Shawnee Outlook

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April 11

Vol. 8 Number 2

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contents A pril 2011

facebook.com/shawneeoutlook

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17 features

departments

13 Shawnee’s Iris Farm

6 Chef’s Kitchen

17 Out of This World

6 Community

21 Creating a World with More Birthdays 22 The Wife of a Soldier

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Managing Editor

Mindy Wood

Design

Photography

Michael Keith

Layers Media, Inc. Dejah Quinn

Writers

Scott Bartley Tim Burg Melanie Phillips Clemens Bob Searl Mindy Wood

Distribution

The Shawnee Outlook is delivered FREE by direct mail to 25,000 homes and businesses. Distribution includes Shawnee, Tecumseh, McLoud, Meeker & Prague.

Comments or

Suggestions?

Write to: Shawnee Outlook PO Box 1365 Shawnee, OK 74802 Website: www.shawneeoutlook.com E-mail: info@layersmedia.com

To Advertise Call Brad at 445-3033 or 808-0963.

10 Best of Shawnee 20 Sonic Contest 26 Faces

29 Welcome to the Show

30 Reflections

Bethel Acres Tag Agency

Publisher

9 Scott’s Space

25 OBU Art Perspective

APR

2011

2008

878-0040 Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Saturday 9am-1pm North of Hardesty Road & Hwy 102

Volume 8, Number 2 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Layers Media, Inc. Š 2011 Layers Media, Inc. Articles and advertisements in Shawnee Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Layers Media. Layers 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 the products, services 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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Chef’s Kitchen

Community

They’re AOK in Our Book What has eight wheels and weighs 200 tons? What has a top speed of 70 mph, yet develops over 4000 hp? What type of vehicle costs $2.2 million new and for a good used model $250k?

And what form of transportation offers many of our local manufacturers their best and most reliable low cost option? Yes it’s the railroad and without that vital link this community, OUR community, would certainly suffer.

As most people who are from “around here” know, this community has quite a storied history related to railroads. Many of them were the first steps in improving the economy and could easily be classified as the greatest economic development activities at the turn of the century. That would be the 20th century.

But just having a rail line serve our community doesn’t come without its own set of challenges. Rail lines were most often built where the geography was flat and where installation of the rail bed would be easiest. In our case this meant placement next to the North Canadian River.

That location causes major challenges as often-heavy spring rains cause flooding and serious erosion issues.

However Shawnee is fortunate to have a short line operator who is working on our behalf to keep the flow of raw materials to our local industries moving.

The Arkansas Oklahoma Railroad, or AOK for short is a key component in helping our industries cranking out their goods and services. That has a direct correlation to residents and individuals earning a living, products being sold, sales taxes being collected and support services being provided to those industries. It’s not hard to follow the trail of how all of this ties together.

For over a decade AOK has been taking care of the needs of Shawnee’s industries and working to improve this vital link. Recently through the support and assistance of the Federal government, former Governor Brad Henry and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, AOK was provided

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$4 million dollars with which to bolster the erosion protection methods along this line. They have stretched those dollars to repair over seven of the top trouble area on this 35-mile stretch of rail line, which is so critical to Shawnee.

With over 9600 cars delivered each year, AOK consistently has been improving the track, fighting the ever meandering waterway and helping with our economic development opportunities.

As industry seeks areas to relocate they often seek every perceivable option related to transportation. AOK’s support assists us with a source than many communities cannot boast; by offering us a viable and reliable rail solution.

As traffic continues its ever-increasing growth on our roadways, rail service for handling heavy freight becomes an even more viable factor. It has been calculated that every semi truck on the highway is equal to 150 automobiles, which should heighten our awareness and need to maintain and take full advantage of this system.

All of this doesn’t come without a passion for providing quality rail service, and a sincere desire to help us grow our local community. Most definitely it is an advantage for our community and our local manufacturers.

So the next time you see the AOK railroad engine pulling freight keep in mind how important they are as that vital cog to the local economy.

We thought since they don’t toot their horn much, we should do it for them…

Tim Burg is Executive Director of Shawnee Economic Development Foundation, one of only 1,100 certified economic developers in the world. His past experience as a successful business owner and multiple division manager enhance his ability to engage business retention and expansion by providing strategic planning, marketing efforts, and viable businesses intelligence data.

Fettuccini Shrimp Alfredo (serves 4)

• ½ lb. Fettuccini • Olive Oil • Salt, Granulated Garlic, Lemon Pepper • 16 Medium Shrimp (Raw, peeled and deveined) • Salted Butter • 1 Cup Freshly Sliced Mushrooms • 1 pint Whipping Cream • ¼ Cup Sliced Ripe Olives • ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese • 1 lb. Fresh Asparagus Spears

Alfredo is one of the most popular pasta dishes. You can find many different flavors and variations on the isles of you local grocery store.

Once you make this dish from scratch you’ll never be satisfied with anything you can find in a jar. It’s easy to cook, easy to clean up, and the kids love it. It was always one of my daughters favorite meals, after I removed the mushrooms and black olives, of course!

In a large sauce pot cook the fettuccini with 3 quarts of water, 1 oz of olive oil and a teaspoon of salt, until tender. Don’t over cook the pasta.

Rinse with cool water and set aside.

In a 12” non stick skillet on medium high heat add 1 1/2 oz. Olive oil, Asparagus spears with a dash of lemon pepper and garlic. Sauté for one minute and then add ¼ cup of sliced mushrooms tossing once or twice. Cook for another 30 seconds, cover and remove from heat. In a large 14” non stick skillet melt 3 tablespoons of butter, add mushrooms, 1 tsp. of garlic and 1 tsp. of lemon pepper. Sauté on medium high heat for 30 to 45 seconds, add the shrimp and sauté another 45 seconds tossing once or twice. Add the drained fettuccini, toss or stir, and add another teaspoon of garlic and lemon pepper. (The spice of course is to your own personal taste but this should give you a good place to start.)

Remember you can always add more but you can’t take out what’s already in there. Add 1 pint of whipping cream, on high heat. When the cream starts to boil, add the parmesan cheese and black olives. Stir or toss until the cream thickens. Remove from heat and let it set for a minute, then plate. Top with a dash of parmesan cheese and parsley flakes, serve the Asparagus on the side.

This is a very versatile dish. You can use the same recipe without the shrimp or substitute it with Chicken, Scallops, or fresh Lobster meat.

Don’t be afraid to mix it up a little. That’s what makes cooking fun!

Ken Stafford is Executive Chef and owner of Droffats Catering. With more than twenty years experience in the culinary arts and special events industry, he is the exclusive caterer for Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center.

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Scott’s Space

there’s a hole in my life... by: Scott Bartley

Spring has sprung! I love this time of year, as trees turn green and flowers bloom. And so do my allergies- that is the one downfall of Spring, at least for me. But it was a beautiful morning for me to go out for my brisk daily walk. Yes, you heard me right- I was exercising! And why, you may ask yourself? It’s all part of the “Bartley Shape-Up Program” that I recently began. Now if you’ve ever read my articles before, you know of my blatant disdain for exercise; but I have a goal, a vision if you will. You see, this summer the wife and I will be returning to New York City after an 8 year hiatus. And one of the things I love to do in NYC is eat. A lot.

Gluttonous amounts. So when BH (I shall now refer to my lovely wife as BH- “better half”) gave me the double stink eye when I was gleefully discussing my plans for inhaling food, I knew I better shape up a bit before I go. So I need to get in shape for my over-indulgence- logical, right?

Anyway, as I walked one morning I was listening to my 70’s-80’s

mix on my MP3 player. On came “Shambala” by Three Dog Night, a catchy little hippie tune. I immediately started thinking of- yep, you guessed it- LOST. Oh how I miss Lost. For the past 3 months, I’ve known something was missing, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.

Then it hit me like a ton o’ bricksLost is gone. Forever. How did I get from Three Dog Night to Lost?

Well, in one of my favorite episodes, entitled “Tricia Tanaka is Dead”, Hurley, one of the most loveable characters from the show, stumbles upon an old, beat up 1970’s hippie VW van. He makes it his goal to actually get it to run again. Enlisting a few of his buddies, in one of the climactic moments of the episode they get it started as he and Charlie go barreling down a steep hill. What happens to be in the eight-track player and starts blasting? “Shambala” by Three Dog Night. It gets even better- at the end, there is a nighttime musical montage (which usually I hate in shows, but everything on Lost was perfect) set to an instrumental version of the same

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song. Cue tears for me. I know, say it now- sad.

Television has lost some of it’s pizazz this spring. Of course I’m still watching, but it’s just not the same. I’ve tried to find something to help fill the void, but nothing has worked so far. We’ve tried “The Event”, a show with mystery, intrigue, and aliens, and found it to be entertaining. “Community” I still find to be one of the funniest shows around. One show that has really grown on me is “Parenthood”- I find the characters to be quite believable, and the story lines at times parallel real life for me, as my children get older and I struggle to make the right parenting decisions. It’s funny at times, and quite dramatic at others. I highly recommend it. But sadly, nothing can take the place of my beloved Lost. I’m sure I will love again some day, but I don’t know if it will ever have the same passion or intensity. Does lightning ever strike twice? Seldom, but it is possible. Here’s to hoping that I will find TV love again.

Scott Bartley is an Aflac Associate Agent and has been for the last three and a half years. Previously, Scott was a high school teacher for 12 years, teaching English and Drama. Scott has a passion for theatre, and still enjoys performing whenever he can. Scott decided to turn down the role of “Forrest Gump” so that he could settle down in Shawnee with his wonderful family.

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A Haven of Hope Lifehouse Church by: Mindy Wood

Life is tough. Trouble comes. Pain happens. At Lifehouse Church they know all about it. The congregation has positioned themselves to deal with real life issues in a way that brings them closer together as they draw nearer to God. Pastor John Wiles started Lifehouse with a mission to bring people practical teaching for daily living while challenging them to reach out to the community’s needs. They’re a down to earth congregation who expect people to come as they are whether they’re wounded from life’s battles or geared up for outreach; in suit and tie or jeans and tee-shirt. “Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.’

It doesn’t say anything about getting cleaned up, dressed up, or learned up. We welcome people to come as they are,” said Rev. Wiles.

Most of Wiles experience has been with the Southern Baptist denomination.

“Although our approach is anything but traditional, we believe in and maintain a conservative theological position.” Wiles was ordained by First Baptist Church in Mead, Oklahoma in 1980 and has pastored churches all over the state for over 30 years. He was nominated to the Southern Baptist Convention in 1991 as “Oklahoma’s Outstanding Church Pastor” of churches with less than 300 members.

He and his wife raised three children and lived in Shawnee when he wasn’t pastoring out of town since 1977.

The congregation offers age appropriate ministry for children during services on Sunday and teen ministry meets on Wednesday nights while the congregation participates in home groups. “Our small groups, lifehouses, can meet any night of

the week they want. It’s a place where they can minister to each other and better relate to each other’s needs.

You might not want the whole church to know about a personal issue but if there’s only ten people then you’re more comfortable sharing it or asking for prayer. Corporate worship is very important but small groups are just as vital. They take care of each other.”

For now services are held in the auditorium at Will Rogers School. “The venue we choose to share is lively and interactive with music that engages the audience and pulls them into an attitude of worship, preparing for a message. I teach the truth as plainly as possible with practical application so no one goes home not understanding how to apply it on Monday. Rather than run from the culture, we choose to harness it to connect with people and show them God’s timeless truths.”

Their outreach efforts are local and needs focused. “We try to do as much outreach as possible because our goal is to benefit the community and minister to the needs here. Long range, we hope to get involved in the needs of our school districts. We want to be a place where people come get equipped to serve others.”

Their series for the month of April runs through Easter. “It’s about hope.

Our campaign is that you can find hope in the season of your life when things are rough and it’s troubled times in the world. You can find hope at Lifehouse.”

For more information visit www. lifehouseshawnee.org or email info@ lifehouseshawnee.org.

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shawnee’s iris farm

by: Mindy Wood

A

n array of color begins to dot the landscape of Oklahoma as flowers emerge from the depth of the soil and raise their heads saluting the coming of Spring. Irises, one of the first flowers to appear, are often thought to come from bulbs planted deep into the ground in early fall. According to Red Foster, owner of About Iris Farm in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the history and truth about Irises is much more interesting than a mere bulb.

The Iris dates back thousands of years showing up in Greek, Roman, Egyptian and French history. In the United States, “pioneers used Irises to prevent soil erosion because they root almost anywhere”. They are named after the “mythological Greek goddess of the rainbow” because of the variety of colors attributed to their species. Irises are perennial herbs that come from rhizomes, not bulbs. Red Foster shared, “Rhizomes have eyes like a potato that eventually separate and make independent plants on their own. The first time you water the rhizome, it comes off and that’s where the Iris blooms come from. Many people think you bury the entire thing. Actually, you barely cover the rhizome with a little soil but need to plant the roots 6-8 inches deep.”

Irises bloom for two to three weeks in Spring usually beginning in April or

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May. Even though Irises are drought tolerant, a few flowers, known as re-bloomers, will bloom in the fall when watered throughout the summer. After the blooms die, a seed pod is left for re-seeding. Red said, “If you tear the blooms off, unless the bees re-pollinated for you, there’s no guarantee for future plants.” Breeding Irises requires rubbing the pollinated parts together and even when bred successfully, it can create two or three different colors.

Red shared, “The only way to get a true duplicate is to take it from the rhizome.

If you just plant seeds you have no idea what you get. True breeders are hybridizers who work toward getting a new color or pattern.”

Red’s interest in Irises began on labor day in 1973. “My neighbor was putting fully bloomed flowers onto a burn pile. I told her that if she’d throw them over the fence, I’d take them. I tossed them by a stump but didn’t give attention to them for about eight months. When I finally checked on them, they were blooming on their own without having had any care.

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I thought to myself, these are the flowers for me,” said Red. After attending an Iris show at the Will Rogers Gardens, Red joined the Oklahoma Iris Society where he became President in the mid 70’s and again in 2010. He’s also a member of the American Iris Society and the Norman Iris Society. Conventions are held annually in different states throughout the United States while meetings are held monthly.

Eloise, Red’s wife of almost 49 years, is very supportive of his love for Irises and often attends the conventions and meetings with him. One national convention for the American Iris Society was held in OKC. It hosted approximately 350 people from all over the world.

“Two years before any convention they plant Irises at different places around the host city. The Irises at the Oklahoma State Capitol were planted as part of the convention for 2007,” he said. Hybridizers send their rhizomes to the conventions to be planted and judged. The highest medal that an Iris can receive is the Dykes Medal. In 1927, America gave the first medal

to an Iris named ‘San Francisco’. Red has purchased all 75 Dykes award winners and grows at least one of each variety.

He’s also purchased Irises from different hybridizers from around the world bringing his total collection to over 1100 Irises with some varieties dating back as far as the 1600’s. One of his favorites purchases is, ‘The Abby and Me’, because his granddaughter’s name is Abby. “Irises are like pure bred cattle, you name and register them, then they’re printed in a book every year in alphabetical order by their first names.”

Red began selling his Irises a few years ago to help support the Irises he‘s grown to love. “I’ve invested a lot of money into them. Some rhizomes cost only 50 cents while others cost as much as 50 dollars.”

Selling his plants, not only supports Red’s passion for Irises, it helps keeps the history of a beautiful flower alive. When you see Irises blooming anywhere, his will be ready to sell.

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out World of this

by: Mindy Wood

Gordon Cooper Technology Center celebrated students who were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society last month, a selective society recognizing accomplished students in career technology centers and community involvement. Keynote speaker Rob McClendon of Oklahoma Horizons television show lectured about the technology revolution and GCTC’s Board of Education President, Gary Crain admonished students.

Among inductees to participate in the ceremony was nineteen year old McLoud High School graduate, Osceola “Data” Condulle, one of GCTC’s brightest stars who graduated from the pre-engineering classes and spent the last two summers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

He addressed the audience concerning the GCTC’s ability to expose students to hands on learning, producing skills that meet current and future demands in technology fields.

He should know. If it weren’t for a last

minute decision to take GCTC’s pre-engineering classes, Condulle might never have ended up at NASA or be preparing for a future in aerospace engineering. His first ambitions were aviation. “My dad was in the military and worked on aircraft carriers. I collected model aircraft since I was four and at fourteen decided I wanted to get my pilot’s license. It was my passion,” said Condulle, “but my mother encouraged to think about my future.”

He saved his money and worked hard towards his pilots license which he obtained two years ago at Shawnee Municipal Airport’s O’Connor Flying Services. His sophomore year counselor encouraged him to explore even wider horizons. “Miss Mauldin believed I had potential and there was something at GCTC for me but I was content with flying because I didn’t even know what engineering was.”

Eventually he signed up for civil engineering and the robotics program. Because he loved to draw and enjoyed art, he also

took design classes. He couldn’t have known those skills would play a big role in his internship at NASA. As summer approached during his junior year, Pre-Engineering Academy Instructor, Miss Stricklin recommended he apply for the opportunity of a lifetime. “I decided I didn’t have anything to lose.” They helped him prepare for the interview and finally he was one of twenty students chosen out of 1,200 applicants.

Although his first stint at NASA was not focused on aerospace engineering or flight, working in Information Technology (IT) exposed many areas. “I saw how technology is the future and how it runs the space program. One of the high moments was flying an actual flight simulator.”

Looking for ways to incorporate his love of flight and engineering, he decided to apply the following summer for another NASA internship. To amazement he was accepted.

The mission wasn’t disappointing: send a man and or robotics craft that would attach to an asteroid “It was something Presi-

>

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continued from pg. 17

dent Obama wanted NASA to tackle. Little is known about asteroids but the threat is real; it’s not all science fiction.”

He and his team of young interns had eight weeks to design, build and test their idea with little knowledge of the NASA programs and not a lot of experience. His background in flight, engineering, design and artistic mind would serve him well. Still, such a tall order was a little stressful. “Our superiors helped us through it. I loved it and most professions if it’s enjoyable cancels out most of the stress.”

The crew got to work, coming up with three ideas: inflatables, corner rotating sand auger, and Data’s idea, to use water to attach the robotic craft to the asteroid “I wanted to think of something out of this world. In those celestial bodies the temperatures are -100°F depending on which side faces the sun or warmer object. It was the “water anchor” as they called it and they liked the idea of water freezing to an asteroid because water is everywhere on earth. To my surprise it withstood 52lbs of pressure being pulled on it. Before I left one of the aerospace engineers showed me what they were doing is combining the

18

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sand auger and the water anchor.”

They also did space habitability tests on the Altere Lunar Lander, similar to NASA’s Apollo Lunar Landers but a more modern version. He participated in the Mars Simulation for a Mars mission, acting as pilot of the asset module. It was overwhelming, exciting, and unforgettable for Condulle.

“I’ve decided to pursue aerospace engineering. The idea you’re doing something to make the world a better place is very humbling to me. It amazed me what went on there, everyone’s part of team and they’re not only learning about the universe around them but they’re also benefiting society in positive ways.”

His words of advice to young dreamers is to face their own defining moment. “Don’t give up. As Gene Kranz once said, ‘failure is not an option.’ It may difficult or even seem like fantasy but if I can do it, I’m convinced anyone can too. Find out what you like. Do your best in all of it and get involved with extra-curricular activities. With passion, comes true success and happiness because you will look forward to each each day. Ultimately,

your efforts won’t be in vain and someone will notice it sooner or later. When it does come, it will open opportunities and chances for you to reach for the stars.”

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creating a world with more birthdays by: Mindy Wood

The “c� word. A deadly killer at worst and dreaded foe at best, cancer is affecting more people worldwide than ever before. According to Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), one in two men will get cancer to one in three women but the number of new cases is estimated to double by 2050. That is, if nothing changes.

The American Cancer Society and Relay for Life are banking on that change by raising funds to support research and increase the survival rate as they assist those fighting cancer. Five year survivor Carolyn Haffey, PR spokesman, is part of the front line in Shawnee for the annual Rely for Life of Shawnee event held April 29th at OBU from 7pm to 7am.

Survivors open the ceremonies with the survivor lap at the Eddie Hurt, Jr. Memorial track. The Luminaria ceremony honors those who passed away from cancer at 10 pm. Teams of supporters and survivors will take to the track with one member of each team walking all night. Each person has a goal to raise or donate $100. All funds of any amount are appreciated and go to the American Cancer Society. “This is my third year to come to the event and it really gave me hope. If these people can fight it so can I and it’s nice to see that people care and want to help,� said Haffey.

The American Cancer Society cares a lot with efforts going well beyond funding research. “They’re a resource for information,� said Haffey pointing out information that helps patients understand their disease and handle the many aspects of treatment. “They

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help network people who will drive patients to their treatment appointments and created a social networking site where survivors and victims can provide encouragement and support.�

Their program, “I Can Cope� was designed to help families overcome the fears and frustrations they experience along the way and information about the disease with free educational classes.

Mary Buckmaster lost her father to lung cancer in 2006 and last December her mother to breast cancer. “Participating in the Relay helps me remember my parents and also fight back against this horrible disease. I feel I am doing my part. It’s easy to get involved and anyone can come out, support this. There are games and activities all night long so people can get educated about cancer themselves.�

The ACS estimates that nearly half of cancer cases can be avoided by living a healthier lifestyle and early detection. They provide healthy lifestyle tips, education about early screenings and the early warning signs. They provide a 24 hour free hotline, network patients with community based programs, even provide lodging when patients need it for treatment. They also help those suffering with the cosmetic changes due to treatment with make up artists who advise patients about makeup and wigs with “Look Better, Feel Better� program.

Haffey battled cancer five years ago at the same time her mother was fighting the disease when another family member became with it as well. “I was taking care of my mother and aunt while trying get well myself. Before my mother died she told me that she wasn’t going to make

by: Mindy Wood

Carolyn Haffey

it but that I would survive. I don’t know how she knew that. It was very hard, very sad.�

All too often cancer patients and those who care for them end up with little support if they don’t know where to turn. Family and friends don’t know how to react or handle it. “Sometimes people shy away from you when you have cancer even when they know it’s not contagious. They need a support system and it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference. Taking them to an appointment, mowing the yard, providing supplemental meals or watching the kids. Just giving them time to rest is a big deal,� said Haffey.

Relay for Life of Shawnee’s goal is $70,000 with teams from several businesses such as Exxon Mobile, Oasis Lawncare Systems, Arvest Bank, Unity Hospital, Finley & Cook CPAs, Shawnee Public schools and more.

This year’s theme is birthdays, “Because a world with less cancer is world with more birthdays,� said Haffey softly. “This is just one way to do that.�

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information or to donate online visit www.relayforlife.org/shawnee or email the event chair Heather Collins at shawneerelay@ yahoo.com

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by: Melanie Phillips Clemens

Rhea and Shea Moore

The United States Army is the “largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military.

As a land-based branch, its primary mission is “to preserve peace, provide defense and support national policies”. From the 18th century to the 21st century, the U.S. Army has fought wars both on native and foreign soils.

History books reveal the bravery of our soldiers. However, courage is not limited to the battlefield but can be seen in the lives of the women who are left ‘holding down the fort’ at home. Army wives in Shawnee are familiar to the demands of military life. For some it’s “life as we know it” and for others it’s “not exactly what we signed up for”.

Like a soldier, army wives promote peace, resolve conflict and make difficult decisions in times of distress. Shea Moore’s husband, Rhea, enlisted after two years of marriage.

“Rhea’s father was a marine in Vietnam and other family members served in various branches of the military so he grew up knowing that’s what he would do,” Shea said. After much research, the Moore’s decided the Army National Guard was “a good fit for our family”.

Although they agreed to take this journey, it required sacrifice. Shea gave birth to their first child while her husband was away at Advanced Individual Training where he trained to be a combat medic. Rhea will soon deploy but the timing is uncertain. “We’re not sure when he’ll leave but we know he won’t be home for our son’s first birthday. It was important that he celebrate with us, watch his son eat that first bite of cake so we‘ve already had the party,” Shea said.

Even though being separated from her husband isn’t what Shea “signed up for”, she’s proud of him. “Whenever someone finds out 22

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he’s in the service they thank him. He’s very humbled because he feels like he’s hasn’t done anything worth thanking. His choice to be a medic surprised me although it comes naturally to him. I love how he look’s at things and figures out how to make it work right or better. He’s very focused. When he’s home, he’s dad and when’s he’s gone, he’s a soldier.”

Oddly enough, this venture bears similarities with Army wives, Amanda Frank and Anisha Clemens.

Amanda Frank, an Army wife for five years, recalled the most difficult time. In 2008, her husband Corey was deployed to Iraq. Amanda was accustomed to her husband absence for training assignments lasting anywhere from two weeks to a month but it didn’t fully prepare her for the 11 months he would be overseas. “Our son was four months old when his daddy left. It was difficult introducing him to this person he didn’t seem to know.” However after a few days of playing together, the two connected and are inseparable. Their oldest son was glad to have his dad back who missed playing basketball and fishing together.

Like other Army wives, Amanda felt the responsibility of the home front while her husband was away. “I’m accountable for everything. I wasn’t sure how to handle certain things and I needed him here.” As a Sergeant in the 45th Infantry, Corey faces the possibility of deployment again. “It lurks in the back of my mind but we’ll deal with it when it comes. My husband fighting for our freedom makes me proud. I’m connected because I represent a soldier who serves our country.

I became upset when someone insulted our President. He’s the Army’s Commander in Chief and if you criticize him, you criticize my husband,” Amanda said.

Like Army wives before her, Anisha Clemens faced hardship when her husband, was deployed to Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division. Although, her husband Chance was home during the birth of their first baby, he returned to active duty within a week. I wanted him to be with his new family but he had eight more months of active duty. The hardest part of saying goodbye was not knowing when he would call or if we would see him again.”

Growing up in a military home, she knew the challenges she would face. However, nothing prepared her for the day her husband was injured. Equipment exploded in the vehicle he was riding in. “I was almost asleep when Chance called. At the time he didn’t know what caused the explosion or the extent of his injuries. As a result of the explosion, he suffered a traumatic brain injury and hearing loss. I’m thankful that it wasn’t worse.

We were grateful and excited when he came home. Our daughter was 7 months old and were ready to start our life together.” Even with the demands of being an Army wife, her pride toward her husband is immeasurable.

“Chance loved being in the Army, I admire him for that. He loved what he did and he was good at it.”

These Army wives, like many others, show courage in the face of adversity. Like most, their journey isn’t over. Whether faced with past, present or future deployments, they share a common bond. The support of family and friends has been an anchor for them during the challenging times. These women agree that “life is better because of what we’ve been through. My husband and I appreciate one another so much more.” So do those whose freedom is protected.

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Julie Marks Blackstone

OBU art perspective by: Melanie Phillips Clemens

Art is often described as an expression of intellect or emotion demonstrated through human activity. Some of the various art forms include music, photography, painting and literature. Julie Marks Blackstone, accomplished artist and Assistant Professor of Art at Oklahoma Baptist University, believes that “having art in your life can make you more diverse and a better person”.

Julie’s journey into the world of art began at the age of three years old when she picked up her first crayon. “I always needed to be doing something with my hands,” she said. Her artistic talent was noticeable from an early age. Julie recalled, “I had someone at a 10 year class reunion confess that when we were in first grade they stole my pencils because they thought they were magic.” Even though her artwork has a ‘magical’ quality, Julie attributes her success as an artist to schooling, experiences, mentors and hard work. UCO gave her “a quality education” in ceramics but her mentor in Fibers (weaving) was former OBU Art Professor, Janie Wester. Even her “experiences in Paris and New York have helped shape her” into the Artist she is today. After working a summer internship in England, Julie realized that even though she had a B.A. in Commercial Art, it wasn’t the career she wanted to pursue.

Following in the footsteps of “great teachers and mentors”, she returned to UCO to obtain her Master’s Degree in Education.

Before Julie began teaching at OBU, she was involved in a distance learning program broadcast through ITV. While teaching high school students in rural Oklahoma, she witnessed the effect art can have on a student. One of the students had previously been in jail. He found a satisfaction in creating art and wasn’t there “just to fill a seat”. His success in art class encouraged him to stay in school. “Some of the

students had never dreamed of going to college.

They didn’t believe it was possible. A few years later I saw a former student who was excited to tell me she’d received a scholarship to ECU. She was getting an Art degree after being told she never be able to go to college. Seeing those students embrace Art and allow it to change their lives was gratifying,” Julie said.

Julie’s first experience at OBU was when she took an eight week summer course at “The Academy” when she was 16 years old. Today, she’s an Art Professor at OBU, and loves “helping students tap into their artistic side”. She said, “As a smaller school our Art program offer students a variety of classes. At other schools you have to specialize in a specific area such as ceramics or drawing. Many of our students have discovered strengths, in different areas of art, they never knew they had. They may struggle with drawing but found their niche in weaving.

A smaller school can open up avenues for students into an art field they wouldn’t have otherwise gotten into.” Julie has been with OBU since 1980 when she started as a ceramic(s) lab assistant. “I needed access to the studio.

I could weave or paint at home but I couldn’t do ceramics. Although, I had my degree it was a nice working relationship while I raised my children. In 1997, I began teaching full-time.”

Julie has taught varied art classes at OBU such

as Drawing Basics, Design Basics, Three-D Design, Crafts Design, Calligraphy, Ceramics I, II & III, Fibers I & II, Painting I, Painting II, Painting IV (Watercolor), Senior Practicum and Advanced Drawing. She currently teaches Ceramics, Fibers, Stained Glass, Color Theory while teaching Figure Drawing part-time. “A good thing about teaching at OBU is the variety. I can go across the hall and teach something else. Burnout is not an issue. If I was at a bigger school, teaching the same thing all the time it might be boring,” she said.

Another benefit for art teachers is the opportunity to have more studio or lab time with students. This results in more one-on-one interaction where its possible to “establish some genuinely deep and abiding relationships that last beyond the college experience”.

Boredom is not an issue for OBU Art teachers or students. In January she and Assistant Professor of Art, Corey Fuller, led a group of art students to New York City to visit various museums to enhance their drawing or graphic design skills. “We spent an entire day at the Metropolitan Museum and only saw a fraction of it. One day we spent time in Central Park. We wanted the students to have an aesthetic experience.”

Julie encourages everyone to “tap into their artistic side”. “Without some form of art in our lives, there’s something missing.” www.shawneeoutlook.com

25

faces

Community is made up of many things, but beyond the places to be, there are faces to see. Here, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a glimpse of the faces around town, from local events snazzy and causal - to people lingering at local businesses, to passersby on Main Street. So, enjoy perusing - maybe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a few familiar faces among them!

2

1

1.

Steve Randels, Marilyn Bradford, Steve Beall

2.

Danita Dayton, Sherman Murray (dogs - Pharoah and Sadie)

3.

Morning Star

4.

Moses Little Bear

5.

Ona Little Bear

3

Send us your community photos! faces@layersmedia.com 5 26

www.shawneeoutlook.com

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welcome to the show Most people who live in our community probably can’t imagine Shawnee as a hot spot for lively entertainment. Take a trip back in time, however and you’ll find out great performing artists lit up the night at the Municipal “Muni” Auditorium in downtown Shawnee.

Senior citizens remember Bob Wills, even Elvis and other local and regional groups who entertained on it’s then state-of-the-art stage for up to 1,200 people at a time in the bleachers and on the dance floor. It was the gym used for junior and high school students and various events. The 83 year old building is making a gradual comeback and becoming a favorable venue for concerts.

Kate Joyce, executive director of the Shawnee Senior Center, said its return in the community has been a process. “When the Senior Citizens of Shawnee were contracted to manage the building along with the Senior Center, we started making small improvements. We had murals painted, community service workers stripped and waxed the original floors and we had the damaged plaster around the stage restored. The money set aside over the last couple of years by the city will pay to fix the heating and air this summer. It will totally open the options for that space. I’m excited to see it come back to life.”

In 2008 they fixed the fire suppression system in order to host events without having to contract firemen for safety. Now they host everything from family reunions, birthday parties, and wedding receptions to business meetings and the annual pancake dinner by Kiwanis.

Since August they’ve held several concerts.

Although the acoustics could be better it seems to work well enough to draw the crowds for what Joyce said is wholesome entertainment.

“We want this to be a place where parents can send their kids and not worry about them. We

by: Mindy Wood

are very selective of the bands that play here because we don’t want an environment charged with aggression or negative influences.”

Dennis Dyer, local concert promoter and owner of Red River Entertainment most recently booked the Muni for a homeless benefit concert in March. April 10th the company will host Brian “Head” Welch, famous former member of Korn. Welch left the band, converted to Christianity and shares his story about drug addiction. Dyer plans to continue using the venue for all of his concerts. “Our goal is to have a fully functional concert hall. We hope to have more sponsors to keep the cost as low as possible while covering overhead expenses,” said Dyer.

Concerts give teens a chance to volunteer,selling drinks for the Senior Center or helping set up and tear down for the bands.

Cheezie’s Pizza sells by the slice so kids can stay on the site for food and entertainment. “It’s great for parents because they can just drop them off and don’t have to worry about the need for them to leave the Muni,” said Joyce.

More improvements are underway. “The amenities are dated,” said Joyce. “We need marquee signage to better promote public events and our chairs are ancient. We’re open-

ing sponsorship to any business or organization who would provide chairs, where their name would on the back. We’ve secured our all bleachers as well but some need to be repaired.”

Safety is the utmost priority. “The Shawnee Senior Center is a member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) of the Safe Community committee. I’m the chair person for that sub committee and our number one rule is that this has to be a safe place for kids to enjoy an event. We also welcome funding as we are a volunteer staff.”

The Muni’s resurrection seems to add to a revitalization effort surfacing in downtown Shawnee. Brad Carter, owner of the recently opened Sips Downtown Kafé on Main Street is pleased. “It adds a missing element downtown as a place for cultural events; everything from sporting to music or performing arts.

It’s a great thing.” Dyer added, “A lot of people want to see life return to downtown and we’re all working together for a safe, fun and artsy place people can enjoy.”

For more information about the Muni, visit shawneeseniors.org or visit the Shawnee Outlook Facebook page for more concert details.

www.shawneeoutlook.com

29

Reflections

From Blah to Ahhh! by: Bob Searl

Bob Searl is a pastor, writer, musician, husband, father, grandfather, and caretaker of two over-indulged poodles.

Bob holds a Doctor of Ministry. A Wisconsin native who has lived in Oklahoma long enough for his toes to be gently stained dirt-red, Bob remains a diehard Green Bay Packer fan who still gets excited when there is snow in the forecast. Red-stained toes notwithstanding, he hasn’t yet adjusted to Oklahoma summers. When Bob grows up he wants to be a chaplain at Disney World.

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www.shawneeoutlook.com

To say the house we bought when we moved to Shawnee was a “fixer-upper” is to insult distressed houses everywhere. The best thing about the house was that it had not fallen down. The exterior paint was peeling, there were four layers of shingles on the roof and natural gas seeped out of a break in the underground line between the meter and the house.

Things were worse on the inside. We’ll get to that in the next paragraph.

In spite of the dilapidated condition of the house and my utter lack of skill or interest in home renovation, the price was right so my lovely wife and I looked at each other said in unison, “We can do this!”

The poor thing became a family project. Poor us.

Now to the innards of our new home. The enclosed garage had been a beauty salon, but there was nothing beautiful about the room. Besides walls and ceilings saturated with the smell of smoke, the water pipes froze at some point during the year and a half the house sat vacant. When the city turned on the water, we had a spectacular impromptu fountain that flooded the black and white checked tile in the garage/beauty salon. The previous occupants decided it would be a good idea to repaint the kitchen cabinets. However, they simply slopped paint stripper all over the cabinets and let the goo run unremoved.

The repainting never happened on their watch. Multiple layers of wallpaper hung desperately to the walls. The dishwasher was filled with watermelon seeds and cigarette butts.

Then there was the main bath. The most striking thing about the bathroom was the fixtures on the wall over the sink. There was a toothbrush holder and a soap dish, both gaudy gold. My wife realized they were spray-painted and went to work stripping them. She was surprised when the soap dish started foaming. Apparently the spray painters were in too big a hurry to scrape off the quarter-inch of soap that had dried there. But hidden beneath the gold paint and dried soap - did I mention that the soap was blue? - were lovely ceramic fixtures. By the time we finished the project there was not an interior surface of the house we had not redone.

There were moments when we wondered if the

house would finish us before we finished it, but I was never as concerned as a dear friend who came to visit when we were half-way through the project. He is a true optimist, the one who mentored me in the skill of seeing beyond problems with people and things to their potential. Then he met our new old house. He saw the chalky exterior paint, the tacky paneling liquid nailed to the living room walls, the foamy paintstripper, and all he could say was, “Oh my.” The enormity of the problems overwhelmed even his positive imagination. He left our house and wept.

But we won. The house that had not yet fallen down was transformed. Our son said it best when he declared, “We took this house from blah to ahhh!”

We did it because a friend taught me to look past problems to possibilities. You don’t know the wonders you’ll discover when you look past what is and imagine what can be. A coat of paint, a roll of carpet, paint stripper (applied AND removed), a little elbow grease, a lot of imagination and new life was breathed into a disaster.

Occasionally, we write-off things too soon. Houses, dreams, marriages, businesses are declared dead when there is still life in them. This is a tragedy.

It is an even greater tragedy when we write-off people. Sure, some look a mess. It seems they are about to collapse, these damaged souls who have grown hard and cynical buried under layers of life.

We might even weep for worry over them. Other people are simply annoying or tiresome. Often, the people we judge most harshly are not the ones we meet along the way, but ourselves. We know our own leaky places, every one of them. We can name our foolish choices and unhealthy habits like a fourth grader can recite multiplication tables. Yet, beneath the brokenness or unpleasantness is true beauty waiting to be named and called to life by someone who has eyes to see.

It is important to remember, I think, that all people, even the the ones we are inclined to dismiss, were created by love. Each one is filled with rich potential to be discovered, waiting for someone with a vision for what can be to help them move from blah to ahhh.

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