Shawnee Outlook

Congratulations, Marion McMillan, on your upcoming retirement after 48 years in banking!

Your dedication and commitment to the growth and development of BancFirst and our community is a testimony of leadership and character.

We thank you for your loyalty, leadership, perseverance, and commitment to success!

Melasma

Rosacea Permanent

A SAVINGS CHALLENGE

At the beginning of the year, my budgeting app (YNAB) issued a 30-day challenge – save $1,000 in just 30 days. The reality of that goal may differ for the individual, but the process is the same – save as much as you can in one month. It may not be the same number, but what you can save may surprise you. Here’s how to engage in your own savings challenge:

• Set a goal. It may not be $1,000 but consider your budget and what you can realistically imagine having leftover in 30 days if you cut the fat. Then consider what you’re saving for. Maybe you have debt you need to start paying down or a vacation in the next few months you could put cash away for. Maybe it’s time to start an emergency fund. Whatever your goal, write it down.

• Set the rules. What will you not be spending money on? Make it a goal not to eat out for 30 days. Set the brew on your coffeemaker, brown bag it for lunch and make a meal plan for dinner. Take a full inventory of your pantry/refrigerator/freezer and plan around it to spend less on groceries. What else will you cut out? Amazon purchases? Turn off streaming for 30 days? What can you cut out? Focus on necessities and cut the rest. Necessities look different for every household, so be flexible where needed.

• Set exceptions. You know there are categories outside necessities where you will need/want to spend – an unexpected gift, school supplies, a special occasion. Some things will come up, so write down what you do have permission to spend on in the next 30 days.

VEGETARIAN VARIETIES

Ihave recently had an increase in interest in vegetarian-type diets, so I thought I would bring that information here. There is not just a one-size-fits-all vegetarian diet; there are multiple. Lacto-ovo is a vegetarian who still eats dairy and eggs. Lacto-vegetarians only eat dairy but no meat or eggs. I personally follow a pescatarian way of eating, meaning I do eat fish but no other animal meat or dairy. Vegans keep out meat and dairy products altogether – beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy. Some vegans even avoid honey.

People choose their style of eating for multiple reasons – health benefits, concerns about the environment, animal welfare, religious or other ethical reasons. Benefits to health can include a lower weight, a reduced risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, less risk of type 2 diabetes and a lower overall cancer rate.

A popular question when a client is asking about a vegetarian diet is, “Will I get enough nutrients in?” The main nutrients I focus on to make sure the vegetarian diet is a balanced one are protein, essential fatty acids, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Beans, seeds, nuts, nut butters and soy products are all great sources of protein. Walnuts, ground flaxseed and soybeans are all great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids if not consuming fish. Beans, peas, iron-fortified cereals, dark-green leafy vegetables, seeds and blackstrap molasses all provide iron. Cooking in a cast iron skillet can also provide iron to your food. Beans, fortified cereals, seeds and nuts provide zinc. Tofu, tempeh, organic soy milk, broccoli, almonds, soybeans, kale, collards and mustard greens all provide a source of calcium.

A lot of milks and bars are fortified with vitamin D. To make sure your vitamin D and B12 levels are where they are supposed to be, I would recommend getting blood work done with your primary doctor.

If you have questions about your lab results or eating a vegetarian diet, I would love to help.

Air Fryer Tofu

This was my first time playing around with tofu in the air fryer. I have cooked tofu in a skillet, in the oven and grilled it many times, but I wanted to see how it worked out in the air fryer.

Ingredients:

1 (14oz) block firm tofu, cut in 1 ½ inch cubes

2 Tbsp liquid aminos

2 tsp sesame oil ½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp onion powder

½ cup cornstarch

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

Olive oil cooking spray

¼ cup mayonnaise

2 cloves garlic, grated

3 Tbsp sriracha

Directions: To prep your tofu, remove from package and wrap up with multiple paper towels. Place a heavy object on top of the tofu to help release all the moisture. This takes 10-20 minutes. In a large bowl, toss tofu, liquid aminos, oil, garlic powder, paprika and onion powder. Cover bowl and refrigerate for 20-60 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch, salt and pepper. Arrange tofu in a single layer in air fryer. Spray with cooking spray. Cook at 400°F, tossing halfway through until golden and crispy, about 15 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise, chili sauce, garlic and sriracha. Toss tofu in sauce to coat. Makes: 3 servings

Nutrition Information per Serving: Calories 438

Total fat: 32g

Saturated Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 20g Sodium: 1767mg

Protein: 14g

Dietary Fiber: 1.6g Carbohydrates:25g

Nutrition 101: Using the air fryer is new for me, but it has been fun to play around with it. I have noticed a different texture to the food when using it versus cooking food in the oven. This recipe would be great paired with whole grain rice or quinoa and ½ plate of vegetables for a balanced meal.

• Set the clock. Circle the date 30 days from now and check back in. How’d you do?

S

Andrea Beck, a registered dietitian and personal trainer, received her master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. She offers personal training and nutrition education through an online platform, StrongHER. For inquiries, visit strongherwithandrea.com, or 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.

Angela Rowland

2700 N Kickapoo Shawnee, OK 74804 (405) 585-2907 store6963@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/6963

2700 N

2700 N Kickapoo Shawnee, OK 74804 (405) 585-2907 store6963@theupsstore.com

FEEL THE LOVE

Find Inspiration To Make

Personalized Valentine’s Day Cards

SUBMITTED BY DELAYNNA TRIM CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS

MABEE-GERRER MUSEUM OF ART

Valentine’s Day began as the feast day for St. Valentine. The feast of St. Valentine was set on February 14 in AD 496 by Pope Gelasius I. St. Valentine is the patron saint of epilepsy and beekeepers.

It is hard to determine the facts surrounding the real St. Valentine. There are potentially two different people associated with the name. However, most agree that St. Valentine was martyred and buried at the Via Flaminia north of Rome. One St. Valentine was a former bishop of Terni; the other was a priest in Rome. Both men were beheaded on February 14 – the priest in 268 and the bishop in 273.

There are many stories associated with St. Valentine. In one story, Judge Asterius pledged to do anything for Valentine if he would heal his blind daughter. Valentine healed the girl’s eyes so she could see. In return, Judge Asterius was baptized along with his entire household, and he released the Christian prisoners under his care.

Another story is that Valentine secretly married Christian couples, which was outlawed under Claudius II. This connection to love and marriage along with the medieval idea that birds paired together around mid-February might be where the romantic elements became associated with St. Valentine’s Day.

While the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art does have several saints on display – St. Sebastian, St. Catherine and many more – they do not have a painting of St. Valentine.

However, the exhibit features a painting by Jean Leon Gerome of a troubadour. Do you sing to your friends, family or romantic partner? A troubadour traveled around France and North Italy singing particularly in the 11th-13th centuries. They often sang love songs and other popular, secular (non-religious) songs. They sang in the vernacular or the common language most people spoke, not Latin or other more elite languages. Think of them as the pop stars of the day.

Gerome’s troubadour is playing a stringed instrument called a lute. Early forms of lutes can be found in ancient Egypt, Pakistan, Greece, Persia and Babylonia.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art features a painting of a troubadour by Jean Leon Gerome. Troubadours often sang songs that evoked stories and feelings of love as experienced in modern day observances of St. Valentine’s Day.

Make Your Own Valentine

The great thing about Valentines is that they are simple to make, and you can make one for your friends, family or even your pet.

All you need is paper (red or pink is popular), markers or crayons and maybe a pair of scissors if you want to cut your paper in the shape of a heart.

Fold the paper in half.

Draw a design on the front.

On the inside, write your message.

If you feel very creative, you can even make a pop-up card. For more ideas, visit mgmoa.org/art-projects or scan the QR code here.

STRIKE A CHORD

Monthly Songwriter Night Hits Right Notes For Musicians, Attendees

BY DAVID DINSMORE

Since August 2022, Songwriters Night @ Music Unlimited has showcased a featured artist and other musicians who sign up to present original songs every month. Celia Monroe will headline the next event happening 7-9 p.m. March 3 at 1109 W. Kickapoo Spur.

In August 2022, Kevin Hall arrived at Music Unlimited with a clipboard to sign up singer-songwriters for the open mic portion of a new event he was organizing.

“I didn’t know what the songwriter community would be like in Shawnee, but I had a hunch and hope that there would be folks who would appreciate having an opportunity like this to come and hear other songwriters and share their own songs,” Hall said. “I was delighted the first night (in August 2022) when I hosted that as a true open mic.”

That initial event saw about 12 people show up in addition to the featured artist to play their music for attendees of the event hosted at Music Unlimited at 1109 W. Kickapoo Spur, Hall said. Since then, more local songwriters have come to play and other community members have come to hear them with about 50 people on average in attendance. The event is free

and open to the public.

Hall – a full-time singer-songwriter –approached Music Unlimited owner Jeff Hawkins with the idea of hosting a night where artists could showcase their work. He had been a longtime customer of the store and knew of the stage they featured in the back of the building.

Since returning to songwriting about six years ago, Hall has developed a list of contacts in the area to collaborate and interact with other songwriters, particularly in and around Norman. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the opportunities to get together with other musicians, but after they began gathering again, Hall attended a songwriter seminar last summer hosted by Colorado-based artist Jackson Emmer who was in the area for a festival in Okemah. Emmer presented those at the seminar with an insight that stuck with Hall.

“If your hometown doesn’t have a lis-

tening room, you ought to find a place that will host an open mic night for songwriters,” Hall said.

A listening room is a place where artists can play their original music outside of a restaurant or coffee shop setting where they often play in the background or a cover-heavy set, Hall said. This meshed with ideas Hawkins and he had discussed a few times.

In August 2022, the first Songwriter Night @ Music Unlimited took the stage. Since then, Hall has continued arranging the featured artist while Hawkins has provided the space and sound. Hall reaches out to singer-songwriters who have gained some reputation and have seen some success with their craft.

“Whether they are full-time or not, or whether they are doing it professionally as a living or not, they’re good examples of what a singer-songwriter can aspire to be,” Hall said.

—

Photo by Bryan Mitschell

In addition to recruiting featured songwriters, Hall also manages the sign-up for local and other musicians looking for some stage time to try out new material, he said. They typically get two songs each.

In its current form, the event meets for two hours one night per month. The feature artist performs a 30-40 minute set of their original pieces followed by about six or seven songwriters who have signed up ahead of time to play.

Hall modeled this event after others where he participated in the Norman area, particularly an event hosted at the Midway Deli by local songwriter Mike Hillary.

“I’ve been able to participate in that and bring something like it here to Shawnee,” Hall said. “The songwriters who have come and spoken to me about it have been so glad we have something here in our hometown.”

The organizers have discussed adding other elements to the event as it progresses this year, such as inviting food trucks to serve in the back parking lot when the weather gets nicer, Hall said. That will allow attendees to arrive and mingle as they grab a bite to eat before and during the event.

In addition to creating an event to showcase

musicians locally, Hall would like to see a songwriters group spring out of the monthly event. That group could meet regularly to exchange ideas and test new songs.

“Everybody shares a new composition we’re working on … and we offer critiques and suggestions of how to work on it,” said Hal, who participates in similar dynamics in Norman and elsewhere. “It’s a way to get feedback from people who do what you do and also support you.”

Having that interaction is an important part of the creative process, Hall said. Though much of it occurs as a solitary activity, it ultimately has its intended impact when shared with others.

Beyond music, Hall said he has also had discussions with others in the community about the benefits of forming an arts council in Shawnee to help support the efforts of local creators, and forming communities of artists of similar interests could be a good start.

In the meantime, Hall looks forward to continuing to provide songwriters local and beyond an opportunity to share their passion with new listeners in this community.

Celia Monroe will headline the next Songwriters Night @ Music Unlimited happening 7-9 p.m. March 3 at 1109 W. Kickapoo Spur.

SERVING SHAWNEE AND EASTERN OKL AHOMA NOW OPEN

“Joe Rawdon is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and has served patients living with rheumatic conditions since 2005. He trained and worked directly with a former Medical Director of the Lupus Foundation for 13 years and has been with RAO for the last 4 years. Joe has spoken locally and internationally about the care and management of rheumatic health concerns. He lives in Eastern Oklahoma and is looking forward to serving this area of the state.”

Rheumatology Associates of Oklahoma is excited to offer care to Shawnee and Eastern Oklahoma. Infusion services are available.

W Main Shawnee, OK 74801

IN A NAME

Uplift Mentoring Continues Serving Younger Students Under New Organization Name

BY DAVID DINSMORE

Uplift Mentoring –formerly known as Mission Shawnee –recently underwent a name change to bring it in line with its goal to recruit and pair elementary and middle school students with mentors to help them thrive academically and socially. —

Photos submitted

Uplift Mentoring may have changed its name, but its mission will remain the same.

After conducting a poll in the community, leadership at the organization formerly known as Mission Shawnee realized there was a lot of confusion about what services they provided.

“We decided it was time to make a change to have a name that truly reflects what we do,” said Ryan Brooks, executive director of Uplift Mentoring.

In the early days of the organization, services focused on immediate needs of community members on a broader scale – such as food, clothing and housing assistance – but as more groups began addressing those elements, it turned its focus to helping younger students.

The key to helping that population succeed at school and life came from focusing on long-term relationships between students and mentors, Brooks said. In 2016, he brought experience from another organization with a focus on tutoring for students who need it, and that gave him a starting point for Uplift Mentoring’s current slate of programs.

They began with one-on-one after school tutoring and mentoring and led to a partnership with Oklahoma Baptist University. Bison Buddies brings

hundreds of OBU athletes to local schools during the week to spend time with elementary and middle school students.

One statistic Uplift Mentoring looks at addressing through its services comes from a bi-annual survey of local schools that indicate one in three students who do not feel they have a reliable adult presence in their lives they can trust, Brooks said. Uplift Mentoring recruits and pairs mentors with students in need of a long-term relationship that can help cover that gap.

In addition to the name change, Uplift Mentoring recent strategic planning initiatives have included ways to make the most of its space at 126 S. Center St. Brooks said. With its core services at the facility taking place after school, the organization found opportunities to work with other groups in the community who could benefit from a place to meet and operate, Brooks said.

Among those partners are Legacy Parenting – which shares the building full-time with Uplift Mentoring –Smith Wrestling Academy, Zero Gravity Tumbling and Epic Charter Schools. To continue expanding its ability to give space for groups, Avedis Foundation announced a grant in January for Uplift Mentoring for the first of two phases of remodeling in the building, Brooks said. This will help open some spaces in the facility that are not usable at this time for a variety of reasons.

The activities available to Uplift Mentoring clients through its after-school program includes helping them find ways to channel their energy constructively and take on tasks put before them, Brooks said. Teachers work with the organization to identify students in their schools

who could really benefit from one-on-one mentoring and encourage parents and guardians to submit an application to be part of the program. This application can help match the student with a mentor who fits their interests and personality.

While OBU helps fill the needs for mentors for the atschool Uplift programs, the organization always seeks to recruit other adults in the community to serve in the after-school activities one afternoon a week on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday,

Brooks said. It is especially difficult to find men who will work as a mentor, though it is important for many of the students growing up without a steady male presence at home.

After bringing mentors onboard, Uplift Mentoring also helps plan the itineraries for the pairs to do together so they can focus on getting to know each other better during their time together, Brooks said. They participate in a variety of themed activities at the facility that focus on fun and education for about an hour and a half to two hours.

“We’re focused on helping these kids connect with their mentor and grow within their development,” Brooks said. For more information about becoming a mentor to enrolling a student, visit upliftmentoring.org. S

PITCH PERFECT

Senior Continues Pitching Legacy, Earns Full Ride At TU

BY DAVID DINSMORE

Anneca Anderson has built a reputation in the circle for Shawnee High School, but she’s not the first member of her family whose pitching skills carried her far.

Her grandfather, Jackie Stripling, played in the St. Louis Cardinals organization from 1969 to 1973, and he recognized her potential when he caught her in the yard at a young age. She still has his glove and jersey, which bears the same No. 13 as hers when she steps onto the field to carry forward that legacy.

The Shawnee senior has played softball and basketball since the age of 3. One weekend as she was moving from one sport to the other, she realized how stressful it was for her to devote equal time to each sport, and she decided she wanted to focus more on softball, Anderson said. Part of the appeal of softball was how much more command she had over the game and her performance.

This became especially true when she made the move to pitcher. Anderson started primarily as a shortstop but eventually wanted to try her hand at pitching. She got some advice from mentors and began studying techniques online. Her mom, Trilbya, used a sock to create a practice tool Anderson could use inside by throwing at a wall.

“That’s a position where you can almost control the game,” Anderson said.

Though she gradually built her pitching skills to a respectable level, Anderson said she realized how far she’d come during a travel ball game in Texas about a year into playing the position. The opponent had been chirping at her team a little too much. It got her under the skin and sharpened her focus in the circle.

“They had no reason to talk trash like that,” Anderson said. “I thought, ‘They’re not about to hit this ball.’”

And they didn’t. Anderson threw a no-hitter.

Anneca Anderson pitches for the Shawnee Lady Wolves softball team as a senior before she joins the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane on a full scholarship next year. — Photo by Workingman Photo

“That was the moment I knew this is what I want to do,” she said.

The defining moment of her high school career to this point was taking her team to state, Anderson said. She had played with most of her teammates since they were little kids, so she enjoyed getting to experience that level of success with some of her best friends.

Having her high school experience interrupted by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic did not necessarily slow down her desire to continue getting better in the circle, Anderson said. She still found ways to hone her craft.

“During COVID, I was outside (practicing) every single day,” she said. “It was that time when I got better and realized I could go somewhere with this.”

Last season, Anderson pitched to a 0.87 earned run average and had a three to one strikeout ratio.

Others took notice as well. Colleges began showing interest, particularly the University of Tulsa, which offered

her a full scholarship to play for the Golden Hurricane. Anderson said when she visited the campus, it had a feeling like home, and she knew it was where she wanted to be. She made it official in November when she signed a letter of intent.

Behind Anderson’s confidence on the field is an equal level of confidence she feels from her mom. When Anderson received the full scholarship offer from TU, she said Trilbya was not too surprised.

“She knew how hard I worked to get to that point,” Anderson said.

Though she’s focusing on enjoying the rest of her senior year right now, Anderson already has an eye on what she wants to do on and off the field at TU. She said her goal is to pursue a degree that will allow her to work in health care, and her favorite subject in school is science.

This interest in an analytical field of study fits with her approach to pitching against an opponent. Anderson said she pitches according to what she

sees or knows about the batter she’s facing to help keep them off-balanced or unproductive at the plate.

“I try to have little goals with each hitter,” Anderson said.

In addition to her academics and athletics at SHS, Anderson also works as a server at a local restaurant and is gaining experience as an intern at SSM St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee.

Anderson credits a lot of her progress to Shawnee softball coach Justin Rivera – who served as an assistant until taking the head position this year – along with her coach at South Rock Creek, Ryan Rosser, and her travel ball coach, Jeff Coyle.

Once she concludes her high school career and enjoys some summer fun, Anderson is ready to start competing at the next level and getting a good education. She is particularly looking forward to stepping into the circle against the University of North Texas during her college career and facing down her best friend, who will play for the Mean Green. S

Photo submitted

WARNING SIGNS

Recognizing, Understanding Some Of The Effects Of Domestic Abuse

BY REGAN GREEN WITH KATIE MCQUAY

ateway to Prevention and Recovery supports all individuals and families in Oklahoma toward recovery and greater health through prevention, treatment and wellness. Gateway understands that individuals and families who seek treatment for substances may also need support in other areas, including domestic abuse services. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), substance abuse is involved in about 40-60 percent of all intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents.

Oklahoma has the highest domestic violence rate in the entire United States. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 49 percent of women and 40 percent of men in Oklahoma have experienced domestic violence at some point.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, abusers can get victims hooked on a substance the abuser provides, making the victim more dependent, less likely to leave and more vulnerable to abuse. In addition, domestic abuse victims are 70 percent more likely to drink excessive amounts of alcohol than those in healthy relationships.

Because of these connections between substance use and abuse, Gateway believes that it is important to highlight organizations like Project: SAFE and increase early awareness of domestic abuse. Project: SAFE’s mission statement is “Providing Advocacy for Safety, Empowerment, Healing, and Freedom from Abuse.” They accomplish this through education, advocacy, legal assistance, crisis intervention, shelter for victims and more. If you are in an abusive situation, see the end of this article to contact Project: SAFE and get help today.

Project: SAFE defines domestic abuse as “a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation.” Physical abuse – when abusers threaten or perform unwanted and often violent physical contact – is probably what readers are most familiar with. However, the following are also other forms of abuse with unique characteristics:

• Psychological: Manipulating, lying, name-calling, yelling, withholding affection, patronizing

• Environmental: Slamming doors, punching walls, throwing things, hurting pets, ripping clothes

• Social: Public ignoring, humiliating, being rude to friends/family, interfering with relationships, giving a strict dress code

• Sexual: Making any unwanted sexual contact, forcing the victim to have sex, sleeping around, treating the victim as a sexual object

An abuser may combine multiple types of abuse. Psychological abuse often reinforces other kinds of abuse, making victims feel they cannot simply leave their abusers. Abusers are skilled in manipulating their victims and making them feel guilty, but abuse is never the victim’s fault.

Often, red flags of abuse are present early in a relationship. If you or a loved one is in a relationship with someone who exhibits any of these characteristics, the relationship is likely unhealthy or abusive:

• Controlling behavior: Constantly questioning the partner’s ideas and choices, limiting his or her personal decisions

• Isolation: Keeping the partner away from resources and support, limiting contact with friends and family

• Blaming others: Constantly presenting his or her own problems and feelings as someone else’s fault, falsely accusing others

• Emotional instability and volatility: Acting hypersensitive, angry, possessive or jealous; exhibiting sudden mood changes, explosiveness or extreme behavior

The above lists are not comprehensive. If you feel unsafe or taken advantage of in your relationship – even if you don’t see some of the warning signs listed above – you can reach out to Project: SAFE for help and guidance.

Victims often carry their own symptoms of abuse. Perhaps the most apparent sign is physical injuries, but emotional and behavioral symptoms can be harder to spot. Victims may exhibit some of the following behaviors:

• Making excuses for the abuser: Defending the abuser’s behavior; blaming it on a bad mood, stress, drugs and alcohol, themselves, etc.

• Isolating themselves from others: Not being allowed to – or uncharacteristically choosing not to – go out, spend time with friends and family or do things they would normally do

• Changing emotionally: Becoming more withdrawn, less confident and less enthusiastic

• Growing less reliable: Producing decreased quality or consistency of work and schoolwork, attending work and school less often

Remember, it is not your fault if you did not figure out that someone you love was an abuse victim. Many victims become experts at acting normal despite their pain. Do not blame yourself for not realizing the struggle someone else was hiding from you, and do not blame him or her for hiding it.

If you or a loved one are an abuse victim, Project: SAFE is here to serve you. Visit projectsafeok.com for more information about how they can help you escape and heal from abusive situations. You can also call their 24-hour abuse hotline at (800) 821-9953, contact their office at (405) 273-9953 or visit them at 313 N. Union Ave. in Shawnee. To stay in the loop on upcoming events and schedule changes, you can follow them at facebook.com/ProjectSafe or on Instagram @projectsafeshawnee. Their services are absolutely free, so do not hesitate to reach out for the help you need.

Escape, safety and healing are possible. Take the first step today.

Regan Green, M.S., has been working in victim advocacy for more than 16 years. She is currently with Project: SAFE, which services Lincoln and Pottawatomie Counties. Regan loves to witness positive change through her connections with individuals, families and her community.

Katie McQuay is a writing intern for Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. She is a senior at Oklahoma Baptist University studying English with a minor in professional writing and editing.

Green McQuay

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A-CHANGIN’

Era Ends As 100-Year-Old Retail Building Demolished

BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER

nother long-time building “bites the dust” as Shawnee’s downtown continues to be cleaned up and revitalized. Last month, the building at 1 W. Main was the latest to leave the skyline. Between controlled destruction and fires, the last few months have been interesting.

The latest to disappear has been part of Shawnee’s landscape since 1922. The city was a booming metropolis helped by the railroads, easing travel to and from the outside world as well as employment in their “shops.” Shawnee was even industrious enough to have been in the running for Oklahoma’s state capital.

Local citizens took advantage of the growing community and built accordingly. Companies outside the community saw opportunities here and were eager to come to town and set up their stores. One was a fine two-story building on the corner of Main and Broadway that housed J.C. Penney Co. The head of the fast-growing retailer, John Carson Penney, was in Shawnee at the opening of what was to be one of the company’s 1,400 stores doing business throughout the country with the following seven years.

Over the next few decades, the local store continued to be a mainstay on Shawnee’s Main Street. Even through the down years of the 1930s and the war years of the 1940s, Penney’s was the place local citizens bought their clothing, sewing materials, shoes, etc. Chester Hope was the manager for many of those years, and in 1946, Mr. Penney was back in town to observe the remodeling of the store. After looking about and greeting each employee, he reportedly told Hope that his upgraded store “was beautiful.”

That store at 1 West Main remained J. C. Penney until 1961 when a new, one story building with a basement was built two blocks east at 120 E. Main, on the corner of Main and Union. Art Jackman had taken over the manager’s posi-

tion as the move was made.

Back at the old building, Jimmy Allen opened Modern Home and Auto, featuring all kinds of equipment needed to keep a driver’s auto on the road. That business eventually occupied the structure for about five years until 1966 when Allen changed the name to Gibson’s and the format to an all-purpose retail establishment – the beginning of the multipurpose store. It offered everything from clothing to tools to school supplies. The Gibson’s store was at that location for the next 20 years.

Meanwhile, JCPenney made another move in the early 1990s, following other downtown Shawnee businesses to the mall. The final change for the iconic local store was the recent permanent closing in 2020, like several other longtime department stores that once lined Shawnee’s Main Street. At present, there are only eight JCPenney stores in Oklahoma when at one time there was more than twice that number.

Gibson’s occupied 1 W. Main until closing its doors in 1986. The iconic building then housed a Flea Market for several years. Most recently, it sat vacant, unused and crumbling away like many other unattended structures.

Even as it was being taken down, it presented enormous challenges, as if battling its demise.

For 100 years, it was part of Shawnee’s landscape, but sadly most recently abandoned, neglected and not up to city code. Some about the same age continue to be repurposed, such as the original library on Broadway and the Aldridge Hotel, but others have had to go, like the old original J.C. Penney Co. building.

It can be difficult to watch a church where you attended as a child be taken down, a building that housed a furniture store where you shopped, a house where family members lived or maybe even your school.

Life moves on, however, and it’s called progress.

The building at 1 W. Main first housed J.C. Penney Co. when it opened in 1922 and served retail roles for decades before becoming derelict. Last month crews demolished it, but not without some difficulty. — Photo submitted

the bright spot

Amid the bad news and bickering out there, sometimes it’s nice to read a little encouragement. The Bright Spot is a space to share some inspiration or reassurance with the community through poetry or prose. If you have an idea or something to brighten someone’s day, submit it to editor@shawneeoutlook.com.

Transformed

BY SHEILA HUGHES

Out of the heavy bondage

Out of the pits of my hell

I've managed a rocky pathway

Though I've stumbled and I've fell

I positioned myself steady God helped me back up to my feet I've had to cuss at all my wants And alter every need

One foot and then another Prayer got me up the hill And while I was moving forward My soul began to heal

I've struggled through the healthy task Of keeping those that meant me well While letting my Lord close the doors On those that caused me hell

Crying help from my Redeemer And shed more tears than in a storm His word rewired my mindset And I began to be transformed

It's been so difficult at times Setting up all new rules

But, it seems my journeys easier As I've been given all the tools

I'll continue my alterations

More like Jesus I'll strive to be Sleep with no regrets come haunting And wake with joy, as I'm set free

I've worked hard at this transformation

But, it was a very worthy task

God has fashioned me a soldier His kingdom, I pray to enhance

O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

Psalms 30:2

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over the fence

FOR YOUR SERVICE

Expressing Gratitude Benefits Giver, Recipient

BY BRANDON DYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNITY RENEWAL OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

"Thank you for your service,” she said.

I looked over my shoulder to see a woman smiling at me with gratitude. For what? I wasn’t sure. I had gone to the store to pick up a few things for dinner. After loading my little basket, I walked to the checkout line, placed the items on the counter to be totalled and then paid.

It was as I picked up my groceries to leave that she thanked me. I smiled back with kindness, although I had no idea what she was talking about. In her eyes and her smile though, I felt genuine gratitude. Did she confuse me with someone else? It occurred to me as I walked to my truck that I had my red “We Care” shirt on because it was We Care Wednesday, and I assumed she must have been a parent of a student in our clubs or at least familiar with our work at Community Renewal.

And then it hit me. I happen to be a USAA member and paid with a USAA debit card. If you’re not familiar with USAA, they are a big company dedicated to the insurance and banking needs of the military community. In fact, they only offer membership to those who have served in the military and their direct family members. No one else. Perhaps you’ve seen the commercials with former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski trying to charm his way into membership only to find out that it is exclusively for the military community. Did I serve in the military? No. But my dad was in the Air Force.

Anyway, I realized that she had seen my card and innocently assumed I had served. This has happened to me two other times in recent years. On one of those occasions I unknowingly received a military discount at a restaurant and was thanked for my service on my way out the door. The other time was at Lowe’s, who proudly offers military discounts. Fortunately, I was able to clear things up and avoid the embarrassment of receiving a military discount without having earned it.

Each of these moments has given me the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices our brave women and men freely offer on our behalf as well as the sacrifices their families make. Good for Lowe’s and other businesses who offer a discount as a small gesture of gratitude, and good for these wonderful

people who saw an opportunity to offer their thanks as well. Certainly, our military community deserves our thanks. It’s the least we can do.

Gratitude is good for our health. The Dalai Lama calls this “wise selfishness” because genuinely offering gratitude and kindness to our fellow human beings actually makes us happier and increases our well-being. So it is wise to be “selfish” in this way. What a beautiful exchange. Gratitude and kindness not only benefit the subject of our goodwill, but it also carries within it the power to make our own lives better. Truly a win-win. Imagine with me for a moment what our world would look like if our attention was focused on such things.

What did you see? I’ll bet whatever you saw – even if briefly – was better than what we see defining our culture now. Our attention has been hijacked by unending sources of negativity. Giving this too much of our attention actually increases our stress and unhappiness, the very things we are desperate to defeat. On the other hand, consider the goodness that exists naturally in each of us. We come into this world hardwired for kindness. Decades of research with babies confirms this. Human beings are begging for any opportunity to remember who we really are, and when a kind word of gratitude is served to us, we are given an invitation to believe again. Each time this happens a little bit of healing occurs. A little bit of hope is born. For as many times as you are brave enough to offer gratitude and kindness, I thank you for your service.

Brandon Dyer

Feb. 11: Join Coffee N’ Crafts for a fun botanical guided painting session at 6 p.m. at 5 E Main St. Participants will each have a canvas pre-sketched along with a hot or iced drink of choice from the coffee bar and cookie snacks during class. Information: coffee-n-crafts.com

Feb. 11: The Miró Quartet – one of America’s most celebrated string quartets – will showcase its world-renowned talent at a performance at 7:30 p.m. in the Yarborough Auditorium of Raley Chapel on the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University. Information: miroquartet.com

Feb. 11: John Shack's V-Day Variety Show will bring music, comedy, burlesque and magic as part of a special Valentine’s Day performance at 7 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theater at 10 W. Main St. Information: facebook.com/ johnshackmagic

Feb. 11-18: Shawnee Little Theatre presents “PUFFS: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic,” a clever and inventive play that puts a new spin on a familiar adventure from the perspective of three young wizards. Magic, sports, and a battle against evil collide in this play about anyone who's ever felt like they weren't the hero of their own story, which will take the stage at 1829 N Airport Drive. Information: shawneelittletheatre.com.

Feb. 11-March 12: Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art presents the special exhibit, “Julie Marks Blackstone: A Renaissance Woman,” featuring works by renowned local artist Julie Marks Blackstone including watercolors, paintings, weavings, pottery, and many of her very popular Knotty Girl series at the museum at 1900 W. MacArthur. Information: mgmoa.org

Feb. 13-17: The Professional Bowlers Association will conduct its Shawnee Classic

pre-tournament qualifier with a combined $150,000 in prize money at the event rolling into FireLake Bowling Center at 40945 Hardesty Road. Information: pba.com/tournaments/2023/pba-shawnee-classic

Feb. 16: The Third Thursday Poetry Reading will begin at 7 p.m. at the Lunch Box at 217 E. Main St. featuring Durell Carter, a recent graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma. He has published poems in The Lickety-Split, From Whispers to Roars and in Drunk Monkeys. His reading will be followed by an open mic session, giving those attending an opportunity to briefly read their own or favorite poems. Note that the Lunch Box will no longer offer meals for these evening sessions.

Feb. 17: Susan Chambers is the featured artist for February’s Block pARTy 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Arts @317 located at 317 E Main. Susan uses a process called lampworked glass to make jewelry and other items, and she will be demonstrating how she makes the glass beads she uses to make jewelry. The studio features more than 50 different Oklahoma artists, and the event will also offer free popcorn. Information: (405) 659-8193

Feb. 18: Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will host Community Art Day: Weaving with Greta Lyn Baxter from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum at 1900 W. MacArthur. Information: mgmoa.org

March 1: Christy Nockels will be the featured speaker for Women’s Missions and Ministry Day. Nockels is a songwriter, recording artist, podcast host, author and familiar female vocalist of the Passion Conference. Women’s Mission and Ministry Day is an annual event promoting the profound impact women make in missions and ministry around the world each day. Information:

okbu.com/wmmd

March 3: Songwriter Night @ Music Unlimited will feature artist Celia Monroe and other Oklahoma songwriters 7-9 p.m. at 1109 W. Kickapoo Spur St. This live music event is free of charge and open to the public. Information: kevinhall8384@gmail.com

March 3-4: The Almost Ready to Cruise Car Club will host its annual swap meet at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center at 1700 W. Independence featuring members’ wide variety of cars ranging from classic to modern along with more than 150 vendors from Oklahoma and surrounding states selling car parts and other auto related accessories to help support local organizations and causes. Information: arccconline.org

March 4: The Oklahoma American Auxiliary will host the 2nd Annual American Legion Auxiliary 5K Run at 9 a.m. at Dean Weigant Park at 1741 W. Rosa St. Information: (405) 240-2503 or (918) 577-1956.

March 4: Oklahoma Baptist University's RecWell is hosting the third annual Bison Boulder Bash rock climbing competition

11:30 a.m.- 7p.m. at 500 W. University St. Information: okbu.edu

March 5: Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma will host its monthly public run

1-4 p.m. at 29626 Lake Drive in McLoud. Ride the rails on powered ⅛-scale locomotives right outside of Shawnee Twin Lakes. Information: locotrains.org

March 8-11: The FIRST Robotics Competition Oklahoma Regional will assemble at FireLake Arena at 18145 Rangeline Road.

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