Shawnee Outlook July 13

Life of Artful Adventures | All That Jazz | Rebuilding the Heart

storm surviving

July 13

Vol. 10 Number 5

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SHAWNEE, OK PERMIT NO 33

Your

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3

Fellowship with pastries and coffee sundays 11am

Lifesong

ChurCh

650 e. 45th • Shawnee, OK • (405) 361-7119

c i t s e m DoVioislenacbeout Power

and Control

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Citizen Potawatomi Nation Family Violence Program

405.275.3176 National Domestic Violence Hotline

800.799.7233 4

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An abuser will do anything to gain

POWER AND CONTROL over a victim.

e .o r g

Some tactics include: victimblaming makingthreats financialabuse physicalviolence sexualassault emotionalabuse abusingchildren

THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION FAMILY VIOLENCE PROGRAM PROUDLY ASSISTS ALL PEOPLE REGARDLESS OF RACE, AGE, GENDER, SEXUALITY OR ECONOMIC STATUS

contents

July 2013

Publisher

13 Features

17 departments

13 Life of Artful Adventures

6 Community

17 Surviving the Storm

6 Nutrition 101

21 All That Jazz

9 Beautiful Mess

22 Fire Volleyball: Shawnee’s Competitive Club

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Managing Editor

Mindy Wood

Design

Photography

Dejah Quinn

Writers

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

Layers Media, Inc.

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

10 Best of Shawnee 20 Sonic Contest

25 Rebuilding the Heart

22 Keep the change

26 Viva Las Vegas in Shawnee

26 Green Living 29 Events

shawneeoutlook

Michael Keith

30 Living Portraits

Volume 10, Number 5 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Layers Media, Inc. Š 2013 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.

Call today for a better bargain on your auto and home coverage!

Better Service. Better Value. Better Overall.

Agent & Registered Representative Farmers Insurance & Financial Services

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Securities offered through Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC, Member FINRA & SIPC.

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5

Community

Nutrition 101

Familiar places, new faces...one focus...

Around this same time every year, the Shawnee Economic Development Foundation undertakes our annual practice of nominating board members who have agreed to serve as the Executive Committee and on the Board. This past month your economic development organization formally approved those nominations, along with others who have agreed to share their time and talents to the organization.

While nominating officers and board members is similar to what other organizations undertake, we wanted to share our personal thoughts on why our community minded volunteers are so critical to what we are under contract to do on behalf of the City. It has been often said that two heads are better than one and in our case, twenty heads are better than one, especially when they represent the unique economic diversity of our community.

When we consider the twenty-eight people who make up the Shawnee Economic Development Foundation Board of Directors, it is without doubt that their collective wisdom, and individual business expertise, allows us to focus on those objectives that positively affect our local economy. In the most basic of terms to us that means help with job creation, job retention, and attracting capital investment to the community, while leveraging and using all of the resources available to us.

Those who climb our flight of stairs each month help guide and chart our efforts come from a long list of businesses that are easily recognizable to the long-time resident, and even to those who haven’t been here very long.

Know that we appreciate all who have or are serving as a volunteer to your economic development organization and that there primary motivation is to improve our economy.

We have members who serve as leaders in our city and county govern6

www.shawneeoutlook.com

ments, representatives from some of our banking corporations, and leaders from our local institutions of higher learning. Individuals from the media, insurance, legal and the faith-based sector are also actively involved, as are the influential leaders from the key utility providers within the region.

We are also honored to have guidance from some of the largest employers in the county, which include both the Native American and manufacturing segments. When you factor in the representatives that serve at the pleasure of the Shawnee Chamber, Shawnee Industrial Authority and the Airport Advisory Board, it isn’t hard to see why the staff is extremely biased about these captains of industry and business.

There are undoubtedly those who would believe a board this large as unnecessary and possibly unwieldy. It is indeed a large group to keep informed, engaged and collectively aware of the opportunities before us. However for the purpose of economic development, we believe it is perfectly suited to provide the insight, direction and expertise we need to make the right choices in improving our areas economy. For those of us who absorbed in economic development, these select few are the strength of what we believe gives the SEDF our economic advantage. We are ever so grateful they choose to serve.

Fruit Dip Summer time is in full effect! There are so many options for fresh fruits and vegetables in the summer. Need a side dish to take to the next cookout? Whip up this 3-ingredient fruit dip, chop up fresh fruit and you have a perfect side dish.

Ingredients: • 1 small box sugar free/fat free vanilla pudding mix • 1 cup of nonfat milk • 1 8-oz tub nonfat whipped topping Directions: Whisk the milk and pudding mix together until thickened. Place in refrigerator for 2 minutes to set. Stir in cool whip until blended. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve with fruit of choice.

Makes: 24 servings, about 2 tablespoons each Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories: 26 – Total Fat: 0g – Saturated Fat: 0g – Cholesterol: 0.5mg Sodium: 64mg – Carbohydrates: 5g – Fiber: 0g – Protein: 0g Nutrition 101 Tip: Fruit is a great summer time snack for the whole family.

Just by having it washed or prepared will help you reach for the fruit. If you bring home a cantaloupe but leave it setting on the countertop uncut, it may end up getting thrown away. When you get home with your produce, go ahead and chop what needs to be chopped. You are more likely to grab it for a snack if it is quick and easy. Leaving your apples, oranges or bananas in a fruit bowl on the table can help increase your fruit intake. If your fruit is tucked away in a drawer and forgotten about, it is more than likely going to go to waste. Utilize the options in our area to increase your fruit intake. The farmers market is now open in many towns and Bountiful Baskets is a food co-op that delivers fresh produce to Shawnee and surrounding areas on Saturdays. You can find out more about Bountiful Baskets at www.bountifulbaskets.org.

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.

Meet the Newest Primrose Team Member

Jimmy Gibson

In his new role as Marketing Director, Jimmy will coordinate all marketing and sales efforts, as well as public relations events and community outreach.

(Left to Right) Alan Brown, Pam Mead, Jimmy Gibson, Grace Grajeda, Christopher Grajeda, and Alton Ragan

To schedule your personal visit with Jimmy, call (405) 273-0925.

Come see why we say,

ยฎ

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1905 N. Bryan Avenue โ ข Shawnee, OK PrimroseRetirement.com

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BDC Gun Room

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7

Phone (405) 273-4401 37651 45th St., Shawnee www.shawneechristchurch.com Minister - Tommy Smith Sun. Class - 9:30 am Sun. Worship - 10:30 am Sun. Worship - 6:00 pm

American Chiropractic Clinic

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www.shawneeoutlook.com

Spinal Decompression

beautiful mess

on the brink.

As I went to my 35-week prenatal appointment, I expected nothing out of the ordinary. Yet, the nurse discovered I was already 4 to 5cm dilated. I was in absolute shock. I felt fine! Of course I’d been having contractions, but not that many and most of them were surely just Braxton-Hicks, right? I wasn’t ready to have a baby now!

I still had to pack the diaper bag, the hospital bag, and finish shopping for all those essential baby items! However, my plans were of no importance to the little man within calling all the shots.

I was given the option to go be monitored or to stay in the near vicinity and be re-checked in a few hours. Finding the idea of being hooked up to wires and watched like a fish in its bowl thoroughly unappealing, I chose to stay relatively near the hospital. A dense fog engulfed me as I waited for my husband to get off work. I anxiously wondered whether Jack would be big enough, strong enough; he wasn’t yet full term and I hadn’t anticipated his arrival before July.

That afternoon I headed back up to OU Physicians, this time with my husband.

The nurse declared I had progressed to a solid 5cm and offered me the same options as before. Once again, I chose to simply stay in the area and monitor myself. She emphasized that they didn’t want me to return to Shawnee due to the fear that once I felt birth was imminent, it would likely be too late for me to make it back to Oklahoma City in time. I assured them that my parents lived in Moore and we would just stay with them until truly active labor kicked in.

Going into labor at 35 weeks was tricky as my doctor would neither augment nor stop labor at this particular point. I

didn’t need to go on bed rest, but it was best for me to not encourage labor too. I was at a loss as to what TO do. I chose to listen to my body and follow my intuition. I went about my merry way in enjoyable, light labor feeling perfectly fine. Late that evening, the contractions seemed to wind down and I found myself exhausted, so off to bed I went.

I woke up in the morning still pregnant, but grateful for a full night’s sleep. Now that I was well-rested, I expected to make a mad dash to the hospital as labor would surely pick up at any moment. Instead, over the next few days, contractions alternately geared up and wound down. I used this now-unexpected time to knock out each item left on my To Do list.

It’s now been a week and a half with increasingly more frequent sessions of strong, regular contractions at 2-4 minutes apart for 1-3 hours at a time with irregular contractions around the clock. And with less and less to do and being more and more physically, mentally, and emotionally drained from each day’s mocking rollercoaster, I am left twiddling my thumbs and ready to pull out my hair. As contractions mount, I am both apprehensive to give birth and dive off into the choppy waters of parenthood once again and also excited to meet our youngest son and begin the next chapter in our own personal life adventure. As contractions fade, I am alternately frustrated by the energy I’ve seemingly unnecessarily expended and appreciative of each day Jack has to grow a little bigger, a little stronger. I am incredibly thankful to have made it to the all-important, full-term mark of 37 weeks knowing that each day Jack stays put means a better birth weight and less chance of complications with breathing and feeding. So for the time being, I sit perched on the brink waiting…

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

www.shawneeoutlook.com

9

Best of Shawnee

WELCOME HOME

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MORTGAGE Banking :: Mortgage :: Insurance :: Wealth Management

10

www.shawneeoutlook.com

In the early days of cell phones, gaming consoles, tablets, and PDA’s a cracked screen, water damage, or charging problems were the sign of death for a device. The good news is Atlas Systems has mastered the art of repairing devices, saving their customers hundreds of dollars for the cost of replacement. No longer are customers forced to turn in or ship off their device for issues that can be resolved locally.

For the last seven years they’ve been saving the day for customers who depend on technology for daily life. Among repair services, they offer home internet setup, virtual private networking (VPN), virus removal, and servers for commercial needs. Atlas also works on Apple computers and any other computer manufacturer.

Being without electronic devices is not an option for most people in a fast paced world run by technology. Atlas Systems Manager, Kevin Mathews said efficiently fixing problems right the first time is their number one priority. “When we say we’re going to fix something, we’re going to fix it. It’s not going to break a few days later. We’re very consistent in what we do.”

Problems are resolved more quickly than customers might expect. A cracked screen is usually repaired in less than an hour. Virus removal typically takes about four hours to resolve. Gaming consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation, which usually are seen for disc reading errors, are as simple as reconfiguring the laser settings. Part of their efficiency is due to their IT Lab. “At times, we actually infect test computers we have in the lab with the newest viruses, so the lab technicians are on top of their game. We have to be efficient in order to keep our price under what most computer places charge for virus removal. This also allows us to be more efficient than our competitors” When customers pick up their computers, they’re leaving with protection too. “We never send one back out without protection. We encourage them to buy AVG but the free one is pretty good too. There’s really no software out there that’s going to catch every virus but

Kevin Matthews

there are some that are better than others,” said Mathews.

Although Mathews said viruses are rare on cell phones, hardware damage is more common and they’re capable of tearing down any cell phone. “iPhones are our expertise,” said Mathews. “For water damage we, use silica gel.

The gel is better and faster than rice. We can remove the corrosion caused by the salts and minerals in the water. Repairing phones that have been wet is tough, but we have had many successful repairs with water damaged phones. Phone repair is affordable at $60 plus parts.”

Onsite service calls are handy for customers who have no desire to set up their own home internet or don’t have the time to deal with the service provider. “Sometimes the routers need to be configured, the modem goes out, or the lines go bad. We work the ISP to replace things if necessary too.”

Commercial clients rely on Atlas for everything from tech support to radius servers that facilitate password wireless access and Virtual Private Networking. “A VPN allows you to use your computer at home as if you we actually at work. It also allows for customers with multiple locations to share data and printing, as if you were in the same office.

Stop by their new location in downtown Shawnee at 107 N. Union or their website atlastech.biz. Call ahead at 405-878-8939.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art 1900 W. MacArthur, Shawnee, OK On St. Gregory’s university campus

CreativeArt

Camps

· African Safari

All summer long!

July 15-19

· Bravo!

Kids 5-13

Pre-registration required.

To register, call (405)878-5300 or online at www.mgmoa.org/creative-arts-camp

July 22-26

Fine Art Clinic for Teens & Tweens

Ages 11-18, June 10-12

Free Admission

June · July · August

Thanks to the generosity of: Ad Astra Foundation

www.mgmoa.org

St. Gregory’s Abbey

(405)878-5300 www.shawneeoutlook.com

11

LET THE GOOD TIMES BOWL San rEMOS pIzzErIa | xTrEME BOWLInG | SuBWay 40945 Hardesty road • sHawnee, oK

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12

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Life of Artful Adventures by: Mindy Wood

C

amille Smith celebrated her 90th birthday last month but the celebration of her life is beyond her age. Smith has enjoyed a long life of adventures in different artistic disciplines. When she saw something that inspired her, she set out to do it herself. Everything from water color painting to blown glass and wood carving, she’s explored her creative prowess.

In an age when women were still largely tied to the home front, Camille Smith was a pioneer. She completed a degree in Chiropractic therapy and practiced in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. When she married her husband, Chester Smith in 1964, they moved to California where unfortunately, her license wasn’t recognized because it was out of state. She turned her attention to learning her husband’s trade as a locksmith and eventually art.

Throughout the years she has learned stained glass, cross stitching, oil and water colors, wicker basket weaving, gourd carving, ceramics, and finally wood carving and blown glass.

She is best known for her stained glass work. “My mother and I went to a stained glass demonstration at a glass shop in California in 1974. We fell in love with it, or at least I did. I’ve been

continued from pg. 13

doing stained glass ever since.”

In 1999 she and her husband moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma to be close to family and she continued to her stained glass work,

P

eventually opening a business and teaching classes. She and three members of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, at the corner of 9th and Center streets, made the stained glass windows. “It took us two years,” she said. “In exchange for the contract, I donated one of the panels.”

The design process was always based on drawings. Much of her stained glass work depicts scenes from nature, dogs that she has owned, and other animals like giraffes and wild animals. Among some of her most colorful are those with irises and hummingbirds.

“I would sit down and look out the window. I drew irises that were along both sides of my yard so I would sit there and draw them. I drew maybe one or two different flowers and then make the arrangement on the size of the panel that I wanted to make.”

Her attention has shifted from stained glass to wood carving. Although she has experimented with different pieces including a flute she made, her favorite has been carving canes. Eagles, hummingbirds, flowers, and dogs are usually the carved images that climb up the cane. “I use aspen wood

from Colorado. I go to the senior center where there’s a group of us. If you don’t something or want to find out how to do something, there’s someone there who can tell you how to do it.

Everybody helps everyone else,” she said.

With her close family as helpful neighbors, Camille is quiet independent and active. She said the secret to her vitality is vitamins. “My mother swore by Shacklee vitamins and she lived to be 91. I’ve taken them most of my life.”

Years of research points out the positive effects that art has on those who regularly engage in artistic activities. Some experts even suggest that artists tend to live longer, perhaps because it counters stress levels, increases memory, reduces boredom and promotes relaxation while decreasing anxiety or fear.

For now Camille enjoys being with friends and continuing her artistic ambitions. She is working on wicker basket center pieces for the Order of the Eastern Star, a free-mason organization in which she ranks as a Martha. No matter where life has led her, from chiropractor and locksmith to a multi-faceted artist, Camille is a woman who has fearlessly explored every opportunity that called to her.

eople live best when they

spend time involved with others, at Belfair of Shawnee…residents create, explore and connect.

A new Memory Care Residence, opening soon… specializing in the care of residents with Alzheimers and Dementia. To learn more, call us today!

1723 N. Airport Dr. • 405.275.1199 • www.belfairofshawnee.com 14

www.shawneeoutlook.com

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Free child care available for ages 5 and younger.

Celebration Station, ages 6 – 12 years old is held same day and time as adult C.R. 12-Step Study Small Groups are also held on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Family Life Center. Please contact Lil Nanaeto for more information at 405-694-6346.

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15

Output On: May 29, 2013 8:47 AM

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storm surviving

by: Mindy Wood

“It was just another Sunday,” said Tammy Nicholson when she thought about the May 19th tornado. “I had a roast in the crockpot. It had been simmering all day.” As the weather warnings trickled in, her husband James was called out to report for KGFF News. Within an hour, their plans for Sunday dinner at their Steelman Estates home wildly changed as the EF4 tornado approached the area along Highway 102 and Independence in Bethel Acres. Tammy took her dog and cat to her daughter’s storm shelter.

James and Michelle Hoke heeded the weather warnings a day before the storm hit. Even though they had planned ahead with a packed bag containing their most important documents, nothing could have prepared them for what they would endure. Twenty minutes before it hit, Michelle settled in their storm shelter with their two children, Cassie, 12 and J.W., 6 inside.

“My husband thought it wouldn’t hit us so he kept going back and forth to fill up water.

If we lost power, there would be no water; but when golf ball sized hail fell right in front of him, he knew it wasn’t time to be out there anymore. The next thing we knew, our next door neighbor was banging on the door of the shelter.

As soon as we bolted the door, it hit. He was as white as a ghost and he said, ‘It’s right over us.’

It got really loud. Then it was dead silence.”

After the twister had left its trail of devastation, nearly all of the 86 homes in the area were either destroyed or severely damaged. “I was in shock mainly,” said Tammy Nicholson. “It was chaos. I didn’t know what to feel.” Michelle Hoke was immediately devastated. “I didn’t know where I was. I lost it. To my left, the house was gone. I just bawled.”

As an ebb and flow of first responders,

disaster relief teams, and kind hearted citizens poured into the affected areas of Pottawatomie County, the magnitude of the storm and what it had demanded from its survivors became apparent. It was clear, however, that the community would meet those demands together. “I’ve worked with FEMA for about eight years now,” said River Burton, FEMA Representative of the Denton, Texas office. “I’ve been on every major incident in the last five years. In all my years I’ve never seen such a concerted effort among volunteers. It’s been a pleasure to work with this community.”

As the weeks dragged on and everyone drudged through the wreckage, the needs of survivors have evolved. Paperwork became the new pile of rubble. After survivors applied with FEMA, the SBA (Small Business Administration), and those with insurance applied with > www.shawneeoutlook.com

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continued from pg. 17

their provider, a waiting game began.

“We applied with FEMA but they can’t do anything until the adjustor is finished,” said Tammy Nicholson. “Then FEMA won’t do anything until the SBA either approves you or denies you. Then it goes back to FEMA. Right now we’re at the SBA stage and it’s been a month. Our mortgage company is asking for blueprints and we can’t do that yet. We’re in limbo.”

The Nicholsons were fortunate to have insurance but the only problem is that they underestimated the value of replacing everything inside their home. From silverware to bedroom suits, it adds up quickly. “I’ve gone through every room and added it up and I’m $40,000 over,” said Tammy.

Volunteers from Family of Faith Church worked with survivors alongside Samaritan’s Purse. Associate Pastor, Daniel Matthews said that both insured and uninsured are overwhelmed trying to replace everything. “Basically all the day-to-day things of life which they have lost in the tornado: pots, pans, comforters, and everyday household items. While the uninsured have unbelievable financial challenges, the under-insured face quite a predicament.

They thought they would be fine only to find out they didn’t have enough to cover either rebuilding or replacing all their possessions.”

The Nicholsons and the Hokes were fortunate to have had insurance. Most of those living at Steelman Estates are said to have been without any insurance at all. With or without insurance, many survivors in that area intend to stay and rebuild their lives. Volunteers report that World Vision, a global Christian relief organization has agreed to donate building supplies to seven families and Global Production Solutions, a local water management company, has offered to store the supplies. One mobile home was donated to a family and an RV to another.

As Tonia Allen, a volunteer from east Texas, said to Steelman Estates residents recently, “It takes a community to rebuild a community.”

That message seems clear to everyone who continues to help.

Churches that formerly helped with clean up or immediate supplies have transitioned into long term assistance, storing household items and clothing or even building supplies at their locations. Local businesses are also still involved and out of state help contin-

ues to pour in. Since the resource center at Gordon Cooper Technology Center closed due to dwindled traffic, agencies such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, with support from United Way, continue to make funds and services available. Habitat for Humanity is also reaching out to those who qualify. The SBA’s filing deadlines for physical damage ends July 19th and economic injury ends February 20th, 2014.

“The generosity of everyone who has helped us,” smiled James Nicholson, “I can tell you everyone is doing everything they can to help.”

Daniel Matthews said, “I love what a man said regarding the people and churches of Oklahoma: ‘Oklahoma operates its own faith-based FEMA. The manpower and coordination put inot the field was faster and more efficient than any federal response. I think we all have a greater understanding of the type of response needed and the scope of victim’s needs should this tragedy happen again.”

Tragedy touches not just those are afflicted by it but also those who respond it with compassion and kindness. Our community’s survivors, and those who help them, will never be the same.

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107 N. Union Shawnee, OK

all that jazz by: Linda Fritch

Seventy-four-year-old Don Woolery, Shawnee resident, has led an interesting life. “From the time I was introduced to music by my grade school teacher, Bonnie Jack, I was hooked. I absolutely loved her and hung on her every word.

She is the one who guided my interest and taught me to experience the intensity of music.”

Woolery, a jazz musician for 60 years, started his public performances at the age of 12 playing an upright bass. “Someone showed me a few chords and I thought I was ready to give it a go,” he said. “My mother was working at the old City Café on Bell Street waitressing for $25 a week, supporting the family. I figured I’d had enough schooling, so I quit and got a job with a band to help out. I could make $25 dollars a night playing at a club. It seemed reasonable to me at the time.”

Pausing he continued, “I was too young to be served out front in the club and one of the players was black, so me and him would sit in the back on beer kegs and talk. One night he looked at me and said, ‘You can’t play, can you?’ I nodded my head in agreement. He said, ‘Let me give you some advice, you see you put your foot out in front and pat it in time with the music, close your eyes and tick your head side-to-side and folks will think you’re better than what you are.’

And so I gave it a try and it worked. The customers loved it.”

Woolery was 14 when the club was visited by the police. And when a local judge found out he was under age and not going to school, he was

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placed in the custody of his father who lived in Hawaii. “When I stepped off the plane I was in a different world. I left the poverty of Shawnee to what looked to me like riches.” He soon connected with local musicians and went back to school and managed to graduate.

Wollery’s music is his own arrangements of tunes from the 1920’s, 30’s and 40s. “I never play any song the same way twice,” he said.

“I’m always mixing it up, making new sounds.”

Without any formal training in music, he nevertheless educated himself by reading books and talking to other musicians and “by just watching their hand movements, I soon picked up a lot of chord progressions. I never look at sheet music. If I have any idea what a song is about I can play it.”

He was once asked to play for a funeral and said, “I didn’t have a clue, never played for a funeral before, but I put together some Bach Fugue and made up a classical sounding bunch of chords and the family said it was the most beautiful funeral music they had ever heard.”

Another time when he was in Austin, Texas, “somewhere about 1957, mostly 58, I went to a deaf school and played for them,” Woolery said.

“The students would gather around and place their hands on the piano and feel the vibrations.

It was a good time being with them.”

In the past he has played with some of the well-known Jazz musicians around the country including the half-brother of Nat King Cole. “My band teacher at the time also took me to hear

Ella Fitzgerald practice in Honolulu. I was privileged to sit backstage and listen. I really like her style.”

Woolery is strong on good melodies. “I like to mix the classical music with the jazz. We blend George Gershwin, a 20th century composer with Franz Liszt 19th century. It’s crazy but it works.”

After returning to Shawnee he formed a band called Woolery and Friends. They have played at various restaurants and clubs in the area and are now performing every third Friday night at Sips Coffee Shop 114 East Main.

“I’m proud of the guys that work with me, some only on a part-time basis but we have a good time. John King plays trumpet and cornet; Dick Curtis the guitar, saxophone and clarinet.

Jim Bowers sounds out on the snare drum and cymbals; Spencer Davis, saxophone, Bailey Lewis the flute, Toppie Lincicome, trombone and Clayton Lewis on the upright bass.”

Clayton Lewis had this to say about Woolery, “First time we met, we started playing together and that’s been over 13 years ago. We don’t practice; we just go where the music takes us. One thing about Don is that he really understands the theory and math in music and when you talk to him you would think he had a degree in music,” Lewis paused laughing. “When someone asks Don if he knows music, he will say, ‘Not enough to hurt me.’”

For further information and where the band will be playing, call Don Woolery at 273-0159 or Clayton Lewis, 275-6386.

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bills Fire Volleyball: Shawnee's competitive club Shawnee volleyball enthusiasts don’t have to drive to the Oklahoma City metro area anymore to play their favorite sport.

Fireball Volleyball Club is a local indoor club who compete December through May, playing intense, competitive tournaments twice a month.

The club has three successful female teams between the ages of 10 to 18. This year the club hopes to add male teams as well.

According to sports author Michael O’Hara and ESPN commentator Mechelle Veopel, it’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world. “It’s really a very popular sport,” said club director, Giovanna Carter.

Shawnee Middle School added the sport back into their athletic schedule due to the demand. Carter said school volleyball and club volleyball are very different. Girls get more practice and tournament time, and more intense instruction. Club ball is taught by experienced college students or former players, rather than by a general athletics instructor who juggles other sports. “My coaches are a mixture of college students and former players,” said Carter.

Practices are twice a week at OBU and they play about two tournaments each month.

“Club volleyball is extremely competitive,” said Carter. “Each tournament you’re playing three to five games. You’re playing real ball.

You get the techniques; you learn every drill there is to learn. You really learn how to play volleyball in club ball.”

Each player gets one-on-one as needed and team members play with the same girls throughout the season, working on their own skills and learning the flow of the game with the same fellow members. “Teams are usually only nine girls so each girl gets play time. It’s our goal to make sure every girl who wants to play gets that time.”

The cost per year averages around $750 and parents are allowed to pay 22

www.shawneeoutlook.com

by: Mindy Wood

monthly, while fundraisers help ease the cost. Comparatively, Carter said clubs in Oklahoma City charge around $1,500 and the gas to travel those miles adds up quickly.

Players are learning much more than the game. They do their own fundraising and every year find a way to give back into the community. “It’s more affordable to have a club here where they can learn and play.

Scholarships are also something to look forward to and 90 percent of our girls are working towards that.”

Players are learning much more than the game. They do their own fundraising and every year find a way to give back into the community. “We did a silent auction, sold $650 worth of sweets in a bake sale.

We also did a flower sale. We purchased and sold 1,000 flower plants. The girls loaded up three trucks with trailers and sold them in neighborhoods and housing additions. That worked very well for us.”

Last year they gathered donations for Hurricane Katrina survivors and gave away a $250 meat package to a local feeding center. “We held a tournament and each girl was given 50 tickets sold at a $1. We drew a name and it went to a homeless shelter. I couldn’t believe it. They said, ‘do you know how many meals we can make with this meat package?’ These girls are learning more than volleyball. It’s not just about playing their favorite game with their buddies. It’s about working hard, depending on each other, and giving back to the community,” said Carter.

Although the official try outs begin in October, Carter said anyone is welcome to sign up every other Thursday at OBU where the girls practice from 6:15pm to 8:00pm.

The next opportunity to sign up is July 18 and August 1.

For more information, call 405-6232455 or email firevolleyballclub@hotmail. com

Bills. They’re unavoidable and it seems they take up a healthy portion of our budget. Is there anything we can do to lower their impact? Surprisingly, yes.

Of course there are the obvious solutions regarding conserving our resources: use less water, turn out the lights when not in use, raise the temperature on your air conditioner or use energy-star compliant appliances. These efforts do go far in reducing our impact on both the environment and our pocketbooks, but what else can we do?

First, with most utility companies you can sign up for a form of average monthly billing. While not actually saving money (you’ll still be paying the same overall), this type of program allows you to average out the payments for your utilities over the course of a year, so your electric bill does not suddenly spike during the summer months, for example. This allows for a more consistent budget and doesn’t leave you scrambling if August left you soaking up your artificially cooled air a little more than usual.

But if your electric usage is still stressing you out, look into money-saving programs offered by your electric company. OG&E, for example, offers “Smart Hours” during the summer, giving you a reduced rate on your electric usage throughout the summer months except for short periods of peak usage – between 2pm and 7pm on weekdays - when the rate spikes. If you can significantly reduce usage during those hours you will notice it in your bill!

Basically your best bet when it comes to bills is to contact your utility company and ask them what they can do for you. You may be surprised to hear what kinds of money-saving programs you may have been missing!

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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by: Mindy Wood

Amy Winter On the evening of May 19, tornado survivors in Pottawatomie and Lincoln County emerged from a vicious tornado onto a scene of complete chaos and cruel destruction. Gone was the legacy of family heirlooms, the security of every day treasures, and the sweet semblance of peace behind the white picket fence.

The strain of the unknown and the overwhelming task of rebuilding often impacts mental health. Disaster relief agencies and churches are offering counseling to survivors. Volunteers report that people are still shaken up or working through the emotional response. Daniel Matthews, associate pastor of Family of Faith Church, said, “We encounter many who admit to dealing with depression. Long term depression is a big threat.”

Parents report that children are drawing pictures of destroyed homes and storms, others flinch in fear at the sound of thunder or rain. Parents are on edge, with the stress of rebuilding. Such immediate departure from normal life is traumatic and painful, but local counselors who continue to lend a listening ear to survivors say that a support system can go a long way in helping people cope and move on with their lives.

Local mental health professionals, Amy Winter, MA, LPC who assisted Samaritan’s Purse relief efforts, and Paulann Canty, MA, LMFTP, who assisted with the Red Cross, both say friends and family shouldn’t jump to conclusions about survivor’s mental health.

“A child may need to draw stormy pictures because that’s how they begin to make sense of it,” said Canty.

“Sometimes we’re very well-meaning but we can rob people of what their language of process is. Some people need to be busy in grief,” said Canty. “Others need to get quiet and pull away.”

Winter said it’s very common for survivors of tragedy and loss to find themselves working through the five stages of grief similarly to people who have lost loved ones: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. “People will work through those steps, not in any order, and they may bounce back and forth some through those phases. That’s not abnormal. If someone stays stuck, then that’s different.”

When does someone need professional help? “If

someone is coping in unhealthy ways through addiction or extreme isolation,” said Winter, “it doesn’t have to be drugs and alcohol. Patterns from what the person is typically doing can be a red flag. Engaging in harmful behaviors, rapid mood swings, and hypervigilance are on the PTSD side of things.” Canty said, “If they’re really not able to go through their normal daily routine or function, if there’s talk of self harm or harmful behaviors, those are red flags.”

How can friends and family be supportive? “Listening,” said Winter. “Giving people some reasonable space. Don’t constantly bombard them but check on them on a routine basis.” Canty agreed. “Check in with them and say something like, ‘You’ve been quiet lately and I know you have a lot to think about but I just wanted to see I can listen or help you.’ It’s best not to assume someone is ok.”

Winter offered advice to parents with children who are trying to cope. “Parents should be careful with what they say in front of their kids. Don’t say things like, ‘I just don’t know how we’re going to make it,’ even if you’re thinking it. They don’t need to say, ‘It’s okay now, get over it.’ Kids need to express themselves and it can help for parents to identify with their child’s emotion with ‘I feel’ statements like: ‘I feel angry that I lost my house,’ or ‘I feel scared when I think of the tornado.’ They need to know parents are hearing them and seeing how scared they are.”

Canty is optimistic about Oklahoman’s resiliency over the years and our long history of surviving tragedy, from the Dustbowl and the Murrah boming to the recent storms. “I’m grateful for the Oklahoma standard of determination and commitment to the task that is our legacy. I think there are some pitfalls in the Oklahoma standard if it requires a perfect performance, if there’s no room for fatigue or fear or failure then that can rob us of our health, our recovery and our destiny. There’s nothing wrong with feeling overwhelmed or stressed from the pileup of responsibilities or loss. Let’s give ourselves and survivors permission to be real which means we’re going to stumble and hurt but we’re going to figure it out. I think that’s the Oklahoma standard.”

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Put on your “Blue Suede Shoes” and swing those hips over to Grand Casino Hotel and Resort for The EP Expo – The Premier Tribute Weekend to the King July 18-20.

Elvis fans will have an opportunity to spend a weekend with the “King of Rock and Roll” and Elvis impersonators will have the chance to compete for cash prizes.

Tickets for single shows start at $14.99 and three day packages start at $39.99. Tickets are on sale now. The expo runs Thursday and Friday from 7 p.m. to midnight and Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight.

The EP Expo is a tribute to one of the most legendary American pop culture icons of all time. The event includes performances

by Elvis impersonators, performers and artists who worked directly with Elvis Presley.

“This event is a must see for every Elvis fan,” said Michelle O’Bright, events coordinator, Grand Casino. “Fans will see the very best Elvis impersonators and have the opportunity to speak with and meet some of the people who were closest to Elvis during his life.”

living

If you haven’t planted a garden yet, it is not too late!

Here are 5 reasons to plant a garden this season.

1. Ensure Nutrient-Dense Flavor The best way to know exactly what is in your food is to grow it yourself. Foods naturally ripened by the sun are richer in flavor and nutritionally more dense than those chemically ripened in warehouses.

The EP expo will include appearances from “Kissin’ Cousins” co-star Cynthia Pepper; Sam Thompson, close friend and bodyguard; The Imperials, Elvis’ vocal group and Millie Kirkham, the cherished soprano voice accompanying Elvis on the hit song “Blue Christmas.” The Flying Elvi will also perform a jump from 5,000 feet at 4 p.m.

Saturday.

Elvis experienced enormous success throughout his career across many genres of music. The best-selling solo artist in the history of pop music, The King earned three Grammy awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Special events include all-night karaoke, Q&A with celebrity guests and more.

For more information, visit www.elvisexpo. com, or call 1 (888) 77-ELVIS (773-5847).

Grand Casino Hotel and Resort is located off of Interstate 40 in Shawnee, Okla.

Ticket prices and information is available by calling 405-964-7777, at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort, or online at www.grandshawnee.com.

4. Engage, Relax and Focus with the Entire Family The basic work of gardening, planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing and harvesting is an activity that engages all of your senses. With a garden, you can feel, smell, observe, listen to the sounds of birds and taste the harvest from your hands. Slow down, relax and focus. Research has shown that gardening helps over-stimulated and hyperactive kids focus and perform better academically.

5. Boost your Mood Soil is a serotonin booster. To put it simply, Serotonin is a hormone in your brain or gut and has been associated with a sense of well being, mood and happiness. Soil can release chemicals that stimulate the serotonin neurons in the brain. So get ouside, absorb sunshine, inhale fresh air, and get happy.

2. Free Dose of Vitamin D Vitamin D, often know as the “sunshine vitamin,” may prevent a laundry list of illnesses to include cancer, heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis. Since most Americans are Vitamin D deficient, enjoy this free dose of Vitamin D while you are outside digging in the dirt.

3. Get Your Kids to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables The Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that children more than doubled their overall fruit and vegetable consumption after their parents grew a food garden in their yard.

Malialani McQuerry is a Green Living Specialist, Health & Wellness Coach, Blogger and a business owner. Her background is in Education, Health Care and Biotech/Pharmaceuticals. When not coaching clients, and blogging, she loves to travel, cook, read, and spend time with her husband, David and dog, George. Join her for more healthy living tips at www.greenisntforsissies.com

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July July 7-12

by: Mindy Wood

The annual IFYR will feature the best riders, ropers, and racers among young rodeo hopefuls from across the nation. Western Trade Show opens Friday at 10am, Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 10am.

July 13-Aug 25

Teri Kowalczyk made her way to the Newalla area where a family of eleven had been devastated by the May 19 tornado.

Somehow, she said they had been overlooked in their remote area. The chaos of their lives was strewn before her and heart went out to the family’s bewildered and confused children. She thought of all the children affected by the storm’s furious wrath and what they must be feeling in the midst of such immediate loss.

She decided to organize a toy drive and fun day for all children who survived the storm and lost their toys. In a world where play is everything to a child, she and her volunteers hope that this will help. “Everyone kind of forgets about the kids,” said Kowalczyk. “Everyone is talking to the parents and the kids are left out, wondering what’s going on and so terrified by even rain or lightning that they run and hide from it. I want them to have a day to relax, be a kid and have fun.”

July 27 the Dale Gymnasium will host Christmas in July, featuring live entertainment, food, and Santa Claus who will make sure everyone from newborn to eighteen gets something special. According to Johnny Keneisel, owner of the Brown Derby Drive In, toys are coming in from all over the United States after his daughter Julie set up an amazon.com registry. “So far we have seventy bikes,

mostly new but a few are used. One guy in New Mexico has sent so many boxes I don’t even know how many there are. Those kids are going to have a ball,” he said.

Volnunteer Sandra Valentine stressed they want to make sure older survivors get something they can enjoy too. “We want to be sure people get things that kids twelve and up would enjoy. Gift cards, movie passes, things like that are a good idea,” she said.

Face painting and a magic show will be performed by Jeff and Valerie Hanes, live singing and music with Melissa Hembree, and of course, pictures with Santa, played by the Ritz Theatre troop’s Mike Jones.

Registration deadline is July 15 and locations include: Fanatics Sports Cards, Steelman Estates, YMCA, Hilltop Baptist Church in Little Axe, Dale Public Schools and the Carney Senior Citizen’s Center.

Drop off locations include: Brown Derby, Fanatics Sports Cards, Circle D Pawn #4, Angie Momma’s Bakery, Shawnee Beauty College, Artzy Fartzy Galleria, and Sassy’s Bar & Consulting (MWC). All toys ordered from the Amazon.com registery “Christmas in July” will be shipped to Brown Derby.

The Dale Gymnasium is located at 36000 Clear Pond Road, Bethel Acres, Oklahoma.

For more information or to help with the event, contact Julie Cody at 405-596-1014 or see their Facebook page “ChristmasInJuly2013”

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will display “The Art of the Human Figure” which examines how people have been portrayed through the centuries. From ancient Egypt to modern art. FREE admission to the museum all summer.

July 18-20

Up to seven Elvis impersonators, worldwide tribute contests, Elvis museum, and more will be at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort.

July 19

Last day to file applications for economic relief with the Small Business Administration for tornado survivors. Call 800-659-2955

July 27

Christmas in July Children’s Benefit.

Tornado survivors aged newborn to 18 will receive a free gift, food, and entertainment at the Dale Public School gymnasium. From 6pm-8pm.

Preregistration is required for a child to receive a gift.

Aug 1

Join a book discussion club at the Shawnee Public Library. The group meets the first Thursday of each month to select a book for that month. Starts at 7PM.

www.shawneeoutlook.com

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living portraits

Forgetting Maxine 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

Since I was knee-high to a New Testament, I knew Tom Stephenson. He was a deacon in the church I grew up in and was the young couples Sunday school teacher. A cowboy, of sorts, who always wore the western style shirts, boots, bolo tie and a Stetson that Roy Rogers would admire.

Tom was a lay missionary who spent time in Alaska, the Ivory Coast and came to Hawaii twice to help me in building projects. Tom was tenacious (stubborn) and loyally dependable.

He was gifted with a balance in his life, Maxine, his sweet and spiritual wife. She could create enough food out of a little amount to feed a small army. She perhaps was the picture of patience, with enough to stay with any project or person until success came.

Maxine completed Tom perfectly. In later life, we reversed roles; Tom became a volunteer Chaplain up into his nineties. Maxine died and his health began to wane. His children clustered around him giving care and still calling him “Daddy”, a term that they’d called him since they were children. Tom missed Maxine terribly, for as with most husbands she managed him behind the notice of life.

Here comes the unique portion of this portrait which brings raw emotion and reality to relationships. Tom used to say, with a quivering voice and tears in his eyes, “I would watch Maxine walk by my chair and my heart would say, “take her in your lap and give her a kiss, tell her you love her. But I never did. I both miss her and regret the pride that kept me

Tom Stephenson

from doing that.” This is where the acid rain of guilt falls on most of us.

Tom said to me, “Larry, when I can no longer remember Maxine’s smile or serve the Lord, I want to go Home.” Memory faded with the onset of Alzheimer’s. Tom began to recall only his early childhood; the memory of Maxine was gone. His health dissipated and a prayer was answered, Tom died and went Home to Heaven.

There, standing on the celestial shore with arm around Maxine was the Lord. A young, smiling Tom, looking as he did when he first asked her to dance, took her and all memory returned. Tom taught us many lessons about what not to do as well as what to do and now he remembers and is reunited with Maxine.

Thanks Tom, enjoy the glory! For any who suffer loss of memory, prayer now, better days ahead. Post mortem here, present joy there.

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Limit 3 cards per customer per day Must be present to win and wagered on day of drawings.

See players club for details..

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FOURTH OF JULY BINGO SPECIAL On July 4th, bingo on a number ending with “4”, and receive an additional $50 payout. Bingo on the number “4”, and receive an additional$250 payout.

Only valid on session pack games!