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A Rock Star Approach to Exercise | Baseball in the Blood

Breaking Ground. Mending Fences. APRIL 18

Vol. 15 Number 2

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CONTENTS FEATURES 9 Locals Join Volunteers Nationwide Encouraging Kids to Read Across America

APRIL 2018

18 New Garden One of Many Efforts to Build Safe, Connected Community 22 Baseball in the Blood for Shawnee-Based MLB Scout

FAX: 405-273-4141

Okie Icon Media

Managing Editor

David Dinsmore

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Creative Direction

Kelsey Walker & Fawn Wilson-Olivarez David Dinsmore

Writers Andrea Beck Jamie Bergsten Mitchell DeShazer David Dinsmore Ann McDonald Angela Rowland Thresa Swadley Distribution

The Shawnee Outlook is delivered FREE by direct mail to 25,000 homes and businesses.

PO Box 1365 Shawnee, OK 74802 E-mail: info@shawneeoutlook.com

DEPARTMENTS 25 Mission Shawnee Encouraging Civic, Business Leaders to Adopt a School 29 Anonymous California Artist Now Calls Oklahoma Home Sweet Gnome

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10 Pound Fitness Classes Take Rock Star Approach to Exercise 13 Arts Trek’s Helping Hands Sponsors Provide Connection to Arts, Community

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6 KEEP THE CHANGE 6 NUTRITION 101

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21 SHAWNEE HISTORY 26 MENTAL HEALTH 30 ART GUIDE

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1 Cor. 11:23-26 says on the night before the crucifixion, Jesus gave thanks twice - for His body and for His blood. That thanksgiving must have been awesome! Jesus never did anything run of the mill. This was the Son of God thanking His Father for what the blood covenant would accomplish in and for us. It would accomplish more than could be imagined. Rev. John R. Ramsey tells the story of how a boy gave thanks and changed his perspective. Every Sunday the Rev. Ramsey wore a rose on his lapel; to him it was common. One Sunday a boy leaving church shook his hand and asked “Sir, what are you going to do with your flower?” Not understanding, Rev. Ramsey pointed to the rose. The boy said “Yes sir, if you’re just going to throw it away, I would like it.” The preacher asked why and boy said “Sir, my

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Articles and advertisements in Shawnee Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Okie Icon Media. Okie Icon Media does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by Shawnee Outlook does not constitute endorsement of products, services, political candidates/parties or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Shawnee Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

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mother and father have divorced and are not able to keep me. I want to give it to my granny; she keeps me, cooks for me and takes care of me. I want to thank her for loving me.” The preacher said “Son, this rose is not enough. You see that bouquet of flowers at the front. They are provided by different families each week. Please take those flowers to your granny because she deserves the very best.”

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With tears of joy the boy said “What a day! I asked for one flower but got a large bouquet.” JESUS KNEW THAT HIS BODY AND HIS BLOOD WOULD TRANSFORM US INTO THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD AS HE BECAME SIN FOR US. JESUS’ FACE WAS FULL OF JOY BECAUSE GOD GAVE YOU TO HIM. AND ONE DAY SOON WE SHALL SEE HIM FACE TO FACE.

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KEEP THE CHANGE

Celebrate the Little Things Tax Day is coming up. While that may not be a happy day for most, some restaurants want to give us a reason to smile, and Tax Day isn’t the only unofficial holiday you’ll find great fast food deals. There are so many minor holidays that get a boost with great deals from local restaurants. If you know what days to look for, you can do a quick Google search to find what deals you can find that day. Here are just a few upcoming dates I know and some places to look for deals. Please note, deals vary from year to year, so be sure to research what restaurants and stores are offering deals this year before you head out to snag some freebies or discounts. April 11: National Cheese Fondue Day – The Melting Pot often offers a free cheese fondue on this day. Reservations are required, so plan ahead. April 17: Tax Day – Sonic Drive-In has previously offered half-price items on this day, though the particular item varies. To keep up-to-date on this and other deals from Sonic, be sure to subscribe to their text alerts. May 28: National Hamburger Day – McDonald’s and Burger King have both celebrated this day with special offers in past years. June 1 (or the first Friday in June): National Doughnut Day – Krispy Kreme has been known to give out freebies on this exciting day. July 15 (or the third Sunday in July): National Ice Cream Day – McDonald’s, Dippin’ Dots and Steak n’ Shake are all on the list of deals from last year. Rumor has it that PetSmart offered free Doggie Ice Cream Sundaes. Other great sources for quick lists of fast food deals are www. eatdrinkdeals.com or www.hip2save.com. Also, en.wikipedia.com/wiki/list_of_food_days offers a list of little-known food holidays. Enjoy.

If you’d like to read more about my frugal journey, scan the QR code to visit my blog on the topic!

Angela Rowland is an OBU graduate and a stay-at-home mother of four. She enjoys finding new ways to stretch the paycheck and even posts some of her favorite tips and deals on her blog (steadfaststeward.blogspot.com) 6

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NUTRITION 101

Running Tips to Put More Spring in Your Step ‘Tis the weather for running. We have already had some pretty nice mornings for running. You must always factor in Oklahoma wind of course. Many people are getting geared up for the Oklahoma City Memorial this month. If you have never run that particular race, I highly recommend it. They even offer 5Ks and relays, along with the half and full marathons. I am getting ready for my 12th half marathon that will be in May in Indianapolis. I wanted to share a few tips that I have learned over my years as a runner. 1. Make sure to have good running shoes. Take the time to go get fitted for the right pair and only wear them for running so they will last longer. 2. Get a running partner. Running partners help keep you accountable and make the run more enjoyable. 3. For women, wear a good sports bra. If wearing the wrong bra, you will feel very sore afterward. 4. Don’t try out a new outfit on race day. Whatever you have been training in, be sure and wear that on race day so you know it is comfortable. 5. Fuel yourself with plenty of water and electrolytes if needed. 6. Warm-up and stretch. Getting a good warm-up will help prevent injuries along the way. Stretching afterwards will also help prevent injuries and help with soreness. 7. If running by yourself, pick out some good music to keep you going. I recommend only having one earbud in, so you can also be aware of your surroundings. If by yourself, you should also let someone know the route you are taking and when to expect you back. 8. If running before daylight make sure to wear clothes that can be seen in the dark. And of course – have fun challenging yourself. Enjoy the recipe below after a good long run.

Beef Tips Walking in the door and smelling this first thing really will make your heart happy after a long day. Enjoy these longer daylight evenings with your family and not slaving over dinner. 2 lbs cubed beef stew meat 1 onion, chopped 1 package brown gravy mix 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 2 cups water 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 tsp ground pepper

Directions: Place stew meat in crockpot. Mix gravy mix with water and pour over meat. Add the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Makes: 6 servings Nutritional Information per serving: Calories: 279 Total Fat: 13.5 g Saturated Fat: 4 g Cholesterol: 97 mg Sodium: 795 mg Carbohydrates: 5 g Fiber: .5 g Protein: 34 g Nutrition 101 Tip: I used the no-yolk noodles to serve this over. You could also use a sweet potato or brown rice. I made sure to use low sodium soy sauce and didn’t add any additional salt to the recipe. When using packaged seasonings, the salt adds up quickly so be sure to not add any more to the recipe. We also want to make sure and not have too much red meat in our diet. A little is fine but try to limit your red meat intake to two times per week. The National Institutes of Health shared a new study that adds to the evidence that eating red meat on a regular basis may shorten your lifespan. Past research has tied too much red meat to increased risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. I am all about everything in moderation – chocolate, wine, red meat, etc. We tend to have a problem with taking something and overdoing our portions and intake. So enjoy, but watch your portions. Andrea Beck, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer, received her Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from UCO in Edmond. She offers her nutrition consulting services, personal training and strongHER workouts through Anytime Fitness Shawnee. Andrea specializes in weight loss, running, childhood obesity, pregnancy health and diabetes. Andrea is an active member of Junior Service League and her church, Life Church. For nutrition or exercise questions, you can contact Andrea at andrea.beck@anytimefitness.com

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Locals Join Volunteers Nationwide Encouraging Kids to Read Across America “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.” This quote encapsulates the National Education Association’s Read Across America initiative and styles it in a way that honors Dr. Seuss. Volunteers in Shawnee put these words into action on the birthday of the beloved children’s author. They gathered at the Shawnee Early Childhood Center on March 2 along with thousands of others at similar events taking place around the country. They came from a wide variety of backgrounds comprised of legislators, firefighters, police officers, educators, students and anywhere in between. Pioneer Library System staff members handed out books they had selected for the volunteers to read to the children that morning, and the group took to the halls and classrooms to spread the joy of reading to the youngsters gathered that day. “This extraordinary event that touches so many lives is an example of what collaborative efforts can accomplish,” said Mary Sims, event coordinator and Shawnee public library staff member. “The time, interest and support by the community volunteers involved are greatly appreciated and important to the event’s success.” The National Education Association implements Read Across America – now in its 20th year – as a year-round program to motivate every child in the nation to celebrate reading, and its annual March 2 events are part of helping provide inspiration to children in local schools and communities. The event first came to Shawnee in 2012 at the Shawnee Early Childhood Center, and this year it expanded to Pleasant Grove Elementary and Grove Elementary pre-k and kindergarten classes, Sims said. A total of more than 725 books were given to students throughout the city during the event. Volunteers in attendance locally included Sen. Ron Sharp, Rep. Dell Kerbs, city manager Justin Erickson, Pi Beta Phi International Fraternity members, Junior Service League members, Shawnee library staff members, school board member April Stobbe, Friends of the Library members and Shawnee Middle School book club members, Sims said. In addition to enjoying the volunteers read, each student received a new book to take home. There were also special appearances from the Cat in the Hat and Pioneer Library System mascot, Glarfield, portrayed by library staff members Amanda Johnson and Shalla Strider, respectively.

by David Dinsmore

Cpl. Vivian Lozano-Stafford of Shawnee Police Department reads a book about libraries to students at Shawnee Early Childhood Center as part of national Read Across America events on March 2 that celebrate reading on the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Photo by David Dinsmore

“To see children’s eyes light up when you read to them lifts my spirits after a long and difficult week in the legislature,” Sharp said in a quote provided to the library. “Read Across America Day allows me the opportunity to be reminded of what I am fighting for in the legislature. If a child can read, the entire knowledge of the world has been opened to them.” The event also provides an important opportunity for city agencies to connect with the youngest members of the communities they serve, said Cpl. Vivian Lozano-Stafford, public information officer who volunteered during the event. As a patrol officer and truancy officer – working juvenile cases within the school system – for a decade, she understands the importance of residents seeing police as people who care about the community and not just enforcers who come around to punish them when they step out-of-bounds. Officers should strive reach those residents at the youngest age they can to help form those positive relationships. Parents can also help reinforce these positive impressions of law enforcement by not only referencing officers in conversations about punishment, such as threatening to ask a nearby cop at the grocery store to arrest their child if they don’t listen and obey, Lozano-Stafford said. She wants kids to know that if they are in trouble or scared, that they can run to an officer and know they will be safe.

At this year’s Read Across America event, Lozano-Stafford and patrol officer Elisa Mudd took some time to discuss with the kids what they wanted to be when they became adults. The pair also reviewed some of the equipment an officer carries while on the job and answered questions some of the kids had about being a police officer. “With reading to the little kids and doing events, I want them to know that law enforcement (officers) are their friends,” said LozanoStafford, who now works as a victim advocate. “I like the kids being able to come up to us … giving us hugs and high fives. I think that’s a good way to show that they do know we are people also, and we’re there to keep them safe.” Shawnee Public Library’s interim manager Peggy Cook noted the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers, and she said that witnessing that kind of love for reading is one of the best ways to pass it along to the next generation of achievers. “The love of reading will help every student succeed, and this morning the Shawnee Public Library brought many community members together to share their love of reading with students,” Cook wrote in a statement provided by the library. “It was a pleasure to celebrate reading with so many leaders and readers.” This year’s project was funded by the Pioneer Library System Foundation, Junior Service League and Pi Beta Phi International Fraternity. www.shawneeoutlook.com

Pound Fitness Classes Take Rock Star Approach to Exercise Teri Sigman likes to reward people who break her equipment. The fitness instructor provides those who attend her Pound classes with Ripstix – bright green, half– pound drumsticks used during the rhythmic workout sessions. Whenever someone in her class hits the floor or the sticks together with enough intensity to break them, she recognizes the participant’s efforts with an award. After all, rock stars are known for smashing their gear, and feeling like a rock star is kind of the point of Pound. Attendees of the class spend 45 minutes banging out rhythms to popular songs as they integrate other workout components like squats, lunges, yoga and Pilates into the routine. The music, drumming and sweating results in what Pound creators call a “cardio jam session” that focuses on the fun to distract from the work. Started in 2011 by two former collegiate athletes and recreational drummers, the fitness program has made its way into communities across the country, including Shawnee. “From the opening song, I was hooked,” said Danielle Mason-Rains, who attended her first Pound class locally in 2016 before pursuing certification as an instructor. “There’s something about hitting the floor. You don’t feel like you’re working out.” Mason-Rains joined in on the fun at Sigman’s class at Anytime Fitness, and soon Sigman encouraged her to also get her instructor certification. Once completed the course, she said she started looking for places to lead classes when she heard the city’s parks and recreation department ran an advertisement looking for people to teach classes at the Shawnee Community Center. The pair now lead five classes each week in three locations around town. Sigman teaches classes at 6:45 10

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Danielle Mason-Rains leads weekly Pound fitness classes – a rock star-inspired, full-body workout program that includes participants banging on the floor with drumsticks – at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Shawnee Community Center at 804 S. Park Ave. Photo by David Dinsmore

Pound Fitness class schedule Monday – 6:45 p.m. at Anytime Fitness, 1601 N. Kickapoo Tuesday – 5:30 p.m. at Shawnee Community Center, 804 S. Park; 6:30 p.m. at Stompin’ Sensation Studio, 209 E. Main Wednesday – 6:45 p.m. at Anytime Fitness, 1601 N. Kickapoo Thursday – 5:30 p.m. at Shawnee Community Center, 804 S. Park Classes are for “all ages and all stages” of fitness. Cost is $5, and each class lasts 45 mins. p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Anytime Fitness at 1601 N. Kickapoo and 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Stompin’ Sensation Studio at 209 E. Main. Mason-Rains leads classes at 5:30 pm. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Shawnee Community Center at 804 S. Park. Pound’s style of smacking the floor to hard-driving beats provides participants with physical benefits of exercising, but it also allows them to

release a little aggression and emotion that builds up during their daily grind, said Mason-Rains, who recently assumed the title of CEO of Visit Shawnee. It’s easy-to-learn format and margin of error thanks to group participation also lends itself to people who might not feel comfortable with dance-based fitness classes or exercise beginners. It is not uncommon for people interested in coming to a Pound class to feel a little intimidated, asking her if everyone there is in great shape or an experienced musician. She is quick to let them know that there are no minimum requirements to rock. “Pound truly is for any age and any stage,” said Mason-Rains, who has students ranging from ages mid70s to a two-year-old toddler who comes to class with her mom. “It’s very easy to follow along. “Every move can be modified. You don’t have to hit the floor. You can go as low as you want, or you can keep it off the ground.” There was an announcement from the Pound organization about launching a new program aimed at getting kids involved in health and fitness using its model. As of late

by David Dinsmore

March, there were not many details available about Generation Pound, as it’s called, but Mason-Rains said they might look at bringing it into the mix locally. The existing, standalone local class schedule makes Pound something that can integrate into participants’ existing fitness regimens with five class throughout the week at different times in three locations, and the short class time of 45 minutes doesn’t make it a burden to get involved, said Mason-Rains, who also works with other civic groups in addition to her work with Visit Shawnee. “It doesn’t feel like a chore,” Mason-Rains said. “It’s not like going to the gym and doing 100 squats or 100 lunges.” Those trying to decide if rocking out while working out is their style can take advantage of several opportunities to check out Pound at upcoming events around town. On April 17, Sigman and MasonRains will host a “Pound and Pour” event – a common type of gathering in the Pound community nationwide – at Brickhouse Saloon at 113 N. Bell. For $10, attendees can rock out for an hour of Pound and then enjoy a drink of their choice. Sigman, Mason-Rains and their “Pound Posse” will bring the noise and the funk at a come-and-go session on April 20 to Stompin’ Sensation Studio at 209 E. Main during the Redbud Festival hosted by Safe Events for Families Shawnee. The next day, they will also be performing a Pound demonstration to show off the program to the community. “It’s really an empowering experience,” Mason-Rains said. “It truly makes you feel like a rock star. It’s the one time a day I don’t have to worry about anything else.” Each class costs $5. Search Facebook for “Pound Fit with Teri” or “Pound Fit with Danielle” for more information and to message the instructors.

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Arts Trek’s Helping Hands Sponsors Provide Connection to Arts, Community The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is gearing up for the 9th annual Arts Trek from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 14, an event that hosts an estimated 3,000-4,000 people each year at the museum located at 1900 W. MacArthur. Much of the success of the annual event can be attributed to the Helping Hand Sponsors from community businesses and organizations that supervise hands-on projects and activities for children and families that attend the event. “Helping Hands Sponsors have been a part of Arts Trek from the beginning,” said Donna Merkt, curator of education at MGMOA. “We wanted a way to connect with community organizations to facilitate Arts Trek being an entire community event, not just an event for people involved in the arts.” The Helping Hands Sponsors provide Arts Trek with approximately 150 volunteers manning 15-20 hands-on activities for children. It is a partnership that allows businesses and organizations to get out and have a different type of face-to-face time with the general public. Many of the businesses and organizations return each year and provide area children with projects like designing their own Hot Wheels car with Oklahoma Natural Gas or the Lion’s Club and its “crazy glasses” project. Arts Trek separates itself from most art festivals in that the museum works to create bonds not only with artists and the community, but also with local businesses/organizations and the community, Merkt said. It is a time for the whole community to come and share the arts together. “At most art festivals the people working are either paying to be there or are being paid to be there,” Merkt said. “Arts Trek is different because community volunteers help create this event for the Shawnee community. There are children in the Shawnee area that literally have grown up with Arts Trek being a part of their lives.”

The 9th annual Arts Trek will provide a wide variety of hands-on activities for kids from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art at 1900 W. MacArthur. Photos submitted

Chris Rick from State Farm Insurance has been a Helping Hands Sponsor for Arts Trek since its first year, and he continues to enjoy the event each year. “Working with the staff of the museum is tremendous, and it is a fun family and community event,” Ricks said. “Children enjoy the creative activities provided for them.” A new addition to the Helping Hands Sponsors this year will be Oklahoma Strings Violin Shop from Oklahoma City. They are partnering with string teachers from Oklahoma Baptist University’s Preparatory Department and are providing violins, violas and cellos for children to touch and play. “We have had art projects through the years, but we are excited to add a musical hands on activity for the children,” Merkt said. Cello students from the Shawnee area will also be performing at the booth throughout the day.

Another new activity will be the Pottawatomie County Blue Zones booth educating the public on moving naturally. Blue Zones Project plans to lead walking tours of the labyrinth, a meditative area on St. Gregory’s campus. Favorite activities that will be returning this year include weaving with Julie Blackstone, face-painting, inflatable bounce house and Erin Du-

by Thresa Swadley

arte’s Storytime. The museum will also offer guided tours of current exhibits. Other organizations that will be involved as Helping Hand Sponsors this year include: Canine Companions for Independence, Oklahoma Sierra Club, Shawnee Sister Cities, Visit Shawnee, American Red Cross, MOMS OHCE, Pioneer Library Shawnee, OHCE - The Little Group that Could, and Thick Descriptions. In addition to the Helping Hands Sponsors and the children’s activities, Arts Trek offers local artists an opportunity to show and sell their art. There will also be performances by the Grey Wolves Jazz Band, A Mirage Dance Company, and a Rolling Stones Tribute Band—Dead Flowers OKC. The Knights of Canterbury Joust Club will also be providing medieval demonstrations throughout the day. Although there has been some public concern that the closing of St. Gregory’s University might adversely affect the museum, it will be evident to those attending Arts Trek that the museum continues to thrive even though they miss the support that the university gave to the museum. Merkt said, “It is important that the Shawnee Community to know that the museum is continuing to thrive and is doing great things in the Shawnee community.”

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Jeanie K. Johnson Simpson, PA-C PA Simpson received her Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Biology and Chemistry. She received her Masters of Medicine from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Physician Assistant program in 2005. PA Simpson resides in Shawnee with her husband, Chris and two daughters, Gracyn and Evy. PA Simpson been practicing family medicine in Seminole for the last 12 years but will be moving her practice to Shawnee in February, 2018, where the same great care in Family Medicine will be provided. PA Simpson enjoys treating diabetes, hypertension, pediatrics, women’s health, and other aspects of family medicine. Classen Family Medicine Shawnee will also be adding Aesthetic Medicine to include injectables and lasers.

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Civic leaders from Blue Zones Project of Pottawatomie County, Community Renewal, City of Shawnee and more gathered March 16 for the official groundbreaking ceremony for a new community garden in the Kickapoo Park neighborhood. Photo by David Dinsmore

New Garden One of Many Efforts to Build Safe, Connected Community Some signs carry a big message with just a few words or symbols. For example, the “golden arches” or the “swoosh” conjure up images of the exact brands they represent. In 2016, simple red signs – each bearing two white words – began appearing all around Shawnee. With those signs, the “We Care” movement launched locally, and Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County has been working to improve neighborhood relationships ever since. The organization launched its programming in April 2016, and shortly thereafter, Maile Hopkins came on board as their communications coordinator. A Shawnee native, she’d. Community Renewal isn’t just a Shawnee thing, said Maile Hopkins, communications coordinator for the group’s local office. The organization is active in several major cities like Minneapolis and Washington D.C., on college campuses and even in the country of Cameroon in Africa. It’s a multitiered program whose major components include the We Care Team, which creates a network of people in the community to elevate the visibility of caring; the Block Leader Program, that helps neighborhoods become safe and united by connecting neighbors together; and the Friendship House, which rebuilds trust and creates beneficial relationships in underserved neighborhoods. The Shawnee group is considered one of five “replication sites” worldwide. “We’re thrilled at how fast the community has taken hold of our mission and made it theirs,” said Hopkins, a Shawnee native who previously served as interim executive director at United Way of Pottawatomie County and was familiar with the need for local outreach to both adults and children. One of the group’s newest endeavors is a partnership with Blue Zones Project of Pottawatomie County to help build a garden in Kickapoo Park. They hope to be finished in late April. Civic leaders from Blue Zones Project, Community Renewal, City of Shawnee and other groups gath18

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ered at the 808 W. Main St. location on a cool March 16 morning for a groundbreaking ceremony. According to statements made at the event, Pottawatomie County donated the parcel of land – which had been in its possession and under its maintenance – to the city so it could pass it along to the garden project. Blue Zones officials at the groundbreaking discussed the importance of not simply celebrating the start of the project but also the key role resident play in following through with maintaining the garden and all it represents. The project will host official work days for volunteers to come and get their hands dirty – literally through cultivating the garden and figuratively through neighborhood and community members getting to know each other by working toward the common goal of creating a sustainable fruit and vegetable garden for area residents to enjoy. “The garden will benefit the Kickapoo Park Friendship House neighborhood and the amazing people who live there,” Hopkins said. “The hope is that Community Renewal will garner volunteers from this area to maintain the garden, and the produce will be shared with residents of the neighborhood. If someone is interested in helping, they can contact our volunteer coordinator, Maddi Roach, at maddi@communityrenewal.org.” This garden is a separate project from the one located at the Community Market of Pottawatomie County, on the corner of Main and Center streets near downtown. Another new addition to the Kickapoo Park area is the Friendship House. This home – one of the Community Renewal’s cornerstones – is designed for an underserved neighborhood and will contain a large community room in which after-school kids clubs, GED classes, job training, adult literacy classes, social service opportunities and other vital programs will function. A trained Community Renewal staff member and his family will live in the house and work to rebuild the caring infrastructure of the neighborhood through trusted relationships with lo-

by Jamie Bergsten

cal children, youth and adults. “Our Friendship House coordinator Travis Flood and his family will live in the first Friendship House in Kickapoo Park and have already been hard at work there,” Hopkins said. “Greg Cullison and his amazing team are building the house and hope to be finished by August.” There are currently 10 Friendship Houses in operation worldwide, and statistics show that major crime has dropped an average of 52 percent in those areas since their construction, Hopkins said. Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County employs seven full-time staff members. One of their goals is to make it easy for residents to get involved in the program, and Hopkins said the easiest way to find out more about what they do is to attend an “info lunch.” “The second Wednesday of every month, we hold an informational lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at our office, 1000 North Kickapoo,” Hopkins said. “Our executive director Brandon Dyer explains all the ways that people can get involved, and they’ll have the opportunity to join the We Care team, get a t-shirt and sign for their yard and find out the next step for becoming a Block Leader if they’re interested. We provide the lunch, so we ask that people RSVP by calling our office, (405) 273-1035, or by clicking ‘going’ on our Info Lunch event on our Facebook page.” To date, the Avedis Foundation has provided most of the funding Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County has needed. As the program and its offerings grow, staff members are looking for ways to raise additional money. Their next big project is a fundraising banquet to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center at 1700 W. Independence. Tickets are $35 each, and tables can be reserved for $250. Those interested in purchasing banquet tickets can call (405) 273-1035. “We’ll be raising funds to build our second Friendship House, this one to be located in the Boy Scout Park neighborhood,” Hopkins said. “The project is in

partnership with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, and Michael Phillips – our community coordinator – and his family will live there once it’s complete.” Shawnee’s Community Renewal organization also maintains six kids’ clubs at area schools, comprised of three at Jefferson Elementary and one each at Sequoyah Elementary, Will Rogers Elementary and Shawnee Middle School, Hopkins said. Student participants must be nominated by their teachers to take part in a variety of fun activities sponsored by Community Renewal. The goal is to

APRIL

build caring individuals who’ll serve as leaders in their respective schools. “We have nearly 2,200 people on our We Care Team,” Hopkins said. “We’ve seen tremendous support from the area since launching, further proof that our community is full of good, caring people who want to make our world better.” “Our goal is to have 3,500 members of the We Care Team by the end of this year. They’ll keep spreading the message of intentional caring to make Shawnee the best place possible.”

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SHAWNEE HISTORY

MLB Spring Training Made Two Stops in Shawnee in Late 1930s Major League Baseball teams started this year’s season on March 29 after spending weeks in preseason training games mostly in Florida and Arizona. Yet, it wasn’t that way 80 years ago. The teams often traveled about the country, giving local folks a chance to see real big league players in action. Shawnee – with its location along a train route, a stadium large enough to hold an expected crowd, a history of producing professional baseball players and city fathers who worked hard – the town was added to the schedule. On April 7, 1937, Shawnee hosted an exhibition game between the Cleveland Indians and the New York Giants, an event that happened in part because the whole town worked together to make Athletic Stadium – on the same site as Memorial Park today – good enough for major leaguers and the sportswriters they would bring with them. With donations of material and labor, the stands were painted, and bleachers for 2,000 more fans were added. Wire was placed over the front of the stands and an extra press box was built along the right field fence. When the players arrived, they were housed at the Aldridge Hotel. They were some of the best in the

sport, headed by Giants star pitcher and Meeker native Carl Hubbell. His mother – who had never seen him pitch in the major leagues – was an honored guest. The Giants were managed by Bill Terry, and besides Hubbell some of their players included Mel Ott, Dick Bartell and Gus Mancuso. Hubbell didn’t disappoint his fans as he led his team to an 8-7 victory by, according to news reports, “toying with the Tribal batters.” Cleveland was managed by Steve O’Neill and featured players like Earl Averill, Hal Trotsky and Lynn Lary. Earl Whitehall took the loss. A dust storm ruined the exciting day during the late innings, but officials allowed them to finish the game to the delight of more than 3,600 fans, some of whom had paid as much as a dollar to stand along the fence. The event was such a success that the following year, two more big league teams put Shawnee on their spring training tour. The Pittsburgh Pirates, featuring hometown boy, Cy Blanton, met the Chicago White Sox. The Pirates roster also included a couple Harrah natives, Paul and Loyd Waner. Pie Traynor was the manager of the Pirates Jimmy Dykes was the Chicago manager. White Sox players Bob

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Klinger and Mace Brown started their professional careers 10 years earlier in Shawnee with the Robins. The Pirates won the game by a score of 10-2. For a little time during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression days, Shawnee citizens had something to brighten their days when Major League Baseball came to town. This souvenir program featured a scorecard on which to record the action of a Major League Baseball exhibition game hosted in Shawnee between the New York Giants and Cleveland Indians in 1937. The game’s success helped the city attract an exhibition game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox in 1938. Photo submitted

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Baseball in the Blood for Shawnee-based MLB Scout The seasons are changing – and not just regarding the weather. With spring upon us, sports fans are ready to take in the NBA playoffs as well as baseball and softball games, track meets, and tennis and soccer matches. This year, Major League Baseball had its earliest Opening Day in history – March 29 – and all 30 teams were scheduled for action. But how did they find their newest pitching sensation or that amazing rookie power hitter? Scouts like Shawnee resident Aaron Looper travel far and wide, watching for the next MLB star on the horizon. Looper is no stranger to baseball success. He grew up in Ada and played at Byng High School before making the move to the University of Oklahoma. After transferring to Indian Hills Community College in Iowa, he signed professionally and played with the Seattle Mariners organization for seven years. This included time in both the major and minor leagues, where he was a right-handed pitcher. When his playing days ended in 2007, he took on a different baseball role. He accepted a scouting job with the St. Louis Cardinals and now serves as a national crosschecker. This work takes him all over the United States watching high school and college players. His responsibilities include comparing the prospects uncovered by scouts in different regions of the country and traveling thousands of miles by plane and car to catch games from February through November. Occasionally, Looper finds those players close to home. One example is Ryan Helsley from Tahlequah, who played at Sequoyah High School and then at Northeastern Oklahoma State. Looper followed his collegiate progress, taking in some of the games his sophomore season in 2015, and the Cardinals drafted him in the fifth round that spring. After a couple of years in the organization’s farm system, Helsley, now 23, participated in Spring Training with the Cardinals in Florida this year and may be ready for an assignment in the majors this season. A member of the Cherokee tribe, he would be one of only a few Native Americans ever to play professional baseball if he reaches that level. There are also times when Looper discovers success in unexpected places. Former Cardinal Trevor Rosenthal – who was with the club from 2012-2017 – was one such discovery. A shortstop, Rosenthal had thrown only four innings ever as a pitcher for Cowley County Community 22

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by Jamie Bergsten

Stock photo

College in Kansas when Looper spotted him. Rosenthal threw just one inning during Looper’s visit, but it was enough for Looper to encourage the Cardinals to draft him as a pitcher. Rosenthal went on to become the third youngest MLB hurler ever to record back-to-back 40 save seasons, and he set a Cardinals franchise record for saves. That’s a pretty valuable find for a scout and a sign that the Cardinals value and trust Looper’s judgment. He said that St. Louis has “roughly 20 amateur scouts” taking in games at any given time, with an unknown number of pro scouts also on the road. “We see some of the same scouts from other organizations, occasionally,” Looper said. “It’s a friendly community, even though we’re competitors.” Many of his trips are to familiar places, but he still finds himself in towns he’s never visited, in little-known stadiums, depending on which prospects he needs to see. “Every day is different,” Looper said. He must take into consideration what his travel plans, future trips and scouting reports look like, but things like inclement weather can always shake up his plans at the last minute. Keeping up with game schedules, making phone calls and visiting with prospects and their families are also daily parts of his job. “Being away from my family is the hardest part of what I do,” he noted. “The best part is that I love the game, and my job is challenging, so that makes it fun.” Looper’s dad Benny also made a career in the

baseball world. He played five seasons in the minor leagues before becoming a high school baseball coach. After a brief time scouting for the Toronto Blue Jays, he spent 22 years with the Seattle Mariners organization as a scout, crosschecker and director of player development. Before retiring this past year, he’d worked for the Philadelphia Phillies since 2008, serving as their assistant general manager of player personnel and later as the senior advisor of international operations. Aaron’s cousin, Braden Looper, was also a well-known pitcher. He competed collegiately at Wichita State where he played in the College World Series before playing for Team USA in the 1996 Olympics. He went on to have stints with four different major league clubs, including two with the Cardinals. Clearly, baseball is in the Looper family’s genes. Aaron’s son Calib, a student at Grove School in Shawnee, is now playing little league as well. “It’s fun to watch him progress and see his passion for the game,” Calib’s father noted proudly. Aaron’s wife, the former Magan O’Connor, is a teacher at Grove, and their daughter Abigail is an eighth grader there. Abigail is a successful athlete in her own right but prefers tennis and tumbling as her chosen sports. With the recent success of the Shawnee High School and OBU baseball programs, the next Cardinals superstar might be someone Looper discovers right here in the town he now calls home.

20th Shawnee Feed Center Anniversary Celebrate with us on Saturday, April 14th from 8am to 1pm. Door Prizes, discounts and gift certificates giveaways! Listen to KIRC Live Broadcast on site and register for more free items. Store wide discounts Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th. Free refreshments served from 10 am to Noon during our meet and greet of original store employees that started with us. EE GARD EN AWN SH

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Mission Shawnee Encouraging Local Civic, Business Leaders to Adopt a School As news of a looming statewide teacher walkout was heating up this year, Mission Shawnee was working to address issues within local schools by launching its Adopt A School initiative. “The purpose of the Adopt A School Initiative is to maximize resources for schools in Shawnee, provide mentors to children through Mission Shawnee’s mentoring program, The Summit, and give support to administrators and teachers in Shawnee who are serving children tirelessly,” according to information provided by Mission Shawnee. The organization has spent the last three years building relationships with public schools in the community, mostly at Horace Mann Elementary, executive director Ryan Brooks said. During that time, teachers and administrators have alerted them to some of the struggles they have in supporting the kids in their care and what kind of support could help provide children with more successful education experiences. “All of the things we are doing with this initiative we’ve been doing for a few years now,” Brooks said. “This initiative is really just a way to tie in everything we have been doing with education.” This month, the organization is hosting two events to help promote

the goals and necessity of this initiative to potential partners and raise awareness and funds that will go directly to helping local schools. A free informational luncheon will take place at 12 p.m. on April 23 at Mission Shawnee’s 126 S. Center St. location that will give local churches, businesses and individuals the chance to learn about the details of how they can help local students through Adopt A School. Mission Shawnee will also host a 3-on-3 basketball tournament 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 28 in the gym at its 126 S. Center St. location. Teams of men and women ages 16 and up can compete for the title of tourney champs while also making an impact on the lives of local students. Registration is $20 per person and $100 for a team of six. RSVP and registration info for both events is at missionshawneeok.org/ events. Call (405) 275-5433 for more information. The goal of the initiative is not just to raise money for schools, Brooks said. Support takes many forms. One of Mission Shawnee’s board members regularly provides notes of encouragement and baked good for teachers and staff members to let them know someone appreciates their work. Another board member arranges meals for teachers during parent-teacher confer-

ence weeks when they might have time to prepare and eat. Part of Mission Shawnee’s work has included partnering children identified by school staff members according to need with local mentors who are willing to provide academic guidance as kids go through the school year, Brooks said. These mentors also serve as a constant and sometimes stabilizing presence for students who could use a little extra consistency outside of school. This work brought to the attention of Mission Shawnee officials the need for support local schools and their staff have, Brooks said. By launching Adopt A School, they hope to use their experience to inspire local partner businesses and organizations who want to take a proactive approach in improving education at all schools in Shawnee. “It’s really surprising to find out what teachers and students go without throughout the year,” said Brooks, who has seen classrooms without basics like pencils and markers and offices with no copy paper. “It’s really basic, but if you don’t have them, it can make a big difference.” The state’s educational statistics and low national rankings regarding education quality, spending and other measures have been a major talking point in the news as the April 2 walkout deadline approached. Mission Shawnee cites reports that place Oklahoma 47th in the nation on annual educational quality rankings and 46th in per student spending when approach-

by David Dinsmore

ing potential local Adopt A School partners. It points to the increasing class sizes and record-high teacher shortage along with the contentious teacher pay issues grabbing headlines in recent months. “This is something that’s obviously going on across the state,” Brooks said. The organization is trying to organize local efforts by churches, businesses and individuals in Shawnee to come together to Adopt A School in their neighborhood and build meaningful relationships with teachers, students and administrators, Brooks said. They did not purposefully plan their events this month to coincide with the walkout that at the time of this printing was still imminent, but all the attention that story was garnering has helped make it timelier to approach potential partners about having a hand in improving local education.

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MENTAL HEALTH

Problems in Relationships Akin to ‘Unwanted Guests’

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Imagine this scenario: You get a call from a distant relative or friend needing a favor. They are in transition as they are changing careers or moving, and they need a place to stay for a few days. Being hospitable, you oblige and offer a couch to crash on for a few days. Those few days turn into months. Clothes litter your floor and dirty dishes pile in your sink. There are no signs of departure, and much like your overflowing trash can, your patience and your compassion have reached capacity. It’s time for them to go. Have you ever had a situation like this? Like unwanted guests, mental health and substance use problems have a way of entering our lives. It’s not uncommon for families to have one or more of these “unwanted guests” hanging around and impacting relationships. These “guests” often go by names like Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, Distrust, Abuse and Fear along with many others. For those involved in helping treat these and other challenges couples and families face, this externalized conceptualization of problems is helpful. Problems often become an additional member of the family or couple relationship. These disorders are sly invaders that sneak up and embed in themselves in the life of our relationships and families; sometimes without detection for days or years. Problems have a way of existing in relationships in a secretive fashion. Like the metaphorical elephant in the room, problems are invasive, and everyone adjusts to their presence as they bully their way around. Over time, the outward impact becomes well known, and the family learns to function around these unwanted guests to manage and cope with their demands. It would seem simple enough just to remove problems to get peace, but mental health and substance abuse problems have a way of fooling us into believing that we cannot do anything about the distress we are feeling, or worse yet, that we are cursed to deal with our problems on our own. Like throwing water on Gremlins – as in the 1984 movie by the same name – the attempt to hide and handle the unwanted guest alone

often is the very thing that continues to feed and perpetuate its existence in our lives, even inviting more unwanted problems to take up residence. It is often the case that wherever you land on the issues of mental health and substance use, you and your family have adjusted or may currently be adjusting to the impact of these intruders on your relationships. Therapy can be helpful with these problems. Therapists often act as a consultant for people with these unhelpful relational interactions. They analyze and look for processes, helping the family expose the unwanted guest, aid the family to tap into strengths and skills to change the way they relate to reduce the impact of the problem and increase a greater sense of agency Sometimes, these approaches are integrative. Therapists work with other professionals like doctors, teachers, pastors or social workers if it helps the process. The main point is that the problem is the problem. We may need to adjust our ways of relating with the people around us to impact the problem, but compassion and love draw us to differentiate between issues and people. This can be very difficult, especially when trauma and pain have taken up residence and existed for years within the family. To clarify, what I am not saying is that people with mental health or substance use problems have no responsibility. We all have a choice and responsibility to ourselves and others. Our actions impact others, and we can use our abilities to build up and tear down. The focus is on hope and in the rallying around the belief that things can be improved. It is not uncommon to assess our relationships and our role in them before considering a need for outside help. Here are some questions to consider: How are your relationships going? Do you have any “unwanted guests” or “invaders” that have outstayed their welcome in your life or the life of your loved ones? What solutions have you tried? Are they working? If they aren’t, what keeps you from reaching out for a consultation?

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Mitchell DeShazer is a candidate for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy in the state of Oklahoma. He is a recent graduate from Oklahoma Baptist University and holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. Mitchell has been working with couples and families for the last two years in Shawnee. Mitchell is passionate about the power family and community have on reshaping stories of hope and change in people’s lives.

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