Shawnee Outlook July 2015 by Layers Media, Inc.

Yoga at the Park

How the Train Came to Shawnee

HOT

PURSUIT! KCBS BBQ Contest JULY 15

Vol. 12 Number 5

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SHAWNEE, OK PERMIT NO 33

www.shawneeoutlook.com

CONTENTS

JULY 2015

Publisher

Michael Keith

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Managing Editor

Mindy Wood

Creative Direction

Layers Media, Inc.

Cover Photo

Layers Media, Inc.

Writers Dr. Robert Barnard Andrea Beck Jamie Bergsten Tim Burg Tim Farley Angela Rowland Mindy Wood

21 FEATURES

Photo by Ed Bolt

DEPARTMENTS

13 Justice Center Project Inching Forward 17 Hot Pursuit! KCBS BBQ Contest

6 COMMUNITY 6 NUTRITION 101 9 FROM THE EDITOR

21 Yoga at the Park

10 BEST OF SHAWNEE

22 Glass Artist: Susan Hanna

20 SONIC CONTEST

25 Justin Erickson: City Manager

29 KEEP THE CHANGE

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.

29 EVENTS

26 The “Science” of Reducing Stress

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.

30 How the Train Came to Shawnee

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COMMUNITY

NUTRITION 101

Irritatingly Good Business Support In all honesty, we wish we could take credit for the title of this month’s article, but we blatantly copied that from another economic development organization here in the state. Some would say that plagiarism is the most sincere form of flattery, so in a way we are complimenting those we compete with in the state. Regardless of who coined that bold statement, good business support is something our organization takes VERY seriously. More often than not, what makes the headlines are articles about NEW companies coming to town or NEW retail establishments that are locating here. The cold hard facts about growth in economic development show that 80% of all net new jobs come from the existing companies that are already here. That’s why we focus a good amount of our time on supporting the needs of our existing businesses. And just how are we doing that you might ask? At your economic development organization we aren’t focused on just new businesses, but rather all of the things that can grow the local economy. If it’s an improved roadway, we’re for it. If it’s an improvement in a park or municipal pool, we think that is a great idea. If there are plans underway for an upgrade to Main Street, count us in as a supporter of such an event. If a company has job openings, we are more than happy to include those in our weekly eZine called the Monday

Memo, or even post them on our website at www.sedf.biz. If your company needs even greater exposure in attracting employees, we are eager to highlight those positions on our Facebook page or the other Facebook pages in the area that are in place to reach those who frequent such electronic venues. But our interest in supporting local companies is much greater than that. As dictated by Mother Nature, we strive to forward the latest and greatest information about the weather, the condition of the railroad, and other areas of interest that could disrupt the daily operations of our local economy. As items of possible interest to business crosses our path, we forward them to those who we believe are looking for ways to lower their costs, improve their productivity, and increase their market share in the global economy. A smart CFO once told us, “we are only as good to them as the last thing we brought to them that they could use.” Based upon that we need to offer things that are timely, appropriate, and relevant to their world. In our world, those who want to grow and improve their businesses are where we focus our priorities, whether they are already here or want to be here. Both of those entities will help us improve our local quality of life and we are eager and willing to support their needs. The trick is to support businesses without wearing out our welcome.

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. 6

www.shawneeoutlook.com

Frozen Yogurt Sandwich It’s summer time! This dessert takes less than 5 minutes to make and tastes so good on a hot summer day. Play around with different flavors and find your favorite. Make sure to buy the Greek yogurt so you can get some protein with your dessert as well.

Ingredients: • 1 container 100 calorie Greek yogurt, your flavor of choice • 6 sheets of graham crackers

Directions: Spread the yogurt equally on 6 graham cracker squares. Place one square on top of another to make a sandwich. Wrap each sandwich in foil and place in the freezer until firm; about 15 – 20 minutes. Sandwiches will last in the freezer for a couple of weeks. Makes: 6 servings, 1 sandwich each

Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories: 76 – Total Fat: 1 g – Saturated Fat: 0 g – Cholesterol: 0.8 mg Sodium: 72 mg – Carbohydrates: 12 g – Fiber: 0 g – Protein: 3 g

Nutrition 101 Tip: During the warm, long, fun days of summer it can be hard to stay on track with a healthy plan. Even adults tend to adopt a “school’s out” attitude in summer. Healthy, good tasting desserts will help you improve your health with barely any effort. When choosing desserts, watch out for all the extra sugar that can easily add up. Enjoy the summer without worrying about calories.

Andrea Beck, a Registered Dietitian, received her Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from UCO in Edmond. She offers her nutrition consulting services and strongHER workouts through Anytime Fitness and teaches nutrition at St. Gregory’s University. Andrea is an active member of Junior Service League. Visit www. strongherfitness.net for more information.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Let’s talk. Stories are everywhere. That’s not to say I only ever listen to good stories. I linger over the sad ones, too. The woes of perverted justice, the bitterness of poverty, the incontrovertible consequences of greed, and the shrewd seduction of addiction are only a few tales I’ve come to know well. We all hear them on the news or read them in our social media feeds. If only ever hear mournful or maddening stories, we can forget how wonderful the world is and how promising the future can be because of ordinary people who choose kindness, mercy, and charity. So, have you found the good in someone else who you think deserves some recognition? Do you know about an event for the community or an event that’s for a good cause? We want to know! After all, this is your community, your magazine. Help us bring out the best in our communities and keep hope alive for a brighter future. Talk to me by email, mindy@layersmedia.com or give me a shout at 405-445-3033

A lot of people ask me, “How do you write so many stories, how do you come up with all those ideas?” Well, if you must know, all my ideas come from you. When I was a kid, I was scolded for being nosy. As all curious children do, I often eavesdropped; and as all conscientious parents do, mine lectured me for it. As it turns out, being nosy---er, curious is a useful skill when you’re looking for stories and I think I’ve got the staff trained here too. We are all observing events and listening to the people around us. You wouldn’t call us spies, really, just a team of people who are determined to bring out the best in our communities. We know a good story when we see or hear it. Writers who are on the same mission regularly report back to us regarding the good things happening here. It’s always great to hear from readers who want to spotlight an unknown organization or a special person making a heroic difference in their communities.

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BEST OF SHAWNEE

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Building Stronger Kids from Within Performance Course

Performance Course is a great way for kids to enhance their fitness this summer before school sports kick off. The strengthening and conditioning program is helping kids achieve their athletic goals and learn some valuable character lessons too. Performance Course is an athletic program that has been native to Texas for almost 20 years but Jeff Diamond, director for the Oklahoma chapter, said they’ve brought the same scientifically proven techniques to Shawnee. “The programs are written by former and current college strength coaches, very similar to college strengthening and conditioning programs. They are based on a tier system. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays they do total body lifts and Tuesdays and Thursdays they do speed, conditioning, and running,” said Diamond. “The workouts are very detailed, but they’re geared toward better movement for being a better athlete.”

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Coaches include former Shawnee High School sports players, and current and former college athletes $100 who oversee the training. “They’re working hard. The our New OFF Dual Co re training by week 7 is pretty tough,” said Diamond. Technolo gy! alsoru learn noitacinummoc no sdnepParticipants ed dlrow O team building and engage in activities that build character. “We have ‘stars of the noitacinummoc dna evitingoc ruo ni enilced a ot dael smelborp gniraeH Hearing aids, which are virtually week,’ which is not necessarily based on winning every ,boj ,ylimaf ruoy no tcapmi tcerid a evah nac yeht ,dekcehcnu tfeL .seitiliba invisible, provide valuable benefits. event, but someone who’s worked the hardest and who .noisserped dna noitalosi netfo si tluser eht ,yldaS .erom hcum os dna Like participating with family and is a good leader. All the kids make a tunnel for them friends, hearing phone calls, :stifen eb elbtraffic, aulav e divorp nac ,elbisivni yllaand utrivthey era hhop cihw onto ,sdia ganimakeshift raeH podium. They have to .niaga srekrow-oc dna ,sdneirf ,ylimaf htiw etapicitraP • and other key signals. name off their team goal, individual goal, and what it .sgniht taeper ro seciov rieht esiar ot srehto rof deen eht etanimilE • Call ProCare be .esiontoday dnufor orgyour kcaFree b gnitepmoc si eremeans ht nehwtohc eeapShawnee s ssecorPWolf.” • Hearing Evaluation! The softer program is perhaps the .ytivitcudorp niatniam dna yllufsseccus etacinside ummof oC the • .slangis yek rehto dna ,llebrood ,enohmost pelet ,important. ciffart fo era“If wa e B • learn good leadership, good you character, and being a good teammate those things will gniraeh eerf ruoy rof yadot eraCorP llatranslate C .efil fo yinto tilauqeverything ruoy niageRyou do,” said Diamond. .uoy knaht lliw ylimaf ruoY .noitaulave Performance Course uses creative techniques to teach kids how to work as a team. He described www.procarehearingaid.com the unique team bonding process as “almost a eenwahS of ,noainU .N 313 and a ropes course. It has 275-5585 • 313 N. Union combination workout C

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built relationships. The goal is that they all support each other.” About 140 kids, not all sports athletes, have joined up this summer and work out at the Shawnee High School. Thanks to individual donors and a donation by the Avedis Foundation, the program only costs $20 per person instead of the $220 charged in Texas. Diamond has no intentions of making a profit. This year they operated Performance Course through the Shawnee Community Foundation but plan to establish a 501c3 organization by next year. They will donate equipment they purchased this year to the Shawnee High School athletics program. “Instead of spending money on a facility, some of the excess money for that year can go back to the schools. It makes sense not to have a facility to maintain those costs but be able to help upgrade facilities at schools,” said Diamond. Anyone can join at any time during the summer. See their ad for scheduled. For more information, email performancecourseok@yahoo.com

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To receive assistance, client must currently be in a domestic violence situation and reside in Pottawatomie, Oklahoma or Cleveland County. If client does not meet eligibility, referrals to other programs and services are always available.

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Justice Center Project Inching Forward A thirteen year old girl is on the witness stand. She is trembling, not only for fear of reliving a horrific experience but her attacker is less than five feet from where she sits. He is shackled but his eyes find her. Shaken by the sight of him, she leaves the courtroom. A woman who has lived with domestic violence finally steps forward and decides to hold her perpetrator accountable for his actions. The complicated process is so stressful and her needs so great, hope is beyond her desperate grasp. She returns to her house of hell. These are stories that haunt investigators, prosecutors, and victim advocates. In order for any domestic or sexual violence victim to obtain justice, there are at least seven agencies or steps they must take. Sadly, too many victims don’t have jobs, transportation, a place to stay, or the money they need to hire an attorney for legal proceedings. District Attorney for Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties, Richard Smothermon hopes to see that change. Last month his office along with law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and Photos Mike Burke Photography

victim advocates welcomed Alliance for Hope International to conceptualize a justice center in Pottawatomie County. Community justice centers house all services under one roof. They typically offer legal services such as protective orders or divorces, mental health counseling for families, nurses on staff for forensic interviews, human service agencies like DHS, and even an inhouse courtroom so the judge comes to the center. Victims immediately have shelter and resources to obtain justice and rebuild their lives. “They shouldn’t have to come to all of us; we should come to them,” said Smothermon. “We want all the components in one building so a victim has every need met and they have hope. If you take the perpetrator off the streets, you have given them a safe environment to go home to and given them a chance to rise above where they were. Instantly, you’ve given them a path to success.” Smothermon stressed the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse in communities. “We know from statistics that children who are >

by: Mindy Wood

“They shouldn’t have to to come to us; we should come to them”

www.shawneeoutlook.com

continued from pg. 13

victimized will often offend as they get older or continue in the cycle of domestic violence. When you break that cycle, you literally change whatever the next generation of that victim is. It’s like you rewrite their future.” The Childhood Domestic Violence Association reports that children of domestic violence are 3 times more likely to continue the cycle, 74 times more likely to commit a crime, and 50 times more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. According to the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office, there were 113 reported incidents of domestic violence in 2014. There are some challenges in creating a justice center, namely financial sustainability and facilitating unity among agencies with diverse roles. Alliance for Hope addressed those concerns with solutions and successful strategies other centers have implemented. In Fort Worth, Texas and Milwaukee, Wisconsin justice centers raised $25 million. Most centers are funded publically and privately. Casey Gwinn, president of Alliance for Hope, said, “Most of our centers are a fifty-fifty split between philanthropic and corporate funding and government funding. If

you plan a facility, the money is raised privately for the most part; then the government tends to take ownership of the building, but they agree to maintain it in perpetuity,” said Gwinn. Smothermon said they hope to have the center pay for itself up to 50 percent of the cost. They are considering having partner agencies pay for space in the justice center because rent is part of any agency’s regular overhead expenses. A training center within the building would be large enough to host conferences in the area. “The best part is that within an hour, the group had obtained commitment of over $300,000 in funding for the next two years to hire a project director and pay for temporary accommodations. The ability to raise that money in such a short period of time gave great hope to everyone there that funding the center was possible.” Although several participants were concerned about multiple agencies under one roof, Smothermon said they were optimistic after working together in breakout sessions. “What happened in that room for two days was amazing. Everyone involved worked very well together over the two day period.

JULY 6

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Casey Gwinn, Gael Strack, and Richard Smothermon

Everyone was involved in the process and able to work through problems together. What this proved to everyone there was that we all can work together. In short, we all realized that we already, in that room, had a functioning family justice center; that we were working in concert to help victims. All we need now is a building,” he said. Alliance for Hope will submit a strategic plan. “When that is sent to us, we’ll know what our next steps are,” said Smothermon.

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by: Mindy Wood

KCBS BBQ Contest

arbeque contests have become a subculture of food, family, and fun but don’t let the sweet southern tradition fool you. It’s also an intense competition spiced with plenty of rivalry. Cash prizes, trophies, and good old fashioned pride drive contestants every weekend all over the region to try their plate as a winner. The Shawnee Police Foundation Hot Pursuit Cook-off will be held at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center July 24-25. The prize money is set at $10,000. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, trained judges will taste test the best chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder/butt and brisket. The tasting isn’t only for judges. Barbecue tasting kits are $7 for adults and $4 for kids. The family friendly event will have inflatables and games for kids, a dunk tank, finger-printing kits, and live music with Melissa Hembree and Union Whiskey. The Shawnee Police Department will have the Humvee and MRAP, and offer police car rides.

“It’s one big family, the people in this region are awesome. A lot of teams compete every weekend so you’ll see them every weekend.”

www.shawneeoutlook.com

continued from pg. 17

Tips Oklahoma is home to several KCBS’s world champions, most of them in the top 50 out of 19,000 members in the society. A local experienced winner offered advice for beginners and gave us an inside look at these tasty competitions. David Qualls of Tecumseh ranks third in the world according to the KCBS’ weekly chart. The ranking fluctuates weekly depending on the outcome of contests. Qualls has 19 Grand Champion awards, 9 Reserve Grand Champion, and 40 first place category finishes. This year alone his team, The American Dream BBQ, have won 5 National Grand Champion awards. “There’s a litany of information out there on YouTube. There’s two or three message groups, the Barbecue Brethren, the BBQ Forum, and Big Poppa Smokers have forums where you can interact. It’s a good network of forums out there, everything from advice on what you need to bring to a contest to getting your ribs down to 275 degrees,” said Qualls. Qualls said there’s a definite art and science to cooking barbecue. “There’s a lot of cooking techniques especially with barbecue: whether you go low temperature for a long period of time or high heat in a short amount of

time, do you cook with water, steam, wood, or charcoal? Depending on your style of cooking, you have to blend your spices to complement that. There’s some spices that you would put on a rack of ribs that if you cook low and slow, it would taste terrible but if you change up the composition of the spice, it’s very good.” Judging BBQ Once contestants enter the competition, their entry goes to a table of judges who judge a fixed number of entries. The number of judging tables depends on the number of entries. They score based on presentation, taste, and texture or tenderness. “Judges go through KCBS classes to learn what they’re looking for, even though it’s really subjective. You have judges who may not like sweet ribs or someone may like soft ribs,” said Qualls. Titles vary but often are Grand Champion for the highest score in all categories, Reserve Grand Champion, and then something known as “getting a call” is recognition given to anyone placing in the top 10 in each category. Hot Pursuit will also present a “People’s Choice” award determined by public vote. Qualls said it’s an honor to get calls. “They

usually call the top 10 in each category and you get a prize of some sort like money, trophy, or awards. For any team to get a call is a major accomplishment as competitive as it is; to finish up there and get a Grand Champion overall, or a first place category in really an accomplishment. None of these contests are easy.” Typically KCBS contests are run in 30 minute intervals starting at noon with chicken, then ribs, pork shoulder/butt and last, brisket. The Culture Don Clark with Indian Territory Smoke BBQ said even though cooking can be stressful, it’s a lot of fun and a tight-knit group. “It’s one big family, the people in this region are awesome. A lot of teams compete every weekend so you’ll see them every weekend.” Clark has 5 Reserve Grand Champions this year, the most recent placement was the Firelake KCBS competition. He said competitions take him and fellow contestants all over the south and Midwest. He’s been to Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Arizona. Register It’s not too late to enter. Applications are available at hotpursuitbbq.org.

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YOGA AT THE PARK

by: Mindy Wood

Now there are more reasons to try yoga. Not only is it free in our community, but there’s no gym membership required. Yoga in the Park (YIP) is a yoga program held in several cities in Oklahoma, but it’s new to Shawnee. YIP is designed to “freely share the joy of yoga through affiliated but independent and diverse volunteer groups meeting in our beautiful public parks.” Carla Haddox, a yoga instructor at St. Gregory’s Mabee Aerobic Center, wanted to share the joy of yoga in nature with the community. Using Facebook and some fliers, she broke the record for an opening YIP session. Twenty-eight families with children and pets attended April 21 at the Sister City Park near the airport track. The group now has 163 members on Facebook. Shawnee’s YIP is unique because it’s not run by video instruction but area instructors who volunteer their time. “I have been the lead instructor for most sessions and serve as the lead by default, but other instructors in Shawnee, namely Delinda Curtis and Natalie Hogan, have also volunteered their time to lead,” said Haddox. “Instructors from outside our group have shown interest, including Andrew Eppler, the owner of the Ashtanga Yoga Studio in Norman and one of the state’s best known yogis who teaches all over the world.” The group’s motto is, “two friends doing yoga together is a success,” said Haddox. “Truly all it takes to start such a program is to find a friend that will commit with you and start meeting at a park. With this attitude, anyone from a small

town to a big city can start a group. YIP is free because we meet in public parks since we are just friends gathering for a workout.” Haddox said almost anyone can do yoga. “While teaching during the past couple of years, I have watched men and women of all ages, body types, and fitness levels transform their bodies and minds while practicing yoga. All poses can be modified to fit any body type, injury, or limitation.” When she started her first yoga session, the stress from her career as an administrative law judge and tribal court judge pushed her weight to 240. She was skeptical, but pleased by the overwhelming support from the group and how quickly she felt and looked better. “I lost 90 pounds and was healthier than I had ever been—mentally, physically, and spiritually,” said Haddox. After she experienced outdoor sessions at a yoga conference in Santa Monica last year, she fell in love with the idea of people coming together to move and breathe in nature. “Being outside can intensify the yoga experience in many ways since nature inspires all the things you try to drive home with students: focusing awareness, breathing deeply, practicing stillness,” said Haddox. Some of the benefits she has experienced and witnessed include: improved flexibility, mobility, and posture, weight-loss, mental clarity, and stress management. “Many combat veterans come to yoga who are dealing with PTSD, others

who struggle with depression are also finding relief on the mat. It’s open to all religions and beliefs and is truly a personal experience for anyone who practices.” Classes are held Tuesdays at 6:30PM and usually last an hour. Some members observe a time of meditation before and after sessions. Mats are available. Visit their Facebook page, “Yoga in the Park Shawnee” for more information.

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Glass Artist: Susan Hanna Susan Hanna is supposed to be retired, but that’s hardly the case since she’s turned her longtime passion into a full-time job. Hanna is a glass artist who fell in love with the artwork in the mid-1980s, but at that time it was more of a hobby since she was working a normal schedule. She retired recently after 18 years at the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office. Now, she’s up at 4 in the morning, fires up the kilns and begins creating. It’s a passion she enjoys and she doesn’t worry if her art sells. “I make what I like to make,” she said. “It’s hard to know what will sell, so I pick out pictures and patterns of something I’ve seen and liked. You have to enjoy it because it may or may not sell. I’ll keep doing it until I can’t do it anymore.” Some of her artistry includes necklaces, plates, bowls, glass sculptures, framed work, and seasonal pieces for Christmas and Halloween. Of course, she also accepts custom jobs.

Hanna uses a variety of recycled glass for some of her pieces, including car windows and door glass. She also uses fused and dichroic glass, which NASA developed for its space program. Her work is on display and for sale at the Main Street Photo Studio and Gallery in Shawnee and the Funky Trunk in Yukon. With a work area in her home, Hanna uses a computer-controlled kiln that heats glass to a temperatures ranging from 1,400 to 1,500 degrees. Typically, she traces her pattern on the glass and then paints over the tracing before placing the item in the kiln. “You have to make sure the glass is clean or else a single smudge or fingerprint will be seen,” she said. A lot of the artistry comes from knowing how hot the kiln should get so the artist can mold the glass as they want. “You’re hoping it (glass) doesn’t crack while it’s in the kiln or that it doesn’t cool down too fast,” she said. Hanna and some of her fellow glass artists have traveled as far as Las Vegas to hear worldclass glass artists share tips and information about the craft. “It’s such a learning process,” she said. “Every time we go to Las Vegas, we pick up new tips or ideas about making our artwork better.” Hanna showed offsome plates with horse designs and mosaics of the scale of justice and Lady Justice. When it comes to pricing, Hanna knows she has to charge more than large retailers like Hobby Lobby.

by: Tim Farley

“It’s labor intensive and one piece can take several hours,” she said. “So, you can’t compete with those stores which might sell something for $10 as opposed $55 to $75 from an individual artist.” Typically, glass artists sell their work for $100 a square foot, she said. Hanna’s work can range in price from $26 for necklaces to several hundred or several thousand depending on the size of the project. For more information, contact Hanna at sehanna@cox.net or call 405-414-2692.

Photos Ed Bolt Photography

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Justin Erickson

CITY MANAGER

The Shawnee Outlook asked new City Manager, Justin Erickson, to tell us about a typical day in his office. The truth is you won’t find him in his office all day because he’s in meetings with city departments and serving on boards. Erickson is constantly obtaining and evaluating information in those meetings because it’s his job to report to the city commission regarding the city’s needs and financial condition. He is responsible to recommend measures that require action by ordinance or resolution. It’s also up to Erickson to make sure laws and ordinances are enforced. “Last week I had probably 20 meetings, but this week it was more like 10,” he said. “My day is quite varied. The city manager serves on a number of boards and those that aren’t by appointment are just regular tenets. A chamber meeting, an economic development meeting, the expo, and Visit Shawnee, Inc. are just a few that take up about half my day.” Like the city clerk’s office, the city manager either has a city commission meeting or is planning an agenda for the next one. Because he presides over all city departments, with exception of the municipal judge, city treasurer, and city attorney, there’s always a quasi-emergency meeting. “There are many things that come up that the manager has to be involved in, like personnel matters.” Although department heads are responsible to interview potential employees, the city manager is ultimately responsible for hiring and firing city employees. If necessary, he dons the hat of an investigator. Under section 1.g titled “powers and duties of city manager” it states he “shall have power at any time to investigate the affairs of any department.” It’s not as serious as it sounds. “I have broad latitude to make such investigations, but they would generally not be independent of our formal procedures. Also, any action or investigation concerning Police and Fire union employees would be subject to all regulations set forth in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and the requirements set forth in state law.” Erickson is new to the job, but not new to the city of Shawnee. He moved here from Washington in 2008 when he was hired as city planning director and the city commission installed him as city manager June 1. “I was interested in the job because of my tenure and understanding of city functions and desire to grow the community. I felt I could push some of the initiatives I was passionate about in my old job in a different capacity.” Those initiatives reflect the commission’s latest projects, including economic development and quality of life

by: Mindy Wood

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CURIOS WHIMSIES improvements. He mentioned the pool and splash pad, airport track improvements, and bike trail on Bryan as recent or ongoing improvements. Erickson hopes to see more economic development. “We obviously survive on sales tax so we need to encourage and promote opportunities that benefit sales tax that can also include job creation and a strong economic base beyond just retail type enterprises.” On his desk now is the need for water and sewer infrastructure improvements. Shawnee has adopted a master water and sewer plan. “There are literally tens of millions of dollars in improvements that will be needed over the next 20 years,” Erickson said. “We’ve got to find a way to make that as affordable to rate payers as possible.” The Kickapoo project and the need for street improvements are ever present. Apparently Shawnee, Kansas also has road woes. “We get calls from Shawnee, Kansas to fix their roads. They don’t realize they’ve called the wrong Shawnee,” he smiled. The city manager’s office gets a lot of phone calls, up to 60 calls a day. Most calls simply need to be routed to the appropriate department, but Erickson doesn’t mind the calls as he’s pledged an open door policy. “I want to be accessible to our city departments and to the community as much as possible.” For more information about the office of city manager, visit shawneeok.org.

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The “Science” of Reducing Stress Stress from everyday responsibilities at work or home has an immediate effect on the body. In the short term that’s not necessarily a bad thing, since it helps one cope with tough situations, but chronic stress can put one’s physical and mental health at risk. A free program at the Shawnee Public Library this summer aims to teach participants how to use some simple science to improve both body and mind. Eileen Castle, outreach coordinator for the Oklahoma Museum Network and longtime employee of Science Museum Oklahoma, will present “De-Stress with the Science of Herbs and Oils” on Thursday, July 16th, beginning at 6PM. Castle, with other representatives from the OMN, will show participants which essential oils are best for relaxation, germ-killing, and pain. Activities and discussion will center on the chemistry and simplicity of making one’s own bath products, and those in attendance will leave with their own creations to use at home. “The subject we chose when we were developing this program was based, in part, on the changes we’ve noticed around the community and the country,” Castle said. “Working in a science museum has allowed us to witness first-hand the birth and growth of the Maker Movement. Additionally, easy access to websites and online communities, like Pinterest and Instructables.com, has provided amazing forums for people to share ideas and inspire others. I think most people long to hop off the pre-made, fast-paced world and return to a healthier and more

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natural lifestyle. In my opinion, one of the best ways to rejuvenate an overstressed mind and body is to indulge in a relaxing warm bath!” In keeping with the DIY mindset, the program allows participants to experience how easy it can be to prepare luxurious bath and skincare products. Castle will introduce the use of fresh and dried herbs, essential oils, and ingredients from the kitchen pantry, along with the added benefit of allowing program guests to control which ingredients they choose. “We use the science of chemical reactions to create bath teas and shower fizzies. We explore different oils (coconut, apricot seed, grape seed, almond) and combine them with plant-based ingredients to make a soothing after-sun lotion.” The program will also discuss the science behind aromatherapy. “The olfactory, or smell, receptors in your nose transmit signals to the parts of the brain that store memories and emotions. The emotions you feel and the environment you’re in when you first encounter a scent will color how you perceive it. That’s why when you smell something again, it often brings back the memories associated with that scent. When choosing what scents to combine together in bath and skin products, it’s helpful to consider how you feel emotionally about those smells.” All supplies will be provided by the museum network, and those in attendance can customize their homemade creations to get just the right

scent. They can then take the products home that night and try them anytime. “I love essential oils, and I use them daily,” Castle said. “I use them in homemade lotions, hair rinses, and bath products. I often use peppermint on my temples to ease headaches and lavender to help me sleep. I also use them diluted in water as natural cleansing solutions. As a starter essential oil, lavender is a good choice. It has a mild, soothing fragrance, is safe for most ages, and can be used directly on the skin if necessary.” This is just one in a series of great programs being presented by the Pioneer Library System as a part of their Summer Reading Program. For more information, visit the library, call them at 275-6353, or visit www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org/ shawnee.

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EVENTS

KEEP THE CHANGE

JULY

Family Fun in Shawnee As a family of six, we have certainly come to value family activities that don’t stretch the budget. Here are some fun ways to take a “family date” without pulling too much from the wallet. Visit a local park – we have plenty to choose from! Visit ShawneeParks.org to find a detailed list and maps of all the parks in Shawnee, including memorials and playgrounds. Go for a picnic and, even if your kids aren’t toddlers anymore, take them to a swingset or take turns down the slide – everyone likes to play every once in awhile! Go for a family bike ride (or just a walk!) on the airport track or the new bike trail along Bryan. Christmas in July – draw names from a hat and take a family trip to the Dollar Tree. Give an item limit (just one, or no more than five, etc.) and let everyone pick silly or useful things for the name on their list. Trade gifts with each other, or pick friends or neighbors to surprise! Check out visitshawnee.com or facebook.com/booonbell (the official page for SEFF – Safe Events for Families) to see free, local events, such as Block Party on Main Street, among others. Cook dinner together. Choose a new recipe from Pinterest or a magazine and let everyone help make a special dinner just for your family (bonus points if you eat it outside!). Even help the little ones learn to fold napkins! Take a family field trip. Subscribe to Groupon or Living Social for deals to local museums, or find a free tour (such as at the National Weather Service in Norman) and learn something together! With a little bit of ingenuity, there is plenty of fun to be had as a family in Shawnee!

JULY 1ST -29TH The Shawnee Public Library’s Summer Reading program continues with hands on learning and live entertainment. Superheros, firefighters, cowboys, and movies are just a few items on the agenda. Visit pioneerlibrarysystem.org/ shawnee for more details.

JULY 5TH -10TH It’s Oklahoma’s richest rodeo, IFYR is back with the best rodeo riders, ropers, and rompers. Enjoy vendor booths, concessions, and a great show from these young professionals at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center.

JULY 10TH Shawnee Community Blood Drive gives you the chance to save lives at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, in the Parish hall, at 501 N. Broadway. They will be open from 12:30PM to 5:30PM.

JULY 16TH 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)

Summer stressing you out? Try destressing naturally with essential oils and herbs. PLS speaker Eileen Castle will introduce you to

the many uses for oils and herbs for everything from stress to germs and pain relief. The presentation is at the Shawnee Public Library and begins at 6PM.

JULY 17TH -19TH Jungle Book Kids comes to Shawnee Little Theatre at 8:30PM on the 17 and 18, at 2PM on the 19. SLT is located at 1829 Airport Road.

JULY 24TH -25TH The first annual Police Foundation Hot Pursuit BBQ Cook-off is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Tasting kits are $7 for adults and $4 for kids. Inflatables, live music, police car rides, and safety fingerprinting kits for kids will be available. Admission is free. Entries will be judged between noon and 1:30PM.

AUGUST 3RD Aug 3 Stay connected to what’s going on in your city. The Shawnee City Commission meets the first Monday of every month at 6:30PM. Drop in or watch online at shawneeok.org

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How the Train Came to Shawnee It was time for the “Run” to take place on September 22, 1891. The Territorial Government had designated a location for the county government. It was located on higher ground than the river bottom and geographically in the center of County B. Later, it was named Tecumseh. Thousands of people surrounded the area designated as town lots. The Run was postponed for one day which caused great confusion and some deaths. At high noon, the shot was fired and thousands raced across the Kickapoo boundary. In the crowd at the southwest corner of 19-104 (today’s Kickapoo and Highland Streets) of the Kickapoo boundary, was a young unmarried girl. She was Etta Ray from Oklahoma City. Her boyfriend was Henry Beard. He was working and could not come. At a point one-half mile south of Etta’s location was Mr. J. T. Farrall who was ready to stake the next half section. It should be noted that many people secretly entered the lands that were to be given by the Run. They looked for the best property. When the soldiers fired their guns, Etta Ray ran across the border and staked one hundred sixty acres. She stayed in a tent that night. Henry and his family arrived the next night. Eventually, Etta and Henry married. With help, they quickly built a cabin which is now located at the Historical Society. As time passed, enterprises that developed in the new Shawnee began to move north to connect with Etta Beard’s property. Her husband,

AOK b23-7s Nos. 4062 and 4064 work hard as they cross the North Canadian River near Shawnee, OK

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By Dr. Robert Barnard, member of Pottawatomie County Historical Society

Henry, began to recruit businesses to the larger Shawnee area. Mr. Farrall’s north street was labeled Seventh Street. The next east and west street developed south of Etta’s property was labeled Eighth Street. As Shawnee grew before the train arrived, the street became known as Main Street. In the year 1891, there was constant turmoil in County B between the settlements of Tecumseh and Shawnee. Tecumseh wanted to have the county seat and have a railroad come through town. Most of the enterprises in “Shawneetown” moved to the new settlement located north of the river. Yet another conflict was caused by a man named Griffenstein who tried to divert a railroad coming from the east that was headed toward Oklahoma City. His property was at Burnett located west near Little River. He was not successful. Henry Beard was aware that the train had not arrived. Tecumseh was actively trying to convince any train line to come to the county seat of County B. Henry had an idea that might work. He would offer the Choctaw, Oklahoma, and Gulf Railroad to cross the North Canadian River somewhere south of the village of McLoud. This railroad was located on the west of the river heading south back to its headquarters at McAlester. Up to this point they had not built a bridge but simply followed the curvature of the river. The company was owned by the Choctaw Tribe and had limited funds. Henry rode west until the construction of the track was seen. He made a bonus offer to the officials of the CO&G Railroad. He told them that if they changed from the west side to the east side of the river, they would receive forty acres in the center of the growing town of Shawnee. This land was part of Etta Ray’s allotment that joined Mr. Farrall’s land. Development on this land was growing southward and would be a part of the new Main Street. The Choctaw, Oklahoma, and Gulf officials accepted the offer. They built a bridge over the North Canadian and east to Shawnee. During

This train was the first to run into Shawnee, July 4, 1895, over the new tracks to Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf Railroad. It was followed by an excursion train of 50 flat cars bringing sightseers.

1894, J. T. Farrall joined his north boundary with the Beards and started moving some of his tenants to the never opened Eighth Street. The Beards started stores on the north side of Eighth Street. It was the “New Shawnee.” Two banks were founded. In early 1895, the diverted railroad arrived. On July 3, 1895 the railroad construction crew had reached today’s Park Street. The owners told the crews to work harder and get the track to the Kickapoo boundary by noon the next day. If they achieved the goal, they would get all the beer that they could drink. They succeeded. At noon on July 4, 1895, the train arrived. Many people were on flat cars and a large party took place. New Shawnee really grew because the CO&G moved all of its rail shops and employees to Shawnee, almost 2000 men and their families. Although the arrival of the train in Shawnee was somewhat tenuous at first, it did take place. One could say that the railroad really made Shawnee grow. And Eighth Street did become Main Street. Bibliography: Fortson, John. Pottawatomie County and What Has Come of It, Pottawatomie County Historical Society, 1936.

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