Shawnee Outlook

The Choctaw Peddler | Stained Glass Tours

America’s

new breed

December 12 Vol. 9 Number 10

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SHAWNEE, OK PERMIT NO 33

YOUR

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FRIENDS. NEIGHBORS. DOCTORS. Keith Conaway, M.D., Michael Salrin, D.O., Tenia Skinner, D.O., Amit Patel, M.D., Stephanie Hancock, PA-C, Tracy Massengale, ARNP, Janet Pasquali, ARNP, Tammy Harrelson, ARNP

Your family comes first. They deserve the best. These highly skilled physicians have more than 38 years of combined experience in family medical care. They’re the people you see in your neighborhood and around town, and they’re part of the Midwest Regional Medical Center family. The Family Medicine Specialists team of providers is ready to serve all of your family’s medical needs with expert and friendly care.

Call today to schedule an appointment.

3700 N. Kickapoo, Suite 124 t Shawnee, OK 74804

405-273-6383

OUR SERVICES

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contents

December 2012

17 Features

21 departments

13 From Retirement to Record Books

6 Community

17 America’s New Breed

6 Nutrition 101

21 The Choctaw Peddler

9 Beautiful Mess

25 Stained Glass Tours 26 How Does Santa Know What I Wish For?

Publisher

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Managing Editor

Mindy Wood

Design

Photography

Dejah Quinn

Writers

John Ayers Andrea Beck Tim Burg Linda Fritch Shea Moore Larry Sparks 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

Michael Keith

Layers Media, Inc.

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

10 Best of Shawnee 20 Sonic Contest 22 Keep the change 22 From the Editor

shawneeoutlook

29 Events 30 Living Portraits

Volume 9, Number 10 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Layers Media, Inc. © 2012 Layers Media, Inc. Articles and advertisements in Shawnee Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Layers Media. Layers Media does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by Shawnee Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Shawnee Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

Shawnee Clinic

Same Day Appointment Available Pediatrician on Staff

• Medical • Laboratory • X-ray Now providing Exceptional Health Care to All SoonerCare Members (Tribal and Non-Tribal)

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Hours: 7:00am - 6:00pm ~ Monday - Friday Call to make your appointment

Shawnee Clinic ~ 2029 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. ~ Shawnee, OK (Located behind new Thunderbird Casino)

Operated by The Absentee Shawnee Tribe

www.shawneeoutlook.com

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Community

Nutrition 101

A Day in the Life...

The day starts around 5:15 am, after we throw down a cup o’ joe, it’s a shower, shave, dress for success, then it’s off to save the planet...

On regular days in Shawnee we often roll out the sidewalks along with Jerry the Barber, but today it’s the start of a three-day road trip. Today we are headed west bound on I-40 with 10k of our closest friends. We meet up with the crew at the ODOC, review our game plan and point our vehicles south towards the Big D...

Look out Texas, you’re about to be invaded.

Once we run the 3 ½ hour gauntlet of crazed drivers and miles of torn up freeways, the meetings of the day is begin with an international real estate firm that does site selection and real estate projects all over the planet.

Just like us they are looking for projects and want to know more about back office/supportive services type firms in our area.

We follow that with two more meetings that cover the types of graduates coming out of our area universities and thoughts about how a location assessment of what we already have in that area. The final meeting of the day is with a development group that has worked on several recent projects in OKC. They are well in tune with our area and want to no more about the recent changes in the medical community in Shawnee. And we thought no one was watching...

The evening concludes with a dinner with two site consultants, and both of them having different views of our fair state. One thinks we have tremendous potential and opportunity, the other not so much. Of course he thinks the Dallas Cowboys will win the Super Bowl.

Morning of day two starts earlier in the D, but the routine is about the

6

www.shawneeoutlook.com

same.... Meeting with two more site consultants this morning which leads to a whole new set of questions. These folks want to know about state and local incentives. Pretty easy to answer the first question, not so easy on the last one.

Day three on the road finds us meeting with retail brokers, prospects and consultants at the Dallas Convention Center. The International Council of Shopping Centers, or ICSC is holding a large retail gathering and of course we need to be there.

Yes they are interested in our community. Yes they have seen our demographics. Yes they know we have space available in several different locations and yes WE know they have developments they are working on.

Can we make that work for both them and us?

After shaking everyone’s hand, passing out the flyers about our community, exchanging business cards and jotting down the follow up items, its time to burn up that highway and head back to the center of quite a lot.

Were we successful? Are they coming?

One doesn’t always know. It’s just like planting an oak tree. When is the best time? 20 years ago or today...

Hot Cocoa in a Jar Tis the season for gift giving, fuzzy socks and hot cocoa by the fire.

It brings joy to hand out gifts to all of those in your life but it can be expensive. Why not make a healthy gift and an extra one to keep at home for yourself.

Ingredients: • 2 cups instant nonfat dry milk • 1 box sugar free/fat free vanilla pudding mix • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa • 1/2 cup sugar alternative Directions: Mix ingredients and store in a jar. To make hot cocoa, mix 4 tablespoons with 8 oz. of hot water.

Makes: 16 servings Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories: 31 – Total Fat: 0 g – Saturated Fat: 0 g – Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 99 mg – Carbohydrates: 6 g – Fiber: 1 g – Protein: 1 g

Nutrition Tip: Along with the holiday gift giving comes holiday parties.

Two things can really help you enjoy the festivities without adding on your winter coat. First of all don’t arrive to a party hungry. Most of the foods at holiday parties are going to be fried, high in fat or sugar. If you have a small snack before arriving to the party, you won’t walk in wanting to eat everything you see. A medium sized apple on the way to a party seems to work great for me. Secondly, watch your portions. Calories and fat can add up very fast especially with a large plate. If small plates are available, grab one of those for your food.

Get one serving of what you want and don’t go back for seconds. We all need a little of the food that comes around only once a year, but in moderation. Enjoy the people, the music and the reason for the season. Have a Merry Christmas!

Andrea Beck, a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics works for a diabetes program, consults and teaches nutrition. She is a member of Junior Service League and a passionate volunteer at Faith Christian Outreach. For more information about nutrition classes, visit www. laughitoff.com : It’s seriously funny nutrition.

Wrap up John Deere during the Holidays.

The following specialists are now available in our Shawnee Clinic.

Rakesh Shrivastava, M.D.

Venkat Rajaram, M.D. CARDIOLOGY

EARS, NOSE, THROAT (ENT)

EARS, NOSE, THROAT (ENT)

Tedd Ruff, M.D.

Richard Wilson, M.D.

Gary Dubois, M.D.

Wudeneh Zewdie, M.D.

Scott Robertson, M.D.

B. Ashwini Kumar, M.D.

Alan Cornett, D.O.

James Mays, M.D.

CARDIOLOGY

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Jeff Goodell, D.O.

NEPHROLOGY

Chris Regier, D.O.

NEPHROLOGY

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For physician information and to schedule your appointment, call 405-610-3627.

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3700 N. Kickapoo, Suite 104 Shawnee, OK 74801

DANCE CENTER

This hospital is partially owned by physicians.

BOUTIQUE TA N N I N G

We offer more than just dance lessons. We carry all your dancer’s needs from shoes and dancewear to bags, accessories and great stocking stuffers. Our gift items include Bridgewater Candles, Little River Gifts, jewelry, purses and scarves. We also carry LA Idol jeans and Corky’s shoes. And for that “hard to buy for person� on your list, shop our unique inventory of gloves, socks, scarves and hats made from alpaca fiber.

Join us for our Christmas Open House on Thursday, December 13th from 3-7pm.

Bring this ad for 20% off your entire purchase at our Open House event.

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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We’ve Made Our Move!

First National Bank & Trust Co. is pleased to announce we have opened our NEW

FireLake Branch 1545 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

(Located directly across from FireLake Discount Foods)

Lobby: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Drive Thru: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

(405) 878-4877

The grocery store ATM will remain operational for your convenience.

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(405)273-7360 Š Medicine Shoppe International, Inc. a Cardinal Heal

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Mike Vorndran, R.Ph.

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Follow us on

beautiful mess

family feud The holiday season is in full swing.

Twinkling lights illuminate the neighborhood.

The smell of pumpkin and home-stoked fires wafts through the chilly night. Fuzzy socks and cozy blankets. Hot coffee never tasted better.

Stomachs growl and mouths drool at the mere thought of home-cooked comfort food. Shiny presents sit impatiently under the bright, colorful Christmas tree, waiting for that perfect moment where paper flies and excited squeals ring through the air.

And oh, reconnecting with loved ones! A chuckle escapes as fun-filled memories come to mind. How big will the nieces and nephews be? Who will have the next bundle of joy?

Excitement builds. Until‌ A light stench seeps through the warm scent of holiday brown sugar ham. Muscles tighten into giant knots, jaws clench and lock.

Family. Nothing could be more wonderful.

Or more anxiety-inducing. The tension fills the air, even choking out the buttery aroma of homemade yeast rolls. Old, unpleasant memories surface. The reason why big family gatherings are only once a year is clear. In every family, someone is always at odds with someone else creating an atmosphere of trepidation.

Shea Moore is a stay-athome mom to her son, Kendrick, in Shawnee, OK and married to an Oklahoma National Guardsman. She loves to indulge in Cheezits, dark chocolate, and a steamy cup of coffee. She enjoys journaling, jogging, crocheting/knitting, and a growing photography business. www.facebook.com/ sheamoorephotography

As the rapid heartbeat of anxiety gathers speed, take a deep breath. Tear up the images of past hurts. Pluck out the root of bitterness.

Let go. Forgive. Pray. Cling to the joys experienced together through the years. Allow for growth and change—in yourself and others.

This much-needed inspirational discourse to myself has helped me enjoy time with family freely, peacefully, joyfully. I dropped the baggage of by-gone days and found a lightness to my steps. I had tried before, but this time I succeeded. Conflict is just a part of life and there’s no reason to allow it to steal today’s joys. It’s time to make some great new memories!

So while I’m savoring bite after bite of creamy mashed potatoes, I’m going to look around the table at the extraordinary family I am blessed to have and smile. I’ll soak up the beautiful opportunity I have of sharing in their company. And really, what better way to kick off the New Year?

P.S. After a tough road of multiple miscarriages this year, we were excited to announce to our families that we are expecting the next bundle of joy! I still like to cuddle up with a hot mocha, but now I’m a decaf kind of girl.

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best of shawnee

WELCOME HOME

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Christmas specials throughout the store!

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Anja Grissom, BeautiControl Executive Director, is offering overworked and underpaid shoppers a break this holiday season. Through December, spa products, skin care and body care products are 25% off the retail price but the savings are even better than that, according to Grissom.

BeautiControl consultants performed over one million spa treatments last year, making it a leading spa brand in North America. Grissom said the products deliver the results people expect at affordable prices. BeautiControl started thirty-one years ago and it’s parent company is Tupperware.

“With BeautiControl you get really high end products for low end prices because we’re not a brick and mortar store. It’s a direct sales company whose products like skin care and lotions are clinical strength, so it’s superior to retail store products. Our chemical peel mircoderm abrasion are on par with what you would get from estheticians but instead of paying around $400 per treatment, you pay $120 for thirty treatments.”

Grissom offers free spa parties or “stop and shop” for the girls and a men’s last minute shopping guide. Spa parties include free warm facials, manicure and pedicure treatments, and skin care assessments or skin resurfacing treatments.

“We teach women to relax and take care of themselves with affordable spa quality products they can use at home. It’s a perfect way to give your girlfriends a Christmas party or the stop and shop is great if you have other things going on. They come in, grab a snack and a drink, visit with their friends and take care of their shopping before enjoying the rest of their evening. The men’s list is perfect for men who wait til the last minute. You can literally do all your holiday shopping with me and I can bag, tag and deliver it too.”

Grissom started her BeautiControl business three years ago but had no idea she would replace her income as a mental health professional and get out of debt. “I started doing one spa party a week and was earning $1,000 a week. That was just the beginning.”

For the last two years, BeautiControl recognized her

Anja Grissom

as their number one recruiter in North America and Puerto Rico; in the top one percent of elite executive directors. “My team did $750,000 in sales in 2011. This year we’re on track to be a million dollar team.”

But she admits, she couldn’t have done it alone.

“You’re in business for yourself but not by yourself.

We’re one of the few companies who still offer free training and gives 50% profit. It’s definitely not the kind of company where they give you a packet and say ‘good luck with that.’”

During her success, she earned a free Acadia with a $400 monthly car stipend but the current promotion is a Mercedes. “When I first started it was a red Mustang or you could accept $20,000. I actually took the cash and paid off my credit card debt.”

Grissom has also qualified for seven exotic trips, jewelry and $30,000 in “wow” cash prizes on top of her growing revenue. The money has only been part of the satisfaction for Grissom. Empowering women, taking control of both her time and income while giving back to others is at the core of what her business is about.

BeautiControl gives back through the “Women Helping Others” (WHO) Foundation, focusing on women and children’s issues. They allow their consultants to submit grants for their favorite local charities.

“When I realized this was a way to take care of my family and help others, I realized this is what I was looking for. BeautiControl is an opportunity that can help provide hope, confidence, and a sense of fulfillment by helping others make a difference. You can’t help but be successful when you have a heart for other people. This opportunity to change people’s skin, their bottom line and their lives is wide open in Oklahoma. It’s a great way to supplement or replace income during these challenging economic times as we put BeautiControl ‘on the lips of every woman’!”

See her ad in this month’s issue for the current BeautiControl special or contact Anja Grissom, Executive Director at 974-1920 or Janice Kinsbury, Director at 919-4437.

TRUE LOVE WOULDN't try to HOLD YOU BACK Citizen Potawatomi Nation Family Violence Program www.cpnhouseofhope.org 405.275.3176 722 E. Independence, Shawnee, OK

275-1962

Holiday Gift Certificates Available on all Nail, Hair & Massage Services

We proudly serve all victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking regardless of race, age, gender, sexuality or economic status.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800.799.7233 National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.4673

THURSDAY college night FRIDAY ladies night

The “Kneaded” Body SATURDAY Your Full Service Salon biggest party in town

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$5.00 off One Hour Massage

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with Denise Smith, Massage Therapist

with Jamie Hileman, Hair Stylist

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First Time Clients Only

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Open 7p-2a

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Holiday Gifts for Everyone!

The Garden Center Holiday Open House Friday, December 7th 8am to 5pm Refreshments Available Come by and register for free drawing to win Seasonal Gift Basket!

Drawing will be Saturday, December 8th at 11am

12

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We will have fresh Poinsettias, Christmas Cactus and Amaryllis November 30th through the Holiday Season in The Garden Center For your decorating needs!

Gifts for all your special friends and family Shawnee Mill Gift Boxes Decorative Holiday Towels Hand Crafted Holiday Gourds Festive Bird Seed Houses Live Spruce Trees and Spirals Wind & Willow Cheeseball Mixes Soups & Dips Custom Made Holiday Wreaths and Baskets Lots of Table Decorations to Adorn your Home for the Holidays!

by: John Ayers

From Retirement to Record Books

H

Dr. Sam Freas

ow do you entice a legendary swim coach from retirement to a university he’s never set eyes on – in a state foreign to collegiate swimming – in a town he’s never heard of? Better yet, how did the first year coach pull off the improbable by recording four NAIA records, 33 All-American honors, and a NAIA Swimming and Diving National Championships for the men? And two event championships, 28 AllAmerican honors, and a national runner-up finish for the women?

No upstart swim and diving program has won a National Championship. Ever. So what did Oklahoma Baptist University know that others didn’t? Easy. Find someone who has coached at universities known for elite swim programs; coached a USA national team; coached swimmers who have set seven U.S. records, three world records; produced 20 Olympians and one world champion; been the Southwest Conference Coach of the Year four times; Western Conference Coach of the Year

twice in swimming and once in diving; NCAA Division III Coach of the Year, and President/ CEO of the College Swimming Coaches Association. Oh, and President/CEO of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Assistant Athletic Director Jack Peavey was relentless in his pursuit of the legendary coach Dr. Sam Freas for OBU. Never mind that he was on his fifth retirement, enjoying the sunny Florida beach with his beautiful wife Rosemary of 37 years. He had just published his eighth book, a 400-page novel titled Toujours Amis (Always Friends) – his first venture outside seven aquatic related books and a screen play.

The creative juices were flowing in retirement and life was good.

What happened next was anybody’s guess, but for OBU and specifically Peavey, they weren’t going to take no for an answer. According to Dr. Freas, he was relentless. “I was perfectly content. I had no interest whatsoever to get back in coaching. My wife Rosemary had a great job and we were living a nice life in www.shawneeoutlook.com

13

continued from pg. 13

Florida. I knew Jack Peavey through family ties,” said Freas. “He always told me, ‘when the time was right, he was going to come get me’. I said, ‘no way.’”

OBU was in the planning stages of becoming the only university in the state to have a competitive swimming and diving program.

Peavey wasn’t giving up. “He seldom called from the same phone twice just so I’d pick up.” OBU was not the only university in the hunt. Two weeks prior to coming to OBU, Freas received a call from the University of California. Peavey, however, was like a freestyler going for gold. And he won. Freas agreed to fly to Oklahoma, visit the campus and meet with administrators.

“I had no preconceived ideas. I thought possibly they were just interested in consulting work,” said Freas. “I was introduced to President David Whitlock and was immediately taken by his concern for others and strong Christian ethos. His vision and mission for the school truly impressed me.

I stayed a couple of days and toured downtown Shawnee. And I prayed. I fell instantly in love with OBU and the town. I saw so much potential. It just felt right.”

To seal the deal, OBU church chimes were playing Amazing Grace, his favorite Christian hymn. Coincidence?

Freas’ reputation for training up world and Olympic champions literally spans the globe.

When word spread that he was back in coaching, athletes sought him out. So much so, he doesn’t have the stress of actively recruiting.

Besides nine states, his hire has attracted premier athletes from Japan, Vietnam, France, Scotland, Italy, Israel, S. Africa, Columbia, and Paraguay.

And the phone continues to ring. “A kid transferred from Missouri State because his parents know me and my wife. I also received a call from a coach about the fastest kid in the country. He heard I was back in coaching so he called me. We are building a magnificent program at OBU. It’s a wonder-

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ful facility with an unbelievable mission.”

In just their second season, Freas’ swim and diving team are on a path to repeat the successes of last year. Kudos to the OBU administrative staff and athletic department for their vision and for putting the university and the City of Shawnee on a new plateau.

This month the team will continue training for the upcoming NAIA national competitions that will begin in February.

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For years, the tobacco industry has promoted a richer, more glamorous life through smoking. Big Tobacco uses cool DJs, hot girls and strong cowboys to hook our young people on a product that kills 1-in-3 smokers. Sadly, Big Tobacco recruits 5,000 Oklahoma kids as “replacement smokers” every year.

Find out what you can do at:

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State lic# 2033 Offers expire 11/30/2012. *Rebate offer is valid only with the purchase of qualifying Lennox® products. © 2012 Lennox Industries Inc. See your participating Lennox dealer for details. Lennox dealers include independently owned and operated businesses.

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FOOD & FUN FOR EVERYONE!

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America’s new breed

One look at an American Bully has most people on their guard. Ranging from 50 to 130lbs, with huge heads and menacing muscles, it’s no wonder why people hesitate to trust this dog. But, according to experts and two local owners, the American Bully has cautious observers entirely fooled.

The trepidation stems from both its ‘bully’ appearance and its resemblance to the American Pit Bull, which has a poor reputation.

Twin sisters Natalie and Katie Sing, who show American Bullies, said nothing could be further from the truth. Natalie’s male Takoda just won three titles in national championship competitions last month, she said they’re docile and laid-back dogs. “They’re a companion and show dog. Even if you try to get a male bully to be aggressive, they just don’t have the drive to be that way,” said Natalie.

According to the ABKC (American Bully Kennel Club) website, the American Bully breed has been selectively bred “to give America’s breed a new direction and outlet.” Such positive ancestry traits as “loyalty, stability with humans and other physical attributes; but traits of dog aggression and gameness were bred out of the breed because the breed had no future and purpose for those traits.” They go on to state that the American Bully differs in

by: Mindy Wood

physical appearance from the pit bull. Markedly shorter, with larger faces and stockier build, they’re not quite the picture of a typical pit bull.

While both the breed’s founder, Dave Wilson of Los Angeles, California, and the ABKC reference the phenomenon of presumed aggressive traits in pit bulls, Dr. Corry Key, D.V.M. in Russellville, Arkansas disagrees.

She hopes to release her upcoming book early next year on the American Bully breed. The book touches on her extensive experience as a sought-after after veterinarian for pit bull breeds. What others call bred aggressive traits she calls poor care and misguided or unguided energy in those breeds.

“If you take any dog with a lot of energy like the pit bull and you put them in the backyard and forget about them, you’re going to have a problem. If you leave them on a chain, they’re going to be frustrated, want off that chain, and that frustration can turn into aggression. They can’t put that frustration into words, so they’re going to act out. These are high-energy, strong, smart dogs, and if you own one, there are some guidelines. Play with the dog, teach the dog basic obedience skills, and socialize it.”

Dr. Key went on to say that in seeing hundreds of pit bull breeds, including the Ameri-

can Bully, she has never heard of one who turned on its owner and that other high-energy breeds should be raised with responsible guidelines such herding or hunting dogs. “The American Bullies were not made for hunting or pulling like the pit bull. They’re just a happygo-lucky, friendly family dog.”

Like any breed, it’s always a good idea to know where your dog comes from and the Sings have been picky about theirs. Natalie has three males, one female, and Katie has one male and a female; all of them have longproven pedigrees. Katie was smitten the first time she saw an American Bully. “His face was so big but he dropped his head in my lap, as if he was the biggest disappointment. He looked so radical but he was so precious. Right then, I was sold.”

The Sings have seen consistency in both their dogs’ behavior and temperament, and they’ve certainly won over the judges. Although Katie hasn’t shown hers in several months due to a demanding college schedule, Natalie has been showing Takoda since he was nine months old.

“In less than four shows, my dog was 40 points from being a national champion on November 4th. He placed second in the first ever IABKC canine body-building competition at nationals and got second in confirmation. November

>

www.shawneeoutlook.com

17

continued from pg. 17

19th at the Southern Oklahoma Bully Expo in Ardmore, he won the 2 to 3 year old Male Classic Bully Class, exceeding the 150 point requirement at 190 points and making him an official ABKC Champion.�

Natalie said Takoda, which is Cherokee for “everyone’s friend,� thrives in competition. “He knows what he’s doing. I don’t have to show the dog, he shows himself. At competitions, he’s got this big smile on his face, wagging his tail, trotting out there for the judges, so happy. You can tell he enjoys it.�

Katie and Natalie encourage showing American Bullies versus breeding for profit, especially if money is the only goal. “It’s a rewarding experience for the owner and the dog,� said Katie. “They’re growing and learning as an animal and as a companion by going with you to different places. Everyone thinks that [breeding] is a quick way to make money but there’s a lot of care and investment that goes into it.� Natalie agreed, “I don’t want to sell a puppy to an owner who will short- cut [that process] for money. We encourage ownership and showing.�

As to investments, puppies sell for $800 to $1,200, depending on the quality of the puppy and the market in a given area. Wilson said that

the breed is very popular in Asia, Europe, Mexico and South America while growing in popularity in the U.S. According to a twenty-year study by the Centers for Disease Control, of the 4.7 million dog bites in the U.S., only approximately 16 result in fatalities or about 0.0002% of the total number of people bitten. It states, “There is no accurate way to identify the number of dogs in a particular breed and consequently no measure to determine which breeds are more likely to bite.� Still, “pit bulltype� dogs tend to trend higher in the number of bites and dog bit related fatalities in most studies.

Although the safety of pit bull breeds is an argument that might never end, the Sings proudly show their dogs and take them in public in hopes of illustrating how friendly the

American Bully breed is. “It’s inevitably the soccer mom with kids,� said Katie. “They hold on to their kids and say, ‘Don’t touch that dog.

It will bite you.’ I’m thinking, ‘I’d never take a dog out in public who would bite anyone.’ I tell people, ‘It’s okay, this is a show dog,’ and it seems to put them at ease, and they’ll approach the dog.�

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Candelight Sunday

December 23rd 6:00pm

by: Linda Fritch

The Choctaw Peddler

Darrel Wayne Potts is known among his peers as the Choctaw Peddler. “I was given that name in a friendly way by a lady who was buying my products when I was selling them out of the trunk of my car.

And it just sort of stuck with me all these years,” Potts said.

Potts recognized his talent later in life when his wife Teresa encouraged him to use the ordinary beads she had around the house and fashion them into jewelry. “Once I realized I could actually do this, I started making things from my Choctaw heritage.

I was raised by my Aunt Harriet,” Potts said. “That’s where I learned about my heritage. She was fullblood Choctaw. She raised me in the old ways.”

All the things she taught him are now brought to life in the creative art he designs and makes totally by hand. Everything has a story behind it. The medicine men prayed over the sick with the turtle shell rattler made from real a turtle shell, hickory wood, buck skin and creek gravel to give it the sound.

The fans are designed from buckskin and turkey feathers. “If the fans were blessed by the spiritual leaders of the tribe,” Potts said, “they could only be used in the sweat lodges or prayer services.”

Another product that he displays and sells is a dance stick. “Way back,” Potts explains, “two tribes would fight against each other. The winner would capture their weapons and dance in celebration.

These dance sticks are used in the warrior’s dance or gourd dance in place of weapons.”

The smoking hatchet is recognized as a weapon or a smoking pipe. The head of the pipe is made out

of deer horn with added beaver fur and turkey feathers.

“I get great enjoyment doing this,” said Potts.

“It’s a hobby with me, and it helps to ease my mind as I work with them. To me life is all about giving. I don’t see dollar signs. Sometimes I will give away things if I feel directed to do it. When we sell stuff, we don’t put a high price tag on it.”

The neck chocker, created from bone and turquoise, was originally intended to protect the throat during battle. “The Plains Indians first started the neck chocker,” said Potts. “They were made from buffalo horns, sheep horn, bone and turquoise. Way back when, the native people had no liking for gold. Turquoise was their favorite.

It was considered a sacred stone. So they let the white man have the gold and they kept the turquoise, that’s why they continue to use it in their jewelry.”

According to Potts, dream catchers are a favorite. The Plains Indians started the dream catcher and would give one to their children at birth.

New webbing and decorations were added each year. When the child becomes of age, the parents would present it to them. Dream catchers are intended to capture the bad dreams at night. The next morning the sun would burn away the bad dreams and leave behind the good dreams.

“Living with Aunt Harriet,” Potts said, “prepared me for life. We worked hard on the farm.

Wishing all my clients and friends a very Merry Christmas!

Tending the animals was my job, and I even did my own laundry. I drew water from the well, and then I would heat it over an open fire in a huge black kettle. I scrubbed my clothes on a rub board, and then put them in the kettle with homemade lye soap to boil. I rinsed them and hung them on a line to dry. Quite a bit different than we do laundry today.”

Potts remembers the food Aunt Harriet cooked as very bland, such as water cornmeal, pork and dumplings or corn and dumplings and hominy all without salt or seasoning. “I don’t know this might have contributed to a longer life, because most of the family lived to a ripe old age. Occasionally we would have a hickory nut cake for a treat. Of course I had to collect the nuts and crack them with a hammer and get out the goodies with a nail. Hard work but well worth it when the cake was made.”

Potts believes that everyone needs to know their heritage. “If you know your ancestors, it will help you be a better person. This is why I make the traditional Native American artifacts so that the next generation will know about them and what they mean. I almost died four times but by the grace of the good Lord, I am still alive and will continue to do His work until my circle is complete.”

He and his wife Teresa have six children and 15 grandchildren. For more information contact Darrel Potts: choctawpeddler@windstream.net.

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21

From the Editor

Keep the Change

The Holiday Spirit

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.

22

www.shawneeoutlook.com

It’s probably my favorite time of year. Even though Christmas can get pretty stressful, ultimately it’s with love and joy that we give gifts to those dear to us and even those we don’t know. It’s a time for charity and warmth as we think about the needs of others and what makes them happy.

As one who moves throughout the community in so many different areas, I’m amazed to see the outpouring of generosity and selfless teamwork. It’s this time of year, more than ever, that we see most people help meet the community’s needs through efforts like the Salvation Army, the Senior Citizen Center, the Shawnee Rescue Mission, Operation Shoebox, church programs and civic groups who help “make spirits bright.” There are so many charity efforts to choose from, it’s almost hard to figure out which one to support!

When Ebenezer Scrooge had his change of heart in Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol,” he couldn’t wait to make up for lost time and lost donations. Suddenly he realized what was important and made a pledge to “honor Christmas” in his heart, “and try to keep it all the year.” Interviewing so many civic organizations and socially responsible citizens, I can honestly tell you that generosity and goodwill are something that makes this community stand out all year.

Of course, we have community issues and things that we want to change about this place. There are disagreements and misunderstandings...even outright feuds but the reality is, to me at least, that there’s more right here than wrong. We watched the developments of the Raegan Permetter story and how a community rallied support. The way we respond in physical disasters, and the survival of human service organizations despite widespread financial decline elsewhere all say something about Pottawatomie County and the kind of people who live here. I don’t want to call any other place home.

As I think about what gifts I will give to my loved ones and what charity my family will support this year, I’m challenged by Dickens’ most famous character. Like Scrooge, I want to keep Christmas in my heart all year.

I don’t want to stop thinking about what brings joy and meaning to others when the decorations come down.

I don’t want to stop making a difference in someone’s life when the carols have been sung and the candy canes are gone.

Thank you for your examples of goodwill and generosity all year. You’ve inspired me and hopefully, as your stories have filled the pages of this magazine, you’ve inspired us all.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Post-Holiday Shopping While the gold-mine of deals on Black Friday is common knowledge, don’t forget about the goods to be found on December 26th. After the wrappings are in the trash, head out to stock up for the year to come.

The most obvious price drops can be found on holiday-specific items: greenery, lights, ornaments and décor. This is a great time to stock up for the next holiday season – buy next year’s cards at 50% off or update your decorating stash.

Keep your eye open for great deals on wrapping supplies – you may even be able to find fun patterns that can be used for gift-giving occasions throughout the year. Look for versatile items that aren’t quite Holiday specific!

Calendars and planners go on sale for 50% off immediately following Christmas, so save that purchase until the last week of the year, when they’re not yet outdated but no longer full price.

Excess toys are now being cleared off the shelves – this is a great time to stock up a gift closet, for children’s birthday parties, for example.

Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, Christmas candy is fun to stock up on. You can find creative uses for those candy bars that didn’t make it to a stocking by chopping them up and using them atop brownies or cakes. Red and Green colored candies can be sorted out to be used for Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, respectively.

If you don’t have any specific item in mind, you can wait a few days, too. After the New Year, the savings get even better on all of the above – 75-90% off – as the stores are eager to get their shelf space back! As always, only buy that which you’ll use and keep a good attitude!

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

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they tell people about the history of the glass and how it was created in Italy and shipped here. They give you the history at each stop.

Santa Fe Depot Museum is the history of Pottawatomie County and the Mabee Gerrar is more about art and culture. If you stop at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center, you’re learning about their nation and history. It just depends on what stops you go on,” said Farris.

The CVB also gives groups the option of putting together their own tour or leaving it to the CVB to coordinate. “We can give them the contact information and guidelines to set it up themselves if that’s what they want to do. It’s a great way for people to see Shawnee who are interested in moving here or just want to get better acquainted with the history of the community and see some of it’s highlights.”

For more information contact Kinlee Farris at the CVB 275-9780 or visit shawneechamber.com

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For the last ten years, the Shawnee Visitor’s and Convention Bureau (SCVB) has been offering “Stained Glass Tours,” but it has broadened in recent years to include much more than that. Sales Manager at the CVB and tour coordinator, Kinlee Farris said there are twelve stops that include other attractions such as Cottage Country Primitives Lavender Farm, the Pond Pro Shop, Roundhouse Overalls, and a historic downtown Shawnee tour.

The cost of the tours range from $5 to $15 per person. “Normally we recommend a $1.50 per person donation that goes back to the volunteers or the churches,” said Farris.

“The money goes back into the programs on that location like OBU’s Raley Chapel, one of the churches or the Abbey at St. Gregory’s.

Sometimes we include the Mabee Gerrar Museum or the Santa Fe Museum. So Mabee Gerrar would have a charge. If you have a group of twenty, we’ll do whatever their charge would be. The CVB can collect the money and cut a check or the group can pay when they stop at those places.”

Tour groups can also customize their experience based on time, budget, and other considerations. The Lavender Farm hosts workshops throughout the year for the tours and can take from one to four hours. Some groups only want to stop at one or two out of four stained glass destinations and make other stops, though the stained glass tour is popular.

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How does Santa know what I wish for?

Bottom Row, L to R: Zack Tart, Tyler Johnson, Marcus Wickerd, Huck Clements - Top Row, L to R: Dalton Bierd, Brent Dawson, Blayze Callett, Tatyana Going, Aden Cervantes

by: John Ayers

Shawnee Outlook would like to thank the teachers and students of Pleasant Grove Public Schools for joining us in the holiday spirit.

Special thanks to Superintendent Tyler Bridges and teachers’ Teresa Askins, Pam Motley and Teresa Askin. They asked their students “How does Santa know what we wish for?” Enjoy.

“When I’m asleep he puts a device that tells him the percentage of good or bad. When we wake up he leaves. When we go back to sleep, he comes back. If I’ve been good he will come back with presents. If I’ve been bad he won’t.” - Brent Dawson, 3rd grade

“Um, I don’t know. It is all very confusing.”

- Marcus Wickerd, 1st grade “He knows that you are bad sometimes. He knows that you are good sometimes. He watches when you sleep. The end.”

- Tyler Johnson, 2nd grade

“He gets under your bed and hears what you’re saying. Then he goes up your chimney and hopes he doesn’t fall and burn his buns as he flies up in the sky!”

- Dalton Bierd, 3rd grade

“I don’t know. I guess he thinks he’s Mr. Smarty Pants!” - Zack Tart, 2nd grade “I’m not sure how Santa knows. I’m asleep and he does magic with his reindeer and somehow brings me the things I wished for. Plus, he spreads happiness all over the world.” - Huck Clements, 3rd grade

“I don’t know if Santa’s real but I don’t get what I want. You might or might not get what you want. All I am saying is I don’t!”

- Aden Cervantes, 3rd grade

“My parents have his private phone number.

They tell Santa if I’ve been good or bad, but I believe he has a magic ball that he can see how all the boys and girls are. He also has secret elves on earth that are spies.”

- Blayze Callett, 3rd grade

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Dec-Jan. 1st: Pond Pro Shop, FREE 60,000 outdoor Christmas lights display tours! Walk through features you can’t see during the day through Jan. 1st Thurs. & Fri. til 8pm, Saturdays drive tours. Located at 7901 N. Harrison (just north of 1-40).

Dec-year round: Shawnee Stained Glass Tours. Take a tour throughout Shawnee’s history through stained glass tours and other landmarks in Pottawatomie County. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 273-6092.

Kickapoo Casino - Shawnee

Last month the new Kickapoo Casino, located at the intersection of MacArthur and Hwy 177, offered several grand opening promos but through December, guests can expect a stocking full of generous holiday giveaways and special offers.

Kickapoo Casino Shawnee houses 300 of the latest machines, a bar serving beer and eventually liquor, and a snack bar with tasty bites such as nachos, hot dogs, wings, and much more. The newest games include Michael Jackson King of Pop, Grease, Sex and the City, Fabulous, Cool Catz, Liberty 7’s, Pompeii, Mr. Money Bags, Hot Red Ruby, and much more.

Don’t miss the merchandise giveaways, free plays, food and drink specials, and cold hard cash! Come out for the Stockings Full of Cash giveaway every Sunday in December and receive a free scratch card for a chance to win free play prizes and up to $500 CASH! New members who enroll in the players’ club receive $20 free play after earning one point on their new players’ club card. Every Monday is Seniors’ Day, Tuesday on Ladies’ Day, and Guys’ Day on Wednesday. Come out on your day to receive $10 free play card after earning just two points!

The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma is planning phase two of this project with construction starting on a new main casino building, a hotel, and convenience store. Look for the opening date at www.kickapoo-casino.com and in the Shawnee Outlook Magazine.

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Dec. 6th: Christmas Parade, “Winter Wonderland” begins at 6:30 PM in historic downtown Shawnee. Santa will be there!

Dec. 9th: SGU Abbey’s FREE “Festival of Lessons & Carols” at 7:30pm. Celebrate the joy of Advent and Christmas with the SGU Chorale! This campus tradition begins in the beautiful setting of the Abbey Church and concludes with the blessing and lighting of Christmas lights in front of historic Benedictine Hall. Located on W. MacArthur just east of Hwy 177.

Dec. 14-15th: Redeemer Lutheran Church FREE Live Nativity Dec. 14th-10th 6pm-8pm. Live animals, shepherds, angels, wisemen, Mary, Joseph, & baby Jesus. Christmas story will be read during the evening, live caroling, and craft projects for children plus free refreshments!

Located at 39307 MacArthur just east of Hwy 177.

Dec. 16th : Concert “Celebrate Jesus” FREE 6:00pm at Northridge Church of Christ, located at 1001 E. MacArthur.

Donation Station!

• Salvation Army Angle Tree • Friend a Senior (Senior Citizen Center) • Hope House Youth Shelter • Family Promise • Shawnee Rescue Mission

Don’t forget it’s not too late to donate to the following Christmas charity efforts...

• Faith Christian Outreach: Bikes for Kids • Toy drives with Elk’s Lodge, KIRC, Redeemed Riders, Toys for Tots • Troop Packages • Project Safe

www.shawneeoutlook.com

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living portraits

Christmas without

Rev. Larry Sparks wears many hats as pastor, chaplain, and occasionally a missionary. He is the Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Shawnee and Staff Chaplain at St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital. Educated at OBU and SWBT Seminary, Sparks managed supermarkets for Pratt’s as a great practical teacher. He and Vickie reside in Shawnee where they make time for their seventeen grandchildren, poetry, motorcycles and football.

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www.shawneeoutlook.com

Cancer A prayer, a wish, a hope for so many but a reality for our family this year. Our granddaughter, Harmony, will celebrate Christmas cancer free after nearly six seasons of yuletide battling leukemia and later Ewing’s Sarcoma. No gift could compare with the diagnosis of, “no more chemo, cancer free!”

She had battled leukemia since age two. Then after three years of heavy chemo, answered prayer, it was defeated.

Only a year reprieve before the arrival of a large tumor attached to her ribs pushing lungs and heart over. A half of lung was removed and two ribs. Once again, tiny eight year old Harmony bounced back.

When there is a sick child who is weak you hold them closer, pray harder, sing louder, love stronger and give more. We would kiss her smooth bald head, cradle her frail skinny body and try not to imagine what so many others have faced.

Cancer, as horrible as it is, brings families together with a velcro of love.

Weaving my way through December traffic, heading back to Shawnee from Children’s Hospital, the lights had a special twinkle. The radio was playing the traditional carols. One line permeated my heart; “The Hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” Gifts, food, and all the other ornaments just did not matter. My hopes and fears were met in Christ in the deliverance of Harmony.

So many are dealing with cancer dur-

ing the jolly season. It is hard to be happy when either you or one you love suffers with illness. For a moment, you put it aside and then someone asks, “How are they doing?” You unintentionally over tell, not remembering how far the last report was taken. It does tend to consume your spirit, holiday or not. Cancer, like an addiction, soon owns us. One day, for all of the patients of any age, a Christmas without cancer will come. Perhaps it really is a prayer and a Christmas wish that will ring into reality one year. Our miracle was not on 34th Street but on 13th Street at Children’s Hospital. The stocking was a “no slip” sock, the gift was an empty vial of chemo and the wonderful life was quite real.

On November 19th, Harmony had her port removed. One ugly monkey, a stuffed animal, has been through all of her procedures. He lay beside her once again as she was wheeled off to the surgery area. We tagged teamed going into the holding area kissing her and praying. I asked her what she wanted for Christmas.

She said, “I already have it, I’m cancer free!” That is a gift.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May all of your Christmas’ be white and cancer free. Until then, we are grateful for all the doctors, nurses, technicians and hospitals that treat the patients through the journey to healing. Children’s Hospital, thanks!

Every Saturday in December & January

BINGO BONANZA!

$100 Hot Seat Drawings every half hour from 2pm to 8:30pm with $1,000 drawings at 9pm & 10pm.

MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN AND WAGERED ON DAY OF DRAWINGS

Monday – Saturday: Minis at 6pm, Sessions at 7:30pm Sunday Matinee: Minis at 12pm, Sessions at 1:30pm Sunday Evening: Minis at 6pm, Sessions at 7:30pm SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

Matinee: $5 pays $200 & $10 pays $300 (Free random minis)

$5 pays $200 & $10 pays $300 (Half-off 45 card electronics)

Evening: $5 pays $200, $10 pays $500 & $20 pays $800

$5 pays $200 & $10 pays $300

MONDAY

$5 pays $200 & $10 pays $300 (Paper only)

TUESDAY

$5 pays $200 & $10 pays $300 (Half-off 45 card electronics)

WINNERS CLUB THURSDAY FRIDAY

$5 pays $200 & $10 pays $500 & $25 pays $1000

SATURDAY

$5 pays $200 & $10 pays $300

CHRISTMAS FUN SHIRT

Saturday, December 1st Get your free Christmas t-shirt (limit one per person, while supplies last), then wear your shirt each Thursday in December and get a free Manager’s Special.

See Bingo for details.

FAMILY MEDICINE Mitchell Wolf, M.D. FAMILY MEDICINE

St. Anthony Physicians Shawnee is pleased to welcome Mitchell Wolf, M.D. to its medical staff. Dr. Wolf is board certified in family medicine and specializes in comprehensive and preventative care. With his training Dr. Wolf also focuses on headache management, asthma, sports medicine, office surgery, male health, including sexual dysfunction and hormone therapy.

Dr. Wolf is now accepting patients ages 16 and above.

Call (405) 273-5801 to schedule an appointment.

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Dr. Wolf attended medical school at the University of Nevada and completed his residency at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. He started his career in Oklahoma City in 1993 where he practiced for 10 years before moving to Las Vegas. He and his wife Carmen have relocated to Shawnee with their 2 year old twin boys.

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3315 Kethley, Shawnee 405.273.5801

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stanthonyphysicians.com/shawnee