Shawnee Outlook May 2016

Taking Great Strides for Ethan |

Splish, Splash, Shawnee

Conner’s MAY 16

Vol. 13 Number 3

GAME

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www.shawneeoutlook.com

CONTENTS FEATURES 9 Shawnee MMA Fighter to Defend Title 13 Bringing Talent to Town

Publisher

DEPARTMENTS 6 KEEP THE CHANGE 6 NUTRITION 101 10 BEST OF SHAWNEE

18 Taking Great Strides for Ethan 21 Conner’s Game 25 Kroj: A Reflection of Family Heritage

14 GREEN THUMB 20 SONIC CONTEST

Michael Keith

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Managing Editor

Mindy Wood

Creative Direction

Layers Media, Inc.

Cover Photo

Layers Media, Inc.

Writers

Andrea Beck Jamie Bergsten Tim Farley Angela Rowland Thresa Swadley Mindy Wood

Distribution

The Shawnee Outlook is delivered FREE by direct mail to 25,000 homes and businesses.

Contact Us

PO Box 1365 Shawnee, OK 74802 E-mail: info@layersmedia.com

22 ART GUIDE

To Advertise Call Brad at (405) 445-3033.

30 EVENTS

Volume 13, Number 3 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Layers Media, Inc. © 2016 Layers Media, Inc.

29 Avedis Foundation: 2nd Annual Health Week

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

30 Splish, Splash, Shawnee

RD 3ANNUAL

e c n a D s ’ 0 5 Municipal Auditorium Shawnee, OK

Saturday, June 25th • 7-10pm Best Dance Trophy Best 50’s Costume Trophy Door Prizes Live Entertainment: Tommy Gunz and DJ James “Rockin” Cotton

$4 per person (all ages welcome) Costumes encouraged (not necessary) Tickets available at the Shawnee Senior Center & from Committee Members – Nell Rita, Fran & Marty, Mille Woodward & Correna Wilson-Pickens

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5

KEEP THE CHANGE

NUTRITION 101

Checking in on the Budget This New Year I shared with you my goals for my budget. My biggest struggles were keeping the budget a priority and planning ahead financially.

I am happy to report that we are actually making strides in these areas with our budget. The greatest factor in being able to achieve our goals has been using our budget software (YNAB) – which, as of this year, now allows us to create budget goals. This new feature allows me to tell my budget how much I want to have in a certain category by a certain date. For example, our vehicle registration fee always catches me off guard when it comes due – so this year, I created a budget goal to have the necessary amount in our account when the time came to renew this summer.

The amount we needed to have was divided among the seven months until July and I have been

faithfully putting that fraction of the cost in that category every month. Now when it comes time to pay, we will already have the money set aside and it’ll be much less of a shock to our budget system.

We use the same strategy for service subscriptions, fees for kids’ activities, and even an upcoming vacation.

As the months have rolled on, I feel myself breathing easier as the budget categories grow and I see how our little bits of savings are going to make a big impact on our overall goal of being budget-ready for life expenses.

If you’re not using budgeting software, you can accomplish the same results by grabbing your calculator and dividing an upcoming expense by the amount of paychecks between now and then – and then plan to save that amount each paycheck! Your budget will thank you!

Angela Rowland is an OBU graduate and a stay-at-home mother of four. She enjoys finding new ways to stretch the paycheck and even posts some of her favorite tips and deals on her blog (steadfaststeward.blogspot.com)

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Shawnee MMA Fighter to Defend Title Gary Frazier claims he’s not a fighter, but his Mixed Martial Arts fans might have a different opinion.

He’s no gangster or someone who starts a street brawl, but the Shawnee-born and bred 28-year-old is no sissy in the cage. Most of the time, he leaves the cage victorious. Having played college football, Frazier is a tough guy who is proving his worth on the Freestyle Cage Fighting (FCF) circuit.

When he’s not working his regular job as a personal trainer, Frazier is training himself for his next fight June 11 at the Firelake Arena in Shawnee.

He’ll be defending his FCF heavyweight crown that night when he takes on opponent Brad Faylor in hopes of improving his win-loss record to 6-2.

At 6-feet-1-inch, 256 pounds, Frazier often faces bigger opponents in the cage. In one fight, Frazier’s opponent was 6-4, and nearly 270 pounds, but the Shawnee native took his foe down in 44 seconds.

In another bout, he walked away the winner in 37 seconds. “I like to start off the fights fast,” Frazier said. “I’m ready to get out of there unscathed and put some money in my pocket.”

With a longtime girlfriend and three children under 10, Frazier wants to take his fighting career to the next level. But with only six professional bouts under his belt, it may take some time. Still, he’s willing to put in the work and suffer through injuries to make it happen.

Frazier separated his shoulder during his second fight in 2012, but took time off to let it heal instead of having surgery. He returned to college football for a short time at Oklahoma Baptist University before he injured the shoulder again. This time, he underwent surgery and was away from the cage fighting scene for about three years. Frazier played football at Northeastern State A&M straight out of Shawnee High School where he also was a two-time state champion wrestler.

Frazier hasn’t suffered just one injury. He’s also torn his bicep, fractured a rib and injured his

neck while training for his cage fights, so all of his work has come with a price. So why is he making a comeback now? “I ask myself that same question sometimes,” he said. “Sometimes, I think there’s got to be an easier way to make money. I want to make some money, but at the end of the day people know I’m not a fighter like most people might think. I want to create an opportunity for me and my family. This is a business for me.”

Frazier is hoping success on the FCF circuit will lead him to the top level of cage fighting on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) tour. For him, that’s where the financial opportunity lies.

With that goal in mind, Frazier puts in the hours even when he’s injured by studying film of future opponents. “There’s always work to be done,” he said. “You never know where the fight is going to go so you have to be prepared.”

When healthy, Frazier focuses on his boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu skills that he uses in the cage. He also uses yoga, stretching, and a lot of running to prepare his body for a fight that’s bound to be brutal and barbaric. Knowing what lies ahead, Frazier trains with “some pretty tough guys.”

“If I’m comfortable beating up guys around me, you’re not improving and getting better,” he said. “You have to put yourself in the most intense situation in the (training) room.”

Although Frazier understands the thoughts of those who oppose the sport, he views it as an art form.

“I use my wrestling and boxing skills and once you do it for so long, it becomes a chess match after you step into the ring or cage. It’s about putting my art form against his,” the Shawnee resident said.

Since achieving a level of notoriety in Shawnee due to his cage fights, Frazier has been asked to speak to school children about his athletic prowess, the need for a quality education, and anti-bullying messages.

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“A lot of times, mom still has to work every day and there are a lot of kids here who don’t have anyone to look up to. I check in on the kids and help them readjust their minds so they’ll know what it takes to be a champion,” Frazier said.

Typically, Frazier asks the classroom teacher about the issues facing her students and then focuses on those elements in his speeches. “The message might be about testing or goal setting. If it’s about testing, I tell them to attack that test as if you are a lion. We might also talk about bullying or showing respect to teachers. I want to talk to them about what’s really real. But I also congratulate them on the positives in their lives. MMA has given me this chance to get in front of the kids,” he said.

“I talk to the kids about conducting themselves as if their mom was standing there.”

Frazier also has been involved with the Power Team, a well-known national powerlifting squad that focuses on the spiritual side of life.

Who’s your CHIROPRACTOR? American Chiropractic Clinic www.shawneeoutlook.com

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If you’re shopping for legal counsel, wouldn’t it be ideal to hire one who knows the law as well as the judge? Choosing an attorney who knows the courtroom on both sides of the bench can’t be a bad decision.

John Gardner has the unique experience of being a former prosecutor, judge, and now private practice attorney. After he graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, the Oklahoma City native served as an assistant district attorney in Pottawatomie County from 1981 to 1983. He then entered private practice in Shawnee until he took office as associate district judge in 1991.

He was re-elected six times and served with the distinction of having held that office longer than any previous judge in the county. In 2015, he retired from the bench, and returned to private practice.

Having served for much of that time as the only family court judge, Gardner heard hundreds of unique cases. He also saw a lot of attorneys come and go in his courtroom. “I thought I was a good attorney in private practice, but I can say now I’m a much better attorney after seeing so many styles, so many different techniques over the years. I know what works and what doesn’t work,” said Gardner.

Having been a judge for nearly 25 years also demanded a higher standard when it comes to knowing the law. “You are required to become familiar with many different aspects of the law as opposed to in private practice you may only be required to learn a particular area when you take a case that involves that area. Not only did I have to learn those other areas, I had to stay up to date on them as well,” he said.

Gardner’s practice is equally balanced between adoptions, guardianships, and contested custody divorce cases. Thanks to his experience performing intensive trial work as a former prosecutor, Gardner also handles criminal defense cases with sharp insight.

While jokes abound regarding the integrity of the law profession, Gardner said he values honesty above the growth of his practice.

“I’ve had some potential clients not hire me because they wanted me to promise them that they would win. I demand my clients be honest with me, and I will always be honest with them about their case,” said Gardner.

Several clients have submitted the highest recommendation for him through testimonials on

by: Mindy Wood

his website. “I was so impressed with the way John handled my case,” wrote Barbara B. “It was timely filed and he had a court date within a matter of days. He also promptly returned all my calls. I would highly recommend John Gardner Law office to handle any legal issue you need help with.”

“I rated John Gardner a five (star), not only for his professional attitude, but also his friendliness and good advice. He treated me with respect and that is something that is important to me. I will recommend him to all my friends who need an attorney,” wrote June W. John Gardner is highly respected as an advocate for children and continues to show his dedication to the community. In 2010, the Kids First Coalition named him Child Advocate of the Year. Since 2012, he serves as chairman of the Pottawatomie County Child Welfare Collaborative, a team of advocates who work to improve the lives of at risk children.

For more information, visit johngardnerlaw.com or call 405-765-8450.

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Bringing Talent to Town Brushes with celebrity don’t occur too often in Shawnee. Sure, there are famous folks who show up to eat a burger or attend a fundraiser in town from time to time, but most of us don’t ever cross paths with them. For one local woman, however, taking care of visiting celebrities is all in a day’s work – literally.

Michelle O’Bright, events manager for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, has been managing events The Grand Casino Hotel & Resort and Firelake Arena. She oversees all aspects of the entertainment events, including booking and negotiating the shows, contract negotiation, executing the shows the day of, and caring for the artists’ needs.

“We like to book one to two concerts each month for each venue,” O’Bright said. “In addition to that, we also book and host car shows, July 4th celebrations, corporate and charity events, outdoor concerts, crafts shows, and MMA and boxing events, to name a few.” In a perfect world, she and her staff like to book these events up to a year in advance; however, getting confirmations can be a long and complicated process at times.

“If I’m interested in a particular artist, I’ll reach out to the agency. They’ll also send me acts that are available, and if I’m interested, I’ll contact them and get the information I need to determine if I want to make an offer. Then the negotiating begins. For larger acts I use a ‘buyer’. They typically buy numerous shows of one particular artist, which can help us get a better rate and allows us to bring some of the bigger shows.”

O’Bright said that with the biggest stage set up, The Grand Event Center can hold 2,000, and The Firelake Arena just over 4,100. Having such large venues in a town this size means that bigname talent can perform right here in Shawnee on a regular basis.

While O’Bright said they seek performers

by: Jamie Bergsten

that appeal to their demographics. At the Grand Casino, that means shows like Crystal Gayle, Olivia Newton John, Merle Haggard, and 80s rock. “Since we have become a hotel and resort, we try to be flexible in our shows and bring in some different and younger acts too,” she said. “At Firelake Arena, some of the newer artists do very well, with a younger crowd. Since that venue isn’t attached to a casino, we can open our shows there to all ages.”

O’Bright said most performers are not just celebrities but also genuinely good people. “Most of them are really nice and pleasant to work with. The ones that really stand out were especially kind not just to the staff here but also to their fans.” Those include Kevin Costner, Vanilla Ice, Rodney Carrington, Kris Kristofferson, and Joey & Rory. “I’ve actually become friends with some of them,” she said.

One of O’Bright’s most interesting and memorable encounters with a performer happened when Andrew Dice Clay was in town.

“He’s a comedian with a very explicit show and language. He asked me to have dinner with him after his show, and of course I was very hesitant and nervous. I wondered what type of dinner and conversation we’d possibly have, but I was pleasantly surprised. He was very intelligent and polite, and we had great ‘non-explicit’ conversation.”

Besides the perk of getting to meet each act, O’Bright pointed out other advantages to her

Michelle O’Bright

job. “I really just love ALMOST everything about it. The fact that I love music is a great perk, but I also love finding out what these artists are really like, learning about their personalities. I also have a great team of people that I work with at each venue, and that makes my job easier and fun.” The hours, she said, are the toughest part of her work.

On the day of a show she’ll work up to 17 hours, and she works lots of nights and weekends too.

As always, there are big things coming up. In May, Boz Scaggs and Air Supply will be in town, followed by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in June.

August will include Pat Benatar performing with Melissa Ethridge, “which will be a great show”, O’Bright said. “We’re also working on an awesome outdoor event, so stay tuned for information on that.”

For tickets at The Grand Hotel & Resort, visit www.grandboxoffice.com;, for information and tickets at Firelake Arena visit www.firelakearena. com.

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Join us the 3rd Friday of each month for our open house with great Art, Live Music, Wine tasting & Hors d’oeuvres!

655 N. Broadway | Shawnee, OK | (405) 273-0397 | f www.shawneeoutlook.com

13

GREEN THUMB

May Gardening Tips

Did you hear about the two bed bugs who met in the mattress? They got married in the spring.

This month, I want to talk about bugs, so I thought that would get your attention.

I used to think the only good bug was a dead bug. I’ll admit I hate creepy crawly things, but I am learning that I should look before I squish.

According to the Texas A&M University, “There are millions of species of insects on the earth, but only 5% of them are harmful. Most are beneficial insects.” What? A good bug? Hmmmm... let’s see,

Article and Photo by Debi Renegar, Master Gardener with the Multi-County Master Gardener Association I know ladybugs are good because they’re cute and they eat spider mites and aphids. Then there is the praying mantis. My gardening books say he is a champ for eating lots of bad bugs. Come to find out, even spiders are good to have in your garden, because they too, eat the “bad” bugs.

There are loads of “beneficial” bugs that not only help pollinate our plants, but help us gardeners keep the bad bug population down. So, when we use a harsh chemical (or even non-chemical) spray in our garden, we are killing the good bugs, right along with the bad bugs. No wonder our honeybee population is decreasing.

But what are we to do, when aphids, cutworms, and other pests are preying on our vegetables and flowers? Who ya gonna call? The “Bad-Bug” Buster? Well, sort of. This is where we enlist the aid of “good bugs” that will battle and gobble up those bad guys.

To draw beneficial bugs to your garden, grow some of the small flowering plants they prefer.

Mint, carrots, cosmos, dill, fennel, parsley, sage, oregano, and spearmint, etc., seem to be

especially attractive to beneficials. Also, when your early veggies, such as radishes, parsley, broccoli, etc. start to bolt and flower, those blossoms entice beneficials also.

Here are some ideas for solving your bug blues: • A strong spray of water can knock small soft-bodied pests off plants.

• Mulching your vegetables with straw or dried grass will attract spiders, which in turn will drastically reduce insect damage.

• Determine your tolerance level of how much of your crop you are willing to “share”.

• Take a common sense approach to pest control. One bug does not make a problem, but be on pest-patrol, so you can act, if needed.

• Wage war, if you must. But like any good commander, be aware of the effects of your actions and try to minimize costs and casualties.

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Keeping Friends and Family Heart Healthy in Shawnee

Shawnee Clinic

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OHH interventional cardiologists serving the Shawnee clinic (from left): Naveed Ahmed, MD; Suresh Chandrasekaran, MD; Bryan Perry, MD; Parker Truong, DO; Soni Zacharius, MD; Ronald White, MD; Michael Schoeffler, MD; Aamir Hameed, MD; and Nabhan Al-Nabhan, MD. Not pictured: cardiothoracic surgeon John Randolph, MD.

www.shawneeoutlook.com

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ARBITRATOR RULES IN FAVOR OF CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION The Oklahoma Tax Commission has lost in its attempt to unlawfully collect sales taxes from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Arbitrator Daniel J. Boudreau, former State of Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice, ruled in favor of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in a dispute between CPN and the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

“Federal law protecting tribal sovereignty interests preempts and invalidates the State’s sales tax on the Nation’s sales in question,” Justice Boudreau said in his decision. “We are grateful to read the final decision by former Supreme Court Justice Boudreau,” stated Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Chairman John Barrett. “It confirms what we’ve said all along. The state government acted unlawfully in its attempt to tax tribal enterprises operating on Indian trust land.”

The tribe requested arbitration after the OTC filed a complaint in its Administrative Proceedings Division on May 28, 2014 seeking to revoke permits for sales tax, low point beer and mixed beverages from all tribal enterprises including FireLake Entertainment Center, FireLake Corner Store, FireLake Discount Foods, FireLake Express Grocery and Grand Casino Hotel and Resort.

taxes on sales at all tribal businesses under the gaming compact. The Nation disputed that, arguing that the State of Oklahoma was attempting to use the gaming compact to unlawfully impose state sales taxes on tribal land.

Justice Boudreau stated in the arbitration award that the “Federal and tribal interests must be weighed against state interests. When a state imposes a tax on non-member activity on Indian land, the courts apply a flexible preemption analysis to determine whether the tax is valid or invalid.”

The analysis test comes from United States Supreme Court rulings in Indian Country U.S.A. v. State of Oklahoma, 829 F.2d 967 {10th Cir. 1987) and White Mountain Apache Tribe v. Bracker, 448 U.S. 136 {1980), among other decisions.

Specifically, Boudreau found that that the Nation has significant federal and tribal interests in the CPN’s self-governance, economic self-sufficiency, and selfdetermination. He also noted that the Nation alone invests value in the goods and services that it sells not by advertising its exclusivity from state sales taxes due to the imposition of equivalent tribal sales tax on The State of Oklahoma incorrectly said that the Nation transactions taking place on its tribal trust land. was obligated to collect, report and pay state sales

ECONOMIC IMPACT IN MILLIONS

$350

$60

MILLION

IN FEDERAL DOLLARS BROUGHT TO OKLAHOMA

BY CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION IN THE PAST DECADE

MILLION CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION HAS CREATED 7 OF EVERY 10 JOBS IN SHAWNEE SINCE 2003 Paid for by Citizen Potawatomi Nation

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CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION HAS SPENT 60 MILLION DOLLARS ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE PAST DECADE

overall impact $540

$433.01

$192.9 $55.1

$346

$394

$522.3

MILLION

MILLION

MILLION

MILLION

MILLION

MILLION

MILLION

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

“We have diversified our businesses so that our government revenue does not only depend on gaming,” Barrett said. “In order to support our government, provide services to Oklahoma citizens and create more economic development, we charge the same sales tax at our enterprises as the non-tribal communities near them. We do this not only to provide needed revenue, but because it is the fair thing to do. We do not want an unfair advantage created from a tax exemption.”

around us and we do that by creating opportunities for all people through quality jobs and increased services in our area of economic impact,” said Chairman Barrett.

“Our economic impact is now more than $550 million per year with gaming as a reinvestment revenue source. It has allowed us to create 2,400 jobs in our rural communities, which in Pottawatomie County equates to 70 percent of all new job creation in the last ten years.”

Boudreau also found that the State of Oklahoma possesses no economic interest beyond a general quest for additional revenue by seeking to impose a sales tax on the Nation’s transactions and therefore suffers no uncompensated economic burden arising therefrom. He concluded by finding that the federal and tribal interests at stake predominate significantly over any possible state interest in the transactions upon which the OTC seeks to impose its sales tax on.

Oklahoma law firm Crowe & Dunlevy represented CPN in the arbitration.

“Our goal is to improve the quality of life in this Pottawatomie County, including the communities

“This is a significant victory for the Nation,” said Mike McBride, Chair of Crowe & Dunlevy’s Indian Law & Gaming Practice Group. “The facts and law needed to prove federal preemption is complex and hard to do. It has been decades since a tribe in Oklahoma has won such a decisive and broad victory to keep the state out of the Nation’s businesses. The arbitration award should help bring economic peace and prosperity for the Nation.”

Paid for by Citizen Potawatomi Nation www.shawneeoutlook.com

17

Taking Great Strides for Ethan Finding commonalities tends to draw us close to others. Many friendships are born because people share some kind of unique bond. It’s hard to imagine that patients of one rare disease must stay apart, rather than drawing together, in their battle. People with cystic fibrosis but they can support each other, must keep a distance of six feet between due to immune system risks.

McLoud resident Andrea Longley never saw it coming. When she gave birth to son Ethan, her second child, nearly three years ago, she was ending a healthy pregnancy with an unremarkable delivery. Genetic testing for Down syndrome had been completed months before, but she “had no idea that there was even a possibility” of her child being born with CF. “I was never asked to test for it or even spoken to about the chance of being a carrier, even though it’s part of the newborn screening now,” she said.

Ethan’s newborn screening showed elevated levels of sodium, indicating he was at high risk for CF. Two weeks later, he was diagnosed.

As Andrea recalls, “Jacob (Ethan’s father) was a little worried when we had the test done,

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because he knew there was a genetic link on his side of the family.”

Jacob’s cousin Sam, an elementary student, has CF, so Jacob knew the chance was there.

“When they came back to tell us that Ethan did indeed have cystic fibrosis, that devastating news wasn’t something I could ever have imagined,” said Andrea.

For a child to be born with CF, both parents must be carriers of a faulty gene. The disease affects the movement of sodium chloride (salt) in and out of certain cells, and the result is thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs, making the sufferer prone to breathing difficulties, lung infections, digestive and growth problems, and lung damage. CF is the most common life-shortening genetic disease among those of Northern European descent and there is no cure. Medical breakthroughs have increased the median survival age from school-age to nearly forty years since the 1950s.

Ethan requires specialized care, but Andrea says, “We can only do so much short of putting him in a bubble or never letting him out of the house. We’re giving him the best care we know how to give, and we’re continuously learning and trying.”

He sees a team at the Pulmonary and Cystic Fibrosis Center at OU Children’s Hospital, where he participated in a research study and receives regular care. “I definitely feel welcome and supported when I see the CF care team. Without them, I don’t know what we would do!”

Ethan’s daily regimen includes taking pancreatic enzymes, crushed up in a meal or snack. He also takes Vitamin D3, an inhaled medicine to thin the mucus in his lungs, and a multivitamin. At least twice a day, he undergoes 30-minute sessions in a special vest that helps to clear his airway.

Longley does all she can to otherwise ensure that Ethan’s life is like those of his peers. He attends daycare, will go to public school in a few years, and likes to wrestle with his siblings. “He’s 2 ½, and like all toddlers, he’s into everything and fearless. But unlike some, he’s tough. He doesn’t let his CF stop him. I think the best way to describe Ethan is, as our CF coordinator at Children’s puts it, a normal kid who just also happens to have CF,” Longley said.

As a way to raise money for the CF Foundation in its fight for a cure, Ethan’s family

by: Jamie Bergsten

participates in an annual event called Great Strides. This one mile walk in downtown OKC is preceded by a special ceremony honoring every person in attendance afflicted with CF. In part, they receive a medal emblazoned with “Hero of Our Hearts.”

“When Ethan was about nine months old, we went to our first one, and it was really neat to see all the teams and the ceremony. Our team’s name is Ethan’s Dream, and our goal this year is to raise $1,500. I think every little bit counts,” Longley said.

Those who would like to donate toward the cause can visit http://tinyurl.com/ EthansDream. Tax-deductible contributions go directly to the CF Foundation. The Great Strides walk is open to the public and will be at the OKC Myriad Gardens on Saturday, May 7. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk is at 10.

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Conner’s Game Eleven-year-old Connor Gordon has always lived for sports. The accomplished athlete played everything from soccer and football to basketball and baseball until devastating news brought his game to a halt.

He went from the football field to a wheelchair in a matter of days. Last October, Connor complained of muscle pain. When it didn’t get better, his parents took him to an orthopedic doctor. He had a hip fracture, but by his follow-up appointment it had worsened.

Connor was diagnosed with Leg Calve Perthes disease. His left femoral hip bone was dead.

Perthese kills a bone when the flow of blood to a bone stops. The bone grows back, but not in the correct shape. The patient lives with lifelong mobile impairment.

Doctors told Connor and his parents that he would be in a wheelchair for the next three to four years. He would never play sports again. He was devastated.

“What you do mean I’ll never play sports again,” he asked his mother. It was all she could do to hold it together, but said she promised him they wouldn’t give up.

“I just kept researching and praying, researching and praying and the name Dr. Kim kept coming up,” said Rebecca. Dr. Harry Kim is a leading national expert on Perthes at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, Texas and part of a team conducting international treatment studies.

“On a whim I emailed him. Two minutes later he emailed back that Connor qualified for two of his study groups. His nurse said we would need board approval because they don’t see patients out of state. Within an hour we had an appointment,” she said. “It was a miracle.”

Dr. Kim was more optimistic, planning to have Connor walking in 12 months. “Our goal is for him to be 100 percent after this,” Rebecca said.

New procedures are promising. In November and January, Dr. Kim surgically drilled holes in the dead bone. Bloodflow can then resume and regrow

the hip in the correct shape. The goal is for the old hip to act like a mold for the new bone to take its place, before the dead bone collapses.

Connor, who has been in races most of his life, is in a race to grow a new bone correctly before it’s too late. “That’s why he’s not weight bearing because weight will cause the bone to grow oblong instead of round.

He can’t put any weight on it at all.”

Determined, Connor adjusted to life in a wheelchair, but missed sports the way some children miss their best friend. He turned to the internet for answers and on Youtube watched kids playing basketball in wheelchairs.

Days later, Rebecca contacted the Oklahoma Adaptive Sports Association.

Rebecca and Connor’s father, Dwayne were worried he would get hurt.

With Dr. Kim’s approval, the Oklahoma Blaze welcomed Connor to their junior team.

“After the first practice he said, ‘Mom, I just missed sweating.

It feels so good to sweat,’” said Rebecca.

Wheelchair basketball is hard work and fiercely competitive.

It’s also a lot of fun. “It’s like NASCAR meets basketball,” she laughed. “They work hard. They are real athletes; it’s hardcore.”

Last month, Connor’s team competed against 88 teams across the nation. “Their record was 18 and four, and they lost only to the number one and three seeded teams. They were sixth in the nation out of 88 teams,” said Rebecca.

The Oklahoma Blaze played in two exhibition games, one against the Thunder’s OKC Blue and Oklahoma Christian University, an NCAA team.

All players had to compete in wheelchairs and the Oklahoma Blaze won both games.

Connor is supported by friends, family, and teachers. His older brother Spencer plays football for Shawnee High School and the team still lets Connor be the ball boy. Some team members have brought pizza to Connor at school and shared a lunch. Spencer spends more time with Connor and wears Connor’s initials on his wrists during games. Several of Connor’s former teammates have learned to play sports with him in spite of his wheelchair.

by: Mindy Wood

He continues an adaptive workout alongside his friends at Performance Course. “He had been working out before,” said Rebecca. “After his diagnosis, Jeff Diamond, the owner, said, ‘There’s no reason for him to stop.’ Things like that may not seem like a big deal, but he needed that normalcy.”

He’s keeping his spirits up, as much as he is his strength. Knowing he will walk again and may return to sports fully, is a hope his teammates will never know. “There are players on my team who can’t walk,” said Connor. “One of them can’t grow right. Three kids have (leg) braces. I realize how much I have and what I don’t. It could be worse.”

Regardless of his treatment outcome, Connor can continue to play adaptive sports because of his diagnosis. Ten universities offer division one scholarships for wheelchair basketball. The Oklahoma Blaze is a member of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association.

For more information on adaptive sports, visit OKASA on Facebook. www.shawneeoutlook.com

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ART GUIDE

Enjoy the Arts in Shawnee Firelake Casino will have Boz Scaggs in concert on May 6th and Air Supply on May 20th. Tickets can be purchased at www.grandresortok.com/ entertainment.

Take the family to the Prague Kolache Festival on Saturday, May 7th. Highlights include Czech folk dancing, street dancing, crafts, fireworks, and of course kolaches!

The Shawnee High School and Middle School music programs will be presenting their final concerts for the 2015-16 school year. The High School Band and Choir Concerts will be on May 10th at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Middle School Band and Choir Concerts will be on May 12th at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. All concerts will be at the PAAC on the high school campus.

Local author Bob Perry will be at the Shawnee Public Library on May 12th presenting on popular dystopian literature. This is a come and go event

Thresa Swadley is a freelance cellist/teacher who has been active in the Shawnee Arts Community for almost 20 years. She is a member of the OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra and plays in Trio Antiqua, a baroque music trio. Please contact her if you know of an upcoming arts event. Visit www.celloladyok.com.

with the presentation beginning at 6 p.m. Visit plsok.evanced.info/signup/EventCalendar.aspx.

by the Broadway Art Gallery while you are in the area.

Mark Evans will be the featured reader for the Poetry Night on May 19th at 7 pm. at Benedict Street Marketplace. Evans will also have copies of his new book available.

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will open a new display A Tribute to America’s Combat Artists and Fighting Forces: Art from the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. May 21- August 21, 2016. The Friends of the MGMoA will host an opening reception on May 20th at 7 p.m.

Looking for fun on a Friday night? The third Friday Block Party will be “construction themed” to celebrate the “Streetscape” project on Friday, May 20th. SEFF will be providing Block Party participants with plastic hard hats and they have arranged for a piece of heavy equipment used in the project to be available as a photo opportunity.

While you are at the Block Party stop in at the Arts at 317 where they will be hosting a couples paint party at 6:30 with Manchester Street Coffee supplying free samples. Main Street Photo across the street will have live music with an art show featuring several local artists. Don’t forget to go

Has your child expressed an interest in learning a musical skill or instrument? Summer can be a good time to try this out without the distraction of schoolwork and activities. The OBU Preparatory Program provides lessons through the summer as well as during the school year. Visit www.okbu. edu/fine-arts/music/preparatory.html.

Another great summer activity for children is the Mabee-Gerrer Summer Arts Camps for children.

They have camps available for children from ages 3-18. Sign up at www.mgmoa.org/classes.

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Kroj

A Reflection of Family Heritage

For Marria Brydon, sewing the traditional Czech dress, the kroj (pronounced croy), and celebrating her Czech heritage involves a lifestyle, not just donning a costume once a year at the annual Prague Kolache Festival.

Marria Brydon’s paternal grandparents were Beseda dancers (a traditional Czech folk dance) participating in the Prague Kolache Festival from its inception in 1955. Marria’s mother first learned how to make a kroj in 1974 from her future mother-in-law. She needed a kroj to take part in the traditional dance at the festival with her date.

The kroj reflects the historic Bohemian dress of Czechoslovakia. Women typically owned three dresses: one for everyday, one for funerals, and the other for weddings and special occasions. The kroj worn by the Brydon women is more like what was worn for special occasions.

The Bohemian costume is a work of art whose many symbols might pass unnoticed by those unfamiliar with Czech culture. For example, young women wear a floral hair garland indicating that they are single and “ripe for picking.” Married women or underage girls wear a bonnet or bow to indicate their particular status. Men’s hats also indicate their position, with single men’s hat sporting long feathers—a feather for “each of their girlfriends”—and married men’s hats sporting short feathers to signify that they “have been plucked.”

Traditionally, the kroj are designed to fit for multiple years and through multiple generations. They are made so that, as a child grows, the waists and hems can be let out, so that they can be worn for several years. The

by: Thresa Swadley

dresses are passed on to other siblings and family members.

The Brydons have continued this tradition, with Marria’s daughters Julie and Courtney (as well as cousins and other family members) having worn many of the same kroj through the years.

The Bohemian kroj is typically a red mid-calf skirt, a white Marria, Julie, Courtney, and her husband Doug at the 2015 Kolache Festival blouse with large, puffy sleeves, a they did not injure themselves in the process.” black vest, and boots. All the pieces of the kroj are In addition to sewing their own kroj, heavily embellished with lace, embroidered trim, Marria watches eBay for authentic dresses. Her and other accents. The men’s vests are likewise daughter, Courtney, currently wears a kroj that embellished with trim.

Marria purchased on eBay from a lady in the Creating each kroj is a family event for the Czech Republic whose family had hidden her Brydons. Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, childhood kroj in the floorboards of their home cousins, and aunts bring fabric, trims, lace, and during the Nazi invasion to preserve it. The other notions to plan each special outfit. Marria woman was happy to sell it to Marria, knowing said, “Planning each kroj with the fabric and trim that Marria’s daughter would enjoy wearing the typically takes longer than actually making the kroj that she had worn as a child. outfit.”

The traditional Czech clothing is so The family strives to keep the costumes as important to the Brydon family that when authentic as possible, using trim and lace from the tornado warnings sound in the area, each Czech Republic. Fortunately, Marria bought extra member carries an armload with them to the lace before the factory that supplied the authentic shelter as they take cover. They do not want to Czech lace burned down a few years ago. They use risk losing any of the priceless pieces they have the remaining stock sparingly as they know that in worked so hard to put together. future, it will become increasingly difficult to get Of course, the Kolache Festival is an lace from the Czech Republic. important day for the Brydons. They have all Marria and her mother enjoy bonding time served in executive positions coordinating the with the family while creating kroje for family festival. The family sets up a tent in the city members. Her daughters have enjoyed it through park where they gather to eat, rest, and change the years; when they asked their grandmother to clothes for the events. A highlight for the family make them kroje for their dolls, she instead taught is the street dance at the end of the day, and them to sew and to make outfits for themselves. afterwards gathering to watch the fireworks Grandmother Yvonne, said, “I had to watch the display at night. girls closely with the sewing machine to make sure

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Vote for your town’s future!

Dub Bushong

James Harrod

Greetings Shawnee! For those of you who do not know me, my name is Dub Bushong. I have been a resident of Shawnee for 50 years. I graduated from Shawnee High School and Oklahoma State University. I previously owned and operated R &R Full Service Carwash and currently serve the community as a local business owner, providing residential and commercial property inspections.

Incumbent city commissioner James Harrod here! I graduated from Seminole High School and East Central State University with a major in Math and Physics. I have also earned Masters Degrees from OU and OSU in Educational Administration. I am a retired school superintendent and electrical contractor. I have served in various civic clubs, city boards and education organizations as well as the Pottawatomie County Fair Board, The Oklahoma Educator’s Association Credit Union and I am a very active member of the local Kiwanis organization. I am an officer in Shawnee Masonic composite lodge 107. I serve on district 29 degree team, COED board of directors, SEDF(Shawnee Economic Development) board, contract review committee, and staff health insurance committee. My wife Kaye and I attend LifeChurch in Shawnee.

I have been married to Rosemarie, a Shawnee School teacher, for 29 years and we have twin boys, Aaron and Austin, who have recently graduated college.

I have been involved with the local Elk’s organization for the past 25 years and have served as the past President. While serving at the Elk’s, I participated in the coordination of many civic activities including, Elk’s Soccer Shoot Out, Hoops Shoot, and Christmas Baskets for needy families. I served as chairman of the Americanism Essay Contest and supported activities for Veterans and their families.

As a local electrical contractor, I have firsthand knowledge and many years of experience with city codes and ordinance. I also have substantial comprehension for the extent of our need for repairs at the Bryan Street Fire Station. It is my objective to support our current City Manager and staff in focusing on the growth and development for the future of this great community. I am available 24/7 to my community.

I take pride in contributing to my community and it would be my honor to serve as City Commissioner.

It is my honor to serve as your city commissioner and I look forward to working with the new commissioners and mayor elect.

Dub Bushong for Ward 1 Commissioner

James Harrod for Ward 3 Commissioner

Dub Bushong is a lifelong resident of Shawnee who’s goal is to simply help our City move forward and become an even better place for future generations. Having Dub as a Commissioner will give us the opportunity to work together to achieve these common goals. Please vote June 28th for Dub Bushong City Commission Ward 1 Sincerely, Darren Rutherford Commisioner Elect Ward 4 Richard Finley Mayor Elect

James Harrod’s experience as City commissioner and Vice Mayor along with his knowledge of current projects will be a great asset to all the newly elected City commissioners. We look forward to the privilege of working with him. Please vote June 28th for James Harrod City Commissioner Ward 3.

Sincerely, Darren Rutherford Commissioner Elect Ward 4 Richard Finley Mayor Elect

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Avedis Foundation

Our next generation is depending on you.

2ND ANNUAL HEALTH WEEK

The Avedis Foundation has announced its plans for Shawnee’s second annual Health Week, a week of recreational and fitness activities for Shawnee and surrounding communities, from May 20 to May 28.

The Shawnee-based foundation has collaborated with several community partners to organize activities that promote healthy, active lifestyles for all ages.

“We’re pleased to announce the schedule of events for our second annual Health Week,” stated Michelle Briggs, President and CEO Avedis Foundation. “The week is truly a celebration to bring the community together for the sake of healthier lifestyles,” Briggs added.

The foundation’s first Health Week, held in May, 2015, coincided with the completion of three significant civic projects for the City of Shawnee, funded by a $1.4 million grant from the Avedis Foundation to the city: the Shawnee Splash, a large pool complex; a splash pad at Boy Scout Park; and a multi-purpose trails project, Avedis Trails.

According to Audrey Seeliger, Program Officer for Avedis Foundation, high attendance and strong community engagement for last year’s inaugural Health Week were important considerations for the foundation’s decision to make it an annual event.

“We feel very fortunate to have an enthusiastic community that wants to participate in Health Week, as well as the support of several local organizations and individuals who care deeply about our community,” Seeliger observed. “The event’s success is a credit to the level of collaboration and community support Health Week has received,” Seeliger said.

Among the community businesses and organizations hosting 2016 Health Week activities are the Shawnee YMCA, Shawnee Splash Water Park, St. Gregory’s University, Shawnee Municipal Auditorium and Harvest Creek Farmers Market.

All of the week’s activities are open to the public, and most events are free of charge. Highlights of the week include the season opening day of Shawnee Splash Water Park, the second annual “Krazy Kids Day,” the second annual “Glow Run,” a family fun run, and the “Peddling for Health” family bike ride.

The week also features activities for seniors, ages 50 and older, and free access to facilities at the Shawnee YMCA. Seeliger noted that several hundred 2016 Health Week and “Krazy Kids Day” t-shirts will be given away at various event locations on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. Additionally, “Glow Run” prize bags will be given away to the first 300 entrants for the run on Friday, May 27. T-shirts for the “Glow Run” will be available for $10 each, with proceeds benefiting Fr. Paul Zahler’s Home for Integration Child Development Center.

Avedis Foundation president and CEO Michelle Briggs said, “Avedis Foundation welcomes opportunities such as Health Week as a means to engage the community in a positive way, while advancing our mission of measurably improving the health, wellness and quality of life for the people of Pottawatomie County and its surrounding communities.”

In addition to the following overview of 2016 Health Week, event descriptions and other details can be found on the Avedis Foundation website: avedisfoundation.org/healthweek.

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EVENTS

MAY MAY 20-28

Avedis brings back Health Week, eight days of fun and interactive health education activities offered in the Shawnee community. All activities are open to the public. See the article and schedule right here in the Shawnee Outlook.

MAY 21

Third annual Black Hawk Casino Car & Bike Show. Every year just keeps getting bigger and better with hundreds of rides from classics, future classics, and awesome bikes. There will be food vendors as well as live music with country performer Wesley Michael Hayes. Bring the whole family for what’s fast becoming one of the premier car shows in Oklahoma.

JUNE 2-4

The Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center will host the Skyline Bluegrass Festival. A number of talented musicians will come together to share their music with festival attendees. The festival kicks off Thursday night with a bluegrass gospel concert.

Bluegrass instrument workshops will be available beginning Friday at noon covering the bass, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, and dobro. See some of the best names in bluegrass nationally and locally. Bring the whole family to enjoy live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.

JUNE 5

Summer Reading Kickoff registration begins at the Shawnee Public Library.

Register for the children’s reading program at the Summer Kick-off Concert on Sunday, June 5 at the Celebration of Life Park across from the library. Kids will receive a book bag, stickers, bookmarks, and a reading log to register their reading minutes. This year’s reading program brings live entertainment, including concerts, performers, and educational demonstrations for children four through teens.

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www.shawneeoutlook.com

Splish, Splash, Shawnee It’s almost time for summer fun with Shawnee’s water and swimming parks. May 20 is the opening date for three places to soak up the sun and stay cool.

The Shawnee water complex is the largest, outdoor municipal water park in the area with several attractions.

The facility boasts a 25-yard competitive lap pool with two slides, log roll, and climbing wall; a diving pool and an interactive leisure pool with a play structure and dumping bucket. The 241,000-gallon diving pool includes two diving boards and a large climbing wall.

Prior to the grand opening on May 20, Shawnee Splash will host a Teen Night (ages 13-18) May 13 with music and movies. The dive pool and slide pool will be open from 7-10 p.m. with a $5 admission. On May 14, the aquatics facility will host an ice cream social from 8-9 p.m. so residents can tour the pools and sign up for season passes. The pools will not be available for swimming that night.

The aquatic center will begin its second year of operation after Shawnee residents went without a pool for two years. The old pool was built in 1938.

The new facility features a plethora of activities for all ages, including water aerobics for senior citizens in the morning and swimming lessons for any age, said aquatics director Kerri Foster. The first session for swim lessons begins June 6-9 with start times of 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. A complete listing of swim lesson sessions and other information is available at www. shawneeok.org/ShawneeSplash.

In its inaugural season, Shawnee Splash averaged

by: Tim Farley 600 patrons per day and on occasions the facility attracted 1,500 or more. “We received some outstanding comments last year,” Foster said. “The old one was shut down two years ago and people had nowhere to go. Before we even opened last year, people were complimenting the facility. It’s a lot of fun with entire families coming and grandparents bringing the kids. It’s all about families smiling and having fun together.”

Shawnee Splash will offer $1 admission rates once a month during the summer beginning in June. Daily admission rates are $5 for adults and $4 for children and seniors (55-and-over). Kids 2-and-under are admitted free.

The complex will be open noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The admission for twilight hours, which is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., is 50 percent off the regular rate. “There’s always something going on here,” Foster said.

Some of the summer activities include Dad’s Day June 19. Dads are admitted free when accompanied by their family. On June 24, Teen Dive In Movie night will be held with a $3 admission. Military Appreciation Day is set Sunday, Aug. 7. Complimentary admission will be provided for active duty military members and up to three dependents. If a military service member is deployed at that time, a spouse and up to three dependents will receive free admission with a current military ID card.

The aquatics facility is located at 100 E. Highland and the telephone number to the complex is 273-0700.

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