Shawnee Outlook

keep the change

TAKE A BREAK FROM ADS

An easy way to avoid spending money is to avoid the places we’re tempted to buy. Unfortunately, with the prevalence of the internet and the ease of online shopping, this can be a difficult task. Here are some options for curbing online shopping:

• Take a Social Media Break. Companies have picked up on the public’s addiction to social media by making ads impossible to avoid. Many ads on social media are not only convincing us to purchase things we don’t need, they are also scamming us into buying a different or lower quality product than the one advertised. If we’re spending less time on social media, we get the benefits of focusing on real-life interactions while also avoiding the influx of ads and, thus, the temptation to spend money

• Hide ads. While you can’t stop ads altogether on social media, you can affect the types of ads you do see. On Facebook, when an ad appears in your feed, simply click the three dots in the top corner of the post to select the option to “See less” of ads similar to that particular ad or “Hide ad” to never see that particular ad again. You will still see other ads, though.

• Unsubscribe. Subscribing to e-mail lists is a great way to find discounts on stores and products when we’re looking to shop, but if we’re trying to save money, all of those e-mails can bring temptation with them. Once you’re done with a purchase, click unsubscribe on those emails. Simply scroll to the bottom to look for the option to Unsubscribe in the fine print. You can do the same for any marketing texts by sending “STOP” to the same text thread. In any case, seeing fewer ads will save you both time and energy.

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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.

H nutrition 101

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

appy National Nutrition Month.

NNM is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and held annually in March. The focus is on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. During this month, we also celebrate National Registered Dietitian Day – the best day ever.

NNM started in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. The theme for NNM 2024 is Beyond the Table, which is designed to inspire us to look past our plates when thinking about our health and the environment. The choices we make daily – including what we’re going to eat and drink – can make a big difference both now and in the future. School and family meals are important, but healthy choices go beyond the foods and drinks we enjoy while sitting at the lunch or dinner table. They include our snacks, breakfasts on the go and eating out with friends. This even includes where foods are grown and how they are prepared.

Our food choices also can affect the health of our planet. Have you ever thought about the work that goes into producing the foods we eat? This includes how food is grown or raised, where and how it is made and its safety. It is important to think about the foods we eat and the nutrition they provide, but is there more we could be doing to improve our health and the environment?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests three tips to help with this:

• Focus on a healthy eating routine.

• Seek the help of a registered dietitian.

• Learn about what is involved in growing your food.

For more information on this topic, be sure and check out their website at eatright.org.

Silky Smoothie

When I think about the National Nutrition Month 2024 theme of Beyond the Table, I think about my on-thego breakfast smoothie. It is helpful to me that this breakfast can be made very quickly and then I can just dump it in a cup, grab my metal/reusable straw and hit the road.

Ingredients:

5 oz organic extra firm tofu

1 pitted date

½ banana

½ cup frozen berries

2 Tbsp ground flaxseed

Handful of spinach leaves

1 cup unsweetened organic soy milk

Directions: Place all into a blender and blend until smooth. Add ice if you would like it thicker. Add more liquid if you would like it thinner. If you need it sweeter, add a little stevia. Makes: 1 serving

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 431 Total Fat: 17.5g Saturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 4mg

Sodium: 90mg Fiber: 12g Protein: 26g Carbohydrates: 46g

Nutrition 101: Oftentimes when someone sees tofu as the first ingredient, they turn their nose up at it, but by using tofu you are getting a great source of soy. It is what truly makes the smoothie so silky tasting. The American Institute for Cancer Research suggests having one to two servings daily of whole soy foods. When shopping for soy, I do reach for the organic soy because it tends to be one of the most heavily sprayed crops. Research also shows that soy protein reduces the total cholesterol and triglycerides, which lower the chances of heart diseases. The date in this recipe adds the perfect sweetness that I want. And for a wonderful bonus – check out that fiber content.

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 along with functional nutrition and labs through Laser Focus. For inquiries, visit strongherwithandrea.com, or the Facebook page, Nutrition and Exercise 101 with Andrea.

Angela Rowland

art of the matter

FROM THE PAGE

Centuries-Old Art Traditions Still Enjoyed In Children’s Books Today

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

Think about your favorite book as a child. Most likely you remember the illustrations that helped bring that book to life. The “Imagination: Children’s Book Illustrators” exhibit at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art showcases some of those illustrators from across the U.S. In one of the books featured in the exhibit, there are no words – just pictures. You can create your own story. The book is “Chalk” by Bill Thomson.

“Orbis Pictus” or “Orbis Sensualium Pictus” (Visible World in Pictures) from 1658 by John Amos Comenius was the earliest illustrated book specifically for children. It was originally published in Latin and German but later was translated into English, French and Italian.

Some children’s books began as illustrated letters, such as Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” Beatrix often

would add images to the letters she wrote to friends. In September 1893, she wrote a letter to her friend’s son, Noel, who was ill. In the letter, she wrote the story of four little rabbits. Beatrix used her scientific illustration skills to draw the pictures to the now beloved children’s story.

“Alice in Wonderland” began as a story that Lewis Carroll told the daughters of his friend, Henry Liddell, while rowing a boat on the River Thames. He later wrote down the story and added John Tenniel’s 42 wood cut illustrations for the final book. He had originally drawn the illustrations himself, but his publisher convinced him to have an artist create the illustrations for the book.

Arthur Rackham combined pen and ink with watercolor for his illustrations for children’s books such as “Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens,” “Gulliver’s Travels” and “Fairy Tales of the Brothers

Grimm.” He is considered to be one of the leading illustrators from the golden age of British book illustration. Sometimes the storyteller illustrates their own story, and sometimes they ask other artists to create the illustrations. Claire Keane wrote and illustrated the

book, “Little Big Girl,” as seen in the museum’s exhibit. If the name looks familiar, she is the granddaughter of cartoonist Bil Keane, creator of the comic strip, “The Family Circus.” Others like Shawnee’s own Joshua Brunet illustrated “Cat in the Night,” which was written by Madeleine Dunphy.

Artists can illustrate a story using many different media. Some draw their images like Beatrix Potter. Others use oil or acrylic paint like Greg Newbold’s illustration for “If Picasso Painted a Snowman.” Some artists create their illustrations digitally using a computer or iPad.

Have you ever thought about writing and illustrating a children’s book? Think of a story. Then you can storyboard it or create a dummy book with the words and a quick sketch of the illustration to see how it all works out. You can do this on paper or digitally. The great thing about creating your

own book is that you can control all the aspects from the story, to the names, to the images. Scan the QR code or check out www.mgmoa. org/art-projects for more fun book ideas. Create your own book Supplies needed: paper, pencil/crayons/ markers

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

1. Think of a story. Maybe about your pet or your best friend.

2. Decide on images to go with the story. What do you want people to see?

3. Make a mockup to see how the book would go together – what image on which page.

4. Create your final version with the words and images.

COMING HOME

YMCA Prepares For Reopening With Tours Of Repaired, Improved Facilities

BY DAVID DINSMORE

Coming home.

That’s the theme of the YMCA’s imminent return to its facilities at 700 W. Saratoga that it has called home since 1971, and it shows in the eyes of CEO Mike Jobe and his staff as they began conducting tours of the nearly-completed building recently.

“We are looking forward to opening those doors and seeing all those familiar faces come back again and have the opportunity to be here with us,” Jobe said.

Scattered across the community following the April 19, 2023 tornado, Y staff, members and program participants relied on the generosity of partners who wanted to help them continue with the mission and resources provided by the organization in the community. Oklahoma Baptist University offered its fitness facility for those looking to pursue their physical health goals. Organizations like the Elks Lodge offered their pools for water fitness and swim team practice when the weather allowed. Schools and churches offered the use of their sports facilities for youth to keep playing. Summer camps last year adapted to not having a central location.

“One of the first things we talked about when the storms hit was creating a sense of normalcy,” Jobe said. “The support from the community throughout this process … is unwavering. It’s amazing.”

Nearly a year later, the Y is looking toward a grand reopening date this spring, and Jobe said they have received a lot of excitement from those who have taken a tour to see what’s in store at the Y when the doors open again.

As is the case with other businesses and organizations rebuilding after taking a direct hit, the YMCA –which received its last significant remodel in 2008 – isn't looking to just replace what it had before the storm, Jobe said. Leadership and staff looked to improve upon what they offered to the community. Staff members and others brought ideas to the table of elements to add to the facilities to give people more options than previously available.

“One of the high marks of this process has been getting to decide what changes and enhancements we wanted to make,” Jobe said. “We challenged everyone to think outside the box about what we could do.

“What do we need to do, and what are people looking for?”

Shawnee Family YMCA CEO Mike Jobe and his staff are offering tours of the repaired and remodeled Y facilities at 700 W. Saratoga in anticipation of a grand reopening this spring. For more information or to schedule a tour, email mjobe@ shawneeymca.org or call (405) 2734386. — Photos submitted

Several of the additions and improvements center on the idea of community – a concept at the heart of the YMCA’s mission – with a focus on group and interactive fitness options.

Among those improvements are a staffed functional training room to help strengthen and improve activities that are part of daily life, Jobe said. To those with knowledge of the fitness offerings locally, it will be the only one of its kind in Shawnee.

Additionally, the board and staff of the YMCA agreed to convert one of the existing group exercise class rooms into a cycling studio while adding another group room to host fitness classes. The new group studio will occupy a space once used for childwatch that had recently become more of a storage area prior to the storm. However, federal funds provided to the YMCA have also given them the option to expand the current daycare and after school area over the next couple of years.

Members will likely notice other improvements and additions to the Shawnee Family YMCA from top to bottom, whether it is the removal of the drop wall that held the televisions around the midpoint of the fitness equipment area or the addition of a new surface to cover the concrete on the indoor track inside the gymnasium. The modernized industrial look, new lighting, updated flooring, and more open concepts change the overall look and feel of the spaces.

Though they would have liked a higher

Amid the destruction, the Shawnee Family YMCA has been able to make improvements and additions to its fitness offerings for members and program participants to enjoy once the facility reopens this spring.

pace of recovery during the last year, Jobe said the time resulting from supply and other delays gave his team time to be intentional about how they wanted the remodeled and improved Y to serve the needs of Shawnee and the surrounding communities. They also have taken the time to learn from members and program participants what was most important to them in their engagement with the Shawnee Family YMCA.

Progress seemed to appear slower than in reality for passersby while plywood boards remained on the windows of the pool area particularly, Jobe said. Y staff members received regular questions about whether they were working toward reopening, but once the boards came down and the windows went in, it seemed to be a visual indication to the community that the time was near.

While the Shawnee Family YMCA will look to reopen the majority of its facility next month, the pool area will still need more work in the meantime

due to the extent of the damage and some maintenance needs that already existed prior to the tornado, Jobe said. As there is opportunity in every problem, the YMCA leadership wants to make sure they make the most of a hard time by creating a place that will work for the community at large for years to come.

Meanwhile, Jobe and his team will continue offering tours to groups and organizations interested in getting a sneak peak at all the familiar and new things the Shawnee Family YMCA facilities will offer, and so far those efforts seem to have generated some excitement about the reopening.

“It’s been amazing the power of word of mouth,” Jobe said. “We started at the beginning of February, and it’s been amazing getting out and hearing from the community just how positive everyone is about us being back here soon.”

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Jobe at mjobe@shawneeymca. org or call (405) 273-4386. S

& Recovery CEO Jon Greenwood often says, “local people, solve local problems.”

The challenges of our mental health crisis, food insecurity, physical inactivity and social isolation can be found across Oklahoma and throughout the nation, but local collaboration gives us the opportunity to work toward meaningful solutions when combined with scaled resources and likeminded energy.

Since 2017, the City of Shawnee has built 7.1 miles of sidewalks with support from the Avedis Foundation. These have increased our city’s Walk Score and work to improve pedestrian safety and mobility from our citizens 8-years-old to 80-years-old.

In 2021, the ratio of behavioral health providers was 1,340 residents seeking assistance to one provider. Today, it’s improved to 1,310 to 1.

Because of the 2018 1/2 cent sales tax, we have an acclaimed rebuilt KidSpace Park, a remodeled Woodland Veterans Park, improved infrastructure, and the resources to strengthen first responder

services. We could go on and on about all the great work this community is doing by taking on challenges together.

With the anniversary of the April 19th tornado approaching, the importance of collaboration shines brightly. Communities coming together, with neighbors helping neighbors, first responders from across the state offering support and leaders from various sectors uniting for recovery highlight this. Tribal, municipal and county governments along with churches and nonprofits like United Way, Community Renewal and Community Market have all played significant roles in bringing hope and aiding restoration. While the path to recovery continues, the progress made through collective action speaks volumes about our community's resilience and spirit of cooperation.

No matter the challenge, collaboration is our secret weapon. It sets up the community to see real problems and achieve meaningful results. The story of Pottawatomie Go started with becoming Oklahoma's first Certified Blue Zones

Community and as a community, we're making strides towards measurable goals that build on that achievement. With the insights from our record breaking Community Health Survey (learn more atpottcohealthsurvey.com) developed and led by 10 organizations of the Unified CHNA Taskforce, we are committed to having a shared measurement tool to leverage resources and multiple efforts.

The Pogo values of inclusion, accountability and collaboration guide how we work together to elevate the voices of people throughout Pottawatomie County.

Through collaboration and a shared vision, we at Pottawatomie Go are demonstrating that achieving big goals is within our reach. We're not merely envisioning a healthier, happier community; we're actively building it. United, we're establishing the groundwork for a future where every person in our community has the opportunity to thrive. Let's continue to advance together, united in our efforts. S

BEFORE THEY GET BEHIND THE WHEEL…

Make sure they understand the risks of drunk and drugged driving.

Let your children know it’s never okay to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and that getting in a car with someone who has been drinking or using drugs is also very dangerous. For tips on how—and when—to begin the conversation, visit www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov

#TalkTheyHearYou

Financial strategies built just for you

QUESTION 1

technology, as well as replace a large number of HVAC units across the district

✔ Meet the gaps left by insurance on projects including Stucker and tennis facilities, in addition to a new agriculture facility

✔

✔ Provide new marching band uniforms and storage

Michael P Garbutt, AAMS™

Financial Advisor

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

Jacob Russell

Financial Advisor

4010 N Kickapoo Ave, Ste 1 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-214-1978

David W Spires, CFP®

Financial Advisor

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

Chris Jones

Financial Advisor

2218 N Kickapoo Ave, Ste 1 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-395-0068

Brent S Morris

Financial Advisor

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

Trey Thee III

Financial Advisor

2218 N Kickapoo Ave, Ste 1 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-395-0068

MKT-5894M-A-A1

Repurposing 2016 bond funds

✔ Unused funds from 2016 bond election would be repurposed to benefit 1,700 students instead of 250 by making updates to existing elementary school facilities, including repairs to bathrooms, exteriors, intercoms,

ACTING OUT

Local Bank, Partners Band Together To Perform Random Acts Of Kindness Locally FROM STAFF REPORTS

In recognition of National Acts of Kindness Month in February, local leaders, organizations and people in Shawnee partnered with First United Bank for its fourth annual United Acts of Kindness Day.

These folks joined others throughout the bank’s territory to spread joy, hope and love to friends, family, coworkers and neighbors through 784,236 recorded acts of kindness on Feb. 16 –surpassing the goal of 350,000 this year.

“I love seeing our community come together to just love on each other,” said Amanda Teape Johnson, the bank’s Spend Life Wisely Ambassador. “Spreading love and impact is what we do on a daily basis, but seeing

First United Bank partnered with local leaders, organizations and individuals to reach out to friends, family, neighbors and others in the community with random blessings during United Acts of Kindness Day last month. — Photos submitted

the lives impacted in our community throughout one day is truly a beautiful thing. I’m thankful for each partner that chooses to come alongside us and celebrate kindness on United Acts of Kindness Day. Every act is a part of the giant ripple.”

Among those taking to the streets to delve out kindness were six First United employees paired with six police officers handing out $500 in random gift cards

to Walmart, Chicken Express, Chick-filA, The Surf Bar, Marble Slab and free tea cards that were provided by HTeaO.

Visitors to the First United Bank locations received Hershey bars with notes of kindness on their teller envelopes, and the bank also distributed books for all first graders at Horace Mann Elementary and Pleasant Grove Elementary along with tea for teachers at those two schools and Shawnee Middle School.

Pottawatomie County Go stopped by the City of Shawnee Public Works Department to provide fruits and snacks, and realtors from Berkshire Hathaway provided coffee vouchers at Comma Coffee.

Cuckoo Bird & Dashing T Boutique had customers write notes of kindness to other women and provided a $5 gift card for the customer and a friend.

“United Acts of Kindness Day has become one of our favorite events that we have at the store,” said Micah Barton, owner of Cuckoo Bird & Dashing T. “Each year, it’s great to see all the women that take time out of their day to stop in and write something great about another woman in their life. Our dressing rooms have become full of empowering words to lift up ladies in our community. Our hope is to one day have all the walls filled with words of love and encouragement.”

For the third year, Mayor Ed Bolt made a proclamation recognizing United Acts of Kindness Day as Gordon Cooper Technology Center collected socks for a local non-profit. The Mabee-Gerrer Mu-

seum of Art offered free admission. County Commissioner Abby Thompson provided lunch at the barn, and SSM Health employees donated toys, games, and sensory items to Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club and to Uplift Mentoring.

Canadian Valley Electric Coop sponsored coffee at a coffee shop while First United Bank sponsored coffee randomly throughout the day at HTeaO, Scooters and Coffee N Crafts and hosted a blood drive.

A local mom noted she and her children got in on the action during United Acts of Kindness Day.

“I wanted to thank you for the inspiration for kindness day,” she wrote in a Facebook comment. “My kiddos and I made juice HUGS and Hershey KISSES

for our wonderful heroes of Shawnee.”

In a recent op-ed piece, the bank’s director of health and wellness Barbara Carnahan noted some of the health benefits of undertaking acts of kindness, including:

Stress Reduction. Acts of kindness have been linked to a reduction in stress levels. Engaging in kind and altruistic behaviors triggers the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone.” Oxytocin helps to lower stress hormones, leading to a calmer and more relaxed state of mind. By regularly practicing kindness, you create a positive feedback loop that contributes to longterm stress resilience.

Enhanced Emotional Resilience. Acts of kindness foster emotional resilience by promoting a sense of connectedness

and social support. Building positive relationships through acts of kindness creates a support system that can help you navigate life's challenges more effectively. Knowing that you have a network of caring people can boost your emotional resilience, providing a buffer against stressors and hardships.

Physical Health Benefits. Kindness also has tangible effects on physical health. Studies have found that engaging in acts of kindness can lead to improvements in cardiovascular health. The positive emotions associated with kindness contribute to better heart health by reducing

blood pressure and promoting overall cardiovascular well-being. Additionally, the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, during acts of kindness contributes to a general sense of well-being.

“United Acts of Kindness Day is growing each year and, of course, is only a small part of what First United is doing to elevate lives,” said Paul Bass, Community Bank President in Shawnee. I would encourage others to join us in partnership for events of this nature, and to choose us as their bank, in order to maximize what we can accomplish together.” S

www.shawneeoutlook.com

over the fence

OWISE SELFISHNESS

Know When To Ask For Help As Well As Give It

BY BRANDON DYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNITY RENEWAL OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

ne cold morning a few weeks ago, I was headed downtown to have coffee with some colleagues. Heading west on Highland I was thinking about how fortunate we are to have several really terrific coffee shops in town when I spotted a traffic problem ahead. I approached the intersection of Highland and Harrison and stopped in the left turn lane where I could clearly see a stalled truck stopped partially in the intersection. The light turned green and there were several cars behind me. I had a decision to make that affected not only me, but a number of other people. Do I drive on, so as to not be late to my meeting? Or do I jump out and help?

It’s interesting to me that as humans, we’re not very good at asking for help. I guess we don’t want to be a burden; decide that people have better things to do; or don’t want to be seen as having any sort of weaknesses. I suppose it comes down to pride sometimes, right?

I for one am the absolute worst at asking for help when I need it. I’ll be working on a project at home, and rather than trouble a friend to help me lift something heavy, I’ll destroy my back in pure stubbornness. You know what’s funny? If a friend called me to help them move something heavy, I’d happily drop what I was doing to go help.

There was no deliberation really. My Oklahoma roots kicked in as I put the truck in park and swung open my door to go help. How could I not? I am able-bodied and more than capable of lending a hand in a moment like that. Not surprising at all, as I was hustling over to the stalled truck, five other guys were also making haste to help. Although the truck was pointed slightly uphill, together we quickly accomplished what the driver could never have done by himself. We pushed the truck into a parking lot, the driver said thank you and we all scattered across the intersection to our vehicles. The whole thing lasted maybe 60 seconds, and I wasn’t even late to my meeting – although I was a little winded.

Chances are you’ve been in a situation like that before or at least witnessed it happening. Maybe you helped someone recently in the ice storm get their car unstuck. Or maybe you held a door open for someone carrying something heavy. Or you helped someone in the check out lane when they were a little short on money for their groceries. Or you helped your neighbor with their lawn when they weren’t able to mow it.

I’d bet there have also been occasions when you have been on the receiving end of the help. Maybe your neighbors pitched in to help remove debris after the April 19 tornado. Or maybe you’ve been the one a little short on your grocery bill.

I had shoulder surgery a few months ago and needed to sleep in a recliner, which I did not have. For once, I asked for help. Two of my good friends dropped what they were doing and within an hour had a borrowed recliner in my bedroom for me. Guess who benefitted the most? All of us.

The Dalai Lama refers to this as “wise selfishness.” Showing compassion for another person is actually in your best interest. When we show compassion for another person, when we offer help, when we give, everyone wins. Certainly the recipient benefits, but we also directly benefit by having our own sense of happiness elevated. Research seems to suggest that we are actually wired for this. It also helps the one witnessing the compassion because it inspires them and reminds them who we really are as human beings.

We have lots of needs in our world. Sometimes that’s pushing a truck across an intersection, sometimes it’s helping with someone’s groceries and sometimes just giving a hug and a listening ear. The irony is that we are often so focused on our own problems that we don’t see the many opportunities around us to show compassion, thereby counterintuitively failing to contribute to the happiness we are seeking in the first place. In 2024, let’s lean into our true selves. Let’s upgrade our standard selfishness to wise selfishness and toast each other with a newfound happiness generated by cultivating compassion.

S

Brandon Dyer

shawnee history

POST SECONDARY

Shawnee Has Sought, Housed Many Higher Learning Institutions

BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL

SOCIETY MEMBER

Until the closing of St. Gregory’s University a few years ago, Shawnee was one only a few cities of our size that was home to two colleges. In the town’s short (yes, “short,” compared to most of the rest of the country) history, Shawnee has had several opportunities to claim higher learning institutions.

St. Gregory’s was the first. Catholic monks came to the area from France and built Sacred Heart monastery near the tribal land of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. They then developed an industrial school, a school for girls, a convent, a farm and even a bakery. Then, a fire in 1901 caused extensive damage, and the decision was made to move north near the new town of Shawnee and was originally called the Catholic University of Oklahoma. Over the years, it was a high school and junior college for boys until 1965, when the high school closed and girls were admitted to the college. It has since closed, and the building was absorbed by the nearby Baptist university.

leaders petitioned for the state medical university. It would be part of the University of Oklahoma but away from the Norman campus. That two-year medical college eventually was set up in Oklahoma City.

St. Gregory’s University and Oklahoma Baptist University are only two of the many higher education institutions that have served or have been sought by Shawnee since its founding. —

Early city leaders recognized the need for a school of higher learning to help the community become a first class city. In 1905, they proposed what was to be called Shawnee College that would cost $72,000. Fifteen lots needed to be secured, and the location they looked at eventually became the site of Fairview Cemetery. Further plans failed to continue, although a business school by that name did exist for a couple of years.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce offered possible sites for the Christian Church’s college. There was even a parade to encourage those prospecting for the school’s home. Newspaper articles stated “Everyone … is putting forth every effort to win.” This college ended up becoming Phillips University in Enid.

Those two are not the only schools that flickered on the horizon in our early years. In 1909, it briefly appeared Shawnee might be the site of the state’s Agricultural and Mechanical college – yes, what is now Oklahoma State University. The state legislature appropriated funds to start the school, and Shawnee’s Chamber of Commerce discussed the prospect of campaigning for it. Stillwater was the eventual “winner.”

The next year, after failure to secure the A&M college, city

With the move of the Catholic college, Shawnee campaigned to have the state’s Baptist leaders build their college here as well. Proposals, ideas and sites changed several times, but thanks to financial help from local leaders and property offered, the school that was designated Oklahoma Baptist University made its appearance in 1911 with the construction of what is now Shawnee Hall. Today, OBU has grown to become a major part of the Shawnee landscape. Shawnee has had several specialty colleges along the way, including Curtice Industrial School that was affiliated with the New State Business College (later also referred to as Curtice Business School) from 1905 for 40 years. Western Business College began in 1909 and existed for 10 years. Draughon’s Business College was in Shawnee from 1917 through 1922 until it changed hands and became Cheathams College of Commerce. A newspaper article mentions that the school had 50 students, some even coming from out of state. It was located at 21 1/2 W. Main.

Neff’s Business College was the most recent business school and had a small campus on the corner 10th & Bell Streets from the late 1930s for about 20 years. Neff’s was large enough – especially after the war when former servicemen could use their VA benefits – that it even had an athletic department and fielded a basketball team.

Most surprising of all Shawnee’s efforts at having or attempting to acquire places of higher learning was in the 1950s. The town was on the official list of sites considered for the U.S. Air Force Academy. A handful of communities in each state were on the list when it was agreed in 1948 that the school was needed. Shawnee was only briefly considered mainly because of not enough “clear” land (too many trees and creeks), but for a while it was newsworthy to be one of 582 possibilities.

Shawnee has shown determination since the town’s beginning to see that higher education was available to its citizens.

Photo submitted

WARNING SIGNS

Recognizing, Understanding Some Of The Effects Of Domestic Abuse

BY REGAN GREEN WITH KATIE MCQUAY

Gateway 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% of women and 40% 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, you can find contact information for Project: SAFE the end of this article 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 (often violent) physical contact – is probably what readers are most familiar with. However, the following are also forms of abuse, each 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/choices, limiting his or her personal decisions

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

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

• Emotional instability/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/alcohol, themselves, etc.

• Isolating themselves from others: Not being allowed to – or uncharacteristically choosing not to – go out,

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spend time with friends/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/schoolwork, attending work/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 Shawnee office at (405) 273-9953 or visit them at 313 N. Union Ave. in Shawnee. They also provide services at their Chandler office available by calling (405) 328-6200 or visiting them at 724 Manvel Ave. in Chandler.

To stay in the loop on upcoming events and schedule changes, you can follow them on Facebook at facebook. com/ProjectSafe or 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 was a writing intern for Gateway to Prevention and Recovery in 2023. She is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a major in English and a minor in Professional Writing and Editing.

March 21: The Third Thursday Poetry Reading will begin at 7 p.m. at the Lunch Box at 217 E. Main St. featuring Maria Veres, who has authored four books of poetry and a children's book. Her delightful collection, "Church People," was a finalist for the 2017 Oklahoma Book Award for Poetry. She has been a featured reader at venues throughout the state. Her reading will be followed by an open mic session for attendees to read up to two poems of their own or from a favorite poet. The Lunch Box will open at 6 p.m. with desserts and drinks available.

March 26: The Pioneer Library System Foundation welcomes back the Mad Hatter and all his magic and madness to the 2nd Annual Enter Into Our Wonderland: Mad Hatter Tea Party at 6:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Wedding Venue at 33001 Lake Road. Proceeds benefit transformational library programming and services in the Pioneer Library System's Pottawatomie County branches, including early childhood literacy, STEAM, health, wellness, arts, cultural experiences and much more. Information: (405) 801-4531 or (405) 4818425

March 28: Gordon Cooper Technology Center and First United Bank's 40East Women's Leadership Luncheon will feature Melissa Perrin, chief culture officer at First United Bank. The event is open to all women. Information: eventbrite.com/e/40east-womens-leadership-luncheontickets-817389111837

April 3: Grab tickets for the annual Kiwanis Pancake Feed serving up good times as a heartwarming gathering that fosters fellowship within our community and plays a vital role in supporting the children of our community. Information: shawneeokkiwanis.org

April 6-28: The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will host

its annual High School Juried Art Show featuring young Oklahoma artists displaying their talents with the chance to win recognition and prizes for their creations. Information: mgmoa.org

April 6: Bring the kiddos to Touch-A-Truck and Beyond from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Raymond Peltier Park at 1702 S. Gordon Cooper to get a chance to get up close to some of their favorite big vehicles, ask questions, visit booths and learn all about emergency preparedness in this free familyfriendly event presented by the Pottawatomie County & Citizen Potawatomi Nations' emergency management teams. Information: facebook.com/PottCoOEM

April 7: 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

April 8: Grab your special glasses and enjoy the total solar eclipse happening in a sky near you around 1:44 p.m. and ending around 1:51 p.m.

April 12: Shawnee Little Theatre will present a new take on a favorite classic with its production of The Addams Family: A New Musical, featuring the familiar kooky adventures of the spookiest family around. Information: shawneelittletheatre. org

April 13: Junior Service League of Shawnee's annual Ragin' Cajun will boil over with live music, great food, raffle items, photo booth and more. All proceeds go toward grants that benefit and support the Shawnee community. Information: jslshawnee.org/ragincajun

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