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Chess: A Game of Life | Crashing into the Calm

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JANUARY 17 Vol. 13 Number 11

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VENDORS: Red Coyote • Life Spring Home Care • Fancy & Staples, Personal Chef Services • Rodan + Fields • Young Living Alzheimer’s Association • House of Health • SeneGence • Sunkissed by Cassie Mobile Spray Tanning • Kyani • Herbalife • The Bicycle Shoppe • Massages By Jennifer • Amazing Grace • Gateway to Recovery • Clay McLaughlin, O.D. • Shawnee Splash Water Park • Hearing Health Care • StrongHER • Zumba with Kelsey • POUND • Personal Trainers, Andrea Beck & Gary Frazier CO-SPONSORS: 1.9

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CONTENTS

Publisher

JANUARY 2017

11

22 FEATURES 9 Success! New Year Resolutions Gone Right 11 Chess: A Game of Life 15 Artist Brings Comfort and Healing 18 Local Arm Wrestlers Reach for World Title 21 Watch Out for RSV 22 Snake Ecologist Home from Thailand 25 Crashing into the Calm: Back from Death

DEPARTMENTS 6 KEEP THE CHANGE

Okie Icon Media

Managing Editor

Mindy Wood

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Creative Direction

Kelsey Walker & Fawn Wilson Olivarez

Cover Photo

Mackenzie Herman

Writers

Andrea Beck Ann McDonald Angela Rowland Cindy Stober Thresa Swadley Mindy Ragan Wood

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.

6 NUTRITION 101 14 KIDS SAY THE BEST THINGS 20 SONIC CONTEST

Volume 13, Number 8 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Okie Icon Media. Š 2016 Okie Icon Media

26 MENTAL HEALTH 29 SHAWNEE HISTORY 30 ART GUIDE

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.

27 Solo Pianist Brings Variety to Live Music

To RSVP for our monthly info lunch, email maile@wecareshawnee.org Info lunches held every second Wednesday.

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KEEP THE CHANGE

Direct Sales Savings I admit it – I’m a direct sales junkie. As I try to keep in mind value v. cost, I find that many direct sales items are of a higher quality than some retail counterparts, thus, I find value in their products. If you have a hankering for direct sales, there are a few options available to help you save: • Ask about specials. Most direct sales companies offer monthly customer specials. If there is a specific item you’re looking for, let your consultant know so she can keep you informed when it goes on sale. Other companies offer “preferred customer” discounts on shipping or retail prices. If you’re placing an order, ask to order with a friend – this could help you both save on shipping.

• Be a hostess. You will have the opportunity to snag free or severely discounted items just for hosting a party. If you’re not big on inviting others over, most companies offer online social media parties these days, allowing customers to shop from their couches. In my experience, however, I would advise opening up your home – not only does it garner more interest in the product to see it in person, but it’s also just more fun to hang out and shop with friends.

• Become a consultant yourself. If you love the product so much you’re telling all your friends about it, consider signing up and making a commission on your personal sales pitches. There are also some companies that encourage consultants to sign up simply to earn wholesale prices. If that’s how the company is designed and you plan to purchase enough to make the sign-up cost worth it, this is definitely the most cost-effective route. Be sure, though, that it’s a commitment you’re ready to make.

Happy shopping!

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)

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NUTRITION 101 Do It For You I imagine that most readers, if asked, would assume that someone like me, a dietitian and personal trainer employed by Anytime Fitness, would take this opportunity to encourage everyone to make a New Year’s Resolution to join a gym and get fit. Well,, you would be partially correct. I do believe you should join a gym and get fit – the sooner the better. But, I don’t believe it should be based on a New Year’s Resolution, per se. That is a sure-fire way to set yourself up for failure. You need to put some thought into your fitness journey before you begin. Prepare yourself emotionally and when you decide to commit, do so wholeheartedly. Maybe you’ve tried it before, given up, or maybe you have absolutely no idea what to expect. My advice is to start by setting goals for yourself. Would you like to lose some weight, feel better, or just “Get to a healthier place?” All these are realistic goals that are attainable if you exercise consistently and continue to do so over the course of your lifetime. As they say, if it was easy, everyone would do it. But exercise is not easy and only about 10% of the public does so regularly. Sure, exercise is not fun for most people, but it is a necessity for good health and many people enjoy it very much. So join a gym, get out and exercise, but do it for you, not the calendar. The 4th Annual Shawnee Wellness Fair is on January 14th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Shawnee Expo Center. Many vendors will be there representing a wide range of health-related fields. It would be a great place to find support in areas you are needing help.

Want a stress-free evening meal? Try the recipe below.

Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff Who doesn’t like coming home to dinner? The crock-pot is used often in our house, especially during these cold winter months. Add a vegetable to the side for a complete meal and take the worry out of rushing home to cook dinner.

Ingredients • 1½ pounds lean stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes • 2 (8-ounce) containers mushrooms, thinly sliced • 1 (10.5-ounce) can reduced fat cream of mushroom soup • 1 small onion, diced • ¾ cup plus 2 Tablespoons low-sodium

• • • • • • •

vegetable broth 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 12 ounces no yolk egg noodles, dry 1 cup plain 0% Greek yogurt 4 oz nonfat cream cheese

Directions Place the meat, mushrooms, mushroom soup, onion, vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and black pepper in the slow cooker and stir together. Cook on high for 3 hours or low heat for 6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook the noodles to al dente according to package directions.

Drain the noodles and add to the slow cooker along with the yogurt and cream cheese. Stir to combine and heat through on low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information Makes 8 servings; 1 ½ heaping cups Calories: 479 Fat: 19g Saturated Fat: 7g Cholesterol 80 mg Sodium: 748 mg Carbohydrates: 39g Fiber: 3g Protein: 37g Nutrition 101: One of my New Year’s resolutions many years ago was to have more home cooked meals and to have a plan for the week. This is one resolution that I actually stuck to and glad that I did. Just by making a plan for your meals for one week at a time will dramatically help you to stick to a plan. If you need help meal planning, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Anytime Fitness.

Andrea Beck, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer, received her Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics from UCO in Edmond. She offers her nutrition consulting services, personal training and strongHER workouts through Anytime Fitness Shawnee. Andrea offers personalized meal plans and workout plans. Andrea specializes in weight loss, running, childhood obesity, pregnancy health and diabetes. Andrea is an active member of Junior Service League and her church, Life Church. For nutrition or exercise questions, you can contact Andrea at andrea.beck@anytimefitness.com

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Success! New Year Resolutions Gone Right According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, about 50 percent of Americans do it every year, making New Year resolutions for a new and improved version of themselves. The success rate? According to Statistic Brain Research, only eight percent actually achieve their goals.

Christine Newell and Amber Zacks are in the eight percent, having trudged through a few obstacles to become healthier and happier. They shared with the Shawnee Outlook some lessons learned along the way.

Two years ago, Newell was struggling with her weight and poor eating habits. “I was having back problems, knee problems, and I just had no energy,” said Newell. “My doctor told me, ‘You have to lose the weight.’”

Having obtained minimal success, Newell realized she had to approach her goals in a holistic way. “I knew it had to be total body and mind. I went to Hilton Head Health in South Carolina, a 30-day health program. We had cooking classes every day, group counseling sessions every day and lots of exercise. Every day I started feeling stronger and healthier. I started to feel like who I used to be.”

Upon her return, she and her husband Dave joined Anytime Fitness and started working toward a healthier lifestyle together. A year later Zacks joined with a new mindset about losing weight.

“I had to get away from dieting. I saw a photo of myself and I didn’t like what I saw. It wasn’t that I really cared what other people thought, but I wanted to like what I saw and I wanted to set an example for my children and keep up with them.”

Both Newell and Zacks approached their goals with strategic plans. For Zacks it was working out with a personal trainer for seven months and getting a meal plan from in-house dietician, Andrea Beck. Newell stressed the importance of being prepared for the day, every day.

“I always have a plan,” said Newell. “If I don’t do it before bed, then I do it first thing in the morning; whether it’s to do food preparation or an exercise I’m going to do. If that falls through, I have a backup plan.”

Zacks, a busy working mom whose kids are active in sports, agrees that planning with an onthe-go lifestyle is a challenge. “I have come to love crockpot meals,” she smiled. “Food is the hardest part. You have to buy it, prepare it, and cook it.

When I cheat or miss, though, I just get up the next day and start over.”

A support system has also been helpful. Newell said having her husband working alongside her has been the best support she could ask for,

Amber Zacks and Christine Newell celebrate New Year Resolution Success

but Zacks said she has relied more on the support from friends at the gym to keep her going.

Newell said while a support system has been empowering, education has been the biggest catalyst for her success. Because she continued researching better health, she discovered just how important eating whole foods without preservatives and additives were to feeling better.

“I had been at a plateau for a year. I wasn’t doing anything different. About five months ago, I started eating clean and really buckling down on my nutrition and the weight started coming off again about two months ago,” she said.

Both women said the hardest part of staying on track is a busy lifestyle, but again that preparedness is the solution. Checking the menu

By Mindy Ragan Wood

Shawnee Outlook

before stopping at a restaurant or packing health food to go can make a difference between cheating or achieving a daily goal.

Newell has held to her New Year resolutions two years, Zacks a year in February. Both women have lost weight and inches and look forward to feeling better every day. They agreed that it’s important to celebrate the milestones and not beat yourself up mentally when you have a setback.

Andrea Beck, dietician and fitness class instructor at Anytime Fitness, said she’s proud to watch Newell and Zacks reach their goals. “These ladies are why I love my job and why I look forward to walking in the door every single morning. They are inspiring others and I am beyond proud of them.”

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Chess: A Game of Life

By Mindy Ragan Wood

January is the time of year many consider making a fresh start and a time to forecast self-improvement goals. As the gyms fill up and healthier foods make it through the checkout lines, some are continuing to improve their minds through the game of chess.

A true exercise of critical thinking, the game is far more than pieces on a board. Chess has been associated with highly intelligent people, thanks to creative geniuses of art, science, literature, and military who played the game. Sir Francis Bacon, Napoleon Bonaparte, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Albert Einstein are just a few.

Members of Shawnee Chess meet several times a month to flex their mental muscles and enjoy good company. From various walks of life and all age ranges, players gather at the Shawnee Mall every week, twice a month at the Shawnee Public Library, and every third Friday night at Main Street Photo Studio and Gallery.

It’s a game enjoyed both by children as young as toddlers to senior adults. Shawnee Chess club’s youngest member is five-year-old Forest Winslow who demonstrated his favorite piece as the queen for her diverse movement ability on the board. Father, Donald Winslow, started teaching him at age two. Member Bud Jeffrey has been playing sixty years.

The benefits of chess include improved cognitive and verbal skills, critical thinking, mental acuity, emotional intelligence, and math skills to name a few. Daryl Cooke and Brandon Cully agree

Donald Winslow plays against his son Forest Winslow

with the science behind chess’ benefits. “You’re playing chess on the board and when you’re away from the game, conducting life,” said Cully, who has been playing 38 years. “It’s an exercising tool for the brain. It’s about problem solving. Every move you make and every move your opponent makes is a new problem to solve. Your brain is having to work to solve the problem.”

Daryle Cooke learned to play when he was a young boy, but didn’t begin to seriously play until he moved to Oklahoma several years ago. “It’s a puzzle, a constantly evolving puzzle. It’s both rewarding and relaxing at the same time. It’s a stress reliever to be able to solve a problem when there are other problems (in life) you can’t solve. It can be cathartic.”

A little psychology is involved, too, especially for time matches where both player must move a certain number of times during a time period.

When an opponent doesn’t execute the required number of moves, it can result in a loss. Cully said, “You can win by checkmate or by your opponent running out of time. It teaches you time management. It’s also a little psychology because your opponent knows you have to work out certain problems and you only have so much time.”

The club does compete in local tournaments according to the rules of the U.S. Chess Federation. Their senior member, Bud Jeffrey, is an accomplished player who has won first, second, and third placements in tournaments in Oklahoma City, Norman, and Moore to name just a www.shawneeoutlook.com

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few. After taking a long break from the game, he returned to chess consistently two years ago.

Club members enjoy socializing during their meetings. Tournaments are more serious events, where there is very little talking. “When we have club meetings, we come to socialize and improve our game,” said Cully. “It’s a quiet game once you get into it, but there are conversations that go on.”

Tournaments offer cash prizes and the chance to improve one’s rank.

Prizes at local tournaments can be as little as $25 to hundreds of dollars.

Professional players who win world championships can collect up to $2

million. It’s quite a wide gap, but ranking is based on scores as low as 100 to above 2400, from letter classes (J-A) to Expert, Master, International Master, and Grand Master. The USCF also has a youth association for players under 21.

Players are equally matched by rank within 100-200 points.

Shawnee Chess meets to play matches every Thursday at Shawnee Mall from 6-9 p.m., for Rook n’ Roll youth every first and third Saturday at Shawnee Public Library from 10 a.m. to noon, and every third Friday evening at Main Street Photo Studio and Gallery.

For more information visit their Facebook page, Shawnee Chess.

Brandon Cully and Bud Jeffrey playing chess

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you’re covered for the holidays, birthdays covered for the holidays, birthdays you’re covered for the holidays, birthdays you’re covered for the holidays, birthdays AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END IN “Y” AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END IN “Y” AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END IN “Y” AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END IN “Y” you’re covered for the holidays, birthdays AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END IN “Y” you’re covered for the holidays, birthdays AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END IN “Y” you’re covered for the holidays, birthdays AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END IN “Y” AND ANY OTHER THAT END IN “Y” AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END “Y” AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END ININ “Y” AND ANY OTHERDAYS DAYS THAT END IN “Y”

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AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END ININ “Y” ANDANY ANYOTHER OTHERDAYS DAYS THAT END “Y” AND THAT END IN “Y” AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END IN “Y” AND ANY OTHER DAYS THAT END IN “Y”

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13

Kids Say the BEST things

OVER

500,000 Enrollments in CareerTech programs statewide, with students earning professional credentials in health care, robotics, graphic design, masonry, pre-engineering, welding, fabrication and other highly skilled careers needed to keep

The way kids see the world is often surprising and humorous. We reached out to local students to see what they thought about New Year Resolutions. A few said they wanted to get better grades, or study more. It seems several kids are thinking about keeping a cleaner bedroom this year. We hope you enjoy their take on the holiday!

Oklahoma’s workforce moving forward.

Let’s get to work.

Q. What will be a New Year Resolution for you?

A. “I am going to try to start being more friendly,” Julianna, grade 2 A. “To help out my parents more,” Scarlett, grade 4 A. “I am going to read more,” Chloe, grade 2 A. “To do my mom’s chores for her,” Trenton, grade 4

Q. What New Year Resolutions do you think your parents will have this year?

A. “My mom’s would probably be to parent my baby brother better…or something really sappy,” Eleanor, grade 4.

A. “My dad will try to stop talking bad, saying cuss words,” Bentley, grade 2 A. “To win the lottery,” Hayden, grade 4.

A. “I want my dad to stop polluting the air,” Gavin, grade 2.

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POWERING OKLAHOMA’S OKLAHOMA’S ECONOMY. ECONOMY. POWERING

14

www.shawneeoutlook.com

OKCAREERTECH.ORG || 405.377.2000 405.377.2000 || 800.522.5810 800.522.5810 OKCAREERTECH.ORG

Artist Brings Comfort and Healing Oklahoma native, Paula Willis Jones, was the most recently featured artist in a unique collaboration between St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital and the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. The two organizations worked together to provide an art gallery in the hospital’s new wing that features local artists and art to provide a healing experience for patients, families, and staff at the hospital.

Whereas many hospitals are decorated and then stay stagnant until the next round of remodeling or redecorating, the new wing of St. Anthony changes the artwork on a regular basis.

Vice President of Support Services for St. Anthony, Linda Brown, stated, “In the design of the West Tower, our goal was to enhance the patient, visitor, and staff experience by using art as a conduit to healing and hope.”

Curator of Collections at MGMOA, Delaynna Trimm, observed, “Art has the ability to touch someone’s soul—to provide comfort, peace, and happiness. It can be a powerful tool in the healing process.”

One result of this project has been the excitement of the employees enjoying the artwork; their reaction to Jones’ paintings is no exception. Kathy Mitchell, an employee of St. Anthony, talked about the impact of the gallery: “I come to work five days a week and when I see that the previous artwork is gone, then I cannot wait to see what is coming next.”

Similarly, Jones commented upon her own exhibit, saying, “One never knows what paintings will speak to those who see them. I had one lady who looked at the abstract painting displayed and asked me why I had it there. Then another person walked in and wanted to purchase the same painting because that was the work that spoke to him.” She went on to say, “I find that there is no predicting what art people will connect with.”

At first sight, the paintings in Jones’ display might seem eclectic in nature. However, upon closer examination, one sees Jones’ calming signature color, blue, and her love for animals tying the entire exhibit together.

In the foreground of this exhibit is a painting that is especially significant to Jones. A friend of hers, Julie Brittain, who struggled with severe asthma, had coded for several minutes before being resuscitated by doctors. Later learning that Brittain was writing a book, Paula asked if she could do the cover art for the book.

Whereas Jones knew that Brittain liked paintings with water, when she began the work, she found herself painting two canoes in the water.

When Brittain saw it, she was overcome by emo-

Paula Jones’ work on display at St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital

tion because during her “death experience” she had a vision of herself and Jesus in two canoes talking together. Not knowing this story before showing her friend the painting, Jones believes that her faith had guided her to paint what her friend needed.

Although Jones’ mother was an artist, Jones did not expect to make art her life’s work. She was a science teacher in Connecticut when her mother challenged her to come home for spring break and do nothing but paint every day. By the end of the first day, she had decided that she wanted to pursue life as an artist. “I loved the smell of the paint and everything about it,” said Jones. She finished the school year teaching and then began pursuing her career as an artist at the age of 28.

Since realizing art is truly her life’s passion, Jones has studied her craft on a continual basis.

She spent one year at the Old Lime Academy of Fine Art and since then has continued to learn on her own. She began studying the Impressionists and then, over the years, developed her own style.

Jones said that it takes time for artists to develop their own style: “You do not have your own

By Thresa Swadley

Thresa Swadley

style at first, and you are fishing around for what inspires you. You have to live your way into an artistic style.”

Jones continues to improve her art by going through art magazines from cover to cover. She dog-ears and tears pages out. Even if she likes only a portion of a painting, such as the blend of colors or composition in one section of the work, she learns from that one section. She also finds herself inspired and overwhelmed when she attends large art shows. “I am so inspired by everything that I just want to go home and paint, while at the same time thinking that I can never do this and want to give up.”

Even though Jones came to art later in life she has found success, having been commissioned for paintings by two of Oklahoma’s governors, as well as receiving a commission for a work for the former Federal Reserve Building in Oklahoma City.

She has also exhibited for out-of-state galleries.

Jones is currently preparing for a private show that she will have in her own studio space sometime in the late spring or early summer. She also teaches painting regularly at Main Street Photo Studio in downtown Shawnee. www.shawneeoutlook.com

15

CPN’s Iron Horse Industrial Park is on the rails Long laid plans for Iron Horse Industrial Park are finally coming to fruition for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Planning and Economic Development Department.

Under the direction of Director James C. Collard Ph.D., crews began laying the first of 5,700 feet of rail lines inside the industrial park in November and December.

Completion is expected in January, weather permitting.

“This is a very important time for the Nation and for Iron Horse,” stated Collard. “It’s really impressive seeing something we’d had drawn up in blue prints and maps be built from the ground up, and with the rail lines, we are actively seeking tenants for the industrial park.”

Along with the internal rail lines, work crews are in the initial stages of constructing a transload facility, which will allow for the quick and simple transfer of products from truck to rail, and vice versa, for shipping out of the park.

“This will be the first business at Iron Horse,” Collard explained. “It will serve in an important location in east central Oklahoma. It will additionally serve as a profit center for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.”

Iron Horse is a general-use industrial park located on the national rail network of the United States. Its central location on 400 acres of Native American trust land just 35 minutes southeast of Oklahoma City and direct connections to the Union Pacific Rail Road provides great potential for importers and exporters alike.

The agreement to put track throughout the park was signed off at the end of 2015. Through the use of the federal HEARTH Act and the park’s designation as a foreign-trade zone satellite site, Iron Horse has the potential to become one of the drivers of economic development and jobs in Pottawatomie County in the coming years.

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Canadian Consul General Sara Wilshaw visits Iron Horse with CPN Director of Planning and Economic Development James Collard Ph.D. The park will stand out compared to many other industrial parks in the region due to its rail connections.

In the ten county area surrounding Citizen Potawatomi Nation, there are few industrial parks that have rail hook ups with available sites.

Internal rail lines will serve the transload facility inside the park.

“The two most important and unique benefits of locating within Iron Horse are the foreign trade-zone and the rail service,” Collard said. “Rail is significantly less expensive for transporting heavy materials long distances. Rail service therefore adds significantly to the attractiveness of the park and is a major part of our marketing because, among other reasons, rail provides a direct connection to the ocean ports on the gulf, east and west coasts.”

Utilities at the park for potential clients will be developed on a case-by-case basis while building and infrastructure construction will be to international standards.

“We will be able to provide any amount of electricity needs to the businesses here at Iron Horse. Water and wastewater treatment will be handled on a case-bycase basis,” he said.

To learn more about Iron Horse Industrial Park, please visit www.IronHorseCPN.com or call James C. Collard at 405-275-3121.

Crews from AM-Rail Construction lay line inside Iron Horse in mid-December.

citizenpotawatomination | potawatomi.org | 405-275-3121 | 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Dr | Shawnee, OK www.shawneeoutlook.com

17

Bryce and J.J. Talton

Local Arm Wrestlers Reach for World Title

By Mindy Ragan Wood

Professional arm wrestler, Jadako “JJ” Talton, has just returned from a state championship. He came in first place for left arm and second place for his right, securing his bid to attend the World Armwrestling League (WAL) national championship in Vegas this summer.

Arm wrestling or arm pulling, is a family affair for the Taltons. Younger brother, Bryce Talton ,competed in the amateur class and won second place for his right arm. J.J. has been pulling since 2004. Ten-time champion, Cynthia Yarby, of Seminole, Oklahoma, introduced him to another world champion, Michael Todd, of Arkansas, with whom he trained occasionally.

For Bryce and J.J., pulling is a passion. At the WAL national championship last year, J.J. placed sixth in the nation, up from eighth the previous year. He has been featured on ESPN which televises the WAL championships. J.J. said, “I won’t give up until I’m the world champion.”

The WAL claims to be the largest league for the sport, attracting men and women from all walks of life. Bankers and school teachers, doctors and oil rig workers, it’s known as the “everyman sport.”

Pulling requires both technique and strength, to say nothing of stamina. Don’t be fooled by how quickly the matches are over. With muscles from head to toe engaged, it’s a sport which demands 18

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all of a competitor’s strength and focus. While many matches last just seconds, one minute, can be an eternity.

The Taltons train religiously in J.J.’s home gym where he’s made most of his equipment, including a pulling table. They focus on strengthening their shoulders, arms, fingers, hands, and wrists. If they don’t train properly, their bones could break.

“There’s a lot of technique involved in arm pulling. It’s not just muscle. We have to make sure our bones are strengthened, our tendons are strengthened for the pressure of being in a pro class,” said J.J. “Almost all of the broken bones we’ve seen have been amateurs.”

To ensure bone strength, the Taltons don’t just lift but hold the weight, sometimes only 10 seconds. “Holding the weight is what builds bone strength,” said J.J. Technique is as important as important as strength. “How you stand at the table and how you grip,” explained J.J. “You have to know what you’re going to ‘hit with,’ the hook or the top roll; the shoulder press. You have to know defense, how to slow down your breathing. When they hit, you have to put all the pressure on. When they get tired, you can feel their hand start to weaken, you can sense it and that’s when you come back and get them.”

Technique helped a 16-year-old student in

J.J.’s “Top Roll Bulldogs” youth team. The youth won against an adult competitor. “Technique goes a long way,” said J.J. The sport is divided by region and weight class from lightweight to super heavyweight. J.J. competes as a heavyweight and Bryce asa super heavyweight. Cash prizes vary from a few hundred dollars per arm to $10,000 per arm.

It is costly to travel for competitions, especially WAL national championships. “We are grateful for the financial support of co-workers and employers at Central Plastics who have financially supported us the last two years for the WAL Vegas championships,” said J. J. They are accepting sponsorships for the upcoming WAL championship in Las Vegas.

While not competing, the Taltons enjoy training together. They pull against each other, and occasionally their father, R.C. Talton takes his place at the table, too. R.C. trained as a heavyweight lifter at Crain’s Muscle World for many years, achieving a 700 lbs. deadlift at age 44. He laughed as he talked about the way he encourages them. “I talk trash to them and push them,” he said with a grin. “They can beat me now, but I still give them a hard time.”

For videos of matches and other information about pulling, visit their Facebook page, “JJ Talton Arm Wrestling.”

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Watch Out for RSV Submitted by St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital

LIVE UNITED UNITED WAY OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

donate today at unitedwaypottco.org

With the winter season to keep them home and away upon us, it’s important to be from other children. In adaware of all the illnesses the dition, she recommends cold weather brings. Often covering the mouth and nose going undetected, but still when coughing and sneeza serious threat, is a coming, and washing toys bemon seasonal virus called tween each use. respiratory syncytial virus – Mary Wilkins Because it is highly conor RSV. It is one of the most tagious, almost all children common viruses that cause respiratory will become infected with RSV by the age tract infections, especially in children of two years. Since RSV has symptoms under the age of 4 years. In infants and similar to the common cold, parents are young children, RSV can frequently lead sometimes not sure when to seek medito bronchiolitis and pneumonia. cal attention.

According to Centers of Disease Con“For most healthy infants without a trol and Prevention (CDC), each year in heart or lung condition, RSV is similar the United States, more than 57, 000 to the common cold and can be treated children younger than 5 years old are with at-home symptom treatments to hospitalized due to RSV infection. make your child more comfortable,” says While RSV can be a cause for concern Wilkins. in parents of infants and children, they At-home treatments can include, should also know that most kids recover keeping your child hydrated, saline nafrom it well. The illness usually begins sal drops, and a humidifier. If your child 4 to 6 days after exposure. Some of the has a fever, you can give him or her acsymptoms of RSV include: etaminophen or ibuprofen as directed by • Decrease in appetite your healthcare provider.

• Runny nose with a fever You should call your healthcare pro• Sore throat vider if your child is having trouble • Coughing, sneezing and possibly breathing; has poor appetite or dewheezing creased activity level; cold symptoms • In very young infants, irritability, that become severe, or a shallow cough decreased activity, and breathing dif- that continues throughout the day and ficulties night.

• Sleep apnea In most cases, RSV is diagnosed The virus usually runs a 10 to 14 day based on the child’s symptoms, and a course. physical exam. If needed, the provider “This is the time of year that we start will do a nasal swab test or chest x-ray. seeing more little ones with RSV,” says Specific treatment for RSV will be deMary Wilkins, Nurse Practitioner, St. An- termined by your provider based on your thony Physicians Meeker. “RSV is con- child’s overall health. Antibiotics are not tagious and it’s spread by contact with usually given for RSV infections. But if saliva and mucus”. your child develops complications, such RSV can live on surfaces and on as an ear infection, your provider may hands and clothing, and is easily spread prescribe an antibiotic. when a person touches something conKeeping children healthy and out of taminated. Wilkins suggest using proper the health care providers’ office can be a hand hygiene to prevent the spread of challenge in the winter months. To schedRSV and other illness. ule an appointment with Mary Wilkins at “Wash your hands thoroughly or use the St. Anthony Physicians Meeker Clinic, alcohol based hand sanitizer after car- call (405) 279-4281. For an appointment ing for your child,” says Wilkins. with a provider at St. Anthony Shawnee She also suggests if your child is ill, Physicians, call (405) 273-5801. www.shawneeoutlook.com

21

Snake Ecologist Home from Thailand Cameron Hodges was back home for the holidays from Thailand where he has been studying King Cobras and other venomous snakes for a conservation and research center.

Hodges graduated with a BA in Zoology from OSU in May 2015 and by the following February, obtained a six-month internship at the Sakaerat Environmental Research Station in Nakhom Ratchisma. Less than five months later he accepted the position of Field Manager for the Sakaerat Conservation and Snake Education Team. There he and his team rescue and fieldcapture highly venomous snakes for study, and in some cases, implant tracking devices for radio tracking. They document their habitats and movements to learn more about them.

Hodges’ first King Cobra capture was filmed by the BBC who were there early last year filming a documentary. A London based film group is scheduled to film there next month.

In addition to the King Cobra, the station also handles what is believed by experts to be the third most toxic land snakes in the world, Maylan Kraits. Hodges said most people are surprised to learn how shy both serpents are.

“The King Cobra is not aggressive. They only hood up and act defensive when they’re harassed. It’s first reaction is to run away. They’re very fast and hard to catch, so they usually succeed. They’re really shy. Even when you make them angry, they’re reluctant to bite,” said Hodges.

Part of his job is to help educate the Thai people about the value of the King Cobra. ““The king cobra is a threatened or endangered species throughout its range. Human-caused mortality is the most common cause of death according to what we have witnessed at Sakaerat. They are often hit by cars or killed by people out of fear. Habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, and poaching also threaten them. They are often hunted for their traditional Chinese medicinal purposes, their skin and meat, and even for the pet trade.”

The Maylan Krait is so shy, the snake hides its head. “It’s a pretty unique defense mechanism. This guy tucks his head under, but he strikes to the side so they’re very hard to predict, even though they’re unlikely to bite. If it does bite, there’s a 50 percent chance to survive even if you have anti-venom and no chance if you don’t,” said Hodges, who is thankful he’s never been bitten.

Rescuing these and other venomous snakes is part of his crew’s job. Their goal is to save both the snake and the terrified people who come 22

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By Mindy Ragan Wood

Cameron Hodges tracks poisonous snakes Photos submitted

into contact with them. “We teach people about them so they don’t put themselves at risk trying to kill them.”

People in Thailand typically kill the snakes for fear of being bitten, not realizing that they want to be left alone. Hodges said in other eastern countries like India, where religion respects and even praises these snakes, they thrive and are less shy.

He hopes people will come to understand their value, especially in the field of medicine as scientists are developing medicine from the toxic venom. “It’s another strong point for conservation. I know they are already used for me-

dicinal purposes and are being researched for cancer,” said Hodges. “It’s a pretty hot topic in toxicology.”

Of all the serpents with which he comes into contact, the King Cobra, remains his favorite. “They’re the largest venomous snake in the world. In general I find them interesting.

They’re really charismatic for a snake and for a snake, they’re very intelligent. The females actually build a nest for their eggs and then guard the nest until they hatch. No other snakes build a nest that we know of,” said Hodges.

He returned this month to Thailand but will begin graduate school in March. His goal is to obtain his PhD and ultimately become a herpetologist. While he wants to return to the U.S., he said there isn’t much funding for his field of study. He is looking forward to studying King Cobras in India just before classes resume at Suranaree University of Technology. He will provide DNA samples for experts to examine and evaluate genetic traits.

SERS is supported in part by Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund and Suranaree University of Technology.

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Expanded heart care services are an exciting aspect of St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital’s growth. Located in the West Tower expansion, our new state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratory provides our cardiologists with the latest in technology to perform advanced cardiac procedures, including angioplasty.

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FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF OUR CARDIOLOGISTS, CALL 405-273-5801.

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Crashing into the Calm: Back from Death Crashing into the Calm: A Memoir of Fourteen Missing Minutes and Coming Back to Find Them by Julie Brittain (Tate, 2015) is the story of one family’s struggle through the greatest storm of their lives.

Three years ago, Julie Brittain was a working mom. With twin sixteen-year-old daughters and a ten-year-old son, there was always something to do. She was so busy juggling her life, work, and family, that she wore two different shoes to work one day.

Drowning in routine, she didn’t realize that stress had consumed her joy and sense of purpose. A season of personal loss and unresolved grief left her faith battered, too. Her hopes and dreams were as far from her as the stars in the sky the night she addressed God. “Okay, I’m done. God, you forgot about me so I give up. I’ve done everything wrong. I’m done.”

Brittain wrote, “I went inside. I went to bed. I fell asleep and I died.”

The evening of June 11, 2013 she was rushed to St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital where doctors and nurses were working to save her life. Although Julie was asthmatic and a heavy smoker, her condition was far beyond simple respiratory failure. She died at least three times, sustaining a heart attack and a stroke. All of her organs shut down. Her left hand exploded and her blood was fatally clotting in a condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation. For fourteen terrifying minutes, she was gone.

It was a very personal fight. Most of those working to save her were friends of hers. One doctor had twin girls who were very close to Julie’s own daughters.

As frightening as it was for her family and as furious was the fight to save her, Julie was at total peace. In that death state, she remembered being surrounded by water and eventually found herself in a boat. In the nights previous to her death, Julie kept dreaming she was under water and couldn’t get to the surface. Now, she was above it with someone she knew.

“I knew who He (Jesus) was,” she writes. After watching flashes from the most joyous times in her life, she said Jesus turned to her and said, “See. You haven’t done everything wrong.” She didn’t want it to end.

Julie awoke to confusion after three weeks in a medically induced coma. She couldn’t speak, but she vividly remembered the peace and joy of her experience. She knew everyone was protecting her from her true condition. She wrote, “I needed to know why the greatest experience of my life was my family’s worst.”

By Mindy Ragan Wood

Julie Brittain at St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital where she was not expected to survive

Julie and Michael Brittain

Recovery was formidable. “I didn’t want to give up, but it was hard. I couldn’t walk, talk; I had a hematoma in my back, and my bones in my chest were broken,” said Brittain. “My eyes were full of blood. Because of the stroke, I had brain damage. Even after I was stable, they didn’t think I’d ever leave the hospital because my organs wouldn’t come back. Then one day, my organs started coming back. We had a miracle almost every day.”

Dr. Gregory Blair, M.D. of St. Anthony OKC was astounded. “In the medical community, we like to think we’re scientists. We don’t use the word miracle lightly, we don’t use it often. We like to take credit for what happened and we like

Photos submitted

to explain things with science. But of at least 10 doctors that I know of who took care of her, 10 of 10 know that this was a miracle.”

The Brittains believe her recovery was the result of widespread prayer and overwhelming support. In a St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital documentary, “Waking Julie,” her daughters reported that over 100 people came to show their support.

Sylvia Copeland of St. Anthony Shawnee said, “We’ve never had that many people in our hospital for one person.”

For weeks, people brought food. Friends and family were constantly by her side. Preachers who didn’t even know her would sit with her. “My daughters received $500 worth of Starbucks gift cards. Friends bought a PlayStation 3 for my son (Bauer) to play while he was up there. He refused to leave. My husband didn’t even change clothes the first 11 days. My daughters kept a journal every day of what happened,” said Brittain. “People I didn’t even know changed the Facebook profile picture to ‘pray for Julie.’ I feel like everyone in Shawnee, everyone in the state saved my life.”

The book is both to document her story and is an expression of her gratitude. “The book is to tell God’s story of what He did for me; that you’re not alone and in the hardest times, even when you think you’re alone, God doesn’t forget about you. It’s for the doctors and nurses to understand what they did for me and for my family who never left my side. It’s a thank you to Shawnee,” said Brittain.

Her book is available in print and Kindle editions on amazon.com. She hopes to release her second book, “Still Here,” later this year. www.shawneeoutlook.com

25

MENTAL HEALTH

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Winter months bring many changes which may have negative effects on people. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition of depression related to change in seasons. It begins and ends about the same time each year. Lack of light, cold temperatures, bad weather, and dark days during the winter months, may lead to mood changes and depression. SAD is more common among women than men and usually presents by the age of 21.

Symptoms may start mild and become worse as the season progresses. Symptoms are different from person to person.

Sadness, anxious or “empty feelings” Feelings of hopelessness / pessimism Increased alcohol or drug use Lack of concentration Low libido Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable Irritability Appetite changes and weight gain Depression and mood changes Social and relationship problems If you or someone you know has some of these symptoms and think this could be SAD, you should seek more information and help. Treatments and therapies may include medication, light therapy, and psychotherapy.

Eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and exercising can make a significant difference in mood disorders as well as overall physical health. Some studies show that exercise is as effective as medication for treating mild to moderate depression. Exercise is something available to most people at no cost by just walking outdoors or at a mall. One way to be successful in making lifestyle changes can be to start with small attainable goals. Walk 10 minutes outside at the same time each day. Enlist the help of a friend or family member and make it a social outing as well.

Staying involved socially and relationally is important in contributing to positive moods and feelings. Going

outside early in the day to get sunshine is important as less exposure to sunlight in these months is a big part of SAD. Reaching out and asking for help can be the hardest part of recovery from any type of mental health disorder, especially depression and addiction disorders.

However, most find that the relief that comes from taking that step is well worth it as they usually begin to feel better fairly soon. There is an old saying that I really like to share with folks. “Joy shared is doubled and pain shared is cut in half.” We often tend to isolate and don’t want to bother people with our problems, yet most people would welcome being asked for help from someone they know and care about. Getting help is the most important step to take.

There are a variety of ways to ask for help. Asking a family member or friend, talking to your doctor, talking with a church leader. There are local treatment centers and therapist offices that can help. Most have afterhours emergency numbers. Hotlines are available to call if a person has no one else or is just afraid to let anyone know how they feel.

The seasonal change also includes holidays and festivities. These can often be a trigger for some people for isolation, sadness, and increased use of alcohol and drugs which when can bring about depressive symptoms as well.

Remember, no one has to do anything alone and you don’t have to continue to feel negative feelings. Life can improve and you do not have to wait until winter ends. The most important thing to do is reach out for help.

Call 211 – Helpline Center Gateway to Prevention and Recovery 405-273-1170 Red Rock- 405-214-4706 Hope Revealed Counseling Center- 405- 481-7187 Oklahoma Suicide Hotline – 405-848-2273 Suicide Crisis Text Line- Text START to 741741 Kristin Brooks Hope Center Hotline (Depressive feelings) 1-800-784-2433

Cindy Stober, LPC, LADC, NCGCII, has been working in the behavioral health and addiction treatment field for over 15 years. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor and is the Clinical Director for Gateway to Prevention and Recovery in Shawnee, Stillwater, Chandler and Seminole. She is a Nationally Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor II and has been providing services for problem gamblers and their families for over 10 years. Cindy is active in her professional development and is a graduate of the National Council for Behavioral Health Leadership Program.

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Solo Pianist Brings Variety to Live Music If you love to hear covers but crave something different than a four-piece band, look no further than Tommy “Gunz” Smith’s piano act. Smith has been performing for two years, and with the versatility of the piano, he brings everything from boogie-woogie and rock n’ roll to country and southern rock.

With feeling and energy, Smith played at the Bumpy Brick in Seminole last month. He performed songs from Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Merle Haggard, CCR, Garth Brooks, and Zac Brown to name a few. His stage presence is lively and he’s a bit of a comedian, too.

When Smith sings country, his voice and style are all country; when he performs boogiewoogie, it’s true to the artists who sang them so many years ago. He credits his impersonations to growing up with an older father whose music was from a bygone era. “He was an older man, 55 when I was born. So, I grew up with the old music,” said Smith.

Although more recently inspired by the Michael Murphy’s Piano Bar performers in Bricktown, Smith has always been drawn to the piano.

His earliest exposure to the instrument was Jerry Lee Lewis, but it took years to come back to it.

“There used to be this gas station called Deer Creek Gas Station and they rented movies when I was a kid. That’s when I saw Jerry Lee Lewis and Great Balls of Fire (the movie). I didn’t know why I liked that sound so much; I just knew I did. Then I saw the Buddy Holly story and that inspired me. I got a guitar for Christmas out of a J.C. Penny catalog and the next year, a piano. I learned to play a little boogie-woogie, but it just didn’t work out that well. I got really into wrestling in high school, went to school for that for two years. When I got back, I returned to music,” said Smith.

By Mindy Ragan Wood

Tommy “Gunz” Smith

Shawnee Outlook

Although much of his experience in bands has been as a drummer, he rediscovered the piano when he found himself laid up with a broken foot due to a motorcycle accident in 2009.

“I was bored, so I bought a keyboard and started watching YouTube tutorials on how to play and listened to Jerry Lee Lewis records. That’s how I learned to play,” said Smith.

He picked up tips from a frequent performer at Michael Murphy’s, Brian Lee with whom he’s stayed in touch. “Being a musician, you go to music shows and think, ‘oh he should have done this or that,’ but I was blown away by this guy.

I started learning more songs on the piano, but I was in a band and couldn’t fulfill that practice schedule full time.”

Eventually, the band he played with dissolved and he was free to see where the piano might take him. “I started playing at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bricktown for tips, just to get

used to playing in public. I’d been playing drums for years, so I was comfortable being on stage; but it was scary because I was used to being behind drums, cymbals, and four other guys. Now I’m out front and everyone’s looking at me,” he said.

Two years later, he’s played in Oklahoma City, Norman, Shawnee, Seminole, and soon at Lake Texoma. He has also performed for private parties and various events. Smith can readily play 50 songs, but with a quick review has about 50 more he can play from sheet music. He hopes to learn as many songs as the professionals at Michael Murphy’s who know hundreds of songs. For now, he plays and sings many of the most requested songs of all time.

In February and April, he will perform at the Pelican Waterfront at Lake Texoma. For an updated performance schedule, visit his Facebook page “Tommy Gunz Rock N’ Roll Piano.”

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WINKLER DOOR CO.

Winkler Door is proud to announce we have been in business for 25 years. To thank our loyal customers, we will be having a special on 7 and 8 foot garage door openers. These units will be $25 off our regular price and will include a free keyless entry. This special will last until supplies run out!

Winkler Door Company has recently built a showroom and would like to invite you out to look at our products on hand.

We are located at 17804 Drummond Rd in Shawnee, OK.

Happy New Year!

Prepare your gardens by tilling in mulch this month.

Remember our little Feathered Friends during cold weather.

Wild Delight Bird Feed, Black Oil Sunflower Seed, Wild Bird Seed & Thistle Seed, Suet Cakes and Feeders and Bird Houses 10% off through January.

EE GARD EN AWN H S

10% off Cottonburr Compost, Organic compost,

Mushroom Compost, Steer Manure and Mulches

Shop in our Gift Shop for those unique gifts! & LANDSCAPE 28

www.shawneeoutlook.com

(405) 273-3340 • 40006 Hardesty Rd • Shawnee, OK sfcgardencenter@shawneemilling.com

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SHAWNEE HISTORY

In-Home Library: A History of Shawnee Public Library

By Ann McDonald, Courtesy Pott Co Historical Society Member

It didn’t take long for those who settled in Shawnee after the 1892 land run to set about settling their new community. And to many, after schools, that meant a library.

Frank and Olla Boggs’ home at 824 N. Beard, and space at the office of Judge W.H. Dodge, were offered as areas used primarily as reading rooms.

By 1903, due to the popularity of book lending, a need to develop a lending library was obvious. William Jennings Bryan was invited to come to Shawnee to speak and $150 was raised to purchase more books.

In 1904, the City of Shawnee took over the financial responsibility of the library which was still in homes and businesses. The following year, Shawnee requested funds from library benefactor, Andrew Carnegie. The steel magnate donated $15,000, the city added another $3,000, and construction was begun for a permanent facility on the south side of Woodland Park, a section donated to the city by Henry and Etta Beard.

Dedication of Shawnee’s Carnegie Library was held Oct. 12, 1905. Twenty-two years later, December 9, 1927, a fire was discovered in the library basement. Head librarian Mrs. Trimmier Funk alerted the fire department while she and other employees removed records and other valuable documents. The building had been constructed so that the stout walls were left standing although most of the interior, as well as many books, were destroyed. Once it was determined some of the books could be saved as well as the building itself, the loss was set at $45,000. Meanwhile, a library was set up in the Fleming and Brown Building a few blocks south on Broadway.

After a study of the structure, plans included use of the original exterior walls to rebuild. Wood floors and walls were replaced with concrete and

The Carnegie Library is shown in 1907.

marble. Also, the dome and filigree designs on the original were not added, giving the new Carnegie Library a more modern look. The remodeled building was opened in November 1930.

The library was used by citizens for more than sixty years before it was determined there was a need to modernize. The old structure no longer met city or federal codes, especially the second floor for children or the disabled. Also, the old building was not set up for the emerging electronic era.

In 1987, property on Main Street was donated by the Don Bodard Foundation. A “million-dollar,” 22,000 square foot single-floor facility was constructed and moved into in April of 1989. The stately old Carnegie Library was renovated in

Photo submitted

1992 to house the District Attorney and law library offices.

Before moving to the new location, Shawnee’s Library had partnered with Tecumseh’s Library to form the Multi-County Library System. Since then, the two have joined the Pioneer Library System which has nine branches in Pottawatomie, Cleveland, and McClain Counties.

Shawnee’s library now houses thousands of books as well as CDs, DVDs, microfilm, and computers for study. as well as space for classes. Many of the offerings to local citizens were not even dreamed of a hundred and fifteen years ago, but the dreams of a few early community leaders and those down through history have made certain that Shawnee has always had a library.

4409 N. KICKAPOO 395-0200 www.shawneeoutlook.com

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ART GUIDE

January Arts Events

You might regret it if you Walk on By Dionne Warwick performing at Firelake Grand Casino on January 7. Tickets: http://www.grandboxoffice.com/event?eventid=132.

405-301-2270 www.extremeroofingsolutions.com FINANCING

Need stress relief? Learn to crochet at the Arts at 317. Vicki Wall Peltier will be teachings classes beginning the week of January 7. Call

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Outstanding area band students will be performing at OBU’s Honor Band Concert at 6:30 p.m., January 3. The outstanding performers were chosen from applicants from all over the area to participate in the groups. The concert will be in Potter Auditorium in Raley Chapel.

Children and youth can create 3-D and relief sculptures from clay and other media in Sculpting with Ruth Lampi from January 20 through February 7. Times are available for ages 7-18. Registra tion: http://www.mgmoa.org.

• Financing Available

CALL TODAY FOR FREE INSPECTION

405-301-2270

setami tsE eerF • If the winter cold has you feeling elbaliavA gnicnaniFshut • in, make a trek on January 10

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to the UCO Jazz Lab in Edmond for a Bedlam Rivalry: the Music of Austria and Italy with the Trio Antiqua. They will be playing works by Beethoven, Haydn, Vivaldi, and Boccherini. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door.

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www.shawneeoutlook.com

in full swing on Friday, January 20.

The chess club will be set up to play

and teach others the finer points of the game. It is also a great time to sign up for classes and check out what is being offered at Broadway Arts, Main Street Photo Studio and Gallery, the Arts at 317, and Studio 112andahalf.

Get your preschoolers out of the house for Story Time at the Shawnee Mall on January 23 & 30. Join Shawnee Public library staff for stories, rhymes, songs and movement at the Shawnee Mall in the Center Court next to JC Penny from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. The program is designed for children 3-5 years old.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the process of becoming a saint at the Mabee Gerrer exhibit of Saints and Sinners on Friday, January 13 at 7 p.m. The exhibit features renaissance to contemporary paintings of saints and their life stories. The exhibit will run through January 29.

Take a family outing to see the Sugar Free Allstars perform with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic on January 29. They will rock the house with positive messages that parents love! Tickets: http://www. okcphil.org.

Make a new year’s resolution to be involved with the arts! Take a class, learn an instrument, join a choir or volunteer at a museum.

There are many opportunities in the Shawnee area to be actively involved in the arts.

Thresa Swadley is a freelance cellist/teacher who has been active in the Shawnee Arts Community for almost 20 years. She is a member of the OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra and plays in Trio Antiqua, a baroque music trio. Please contact her if you know of an upcoming arts event. Visit http://www. celloladyok.com.

r u o y m Fro

st r i F c n t Ba a s d n frie SHAWNE E

1939 N. HARRISON | 3443 N. KICKAPOO 302 N. BROADWAY | 405.273.1000

TECUMSEH

1213 N. GORDON COOPER DR. 405.878.3550

MCLOUD

508 W. BROADWAY 405.878.1870

W W W . B A N C F I R S T . C O M

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