Shawnee Outlook

EAT WHAT YOU HAVE

When storms raged through Shawnee on April 19 — leaving many without power for days — I felt their pain as we had our own freezer fiasco earlier in the month that ruined all our meal plans for the month. At times like these, we are grateful for community, family, and, at times, rescue organizations, that step in to fill the gap when the budget can't cover our recovery. Meanwhile, here are some ways to make frugal choices in the aftermath of unexpected food loss:

• Buy a freezer lock. This won't solve a power outage, but in my situation it was fairly simple to invest in a “child-safety” latch for my freezer door to ensure it won’t pop open again, which would have saved our food.

• Keep ice packs handy. These can serve as filler in your freezer — and a full freezer is both more efficient to run and allows more time for the power to be out without having to panic.

• Take inventory. A number of generous friends supplied us with leftovers from their own freezers, so it’s been important as I plan meals to take stock of what we have now as well as what we still had in our pantry and to work with what we have. This means looking on Pinterest or AllRecipes.com to gather ideas for ham steak or other items I don’t typically find in my freezer but am so grateful to have now.

• Clear out excess. While a full freezer is energy efficient, digging through old food isn't time efficient. Clean out your food storage regularly so you’re not losing your fresh food to the clutter.

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.

GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

My family and I have been getting into gardening this year. We haven’t really ever taken the time to learn details about growing a fruit and vegetable garden or had the time to put towards it.

Now that our boys aren’t babies anymore, we thought we would give it a try. We are starting our garden in tubs and not in the ground. We were given multiple good reasons to start the garden in tubs versus the ground. When the Oklahoma heat starts killing all the vegetables, you can move your tubs into shade. You can also move your tubs under shelter if there has been flooding rain that starts washing your produce away.

Some people don’t have a big area to plant a garden, and planting your garden in tubs doesn’t require a lot of space. The tubs also make it to where you don’t need a tiller, and you don’t have to pull weeds. I think out of all the reasons, the last reason is my favorite. When researching what to plant where, I found that there are some plants that grow better by each other and some that shouldn’t be planted by each other. A few “companion plants'' that I read about from the book, “Vegetable Container Gardening Guide for Beginners,” suggested carrots by tomatoes; dill by tomatoes; mint by lettuce; onions by carrots; onions by tomatoes; and corn by cucumbers or melons. The book suggested keeping onions away from beans and corn away from tomatoes.

Now to start harvesting. Enjoy the hummus recipe below with all your fresh vegetables.

Homemade Classic Hummus

Ingredients:

2 cans garbanzo beans, drained with liquid reserved

¼ cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic

2 Tbsp tahini

1 lemon juiced with seeds removed

Ground black pepper and salt to taste

Directions: Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add in reserved liquid as the mixture is blending, 2 Tbsp at a time. Add in enough reserved liquid until you get the consistency desired. Transfer to a bowl and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Makes: 16 servings

Nutritional Information per serving:

Calories: 130 Total Fat: 5g Saturated Fat: 0.5g

Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 225mg Protein: 4g

Carbohydrates: 17g Fiber: 3g

Nutrition 101: Hummus can be a great way to help get in your vegetables. Cucumbers, sugar snap peas, broccoli and carrots are my favorite to dip in hummus. Using vegetables that have a crunch helps with snack time.With so many variations of hummus out there, if you first don’t care for it, don’t give up. You can make hummus spicy or have more garlic or use artichokes like I have shown in the past. Either way, you will be getting a good mixture of fiber, protein and healthy fats all in one dip.

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 the Facebook page, Nutrition and Exercise 101 with Andrea.

Angela Rowland

LOVING SUMMER

Library Offers Events To Educate, Entertain All Ages This Summer

BY DAVID DINSMORE

Shawnee Public Library will feature a full stack of summer fun events to keep people of all ages entertained and flourishing throughout the summer this year.

Pioneer Library System will bring back its annual Summer Learning Challenge with a kickoff event from 4-6 p.m. on June 1 at Boy Scout Park at the intersection of Main and Pesotum streets.

The event will feature crafts, activities, entertainment, face painting and more, according to a press release from the Pioneer Library System. To add to the fun, Pioneer Library System’s Mobile Maker Lab will be on site as well as the Snow Shak truck offering free snow cones. Library staff will be on hand to assist with signing up all ages for the Summer Learning Challenge.

Pioneer Library System’s goal for the Summer Learning Challenge, or SLC, is to engage its communities in meaningful learning experiences throughout the summer and to prevent learning loss, the press release stated. Educational opportunities like SLC help students stay on track for their return to school.

SLC will run from May 1 through August 15. Participants will earn points by logging reading time and learning activities. Participants complete the challenge when they earn 1,000 points.

Children and teens will receive incentive prizes, including a

The Shawnee Public Library and other area branches will host a huge variety of events to keep community members of all ages entertained and growing throughout the summer, including its Summer Learning Challenge kickoff event at 4 p.m. on June 1 at Boy Scout Park at the intersection of Main and Pesotum streets. — Photos submitted

free book at 500 and 1,000 points.

All ages will be entered into the grand prize drawing for each 1,000 points earned.

Upon reaching the community goal of 11 million points, the Pioneer Library System Foundation will donate free books to children through WIC programs in the PLS service area.

“Every summer we look to beat our previous year's reading and activity goal to challenge our communities and give books away to those in need” incoming branch manager Courtney Gerow said. “We hope to see you at the library and invite you to participate in the Summer Learning Challenge."

PLS cardholders can sign up and participate at pioneer. beanstack.org or through the PLS Connect app. For customers with connectivity barriers or young children that want something tactile, we will continue to provide a paper log.

There will be several age-based learning tracks comprised of learning-based activities that align with PLS Signature Services: early literacy and school readiness, STEAM, upward mobility, health and community conversations. Customers can complete an unlimited number of activities within each track. Age categories are early childhood (ages 0-5), children (ages 6-11), teens (ages 12-17) and adults (18+).

The SLC is only one of the options the library is offering this summer to keep the community active, engaged and growing. The Pottawatomie County Pioneer Library System branches – McLoud, Shawnee and Tecumseh – will offer touring programs for all ages, as well as branch and outreach programs throughout the summer.

For instance, weekly events like the virtual Healthy Brain, Healthy Mind: Meditation event at 2 p.m. on most Mondays will help adults discover new activities to improve their brains’ health while events like STEAM Kids at 4:30 p.m. on May 18 will help kids ages 8-11 discover the elements of science, technology, engineering, art and math through hands-on activities and exploration that boost their problem-solving

and teamwork skills.

Music Connection at 10 a.m. on May 18 will focus on kids ages 3-7 will present an interactive music and story program for children ages 3 to 7 and their caregivers that includes singing, playing instruments, listening, moving to music and more. Engaging with music is a fun way to build and strengthen early literacy skills, helping kids succeed in learning and in life.

Kids ages 8-11 can also swing by the

next week at 4:30 p.m. on May 25 for Build

It! Lego Brick where they can unleash their creativity by brainstorming, designing and building in this program with fun, realworld design challenges using Legos.

Things get wild as the Extreme Animals stalk into the library at 10 a.m. on June 7 as kids can meet and learn about a variety of exotic and domestic animals and adults can practice Yoga with Alpacas at 6 p.m. on June 7 and 5:30 p.m. on June 8.

The library will also feature concerts, book discussions, author talks, painting lessons, crafting workshops, dance classes and much more throughout the summer.

Check out pioneer.libnet.info/events and select the Shawnee branch under the “locations” drop down menu to see a list or calendar of events happening this summer. There are also filters for virtual events and the branches in Tecumseh and McLoud for more chances to have fun while learning.

"We're excited to offer a full schedule of summer events for children, teens and adults,” Gerow said. “Whether it's Yoga with Alpacas, Extreme Animals or hip-hop dance classes, the library has an event for everyone.” S

405-335-4787

425

Realize Dreams

Waseem Ahmed, Owner of Kebabish Bites

INTERCONNECTED

Mabee-Gerrer To Feature Concert Series, Exhibits, Art Events During Summer Programs

BY DAVID DINSMORE

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will heat things up with its offerings of summer programs for the community, including a new concert series happening in its courtyard during the month of June.

Thresa Swadley first discussed the idea for the concert with officials at the museum to take advantage of the prime setting at the Mabee-Gerrer located at 1900 W. MacArthur on the OBU Green Campus, formerly St. Gregory’s University.

“Shawnee has an overwhelming amount of musical talent, and it has been a dream of mine to provide informal summer concerts for several years,” Swadley said. “I could not think of a better venue for these concerts than the Mabee-Gerrer Museum where attendees could experience both musical art and visual art.”

In addition to giving attendees the chance to interact more with the performers in a more informal setting than a traditional concert, Swadley said, it also gives them a chance to experience the collection and exhibits the museum features who may otherwise not do so.

The 45-minute concerts will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday nights. The lineup will comprise Sine Nomine Choral Society on June 1; Melissa Kamm and the Silver Lining Arts Academy on June 8; Mitch Wolf on June 15; Celtic violinist Shanda McDonald and friends on June 22; and Trio Antiqua on June 29.

Concerts will be free and weather permitting, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and snacks or dinner, Swadley said. All of the performers are

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will feature a variety of summer activities and exhibitions to help bring together the community, including a concert series on Thursdays in its courtyard during the month of June and free admission in June, July and August.

— Photos submitted

volunteering their time and talent for this project.

“We love the opportunity to showcase all of the various arts,” said Delaynna Trim, curator of collections at Mabee-Gerrer. “There’s a wide variety of mediums and types, and we really like to encourage people to realize that they’re all interconnected and interwoven. We want the museum to be a hub for all of the various forms of the arts.”

The museum has hosted musical performances in the galleries in the past, but Trim said being able to utilize the great courtyard visitors walk through as they enter the museum will help highlight this feature.

The concert series accomplishes the goal of bringing people in the community together that the museum set as part of its summer offerings and programs, Trim said. After a few years of COVID-19 related limitations and in light of the devastation from the April 19 storms, they really want to provide a place and events that will give people in the community the chance to come together and enjoy the art offerings of Shawnee, Oklahoma and the world beyond.

Mabee-Gerrer will also bring back free admission during June, July and August again this year to help people in the community rediscover or see for the first time the breadth of its collections and exhibits.

The museum will continue featuring special exhibits starting with “Derald Swineford: Sculptor of the Plains” on display May 13-June 18. The exhibition will kick-off with a Meeting Needs Together Celebration in partnership with the Salvation Army, which will be a free event featuring trick roping, musical entertainment and refreshments along with a small silent auction benefiting both non-profits.. Trim said museum and Salvation Army officials planned to host this event prior to the April 19 storms, but now the timing seems even more appropriate.

The summer will also bring a wide variety of summer camps and classes for all ages to hone their own artistic creativity in addition to perusing the works of others from throughout history and around the world that the MabeeGerrer has in its collections.

Visit mgmoa.org or call (405) 878-5300 for schedules and information.

OKLAHOMA STANDARD Organizations, Volunteers, Community Show Resilience In The Face Of April 19 Storm Disaster

BY DAVID DINSMORE

Shawnee and surrounding communities were still sifting through the damage from storms that blew through the area on April 19, but despite the unknowns ahead, a familiar theme arose in the face of devastation for those familiar with the “Oklahoma Standard.”

The storm paths touched nearly every segment of the community in some way as they destroyed homes, businesses, schools, services, health care facilities and more. Officials reported no fatalities or major injuries, but the scope of the destruction was hard to grasp in the first days following the storms.

Preliminary damage reports from

1,869 total assessments performed by the American Red Cross within the first week after the April 19 storms indicated that at least 236 homes were either destroyed or suffered major damage.

Nearly the entire city spent at least the first few days after April 19 without power as utility services tried to get a handle on the extent of the damage to the grid. Within the first 36 hours, OG&E crews identified more than 600 broken power poles, 95 damaged transmission structures, cross arms and other equipment attached to poles.

Aerial shots of Shawnee High School broadcast on the news on the morning of

April 20 captured images of the school’s basketball gym completely exposed to the elements as the building housing it disappeared under the barrage of a tornado.

Oklahoma Baptist University officials sifted through the damage to all of its buildings as it came up with strategies about how to conduct the rest of the semester, which was set to resume with inperson learning on May 1 after getting the all-clear from contractors who inspected every space on the campus.

“While there was substantial damage to every building on Bison Hill, we are thankful for God's protection as no one was injured on campus,” a press release is-

Photos submitted

sued by OBU stated. “Employees, students, business partners and volunteers have assisted in amazing ways with cleanup. We are so grateful for each person who has given of their time and resources so freely.”

Many homes and businesses along nearly the entire stretch of Kickapoo Avenue and for blocks to the east and west experienced impacts that appeared varied and organized ranging from aesthetic problems to total losses.

Restoration estimates still remained uncertain for many of those affected even a week after the April 19 storms blew through Shawnee, but the “Oklahoma Standard” of encouraging people to provide acts of service, honor and kindness – a term coined in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Bombing 28 years earlier to the day – remained a constant in the first week following the April 19 storms.

Within the first week after the storms, the Red Cross estimated its 112 trained workers and volunteers served 1,174 total households with 2,791 relief items – including comfort kits and other supplies like tarps, shovels, gloves and plastic tubs

– distributed to people in need and 8,786 meals and snacks provided with the help of partners, Of the workers present, nine were trained to support health and mental health services and spiritual care needs in the shelters and throughout the community.

The Salvation Army reported its volunteers provided 6,530 meals along with more than 5,000 drinks, 8,750 snacks and 1,000 emotional and spiritual contacts during its first week of response. The organization began providing meals, snacks, drinks and emotional and spiritual care immediately following the tornadoes that occurred on April 19.

The Salvation Army had four mobile feeding units roaming damaged areas during the first week manned by Captains Patrick and Stacey Connelly as well as advisory board members along with those volunteers called in from out of town to help provide services to those affected by the destructive tornadoes.

“Amidst the challenges faced by the people of Shawnee, I am inspired by the boundless compassion and resilience that

they exhibit,” Patrick Connelly said. “I am also deeply grateful for the volunteers and the larger community who have come together to support and uplift those in need. Together, we can overcome any obstacles and build a stronger, more caring society."

The Salvation Army will continue to work closely with local emergency management as well as Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) partners to assess the needs of the impacted areas and determine other ways to assist those affected.

Meanwhile, more than 3,000 OG&E and other utility restoration personnel arrived in town to assess and repair the infrastructure needed to return power to the city, including stringing 48 miles of new power lines across the 600 replaced power poles to bring electricity to all identified structures able to receive power six and a half days after the storms came.

Community Renewal established a place in the gymnasium at the OBU Green Campus – formerly St. Gregory’s University – to receive, organize and distribute

donations of food, clothing, hygiene items, meals and more to anyone who arrived from more than 700 households within the first week. They also coordinated the efforts of more than 100 volunteers who showed up and signed a waiver to participate in relief efforts at the facility and to dispatch help to identified areas of need around the city.

“We’ve had folks come in and get their needs met and then come back and volunteer,” said Alex Greenwood, Community Renewal’s director of operations. “That’s a really great picture of the heart of a lot of the folks here. They want to take care of each other and take care of their community.

“That’s key to our hearts and our mission. It’s been wonderful to see people be good neighbors.”

Community Renewal executive director Brandon Dyer and his team has interacted with leaders from other disaster relief organizations like FEMA and the Red Cross – which also set up space to distribute needed supplies in the gym at the OBU Green Campus alongside Community Renewals efforts. He said that every one of them has expressed their admiration and astonishment at the speed, scale and effectiveness of the response from Shawnee’s people and organizations.

“People who work with this kind of thing all the time said most places aren’t

like this after a disaster,” Dyer said. “I think that says a lot about this city and its people.”

The Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief organization set up at Immanuel Baptist Church to provide a centralized area from which to send its trained volunteers to assist with recovery efforts, and the bus barn on the church’s campus converted into a kitchen to help provide meal service.

FEMA met with local officials to find places to establish multiple centers throughout the city to help homeowners and renters receive assistance, and the U.S. Small Business Administration opened a resource center at the Shawnee Forward offices at 231 N. Bell to help businesses secure disaster loans if insurance and other funding avenues are not adequate.

Many individual stories gained traction on social media and within the community about the outpouring of support and care the community received in the first few days after the storms. For instance, Shawnee High School principal Matt Johnson received a message from his counterpart at Shawnee High School in New Jersey –who is also named Matt Johnson – stating his students were ready to send whatever items and aid needed after they saw images of the severely damaged campus the morning after the storms.

Churches, civic organizations and other organizations received and distributed needed supplies in the first few days before

partnering with other coordinated efforts. In events like this, accounting for all of the ways that individuals and groups help their neighbors get through it becomes an insurmountable task, but the cumulative impact is felt by an entire community as evidence that rebuilding and recovery has already begun.

As recovery continues in the months ahead, there are still many ways people can continue providing and receiving assistance. Listed below are some resources though not a complete or comprehensive list of way to give and receive assistance:

• American Red Cross: People who need help during a disaster can call 1-800-RED CROSS 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

• Community Renewal: communityrenewal.org

• United Way of Pottawatomie County: unitedwaypottco.org/disaster-relief

• Salvation Army: give.helpsalvationarmy.org/give/166081/#!/donation/ checkout

• Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief: okdisasterhelp.org

• FEMA: disasterassistance.gov

• SBA: disasterloanassistance.sba.gov

• OBU Tornado Relief Fund: okbu.edu/ giving/tornado-relief-fund.html

city

SHAWNEE STRONG

City Issues Disaster Recovery Resource Information

Given the nature and scale of the devastation of the April 19 storms, Shawnee Outlook is donating this space to the City of Shawnee to provide information about storm remediation resources.

Fellow Residents and Business Owners of Shawnee: We are most grateful for the fact that there was no loss of life or limb as we were affected by the April 19, 2023 tornado that tore through Pottawatomie County and the western half of the City of Shawnee. Having received the local and state emergency declarations, as well as federal disaster declaration, some of the following resources may be of help for the long road of recovery ahead of us:

Disaster Recovery for Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center have opened an SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) at Shawnee Forward, 231 N Bell Ave, Shawnee. For those impacted by the April 19 storm, the BRC is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays to help small business owners re-establish their operations, overcome the effects of the disaster and plan for their future. Business owners unable to visit the BRC may apply online at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov.

For businesses and most private nonprofit organizations, SBA offers Business Physical Disaster Loans up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. These loans cover losses that are not fully covered by insurance or other recoveries.

Also available are Economic Injury Disaster Loans up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

Disaster Recovery for Residents

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at South Central Industries, 130 N Louisa, Shawnee. For those impacted by the April 19 storm, the DRC is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and on weekends as needed to help with temporary housing expenses, basic home repairs or other essential disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance. Residents unable to visit the DRC may apply online at disasterassistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also has low-

interest disaster loans for homeowners and renters.

Homeowners may apply for up to $200,000 to replace or repair their primary residence. In some cases, SBA can refinance all or part of a previous mortgage when the applicant does not have credit available elsewhere and has suffered substantial disaster damage not covered by insurance.

Renters and homeowners may borrow up to $40,000 to replace or repair personal property - such as clothing, furniture, cars and appliances - damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

Assistance with Insurance

The Oklahoma Insurance Department is available to help with any insurance issues. A unit has been deployed to Shawnee to help with claims. Call (800) 522-0071 or visit oid. ok.gov/after for assistance.

Assistance with Legal Matters

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma is available to assist with legal concerns including landlord/tenant issues, domestic violence issues, contractor issues, etc. Call (888) 6028494 or visit oklahomadisasterlegalhelp.org.

Emergency Price Stabilization Act in Effect

Oklahoma’s Emergency Price Stabilization Act prohibits a price increase of more than 10 percent for goods or services after a declared emergency. The Act allows the Attorney General (AG) to pursue charges against individuals or businesses that engage in price gouging. To report a complaint, call the AG’s Consumer Protection Unit at (833) 681-1895.

Mental Health Care

Crisis Care Ministries reminds disaster survivors to reach out for assistance to the mental health crisis line at 988.

State of Oklahoma Resource List

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management has compiled a list of disaster recovery resources for citizens. Please check oklahoma.gov/oem/programs-and-services/ individual-assistance.html.

Consider Supporting Emergency Assistance for Unmet Needs. Donate at unitedwaypottco.org/shawnee-recovery

For questions, please contact the City of Shawnee Public Information Officer Marcy Jarrett, at (405) 878-1601. S

JUMP START

House Of Hope Begins 2023 With New Community Outreach Event

SUBMITTED BY CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION

itizen Potawatomi Nation’s domestic violence program, House of Hope, filled the tribe’s north and south Reunion Halls on the powwow grounds with vendors and breakout sessions during its new Jump Start Day at the beginning of January.

HOH domestic violence prevention specialist Kayla Woody wanted to host a different kind of community outreach event and began thinking of ideas during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We (HOH staff) were all just sitting around a table, and I said, ‘I really want to try to put something together where we can pull in all of these different resources in one place so someone can come in and not have to go to multiple locations to get the things that they need,’” she said.

The day included 35 vendor tables as well as breakout sessions on smudging and some cultural knowledge, safety planning and more. Approximately 50 people attended throughout the day, and House of Hope had door prizes, free haircuts and other giveaways.

Woody has worked for HOH for more than three years and has learned that clients rarely face domestic violence as an isolated problem.

“We see addiction issues,” she said. “We see homelessness issues. We see health care issues.”

“So, it’s really important to be able to talk about all of those things and not just focus on one particular thing. And not only that, but we’re also not just providing information. We’re providing those really needed services like housing, like insurance, like food or clothing, or even just mental health services.”

Jump Start Day brought together resources from across Pottawatomie County to help community members face those problems, including the Shawnee Public Housing Authority, Project Safe, Shawnee Bridges and Worrel’s Haven sober living house for women and many more.

“Lots of different organizations – parenting organizations that help with mothers who are struggling because that’s another barrier from trying to leave an abusive relationship is children,” Woody said. “We’re so grateful for those organizations like Legacy Parenting (Center) and CTSA (Central Tribes of the Shawnee Area) childcare.”

Carey McCoy works as a graduate success coach at Shawnee Bridges as part of its Getting Ahead program. The organization helps participants overcome poverty and achieve their goals dur-

ing a 16-week financial education class. McCoy spent Jump Start Day talking about their life-changing resource. She previously attended the program and understands the participants’ struggles.

“I know the psychological effects that (poverty) has on a person and how it can lead to other maladaptive coping behaviors,” she said. “And whenever you get to the root of that problem, the psychological root of the problem, and validate someone and empower them and give them the skills and tools they need, then they can make a difference and totally change their life. And whenever you change one person’s life, the whole entire community benefits.”

Woody invited Halli Clymer from Dazzle Hair Salon in Shawnee to give free haircuts. Many people lack the money for the expensive service. Clymer gave 16 haircuts throughout the day and enjoyed helping attendees feel good about themselves.

“One girl ended up shaving her head because her mom had cancer, and she’s like, ‘I love it.’ So, I did it again,” Clymer said. “And then I did my first two haircuts. I’ve never done the viral TikTok butterfly haircut, where you do two ponytails. I was like, ‘Girls, let’s go for it.’ We did, and they loved it. And it was fun.”

Many of the vendors also appreciated the chance to network and expand their information about resources to offer their clients. Project Safe Outreach Coordinator Hannah MacLaren liked offering those in need knowledge about other programs after an event like Jump Start Day.

“And then also just being able to have other nonprofits in the community that can partner up with one another and just support each other because it’s not easy, and we’re all walking this hard road together,” MacLaren said. “So, I feel like being able to rally together and provide support is super important.”

Woody also organized small breakout sessions throughout the day to reach attendees in a different way. She invited CPN Workforce Development & Social Services’ re-entry and diversionary lead counselor Burt Patadal to lead two sessions about smudging, which Woody called “super beneficial.”

HOH domestic violence advocate Melody Yabarra also led a session on domestic violence safety planning.

“We get a lot of family members who call us and ask what they need to do when somebody is in an intimate partner relationship and there’s violence involved,” she said. “One of the best things that you can do as a concerned family member or a friend is reach out for resources. They did absolutely the best thing they could do

to find out what’s available. Like, how do they leave? How do they leave safely? Where do they go?”

Yabarra emphasized that each situation presents unique circumstances, and there are no one-size-fits-all answers or solutions. She feels Jump Start Day provides the educational opportunities needed to save lives. Yabarra also pointed out that domestic violence outreach and resources have grown and changed since Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act in 1994.

“Maybe about 20 years ago, there were no domestic violence programs,” Yabarra said. “There was nothing. So, a lot of people, they don’t know that there’s a way out and that you can get out safely and that you have support and that you have financial assistance to help you get back on your feet.”

Woody plans to turn Jump Start Day into an annual event to begin each new year with a positive impact. She believes pooling knowledge in one place and expanding the sessions to cover additional topics can help break cycles of abuse.

“The more that we can talk about domestic violence, what it looks like, the more that we can really connect it with other issues in the community like addiction, like mental health issues, like medical issues,” Woody said. “I think the more education we can put in a community, the better chance we have of really stopping the abuse before it starts.”

Visit CPN’s House of Hope online at cpnhouseofhope.com or call (405) 275-3176. Follow HOH on Facebook @cpnhouseofhope. S

BASEBALL TOWN

America’s Pastime Has Rich History In Shawnee

BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER

hawnee must have been playing baseball as soon as a field could be cleared.

First reports are mentioned as early as 1898 when a team called the Olympias sponsored by A.B. Carroll’s clothing store was the team to beat. Towns often sponsored a team, and in 1902, Shawnee’s had wins over the Oklahoma City Statehoods and Chandler before losing to Oklahoma City. Games were played in Oak Park, which later became Boy Scout Park.

The Shawnee Browns competed in the Southwestern League in 1906. Then the Shawnee Blues were part of the South Central Oklahoma Territory League with Tulsa, Guthrie, McAlester and Ft. Smith. One of their players later played professionally with the Washington Senators for 16 seasons.

For several years, businesses and unions sponsored teams before the Spanish flu pandemic and World War I took a toll. Finally in 1924, Shawnee joined the Oklahoma State League with Blackwell, Duncan, Pawhuska, Ponca City and others.

There were also local sandlot teams from businesses around town. Some games were played at Santa Fe Park that was southwest of the Santa Fe shops on Kickapoo Street. The “shops” also had teams from their various departments.

In 1929, the big time came to Shawnee when the Robins, a Class D affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, made their home. They played on Athletic Field, which became the site of the local ballpark for years to come.

Tough times all over the country did not skip Shawnee in the 1930s, but baseball did not leave. There were sandlot leagues with teams from Seminole, Ada, McAlester and Okmulgee, but travel was too expensive for more expanded leagues.

In 1937, Shawnee hosted the Cleveland Indians and New York Giants as Major League Baseball teams traveled around the county during spring training. Carl Hubbell, a native of Meeker, was part of the Giants. The following year, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox also came to Shawnee, featuring hometown boy, Cy Blanton, and Harrah-area brothers, Paul and Loyd Waner. Baseball all but disappeared during the World War II years. Shawnee’s Naval Air Station sailors participated in games with the area’s other military teams, but Shawnee didn’t have high school baseball while coaches and some players were doing their part

in the war. In fact, the field itself was often used for other events, such as rodeos. The bleachers were torn down to donate to the war effort.

When the boys came home, baseball was a way to bring back normalcy. The community got together and rebuilt the old stadium into a state-of-the-art park, renaming it Memorial Park in honor of those from the county who had been lost in the world wars. A monument was erected to list those names.

In 1952, the Hawks – a Class D minor league team of the Brooklyn Dodgers – arrived. The Hawks were a big hit the five years they were in Shawnee. Smaller fields constructed over town hosted numerous youthful baseball players.

Then Shawnee was the host of two national youth tournaments. From 1962 to 1967, Memorial Park was the home of the Colt League World Series. This league was the 15 and 16 year olds of Pony Baseball, and teams came from four districts around the country. The first year featured two home runs by Bobby Bonds of the Riverside, California team, who went on to play in the major leagues and whose son, Barry Bonds, holds the official MLB career and single season home run records.

The Sunbelt Classic was then held at Memorial Park featuring just-graduated players from various states. It was held in Shawnee, Tecumseh and at Oklahoma Baptist University parks from 1995 until 2002.

From 1965 to 1969, long-time professional MLB player, Allie Reynolds, held a baseball camp on the St. Gregory’s college campus.

Shawnee is a baseball town. It was proven again in 2017 when the Shawnee High School Wolves went 40-0 on the way to winning the 5A state championship, earning MaxPreps’ National Champions title and receiving Baseball America’s High School Team of the Year award among other accolades. In 2022, the long-standing Memorial Park was given a major overhaul with a covered seating area, new gate area, ticket booths, restrooms and concession area. To open the 2023 season, the team received a new video scoreboard in left field. A black metal fence now surrounds the park and signs featuring the history of the park set inside a picnic area.

Yes, Shawnee is a baseball town.

Athletic Park played host to the city’s first MLB-affiliated baseball team — the Shawnee Robins — starting in 1929, but records of citizens enjoying the game extend back before statehood. — Photo submitted

Gateway Employee’s Personal Journey Spotlights

Mental Health Awareness Month

BY KATIE MCQUAY WITH KELSEY DYE

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this issue is especially impactful for our state.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, one in four Oklahomans experiences a mental illness, giving Oklahoma the fifth highest mental illness rate in the US. More than half of Oklahomans with a mental illness don’t receive treatment.

One important way to respond to this mental health crisis is listening to those who have experienced it firsthand. With this in mind, we interviewed Gateway’s Kelsey Dye about her own mental health journey.

Could you summarize your mental health journey up to now?

In my adolescence, I started struggling with suicidal ideations and attempts. I entered inpatient treatment at 17, and I became a patient at Gateway because I was struggling with substance use. I became sober for a time but then started using again.

It turned out I’d been misdiagnosed with depression and anxiety when I actually have bipolar 1 disorder. Once I realized that, I was able to access the proper medication, tools and coping methods. Now I’ve had no episodes in two years, and I’ve been clean from substances for eight years.

Throughout your life, what may have negatively impacted your mental health?

The number one thing was childhood trauma. Throughout my life, I would let people in who reminded me of my abuser, which kept me from making progress.

Another major contributor was my substance use. I picked up substances to cope with my mental health, but eventually, they made it worse. I got stuck in a cycle: I was reliant on the substances to cope with my symptoms, but then they’d worsen them.

What barriers have you faced when trying to improve your mental health?

For a while, I just went to my primary care physician for help with my mental health. They didn’t do a full psychological evaluation, which led to my misdiagnosis.

Limited education about mental health was a barrier, too. I

didn’t realize that I needed to advocate for myself for my struggles to be understood and taken seriously.

One other barrier was finding a psychologist taking patients; they’re rare in Oklahoma.

What misconceptions or stigmas have impacted your mental health journey?

I’ve heard so many times before and after my diagnosis, “That person is so bipolar. They’re so crazy.” Bipolar people have to realize in the face of this stigma that you’re not crazy. Your brain just works differently.

When I tell people I’m bipolar, they say things like, “You don’t look bipolar.” Even before my diagnosis, when people found out about my suicide attempts or time in the psych ward, they would say, “You don’t seem like that kind of person.” It’s important to realize that people struggling with these problems often keep it to themselves. There’s not just one look or type of person linked to a diagnosis.

What advice would you give those whose loved ones are struggling with mental health?

Become educated in whatever they’re struggling with. Don’t belittle what they’re going through. Give support and let them know you’re there.

The best thing for me was people asking what I needed instead of guessing. Sometimes what other people think will help isn’t what actually will. Be direct and ask how you can support this person.

What advice would you give someone on their own mental

McQuay

Dye

health journey?

Get support, whatever that looks like – your therapist, a loved one, a support group. Know that you’re not alone.

I used to feel alone, like no one understood my experiences, but support groups helped because they’d been through these struggles too. Finding the support from others that works for you is what will help you cope.

If you don’t know anyone you can reach out to, reach out to local agencies that help with mental health or co-occurring disorders. They’ll link you to the right resources.

There’s no shame in getting help. If you’re in a mental health

crisis and need immediate help, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for assistance by dialing 988 or visiting 988oklahoma.com/home. Gateway to Prevention & Recovery proudly provides counseling for a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Visit gatewaytoprevention.org for more information. You can also visit findtreatment.gov for additional resources.

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.

Kelsey Dye is a case manager, peer recovery support specialist and behavioral health wellness coach for Gateway’s Chandler treatment office.

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In light of damage and disruption from the April 19 storms, some events may move to other dates or venues. Be sure to check information prior to attending.

May 11-12: The We Rise By Lifting Others: Women's Business Conference aims to help educate, empower, & inspire women on how to expand their small businesses with speakers, networking, meals and giveaways at the Lakeside Wedding Venue at 33001 Lake Road. Information:eventbrite. com/e/we-rise-by-lifting-others-womens-business-conference-registration-575275252767

May 13: Tom Petty tribute band, Insider, won’t back down from playing a show starting at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theatre at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzshawnee.com

May 13: Pioneer Library System and Shawnee Parks & Recreation are sponsoring Movies in the Park featuring Space Jam starting about 8 p.m. at Boy Scout Park at 1400 E. Main St. Information: facebook.com/ShawneePR

May 18: The Third Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes Rockford Johnson, formerly pastor at St. Paul's Methodist Church in Shawnee and now serves as senior pastor at McFarlin Memorial Methodist Church in Norman, whose poems tend to focus on the questions life throws at us and his encounters with people and nature After the 7 p.m. presentation, an open mic will be available for those attending to read their own or others' poetry. The Lunch Box will be open from 6 p.m. with drinks and desserts available.

May 19: The Arts @317 will host its own Block pARTy from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The featured artist will be Jeff Gullett, who makes many different things out of stained glass and will be doing demonstrations throughout the evening. His creations include vases, birds, ornaments, crosses, etc. Also on display will be the work of more than 50 other artists. Information: (405) 659-8193

May 19: Community Renewal in partnership with the City of Shawnee presents its monthly Rock the Block Party featuring Grammy-nominated artist John Fullbright along with free, family-friendly activities, food trucks, retail vendors, adult beverages and more from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. located at Bell Avenue and Main Street. Information: communityrenewal.org/events/downtown-block-party

May 20: A Dutch Oven Workshop will provide hands-on instruction from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. near Prague. Participants will learn differences in Dutch ovens and methods in controlling temperature with both coals and wood as they prepare an array of recipes to eat at the end of the day. Equipment, recipes, instructions and prizes provided, and registration deadline is May 15. Information: (405) 651-2324

June 2: Songwriter Night @ Music Unlimited will feature artist Shawna Russell 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

June 3: Tulsa-based artist Dax Perrier along with Trenton Fletcher will take the stage for a show at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theatre at 10 W. Main St. in Shawnee. Information: ritzshawnee.com

June 3-4: Anyone in the state can take to the lake without a fishing license during Free Fishing Days. Free paddlefish and some city permits may still be required in some places. Information: wildlifedepartment.com/fishing/regs

June 10: Corn Stock returns with its annual cornhole tournament and festival with registration at 10 a.m. and the tournament starting at noon in historic downtown Shawnee. The event helps raise money for the Shawnee Police Department’s Cops N Kids event in August, which helps build positive relationships between law enforcement and first responders and the communities they serve. Corn Stock features a cornhole tournament for all ages and abilities, food trucks, vendors, a family fun zone and more. Information: copsnkids-shawneeok.com/cornstock

June 10: Yo Selfie Factory in the Shawnee Mall is hosting its second annual Selfies with Princesses event 2-4 p.m. featuring Disney favorites Cinderella and Jasmine in the studio. In addition to 15-minute sessions with the princesses, the event will also feature activities and snacks available. Information: facebook.com/yoselfiefactory

June 10: Southern Oklahoma-based Noah Bowman Band will take the stage for a show at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theatre at 10 W. Main St. in Shawnee. Information: ritzshawnee.com

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