Shawnee Outlook January 2015

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Avedis JANUARY 15 Vol. 11 Number 11

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CONTENTS

JANUARY 2015

Publisher

13 FEATURES

18 DEPARTMENTS

10 A Very Special Kind of Education

6 COMMUNITY 6 NUTRITION 101

13 Shawnee’s WWII Naval Base

9 FROM THE EDITOR

18 Bethel Wildcats Football Experience

20 SONIC CONTEST

21 Avedis: Here for Good

26 GREEN LIVING

25 Bridges, Budgets, and Boardrooms

SHAWNEEOUTLOOK

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Managing Editor

Mindy Wood

Graphic Design

Creative Direction

Aaron Morvan Layers Media, Inc.

Cover Photo

Aaron Morvan

Writers

Andrea Beck Jamie Bergsten Tim Burg Ann McDonald Malialani McQuerry Angela Rowland 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.

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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.

Volume 11, Number 11 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Layers Media, Inc. © 2015 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 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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COMMUNITY

NUTRITION 101

We can do this.

By and large, the single greatest differentiator between communities in Oklahoma and around the U.S., is their ability to consistently develop and provide a skilled workforce. There is no argument that geography, infrastructure, natural resources, proximity to customers, cost of living, and overhead expenditures are all key factors that companies look at when determining where to locate or even where to remain in business.

BUT, without an adequate and consistent supply of skilled labor, none of those other items matters much. In the simplest of terms, labor is what differentiates our community from others.

Our challenges to keep and recruit business, is often related to our local abilities to develop, recruit and attract more skilled individuals.

In a recent report the unemployment level in Pottawatomie County was listed at 4.0%. That is good news and speaks highly of the progress many of our local companies are making in producing their respective goods and services that consumers need and want in their lives.

The good news in all of this is tempered by the knowledge that we still need more skilled people in this area. As your economic development organization listens and works with area employers, the common message we hear is they all want to see a larger and better trained pool of skilled employees.

Simply restating the problem doesn’t provide an answer, but we like our

Peanut Butter Fruit Dip chances when it comes to finding labor solutions for our companies to the challenges they face now and in the future.

While that may sound boastful, we are excited about the relationships that are already in place with the K-12 systems, the Career Tech, and the Universities in our area.

Through their collaborative efforts, and the relationships they are building within area businesses, we are seeing younger people have the opportunity to explore wealth-producing jobs in our area.

Additionally, adults are being retrained to meet the skills demanded by today’s occupations. Those who are gaining degrees at institutions of higher education, are finding employment opportunities right here in our community and within the region.

While on the surface that might not seem different from any other community, we believe there is more connectivity in these areas than in other locations. Recent surveys have shown there is a desire to know more about skills needed by area businesses and how we might be able to do more to align business and educational resources. That was music to our ears.

Our tasks at hand are to remain consistent in our efforts to reach as many people as we can, to share the pertinent facts about where wealth-producing employment can be found, highlight the skills that are needed, and enable access to training.

Then, simply rinse, lather, and repeat.

Tim Burg is the Executive Director of the Shawnee Economic Development Foundation and is one of only 1200 certified economic developers in the world. His past business and civic experiences allows him to focus his expertise on business retention and expansion opportunities, plus undertake marketing, attraction, and recruitment of new business to this region.

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What is your New Year’s Resolution? A great resolution is aiming to get 5 – 7 fruits and vegetables in a day. What better way to get in your fruit than with a peanut butter dip?! Just mix the 2 ingredients and it’ll keep for several days in the refrigerator for your snacking pleasure. This dip is great paired with berries, apples, and bananas.

Ingredients: • ½ cup peanut butter • 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt Directions: Mix the two ingredients together and store in the refrigerator. Makes: 11 servings, 2 tablespoons each.

Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories: 80 – Total Fat: 6 g – Saturated Fat: 1 g – Cholesterol: 1 mg Sodium: 64 mg – Carbohydrates: 3 g – Fiber: 1 g – Protein: 5 g Nutrition 101 Tip: The peanut butter dip provides protein with your fruit. By combining protein and carbohydrates together in your snacks and meals, you will stay full longer and blood sugars will stay more regulated. The Greek yogurt has twice the protein of regular yogurt. The plain yogurt provides a little sugar, so make sure you aren’t grabbing a flavored yogurt for your dip. The plain Greek yogurt is also great in vegetable dips; mix it with fruit and honey or in a smoothie. Stop by the 2nd annual Shawnee Community Wellness Fair to get help with many more New Year’s Resolutions. This year it will be held at 1601 N. Kickapoo, STE 500 on January 17th from 9AM- 1PM. Over 20 vendors will be there to answer all your health-related questions. Happy New Year!

Andrea Beck is a Registered Dietitian and lives in Shawnee with her husband, son, and 2 dogs. She received her Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from UCO in Edmond. She now offers her nutrition consulting services and strongHER workouts through Anytime Fitness in Shawnee. She also teaches Nutrition at St. Gregory’s University. Andrea is an active member of Junior Service League. During free time, she enjoys cooking new recipes, playing with her dogs and exercising.

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FROM THE EDITOR

The New Year Long before I became a journalist, I was a young single mother working at a makeup counter in the mall. I’ve always been discerning when it comes to reading people (a vital skill that would come in handy for me as a reporter), so when a young girl sank into the makeover chair, I knew something was wrong.

Being a makeup artist is kind of like being a bartender. Now, don’t laugh; I’m serious. Both clientele cozy up to a bar or table and both are often there to feel better about themselves. When a woman lets you see her face stark naked, for some reason she tends to open up about her life as if you were a friendly bartender. I heard lots of stories as newly divorced women, and those turning 29 for the tenth time, were often at my makeup “bar.”

This girl was 16, but the sadness in her eyes told me her life wasn’t so sweet sixteen. I will never forget hearing her story about the church deacon who molested her and the parents who refused to believe her. She admitted to later becoming promiscuous and the condemnation that drove her to run away forever. Often homeless, I learned she was living in abandoned structures with a boyfriend who wasn’t always in control of his temper.

She would sometimes come in just to talk to me when business was slow and I would listen and encourage her. Her boyfriend was occasionally there, his eyes always downcast, his shoulders always slumped. Going home to her family was out of the question, so was a girls’ home and foster care.

She wasn’t willing to leave him to seek help. All I could do was occasionally give them rides on my way home from work and try to be supportive.

One night as I drove her, she told me that her boyfriend took an achievement test and scored a

college level proficiency. “Wow,” I exclaimed, “he can get his GED and get a grant to go to college.”

She stared at me as if I’d just told her he could climb Mount Everest.

That’s when I realized all the programs in the world will only go so far to change a person’s life.

People need people more than any college grant, more than any scholarship, or “services.” Those things are important, but tossing someone an opportunity is sometimes like pitching a ball to someone whose arms are broken: they aren’t going to catch it until their brokenness is mended.

I thought of that story when I listened to Michelle Briggs and Paula Waters talk about Community Renewal International’s concept to restore relationships to communities. Neighbors helping neighbors really means that people start caring about each other. Mentors emerge and their kindness and love lift up the downtrodden; that’s when and where real change begins.

I can’t help but wonder if things had gone differently with that young, troubled couple. What if I’d known of a place who would have taken them in? If I’d known a counselor who would see them free of charge, would they have gone? Would her parents have listened to me as I begged them to love her unconditionally and believe in her?

Sadly, I’ll never know. Maybe as we learn more about things like Community Renewal, we will be inspired to be the wind in someone’s sail.

Let’s hope the New Year will see us into a more connected and a more whole community, one relationship and one caring act at a time.

I hope you enjoy this month’s cover story on Avedis and CRI, and find it as inspiring as I did.

Thanks for reading.

Mindy Wood is a freelance writer, editor, speaker and local radio show host. She has published hundreds of articles and provides marketing and writing services to businesses all over the state. She resides in Shawnee with her husband and three children.

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A Very Special Kind of Education

There are great things happening in our area schools.

Look no farther than a local newspaper or social media to find success stories about athletes, scholars, and artists of all ages, led by their teachers and coaches.

However, some of the hardest working educators in these districts are serving in an often-unpublicized part of the school world, even though they too are witnessing amazing victories with their students. They are special education teachers, and this is part of their story.

• Deep Tissue Massage A variety of factors led some of Pottawatomie county’s top special education teachers into that field.

• Friendly Faces Larra Morris, who works with 3-year-olds through 1st • Super Clean Rooms graders at Krouch Early Childhood Center in Tecumseh, credits her mother’s 30-year career in special education • Increase Energy & Decrease Stress as a major influence. She regularly visited that classroom and loved working with the children, she said. Now in Gift Cards available her ninth year of teaching, she has 18 students in her own room, including a mixture of children with mild to 7 days a week 9a-10p moderate or severe to profound disabilities.

1613 N Harrison • Shawnee, OK Theresa Dame, 9th through 12th grade special education teacher at Shawnee High School, said that helping to care for a wheelchair-bound aunt had a profound impact on her life. For as long as she can remember, she’s loved working with those who have disabilities and served as a paraprofessional doing just in her fifth year teaching, she MA 21:21 21/13/7 that 1 fduring dp.laniF college. dA eraCorNow P has ten students in her classroom, as well as 19 student Our world depends on communication. helpers who come in throughout the day to interact with them.

Kimberly Knight, kindergarten through 12th grade teacher at Earlsboro, said that her heart “lives and breathes special education.” Her mother Christina is the assistant director for the Faith 7 Activity Center in Shawnee, a workshop for adults with developmental disabilities. Volunteering there led to a deep love for $100 working with the clients, and she now “has a patience our New OFF Dua for it that I don’t have for anything else,” she said. In Technolo l Core g she is working with noitacinummocy! no sdnthis, epher edfourth dlroyear w rinueducation, O 32 students in her school. noitacinummoc dna evitingoc ruo ni enilced a ot dael smelborp gniraeH Hearing aids, through 5th ,boj ,ylim af ruwhich oy noare tcavirtually pmi tcerid a evah nac yehMargaret t ,dekcehcnMocabee, u tfeL .seitipre-kindergarten liba invisible, education at Dale, feels that .noisprovide serpedvaluable dna noibenefits. talosi netfo si tluser grade eht ,yldspecial aS .erom hcum os dinstructor na Like participating with family and God led her into the field and because of that, she never friends, hearing phone calls, :stifen eb elbtraffic, aulav e divorp nac ,elbisivni ylthought lautriv eraabout hcihw ,being sdia gnairregular aeH classroom teacher. In .niaga srekrow-oc dna ,sdneirf ,ylimaf htiw etapicitraP • and other key signals. her 11th year of service, she helps to oversee a district .sgniht taeper ro seciov rieht esiar ot srehto rof deen eht etanimilE • Call ProCare 107 .esiontoday dnufor orgyour kcaFree b gnitepmoc si ercaseload eht nehw of hce epsstudents, ssecorP • including special education, Hearing Evaluation! .ytivitcudorp niatniam dna ylspeech, lufsseccand us eoccupational tacinummoC •and physical therapy. .slangis yek rehto dna ,llebrood ,enohpeWhen let ,ciffasked art fo ewhat rawa they’ve eB • learned during their careers thus far, the ladies’ answers were equally varied. gniraeh eerf ruoy rof yadot eraCorP lThey laC .eincluded fil fo ytilauq ruoknowledge y niageR that all children can learn the .uoy knaht lliw ylimaf ruoY .noitaulave and succeed, and that they as teachers don’t always have to have the right answers. Mocabee said that picking www.procarehearingaid.com her battles and enjoying small accomplishments is also ee“I nwcelebrate ahS ,noinUvery .N 31 3 275-5585 • 313 N. Union crucial. small steps,” she said. Dame

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said that she hopes the most important lesson is to do no harm. “I enjoy thinking about each student as a puzzle, trying to figure out why they do what they do, what they need to learn to be successful,” she said. “I have learned more from them than I may have taught them.”

Inclusion in the traditional classroom, increased use of technology, and testing regulations passed by the state Department of Education were cited as the biggest changes in their programs. “We are fortunate to have iPads and Smartboards available to us at Tecumseh,” Morris said. “Children with special needs can do amazing things with technology.” Knight, when referring to inclusion, pointed out that “we are moving in a direction where kids are being serviced more and more in the regular education classroom”.

All four ladies pointed to the same problem when it comes to job struggles: paperwork. “I don’t know that it’s difficult, but it’s challenging and frustrating,” said Mocabee. She also pointed out that legislative changes, meetings, and other job responsibilities make it hard to serve the students the way she wants to and do what’s absolutely best for them.

This sentiment was echoed in some way by her counterparts.

Despite the downsides, these ladies find great joy in their work. Each pointed to interaction with students as the best part of the job. Growth in a child – even tiny steps – can be incredibly rewarding, they noted. “My students are the best at Shawnee High School,” Dame said, “The faculty and staff are amazing and accepting of them. When I see the excitement in my students as they’re learning, my heart gets happy.”

The focus in a special education setting must go beyond standard school subjects. Creating reallife situations and learning how to handle them is very important for these students. They are taught hygiene, mealtime skills, and how to clean up after themselves. They must often be guided in how to deal with social situations. Dame credits a special SHS program as being a great facilitator to that learning. Junior and senior mentors, “the best of the best” as she put it, receive school credit for serving as Adaptive Skills assistants with her students and working with them.

Morris also emphasized the importance of life skills that will help students not only now but also in the future. “My students are not your cookie cutter learners, and they must be presented with different opportunities to learn. These are some of the brightest children you will ever meet.”

The education provided by these ladies is, indeed, special.

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Shawnee’s WWII Naval Base In the early 1940‘s, when the United States found itself at war on two fronts, all the country’s resources would be needed to defeat the aggressors. Every citizen responded, either by training for the military, working in defense plants, cultivating victory gardens, taking care of families using ration stamps, donating scrap metal, and even recycling lard.

In Shawnee, civic leaders anticipated the great needs the country would have. The men contacted the area’s congressmen and explained that the city was willing to help in every way. Shawnee had land, had a working airport, multiple rail lines and was full of willing laborers… everything needed to build a military base or defense plant.

The draft started before the U.S. was involved in the fighting when it was apparent the need might arise. The Axis armies were storming across Europe, then Japan attacked American-held islands in the Pacific. The U.S. military was prepared to be shipped to the battle fronts but training was needed for additional combatants and replacements.

Shawnee was picked to help. By the spring of 1942, citizens learned the navy was coming to town. A bond issue was passed to build a second airport north of town once the navy agreed to lease the town’s current

by: Ann McDonald

field west of Oklahoma Baptist University. As the navy moved in, the city provided a place for the businesses currently at the Municipal Airport.

Also, the army air corps flight school at OBU would have the cadets’ practice flights switched to airport #2.

The land was surveyed, contracts signed, materials purchased, and personnel offices opened for the construction of a navy facility at the site of the former Shawnee airport. Four hundred twenty-five acres on the west edge of the city limits was leased for the base. Besides the former airport, two buildings built by the National Youth Administration (NYA) in 1940 for a training center and dormitory were secured by the navy.

Soon the sailors began to arrive. The base was officially commissioned August 31, 1943, as an auxiliary field to the Norman base. Training flights were made from Norman to Shawnee to Ada and back to Norman.

Then in March 1944 the designation was upgraded and an aviation navigators’ school was moved to Shawnee from Florida. Hundreds of students were transferred and almost overnight the population of Shawnee NAS more than quadrupled.

A number of local citizens worked at the base, serviced utilities, or sold supplies there. Many opened their homes to navy families, > www.shawneeoutlook.com

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continued from pg. 13

sometimes doubling up with relatives so the servicemen’s families could rent their place.

There were parades to honor the guests, two floors of the Masonic Temple were leased for activities for Navy personnel, OBU let the navy use their gym for athletics, the municipal pool was utilized for sailor’s swimming lessons, and the Navy Mother’s Club invited the men and women stationed at the base not able to go home for Christmas to their own family celebrations.

When the program was upgraded in January 1945 and the number of students increased to 300 per month, the monthly payroll at the Shawnee NAS was $140,000.

Eighty five more instructors were assigned as well as dozens of other officers and seamen to maintain such a large group. The mail room staff tripled to handle as much as 1,500 pieces of mail each day.

Feeding the men and women on the base was an immense job. The supply officer had an assistant, 13 civilian employees, and 16 storekeepers. They kept the galley supplied with a 60 day supply of food which included four tons of meat, ten tons of vegetables, two and half tons of fruits, three tons of pastries,

14

www.shawneeoutlook.com

and 2,000 gallons of milk.

Shawnee’s navy base was humming along, an important part in winning the war when, just as suddenly, it all changed again. In March 1945, a year after the establishment of the navigation school, the Pentagon decided the Shawnee base wasn’t large enough to house and train the number of navigators the navy needed.

Within one week, the navy pulled out and moved west to Clinton. Shawnee’s base was barren, the buildings vacant, the skies empty, the jobs lost, and the friendships over…but for a short time, from April 1943 to April 1945, the city of Shawnee did more than its part to help win the war.

The land reverted to civilian use, barracks were

used for apartments, a home for the elderly, various facilities at OBU, small industry, city departments, and the Shawnee Municipal Airport moved back to the original site. There’s not much evidence of the former base today. Structures converted to civilian use are now gone. The hangar was taken down in the early 1980‘s. The last two remaining buildings disappeared only recently. The brig was removed to construct the Early Childhood Center and the Ordnance Building, a small rock structure that had been there before the navy arrived, was demolished just last year. The posts that framed the main gate on Franklin Street remain as the only reminder that Shawnee was once a navy town.

shawnee wellness fair 2 N D

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Other vendors include: Advocare Red Coyote Running and Fitness States Chiropractic Visiting Angels Cornestone Hospital Local Dish Melaleuca Namaste 1Connection Aspire Home Care & Hospice Young Living Oils Mary Kay doTERRA Yogabliss Wunfit Younique Herbalife Macarthur Park Home Health Zumba with Al Genesis Pure

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Vendor booths still available, contact Andrea Beck at 405-924-0390 www.shawneeoutlook.com

15

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Bethel Wildcats Football Experience

Front Row left to right: #29 Rowdy Story, #15 Peyton Ezell, #9 Connor Kuykendall, #45 Eli Lucero, #69 David Wilson, #40 D.J. Citizen, #35 Eli Stephens, #80 Michael Parsons, #14 Tyler McKinney Back Row left to right: #16 Colton Johnson, #41 TJ Ramsey, #58 Cameron Burk, #7 Dominick Contreras, #33 A.J. Fixico, #28 Coletyn Fischer, #24 Bricen Ragon, #44 Gage Porter, #91 Cory Metscher

Aspiring young football stars and cheerleaders from Bethel Little League Wild Cats enjoyed the experience of a lifetime during the Red Zone Games. The youth football organization chose their team to play against other teams at the AT&T Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

The Red Zone Games invites teams from all over the U.S. to play and cheer wherever the Dallas Cowboys, and their cheerleaders, play and perform. Skill divisions range between beginner to intermediate and teams average 61 plays. More than 180 youth football teams have played at the world’s largest dome since 2012. Bethel Wild Cats teams from 2st grade through 5th participated in the games December 16.

Several parents said the event was something the whole family enjoyed. “The experience was amazing not only for the kids, but for parents and grandparents. We will all remember this once in a lifetime experience,” said Amber Parsons. Her son Michael played for the 5th grade team.

Elizabeth Campbell, whose 5th grade daughter, Allyson, is a cheerleader and son, Racyn, played for the 2nd grade team. “Regardless of whether or not they play or cheer again, this is a memory forever instilled and cherished that they will talk about forever. Seeing my dad, Jacob James, light up when he was asked to stand on the side lines and help coach, (he) was like a kid at Christmas.

Taking their pictures on the same field as the pros, going through locker rooms, and just the feeling 18

www.shawneeoutlook.com

was incredible.”

The stadium is far more than just a dome where the NFL team plays. There’s an art museum, classrooms, and educational centers, which feature facts about the sport and the team. Visitors enjoy access to the field, the Cowboys’ and Cheerleaders’ locker rooms, the Miller Lite Club, and the postgame interview room. Knowledgeable tour guides are stationed in each area to provide information and answer questions about the stadium. On the field, visitors can throw passes, run around, and take pictures at their leisure.

“Michael loved being on the field,” said Amber Parsons. “Seeing the locker rooms and

by: Mindy Wood

Michael Parsons

the best part was being in the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader’s locker room! He said it was cool to stand where the Cowboys run out of to get on the field for the games.”

Holly Bitner said, “I lived in Plano, Texas until I was 11 and grew up going to Dallas Cowboys games. I remember feeling the excitement and being in awe of it all. My favorite part was seeing that same excitement and awe in the kids’ eyes.

Ryan said his favorite part was being able to play where the real life Cowboys play and the giant TV. screens. Ryan and Lilly, my daughter, still talk about the experience. We would do it all again in a heartbeat.”

Call Brad 445-3033 www.shawneeoutlook.com

19

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Avedis HERE FOR GOOD The Avedis Foundation brings good news to Shawnee through an initiative they believe will positively impact Pottawatomie County communities. They are spearheading Community Renewal International, a proven strategy to enrich communities through relationships that addresses unique challenges to individual neighborhoods.

The CRI model fits within the Avedis mission, which is to “improve the health, wellness, and quality of life for the people of Pottawatomie County and its surrounding communities.” In the two years since the foundation formed from the sale of Unity Hospital, Avedis has financially supported numerous causes including school playgrounds and school-based health programs, the municipal pool project, biking and walking trails, literacy projects, and infrastructure assistance for human service agencies.

CEO of Avedis, Michelle Briggs, said CRI heals communities through relationships. “Mack McCarter, the program’s founder, had the concept that the deterioration of our neighborhoods is due to the lack of relationships.

He wanted to introduce relationships back into neighborhoods and he developed a system for doing it.”

CRI develops in three phases. Phase one is to create a nonprofit organization, acquire staff, and raise awareness about the need for supportive community relationships. Once the organization is funded

by: Mindy Wood

and staffed, phase two is to establish volunteer Haven Houses. Phase three is the construction and staffing of Friendship Houses.

Both Haven and Friendship houses work with a Renewal Team that assists with problem solving issues and practical needs. These diverse teams will be comprised of business owners, non-profit agencies, and other community members..

A Haven House is a resident’s home in a chosen neighborhood that acts as a hub to engage neighbors and encourages them to help each other.

Briggs gave a practical example of how this works. “It’s neighbor-helpingneighbor. Let’s say I wake up one morning and my car is broke down. I’m a single mother and I need a ride to work, or maybe I need to find someone who can work on my car. It’s about intentional caring for each other.”

Friendship houses are built in at-risk neighborhoods with staff members who oversee relationship based neighborhood initiatives. The house features an 1,100 square foot community room which provides a safe place to facilitate after school programs, adult education, mentoring, and other community related activities..

Avedis Program Coordinator, Paula Waters, said “seeing is believing.”

Waters took several community leaders to Shreveport where CRI has been established for 20 years. They saw firsthand how caring relationships can www.shawneeoutlook.com

> 21

continued from pg. 21

transform a neighborhood.

Waters related a story of an elderly woman in an impoverished area of Shreveport who motivated her neighbors to clean up a dilapidated corner that attracted drug traffickers and turn it into a community garden. This was a turning point in transforming the block. “She said, ‘I’m not going anywhere. This is our neighborhood,’” said Waters. “If we can improve that corner, anything is possible.’”

Briggs said, “Now one of the guys who used to sell drugs on that corner helps maintain the garden.”

CRI reports an average crime drop of 40 percent in targeted Friendship House neighborhoods. A new sense of pride takes hold as neighbors work together to deter criminal behavior, beautify their homes, and break down barriers like illiteracy, and racial or socioeconomic prejudice. “Some areas were so riddled with crime, not even taxies and pizza delivery drivers would enter the community,” said Briggs. “Now they’re beautiful.”

Avedis has committed to funding phase one and is optimistic about partnerships for phases two and three. Phase one includes

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creating a 501(c)3 called Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County to ultimately attract volunteers for haven houses and staff for friendship houses.

Shawnee will be the first small community to adopt CRI and Waters said it may look a little different than it does in large cities like Shreveport, Abilene, and Washington D.C. They are working on a needs assessment and evaluating potential neighborhoods.

University Baptist Church took members to Shreveport last fall and initiated a neighboring program to begin building impactful relationships with their neighbors and coworkers through caring acts. Pastor Steve Dominy said, “We said let’s be serious about loving our neighbors, let’s get to know our neighbors and find ways to care for one another.

About 30 families have committed to this.”

Avedis continues to take groups to Shreveport to witness CRI in action. In attendance for the November trip were: Shawnee Police Russell Frantz, Interim City Manager Justin Erickson, City Commissioner Linda Agee, SPD Officer Dan Shumaker, SPD Sentinel Chris Thomas, Calvary Baptist Church Pastor David Henry,

Galilee Baptist Church member Cathy Jones.

Justin Erickson is optimistic about CRI and the city commission has issued a proclamation of support. “Lasting change takes time to implement and sustain, but with the support of the community and the Avedis Foundation, I believe this initiative holds great promise for Shawnee and I’m excited to get started. In the Community Development Department we are often treating the symptoms of poverty and neighborhood decline, but not the root causes.

Shawnee’s poverty rate is approximately 24 percent, considerably higher than the State and Federal average, so something significant needs to be done and I think CRI can be that remedy and Shawnee is so fortunate to have the Avedis Foundation backing this endeavor,” said Erickson.

Briggs said CRI was just the opportunity they were looking for. “We asked ourselves, ‘what are we going to say 10 years from now that lifted up our whole community?’ We ran into CRI and was knew this was it. We feel strongly that this is going to lift up the whole community.”

For more information, visit avedisfoundation. org or call 405-273-4055.

Happy New Year!

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Taryn Goodwin, 26 | Smoked 8 years | Smokefree 3 years

Taryn Goodwin, 26 | Smoked 8 years | Smokefree 3 years

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You can to help. Call 1-800-QUIT NOW or visit Phone (405) 273-4401 37651 45th St., Shawnee www.shawneechristchurch.com Minister - Tommy Smith Sun. Class - 9:30 am Sun. Worship - 10:30 am Sun. Worship - 6:00 pm

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Our new family providers are accepting new patients.

When you need a family provider, turn to Family Medicine Specialists. Many of our providers, including the family medicine providers who recently joined us, are accepting new patients. Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance plans are welcome. Ask us about preventive care services your health insurance may cover at no cost to you. Same- and next-day appointments are often available. Call 405-273-6383.

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Bridges, Budgets, and Boardrooms by: Mindy Wood

Melissa Dennis The Pottawatomie County Commission has their work cut out for them. The three elected officials juggle a lot of responsibilities and cover a large area of small towns sprawled across 793 square miles. Melissa Dennis, Randy Thomas, and Eddie Stackhouse are the current Pottawatomie County Commissioners.

According to a 2010 census, Pottawatomie County’s population was 69,422 people. Thirteen rural towns, seven unincorporated communities, and even a small part of Oklahoma City, are included in the county. The county commission assists and represents them all.

They are the governing body over the courthouse. While they have no authority regarding the daily operations, they are responsible for maintaining the structure itself.

“If the roof leaks, if there’s structural damage, and when it comes to (building) workplace safety, that falls on us,” said Commissioner Melissa Dennis.

They also supervise affairs in small towns such as the Free Fair Board, the OSU Extension Office, rural fire departments, and any entity who receives county tax dollars. “We’re not over that entity but we are over how they spend that tax dollar. Anybody who gets money from the county through that sales tax dollar, we are that final authority over that dollar,” said Dennis.

The county commissioners exercise direct control over the county highway system. Dennis said they often hear from taxpayers about potholes and bridges, but fixing them isn’t that easy. “One of the biggest misconceptions in county government is ad valorem taxes. I can’t spend any of that money on roads and bridges. All of our ad valorem money goes strictly to run and maintain the courthouse and the offices in the courthouse.

That money is divided up and a percentage goes to the schools, libraries, and then we get what’s left over. It’s about $4.4 million, but when you look at it, it’s not a lot of money.”

Dennis said money to fix roads comes from an ever shrinking appropriation from the state, and

the 1 cent sales tax. “We get more money from the 1 cent sales tax than we do from the state and state money is being cut every day. In my opinion, if it weren’t for the 1 cent sales tax, then our roads wouldn’t be in as good a shape as they are in.”

The county commission is also responsible for the county budget, audits the accounts of all officers handling county money, approves the county payroll, and handles the sale or purchase of public land for buildings for the county. They also determine appointments to several boards and positions such as the health department, the county jail, 911 services, and water districts.

Dennis said the commission is active with the state legislature and they enjoy a good rapport with local lawmakers. Dennis is on the Association of County Commissioners and is president of their County Government Legislation Committee. “Every year we discuss what things we need to see happen in county government and take that to our legislators.

At the same time, we are looking to see what legislators are doing.”

Economic development also falls on their desks. Because they’re responsible to stretch every tax dollar the county receives, county commissioners keep an eye out for ways to increase revenue. “We’re always looking for better ways to save money,” said Dennis.

“What some people don’t always understand is that sometimes when we spend money, we’re spending it to save money in the long run.”

As part of a $5 million incentive package, the county contributed $1.25 million toward the newest retail center under construction on N. Kickapoo. The county receives 1 percent of all sales on retail purchases, the city receives 3 percent. If conservative sales predictions hold true at $30 million annually, the $1.25 they paid to Hunt Properties will pay for itself in just over 4 years and gain the county at least $300,000 every year in tax revenue.

Eddie Stackhouse

Randy Thomas While politics and tax dollars always bring debate and different views, Dennis spoke for all the commissioners saying they welcome questions and discussion. “We are a phone call away,” said Dennis. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in city limits or rural. We’re all part of the same county and we’re all taxpayers.”

For more information about county government, call 405-273-8222. Their offices are located at 14101 Acme Road in Shawnee. www.shawneeoutlook.com

25

KEEP THE CHANGE

GREEN LIVING

Sustainable and Small Green Resolutions Hello, 2015! How many of you have already made those ever popular (or not) New Year Resolutions? And they all seem to fall in the same category: eating healthier, losing weight, stopping a habit, spending less money, spending more time with the family, etc. For 2015, why not consider making some greener resolutions? The beautiful thing about living a greener life is many of your other “resolutions” happen as a by-product.

Two words to keep in mind when thinking about greener resolutions are Sustainable and Small. You don’t have to end world hunger or totally “green” your house in the next 30 days. Start with small steps that you can sustain each day, week, or month.

Here are 2 ideas to get your green juices going:

Green Your Cleaning. The American Lung Association has revealed that on a “cleaning day” there are more toxic chemicals released in your indoor air space than outside air pollutions.

These chemicals, found in most household cleaners can be avoided by using greener cleaners. The popularity has made them very easy to find or if you have time, make your own green cleaning supplies. Some basic household supplies that are good to have on hand include white vinegar, castile soap, lemons, and some borax.

The ever- popular Pinterest offers a huge variety of DIY green cleaning recipes.

Green Your Eating: Start in the kitchen. If you find that your 4 food groups consist of take out, dine out, drive through, or microwavable, commit to cooking 1-2 meals a week using fresh ingredients that can be found at a farmer’s market. Join a CSA, community supported agriculture group to have monthly deliveries of fresh choices.

Involve the family to spend more time with them while teaching healthy life skills.

Malialani McQuerry is a Certified Holistic Wellness Coach, Holistic Nutritionist, HN, a Green Living Specialist, blogger and business owner. When not coaching clients, she loves to cook, travel, blog, and spend time with her husband, David and dog, George. For more healthy living tips, visit www.greenisntforsissies.com or www.facebook.com/GreenisntForSissies.

Have a Healthier, Happy New Year!

Rewarding Purchases Did your family get Disney movies for Christmas? If so, don’t throw away those inserts that seem like mere advertisements.

Inside every Disney movie is a code for the Disney Movie Rewards program which allows you to accrue points from movies purchased and even from ticket stubs from the movie theater. These points can be cashed in for Disney movies, theater tickets, gift certificates and various Disney merchandise. And Disney isn’t the only company rewarding you for shopping with them; there are many other brands offering points with your purchases that can be redeemed for toys, gift cards, coupons and more. Look closely at the packages you have on-hand from these popular brands for codes (typically printed somewhere on or in the package) that can be entered on the company’s website: • Kelloggs Family Rewards codes can be found inside boxes of Kelloggs cereals, but also in Keebler and Sunshine crackers and cookies.

• Pampers and Huggies each have a reward system with codes inside their diaper packaging or the wrappers on their wipes.

In addition to reward codes, many brands also offer the occasional coupon on their package – most are just for other products in their brand, but we’ve also gone bowling for free or cashed in for free DVDs from different promotions found simply on the boxes of food we were planning to buy anyway.

While you’re looking at your product packaging for personal rewards, be sure to pay attention to those that offer donations, as well. Both Campbells and General Mills have portions of their labels or box tops that can be removed and given to schools to turn in for money – ask a local teacher if they collect them, many will be happy you asked!

Check your packaging closely for rewarding opportunities before tossing in the trash!

Holistic Wellness Programs: • Weigh Less • Balance Your Blood Sugar

Angela Rowland is an OBU graduate and a stay-athome mother of three. 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)

Call for a Free Wellness Consultation!

• Lower that Cholesterol • Manage your Food Allergies • Clean Up Your Diet • Detox, Nourish and Renew • Healthy Gut, Happy Gut • Nutritional Coaching 26

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Malialani McQuerry Holistic Nutritionist, HN Certified Holistic Health Coach 405-234-6461 www.greenisntforsissies.com malialani@greenisntforsissies.com

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Shop with a Cop

by: Mindy Wood

“Shawnee is so blessed to have great leaders of our community willing and able to help so many in need. Our police force cares. I personally feel we all need to especially remember all the good our officers do for the community.”

A little girl who looked to be about 10 years old stood in line at Walmart next to Shawnee Police Chief, Russell Frantz. There was just one problem. She couldn’t find the $100 gift card to pay for it. Without hesitation, he opened up his wallet paid for the toys.

Moments like these are the magic of Shop with a Cop. For the last 6 years, Ball Pipe & Supply has championed the event which matches needy children with a police officer to shop for Christmas gifts. Children are referred by human service agencies or churches, and with the help of community support and law enforcement, each child receives $100 to spend. Sixty-eight children were at Walmart December 9.

Melissa Blankenship, director of the Shawnee Rescue Mission, said, “We can’t thank enough Shop with a Cop, Ball Pipe & Supply, and all the officers for blessing so many kids in the Shawnee area tonight who otherwise might have went without during Christmas this year.”

Officers from several departments were present, including Shawnee Police Department, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, Tecumseh Police Department, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and Absentee Shawnee.

General Manager of Ball Pipe & Supply, Kenny Williams, said the event helps kids see police officers in a positive light. “I know a couple of kids who were there, that had not originally planned to go because they had such a negative view of law enforcement officers due to some bad choices their parents had made. By the end of the night, the smiles on these two kids’ faces and the camaraderie they formed with the officer may have opened these two young kids’ eyes and will really make a difference in their lives.”

SPD Officer, Michael Meyers, agreed the event sends a clear message to kids.

“We want kids to run to us and not away from us when they’re in trouble.

We’re people too. I signed up (for Shop with a Cop) honestly because a lot of people think that what we do is more protect than serve. We serve and protect. I got into law enforcement not because I wanted to chase bad guys or write tickets, but because I truly wanted to help people.

I love putting smiles on people’s faces. Whether it’s changing a tire or making friends with a kid, I think that’s part of it too.”

Blankenship said, “Shawnee is so blessed to have great leaders of our community willing and able to help so many in need. Our police force cares. I personally feel we all need to especially remember all the good our officers do for the community.”

Co-sponsors of the event included Indaco Metals, Oilfield Equipment, Jr. Service League of Shawnee, and advertising was provided by Shawnee Economic Development Foundation.

“Several years ago one of our SEDF board members and the management of Ball Pipe & Supply shared with us their passion for the Shop with a Cop program,” said Director Tim Burg.

“Once we saw interaction between the underprivileged children and the peace officers in this area, we knew we needed to help raise awareness of this awesome event. What takes place on the evening of this event is almost magical and a wonderment to behold.”

Officers from several law enforcement agencies participated, including Shawnee Police Department, Tecumseh Police Department, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, Seminole Nation, Citizen Potawatomi Nation, and the Sac & Fox, and Absentee Shawnee.

Police Chief Russell Frantz

Cpl. Jay Keehn

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Shopaholics Do you have a credit card your husband doesn’t know about? Do you lie to your wife about how much you spend at the auto store, or about how much that latest tech gadget really cost? Are you obsessing about how to make more money, acquire more credit, or how to pay off the mounting unsecured debt staring at you every month?

If that sounds familiar, you may have what’s known to counselors as a behavioral or process addiction. Compulsive shopping and spending disorders are collectively known as “Oniomania.”

According to the “Clinical Textbook of Addictive Disorders (2005),” some of the proposed diagnostic criteria are: compulsive shopping or spending, spending to gain an emotional high or excited feeling, intense preoccupation with buying, and feeling distress as the result of spending.

Other signs include storing stacks of unused items with the shopping tags intact, repeated buying and returning, image shopping to “keep up with the Joneses,” and collector shopping as a need to have the entire collection of something.

Compulsive shopping or spending can ruin a victim’s health, relationships, and career, as the demand to maintain the addiction wrecks their life one dollar at a time. Shopaholics Anonymous and Debtors Anonymous are two support groups who know about the consequences as members often come to them for help. Some of them are court ordered as the result of embezzlement or petty larceny; others are on the brink of divorce and bankruptcy.

Clinical Director for Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, Cindy Satterfield, said addictions are usually about escape, including spending.

“There’s a relief because you’re not thinking about the stressors of life. I think our stress drives a

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lot of it. We are all fear-based, primarily. Fear of success, fear of failure, fear of not being liked, fear of financial insecurity, and for some people it can just go on and on. So then it goes back to escape, you’re not feeling feelings.”

Satterfield said trauma is at the root of many addictive behaviors and that substance abuse often coincides with an existing addiction as a coping mechanism to deal with the stress of the behavior’s consequences.

A longtime member of Debtors Anonymous, “Jane,” agreed to speak with the Shawnee Outlook on condition of anonymity. She said that while shopaholics or spending addicts do come to DA for help, they see a broader range of money problems.

“DA is wonderful for anyone with a skewed relationship with money. We don’t know how to handle it or we can’t make enough of it. Maybe we don’t know how to keep track of our money or balance a checkbook or save money. It’s just about a dysfunctional relationship with money,” she said.

According to the 12 signs of Compulsive Debting at debtorsanonymous.org, a few include poor saving habits, difficulty in meeting basic financial or personal obligations, an unwillingness to care for yourself, constant financial crisis, and compulsive shopping. DA members are often addicted to sales, the offers to spend at a discount, credit card offers, and loan companies Jane, who said that DA uses a 12 step recovery program, said the malady is in the soul. “All these addictions are really spiritual. We’re hurt somewhere deep in our soul and we try to use shopping or spending or accumulating things to make ourselves feel good and it doesn’t work.”

Changing the way members think about money and life is part of recovery. “They learn to

Cindy Satterfield believe that the universe is abundant and they’re very grateful for all the things they have, instead of being resentful of what they don’t have. It’s a state of mind that’s very big on gratitude,” said Jane.

So how do you know for sure that you have a shopping or spending addiction? Satterfield said at least 3 of the following diagnostic criteria have to be present in a 12 month period.

“The need for the substance grows, so you’re spending more time to shop or spending more and more money. You possess a persistent desire to cut down on the behavior, so you’re obsessing about not spending money. A great deal of time is spent to obtain the substance, so you’re thinking about how to apply for credit, steal, etc. Social and recreation activities are given up, so you’re not spending time at work or with your spouse. Use continues in spite of knowing you have a problem, so you know it’s bad for you but you don’t stop.”

If you need help, you can contact Gateway to Recovery and Prevention at 405-273-1170. For information about Debtor’s Anonymous, call 800421-2383 or visit debtorsanonymous.org to find a support group.

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St. Anthony Physicians Group ProviderCareDirectory Compassionate Close to Home Filimon Aguilar, APRN-CNP Urgent Care Shawnee

Ryan Aldrich, M.D. Family Medicine Shawnee

Michael W. Butcher, M.D. Internal Medicine Shawnee

Chris Carpenter, APRN-CNP Internal Medicine Shawnee

Elizabeth Caudillo, PA-C Family Medicine McLoud

William A. Chapman, M.D. Pediatrics Shawnee

Julianne Clark, APRN-CNP Pediatrics Shawnee

Russell C. Click, M.D. Family Medicine Shawnee

Orlando Diaz, O.D. Optometry Shawnee

T. Michael Dye, M.D. Orthopedics Shawnee

Timothy Geib, M.D. Orthopedics Shawnee

Brian Clowers, M.D. Orthopedics Shawnee

Lori Crow, M.D. Pediatrics Shawnee

Venkata Damera, M.D. Nephrology Shawnee

Mark L. Davis, PA-C. Family Medicine Shawnee

Merle L. Davis, M.D. Internal Medicine Shawnee

Gregory Grant, M.D. Family Medicine Shawnee

Sudhir Gupta, M.D. Cardiology Shawnee

W. John Haddad, M.D. Cardiology Shawnee

Tony Haddad, M.D. Pulmonology Shawnee

Kim Hanigar, M.D. Family Medicine McLoud

Glen R. Hanson, M.D. General Surgery Shawnee

Terrie Hanson, PA-C Obstetrics & Gynecology Shawnee

Adam Hogue, PA-C Urgent Care Shawnee

David L. Holland, M.D. Internal Medicine Shawnee

Jeremy Holter, M.D. Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Shawnee

Paul Jennings, M.D. Obstetrics & Gynecology Shawnee

Kelli Koons, M.D. Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Shawnee

G. Conrad Markert, M.D. Family Medicine Stroud

Grant McClune, M.D. General Surgery Shawnee

W. Clay McLaughlin, O.D. Optometry Shawnee

Doug Nation, PA-C Urgent Care Shawnee

Mark Neer, PA-C Family Medicine Stroud

Kanwal Obhrai, M.D. Pediatrics Shawnee

Shannon Plumb, PA-C Obstetrics & Gynecology Shawnee

Wallace R. Pratt, M.D. Allergy & Immunology Shawnee

Anna Rawdon, APRN-APN Family Medicine Shawnee

Eric Reding, M.D. Dermatology Shawnee

Wendell Richards, D.O. Family Medicine Chandler

Karen A. Rose, M.D. Pediatrics Shawnee

Carol Siniard, PA-C Family Medicine McLoud

Elise Slaybaugh, M.D. Obstetrics & Gynecology Shawnee

Darin C. Sparkman, M.D. Obstetrics & Gynecology Shawnee

R. Scott Stewart, M.D. Family Medicine Shawnee

Stephen E. Trotter, M.D. Obstetrics & Gynecology Shawnee

Laynie Shebester, PA-C Orthopedic Surgery Shawnee

Nicki Sherman, APRN-CNP Internal Medicine Shawnee

S.P. Shetty, M.D. Internal Medicine Shawnee

Clifton Whitesell, M.D. Urology Shawnee

Michael B. Wiens, M.D. General Surgery Shawnee

Chad Willis, D.O. ENT Shawnee

Mitchell Wolf, M.D. Family Medicine Shawnee

H. Stan Wood, D.O. Internal Medicine Shawnee

Lauren Wood, APRN-CNP Family Medicine Meeker

When you are looking for a health care provider to care for your family, select one of the physicians with the St. Anthony Physicians Group. With eight locations in Shawnee and surrounding communities, 405.273.5801 you are sure to find one close to home. 1.800.479.1993 For an appointment call: 405.273.5801 • 1.800.479.1993 •www.stanthonyphysicians.com/shawnee stanthonyphysicians.com/Shawnee