Shawnee Outlook by Shawnee Outlook

NATIVE CONNECTIONS GRANT PROGRAM

• Promotes the health and well-being of Native youth who represent the future health of their communities.

• Helps American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities identify and address behavioral health needs of our Native youth.

• Supports grantees in reducing suicidal behavior and substance use among Native youth up to age 24, and supporting youth as they transition into adulthood.

• Promotes suicide and substance abuse prevention resources to our tribal members as well as our community.

• Encourages youth to develop strong bonds by arranging activity schedules around the AI/ AN youth and provide consistency (regularly scheduled activities).

• Plans monthly events for AI/AN youth and their families to attend. The grant has reached out for Native Instructors to teach our AI/AN youth traditional, native skills.

TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT ALCOHOL: 5 CONVERSATION GOALS

Show you disapprove of underage drinking.

Over 80% of young people ages 10-18 say their parents are

Show you disapprove of underage drinking.

Ove r 80 % of you ng people ages 1 0-18 say their pa rents a re

So they really are listening, and it’s important that you send a clear and strong message

So they really are listening, a nd it ’s i mportant that yo u send a clear and strong message

Show you care about your child’s happiness and well-being.

Young people are more likely to listen when they know you’re on their side. Try to reinforce why you don’t want your child to drink—not just because you say so, but because you want your child to be happy and safe. The conversation will go a lot better if you’re working with, and not against, your child.

3 Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol.

Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol.

You want your child to be making informed decisions about drinking, with reliable information about its dangers. You don’t want your child to be learning about alcohol from friends, the internet, or the media—you want to establish yourself as a trustworthy source of information.

more informat i on or resources, please contact

Show you’re paying attention and you’ll notice if your child drinks.

You want to show you’re keeping an eye on your child, because young people are more likely to drink if they think no one will notice. There are many subtle ways to do this without prying.

Show you’re paying attention and you’ll notice if your child drinks.

You want to show you’re keeping an eye on your child, because young people are more likely to drink if they think no one will notice. There are many subtle ways to do this without prying.

Build your child’s skills and strategies for avoiding underage drinking.

Even if your child doesn’t want to drink, peer pressure is a powerful thing. It could be tempting to drink just to avoid looking uncool. To prepare your child to resist peer pressure, you’ll need to build skills and practice them.

Keep it low-key.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to get everything across in one talk. Many small talks are better.

Keep it low-key. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get everything across in one talk. Many small talks are better.

the change

DITCH THE DOLLARS IN DECEMBER

e’re entering into the final sprint of the year, and while our budgets are stretched tight for gifts, this is also the ideal time to take a no-spend challenge. Perhaps if you still have some names on your list, you’ll feel the need to spend something but maybe at least cut out all extra spending?

• Create a list. Add all those you still need to purchase gifts for and create a reasonable budget for each person. As you fulfill those gifting needs, check their names off – and resist the possible urge to get more than you’d planned.

• Budget for upcoming travel. Gas and groceries are allowed in a no-spend challenge, but if other needs arise – a suitcase, outerwear, etc – see if you could possibly borrow these from a friend or family. Also consider whether this is a need or just a want. Do you already own something that could fill this need?

• Fill in gaps in your gift list – the ones you forgot to add, like teachers or neighbors – with no-cost options. Hand-make cards or bake cookies. Yes. Ingredients cost something, but those are groceries so we’ll let it slide.

• Plan no-cost outings. December is rife with free entertainment options. Make some hot chocolate (groceries) and hop in the car (gas – still allowed) to find some Christmas lights. Play some holiday music and cruise neighborhoods to find the best displays. The Shawnee Christmas Parade will be hosted on Main Street December 13. That’s always a great time with family at no cost to you. If you’d rather stay inside, snuggle in at home and watch old Christmas movies. While the season can feel hectic, there’s no need to spend money on everything grasping for your attention. Give the peace of the season room to settle in.

Angela Rowland is an OBU graduate and a stay-at-home mother of four. She enjoys finding new ways to stretch the paycheck and sharing her favorite tips and deals.

Angela Rowland

COUNTING COST OF DIABETES

s a functional dietitian, I get a lot of questions about the thyroid. At Laser Focus, we recently started offering lab services and have been checking more thyroid labs for patients. I wanted to talk a little bit about the thyroid, the thyroid labs and treatment.

The thyroid gland plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, energy production and overall growth and development. It produces hormones that influence nearly every cell in the body. The thyroid gland primarily produces two hormones that are known as T4 and T3. The thyroid also helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. TSH is a hormone made and released by a gland in the brain.

TSH levels are largely dictated by the amount of those thyroid hormones T3 and T4 circulating in the body. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the pituitary gland releases more TSH to stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormones, which is why high TSH levels are typically associated with hypothyroidism. Conversely, when thyroid hor mone levels are high, TSH production decreases,

Banana Bread

‘Tis the season for baking. I love homemade bread in the colder months. I especially love the smell of the bread baking in the house.

Ingredients:

3 small ripe bananas (about 1 ½ cups)

½ tsp pure vanilla extract

1 whole egg

3 Tbsp avocado or coconut oil, melted

1/4 cup coconut sugar

1/4 cup packed coconut brown sugar

2 Tbsp maple syrup

3 1/2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

leading to low TSH levels and could indicate hyperthyroidism.

Most primary care providers will measure a patient's TSH as a preliminary screening test for thyroid function. Some providers will take it a step further and test for the two hormones T4 and T3. When testing all three, this provides a fuller view of thyroid function. Thyroid testing is indicated for individuals presenting with symptoms suggestive of thyroid dysfunction or that are at increased risk of thyroid disease. Common symptoms of thyroid disease include fatigue, unexplained weight changes, hair loss, cold or heat intolerance, irregular heart rate, mood changes, changes in bowel habits and menstrual irregularities.

The American Thyroid Association recommends routine screening for adults beginning at

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)

1 ¼ cup almond flour

1 ¼ cup 1-1 gluten free flour

1 1/4 cup gluten-free rolled oats

Directions: Preheat oven to 350° F and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Mash banana in a large bowl. Add all ingredients through nondairy milk (vanilla, egg, oil, sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nondairy milk) and whisk vigorously to combine. Lastly, add almond flour, gluten free flour blend

Nutrition Information per Serving Makes: 10 slices Calories 273 Total fat: 13g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Cholesterol: 18g

Sodium: 319mg Carbohydrates: 31g

Dietary Fiber: 4g Protein: 10g

Nutrition 101: Baking doesn’t have to be completely awful for your health. I like to use gluten free flours, nondairy milks and alternatives to cane sugar when baking. Your product will still turn out amazing and will make you feel like you aren’t depriving yourself even when paying attention to your nutrition. With anything, you still have to pay attention to your serving size, no matter how delicious this turns out.

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NATIVITY

The Biblical Christmas Story Has Inspired Art For Millenia

SUBMITTED BY DELAYNNA TRIM, CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS MABEE-GERRER MUSEUM OF ART

With Christmas around the corner, you might be seeing lots of Nativity scenes.

Some are very elaborate with many exotic animals, angels, magi and shepherds in addition to Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Others are very simple with just Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first nativity — or creche — around Christmas 1223 in the village of Greccio near Assisi. He got permission from Pope Honorius III to set up a manger with a live donkey and ox in a cave.

Creche comes from the Latin word

“cripia,” which means manger.

One of the earliest depictions of the Adoration of the Magi is a late thirdcentury wall painting in the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome. The Virgin Mary is holding the Christ child and three magi are approaching with gifts. Another early example this time in sculpture is of a fourth-century marble sarcophagus from the cemetery of St. Agnes of Rome featuring Mary holding the Christ child with the three magi approach with gifts and leading camels.

While Christ’s birth is celebrated on Dec. 25, the arrival of the magi is

celebrated on Jan. 6. The magi are also referred to as wise men or kings. They bear gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. With three gifts listed in the Bible, many assumed that there were three men, but in some branches of the Eastern Orthodox tradition, there are twelve magi.

Some interpret the three kings to be Melkon, the king of the Persians; Balthasar, the king of India; and Gaspar, the king of Arabia. The kings are often portrayed as the three stages of man – young, middle age and old age.

In the “Adoration of the Three Kings” by Dirck Barendsz in the main

Adoration of the Magi by Dirck Barendsz

gallery at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, you can see the three magi dressed in elegant clothing holding elaborate gifts. While you can see part of the wood manger behind Mary, the rest of the background is filled with soldiers on the far right along with people, animals and buildings in the center. Notice the weird looking necks on the camels. The artist had probably never seen camels before, so he was painting based on what he had read about them.

In another “Adoration of the Magi” in the museum’s collection – this one by Giulio Romano – the manger looks like it is a part of some Roman ruins as there are classical columns behind Mary. There are also a lot of people in the background of this painting. The two people under the dais that she is sitting on are probably the donors who paid for the painting to be made.

Check out www.mgmoa.org/art-projects for more Christmas art activities.

Draw a Nativity scene

What type of manger will you draw? A simple wooden one, one in a cave or a fancy one with columns? Who will you include? Magi? Shepherds? What animals will you include?

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PARK PECANS

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Reserve your Mission Monks Beef quarters and halves now for July-October 2025. Deposit is $15000

Mission Monks raises and sells only the finest premium beef. Our cattle are pasture-raised, antibiotic free and grain-finished to perfection.

Drop by the Monks’ Marketplace to purchase briskets, tenderloins, steaks and roasts for all of your holiday needs!

Honey season is here! Purchase your pure raw Mission Monks honey at the Monks’ Marketplace. Our honey is harvested locally from our 300 hives in Pottawatomie County.

$20 PER JAR

Reserve by emailing or calling: missionmonks@monksok.org 405-878-5427

community GINGERBREAD VILLAGE

Habitat For Humanity, OBU Building Tradition With Second Annual Event

BY DAVID DINSMORE

In addition to starting its first home project in Shawnee earlier this year, Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity is building a holiday tradition in partnership with Oklahoma Baptist University with the second annual Gingerbread Village display.

Local businesses, groups and organizations helped raise funds for Habitat for Humanity’s work in Shawnee by sponsoring beautifully crafted gingerbread houses that will be on display to admire throughout the month in the Oval on the east end of the OBU campus at 500 W. University.

The free event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 with a festive tree lighting ceremony, live music, market vendors, food trucks, seasonal treats, photos with Santa, storytime with Mrs. Claus and a warm holiday atmosphere, said April Grant, community engagement coordinator for Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity.

Due to the overwhelming response at last year’s kickoff, planners added a second in-person celebration on Saturday, Dec. 14 showcasing the talented choirs from Shawnee Public Schools, providing opportunities for selfies with Santa and featuring a Christmas market and food trucks.

Local leaders will join the festivities to vote for the best gingerbread house in categories like Hallmark Charm, Christmas Spirit and Judge’s Choice with a trophy awarded to the winning house for the hard work and creativity incorporated into the design, according to a press release from OBU. The university’s Division of Music also will provide live holiday music performed by its students.

“At its heart, the Gingerbread Village is about uniting the community

Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity is partnering with Oklahoma Baptist University to host its second annual Gingerbread Village holiday display with two live events. — Photos submitted

to celebrate the season and support Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building brighter futures,” Grant said. “It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit with purpose and joy.”

Funds raised from the Gingerbread Village will support Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to provide safe and affordable housing to working-class families in Pottawatomie County.

The drive-through element of the Gingerbread Village will take place from 6-8 p.m. every day through the Christmas season, and visitors can cast their votes for the People’s Choice Awards by scanning QR codes on the displays with an additional trophy awarded in the new year for that category.

Organizers appreciated the response received by people who came to enjoy the event and display last year.

“Families were amazed by the creativity showcased in the gingerbread houses and appreciated the chance to come together for such a unique holiday tradition,” Grant said. “The interactive elements like decorating stations for kids were a highlight, bringing joy to children and parents alike. Beyond the festive fun, the event’s impact was deeply felt as it raised crucial funds to support Habitat for Humanity, Cops N Kids and Legacy Parenting. The sense of community and the opportunity to give back made the event truly special for everyone involved.”

The organization also worked with Shawnee Forward’s Leadership Class #37 in the spring to sponsor, build and place buddy benches in schools across Pottawatomie County. Benches placed on campus allow a place for kids to sit to indicate that they would like to be invited to play, and students are encouraged to invite anyone they see sitting on the bench to join their fun and games.

Rose Rock has announced that applications for potential homeowners are open and available on its website, roserockhabitat.org, offering an opportunity for families to achieve the dream of affordable homeownership.

“The Gingerbread Village is a wonderful metaphor for what Habitat does,” Grant said. “Just like building a home, creating a gingerbread house requires a foundation, teamwork and creativity. This event celebrates the idea that everyone deserves a safe, beautiful place to call home while bringing the community together to support that mission.”

A second celebration event is not the only addition to this year’s Gingerbread Village, Grant said. The neighborhood will expand from 11 houses on display last year to 18 showcasing even more local businesses and imaginative designs, said Grant, who added they couldn’t do all of this without help from partners like OBU, Tinker Federal Credit Union and New Ideas Printing.

Beyond helping build holiday displays, Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity has had a busy year in Shawnee helping provide services and hope for its residents in need, Grant said.

In February, the organization opened its ReStore at the Shawnee Mall, offering hardware and home goods donated for sale in the store with the proceeds helping fuel building projects in the community. That goal was achieved in September when Rose Rock Habitat, city leaders and other officials met to break ground on the first new house building project undertaken in Shawnee by the organization.

“Breaking ground on our first local build in Shawnee is a monumental milestone, made possible by the unwavering dedication of our volunteers at Life Church Shawnee and the generous financial support of the community,” Grant said. “This achievement reflects the incredible spirit and generosity of Shawnee, reinforcing our belief in the power of partnership. This build represents so much more than just a house – it’s a foundation for a brighter future and endless possibilities for a deserving family.”

Additionally, Rose Rock Habitat undertook neighborhood projects, helping with small needs in the area near their new build, Grant said, and they have also begun a renovation project to breathe new life into an existing home, ensuring it becomes a safe and welcoming space for another family in need.

For more details, contact Grant at april@rrhabitat.org, call the organization at (405) 366-2813 or visit rrhabitat.org.

Michael P Garbutt, AAMS™

Financial Advisor 3813 N Harrison St Shawnee, OK 74804 405-214-4971

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Financial Advisor MacArthur St, Ste 110 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-878-0990

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Financial Advisor 923 East MacArthur St Shawnee, OK 74804 405-788-0040

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community SPREADING CHEER

Unique Christmas Uses Tires, Household Items To Showcase Holiday Spirit

BY DAVID DINSMORE

Jeanette Burrows has always loved Christmas.

She grew up watching and helping her mom decorate and prepare for the holidays, and it was always a special time in her family as she continued those traditions.

“For me, you just can’t decorate enough,” Burrows said.

Three years ago, however, she decided to share her holiday spirit beyond the festive displays adorning her home, and she had an idea to do so by giving new life to old tires.

“I just thought they would last, and I wouldn’t have to replace them every year,” Burrows said.

She owned a lot at 911 N Tucker that had been sitting empty for a long time that Burrows thought would be a perfect place to house the creations that began running through her imagination.

Burrows started in 2022 with some Christmas trees featuring progressively smaller tires stacked upon one another and painted green before receiving lights and finishing touches.

The following year, she brought to life Frosty the Snowman and his wife Crystal from the classic Rankin-Bass cartoons.

This year, Burrows began her decorating in late July and greatly expand-

Jeanette Burrows used old tires to make a few Christmas displays in the last couple of years, but she greatly expanded her creation in 2024 for passersby to enjoy at a lot she owns at 911 N. Tucker between Darrow and Dewey. — Photos by David Dinsmore

ed her collection of elements in the display. She would work up to 10 or 12 hours some days on the display, tinkering and experimenting with ideas as they came to her.

“I would wake up at 4 a.m. and think, ‘Oh, that would be good,’” Burrows said. “And I just couldn’t sleep anymore, so I’d come out here and start working on it.”

Among the creations are a 7-foot-tall abominable snowman from the “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” TV special, three Minions from the “Despicable Me” movie series and a toy factory flanked by elves. Frolicking among the “snow” provided by lights on the ground is a reindeer soccer team, who naturally are excluding Rudolph from joining in their game. Around them, elves roar across the Peppermint Raceway in their own cars. Joining Frosty and Crystal is Parson Brown, who has arrived to officiate their wedding. Burrows enjoys pointing out little surprises and sharing the storylines contained within her creation.

In addition to having grown up with a love of Christmas, Burrows also had a passion for crafting and creating throughout her life. In her display this year, common or household items like large rubber plumbing seals serve as goggles for the Minions while tightly spiraled pool noodles work as enormous circle lollipops and candy canes.

Burrows’s display has become a family affair, with some of her children lending a hand to help move and place different elements of the display around the property. With the size and scope that her project took on this year, however, they may have pushed close to the limit of their holiday spirit.

“If I had thought of one more thing, they probably would have stopped helping for this year,” Burrows said with a laugh. “It really snowballed this year.”

She even paid homage to her four children by creating a penguin for each of them and one for her grandson. They all are singing in a choir together led by a large version of classic Frosty Friends Hallmark ornaments,

which have been popular for decades.

Neighbors of the lot housing her display and passersby began making a point of coming by on a regular basis during the last few months, Burrows said. Some stopped and took photos and videos as the display took shape. One nearby neighbor to the lot who works from home even made a point of sending videos of Burrows’s work throughout the process to his bosses in Texas who had taken an interest in what he described taking place in the neighborhood.

“I kept telling them that there was going to be more, but some of them said they just wanted to get some pictures of it ‘in process,’” she said. “I’ve gotten nothing but positive from people who have seen it.”

Some neighbors even helped give her ideas on how to illuminate the display at night to better capture the holiday spirit during the shorter days of winter.

While it does take a lot of work to set up the display, Burrows recognizes that Christmas is a special time of year and stores away her creations during the rest of the year – minus one new gigantic, heavy tire new this year that she is looking to modify with different seasons.

“It’s just something I loved doing,” Burrows said.

The display will be available for people to enjoy at 911 N. Tucker between Darrow and Dewey throughout the Christmas season.

Now Accepting New Patients

SPAM A LOT

Email Misfortune Leads To Long Missed Connections

BY BRANDON DYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNITY RENEWAL OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

t started with one text message I received while working from home one Friday morning a couple of weeks ago. Then I quickly received another. Then another. Then another still. They just kept coming. Over the next couple of hours, I received dozens and dozens of them. Friends of mine, some of which I hadn’t talked to in months, were asking the same question, “Is this from you?”

What they were referring to was an email sent from my work email address asking them to review an attached request for proposal document. Not only was I getting numerous text messages about it, my email inbox was also filling up with friends asking the same question. It was a pretty suspicious looking email, as it turned out, and you can’t be too safe these days. So people wanted to double check before opening the attachment. Smart. I spent the next few hours replying to what seemed like every person I have ever met explaining that my email had been hacked, and that it was not from me. Please do not open the attachment. To make matters worse, although I am quite thankful for the reason, Google had recognized the suspicious activity and disabled my email account. So I couldn’t even send a mass email out to all my contacts warning them of the suspicious email. One of the text messages I received was from a friend at Shawnee Public Schools administration office. Several folks there had also received it. So an email went out to the entire district warning them not to open a suspicious email from Brandon Dyer. Ugh.

The thing is, it all could have been prevented if I had been paying attention the week before. I, too, had received the same

email from someone we had done business with a few years ago. In my line of work, requests for proposals (RFPs) are pretty common. So I really didn’t think much about it. If I had not been sleepwalking on autopilot – see last month’s article at shawneeoutlook.com – perhaps I would have noticed that it truly was suspicious and deleted it, thereby avoiding the whole debacle. Oh well. Live and learn.

But I’ll tell you, despite the headache of it all, there was something I appreciated about it too. It created an opportunity to hear from lots and lots of friends. Friends I don’t get to see or hear from nearly enough. It was like a little virtual reunion. I spent my morning oscillating between frowns of frustration and big happy smiles. My dogs probably thought I was insane watching the way my face was giving them mixed signals. Once the initial wave of annoyance about it all wore off, I was left feeling… grateful. Grateful to have friends who care enough to reach out when something unfortunate happens. Grateful to have friends, period.

We are in the middle of a season that affords us the opportunity to reflect on the experiences of the past year. We’ve all no doubt had both ups and downs. Peaks and valleys. Situations that frustrated us and those that made us smile. In each occasion, it is likely that friendships made the difficult moments more manageable and the happy ones more memorable. During this season of thanks, let’s take time to remember our friends and raise a glass to honor them for sticking with us through the good times and the bad, and for helping us smile when we least expect it.

Brandon Dyer

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DIRECTIONS:

1. Unscramble the 4 scrambled SHAWNEE OUTLOOK Advertisers

2. Fill out this entry form and mail to: Shawnee Outlook P.O. Box 1365

Shawnee, OK 74802

3. Winners are announced in the next issue of the Shawnee Outlook.

4. If you are a winner, we’ll mail the gift certificate to the return address on your envelope. (Make sure you include one!)

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450 N. Harrison 2131 Kickapoo 4625 Kickapoo 45th & Harrison

PEERING THROUGH

New Windows Provide New Life For Old Junior High, Current SPS Admin Building

BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER

ne of Shawnee’s 100 year old buildings has recently been upgraded and continues to serve the community rather than being neglected or torn down.

Just before the turn of the 20th century – before Oklahoma was even a state – local citizens built the first building to be used specifically for the education of the town’s children. Central School was a two storied building with a basement built in Woodland Park and provided a designated space to educate high school students. The first graduate was actually the daughter of the district superintendent. In the following year of 1900, three girls were listed as graduates, and the number got larger each year.

Less than five years later, Shawnee had grown so much that citizens voted for neighborhood grade schools, and four were constructed. As the city continued to spread, grade schools were added, and over time, Central was taken down to make room for a junior high to alleviate those grade schools. Around 1920, a building for junior high students was constructed in about the same place along with a high school a block north.

high school was also overcrowded.

So in 1970, the decision was made to build the first phase of a new high school at a different location that initially would house only 11th and 12th graders. The ninth and 10th grades would move to the former high school, and seventh and eighth grades would be in what had been the junior high. This worked well for several years until more rooms were added at the new high school, and it then housed all the high school classes.

The building originally built to serve high school and junior high students has served as the administration building for Shawnee Public Schools for decades, and recently received a facelift in the form of new windows that help keep the building in use and looking more up-to-date. — Photo submitted

In just over 20 years, Shawnee school buildings had grown from Central and the four grade schools to a high school, junior high and seven grade schools. Over time, four more grade schools were added, but some original ones disappeared as the landscape of the town changed and spread out. The high school on Highland and Union changed in 1948 when the original building burned and a new one was constructed at the same site.

Central Junior High on Union Street stayed the same, continuing to educate youngsters from the day it opened. Again, however, demographics of the town changed as did the number of students in the school. Seventh graders had remained in the grade schools for many years, but officials could see that changes had to be made. The only alternative was once again to build another school. At that time, the

Seventh and eighth graders moved to the former high school on Highland and Union. It served as the middle school until a new building was constructed in 1999 out farther on North Union, which houses middle school students today Left behind was the still useful junior high building, but the administration offices were going to have to move out of old Harrison School where they had been for several years. The state highway department was about to widen Harrison Street, and that building was in the way. So adjustments were made, some walls changed and parking added, and the original junior high – the beautiful old building with those marble floors and stairs – became the Shawnee Public Schools Administration building in the early 1980s.

It has continued to serve the district well and just recently got a facelift – or more correctly, a “window lift.” The original windows were replaced with more up-to-date windows that both look good from the outside but are also better while looking out through them from the inside. Plans are to decorate the halls with photos/paintings of all the school buildings that have been part of Shawnee’s education history.

Old timers who visit the building can point out where their English class was, which locker was theirs, where the principal’s office was, remember the marble stairs and which end a student was to walk up and which to walk down.

mental health

R WINTER BLUES

Locals Share Ways To Make The Most Of Darker, Colder Season

BY ALICJA CARTER

ecently, I was doing a wellness checkin with some of our staff at Gateway to Recovery and Prevention.

One individual mentioned that she was a little concerned about the inevitable colder weather, decreased sunlight and busyness of the holiday season that could have a negative impact on her mind, mood and physical body. Her sentiments were met with mutual understanding from the group. This seemingly common experience made me want to research Seasonal Affective Disorder as well as what local community members are doing to move through their winter blues.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression also known as SAD, seasonal depression or winter depression. SAD has been linked to a biochemical imbalance in the brain prompted by shorter daylight hours and less sunlight in winter. As seasons change, people experience a shift in their biological internal clock or circadian rhythm that can cause them to be out of step with their daily schedule.”

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) impacts 5 percent of the adult population. Another 10 percent of people may experience subsyndromal SAD, in which they experience symptoms when seasons change but do not meet the criteria for clinical depression. Symptoms may be experienced for up to 40 percent of the year, with January and February often being the most difficult. Researchers believe that rates of SAD are about three times as high in women as in men. Women who tend to have more premenstrual mood changes are more likely to develop SAD and vice versa. Individuals experiencing a considerable amount of stress may also be more susceptible to SAD.

SAD typically starts when a person is between the ages of 18-30 and can affect all people groups. It is more common in people living far from the equator, which is why its rates are higher in the northern part of the U.S. and Canada and lower in the south, according to a 2023 segment by Rachel Treisman on NPR’s Morning Edition.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, SAD symptoms can vary from mild to severe and include fatigue; increased cravings for carbohydrates; difficulty concentrating or making decisions; and feeling sad, disinterested or purposeless. Below are suggestions for treating such symptoms, according to an American Psychiatric Association video called “5 Tips to Beat the ‘Winter Blues’” from December 2022.

• Take in as much light as possible. This could include opening your window shades or curtains, being outside in the

daylight hours, adding extra lamps to your work or living space, replacing light bulbs with blue LED lights or even sitting in front of a light therapy box for about 20 minutes per day first thing every morning.

• Create a daily schedule for yourself. While you still need sleep, it can be beneficial to connect to a routine that may include taking a shower, enjoying a hobby, tidying up around the house, catching up with a friend or even taking a walk. This helps sleep to be a time of restoration rather than avoidance.

• Take 10 minutes a day to move your body. Whether it's walking, stretching, dancing, shoveling snow or playing with kiddos, movement reduces anxiety, depression and negative moods as well as improves self-esteem, a feeling of connection and brain function, according to the National Institutes of Health.

• Stay connected to your people. You may want to schedule regular check-ins with your friends, co-workers, support group members or therapist. This way you aren’t waiting until you “feel like it” to engage in social connection. Even going to a work out class, meeting or grocery store can be a way to fill your cup before going back home to snuggle under your blankets.

• Consult your doctor to see if they recommend vitamin D supplements or possibly antidepressant medications. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are most commonly used to treat SAD.

Although the winter blues may be inevitable, you can take small steps like the ones mentioned above to help you find some balance and to keep from sinking too low. Below, local community members share their challenges, coping skills and what they’ve learned to avoid during this changing season.

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“My challenge during this season are the memorable holidays which make me miss my mom more often. I still smile, but I think of her even more during these times,” Lisa Watson said. “Things that help me cope are talking with my core group of friends to share my feelings, decorating with a lot of my mom’s favorite items, helping others and creating memories with my family (just like my mom did). I try to stay away from slow and sad songs.”

me depressed,” Teri Sigman said. “I have found that my staying active by working out makes me feel so much better. Whether it’s Zumba, boot camp, step aerobics or anything else that I enjoy, I make myself go, and I am always so glad that I did. Plus, it helps me to see and visit with others which always puts a smile on my face.”

of year include shorter days, cold and rainy weather and gray days with little sunshine. Af ter being diagnosed with a chronic illness, it's important to my health and well-being to be mindful this winter season. The things I find helpful include taking sick leave when I don't feel well; connecting with friends and fam ily; using a heating pad; happy light; weighted blanket; cups of hot tea; lit or LED candles;

lamps instead of overhead lights; hot baths or showers; the fireplace or putting a YouTube “fireplace” on TV; fuzzy socks; playing music; listening to an audiobook; crocheted or knitted scarves/mittens/shawls; wearing slippers indoors; getting super cozy and Hygge. I am learning to prioritize my health. I cannot be

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Dec. 6: Enjoy an incredible night among great friends, fantastic food and entertainment that will make you dance all night long at the annual Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art's 2024 Gala starting at 5 p.m. at the Grand Casino event center at 777 Grand Casino Blvd. The gala helps support free school field trips, the annual high school art show, after school programs, summer art camps and more opportunities for children and the community. Information: mgmoa.org/gala

Dec. 6, 14: Join Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity in celebrating its 2nd annual Gingerbread Village experience with a free kickoff event at 6 p.m. in the oval on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University featuring Santa, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, seasonal games and more. This heartwarming community initiative supports the organization’s projects in Pottawatomie County by combining the spirit of the holiday season with the cause of providing safe and affordable housing for working-class families. Information: april@rrhabitat.org or by phone (806) 470-0986

Dec. 6: Redeemer Lutheran Church will host a free monthly movie night presented by for a fun night of fellowship, movie, pop and popcorn at 7 p.m. at 39307 MacArthur St. Parents and grandparents can enjoy a worryfree evening of movie entertainment while the kids watch an age-appropriate movie. Information: facebook.com/ redeemerlutheranshawnee

Dec. 6: Songwriter Night @ Music Unlimited is back with Scott Taylor as this month’s featured artist at 7 p.m. at 1109 W. Kickapoo Spur. Information: kevinhall8384@gmail.com

Dec. 6-14: Shawnee Little Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas,” theatrical and spirited version of the classic holiday tale that puts the phantasmagoric qualities of Charles Dickens’ classic tale center stage. Don’t miss this uplifting holiday story of redemption, magic and hope. Information: shawneelittletheatre.org

Dec. 7: Redeemer Lutheran Church is hosting a free Christmas craft show and live nativity from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 39307 W MacArthur St. Come do your Christmas shopping while supporting local vendors, and hear the biblical Christmas while enjoying warm drinks, cookies and activities for the kids. Vendor setup is free. Information: (405) 323-8753 or amybrittchambered@yahoo.com

Dec. 7: Why Not Travel? LLC will be offering pictures with Santa from 10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its offices at 3930-2 Kickapoo Ave. Choose from printed or email options while meeting with some local businesses and the agents of Why Not Travel?

Dec. 7: The Historic Ritz Theatre will host a benefit concert for Salvation Army’s Angel Tree starting at 7 p.m. featuring Tyler Kupper, Emma Grant and Kylee Laynee. Information: facebook.com/theritzofshawnee

Dec. 7: Oklahoma Baptist University's Hanging of the Green is an art and music tradition that has taken place at OBU for more than 75 years. This year’s performance will take place in the Recreation and Wellness Center on the OBU campus as Raley Chapel is still undergoing repairs. Information: events.okbu.edu

Dec. 8: The Sine Nomine Choral Society of Central Oklahoma, Shawnee's community choir, will present their Christmas concert, “A Christmas Gift,” at 3 p.m., at Heritage Church at 10th & Union. The program is free and open to the public.

Dec. 8, 13: Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma will host its annual Christmas public runs four times this year with events 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 29626 Lake Drive in McLoud. Ride the rails on powered ⅛-scale locomotives through a lighted winter wonderland right outside of Shawnee Twin Lakes, enjoy holiday treats and meet Santa Claus as part of the club’s annual tradition. Information: locotrains.org

Birdie’s irdie’s

Hi my name is Lauren Simpson and I am so excited to announce the opening of Shawnee’s newest home decor and gift store, BIRDIE’S GIFTS AND MORE!

I am a Shawnee native and this is something that has been on my heart for over 20 years. I am so grateful and excited to bring a shopping experience that includes classic, high quality items and accessories to our town.

With the help and encouragement of friends & family, this dream has become a reality! We hope to see you at our grand opening! ** GRAND OPENING ** Saturday, November 30 • 1817 N. Harrison, Shawnee

Dec. 9-14: The Shawnee Public Library will host multiple DIY Christmas Gift sessions throughout the day in its Maker Lab in the library at 101 N. Philadelphia to help teens and adults create and customize unique gifts using embroidery, laser engraving and sublimation. Information: (405) 275-6353

Dec. 11: Theopolis Social Club is hosting an Owner's Wine Tasting from 5-6:30 p.m. at 419 E. Main. Reservations and information: (405) 788-4404

Dec. 13: Enjoy one of Oklahoma's largest nighttime Christmas parades on Shawnee's Main Street, which features a Griswold Christmas theme for 2024. Watch as downtown comes alive with lights, marching bands, floats and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Stay until the end for a breathtaking fireworks display. Information: facebook.com/SEFFShawnee

Dec. 13: Theopolis Social Club will offer a VIP Christmas Parade Viewing Party starting at 6 p.m. at 419 E. Main. Reservations and information: (405) 788-4404

Dec. 14: Outlaw country music artist Creed Fisher will play a show along with Showdown starting at 7 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theater at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzhawnee.com

Dec. 17: Fill up on good food and holiday cheer with a Christmas Movie Marathon and Wrap Party from 6-8 p.m. at Theopolis Social Club at 419 E. Main. Enjoy Christmas movies playing on the projector and wrapping supplies for your presents. Enjoy cocktails and food while preparing your gifts for the season. Reservations and information: (405) 312-6151

Dec. 31: Celebrate the coming of 2025 with a Happy “Noon” Year event featuring family-friendly activities, photo booth, music, food and more from 10 a.m. to 1

p.m. at the Shawnee Public Library at 101 N. Philadelphia. Information: (405) 275-6353

Jan. 3: Redeemer Lutheran Church will host a free monthly movie night presented by for a fun night of fellowship, movie, pop and popcorn at 7 p.m. at 39307 MacArthur St. Parents and grandparents can enjoy a worry-free evening of movie entertainment while the kids watch an age-appropriate movie. Information: facebook. com/redeemerlutheranshawnee

Jan. 3: Songwriter Night @ Music Unlimited is back with Dan Card and Brad Sullivan as this month’s featured artists at 7 p.m. at 1109 W. Kickapoo Spur. Information: kevinhall8384@gmail.com

Jan. 4: The “World’s Best Young Elvis” Travis Ledoyt returns to Shawnee with two shows – 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. – at the Historic Ritz Theatre at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzshawnee.com

If you know of any events you would like to see featured, email editor@shawneeoutlook.com.