Issuu

Virtual Read Across America | Juried Art Show

MARCH 21

Vol. 18 Number 1

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CONTENTS

MARCH 2021

10 FEATURES 9

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art Hosts High School Juried Art Show

Retired Air Force Major General On New Career Path In Shawnee

Over the Fence: Dog Eat Dog

Art of the Matter: Creating Personalized Postcards

Virtual Read Across America Still Encourages Students To Pick Up Books

Amid Variety Of Home Loans, First National Bank & Trust Offers Mortgage Programs For Federally Recognized Tribal Members

Getting To Know Gateway

Publisher

Okie Icon Media

Managing Editor

David Dinsmore

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Creative Direction

Kelsey Walker & Fawn Wilson-Olivarez

Writers

Andrea Beck Jamie Bergsten Alicja Carter David Dinsmore Brandon Dyer Ann McDonald Angela Rowland

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

To Advertise, call Brad at (405) 445-3033.

DEPARTMENTS 6 KEEP THE CHANGE 6 NUTRITION 101 23 HELPING HANDS 24 SONIC CONTEST 25 SHAWNEE HISTORY 29 THE BRIGHT SPOT 30 CALENDAR Volume 18, Number 1 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Okie Icon Media. © 2021 Okie Icon Media

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

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KEEP THE CHANGE

Enjoy The Outdoors This Spring

ith the winter we’ve had, spring brings out in us the desire to stretch our wings and just enjoy new warmth. Bonus: simply enjoying nature is a very cost-effective activity for you and your family. If you’re looking to get outdoors with your family, it’s a great time to get going. Visit Shawnee is a great resource to find local options, and you can also check out TravelOK.com’s extensive list of outdoor areas to explore in Oklahoma to make a list, set a date and get outside. Here are just a few ideas, whether you have an afternoon, a day or a whole weekend. Looking close to home? Did you know right here in Shawnee at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center we have an eagle aviary that is open for visitors? A reservation is required and recommended to be booked three months in advance, but it is worth the wait. Visit potawatomiheritage.com/aviary for details! Want some time outdoors, but not an outdoorsy type? Visit one of the many parks Shawnee has to offer or take a day or afternoon trip to either Tulsa or Oklahoma City. In Tulsa, visit the Gathering Place – a recent addition to the City with plenty of options for playing and exploring. In OKC, head downtown and check out Scissortail Park or the outdoor area of Myriad Botanical Gardens, which offer a playground and children’s garden. Ready to really get into nature? Visit one of the many state parks in Oklahoma. Our personal favorite is Chickasaw National Recreation Area with its many trails and natural waterfalls to discover and enjoy. Also topping my list of places to adventure: Alabaster Caverns and Great Salt Plains State Park. With a wide range of wildlife and ecosystems, make your own list of places to discover in Oklahoma and get out there.

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)

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NUTRITION 101

Improving Digestion When our digestion is working properly and efficiently, we naturally feel better and have more energy. We have continued to learn how important our gut health is, even with our immune system. I want to focus on 10 tips to improve your digestion: 1. Exercise: having muscle tone helps move food through our digestive tract. 2. Don’t overeat: overeating of any food is taxing on the digestive system and can affect the rate of digestion. Practice moderation and only eat until you are 75 percent full. 3. Take time for gratitude: when you take a few moments before you eat to pause and reflect either with blessings or gratitude, you are activating the cephalic phase of digestion. 4. Reduce or eliminate processed foods: these foods rob the body of nutrients rather than supplying any. Stick to whole foods as much as possible. 5. Chew your food: chewing thoroughly will help any food digest. Slow down, savor your food and chew it up. 6. Eat more fiber: fiber helps keep your colon healthy. It makes stool soft and bulky, speeds transit time through the colon, dilutes the effects of any toxic compounds and helps to remove bad bacteria from the colon. 7. Boost stomach acid: gently boost stomach acid by adding freshly-squeezed lemon juice to your water or by drinking one tablespoon of raw fermented apple cider vinegar in water each morning. 8. Drink water: lack of water in the digestive system can result in ulcers, indigestion, heartburn, fatigue, brain fog, memory loss and constipation. 9. Add in probiotics: we need good bacteria to strengthen the immune system, reduce chronic inflammation, help remedy leaky gut and other benefits. 10. Bring in digestive enzymes: the best source of enzymes are from foods that are in their live, raw form. To further help aid in digestion, try the recipe below.

Rainbow Fruit Salad

I enjoy making fruit salads all year round because it is easy to swap out fruits that are in-season. You could easily use melons in the summer and pomegranate in the winter. The honey just adds to the natural sweetness of this to where I can easily enjoy this as a dessert. My kids love this way of getting in fruit and all the different flavors it provides. Ingredients: 1 pint fresh strawberries 3 mandarin oranges 1 lb chopped fresh pineapple 2 bananas, sliced 1 pint fresh blueberries ¼ cup honey 12 oz grapes, cut in halves Zest of 2 medium lemons 4 kiwis, peeled and chopped 1 ½ Tbsp fresh lemon juice Directions: Add all fruit to a bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon zest and lemon juice. Pour over fruit, toss and serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes: 10 servings Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories: 149 Total Fat: .8g Saturated Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 6mg Carbohydrate: 37g Dietary Fiber: 5g Protein: 2g Nutrition 101 Tip: “Eating the rainbow.” A term you may have heard all the way back in elementary school. Maybe you remember seeing the poster with all the fruits and vegetables laid out to look like a rainbow. That idea is just as important today as it was back then. Every single different color offers you a different nutrient from the white cauliflower to the red in strawberries. Your body benefits from a variety of foods. Next time you find yourself in the produce aisle of the grocery store, think about shopping to buy “the rainbow.” Have your kids pick out produce by the color and see where that takes you. 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 through an online class and nutrition services through SSM Health St. Anthony in Shawnee. For inquiries, you can contact her at Andrea.beck1@ ssmhealth.com or through her Facebook page, Nutrition and Exercise 101 with Andrea.

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Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art Hosts High School Juried Art Show

by David Dinsmore

he Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is hosting a high school juried art exhibition for grades 9-12 this month, and first-year North Rock Creek art teacher Bridget Moore wanted her students to seize the opportunity to get some experience in submitting for an art show. “I am teaching my students to really apply themselves and try some art shows,” Moore said. “It can build confidence in them.” As a result, 21 students’ work from her classes will be on display when the exhibition goes up March 16-27 at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art located at 1900 W. MacArthur in Shawnee. Moore was no stranger to teaching having led adult and non-traditional art classes for eight years in addition to working as an artist, but her position at North Rock Creek is her first foray into public school instruction. She received support from the district to put together the equipment and supplies to offer an in-depth art experience for students taking part in the courses, and she has been impressed with the quality of the projects her students have put together. When she decided it was time for interested students to submit their work for art shows, Moore used her own experience of participating in and serving on committees for some shows as well as her contacts working in education to find shows where her students could apply. Once they decide on some shows to target, Moore does not leave it up to the students to handle everything themselves. “I work with them on finding what pieces they feel are their very best representation of their work,” Moore said. “I guide them, but I also let them pick what they want to show.” Her students submitted a mix of drawings, printmaking and painting works for the high school art exhibition, and the museum’s manager of education and outreach Amber DuBoise-Shepherd said she selected a piece by each of Moore’s students who submitted something. With the excitement some of her students showed in pursuing more shows and creating more works, Moore said she would like to look at adding an advanced placement course for those wanting to take their art further and challenge themselves. “This would put them in a situation where they are building a portfolio,” Moore said. “They would submit that portfolio to a scholastic competition.” Moore participated in these types of pro-

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is hosting a high school juried art exhibition this month featuring original pieces by students around the state like these from North Rock Creek High School freshman Leah Fisher, whose teacher Bridget Moore has encouraged her students to submit to shows to get some experience for those with an interest in pursuing art in the future. Photos submitted

grams in high school, and she said the experiences had a profound impact on the career she has had since that time. For instance, she won a national award during high school and had the opportunity to showcase her work at Carnegie Hall in New York City. A guest judge will review each piece submitted by these as well as other high school students from around the state and select winners for the four cash prizes sponsored by the Lions Club. The best of show will take home $100, first place $75, second place $50 and third place $25. Eligible students had to be enrolled in a school or home school group living in Oklahoma at time of submission, which ran through early March, according to information on the museum’s website. Students were allowed a maximum of three entries via an online application and submitted photos. The museum was seeking original works created by students during the last year in the following categories: • Painting: Acrylic, Oil, Watercolor, Gouache, Mixed Media. • Graphics/Photography: Graphics: Pencil,

pen and pastel drawings, mixed media, lithograph, woodblock original prints including serigraph and etchings. • Digital Art: Must be printed on photo or fine art paper and must be mounted on a gater board or foam core board. Digital Art Prints can be matted and/or framed. • Sculpture: Metal, Stone, Clay, Paper Casting, Wood and Glass. • Pottery: All handmade traditional and contemporary pottery forms are allowed. No greenware, and no-slip mold commercial pottery. • Jewelry: Must be handmade and genuine material such as leather, metal, stones, natural materials. • Weavings: Any art that is woven together including rugs or baskets that include natural plant fibers, yarn, string, paper, and/or wire. • Cultural Crafts: Cloth or organic material, clothing, weaving, textiles, beadwork, clothing. For more information about the show or the museum, email education@mgmoa.org or call (405) 878-5300. www.shawneeoutlook.com

Retired Air Force Major General On New Career Path In Shawnee

by Jamie Bergsten

hawnee is the home to some pretty unique businesses that even longtime locals may not know about. Such is the case with United Dynamics Inc., a military defense contractor that, because of the nature of its work, may not be well-known in town. Engineers onsite design parts for governmental aircraft flying all across the globe, and it takes a whole team of employees to build, examine and deliver them. In this field, it’s important to have good communication between the Air Force, its bases, state and federal officials and those on the local staff. With retired Maj. Gen. T. Glenn Davis’s military background, he’s a great liaison to bring those worlds together. Davis, a South Carolina native, served in the United States Air Force from 1984 to 2018 in a variety of roles. His educational background, also very lengthy and impressive, led him to graduate as the top ROTC student in his class from the University of South Carolina with a degree in foreign languages. He went on to obtain a masters degree in public administration, serve as a Congressional Fellow at Georgetown University and follow that as a National Security Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. “The Air Force originally offered me a scholarship,” Davis said. “I attended pilot training initially but transitioned to become an aircraft maintenance officer early in my career. Best decision ever.” Over the years, his assignments had him stationed all across the U.S. as well as in Germany. He served in the Air Force during some critical periods in our nation’s history and thus became, literally, a part of them. In 1990 and 1991 during Desert Storm, he was responsible for launching 51 F-15s that ultimately downed 17 enemy fighter aircraft. In 1996, he was part of the first USAF unit to deploy and train against the MIG-29 aircraft in the former East Germany. On the day after the 9/11 attacks, he deployed to Kuwait with F-16s and his unit’s F-16s were the first to engage in the fight. He also served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff twice – once as a colonel and later as a major general. Davis has also been the recipient of numerous distinguished awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal. It was presented for his exemplary service to the Department of Defense. “I served with some of the finest Americans you’ll ever know,” he noted. 10

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Retired Maj. Gen. T. Glenn Davis served in the United State Air Force from 1984 until retirement in 2018, after which he has worked in the design and manufacture of aircraft components. Photos submitted

Retired Maj. Gen. T. Glenn Davis – seen on the left here with Sen. Jim Inhofe in 1999 – served many roles during his time with the Air Force, including as congressional fellow and with the Joint Chiefs of Staff twice.

Retired Maj. Gen. T. Glenn Davis poses with F-15s at Nellis AFB, Nevada just before Operation Desert Storm, during which he launched 51 of the fighters that downed 17 enemy aircraft.

While considering it a privilege to get to wear the uniform of our country, he also wanted to see what “real” Americans do. “That’s why I first joined (aircraft component manufacturer) Pratt & Whitney and later United Dynamics,” Davis said. “ I wanted to get the feel of both big and small business.” As a part of the private sector, Davis served as the director of Oklahoma City operations for Pratt &Whitney. In this role, he facilitated a public/private partnership with the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex to produce F-22, F-35 and C-17 engines for the Air Force and its partners. “I was connected with United Dynamics in Shawnee by the OKC Chamber of Commerce,” Davis said. “My rapport with Harmik DerSahakian (CEO of United Dynamics) was great, so when I decided to depart Pratt & Whitney, it was very natural to join the UDI team in Shawnee.” One might think that such an accomplished veteran would be taking things easier during this current phase of his career, but that’s definitely not the case. “On a personal level I’d like to resume cycling and become competitive,” Davis said. “And on a professional level, I’d like to help United Dynamics become a recognized defense provider in Oklahoma and across the United States. “I believe you find outstanding people in all walks of life. I grew up being amazed at the young high school graduates who maintained our combat fleet of aircraft and the young college graduates who flew them. United Dynamics has similarly talented people throughout the company.” Davis, who currently resides in Oklahoma City, has also been impressed by his new Pottawatomie County surroundings since assuming his current position at UDI in September. “So far, Shawnee feels like a closely-knit family and a great place to live and work,” he said. UDI’s existence here may not be the only little-known fact about their line of work. “Aviation is actually Oklahoma’s No. 2 industry, behind energy (oil and gas), and we intend to keep it there – or elevate it to No. 1,” Davis said.

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Over the Fence:

Dog Eat Dog

By Brandon Dyer, Executive Director of Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County

othing is certain in life except death, taxes and my vacuum cleaner scaring the dickens out of our 9-year-old chocolate Labradoodle, Molly. Oh, sure, she’s tough. She bravely protects our backyard from such dangerous intruders as squirrels, gophers and other curious varmints. But if you fire up the vacuum anywhere in her vicinity, she frantically runs for her life with no regard for what may be in her way. The kids are often tickled by it as they run to comfort her. But why are they tickled? Are they amused by their faithful friend’s fear? Of course not. They’re tickled because they know something our poor pup doesn’t. The threat is not actually real, but she sure thinks it is. A few years ago, I surprised my family with a puppy on Christmas morning. Everyone was ecstatic and begging for a turn to hold him. Ol’ dad had really come through. I mean, who doesn’t love a puppy? I’ll tell you who: my chocolate Labradoodle, Molly. From the moment she saw the little bundle of joy, she wasn’t impressed. You could feel the indignation simmering out of the corner of the living room where Molly had gone to pout. It got worse. We couldn’t let our new pup, Bennett, wander near her. Molly would growl and snap at him when he did. We had a bit of a problem on our hands. Any dog lovers been there before? I’m no expert in human psychology – let alone canine psychology – but this wasn’t a very hard one to figure out. Molly’s position in our little familial hierarchy was in jeopardy, or at least she thought it was. She probably had a sense that she was never going to be the top of the food chain, but she sure didn’t want to be at the bottom. What we saw as a cute, cuddly addition to our family she saw as a threat. I’m proud to report that we did

Brandon Dyer

manage to broker a peace deal. Oh, it wasn’t easy, I’ll tell you that. After all, Molly was working against thousands of years of evolutionary survival instincts baked into her DNA. You don’t solve that over a bowl of Pedigree, but Molly trusted me and poor Bennet had no choice but to trust me. Little by little, that fear began to subside. I’d like to think that after days and even weeks of work, Molly finally realized that she had nothing to be afraid of. They’re buddies now. You should see them. The moral of this story isn’t very hard to figure out either, is it? In some ways, human beings are no different than our four-legged best friends. We are threatened by what we do not understand. About what we do not understand, we tend to assume the worst. We do this with all sorts of silly things. I have an iPhone. I understand it. It’s familiar and easy for me to operate, so I continue to stick with iPhones. Some of my friends insist that Androids are better. Guess what, I’m not likely to buy an Android. Maybe it is “better.” I

don’t know. But there are a lot of unknowns, and so I keep my distance. What is not silly is when we consciously or unconsciously apply this to other human beings. Human beings we may not know much about. Human beings who seem “different” than us. Human beings with different worldviews, different struggles, different skin, different loves. It seems to me that at our core we are more “same” than “different.” And different ought not to be feared. What sort of future might we be forfeiting by refusing to take the time to see how “same” our “different” really is? Don’t we all wish to be loved and understood? Don’t we all hope for our children to grow up with opportunities to be happy, whatever their

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“Reading the Letter” by Harry Roseland: Harry Roseland, a mainly self-taught artist, is known for his paintings of African-American life, immigrant agricultural workers, Long Island field workers and beachgoers at Coney Island. He was born and lived his entire life in Brooklyn, New York.

Art of the Matter:

Creating Personalized Postcards Submitted by Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

ave you ever wondered how people got messages to each other before email, text messaging, or even before the telephone? How did they let people know about a birthday party or someone’s birth? They sent letters and postcards. What would you do if you had to wait days, weeks or months to hear from your family and friends? Many, many years ago letters and postcards could take days or weeks to arrive if they came from far away. Now, think about how anxious you would be to get a letter or postcard. You would probably wait for the mailman every day hoping there was something for you. In the painting named “Reading the Letter” by Harry Roseland, we see two women reading a letter. You can tell by their body language that they are very excited and anxious to learn what is in the letter. You can see this painting in person in the permanent gallery at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. Before our modern conveniences, people took great pride in their letter-writing skills. They chose the best stationery (the paper they wrote 14

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on) they could find and afford, and they used their very best penmanship. Some people considered penmanship an artform and took great pains in creating beautiful words and sentences. If someone was traveling and didn’t have their supplies with them, they could buy a postcard from where they were visiting and write a quick note on one side and put it in the mail. The other side would have a photograph or drawing of where they were visiting. People also could buy a postcard with an image they really liked and send it to a friend. Sometimes the postcard was a funny image or saying. It was exciting to get a postcard from the other side of the world, and people kept them and sometimes displayed the beautiful images. This month we are going to go back in time when postcards commonly were used to share something fun and exciting. We are going to make our own postcards. This can be so much fun, and you can put an address and stamp on them and send them to someone you care about. To get started, let’s think about something you would like to share. What image could you

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

use? For example, if you have travelled somewhere and saw a landmark you could draw that landmark, or you can think of something you really like and draw and color that. It can be nearly anything, such as flowers, animals, plants, cars, dolls, food, etc. Postcards come in many sizes, but the standard sizes are 4 inches by 9 inches, 5.5 inches x 8 inches and 6 inches x 11 inches. Postcards are printed on heavy paper that can withstand going through the mail. Once you have decided on size and image, find a piece of heavy paper, and let’s get started. There really are no limits. You can draw, color or paint. Just remember that if you are planning on mailing the postcard, it must be flat so that it can go through the machines at the post office without getting damaged. If you aren’t planning on mailing it, you can even make it three dimensional. You can cut out pictures from magazines and glue them to your card or you can add beads, sequins or glitter. The most important part is to have fun and be creative. Don’t forget to share your artwork on social media using the hashtag #MGMOAart.

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Virtual Read Across America Still Encourages Students To Pick Up Books T

by David Dinsmore

he Pioneer Library System Foundation, Shawnee Public Library and Junior Service League kicked off National Reading Month with its annual Read Across America event with a twist. “The Shawnee event has an entirely ‘new look’ this year, including virtual guest readers,” said Mary Sims from the Shawnee Public Library. Shawnee's ninth annual celebration looked very different this year compared to the past, but it met its goal of bringing the joy of reading to Shawnee's pre-k and kindergarten students, Sims said. In previous years, volunteer guest readers visited classrooms for in-person story times. The ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic this year did not make that possible, so story times were recorded before the event. Twenty-two volunteers including Sen. Shane Jett, Mayor Ed Bolt, Shawnee Public Schools Superintendent Dr. April Grace, police officers, firefighters, Junior Service League members, Shawnee High School students and educators and Pioneer Library System staff recorded reading sessions in front of a whimsical Dr. Seuss backdrop. This year, because story times were recorded videos, publisher permission was required. Several recordings will be featured on Pioneer Library System's Facebook page, and all will be available to teachers to play in their classrooms. The Junior Service League of Shawnee sponsored the event again this year through a generous grant as well as members volunteering to read and deliver books. Physical books for the students could not be passed out by volunteers, so more than 500 books were sorted and delivered to the schools by Junior Service League members. The National Education Association started its Read Across America program as a way to “motivate kids to read, bring the joys of reading to students of all ages and make all children feel valued and welcome” according to the program’s website. The program tries to identify books that feature characters and stories that they can see themselves in as well as those that might be different to help them learn how someone else sees the world. The event first came to Shawnee in 2012 at the Shawnee Early Childhood Center, Sims said. Two years ago, it expanded to the pre-k and kindergarten classes at Pleasant Grove Elementary and Grove Elementary. This year, the library was able to hold events at the latter and also Horace Mann Elementary, but spring break at Pleasant Grove delayed its event prior to the closure of schools in Oklahoma 18

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ABOVE: Shawnee Public Library branch manager Peggy Cook records her story time session in front of the Read Across America set, which teachers of young elementary students can show to their classes in addition to a few available to the public via the library’s Facebook page. RIGHT: Shawnee police officer Bailey Tucker was among the volunteers who recorded story time videos to help inspire young students to read. Photos submitted

in March. Here are some guidelines and tips provided on the Read Across America website for parents and caretakers of beginning and soon-to-be readers: • Read together every day – You can read the morning news at breakfast, share a story after supper or cuddle up for a book at bedtime. A daily reading routine is something everyone can look forward to. • Talk and build vocabulary – Interesting conversations build vocabulary, language skills and knowledge about the world. Talk is a child’s best source of exposure to new words and ideas. • Model reading – Kids want to do what the grown ups do. Make sure your kids get to see you reading and hear you talk about it. • Point out print – Read and talk about the words you see in the world around you. There’s lots to read – signs, recipes, cereal boxes, instruc-

tion manuals, bus schedules, news, maps and menus. • Visit the (digital) library – Under normal circumstances, take advantage of all the books, materials, story times, programs and resources your local library has to offer. While physical locations are closed, there are digital resources available through the Pioneer Library System

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and OKC’s Metropolitan Library System, which will grant electronic library cards for some Shawnee residents. Visit pioneerlibrarysystem. org and metrolibrary.org for more information. Create a reading-rich home – Provide a special shelf or basket for kids to keep their own books and one for library books. Make sure there are quiet, comfortable places to read. Encourage your child’s reading – Praise the efforts of a soon-to-be or beginning reader. Make sure schedules of older readers include time for reading for pleasure. Start reading traditions – Beyond bedtime stories, consider a special birthday book, holiday favorites or a regular family read aloud night. Let kids choose books – Offer titles that explore your child’s interests, expand horizons and offer exposure to different kinds of writing. Show them there are books where they can see themselves and books where they can see the worlds of others. Make everyone comfortable – Find a spot to read together where you are both comfortable. Sometimes kids have to move around to be comfortable. Be an active reader – Use expressive voices for characters, make sound effects and point things out in the text and illustrations when you read aloud. Discuss what you read – Give your child enough time to absorb the story and look at the pictures as you read. Think aloud about what you are reading and looking at and encourage your child to do the same. Ask questions when you read – Ask your child to guess what comes next. Ask open-ended questions that help them relate to characters or events in the book. Let your child get involved and ask questions too–interruptions are okay. Encourage re-reading – Repetition helps kids learn. Re-reading favorite books and poems helps kids make meaningful connections between themselves and books. Connect reading and writing – Write your own reading material, like a story about your life, a story featuring your kids or a story kids make up. Make media matter – Connect kids with ap-

Mary Sims and Courtney Shelly sort some of the more than 500 books delivered to students in Shawnee during this year’s Read Across America event.

propriate technology – videos, apps or games – that help them learn new words and interesting things about the world. • Get help – If you have concerns about your child’s language development, hearing or vision, see your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible. • Make reading an experience – Link life experiences with books, like a trip to the zoo and books about animals or planting a garden and

Your ad. Their mailbox. Every month.

reading “The Ugly Vegetables” by Grace Lin. • Have fun – Your idea of fun may differ from your child’s, so appreciate your child’s special joy for learning new things. Try different approaches, such as having them read to you or acting out a favorite story. Even something as simple as a story time outside can make reading together livelier and more memorable for you and your child.

Celebrate Easter with us on Sunday, April 4 at 10 am. WORSHIP SERVICE SUNDAY’S 10:00 AM in person with Covid-19 precautions or watch Live on FB and also on YouTube.

Call Brad at (405) 445-3033

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH

3610 N. Union Ave., Shawnee www.stjohnshawnee.org 405-273-1539

www.shawneeoutlook.com

Amid Variety Of Home Loans, First National Bank & Trust Offers Mortgage Programs For Federally Recognized Tribal Members

by David Dinsmore

ike a good third base coach, Jeff Scroggins just wants to help people get home. The vice president of mortgage lending at First National Bank & Trust is in his 30th year of helping people secure loans needed to buy a home, and he and his team have established a reputation nationally for working with a specific loan program offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD 184 loans are available to members of federally recognized tribes, which means that Scroggins and his team have worked with individuals and lenders as far away as Alaska in helping secure loans for qualifying borrowers. They can be used for purchasing a new property or refinancing an existing home. “This is something we do nationwide,” Scroggins said. “In Oklahoma, there are no geographic restrictions. There are some states where they are restricted to specific counties, and there are a handful of states where it’s not available at all.” Great thing about the program is the minimum down payment of 2.25 percent and there is no minimum credit score requirement, which differs from nearly every other loan program Scroggins has helped his clients utilize. That said, there is still a credit check that looks for outstanding derogatory credit that would need resolving before the loan can go to the underwriter. There are also no maximum income levels for tribal members to qualify for the loan, Scroggins said, though HUD does limit the maximum loan amount depending on county or state with the lowest maximum being just over $331,000. Tribal members looking to borrow more can still apply for other loan types to secure the funding they need, and only one person in the application party needs to be a tribal member to qualify for the HUD 184 program. Though the process can be complicated, Scroggins said, the program has provided great benefits to those who have received it. Processing time can be a little longer due to the paperwork process, but that is where having the level of experience he and his team bring to the process can prove most useful. One of the biggest advantages of applying for HUD 184 loans through Scroggins’ team at First National Bank & Trust is the organization is tribal-owned after the Citizen Potawatomi Nation bought it in 1989. This does not mean that its members or loan applicants must belong to a 20

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Though First National Bank & Trust in Shawnee offers a wide variety of home loans for all types of borrowers, the tribally owned organization is on a list of the Office of Native American Programs of approved banks that specialize in HUD 184 loans aimed at helping members of federally recognized tribes get into a new home. Stock photo

tribe, but it does give them some focus and expertise in offering these types of loans. In fact, Sroggins said he and his team receive regular requests from realtors, lenders and borrowers around the nation about the process for securing HUD 184 loans. “I’ve been working with this program since it started in the early 1990s,” Scroggins said. “I’d say probably more than half the loans we do is this product, but I think that’s partially because we are a tribally owned bank.” One of the surprising things Scroggins has learned is that there are many realtors – even in Oklahoma – who have never heard of HUD 184 loans, he said, though this program provided more of these types of loans in Oklahoma than the rest of the nation combined for the majority of its existence.

Jeff Scroggins

First National Bank & Trust appears on a list of approved lenders via the Office of Native American Programs, Sroggins said. In fact, they have become so well-versed with the HUD 184 program that they work with an underwriter who exclusively works with helping create these loans. Knowing what the underwriter looks for when processing the loan comes from familiarity and repetition, so Scroggins said he can look at applicants’ files and see exactly what information is needed to keep from having to submit it more times than necessary. “It speeds things along when it gets to her desk,” said Scroggins, who is in his 30th year of doing home loans. Part of his thoroughness in creating loans – whether HUD 184, conventional, FHA, USDA or any other loan type First National Bank & Trust offers – comes from wanting to help save potential homebuyers any unnecessary costs. He does not want people paying for services like appraisals or inspections without knowing if they will get the loan they are seeking. “I like to make sure this thing is going to work before you start spending money,” Scroggins said. “I treat everybody like it's my own money being spent.” Of course, there can be surprises with the property itself or appraisal amount that can still crop up in some sales processes, but Scroggins said he tries to make sure he has done all of his due diligence from the lender’s side and communicated clearly with the homebuyers. Another aspect of his job that he enjoys is guiding first-time homebuyers through the process of understanding not only the right type of loan that fits their needs but also how to determine the right type of house for their budget in their market. This includes learning how to translate what a home’s sales price looks like from a monthly payment perspective. “Over the years, I’ve looked at myself more like … I don’t want to say counselor, but that’s kind of what I do, especially for first-time homebuyers” Scroggins said. “We talk about homeowners insurance and what to look for in a policy. I spend more time than most probably would.” For more information, call (405) 275-8830.

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HELPING HANDS

Local Organizations Respond To COVID-19 Pandemic Local businesses and organizations have not only found creative ways to operate while navigating the response to the coronavirus pandemic, and many have also found ways to give back and lend a helping hand to their neighbors in the community. Here are a few some people told us about and some others who are still offering any assistance they can. If you are part of a group or know of a group who has been working to help locally, please email editor@shawneeoutlook.com or contact us via facebook.com/shawneeoutlook.

Salvation Army The Salvation Army is still providing all social services – including vouchers to its Family Store for clothing items – along with food pantry, shelter services and Boys & Girls Club activities. For more information about details about the Salvation Army’s local response to the public health crisis, call (405) 275-2243. Those needing emotional or spiritual help can also reach out to (844) 458-4673.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church/United Presbyterian Church Throughout the pandemic crisis, Emmanuel Episcopal Church has continued its daily lunch program. Hearing that patron numbers were increasing and that some supplies were becoming more difficult to obtain, United Presbyterian's Session decided to contribute to Emmanuel's efforts. In November, the Session of United Presbyterian Church of Shawnee voted to contribute $5,000 to Mission Shawnee to support their food pantry and

any special food baskets prepared for the holiday season.

OHCE Oklahoma Home and Community Education chapters around the state responded to the call for masks as soon as the need became apparent. From mid-March through early June, OHCE groups worked together to produce 42,000 masks, including 2,500 from chapters in Pottawatomie County. These masks have gone to several medical facilities, firefighters and military personnel as well as many family and friends. Those who would like to help OHCE’s efforts with community projects such as this and others including assisting women’s shelters, church organizations and more, contact the county OSU Extension Office at (405) 273-7683.

Gateway to Prevention and Recovery Any community member can contact our Shawnee office at 273-1170 ext. 0 Monday-Thursday, between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-3p.m. and speak to a behavioral health professional free of charge.

Community Renewal Community Renewal is providing a list of resources that it updates every weekday. Visit communityrenewal.org to find a link to its resource page.

Immanuel Baptist Church Visit ibcshawnee.org/serve-coronavirus or call (405) 273-2105 for opportunities to serve, such as:

From staff reports

• Signing up to deliver groceries, prescriptions, DVDs and other essentials to those in need. • Sew face masks for health care providers. • Make care packages for health care providers. • Providing free to-go meals from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday at Mission Shawnee at 126 S. Center St.

Shawnee Forward The organization is gathering and posting information for local businesses to help understand the impact of the current crisis and where they can find help. Visit shawneeforward.com.

United Way United Way Worldwide is operating its COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund and has already helped provide resources for local organizations providing relief to families. Visit unitedway.org/recovery/covid19 for more information.

Oklahoma Blood Institute Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or clicking here or visiting a donor center listed below: • Ada – 1930 Stonecipher Blvd. • Central OKC – 901 N. Lincoln Blvd. • Edmond – 3409 S. Broadway, Ste 300 • North OKC – 5105 N. Portland Ave. Please be aware of and observe all local distancing guidelines and social restrictions when deciding how to donate.

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6th Annual

CARGO CLASSIC 5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN

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Packet Pickup: Heritage Church April 23, 4pm-6pm and 6:30am Day of the Race

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For sign-up info, please see our website or sign up directly through www.runsignup.com/cargoclassic

Silent Auction Baskets to be Auctioned Off Cargo Ranch is a mentorship program for youth in our community that have struggles or obstacles in their lives that make day to day living difficult. We utilize mentors and horses to build healthy relationships and share hope with our students & families.

www.cargoranch.org • For more information, call or text 405-585-8630

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By Ann McDonald, Courtesy Pott Co Historical Society Member

SHAWNEE HISTORY

City Leaders' Plans For Shawnee's Water Needs Still Working Nearly 90 Years Later

ust a few weeks ago Shawnee citizens experienced serious water problems during a record setting cold spell. It was frustrating and scary, realizing there might not be a flow of water into homes anytime it was expected. The obvious need of water is nothing new, for mankind and for the local community. When Shawnee was being developed in the years after the land run of September 1891, it was somewhat easy to obtain water either from the North Canadian River, which was just south of town or by digging a well on the owner’s property. Piping was adequate enough that the populace had access to water. By 1905, that fresh flowing river water was becoming polluted as more towns, especially Oklahoma City, began to use it for waste run-off. The city fathers developed another plan and by the mid 1920s had city-owned wells dug throughout town. And that worked, too, except it was apparent that as Shawnee continued to grow and wells failed, this was not a longterm solution. A lake was going to be needed. More years passed and the water situation became more concerning. Finally, by 1932, city leaders chose a valley about nine miles west of town through which Deer Creek ran. Citizens passed a bond issue for $555,000 that would provide the land, the labor, the pipeline and the filter plant. It was during the desperate times of the Depression that the federal government stepped in to help with both finances and workers through the Public Works Administration. Area land was condemned and purchased, though some owners who reportedly were asking “exorbitant prices” chose to go through the court system to get their price for their farms. In January 1935, the first

dirt was turned for the filter plant in town, and soil and boulders were hauled in to construct the dam across Deer Creek. Meanwhile, plans were drawn up to make the lake area a sports haven. There would be picnic areas developed and permits issued to build cabins. The banks of the creek and land surrounding the lake-to-be was abundant with trees, in the middle of the Cross Timbers and a desirable area for recreation. There was such an overwhelming interest in development that leases were limited to only local requests. Many Shawnee citizens signed up as did the local BPW Ladies club. Even before the lake was full of water, the city held a Fourth of July extravaganza featuring boat races. A $300 prize was offered and reportedly thousands of people attended. By the spring of 1936, the local newspaper headlined “Shawnee’s mud puddle is developing into a fullfledged life-sized lake!” It was hoped water could soon flow to homeowners during the drought they were experiencing while the town’s water situation was critical. Finally, there was to be a permanent solution to water woes. In the 1940s, “truck loads” of fish were brought in and boat docks were added. The lake became a headquarters for area boating and fishing, but no swimming or wading was allowed. By the 1950s, boat races and water skiing were also banned by the city citing the small area of the lake with many inlets. And once again city fathers were beginning to realize that Shawnee Lake, with the city growing as it was, no longer was going to be able to service a greater population. It was back to the drawing board. So in 1958, the city commission approved the need for a second lake. Work began, and by

ABOVE: After using various methods to provide water from the North Canadian River and city-owned wells, local leaders came up with a plan in the early 1930s to build a lake using Deer Creek west of Shawnee. Construction seen here in 1936 began the year prior. BELOW: Crews began on work in 1935 with help from a bond issue approved by local residents along with federal help from the Public Works Administration to create a sufficient water supply to meet the demand of a growing Shawnee. Photo submitted

the spring of 1960, Lake No. 2 was 60 percent complete. Shawnee now has adequate water and efficient delivery if temperatures don’t drop below 0 degrees for days. The area is a good place for boating, picnicking and camping and especially for fishing. Although the issue has

come up several times, water skiing continues to be banned. Lots of folks have built homes and cabins overlooking Shawnee’s water supply. And during these confined times, a nice trip out to Shawnee Twin Lakes is enjoyable – all thanks to our forward thinking forefathers. www.shawneeoutlook.com

GATEWAY TO PREVENTION

Getting To Know Gateway

or the past 36 years, Gateway to Prevention and Recovery has served individuals, families and communities in Oklahoma who have been affected by substance abuse and mental health disorders. Since these early years, Gateway has been dedicated to providing community-based behavioral health services that assist individuals and families with their emotional, behavioral, physical and spiritual well-being. Currently, Gateway is the largest provider of outpatient addictions and co-occurring treatment services in Oklahoma outside of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Gateway is unlike any other outpatient substance use provider in the state, in that it possesses thriving treatment, prevention and wellness programs that work hand-in-hand to see to it that health and wellness is fully integrated into the life of each Oklahoman. Here’s a brief look at Gateway’s history: • Gateway, initially named The DARE Program of Shawnee, had its beginnings in the early 1980s as Sallie McLaughlin, Gateway’s CEO, and other local citizens were concerned about their teenage children who had developed problems with drugs and alcohol. This planning group sought guidance from Chemical People television specials and soon partnered with the Shawnee Noon Day Lions Club to set up a hotline that would serve as a support for other families facing similar issues with no place to turn. • On June 6, 1985, The DARE Program of Shawnee secured 501c3 non-profit status, hired its first professional staff member and received a foundation grant for operating capital. Through efforts from its board of directors, private donations, Shawnee Noon Day Lions Club and United Way, funding was acquired to start providing addiction treatment services to the community. • In 1987, The DARE Program of Shawnee was among the first programs to receive funding from ODMHSAS for prevention services. McLaughlin attended the necessary training in Kansas and brought the program to Shawnee. • The DARE Program of Shawnee was asked to change its name due to it being a federal trademark. McLaughlin held a competition to rename the agency. Pratt Foods of Shawnee provided a VCR, and McLaughlin delivered the prize to a patient that was serving jail time. On Feb. 23, 1990, The DARE Program of Shawnee became Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. • In 2014, Gateway hired a wellness coordinator and began expanding its wellness program. These efforts included a greater focus on staff wellness, 26

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patient empowerment and participation and community involvement. • In 2019, Life.Church chose Gateway as a local mission partner and awarded Gateway with a $5,000 grant that created the opportunity for Gateway to begin working with volunteers to support its programs. • In 2020, Jon Greenwood was named interim CEO as Mclaughlin retired in December 2020. Here is some information regarding each of Gateway’s focuses on prevention, treatment and wellness:

Prevention: Abby Flood, (405) 275-3391, aflood@gatewaytoprevention.org Gateway’s Prevention Team works at the state and local level to stop or slow the development of substance use or mental health disorders before they begin. • Creating healthier policies • Collaborating with coalitions • Empowering youth • Offering education and support on how to make better choices and decrease harmful behaviors.

Treatment: Front Office, (405) 273-1170 ext. 0 Gateway’s Behavioral Health Team provides outpatient treatment for people with substance abuse and low-severity mental health disorders. • In 2019, American Society of Addiction Medicine defined addiction as “a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.” • Gateway believes that recovery from addiction is possible as individuals have desire and access to appropriate treatment interventions and connect to opportunities that support and sustain their wellbeing. • Gateway serves patients in Pottawatomie, Lincoln and Seminole counties. • All Gateway treatment staff are trauma informed, culturally sensitive, licensed professionals who use evidence based practices when working with patients. • Gateway serves children, adolescents and adults on either a free or sliding scale and does not refuse services for an inability to pay. • In addition to substance abuse counseling, Gateway offers free gambling treatment and has a medication assisted treatment program.

Wellness: Alicja Carter, 405-432-2750, acarter@gatewaytoprevention.org Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. It is more than being free from illness; it is a dynamic process of change and growth. All participants in Gateway’s Wellness Program work together to support wellness in recovery and restore lives worth living. • Gateway’s Wellness Team, which is made up of staff from all locations, meets together regularly to promote monthly wellness challenges, healthy snacks, connection and appreciation among staff members. Wellness coaches, who are also a part of the wellness team, ensure that wellness opportunities and resources are integrated into our patients’ treatment to support their recovery and improve their overall well-being. • Gateway’s R.A.W. Groups (Recovery Action Wellness) foster leadership opportunities, service, play and connection among Gateway patients/alumni and the larger community. Facebook pages include: • RAW Groups (Encompasses all the groups listed below.) • ACTION Community Service (Seminole’s Community Service Team) • Community Service Team (Shawnee’s Community Service Team) • Sober Sports (Shawnee’s Sober Sports Team) • Chandler Wellness Team • Walk the Walk Alumni Group • Gateway’s volunteers help to support and sustain existing programs as well as expand Gateway’s reach and capacity to serve the community in a way that brings true relief and healing. Gateway recognizes that addiction affects the entire person, family system and surrounding community and is intentional about creating a program of recovery and healing that does the same. No matter where you are on your journey, you can Expect Hope with Gateway. To get connected, please reach out to any of the contacts listed above. Alicja Carter, LADC, BHWC, has been working in the behavioral health and addiction treatment field for nearly 12 years. She is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Wellness Director for Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. Alicja is passionate about collaborating with others for the purpose of stimulating positive change in her community.

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Thank You

17thAnnual

al u n n A Lion’s CLub 16th