Shawnee Outlook March 2016 by Layers Media, Inc.

Faith Trust and Pixie Dust Parties |

MARCH 16

Vol. 13 Number 1

Enriching the Lives of Seniors

We Care Kick-Off Event

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CONTENTS

MARCH 2016

Publisher

FEATURES 13 Faith Trust and Pixie Dust Parties

Brad Carter

Managing Editor

Mindy Wood

Creative Direction

Layers Media, Inc.

Cover Photo

Layers Media, Inc.

Writers

Andrea Beck Tim Farley Kristi Prince Denise Quinalty Thresa Swadley 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 (405) 445-3033.

DEPARTMENTS

18 Enriching the Lives of Seniors

Advertising Sales

Michael Keith

6 ART GUIDE

21 We Care Kick-Off Event

6 NUTRITION 101 9 FROM THE EDITOR

25 Amanda Johnson: Living a Life of Creativity

10 BEST OF SHAWNEE

20 SONIC CONTEST

29 The Joy of Adopting Special Needs Children

26 SHAWNEE HISTORY 30 EVENTS 30 GREEN THUMB

Save A Life CPR

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

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ART GUIDE

NUTRITION 101

Enjoy the Arts in Shawnee It is March, and at our house we are anticipating spring break! Shawnee has some fantastic arts events for you and your children to enjoy during your time off from work or school. I hope to see you there! Student artists from PK–12th grade can enjoy creating art with William Malouf on Thursdays at Main Street Photo. More information can be found at www.mainstreetphotostudio.com.

If country music is what you enjoy, country music star Randy Houser will be in concert at the Firelake Casino on March 19th at 8 p.m. Information can be found at www.grandboxoffice.com.

For the poets, Loren Graham, author of Places I Was Dreaming, will be reading poetry on March 7th in room 212 of the Geiger Center on the OBU campus. The event is free and open to the public.

For young artists, Mabee Gerrer Museum will be offering classes with artist Mary Jo Gigax from March 22nd through April 26th on Tuesday afternoons and evenings for children and youth ages 7-18. Registration is required: http://www.mgmoa.org/ after-school-art-class.

Few music educators have made an impact on the Oklahoma music scene as the late Digby Bell. This year’s Digby Bell Memorial Recital will feature pianist Michael Dean on March 8th at 7:30 p.m. in Yarborough Auditorium in Raley Chapel. For more information: http://www.okbu.edu/fine-arts, or call (405) 585-4301 This is your last chance to see MabeeGerrer Museum’s exhibit of Wounaan Baskets from the Rainforest of Panama that runs through March 13, 2016. This is an exhibit you will enjoy! Looking for fun on a Friday night? Remember the third Friday events downtown on March 18th. While you are there, stop in and watch an alcohol and ink painting demonstration by artist Kat Marie at the “Arts at 317” and then go across the street to get your St. Patty’s picture taken at Main Street Photo. Don’t forget to stop and check out the art at Broadway Art Gallery while you are in the area.

Are you an adult that has always wanted to learn to paint? Join artist Bill McCoin for classes at the Cheyenne Fine Art Academy on North Harrison. Classes include landscape, still life, figure painting, and portrait painting. Call (405) 223-8246 for more information. Rock with the Jefferson Elementary 4th grade music students on March 31st as they perform the music of the Beatles. The program will include Can’t Buy Me Love, A Hard Day’s Night, and Here Comes the Sun. The program will be at 2 p.m. Enjoy reconnecting with your favorite childhood fairy tale characters in the Shawnee High School’s production of Into the Woods. The shows will be March 25, 26, 27th, and April 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Thresa Swadley is a freelance cellist/teacher who has been active in the Shawnee Arts Community for almost 20 years. She is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and teaches cello there. Thresa is a member of the OBU/ Shawnee Community Orchestra and plays in Trio Antiqua, a baroque music trio. Visit http://www.celloladyok.com. 6

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Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cups I LOVE chocolate! The nice thing about dark chocolate is that you get a much stronger taste of chocolate so you typically don’t eat as much. Next time you are having a chocolate craving, try whipping these up. They are sure to hit that chocolate craving spot. Ingredients: • 1 cup smooth almond butter • 1 tablespoon coconut oil • 1 cup dark chocolate chips • 1 tablespoon honey Directions: Place almond butter, oil, and honey in a microwaveable bowl for about 30 seconds or until melted. Divide the mixture into 12 mini muffin tin holes. Place the chocolate chips in the microwaveable bowl for about 30 seconds or until melted. Pour melted chocolate on top of each peanut butter mixture. Place the tin in the freezer for about an hour. Take muffin tin out of freezer. Carefully scrape a knife around the edges and pop the cups out. Refrigerate leftovers. Makes: 12 servings Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories: 236 – Total Fat: 18 g – Saturated Fat: 6 g – Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 9 mg – Carbohydrates: 18 g – Fiber: 3 g – Protein: 3 g Nutrition 101 Tip: Gluten free has become a big phrase these days. Gluten free living has helped a lot of people with joint pain, bloating, skin problems, and weight. If your doctor has told you that you can’t properly digest gluten, this would be the plan you would follow. If you are wondering if this could be an issue you are having, you must take all gluten out of your diet for at least 2 straight weeks and see if your signs/symptoms go away. If you need dietary assistance with glutenfree living, I would love to help.

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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Keeping Friends and Family Heart Healthy in Shawnee

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FROM THE EDITOR

I’ve Stolen a Cemetery I grew up in a rural village called Sparks, population 502. My playground consisted of 25 acres between our property and the forsaken meadow and woods to the north. I was prone to wander them alone, my journal under my arm, with the most grandiose idea of becoming a writer. Some of the happiest hours of my childhood were in the company of those towering woods and wild blossoms. Once we moved to Shawnee, my wanderlust was never quite satisfied with a mere backyard. A longing for an unbridled view unfettered by fences never left me. As my life has grown busy and the years rushed by, weariness demanded I find the refuge of a lonely place again. So, I stole a cemetery about a year ago. Now, I say I stole a cemetery but, what I really mean is that I have no one to mourn in this holy place where the dead sleep. My being there is illegitimate, but no one seems to question my presence. I am not the center of the universe. I keep a distance between myself and the mourner. Do they wonder when they see me wandering around headstones and pausing? Maybe they think I’ve lost a good many friends and family. What I’m thinking is how glad I am to be alive, to be loved, to be well. A cemetery can teach you a lot about life as will the nature which keeps these silent souls company. For instance, seeing the headstone of a baby or child inspires me to have a little more patience toward my own children. How can I be so short with them when these parents of the dead would give anything to hear even the sound of their tirades and tantrums? I wonder at the many headstones of a husband and wife who enjoyed a long marriage. Many of them die within months of each other and there they lay, side by side, in death as in life. Sixty years

of marriage is unthinkable in our day. What silent looks of understanding and quiet smiles they must have shared in the inseparable oneness so many years can bring. Marriage couldn’t have always been easy for them. They encourage me to weather my own marriage through the coming seasons, however stormy or sunny it may be. Nature is also my teacher. The cemetery is surrounded by open, forsaken meadows. I couldn’t resist wandering there and picking flowers. I learned the hard way to treat these blossoms carefully. I scooped up a handful of delicate orange, blue, red and yellow ones which I tried to take home with me, but just moments later they were wilted beyond recovery. Roses, daffodils, and irises are strong enough to welcome a vase full of water; but these fragile flowers forbid it. They are like frail friends in our lives, who require us to love them where they are planted; otherwise, they’ll die right there in your grasp. Some flowers can’t be forced from the field to the vase. And the butterflies? Those fairies of the field, so bold and delicate among the brawny bees, carry on their work with grace and patience. They perform the same task for different reasons, though butterflies are less efficient pollinators than bees. With respect for each other, these two share the field without incident. Like the bee, there will always be someone better than I, more intelligent, more efficient, stronger. I would make a terrible bee and besides, who wouldn’t want to be a butterfly? As we brace for raging spring storms, I look forward to all the lessons this land and her people can teach me. I hope you will venture out to your own special place of reflection and enjoy it as much as I do. But, please find your own cemetery; mine is taken. Here’s to a happy spring!

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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If you think having a new look for your cabinets and doors means spending several thousand dollars, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Refacing and DIY packages are popular and cost effective ways to give existing cabinets a new look without the high price of replacement. Shawnee Cabinet Company has launched Makeover Systems, a sister company bringing the latest trends in re-facing wood surfaces for cabinets, doors, trim and molding. SCC continues to serve commercial and residential customers with new cabinetry, but wanted to meet the significant demand for re-facing. Makeover Systems will remove the old cabinet doors to provide new ones with matching trim to the existing structure. Customers can order new handles, request a certain paint color or finish, and new hinges. Often it’s time for new countertops and backsplash, but depending on the size of the job, refacing can save customers several thousand dollars. “It just depends on what the customer wants,” said Danny Landreth, owner of SCC and Makeover Systems. “An average kitchen can have a new kitchen look for $3,500.” For DIY packages, they provide high quality cabinet drawers with cut outs for the hinges. “All they have to do is clip them on and paint them,” he said. European and New Age styles are popular. Distressed or “antiqued” finishes are in high demand. Makeover Systems achieves that look with High Density Fiberboard (HDF). HDF is a strong wood material that allows no room for movement because it is a single piece instead of several glued or interlocked pieces. “These doors are cost effective because they are machine made with our latest computer machines and equipment,” said Landreth. HDF refacing costs about 50 percent less than other refacing alternatives. Buyer beware, Landreth warned, other forms of refacing are often cheap ply board with

by: Mindy Wood

Danny Landreth and Mike Shirey veneer or “stick on” finishes. The HDF is a much stronger choice and the colors and finishes are versatile. HDF isn’t just for cabinet doors. It is ideal for other items like chair rail or wainscoting, crown molding, fireplace mantels, and even some bedroom pieces like headboards. “All of those (styles) can be the same or finished in multiple ways,” said Landreth. Makeover Systems also offers countertop options in granite, solid surface, and plastic laminate. “Solid surface is a manmade and non-porous. With granite you have to seal it every two or three years,” said Landreth. “With solid surface, it’s seamless and FDA approved.” Offering the best service is as important as the best quality and price points. Their dedication to honesty and timeliness is critical and they stay in touch with customers throughout the process. You can see their work displayed at two upcoming home and garden shows: March 4 through 6 they will be at the Shawnee Mall and March 18 through 20 at the fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. Makeover Systems has three offices, serving the Ardmore, central Oklahoma and Tulsa areas. For more information, visit makeoversystems.com or call 405-275-5273. Their Facebook page, “Makeover Systems,” offers photos of their work as well. Stop by the showroom at 5 Briarwood Dr., Shawnee.

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Faith Trust and Pixie Dust Parties

Some little girls dream of wearing beautiful gowns and growing up to be princesses. Some actually do. Ansley Elliott is one such girl. She is the founder of Faith Trust and Pixie Dust Parties. She and her cast members bring the magic of fairytales to life. Whether making royal appearances at parties, the Pottawatomie County Free Fair, charity events or hosting their own royal ball, they make dreams come true. Elliott grew up in Tecumseh and is now pursuing a degree in vocal performance at Oklahoma Baptist University. Her business combines a love of theater, working with children and her fondness for fairy tales. What started as a volunteer service making appearances at fundraisers turned into offers to appear at parties. Faith Trust and Pixie Dust started about two years ago. Elliott explained that the name of her business encompasses her faith in God and in

her fellow actors and their abilities. She has learned to trust her instincts and each cast member. “And of course, pixie dust. I see the pixie dust as the magic and joy that we bring to children and their families,” she said. The cast is comprised of seven core performers, but includes twelve other men and women from across the state who volunteer when they want to showcase all fifteen available characters—well-known princesses, fairies, pirates, Dorothy, Glinda the Good Witch and original characters. “I am so blessed to have such a wonderful cast of talented people who truly have a heart for bringing magic to children,” Elliott said. “We make sure that each person we cast is just right for the job, that they have the experience needed and a love for children.” Cast member Hannah Wilson said she has loved princesses as long as she can remember. She explained that each one tells a different story and teaches a different lesson, allowing

by: Denise Quinalty

“To have an opportunity to personify these characters is one of the greatest opportunities I could ask for and something I have dreamed of doing!” > www.shawneeoutlook.com

continued from pg. 13

imaginations to flourish. “To have an opportunity to personify these characters is one of the greatest opportunities I could ask for and something I have dreamed of doing!” Wilson said. Elliott explained that this job requires upkeep and maintenance. After each event, costumes are hand washed and wigs are restyled. Each costume costs approximately $300 to create and is expected to last about three years. They are handmade by Faith Trust and Pixie Dust’s very own Fairy Godmother—Elliott’s grandmother. Elliott said the best part of her job is seeing the smiles on the faces of children as the characters enter the room. Keeping magic alive and seeing a child believe is an amazing feeling. Jumping up and down and wide-eyed amazement are common reactions. “We understand that every child will react in different ways and try to train each one of our performers to know how to handle each type of reaction, so that way each child is made to feel comfortable and gets the most magical experience possible,” Elliot explained. Some children are shy when first meeting their favorite characters. To better connect, Elliott explained that they get down to the child’s level and begin speaking softly. By doing so, they

hope to show the child that someone who is different, like the character, is really not that different after all. Another approach is to begin an activity, which takes the focus away from an uneasy child, while still keeping him or her involved. Elliott shared that one of her favorite princess visits occurred while the organization was hosting a royal ball in Tecumseh to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. Some cast members were outside when a little girl came out of a restaurant to meet them. Elliott said the girl hugged her and showed her the shirt she was wearing, which displayed a picture of the character Elliott was portraying. “I always knew you were real,” the little girl said. As it turned out, her parents had recently divorced. “She hugged me for quite a while and it truly touched my heart. Her mother came up to me and one of my performers afterwards, explaining how much getting to see the characters really helped her daughter,” Elliott said. “It was this visit that really reminded me of the reason why I run this organization.” The cast of Faith Trust and Pixie Dust Parties looks forward to adding some magic to your next event. For more

information, call 405-287-9359, email faithtrustpixiedustparties@gmail.com or contact them through their Facebook page.

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Enriching the Lives of Seniors Mary Sims’ life resembles an old E.F. Hutton commercial because when Mary reads, people listen. That’s especially the case when Sims makes her monthly trek to the Belfair Memory Center in Shawnee where she reads to a group of senior citizens. Sims is the director for senior outreach at the Shawnee Public Library. Belfair activity director, Connie Driever, said the residents look forward to the reading sessions because it allows them to reflect and think about their past, an important function for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. More than 4.5 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and about one in 10 people over 65 have the disease. Figures from the Oklahoma chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association shows there are 61,000 seniors in the state who suffer from the disease. “It (reading) brings them solitude and hope for the future. They remember things from the stories she reads. She might read a story about a boy who has gone fishing and a lot of the men will remember stories about when they fished. They’re really focused on what she’s reading,” Driever said of the residents. However, that doesn’t mean a few of the

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residents won’t doze off. “There’s a couple of them who get so relaxed they fall asleep,” Driever said with a chuckle. “Overall, reading to them settles their mood and gives a calming atmosphere.” Sims often picks reading material that relates to holidays or celebrations that the residents can remember from years ago. Sometimes, their memory recall turns into story telling. “Some will stop her in mid-sentence when she reads something that causes them to reflect on the past. Oh yes, most of them can talk,” Driever said. As part of her job description, Sims also spends time traveling to other senior centers in outlying areas such as Maud and Asher, small towns that have no libraries nearby. “We are grateful to be of service to these areas,” said Karen Bays, Shawnee library branch manager. As she does at Belfair, Sims reads stories and talks about them with the senior citizens as part of a book discussion group. Sims also provides e-reader training and will sometimes read books requested by the seniors. Reading sessions at the remote locations and

by: Tim Farley

in Shawnee often include popular programs centered on Halloween and Valentine’s Day. Most of the time, Sims said she gleans a lot of her stories and material from Chicken Soup for Grandparents or short stories from various magazines. “Depending on the subject matter, the seniors will talk about their own experiences,” she said. “For instance, if I read a story about war, some of the men will share their experiences from World War II. It’s just rewarding and so wonderful to have this opportunity. No two visits are ever the same.” But the Shawnee library offers more than reading. There are sessions that provide seniors and other adults with how-to information, such as manufacturing your own cleaning products, how to green clean underneath kitchen and bathroom cabinets without using harsh chemicals or making your own personal spa materials such as lotion bars. For a complete list of activities, visit pioneerlibrarysystem.org/hometowns/ shawnee.

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We Care Kick-Off Event In our postmodern age, it seems the era of knowing your neighbor and reaching a helping hand across the fence disappeared in the 1950’s; however, there are whole cities who disagree. Community Renewal International of Shreveport, Louisiana has been transforming communities one neighborhood at a time since 1994. The founding principle is that relationships between neighbors build safer and more caring communities. Partner cities report the program works to build safe, resilient, and thriving neighborhoods. The Avedis Foundation hopes to see this movement work here. Last year, they funded Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County and hired a director with support staff to replicate the program county-wide beginning in Shawnee. Brandon Dyer, director of CRPC, is counting on people “who care” to sign up and be part of the movement. April 1, their kick-off event will be at the Citizen Potawatomi Cultural Heritage Center at 6 p.m. The founder of Community Renewal Int’l, Mack McCarter of Shreveport, Louisiana will be speaking.

“It’s about restoring intentional caring as a fundamental value in our neighborhoods again,” said Dyer. “The We Care team seeks to make caring visible on our blocks. Anyone can be part of the We Care team by placing a “We Care” sign in their yard and committing to being a caring person.” Caring could be mowing the yard for an ill neighbor, cooking a casserole for a new mother, or offering someone a ride to work when their car won’t start. It could be helping parents find a tutor for their child or connect a neighbor to a non-profit for assistance they didn’t know existed. Jan Tipton, director of the Haven House initiative, said being neighborly is a lost art. Air conditioning and technology have kept families indoors and isolated in their neighborhood. “It starts with intentionally getting to know your neighbors. What we did in the 1950s, we’re asking people to do intentionally now. Step out of your house, get to know your neighbors. I think people will reap a lot of good from it.” “Haven House leaders are volunteer block leaders,” said Dyer. “They’re willing to take >

by: Mindy Wood

“It’s about restoring intentional caring as a fundamental value in our neighborhoods again”

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continued from pg. 13

a little more responsibility to keep their neighborhood connected by perhaps hosting an annual block party or even setting up a neighborhood social media page.” Community Renewal’s We Care movement isn’t the same thing as a neighborhood watch where neighbors are on the lookout for criminal behavior and factors contributing to declining property value. CRI is not limited to at-risk neighborhoods; in fact, they say every block needs community renewal. Dyer said, “In Shreveport it’s really interesting to see “we care” signs in distressed neighborhoods as well as affluent neighborhoods. Haven House leaders in particular gather monthly from every neighborhood. No one is looking down their noses at each other. There’s a woman who lives in a gated golf community speaking to a group and she’s just as interested in what a man has to say who lives in a distressed neighborhood. He’s listening to every word she says, and she’s listening to every word he says. They might not have any other reason to come together except that they’re doing the same caring things in their neighborhoods and learning from each other.” In more challenged neighborhoods, a third

model is used called a “Friendship House.” In some areas, there is little trust between neighbors; some are often afraid to come out of their own homes. A Friendship House coordinator moves into a renovated or new home with their family and uses the residence as a community hub for activities and social services. Travis Flood, Director of Friendship Houses, said this model is again all about building relationships. “The amazing thing about our role is that we have no agenda other than loving people exactly where they are. As friendships grow, we have an opportunity to establish trust. Combine trust and love and we have what we need to strengthen our neighborhoods.” One function of the Friendship Houses is to use them for after school activities for children. Jan Tipton, former director of prevention services for Gateway to Prevention and Recovery, said she is especially excited about the benefit to kids. “A caring adult is a huge protective factor that can make a world of difference in the life of a child. When children have neighbors looking out for them, caring for them, they (adults) may be able to accomplish prevention better than we’ve ever done before.” Community Renewal of Pottawatomie

County office will be located at 1000 N Kickapoo. Last year Avedis conducted an area wide study to evaluate the needs of the community and in a few years will see what impact CRPC has affected. Anyone interested in attending the kick-off event should RSVP by calling the Community Renewal Office 273-1035 or by email, JanTipton@ att.net. Seating is limited. For more information about community renewal, contact Brandon Dyer at brandonjamesdyer@gmail.com.

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AMANDA JOHNSON

Living a Life of Creativity Shawnee native Amanda Acock Johnson is a local artist who describes her art as a puzzle that people have to figure out. She paints expression with shapes and colors, and attempts to show emotions and feelings through her art. Johnson is not only a popular artist in Shawnee venues, but has also had her art displayed at Elemental Coffee during the popular 8th and H event in Oklahoma City. She was also chosen as one of Oklahoma’s upcoming artists under the age of 30 to be featured at Momentum OKC 2015. Growing up, Johnson was surrounded by creativity, living with parents who took art lessons and who were also creative in remodeling homes and decorating them. Her dad’s family was also very musical and all played musical instruments. In this environment, she remembers that she would continually draw and copy pictures and paintings from the walls at church and in school. Johnson also attributes her artistic path to her Shawnee education. “I was fortunate that all through school I always had an art teacher,” said Johnson. By the time she reached high school, she described herself as a type A student that planned to go down a more academic path but enjoyed her art electives. She started exploring the idea of majoring in art when her art teacher, Melissa Warren, suggested that art could be a successful path for her.

Initially she went to OSU, planning to be a graphic design major but then transferred to OBU to study studio art. She described this as a positive move for her, as “the atmosphere at OBU allowed me to explore everything.” Her exploration led to her attempting her first piece of abstract art while in a class with local artist Chris Owens. She stated, “I showed him my first piece and he told me it was not good.” Instead of being discouraged by his critique, she was encouraged to find her own “niche” in abstract work. After her senior art show she was excited to receive a letter from Owens encouraging her in abstract painting. She stated, “I have found my niche that I love.” In her personal life Johnson even found love through art. She first met her husband when he was a model for her figure drawing class and then again during a paint-a-thon at OBU. They eventually became more interested in each other while taking a pottery class together. She explained, “we basically fell in love through our art.” He later proposed to her in the pottery room where their relationship began. Johnson works in abstract watercolors with layers of pastel, acrylics, graphite, and ink. In contrast, her husband, Chris, enjoys figure drawing using graphite. The two enjoy collaborating together on commissioned pieces. Chris draws the figures while Amanda completes the color part of the projects. “It is fun to work together, she said. “We are complete opposites, but that can be an advantage.” Chris’ ultimate goal is to work in the medical field, but Amanda’s goal is to work only in art. During the week Johnson works in her parents’ hair salon, Dazzle. Even there she sees her work as art. “It’s all art. I work with face shape, color, and help people achieve what they want. Everything is a work of art.” She especially enjoys a new coloring technique, balayage, which allows her to hand paint the color onto the hair. This is a more creative technique than the former way of sectioning hair to color it. Juggling her job at the hair salon with her art can be a challenge. Johnson finds that she either has to schedule time off to create her art or work on it during the weekends. She likes to be fresh when she is creating, which does not come easy after a day of working in the salon. Her favorite time to create is when it’s warm enough for her to work outside. In the future, Johnson aspires to work solely

by: Thresa Swadley

as an artist. She has taught art classes for the OBU Preparatory Program and enjoys teaching her nieces and nephews. She currently has her studio in her house, but aspires in the future to have a venue where she can create with other artists and collectively inspire each other with their art. In addition to her abstract painting, Johnson enjoys making pottery and stained glass. She recently acquired her own pottery wheel and kiln and plans to have an outside showing in the near future to sell pottery. www.shawneeoutlook.com

SHAWNEE HISTORY

Oklahoma’s Angel to the Poor KATE BARNARD

Tecumseh’s Barnard Elementary School is named after a true pioneer in Oklahoma Politics. Kate Barnard was a remarkable Oklahoma woman whose dedication to improve the lives of many should be remembered. She was elected Commissioner of Charities and Corrections in 1907 obtaining more votes than the governor. She was the first woman in America elected to a statewide office. Tecumseh named their elementary school building in her honor. Kate was a virtual orphan. Her mother died before she was two years old. Her father worked itinerant jobs, leaving Kate with relatives or in temporary housing if she was with him. He claimed land in the Oklahoma land run of 1891. They lived in a small house near what is now Newalla and eventually moved to a slum area of Oklahoma City where she observed people living in terrible conditions. Kate received a teaching certificate without attending college and taught for several years. Later she attended stenographic classes and began working as a clerk for the Republican Party. Her intelligence and personality helped Kate become the spokesperson for the Oklahoma pavilion at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. While there she observed the terrible living conditions of some of the residents in St. Louis and worked with a newspaper reporter to expose them to the public, resulting in major reforms in St. Louis. Kate returned to Oklahoma and began a campaign to make improvements in Oklahoma City’s poverty stricken areas. Soon she became known for her efforts and took over the management of the United Provident Association which bore some resemblance to our current United Way. From her home, they distributed food and clothing to thousands of needy people.

Barnard School in Tecumseh

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by: Tom Terry, Courtesy of Pott. Co Historical Society Member In 1906, Kate participated in a convention of labor leaders and farmers held in the Shawnee Convention Hall at 9th and Union. This group developed policies to be included in the State’s constitution. Their work became known as Shawnee Demands. Most of the demands became law in the constitution, including child labor laws, compulsory education, inspection of mines, an eight-hour day for public employees, and a corporation commission. For Kate, the most significant recommendation included a state Department of Charities and Corrections to oversee prisons and organizations dealing with charities. Following the Shawnee meeting, Kate toured Oklahoma and Indian Territories to promote the ideas developed in Shawnee. Although she could not be a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, she was allowed to speak. Her speech emphasized the problem of unsanitary working conditions, child labor, and long working hours. She also promoted the idea of an office of Commissioner of Charities and Corrections which was included in the Constitution. Elected by an overwhelming victory to state office, Kate began touring facilities and reporting on their deplorable conditions often resulting in improvements. She clashed, however, with Alfalfa Bill Murray, speaker of the house, who was against the child labor laws. When she enforced the law to require children between the ages of 8 and 16 to attend 3 to 6 months schooling the mine owners fought her. Oklahoma had no prison and contracted with Kansas to house prisoners. When inspecting the prison she was appalled at how prisoners were treated. Her efforts led to the cancellation of the contract. Prisoners were brought back to Oklahoma leading to construction of the prison at McAlester. Kate’s ideas for reform were so well publicized that she was invited to speak throughout the United States to legislatures and charitable groups. She wanted prisoners to learn a trade and receive an education so they could be employed after serving their time. The New York Times ran a series of articles concerning her ideas for prison reform. When she became involved in the plight of Indian orphans and their treatment in eastern Oklahoma she became the target of those who were benefiting financially in swindling the

Shawnee native, Kate Barnard sculpture Indian children. With new leadership in the legislature attempts were made to eliminate her commission. Since that was not possible, her budget was cut with only enough funds for her salary and a secretary. After serving two terms, having her office stripped of funds, and suffering ill health she did not run for a third term. Following a lengthy stay in Colorado, she returned to Oklahoma City spending her time writing an autobiography which she did not finish. Kate Barnard died at the age of 54 on February 23, 1930. She was buried in an unmarked grave next to her father in Fairlawn Cemetery in Oklahoma City. In 1982, a group of women provided a marker. Sandra Van Zandt created a sculpture of Kate Barnard sitting on a bench that is on the first floor of the State Capitol. It was sponsored in 2001 by State Senator Kelly Haney, the State of Oklahoma and others. In 2013, the Department of Corrections named a 260 bed women’s facility in Oklahoma City “Kate Barnard Community Corrections Center.” A biography by Bob Burke and Glenda Carlile, “Kate Barnard, Oklahoma’s Good Angel” is in the collection of the Pioneer Library System. After more than 100 years, Oklahoma still deals with many of the issues she identified.

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The Joy of Adopting Special Needs Children Lilly loves an audience and what audience wouldn’t love the gregarious seven-year-old Lily? The tiny dancer twirls across the room calling for everyone to, “Watch this guys!” Her five-year-old brother William sits quietly next to Dad and watches the performance. When he tires of the show, he slips off the couch without a word and takes the hand of one of his visitors and walks her to the aquarium where he points out his favorite fish. This is just everyday life to this precious sibling pair. They have no idea how different their story might have been. In 2011, Caryl Hennen was working as a speech pathologist at J.D. McCarty Center. Lily was one of her clients. DHS was desperately trying to find placement for Lilly and her young brother, but couldn’t find a home willing to take Lilly with her special needs and William with his medical issues. When it looked as though the two would have to be separated, Caryl knew she couldn’t let it happen. She talked with her husband, Rex, and the two agreed to foster the two children. At that time, they thought it would just be a temporary placement until the two were reunified with their biological family. That was not the case. Lilly and William needed a permanent home.

The Hennens were not new to adoption. Rex and Caryl were blessed to have Rex’s children, Enid, Elyse and Aaron, from a previous marriage, but were unable to have their own children. In 2000, the couple adopted Ricky, now 21, and Renee, now 22, through DHS. However, they were much younger then. They had experienced the unique set of challenges that come with adoption. Now, however, they were so close to being emptynesters and Rex, an assistant engineer for the city of Shawnee, was only a couple of years from retirement. They had the experience, but adopting two children with special needs would be a huge commitment and would involve many unknowns. They knew Lilly had Down’s Syndrome, but William was two months premature and diagnosed with Failure to Thrive. His future was unsure. After much consideration and prayer, Rex and Caryl accepted the challenge and Lilly and William had a family. Adopting children, especially children with special needs, does present many challenges. Rex and Caryl feel that as older, experienced parents they are better equipped to face those challenges and advocate for their children. Caryl, now a contract speech pathologist for Shawnee Independent School District, works closely with the school to make sure that Lilly is learning to do all that she is capable of. “She is so cute and outgoing that sometimes other people unknowingly undermine our authority when we are trying to teach her boundaries and social skills,” Caryl added. When doctors told them that William just needed to take in more calories, Rex and Caryl knew there was more to the problem so they relentlessly pursued medical testing. Because of their tenacity, they finally found a proper diagnosis and William is now gaining weight. The Hennens have no regrets about adopting special-needs children. “God opened a door, and we just walked through it,” explained Rex. Caryl added, “They may wear us out by the end of the day, but they keep us moving and involved and that keeps us young.” She went on to encourage others to do the same. DHS needs families who have a heart for children to step up and provide homes. “DHS gets a bad reputation sometimes,” Rex said. “You may not agree with them, but they are trying. They just don’t have enough homes. Ninety-five percent of those that complain aren’t willing to have children in their home.”

by: Kristi Prince

As for children with special-needs, Caryl put it this way. “Don’t be apprehensive of kids with special needs. They need the same things that other children need. They just have a unique skill set. They are no different than any other kid that needs a home.” Adopting Lilly and William has certainly been life-changing for the Hennens. For this family, however, the blessings of unconditional love, laughter, hope, and hugs, far outweigh the challenges. And, young Lilly and William lives are forever changed as a result. For information on becoming a foster or adoptive parent, please contact Andrea Stasyszen at Pott Co DHS, 405-675-9650 or by email at Andrea.stasyszen@okdhs.org. www.shawneeoutlook.com

EVENTS

MARCH MARCH 9, 16, 23

Gateway to Prevention is offering educational presentations on the issues related to addiction and recovery. On the 9th, Signs of Symptoms of Addiction will be presented by LPC Kimberly McCutcheon. On the 16th, Recovery and Grief will be presented by PLC Rebecca Long, and on the 23rd, Trauma and the Effects will be presented by LADC Ashley Spears. All presentations will be held at 1414 N Kennedy, Suite 108 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

MARCH 15, 22

Free Yoga at the Shawnee Public Library from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

MARCH 28

The Tecumseh Public Library will host Diabetes Education Empowerment Program from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Learn how to handle diabetes through diet, medication, and how to work with a healthcare team.

MARCH 28-29

The Polack Brothers Circus will be at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. Featuring Clowns, Juggling, acrobats, daredevils, and much more! We pride ourselves in bringing to you one of the oldest forms of live family entertainment. For more information or to buy tickets, visit polackbroscircus. com

APRIL 2

The Garland Arts and Crafts Show will be at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center. One of the state’s largest craft shows, expect to see a wide variety of handcrafted goods and art forms represented.

GREEN THUMB

March Gardening Tips One of the hardest things for Oklahoma gardeners to deal with is the weather. Many plants, fruit trees, rose bushes, etc., may start budding in February or March, only to be nipped by a late freeze. We’ve all seen it. I have some beautiful pictures of redbud tree blooms covered in snow. I also have lost crops of peaches to a late freeze. Arggg…but we keep going. I recently attended our local “Gardening with the Experts” seminar at Gordon Cooper Vo-Tech. If you missed it, make sure you attend next year. The 3 short hours are packed with wonderful speakers and so much great information. The attendees were asked to share helpful gardening hints. Here are some of the responses: 1. An empty seasoning jar with a plastic lid that has small openings makes a perfect way to sow tiny seeds in the garden. 2. Plant white, yellow, or light green plants to brighten up shady areas. 3. Put red worms in center of garden and each corner. This is an excellent way to fertilize and oxygenate the soil. 4. If you are new to gardening, start slow. Too much of a good thing can turn out to be overwhelming. 5. If there is a threat of a killing freeze, hang old Christmas lights around fruit trees and cover with a sheet or blanket. 6. Use organic materials for mulch that will enrich your soil as it breaks down and works into the soil. Good choices are pine needles, cypress or cedar shavings, cotton burr compost, cotton seed hulls, compost, straw, peanut hulls, and leaf mold. 7. In a flowerbed a “river” of red leaf lettuce can be a pretty ribbon of color through the bed. The color is pretty and you can pick the leaves for a salad. Herbs can also be planted in flowerbeds. 8. Cut back pampas grass and other ornamental grasses, a few inches from the ground.

The middle of March is the best time to tackle most of your pruning jobs. If you are pruning plants or trees that may be diseased, it is important to disinfect pruning blades after each cut to prevent spreading disease to healthy tissue. To do this, you can pour a couple bottles of rubbing alcohol in a clean coffee can or a container that you can dip your cutting blades into. You can also use a weak bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water). Most Oklahoma roses should be pruned annually, around March 15. Prune to maintain plant shape and size, removing dead or diseased wood. Prune for an open-centered plant, removing canes that grow toward the center. Knockout roses also need pruning, to keep a desired size. If you haven’t sprayed your rose bushes with Lime Sulfur yet, do so now. You will also need to begin a regular disease spray program as the foliage appears, especially through the rainy spring. In connection with the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful program, Shawnee is once again participating in a Trash-Off Day. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 9. Help spread the word to individuals and groups. Meeting place is Kid’s Space Park that morning for assignments. Trash bags and gloves are provided.

APRIL 7

A representative with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics will speak to Parents Against Drugs at the PAAC Center, Shawnee High School at 7 p.m. 30

www.shawneeoutlook.com

Article and Photo by Debi Renegar, Master Gardener with the Multi-County Master Gardener Association

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CELEBRATING NEW SPACE

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to celebrate the grand opening of our new patient care addition at St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital. We have been growing to ensure an exceptional patient experience! We invite you to a special preview tour of our new addition that includes a state-of-the-art surgical department, new intensive care units and a family-center women’s center.

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION T U E S D AY, M A R C H 8 T H

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BLESSING RIBBON CUTTING OPEN HOUSE 2:00 pm

ART DEDICATIONS 2:00 pm Cynthia Alsup, MD and Ramesh Mohan, MD Women’s Center, 2nd Floor 2:30 pm Jerold Kethley, MD and Roy Kelly, MD West Hallway, 1st Floor 3:00 pm Richard Lee “Dick” Shelton West Lobby, 1st Floor

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