Shawnee Outlook

OCTOBER 2022

any

in nature.

David

Brad

Kelsey Walker Fawn Wilson-Olivarez

Andrea Beck David Dinsmore Brandon Dyer Ann McDonald Angela Rowland Carmen Wolf

The Shawnee Outlook

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CUTE COSTUMES WITHOUT THE SCARY PRICE

YOUR BRAIN & STRESS

Dr. Daniel Amen is a doctor who practices as a psychiatrist and brain disorder specialist as director of the Amen Clinics. He is also a co-author of “The Daniel Plan.”

I

t’s October, which means if you have little ones at home you may be scrambling for costumes. Here are some tips for lastminute planners.

• Rather than popular TV/movie characters that require elaborate plans, turn to books for in spiration. Book characters can sometimes be less complicated to re-create and could require merely a quick trip to Goodwill for the right colored pants and jacket, for example. Also, don’t be afraid to mix it up rather than sticking to tradi tional perceptions. Little Red Riding Hood could be mod ernized with a red hoodie, jeans, basket of goodies and a stuffed wolf.

• Use found items. Inflated balloons safetypinned to a T-shirt make a cute gumball ma chine. Tie hair around saved toilet paper rolls, add a robe and play as a grannie. If you start now, you could begin collecting supplies over the next few weeks.

• Rethink the clothing. Many costumes can be put together using secondhand clothing, but also consider what pieces can be reworn after Halloween even if bought new. Rather than a cheaply-made store costume, outfits put to gether using everyday clothing can live a lon ger, more useful life. I’ve found hooded PJs for my kids make both great costumes and paja mas they’re excited to keep wearing in the fu ture. Hoodies used for a costume remain on the hooks as jackets throughout the year. Simply add fun accessories and you’re done. The abil ity to reuse your costume pieces lowers their per-wear cost.

• Don’t underestimate face paint. Face painting kits can be fairly inexpensive (especially if you wait until after Halloween to stock up for next year) and can go a long way to adding interest and detail to any costume.

• If a premade costume is a must, be sure to check thrift stores for those, too.

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

6 www.shawneeoutlook.com keep the change

In his part of the book, he breaks down how stress literally kills the body. Stress is a normal part of everyday life, but it is chronic stress that is affecting some of us. He wrote that “brief surges of stress hormones are normal and beneficial. They motivate you to do a good job at work, study hard or pay your bills on time. Chronic stress harms the brain. It constricts blood flow, which lowers overall brain function and prematurely ages your brain.”

Your body responds to the way you think, feel and act. High blood pressure or a stomach ulcer might develop from your body trying to tell you something isn’t right with your stress hormones. Chronic stress weakens your body’s immune system, mak ing it easier to get sick.

Stress has also been implicated in heart disease, high blood pressure and even some cancers. Some of us add to the stress by trying to calm our nerves with food, alcohol or nicotine. You may even find it harder to control certain food cravings when under stress. Stress and the hormone cortisol are linked to increases in appetite and cravings for carbs and sweet treats. Next month, I will continue this topic to go through multiple suggestions on stress management. The slow cooker recipe below will provide you with a pretty stress-free meal.

Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

I have shared many slow cooker recipes over the years, and I just can't stop. Using your slow cooker is just too help ful, and there is just something about walking in the door to the amazing smell. This was one the whole family really enjoyed. It is a win for me when the meal also has all the food groups in one pot.

Ingredients:

8 bone-in chicken thighs

16oz baby red potatoes, halved

16oz fresh green beans, trimmed

2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves

For the sauce

½ cup liquid aminos ½ cup honey

¼ cup ketchup

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried basil

½ tsp dried oregano

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

¼ tsp ground black pepper

Directions: In a large bowl, combine liquid aminos, honey, ketchup, garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes and pepper. Place chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots and liq uid amino mixture in a crockpot. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Garnish with parsley once cooked.

Makes: 6 servings

Nutritional Information per serving: Calories: 380 Total Fat: 6g

Saturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 140mg Sodium: 1534mg

Carbohydrates: 43g Dietary Fiber: 3g Protein: 34g

Nutrition 101 Tip: I love using honey to add sweetness to a recipe. Honey gives you so much more nutrition than using cane sugar. When choosing a ketchup, try to choose one that is also not full of added cane sugar. Also, when choosing a honey, look for local honey so you can get the added benefits for allergies. Honey actually contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc and antioxidants. Honey can be used as an anti-inflammatory. You may have even used it often to help treat a cough or a sore throat. Next time you make that cup of hot tea, try a little honey in there for the added sweetness and the health benefits.

Andrea Beck, a registered dietitian and personal trainer, received her master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Central Oklahoma. She offers personal training through an online class and nutrition services through SSM Health St. Anthony in Shawnee. Contact her at Andrea.beck1@ssmhealth.

Angela Rowland

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CANDA L. WHITE

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Bus: 405-273-4644 natalie@nataliearnett.com

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MUSEUM TREASURES

Docents Bring The Stories Of The Art To Life

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

Museums are a fun place to walk around. There are many interesting things to look at, but often I have no idea what I’m looking at or why it’s important. I want something interesting, something that I will remember, something that catches my attention. That’s where docents come in.

Have you ever taken a tour at a museum where someone guided you around and told you the sto ries behind what you were looking at? That person is called a docent, and they can make a museum come alive.

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art has several docents who guide groups around the gallery and tell the “backstory” of the object you are looking at. There is one who is a treasure himself – Dick Trim. Dick took his first tour of the museum after his daughter, Delaynna Trim – MGMoA Curator of Collections – invited him. Trim had recently retired and was look ing for something to keep him busy.

around the gallery and pointed out what objects were in the paint ings. Well, he could see for himself what was in the painting, Trim wanted to know the how and why behind the piece of art.

How was it tied to everyday life? Why did the artist paint it? Why was the subject’s skin greenish? Why were there mummified cats? He wanted to put the art and artifacts in context so that it was easier to un derstand and relate to.

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

He set out to change that. He worked with Don na Merkt – director of education at that time – and they began gathering the information that would make the museum come alive. Donna created “cheat sheets” for each piece of art so that Dick and the other docents had something to reference when giving tours. The artwork in the gallery is very di verse and covers thousands of years and a good portion of the globe. To keep things organized, the tours were divided into five topics – Egypt, Middle Ages, African, Modern Art and Native American.

His first tour was pretty lackluster. The docent walked him

Dick set out to discover supporting materials that the docents

could use. Many times, kids and adults taking the tours would ask questions that the docents didn’t know, so Dick would do a deep dive into the subject to find the an swer. Then, the information was added to the docent information library kept at the front desk of the museum.

Dick is known for his Egyptian tour. He has collected various materials used in mummification from linen to natron to frankincense, which he passes around so visitors know what these materials look and feel like. Did you know that the tool the ancient Egyptians used to pull the brain out through the nose looks a lot like a Victorian button hook? He often shares these facts during these tours – while wearing an Egyptian hat.

The docents at the museum have an other tool at their disposal called Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), which is a method to help children and adults de scribe and interpret the art they are look ing at. It helps grow critical thinking skills. The method involves asking three ques tions, which is not difficult. The results are amazing, and the kids love it. It is one more way docents bring art to life.

Docents at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art like Dick Trim help broaden the information they use to provide context and fun into tours for visitors to get more out of their museum experience.

cess, and the docent library continues to grow. The docents meet every month at the museum to hone their skills and get to know each other. Tours are ongoing, and new questions are asked all the time. It’s an exciting process as the knowledge builds.

When you ask Dick about his favor ite parts of being a docent, he smiles and says, the younger kids when they ask great questions. Dick feels it’s important to catch people’s attention, and he does that by adding additional layers to what is seen visually.

Does this sound like fun? If you want to take a tour with one of the docents, you can call the museum at (405) 878-5300 for a schedule. If being a docent sounds like fun, the museum is always looking for new docents. All training and support is provided, and you don’t have to be an ex pert.

I would love to hear about your ex periences and what you learned on your museum tour. Be sure to share on social media.

Kids, do you want to make a paper mummy or color Tutu?

Digging up new and supporting information is an ongoing pro

These projects and more can be found at mgmoa.org/art-proj ects. Ask your parents for help. S

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Lacey McCrary, APRN

health OPEN ENROLLMENT

Agents Play Key Role In Picking The Right Plan For Medicare, Health Insurance Seekers

BY DAVID DINSMORE

Ryan Busler has worked as an agent with Navigating Medicare to help people find the right health insurance plan for their needs after he learned the value of a helping hand when enrolling in coverage after abruptly returning from working overseas as a missionary along with his wife Julie Busler, who also earned her agent license in September. — Photos submitted

As the holidays approach, many people begin filling their todo lists with shopping for gifts and groceries to celebrate with family.

Not as many put shopping for health insurance coverage on that list, and they could be missing something they didn’t know was there – even if they currently have a plan, as many vary in what benefits they offer from year to year.

“You can’t just say you had a good plan a year or two ago,” said Ryan Busler, regional manager with Navi gating Medicare. “All the plans are a little bit different, and they all cater

to something different in people’s life styles. It’s really something that you have to look at every year and find a plan that meets that need.”

From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, those eligible for Medicare coverage can find health insurance coverage that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. For those younger than 65 and not on disability for more than two years, the chance to enroll in coverage via the Patient Pro tection and Affordable Care Act mar ketplace begins Nov. 1 and continues through Jan. 15, 2023, according to HealthCare.gov.

With open enrollment running

for the next few months, Busler and his colleagues will be hosting classes, leading sessions and meeting with res idents to help them understand their options.

Even though these enrollment pe riods are open to all within each cat egory, the actual process of sifting through all the different options and criteria reveals to many who apply the importance of the role of agents like Busler. At no cost to the applicant, trained agents can help identify and organize the key information that will help reveal the best plan for each situ ation.

“Most people are shocked that coverage is more afford able and more accessible than they thought it would be,” Busler said.

This year in particular will be interesting as it has the potential to see market disruptions resulting from some companies increasing their efforts to make their health in surance plans more competitive, Busler said. This will make it crucial even for those who already have a plan to examine some of the potential changes coming in 2023 to make sure it still matches their lifestyle.

Some of the changes companies are making have sur prised Busler. For example, nearly every plan will include a flexible spending element that can help subscribers cover things like dental or vision that may not be part of their medical health insurance. Some plans even include perks like pest control, pet services or house cleaning on top of the standard benefits.

“The companies are doing everything they can to be competitive and meet needs that seniors have,” said Busler, who has worked as an agent for four years.

Busler first saw the need for this kind of work when he came back from serving as a missionary overseas with his family and needed to line up medical treatment not long after arriving.

“We found ourselves on the other side of the desk with no coverage,” Busler said. “We figured out how stressful it was to wake up one day and not have health insurance.”

When they sat down with an agent to discuss their op tions, he said they experienced the relief that came with knowing they had something that allowed them to take their kids to the doctor if they’re sick or hurt. The agent helped them find choices that worked for their situation, and Busler realized the impact that kind of service could

have on people.

“It’s really great to be able to meet that need for people, calm their nerves and walk them through it,” Busler said. “There’s a huge relief in knowing that you’ve taken care of the thing that seemed so difficult. I remember going through that.”

So does his wife Julie Busler, who earned her license to work as an agent in September after seeing the difference the work can make.

“The insurance world can be kind of scary or confus ing if you don’t know what you’re doing,” said Julie Busler, who recently published the book, “Joyful Sorrow,” and also works as a speaker discussing topics surrounding mental health treatment and faith. “I have watched Ryan help peo ple, and it’s really changed their life when they’ve been able to save money and get coverage. I’m excited to be able to work with him in that.”

Busler’s experience of having to enroll in health insur ance when circumstances were not ideal helps him relate to the people with whom he meets. For many, seeking health

With open enrollment running for the next few months, Ryan Busler and his colleagues will be hosting classes, leading sessions and meeting with residents to help them understand their options.

insurance coverage weighs on them like a burden and can feel overwhelming when trying to figure out what they need. Having someone who lives and works in Shawnee can make a difference in understanding their needs.

“Many people don’t realize this, but if they are on a Medi care plan, they have an agent somewhere getting paid a com mission to service their needs and answer their questions,” Busler said. “Most of the people I talk to don’t know they have an agent somewhere.

“I really advocate for having that local touch. Having someone you can sit with face to face or have their number and text them when you have a problem.”

For instance, he’ll speak with folks already enrolled who just bought hearing aids out of pocket because they did not know their current plan paid for them, Busler said. It’s rare that he meets anyone coming to him who is utilizing all as pects of their current plan, and most certainly do not track the changes in their plans from year to year.

As an example, those seeking Medicare supplements to cover some expenses that their primary plan doesn’t often don’t realize that in Oklahoma it is possible to lock in the rate they first pay for the rest of their lives, Busler said. Rates may change as a result of inflation but will not increase with age, so this means that those considering adding a supple ment would benefit from doing so sooner rather than later over the long term.

With a background in engineering and education, Busler

said he likes helping take the pieces of the puzzle that people bring him and put together a list of options that fit their cri teria. The mechanics of the process can seem daunting, and that’s why Busler and the Navigating Medicare team undergo continuous and thorough training on a wide range of plans and options.

Though these enrollment periods do open once a year, there are special circumstances that allow for families and individuals to apply for health insurance coverage through out the year, according to HealthCare.gov. Medicare eligible residents can choose their coverage that will start the first day of the month in which they turn 65 years old, and those eligible for Affordable Care Act coverage can seek a plan due to a life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby.

Yet, this time of year will be most people’s opportunity to add or change their coverage, Busler said, and from the information agents like him have received leading up to the enrollment period, people may be surprised what they can find if they take another look at their options.

“It’s confusing that it would seem that insurance is be coming less expensive than it was last year or that it has extra options, but that’s what we’re seeing,” Busler said. “We have a seminar lined up every day from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 to help get people some of this information.”

For more information, visit NavigatingMedicare.com, call (405) 256-3342 or email Ryan@NavigatingMedicare.com.

A ‘GOOD’ START

Avedis Views 10th Anniversary As Starting Point For Long-Term Goals

BY DAVID DINSMORE

"W

e’re Here For Good.”

That’s Avedis Foundation’s signa ture statement, and it fits with the orga nization’s vision to “measurably improve the health, wellness and quality of life for the people of Pottawatomie County and its surrounding communities” through strategic investments and partnerships.

As Avedis celebrates its 10th anniver sary this month, evidence of this mission stands out in apparent ways. Signs stand along sidewalk projects on Bryan and Independence streets and the walking trail at Shawnee Middle School. Plaques adorn the rejuvenation suite designed to give health care workers a place to

refresh during the height of the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The fru ition of the foundation’s work even liter ally immerses those cooling off during hot summer days at Shawnee Splash.

Other evidence may not be as obvi ous. Partnerships and support that helped establish organizations like Community Renewal, Community Market and Blue Zones Project of Pottawatomie County –soon to be rebranded and fall under the direct umbrella of Avedis – may not have clearly marked signs, but the work done by these organizations impacts the region in very real ways.

Beyond the positive steps facilitated by the Avedis – which means “bearer of glad

tidings or good news” – in the last 10 years, the phrase “We’re Here For Good” also holds a promise.

“Avedis has done an incredible job getting established, initiating programs, making investments, supporting our nonprofit organizations, supporting our municipalities and schools,” said Kathy Laster, Ph.D. and Avedis president and CEO. “We’ve met the expectations we had for ourselves 10 years ago when we start ed, but there is still so much more to do. There is still so much need in our com munity, and we will continue working to fill that need.”

The beginning of the Avedis era began with the end of the Unity Health Center.

The Avedis Foundation board of directors has worked to identify, fund and facilitate projects focused on the long-term goal of improving well-being and health in Shawnee for future generations. — Photo by Chris Rettman Photography

Scan to view "The Avedis

In 2012, the Unity board – after reviewing the data about the future of rural health systems – made the decision to sell the fa cility and its holdings to what was the St. Anthony Network at the time. It brought together the hospital and private medi cal practices into the organization that is now SSM Health to help improve access to medical resources for residents of Pot tawatomie County and its neighbors par

Having its roots in health care, Avedis Foundation worked to provide one of the nation's few rejuvenation suites at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee during the height of the COVID-19 public health crisis to give workers a place to decompress during shifts. — Photo submitted

ticularly to the east that cannot easily get to Oklahoma City regularly for care.

In turn, the profits from that sale led to the establishment of the $100 million Ave dis Foundation, making it one of Oklaho ma’s largest private foundations aimed at addressing community needs throughout Pottawatomie County through grantmak ing and targeted giving.

Leaders of early Avedis efforts began extensively examining the needs in the community and what needed address ing to create lasting positive change, and found opportunities to prioritize strategic investments in the fundamental areas of education, health and wellness, nonprofit infrastructure and community growth and development.

To date, the foundation has granted more than $55 million dollars without undermining its base funding during the last 10 years to address and develop solu tions in these areas of concern, according to data made available by Avedis.

For the size of its resources, Avedis serves a relatively small geographic area, Laster said, which means it can have an even greater impact on the quality of life for locals, averaging about $5 million per year of funding for crucial commu nity projects targeting their top areas of concern.

Another key to ensure Avedis is provid ing as much funding as it can is to maintain a “lean” staff size who have to each take on a variety of tasks and roles that may fall to multiple people in similarly sized organi zations, Laster said. Though this can put pressure on her team to accomplish their goals, it also aligns with the overall vision to do the most good with what they have.

“I feel very honored, and it's truly a privilege to work within the Avedis Foun dation and get to do this kind of work in our community,” Laster said. “It’s still sur real to me that I get to do this job.”

Some of that work came from fund ing collaborative partnerships with area

nonprofits, education systems, commu nity organizations, city and county gov ernment, key stakeholders,or additional funders with the goal of working together to address complex community issues, Laster said. Rather than competing for re sources, local leaders have seen the benefit of sharing and supplementing what each other is doing to help provide the best ser vice for residents and the community.

“By being local, we are able to see the impact of our dollars,” Laster said. “We get to live here, we get to see the services being provided, we get to see the impact. That is validating to know where and how we should invest our resources.”

Nonprofits in particular serve a vital role in making a difference in the lives of residents facing the biggest challenges in areas like health and education. The Ave dis Foundation launched its Nonprofit Leadership Institute to aid those working with local nonprofits achieve quality ser vice delivery and full capacity and serve as a driver for positive social change, eco nomic development and quality of life for children and families.

Additionally, Avedis Foundation ac cepts grant requests from eligible non profit 501(c)(3) organizations and other non-taxable entities in Pottawatomie County and surrounding communities to invest in positive change.

Outside of funding and supporting organizational efforts and improving the impact of local nonprofits, Avedis has worked with local municipalities to create positive changes in the “built en vironment” that residents can use, Laster said. These types of projects provide the physical evidence of its goals to do good.

Some of the higher profile projects in clude helping provide funding for the im provements and refurbishments that led to Shawnee Splash. Others include previ ous, current and future sidewalk projects that not only provide recreational and fit ness benefits but also can help improve community connection by creating more links among different areas of Shawnee.

In September, work got fully under way to construct a new amphitheater and walking trail in Woodland Veterans Me

morial Park near Shawnee Splash with a projected finish date in summer 2023.

A goal in the near future is working with the City of Shawnee to design and implement a system that allows for safe bicycling around town like many other cities have put in place, Laster said. This trend continues to grow across the nation and provides opportunities for fitness as well as transportation for residents.

“We want to create physical environ ments that give people options to get out side and move and enjoy themselves with their friends and family,” Laster said. “We want to make communities that make our children want to stay here when they grow up.”

Health initiatives in particular stood as top priorities for the Avedis Founda tion given its roots in health care, and factoring in mental health elements that come from a strongly developed sense of community and education can impact these overall goals of well-being. Yet, ear ly Avedis leaders understood they would have to measure progress in generational

increments, said Laster, who credits the first Avedis CEO Michelle Briggs with giving the foundation a firm footing. As a result, the organization is continuing to look at the changes they can help facilitate today that will help future generations of Shawnee residents improve the quality of life here for the next.

“When we started the foundation, we truly were here to do good,” said Laster, who sat on the board at Unity in 2012 that became the first board of Avedis

with business, medical and civic leaders in Shawnee. “That theme is what we hold onto as we make decisions as we go for ward. We want to make sure that every thing we’re doing is for the good of our communities, and we want to make sure we are making wise investments and are taking care of our resources to make sure that we’re here 100 years from now.”

For more information, visit Avedis Foundation.org or scan the QR code in this article.

ADOP T -A- P ARK

ADOP T -A- P ARK

ADOP T -A- P ARK

When our green spaces thrive, so can we.

When our green spaces thrive, so can we.

When our green spaces thrive, so can we.

Looking for a great way to get outdoors and give back this fall?

Looking for a great way to get outdoors and give back this fall?

Looking for a great way to get outdoors and give back this fall?

Sign up for the Adopt-A-Park Initiative with Blue Zones Project Pottawatomie County and the City of Shawnee. This three-month program will help you design and host impactful volunteer projects to transform a park in our city and contribute to better community wellbeing. All groups and individuals welcome.

Sign up for the Adopt-A-Park Initiative with Blue Zones Project Pottawatomie County and the City of Shawnee. This three-month program will help you design and host impactful volunteer projects to transform a park in our city and contribute to better community wellbeing. All groups and individuals welcome.

Sign up for the Adopt-A-Park Initiative with Blue Zones Project Pottawatomie County and the City of Shawnee. This three-month program will help you design and host impactful volunteer projects to transform a park in our city and contribute to better community wellbeing. All groups and individuals welcome.

LEARN MORE

pc.bluezonesproject.com/adopt-a-park-shawnee

LEARN MORE

pc.bluezonesproject.com/adopt-a-park-shawnee

LEARN MORE

pc.bluezonesproject.com/adopt-a-park-shawnee

"Built environment" projects like sidewalks, Shawnee Middle School walking trail, Shawnee Splash and the upcoming amphitheater downtown are one part of how the Avedis Foundation's investment in health and well-being for Shawnee residents now anx in the future. — Photo submitted

health

DRUG COURT

Highlighting The Purpose, Requirements, Achievements Of Local Drug Court Programs

SUBMITTED BY GATEWAY TO PREVENTION AND RECOVERY

In September, more than 100 community members joined together to celebrate Gateway’s 2nd Annual Walk for Recovery. Many of the attendees were current participants and graduates from Lincoln and Pottawatomie County Drug Court programs.

This month we sat down with Angelina Hampton, administrator for the 23rd Judicial District Speciality Courts, to learn more about the intricacies, impact and individ uals of our local Drug Court programs.

Angelina Hampton

pants are established in treatment and begin exploring outside support through 12 step meetings, church and community wellness activities. They are asked to see a judge weekly, take part in regular drug testing, county restrictions, curfew and community service as well as engage in home visits. While home visits may entail finding violations, they are largely conducted to ensure that their environment is conducive to recovery, including ac cess to basic human needs like running water or a refrigerator.

How long has Drug Court been active in our community, and what is the purpose of the program?

Drug Court began in Pottawatomie County in 1989 (33 years ago) and Lincoln County in 1998 (24 years ago). In addition, Mental Health Court got its start in 2019 (three years ago).

The National Drug Court Resource Center shares, “Drug courts are specifically for persons with substance use disorders. These court programs offer individuals the opportunity to enter long-term drug treatment and agree to court supervision rather than receiving a jail sentence. The intensive program requires participants to maintain recovery, take on responsibilities and work towards lifestyle changes. Under the supervision and au thority of the court, their progress is monitored. Ultimately, drug courts reduce crime and affect real, positive change in people’s lives.”

What requirements do the participants have to meet to complete the program?

The program is a minimum of 19 months and broken up into five phases. However, if needed, the participant is allowed up to three and a half years to complete the requirements and graduate the program. In special cases, if we see potential for success, we will allow more than three and a half years to help them get across the finish line. As the NDCRC says, “Drug court programs recognize that addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that affects behavior and impulse control. Therefore, our primary goal is not punishment; it is treatment for the disease.”

Phase 1 is 30 days of continuous sobriety and is often the most difficult due to the participants' vulnerable state. They are asked to take that brave step towards treatment, often with Gateway, and increase their access to recovery support and needed resources.

Phase 2 is 60 days of continuous sobriety, and phase 3 is an other 120 days continuous sobriety. During this time, partici

Phase 4 is 180 days of continuous sobriety. At this point, participants have established consistent routines, increase com munity support, reduce treatment and maintain employment or continue their education. Court mandated accountability prac tices lessen but remain in place.

Phase 5 is another 180 days of continuous sobriety. This is generally referred to as after care. During this time, restric tions and curfews are lifted, and participants are living life on life’s terms, reestablishing relationships with supportive family members and friends, giving back to the community and tak ing action in different dimensions of wellness. Upon graduation, the criminal charges that would have sent them to prison are removed from their record.

What barriers do your participants face to graduating the program?

Drug Court participants can face difficult challenges en gaging in and successfully completing the program. Previous trauma, addiction, triggering environments, easy access to sub stances, unreliable transportation, lack of recovery support and juggling tight schedules are just some examples.

What are the successes that you’ve seen?

In Lincoln County, we have had 220 graduates since 2008. In Pottawatomie County, over 500 people have graduated from the program since 2004. All of these graduates maintained their sobriety and secured employment. A greater number furthered their education, had their children returned to their care and continued to build off the success they established in the pro gram. Our programs rank above the state average for successful completions.

Why do you do this work?

Although my college degree is in public relations and advertis ing, I started working in misdemeanor probation with Oklahoma

Court Services and spent much of my time in the courtroom. One day, I watched someone go to prison for a felony DUI, and I wished that I could do more to help them find help and healing for their substance use. In 2008, I made the change to Speciality Courts be cause I believe that treating addiction with compassion and struc ture offers non-violent drug and alcohol offenders a real chance to succeed, not by punishment or imprisonment but earned through healing and recovery. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with a team of people that share the same values.

Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share with the community?

I don’t know many people whose lives haven’t been touched by addiction in some way. I am proud of the communities’ efforts to learn more about the disease of addiction, share information and resources, listen to people in recovery and even show sup port by hiring Drug Court participants. Our combined efforts of individual willingness, accountability, treatment and community involvement can help to break cycles of addiction, end patterns of destructive behavior and restore lives.

Angelina Hampton is the Specialty Courts administrator for the 23rd Judicial District of Oklahoma, with a jurisdiction spanning both Pottawatomie and Lincoln County. Her 17-year record in the criminal justice system reflects a

3 WINNERS will be chosen at random from correct entry forms. Each WINNER will receive a $10 SONIC GIFT CERTIFICATE.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Unscramble the 4 scrambled SHAWNEE OUTLOOK Advertisers

2. Fill out this entry form and mail to: Shawnee Outlook P.O. Box 1365 Shawnee, OK 74802

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

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

DESIVA UNDOONITAF

TBLEHE ERCAS

SEPTEMBER WINNERS

JAMES SALAZAR LARA WAGONER GARY DOWDY

N. Harrison 2131 Kickapoo 4625 Kickapoo 45th & Harrison

shawnee history

GOOD MEDICINE

City Hospital Provided Quality Care To Shawnee Area For Decades

BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER

Citizens in Shawnee have been well served by medical pro fessionals since the establishment of the town. Physicians were among the first settlers. In the early days, patients were likely treated at home and only moved to a hospital for sur gery.

Doctors sometimes had a “hospital room” in their offices. One building used as a hospital in those early days later became Neff’s Business College on Bell Street located behind the County Courthouse. As the town grew, better medical services grew with it, and Shawnee leaders recognized the need for an upto-date hospital. About 1908 – a year after statehood – there was discussion about the location of what was being called a $50,000 hospital advertised as “surpass ing anything in Oklahoma.” Funds would come from a bond issue and the Rock Island Rail road.

There was considerable clashing over the location of the hospital, with city board mem bers resigning and lawsuits threatened. Farrall Park was a favorite to some. To others, it was the “extreme” east end of town. Altogether, 17 sites were of fered. Finally, the doctors themselves supported the place known as “the Small property, located on Center street, south of Main.” The Milton Small family owned the property, and their house just north of the eventual hospital later served as the residence for nurses.

tions were made with modern improvements, including an X-ray machine secured by the BPW club. In 1931, city officials declined a proposal by a Catholic-affiliated medical group to buy the hos pital as they had other hospitals.

Two years later, all three Shawnee hospitals – City, A.C.H. and the Indian Sanitarium – earned approval ratings by the Na tional College of Surgery, and then in 1936, the hospital led all city departments in earnings, which totaled more than $108,000. One reason could have been what officials called “chain operations,” such as tonsillectomies paid for by the Crippled Children’s Fund. As many as 14 children might be scheduled for the surgery in one day.

City Hospital located on Center Street south of Main opened the doors of its 50-bed facility in 1911 and served the community until the opening of Mission Hill Hospital in 1963. — Photo submitted

During World War II, the hos pital was forced to operate with a decline of personnel when several physicians and nurses joined the military service. Medicine and food were often difficult to ob tain. As the country settled down afterward, prices “zoomed,” as one report read. In the years that followed, there was considerable discussion about the city selling the now 75-bed hospital. When the Baptist Church made an offer to buy the operation, some of the town’s businessmen endorsed the idea. A vote was set for the spring of 1947, but some townspeople heard that the Baptists in tended to sell the hospital. The bid to award them the deal failed by about 200 votes.

Finally a year later, the deed was secured, and in February 1910, plans were selected with Ed Peters as the architect. Mean while, the hospital on Bell Street with its 10 beds continued as the “city hospital.”

The next year, the fine structure on Center Street was com pleted, and carefully the hospital equipment and staff moved in. There were 50 beds in the new building with an increase in staff. The brick building had multiple stories and a basement.

In 1922, the hospital was struck by the smallpox epidemic, and after the deaths of even some of the nurses, the infected patients were isolated in a vacant building on Slover Street. Vaccinations and scrubbing of City Hospital halted the disease spreading.

A few years later, an addition was added and some renova

In mid-June 1950, city commissioners faced the fact that the hospital issue “is in such a plight that .. it’s going to be a tight squeeze to pay salaries and operating expenses.” The decision was made to begin plans to build a new hospital. One site offered was by the Civil Aeronautics Board for a new structure to be built on the site of the former navy base just off Federal and Kickapoo.

The need was obvious for a larger and more modern hospi tal for the area. It was finally settled when Pottawatomie County commissioners approved the construction of Mission Hill Hos pital between Shawnee and Tecumseh. The long-serving medical staff and equipment of City Hospital was moved to that site, and it opened in May 1963. Shawnee’s City Hospital was a long-serving and efficient medical facility, and it left behind many memories –including the birthplace of this author.

over the fence

GOAL LINE

‘Team’ Loyalty No Replacement For Listening

BY BRANDON DYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNITY RENEWAL OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

For as long as I can remember, Saturday’s each fall have been filled with anticipa tion for football. I love football. I played it growing up and even coached it for a time. Some of my favorite family memories are of waking up on a Saturday to make a late breakfast with the kids and turning on ESPN College Gameday to listen to the com mentators toss their opinions around the set about the slate of matchups that day.

There was always one team I waited anxiously to hear mentioned by Kirk, Desmond and Reece – although not so much by Lee Corso because everyone knows the “Corso Curse” is real. Just kidding. The team I love to hear men tioned is the University of Oklahoma. Yes, I’m an OU fan and no, I didn’t graduate from there – although my wife did. Truthfully, I never really had an option to be a fan of any other team. My whole family loved OU, and therefore so did I. My kids are the same. They are OU fans because their parents are.

it proudly. We surround ourselves with opinions and arguments carefully crafted by our “team’s” top players and in so doing have become our own echo cham bers.

Brandon Dyer

Now before you tune me out, don’t worry. This is not an article about OU football. It’s not even an article about sports. However, if you grew up in this state, there is a good chance that as soon as you read that I am an OU fan, an opinion was instinctively formed in your mind. Many of you recognized a point of com monality we share while others saw a way that we are now differ ent. College football matters to a lot of Oklahomans. Identifying with one of two teams – OU or OSU – gives a person a particular brand to be associated with and a sense of camaraderie with likeminded folks.

What is interesting is that our association with that brand can sometimes move beyond simply a fun part of our lives to becom ing an inseparable part of who we are. On the surface, there is nothing wrong with that per se, but what happens when a co worker, neighbor or close friend bleeds a different color? What do we do with that relationship once we recognize this particu lar lack of affinity? I suppose it depends in part on how deeply aligned our personal identity is with that brand and how much value we place on the affected relationship.

I don’t need to tell you, but a very big moment in our nation is occurring on the first Tuesday of next month. I’ll bet you’ve got an opinion or two regarding the implications of the outcome of this election cycle. I’ll also bet the formulation of your opinions has been deeply informed by your upbringing, just like mine. What’s interesting to me this time around is just how deeply our personal identities seem to be wrapped up in the colors blue or red – or perhaps neither. That identity is protected when we cling to the safety of our particular party’s brand and the people who wear

When we find out that a coworker, neighbor or close friend bleeds a different color, something changes in us. We see them differently. The zerosum game of modern politics causes us to question our own relationships, unfriending some and discarding others because we have lost the ability to empathize with proximate human beings sharing differing opinions. We no longer know how to have civil conversations about im portant matters. The culture we have created says if you differ from me on important issues, I no longer have to listen to your opinion. It is irrelevant because it is different. You are irrelevant because you are different. While association by af finity has its values, the unintended consequences of ignoring disparate points of view is crippling our ability to solve real prob lems because we lack understanding for how other people see the world. Is anyone else exhausted by this?

The most important thing any of us could do over the next few weeks is sit down with a friend or co-worker who shares a differ ent point of view, set our brand aside and genuinely listen. Resist the urge to convince them that you are right. Just listen.

What sorts of things might we learn? How might our opinions be better informed by hearing another perspective? Could we deepen our relationships and thereby strengthen the foundation of our community by finding points of commonality in the midst of our differences? I believe the answer is yes, and I believe it’s the only way to heal the heart of our nation.

I’ll go first. Who wants some coffee?

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The Clinic Pharmacy

Tim Barrick, DPh.

Kethley

Cell: 405-740-2898 Fax: 405-273-8849 email: srprx@sbcglobal.net

THE

All events are subject to change and incorporate a variety of guidelines regarding public health measures. Contact each organizer for complete and up-to-date information.

Oct. 1-23: Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will display the limited exhibition, Celestial Connections, bringing together three great Oklahoma artists – G. Patrick Riley, Sharon Montgomery, and Glen Henry – for a fantastic exhibit using a variety of media and styles to explore the world around us. Information: mgmoa.org

Oct. 11, 13: The Senior Recreation Center at 401 N. Bell will host an advanced directive workshop at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and 6 p.m. on Thursday led by Linda Brown from SSM Health. Attendees will learn how to create and share details of an advanced directive so their loved ones will know when the time comes. Information: (405) 878-1528

Oct. 15: The 7th annual Bison Stampede 5K and Fun Run will start at 7 a.m. at the Oklahoma Baptist University Recreation and Wellness Center at 500 W. University. Information: (405) 5855224 or julianna.proctor@okbu.edu

Oct. 15: Join author Jeff Provine in a lively discussion over his book, “Haunted Shawnee, Oklahoma,” starting at 7 p.m. at the Shawnee Public Library at 101 N. Philadelphia. Following the discussion, explore Shawnee's haunted downtown area on a tour led by the author. Registration is required. Information: pioneer. libnet.info/event/7224803

Oct. 15: Comedian Matt Ferrell will take the stage with a show beginning at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theater at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzshawnee.com

Oct. 15-16: The Potawatomi Fire and Firelake Arena present the Fall Shootout Basketball Tournament at the arena at 18145 Rangeline Road. This men’s open doubleelimination tourney will give away thousands of dollars in cash prizes to the top three finishers. Information: facebook.com/ PotawatomiFire

Oct. 19: A free Senior Health Fair will happen 9 a.m. until noon at the Shawnee Community Center,

804 S. Park, showcasing booths from organizations, businesses and programs that offer services for individuals 55 and older. Information: Shawnee Parks and Recreation at (405) 878-1528.

October 20: The Third Thursday Poetry Reading will feature Oklahoma’s leading creative couple, Rilla Askew and Paul Austin, at 7 p.m. at the Lunch Box at 217 E Main St. An award-winning writer for her novel on the Tulsa race massacre, “Fire in Beulah,” Rilla will likely read passages from her new fiction, “Prize for the Fire,” based on the life of a Protestant woman who was martyred during the English reign of Henry VIII. Paul will read from his 2019 collection, “Notes on Hard Times,” and more recent poetry. He may also read from his recent collection of essays on acting, “Spontaneous Behavior.” Open mic will follow their presentations. The Lunch Box will open at 6 p.m. for those who want to order a meal before the readings.

Oct. 21: The Arts @317 will host its own Block pARTy on Friday, October 21, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. This will be the annual Christmas show with several featured artists attending. There will be Christmas ornaments, decorations and gift ideas. The musical guest under the awning will be Kevin Hall. Information: (405) 659-8193

Oct. 21-29: Yo Selfie Factory inside Shawnee Mall will host Selfie of Horror with evening fun and fear in selfies as attendees pose with slashers and creepy things. Fog included. The experience will last about 15 minutes; group rates available. Information: yoselfiefactory.com or (580) 668-0478

Oct. 22 & 29: The Arts @317 will host a Chinese Watercolor Painting Workshop at 10 a.m. both dates featuring artist Lynn Melton, who will teach techniques to create paintings in Chinese watercolor. Information: (405) 659-8193

Oct. 22: Community Renewal and Bluepeak invite every ghoul and boy to the Monsters on Main Halloween Festival from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. featuring costume contests, carnival, vendors, live music, food trucks, and more. Information: (405) 273-1035

calendar

Oct. 22: FireLake Casino will host its 18th annual car show starting at 1 p.m. along with a children’s Halloween costume contest at 3 p.m. and Halloween costume and cosplay contest at 7 p.m. at the casino at 41207 Hardesty Road. Information: firelakecasino.com/events

Oct. 22: Wayward sons can carry on into the night as rock band Kansas plays at 7 p.m. at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center at 1700 W. Independence. Information: shawneeexpo.org

Oct. 22: The haunting magic of John Shackleford & Jeff Richardson makes its debut at the historic & haunted Ritz Theater at 10 W. Main St. VIP ticket holders will join a seance on stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. with show beginning at 8 p.m. Information: ritzshawnee.com

Oct. 29: The Shawnee Public Library will host Let’s Get Gardening for Children 10-11 a.m. in the library’s story time room. Little ones can grow their knowledge and love of gardening through hands-on activities and exploration. Discover new strategies and perspectives in growing a garden while also meeting fellow plant lovers. Information: pioneer.libnet.info/event/7135370

Oct. 29: Test your strength & skill in historic downtown at Lumberjack Johnson's Axe Throwing Tournament from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 301 N Oklahoma. Information: lumberjackjohnsons.com

Oct. 29: The VFW will host a Halloween Monster Party from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 811 East Macarthur. This all ages extravaganza will feature trick-or-treating, face painting, spooky arts and crafts, live local bands, costume contest and much more. Free for ages under 18 and $5 for adults. Information: facebook.me/pottmeetup

Oct. 29: Cruise the ‘Poo will host a trunk or treat as part of its regular classic car cruise-in starting at 5 p.m. at the Brown Derby Drive In at 1830 N Kickapoo St. Information: facebook.com/ cruisethepoo2.0

Oct. 30: Redeemer Lutheran Church at 39307 W. MacArthur will host Trunk or Treat and feature ree hot dogs, bottled water and popcorn. Information: (405) 273-6286

Oct. 31: Citywide Trick or Treat takes to the streets 5:30-8:30 p.m. Suit up in your best costume and don't forget your basket.

Nov. 4: Music Unlimited will feature a series of Singer-Songwriter Nights starting at 7 p.m. at 1109 W Kickapoo Spur with November’s event featuring Flying Armadillo. There will be an open mic at 6:30 p.m. Information: mu1978.com

2700 N Kickapoo

Nov. 4-13: Oklahoma Baptist University Theatre will stage Shakespeare’s “A Comedy of Errors,” a story of lost twins, mistaken identity, romance and reunion at Craig-Dorland Theater on OBU campus. Information: facebook.com/okbuTheatre

Nov. 5: Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will host its annual Mummy Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event is open to the public. Attendees can tour the museum, visit craft booths, Ask the Expert about items in the education collection, enjoy Poverty Dogs food truck, play games and collect candy. Information: mgmoa.org

Nov. 5: FireLake Arena plays host to Jason Boland & The Stragglers with a concert starting at 7 p.m. at 18145 Rangeline Road. Information: firelakecasino.com/events

Nov. 6: Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma invite the public to ride the rails on 1/8-scale model trains from 1-4 p.m. at 29626 Lake Drive in Mcloud. Information: locotrains.org

Nov. 11: There will be a Veteran's Day Ceremony at the Woodland Veterans Park from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. showing appreciation of the servicemen and servicewomen that have served the city and the nation.

Hours:

Shawnee, OK74804 (405) 585-2907 store6963@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/6963

2700 N Kickapoo Shawnee, OK74804 (405) 585-2907 store6963@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/6963

2700 N Kickapoo Shawnee, OK74804 (405) 585-2907 store6963@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/6963

2700 N Kickapoo Shawnee, OK74804 (405) 585-2907 store6963@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/6963

2700 N Kickapoo

2700 N Kickapoo

Hours:

Mon - Fri 08:00 AM-06:30 PM

Nov. 11-19: Shawnee Little Theatre will begin ringing in the holiday season with the classic Irving Berlin’s White Christmas based on the hit 1954 film featuring several popular songs from the Irving Berlin catalog of classics and a new stage book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Information: shawneelittletheatre.com

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

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2700 N Kickapoo

theupsstorelocal.com/6963

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

Sat 09:00 AM-02:30 PM

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Sat 09:00 AM-02:30 PM

2700

Kickapoo

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

74804

2700 N Kickapoo

585-2907

2700 N Kickapoo

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

Shawnee, OK74804 (405) 585-2907 store6963@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/6963

2700

Shawnee,

Shawnee, OK74804 (405) 585-2907 store6963@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/6963

store6963@theupsstore.com theupsstorelocal.com/6963

Sun Closed

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