Shawnee Outlook

DOWN HOME

A keep the change

SUMMER ACTIVITY MATH

s we head into summer, there are so many great activities perfect for families, but the costs can rise quickly. Many times, saving money on these activities requires a little math.

R nutrition 101

GO ALPHA WITH

OMEGA-3S

esearch shows that one person dies every 33 seconds in the United States from heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is often considered preventable because many of its risk factors are associated with lifestyle choices. Increasing our omega-3 consumption is just one way to help our heart.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of essential fats that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Research dating back to the 1970s has observed much lower rates of heart disease in populations with high fish consumption. Not all my patients like to eat fish often (or ever), so many times supplementation is needed. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for reducing inflammation. Inflammation and oxidative stress are also known drivers of heart disease. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids are recognized as essential components for preventing and treating heart disease.

Angela Rowland

• Consider a membership or season pass. If there are activities your family enjoys doing quite often, consider the cost of a season pass or a membership. But first do that math. How many visits would it take to make the cost of the pass a lower cost than individual tickets? Will you be able to visit enough times to make that cost worth it? If you know for certain you won’t have time to come back, a pass may not be worth the cost, but if you think you want to return multiple times over the life of the pass, be proactive and pencil those visits in on your calendar. Be intentional about using what you’ve paid for.

• Bundle your passes or take advantage of partnerships. Many museum passes participate in a network that would allow you to visit other networked museums for free or discounted price with your pass. Theme park passes might give you access to more than one park. Sometimes, there may be an upgrade that allows for these options – at which point you need to consider the same questions listed above. Will you be able to take advantage of the perks to make the upgrade worth it? Do the math.

• Check for discounted days or times. Many movie theaters offer discounted tickets (and/ or popcorn!) on Tuesdays. Some bowling alleys offer discounts for off-peak hours. Pay attention to pricing and plan your visit for times when you can save a little money. Because these discounts are often offered at slower times for businesses, saving money may also help you avoid crowds.

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Of course, there is much more to heart disease than just omega-3 intake alone. There is an interconnection between dietary choices, exercise, sleep and stress. To naturally increase omega-3 intake, you can incorporate various foods such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds and walnuts. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fatty fish per week. Combining omega-3’s with exercise and stress management, enhances the overall effectiveness of heart disease prevention. If you are needing a safe omega-3 supplementation that you can trust, reach out to me at Laser Focus and I can introduce you to our product line.

Omega-3 Bowl

I love making oatmeal in many different ways. Over the years, I have shared many recipes with oatmeal. The takeaway with oatmeal is to make the meal balanced. By adding healthy fats and protein to the bowl, you get a balanced and filling meal.

Ingredients:

½ cup old fashioned oats water

1 Tbsp chia seeds

¼ cup chopped walnuts Stevia or honey as needed for sweetness

Directions: Place oats in a microwavable-safe bowl. Add enough water until the oats are barely covered. Cook in the microwave for about 1 ½ minutes or until water is completely absorbed. Add in walnuts, chia seeds. This can also be cooked on the stove top if you don’t prefer the microwave. Makes: 1 serving

Nutritional Information per Serving

Calories: 396 Total Fat: 26g Saturated Fat: 3g Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 2mg Total Carbohydrates: 35g Dietary Fiber: 9g Protein: 11g

Nutrition 101: Omega-3s offer a lot of protection for our heart, so getting in foods with them daily is a great idea. Often people immediately associate fish with omega-3s. This is true, but chia seeds and walnuts are also great sources of omega-3s. Walnuts offer so much more than just omega-3s. Walnuts are also rich in antioxidants, may help with mood, lower rates of heart attack, support gut health, support weight management, linked to longer lifespan and may help improve memory. All that in one handful of food. Adding walnuts to your oatmeal or having a handful for a snack can help you add them into your diet often.

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 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.

art of the matter

MOTHER’S DAY

Cultures Around The World Celebrate Moms With Traditions, Art

SUBMITTED BY

DELAYNNA TRIM CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS MABEE-GERRER MUSEUM OF ART

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12.

Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia began what we now know as Mother’s Day with a memorial service to her mother on May 12, 1907. Her mother Ann Jarvis had created mothers’ clubs to help women and then, after the Civil War, those clubs helped promote reconciliation between the two sides. President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day an official holiday in the US in 1914.

Did you know that people in England celebrate Mother’s Day on a different day? Mother’s Day in the UK began in the 16th century with Mothering Sunday, which fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent. The tradition was that you paid your “mother church” a visit – either the church where you were christened, your parish church or the nearest cathedral – and you were said to be “going a-mothering” when you did so. Gradually, it shifted from visiting the “mother church” to visiting your mother.

In addition to the United States, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Peru and the Philippines all celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. In France, they celebrate Mother’s Day on the last Sunday of May. In 1806, French emperor Napoleon I established a special day dedicated to the mothers of large families and gave them medals based on how many children they had. This celebration was revived after World War I when an official Mother’s Day took place in 1920.

In Ethiopia, they celebrate with a three-day feast and festivities known as Antrosht. Children will supply the ingredients for a traditional hash, which consists of lamb, butter, spices, cheese and vegetables, which the mother will cook.

One of the most well-known mother and child combinations is, of course, the Virgin Mary and Christ Child. Often in early Medieval paintings, the Christ Child is portrayed as an adult because they were afraid that if they showed Christ as a child that would be offensive. By the Renaissance, it was okay to show Christ as a baby and acting as a baby, so

we have paintings of Christ playing with Mary’s veil and garment just like a baby would.

Did you know that before the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art’s very own Tutu was a mummy she was also a mommy? We know from looking at her CT scan performed – just up the road from the museum at SSM Health St. Anthony’s Hospital here in Shawnee – that she had at least one child.

There are several goddesses for motherhood and mothers in Ancient Egypt. Hathor, who was depicted as a cow, was the mother of several gods. Isis, the mother of Horus, was also the goddess of healing and magic.

For more ideas for Mother’s Day art projects and videos, check out: www.mgmoa.org/art-projects, but check out the one below to try at home this year.

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

Art Project: Egg Carton Flowers

Supplies needed: scissors, paint, paintbrush, egg carton

Optional: paper or canvas to attach your flowers to, pom poms or buttons for the center of your flower

Cut the egg cups out of an egg carton. Paint them like your favorite flower.

You can use one egg cup per flower or four egg cups and put a pom pom in the center for your flower. You can cut the sides of the egg cup to make petals. The variations of your egg carton flowers are endless. Be creative. See how many different types of flowers you can make.

W BUGGING OUT

Library Stacked With Fun Summer Activities

BY DAVID DINSMORE

hen it comes to summer fun, the Shawnee Public Library does it by the book.

And the bug.

And the bite.

The local branch of Pioneer Library System will feature a full slate of entertaining, engaging and educational activities this summer that will help families have fun while learning.

The first annual BugFest – starting at 11 a.m. on June 1 at the library at 101 N. Philadelphia – will feature Oklahoma State University’s Insect Adventure exhibits and activities sponsored by the Shawnee Friends of the Library. A knowledgeable, enthusiastic and entertaining professional entomologist will walk participants through an arthropod exploration – and handling –of 30 species of living arthropods.

The event will also include “Help! The Bugs are Eating my Garden!” featuring an OSU Extension gardening expert from Pottawatomie County, who will discuss if insects are friends, foes or phobias. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the butterfly garden at the OSU Extension office, their team will demonstrate how to plan and plant a butterfly garden at home.

Shawnee Friends of the Library will provide participants an opportunity to taste different “flavors” of honey and other buggy snacks, and Okies for Monarchs and Central Oklahoma

Honey’s beekeepers will be here to engage with the community.

Activities for kids and teens include a “Buggy Story Time” presented by Miss Kim, Pioneer’s 2023 Colleague of the Year recognition, Hungry Caterpillar crafts, building insect homes, insect origami and tasting “Bug Juice.” There will also be 3D printing activities in the library’s new Maker Lab; creepy, crawly experience centers; and much more.

Norman Central Public Library has held a BugFest event for several years that has brought their community together each year for a fun-filled day and enhanced the quality of life in their community, said Mary Sims, children’s manager at the Shawnee Public Library.

“We gathered information about resources from the Norman Central staff, and then added other components

The Shawnee Public Library will host its first annual BugFest at 11 a.m. on June 1 alongside favorites like the Summer Learning Challenge as part of a full schedule of entertaining, engaging and educational summer activities this year. — Photos submitted

we thought would be of interest to our community,” Sims said. “Pioneer Library System and the Shawnee Public Library continually strive for ways to reach even more members of our community and raise awareness of all that library has to offer. Our hope is that this festival experience will connect more individuals to library programs and resources that inspire innovation, engagement and learning in a welcoming environment.”

Visitors can explore the reinvented library spaces, including an extended area in the children’s department featuring four learning centers; Nintendo Switch in the teen area; and the Maker Lab featuring 3D printers, laser engraver, a vinyl cutter, heat press, embroidery and sewing machines and more. Sims said the staff members

are excited to show these resources off while having the opportunity to build a sense of community by connecting with community partners and residents during a fun-filled day of entertaining activities.

Accompanying this new activity early in the summer will be the return of Pioneer Library System’s Summer Learning Challenge, which allows family members of all ages to earn points for completing reading challenges and participating in learning events throughout the summer.

Though the SLC began on May 1, Shawnee’s library will host its annual kickoff event 4-6 p.m. on May 30 at the Rotary Boy Scout Park near the corner of Main and Pesotum. This year’s event will have a bounce house, giant yard games, snow cone truck, face painter and the Pioneer Library System’s Mobile Maker Lab. In addition to registration for the Summer Learning Challenge, the library will also bring its popular prize wheel featuring giveaways, activities and information from more than 10 community partners, including the City of Shawnee parks and recreation department, Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Gateway to Recovery & Prevention, Red Cross, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Tinker Federal Credit Union, Snap Outreach, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Pottawatomie Go, Shawnee Friends of the Library, Vyve and more.

Summer can be a crucial time for students, and the SLC is a good way to continue learning during the summer months to keep from losing momentum from the school year, Sims said.

“Summer is such an important time,” she added. “Our goal with SLC is to prevent summer learning loss and engage community members of all ages in connecting, reading and learning. Research shows that students who fall behind over the summer are less likely to graduate from high school or go on to college.”

Running through August 15, SLC aims to help all members of the family continue learning and growing throughout the summer with age categories comprising early childhood, children, teens and adults, according to a release from the Pioneer Library System. Participants log their time spent reading and learning with each minute counting as one point. Points go toward a community goal of 15 million points.

Participants complete the SLC upon reaching 1,000 points and can select items from their library’s treasure chest at every point badge earned. Those signed up in the Early Childhood, Child, and Teen categories also get a free book at 500 and 1,000 points, thanks to a generous donation provided by the Pioneer Library System Foundation.

For each age category, every 1,000 points logged will earn an entry for the grand prize drawing. Grand prizes at each branch will include SmartMax STEM magnetic sets and Fisher-Price Learning Bots for early childhood; light-up terrarium kits or STEM aerospace rocket building kits for the child category; AirPods and chargers for teens; and Simple Modern cups and carriers for the adult category.

Upon meeting the community learning goal, the library network will donate books provided by the Pioneer Library System Foundation to children enrolled in WIC programs throughout its service areas in Cleveland, McClain and Pottawatomie counties.

Conveniently, learning time also includes attendance at library summer programs like Yoga with Alpacas, Extreme Animals, Hula Hooping with Hooplahoma, Spaghetti Eddie concerts, Lyric Theatre Interactive, Step-by-Step Art, Maker Days and Hip Hop and Breakdance classes among other interactive summer programs offered across all libraries.

Locally, Shawnee library staff members are looking forward to a variety of other summer both new and familiar favorite activities.

For the first time, the library will offer Kick-Start Kindergarten, a grant-funded early literacy and school readiness program. Kids will engage in interactive activities to develop the academic, self-management and social skills needed to excel in kindergarten. Each session will focus on a specific aspect of school readiness to equip your child for the classroom. The program is designed for kids 5 years old and entering Kindergarten in August. Registration is required.

There will be dedicated teen programs at 2 p.m. on Fridays for the months of June and July. In June, they will include painting, knitting on a loom and laser engraved key chains. During the month of July, the programs will focus on making a difference in the Shawnee community. The library will also host Tuesday evening programs for teens and adults that will include healthy cooking and gardening.

The OSU Extension will present a series of healthy eating programs for kids and teens – Kik It Up! and Teen Cuisine. The Extension will also offer a series of STEAM programs for kids and teens.

An annual favorite is a visit from the International Finals Youth Rodeo Youth Directors. They will talk about a “day in the life” of a teen rodeo rider, demonstrate their roping skills and autograph official IFYR rodeo posters. The first 25 attending the program will receive free passes to the rodeo.

For more information about Pioneer Library System’s Summer Learning Challenge and related events, please visit pioneer.beanstack.org and pioneerlibrarysystem.org.

Michael P Garbutt, AAMS™ Financial Advisor 3813 N Harrison St Shawnee, OK 74804 405-214-4971

Jacob Russell Financial Advisor 4010 N Kickapoo Ave, Ste 1 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-214-1978

David W Spires, CFP® Financial Advisor MacArthur St, Ste 110 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-878-0990

Chris Jones Financial Advisor 2218 N Kickapoo Ave, Ste 1 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-395-0068

Brent S Morris Financial Advisor 923 East MacArthur St Shawnee, OK 74804 405-788-0040

Trey Thee III Financial Advisor 2218 N Kickapoo Ave, Ste 1 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-395-0068

SUMMER GO

Options Abound For Healthy Summer Fun

BY JOHN BOBB-SEMPLE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF POTTAWATOMIE

ummer is here, and there’s no better time to step up our health game here in Shawnee.

With exciting events and fun challenges lined up, Pottawatomie Go (Pogo) is thrilled to be a part of a community that values fun, wellness and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your health journey, there is something for everyone.

Kick off your summer with great weather and fun at the Mayor’s Sidewalk Safari on May 18. This event is perfect for families, friends or solo adventurers looking to explore a safe and scenic route through Shawnee on some of our newest sidewalks. Sponsored by Pogo’s built environment committee, the safari will get underway from Grove Schools and will conclude with a party at Woodlawn Veterans Park downtown. We are excited to highlight how walking is a simple and effective way to maintain physical fitness and significantly boost your mood. So, tie those shoelaces tight and prepare for an exploratory walk through our beautiful city.

Mark your calendars from May 28 to June 2 for the

annual Health Week sponsored by Avedis Foundation — an entire week dedicated to celebrating healthy living. Led by an incredible team of partners, each day will feature different health themes from nutrition workshops to fitness fun, ensuring there’s plenty to learn and do. You won't want to miss the keynote speaker Lindsay Tarpley at the Avedis Speaker Series luncheon. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and United States Women's National Soccer Team legend will get us all inspired to take on big challenges and live well. As a bonus, she is putting on a soccer skills demonstration that afternoon at Shawnee

High School’s stadium –named for our community's famous hometown Olympic hero, Jim Thorpe. Don’t forget to visit Pogo’s Health Week page for a full rundown of daily activities and special events.

Summertime isn’t complete without the aroma

of grilled food wafting through the air. This year, we'd like to encourage you to grill more vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, and squash, which are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Need some help on what to choose at the grocery store? The Pogo Fruit and Veggie Up Coalition launches Powered by Pogo, an exciting healthy food campaign, with a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. on May 28 at Firelake Discount Foods. Come meet the coalition helping our community eat more fruit and veggies this summer.

As part of National Bike Safety Month this May, let’s all remember the importance of cycling safely. Always check your bike before riding, wear a helmet and follow road safety rules. In Shawnee, we promote cycling as a healthy way to get around and exercise. Let's make our roads safe for everyone on wheels. Visit Pogo’s social media for summertime bike safety tips.

Take advantage of the cooler morning and evening temperatures for walks in our numerous parks or along the well-maintained sidewalks. From Dean Weigant Park –also known locally as Slide Park – to the award-winning KidSpace Park, walks are not just good for your body;

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they’re great for relaxing your mind and connecting with others in the community.

Ready for some more fun? Participate in the Pogo Bingo challenge. This familyfriendly activity encourages everyone to complete healthy tasks on a bingo card throughout the summer. It’s a fantastic way to try new activities, from trying a new fruit to spending quality time with friends and family. This summer, Pottawatomie Go is all about making healthy living exciting and accessible. From the sidewalk safari to bike safety and tasty nutrition, we’re dedicated to contributing to a community that embodies health and promotes wellness. Let’s make this a summer to remember by staying active, eating well and enjoying every moment of our beautiful Shawnee life.

See you out there!

Semple

ENGINEERING FUTURES

Shawnee Represented By Multiple Teams At Robotics World Competition

BY DAVID DINSMORE

Shawnee had a strong showing at the FIRST Championship world event last month in Houston.

Gordon Cooper Technology Center’s Sprockets team qualified for worlds for the third year in a row since reviving after a hiatus related to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grove School also sent a team named Complexity comprising six students from the 7th grade class to participate in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge division of the event, which marks a return to the world-level competition.

Coaches and mentors guide the students that make up the team through planning, designing and building phases as they build robots that can accomplish the tasks set by the FIRST robotics organization. Teams then compete with these robots at local, state

and regional levels during the season that earn them recognition and awards

There are some parameters that the machines must fit, but students’ skills and imagination drive the majority of the final product that they take to these events.

“This year, the team learned to set goals and create a timeline early, to persist in the face of challenges, to use their resources effectively – including experts – and to never give up,” said Lori Farris, math teacher at Grove who oversaw Complexity this year. “We guide students to understanding the Engineering Design Process so that they can complete their Innovation Project. The rest of the process is the kids doing the work. We, as adults, need to stand back so kids can make their own mistakes and learn from them.”

Grove’s students used a version of MIT’s Scratch programming language that is custom made for the Spike Prime Robot to complete their innovation project using the engineering design process, Farris said. Ultimately, what they came up with won the team the first place overall Champion’s Award at the regional qualifier and at the Oklahoma championship. This qualified them for the world championship, in which they have previously competed along with a couple of world invitationals.

“The key is letting the kids do the work,” Farris said. “If adults are over involved, then kids cannot tell the judges effectively what they did and went through during the designing and programming of the robot and the development of their innovation project. The kids need to do the work so

Photo submitted

they understand how to explain these things to the judges. As adults, we want to ‘help’ kids when they struggle. That is a normal reaction. However, that is exactly what causes the kids not to learn.”

The greatest benefit from students being on a team is that all of these students can go pro one day. If they stay interested in related fields, they will get good jobs that can support their families. Short term, students are learning skills that cannot be easily taught in a regular classroom environment. It is more like a job setting. However, these skills enhance their abilities to critically think, do math, understand science, and work on a team with others.

The Sprockets continued building on their recent success in FIRST competitions. The team has earned more than a dozen awards, including a Regional FIRST Impact Award at the Arkansas regional and Creativity Award in the Newton Division at the world championship in 2024.

Officials bestow Impact Awards on teams that not only demonstrate their own robotics proficiency but also their eagerness to inspire others in their communities to get involved in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math – sometimes referred to as STEM.

“As I have been mentoring the FLL teams at Grove these past few years and guiding new students as they start on our team, I have some insight on my goals and strategies as a mentor,” Sprockets senior Katy Grant said. “At the end of the day, it’s not about building the best robot or winning the most awards. To me, it’s about building the kids and providing them an opportunity to explore their own potential.”

That goes for not only the younger teams she helps mentor but the other 27 Sprockets teammates she competes alongside as well, Grant said. The lessons they learn also go beyond the technical skills they gain in designing, constructing, programming and operating the robots.

“In my five years on this team, I have seen our students gain confidence as they learn to problem solve, manage their time, set goals and timelines, work together and

communicate effectively,” Grant said. “These skills are what will help them be successful as they move out into the world. Our students become leaders, and our goal is to create an environment where they can thrive and become better versions of themselves. These skills are what will help them be successful as they move out into the world.”

The technical skills gained also have a strong bearing on future prospects for participating students, said Ron Markum, Sprockets team mentor and Gordon Cooper preengineering instructor.

“Our students gain unique skills that will be a huge advantage in their career,” Markum said. “From the actual design of the robot in CAD to building the parts using machine shop tooling and then installing and wiring the control system to actually writing the software that controls the robot, the students get to do it all.”

Junior Miles Buss has already seen the future benefits of his involvement on the Sprockets team as well.

“A lot of people see the big robots and think that the main focus of FIRST is engineering, but I’ve learned so much more working with all of these students and mentors, and even working with people from around the world,” Buss said. “Teamwork is not something that just shows up the first day on a job but a skill that is developed over time, and FIRST has helped me develop that valuable tool.” S

RITZY HOMECOMING

Former Shawnee Resident Brings Fellow Nashville Artist To Grand Reopening Concert

BY DAVID DINSMORE

With last month’s one-year anniversary of the April 19, 2023 tornado that dealt damage to many homes and businesses has come a slate of grand reopenings, but the historic Ritz Theatre’s event on June 1 stands unique among them.

The recent need for repairs at the Ritz did not come as a result of the storms but rather by the results of a fire in a nearby building last October. As a result, planners had to either cancel, reschedule or relocate the shows they had planned for the downtown venue.

Now, they are ready to come back

home, and so is one of the artists performing at the grand reopening show starting at 7 p.m. on June 1 at 10 W. Main St.

Jason McPhail lived and worked in this neck of the woods for nearly 20 years, graduating from Prague High School before coaching in the Tecumseh and Bethel Acres areas. He moved to Nashville after pursuing his music career for a couple years in Florida.

“I was playing smaller bars and making lifelong friends, then I recorded a music video for a song I wrote called ‘Blackwater River,’” said McPhail, who

Jason McPhail – who recently released the five-song “Pipelines & Paychecks” EP – will play the Ritz Theatre’s grand reopening show at 7 p.m. on June 1 with Kinsey Rose, Robyn Taylor, Tommy Joe Smith and Ryan Smith. — Photos submitted

noted that the video caught attention online. “I ended up having a meeting with an industry professional who challenged me to move to Nashville and see what I could do. So, here I am.”

McPhail just dropped a five-son EP titled “Pipelines & Paychecks” in the last month, and he credits his Oklahoma upbringing for bringing him to the point of

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becoming a Nashville-based recording artist.

“I believe growing up in Oklahoma in general just makes you tougher,” McPhail said. “The values, the work ethic, it means something to be from Oklahoma. Even here in Nashville, there’s a lot of respect for Oklahomans.”

Despite the differences between lifestyle in Nashville and Shawnee, one constant that has helped lead to success for McPhail is being genuine and authentic.

“This city is wild, a lot of people want to get close to other people hoping to gain some type of momentum or advantage by being your friend,” McPhail said. “Being from a smaller community in Oklahoma, if you aren’t genuine or authentically you, people smell it from a mile away and tend to steer away from you. I’ve always just been me –hard worker, people lover and truly want the best for everyone. I think that runs through my music as well, and I think people recognize and resonate with that.”

first guitar at 11 years old. He played at family parties and in his church for years. Though he worked in many other fields like construction, teaching and coaching, music always remained a big part of his life.

“Music is honestly just who I am as a person, and I’ve always loved the impact it has on people’s lives,” McPhail said.

He grew up listening to country, southern and hard rock artists ranging from Garth Brooks, George Strait, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Motley Crue, Staind, Three Doors Down and more, but those were not where he drew his primary inspiration.

“My biggest influencers were actually friends and family,” McPhail said.

“I’ve always been a dream chaser, and they always encouraged that.”

He applies that principle to his own life and also tries to bring it to others he encounters.

And the Ritz is benefiting from McPhail’s presence in country music’s epicenter as he is bringing a couple of friends along to the grand reopening show. Among them will be Robyn Taylor and Kinsey Rose, who competed with Kelly Clarkson’s team on the NBC show, “The Voice,” in the fall of 2021.

“I ran into Kinsey and Robyn at one of my favorite places to hang in Nashville called ‘Wicked Ollies,’” McPHail said. “It’s a vintage clothing store but has so much history, including the Ernest Tubb tour bus inside of it. It’s like a country music museum in that place, and the owners, Garrett and Robbie introduced me to both of them. Those two are some of the best people I’ve met in Nashville.”

Local artists Tommy Joe Smith and Ryan Smith will round out the bill for the show.

McPhail grew up with music, especially after receiving his

“It doesn’t matter what your last name is, what your house looks like, or what job you have, if you want it, go get it,” he said. “With hard work, dedication, and commitment to the journey, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”

Bringing that drive and mindset along with what he has learned from his time in Nashville back to Shawnee is one of the things that has McPhail most excited about the June 1 grand reopening.

“Shawnee specifically is home to so many of my friends and family, so obviously I have a lot of love for the community,” McPhail said. “I’ve never played at the Ritz, but I always wanted to play theater-style shows. The Ritz has a rich history, and I knew I wanted the night to be special.

“We are coming in guns blazing, ready to perform.”

For tickets and information, call 1-866-966-1777 or search “Ritz” on ticketstorm.com. S

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NOT ABOUT LOSING CONTROL.

over the fence

HAVE YOUR ATTENTION

Showing Love To Others By Being In The Moment

BY BRANDON DYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNITY RENEWAL OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

When was the last time you purposely went out of your way to do something kind for a neighbor even though it provided you no opportunity to be thanked?

Maybe a delivery driver accidentally delivered your neighbor’s package to your house by mistake, and you walked it over to their porch. Or you picked up some trash that had somehow blown in their yard. Perhaps you noticed their garage door was open when they weren’t home, and you went and closed it for them. In each of those scenarios, none were your responsibility to take care of, and really, no one would have expected you to in the first place. But something compelled you to help anyway.

themselves, even in a small way, to help. Makes me wonder how many times in my life people have helped me without me even knowing about it. Probably many, many times. Each time we deliberately choose to help, no matter how big or small an act, no matter if seen or unseen, each time we act the world gets a little better.

Earlier this week, I came home for lunch and saw that a sudden gust of wind had knocked over a neighbor’s trash can down the road. I only noticed it really because another neighbor was headed home and clearly saw it laying in the middle of the road. There was enough room for them to have driven around it and gone on about their business. No one would have faulted them, especially because, to my knowledge, these two neighbors don’t really know each other. However, as I was pulling into my driveway, I watched as this neighbor stopped and got out of their vehicle to move the trash can out of the road next to the curb. But the neighbor didn’t stop there. The polycart had already been emptied that morning so instead of just leaving it at the end of the driveway, which itself would have been a huge help, they decided to roll it down the driveway and set it next to the garage. I had a little smile on my face as I watched them drive away having witnessed a little neighborly act of kindness, an act seemingly anonymous offering no reward of thanks in return.

It really wasn’t that big of a deal, right? Any of us likely would have done the same thing and not thought a thing about it. Perhaps. Even still, it took a deliberate decision to act. It was an excursion from the ordinary rhythm of life in which we go about our day with nonstop thoughts of our own desires and responsibilities. The part that was unexpected to me was that this person went the extra mile beyond what would have already been a good deed. This made it clear to me that they didn’t simply stop out of annoyance and hurry about their way. No, kindness was in their heart birthed from a God-given capacity to care for other human beings.

The other thing that really struck me is that my neighbor likely will never know this happened. How could they? They will never know that someone acted kindly on their behalf. Their day was made a little bit easier because someone chose to inconvenience

There are dozens of opportunities each day to be helpful and show kindness. Most of the time it doesn’t really cost us much of anything. I suspect we miss most opportunities because of our lack of attention at the moment. Our attention at any given moment is usually occupied by worries about the future or ruminations about the past, both of which we can do absolutely nothing about. The only moment we have any control over is the present moment. That’s where these opportunities to show kindness exist. That’s where we have the power to do our little part to make the world a better place.

John Tarrant said, “attention is the most basic form of love.” How then can we truly love our neighbor as ourselves if we allow our attention to be continuously distracted by any number of things? Distracted by thoughts. Distracted by devices. We all wrestle with it.

Harnessing our attention in the present is a lifelong discipline – one that we never fully conquer – but we can get better with practice. As we do, we find that our capacity for good is unlimited. So, may we learn to spend a little less time in thoughts of the future or past and a little less attention on our screens. May we instead redirect our attention, our most basic form of love, to the needs of our loved ones, our neighbors, ourselves, and work together to make a better world.

Brandon Dyer

ROLL-A-WAY

Skating Rink Held Fond Memories For Longtime Shawnee Residents

BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER

Many who grew up in Shawnee in the more recent “old days” might mention their grade school or the Municipal Pool and would likely remember the Roll-AWay Skating Rink.

How many events – birthdays, Cub Scout meetings, Sunday School parties or a simple Saturday activity – would come to mind? For youngsters especially, it was simply “the fun place to be,” but it wasn’t just children who frequented the skating rink. It was a good place for teens to take a date … or maybe find a date. And there were others who attained a near professional level of skating.

Bob Kennedy was the owner and the developer of the iconic venue. His father had a “tent rink” back in the 1930s based in Perry, Oklahoma. He would take the tent with its portable floor around from town to town so residents had the chance to skate.

location on Kickapoo.

But the history with local youth didn’t continue into the 21st century. On Thursday night, December 16, 1999, as employees were closing up, the lights blinked, and they heard a crackling noise. 9-1-1 calls were made when they realized there was smoke coming from the storage room. The fire station was only a few blocks away, and firefighters were on site quickly. In less than an hour, however, the place that had seen so many happy times was completely engulfed in flames.

Just before 1950, the elder Kennedy came to Shawnee and purchased a skating rink that was on the corner of Kickapoo and Independence. His son, Bob, had built his own portable skating rink in Blackwell but eventually came to Shawnee to help his dad, who was getting older. The skating business was so successful that after about five years, the rink had outgrown its location.

The Roll-A-Way skating rink at Kickapoo and Independence saw a relocation to North MacArthur before undergoing expansions to accommodate its growing popularity from the early 1950s until it was lost to a fire in December 1999. — Photo submitted

Bob Kennedy chose a fairly isolated location out in a field on North MacArthur. The building he planned would more than double the original one on Kickapoo. He said some years later that he thought the size would serve the citizens of Shawnee well, but it wasn’t long before the popularity of skating caused him to expand, adding more room onto the front of the building.

The skating business owner became not just an owner and skating teacher but a popular figure among Shawnee’s young people. Not only did he have jobs for them, but he was often there for support and simply – as many described him – “always a friend.” In September 1980, he was recognized by the City of Shawnee in a Bob Kennedy Day for his “devotion to friendship, concern and guidance for children and youth.”

That same year, Kennedy briefly sold the Roll-Away-Rink to a family member, thinking he may retire, and he and his wife would tend to a couple of other businesses they had established along the same street. But he soon bought back the skating rink. At that point, young skaters in Shawnee were now sometimes the second and third generations of those original ones who had come to the

Black clouds of smoke could be seen throughout the north end of Shawnee. Word spread quickly, and spectators gathered at the site, relating many memories of their childhood connected with the sight before them. Three generations of some Shawnee families watched as part of their growing up years represented by the “skating rink” was now ablaze. Comments were heard, such as “That’s where I met my wife” or “My tenth birthday party was there” or “I never missed a Saturday morning” or “I remember that conga dance.”

Tears were shed as those watching realized a Shawnee icon was disappearing. The popular skating rink was no more. Plans for scheduled parties and the annual New Years Eve party were gone.

But the memories remain. For days after and now years later, there are many conversations among older folks who grew up in Shawnee that start with,“Remember that time at the skating rink ... ?”

Gregory McClure, Owner 405-574-2232

gregorymcclure1@icloud.com

MMENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Many Tools Exist To Help Support Mental Health

BY ALICJA CARTER

ay is Mental Health Month, and Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, Inc. is raising awareness of the important role mental health plays in our lives. We are encouraging members of the community to take action toward protecting their mental health and overall well-being.

Did you know that people with substance use disorders are at particular risk for developing one or more primary conditions or chronic diseases? The coexistence of both a mental health condition and substance use disorder is known as a co-occurring disorder, and it is common among people in treatment. The most common mental health conditions include anxiety and mood disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, conduct disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (SAMHSA).

This May, Gateway will focus their efforts on helping members of the community to:

LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate our changing world.

ACT by building a coping toolbox to manage stress, difficult emotions and challenging situations.

ADVOCATE to improve mental health for themselves, the ones they love, and their community.

Mental Health America has created a toolkit to help individuals figure out where to start. The toolkit provides free,

practical resources for addressing mental health. Go to mhanational.org/may or scan the QR code to learn more.

It’s important to remember that working on your mental health takes time. Change won’t happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of modern life and develop long-term strategies to support yourself — and others — on an ongoing basis.

Here are some great 24/7 tools to support you on your mental health journey:

MHA Screening: Online screening at mhascreening.org is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine if you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Our screens are free, confidential and scientifically validated.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support to people in distress. You don’t need to be suicidal to reach out. Call 988 to be connected with a crisis counselor. Crisis counselors who speak Spanish are available by calling 988 and pressing 2.

Texting the 988 Lifeline: When you text 988, you will complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little about your situation. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor in a crisis center who will answer the text, provide support and share resources if needed.

Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 to be connected with a crisis counselor who will help you get through your big emotions.

Warmlines: Warmlines are staffed by trained peers who have been through their own mental health struggles and

know what it’s like to need someone to talk to. For more information on warmlines, visit screening.mhanational.org/ content/need-talk-someonewarmlines

BlackLine: BlackLine provides a space for peer support and counseling, while witnessing and affirming the lived experiences of folx who are most impacted by systematic oppression. Call 1-800-604-5841.

Caregiver Help Desk: Contact Caregiver Action Network’s Care Support Team by dialing 855-227-3640. Staffed by caregiving experts, the Help Desk helps you find the right information you need to help you navigate your complex caregiving challenges. Caregiving experts are available 8 a.m.-7 p.m. EST.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: If you or a child you know is being hurt or doesn’t feel safe at home, you can call or text 1-800-4-ACHILD (1-800422-4453) or start an online chat at childhelp.org to reach a crisis counselor. They can help you figure out next steps to work through what is happening and stay safe.

Disaster Distress Helpline: A crisis line that individuals can contact when natural or man-made traumatic events occur, such as floods, earthquakes and terrorist acts. The Helpline will provide information, support and counseling. Call 1-800-985-5990.

Domestic Violence Hotline: If you’re experiencing domestic violence, looking for resources or information or are questioning unhealthy aspects of your relationship, call 1-800-799-7233 or go to thehotline.org to virtually chat with an advocate.

NAMI Helpline: A free, nationwide peer support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), weekdays from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. EST.

StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-762-8483. The StrongHearts Native Helpline is a confidential and anonymous culturally appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. CST.

The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to youth in crisis, feeling suicidal or in need of a safe, judgment-free person to talk to. Call 1-866488-7386, text START to 678-678, or start an online chat at thetrevorproject.org/get-help.

Trans Lifeline: Dial 877-565-8860 for U.S. support and 877-330-6366 in Canada. Trans Lifeline’s hotline is a peer support service run by trans people for trans and questioning callers.

Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Open 24/7, call 1-800-273-8255.

All the information provided above was from Mental Health America’s 2024 Mental Health Month Toolkit. Scan the QR code to access the full toolkit for yourself. If you are unsure of where to start, you can find resources on our website at www.gateway to prevention.org, reach out on social media, or contact us at 273-1170 x0. Gateway would be honored to walk alongside you.

Alicja Carter, MHR, BHWC, has been working in the behavioral health and addiction treatment field for over 14 years at Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. Alicja is passionate about wellness and collaborating with others for the purpose of stimulating positive change in her community. S

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May 9: The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will host its annual Off the Wall art sale fundraiser from 6-10 p.m. at 1900 W. MacArthur St., Shawnee, OK 74804. Participants have 30 seconds to choose a piece of artwork donated by local artists on display at the event, which will also feature appetizers, drinks, desserts, live music and more. Information: mgmoa.org/off-the-wall

May 9-23: The City of Shawnee is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Civic Leadership Academy in the evenings on May 9 ,16 and 23. This program aims to help empower city commission candidates and citizens interested in a deeper understanding of municipal operations, challenges, and successes. Registration and information: shawneeok.org and (405) 878-1601

May 10-12: The Oklahoma Cornhole Association will host a regional tournament featuring five divisions of competition across three days of competition at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center at 1700 W. Independence. Information: oklahomacornhole.com

May 16: The Third Thursday Poetry Reading will begin at 7 p.m. at the Lunch Box at 217 E. Main St. with featured poets reading their work 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.

May 17: The Arts @317 will host its own Block pARTy from 5:30-8:30 p.m. featuring Teresa Head from Meeker, who does beautiful paintings of birds and other subjects. Kevin Hall is returning to play a few tunes outside under the awning from 6:30-8:00 p.m. weather permitting. Also on display is the work of about 50 other different Oklahoma artists. Information: (405) 659-8193

May 24: Dive into summer with Shawnee Splash 2024 opening day with slides, climbing walls, basketball and more across three pools and a splash pad. Season and day passes are available online, at the recreation center office at 401 N. Bell or at the Splash offices at 100 E. Highland. Information: facebook.com/shawneesplash

www.shawneeoutlook.com

May 30-June 27: Jones Theatres will host is 2024 Kids Camp movie series with $1 seats at 10 a.m. every Thursday and Saturday at Cinema Centre 8 at 3031 N. Harrison with favorites like the “Despicable Me,” “Sing” and “Secret Life of Pets” film franchises on the big screen. Information: (405) 275-7512 ext. 2 or connor@jonestheatres. com

June-August: Be on the lookout for announcements in May about the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art’s creative art camps coming this summer to help inspire and inform budding young artists in the community. Information: mgmoa.org

June 1: A full-slate of nationally and locally known acts will take the stage for the Ritz Theatre’s grand reopening concert featuring Jason McPhail, Kinsey Rose, Robyn Taylor, Tommy Joe Smith and Ryan Smith starting at 7 p.m. at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzshawnee.com

June 2: 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

June 8: Corn Stock returns with its annual cornhole tournament and festival with registration at 10 a.m. and the tournament scheduled through 2 p.m. in historic downtown Shawnee. The event helps raise money for the Shawnee Police Department’s Cops N Kids event in August, which helps build positive relationships between law enforcement and first responders and the communities they serve. Corn Stock features a cornhole tournament for all ages and abilities, food trucks, vendors, a family fun zone and more. Information: copsnkidsshawneeok.com/cornstock

June 15: Jackson Taylor and The Sinners will bring more than 20 years of songwriting and recording history to its show at 8 p.m. at the historic Ritz Theatre at 10 W. Main Street with special guest Adara Kay. Information: ritzshawnee.com

If you know of any events you would like to see featured, email editor@shawneeoutlook.com.