SHawnee Outlook

Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives | A Goodnight’s Dream

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contents M Arch 2011

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25

17 features

Publisher

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Managing Editor

Mindy Wood

Design

Photography

Michael Keith

Layers Media, Inc. Dejah Quinn

Writers

Scott Bartley Tim Burg Melanie Phillips Clemens Anthony L. Gilbert Bob Searl Mindy Wood

Distribution

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

Comments or

Suggestions?

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

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

departments

13 Scout’s Honor: Tomorrow’s Leaders

6 Letter from the Editor 6 Chef’s Kitchen

17 Dive Right In 21 Heart Strings: Harpist Paula Compton

9 Community Shawnee Economic Forecast 2011

22 Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives

10 Scott’s Space Reading is Fundamental

25 Free Enterprise Renewed at OBU

20 Sonic Contest

29 A Goodnight’s Dream

26 Faces

Volume 8, Number 1 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Layers Media, Inc. Š 2011 Layers Media, Inc. Articles and advertisements in Shawnee Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Layers Media. Layers Media does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by Shawnee Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Shawnee Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

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letter

from the editor

I hope this letter greets our readers with the fair weather of our changing season! With snow behind us, we spring forward to the loveliness of all things brightly colored and sunny.

We are bringing you some changes right here in the Shawnee Outlook. New to our editorial team of contributing writers is Anthony Gilbert, Tim Burg, and Ken Stafford. In order to bring a diverse array of features that inspire, educate and entertain our far reaching audience we decided to add a few departments.

Tim Burg, Executive Director of Shawnee Economic Development Foundation reports on the latest economic news relative to our community through “Shawnee’s Economic Outlook.” His vast experience as a successful business owner and economic developer merge to deliver you relative insight concerning the local and regional economy.

Ken Stafford, Executive Chef and owner of Droffats Catering brings more than twenty years experience in the culinary arts! You’ll find recipes, food preparation tips, news about the latest entertainment tricks to wow your guests or just brighten up the usual dinner time in your home.

We’re happy to welcome back funny man Scott Bartley in Scott’s Space and new writer Anthony Gilbert, family man and sports extraordinaire.

The Shawnee Outlook Magazine is proud to tell your stories and bring you fresh, relative content that meets the diverse interests of our audience.

Our local team of writers connect you with the many facets of our growing community. Thank you for allowing us into your homes every month.

Gratefully,

Mindy Wood Mindy Wood Managing Editor

p.s. Be sure to stop by our facebook page for more additional content like photos, blog posts, and local event information.

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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www.shawneeoutlook.com

Chef’s Kitchen

SIMMERED PORKCHOPS with Mashed Red Potatoes and Green Beans

• 6 Pork Chops or Sliced pork loin • 1- Family Size can of Cream of Mushroom Soup • Yellow mustard • Salt and Pepper • Red Potatoes • Sour cream • Garlic powder • Butter or margarine • Milk • Fresh Green Beans • 1 Red Bell Pepper • Sliced Mushrooms • Lemon Pepper • Garlic Powder • Margarine This is one of my favorite Pork recipes. Its some great southern comfort food and easy to prepare. An electric skillet works great for the Chops or you can use a large non stick skillet. Coat both sides of the Chops with yellow mustard, salt and pepper to taste. Brown both sides of Chops in the skillet scraping the bottom of the pan once or twice. After both sides are browned, about 2 minutes a side. Pour 1 Family size can of Cream of mushroom soup over the chops, cover, and simmer approximately 1 hour flip the chops once or twice. You know theyre done when they tear gently with a fork.

Wash enough red potatoes to serve 5-6 people and remove any eyes from the potatoes. Half or quarter the potatoes depending on their size, and boil until tender.

Rinse the potatoes once and drain as much water as possible. Its hard to say exactly how much milk, butter, and sour cream to use because its really up to your personal taste. You might start with a ¼ cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 2 dashes of garlic powder, salt and pepper. Remember you can always add more but you cant take it out once its in there. Hand mash or use an electric blender. Don’t over mix. You will want to leave quiet a bit of texture to the potatoes. Although the potatoes taste great by there self, the sauce from the pork chops make a great topping.

Rinse the green beans, slice one red bell pepper, and 4 or 5 large Mushrooms. In a large non stick skillet melt a tablespoon of margarine and add the green beans and bell pepper. Toss once or twice and add 2 dashes garlic powder, add 2-3 dashes lemon pepper. Saute lightly for a couple of minutes, then add the mushrooms, toss a few times and add ¼ cup of water cover and simmer until the beans are tender to your liking.

This makes a great meal, easy to fix and even easier to clean up. It doesn’t have to be difficult to cook in order for it to be a great meal. Keep it simple and enjoy the cooking as much as the meal!

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

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Community

Looking Out for Shawnee by: Tim Burg

It’s March and how are we all doing with those New Year’s Resolutions that we knew we need to complete? Some of them are on track and well, some aren’t. In the economic development world we have a different view on what needs to be done and it revolves around what we feel would compliment our professional activities. This year we have resolved to: 1. Do more with less…

Instead of spending more, we’re sharpening our pencils to determine how we can reach more people and accomplish more work for less dollars. We believe our new website and the Monday Memo are great places to start those areas of improved communication.

2. Spend more time with our manufacturers…

We love the work that comes from meeting with our manufacturers. They actually provide us with our “To Do List” of where they need our help the most. Our manufacturers hold greatest opportunity for job growth in this community.

3. Spend more time with our manufacturers…

No it’s not a repeat or an error. Filling the gaps of what other manufacturers could be located here begins with asking our manufacturers what they need. They can tell us where they need support, what they are struggling to purchase or needed services to be completed locally.

4. Identifying the regional clusters…

What’s that? Do we have a group of manufacturers or service industries that allow us to be different from other areas? In a regional perspective do we stand out differently than other parts of the state or the nation? By identifying these we can market ourselves to those seeking such attributes.

5. Workforce and skills development…

As our world changes so do the demands of our local industries and businesses. How do we know what they’ll need or what type of jobs they might create in the next five years? Our crystal ball gets a bit hazy here, but we believe the first step to solving this puzzle is to assist with developing marketable and transferable skills with that future workforce.

6. Measure, analyze, evaluate and adapt…

That which gets measured gets done. If we don’t ever look at our successes and failures, how will we know if we are making any headway? This next year we’ll spend more time taking a close look where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

Tim Burg is Executive Director of Shawnee Economic Development Foundation, one of only 1,100 certified economic developers in the world.

His past experience as a successful business owner and multiple division manager enhance his ability to engage business retention and expansion by providing strategic planning, marketing efforts, and viable businesses intelligence data.

7. Changing the way we think…

The world is changing everyday. Yesterday’s news is just that, yesterdays. We need to be nimble, innovative and adaptive to the world around us. Being better, less expensive and faster is our goal.

8. Become fiendish about data…

Spinning a story isn’t the way to help local businesses or win a new company. We need to be certain we have the freshest information from the most accurate sources. Telling the truth about what we have and why it matters is critical.

As we quickly approach the mid-year point we will be spending some time measuring and evaluating each one of these areas to make sure we are on track, (sticking to the resolutions) and adjusting and retooling as needed. From our perspective we can either adapt, improvise, innovate or perish.. For more information about your economic development, sign up for the Monday Memo at www.sedf.biz

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I’m baa-aack! Hey kids- didja miss me? I have returned from my wanderings in the desert, and descended from my prayer tower to once again share with you, dear readers, my little literary gems. But lest you get your hopes up, don’t worry- my writings will still be pointless drivel. I did not gain some deeper insight while I was gone, so fear not- I’m just as shallow as I’ve ever been.

How about those crazy blizzards? I like a good snow, but seriously?? I love my children, but they desperately needed to go back to school after a day or two. I’m not sure if we are really meant to be with our family nonstop for that length of time. Like Peter Cetera once said, “Everybody needs a little time away....”. One good result from being snowed in, was I did quite a bit of reading. Haven’t read that much in a long time, and it was nice to know that my brain hadn’t turned to total mush from all of that TV watching.

When I was a kid, I was a voracious reader.

Some of my early favorites were Encyclopedia Brown and the Hardy Boys. I did love a good mystery. My youth was also filled with various comic books, as I’ve talked about before.

Yes, I still collect them- I’m up to almost 5,000 now. But my reading love affair really took off when my sister finally let me start reading Stephen King. Yes, THAT Stephen King- the one that is primarily associated with Horror.

I’m not sure how old I was (I’m sure it was an appropriate age), but I immediately fell in love with his books, and wanted to read all I could get my hands on. I think the first one I read

was “Firestarter”, and then went on to everything else he had published. To this day, I still consider him my favorite author. Some of my favorites of his include his opus, “The Stand” (which I’ve read numerous times), and the series that I just finished reading in the past few weeks- “The Dark Tower” books.

King has never really been loved by the critics, and yes, his books can get a bit gory at times. But his storytelling, and his rich characterization are what draws me to him. I’ve said previously that what draws me into a TV show or film are the characters- I have to care about them. And Mr. King has created some of my most beloved characters.

I’ll admit- even though I have a Degree in English Lit, most of what I read are not considered to be deep, meaningful novels. In addition to King, I’ve enjoyed reading books

by John Grisham, Dean Koontz, Pat Conroy, Tom Clancy, and Dan Brown. I just love a good story, and if there’s a hidden, deeper meaning, then great. I will admit, probably garnering scorn from many of you, that I have not read the Harry Potter books. I tried to read the first one, but couldn’t finish it.

I think that since the protagonists were all kiddies led to my lack of interest. I did read the final book, and I’ve seen all of the movies- does that count? Anyhoo, it’s good to be back, and if you have any suggestions for any good books I should read, let me know.

I’ve enjoyed getting back to my book friends, even if I do have to use my old man reading glasses now.

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Scott Bartley is an Aflac Associate Agent and has been for the last three and a half years.

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

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Scout’s Honor by: Mindy Wood

t o m o r r o w ’ s

Children touch our world as messengers of innocence, joy, and optimism. Their ringing laughter, and simple trust restore our belief in all things pure and sweet. As parents, mentors, and guardians we know how impressionable they are and conscientiously choose their influences. For more than 100 years, Boys and Girls Scouts have been one of the largest and most trusted worldwide youth programs shaping leaders of tomorrow.

From little helping hands to adolescent advocates, these scouts are not just learning how to build campfires and make crafts. Both scouting organizations teach strong values like hard work, good citizenship, and leadership skills that stay with them for life.

It’s no secret that boys and girls are opposites so it’s surprising to see what they have in common. The girls love camping as much as the boys do and the boys like crafts as much as the girls do. She sells cookies, he sells popcorn but both scouting crews develop compassion for others through civic involvement and community projects, learn to build healthy relationships, make good choices, and the importance of honest, responsible leadership.

Girl Scout Troop leader, Beth Canaday has a troop of girls ranging in age from six to twelve. Planting flowers, picking up trash, serving coffee to the homeless and breakfast to election poll volunteers, they’ve also volunteered for Family Promise, a non-profit organization serving displaced families. “When they see people living on the street and go home it makes them thankful. They’re not going to be people who litter because they’ve picked up trash. They have a sense of pride in their community when they pass by the flower beds they’ve planted,” said Canaday. “And when I ask them what their favorite activities

l e a d e r s

Rhea and Shea Moore

Boy Scout Pinewood Derby

are, they talk about singing in nursing homes or helping the homeless. Those are the causes they take pride in.”

Randy Smith, chairman of Canadian Oklahoma District Committee, reported recent Boy Scout efforts. “They’ve planted trees at city parks and helped shovel snow in driveways for folks who needed it. The biggest project we do is the food drive for the Salvation Army. We divide up the city with the goal of knocking on every door and leaving a bag to collect food. The next week they’re so excited to go back and pick up the food, take it to the Salvation Army and sort the food for distribution. This year we’re planning to help with the benefit dinner for Habitat for Humanity but also work on the houses.”

In Boys and Girls Scouts the kids plan activities, decide projects, and elect leaders under adult guidance. Every activity is structured and framed by lessons relative to the values that the program teaches, producing impressive results. “Statistically boys who complete just a couple of years in scouting are more likely to graduate from high school,” said Smith. “I’ve seen boys who, if it weren’t for scouting, I’m convinced would be in trouble.”

City Manager Brian McDougal, former Eagle Scout serves as VP for the Canadian Valley District. “Scouting is one of the things I credit with what I do for a living. It has a wide reaching affect on a community because it gives kids an outlet, another option.” >

www.shawneeoutlook.com

13

continued from pg. 13

Having choices is something that incarcerated teenagers at Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center (COJC) in Tecumseh are learning through scouting programs.

Adult scouting volunteers bring them a program focused on life skills, self esteem, and healthy relationships. Crystal Slater, Chief Development Officer for western Oklahoma, was skeptical. Initially, the girls didn’t respond well but when she revisited the troop weeks later, Slater was amazed at the difference. “I was really surprised because each of them gave us a hug, told us their names and sat down at the table. When we handed out the Girl Scout promise and law cards they all stood up and recited it without being asked. I was blown away that they knew it and initiated it. The ten of them recited it louder than our forty staff members do at staff meetings. It brought tears to my eyes.”

Trapped inside a survival mindset, their deep seated insecurity crippled any vision for their future but all that changed.

“One of them plans to be a nurse, another one wants to be a criminal justice sketch

14

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artist.” Once released, they enter transitional housing where scout volunteers help them fill out job and college applications and locate resources.

Boy Scout volunteers, Gary and Sue Way see a modified program to boys at COJC working well. After a visit from an aviation professional, three boys discovered ambition. “They applied for a technology center in Tulsa and got their act back together. They’re becoming useful in the community. We’ve had a few of them accept responsibility and tell us, ‘I screwed up

big time because I picked the wrong friends,’ and then you realize these guys have a chance,” said Gary.

Scouting combines fun with educational activities that build character and responsible citizenship for a productive, peaceful society.

From the youngest scouts to the adults who help shape their future, our community can be thankful for them and proud of the many ways they strengthen our future. For more information visit www.gswestok.org or www.scouting. org

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dive right in by: Anthony L. Gilbert

d

id you know while many pastimes are diminishing, scuba diving is becoming one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in America? Maybe that’s because it isn’t as expensive or as difficult as previously thought. No longer a “men” only technical sport, more families are enjoying scuba diving in tropical locations during the warmer seasons and across Oklahoma lakes.

Many feel that scuba diving is too costly, too difficult or entirely too dangerous. Local couples, David and Becki Powell and Larry and Shayla Menhusen were under the same impression several years ago before they started diving. Becki Powell, 8th grade Science teacher for Tecumseh Middle School, said, “I always was a little scared about it before going through with it and being under the water. After snorkeling a few times in Cozumel, I became more comfortable and decided to take a resort course in 2008. I really liked it. I decided I wanted to get my certification and passed it in Cozumel last summer.”

Both couples wanted to do something

fun and challenging that would allow them to travel and make memories. “The most memorable experience I ever had was when Becki completed her first dive and saw her experience everything for the first time,” Powell said. Through Becki’s eyes, her first experience was breath-taking, “Coming up from my first boat dive I looked up to see myself surrounded by jellyfish. The sunlight was reflecting through the water and the jellyfish. It was awesome,” she said.

Even for a sport as exhilarating as scuba diving, there are risks and precautions divers must follow to ensure safe enjoyment. Larry Menhusen, owner of Integrity Electric, Inc and scuba instructor said, “You have to dive within your limitations. Most accidents occur because of human error. The number one rule in scuba diving is to never hold your breath. Another rule all divers must follow is always use the buddy system. Everything can be worked out under the water. Stay calm and don’t freak out.”

Scuba diving, much like any sport or hobby, requires an investment. Most basic

certification courses take less than a week and cost approximately $400 and include the basic scuba gear, class materials and instruction. Eric Hopkins, of Blue Water Divers, began an accredited course this past fall for OBU students. Divers can complete up to four certifications and gain valuable experience and skills. He and Menhusen also teach a course open to the public. This is an excellent, affordable opportunity for anyone in the community to become certified.

Once a diver completes their certifications and training, it’s time to explore a whole new world, that few have yet to experience. Over 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with water and 99% of that living space is under water. Both couples agreed that Cozumel is one of the best locations for family vacations. Family atmosphere, affordability, accessibility and the fact the 2nd largest coral reef runs through those waters is what makes Cozumel so attractive. “Experience is everything. You develop relationships with those who run the shops and the dives. With all the activities available in Cozumel it cre-

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17

continued from pg. 17

ates an awesome family experience you will want to do again,” Larry Menhusen said.

While tropical locations like Thailand, Okinawa, Hawaii, Bahamas and Belize were some of our couples most exotic dives, Lake Elmer Thomas and Tenkiller are amongst their favorites in Oklahoma. Larry Menhusen said, “I prefer warm water over cold water. Having a dry suit allows me to stay warm and dive year round in the Oklahoma lakes. I love diving Tenkiller. There’s so much history in that lake. When they built it they flooded the area. There are old school buildings, bridges, barns and foundations of an old town. There’s a lot of history in this lake. There’s nothing cooler than being under water and imagining what this town was like when it was still around.”

Being certified has allowed Powell and Menhusen some unique opportunities. David volunteers every month at the Jenks Aquarium and helps clean the inside and

is placed on each child and allows them to play games and breathe under water. As an added touch, the children have their picture taken while breathing under the water. This gives the children an opportunity to share with their friends and classmates.

If you’re looking for an activity that will take you to new depths and allow the opportunity to make some great memories and great friendships or if you need a hobby to cure the couch potato blues, then scuba diving is definitely for you. It’s a sport enjoyed by novices to well-seasoned veterans; whether you’re exploring the ruins beneath Lake Tenkiller or searching for large marine life in the warm waters of Cozumel, regardless of your experience, each dive is a new adventure.

For more information about scuba diving or the courses offered at OBU contact 405275-2850 or visit www.padi.com or www. bluewaterokc.com.

makes minor repairs. He has the opportunity to share with visitors about the Aquarium and the kind of marine life found inside.

Larry promotes a PADI certified program that is known as the Bubble-maker program.

It introduces children to the growing sport in a safe, birthday party environment for up to eight children. After the party, scuba gear

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by: Mindy Wood

When most parents envision music as a suitable pursuit for their child, the harp usually isn’t the first instrument that comes to mind. Piano, guitar, and drums dominate studios with little fingers but Paula Compton is thankful her parents thought of the harp for all the joy it has brought her and those who hear her play.

“I grew up in a very musical family. My mother is an amazing pianist and my dad is a worship pastor. My mom always wanted to play the harp but never had the opportunity.

They prayed about it, researched it and decided to offer me the opportunity. I had no clue,” laughed Compton. “I’d never seen anyone play it but they found a small one they could rent to see if I would like it and gave it to me for Christmas. I was nine.”

They discovered an accomplished teacher in Fort Worth, Texas where they lived and two months later her instructor insisted they purchase one for her. By age eleven, just two years after her first lessons she was playing professionally. “I was really excited about it and it became what I pursued. I didn’t play a lot of sports or do cheer leading but focused on the harp.”

Her hard work paid off. In high school she was earning what fellow students earned in a month making minimum wage with one or two performances. Upon graduation, she received various scholarship offers and although she attended one semester at Texas Wesleyan College her heart was with OBU. “My family has a long history since OBU’s beginning and I really wanted to go there.

They offered me a scholarship and I transferred.”

There was just one hitch. She was a harp major without a harp instructor at OBU so the university hired Helen Keith, her teacher in Ft. Worth as an adjunct professor so she could graduate with the degree she desired.

“I would go back to home every two weeks for a lesson. She was an amazing teacher who studied with the greatest harpist of all time, Marcel Grandjany. I really got the best edu-

cation possible.” She graduated as OBU’s first and only harp major to date.

Happily married with a large family, Compton performs with thirty five years experience. Although she has accepted symphony performance requests, she prefers freelance work which allows her more time at home and affords diverse experiences. She is sought after across the state for weddings, corporate socials, holiday parties and Christmas plays, even funerals and hospitals.

“The most wonderful part about the harp is that it brings people joy and comfort. At weddings people love it because it’s elegant and lovely and it just makes them happy. It’s beautiful sound brings people comfort at funerals and its been scientifically proven to lower blood pressure. Harpists are called in to play for babies in ICU because it brings their heart rate down. I’ve played in hospitals, for a cancer patient who was dying and the music filled the halls. People had tears in their eyes because it literally brings them comfort.

That’s more special to me than anything,” said Compton.

The gracious tones of the harp strike an ancient cord. The oldest harps have been found in Sumer. The boy David made the harp famous when he played for tormented King Saul of Israel in Biblical times. According to Wikipedia, it was a prominent instrument throughout Europe and Spain in medieval times, later in South America. Hector Berlioz introduced the harp to symphonic music and Liszt, Mendelssohn, and Schubert followed.

Compton believes it is best enjoyed unaccompanied. “I truly believe the piano is king of instruments and the harp is queen. Like the piano and guitar it doesn’t require accompaniment. I once read that the harp is like having the entire orchestra in one instrument with it’s deep bass and high ringing tones. I think that’s what makes the harp unique.”

Her love for the instrument is deeply connected not only to its beautiful sounds and elegant stature but to affect on her audience.

“I think it’s the most amazing instrument but the most wonderful part of the harp is the way it makes people happy and brings comfort to them.” www.shawneeoutlook.com

21

healthy minds, healthy lives

by: Mindy Wood

ealthy minds, “Never judge a book by it’s cover” is wisdom that many people try to live by but inevitably we find a world plagued with prejudices that keep us from understanding each other. For reasons that even science has yet to explain, it’s often the negative we see first rather than the positive. For those dealing with mental illness, too often they find themselves defined by what they can’t do rather than what they can.

Redrock Behavioral Health Services in Shawnee is changing that one client at a time.

Their motto, “Change your thoughts, change your life” is a familiar phrase at their day facility where participants receive empowering services that discover and maximize their potential.

Linda Sloan, program coordinator said they see how personal beliefs affect everyday outcomes. “A lot of our people have been through so much. Many of them were told they were stupid and can’t do anything their whole lives. We help them think positively about themselves and that they can have more control over their lives.”

In order to qualify for the program, a client must have a serious mental illness such as bi-polar, acute depression, or schizophrenia but Sloan said the spectrum of illness varies.

“We also treat people with substance abuse issues. We have people here who were in special classes their whole lives and people with college degrees. We have some with severe physical conditions as well.”

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ing services all over the state, both in and out patient care. At the Shawnee office, clients can receive psychiatric counseling, prescribed medication, and participate in support groups. At the day center they focus on skills that produce independence. Three units, reception, janitorial and kitchen provide hands on instruction. “We work on independent living skills such as learning to cook, answer the phone correctly and take messages, interact with other people, how to spend money wisely and use available resources. They learn how to plan meals, comparison shop for groceries.

Some have these skills but never used them.”

Through group discussion and educational sessions they help with things like anger management, anxiety, and stress. Role playing gives sessions a practical dynamic.“We ask them things like what would you do if someone cut in front you at a store, what is the correct way to respond. Some have never been to a store by themselves so we take group trips and pair them up so they begin to overcome that.”

Program success is measured individually.

One client returned to work and purchased a car after taking anger management classes.

Another is working on her GED and now lives in her own apartment. Sloan credits success to offering opportunities to explore personal possibilities and support. That’s something that Steven, ten year participant and James, three years hope people can see. “I didn’t think anybody cared,” said James who serves as a team leader with Steven. “It was like I

James, Steven, and Johnathan

didn’t have a life. When I started coming here and knew people cared and I was needed, it helped me a lot. This is the best place to be for anyone who needs help.”

Unfortunately many remained in isolation and shame. “People think it’s something to be ashamed of. It’s just another illness like heart disease or hypertension. Unfortunately society doesn’t always see it that way,” said Sloan. “We have to focus on self esteem here a lot.”

Director, Steven Mills said mental health has come a long way. Psychotropic medications and resources have helped change that. “There’s still a lot of stigma but the emphasis shifted from institution care to community based living. We help make that transition because in the industry we look at their strengths rather than the disability. Their diagnosis is just a place to begin. We refer to them as the individuals they are instead of referring to them by their diagnosis. They have names.”

Sloan reflected on the rewarding aspects of their work. “When you see people learn skills that make them more independent, it adds happiness in their life. Sometimes it takes someone saying ‘why don’t you try that. You can do it.’ It’s very rewarding.”

For more information about the services at Redrock and how they value of every person, visit www.red-rock.com or call 275-7100.

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Free Enterprise Renewed at OBU by: Melanie Phillips Clemens

Looking for a job in today’s economy can be daunting for a college graduate. Students try to find ways to ‘pad’ their resume or impress job recruiters. Fortunately for the students at Oklahoma Baptist University, there’s a program offered at the college called SIFE, that can improve their chances of obtaining a job upon graduation.

SIFE, students in free enterprise, is an international non-profit organization that works with business leaders, college professors and students to assist the students in developing strong leadership skills. “Participating students form teams on their university campuses and apply business concepts to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need.” SIFE has been a part of OBU since the 2003-2004 academic year but hasn’t had an active team for the past few years. Katie Smith, a junior at OBU, is spearheading the renewal of SIFE at OBU as the student team president. The 20102011 team is comprised of mostly business students. However, this year nursing students and general studies students have also joined.

“At the team level good to have business and non-business majors because of the diversity of ideas expands possibilities of projects for the team.”

“All the leadership, all the projects occur at the student level.” Projects are worked on throughout the year and a culmination of them is taken to regional and national competitions to be judged by business leaders. One of the projects the OBU team accomplished was a phone book drive. “At the beginning of the semester we picked up unwanted phone books from the OBU campus. We gave them to Faith 7 to recycle. We picked up about 1,000 phone books.” Katie said. Another project they’ve worked on and hope to continue in the future is designing a logo for a Pottawatomie County clean up project. Future projects involve working with criminal justice ministries to develop a business plan to help ex-prisoners develop

job skills to improve their quality of life.

Every university has an advisory board made up of local business leaders and professors. This board gives the team advice as well as access to resources and ideas. Dr. Craig Walker and Professor David Houghton serve as coadvisors for the OBU team. They are also Sam Walton Fellows. ‘Sam Walton Fellows’ are the official sponsors of the team assigned by WalMart and Sam’s club. David came to OBU “to be a part of the vision at the university.” David is the Professor of Marketing and Dean of the business school. “I see SIFE as a way for a college student to practice social entrepreneurship in a community. The project could be in Shawnee, Oklahoma or a global project, however you define community. SIFE is designed to help people succeed both economically and from a quality of life perspective” said David.

It’s also a way for the students to practice their servant-leadership roles, to integrate their faith with discipline and to have a positive impact on the community. When SIFE is part of a faith based school, it’s an added benefit.”

One of the best benefits for a student to be involved with SIFE is the exposure it gives you at competition. At the national level and to a smaller degree at the regional level, top business recruiters attend looking for employees.

According to David, “The students that participate in SIFE are considered the best students in the country. Some of the best jobs from Fortune 500 companies have recruiting fairs at both regional and national competitions. It’s a good way for students to get internships and career opening jobs when you first get out of college.”

Katie shared, “For me, SIFE has given me a lot of hands on real life experiences. Not just

theoretically but striving to do these things and carry them out. It’s so valuable even after I graduate. Working with people and the opportunity to train other people to empower them to improve their quality of life. Also the connection it gives me with Fortune 500 companies, hopefully will me to get a good job. This isn’t just classroom time but real life time. The students involved in SIFE want to meet the community of Shawnee and address real problems. This SIFE group wants to see the need and create a project to fit the need. Especially, as Christians we want to be the hands and feet of Christ, not just do something for our benefit. We want to make a difference and do things that count.”

Katie extended an invitation to the community, “We need real opportunities to connect more with the people around here. The heart of SIFE is to empower people to have a long term effect. As the saying goes, You can give a man to fish or teach a man to fish. It’s about providing this to the people of our community.”

For further information you may contact Katie Smith at 405-947-0528 or Oklahoma Baptist University at 878-2111. www.shawneeoutlook.com

25

faces

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

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1

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Mary Sims, Glenda Pitts, Lisa Lempges

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Matt and Kyle Hazleton

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Lt. Brian Abbott, Travis Cooley, Nick Auld, John Starkey

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Greg VanBrunt, Austin Bizzell

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A Goodnight’s Dream by: Melanie Phillips Clemens

Dreams are sometimes thought of as foolish or impossible. Yet dreaming is an inherent part of human nature. They bring hope of greater things but left unfulfilled can leave a stain on dreamer’s heart. However, some realize that a dream fulfilled is the result of an inner gift that has been opened. Geographical location has no bearing on whether or not dreams come true as evident in the life of Linda Goodnight, author and adoptive parent to two dreamers from Ukraine, Masha and Victoria, called Vika.

Linda Goodnight, mother of eight, grandmother of three is author of nearly forty published books. Her latest book, “A Place to Belong”, is in bookstores now. Her first book was published in 2000 but the journey from writer to author began long before. “I’ve always liked to write. In high school I volunteered to be class reporter. I took a year of journalism in college because I thought about getting into journalism, but I wanted to write fiction so I stopped writing until the late 1990’s,” said Linda.

After unsuccessful publishing attempts, Linda joined writing groups and took courses on how to be a better writer. In 1999, as a contest finalist, she attended a conference in Chicago where editors showed interest in her work. The rest is history. All but five of her books have been published through Harlequin Enterprises. “Being able to write and sell books regularly is a dream come true for me. Something I used to think that only happened for people in big cities like New York.” Like most authors, she had to prove herself to the publishers and the readers. “In the beginning I had to write the whole book before they would approve it but now they ask me to write a book.

Ten years down the road, it’s a career for me. I am constantly under a contract.”

“Before I sold my first book, I asked God why I wasn’t talented. I couldn’t sew or paint, and wondered why he didn’t give me any tal-

ents or abilities. After I started writing books, while walking through the woods, praising and talking to God, I realized that His gift to me is what I can do. We need to recognize and be grateful for the talent He’s given us.” Linda’s books are a ministry with “a message of God’s love, healing and redemption”. She hopes the books will entertain people, but would rather they find worth and value in them. “ I receive reader’s letters saying the book spoke to them in a way that I hadn’t seen.”

As an award winning author, she shared the moment that surprised her the most. “In 2008 my book series, “A Touch of Grace”, won the RITA award which is equivalent to an ‘Oscar’ for romance writers. It was such an honor, I couldn’t believe I’d won.” While Linda’s passion for children and orphans is surfaces in these award winning books, it’s also evident in her life. Linda and husband, Gene, began looking for ministries that worked with orphanages. They found an orphan hosting program placing children in American homes for cultural exchanges. Eastern Europe, unlike the United States, has no real social services. Children between the ages 14 and 16, are released from orphanages with no skills, family or money. Many of them end up in human trafficking.

“It’s a whole new world when they come here, they don’t want to leave. It’s a great opportunity to share God’s love with a child,” said Linda. “Few of them speak English.

We’ve hosted children who’ve never been in a bathtub.” The Goodnights have come full circle since they started hosting orphans. “We started with the intention of helping kids find homes. It was important to give them a picture of a functional healthy family. We’ve found homes for all but one of the children.”

In 2006, they hosted, Masha, an orphan from Ukraine. Masha and her sister Vika were

Linda Goodnight accepting RITA award

Masha and Victoria

adopted by another family but through a series of unfortunate events, Masha became available for readoption in 2009. Masha had always been a mother figure to Vika so the separation was difficult. Masha prayed she’d be able to see her sister. On December 22, 2010, a call came asking the Goodnights if they wanted to adopt Vika. “She came 3 days after Christmas. She was our Christmas gift and the answer to Masha’s prayer. We tell them, ideally it was God’s will for you to be with your birth family but it didn’t work out so he made a way for you to have another family that loves you,” said Linda. “When we adopted our girls, we knew adopting not only changed their lives, it changed future generations. As an author, I hope to continue writing, that people will enjoy and be encouraged by my books. As a parent, I hope to raise two incredible girls into adulthood.”

For a list of her books visit www.lindagoodnight.com

www.shawneeoutlook.com

29

Reflections

bigkid by: Bob Searl

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

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

30

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I was a really big kid. This means I was dangerous until I got my boyish exuberance under control. There were casualties.

We left morning kindergarten on a beautiful Friday, John B. and me, working our way toward home, and had stepped off the school playground onto a grassy embankment that surrounded the village swimming pool. We decided to have a “pretend fight” (who knows why little boys think to do such things?), and we got after it, thrashing about on top of the small hill. John threw a fake roundhouse and I flipped my head to the side as his fist slipped safely past my chin.

He moved in as I reared back and pretended to punch his stomach. He doubled over and staggered back, acting like I really got him good. Then I took a step forward and threw a devastating, make-believe upper cut. He snapped his head back, he flung his arms in the air, then he fell to the ground and started rolling down the hill. My tiny six year old brain, way out of proportion to the size of my body, said, “Time to finish this.”

I jumped on him.

It is difficult for a hulking, eighty pound six year old to pretend to jump on a scrawny forty pounder rolling down a hill. The next thing I knew John was screaming, “You broke my neck.” He leaped to his feet, his head tipped at an alarmingly odd angle. He was crying as he ran toward home. “You broke my neck! You broke my neck! You broke my neck!”

Though just a child I knew what happened when someone broke their neck. They died, so I assumed that I killed John B. I imagined him running off, then slowing to a walk when the pain got too much for him.

He would stumble and finally fall, twitching on someone’s lawn until he lay still. I killed John B. I knew it.

That night my family went out to dinner at my favorite restaurant. An uneaten plate

of spaghetti and meatballs sat in front of me.

This never happened. The only other time I refused food was when my appendix ruptured resulting in emergency surgery. So my parents were concerned. Mom said, “Not hungry, honey? Do you feel sick? Do we need to stop by the emergency room on the way home?” I shook my head and spun the spaghetti with my fork. “I’m okay,” I mumbled. Then I asked, “Do you think they’d send a six year old kid to jail for killing somebody?”

Monday morning I was back at school sitting atop the monkey bars when I saw John B get out of his parent’s car and cross the playground toward the door to our kindergarten classroom. He was alive! His arm was in a sling, but there he was, walking, talking, not at all dead. I asked a kid next to me, “Do you know what happened to John?” “Broke his collarbone, whatever that is,” he said.

I did not mean to hurt John. We were just playing around. But how many people have been hurt because someone was just playing around? A group of high school kids with whom I worked understood this. They decided that our group would have a zero tolerance policy for put-down humor. Anybody who was caught trying to get a laugh at the expense of another person’s ego would be fined a quarter.

These kids recognized that being on the receiving end of this kind of playing around cost the victim something precious, so it should cost the perpetrator something as well.

A few years I learned that the high school football coach saw a skinny kid running down the street crying and holding his neck, offered the kid a ride, and took him home. John spilled the beans in the car. “Bob Searl jumped on my head and broke my neck.” From that day on, throughout elementary and junior high school, whenever the coach saw me he would say, “Hey Searl! Are you planning to play football when you get to high school? I think you’d be good!”

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• S.M. Waingankar, M.D. • Laynie Shebester, P.A.-C • T. Michael Dye, M.D.

The Orthopedic physicians at Shawnee Medical Center Clinic are here when you need them.

Whether it is a foot or ankle strain or a shoulder or knee injury, they are ready to get you back in the game. Dr. Waingankar, Dr. Dye and Laynie Shebester, P.A-C are on your team and will have you back to sliding into home plate in no time. And there’s a good chance you might even see them at the game.

Shawnee Medical Center Clinic 2801 N. Saratoga, Shawnee 405.273.5801

www.smcclinic.com