Shawnee Outlook

YMCA Reopening | Random Acts of Kindness

MARCH 24

Vol. 21 Number 1

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SHAWNEE, OK PERMIT NO 33

38900 West Macarthur, Shawnee, OK 74804

ALL AGES WELCOME HOURS: 10AM – 10PM 2 1 & OVER: 10PM – 2AM

SPRING INTO SAVINGS!

AC SERVICE 10% OFF

Get that “Check Engine” light fixed in time for spring.

We have wipers to fit most cars for under $6.

We also offer a full line of small batteries.

EXPIRES MARCH 31, 2024

(Including batteries for flashlights, key fobs, door openers & hearing aids.)

10% OFF ENGINE REPAIR LABOR EXPIRES MARCH 31, 2024

WE OFFER BATTERIES FOR TOYS & JUMP BOX FOR GIFTS! All our automotive batteries are proudly made in the USA!

2533 N. Harrison Shawnee, OK

405-273-5050

2 Locations!

Monday-Friday 7am-5pm Saturday 8am-1pm

Locally family owned since 1974.

16 W. Highland Shawnee, OK

405-273-8500

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Saturday 8am-1pm

TWIGGS

NOW PLAYING

WATCHPLAYITLOUD.COM

GRANDBOXOFFICE.COM I-40 EXIT 178 | SHAWNEE, OK | 405-964-7263

When you go with us, you’re ALL SAFE. • All your home/business security needs

• Structured ethernet wiring

• Surround sound installs

• Builder packages available

405-413-9442

spikemike46@gmail.com

4

www.shawneeoutlook.com

SCAN ME

CONTENTS

MARCH 2024

features

Okie Icon Media

MANAGING EDITOR

David Dinsmore

ADVERTISING SALES

Brad Carter

CREATIVE DIRECTION Kelsey Walker Fawn Wilson-Olivarez

10

19

PUBLISHER

departments

8 From The Page: Centuries-Old Art Traditions Still Enjoyed In Children’s Books Today

6

KEEP THE CHANGE NUTRITION 101

10 Coming Home: YMCA Prepares For Reopening With Tours Of Repaired, Improved Facilities

6 22

OVER THE FENCE

24

SONIC CONTEST

13 Power Of Collaboration: Working Together Makes Us Stronger

25

SHAWNEE HISTORY

19 Acting Out: Local Bank, Partners Band Together To Perform Random Acts Of Kindness Locally

26

MENTAL HEALTH

29

CALENDAR

WRITERS

Andrea Beck David Dinsmore Brandon Dyer Regan Green Ann McDonald Katie McQuay Angela Rowland Delaynna Trim

CONTACT US

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

To Advertise, call Brad (405) 445-3033

Volume 21, Number 1 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Okie Icon Media. © 2024 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.

Reach out to us for all your functional nutrition needs!

H

yN app

ational Nutrition Mo nth Andrea Beck MS, RD/LD

Dr. Brian Chaffin DC

All nutrition packages are 15% off during the month of March FUNCTIONAL LABS • NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING • GUT HEALTH LASER LIGHT THERAPY • WEIGHT LOSS • SUPPLEMENTS

1505 Airport Dr. Shawnee, OK • 405-351-4426 www.laserfocushealthandwellness.com

@laserfocushealth

www.shawneeoutlook.com

5

keep the change

TAKE A BREAK FROM ADS A

n easy way to avoid spending money is to avoid the places we’re tempted to buy. Unfortunately, with the prevalence of the internet and the ease of online shopping, this can be a difficult task. Here are some options for curbing online shopping: • Take a Social Media Break. Companies have picked up on the public’s adAngela Rowland diction to social media by making ads impossible to avoid. Many ads on social media are not only convincing us to purchase things we don’t need, they are also scamming us into buying a different or lower quality product than the one advertised. If we’re spending less time on social media, we get the benefits of focusing on real-life interactions while also avoiding the influx of ads and, thus, the temptation to spend money • Hide ads. While you can’t stop ads altogether on social media, you can affect the types of ads you do see. On Facebook, when an ad appears in your feed, simply click the three dots in the top corner of the post to select the option to “See less” of ads similar to that particular ad or “Hide ad” to never see that particular ad again. You will still see other ads, though.

• Unsubscribe. Subscribing to e-mail lists is a great way to find discounts on stores and products when we’re looking to shop, but if we’re trying to save money, all of those e-mails can bring temptation with them. Once you’re done with a purchase, click unsubscribe on those emails. Simply scroll to the bottom to look for the option to Unsubscribe in the fine print.

You can do the same for any marketing texts by sending “STOP” to the same text thread.

In any case, seeing fewer ads will save you both time and energy. 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

nutrition 101

H

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH appy National Nutrition Month.

NNM is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and held annually in March. The focus is on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. During this month, we also celebrate National Registered Dietitian Day – the best day ever.

NNM started in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. The theme for NNM 2024 is Beyond the Table, which is designed to inspire us to look past our plates when thinking about our health and the environment. The choices we make daily – including what we’re going to eat and drink – can make a big difference both now and in the future. School and family meals are important, but healthy choices go beyond the foods and drinks we enjoy while sitting at the lunch or dinner table.

They include our snacks, breakfasts on the go and eating out with friends. This even includes where foods are grown and how they are prepared.

Our food choices also can affect the health of our planet. Have you ever thought about the work that goes into producing the foods we eat? This includes how food is grown or raised, where and how it is made and its safety. It is important to think about the foods we eat and the nutrition they provide, but is there more we could be doing to improve our health and the environment?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests three tips to help with this: • Focus on a healthy eating routine.

• Seek the help of a registered dietitian.

• Learn about what is involved in growing your food.

For more information on this topic, be sure and check out their website at eatright.org.

Silky Smoothie

When I think about the National Nutrition Month 2024 theme of Beyond the Table, I think about my on-thego breakfast smoothie. It is helpful to me that this breakfast can be made very quickly and then I can just dump it in a cup, grab my metal/reusable straw and hit the road.

Ingredients: 5 oz organic extra firm tofu 1 pitted date ½ banana ½ cup frozen berries

2 Tbsp ground flaxseed Handful of spinach leaves 1 cup unsweetened organic soy milk

Directions: Place all into a blender and blend until smooth. Add ice if you would like it thicker. Add more liquid if you would like it thinner. If you need it sweeter, add a little stevia. Makes: 1 serving Nutritional information per serving: Calories: 431 Total Fat: 17.5g Saturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 4mg Sodium: 90mg Fiber: 12g Protein: 26g Carbohydrates: 46g Nutrition 101: Oftentimes when someone sees tofu as the first ingredient, they turn their nose up at it, but by using tofu you are getting a great source of soy. It is what truly makes the smoothie so silky tasting. The American Institute for Cancer Research suggests having one to two servings daily of whole soy foods. When shopping for soy, I do reach for the organic soy because it tends to be one of the most heavily sprayed crops. Research also shows that soy protein reduces the total cholesterol and triglycerides, which lower the chances of heart diseases. The date in this recipe adds the perfect sweetness that I want. And for a wonderful bonus – check out that fiber content. 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.

Funerals, Cremations and Planning serviCes Due to inflation, our prices will soon need to increase.

Prearrange Now and Save!

PRICE INCREASE COMING CURRENT PRICES Traditional Packages begin at $5,635 Water Cremation Packages begin at $995

BEAT INFLATION! Guarantee current prices by prearranging before March 15th, 2024.

• SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS • IN HOUSE LAB & DIGITAL XRAY

SHAWNEE FAMILY MEDICINE CLINIC

• ACCEPTING MOST INSURANCES OPEN INCLUDING AETNA MON-FRI 8AM-5PM

Call to schedule an appointment with our Pre-Arrangement Counselor

(405) 695-5006

2400 N. Harrison | Shawnee, OK | 405.395.4441

www.shawneeoutlook.com

7

art of the matter

FROM THE PAGE

Centuries-Old Art Traditions Still Enjoyed In Children’s Books Today

T

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

hink about your favorite book as a child. Most likely you remember the illustrations that helped bring that book to life. The “Imagination: Children’s Book Illustrators” exhibit at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art showcases some of those illustrators from across the U.S. In one of the books featured in the exhibit, there are no words – just pictures. You can create your own story. The book is “Chalk” by Bill Thomson.

“Orbis Pictus” or “Orbis Sensualium Pictus” (Visible World in Pictures) from 1658 by John Amos Comenius was the earliest illustrated book specifically for children. It was originally published in Latin and German but later was translated into English, French and Italian.

Some children’s books began as illustrated letters, such as Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” Beatrix often

8

www.shawneeoutlook.com

would add images to the letters she wrote to friends. In September 1893, she wrote a letter to her friend’s son, Noel, who was ill. In the letter, she wrote the story of four little rabbits. Beatrix used her scientific illustration skills to draw the pictures to the now beloved children’s story.

“Alice in Wonderland” began as a story that Lewis Carroll told the daughters of his friend, Henry Liddell, while rowing a boat on the River Thames. He later wrote down the story and added John Tenniel’s 42 wood cut illustrations for the final book. He had originally drawn the illustrations himself, but his publisher convinced him to have an artist create the illustrations for the book.

Arthur Rackham combined pen and ink with watercolor for his illustrations for children’s books such as “Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens,” “Gulliver’s Travels” and “Fairy Tales of the Brothers

Grimm.” He is considered to be one of the leading illustrators from the golden age of British book illustration.

Sometimes the storyteller illustrates their own story, and sometimes they ask other artists to create the illustrations.

Claire Keane wrote and illustrated the

book, “Little Big Girl,” as seen in the museum’s exhibit. If the name looks familiar, she is the granddaughter of cartoonist Bil Keane, creator of the comic strip, “The Family Circus.” Others like Shawnee’s own Joshua Brunet illustrated “Cat in the Night,” which was written by Madeleine Dunphy.

Artists can illustrate a story using many different media. Some draw their images like Beatrix Potter. Others use oil or acrylic paint like Greg Newbold’s illustration for “If Picasso Painted a Snowman.” Some artists create their illustrations digitally using a Scan this code to visit computer or iPad. Have you ever the Mabee-Gerrer thought about writing Museum of Art’s athome project page. and illustrating a children’s book? Think of a story. Then you can storyboard it or create a dummy book with the words and a quick sketch of the illustration to see how it all works out. You can do this on paper or digitally. The great thing about creating your

Innovation & Excellence For Mechanical Systems

405.824.3558

221 W Main Shawnee, OK 74801

own book is that you can control all the aspects from the story, to the names, to the images.

Scan the QR code or check out www.mgmoa. org/art-projects for more fun book ideas.

Create your own book Supplies needed: paper, pencil/crayons/ markers 1. Think of a story. Maybe about your pet or your best friend.

2. Decide on images to go with the story.

What do you want people to see?

3. Make a mockup to see how the book would go together – what image on which page.

4. Create your final version with the words and images. S

Maintenance Agreements Now serving Shawnee and surrounding areas

27 Years Experience

COMMERCIAL SERVICE REPAIR INSTALLATION

Heating • Cooling • Boilers • Chillers • Water Treatment Process Piping • Controls • Welding

Visit our website at www.6lmechanical.com

Our biggest benefits ever for Oklahoma!

Up to $100 REDUCTION* on your Monthly Part B Premium!

That's up to $1,200 per year!*

Smart Wallet*

Get up to $1,250 per year* for Dental, Vision and/or Hearing Get up to an $250 per month* for Over-the-Counter Items,1,2 Groceries,1,2 Gasoline,1,2 2 and/or Utilites

Ryan Busler | 1-405-256-3342 Independent Authorized, Licensed Agent for GlobalHealth 1

2

*Benefits may vary by plan. The benefits mentioned are a part of special supplemental program for members with chronic diseases. Members must meet all benefit’s eligibility criteria. Amounts may vary per coverage. If you have questions, need materials on a standing basis in alternate formats and/or languages or need oral interpretation services, you can call us at 1-844-280-5555 (TTY: 711). GlobalHealth is an HMO/SNP HMO plan with a Medicare contract and a state Medicaid contract for D-SNP. Enrollment in GlobalHealth depends on contract renewal. By calling the listed number you may be speaking with a licensed sales representative. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE available 24 hours, 7 days a week, to get information on all of your options. H3706_055_EXTGENAD2024_ M

www.shawneeoutlook.com

9

community

COMING HOME

C

YMCA Prepares For Reopening With Tours Of Repaired, Improved Facilities

oming home.

That’s the theme of the YMCA’s imminent return to its facilities at 700 W. Saratoga that it has called home since 1971, and it shows in the eyes of CEO Mike Jobe and his staff as they began conducting tours of the nearly-completed building recently.

“We are looking forward to opening those doors and seeing all those familiar faces come back again and have the opportunity to be here with us,” Jobe said.

Scattered across the community following the April 19, 2023 tornado, Y staff, members and program participants relied on the generosity of partners who wanted to help them continue with the mission and resources provided by the organization in the community.

Oklahoma Baptist University offered its fitness facility for those looking to pursue their physical health goals.

Organizations like the Elks Lodge offered their pools for water fitness and swim team practice when the weather allowed. Schools and churches offered the use of their sports facilities for youth to keep playing. Summer camps last year adapted to not having a central location.

“One of the first things we talked about when the storms hit was creating a sense of normalcy,” Jobe said. “The support from the community throughout this process … is unwavering. It’s amazing.”

Nearly a year later, the Y is looking toward a grand reopening date this spring, and Jobe said they have received a lot of excitement from those who have taken a tour to see what’s in store at the Y when the doors open again.

10

www.shawneeoutlook.com

BY DAVID DINSMORE

As is the case with other businesses and organizations rebuilding after taking a direct hit, the YMCA –which received its last significant remodel in 2008 – isn't looking to just replace what it had before the storm, Jobe said. Leadership and staff looked to improve upon what they offered to the community. Staff members and others brought ideas to the table of elements to add to the facilities to give people more options than previously available.

“One of the high marks of this process has been getting to decide what changes and enhancements we wanted to make,” Jobe said. “We challenged everyone to think outside the box about what we could do.

“What do we need to do, and what are people looking for?”

Shawnee Family YMCA CEO Mike Jobe and his staff are offering tours of the repaired and remodeled Y facilities at 700 W. Saratoga in anticipation of a grand reopening this spring. For more information or to schedule a tour, email mjobe@ shawneeymca.org or call (405) 2734386. ­­— Photos submitted Several of the additions and improvements center on the idea of community – a concept at the heart of the YMCA’s mission – with a focus on group and interactive fitness options.

Among those improvements are a staffed functional training room to help strengthen and improve activities that are part of daily life, Jobe said. To those with knowledge of the fitness offerings locally, it will be the only one of its kind in Shawnee.

Amid the destruction, the Shawnee Family YMCA has been able to make improvements and additions to its fitness offerings for members and program participants to enjoy once the facility reopens this spring.

Additionally, the board and staff of the YMCA agreed to convert one of the existing group exercise class rooms into a cycling studio while adding another group room to host fitness classes. The new group studio will occupy a space once used for childwatch that had recently become more of a storage area prior to the storm.

However, federal funds provided to the YMCA have also given them the option to expand the current daycare and after school area over the next couple of years.

Members will likely notice other improvements and additions to the Shawnee Family YMCA from top to bottom, whether it is the removal of the drop wall that held the televisions around the midpoint of the fitness equipment area or the addition of a new surface to cover the concrete on the indoor track inside the gymnasium. The modernized industrial look, new lighting, updated flooring, and more open concepts change the overall look and feel of the spaces.

Though they would have liked a higher

pace of recovery during the last year, Jobe said the time resulting from supply and other delays gave his team time to be intentional about how they wanted the remodeled and improved Y to serve the needs of Shawnee and the surrounding communities. They also have taken the time to learn from members and program participants what was most important to them in their engagement with the Shawnee Family YMCA. Progress seemed to appear slower than in reality for passersby while plywood boards remained on the windows of the pool area particularly, Jobe said. Y staff members received regular questions about whether they were working toward reopening, but once the boards came down and the windows went in, it seemed to be a visual indication to the community that the time was near.

While the Shawnee Family YMCA will look to reopen the majority of its facility next month, the pool area will still need more work in the meantime

due to the extent of the damage and some maintenance needs that already existed prior to the tornado, Jobe said. As there is opportunity in every problem, the YMCA leadership wants to make sure they make the most of a hard time by creating a place that will work for the community at large for years to come.

Meanwhile, Jobe and his team will continue offering tours to groups and organizations interested in getting a sneak peak at all the familiar and new things the Shawnee Family YMCA facilities will offer, and so far those efforts seem to have generated some excitement about the reopening.

“It’s been amazing the power of word of mouth,” Jobe said. “We started at the beginning of February, and it’s been amazing getting out and hearing from the community just how positive everyone is about us being back here soon.”

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Jobe at mjobe@shawneeymca. org or call (405) 273-4386. S www.shawneeoutlook.com

11

121 W 45TH, SHAWNEE OK 74804

12

www.shawneeoutlook.com

•

11AM-3PM

•

WWW.NSVHOK.COM

Let's GO

POWER OF COLLABORATION H

Working Together Makes Us Stronger

BY JOHN BOBB-SEMPLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF POTTAWATOMIE GO

ave you ever tried to solve a big puzzle? It can be tough when you do it alone, but with friends, it becomes easier and a lot more fun.

This is what we do at Pottawatomie Go – we bring people together to solve big puzzles in our Semple perspectives working as a team. community.

At the heart of Pottawatomie Go, we Stephen Covey once hold dear the values of collaboration, said, "The way we see the problem is the inclusion, empowerment, courage, viproblem." www.ExtremeRoofingSolutions.com Sometimes, we need to look at things tality, innovation and accountability. differently, and it's easier when we have These values guide us as we work hand different people with experiences and in hand to create a healthier communi-

ty. The values ground us as we dream of what can be achieved.

Can you imagine a Pottawatomie County that allows our kids today to grow up in the healthiest county in Oklahoma? It’s a long game, but working alongside our partners we focus on key areas to improve health and wellbeing: building a better built environment for all; encouraging active lifestyles; increasing fruit and vegetable consumption; improving mental well-being; and fostering social connections. We believe these steps are crucial in seeing that dream become a reality.

My friend and Gateway to Prevention >

405.301.2270

405.301.2270 1813 N. Harrison, Shawnee OK

LLC.

www.ExtremeRoofingSolutionsOK.com

We offer FREE INSPECTIONS and FREE ESTIMATES!

“When you have problems We have solutions”

35 YEARS EXPERIENCE

• RE ROOFS • REPAIRS • NEW CONSTRUCTION • GUTTERS

State License #080000750 www.shawneeoutlook.com

13

& Recovery CEO Jon Greenwood often says, “local people, solve local problems.”

The challenges of our mental health crisis, food insecurity, physical inactivity and social isolation can be found across Oklahoma and throughout the nation, but local collaboration gives us the opportunity to work toward meaningful solutions when combined with scaled resources and likeminded energy.

Since 2017, the City of Shawnee has built 7.1 miles of sidewalks with support from the Avedis Foundation. These have increased our city’s Walk Score and work to improve pedestrian safety and mobility from our citizens 8-years-old to 80-years-old.

In 2021, the ratio of behavioral health providers was 1,340 residents seeking assistance to one provider. Today, it’s improved to 1,310 to 1.

Because of the 2018 1/2 cent sales tax, we have an acclaimed rebuilt KidSpace Park, a remodeled Woodland Veterans Park, improved infrastructure, and the resources to strengthen first responder

services. We could go on and on about all the great work this community is doing by taking on challenges together.

With the anniversary of the April 19th tornado approaching, the importance of collaboration shines brightly. Communities coming together, with neighbors helping neighbors, first responders from across the state offering support and leaders from various sectors uniting for recovery highlight this. Tribal, municipal and county governments along with churches and nonprofits like United Way, Community Renewal and Community Market have all played significant roles in bringing hope and aiding restoration.

While the path to recovery continues, the progress made through collective action speaks volumes about our community's resilience and spirit of cooperation.

No matter the challenge, collaboration is our secret weapon. It sets up the community to see real problems and achieve meaningful results. The story of Pottawatomie Go started with becoming Oklahoma's first Certified Blue Zones

Community and as a community, we're making strides towards measurable goals that build on that achievement. With the insights from our record breaking Community Health Survey (learn more atpottcohealthsurvey.com) developed and led by 10 organizations of the Unified CHNA Taskforce, we are committed to having a shared measurement tool to leverage resources and multiple efforts.

The Pogo values of inclusion, accountability and collaboration guide how we work together to elevate the voices of people throughout Pottawatomie County.

Through collaboration and a shared vision, we at Pottawatomie Go are demonstrating that achieving big goals is within our reach. We're not merely envisioning a healthier, happier community; we're actively building it. United, we're establishing the groundwork for a future where every person in our community has the opportunity to thrive. Let's continue to advance together, united in our efforts. S

BEFORE THEY GET BEHIND THE WHEEL… Make sure they understand the risks of drunk and drugged driving.

Let your children know it’s never okay to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and that getting in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs is also very dangerous. For tips on how—and when—to begin the conversation, visit

www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov #TalkTheyHearYou 14

www.shawneeoutlook.com

PEP20-03-01-062

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

Financial strategies built just for you Michael P Garbutt, AAMS™

Brent S Morris

3813 N Harrison St Shawnee, OK 74804 405-214-4971

923 East MacArthur St Shawnee, OK 74804 405-788-0040

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

Jacob Russell

Trey Thee III

4010 N Kickapoo Ave, Ste 1 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-214-1978

2218 N Kickapoo Ave, Ste 1 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-395-0068

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

David W Spires, CFP® Financial Advisor

39004 W MacArthur St, Ste 110 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-878-0990

Chris Jones

Financial Advisor Tennis Facility 2218 N Kickapoo Ave, Ste 1 Tennis Facility

Stucker Complex Stucker Complex

Shawnee, OK 74804 405-395-0068

Agriculture FacilityFacility Agriculture

MKT-5894M-A-A1

Band Storage Band Storage

ARE YOU INFORMED?

DO YOU HAVE A PLAN TO

ARE YOU REGISTERED?

Jefferson Drive Drive Jefferson

SMS Drive SMS Drive

APRIL 2?

After research and collaborative work with various stakeholders, the Shawnee Public Schools Capital Improvements Committee - made up of parents, community leaders, and staff members recommended to the SPS Board of Education the need to put forward two proposals for a Student Investment Plan. The Board voted to move forward with a bond election to bring these two proposals to the voters on April 2, 2024. The plan is possible with

$0 PROJECTED TAX INCREASE

QUESTION 2NO PROJECTED

QUESTION 1

Repurposing 2016 bond Elementary funds TAXINFORMED? INCREASE Elementary Bathrooms INFORMED? A PLAN A PLAN TO TOFloors REGISTERED? REGISTERED? Elementary Floors Elementary Bathrooms ARE ARE YOUYOU

Stucker Complex $39,535,000 Tennis Facility Agriculture Facility A 10-year, lease revenue bond, netting

Elementary Windows

Elementary Windows purposes. $26,285,000 for construction

to benefit 1,700 students insteadAPRIL of 250 by making updates APRIL 2?

2? to existing elementary school facilities, including repairs toCapital Capital After research After research and collaborative and collaborative work with work various with various stakeholders, stakeholders, the Shawnee the Shawnee Public Schools Public Schools Improvements Improvements Committee Committee - made - up made of up parents, of parents, community community leaders,creating leaders, and staff and members staff members bathrooms, exteriors, intercoms, windows, and a more recommended recommended to the SPS to the Board SPSof Board Education Education the need the toneed put forward to put forward two proposals two proposals for a Student for a Student secure entrance vestibule at oftoShawnee Early Center Investment Investment Plan. The Plan.

Board Thevoted Boardtovoted move forward move forward with a bond with election a bondChildhood election to bringto these bringtwo these proposals two proposals

well as replace a large number of HVAC units across the district

Jefferson Drive Band Storage SMS Drive on projects including ✔ Meet the gaps left by insurance Stucker

and tennis facilities, in addition to a new agriculture facility

Question 1

School andSequoyah construct a Parking multi-purpose building adjacent to the HVAC SMS Sequoyah Parking HVAC Field House Elementary Floors

NO NO PROJECTED PROJECTED Question 2 TAX TAX INCREASE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TOINCREASE VOTE

to the voters to theon voters Aprilon 2, April 2024.2,The 2024. planThe is possible plan is possible with with

✔ Replace the drive surrounding the 23-year-old Shawnee Middle Elementary Bathrooms

ARE ARE YOUYOU

✔ Unused funds INVESTMENT from 2016 bond election PLAN would be repurposed STUDENT PROPOSALS

✔ Provide ongoing funding for maintenance and technology, as

Elementary Windows

DO YOU DO YOU HAVE HAVE

Provide

A 10-year, $39,535,000 lease revenue bond, Repurposing STUDENT STUDENT INVESTMENT INVESTMENT PLAN PROPOSALS PROPOSALS FOR THE ELECTION ISPLAN MARCH 8.

Elementary netting $26,285,000 for construction purposesCarpetCarpet 2016 bond funds Elementary $39,535,000 Replace the

Unused funds from the 2016 bond election would funding for surrounding band be repurposed to benefit insurance on Question Question 1 1 Question 2 2 maintenance the 23-year-old uniforms andQuestion 1,700 students instead of projects and Shawnee 250 by making updates to A 10-year, A 10-year, $39,535,000 $39,535,000 lease revenue lease revenue bond, bond, storage Repurposing Repurposing including netting $26,285,000 $26,285,000 for construction for construction purposes purposes 2016 bond 2016 funds bond funds technology, as netting Middle School existing elementary school Stucker and well as ProvideProvide and Replace construct a Provide facilities, including repairs $39,535,000 tennis the the Provide new new UnusedUnused funds from funds thefrom the Meet the Meet $39,535,000 the Replace Sequoyah Parking HVAC Elementary Carpet drive marching marching 2016 bond 2016 election bond would would exteriors, gaps left gaps by left by drive Along replace aongoingongoing multi-purpose toelection bathrooms, facilities, in Attend a Forum: Visit our website: Contact the District: fundingfunding for forinsurance surroundingband band be repurposed be repurposed to benefit to benefit insurance on onsurrounding Attend a Forum: Visit our website: largeContact number building intercoms, and windows, the District: addition to a with maintenance maintenance the 23-year-old the 23-year-old uniforms uniforms and and 1,700 students 1,700 students instead instead of of projectsprojects Visit tinyurl.com/spsbond2024 tinyurl.com/spsbond2024 REGISTER TO VOTE, CHECK YOUR POLLING LOCATION, AND MORE (405) 273-0653 of HVAC units adjacent toVisit the and creating newincludingincluding Shawnee and and273-0653 Shawnee storage storage 250 by making 250 by making updates updates to to a more secure tinyurl.com/spsbond2024 tinyurl.com/spsbond2024 (405) at okvoterportal.okelections.us or the QR code on the left muchexistingexisting for a schedule technology, technology, as as Middle elementary elementary school school Stucker Stucker and andMiddle communication@shawnee.k12.ok.us across the SMSSchool FieldSchool entrance/vestibule at agriculture for afacilities, schedule communication@shawnee.k12.ok.us well as well as and construct and construct a a facilities, including including repairs repairs tennis tennis more... district replace replace House SECC. facility AlongAlong a a facilities, multi-purpose to bathrooms, to bathrooms, exteriors, exteriors, facilities, in in multi-purpose Meet the

Provide new

ongoing drive marching gaps left by REGISTER TO VOTE, POLLING LOCATION, ANDAND MORE ✔ Provide new marching band uniforms and CHECK storage REGISTER TO VOTE, CHECKYOUR YOUR POLLING LOCATION, MORE

atokvoterportal.okelections.us okvoterportal.okelections.us oror thethe QRQR code on the at code on left the left

Questions?

Questions?

Questions?

Visit our website: tinyurl.com/spsbond2024

Contact the District: (405) 273-0653 communication@shawnee.k12.ok.us

Attend a Forum: Visit tinyurl.com/spsbond2024 for a schedule

large number large number intercoms, intercoms, and windows, and windows, additionaddition to a to abuildingbuilding with with of HVAC ofunits HVAC units adjacentadjacent to the to the and creating and creating a more secure a more secure new new muchmuch entrance/vestibule SMS Field across the across theagriculture entrance/vestibule at at agriculture SMS Field For more information on the 2024 Bond Initiative, visit tinyurl.com/spsbond2024. more... more... district district House House SECC. SECC. facility facility

www.shawneeoutlook.com

15

16

www.shawneeoutlook.com

www.shawneeoutlook.com

17

NITZEL’S GARAGE DOOR

WelcomeHome Home Welcome • Quick Approval • Quick Approval • First-time • First-time

Homebuyer Loans Homebuyer Loans

• FHA, VA & • FHA, VA &

USDA Loans USDA Loans

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

• Jumbo Loans • Jumbo Loans

Construction • •Construction to to Permanent Permanent Financing Financing

• •DebtDebt

Consolidation Consolidation

Flexible • •Flexible

117

Repayment Options Repayment Options

NEWS DOORS • OPENERS • REPAIRS

23

20 CANDA WHITE CANDA L. L. WHITE

Mortgage Loan Consultant Sr. Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant NMLS# 46922 NMLS# 46922

405-406-0288 www.nitzelsgaragedoor.com

We

ll Your Repair A

Garage

Office: 405-273-1761 Office: 405-273-1761 Direct: 405-615-3603 Direct: 405-615-3603 cwhite@firstunitedbank.com cwhite@firstunitedbank.com cwhite.firstunitedteam.com cwhite.firstunitedteam.com 2675 N. Harrison | Shawnee, 74804 2675 N. Harrison St. St. | Shawnee, OKOK 74804

210 WEST WALNUT • TECUMSEH, OK 74873 “Serving Families Since 1906”

405-598-2124

www.cooperfuneral.com

blems!

Door Pro

NitzelsGarageDoors

Member Housing Lender.

NMLS# 400025.

Member FDIC.FDIC. EqualEqual Housing Lender.

NMLS# 400025.

SHAWNEE 405-273-2002 smileshawnee.com

HARRAH 405-445-6999 smileharrah.com

DR. RENALLA ELLIS

DR. COLIN ROBERTSON

OFFERING FREE CONSULTATIONS FOR IMPLANTS AND INVISALIGN.

18

www.shawneeoutlook.com

community

ACTING OUT

Local Bank, Partners Band Together To Perform Random Acts Of Kindness Locally FROM STAFF REPORTS

I

n recognition of National Acts First United Bank partnered with of Kindness Month in February, local leaders, organizations and local leaders, organizations and individuals to reach out to friends, people in Shawnee partnered with family, neighbors and others in the community with random blessings First United Bank for its fourth annual during United Acts of Kindness Day United Acts of Kindness Day. last month. — Photos submitted These folks joined others throughout the bank’s territory to spread joy, the lives impacted in our community hope and love to friends, family, co- throughout one day is truly a beautiworkers and neighbors through 784,236 ful thing. I’m thankful for each partner recorded acts of kindness on Feb. 16 – that chooses to come alongside us and surpassing the goal of 350,000 this year. celebrate kindness on United Acts of “I love seeing our community Kindness Day. Every act is a part of the come together to just love on each giant ripple.”

Among those taking to the streets to other,” said Amanda Teape Johnson, the bank’s Spend Life Wisely Ambas- delve out kindness were six First United sador. “Spreading love and impact is employees paired with six police officers what we do on a daily basis, but seeing handing out $500 in random gift cards > www.shawneeoutlook.com

19

to Walmart, Chicken Express, Chick-filA, The Surf Bar, Marble Slab and free tea cards that were provided by HTeaO. Visitors to the First United Bank locations received Hershey bars with notes of kindness on their teller envelopes, and the bank also distributed books for all first graders at Horace Mann Elementary and Pleasant Grove Elementary along with tea for teachers at those two schools and Shawnee Middle School.

Pottawatomie County Go stopped by the City of Shawnee Public Works Department to provide fruits and snacks, and realtors from Berkshire Hathaway provided coffee vouchers at Comma Coffee.

Cuckoo Bird & Dashing T Boutique had customers write notes of kindness to other women and provided a $5 gift card for the customer and a friend.

“United Acts of Kindness Day has become one of our favorite events that we have at the store,” said Micah Barton, owner of Cuckoo Bird & Dashing T. “Each year, it’s great to see all the women that take time out of their day to stop in and write something great about another woman in their life. Our dressing rooms have become full of empowering words to lift up ladies in our community. Our hope is to one day have all the walls filled with words of love and encouragement.”

For the third year, Mayor Ed Bolt made a proclamation recognizing United Acts of Kindness Day as Gordon Cooper Technology Center collected socks for a local non-profit. The Mabee-Gerrer Mu-

seum of Art offered free admission.

County Commissioner Abby Thompson provided lunch at the barn, and SSM Health employees donated toys, games, and sensory items to Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club and to Uplift Mentoring.

Canadian Valley Electric Coop sponsored coffee at a coffee shop while First United Bank sponsored coffee randomly throughout the day at HTeaO, Scooters and Coffee N Crafts and hosted a blood drive.

A local mom noted she and her children got in on the action during United Acts of Kindness Day. “I wanted to thank you for the inspiration for kindness day,” she wrote in a Facebook comment. “My kiddos and I made juice HUGS and Hershey KISSES

for our wonderful heroes of Shawnee.”

In a recent op-ed piece, the bank’s director of health and wellness Barbara Carnahan noted some of the health benefits of undertaking acts of kindness, including: Stress Reduction. Acts of kindness have been linked to a reduction in stress levels. Engaging in kind and altruistic behaviors triggers the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone.” Oxytocin helps to lower stress hormones, leading to a calmer and more relaxed state of mind. By regularly practicing kindness, you create a positive feedback loop that contributes to longterm stress resilience.

Enhanced Emotional Resilience. Acts of kindness foster emotional resilience by promoting a sense of connectedness

Visit WWW.TCPSHAWNEE.COM to sign up for the Mobile App!

The Clinic Pharmacy Tim Barrick, DPh.

405-273-9417

3210 Kethley Road Shawnee, OK 74804

Cell: 405-740-2898 Fax: 405-273-8849

email: srprx@sbcglobal.net

THE CLINIC PHARMACY (SHAWNEE) 20

www.shawneeoutlook.com

3601 N Harrison, Shawnee, OK 405-481-9700 travis@bhhsbenchmark.com travisarealtor

TRAVIS ALEXANDER, REALTOR

and social support. Building positive relationships through acts of kindness creates a support system that can help you navigate life's challenges more effectively. Knowing that you have a network of caring people can boost your emotional resilience, providing a buffer against stressors and hardships.

Physical Health Benefits. Kindness also has tangible effects on physical health. Studies have found that engaging in acts of kindness can lead to improvements in cardiovascular health.

The positive emotions associated with kindness contribute to better heart health by reducing

blood pressure and promoting overall cardiovascular well-being. Additionally, the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, during acts of kindness contributes to a general sense of well-being.

“United Acts of Kindness Day is growing each year and, of course, is only a small part of what First United is doing to elevate lives,” said Paul Bass, Community Bank President in Shawnee. I would encourage others to join us in partnership for events of this nature, and to choose us as their bank, in order to maximize what we can accomplish together.” S

TIMEWISE MIRACLE SET RESET THE PACE OF SKIN’S VISIBLE AGING STARTING IN AS LITTLE AS 2 WEEKS!* With the TimeWise* Miracle Set*, you’ll be on your way to strong, healthy skin from day one, and week after week brings you closer to your best skin yet.

Ask me how to start a skin care routine that’s personalized just for you! *Results based on one of eight independent third-party clinical or consumer studies in which from 55 to 214 women used a TimeWise* Miracle Set* product as directed.

David Conway Independent Beauty Consultant www.marykay.com/dconway5 405-788-6353

Emphasize moral development and selfdiscipline Use technology effectively to enhance education

Have a 99% high school graduation rate with 85% attending college

11 10

9

Set high standards for student achievement and help them succeed

8

12

1

PreK-12th

405.273.3022 7

Teach students respect of self and others

a dozen reasons

Offer an education that combines Cultivate a Christian faith faculty and staff and teachings of people who with academic are dedicated, excellence caring and effective

6 Instill in students the value of service to others

5

2

Prepare students to be productive citizens and leaders

Partner with parents in the faith formation of your children

3 4

Safe and welcoming environment

Provide a balanced academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture and life

to choose

Liberty Academy Parental School Choice Act Qualified libertyshawnee.com/liberty-academy-faq-s www.shawneeoutlook.com

21

over the fence

WISE SELFISHNESS

Know When To Ask For Help As Well As Give It

O

BY BRANDON DYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNITY RENEWAL OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

ne cold morning a few weeks It’s interesting to me that as humans, we’re not very ago, I was headed downtown good at asking for help. I guess we don’t to have coffee with some want to be a burden; decide that people colleagues. Heading west on Highland have better things to do; or don’t want to I was thinking about how fortunate we be seen as having any sort of weaknesses. are to have several really terrific coffee I suppose it comes down to pride someshops in town when I spotted a traffic problem times, right? ahead. I approached the intersection of Highland I for one am the absolute worst at asking for and Harrison and stopped in the left turn lane help when I need it. I’ll be working on a project at where I could clearly see a stalled truck stopped home, and rather than trouble a friend to help me partially in the intersection. The light turned lift something heavy, I’ll destroy my back in pure green and there were several cars behind me. I had stubbornness. You know what’s funny? If a friend a decision to make that affected not only me, but Brandon Dyer called me to help them move something heavy, I’d a number of other people. Do I drive on, so as to happily drop what I was doing to go help. not be late to my meeting? Or do I jump out and help?

I had shoulder surgery a few months ago and needed There was no deliberation really. My Oklahoma roots to sleep in a recliner, which I did not have. For once, I kicked in as I put the truck in park and swung open my asked for help. Two of my good friends dropped what door to go help. How could I not? I am able-bodied and they were doing and within an hour had a borrowed remore than capable of lending a hand in a moment like cliner in my bedroom for me. Guess who benefitted the that. Not surprising at all, as I was hustling over to the most? All of us. stalled truck, five other guys were also making haste to The Dalai Lama refers to this as “wise selfishness.” help. Although the truck was pointed slightly uphill, to- Showing compassion for another person is actually in gether we quickly accomplished what the driver could your best interest. When we show compassion for another never have done by himself. We pushed the truck into a person, when we offer help, when we give, everyone wins. parking lot, the driver said thank you and we all scattered Certainly the recipient benefits, but we also directly benacross the intersection to our vehicles. The whole thing efit by having our own sense of happiness elevated. Relasted maybe 60 seconds, and I wasn’t even late to my search seems to suggest that we are actually wired for this. meeting – although I was a little winded.

It also helps the one witnessing the compassion because Chances are you’ve been in a situation like that be- it inspires them and reminds them who we really are as fore or at least witnessed it happening. Maybe you helped human beings. someone recently in the ice storm get their car unstuck.

We have lots of needs in our world. Sometimes that’s Or maybe you held a door open for someone carrying pushing a truck across an intersection, sometimes it’s something heavy. Or you helped someone in the check helping with someone’s groceries and sometimes just out lane when they were a little short on money for their giving a hug and a listening ear. The irony is that we are groceries. Or you helped your neighbor with their lawn often so focused on our own problems that we don’t see when they weren’t able to mow it. the many opportunities around us to show compassion, I’d bet there have also been occasions when you have thereby counterintuitively failing to contribute to the hapbeen on the receiving end of the help. Maybe your neigh- piness we are seeking in the first place. In 2024, let’s lean bors pitched in to help remove debris after the April 19 into our true selves. Let’s upgrade our standard selfishness tornado. Or maybe you’ve been the one a little short on to wise selfishness and toast each other with a newfound your grocery bill. happiness generated by cultivating compassion. S

22

www.shawneeoutlook.com

Introducing NO DISCOMFORT NO TRAUMA NO SHEDDING

Company LLC

405-334-9475 COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

STEVEN JOHNS 405-334-9475 DAVID JAMES 405-503-5533 Whether you’re worried about possible storm damage, a current leak, or that your roof is just old and needs replaced, call us today and we will schedule a FREE inspection, work with your insurance company and give you a free estimate on repairs or replacement.

Needle free hair restoration FOR MEN AND WOMEN MAGNOLIA CLINIC 4409 N. Kickapoo Suite 121 –Shawnee, OK 405.585.0475

Company LLC

405-334-9475

14 OAK DRIVE, SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA

KATIE FROST APRN-CNP

Hours of Operation: Monday 9 AM - 6 PM Tuesday 1 PM - 6 PM Wednesday 8 AM - 5 PM Thursday 8 AM - 5 PM Friday 8 AM - 2 PM www.shawneeoutlook.com

23

and depression.

Whose logo is this?

3 WINNERS will be chosen at random from correct entry forms. Each WINNER will receive a $5 SONIC GIFT CERTIFICATE.

CONTEST

DIRECTIONS: 1. Unscramble the 4 scrambled SHAWNEE OUTLOOK Advertisers 2. Fill out this entry form and mail to: Shawnee Outlook P.O. Box 1365 Shawnee, OK 74802 3. Winners are announced in the next issue of the Shawnee Outlook.

4. If you are a winner, we’ll mail the gift certificate to the return address on your envelope. (Make sure you include one!)

____________

____________ (NAME OF BUSINESS) SHAWNEE 405-273-2002

(NAME OF BUSINESS)

smileshawnee.com

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

4PM – 9PM

HARRAH 405-445-6999 smileharrah.com

DR. RENALLA ELLIS

DR. COLIN ROBERTSON

THURSDAY & FRIDAY

4PM – 10PM

Dr. Kurt FREE Call today to reserve Dr. Caly 2PM – 10PM your appointment!www.belladermaok.com OFFERING

____________

____________

(NAME OF BUSINESS)

(NAME OF BUSINESS)

CONSULTATIONS FOR IMPLANTS AND INVISALIGN. 1533 N. HARRISON, SHAWNEE,SATURDAY OK • (405) 777-4341

al 20thAnnual u n n ’t here!

Lion’s CLub Basic beer ainDoctors hA

LIONS CLUB 16t 405.777.4272 MARCH Specials Shawne

313 E. MAIN • SHAWNEE Chilihear4life.com Feast 3954 N K

____________

____________

(NAME OF BUSINESS)

(NAME OF BUSINESS)

Friday, February 28, 2020 F E A ST FEBRUARY WINNERS 4151 N. Harrison St. Shawnee FRANK INGRAM ALLISON STEWART JESSICA GRIFFIN First Baptist Church 405-765-1091 00 450 N. Harrison 2131 Kickapoo 4625 Kickapoo 45th 00 10:S $4.

Adult: $7.& Harrison Child Funder EA T YOUR NAME: _______________________ PHONE NUMBER: ____________________

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL – Now Accepting New Patients

LIONS CLUBTheSPONSORSHIP Perfect Derma Chemical Peel $225

Ad

11:00

PLATINUM SPONSORS

CitizenLATISSE Potawatomi5Nation mL

$30 Off

Shelby Parsons, APRN, FNP-C GOLD SPONSORS

OrthoMolecular SSM Health Supplement Medical Group CollaGEN

Bancfirst BETTER HEARING, BETTER LIFE National Bank) Sovereign Bank (First

l SILVER SPONSORS nnua

Hearing loss is more common than you think. We don’t often

REALIZE ITS IMPACT.

15th

A

Vision Bank

15% Off

Lion’sFisher CLub Appraisals

Bank Untreated hearing loss canArvest contribute to cognitive decline, socialClinic isolation, Pharmacy and depression.

David Spires - Edward Jones Financial Advisor

KIRC GibsonNOW & Reynolds CPA Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art OFFERING: KGFFHORMONE OPTIMIZATION Pinecliffe Printers BIOTE

Chili Feast

POTENZA RF MICRONEEDLING Friday, February 22, 2019 BRONZE SPONSORS FILLERS | TOX | IV THERAPY

IPL Church SKIN REJUVENATION All Nations Bank D. Neal Martin Attorney at Law First Baptist Dr. Kurt Kalies DIAMOND GLOW | FACIALS Call today to reserve Chris Rick Dr. Calyn Russ-Whitt Project Safe 00 00 DERMAPLANING | MICRONEEDLING your appointment!

IPL HAIR REMOVAL

405.777.4272

hear4life.com 24

Adult: $7.

Doctors of Audiology

ChildPELLEVE under 10: $4.

RF WRINKLE REDUCTION

Shawnee 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM and

PERMANENT 4:30 PM -MAKEUP 7:00 PM

11:00

Thank You! We appreciate your support!

www.shawneeoutlook.com

3954 N Kickapoo Ave, Ste 5

BROW & LASH SERVICES

Ad

shawnee history

POST SECONDARY

Shawnee Has Sought, Housed Many Higher Learning Institutions

U

BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER

ntil the closing of St. Gregory’s University a few leaders petitioned for the state medical university. It would years ago, Shawnee was one only a few cities of our be part of the University of Oklahoma but away from the size that was home to two colleges. In the town’s Norman campus. That two-year medical college eventually short (yes, “short,” compared to most of the rest of the coun- was set up in Oklahoma City. try) history, Shawnee has had several opportunities to claim With the move of the Catholic college, Shawnee camhigher learning institutions. paigned to have the state’s Baptist leaders build their college St. Gregory’s was the first. Catholic monks came to the here as well. Proposals, ideas and sites changed several times, area from France and built Sacred Heart monastery near the but thanks to financial help from local leaders and property tribal land of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. They then de- offered, the school that was designated Oklahoma Baptist veloped an industrial school, a school for girls, a convent, a University made its appearance in 1911 with the construcfarm and even a bakery. Then, a tion of what is now Shawnee Hall. fire in 1901 caused extensive damToday, OBU has grown to beage, and the decision was made to come a major part of the Shawnee move north near the new town of landscape. Shawnee has had sevShawnee and was originally called eral specialty colleges along the the Catholic University of Oklahoway, including Curtice Industrial ma. Over the years, it was a high School that was affiliated with the school and junior college for boys New State Business College (later until 1965, when the high school also referred to as Curtice Business closed and girls were admitted to School) from 1905 for 40 years. the college. It has since closed, and Western Business College began the building was absorbed by the in 1909 and existed for 10 years. nearby Baptist university.

Draughon’s Business College was St. Gregory’s University and Oklahoma Baptist Early city leaders recognized University are only two of the many higher in Shawnee from 1917 through education institutions that have served or have the need for a school of higher 1922 until it changed hands and learning to help the community been sought by Shawnee since its founding. — became Cheathams College of become a first class city. In 1905, Photo submitted Commerce. A newspaper article they proposed what was to be called Shawnee College that mentions that the school had 50 students, some even coming would cost $72,000. Fifteen lots needed to be secured, and from out of state. It was located at 21 1/2 W. Main. the location they looked at eventually became the site of FairNeff ’s Business College was the most recent business view Cemetery. Further plans failed to continue, although a school and had a small campus on the corner 10th & Bell business school by that name did exist for a couple of years. Streets from the late 1930s for about 20 years. Neff ’s was large Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce offered possible enough – especially after the war when former servicemen sites for the Christian Church’s college. There was even a pa- could use their VA benefits – that it even had an athletic derade to encourage those prospecting for the school’s home. partment and fielded a basketball team.

Newspaper articles stated “Everyone … is putting forth every Most surprising of all Shawnee’s efforts at having or ateffort to win.” This college ended up becoming Phillips Uni- tempting to acquire places of higher learning was in the versity in Enid.

1950s. The town was on the official list of sites considered Those two are not the only schools that flickered on the for the U.S. Air Force Academy. A handful of communities horizon in our early years. In 1909, it briefly appeared Shaw- in each state were on the list when it was agreed in 1948 that nee might be the site of the state’s Agricultural and Mechani- the school was needed. Shawnee was only briefly considered cal college – yes, what is now Oklahoma State University. The mainly because of not enough “clear” land (too many trees state legislature appropriated funds to start the school, and and creeks), but for a while it was newsworthy to be one of Shawnee’s Chamber of Commerce discussed the prospect of 582 possibilities. campaigning for it. Stillwater was the eventual “winner.”

Shawnee has shown determination since the town’s beginThe next year, after failure to secure the A&M college, city ning to see that higher education was available to its citizens. S www.shawneeoutlook.com

25

mental health

WARNING SIGNS

Recognizing, Understanding Some Of The Effects Of Domestic Abuse

G

BY REGAN GREEN WITH KATIE MCQUAY

ateway to Prevention is “Providing Advocacy for Safeand Recovery supty, Empowerment, Healing and ports all individuals Freedom from Abuse.” They acand families in Oklahoma complish this through educatoward recovery and greater tion, advocacy, legal assistance, Green health through prevention, crisis intervention, shelter for treatment and wellness. Gatevictims and more. If you are way understands that indiin an abusive situation, you can viduals and families who find contact information for seek treatment for substances Project: SAFE the end of this armay also need support in othticle and get help today.

McQuay er areas, including domestic Project: SAFE defines domesabuse services. tic abuse as “a pattern of behavAccording to the American Soci- ior used to establish power and control ety of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), over another person through fear and substance abuse is involved in about intimidation.” Physical abuse – when 40–60 percent of all intimate partner abusers threaten or perform unwantviolence (IPV) incidents. ed (often violent) physical contact – is Oklahoma has the highest domes- probably what readers are most familiar tic violence rate in the entire United with. However, the following are also States. According to the Oklahoma forms of abuse, each with unique charState Department of Health, 49% of acteristics: women and 40% of men in Oklahoma • Psychological: Manipulating, lyhave experienced domestic violence at ing, name-calling, yelling, withholding some point. affection, patronizing According to the Oklahoma De• Environmental: Slamming doors, partment of Human Services, abus- punching walls, throwing things, hurters can get victims hooked on a sub- ing pets, ripping clothes stance the abuser provides, making the • Social: Public ignoring, humiliatvictim more dependent, less likely to ing, being rude to friends/family, inleave and more vulnerable to abuse. In terfering with relationships, giving a addition, domestic abuse victims are strict dress code 70 percent more likely to drink exces• Sexual: Making any unwanted sive amounts of alcohol than those in sexual contact, forcing the victim to healthy relationships. have sex, sleeping around, treating the Because of these connections be- victim as a sexual object tween substance use and abuse, GateAn abuser may combine multiple way believes that it is important to types of abuse. Psychological abuse highlight organizations like Project: often reinforces other kinds of abuse, SAFE and increase early awareness of making victims feel they cannot simdomestic abuse. ply leave their abusers. Abusers are Project: SAFE’s mission statement skilled in manipulating their victims

26

www.shawneeoutlook.com

and making them feel guilty, but abuse is never the victim’s fault.

Often, red flags of abuse are present early in a relationship. If you or a loved one is in a relationship with someone who exhibits any of these characteristics, the relationship is likely unhealthy or abusive: • Controlling behavior: Constantly questioning the partner’s ideas/choices, limiting his or her personal decisions • Isolation: Keeping the partner away from resources/support, limiting contact with friends/family • Blaming others: Constantly presenting his or her own problems/feelings as someone else’s fault, falsely accusing others • Emotional instability/volatility: Acting hypersensitive, angry, possessive or jealous; exhibiting sudden mood changes, explosiveness or extreme behavior The above lists are not comprehensive. If you feel unsafe or taken advantage of in your relationship, even if you don’t see some of the warning signs listed above, you can reach out to Project: SAFE for help and guidance.

Victims often carry their own symptoms of abuse. Perhaps the most apparent sign is physical injuries, but emotional and behavioral symptoms can be harder to spot. Victims may exhibit some of the following behaviors: • Making excuses for the abuser: Defending the abuser’s behavior; blaming it on a bad mood, stress, drugs/alcohol, themselves, etc.

• Isolating themselves from others: Not being allowed to – or uncharacteristically choosing not to – go out,

spend time with friends/family or do things they would normally do • Changing emotionally: Becoming more withdrawn, less confident and less enthusiastic • Growing less reliable: Producing decreased quality or consistency of work/schoolwork, attending work/school less often Remember, it is not your fault if you did not figure out that someone you love was an abuse victim. Many victims become experts at acting normal despite their pain. Do not blame yourself for not realizing the struggle someone else was hiding from you, and do not blame him or her for hiding it.

If you or a loved one are an abuse victim, Project: SAFE is here to serve you. Visit projectsafeok.com for more information about how they can help you escape and heal from abusive situations. You can also call their 24-hour abuse hotline at (800) 821-9953, contact their Shawnee office at (405) 273-9953 or visit them at 313 N. Union Ave. in Shawnee. They also provide services at their Chandler office available by calling (405) 328-6200 or visiting them at 724 Manvel Ave. in Chandler.

To stay in the loop on upcoming events and schedule changes, you can follow them on Facebook at facebook. com/ProjectSafe or Instagram @projectsafeshawnee. Their services are absolutely free, so do not hesitate to reach out for the help you need.

Escape, safety and healing are possible. Take the first step today. S Regan Green, M.S., has been working in victim advocacy for more than 16 years. She is currently with Project: SAFE, which services Lincoln and Pottawatomie Counties. Regan loves to witness positive change through her connections with individuals, families and her community.

Katie McQuay was a writing intern for Gateway to Prevention and Recovery in 2023. She is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a major in English and a minor in Professional Writing and Editing.

MAR

Bethel Acres 2024 Tag Agency

878-0040 Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-1pm North of Hardesty Road & Hwy 102

th l nnua Lion’s20CAnnual Lub

A 16th

15th

LIONS CLUB

C

Chili Feast

Friday, February 28, 2020 F EA ST First Baptist Church 00 Child 10:S $4.T Adult: $7.00 Funder EA

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM and

F

Adult: $7

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

LIONS CLUB SPONSORSHIP

11:00 AM - 1

PLATINUM SPONSORS Citizen Potawatomi Nation

GOLD SPONSORS Bancfirst Sovereign Bank (First National Bank) TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

4PM – 9PM

l SILVER SPONSORS nnua 15th

A

SSM Health Medical Group Vision Bank

Lion’sFisher CLub Appraisals

Arvest Bank Clinic Pharmacy David Spires - Edward Jones Financial Advisor

KIRC Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art Pinecliffe Printers

Chili Feast

THURSDAY & FRIDAY

4PM – 10PM

Gibson & Reynolds CPA KGFF

Friday, February 22, 2019 BRONZE SPONSORS

SATURDAY

2PM – 10PM

re!

Basic beer ain’t he

313 E. MAIN • SHAWNEE

All Nations Bank Chris Rick

Adult: $7.00

D. NealChurch Martin Attorney at Law First Baptist Safe ChildProject under 10: $4.00

11:00 AM - 1:30 PM and

4:30 PM - 7:00 PM

15th

C

F

Adult: $7

11:00 AM - 1

Thank You! We appreciate your support! www.shawneeoutlook.com

27

WE ARE

Let us take care of new installs, change outs, and maintenance.

OPEN

Join in the celebration of International Women’s Week!

One Free Week! *Only valid for first-time HOTWORX customers. *Only valid during staffed hours. Expires March 31.

OUR SERVICES 24/7 Access 9 Saunas 11 Different Workouts FX/Zone

REGISTER NOW 405-695-8708 4795 N Harrison, Shawnee, OK 74804

4151 N. Harrison St. Shawnee 405-765-1091

Now Accepting New Patients

Shelby Parsons, APRN, FNP-C 28

www.shawneeoutlook.com

Lucky Day Call or text today!

405-275-1122

www.luckydayhvac.com

calendar March 8-24: The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art presents the exhibit, “Imagination: Children’s Book Illustrators,” featuring a wide variety of art from several fantastic children’s book illustrators from across the U.S., including Ryan O’Rourke, Dave Szalay, Ronald Mazellan, Brizida Magro, Greg Newbold, Claire Keane, C.F. Payne, Bill Thomson and Joshua Brunet. The museum will also host an Artist Talk and Reception at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 8 with Oklahoma Baptist University art professor and children’s book illustrator, Joshua Brunet, speaking about his art and how the process works.

March 9: The fourth annual Bison Boulder Bash Rock Climbing Competition will take hold starting at 9 a.m. at the Recreation and Wellness Center on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University at 500 W. University St. Information: okbu. edu March 9-10: The Community Art Gallery of Shawnee will host its 5th annual Spring Fling art show sponsored by the Shawnee Mall. The show will feature many of the area’s most talented artists of all ages and skill ranges, including specially featured award-winning artists, local favorites, art activities, demonstrations and a mall-wide gallery walk with.

The show helps support new and emerging artists as well as professionals. Information: (405) 432-7676 March 10: Come and enjoy the Duo Piano concert featuring former Oklahoma Baptist University alumni and friends at 3 p.m. in the Yarborough Auditorium inside Raley Chapel on the OBU campus at 500 W. University. This event is open to the public and will be a great time to relax and enjoy the beautiful sounds of piano playing. Information: okbu.edu March 13: Join the CPN Language Department for the annual Winter Storytelling event to hear traditional Potawatomi stories that are only told during winter. This event will be a hybrid in-person and online event. Information and RSVP: language@potawatomi.org or jneely@potawatomi.org March 14: Join the beautiful sounds of the Oklahoma Baptist University Symphonic Winds concert at 7 p.m. in the Yarborough Auditorium inside Raley Chapel on the OBU campus at 500 W. University. The event is open to the public.

Information: okbu.edu March 15: The Arts @317 will host its own Block pARTy from 5:30-8:30 p.m. featuring Also on display is the work of about 50 other different Oklahoma artists. Information: (405) 6598193

the Shawnee Police All Stars. Come out for fun, photos and autograph with former Sooner players at 7 p.m. inside the Shawnee High School Performing Arts and Athletic Center gym at 1001 N. Kennedy. Proceeds will benefit Shawnee Police Association Programs.

March 15-16: The annual Almost Ready to Cruise Swap Meet will ride into the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center at 1700 W. Independence for a weekend of cool cars and good fun supporting great causes in the Shawnee area. Come check out the vehicles along with the antique and arts & crafts vendors.

Information: arccconline.com March 18: Head to the Shawnee Public Library for STEAM Week with free daily activities to keep kids’ minds curious and growing during spring break. Information: (405) 275-6353 March 19: Join Citizen Potawatomi Nation for a Community Baby Shower from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grand Event Center at 777 Grand Casino Blvd. The event will offer refreshments, community resources, education, door prizes and more, and it is free and open to the public. Information: potawatomi.org/ community-baby-shower or (405) 878-3854. >

United Presbyterian Church

Ris&e e n i h S

Christ has conquered sin and death for us all!

Join us at 10:45 Sunday or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@UnitedPresbyterianChurch405 120 N. BROADWAY • SHAWNEE, OK UNITEDPRESBYTERIANSHAWNEE.COM

March 15: The Shawnee Police Association will host a charity basketball game featuring Oklahoma Sooners alumni versus www.shawneeoutlook.com

29

calendar March 21: The Third Thursday Poetry Reading will begin at 7 p.m. at the Lunch Box at 217 E. Main St. featuring Maria Veres, who has authored four books of poetry and a children's book. Her delightful collection, "Church People," was a finalist for the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry.

She has been a featured reader at venues throughout the state. Her reading will be followed by an open mic session for attendees to read up to two poems of their own or from a favorite poet. The Lunch Box will open at 6 p.m. with desserts and drinks available.

March 26: The Pioneer Library System Foundation welcomes back the Mad Hatter and all his magic and madness to the 2nd Annual Enter Into Our Wonderland: Mad Hatter Tea Party at 6:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Wedding Venue at 33001 Lake Road. Proceeds benefit transformational library programming and services in the Pioneer Library System's Pottawatomie County branches, including early childhood literacy, STEAM, health, wellness, arts, cultural experiences and much more. Information: (405) 801-4531 or (405) 4818425 March 28: Gordon Cooper Technology Center and First United Bank's 40East Women's Leadership Luncheon will feature Melissa Perrin, chief culture officer at First United Bank. The event is open to all women. Information: eventbrite.com/e/40east-womens-leadership-luncheontickets-817389111837 April 3: Grab tickets for the annual Kiwanis Pancake Feed serving up good times as a heartwarming gathering that fosters fellowship within our community and plays a vital role in supporting the children of our community.

Information: shawneeokkiwanis.org April 6-28: The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will host

its annual High School Juried Art Show featuring young Oklahoma artists displaying their talents with the chance to win recognition and prizes for their creations. Information: mgmoa.org April 6: Bring the kiddos to Touch-A-Truck and Beyond from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Raymond Peltier Park at 1702 S. Gordon Cooper to get a chance to get up close to some of their favorite big vehicles, ask questions, visit booths and learn all about emergency preparedness in this free familyfriendly event presented by the Pottawatomie County & Citizen Potawatomi Nations' emergency management teams.

Information: facebook.com/PottCoOEM April 7: Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma will host its monthly public run 1-4 p.m. at 29626 Lake Drive in McLoud. Ride the rails on powered ⅛-scale locomotives right outside of Shawnee Twin Lakes. Information: locotrains.org April 8: Grab your special glasses and enjoy the total solar eclipse happening in a sky near you around 1:44 p.m. and ending around 1:51 p.m.

April 12: Shawnee Little Theatre will present a new take on a favorite classic with its production of The Addams Family: A New Musical, featuring the familiar kooky adventures of the spookiest family around. Information: shawneelittletheatre. org April 13: Junior Service League of Shawnee's annual Ragin' Cajun will boil over with live music, great food, raffle items, photo booth and more. All proceeds go toward grants that benefit and support the Shawnee community. Information: jslshawnee.org/ragincajun S If you know of any events you would like to see featured, email editor@shawneeoutlook.com.

CUSTOM GRANITE, MARBLE & ENGINEERED STONE P’s Foundation Repair Floor Leveling LLC TIMMY PIERCE

405.992.5516

SCOTT STEVE MARY FAX: 405-273-4141

SOONER STONEWORKS LLC

Shawnee, Oklahoma

125 W. MACARTHUR • SHAWNEE, OK 74804

405-214-7400

30

www.shawneeoutlook.com

LOCAL RESTAURANT AND BAR

Thank you Shawnee!

There’s a lot to l e here!

419 East Main Street Downtown Shawnee

405-788-4404

We are your neighborhood There’s a lot to e here!

There’s aThere’s lot toal lot to Assisted Living community.

There’s al lote here to l Brookdale Shawnee There’s a lot to l e here!

Brookdale Shawnee To learn more, call We are your neighborhood Brookdale Shawnee Brookdale Shawnee Assisted Living community.

We are your neig Assisted Living co We are your neighborhood We are your neighborhood Assisted Living community.

Assisted Living community.

We are your neighT ( Assisted Living Living com Assisted To learn more, cal Brookdale To Shawnee learn more, call

Assisted Living

Assisted Living

Assisted Living

(405) 275-7747.

(405) 275-7747.

To (4

(405) 275-7747.

Assisted Living

Brookdale Shawnee Assisted Living

© 2022 Brookdale Senior Living Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING is a registered trademark of Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

To learn more, call (405) 275-7747.

brookdale.com www.shawneeoutlook.com

31

s s e n d a m h c mar Earn 20 points on weekdays from 5–8 PM to be entered in FireLake’s March Madness Hot Shot Contest. Four lucky contestants get to compete each weeknight at 9 PM for a chance to play in the Saturday contest.

All weekly first place winners will compete at 10 PM on Saturday for the Grand Prize:

0 $750 $500 0 0 , 1 $ 1st

2nd

3rd

$200 Hot Seats every Saturday from 6–9 PM.

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. FireLake Casino reserves the right to cancel or change a promotion without further notice.

TAX RETURN CHECK CASHING cash your tax return check at FIRELAKE CASINO and receive $10 bonus play offer expires may 31, 2024. must have valid ok id and address. federal refund and oklahoma state checks only.

32

www.shawneeoutlook.com

FF II RR EE LL AA KK EE CC AA SS II NN OO

MAADDNNEESSSS M MAARRCCHH M U-PICK-EM

PICK THE WINNERS OF THE: Elite 8, Final 4, and National Championship for your chance to win $30 in Bonus Play.

Elite 8 starts March 30

New FireLake Casino & Hotel Coming in 2024!