: 1 serving Nutritional Information per Serving Calories: 406 Total Fat: 14g Saturated Fat: 1.5g Cholesterol: 77mg Sodium: 721mg Total Carbohydrates: 32g Dietary Fiber: 2.5g Protein: 38g Nutrition 101: When putting together a balanced meal, you are trying to make sure that the meal provides carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein. When the meal provides all three macronutrients, you get so much more out of the meal. You get the most nutrition balance from the meal, but you also get fuller from the meal and stay full longer. The carbohydrates provide you with energy. The protein helps your muscle mass and for you to stay full longer. The healthy fats are great for your heart. Each macronutrient plays an important role. At your next meal, ask yourself if your meal provides all three. If you find you need help understanding the three macronutrients, please reach out to me. I would love to help. S 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.

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art of the matter

ANGELS WINGS Modern Depictions Of Angels Have Changed Over Centuries

A

SUBMITTED BY DELAYNNA TRIM CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS MABEE-GERRER MUSEUM OF ART

ngels have a big part to play in the Christmas story about the birth of Christ. Did you know that angels are an important part of not only Christianity but also Judaism, Islam and Zoroastrianism?

In the Christian tradition, angels are often seen as intermediaries between God and people or as protectors of people.

Angels play a big role in Christmas art Angels were first mentioned in the Zoroastrian faith which dates and decor, though the depictions of to 15th century BC Iran. Angels feature in the Zoroastrian legend wings do not appear to have become of the cosmic clash between Ahura Mazda, the benevolent deity, common until the 4th century. and Angra Mainyu, the hostile deity, along with their armies of angels and demons. Angels bridge the divide between Heaven and Earth. In the Quran, Muhammad encounters several angels during his journey through the heavens.

If you want to see more angels with wings, come check out In Christian art, angels were not depicted with wings until the “Angels Among Us” exhibit at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of the 4th century AD, because the Bible rarely describes angels as Art from December 16 until January 28. having wings. Often in the Bible, angels are described as looking Check out www.mgmoa.org/art-projects for more activities like men. In the late 4th century, St. Ephrem and others wrote including how to make a paper angel and other angel art activities. that those who are righteous gain wings. St. John Chrysostom (c.340-407), the Archbishop of Constantinople, wrote that angels Paper Angel should be depicted with wings to show their power and that they Supplies needed: are above humans. Wings helped set angels apart from people Cut paper or cardstock, glue, string in art. It is thought that angels depicted with wings started out For the wings: Two strips of paper 3/4 inch x 6 inches as mimicking the Roman winged Victory figures. Many early For the head: One strip 3/4 inch x 4 inches Christian depictions of Biblical figures started out as copying For the top of the body: One strip 3/4 inch x 7 inches depictions of Greco-Roman gods and mythological figures.

For the bottom of the body: One strip 3/4 inch x 3 1/2 inch The earliest known representation of angels with wings Place glue onto one edge of your four-inch-long strip and is on what is called the Prince's Sarcophagus, or glue it into a circle.

Sarcophagus of Sarigüzel, found near Istanbul in the Make an angel wing by placing some glue on one 1930s and attributed to the time of Theodosius I (379edge of a 6-inch strip and gluing the other end down 395 AD). A pair of angels are depicted holding the on top of it to form a teardrop shape. Do this for the monogram of Christ on the side of the sarcophagus. second wing.

Most of the depictions of angels that we are familiar To make the angel’s body place glue onto both with today come from Renaissance and Baroque ends of the 7-inch strip and glue them down onto art. Some artists like Jan van Eyck even depicted each end of the 3 1/2-inch strip, forming a bell shape. angels with multicolored feather wings. During the Glue the head on top of the body.

Scan this code to visit Christmas season especially, you see angels being the Mabee-Gerrer Glue each wing to the side of the angel. depicted in many different ways. Do you have any Museum of Art’s atCut a piece of yarn or twine and tie it through the angels in your house or on your Christmas tree? head of the angel to form a loop for hanging. S home project page. www.shawneeoutlook.com

9

sports

SOLID FOOTING Turf Project A Reality Due To School, Community Partnerships

COURTESY OF SHAWNEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

T

aking an opportunity to rebuild from the devastation of last spring’s tornado, Shawnee Board of Education members approved a new turf project for Jim Thorpe Stadium during its recent November meeting.

“The board’s decision will give our students even more opportunities to learn and succeed,” said Dr. Aaron Espolt, Shawnee Public Schools superintendent.

The board approved the project following the acceptance of $1.825 million in gifts for various organizations to be used toward the district’s total tornado recovery efforts. The district will use a portion of the donations along with insurance funds toward a $1.3-million-turf project for the historic Jim Thorpe Stadium.

The stadium, along with much of the SHS campus and the entire school district, was heavily damaged during a tornado in April 2023. The district suffered approximately $30 million in total damage.

“The timing for this turf project could not be better,” Espolt said. “These donations from our partners are making our vision of turning devastation into opportunity a reality.”

The spring tornado caused extensive damage to the Jim Thorpe Stadium complex that will require the replacement or repair of a press box, goal posts, play clocks, scoreboard and sound equipment, Espolt said. With the stadium shut down due to those needed repairs already, the time was right to move forward with installing a turf field, he added. Shawnee is currently one of only five 5A/6A school districts without turf, and during recent community forums, Espolt said many parents shared with him their desire for Shawnee to have updated facilities.

Leading the turf project’s donations is the Avedis Foundation, the board of which unanimously voted to support the turf project with $500,000, said Dr. Kathy Laster, president and CEO of the Avedis Foundation.

“It is truly our honor and our pleasure to get to be a part of such an exciting thing that is going to happen for Shawnee, Oklahoma, and this school district,” Laster said. “We have watched as 10

www.shawneeoutlook.com

Celebrating the announcement of a new turf project for Shawnee Public School’s Jim Thorpe Stadium are, front row, from left, Steve Wallace, Vision Bank; Dr. Jess Koch, SPS coordinator of federal grants and innovative programs; Tyler Wilburn, Arvest Bank; Stacy Beach, Sovereign Bank; Paul Bass, First United Bank; Dr. Aaron Espolt, superintendent; Dax Leone, SPS director of athletics and activities; Dr. Kathy Laster, Avedis Foundation; Casey Bell, BancFirst; Jason Melot, GeoSurfaces; Jason Madonna, SHS football coach; and Julia Holland, SPS assistant director of athletics and activities. Back row, from left, are Shawnee board members Turner Bass, Bobby Canty, Russ Oliver, Clif Harden, Keith Sandlin and April Stobbe.

Shawnee Public Schools has done amazing things in recent years.

We believe education is so important, and we are solidly behind you.”

Other organizations making donations toward the district’s storm recovery include Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation, A&S Roofing and Contracting, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Coryell Roofing, Arvest Bank, BancFirst, First United Bank, Sovereign Bank and Vision Bank.

While explaining why the turf project was deemed a priority with the district’s recovery, Espolt extolled the opportunities a turf field provides for all students, not just the obvious benefit to the football teams. He mentioned how a turf field will mean the Shawnee “Pride of the Pack” marching band will no longer have to practice in a parking lot and soccer teams will no longer be forced to move home matches to their opponents’ fields due to muddy conditions. He also explained how the field could be used for PE classes and elementary intramural sports.

Espolt added that the SHS Class of 2024 has expressed their desire to continue a new tradition of holding graduation exercises at Jim Thorpe Stadium and having a turf field makes planning for the ceremony much more feasible.

“Praying that it doesn’t rain the week of graduation has been

Artist’s rendering of the Jim Thorpe Stadium turf project. part of recent graduation plans,” he said.

Because Jim Thorpe Stadium is the largest outdoor venue in Shawnee, a turf field allows SPS to increase its partnership with community groups, civic organizations, the City of Shawnee and local tribal nations to host events, Espolt said. Past events such as the Kiwanis Little Olympics have been hindered due to rain causing unsafe field conditions at the stadium.

A turf field is also a benefit to the economic growth of Shawnee, Espolt explained.

“Because our district is well respected within Oklahoma athletics and activities organizations and because of its central location, we will have even more opportunities to host events such as state-level football games, state-level soccer tournaments and marching band competitions,” Espolt said.

Shawnee hosting these events will attract more visitors and financial growth opportunities to the community, he said. Espolt gave an example of the district serving as a host site of the Class 2A, 3A and 4A state baseball tournaments, sporting events that have become some of the larger visitor attractions for Shawnee.

Board members also acted during the meeting to contract with GeoSurfaces to provide all materials, labor and equipment for the turf project.

Dax Leone, director of athletics and activities for SPS, said that GeoSurfaces provides a long-lasting, safe product that is cooler than other turf fields. This type of field reduces the chances of students incurring concussions and ACL and groin injuries.

Other student programs also benefiting from the gifts accepted at the board meeting include SHS tennis and wrestling.

Julia Holland, the district’s assistant athletic director, stood alongside coaches and student athletes from the two programs to announce they had received a $75,000 gift from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation. The gift will have an immediate impact on helping replace uniforms and equipment, said wrestling coach Andrew McCune, who was joined by his girls wrestling team members. McCune said girls wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports in the state and nation, and he is glad Shawnee supports the team.

Espolt said construction on the new Jim Thorpe Stadium field is expected to begin this semester.

S

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SHOP SHAWNEE

New eGift Cards Keep Holiday Dollars In Shawnee

S

BY DAVID DINSMORE

hopping local goes digital this year with the new Shop Shawnee eGift card program that helps keep the dollars from holiday shopping – and gift-giving the whole year round – in the community.

“What makes the Shop Shawnee eGift card unlike traditional gift cards is that it can be used at multiple locations throughout the City of Shawnee until the dollars on the card are exhausted, giving the recipient much more variety than receiving a gift card from a single store and having to use all the dollars there,” said Crystal Romanyszyn, Shawnee Forward’s President and CEO. “It also can be sent digitally, so the days of having to make sure you the holidays, birthdays, graduations, don't lose a gift certificate or having it anniversaries or other special occahandy when you want to use it are in sions – was an innovative way for locals the past.” to make sure their shopping dollars Shop Shawnee eGift cards can be and the sales tax that is the lifeblood of given via email or text, but Roma- Oklahoma city budgets have the bignyszyn said that if someone prefers to gest impact. have something to wrap and present By supporting local businesses, to someone, there is an option to print more money continues circulating the gift card. Shop Shawnee eGift cards through the local community through also can be used as prizes at holiday a combination of profits paid to ownfunctions and can be given to employ- ers, wages to local workers, goods and ees as holiday gifts this season as well. services procured locally for internal Though Shawnee Forward prouse or resale and charimoted and participated in table giving within the national shop local camcommunity, according to paigns to help support loa Shawnee Forward press cal businesses in the past, release. American Exthey saw other communipress reports that 68 cents ties starting to incorpoof every dollar spent at a rate local eGift cards into small business stays in the those efforts with some community and creates success, Romanyszyn an additional 48 cents in said. This approach for Scan this code to business activity as small gifting locally as well as purchase Shop business owners and emShawnee eGift cards shopping directly at local and see where they can ployees shop and dine in businesses – whether for be redeemed. the community. This is in

stark contrast to only about 43 cents staying in the local economy when that money is spent at a corporate chain.

As part of the launch of the Shop Shawnee campaign, First United Bank is sponsoring a buy-one-get-one perk that allows the purchaser of an eGift card to receive an additional eGift card for free that they can either give to someone else or keep for themselves.

For example, someone can purchase a $50 gift card and get a $25 bonus gift card funded by First United Bank’s sponsorship while supplies last.

Participating merchants don’t have to pay extra to participate in the Shop Shawnee eGift card program and can run the gift cards in their establishments like a typical Mastercard purchase, Romanyszyn said, and the effects of purchasing gifts and goods from them benefit more than just the gift recipient.

Local businesses provide more than products or services, including direct jobs to residents. They also utilize oth- > er local businesses for support services www.shawneeoutlook.com

13

like a local graphic design firm to create marketing materials and then a local printer to print those marketing materials, which helps create indirect jobs.

Creating these jobs builds more buying power in a community, further supporting local businesses via personal spending, Romanyszyn said.

Increased buying power can lead to what are known as induced jobs, and this cycle keeps money circulating locally.

“In Oklahoma, where cities are funded solely through sales tax revenue, the importance of this cannot be understated,” Romanyszyn said.

“Keeping our dollars local then translates to programs and services provided by our city government.

“Online shopping simply takes money from our local economy. All those jobs created and needed by the reasons above are reduced. Fewer jobs created, less buying power of the community, less sales tax collected for the city to use for city services.”

The Shop Shawnee eGift card program will also live on beyond the holiday season, with other special events like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Father's Day on the horizon and throughout the year.

“There is no end to the amount of times you would be able to gift a Shop Shawnee card to someone over the course of the year,” Romanyszyn said. “As the program becomes more known to the community, merchants will continue to join, and so the variety of locations where the card can be redeemed will grow.”

Any business in the city of Shawnee that can process a Mastercard can participate in the program, and it only takes a couple of minutes to enroll.

To purchase Shop Shawnee eGift cards or to enroll as a local business to accept them, visit ShawneeForward.com.

For more enrollment information and guidance, local businesses can also call Shawnee Forward at (405) 273-6092. S 14

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Think 'Smart' This Holiday Season And Save Money Year-Round COURTESY OF CANADIAN VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE This holiday season, think “smart” and consider giving a loved one – or yourself – a gift that keeps on giving.

Many smart devices reduce home energy use, which can put a little more jingle in your pocket.

Josh Holt, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative, is encouraging people to make their holidays more energy-efficient with the use of smart gadgets.

“Everyone from Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative wishes you joyous holidays filled with energy-efficient moments that not only brighten your celebrations but also lighten your energy bills," said Holt.

Consider these five energy-saving smart gadgets while shopping this holiday season: Smart thermostats learn users’ schedules and the temperatures they prefer to keep their home. It then remembers these temperatures while a home is occupied and adjusts to a more energysaving setting when it’s not to avoid heating and cooling an empty home.

Smart thermostats also feature apps that let family members change the temperature from anywhere in the world using a phone or other mobile device. Owners may also use the app to see how much energy is used and why, and then use that information to make appropriate adjustments to their home energy usage.

Smart lighting saves energy in multiple ways. Smart light bulbs last longer and use less power. Smart lighting systems also have scheduled timers and allow you to remotely turn the lights off, which is a great feature if you have loved ones who constantly leave the lights on.

Virtual assistants, like Siri or Alexa, can connect to smart thermostats, smart lights, entertainment center devices and others. With a few spoken words, virtual assistants can turn lights, appliances and other devices off and on; activate and de-

activate security systems; shut or open a garage door; and more. These home automation devices allow homeowners to control their appliances and create daily smart-home routines through smartphone apps, creating many new ways to save energy. For example, owners can schedule kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers and coffeemakers, to run while they are out of the house or to operate at a specific time every day.

Thermal Leak Detectors use infrared sensors to detect energy-draining drafts so they can be repaired or filled to make your home more energy efficient. Thermal imaging accessories now exist for smartphones as well, converting them into lightweight, portable thermal leak detectors. Repairing thermal leaks in a home can save up to 20 percent in heating and cooling costs.

Smart power strips and surge protectors are a less expensive option to gain some smart technology without upgrading all appliances and devices to smart models. Smarter devices that can be used independently of an allsmart home, the strips can detect when a device is in standby mode and cut its power supply. Using smart power strips can reduce a home’s overall energy usage, which equates to savings on your energy bill.

For more energy-saving tips, visit mycvec.coop/reduce-energy. S

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culture

BODÉWADMIMWEN

National Endowment Immerses Students In Potawatomi Language

BY PAIGE WILLETT, CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION PUBLIC INFORMATION DEPARTMENT

F

ewer than five first-language Bodéwadmimwen (Potawatomi language) speakers are alive in North America.

Citizen Potawatomi Language Department Director Justin Neely began working for the tribe more than 15 years ago and took on a new challenge this summer to expand the number of fluent second-language speakers with help from The Endangered Language Fund.

CPN was one of four Native Voices Endowment grant recipients in 2022, which the department used to fund a summer master apprentice project in 2023. This is the first immersion program Neely has offered as a language teacher, and the grant helped pay for

Mikayla Paison practices language exercises during the CPN-led Bodéwadmimwen language immersion this past summer. three students to study Bodéwadmimwen for eight hours per day, five days a week for eight weeks. One language department staff member also joined the group as well as a graduate student and two tribal members eager to audit the class, making a total of seven students.

“I’m very, very proud of each of these individuals for taking the time and effort to try to learn. Because one thing that I think is the hardest to get is enough time with people,” Neely said.

Lorrie Underwood came to CPN

from Colorado for the program, which lasted from May 30 to July 21.

She spent several years working on the language on her own but decided not to pass up the unique opportunity to immerse herself despite the distance.

“It’s been an amazing program,” Underwood said. “I’ve met some amazing people, and I’m just very thankful that everything turned out the way that it did.”

Marilyn Annanders has also been studying Bodéwadmimwen for the last few years, and when her granddaughter, Mikayla Paison, got accepted into the summer master program, she decided to audit the class alongside her.

“I’m trying to start a fire because I know I’m not (an expert), but here’s www.shawneeoutlook.com

> 19

my ember,” she said, pointing to Paison.

It has brought them closer together and filled a generational divide. Paison had no experience and knew only three or four words Annanders had taught her when the program began.

“I figured I would delve a little bit deeper into (the language),” Paison said. “I actually didn’t think I would actually get accepted into (the program), but I’m really, really glad that I did. And it’s definitely something I’m going to work on in the future as well.”

Kansas University doctoral student Matt Biel worked hard to find funding to spend the summer in Oklahoma and participate. While he did not receive funds from the Endangered Language grant, he was able to travel with the help of his graduate studies program.

“Having gone to university and having mistakenly wandered into ancient history for a while where I had to do several languages, I can say … this has been a far better experience than any university, any other language learning process that I’ve gone through,” mostly because of the hands-on approach, Biel said.

Tribal member Cole Rattan felt the call to learn the language and the Potawatomi culture as a young boy and into adulthood. He considers Bodéwadmimwen the basis for all other cultural practices, and the program has helped him progress further in his understanding than ever before.

“It’s almost like we’re doing our best

to get as much as we can, and it’s eight weeks, but we’re going to, after this, be able to have a good handle on it moving forward,” Rattan said. “And I think everybody in this room is actually serious about learning the language.”

All the students expanded their vocabularies and abilities to construct sentences, conjugate verbs and converse. They created group chats to send each other voice memos to speak the language. Having each other to practice with all day made the biggest difference in their progress, and they also took on cultural traditions together, including growing ceremonial sema (tobacco).

Rattan feels speaking the language is a spiritual act, and he put his skills

CPN Language Director Justin Neely leads a Bodéwadmimwen language immersion class. to the test while caring for their medicines. Annanders recalled seeing his progress in the garden.

“We get down there to visit our sema and take care of it,” Annanders said. “And we said, ‘Well, we ought to say a prayer.’ And Cole says, ‘I can do that.’ And he did an amazing job, all in Potawatomi, and I felt like a proud peacock down there working with these two young ones because he did so good.”

They all look forward to teaching future generations and spreading their knowledge amongst their family and friends. They saw the opportunity to

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spend eight weeks learning the language as contributing to something bigger than themselves, and Neely recognized that in his students as well.

“They’re putting all this effort in,” Neely said. “They’re creating a language community for each other and for the future, “And the more folks that we can get to take that kind of level of commitment, will take the tribe, will take us as Potawatomi people, far into the future.”

Find more learning opportunities from the CPN Language Department at cpn.news/language. S

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over the fence

HIGH VALUE

Good Neighbors Can Be Priceless

W

BY BRANDON DYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY RENEWAL OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

hat made you pick the neighhome when you are out of town. Oftentimes, they will pick your borhood you live in? Was it a paper up or take care of your trash bin when great location? The right-size you are gone. They lend tools. They lend their home? Maybe it was a barears. And somehow this works to help build gain, or the rent was just right? the kind of place we want to live.

I suppose there are many reasons a person It also inspires us to become the kind of people could choose to live where they do, but sometimes our community needs us to be. You cannot receive the reason you choose a home is not the same reason the goodwill of a neighbor and not want to somethat causes you to stay. how repay that goodness to someone else. This sort of I know a young couple that was just starting out. He kindness is the salve our neighborhoods need to heal worked. She stayed home with the kiddos as a full-time the self-inflicted wounds of hyper-individualism. mother. They rented a house in town, and though it was We must learn to live for more than ourselves. When a little tight and a bit over budget, it worked for them. we do – when we learn to live our lives with an eye toSoon a new home in a different neighborhood came Brandon Dyer ward our neighbors – we will begin to see our commuup for rent. It had more space for the kids and was better nity change into the kind of place that feels like home. for their budget. It seemed like a no-brainer, but one day a block The kind of place where we want to plant deep roots – even if it leader knocked on their door to say hello and welcomed them costs us a little extra. S to the neighborhood. This block leader invited them to a block party and told them of all the wonderful things their neighbors do together like walking groups and movie nights. Soon they met DEC 2023 another block leader from a few blocks over who helped them get connected with even more neighbors.

Tag Agency It was a bit overwhelming at first, but these interactions left an impression on this young couple. Even though the home they were in was a little over budget and the other home was a better fit for them financially, they chose to stay put. They knew this was a special place to raise a young family and that you can’t put a price tag on good neighbors.

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shawnee history

HOMEFRONT

Shawnee Citizens Complied With Rationing To Support WWII Efforts

E

BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER

ighty two years ago this month the world dramatically order also included golf balls, tennis balls, erasers or garden changed, including Shawnee. hoses. Reclaimed rubber was OK, but experts said it could not The war involving our allies in Europe was already be used in girdles because after a few stretches it didn’t bounce causing concerns for the U.S. The draft was beginning, back into shape. and many were volunteering. Then, we were attacked from the Some welcomed the new “dress code” when shorter dresswest. Overnight, everything changed for all families at one level es became “patriotic.” Rationing became stricter as the war or another. Many boarded buses and trains continued. Sugar was still available but in to leave for training with bands and crowds smaller amounts. Controls on meat were to see them off, carrying a Bible and a caradded. Food in metal cans were on the list ton of cigarettes – gifts from their fellow as metal drives were held. Old trolley tracks Shawnee citizens. on north Broadway were taken up to doThen, girls entered the military and took nate. Shawnee’s Boy Scouts went through on jobs men had left behind. They went the neighborhoods asking housewives to by carpool to the air base in Midwest City, donate a pan. The metal would go to probuilding and repairing airplanes. Blue stars, duce items “the soldiers needed.” Children sometimes even two or three, began to aplearned they too were helping win the war pear in houses’ windows around town with when they handed the Scout a metal toy. prayers they wouldn’t have to be changed Years later, gasoline rationing was the to gold, signifying that a family member most remembered. Because of that and the wouldn’t be coming home. tire rationing, cars were often simply put Almost overnight, came the rationing. up on blocks for the “duration.” Citizens The Federal Price Administration Board walked to school, downtown to shop, to set a quota for tires, and local businessmen church, to visit others. Regular cars were formed a County Tire Board that decided only allowed four gallons a week. Others who got Pott County’s allotted 57 car and Rationing of certain resources – such as doctors, construction workers, like fuel fell into categories motorcycle tires and 48 tubes and the allotfarmers and truckers – displayed a stamp during World War II to help ted 27 truck tires and 81 tubes. Kib Warren’s that allowed more gasoline. The post ofcitizens at home support the plumbing shop and Fred Turner’s bus fleet efforts of the troops overseas. — fice was authorized to sell the stamps that got the first of the truck allotment. citizens then displayed on their vehicle Photo submitted Citing it as a patriotic duty, Shawnee growindshield. One thousand of the gasoline cers cut delivery trips to two daily. Another early rationing was stamps were sold in the Shawnee post office the first day of issugar since our sugar was imported. School teachers issued ra- suance. tion books. Each individual in a household was entitled to 12 About a year after the war in the Pacific began, Shawnee was ounces a week. Those who hoarded sugar could face fines up named the site of a Naval Air Station where navigators were to $10,000. trained. Buildings appeared near Oklahoma Baptist University Normal amenities available to the public – such as a new car to house the sailors, classrooms, offices and the huge hangar.

– ended as the stock ran out. Production of refrigerators end- Personnel and their families swarmed into town needing housed in mid-winter 1942 as did typewriters. Lack of paper grew ing. Local citizens moved in together and rented out their own acute, so the Kiwanis sponsored a waste saving project with place. It was common to have two or three families living in Boy Scouts going around to homes collecting bundles of paper. one home.

Who would have expected clothing to be “rationed?” In And OBU had an Air Corps school, stretching Shawnee’s March, the local mens’ shops could no longer add cuffs to trou- resources even more. Then after nearly five years, the war was sers. Citizens were able to buy only three pairs of shoes within over. Those in service, some having been gone for several years, a year. Maybe the worst restriction for the ladies was that no came home. Slowly, Shawnee citizens got back to “normal” but more crude rubber could be used to manufacture girdles. The remembered that they had helped win the war. S www.shawneeoutlook.com

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mental health

WINTER BLUES

I

Locals Share Ways To Make The Most Of Darker, Colder Season

BY ALICJA CARTER

n October, I was doing a is why its rates are higher in the wellness check-in with northern part of the U.S. and some of our Gateway Canada and lower in the south staff. One individual (Rachel Treisman, 2023, Winter mentioned that she was a little is coming. ‘Here’s how to spotconcerned about the inevitable and treat-signs of seasonal decolder weather, decreased sunpression’, NPR’s Morning EdiCarter light and busyness of the holiday tion, 4 November) season that could have a negative According to the American impact on her mind, mood and body. Her Psychiatric Association, SAD symptoms sentiments were met with mutual under- can vary from mild to severe and include standing from the group. This seemingly fatigue; increased cravings for carbohycommon experience made me want to re- drates; difficulty concentrating or making search Seasonal Affective Disorder as well decisions; and feeling sad, disinterested as what local community members are or purposeless. doing to move through their winter blues.

Below are suggestions for treating According to the American Psychi- such symptoms (American Psychiatric atric Association, “Seasonal affective Association, “5 Tips to Beat the ‘Winter disorder is a form of depression also Blues’”, YouTube, 1 December 2022, www. known as SAD, seasonal depression or youtube.com/watch?v=EgPUzhJ7cKg) winter depression. SAD has been linked • Take in as much light as possible. This to a biochemical imbalance in the brain could include opening your window prompted by shorter daylight hours and shades or curtains, being outside in less sunlight in winter. As seasons change, the daylight hours, adding extra lamps people experience a shift in their biologito your work or living space, replaccal internal clock or circadian rhythm ing light bulbs with blue LED lights or that can cause them to be out of step with even sitting in front of a light therapy their daily schedule.” box for about 20 minutes per day first Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) thing every morning. impacts 5 percent of the adult popula• Create a daily schedule for yourself. tion. Another 10 percent of people may While you still need sleep, it can be suffer from subsyndromal SAD, in which beneficial to connect to a routine that they experience symptoms when seasons may include taking a shower, enjoying change but do not meet the criteria for a hobby, tidying up around the house, clinical depression. Symptoms may be catching up with a friend or even takexperienced for up to 40 percent of the ing a walk. This helps sleep to be a time year, with January and February often beof restoration rather than avoidance. ing the most difficult. Researchers believe • Take 10 minutes a day to move your that rates of SAD are about three times as body. Whether it's walking, stretching, high in women as in men. Women who dancing, shoveling snow or playing tend to have more premenstrual mood with kiddos, movement reduces anxichanges are more likely to develop SAD ety, depression and negative moods as and vice versa. Individuals experiencing a well as improves self-esteem, a feeling considerable amount of stress may also be of connection, and brain function. more susceptible to SAD. (National Institutes of Health) SAD typically starts when a person is • Stay connected to your people. You between the ages of 18-30 and can affect may want to schedule regular checkall people groups. It is more common in ins with your friends, co-workers, suppeople living far from the equator, which port group members or therapist. This 26

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way you aren’t waiting until you “feel like it” to engage in social connection.

Even going to a workout class, meeting or grocery store can be a way to fill your cup before going back home to snuggle under your blankets.

• Consult your doctor to see if they recommend Vitamin D supplements or possibly antidepressant medications.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are most commonly used to treat SAD. Although the winter blues may be inevitable, you can take small steps like the ones mentioned above to help you find some balance and to keep from sinking too low.

Below, local community members share their challenges, coping skills and what they’ve learned to avoid during this changing season.

• Lisa Watson shares, “My challenge during this season are the memorable holidays which make me miss my mom more often. I still smile, but I think of her even more during these times. Things that help me cope are talking with my core group of friends to share my feelings, decorating with a lot of my mom’s favorite items, helping others and creating memories with my family (just like my mom did). I try to stay away from slow and sad songs.”

• Lancia Berglan shares, “I really hate winter. I hate being stuck inside for several months in a row. To cope, I like to bring the outside in with pine branches or wreaths (even faux), a little rosemary tree and real wood burning in the fireplace. Also, I love sitting in my living room with lowered lights in the evening, watching the fireplace burn and seeing the lights from my Christmas tree or on the mantel. I have just decided that taking my Christmas tree down right after Christmas is not for me. I leave it up and enjoy it through the dreary month of January.”

• Misty Wells shares, “I have hypothyroidism, so cold intolerance is definitely a thing. Since winter weather keeps me indoors more, I read a lot, go to the gym and talk to friends on the phone versus in person. I also try to get outside as much as possible on nicer days. I have noticed that too much TV time gets really boring. I need interaction with others.”

• Teri Sigman shares, “Gloomy, cold, dreary winter days can get me depressed. I have found that my staying active by working out makes me feel so much better. Whether it’s Zumba, boot camp, step aerobics or anything else that I enjoy, I make myself go and I am always so glad that I did. Plus, it helps me to see and visit with others, which always puts a smile on my face.”

• Glenda Kerbo shares, “Winter causes more aches (arthritis). I try to embrace all seasons. I love the chance to catch up on reading and all the to-do lists around home, such as cleaning out closets and drawers. I also use the time to get in touch with being creative, painting furniture and exploring ways to repurpose items. Ken and I take day trips when the weather allows just like we do in other seasons.”

• Dee Dee Morrison shares, “I am not a fan of wintertime. For as long as I can remember, winter has always been depressing for me. It’s cold, gets dark too early and lacks color. I’ve noticed that I tend to be more emotional, eat more junk food and sleep more in the daytime. To cope, I continue telling myself that it’s only for a few more months and then warmer weather will come back, and life will be good again. Until then, I just have to get up and keep moving and functioning. When the sun comes out, I take full advantage of it.”

• Samantha Smith shares, “The cold weather and less sunlight during the days are a challenge for me, especially since the cold makes my body ache. I cope by focusing on the holidays and the extra time I get with my friends and family since I’m off work extra days for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I also like to make fires, complain about the cold and take in the Christmas lights and decor to lift my spirits.

It is not helpful when people are overly happy about the freezing temperatures and try to encourage me by suggesting I bundle up. Even when I am bundled up, I am cold and in pain, so the lack of understanding from those who aren’t affected by this weather so negatively thinking it’s an easy fix is frustrating.”

• Valorie Martin shares, “The time change in the fall was always so hard on me, especially since I never had it growing up in sunny California. It would be nice if the sunlight lasted longer at the end of the day. The dark, cold days have put me into such a deep slumber. I think I'm part momma bear wanting to hibernate. To cope, I listen to very uplifting music and work very hard to wake up early (even though I am not a morning person) and stick to a routine, generally getting out of the door by 10 a.m. Finally, going to bed earlier helps me adjust to the earlier mornings.”

• Leslie Jo Coots shares, “The early sunset makes me feel like I need to go home and put on my pajamas by 5:30 p.m. It’s dark when I wake up and dark when I drive home. To cope, I go straight to the gym after work, remember that I am not alone in my struggles this time of year and use my light lamp that plugs into my computer. I also turn on more lighting around me to brighten every-

thing up and turn on upbeat music at home and at the office.”

• Holly Gordon shares, “My challenges this time of year include shorter days, cold and rainy weather and gray days with little sunshine. The things I find helpful include: a heating pad, happy light, weighted blanket, cups of hot tea, lit or LED candles, lamps instead of overhead lights, hot baths or showers, the fireplace, putting a YouTube “fireplace” on the TV, fuzzy socks, playing music, listening to an audiobook, crocheted or knitted scarves/ mittens/shawls, wearing slippers indoors, getting super cozy and Hygge.

The things I find to be helpful include: drafts in the house, a busy day of appointments where I have to go in and out of the building/house and trying to force myself through the moment.

I have learned that it’s better for me to pause and take care of myself.”

If you need additional support this winter season, do not hesitate to text or call 988. You can call if you are feeling sad, down, scared, worried or lonely. You can also reach out if you are in a mental health crisis and need immediate support. A trained professional is on the other end of the line ready and waiting to connect with you. You are also more than welcome to contact Gateway to Prevention and Recovery at (405) 273-1170 ext. 0.

A special thank you to those that took time to share their experience and offer solutions. It is always good to know that we are not alone and that there is hope. S Alicja Carter, MHR, BHWC, has been working in the behavioral health and addiction treatment field for over 14 years at Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. Alicja is passionate about wellness and collaborating with others for the purpose of stimulating positive change in her community.

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Gateway to Prevention & Recovery For more information, contact Lindsey Smith with Gateway to Prevention and Recovery @ lindseysmith@gatewaytoprevention.org 28

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calendar Dec. 1-17: Sunshine Shelly's presents Spirit of Christmas as it turns the beloved pumpkin patch at 7110 N Harrison St. into a winter wonderland. Get a fresh-cut Christmas tree, enjoy wintery refreshments, a Christmas light hayride through the Tunnel of Light, shop handmade, artisan goods while the kids play in the "real" snow playground and see a Christmas movie on the big screen. facebook.com/ sunshineshellys Dec. 8: The Shawnee Christmas Parade is one of Oklahoma's largest nighttime Christmas parades. Watch as downtown comes alive starting around 6:30 p.m. with lights, marching bands, floats and a special appearance by Santa Claus followed by a fireworks display. Information: communityrenewal.org/events Dec. 9: The Guilded Grayland welcomes all ages to join in on its Family Mystery Night—Christmas Edition at 5 p.m. at 222 E. Main St (enter on Philadelphia). Can you solve the mystery of the stolen ticket before the Christmas Express www.ExtremeRoofingSolutions.com arrives at the North Pole? Information: theguildedgrayland. com/events/family-christmas-mystery

Dec. 9, 15-16: Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity is kicking off a community wide event inviting everyone to enjoy a Gingerbread Village at 6 p.m. on Dec. 9 on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University with a drive-through event 6-8 p.m. Dec. 15-16. Information: (405) 366-2813 Dec. 10, 16: Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma will host its annual Christmas public runs 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 29626 Lake Drive in McLoud. Come see Santa, get some hot cocoa and ride the rails on a powered ¼-scale locomotive through a lighted winter wonderland just west of Shawnee Twin Lakes. Information: locotrains.org Dec. 15: The Arts@317 will host its own Block pARTy from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at 317 E. Main featuring writer Ronda Winter Eldridge, who will be showing her paintings, jewelry and ornaments. Attendees can also design their own necklace to take home. Information: (405) 659-8193.

405.301.2270

Dec. 18: Explore your interests and discover one of the many ways that you can express yourself through designing a gift for your loved ones with the Shawnee Public Library’s

>

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calendar Creativity Unleashed: Holiday Gift Craft designed for teen participants 2-3 p.m. in the library’s Maker Lab at 101 N. Philadelphia.

Information: pioneerlibrarysystem.org Dec. 20: 'Tis the Season for Movie Magic with a free showing of “The Polar Express” at 1 p.m. in the Shawnee Public Library’s Community Room at 101 N Philadelphia.

Enjoy movie popcorn and concession treats while watching this family favorite feature, based on a children's book

by Chris Van Allsburg. Information: pioneerlibrarysystem.org Dec. 27-30: The Potawatomi Fire will host Bitty Ball basketball skills camps for kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade featuring player development skills and fun activities tailored to younger kids. The camps happen 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the FireLake Arena at 18145 Rangeline Road. Information: tinyurl. com/3KYRVMXW or (405) 273-1637

Jan. 6: Shawnee Public Library partners with Churches Caring for Creation for a Styrofoam Recycling clean-up event 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the parking lot at 101 N. Philadelphia. Bring clean styrofoam items to help become usable plastic products for future use. Information: pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

Jan. 13-14: Heart of Oklahoma Youth Rodeo will feature performers ages 19 and younger in four different age groups competing in barrels, poles, goat tying, breakaway roping, ribbon roping, tiedown calf roping, steer stopping, steer breakaway and team roping events from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, 1700 W. Independence.

Information: hoyra.net/about.html S If you know of any events you would like to see featured, please email editor@ shawneeoutlook.com.

NITZEL’S GARAGE DOOR

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FIRELAKE CASINO

EARN

Sunday–Saturday

POINTS

Giveaway every Friday & Saturday until Dec. 23 Drawings every hour: 6–11 PM

50

PRIZES INCLUDE:

Game Consoles

TVs

Grills

Kitchen Appliances

AND MORE!

Must be a Hot Rewards Club member. Must be present and wagered on the day of the drawing. Players must report to Players Club for verification. 18+ to enter.

Valid ID required. Must take prize giveaway. No cash substitutions. FireLake Casino reserves the right to cancel or change a promotion without further notice.

Fi r e L a k e C a s i n o

TOY DRIVE Bring in an unopened new toy for a $10 Bonus Play.

One Bonus Play per patron per day.

All toys benefit Santa’s Toy Run.

DECEMBER 1–21

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EARN & GET PROMOTION EARN 40 POINTS EVERY SATURDAY FROM 11 AM – 4 PM Get a Holiday Baking Serveware item, while supplies last. A new item each Saturday — collect all 4! If items are gone, you‘ll get a $10 Bonus Play.

NEW YEAR’S EVE HOT SEATS Ring in the New Year with $2,024 Hot Seats every hour 8 – 11 PM