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DECEMBER 21 Vol. 18 Number 10

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CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2021

8 10

Family Portrait: Art Inspired By Holy Family Paintings Love Your Neighbor: Fund Offers Match Up To $150K In Donations To Salvation Army Until Dec. 31

Try Again: Determination Rewarded Even In Failure

Read N Scream: Shawnee Middle School Hosts 6th Annual Family Literacy Event

Toy Drive Concert: Ritz Of Shawnee Hosts Annual Event For Angel Tree Kids

Passion for Perseus: Metal Band Rocking Its Way To Bigger Shows, More Recordings

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Andrea Beck Jamie Bergsten David Dinsmore Brandon Dyer Ann McDonald Angela Rowland Linda Swearingen Carmen Wolf

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keep the change

CONSUME LESS THIS CHRISTMAS T

he holiday season brings an onslaught of marketing designed to play into our need to give. However, let’s be honest, many gift baskets, lotions, candles, gadgets and stationery find their way to garage sales, thrift stores or the trash every year without ever being used by the recipients. These are resources wasted, money wasted and space wasted in one’s home. My challenge this Christmas season is to ask ourselves some questions as we shop. Think on these things: • Why am I buying this item? Is it because we feel we “have” Angela Rowland to buy something for a certain person? Is it because it’s a great deal? Is it because we think it will fill a genuine need in someone’s life? • Will the recipient actually use this item? Do you know of a specific need in their life that warrants the gift? Do you know of a genuine passion in their life for which this gift will find use or appreciation? • Can I afford this item? If Christmas shopping will put you in debt you’ll be paying off months later, it’s not worth it. I’m no Grinch. I certainly love gift-giving, but this year, let’s jump off the consumerist bandwagon and consider other ways to give. Let’s give: • Experiences – Gift cards, tickets or passes to something you can do together or to a place you know the recipient enjoys are more likely to be used and won’t end up in a garage sale. • Time – Spend less time shopping, wrapping, and unwrapping and more time simply being together. • Service – Offer to help with a project or go out and serve the community together. • Less – One meaningful gift is worth so much more than a pile of trinkets. Maybe we should listen to Charlie Brown on this one: “I won’t let all this commercialism ruin my Christmas.” S Angela Rowland is an OBU graduate and a stay-at-home mother of four. She enjoys finding new ways to stretch the paycheck and share some of her favorite tips and deals. 6

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nutrition 101

KEEP HOLIDAYS IN PERSPECTIVE

ere we are smack dab in the middle of all the holidays. All the sugar that Halloween brings is behind us. All the pie Thanksgiving brings could still be in your belly, and now we are headed to the biggest of them all – Christmas. The average American puts on five pounds every single year just during the holiday season. I absolutely love Christmas and everything that comes along with it. The decorating, the tree, the lights, my Mema’s Christmas cookies, Santa pictures, reading the story about Jesus being born, Christmas movies, Christmas Eve candlelight service, gift exchanges, family visits, parties and Christmas pajamas. My children are only 7 and 4 years old, so they are at very fun ages for this time of year. What I have learned is that Christmas isn’t really about the food. Yes, there is food and yummy food that only comes around this time of year, but it is not what Christmas is about. I just listed12 things I love about Christmas and only one of them was a food item. We should enjoy the food that comes along with the holidays but not make the entire month about just the food alone. Enjoy that one nice meal and really enjoy it. Wake up the next day letting go of guilt that you ate “badly.” If you let that vicious cycle of guilt set in, before you know it, it won’t be just one meal you enjoyed. That one meal will turn into binge eating within a blink of an eye. Before you know it, you will wake up on Jan. 1 and wonder, “What the heck just happened?!” So, enjoy that one special gathering, drop the guilt and move on with celebrating this very wonderful holiday.

SALMON

This is a huge hit in our house by the whole family. If you are in charge of the holiday meal this year, think about serving salmon. It is delicious, quick, easy and gorgeous when plated. Ingredients: 1lb salmon fillet with skin on 1 Tbsp liquid aminos Cooking spray Directions: If it is winter when following this recipe and you are cooking on an indoor grill, turn the grill on to 450F. You may prefer the outdoor grill all year long, and that is great for this too. Spray indoor grill with cooking spray. Brush on or easily pour on the liquid aminos on the side with no skin. Cook with skin side down for about six to eight minutes. Flip to the other side for just another two to four minutes of browning. Transfer from the hot grill to a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes before stripping away the skin and serving. Makes: 4 – 4oz servings Nutritional Information per Serving Calories: 210 Total Fat: 9g Saturated Fat: 1.5g Cholesterol: 322mg Sodium: 326mg Total Carbohydrates: 0g Dietary Fiber: 0g Protein: 29g Nutrition 101: You may not be familiar with liquid aminos. Liquid aminos are an alternative to using soy sauce. You may ask, “Why not just use soy sauce?” Liquid aminos actually contain 16 amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are also naturally gluten free. If someone is having to follow a gluten free diet for health reasons, this is a great way to keep the soy sauce flavor in your diet. They also have a slightly milder taste than soy sauce, which goes over well with my kids. Soy sauce contains sodium benzoate, which is a preservative added to food to increase shelf life, where liquid aminos do not contain any chemical preservative. Definitely worth giving a try. S Andrea Beck, a registered dietitian and personal trainer, received her master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Central Oklahoma. She offers personal training and nutrition services through SSM Health St. Anthony in Shawnee. Contact her at Andrea.beck1@ssmhealth.com or through her Facebook page, Nutrition and Exercise 101 with Andrea.

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art of the matter

The holy family has been the subject of many family portraits for centuries, some of which will be on display starting Dec. 18 at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. This month’s project has tips for drawing your own family portrait.

FAMILY PORTRAIT Y

Art Inspired By Holy Family Paintings

SUBMITTED BY CARMEN WOLF, MABEE-GERRER MUSEUM OF ART BOARD VICE-CHAIR

ou know it won’t be long before your mom or dad calls everyone into the room and makes you sit next to your most annoying brother/sister and tells you to smile and pretend like you like him/her. For many families it is an annual tradition. I remember being a kid and having to go to the photography studio, sit in a cold room under bright lights and try to look comfortable and happy. Now we have cell phones with great cameras and timers, so that has changed. Now the family portrait can be taken anywhere, anytime. Have you ever thought about why por-

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traits are so important and when they started? Portraits have been found from as far back as 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used paint and sculpture to capture the likeness of the ruler at the time. This was long before photographs, so this was the only way to preserve and share what someone looked like. Portraits continued to be used throughout history as a tool of the rich and powerful. Kings and queens had elaborate portraits painted to show their wealth and power. Rich noblemen had portraits painted to show off their place in society and their wealth.

It was very expensive to have your portrait painted, either of one person or of a family. The wealthy would hire a wellknown artist and sit for a long time as the artist worked. If the artist was smart, they would “spruce up” their subjects' looks and add symbols of wealth and power in the painting. Artists who painted the truth seldom became successful. The rich wanted to look beautiful and powerful, and they were willing to pay for it. There was another portrait subject that has been painted hundreds of times throughout the years, and the people in the painting were not rich. It is the holy fam-

ily: Jesus, Mary and Joseph, along with other saints. For centuries, the Catholic church has used art to tell the story of Christianity, because for a long time, the average person couldn’t read. That was reserved for monks, church officials and the wealthy. The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art has a wonderful exhibit called “Sancta Familia: Images of the Holy Family Medieval through Modern” showing different paintings of the holy family on display from Dec. 18, 2021 to Feb. 13, 2022. That started to change in the 1800s with the invention of photography. As the technology improved and became less expensive, portraits became accessible to almost everyone. You didn’t have to be wealthy or rule a nation to have a portrait made. As photography expanded throughout the world, photographers set up studios where families would come together to capture a moment in time. Now we have the ability to not only take still photos anytime and anywhere, we can take video to capture important events with our families. Many times, these events happen at holiday time when everyone comes together to celebrate. People still hire artists to paint portraits, and artists often paint portraits of people who are important to them. Every President of the United States has a portrait painted and hung in the White House. Our project this month is to create our own family portrait. We are going to draw a portrait of the people most important to us. This is a very personal project, and everyone will most likely have their own ideas of what they want their portrait to look like. So, I’m not going to give you a list of instructions, but I will give you some suggestions on what you can do and include in your portrait.

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The first thing to consider is what kind of scene you want for your portrait. Do you want to be in your house? Or maybe outside? On a trip? Maybe outer space? Who do you want to include in your portrait? You can include your immediate family – mom, dad, brothers and sisters. You can include your extended family – grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles, etc. And don’t forget your pets. They are part of the family too. Is there anyone else that feels like family that you want to include? Next, think about whether you want to draw people from head to foot, head and shoulders, or head to waist. Also, think about people’s heights in relation to each other. Do you have a really tall relative and some little kids? Maybe the tall person can be sitting with the kids on their lap. Most importantly, have fun. There are no rules on how you draw your family. You can draw realistic representations, abstract images, cartoons, anime or somewhere in between. Flex your creative muscles and make this your own. When you are done take a photo or your artwork and share it on social media with the hashtag #MGMOAArts or send it to education@mgmoa.org. S

3 4

Scan this code to visit the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art’s at-home project page.

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nonprofit

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

Fund Offers Match Up To $150K In Donations To Salvation Army Until Dec. 31 BY JAMIE BERGSTEN

In addition to its famous Red Kettles and Angel Tree programs, the Shawnee chapter of the Salvation Army has the chance to receive up to $150,000 in matching funds from the Paul Milburn Fund for donations made by member of the community online via ShawneeChristmas. com or by mailed check through Dec. 31. The funds go to serve local families in need.

he numbers are staggering. In the United States, 20 percent of children under age 18 face food insecurity on a regular basis, according to information from the Salvation Army. That means one out of every five children experiences prolonged hunger. Local youngsters are not exempt from those numbers. The Shawnee chapter of the Salvation Army is a busier place than ever right now. Capt. Stacey Connelly said that in the first ten months of 2021, “We’ve seen a 30 percent increase in the number of individuals served at 7,070. The number of families served was 375. We’ve also seen a 136 percent increase in the number of meals we’ve served in 2021 as well.” As of just prior to their annual Thanksgiving dinner this year, that number stood at 21,203. All of this means that fundraising is more important than ever. Thanks to the legacy left by a local benefactor, the Salvation Army

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branch here has a chance to receive much-needed money through a fund-matching campaign. “This is unique to Shawnee,” Connelly said. “Longtime resident Paul Milburn, prior to his death, was a Salvation Army board member, and upon his death, he left his wealth to a gift fund to be managed by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. In keeping with his desire to never be the sole funder of any initiative, the board governing his gift fund maintains that same philosophy through matching campaigns. “The funds raised will all stay here and be used locally. There are no other groups assisting us with this matching campaign, so we’re relying on the community to help us reach our goal of $150,000 by Dec. 31, 2021. “All of the money raised will be used to help maintain our benevolence programs. Eighty-three cents of every dollar will go directly to our programs and services.”

Those wishing to donate to this particular cause can go to ShawneeChristmas. com online or send a check to The Salvation Army, 200 East 9th St., Shawnee, OK 74801 and write Milburn Match in the memo line. Connelly noted that $100,000 was raised in the Milburn Match Campaign last year. “That money helps us operate all year long,” Connelly said. “In fact, thanks to that campaign, The Salvation Army of Shawnee closed the fiscal year in the black for the first time in over a decade.” The Salvation Army provides a wide array of programming. Through their social services initiative, food boxes are given out daily; recipients can request one every 30 days with no questions asked. Clothing vouchers and utility assistance are also provided to those in need. Shelter is available 365 days a year, with 25 beds open to men, women, and families. “When weather feels like 32 degrees or below, we open up the dining room and bring in mats and cots to anyone who needs to come in out of the elements,” Connelly said. In February they were open for 14 days straight, 24 hours a day, to keep people out of the record-breaking temperatures. The Salvation Army of Shawnee also provides an evening meal at 6 p.m. every day of the year, as well a special Thanksgiving community meal. In addition, they operate the Boys and Girls Club, which has a current enrollment of 70 young people. Of those, 47 percent are on scholarship to participate. Connelly said this year’s Angel Tree campaign will be helping an additional 800 children from Pottawatomie, Lincoln and Seminole counties. “We have 35 corporate sponsors who help get these Angels adopted out,” she said. Families will pick up the donated Angel Tree gifts on Dec. 16. On

that day, they’ll also receive a food box with canned goods brought in by local schools during their food drives, items donated by Shawnee Mills and perishable items like ham, milk, eggs, bread and more given by Firelake Grocery, all packaged in boxes donated by Lowe’s Home Improvement. The local Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign has a goal of $80,000 this year. There will be 15 kettle locations if enough ringers are found to cover all sites, including 13 in Shawnee and one each in Seminole and Lincoln counties. Kettles will be out until Dec. 24 and ready for donation every day except Sundays. “It really is a community effort to take care of these families,” Connelly said. “If someone wants to help ring bells, they can go to RegisterToRing.com and sign up to ring by picking their day and location.” Connelly and her husband Patrick will be spending their third Christmas here in Shawnee, after moving from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. As the Salvation Army captains, they’ve absorbed themselves in local life. “We absolutely love Shawnee and the people here,” Connelly said. When asked about the greatest needs for The Salvation Army of Shawnee, Stacey said, “Our biggest concern right now is finances. Given the age of the building and the fact that it’s open every day of the year, we’re seeing a growing need for continual maintenance and major repairs. “We help people by meeting basic human needs through shelter, food, clothing and case management and referrals. We’d love to have more volunteers get involved with our programs simply based on using the Jesus perspective: Love your neighbor.” For more information, contact Capts. Patrick and Stacey Connelly at (405) 275-2243. S

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over the fence

TRY AGAIN

Determination Rewarded Even In Failure

BY BRANDON DYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RENEWAL OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

ight years ago when my kiddos were a 6th grader on the Wilson Elementary school playground. I’ll save that much younger, my family traveled to story for another time. Let’s just say, I knew the jig was up. Oceanside, California, for some vaca“Sir, do you mind removing your daughter’s tion and a bit of a family reunion. Oceanside is a shoes for me please?” lovely little beach community roughly halfway “Is there a problem, ma’am?” I asked. between San Diego and L.A. There’s a reason why “Sir, did you stuff maps in your daughter’s people like to visit California by the way. The coast is shoes?” absolutely gorgeous. We rented a townhome a few blocks Squinty-eyed and slack-jawed, I stared at them in from the beach and enjoyed walking to the market each day disbelief. How in the world could they have known that? for groceries, fresh seafood, playing in the ocean, catching up I let out an exaggerated sigh and without saying a word I took with family and perfect weather. One of my favorite memories off her shoes and removed the maps. She was again asked was sitting on the rooftop balcony each evening to watch the to stand in front of the sign. Giant crocodile tears silently sunset over the Pacific Ocean. It was incredible. streamed down her cheeks as I took her by the hand and we Those experiences alone were worth the trip, but I’ll be walked to the sign. She knew what was coming. With all the Brandon Dyer honest. I was really excited to take my kiddos to Disneyland. bravery and courage that beautiful little girl could muster, she Disneyland was not an option for me growing up, although I did have stood in front of the sign and stretched her body upward with all of a few friends who were able to go and I lived vicariously through their her might. I watched as her facial expressions teetered between hope magical experiences. So the thought of having the opportunity to give and sadness as her little body quivered from effort. But in the end, no my children a day at Disney had me more than a little giddy as I imag- matter how hard she tried and how badly she wanted it, she just wasn’t ined them wide-eyed and high on happiness. going to measure up to Walt Disney’s standard that day. Heartbroken, There was only one problem. It appeared that my youngest daughter she buried her head into my chest and wept as I watched the others go might not quite be the required 40 inches tall to ride most of the rides. on without us. I read and re-read the ride height requirements online and told myself After a good cry and a rainbow snowcone, my 4 year old daughter it would be fine, she’s close enough. I mean, it’s the happiest place on decided that rides aren’t that great anyway. She really only came to see earth. They wouldn’t knowingly break my baby girl’s heart over such a Mickey Mouse. So, she put the Splash Mountain sadness behind her negligible difference would they? It wasn’t her fault she was only 39.9 and off we went to see Mickey. inches tall. Surely that rounds up to the 40 inch minimum, right? Do you ever feel like no matter how hard you try you can’t measure Wrong. We arrived at Splash Mountain for our first ride of the day. up? I’ll admit, it’s an attitude I find myself fighting off all too often. The Looking ahead in line, I saw a worker whose only job, clearly, was to glass tends to be half empty for me. I have to stare at it with purpose shatter the dreams of small children, because I witnessed several upset sometimes to see it the other way around, like looking at one of those kiddos being sent away in tears after coming up a little short next to the 3D pictures with thousands of tiny dots. Some people are able to see measurement sign. The sign read “no one under 40 inches of height is a beautiful horse running through the woods. I usually just see dots. permitted to ride,” and this person strictly enforced it. No amount of If we are not careful, disappointments will refuse to give our hopes cuteness nor charm would warm her chilly disposition. the chance to rise. We will max-protect and limit our opportunities But how accurate was it, I thought to myself? And besides, a tenth of in order to avoid the feelings of failure. But this is no way to live, is it? an inch is barely noticeable anyway. As the line inched closer to the sign Seeing the glass half-full requires risk, but it is not a blind risk. It is a I knew I had to act quickly. Taking my daughter by the hand I walked hope that our dreams will be realized if we stay the course. If we stick her to a nearby restroom. Turns out that Disneyland maps are multi- to the plan. Hope is not simply a wish. It is rooted in thoughtfulness, purpose, because I tore it in half, folded each piece neatly and placed preparation and grit. them in her shoes providing just the lift she needed. It was a tight fit, I tell my kids all the time that there are many equations that equal but it worked. happiness. If you don’t get the result you originally wanted, change the We walked back to the line just in time for her to be measured. Sure equation. Sometimes that requires changing the path. Sometimes that enough, she passed the test. Whew. Close call, but crisis averted. A few requires changing the goal. But it always requires refusing to give up. moments later as we neared the loading area I heard, “Sir, can you and Disappointments become opportunities with a change of perspective. your daughter come with me please?” Uh oh. The worker spoke with That is the one thing over which we have complete control. The happisuch authority it reminded me of getting busted by Mrs. Patsy Waller as est place on earth is not a destination. It’s a choice. S www.shawneeoutlook.com

community

Shawnee Middle School hosted its sixth annual Read N Scream event on Nov. 4 as a way to encourage students and their families to read a book together to help foster a love of reading. — Photos submitted

READ N SCREAM

Shawnee Middle School Hosts 6th Annual Family Literacy Event

or the last six years, Shawnee Middle School has hosted its annual Read N Scream around Halloween to get student and their families excited about reading by selecting a common book they can enjoy together before attending an event at the school where they can dress up, play games and participate in a variety of activities themed around that year’s book selection. “The purpose is to help students see reading in a positive way,” Jones said. “We use a book parents usually know too.” For the last few years, they have used the Harry Potter book series to engage stu-

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BY DAVID DINSMORE dents as well as the parents, many of whom read at least the first few books when they were students themselves, Jones said. The appeal of these books for both groups makes it easier for them to read together, whether as a group or individually. “A lot of times, if they can read the same book … students and parents can have discussions about the book,” Jones said. “There are conversations that you can sometimes use to address hard topics that maybe you wouldn’t necessarily as a parent want to ask your kid.” Though educators often advocate for parents of young children to read together

to foster literacy skills, it is still important for those raising older children to continue to emphasize and demonstrate the importance of reading consistently throughout one’s lifetime, Jones said. In their experience, organizers of the Read N Scream event have talked with parents who developed a renewed interest in reading after participating specifically for the event. “Some of them have picked it back up,” Jones said. “Maybe they were more engaged (with reading) when they were younger … but now they remember things they liked about it at that age.

“Now the parents can share in that excitement.” Parents can also help their kids find other books to read that they read when they were younger to help expand their horizons. The original event purposefully took place around Halloween to add a little excitement to the selection to pique kids’ interest – the first of which was Jonathan Auxier’s creepy tale, “The Night Gardener,” Jones said. Transitioning to the Harry Potter series made sense in keeping with the Halloween theme given the popularity of costumes from the series around that time of year. Some students and families have come to the last few events dressed in full Harry Potter garb and accessories. In a typical year, students who register receive the book from the school in advance of the event hosted at the school so they can be prepared for some of the activities available during the one-night celebration, Jones said, though complications stemming from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to get the book into students’ hands this year. Planners typically decorate the whole school around the theme of the year and set up stations that offer activities or games that tie in with the book, Jones said, such as a Would You Rather-themed game with scenarios from the story or breakout rooms and discussion sessions where families can participate. There are also fun activities for those who have completed the book like a hands-on “potion lab” inspired by Hogwarts School that Harry Potter attends where Read N Scream participants can make their own slime to take home. The event has drawn 200-300

participants during the last few years. In addition to the annual event, Shawnee Middle School also offers a book club to all students who attend, Jones said. This used to take place after school, though in response to the COVID-19 pandemic they have begun hosting it during lunch periods, Jones said. The school partners with the public library to host different activities around a monthly theme. As an educator and librarian, Jones said seeing other entities get involved in the event who do not have students or direct ties to the school lend their talents and resources to help the school organize the event. “It’s very encouraging to see that,” Jones said. “There are a lot of people in this community who are very supportive, and that’s awesome to see.” S

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feature

TOY DRIVE CONCERT

Ritz Of Shawnee Hosts Annual Event For Angel Tree Kids BY DAVID DINSMORE

Kids listed on the local Salvation Army’s Angel Trees like this will receive gifts this Christmas thanks to the talents of area musicians scheduled to play a concert on Dec. 11 at the Ritz of Shawnee where the price of admission was a toy donation that went directly to the program benefiting families in need. — Photo by David Dinsmore

our years ago, The Ritz of Shawnee hosted its first Christmas concert to help bring in toys for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program that provides gifts for local children in need, and the tradition was set to continue again on Dec. 11. The bill featured three acts performing a variety of genres with attendees receiving admittance with the donation of a new toy at the venue. Organizer Loren Stastny said the Ritz developed the idea of doing a free concert as a way to celebrate the holidays and showcase local talent, and planners decid-

ed it would also be the perfect time to do a toy drive for any local group distributing Christmas gifts to local families. The Angel Tree program was the right fit. “We’ve brought in a lot of toys the last couple years,” Stastny said. “(Local Salvation Army Capt. Stacy Connelly) said they have been very glad we’ve done this concert.” The Salvation Army partners with businesses and organizations to place trees throughout the area that feature tags corresponding to a child selected based on need earlier this year. Each tag on the tree presents details about the anonymous

child whose family may not be able to provide Christmas this year due to circumstances and offers suggestions for needs and wants that could make their holiday a little merrier. Other organizations like the Ritz contribute by hosting toy drives like the concert scheduled earlier this month. This year’s concert featured scheduled talent ranging from the debut of a new local group, MT Express, to longtime area performer Edgar Cruz along with established band Moonlight Ford. In addition to the benefit of being able to play a show that helps local kids, taking the stage at the Ritz was a special opportunity www.shawneeoutlook.com

for a few of the musicians. “The Ritz is my favorite old movie theater ever,” said Toppie Lincicome, who leads jazz and brass band MT Express. “I’ve been going there since I was a kid. That theater has a lot of emotional value for me.” After forming MT Express, he contacted Stastny about opportunities to play their inaugural concert at the venue. It was exciting to find out that their debut show would also coincide with the Angel Tree toy drive as well, said Lincicome, who also teaches music and band at Grove School. “Kids need every benefit and chance they can get,” said Lincicome, who added that he and his daughter try to select an anonymous child from one of the local Angel Trees each year as well. “Just the idea of being part of that was the cherry on top.” Allen and Jessica Weatherford with rock band Moonlight Ford previously appeared at the Ritz around the holidays in 2019 just before venues everywhere began shutting down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coming back this year to help bring in Christmas gifts for local kids feels like a natural return. “It’s always a privilege to be included that will rally a community around a cause, especially when it’s kids,” Jessica Weatherford said. As a musician, performing and entertaining those attending a show is paramount, but Cruz said when those goals intersect with being able to benefit local families and organizations, the show takes on a whole different meaning. “Anytime we’re able to help out as part of the concert in general, it’s always a better thing for the community,” said Cruz, whose first album

in 1989 was coincidentally a Christmas album. “Christmas has always been special to me.” There are several upcoming concerts on the schedule at the Ritz that Stastny is excited to present – including a New Year’s Eve show featuring rock tributes Next Halen and CRUEligans – but at this time of year, he is glad the theater has established an annual tradition to make the holidays merrier and brighter for kids in need in the community. “It’s fun to be able to do this and help kids out there,” Stastny said. “With COVID and everything going on with people losing their jobs, this makes families a little happier on (Christmas Day).” For more information about local Angel Tree efforts, call the Salvation Army at (405) 275-2243. S

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

ome for the holidays, and I believe I’ve missed had to grow up, and that is usually the case for those who are each and every face.” brand new in sobriety. This is the first line in the song “Celebrate I was like a kid in a candy store. I had no self-control Me Home” by Kenny Loggins. when it came to alcohol or other drugs. If my feelings were It’s a song I lived by since the first time I heard it. I rehurt, or if I felt sad, or if I wanted to celebrate, it was best that member after I had graduated from high school, I would Linda Swearingen I wasn’t around alcohol or drugs. One of the first things I look forward to coming home from college for the holilearned in sobriety was that I was the one responsible for my days. To see old friends, catch up and tell tall tales and – recovery, not anyone else. of course – to party. It was my partying, however, that forced me When the holidays would come up, I had to be on guard. I was forto come back home and attend the local junior college. So I really tunate that when I got sober, I could go home and be with my family. looked forward to the holidays, because that was the time my old Some of my friends didn’t have a place to go, so they would go to an friends would come back. AA or NA group that would open their doors and have lots of food We would meet up at the old Wewoka Switch before Thanksgiving and fellowship. I also attended extra recovery meetings. or Christmas. I would excitedly drive through the parking lot to see if I still had that habit of checking out the cars in parking lots, but I recognized any cars and when I did, I would quickly park and make now it was at recovery meetings. I would be so excited when I saw my way into the bar. Usually, I was an out-of-control drinker and an old friend in recovery. I had lots of phone numbers of people in would find myself hungover and sick the next day. Too sick to enjoy recovery and practiced using the phone. I watched where I went and the time with my family. As the years passed, I would repeat this pat- would only go to places that were safe. I’d have to ask myself “Is there tern. It wasn’t until December 10, 1986, that I finally hit bottom and going to be drinking or drugs there?” and if the answer was yes, it had my last drink at my beloved bar. wasn’t the place for me. Being brand new sober is so hard. Everything is new and not in a These days, although I am 35 years sober, I am very aware that good way. When I started drinking and using drugs on a regular basis holidays bring up old memories. This is the sixth holiday season at age 15, I developed a coping system to deal with anything that came without my mom and the first without my oldest brother and my my way. My whole life centered around drinking and getting high. good friends, Sissy and Vicki. I remember I am just one drink or drug When I started drinking and using, I stopped growing emotionally. away from the person I used to be. Two weeks after I got sober, I was talking to a family member, and If you find the holidays to be a difficult time or find you can’t control I remember him asking me how I was doing. I said “I’m doing great! your use of alcohol or other drugs, please reach out to Gateway to PreI haven’t had a drink or a drug in two weeks!” He told me, “Linda, it’s vention and Recovery at (405) 273-1170 ext. 0. We can help. S one thing to be sober, but you have to learn how to live sober.” I hope I never forget those words. I had to learn how to live. I was walking Linda Swearingen has worked as a therapist at Gateway to Prevention and Recovery for the past 30 years. She is currently the supervisor at the Chandler and Seminole offices. around with the emotions of a 15-year-old – actually, I would say She is the youth leader at Seminole First United Methodist Church. She is the proud even younger – and I had no idea how to take care of myself. At 24, I mother of a 13-year-old daughter, Alea.

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shawnee history

RIGHT CALL

The Evolution Of Shawnee Phone Service

BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER

he original telephone exchange Noble, Nims and Westervelt realized in Shawnee was constructed in that the telephone business was no longer 1898 by Simpson G. Ashbaugh. in the pioneering phase and competition It was located in a frame building in the 200 was keen. This could have caused a deadblock of North Broadway and there were 75 lock, possibly ending progress. So the three customers. men merged the Long Distance Co. with Although Shawnee had nearly 11,000 the Missouri and Kansas Telephone Co., citizens 10 years later and the switchboard and it became the Pioneer Telephone and could handle 100 customers, Ashbaugh Telegraph Co., forerunner to Southwestern never had more than 73 subscribers. He Bell in Oklahoma. sold the exchange to physician Dr. William Wahl’s company continued to operate S. Wingfield, who operated it along with his independently another year, but finally medical practice. service was taken over by Pioneer and the Wingfield did not believe there should equipment dismantled. Pioneer’s name was be a connection between local and long dischanged to Southwestern Bell Telephone tance operations so he provided no longCo. in 1917. distance facilities. Meanwhile, a competing The year of statehood in 1907 saw Shawbusiness developed, and the Long Distance nee with a population of more than 11,000. Telephone Co. was founded. Those offices There were 1,190 telephones, and by that were in the back of the Shawnee National total had reached the 5,000 mark by 1929. Bank building with James F. Noble serving The telephone played a historic part in at as manager. The demand for long-distance least two disasters that struck in Shawnee’s service was so great that within a few weeks early days. In March 1924, a tornado ripped more than 300 persons signed the subscripthrough the city, killing several citizens and tion list. leaving hundreds more homeless. ConsidPhone service in Shawnee grew from 75 original Later, the Long Distance Telephone customers to infrastructure consisting of multiple erable equipment was destroyed, and the Co. became Southwestern Bell Telephone poles, wiring and personnel as technology and telephone people received commendation Co. Noble and two men from Perry – E.D. competition evolved. — Photo submitted for “courageous work performed under Nims and E.E. Westervelt – developed the chaotic conditions.” Pioneer Telephone Co., which also became part of Southwestern Then in 1928, a cloudburst hit Shawnee and the upstream area of Bell. The three agreed to build the exchange in Shawnee if there was the North Canadian River. In the flood that followed, lives were lost, enough demand. Earnest and Harvey Brinson were in charge of the and the city suffered a half million dollars in damage. Crews worked installation work for the new company, and Shawnee became one of around the clock to get damaged equipment back in service. Telethree cities in the state that had competing telephone companies. phone communication was hurriedly repaired so that the rest of the The situation was difficult for telephone users since they had to country was aware of the disaster and able to come to the rescue. have two telephones to reach other subscribers. A home with two By the 1960s, Shawnee was headquarters for several cities in the phones was only the beginning. The city also had two sets of poles, Central Oklahoma District of Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. Earlytwo directors and a mass of wires. day developers and subscribers to the telephone would hardly believe Wingfield fought the battle about a year before selling to out-of- what “phones” are today. Everybody has a phone in his/her pocket towner W.V. Wahl. Wahl secured a contract with the Missouri and and punching a button to call a friend across the street or across the Kansas Telephone Co., a Bell-owned firm, and provided Shawnee country is common. But it all started with wires strung from house to with more long-distance service, more poles and more wires. house so that neighbors could communicate. S www.shawneeoutlook.com

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spotlight

Local metal band, Perseus, has played shows throughout the region along with tours on both coasts as it continues to build its following and record new music for fans. — Photos submitted

PASSION FOR PERSEUS

Metal Band Rocking Its Way To Bigger Shows, More Recordings

aving gone from a party band to taking stages at events like Rocklahoma, local metal band Perseus has seen a lot of changes during its time in the area music scene. The band traces its roots back to a jam band that formed in 2008 to play at local parties, said Chris Gomez, the band’s guitarist and principal songwriter. He went to a few parties and got to know a few of the members of the band. He started playing with them by filling in for one of the guitarists and eventually became a full member of what became Perseus, which got its name

BY DAVID DINSMORE from mythological roots that also have a tie to a well-known constellation. “As musicians, we all shared the same dream,” Gomez said. “We all wanted to be in a big band that plays big shows.” Since then, the band has transitioned to creating its own music while booking shows beyond Shawnee, including opening for national touring acts like Veil of Maya and Born of Osiris. They’ve played Rocklahoma a few times and have started headlining their own shows in the region for the last few years in addition to touring parts of both coasts.

Over the years, some of the core members have left Perseus to pursue new opportunities – including a break for the band itself from 2014 to 2017 – but Gomez said they have stayed focused on adding new members with the same passion and drive to perform and create. “The journey has been a rollercoaster,” Gomez said. “But it has been very rewarding as we’ve done bigger and bigger shows.” In addition to ramping up live performances, Perseus has also released an album and shot a few music videos as well. The most recent original works have begun www.shawneeoutlook.com

with Gomez’s guitar laying a foundation for a song and then incorporating the thoughts and talents of the band’s other members composed of drummer Jordan Gorath, vocalist Jeremy Knight and bassist Alex Farinas. “Eventually, one guitar riff will evolve into a complete song,” Gomez said. Some of Gomez’s early influences included Metallica, Meshuggah, Veil of Maya and After the Burial, he said. He found himself gravitating toward bands producing music that presented a lot of technical challenges whose songs he would learn to play to build his own skill set, but he also found that heavy music had an impact on him and gave him energy too. It was the technical aspects of metal that also drew Farinas to joining Perseus about a year ago. He had played in a band previously and was acquaintances with Gorath. He met the rest of the band at a show and found out about an opportunity to play with them. He said he was drawn to the technicality of the music the band wrote, such as the use of time signature changes. “I wanted something that would challenge me, and I got it,” Farinas said. Farinas had played bass for about 17 years. In high school, he was watching a music video by the band Slipknot and found himself drawn more to bass than guitar. He played a few brass instruments in high school, so taking up a string instrument involved a change in approach. As he was developing his skills and style, Farinas found inspiration in Victor Wooten along with Flea, who played bass for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Dustin Davidson from August Burns Red served as one of his major metal influences. Even though he does not currently play in the same genre as most of Wooten’s work, Farinas said it is important for musicians to not only pull from one style of music if they hope to innovate and create. “It is super important not to single yourself out to just one genre,” Farinas said. “There are so many people out there who do some crazy stuff. I’ve seen some indie bands do some crazy sounding songs that are really cool.” When it comes to playing metal, however, Farinas likes when 28

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a tempo change or unexpected element surprises the audience when executed well. “We hear a lot of ‘Ohs’ all the time because we will switch it up,” he said. “To see fans interact and sing our songs is probably the biggest thing that I take to heart.” During the process of researching songwriting techniques online, Gomez encountered several guitarists playing Solar guitars, a distinctive looking instrument created by a company based in Sweden. Solar’s CEO and Gomez shared an appreciation of Dimebag Darrell of the band Pantera. Gomez ordered one to try and found that it fit his style of playing so well that he soon ordered another. During his interactions with Solar, Gomez got the opportunity to sign a contract to become an official Solar artist featured by the company. Though the response to the COVID-19 pandemic has affected venues’ ability to book acts to play, Gomez said cancellations and postponements have opened more opportunities for proven bands based in this area to find spots to play. “The most rewarding part is when you’re playing a song live, and the crowd is chanting your band name and going nuts,” Gomez said. “Sometimes I just get chills.” As much as they have enjoyed getting the opportunity to play more shows after venues opened following the shutdown resulting from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Farinas said he really looks forward to 2022 as the band continues writing and working on releasing a new album. The pace of the band’s schedule of writing, recording and performing has also added to how much Farinas has enjoyed his time with Perseus. “We don’t stop,” he said. “We’re always full ahead with what we do.” One of the goals Gomez has for Perseus going into 2022 is securing a spot on the main stage at Rocklahoma, he said, in addition to booking more shows at bigger venues. For more information, visit facebook.com/theperseusband, @ perseusbandofficial on Instagram or www.perseusepk.com. The band also has music videos on YouTube. S

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calendar All events are subject to change and incorporate a variety of guidelines regarding public health standards. Please contact each organizer for complete and up-to-date information Dec. 17: Oklahoma bands will showcase their talents at an Open Music Forum hosted by The Meet Up. Pottawatomie County area bands will be playing along with bands from across the state. This free event opens the doors at 7 p.m. with the show starting at the Shawnee VFW Post #1317 at 811 E MacArthur St. Information: facebook.com/ Pottmeetup Dec. 17: The Arts @317 will hold its Block pARTy 5:30-8:30 p.m. John May of Dragons Fire Creations is the featured artist for the evening and will be demonstrating how he creates his art. Other artists may also make surprise visits at 317 E. Main St. Dec. 18: Ride the rails through a winter wonderland with Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma’s Christmas Light Night Run at 5:30-7:30 p.m. with strands of lights and decoration adorning the club’s scale tracks at 29626 Lake Drive in McLoud. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be in attendance for photo opportunities. Information: facebook.com/locotrains and (405) 277-0032 Dec. 31: The Ritz Theatre of Shawnee will rock the year out in 1980s style with a New Year’s Eve concert featuring cover bands Next

www.shawneeoutlook.com

Jan. 8: Travis Ledoyt will bring his Elvis Presley show to The Ritz Theatre of Shawnee with two performances at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Information: facebook.com/ theritzofshawnee Jan. 8: The Shawnee Public Library will host Teen STEAM Saturday starting at 1 p.m. for students grades 6th through 12th to participate in a variety of hands-on learning STEAM activities. Information: (405) 2756353 or pioneerlibrarysystem.org Jan. 11: Oklahoma Baptist University will present a children’s concert featuring students grades 3 to 6 who will showcase their early experience with handbells, organs and various band instruments. The community is invited to attend this free performance. Information: fine.arts@ okbu.edu If you know of any events you would like to see featured, email editor@ shawneeoutlook.com.

The Clinic Pharmacy

For inquiries, please call 405.695.1787

Follow the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System on Facebook or our visit our website at asthealth.org for updates.

Jan. 4: Oklahoma Baptist University’s division of music will host a honor band concert at 7 p.m. featuring regional junior and senior high school students free performance open to the public in Potter Auditorium in Raley Chapel at the university. Information: fine.arts@ okbu.edu

Visit WWW.TCPSHAWNEE.COM to sign up for the Mobile App!

Tuesday, December Testing is open to the28public.

In the event of rain or adverse weather, testing will not be conducted.

Halen and CRUEligans at its 10 W. Main St. location. Doors open at 8 p.m. Information: facebook.com/ theritzofshawnee

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THE CLINIC PHARMACY (SHAWNEE)

We express our gratitude for our dedicated team of healthcare providers for continuing to work and see patients during these difficult times. We commend our teams willingness to keep seeing patients as their need arises and that we are able to provide both Home Health care and Hospice throughout the COVID crisis.

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