Experience Shawnee 2022-2023

2022-2023 Experience Shawnee

Editor Kim Morava

Writers Vicky O. Misa

Elisabeth Slay

Brian Johnson

Graphic Designer GAKetchum

Advertising Sales Aaron McDonald

Advertising

Reita Easley

On the Cover

Photography by Vicky O. Misa

19 things that ENTERTAIN

Live

24 Outdoor recreation

Play

26 SHAWNEE SPLASH

Choose

32 VETERANS MEMORIAL

37 dining & local flavors

Shawnee, America!

The place to be every season

Each year Shawnee celebrates all the great seasons of Oklahoma. In the summer you can enjoy Independence Day celebrations and fireworks shows, Juneteenth celebrations and a cornhole tournament and of course the International Finals Youth Rodeo. Then as the summer rolls into fall the Fireflight Balloon Festival and Outdoor Nations Expo, live entertainment at Theo’s backyard, the Ritz Theatre and Shawnee Little Theatre are enjoyed by everyone. If you want tons of indoor fun in the heat of the summer you can take the kids to Laynie’s Treehouse, Star Skate or Yo Selfie Factory or join your friends at one of the movie theatres or bowling alleys — there is no end to the fun.

When the local schools are back in session Oklahoma Baptist University, Gordon Cooper Technology Center, North Rock Creek and Shawnee Public Schools offer a wide range of career opportunities, learning environments and sports galore! If you are a life-long learner, worry not, Shawnee has great storytellers, museums and monuments. From the modern painted horses tour around the city to the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center, you can learn so much about Shawnee’s pre-statehood history and rich, multi-cultural heritage.

As the outdoors turn cooler, you can take the family to Sunshine Shelly’s Pumpkin Patch & Nightmare Harvest or any of our great dining establishments. Then comes Christmas! Kick off the Christmas season with the Wystle window reveal, just like the New York City windows, and follow it up with great retail shopping at the local boutiques and one of the best malls in the Midwest. And don’t forget Oklahoma’s largest night-time Christmas parade on historic Main Street the first Thursday in December, complete with Santa on his sleigh.

Wintertime shopping can satisfy the antique and vintage shopper, the Made-in-Oklahoma shopper and the big shop brand name shopper. We have it all here!

Shawnee is a beautiful city in the spring as our parks begin to bloom, the cyclists are seen on the roads, and the Twin Lakes glisten of the morning sunshine. If your family enjoys being outdoors, this is the season for you. Walk the airport trail, place your kayak in the lake or play pickleball with your friends downtown. And don’t forget to grab a delicious beverage at any of our local restaurants or nutrition centers like the Healthy Hive, the Surf Bar or Coffee N Crafts!

Why leave town when Shawnee can offer you and your family entertainment, food and fun every season of the year?

Rachael Melot, Shawnee Forward

People rank as one of Shawnee’s biggest assets

There are lots of reasons to plan a trip to Shawnee.

From the many unique sites and shops to special events and festivals, another amenity can be counted among Shawnee’s offerings – its residents.

Shawnee Mayor Ed Bolt said he believes one of the city’s best attributes is the people who live here.

He said Shawnee makes an impression on people.

“Lots of people are interested in coming here,” he said.

For example, Bolt said when Shawnee got scooter service in Shawnee multiple companies reached out for the opportunity to operate here — not just one.

Bolt said he also knows of several instances where Shawnee natives have gone off to make it big somewhere else, and after succeeding they chose to come back and settle down here because of the great memories they have of home.

“Shawnee is a friendly town,” he said. “I hear lots of good comments from residents and visitors alike; there’s a real positive vibe here.”

VSI Welcome Center available to tourists, residents alike

Visit Shawnee Inc. (VSI) has a Welcome Center located in the strip mall just north of MacArthur, at 2820 N. Kickapoo where both tourists and residents can go to learn more about the area and its offerings.

“Home to four Native American tribes with a rich pre-statehood history, our city of just over 30,000 boasts of world-class museums, a bustling historic downtown district, recreational lakes, and more,” the VSI website reads.

“We like to say everything you could want is right here: an amazing local theater company, live entertainment at many venues – from acoustic to arena rock – and nightlife from mild to wild, and so much more,” Tourism Director Stacey Cramer-Moore states in Shawnee’s official Visitor’s Guide.

For more information, visit visitshawnee.com, email info@visitshawnee.com or call (405) 2759780.

NEWEST EVENT

F irst se A son ‘ complete success ’ F or F ire

By Brian Johnson Sports Editor bjohnson@news-star.com

Professional basketball was a complete success after one season in Shawnee in 2022 and many are looking forward to the 2023 season, which runs March to May with June playoffs.

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation brought the Potawatomi Fire to Shawnee to compete in The Basketball League (TBL) in 2022 and the community embraced it big time.

The Potawatomi Fire is the first pro basketball team in Oklahoma to be owned by a Native American tribe.

“It exceeded everyone’s expectations. That was in large part with the support of the community,” said David Qualls, general manager of the Fire and director of Firelake Arena, the team’s home venue. “With the exception of a few teams in the Midwest and East, we were among the league leaders in attendance and we were among the top as far as the (Central) Conference is concerned.”

It didn’t hurt that the Fire brought an exciting brand of basketball which led to an 18-6 regular season record and wins in their first three playoff games before being eliminated by the eventual Central Conference champion Shreveport Mavericks in a best 2-of-3 second-round series which lasted all three games. Shreveport went on to capture the league championship in 2022.

“I think what worked was the entertainment offering and we were able to spotlight our different dance teams,” Qualls said. “The Fire Girls were awarded the league’s most popular dance team and it was an award determined by the fans. It was cool. They were a very, very profes-

sional girls dance team. Three of them are dancers at the collegiate level.”

FIRE’S EFFORTS ON AND OFF THE COURT

From making public appearances in schools to players signing autographs at the completion of home games at Firelake Arena, the Fire did indeed make an impact.

“The team won. It was a good start for a first-year team and we checked a lot of boxes,” said Fire head coach Derrick Rowland. “The team did a good job on the floor and in the community with the kids, fans and schools. Obviously, we would have liked to go a little further in the playoffs, but it was good for a first year.”

As many marks were checked for the first season, Rowland was happy but not completely satisfied.

“As far as exceeding expectations, we were thinking championship. It’s all about the higher goals, But I’m happy with what we accomplished,” Rowland said. Rowland was also pleased with his players’ visibility in the community.

“Part of the thing we do when we sign players is explain to them how we go into all the schools and I was happy with their participation. We had a lot of guys who were willing to go... not only willing to go, but take pride in it,” said Rowland.

As for the play on the floor, Fire fans were entertained by the play of Deshawn Munson, who was voted TBL’s Most Valuable Player. The 6-foot, 4-inch point guard nearly averaged a triple-double for the season. His final stats were 25.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 9.4 assists per game.

His scoring average was fifth in TBL, his assist averaged topped the league and his 2.7 steal average was third in the 45-team league.

“Munson had a phenomenal year,” said Rowland.

Munson made the All-Central Conference First Team and AllTBL First Team for 2022.

Helping that offense was shooting guard Deon Lyle who drained 79 3-pointers, which ranked fifth in TBL. Lyle finished the season with a 16.9 scoring average.

Also possessing double-digit scoring averages for the Fire

were Mustapha Traore (17.7), Tevin Foster (13.2), Theo Johnson (11.7) and Anthony Allen (10.8).

Like Munson, the 7-0 center Allen averaged a double-double for the season as he corralled 10.3 boards per outing. Allen, the first player to sign with the Fire and an Oklahoma State University product, also had a 64.2 shooting percentage to lead the squad and was followed by Munson at 56%.

“He’s a unicorn. There are no other guys like him in the league,” said Rowland about Allen. “He had his ups and downs and peaks and valleys. He was an asset to us, a big part of the season.”

Rowland is hoping to get some of those same pieces back for 2023. All TBL players sign for just one season, so everyone is a free agent from year to year.

“We would like to have a lot

of them back, but the purpose of the league is to elevate those guys where they can play in bigger leagues and make more money,” Rowland said.

Rowland certainly knows what it takes in building a franchise, he helped build the Albany Patroons to TBL finals in 2018 and 2019, including the 2019 playoff championship.

Rowland believes that his league experience helped lead to this season’s success and future optimism.

“I think it was having that experience in the league and knowing what it takes,” said Rowland. “I think, with a few tweaks, we can be at the top of the league.”

Firelake Arena is located at 18145 Old Rangeline Road.

MCLOUD BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL

McLoud has boasted the title of “Blackberry Capital of the World” ever since the town sent President Harry Truman a crate of fresh blackberries in 1949, when he bestowed the designation.

To celebrate the end of blackberry harvest season, McLoud hosts the Blackberry Festival every year in July at McLoud Veterans Memorial Park, located

at Sixth and Park in McLoud.

The festival usually includes a carnival, music, vendors, cobbler eating contest and other activities, and fresh blackberries and blackberry foods for sale.

For more information, visit www.mcloudchamber.com. The McLoud Blackberry Festival is a celebration every July.

COPS N KIDS AND CORNSTOCK

The Shawnee Police Department organizes a summer Cops N Kids event, the resurrection of a long-ago community-wide celebration encouraging interaction between law enforcement and local children. Tribal, county and state law

enforcement and other emergency responders join the fun and spend the day with the community. To raise funds for Cops N Kids, the Shawnee Police Department also hosts Cornstock.

FIRELAKE FIREFLIGHT BALLOON FEST

When August rolls around, it’s time for the FireFlight Balloon Festival. Shawnee is home to the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Fest, held on the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Powwow Grounds. The event brings live performers,

giant kites and a display of hot air balloons for a funfilled summer day.

Balloons dance through the skies of Shawnee during the event, with a weekend filled with fun, food and more.

For more information, visit FirelakeBalloonFest. com.

to watch the parade featuring local bands, dancers, organizations and more. There is an arts and craft show, carnival and various food trucks. However, the greatest attraction of the event is the chance for everyone to eat the beloved Czechoslovakian pastry, the Kolache.

For more information, visit www.praguekolachefestival.com.

Fall

SUNSHINE SHELLY’S PUMPKIN PATCH

KOLACHE FESTIVAL

The Prague Kolache Festival held the first Saturday of May is a popular celebration in nearby Lincoln County. Visitors are able

When autumn rolls around, Kozel Family Farms presents Sunshine Shelly’s Pumpkin

Patch at 7110 N. Harrison.

The patch offers farm-grown pumpkins, a 5-acre corn maze, kiddie maze, corn pits, hayrides, corn cannon, barrel train and fire pits, as well as a haunted corn maze at night.

Follow Sunshine Shelly’s on Facebook.

TECUMSEH FRONTIER DAY

The Tecumseh Frontier Days celebration each September pays tribute to the city’s land run, which took place in September of 1891. The celebration includes food, live music, a petting zoo, food trucks, a parade and much more. The event is organized by community volunteers each year.

For more information go, visit www.facebook.com/ tecumsehfrontierdays.

BOO ON BELL

Boo on Bell is one of Shawnee’s biggest festivals. A carnival, food court, vendors and music are offered as pet and human costume contests and trick-ortreating events commence in downtown Shawnee. Each year, costumed candy-seekers also collect treats from businesses along Main Street.

Winter

CHRISTMAS PARADE

Around the first week in December, Shawnee puts on its annual nighttime Christmas parade along Main Street. Lining out several bandstands along the route enables residents to spread out and get a better view, while still being able to hear about floats from the emcee of their choice.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY O. MISA

Throughout the Year

FIRELAKE ARENA AND BALL FIELDS

FireLake Arena, which opened in 2014, offers 5,000 seats and more than 52,000 square feet of

event space for concerts, conventions and community events. The venue has drawn big names to Shawnee for concerts, sporting events and more and is now the

home court for Potawatomi Fire. For more information and events, go to www.firelakearena.com

Nearby is the FireLake Ball Fields sports venue.

HEART OF OKLAHOMA EXPOSITION CENTER

The Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, with its fairgrounds and conference center, serves as home to many events. While the Pottawatomie County Free Fair and the International Finals Youth Rodeo are likely the first events to come to mind, many other events, from livestock shows to RV rallies, horse shows and more are held at the expo center.

The expo sits on 52 acres of fairgrounds with an outdoor arena seating 7,500 people. The indoor arena seats 1,000 within its 19,200 squarefoot space.

The expo also offers 152,400 square feet of exhibit space and includes an RV park with 366 50-amp full hook-ups and four comfort stations containing showers, washers, dryers, and restrooms. There are also 133 additional 50-amp spaces and 296 additional 30-amp spaces with water and electric only.

Culture & Museums

B ringing people together

MABEE-GERRER MUSEUM OF ART

Founded in 1919, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, 1900 W. MacArthur, is located on the campus of the former St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, which is now the Oklahoma Baptist University Green Campus.

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is one of the oldest museums in the state.

Father Gregory Gerrer, for whom the museum is named, was a Benedictine monk of artistic talent. During his travels to Europe, Africa and South America, he collected objects of artistic and ethnological value.

The museum is home to an encyclopedic collection of over 6,000 artworks and artifacts, spanning 8,000 years of human history and a diverse array of world cultures.

The museum’s permanent collections include Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects; art from the Renaissance through the early 20th century; and large holdings of Native American African/Oceanic and Eastern cultural artifacts.

In addition, the museum offers special exhibitions throughout the year.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum offers various programs and special exhibits for children and adults alike throughout the year.

According to Director of Mabee-Gerrer Museum Dane Pollei, there haven’t been many physical changes to the museum in the last few years, but he encourages visitors to come back to the museum as there are various pieces, programs and temporary exhibitions constantly changing.

“Many people don’t realize that what’s on display in our permanent collection gallery is about six per-

cent of our (overall) collection,” he said. “About 94 percent of it is in storage so we can use it to create special exhibits.”

Programs at the museum also reach thousands of students each year with various educational and art programs.

Visit www.mgmoa.org for more information.

CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER

The Cultural Heritage Center reopened in January 2018 withs new interactive displays providing hands-on learning in a fun, modern format. The galleries feature new items that explain the history of the Potawatomi as well as present traditions.

The CHC also continually expands the Veterans Wall of Honor.

For more information go to www.potawatomiheritage.com.

A

that begins with a great education.

The Christian worldview at OBU frames the academic experience but does not close it in. As an OBU student, you will learn to think, speak, create, engage and lead from a Christ-centered, values-driven viewpoint.

lifelong mission

THE JASMINE MORAN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Located in Seminole the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum is a fun day trip activity for families and schools. Acting as a place “where children play

to learn and adults learn to play,” Jasmine Moran offers several interactive exhibits demonstrating various jobs and occupations. From acting as a judge to staring on a television show, for nearly 30 years Jasmine Moran has allowed and still allows children to

EAGLE AVIARY

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary opened its doors a decade ago.

use their imagination and learn what they can be when they grow up.

Jasmine Moran is located at 1714 W Wrangler Boulevard and open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

One of the first eagles to come to the CPN Aviary was the widely known and beloved Wadasé Zhabwé (Brave Breakthrough). After recovering from a wingtip fracture, Wadasé Zhabwé was the first to be released from the CPN Eagle Aviary in 2013 — and the first among all Native American aviaries to be released outfitted with telemetry technology. She returns nearly every year to the Aviary.

Beyond providing the best care for eagles and other wildlife that may need it, Aviary managers Jennifer Randell and Bree Dunham and Aviary staff are committed to and motivated by connecting with their community. Reserve tours at potawatomiheritage.com/aviary.

Wadasé Zhabwé (Brave Breakthrough), at left, returns to a favorite perch in front of the Aviary. She visits the property nearly every year since her successful release in 2013. © CPN

CULTURE & MUSEUMS

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY MUSEUM AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Pottawatomie County Museum and Historical Society Museum sits within the shadows of the old railroad tracks and the old Santa Fe Depot, completed in 1904, where at one point in history trains would come through every 10-13 minutes.

The depot, located at 614 E. Main Street in Shawnee, has history spilling out of the doors; even the brick pavers you drive across to get to the museum were saved from the original 1905 Shawnee Main Street.

The new 12,572 square foot building known as the Milburn Center is open to the public.

For more information such as hours visit pottcountymuseum.org.

2007 then-Mayor Chuck Mills started a city-wide art exhibit in Shawnee? There are nearly three dozen horse sculptures hand painted by local artists that make up the Horses in the City project. Go to visitshawnee.com/horses to find

map

Entertainment

F rom the A tre to c A sinos … enjo Y

PLACE YOUR BETS

Enjoy an evening of action-packed fun at several area casinos offering a variety of electronic games, as well as table games, dining and other special events.

MOVIES ON THE BIG SCREEN

There are two local movie theaters in Shawnee — Movies 6 at Shawnee Mall and Cinema Centre 8 on Harrison Street near MacArthur. For more information, go to www. jonestheatres.com.

NIGHT LIFE/ENTERTAINMENT

Shawnee might seem like a small town, but it still has a variety of things to do at night, including regular live performances centered around downtown.

Theopolis restaurant on Main Street often has live music performances in “Theo’s Backyard” on Friday nights. Guitar Vault, located in The Aldridge building on the corner of Bell Street and Ninth Street, often has Friday night jam sessions open to all.

The Brickhouse Saloon on Bell Street in downtown Shawnee has frequent live music performances on the weekends.

There are also occasional concerts at The Ritz on Main Street in downtown.

BOWLING

Shawnee is home to two bowling centers that offer lots of fun for the entire family — FireLake Bowling Center, 409545 Hardesty Road, and Shawnee Bowl, 701 N. Harrison.

Chandler’s Route 66 Bowl, located at 920 E. 1st Street, provides a fun and unique destination in nearby Lincoln County.

ENTERTAINMENT

SHAWNEE LITTLE THEATRE

Shawnee Little Theatre presents a variety of on-stage productions each winter seaton. Recent productions have included “Pippin,” as well as “It’s a Wonderful Life: A KAWL Radio Play,” along with “August: Osage County,” and “Legally Blonde The Musical.”

The community theater, located at 1829 Airport Drive, is run entirely by volunteers and has been staging shows in Shawnee for more than 50 years.

Productions for the 2022-23 season include Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” and Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas, The Musical,” along with “Puffs” and “Driving Miss Daisy.

For more information, visit shawneelittletheatre.com.

© PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY SHAWNEE LITTLE THEATRE

Outdoor Recreation

F un F or A ll A ges F rom gol F to p A rks

GOLF COURSES

FireLake Golf Course, lined with native grasses and water hazards, provides Bermuda greens on all 18 holes of the public golf course. Amenities include a clubhouse, pro-shop and bar. For more information go to firelakegolf.com.

Shawnee is also home to the Elks Country Club and Golf Course as well as the Shawnee Country Club which offer amenities and memberships.

AREA PARKS

Shawnee has many community and neighborhood parks for residents to use and enjoy.

According to the City of Shawnee website, at shawneeok.org, the area has 36 parks, including the Shawnee Twin Lakes. The parks department maintains 610 acres of green space. The parks range in size and landscape, and green spaces are available for open play.

Amenities include playground equipment, picnic areas, walking paths, ball fields and courts, splash pads, a swimming pool, dog parks and a skateboard park.

Woodland Veterans Park and Farrall Park are the first two recorded parks in Shawnee — dating back to 1892.

Some of Shawnee’s major parks include:

• KidSpace, 3.5 acres at the corner of Center and Wayne, which is undergoing a complete remodel (expected to be finished in Spring 2023)

• Rotary Boy Scout, 9.12 acres at the corner of Main and Pesotum

• Woodland Veterans, 6.87 acres at the corner of Broadway and Highland

• Dean Weigant, 4 acres at the corner of Leo and Rosa

• Lion’s Club, 19.22 acres at the corner of Federal and Airport Drive

• Optimist Club, 2.62 acres at the corner of 34th Street and Market

• Dunbar, .76 acre at the corner of Hayes and Oklahoma

• Farrall, 4.17 acres at the corner of Hayes and Park

In Tecumseh:

• Slick Humphrey, 901 W. Walnut

• Skate Park, 715 W. Walnut

• Charles Martin Park, 515 N. Third

BOY SCOUT PARK VICKY O. MISA

DEAN WEIGANT PARK VICKY O. MISA

DUNBAR PARK VICKY O. MISA

DOMINO PARK VICKY O. MISA

OPTIMIST PARK VICKY O. MISA

WOODLAND PARK VICKY O. MISA

TOM TERRY PARK VICKY O. MISA

LIONS CLUB PARK VICKY O. MISA

OUTDOOR RECREATION

SHAWNEE SPLASH

Shawnee Splash Water Park, at 100 E. Highland, provides summer fun at Woodland Veterans Park in downtown Shawnee.

Splash is reported to be the largest outdoor municipal water park in the area. Some of its features are two water slides, a 25-yard competition pool with log roll and climbing wall, and an interactive leisure pool –– which includes a lazy river pool, play structure and a large dumping bucket.

The 241,000-gallon diving well includes two diving boards and a large climbing wall.

Briscoe Boy Scout Park Splash Pad, at the corner of Main and Pesotum streets, and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation playground have various water features as well. Splash pads also are located in Tecumseh and McLoud.

STORY WALKS

Families can enjoy interacting with a book by visiting two local Story Walks, which allow children to combine both reading and exercise. The Pioneer Library System Story Walks can be found in Shawnee, Tecumseh and McLoud.

Shawnee location is at Boy Scot Park, 1400 E. Main Street. Tecumseh’s is located at Slick Humphrey Park, 901 W. Walnut, and McLoud’s is at the Lawrence Wahpepah Walking Trail, located at 416 S. 8th, McLoud.

For more information, go to pioneerlibrarysystem.org/

© CPN

ELISABETH SLAY

ELISABETH SLAY

ELISABETH SLAY

MURALS

Local artists continue to leave their imprint on the exterior walls of Shawnee. From the side of an orthodontist’s building to a downtown alley, a variety of artistic styles can be seen.

Belfair of Shawnee, a memory care community, is thrilled and honored to have been voted Best of the Best for the fifth year in a row. Thank you for all of those who participated in voting. We are happy to be a part of the Shawnee News-Star community.

Belfair of Shawnee, a memory care community, is thrilled and honored to have been voted Best of the Best for the fifth year in a row. Thank you for all of those who participated in voting. We are happy to be a part of the Shawnee News-Star community.

Shawnee, a memory care community, is thrilled and have been voted Best of the Best for the fifth year Thank you for all of those who participated in voting. We to be a part of the Shawnee News-Star community.

Belfair of Shawnee is proudly owned and managed by Carland Group, an Oklahoma-based developer of senior living communities and professionally managed by Carland Group, who is a well respected senior living leader dedicated to service, hospitality and exceptional care. We think you’ll find our approach different than what you’re used to, with person-centered senior care focused on dignity, respect and connection. It allows us to create a culture that honors each resident and their individual needs, while empowering our team members to provide exceptional service at all times.

Shawnee is proudly owned and managed by Carland Oklahoma-based developer of senior living communities professionally managed by Carland Group, who is a well senior living leader dedicated to service, hospitality and care. We think you’ll find our approach different than used to, with person-centered senior care focused on respect and connection. It allows us to create a culture that each resident and their individual needs, while empowering members to provide exceptional service at all times.

Belfair of Shawnee is proudly owned and managed by Carland Group, an Oklahomabased developer of senior living communities and professionally managed by Carland Group, who is a well respected senior living leader dedicated to service, hospitality and exceptional care. We think you’ll find our approach different than what you’re used to, with person-centered senior care focused on dignity, respect and connection. It allows us to create a culture that honors each resident and their individual needs, while empowering our team members to provide exceptional service at all times.

Belfair of Shawnee offers a person-first focused program supporting individuals in varying stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our residents through kindness, compassion and a thorough understanding of the challenges that memory loss presents.

Our philosophy of care strives to create a purpose-filled life that will afford each individual maximum self-expression. The team is committed to creating a quality of care that meets each resident’s physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs.

Shawnee offers a person-first focused program supporting in varying stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related Our mission is to enrich the lives of our residents kindness, compassion and a thorough understanding of challenges that memory loss presents.

We pride ourselves as being the experts in Alzheimer’s and Dementia care and focus on sharing our knowledge and resources with the community.

Belfair of Shawnee offers a person-first focused program supporting individuals in varying stages of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our residents through kindness, compassion and a thorough understanding of the challenges that memory loss presents.

Our philosophy of care strives to create a purposefilled life that will afford each individual maximum self-expression. The team is committed to creating a quality of care that meets each resident’s physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs.

philosophy of care strives to create a purpose-filled life that each individual maximum self-expression. The team is to creating a quality of care that meets each resident’s social, spiritual and emotional needs.

ourselves as being the experts in Alzheimer’s and care and focus on sharing our knowledge and resources community.

We pride ourselves as being the experts in Alzheimer’s and Dementia care and focus on sharing our knowledge and resources with the community.

405-275-1199 www.belfairofshawnee.com

We are

a

HORSES IN THE CITY

More than three dozen beautiful horses stand proud ly throughout Shawnee, hand-painted by local artists; they each share a unique sto ry. The horses were installed in celebration of Oklahoma’s centennial year in 2007, and the project has expanded ever since.

Go to visitshawnee.com/ horses to find an interactive map of where they are in town and what their names are.

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Shawnee is home to Oklahoma Baptist University, which offers more than 80 areas of study on its campus in the center of town on Bison Hill.

OBU opened in September 1911, originally holding classes in the basement of the First Baptist Church and in the Convention Hall of Shawnee.

The City of Shawnee contributed the original 60-acre campus and the first building, Shawnee Hall, which opened in September 1915.

With its rich history and culture, OBU student are involved in many college organizations.

THE VETERANS MEMORIAL AT WOODLAND VETERANS PARK

The Veterans Memorial is on the southwest corner of Woodland Park in downtown Shawnee.

Names of veterans are engraved on brick pavers purchased by donors that form a walkway in the shape of a five-pointed star, with each point representing one branch of the military.

The park is a place of solitude and reflection where one can remember those who are serving our country or have served in the past. Dedicated benches, two memorials representing each of the world wars, and an archway over the entrance are carved from black, polished granite. Displays in the park include a (1965 UH-1 “Huey”) helicopter once used during the Korean Conflict. Flags are flown for each of the military branches.

The 11-year project to honor fallen Oklahoma veterans was completed mid-December of 2016.

The last addition to the memorial was a group of 10 black granite panels that display the names of more than 7,000 Oklahoma military members who have died in combat since the Spanish-American War.

Names were compiled and verified by the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Defense, then the list was given to the committee.

Visitors enter through a 26,000-pound solid granite archway that includes etchings of soldiers representative of World War I and II.

The cost of the memorial project is estimated to be more than $500,000.

UNIQUE FINDS AND SHAWNEE LOCAL SHOPPING

Whether you're hunting for treasures from the past or looking for that unique gift from a one-of-a-kind shop, there are plenty of options for antiquing and shopping around Shawnee.

There are several local gems and unique places to shop throughout Shawnee and many surrounding communities, from collectibles to vintage clothing or jewelry, there are plenty of local shops to visit around town.

Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum

ELISABETH SLAY

VICKY O. MISA

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO THE SHAWNEE TWIN LAKES

Whether area residents want to swim, fish, kayak or water ski, they don’t have far to go. The Shawnee Twin Lakes offer a variety of activities. Here are some things to know before you go.

The lakes are located just outside of Shawnee, about three miles south of Interstate 40 off of Highway 102, with Lake No. 2 accessed by turning west on Pecan Grove and Lake No. 1 accessed by turning west onto Lake Road.

According to the Visit Shawnee website, Lake No. 1 was built in 1935 and covers a surface area of 1,336 acres with 16 miles of shoreline, while Lake No. 2, built in 1960, has a surface area

of 1,100 acres and 9 miles of shoreline. A 10-foot deep canal, constructed in 1962, connects the two lakes.

According to the city of Shawnee website, the lakes offer a variety of activities, though those activities differ by lake.

LAKE NO. 1: SWIMMING, SKIING, FISHING AND MORE

Lake No. 1 has two free swimming areas: one located at Isaac Waltons Park at the end of Lake Road and the other at Glenn Collins Memorial Park at the west end

of the lake.

“Isaac Walton Park, established after the opening of Lake #1 in 1935, has a pavilion, 15 camp sites, 8 picnic areas with grills, swimming, restrooms, lighting, and parking,” the Visit Shawnee website says. “The Glen Collins Park formerly called ‘Stonehenge’ was developed by city crews, is located between the two dams, and has a pavilion, picnic areas with grills, swimming, restrooms, lighting and parking.”

The covered pavilions at the parks are available to rent by calling the Shawnee Parks Department at (405) 273-1960.

AMY JENKINS

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Recreational activities such as skiing and tubing are also allowed on the lake, as are personal watercrafts, though having a motorized boat on the lake does require a permit and some fees may apply. According to the city of Shawnee website, an annual boating permit is $30 and a daily permit is $7.

Kayaks and canoes are allowed on the lake and do not require a permit.

Lake No. 1 includes an indoor dock for fishing, as well as other fishing docks and areas. An annual fishing permit is $20, while a daily permit is $3, though those 65 and older are not required to have a fishing permit. Oklahoma state fishing regulations should be observed by those fishing at the lakes.

Lake No. 1 has 15 primitive camp sites available at Isaac Walton Park, located at the end of Lake Road. The fee is $8 per day for a maximum of seven days, and sites can hold up to two tents. The camp sites and restroom facilities are only avail-

able at certain times of year. No reservations are required for camp sites, and campers can pay online or use on-site cash envelopes and drop box. For more information, call (405) 878-1529.

Alcohol and fireworks are not permitted at either of the Shawnee Twin Lakes.

LAKE NO. 2: KAYAKS, HUNTING AND FISHING

Swimming, skiing, tubing and personal watercrafts are not allowed on Lake No. 2.

Motorized boats are allowed on Lake No. 2, and the same permits and fees apply as would be needed for Lake No. 1.

Kayaks and canoes are allowed on the lake and do not require a permit.

Lake No. 2 offers opportunities for both fishing and for hunting. Fishing permits are the same as those required for Lake No. 1. Hunting permits can be purchased for $30 annually or $5 daily, and like permits for fishing,

are not required for those who have reached the age of 65. According to the Oklahoma Fishing Guides website, duck, rabbit, quail, squirrel and dove can be hunted in designated areas, and some of the fish in the lake include crappie, catfish, sand bass, largemouth bass, saugeye, white bass and bluegill.

Alcohol and fireworks are not permitted at either of the Shawnee Twin Lakes.

For more information about the twin lakes, call (405) 878-1528 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Or visit www.shawneeok.org/ or www.visitshawnee.com to find out more.

To purchase permits or pay for camp sites, go to https://secure. rec1.com/OK/shawnee-ok/catalog.

To check out Oklahoma fishing regulations and size limits, visit www.eregulations.com/ oklahoma/fishing/statewide-daily-size-limits.

In the past few years, area residents have discovered a new form of outdoor entertainment at Shawnee Twin Lakes… kayaking.

While kayaking is not necessarily new to the Shawnee Twin Lakes, members

of the Pottawatomie County Kayak Club join together for fun on the water. Not only that, neighboring Tecumseh residents have started their own group. Follow the Pottawatomie County Kayak Club on Facebook.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY KAYAK CLUB

KAYAKS AT SHAWNEE TWIN LAKE

There are many unique dining options in the Shawnee area.

No matter the type of cuisine, there’s going to be something here that can fit the bill.

For barbecue lovers, Van’s Pigstand, Billy Boy’s, Robb’s Smokehouse and Whiskey Wings are ready to serve.

Eating at Giorgio’s Pizzeria or Frateli’s are great ways to satisfy a craving for food with an Italian flare.

Some Tex-Mex options include Don Ciro’s, Abuelita’s, Cazadorez and Tapatio’s.

For those looking for a nice sit-down meal, Paul’s Place and the Branding Iron have steak options at the ready — or Theopolis for a special night on the town.

And for some good old American dishes, don’t miss out on Brown Derby, Hamburger King, The Lunch Box or FireLake’s Fry Bread Tacos.

Maybe it’s just a cup of coffee that would hit the spot; be sure to visit Coffee and Crafts, Comma or Heavenly Grind.

This is just a sampling of the many eateries in and around Shawnee.

WHERE TO FIND Locally Produced

FOOD

For those who want to find locally sourced ingredients for their tables, there are several options around the area.

HARDESTY MARKET & DELI

Hardesty Market & Deli, a family owned business that’s been located in the Shawnee area for more than 85 years, opened at a new location at 613 N. Pottenger in 2021.

The store offers a variety of items, including meats, cheeses, and Hardesty’s signature pimento cheese spread and ham salad. It also occasionally offers seasonal foods – such as locally sourced corn, tomatoes or onions – and sometimes brings in shrimp from the Gulf. The store also offers different foods available for lunch.

Hardesty’s is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays.

THE MONKS’ MARKETPLACE

The Monks’ Marketplace at St. Gregory’s Abbey opened in January 2020, located just under the clock tower at the abbey at 1900 W. MacArthur.

The marketplace sells farm fresh eggs from the abbey’s chickens, as well as honey from the abbey hives, Mission Monks Beef, and blackberry jam in the summer.

The shop also sells a variety of products from about a dozen different religious communities, as well as some religious articles.

The Monks’ Marketplace is open from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday through Wednesday.

CROWS FARM MARKETS

Crows Farm Markets offers a variety of farm produce, meats, eggs, dairy and honey products, as well as spices, beans, rice, coffee, tea and other specialty products, including many items made in Oklahoma.

Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, it is located at 728 E. Main St. and 47910 Highway 3 in Shawnee.

Rooster

Two eggs your way, choice of bacon, sausage or ham and toast with a side of our signature strawberry jalapeno jam.

Chick Plate

One egg, half portion of breakfast meat and toast, with a side or our signature strawberry jalapeno jam.

Cow Poke

Two eggs your way, hash brown casserole, biscuits & gravy, with a choice of bacon, sausage or ham and morning drink.

Farmhand Breakfast Sandwich

Two fried eggs, choice of ham, sausage or bacon, and choice of cheese with our signature strawberry jalapeno jam on toasted country white bread.

Biscuit & Gravy

Biscuit & GravyBiscuit

Full or half order.

Full 5.95 • Half 3.95 Substitute sausage gravy or chocolate gravy +1.25

Substitute sausage gravy or chocolate gravy.

Biscuit

Junky Farmer

Quiche

Ask about our quiche of the day.

From the Griddle

Pancakes or french toast.

Jim’s Oatmeal

Generous portion of oatmeal made with Ceylon cinnamon and blueberries. Served with wheat berry toast and maple syrup.

A la Carte

Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Two Eggs Made Your Way

Biscuit & GravyBiscuit

Bacon, Ham or Sausage

Biscuit with bacon, ham orsausage, egg & cheese 6.59

Full 5.95 • Half 3.95 Substitute sausage gravy or chocolate gravy +1.25

Avocado on Wheat Berry Toast

Biscuit with bacon, ham orsausage, egg & cheese 6.59

Muffin

Hash Brown Casserole or Hash Browns

Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Junky Farmer

Biscuit with bacon, ham or sausage, egg & cheese.

Junky Farmer

Choice of toast or biscuit, hash browns, choice of ham, sausage or bacon, with gravy and two eggs your way 8.95

Choice of toast or biscuit, hash browns, choice of ham, sausage or bacon, with gravy and two eggs your way 8.95

Choice of toast or biscuit, choice of ham, sausage or bacon, with gravy and two eggs your way.

Omelet

Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food born illness.

Toast

Yogurt Parfait Cup

Mixed Fruit

Beverages

Coffee • Soda

Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food born illness.

Served with toast or biscuit. Cheese, single or double meat (bacon, ham or sausage).

Keto

Four eggs your way, with choice of bacon, sausage or ham.

Breakfast Burrito

Flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, choice of meat and cheese.

Bottomless

Juice or Milk

Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food born illness.