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CONTENTS 28

FEBRUARY 2022

departments

Mask Up: Explore the History of Traditional Mask-Making

Not Done: Local Banker To Stay Involved Even After Retirement

At The Table: 40 East Women's Leadership Luncheon Plans 5th Event

Show Out: Tecumseh High Schooler Finds Success At State, National Cattle Shows Fill 'Em Up: Shawnee Students Help Students Through Food Programs

KEEP THE CHANGE

NUTRITION 101

OVER THE FENCE

MENTAL HEALTH

SONIC CONTEST

SHAWNEE HISTORY

CALENDAR

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keep the change

nutrition 101

IMPACTFUL GIVING

PRIORITIZING FAMILY MEAL TIME

he time to resolve to change isn’t resigned to only one day on the calendar. February is a good time to look around, dust off the newness of the year and take a clear look at what can be done differently. One of my goals for the year was to not buy anything “new.” When we think about buying “new” or making sustainable choices, we often focus on our own homes, but buying “new” for gifts still contributes to the supply chain that requires resources, labor and energy. So, I’m starting with Valentine’s Day. It will take a lot more time and Angela Rowland mental energy to focus on only purchasing sustainable gifts, but this is how I intend to do so: • Start early. Buying thoughtful gifts used is not as quick as pulling up Amazon, clicking on what you need and having it delivered to your door in two days or less. Allow yourself time to think about what would make the other person truly feel seen, appreciated and loved. Consider their favorite things to do, music to listen to, things to wear, etc. Keep these questions in mind and continue perusing, over time, for items that would fit. • Give time/activities. Give tickets to events or commit to spend time devoted to something the other person loves. • Shop used. Visit thrift or antique stores (there are plenty in Shawnee), check estate sales, consignment sales or Facebook marketplace. If the gift has meaning behind it, the recipient will most likely not mind that you bought it used – the effort is noticeable. • Shop local. If you cannot find something used or run out of time, focus your shopping efforts on local businesses, because if you’re going to buy “new,” this is the most impactful way to do so. 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. 6

www.shawneeoutlook.com

ave you found it is difficult for your family to have a meal all together? Between work schedules, sports and not having a routine, that has slowly become not a priority for our household. It is something I have just recently been focusing on for my own family. I discussed this goal with my family to have one meal a day all together with no electronics, focusing on really connecting with the ones I love the most. The fun thing about it is that this doesn’t mean it has to be 100 percent of the time at our kitchen table. It could be a picnic all together in between baseball games or out to eat all together after church while keeping the same goal in mind of no electronics and really connecting. I have really come to look forward to this time together. A study in the “Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health” showed that by having a meal together, children often have better communication skills, a healthier body weight, higher self-esteem and even get better grades in school. Those are some amazing results from one simple habit. This meal doesn’t have to be dinner if that time doesn’t work for your family. Breakfast and lunch are also wonderful times to connect with your family. Before just digging in, make a mental note not to hurry and to eat mindfully. Enjoy each bite and really chew your food. Even better, enjoy the company you are sharing that meal with. Enjoy the below recipe for building a balanced salad all together.

Quinoa Topped Salad

I have mentioned cooking with quinoa in past recipes, but I wanted to show it on a salad. This makes for a quick, wellrounded salad. Ingredients: 2 cups green leaf lettuce ½ cup chopped carrots ½ cup chopped cucumber ½ cup cooked quinoa

½ cup sliced grapes ½ medium avocado 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 pickled okra spears

Directions: Cook quinoa per package directions and let cool. Wash and dry all produce. Place all ingredients in a bowl. Add balsamic vinegar when ready to serve. Nutritional Information per serving Makes: 1 serving Calories: 353 Total Fat: 12.5g Saturated Fat: 1.5g Cholesterol: 0g Sodium: 426mg Carbohydrates: 54g Dietary Fiber: 10.5g Protein: 7g Nutrition 101: Salads can be a great meal to pile on different food groups. If at home, you can set out multiple options for ingredients and let your family build their own personal salad. I will typically cook extra quinoa when I do cook it so I can easily grab it out of the fridge for a salad topper. I prefer the quinoa cold when on a salad. When packing a lunch, you can literally throw all ingredients except the dressing into a bowl and have it ready when it is lunch time. S Andrea Beck, a registered dietitian and personal trainer, received her master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Central Oklahoma. She offers personal training through an online class and nutrition services through SSM Health St. Anthony in Shawnee. Contact her at Andrea.beck1@ssmhealth. com or through her Facebook page, Nutrition and Exercise 101 with Andrea.

 Testing5:30pm-6:30pm: CUSTOM GRANITE, MARBLE & ENGINEERED STONE th, & Jan. Thursday, Jan. 6 SOONER SCOTT 20thSTEVE STONEWORKS MARY

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 Vaccinations- 5pm-7pm: Thursday, Jan. 6th Sunday Service 10:30 am & Wednesday Service 7:00 pm 22 E. Dunloup • Shawnee, OK • (405) 395-2980 • www.taprootchurchok.org

 Testing- 5:30pm-6:30pm: 15 Tuesday,1Jan. 4th

 Wear a mask (no cloth masks permitted). FEBRUARY-MARCH 2022  Bring identification.  All clinics are open to AFTERHOURS COVID-19, ANTIBODY TESTING the public, walk-in only, VACCINE & BOOSTER SHOT CLINIC no appointment needed. LITTLE AXE For Your Visit... • Wear a mask HEALTH CENTER (no cloth masks permitted) 405.447.0300  Be prepared to have • Bring identification

TESTINGblood drawn. • All clinics are open 5:30pm - 6:30pm to the public, walk-in  February Testing to Thursday, 17 is available only, no appointment Thursday, March 3 ages 10+.needed. anyone Thursday, March 17 ANTIBODY TESTING 5:00pm - 6:00pm (LA only) Thursday, February 17  March Vaccine is Thursday, 17

For Antibody Testing... • Be prepared to have blood drawn

• Testing is available available to to anyone ages 10+. anyone ages 5+. VACCINATIONS For Vaccine Clinic... 5:00pm  - 7:00pm Vaccine will be • Vaccine is available Thursday, March 3 to anyone ages 5+ administered in two shots SHAWNEE CLINICapart.• Vaccine will be 3-4 weeks administered in two 405.878.5850 shots 3-4 weeks  This includes the apart. TESTINGBooster as well. • This includes the 5:30pm - 6:30pm  You will be monitored Booster as well. Tuesday, March 1 15-30 minutes after • You will be VACCINATIONS monitored 15-30 5:00pmreceiving. - 7:00pm minutes after

Tuesday, February 8 Tuesday, March 8

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In the event of adverse weather, testing may not be Follow the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System on Facebook or our visit our website conducted. Follow the Absentee Shawnee Health atTribal asthealth.org for updates.System

on Facebook or our website for updates asthealth.org. For inquiries please call 405.701.7190.

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art of the matter

MASK UP

Explore The History Of Traditional Mask-Making

SUBMITTED BY CARMEN WOLF, MABEE-GERRER MUSEUM OF ART BOARD VICE-CHAIR

hat’s one of the first things that comes to mind when you think about Halloween costumes? Masks, of course! We see all kinds of masks on Halloween – some cute, some beautiful and some scary. Want to hear something crazy? The first masks were used more than 9,000 years ago. Archeologists have found ancient masks all over the world. Masks are used for fun and games now, but in the past they had very important and specific meanings. At the time ancient masks were created, people didn’t have a written language or organized religion. Just like today, they wanted answers to questions about where they came from, life and death, etc. Many of these groups created stories and gods to answer those questions. Masks became part of the rituals to communicate and worship. The masks were used for ritualistic purposes, such as communicating with the dead or pleasing the gods. Sometimes, they were used to change a person into something else for ceremonies or to heal, like a shaman. There were some civilizations that used masks as part of the funerary ritual. The Aztecs covered the faces of the dead with masks. The Egyptians created death masks in the likeness of the deceased. They placed them over the face because they believed it would help the soul of the dead recognize the mummified body so it could return to it. Death masks were used in other civilizations too. In fact, death masks were still used less than 200 years ago to preserve the face of the person who had died. The masks were made from materials that were available to the people at the time, so they varied by their location. Some of the masks were highly stylized and made with great skill while others were very simple. The masks had similar aspects even though they were made in different parts of the world. The majority of masks were made to represent human faces or take the shape of animals. Often the masks were specialized to represent different things. For example, in Africa masks of antelopes were thought to symbolize farmers and agriculture. Also, the facial features represented different things, such as closed eyes symbolizing tranquility and a bulging forehead representing wisdom. Some masks were made to look scary to terrorize the enemy in war. The permanent gallery at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art has several masks on display. It’s a great place to see examples from different parts of the world. They have one mask, the Baining Fire Dance Mask, that you just have to see. Spend some time at Mabee-Gerrer at 1900 W.

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MacArthur and you will see masks from Nigeria, Mali and Papua New Guinea. As civilization progressed, masks took on new roles. In ancient Greece and Rome, masks were used for actors in theater. Actors could only be male, so they played male and female roles. Masks were worn to let the audience know which character was which. Many times, the masks showed exaggerated emotions and had mini megaphones built into the mouthpiece to amplify the actor’s voice. Masks continued to be used in theater Making masks for a variety long after the fall of Rome. Traveling of rituals and purposes has troupes used masks while performing existed since before the time for the Renaissance-era nobility. The noof written language, and the design and materials used bility and royalty began wearing masks in creating them can say a for balls and nightly gatherings. These lot about the people making masks are believed to be the inspiration them. for our “clown” face. The Japanese also used masks in their ancient theater, festivals and rituals. Japanese masks represented characters in folk myths and stories. These stories progressed into performances and musical dramas. Each mask has certain features that represent personalities and traits. “Noh,” a classical Japanese musical drama, is still performed today, and it was created in the 14th century. One of the best things about masks is that they are fun to make. There are so many online tutorials that tell you how to make all kinds of masks. You can use materials you have available like cardboard, plastic bottles, paper plates, yarn, colored paper or paper-mâché. They can be very simple or very complicated; it’s all up to you. We made a couple of masks from paper plates using colored pencils, paint, markers, feathers and raffia. Your options are limited only by your imagination. Be sure to take pictures of your masks and upload them to Instagram using hashtag #MGMoAArt or send them to education@mgmoa.org. S

Scan this code to visit the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art’s athome project page.

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community

NOT DONE

Local Banker To Stay Involved Even After Retirement BY JAMIE BERGSTEN

he final days of January marked tion company,” Nelson said. “I was always on the end of an era for a local fia horse or tractor as a kid. I played basketball nancial institution – so to speak. in high school and was pretty good. I didn’t go Sue Nelson, whose career in the banking to college. field stretched nearly four decades, decided to “I have two younger brothers, one of whom retire, and while her presence behind the desk was the basketball coach at Wewoka for 20 years. will be missed, she’ll still be plenty visible doI also have two sons, two perfect daughters-ining other kinds of work in town. She is truly a law, 10 grandkids (including four spouses) and local institution. seven great-grandkids. Retirement will allow Nelson is one who’s never met a stranger, so me to spend more time with them.” it seems. If she sees someone new, it won’t be So now that she’s retired, what does Nelson long before she’s greeted them with a big smile plan to do besides family things? and engaged them in conversation. That’s just “Well, I’ve lived in Shawnee for 60 years her way. And so it was at Vision Bank, where and have had a chance to do lots of volunteershe and every customer probably knew each ing,” Nelson said. “I’ve been an advisory board other by name. member for the Salvation Army for 30 years “I was the first employee of Vision Bank and an auxiliary member for 20 of them. My (in) Shawnee,” she explained. “I’d opened a son, Troy, and his son, Jake, work beside me loan office while we were building it. I’m retirthere, lending a hand at Spaghetti Day, workAfter almost 40 years in local banking and ing as the marketing officer/vice president, but ing with the Angel Tree program, ringing bells I started out making loans. I was there 14 years. finance, Vision Bank vice president Sue each December, assisting with the backpack Nelson retired last month but still has plans I love banking and learned so much. Taking to stay involved in many community-focused program, things like that. They are so much care of people’s money is fun. I’ll miss helping organizations and projects to continue fun to work with, and we do the same things. Vision Bank’s customers.” It’s crazy. helping Shawnee thrive. Nelson had also been a branch manager, “I’m also on the board of directors for the having worked in finance for 38 years and surviving five bank mergers Shawnee Home Builders Association, serving as secretary and proat various institutions over time. grams director. I’m the treasurer for the Faith 7 Basketball Bowl, the “My favorite part of my career was the customers,” Nelson said. hospitality chair for the IFYR and a committee member for Shawnee “Many have become my lifelong friends. I also adore my coworker, Beautification. I really love that committee, by the way. I enjoy pulling Harriet Byers, who’s followed me to three different jobs. I’ll miss her the weeds, planting flowers, and working with great people in the dirt. I’m most. I can’t spell, and she’s my go-to girl.” going to spend more time with them now that I’m retired.” Byers will also dearly miss Nelson being in the bank. And what advice does Nelson have for those who want to see Shaw“Sue and I have been friends for over 40 years,” she said. “We’ve been nee prosper, as she does? there for each other in the good times and the bad. When I think of “There are so many great things going on here that need volunteers,” working with her, the Energizer Bunny comes to mind. She didn’t stop Nelson said. “Shawnee Forward (formerly the Chamber of Commerce) until everything was perfect. It didn’t matter if we were having potluck is amazing and full of smart young people that I just want to hang out at the bank or guests in our community room – she made it perfect. I with because they know stuff. People here in town are really missing out will really, really miss working with her. I love my special sister.” if they don’t volunteer somewhere. It’s a chance to make new friends, Nelson was born in Seminole in 1942 and grew up on a ranch in learn new things and make Shawnee a better and prettier place. Better Wolf about 10 miles to the south. yet, they should get their entire families involved. I still believe that “My folks had a cattle operation, and my dad owned a construc- Shawnee is the best place to be.” S 10

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over the fence

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Experiential Knowledge Should Be Shared

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

I get in over my head at times and have to ast month, I mentioned that I ask for help or call in a pro. I make misam in the process of remodeltakes and have to start over. Sometimes ing a shower in my house. It’s those mistakes cost me more than if I a pretty big project as you can imaghad called a pro to begin with. ine. Tearing out the old shower comHere’s a little secret. If I’m not sure pletely, cutting through the slab to dig Brandon Dyer how to do something, I watch YouTube down and replace the old plumbing, videos to learn. Here’s another secret. building a new pan, tiling and on and on and on. There’s a reason why these jobs are Not everyone on YouTube knows what they’re expensive to hire out. Not only is it labor-inten- talking about. Nevertheless, it’s a good way to sive and time-consuming, it requires special- learn “how” or “how not” to do things, particuized skills and knowledge. Most importantly, to larly if you’re a visual learner like I am. But you be any good at it, it requires experience prefer- know what watching YouTube videos can’t do ably under someone who knows what they are for you? It can’t give you experience. Knowledge, yes. Experience, no. doing. I was a wrestler growing up. I coached for I grew up in a family of do it yourself-ers. I watched or helped my dad, uncle and grandfa- a while, too. There are a number of basic tips ther build and rebuild all sorts of things from beginners need to know. Two easy ones are as primitive rifles, two-story buildings, musi- follows: never cross your feet while you are in cal instruments, rebuilding engines, wiring your stance, and never reach behind you – ever. Why? and rewiring buildings, commercial painting, You’ll quickly find yourself on your back hanging drywall, welding, casting and pouring metal parts in our home-built foundry. We and in seconds be pinned. With very few exbuilt fences. We roofed houses. I could go on ceptions, it’s true, but time and time again, I and on. It was never boring around my house would watch young wrestlers reach back and get pinned. Oh, they remembered me telling to say the least. Now I’ll be honest. I’m not sure I ever be- them not to do that and what would happen if came an expert at any one of those things. “Jack they did. Now, however, they understood. Lesof all trades, master of nothing” is fair, but I’m son learned. There’s a difference, isn’t there? There is confident enough in what I have learned that I’m not afraid to tackle most jobs on my own. Sure, knowing that something is true, and there is ex-

periencing that something is true. One is a sort of two-dimensional knowledge, a knowledge of facts. The other is more like a three-dimensional knowledge, if you will. It is an experiential knowledge. If you’ve ever tried to give advice to a young person, you understand what I mean. Recently I was talking with one of my daughters about the peculiarities of life and giving her advice about various things. I found it challenging to express some of the lessons I have learned. Not because she isn’t smart enough or wasn’t listening, but because it’s incredibly difficult to express a certain depth of understanding by facts alone. Impossible even. As humans we learn by listening, watching or reading, but the knowledge that really sticks with us we learn by experience – good or bad. Although experience is the best teacher, sharing our experiences is the second best. Which of your lessons learned could help someone in your life? What sort of wisdom might you offer? Perhaps it’s simply showing a coworker a shortcut or sharing a gardening tip with a neighbor. Maybe it’s sitting with your child or grandchild and telling them about the time you stood up to the bully. You’ve got a lot to offer that may seem inconsequential to you, but might be just what someone else needs to get them through. In this new year, let us be generous with our wisdom and let us be students of wisdom shared. S

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leadership

AT THE TABLE

40 East Women’s Leadership Luncheon Plans 5th Event March 29 BY DAVID DINSMORE

and safety guidelines in mind. he 40 East Women’s LeaderThe experiences of the women who have ship Luncheon marked its one attended 40 East have ranged from students year anniversary at the end of looking to begin their professional careers last year, but the idea for these events began to business owners to educators to veteran to form long before the first gathering in executives looking to connect with more December 2020. peers and newer professionals, Johnson “This has been a dream of ours for quite said. a few years,” said Amanda Johnson, co“It’s been so exciting to see when we are founder of the conferences geared toward going through the attendee list (prior to female professionals in the area. “It’s been the event) to not know the names of some a need in our community. Women’s leadof these people,” 40 East cofounder Cama ership is something a lot of communities Watts said. “They’re not someone we’ve are focusing on, but we weren’t doing it as encountered through our jobs before, and much in our community.” that’s really exciting.” The two-hour luncheons occur quarOn a similar note, they also have enjoyed terly and feature a time for attendees to seeing some attendees returning for each of network before enjoying a meal from local business and hearing from different or- Amanda Johnson and Cama Watts welcome Lori the four luncheons they have hosted so far, Fightmaster, who spoke about emotional intelligence ganizations in the community and a guest at the 40 East Women's Leadership Luncheon in Watts said, which helps confirm that they are getting something out of the meetings speaker discussing a specific topic aimed at September 2021. — Photo submitted and want more. equipping professional women with tools to Additionally, the organizers also sought to bring in established and improve their work – and sometimes personal lives. “We allow for that time for women to meet other women that they leading women professionals from outside the community to speak at the may or may not know in our community,” Johnson said. “We are really luncheons and offer insights that can benefit women leading in this area, trying to utilize this opportunity to highlight all of the females that are Watts said. This also gives these guest speakers the opportunity to meet and experience the dynamic group of professionals working in this area doing really great things in our community,” The next luncheon will meet 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 29 at Gor- and make connections they may not have had prior to attending 40 East, don Cooper Technology Center at 1 John C. Bruton Drive in the Marty which could serve to benefit other members of their network along with Lewis Public Safety Center. Lorrie Hellcat Bamford – lawyer, certified life those of Shawnee women. “Our goal is to provide quality training for the women in this comcoach, motivational speaker and podcaster – will serve as guest speaker. One of things they sought to highlight through the conferences was munity,” Watts said. Like the women who have participated in the 40 East luncheons, the the increase and impact recently of women leaders in high-profile positions locally, Watts said. They saw the luncheons as an opportunity to range of topics and styles conveyed by the speakers at the meetings so far connect younger and emerging women leaders in the area with those have covered a wide range, Watts said. Some have brought about very serious conversations and considerations while others have benefited from who have succeeded in a variety of professions. Though the discussion and desire had existed for Johnson and Watts a lot of interaction during the event. “Getting something out of all of them is great,” Johnson said. for a few years, they began discussing the logistics and feasibility of hostJohnson and Watts have taken very intentional steps toward what ing these types of events in January 2020 with plans to launch it in the they want incorporated into each luncheon, such as featuring catering by spring. After adapting their ideas around guidelines put in place as a response women-owned businesses and creative giveaways geared toward female to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first 40 East Women’s Leadership Lun- professionals, Johnson said. They also spotlight a different nonprofit at cheon met in December 2020 with about 50 participants. They held them each luncheon and ask attendees to bring a donation or something to quarterly through 2021 while expanding the group to 65 women and sell- support the efforts of those organizations. The featured nonprofit for the upcoming March 29 luncheon is the ing out the number of participants allotted while keeping public health

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Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. 40 East has also hosted a networking breakfast, and as health and resources allow, Johnson said they would like to add more smaller events between the quarterly luncheons. They have also had opportunities to partner with other events aimed at helping develop and guide young female professionals in the Shawnee community. Both credit their full-time employers with providing a lot of support for this idea and recognizing the importance of this type of initiative locally. Watts serves as the business and entrepreneurial services coordinator at Gordon Cooper Technology Center, and Johnson works as the Spend Life Wisely ambassador at First United Bank & Trust in Shawnee. In addition to the response they have received from professional women in the community, Watts said they have gotten a lot of encouragement and praise from men in leadership positions in the community who understand the importance of developing highly effective women leaders. As the event continues to grow, Johnson and Watts said they are looking forward to seeing some of the opportunities and growth for the Shawnee community that comes from being able to bring together local women leaders through 40 East events. “It’s really to see all the connectivity that’s come out of all of it,” Johnson said. “I’ve grown a lot closer to other female professionals in the community. It’s cool to see the relationships that are coming out of this luncheon that we dreamed of and is now a reality.” For tickets and information about the March 29 luncheon, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/40-east-womens-leadership-luncheon-tickets-256089960967 S

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SHOW OUT

Tecumseh High Schooler Finds Success At State, National Cattle Shows BY DAVID DINSMORE

orking with animals was almost inevitable for Helen Spears. The 15-year-old Tecumseh freshman’s family has worked with cattle on their land in Pottawatomie County for nearly a century, and she has developed her passion for the work under the guidance of her grandfather Jim Turnpaugh, grandmother Shirrel Turnpaugh, mother Tonya Kitchen and a variety of other family members. Whether it’s barrel racing on horseback or showing cattle, Spears has learned to dedicate herself to the task at hand, improving her own skills and providing great care for her animals. This persistence and hard-work has paid off in recent months as she took top titles at the 2021 Oklahoma State Fair cattle show. With her two heifers, Fancy and Emmy Lou, Spears took home two division championships and a breed championship for Fancy in the junior show. The awards kept coming in the open show with each of her calves receiving reserve division champion and division champion honors.

Helen Spears competes in a cattle show with her heifer, Fancy, who won top honors at the 2021 Oklahoma State Fair. — Photo submitted Spears and her heifers also showed well at last month’s national-level Cattleman’s Congress show, which began last year in Oklahoma City partly as a result of cancellations and postponements of large shows in places like Fort Worth and Denver in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it’s at the local, state or national level, Spears said her mindset going into a show stays relatively consistent. There are elements, however, that make each one a little different that she takes into consideration, such as her familiarity with the other competitors and their cattle. “At the state fair, I’d seen the calves I was going up against,” Spears said. “Going up against people you don’t know and against calves you haven’t seen before (at the Cattleman’s Congress) is a little more intense.” There wasn’t one particular element that drew her to cattle showing when she began at age 11, but Spears recalled seeing her cousin competing and wanting to get in on the action.

“Once you do it it’s hard to go a day without it really,” Spears said. Though she understands the purpose of the hard work and diligence required daily to make sure her heifers remain in top form going into a show, it doesn’t mean that every aspect of the process is enjoyable. “Washing calves at home is probably my least favorite thing to do,” Spears said. Regardless, that does not stop her from applying herself every day to the necessary work of taking care of her animals or other responsibilities she has as a student and participant in other activities. Kitchen said as much as her family wants her to succeed, Spears’s desire to perform well not just in showing cattle but in all facets of life seems to outpace them. “She’ll stay up past midnight to finish her math homework (after all of her other work) if she has to,” said Kitchen, who works as an ag operations manager for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. “She has a natural drive.” Once the time comes to compete, Spears www.shawneeoutlook.com

said the importance of all of the less-glamorous aspects of getting ready becomes clear, and she is able to enjoy her favorite part of showing. In addition to competing and winning accolades, she likes taking on the nitty-gritty process of fitting the cattle, which involves making sure they appear in their best form for the judges. Spears exhibited a highly detail-oriented mindset at a young age, Kitchen said. She recalls Spears's first week at daycare when Kitchen confirmed for one of the teachers that the toddler always organized her blocks by size and colors at home as well. This personality trait integrated well into the routine and discipline needed in showing cattle as a student. No matter the outcome – which comes down to the unknown preferences of the judges of the shows – Spears said the experience of participating in each show provides something to build on for the next one. “It does give you a little bit more confidence,” Spears said. “Doing well at bigger shows gives you more confidence in you and your calf.” In addition to the gratification of showing well, the events also provide an opportunity to learn from fellow competitors about techniques and strategies that help them get the most out of their own show-

manship and cattle, Spears said. It has also given her the opportunity to develop sharper social skills in dealing with the various personalities she has encountered at the shows. “Most cattlemen … if you ask them something like how they feed or how they fit their calves or what their strategy is, they will tell you,” Spears said. “I’ve pulled a couple fitting tips from watching fitting crews at national shows. “Everybody helps each other.” In addition to showing cattle, Spears – a shorthorn lasso queen – also applies her skills and talents to a variety of activities, such as numerous Future Farmers of America activities and her school’s quiz bowl team. Her biggest passions, however, involve animals as do most of the career paths she has envisioned for her future. “I have options of what I want to do when I’m older, but all of it will have to do with livestock honestly,” Spears said. Jim Turnpaugh has enjoyed sharing with his children and grandchildren traditions that began on land his parents helped build and establish, whether it’s raising livestock or showing cattle. “It’s been very gratifying,” said Jim Turnpaugh, S who also showed cattle with 4-H and FFA.

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mental health

NOT ALONE

New Support Groups, Efforts Focus On Suicide Prevention BY ALICJA CARTER A: Linda – These groups are important because the topic of suicide is taboo. Being surrounded by peers who have “been there, done that” allows a person to be truly honest and feel supported. Q: How else do participants benefit from attending SOSA support groups? A: Corrie – Participants learn progressive muscle relaxation, Swearingen grounding, mindfulness and visualization techniques at the end of each group. They are reminded that they are worthy of peace ccording to the American Foundation for Suicide and can achieve it through taking care of themselves, reaching Prevention, in 2019: out to their support system and never giving up hope. • 12 million adults seriously thought about suicide. A: Linda – I worked with a participant who attended all of • 3.5 million adults made a plan for suicide. the SOSA groups yet never had a waking moment where they • 1.4 million attempted suicide. didn’t think about killing themselves. We worked together to Unfortunately during the past two years, the pandemic has Caudle develop coping skills, complete prevention/safety plans and increased people’s stress levels and decreased their ability to conidentify motivations for living. The individual continued to nect with others, leading to greater rates of suicidial thinking, struggle and was hospitalized but chose this extra support beplans for suicide and suicide attempts. The good news, however, cause it was indicated in her plan. Today, this individual reis that more than 90 percent of people who attempt suicide and ports no longer having constant suicidal thinking, is gainfully survive never go on to die by suicide, and local organizations employed and expresses incredible relief – at least for the time are partnering to provide greater resources and support suicide being – that such a burden has been lifted. prevention efforts. Carter Q: What would you say to someone who was hesitant to Currently, Gateway to Prevention & Recovery – with a genparticipate in the SOSA support groups? erous $20,000 grant from SSM Health – plans to reestablish A: Corrie – I would say that it is okay to be nervous about something Surivivor of Suicide Attempts (SOSA) support groups. SOSA support new. There are no expectations. You can talk when you are ready. Just come groups offer a safe, non-judgmental place for people to talk about what and listen. The group is all about encouragement and hope. led them to attempt suicide and the impact it had on their lives. ParticiA: Linda – Come and check it out. Commit to the 8 weeks. It is a suppants also learn how to create safety plans to help them cope with suicidport group and a learning experience. We are stronger together. al thoughts. These 90-minute groups have less than 10 people, meet one If you or someone you know is interested in more information about time per week for eight weeks and are facilitated by a trained therapist. upcoming SOSA groups, please reach out to Kimberly McCutcheon at They are open to the community and completely free of charge. kmccutcheon@gatewaytoprevention.org. Licensed alcohol and drug counselor Linda Swearingen and case In addition to reestablishing SOSA groups, the grant funding will also manager and peer recovery support specialist Corrie Caudle are Gatego towards purchasing and distributing medication lockboxes and inway employees that have facilitated SOSA support groups in the past. creasing suicide prevention resources for local schools, business and orThey offer their experience, strength and hope in the Q&A below. ganizations. Gateway is extremely grateful for our partnership with SSM Q: What has been your experience facilitating SOSA groups? Health and our shared goal of working alongside the community to inA: Corrie – Although it was one of the most challenging groups to crease access and support for anyone struggling with mental and health facilitate, it was also the most impactful. I understood the feelings they and substance abuse challenges. For more information, please contact expressed because I’ve been there. The group made me feel less alone and Abby Flood at aflood@gatewaytoprevention.org. more understood and supported. If you are in crisis, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention A: Linda – Prior to the SOSA training, working with someone who Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to connect to a crisis had attempted suicide made me a little nervous. I was afraid to talk about counselor 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. it. Now, I have more confidence and can be supportive rather than reactive. Your life matters. You are not alone. S Q: Why do you think SOSA support groups are so valuable? “You deserve to be here Now, to be alive, to grow, To be happy and to thrive, There is more for you, Than to just ‘survive.’ Everyone of us is worth

A fulfilling life, purpose, And meaning – to live The sort of life we’ve Left to dreaming.” -p.bodi

A: Corrie – Suicidal thoughts and behaviors often have such a stigma attached. It can be hard for someone to open up due to fear of hearing, “you have no reason to be unhappy, maybe you are faking it, you can’t be trusted and what kind of mother would want to kill themselves?” 22

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Alicja Carter, LADC, BHWC, has been working in the behavioral health and addiction treatment field for nearly 12 years. She is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Wellness Director for Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. Alicja is passionate about collaborating with others for the purpose of stimulating positive change in her community.

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shawnee history

HAIL TO THE CHIEF

Six U.S. Presidents Have Visited Shawnee BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER

espite none of the United States presidents having been born, War II and the U.S. Senate when the Democratic party chose him as gone to school or worked in Shawnee, six of them have visited. FDR’s running mate. The pair was elected, and Truman became presiThe first to come was not long after statehood, and it was dent upon Roosevelt’s death in 1945. In September 1948, while running actually a former president. Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt had for a second term, Truman stopped in Shawnee. Reportedly 10,000 peoserved in the office from 1901 to 1909. After a stint as head of the “Rough ple showed up early in the morning at the Rock Island station to cheer Riders” regiment during the Spanish-American War, he had been elect- the popular president. ed to the governorship of New York. President In October 1959, Lyndon B. Johnson William McKinley’s vice-president died while came to Shawnee while on the ticket as in office, and he chose Roosevelt to join him vice president with John F. Kennedy. Johnon the next ballot. They won the election, but son arrived at Municipal Airport from when McKinley was shot and killed in 1901, Seattle and was escorted by Shawnee poRoosevelt was sworn in as the 26th president. lice to the Municipal Auditorium where After two terms, he traveled about the 3,000 citizens waited. The pair won the world on safaris and then chose to enter the election, but in November 1963, JFK was 1912 presidential race. Rather than staying afkilled in Dallas. LBJ was sworn in as presifiliated with the Republicans, he started the dent aboard the plane transporting them Bull Moose, or Progressive, party. During his back to Washington D.c. He ran and was campaign, he visited the state of Oklahoma. elected president the following term but He came from Oklahoma City to Shawnee by declined a second full term. Rock Island train. Newspapers reported he He wasn’t running for president at the was in town for “a quarter of an hour” while time, but Ronald Reagan was in Shawnee thousands lined the rails for several blocks to in May 1963. He spoke at the Shawnee get a look at the popular former president. Freedom Forum held at Oklahoma BapHarry Truman was one of six former, current or Woodrow Wilson won that election, how- future presidents who visited Shawnee in addition tist University’s Raley Chapel declaring, ever, by defeating two former presidents, Roo- to Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon “Government is a watchdog – not a cow sevelt and William Howard Taft. Roosevelt was B. Johnson, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. — to be milked.” Four years later, he retired Photo submitted asked to run again in 1918, but he declined due from an acting career that included many to failing health. He died the next year. movies and hosting the TV series “Wagon Train” and successfully ran Distant cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt had risen from state sena- for the office of governor of California. After serving two terms, he was tor to Assistant Secretary of the Navy to vice presidential candidate in elected President of the United States in 1980, often mentioned “as pop1920, though he and James Cox were defeated in that election. In 1929, ular when he left as at the beginning.” after a bout with polio, he became governor of New York then three years George W. Bush was also not president nor was he running for the later was elected president. He eventually served parts of an unprece- office when he visited Shawnee. He came in March 1988 to encourage dented four terms that saw the country navigate the Great Depression voters to elect his father, George H.W. Bush, after serving as vice presiand World War II. During that time, he came to Shawnee in July 1938 dent to Reagan. The younger Bush appeared at the Cinderella Motel in on the Rock Island as his entourage toured the southwest. He spoke from Shawnee speaking on behalf of the Republican ticket to more than 200 the rear platform of a special train. It was only a 10-minute stop, but re- attendees. He described himself as “a half-broke oil man from west Texas portedly 15,000 citizens were spread through the depot grounds and as trying to find his father full-time work.” He later served as governor of far as a block east. Texas then followed in his father’s footsteps when he was also elected Shawnee’s rail lines again brought a presidential candidate. Harry S. president in 2001. Truman made a “whistle stop” in September 1948. Truman had worked So while no citizens from Shawnee have yet to become president, the his way up from local political posts, his military career during World town has a history with those who have. S www.shawneeoutlook.com

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education

FILL ‘EM UP

Shawnee Students Help Students Through Food Programs At Middle, High Schools

BY DAVID DINSMORE

backpack is an essential tool for students. It transports books from which they draw knowledge to perform academically. It carries equipment necessary to apply the lessons they learn in lab classes. It holds personal and convenience items to make their day a little easier or enjoyable. It contains some of the resources needed during sports activities. At Shawnee Middle School and Shawnee High School, backpacks also provide a way for some students to employ civic skills while meeting some of their classmates’ basic needs – and perhaps supply some peace of mind. According to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma – which provides for and supports this program at schools across the state – one in four students lives with food insecurity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. The schools partner with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to supply backpacks and other large bags filled with food for qualifying students to take home on the weekends, said Dianne DeYoung, counselor at Shawnee High School. The recipients rely on meals they receive during the week at school but often face food insecurity at home on the weekends. The process begins with donations received through the food bank as well as organizations and private individuals to help meet the needs of students who apply and meet the requirements for the backpack program. Organizers identify students in need via recommendations from faculty, cafeteria staff, counseling interactions and other suggestions, DeYoung said. Faculty at the schools coordinate the distribution and oversee the fulfillment of food requests made by those approved for the program, and students participating in certain classes donate their time to fill the backpacks in bags with the needed items for their classmates. The recipients are not directly identified as the system uses initials to indicate to whom each bag belongs. Once filled, they can retrieve their bags from a designated area – such as the counseling office at the high school – on Friday and return it the following Monday. “I never realized how many of my fellow classmates actually struggle with that,” said Kenzie Mikish, a student who helps fill the bags as part of her third hour class on Fridays. “While packing the backpacks, I realized that there are some living off of the backpacks, but it makes me feel really good knowing I get to help them in a more private way.” The first iteration of the backpack program began at the middle school before DeYoung arrived and helped implement it at the high school. She

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Shawnee High School students spend their third hour on Fridays filling backpacks for fellow anonymous students who qualify for a program to provides food and other essentials for the weekend to help with food insecurity concerns at home. — Photo submitted had worked with a similar program during her time in the Midwest City school system, and she was glad to have the opportunity to bring it to Shawnee when she joined the staff six years ago. She helped the school apply for and establish its food pantry on campus from which the backpack program draws some of its resources. Though DeYoung is the coordinator of the program at the high school level – with her counterpart Amanda Chandler tasked with organizing the middle school efforts that predate the high school’s backpack program – she said it takes a lot of support from other members of faculty and staff to make sure it functions properly, including her secretary Terry Hicks, principal Matt Johnson and teacher Kathy Chamblin. Chamblin in particular helps organize students from her leadership class on Fridays to fill the backpacks. “To know (the students filling the bags) understand the meaning of ‘need’ in their school community makes me know there is good in our world,” Chamblin said. “They will take that with them into adulthood and pass it along to others wherever they go.” Though the primary purpose of school is to educate students, stressors stemming from basic needs like food insecurity can distract them and diminish their ability to make the most of their classroom time, DeYoung said. Meals provided at school during the weekdays can reduce this, but covering these needs during the weekend can help them complete work during that time or help better prepare them for the upcoming week. “It makes me feel good that I can be someone to impact kids' lives by helping out with their food situations at home,” student Easton Odell said. The recipients benefit from the backpack program in apparent ways,

but there are ancillary benefits for the development of those students who help fulfill the program’s purpose. During holidays and other times during the year, students get the opportunity to also deliver food to some recipients’ homes while still maintaining the anonymity of the students. DeYoung said this can be an educational experience in and of itself for those making the deliveries in that they understand the different challenges their peers could be facing. “It makes me proud to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Spencer Rochelle said. Those tasked with carrying out the program contribute their efforts to help ensure their students and peers have a basic need met to help them focus on the reason they are attending school, DeYoung said. Often – especially after holiday deliveries – the coordinators receive heartfelt gratitude from the recipient students’ families regardless of the reason behind their food insecurity. “It’s not the kids’ fault for the conditions that they’re in,” DeYoung said. “It’s not what they asked for.” Some of the local organizations that have helped out with food baskets are Emmanuel Episcopal Church and Elks Lodge, and the Wesley United Methodist Church members have handknit hats for the students the past two years, DeYoung said. The program is always glad to partner with any organization or individual looking to make an impact in the lives of local students in need. In addition to food, some of the items program coordinators try to obtain through donations or other means include personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, small bottles of shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, bars of soap and feminine supplies, DeYoung said. They are

always glad to receive canned vegetables like green beans and corn too along with large brown paper bags to fill as there are not always backpacks available for each student. Needs outside of school setting stemming from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic have put a strain on some supplies that were abundant in previous years through the backpack program. “I am beyond blessed to be a part of the backpack program,” said Madison Crowell, who also participates in filling bags on Fridays. “I enjoy helping my classmates by packing their bags and giving them food over the weekends. Their hunger and well-being is important to me.” For more information about contributing to the local backpack programs, contact Shawnee Middle School at (405) 273-0403 and Shawnee High School at (405) 275-3084. S

United Presbyterian Church

120 N. BROADWAY, SHAWNEE | UNITEDPRESBYTERIANSHAWNEE.COM Worship at 10:45 | Rev. Elizabeth Affsprung, Pastor

BancFirst’s Brightest

Following the success of our BancFirst Student Board members

Whitney Dockrey Student Board 2010-2011

How do you think growing up in Shawnee helped shape you into the person you’ve become/prepared you for your job?

Tecumseh High School (2011) Georgetown University (2015) OU College of Law (JD, 2018) OU Health Science (MHA, 2019) Current employer: Ascension St. John Director of Physician Relations & Business Development

W: Growing up in Shawnee allowed me to build relationships with community leaders who genuinely care about developing future leaders. The time community leaders invested into growing me as a leader allowed me to have experiences that developed my confidence and prepared me to succeed throughout high school, college and my degree programs.

Any special memories of your time on the BancFirst Student Board? W: I really enjoyed being with leaders from the other schools. I also appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity to be mentored by those who led the program while learning from the featured speakers.

How has the BancFirst Student Board contributed to your success? W: Including the BancFirst Student Board position on my resume and college applications undoubtedly helped me earn scholarships. Yet, perhaps equally impactful, it allowed a small-town female student the opportunity to have a seat at a table in a bank’s boardroom. This helped build my aspirations and confidence to desire to become a female community leader at future boardroom tables.

- Responsible for leading strategic growth of service lines and physician promotions.

Shawnee

Te c u m s e h

McLoud www.shawneeoutlook.com

calendar All events are subject to change and incorporate a variety of guidelines regarding public health measures. Please contact each organizer for complete and up-to-date information. Feb. 1-Feb 17: The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art invites high school students to register and submit for its annual juried art exhibition later this spring. Information: mgmoa.org

Hours: Mon - Fri 08:00 AM-06:30 PM Sat 09:00 AM-02:30 PM Sun Closed

2700 N Kickapoo Shawnee, OK 74804 (405) 585-2907 store6963@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/6963

Feb. 1-Feb. 13: The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is showcasing its exhibition, “Sancta Familia: Images of the Holy Family Medieval through Modern,” featuring iconography of the holy family from medieval through modern times, using a variety of media. MGMoA Friends will also host a free and open reception discussing the gallery at 6 p.m., which will feature a talk by curator of collections Delaynna Trim. Information: mgmoa. org Feb. 12: INSIDER – A Tom Petty Tribute will take the stage at 8 p.m. at the historic Ritz Theatre in Shawnee. Information: facebook.com/ theritzofshawnee Feb. 12: Blue Zones Project of Pottawatomie County will host a Women's Purpose Empowerment Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Healthy Hive at 101 E. Main St. with catering by The Owl Shoppe. The free workshop for all ages facilitated by Linda Brown will focus on empowering women regarding ways to live life with more fulfillment and purpose. Information: eventbrite.com/e/ womens-purpose-empowermentbrunch-tickets-246837195697

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2700 N Kickapoo 2700 N74804 Kickapoo Hours: Shawnee, OK Mon - Fri 08:00 AM-06:30 PM (405) 585-2907 09:00 AM-02:30 PM Shawnee, OK 74804Sat store6963@theupsstore.com Sun Closed theupsstorelocal.com/6963 (405) 585-2907 store6963@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/6963

2700 N Kickapoo Shawnee, OK 74804 (405) 585-2907 store6963@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/6963

Hours: Mon - Fri 08:00 AM-06:30 PM Sat 09:00 AM-02:30 PM Sun Closed Hours: Mon - Fri 08:00 AM-06:30 PM Sat 09:00 AM-02:30 PM Sun Closed

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Feb. 12: The Gathering Place will welcome back one of its regular Saturday activities with a Valentine’s Brunch featuring a special menu that will center around coffee and waffles at its 415 E. Main St. location. The coffee shop will announce the exact menu and details a week prior to the event. Information: facebook.com/gpcoffeeco Feb. 17: The Third Thursday Poetry Reading at 7 p.m. at the Lunch Box at 217 E. Main St. will feature Paul Juhasz, author of “Ronin,” a collection of prose poems, and “Fulfillment: Diary Of a Warehouse Picker,” describing his experiences as an Amazon employee. His poetry has also appeared in a number of journals.

The restaurant will open at 6 p.m. for those who want to order a meal. An "open mic" session will follow Juhasz's reading. Feb. 18: The Arts @317 will host its own Block pARTy 5:30-8:30 p.m. at 317 E. Main St. The guest artist for the evening is Susan Chambers. She will have jewelry and other items on display and will also demonstrate how she makes lampwork glass. Information: (405) 659-8193 Feb. 20: The 47th annual concertoaria concert will sound off at 7:30 p.m. in the Raley Chapel at Oklahoma Baptist University. The concert provides a way for outstanding musical performers to be able to appear with a live orchestra and perform repertoire from the great catalogues of instrumental concertos and opera arias. The concert is free and open to the public. Email: music@okbuedu Feb. 25-March 5: Shawnee Little Theatre will stage a production of “August: Osage County” with six shows of the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tracy Letts, which tells the story of three sisters who return to their Oklahoma home for the funeral of their father and have to navigate the environment created by their highly critical mother. Information: shawneelittletheatre.com or (405) 275-2805. March 5: Bison RecWell and OAK (Outdoor Adventure Klub) have partnered again to host the 2nd Annual Bison Boulder Bash Bouldering Competition. The event starting at 5 p.m. at 500 W. University St. features a day of awesome climbing, fellowship and prizes. Proceeds from sales of the event merch goes to the OAK social club. Climbers from around the state can test their skill in a challenging and fun bouldering comp. Information: eventbrite. com/e/bison-boulder-bash-2022tickets-225939480067 March 6: The Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma invite the public to come ride the rails on one-eighth scale model trains at their 29626 Lake Drive in Mcloud. Information: locotrains.org If you know of any events you would like to see featured, email editor@ shawneeoutlook.com.

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