Shawnee Outlook

Uncanny Comic Expo Returns | SPAR Relies on Support, Volunteers

FEBRUARY 20 Vol. 16 Number 12

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CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2020

21 FEATURES 9

SPAR Relies on Support, Volunteers to Help Abandoned Pets Find Forever Homes

13

Over the Fence: Finding Meaning Before the Finish Line

9

Publisher

Okie Icon Media

Managing Editor

David Dinsmore

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Creative Direction

Kelsey Walker & Fawn Wilson-Olivarez

Writers

Andrea Beck Jamie Bergsten Mitchell DeShazer David Dinsmore Brandon Dyer Carolyn Lawrence Ann McDonald Angela Rowland

Distribution

The Shawnee Outlook is delivered FREE by direct mail to 25,000 homes and businesses.

Contact Us

PO Box 1365 Shawnee, OK 74802 E-mail: info@shawneeoutlook.com

To Advertise, call Brad at (405) 445-3033.

DEPARTMENTS

14

OBU to Present 46th Annual ConcertoAria Concert Feb. 16

18

Local Civic Group Sends Care Packages to Troops in Time for Valentine's Day

21

Uncanny Comic Expo Returns with Double the Vendors, Family-Friendly Activities

25 SHAWNEE HISTORY

Monthly Lunches Connect Those Recovering from Addiction, Community Members, Businesses

29 THE BRIGHT SPOT

22

6 KEEP THE CHANGE 6 NUTRITION 101 24 SONIC CONTEST

Volume 16, Number 12 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Okie Icon Media. Š 2020 Okie Icon Media

26 MENTAL HEALTH 30 CALENDAR

Articles and advertisements in Shawnee Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Okie Icon Media. Okie Icon Media does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by Shawnee Outlook does not constitute endorsement of products, services, political candidates/parties or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Shawnee Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

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KEEP THE CHANGE

NUTRITION 101

The Fluid Truth Behind Meal Replacement Shakes

Save Time On Grocery Shopping P

A

s saving time is as useful as saving money, there are so many options these days that save a trip to the grocery store. So when I realize I forgot dishwasher detergent, I am so grateful I can jump on Amazon and have some delivered to my door in two days – a great thing for a busy family.

• Local Grocery Pick-Up/Delivery – You may not be surprised to hear about Wal-Mart’s free curbside pick-up service, which you can try by going to their website. Remember to look for coupon codes. Yet, did you know FireLake Discount Foods offers a similar service? You can check out their website, firelakefoods.com. Additionally, the grocery delivery website, Instacart, also works with Aldi. There is a small delivery fee for the latter, but as Aldi offers significant grocery savings, it may be worth it.

• Online Groceries – There are many household items – including groceries – available on Amazon. I’ve also recently tried Imperfect Foods, which sells produce that may not be “pretty” but is still healthy and edible at a discounted price. Their offerings include meat and pantry items as well, whose only “imperfection” is being surplus stock or an older product design. If you try it, go to retailmenot.com to find a discount code for your first box. Do the same if you’ve ever wanted to try a meal kit service, such as Blue Apron or Hello Fresh to save on your first box. You can also find a friend who has subscribed and ask if they have any referral codes. These types of services also often offer deep discounts for returning customers who need to cancel for a time in order to lure you back in.

We live in a day where we don’t have to have a personal assistant in order to avoid a trip to the grocery store. Live it up.

If you’d like to read more about my frugal journey, scan the QR code to visit my blog on the topic!

Angela Rowland is an OBU graduate and a stay-at-home mother of four. She enjoys finding new ways to stretch the paycheck and even posts some of her favorite tips and deals on her blog (steadfaststeward.blogspot.com)

6

www.shawneeoutlook.com

eople often ask about using shakes and/or smoothies as their meal. There are so many store-bought options. Some are low fat, some are plant based, some are high protein, etc. People also have different goals with these as well. Some people need to lose weight. Some are trying to gain weight. Some just need something quick that offers nutrition.

Whatever your goal, a drink can be a part of your plan. A liquid meal can have multiple pros and cons.

When looking for a store-bought shake, I first look at the food label and the ingredient list. I want the drink to give me fiber and protein without a long list of unknown ingredients. I don’t want all the sugar, sugar alcohol, sweeteners or ingredients that I don’t even recognize.

If you are someone who skips breakfast, this option may be a good one for you. No prep and easy to digest.

If you are someone who needs to replace your high sugar breakfast with something else, this option may be for you.

I would not recommend more than one in a day because then you are missing out on other nutrients. Of course, I would like for you to get in as much real food as possible, but that doesn’t always happen every single day.

There is always the option to make your own. When making my own smoothie at home, I want the same thing – protein and fiber. You can get protein from Greek yogurt or a plant-based protein powder. You can get fiber from berries, the protein powder and flaxseed. You can mix in water or almond milk and even fresh vegetables. Homemade smoothies can be quick too – throw it all in a blender, grab a straw and good to go.

There are multiple options to fit your individual lifestyle, including the recipe below.

Cupid's Day Smoothie This smoothie was made with my boys in mind. They love smoothies in the morning for breakfast, and I love them too because they are quick, easy, healthy and easy to drink on the way to school. Smoothies can be fun for kids to help make as well. Play around with different yogurt flavors and different frozen fruits to mix it up. The nutritional information here is based on almondmilk yogurt.

Ingredients: 4 oz unsweetened plant-based milk ½ cup frozen red berry mixture ½ cup nonfat vanilla yogurt or ½ banana plant-based yogurt Directions: Place all in a blender and blend until smooth.

Makes: 1 smoothie Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories: 208 Total Fat: 4g Saturated Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 122mg Carbohydrate: 44g Dietary Fiber:7 g Protein: 2g Nutrition 101 Tip: February is always a great month to think about our heart health. Smoothies are just one way to get in good-for-your-heart fats and fruits. Be careful when going out and buying pre-made smoothies or protein mixes or pre-made protein drinks. There are so many on the market that there is no way I could go through each one. Make sure you focus on real ingredients and something that provides your body fiber.

Making them yourself at home saves on cost, and you know exactly what goes into your drink. According to the American Heart Association, 1 in every 3 deaths is related to cardiovascular disease. Heart.org is a great resource free to the public for heart disease education. I am also available for education on this topic or if you need help figuring out the food label on all those meal replacement drinks out there.

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 through an online class and nutrition services through SSM Health St. Anthony in Shawnee.

For inquiries, you can contact her at Andrea.beck1@ssmhealth.com or through her Facebook page, Nutrition and Exercise 101 with Andrea.

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W. John Haddad, MD, FACC is back in Shawnee with Oklahoma W OHH South welcome OHHHospital.

South welcomes Heart

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Oklahoma Heart Hospital is nationally Long-time Shawnee cardiologist W. John Haddad recognized as a top performing facility Long-time Shawnee cardiologist W. John has joined Oklahoma Heart Hospital andHaddad will providing exceptional satisfaction. be seeing patients at patient the OHH Southand campus. has joined Oklahoma Heart Hospital will We are proud to proudly have cardiologist, Dr.John W. Dr. has Shawnee beHaddad seeing patients atcardiologist theserved OHH South campus.

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SPAR Relies On Support, Volunteers To Help Abandoned Pets Find Forever Homes

by Jamie Bergsten

I

f a family was moving, they probably wouldn’t think of leaving a relative locked in their old home without food and water and unable to escape.

If parents were going on vacation, they likely wouldn’t abandon their children rather than securing care for them.

Yet, these are the realities for some of the animals rescued this year by Shawnee’s Saving Pets At Risk organization.

Intake coordinator Sherry Claybrook has seen it all – and “sad” doesn’t even begin to describe it.

SPAR was formed in 2005 by former city commissioner, teacher and school superintendent Wes Beck along with other local animal-loving activists. Beck had long dreamed of doing something to help the stray dogs in town, and though he passed away just a year after SPAR’s inception, his vision lives on today.

Unfortunately, the number of stray and abandoned animals only continues to grow in this area, making the work of SPAR’s volunteers increasingly difficult.

Claybrook is another original volunteer/ member, and she’s been the driving force and decisionmaker for the organization since it began.

She also serves as pet-foster manager and transport coordinator for the group, fielding an average of 104 calls, emails and messages a week pertaining to animals in need. Some of these come in the middle of the night from law enforcement

officers trying to help as well.

“We’ve always been focused on placing as many healthy pets in permanent homes as possible,” Claybrook said. “Our goal is that they thrive.

We commit to provide any care the pet needs once it’s accepted into our program. Some rescues only take in healthy animals or won’t take certain breeds or sizes of dogs. That’s cherrypicking, and SPAR doesn’t do that.”

Initially a dog-only rescue, SPAR evolved with new members, and cats became part of their focus. PetSmart helped with that when they opened here, agreeing to place adoptable cats on-site and increasing SPAR’s placements. Sadly, because of the increase in abandoned dogs and the retirement of feline intake coordinator Carol Currie, the group made the difficult decision to stop its cat program recently. They do, however, still provide care and rehoming for some cats on rare occasions.

The organization is lucky to receive cooperation from local veterinarians as well.

“The vets in Shawnee are helpful to SPAR and understand the importance of animal rescue in our area,” Claybrook said. “There are two that offer a discount, and we greatly appreciate that.”

Animal care costs account for the bulk of SPAR’s expenses, and those increased by 30 percent in 2019 due to costly surgeries, treatments and medications.

“We have 35-50 dogs in our care at any given

Volunteers with Shawnee’s Saving Pets At Risk rescue, house, treat and transport abandoned pets from the area to places they can find good homes, and the organization is always seeking partners for financial and housing support to continue its work.

Photo submitted

www.shawneeoutlook.com

9

time,” Claybrook said. “This increases during the spring and summer when the puppy population goes up. Just a couple of calls about litters can make a drastic difference in our numbers.”

Claybrook had already rescued several puppies on multiple such calls during the week in which she was interviewed in January.

“We provide information for low-cost/free spay/neuter for those in need,” Claybrook said.

“We also maintain a strong relationship with the employees at the Shawnee shelter. We’re able to pull some animals from there on behalf of outside rescues that are able to care for and find homes for them. We try to accept some shelter dogs into our program too, therefore freeing up space for another pet from the streets.”

The city’s shelter no longer accepts owner surrenders, which has led to some owners abandoning their pets rather than finding care for them.

They also won’t accept animals from outside their jurisdiction, and a large percentage of the county is rural. Shelter animals are there because animal control picked them up at-large in the city limits, but even those aren’t retrieved when the shelter is already full.

“We respect that the shelter’s job is very difficult with the limitations placed on them,” Claybrook said. “That puts the burden on local rescues, the community as a whole and on the animals themselves. They are routinely injured by cars, killed by coyotes, starving, diseased or picked up by those with cruel intentions. It’s a desperate situation.”

Phyllis Inda, SPAR supporter and volunteer, wrote this poem about her experience:

They leave in the middle of the night A journey they know not where.

Alone, quiet, and scared No choice but to be brave Heading for the morning light.

A heart full of love, Eyes of devotion looking For someone who will Share that emotion.

Our hearts are torn never to Mend for that one We could not save.

With tears in our eyes We cannot look back, For the promise of the morning light.

SPAR relies entirely on donations and fundraisers and is a 100 percent volunteer group.

All animal rescues are spayed/neutered, receive all vaccinations, are treated for parasites, microchipped and then released by a veterinarian. The group does everything they can to make animals healthy and adoptable. In their 15 years, they’ve rescued, cared for and placed about 6,200 dogs and cats with forever families. However, plenty of work remains to be done.

“We always need large breed dog food, large breed puppy food (there’s a difference), paper towels, bleach, laundry detergent, and used blankets, towels and sheets,” Claybrook said.

These items can be dropped off on the front porch at 1501 North Union in Shawnee.

Financial assistance will always be SPAR’s greatest need followed closely by that for fosters and volunteers. A single surgery for a rescue can range from a $300-$2,400 expense for the group.

“Finding enough people to fill the foster role, with the number of animals needing our help, has become next to impossible,” Claybrook said. “Boarding has become commonplace for us. This alterna-

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tive, though expensive at about $1,500 a month, gives the animals a safe place to be while waiting for an available SPAR transport to head out.”

Those SPAR transports are the biggest change in their rescue process. Out-of-state adoption partners have allowed the group to place many dogs with forever families.

“Transporting has been the best thing we’ve been able to do,” Claybrook said.

For several years, SPAR had delivered animals to Iowa, Illinois and Colorado with the help of rescue groups there. In 2014, the group established a permanent relationship with the Humane Society of Boulder Valley in Colorado, and that pairing has led to the placement of over 2,000 dogs so far. A transport van carrying up to 26 canines leaves Shawnee every two weeks bound for Boulder – a pet-friendly area where dogs are valued and treated well.

For information on volunteer opportunities, visit sparpets.org/can-help. For details on the SPAR transport program, go to facebook.com/ SPARShawnee. Interested persons can contact SPAR at SPARpets@gmail.com.

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Over the Fence:

Finding Meaning Before The Finish Line

H

is name was Michael. He was from Fayetteville, Arkansas, and if it weren’t for him, I might not have finished the Growler that day.

The Oklahoma Gravel Growler is a gravel cycling race that Craig MacIntyre and the crew at SpOKeLAHOMA have been hosting in Shawnee during the past several years.

Several hundred cyclists from all over the U.S. and Canada converge on downtown Shawnee for one of the very best and very first races of the season. The route leaves from downtown Shawnee and stretches out into some of Pottawatomie County’s most scenic backroads.

These are the sorts of roads that gravel enthusiasts live for.

It was on one of these scenic backroads last year that my bike malfunctioned. I was about 60 miles into the race, and my bike would no longer shift. For my single-speed friends, this would not be a problem. But for me – a guy who had only been riding a few years – this meant trouble. You see, a single middle-of-the-road gear isn’t so bad on flat roads. One can get by just fine.

However, when it comes to climbing hills, most folks need more gearing options to shift into, and mine were gone. With the inability to shift into easier gears on hills, my out-ofshape legs were taking a beating.

After 10 or 15 miles of this, I was

exhausted. Out of strength and with about 15 miles to go, I was beginning to have thoughts of giving up.

My mind was playing tricks on me, and I wondered if I needed to waive the while flag and call for a ride.

“You hanging in there?” he calmly asked as he slowly pedaled up beside me.

“I’m trying to limp home,” I said with defeat in my voice.

Michael introduced himself to me and was more than happy to carry the conversation while I struggled along. We talked about family, work, cycling and hobbies. All the while, my legs were burning. He could have finished with a faster time. He could have rested and eaten the great food at the finish line sooner. Instead – without acknowledging what he was doing – Michael chose to be a friend to a stranger and helped me keep my mind away from my aching legs as I

worked my way home. Sure, it was a race, and we were all competing against something, but Michael put winning and losing on hold to enjoy a little conversation with a stranger and help him reach the finish line.

I suppose at times we all live our lives as if we are competing against something. Competing against a false ideal. A former version of ourselves. A future version of ourselves we think others will like more. Competing against a coworker. Against our own shortcomings. Life may be a race, but what if the race isn’t about winning at all?

What if the race is simply about the journey? The path that leads to the finish line? What if we were meant to focus on the beauty of each moment and not try to fast forward to the winner’s circle? Would that change how we run it?

I’d like to think it would for me. I

By Brandon Dyer, Executive Director of Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County

want to live to enjoy today. Yes, being prepared for one’s future is wise and good, but what little moments of beauty might we be forfeiting if life’s focus is skewed toward winning and losing and not toward the tiny, invaluable moments of today?

I’m not sure if Michael was thinking with deep introspection when he chose not to pass up an opportunity to connect with another traveler, but it was meaningful to me all the same.

Let’s look for those tiny moments that happen each day to put the winning and losing of life on hold and embrace the moment in which we are living. We just might find at the finish line that some of life’s most meaningful moments came in the fray when we least expected them.

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OBU To Present 46th Annual Concerto-Aria Concert Feb. 16

by Carolyn Lawrence

F

or the 46th year, Oklahoma Baptist University’s music division will present its Concerto-Aria concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 in the Potter Auditorium of Raley Chapel on the OBU campus.

“It began simply as a way for piano majors to play piano concertos with orchestra and has evolved to include singers, instrumentalists and student composers,” conductor James Vernon said. “I have been fortunate to be able to conduct the event many times, but I am only a caretaker of the event – not the driving force. It is a division-wide effort to make this happen, and I am only the conductor of the actual event.”

First organized in 1974, the Concerto-Aria concert started as a way for outstanding musical musicians to perform piano concertos and opera arias with a live orchestra, Vernon said. Eventually, instrumental concertos and other works – including original composition by student composers – were included in the performances.

Vernon brings an impressive level of experience to OBU’s program. He has been conducting choirs for nearly 40 years. During that span, he has spent 29 years at OBU and said he has been fortunate to be able to conduct all or part of the annual Concerto-Aria concert 25 of those years.

Vernon studied conducting in undergraduate and graduate school, where he had several opportunities over the years to guest conduct instrumental ensembles as well as choirs. Additionally, he has been the director of the Bisonette Glee Club women’s choir for the last 10 years.

Vernon described the event as being “one of the most important things we do in the Division of Music at OBU. For a small music department, putting together an annual concert that features our outstanding student performers is a wonderful opportunity for the students.”

The students must audition to get into the concert, which provides great real-world experience for them. For some of them, it will be their only opportunity to perform as a soloist with a live orchestra. In addition, the orchestra will contain both OBU faculty and OBU students, which is another great opportunity for students. They will sit beside their faculty mentors as well as professional musicians and learn how to work within an orchestral setting. This production has provided this exceptional experience for many aspiring students decade after decade.

The concert – which is free and open to the public – also provides a great experience for its 14

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Oklahoma Baptist University’s Division of Music has showcased its standout vocal and instrumental talents for 46 years with its annual Concerto-Aria concert, which takes place this year at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in Raley Chapel on the OBU campus.

Photos submitted

audience as well. Concertgoers can experience some of the best arias from famous operas.

“They are usually the hardest to conduct,” Vernon said. “Singers tend to take a lot of liberties with musical tempo, and they also learn these pieces being accompanied by pianists who can easily move to those rhythmic changes.

When they try to sing with a 40-piece orchestra, everyone has to move at the same time. Being the conductor means finding the right tempo for these pieces. The emotion of opera arias is, however, my favorite part of conducting these works – the sheer emotional energy the voice gives the scene the singer is portraying is powerful and often overwhelming.”

Headlining this year’s event will be Katherine Logan, junior music education major from Amarillo, Texas, who will be singing “Quando m'en vo” from the opera “La Boheme” by Giacomo Puccini.

Alex Benito, a junior instrumental music major from Durant, Oklahoma, who will be playing soprano saxophone on the Fantasia for saxophone, strings and horns by Heitor Villa-Lobos.

Anne Aguayo, a senior music education major from Merida, Mexico, who will be singing “Una

voce poco fa” from the Gioachino Rossini opera, “The Barber of Seville.”

Laura Stewart, a junior musical arts major from Enid, Oklahoma, will be performing Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26.

Makalah Jessup, from Mesquite, Texas, will be singing the “Habanera” from Georges Bizet’s opera, “Carmen.” She is a junior vocal music education major.

Christian Celis, a freshman music education major from Justin, Texas, will be performing Gioachino Rossini’s Variations for Clarinet.

A senior musical arts major from Hasting, Minnesota, Kalyne Hendricksen will be singing “Adieu, notre petite table” from the opera, “Manon,” by Jules Massenet.

Senior Marlee Sedgewick from Colorado Springs, Colorado will be performing “Laurie’s Song” from the Aaron Copland opera, “Tenderland.” She is a senior vocal performance major.

Ending the program will be a performance of the first movement of the Piano Concerto No. 3

by Camille Saint-Saens. Rachel Darvin, a junior piano performance major from Stroud, Oklahoma, will be performing this work.

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"What mistake?" the grocer asked. "Before I put up that sign, no one ever bought more than one eggplant. Besides it is still a great deal."

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This U.S. Army unit stationed in Kuwait received care packages filled with snacks, drink mixes, playing cards, art supplies, toiletries, make-up products, thank you cards, magazines and more in late January thanks to the Pottawatomie County chapter of Oklahoma Home and Community Education.

Photos submitted

Local Civic Group Sends Care Packages To Troops In Time For Valentine's Day

by David Dinsmore

W

hile Christmas can be a difficult time for families with servicemembers deployed overseas, some also find themselves missing their loved ones around Valentine’s Day as well.

That’s why the care packages sent by a group with the Pottawatomie County chapter of Oklahoma Home and Community Education to a U.S. Army unit in Kuwait could have had a well-timed impact on the troops receiving them.

“They sacrifice so much for us,” said Kayla Woody, who serves as treasurer for the OHCE group that put together the packages to send overseas in January. “We just want to be able to give back to them in whatever way we can.”

In 2018, the group sent packages to more than 130 troops stationed in Japan at Christmas, Woody said. This year’s unit of 12 sol-

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diers is smaller. Given all the hostile activity in that area of the world in January, however, it seemed like the right place to send a little love.

The idea for the first set of packages came out of a discussion about possible group projects for the OHCE members to undertake, Woody said. Several members of the group have family members serving in the military and know what it means to them to receive something from home.

“They are the reason I get to get up every morning and go to a good job and then come home and spend time with my family,” Woody said. “We want to do anything we can to show how grateful we are.”

The members gathered snacks, drink mixes, playing cards, art supplies, toiletries, make-up products, thank you cards,

magazines and more, Woody said. They also decorated the outside and inside flaps of the shipping boxes with encouragements and thanks for the soldiers.

After this round of care packages, Woody would like to see the OHCE group make it a regular project throughout the year, she said. She’d also like to see it be open for members of the community who may not be part of the organization to add to the packages through donations of items or help with shipping costs.

“For me, it’s the biggest honor,” Woody said. “The men and women who serve our country, they give up more than I can imagine to keep every citizen of this country safe, so we can do the things we do every day that we don’t we even give a second thought about.”

OHCE began after extension services were established in 1914 in each state via the agriculture and mechanical colleges – including what has since become Oklahoma State University. Chose locations around the state hosted demonstrations and classes for home economics and related subjects, according to information provided by OHCE. Often the lessons and information provided in these classes could mean survival in the early 20th century, such as food preservation, sewing and quilting. Today, OHCE focuses on principles within subjects like leadership development, resource management, healthy living, cultural enrichment and family living.

For more information about OHCE or getting involved in future care package projects, call the local OSU Extension office at (405) 273-7683.

A group with the Pottawatomie County chapter of Oklahoma Home and Community Education put together care packages in January to send to troops overseas, which is something a few members would be open to doing regularly throughout the year with an opportunity for the community to get involved.

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Uncanny Comic Expo Returns With Double The Vendors, Family-Friendly Activities

by David Dinsmore

I

f comic book-based movies have demonstrated anything, it’s that there is a lot of success that comes with creating a compelling sequel, which is encouraging for the Uncanny Comic Expo after it quadrupled planners’ expectations during its inaugural event last year.

Uncanny Events, LLC president Peter Purin went into last year’s “con” – a popularized term that has come to describe pop culture events that grew from comic conventions held in large cities – with the goal of having 500 attendees at the Shawnee-based expo. By the time vendors began packing up their wares and the large Stay Puft Marshmallow Man started deflating at closing time, about 2,000 people had made their way to the first-ever Uncanny Comic Expo.

“We were really overwhelmed by the positive response last year,” Purin said.

The success of the event spread through the area con community and helped attract twice as many vendors to this year’s Uncanny Comic Expo, which will swoop into town 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on March 7 at the FireLake Arena at 18145 Old Rangeline Road.

Though cons still hold true to their origins as a place to shop for rare or new comic books for collectors and enthusiasts, these events have grown to include games, tournaments, demonstrations, panels, photo ops, contests and elaborate costumes – also known as cosplay, Purin said. This is true of Uncanny Comic Expo, which featured a variety of “nerd culture” activities including comic vendors, video games, cosplay contest, board games, anime, sci-fi, martial arts and more. Franchise icons from the worlds of Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park and beyond also made appearances to the delight of fans young and old, who stopped to pose for photos with the characters and equipment they had seen in movies and TV shows.

“It was good for a lot of different types of people,” Purin said. “The gamers enjoyed the (Dungeons & Dragons) events and the video games, and the cosplayers had the costume contest.

“The serious comic collectors found a lot of great comic books. It checked off all the boxes, even for people who aren’t into comics.”

In addition to bringing together the community for a family-friendly event unique to Shawnee, Uncanny Comic Expo also accomplished part of its mission to “support local school art, drama, and music programs as we see comic books, cosplay, gaming, and related interests as expressions of and gateways to the Fine Arts,” according to information on the event’s website.

Comics, collectibles, games, tournaments, panels, costumes and more drew nearly 2,000 people to last year’s firstever Uncanny Comic Expo in Shawnee, which will take place this year 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on March 7 at the FireLake Arena at 18145 Old Rangeline Road.

Photos submitted

Last year’s expo featured a silent auction organized for the purpose of benefiting local art programs, Purin said. Proceeds helped raise $500 for Shawnee High School’s choir program last year. This year’s event will feature another auction that will aim to provide monetary support for other local art programs.

“We’re really proud to be able to step up and support our local schools,” said Purin, who works full-time as a music professor at Oklahoma Baptist University. “We hope that people see how the arts affect the things that we love, like comics and movies.”

This year’s con will add to last year’s offerings with the benefits that come from having even more booths – growing from 80 vendors last year to a sold-out total of 150 this year – and participants, including food trucks available outside the arena. The laser tag also will expand as it moves outside as well, and attendees can visit the giveaway booth sponsored by ShawneeEvents.com.

The expo will also feature a student art competition to encourage any student age 3 through

college to show off their creativity. Some of the age categories will feature activities that reflect this year’s theme, Iron Man: We Love You 3000, inspired by the last Avengers movie.

Live entertainment will cover a variety of topics, including an Arizona-based hip hop artist who specializes in comic-themed rhymes.

Organizers are also utilizing a new ticketing system to make it easier for people to get into the event and start having fun, Purin said. This includes ticket sales through the mobile app, Gather Events, which will also be the way to access the program, maps and other info during the Uncanny Comic Expo to make the event a little more environmentally friendly. Buying tickets in advance online will come with a discount at $7 each compared to $10 at the door. The discount will be available until the week before the March 7 event. Kids 12 and under are free.

There will also be a coupon book available – like that offered at the Oklahoma State Fair – that can help attendees make the fun go further by stretching their dollars at the expo.

“Everything will be bigger and a step-up while keeping that sense of community we want,” Purin said. “We want everybody to be happy about having cool things to do nearby … which promotes our community and shows this is a great town to be in that supports something new like this.

“There’s something for everybody in the family.”

For more information, visit uncannycomicexpo.com or check out uncannycomicexpo on Facebook and Instagram. www.shawneeoutlook.com

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Monthly Lunches Connect Those Recovering From Addiction, Community Members, Businesses

by David Dinsmore

J

ohn Davis understands the importance of feeling like part of the community when recovering from addiction.

“I want to help that next person who is struggling with their identity (while recovering from addiction),” said Davis, a volunteer with Gateway to Prevention and Recovery who first came to the organization as a court-ordered participant.

Breaking away from addiction often involves leaving a world and a group of people who are familiar. Davis said he knows how this can leave a person in recovery wondering where they will fit next on their journey, so finding ways to connect to the broader community around them can be essential.

“That’s one of the goals of Gateway’s monthly Wellness in Recovery Lunches”, said Alicja Carter, Gateway’s Wellness Director. “From noon to 1 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month, Gateway staff, participants, alumni, volunteers, and community members eat together and get to know one another on a more personal level, breaking down the stigma that often comes with addiction. This benefits those recovering from addiction by giving them a chance to converse with people who may live outside of their old world, as well as community members who may be unfamiliar with what people in recovery face on a daily basis.”

These interactions can provide perspective for some attendees and hope for others.

“It helps people to see there’s success in recovery,” Davis said. “Their past is not going to be so much held against them.”

The Wellness in Recovery Lunches are not just beneficial for those in recovery, Gateway volunteer Nikki Watters said. Watters got involved with Gateway after watching a family member recover from addiction. The improvement she saw in her relative after receiving treatment and support inspired her to get involved somehow in the world of wellness and recovery. After reaching out to Gateway to see how she could help, Carter invited Watters to one of the Wellness in Recovery Lunches.

“It’s a great entry point to see what’s going on and start making connections,” Watters said. “It’s so fun to see people that are working really hard to change their lives and circumstances.

“I get to cheer people on when they’re doing something really hard and amazing for themselves.”

The lunches provided Watters with a way to connect with community members that she may not encounter in her “day-to-day” life and follow along with what’s happening in their lives from

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Gateway to Prevention and Recovery in partnership with Mission Shawnee hosts a Wellness in Recovery Lunch starting at noon on the last Tuesday of each month with the goal of connecting those recovering from addiction with volunteers, community members and businesses who want to support and celebrate their efforts.

Photos submitted

one month to the next, she said. From these lunches, Watters found opportunities to get involved in mentoring and supporting individuals in recovery.

“The lunches also provide helpful resources like updates on Gateway’s wellness programs, local recovery meetings, wellness resources and family friendly activities taking place in Pottawatomie County,” Carter said. “In addition, the meetings may also include live music, group games and powerful recovery stories.”

Gateway hosted its first meeting June 24,

2015. That year, the average attendance was six people, but that number increased to an average of 26 people last year with a high mark of 55 attendees. During that time, nearly 40 businesses and organizations attended the lunches between 2017 and 2019.

Lisa Watson, TSET healthy living program consultant with Gateway, is glad to see the number of attendees grow, but she said it’s even more meaningful watching those attendees grow more comfortable with each other and open up about what’s happening in their lives.

“We’re all starting to feel more alike than we are different,” said Watson, who said that other opportunities to get involved discussed at the lunches helps increase this feeling of connectivity. “We’re all just living life together.”

The lunches also provide a chance for those in recovery to hear about the challenges of community members in attendance who do not struggle with addiction but do face hurdles of their own, Watson said. This provides a lot of encouragement for those recovering and helps build feelings of connection.

“Clients realize everybody has problems; it’s not just us in recovery,” Watson said. “You can say, ‘here’s the problems we face, and here’s how we do it.’”

Each month, Gateway partners with a local business, organization or individual to sponsor the lunch, such as Langley Management, Berkshire Hathaway, Richard’s Drug, Shawnee Mill-

Trevor Robertson (center) and his trusty volunteers prepare a meal each month thanks in part to the sponsorship of local businesses, organizations and individuals.

Caleb Collier (right) serves as a volunteer for Gateway and provides live music for the Wellness in Recovery Lunches through his involvement in a partnership with Life.Church.

Mickey Mills and he make up The Moody Dudes.

ing Company, First United Bank, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Rocky Wade and Blue Zones Project of Pottawatomie County. Organizers are currently seeking sponsors for the monthly lunches through the end of the year.

Focusing on ideas centered on overall wellness at events such as these make them helpful for all those who attend, Davis said, especially those learning to live life in recovery.

“You have to be balanced in all areas, physically, mentally, spiritually,” he said. “That’s part of what the lunches offer, I believe. There’s more to recovering than not using. You have to learn how to live.”

The event takes place at Mission Shawnee at 126 S. Center St. 6 community service hours and/or drug court card signing are available to help people meet their obligations in a way that is also supportive and fun, according to information from Gateway. Anyone can receive a monthly reminder, find out more information, or offer to be a sponsor by emailing Alicja Carter at acarter@gatewaytoprevention.org.

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SHAWNEE HISTORY

Ninth Street Building Has Found New Life, Purpose During Its Nearly 100-Year History

by Ann McDonald, Courtesy Pott Co. Historical Society Member

M

any of our old Shawnee buildings have lived diverse lives but others are not so different as they were 100 years ago. Such is the one on the northwest corner of Ninth and Louisa Streets.

The fine one-story building was constructed nearly 100 years ago by two entrepreneurs who leaped at the opportunities that came when the automobile began to be a mainstay in the life of ordinary Americans. In the early part of the 1920s, Thomas W. Robison and his family were living in Oklahoma City where he was working as an advisor to the Ford Motor Company. He convinced his banker friend, Paul X. Johnson, to take a chance on a new venture. They came to Shawnee and had a beautiful building constructed near the city’s bustling downtown, where they began selling Lincolns and Fords in addition to Fordson cars, trucks and tractors as Robison-Johnston New and Used Auto Sales.

Their business boomed for several years, but when the Depression brought hardship to so many, the sale of cars dwindled. Johnson, who had several other business ventures, returned to Oklahoma City. Then in 1941, the war began and very soon the government shut down the production of new cars. Tires were also unavailable, so many auto owners simply put their vehicles up on blocks. The automobile manufacturers retooled to make tanks and military transports, so the sale of both old and new automobiles declined. Robison then followed his former partner back to Oklahoma City and began working for the Oklahoma Transportation Department. RobisonJohnston Auto Sales closed their doors.

The building at 327 W. 9th St. first housed Robison-Johnston New and Used Auto Sales in the 1920s and later served as a technical school for Shawnee High School before currently serving as part of South Central Industries, which provides jobs and vocational training for individuals with special needs.

Photo submitted

The building sat empty for a while after the war until the Shawnee school system acquired it and turned it into what was called the Trade and Industrial School, but the kids called it simply “T & I.” Students could choose to spend half their class day learning auto repair, drafting, printing, carpentry and various other trades. Although no longer the place to find new and used cars, the building proved to be perfect for its new life.

For nearly 40 years, many Shawnee High School boys and girls passed through the vocational classes preparing for their future.

When the state approved the opening of vocational-technical schools throughout Oklahoma in the early 1970s, Shawnee was chosen as one

of the sites. The new school eventually became Gordon Cooper Technology Center and was open for the surrounding school districts. After a few years, it was agreed that Shawnee High School’s T & I program was no longer needed. Most of the programs offered there were available at Gordon Cooper. By the end of the 1980s, the classes at 327 W. 9th had ended.

Records indicate the building sat empty for a while before it found a new life as another type of specialty advantage for the citizens of Shawnee soon moved to the site.

South Central Industries – which was originally known by other titles since it came into existence in 1981 – was ready to spread out.

The organization – which offers

training and jobs for individuals with special needs – had first been located on west MacArthur then for a time on north McKinley, but the founders wanted to expand and build more opportunities.

The Ninth Street location also gave the advantage of offering living space nearby for those involved in the vocational training and work. So, the fine old structure that had housed one of the first automobile sales buildings in the area then was used for educating teenage apprentices now has become the haven for developing and training citizens with special needs.

The nearly 100-year-old building continues to service Shawnee by its usefulness and especially by the physical refurbishing. www.shawneeoutlook.com

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MENTAL HEALTH

Show Love This Month With Relationship 'Check-In' or 'Check-Up'

F

ebruary is often referred to as a month focused on love and relationships for many in our American culture.

Whether you are in a long-term relationship, just starting one, focusing on your family or just focusing on yourself, this month may be a good time to consider a “check-in” and/or a “check-up” regarding your relational health.

What are “check-ins” and “check-ups?”

According to various clinicians and relational experts, a “check-in” involves taking time to ask your partner, family member and/ or yourself one basic question – How is our relationship going? – and then really listening. Think of it as taking a pulse and then exploring where the relationship has been, where it is now and where you hope it to be in the future.

Various research suggests periodically checking in with a partner or family members to determine how the health of the relationship is going to increase overall health and well-being. This may look different depending on the type of partner or family member with whom you are checking in along with your own personality and preferences. There are also various resources and apps that can help guide the process. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but some of my past clients have found apps like Lasting, Gottman Card Decks, Relish, Love Nudge for Couples and Kindu to be helpful starting points. In addition, there are great online tools and book resources that can help. I am a big fan of the work of Jon and Julie Gottman. Their research on couple health has been formative for many who work in the field of couple therapy. An online search using terms like “relationship checkup” and “Gottman Institute” can provide various results from these professionals.

Sometimes in doing a self-check-in, people can find that this approach isn’t a good fit for them, or it gives light to further exploration. If the resources above are not your style or taste or you find that the check-in process

is challenging for you and your loved one to navigate on your own, it may be more beneficial to get a “check-up” with a professional and seek out the help of a licensed therapist to provide additional support for inquiring and building a stronger relationship.

Think of it this way: many people go to a primary care physician for a wellness checkup annually. This sometimes involves a blood pressure check, a light shined in the ears, listening to the heartbeat and breathing and maybe some blood being drawn. The goal is to take a proactive approach to our physical health before a problem occurs.

Furthermore, think about your vehicle. Many check the gauges and periodically do tuneup work to save money in the long run. If you are like me, you at least look at your driver panel to see if the check engine light or gas light is on.

Maintaining a proactive approach to all dimensions of our wellness is natural and makes sense. Our relational health should be no less important. If you haven’t ever been to a licensed therapist, it can sometimes feel a little intimidating at first. During a check-up with a trained therapist, you may notice that you and your loved one will be asked to think about how the relationship has been from when it started to now. You will be asked what strengths the relationship possesses and some of the areas you would like to improve. The therapist may also ask how conflict occurs and how you resolve it with your loved one. There may be other questions for you to consider and process, and then the therapist will provide recommendations for you moving forward. Overall, a good therapist will meet you where you are and help you get where you want to be.

We exist within a community, and various research supports the connection between physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health with relational health. Take the time this month to check-in with your loved ones and the health of your overall relational wellness.

Mitchell DeShazer is a licensed marriage and family therapist for Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. For the last four years, he has worked with various couples and families of various ages with the goal of helping to improve relational health and strength.

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

The Choice

By Melissa Teslow Long ago someone told me, that inside of my soul, I held a choice The choice ... is mine, always, and it is in every one of my thoughts.

No matter the misery or the plaintiveness of life...

No matter the uncontrollable circumstances or the seemingly disingenuous situation...

I have a choice, forever, and it gives me power.

I have a power to seek the bliss and look beyond the desolation in events.

The power leads me to see beauty and magic in the place of disillusion and fear.

It is to hear the whisper of intended kindness, behind words spoke in anger.

It is to see good when the initial reaction is to see the bad.

It is to seek joy and not focus on life’s misery.

With this power ... all I ever see is happy, all I ever know is goodness.

When I look back, that is all I see, and when I look forward, that is all I see, because I have the choice, always.

Dear Love

By Patrick Breen Can I have a talk with you and finally introduce myself? I'm always asking "Why?" I remember when I was a lot younger, I thought I knew you.

But the loves in my life have come and gone.

Then the years flew through, and I started saying to myself, "Who are you, Dear Love?"

Now I'm older and wiser, but I never stopped to wonder, did I ever know you at all? Dear Love, you're like a comedy in a serious theater, smiling and crying. With every relationship I ask, "Which is which, and who am I?" Death doesn't stop you, and life cannot exist without you. You always come through just when I need you. I know the God of Love, and true for all of us, His benefits to renew. True Love is always faithful. So, Dear Love, who are you? We all want to know you, have a talk with you, and have you in our lives. Sometimes

you inspire me and other times I feel like I lose you. Thanks for letting me meet you. Now I know you're like the wind, sometimes strong, sometimes gentle. We just don't see you, but you are always near, always wonderful, and always waiting on me, right on time.

Listen to the Whispers

By Rickey Dale Crain

Listen to the whispers, are they calling you?

Do not be afraid, of what, they might say to you.

Can you sleep on through the night, all the time and the pain?

Everywhere you travel, you must have lost it in the rain.

Listen to the whispers, are they calling you?

Do not be afraid of what they might say to you.

Greatness is a dream; it lives on and on.

It will not be around us when so much of the vision is gone.

Listen to the whispers, are they calling you?

Do not be afraid of what they might say to you.

Stranger things have happened; it’s magic every day.

Forever is so close, perhaps it’s just another day.

Listen to the whispers, are they calling you?

Do not be afraid of what they might say to you.

Special?

By Kay Lynne Vance Yes, I am special! God made me unique – no one else is exactly like me. Every part of me is His loving design. Yet, He drew a line: “This far you may come, but no farther. Here your proud waves must stop!”

You see, I am no better than anyone else; not more special than others. If I think I am better than anyone else, my loving heavenly Father shows me plainly, I am not!

Without doubt, God does have a sense of humor.

I was nothing more than “the lady on Market.”

One Little Candle

By Kay Lynne Vance

When we reveal our inner self, Our glow be in Your light alone; One little facet of Your love prone, One little light of star-shine bright.

In Your wisdom You have placed Each one, filling without waste, The sweet beauty we each hold; Within our candle, Your love is told.

Every life is precious From the moment of conception, You have written all our days In Your book, without exception.

Let Your Truth go forth each day; Reach the lost, O Lord, I pray.

Give living water to their soul, Our Savior indeed, let them behold.

These loving pictures of my mind, May we, Lord Jesus, be always kind.

Help us to love You more each day, As we laugh and share along our way.

Brightest Star

By Sheila Hughes Pretty girls make a pretty world.

I guess that’s why God made ‘em.

And a daughter like you, honey, Is an extra special friend.

I thank my sweet Lord for you, Cause sweeter are my days.

My air smells fresher, my sky more blue, Because of the preciousness of you.

I celebrate each cherished day That I know that we are ours.

Always know, as you always show, You are my brightest star.

I Come To You, Father

By Sheila Hughes

I come to you, Father and I pray All my burdens I lay in your care.

Seems the world today has gone astray.

For those with hard hearts, I pray repair.

And I pray for those inside prisons, If behind bars or within themselves, Open their eyes to divine freedom That is had calling Jesus; he helps.

Bring healing to those who do suffer.

Mend families that are in discord.

Let every ear hear that Christ died, Paid the debt for eternal reward.

Let enemies embark on forgiving Cause battles that wage to now cease.

Flow strength to those who've grown weary.

For the chains that bind, cause release.

And, Father, see that your light shines Through me, as from shadows I came.

Let my every step show example That with acceptance, salvation brings change.

I know the sins of my past are forgiven.

Keep them fresh so lost souls can see.

That the whole of my being has deliverance.

My then filth, and your stripes have made clean.

And, thank you that my comforters with me To help win yet another day’s wars.

And, thank you for wounds, scars remind me The cross has bought for me heaven's shore.

Custom poems for any occasion, email Sheila at heavenlyexpressions2019@gmail.com. www.shawneeoutlook.com

29

WOMEN’S CLOTHING HOME DECOR CHILDREN’S CLOTHES GIFTS • JEWELRY HOME FRAGRANCES & MORE!

1817 N. Harrison | Shawnee, Oklahoma

Fashion for sizes Newborn-3XL

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Love is in the air, and you will love these spring styles!

CALENDAR

February Events Feb. 6-9: Oklahoma Baptist University Theatre presents “Emily: An Amethyst Remembrance,” telling the story of a 30-year-old Emily Dickinson in reverse from her days spent as nearly a recluse back to when she returned home from Mount Holyoke College. It uses Dickinson’s poetic voice to examine the events and relationships that led her to such isolation.

The performances take place at Sarkeys Black Box Theater on the OBU campus.

Tickets and information: okbu.edu/theatre.

Feb. 8: Play It Loud Season IV will move from the screen to the stage as featured artists Ali Harter, Branjae, John Calvin Abney and The Wight Lighters play live starting at 7 p.m. at the Grand Event Center at 777 Grand Casino Blvd. Information: grandboxoffice.com.

STORE HOURS:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 AM-5:30 PM • Thursday 10 AM-6:30 PM & Saturday 10 AM-4 PM

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Feb. 14: The Ritz Theater of Shawnee will host a Valentine’s Day jazz concert featuring the aptly named band, Matt Stansberry and The Romance. Information: facebook.com/theritzofshawnee.

Feb. 14: Singer Wade Tower will croon his way into lovers’ hearts with a Valentine’s Day concert featuring music from artists like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley and more starting at 8 p.m. at the Grand Event Center at 777 Grand Casino Blvd. Information: grandboxoffice.com.

Feb. 14-22: Shawnee Little Theatre presents Alfred Hitchcock's “The 39 Steps,” a comedy parody of the classic 1935 movie. Watch four actors play more than 150 characters in this intriguing, thrilling, riotous and unmissable comedy at 1829 Airport Road. Tickets and information: shawneelittletheatre.com.

Corner of Main & Bell • Shawnee www.nealsfurnishings.com • 405.275.7500

Entertain Your Sense of Style at Neal's 30

www.shawneeoutlook.com

Feb. 15: Join Community Renewal for We Care-aoke, a snazzy night of dinner and musical bingo with a karaoke and cocktail finish benefitting the nonprofit organization. The event sponsored by BancFirst will offer hors d'oeuvres, dinner, drinks and games from 6-10 p.m. at the Grand Casino at 777 Grand Casino Blvd.

Special rates for hotel rooms at the Grand will be offered to attendees of the event.

Information: grandboxoffice.com.

Feb. 21: The monthly third Friday Downtown Block Party will get going at 6 p.m. along Main Street with vendors, farmers market and food trucks set up in Celebration of Life Park on the corner of Main and Philadelphia.

Feb. 21: The Arts@317 will host Susan Chambers of Tinroof Studios, who will demonstrate the techniques she uses to make her lampwork glass beads. This event will happen during the third Friday Downtown Block Party 6-9 p.m. at 317 E. Main St. Feb. 22: Whether you’re a pickup man or not, fans of Tulsa-native Joe Diffie can put on their John Deere green and catch his show with fellow country artist, Josh Gracin, starting at 7 p.m. at the Grand Event Center at 777 Grand Casino Blvd. Information: grandboxoffice.com.

Feb. 23: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church will host a screening of the documentary, “Same God,” involving Shawnee native and recent Shawnee Educational Foundation hall of fame recipient, Larycia Hawkins. Following the presentation at 3:30 p.m. at 301 N. Beard, there will be a panel discussion for those interested. Admission is free with an Eventbrite ticket. Information: samegodshawnee.org.

March 7: Shawnee’s premier familyfriendly comic book and pop culture convention is back for its second year. Uncanny Comic Expo will feature a sellout number of vendors packing the floor inside the FireLake Arena from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and activities overflowing outside with attractions for everyone in the family, such as comics, cosplay, gaming and more.

Tickets are $10 and kids 12 and under are free. Information: uncannycomicexpo.com.

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

SURGICAL CARE CLOSE TO HOME SSM HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP IS PROUD TO BRING THE EXPERTISE OF TWO GENERAL SURGEONS, JENNIFER L. WENTZEL, MD, AND IAN CASSADAY, DO, TO SHAWNEE AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. Dr. Wentzel treats patients with a wide variety of conditions and illnesses. After completing her undergraduate degree in biology from Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Wentzel earned her master’s degree in science from Pennsylvania State College of Medicine. She then went on to Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, formerly The Commonwealth Medical College, where she received her medical degree, followed by a general surgery residency at Grand Strand Medical Center.

Jennifer L Wentzel, MD, MS, General Surgeon

Dr. Cassaday offers several types of laparoscopic surgical treatments, and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in diverse surgical environments – from general surgery in rural areas to trauma surgery while serving with the U.S. Army. After completing his undergraduate degree from Iowa State University, Dr. Cassaday earned his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He then went on to complete his general surgery categorical internship and general surgery residency at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.

Dr. Wentzel and Dr. Cassaday are accepting new patients, and look forward to forming strong relationships and helping patients make the best decisions for their health.

Ian Cassaday, DO, General Surgeon

Call 405-273-5801 to schedule an appointment.

3315 Kethley Shawnee, OK 74804 SSMHealth.com A department of SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee ©2019 SSM Health. All rights reserved.

www.shawneeoutlook.com

31

EVERY SATURDAY IN FEBRUARY

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Valentine’s Day for 2 @ FireLake Casino

Each hot seat winner and adjacent patron

Surf n’ Turf Buffet for 2 + $20 in Free Play for $14.99

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See players club for details.

Every hour from 5 PM - 10 PM

A players club representative will physically find the winner and determine if there are patrons “actively playing” at the machine to the immediate left or right of the hot seat winner. To be eligible for either award, a patron must be actively playing a slot machine with their rewards club card inserted. Patrons may only receive one (1) $25 hot seat or friendly neighbor award each day of the promotion.

SUNDAY

February 02 Come out to Lucky 7’s for drink specials during the game. celebrate the most popular tequila drink in the world with $1 margaritas all day FEB 22

National Must be a hot rewards club member. Must be present and wagered on the day of the drawing. 18 to enter. Valid ID required. FireLake Casino reserves the right to cancel or change any promotions without further notice.

day at lucky 7’s

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Come out Tuesday, February 25 and celebrate Mardi Gras with drink specials all day.

PICK WHO WILL WIN THE

drink of the month: 32

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Smooch | $6

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burger of the month:

Chili Cheeseburger + Fries & Drink | $6

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IF THEY WIN, GET A $10 BONUS PLAY WHEN YOU EARN 5 POINTS