Shawnee Outlook by Shawnee Outlook

First United's New Location | Shawnee Teen Makes Broadway Debut

'Night to Dream' JANUARY 20 Vol. 16 Number 11

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID SHAWNEE, OK PERMIT NO 33

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

W.John Haddad, md , facc OHH South welcomes W.John Haddad, md, facc W.John Haddad, md, facc

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. Long-time Shawnee W. Haddad patients locally for the last 20 Shawnee years andwill is has joined Oklahoma Heart Hospital Dr. Haddad has proudly served John Haddad serving local patients inand the excited to patients continue your care OHHcampus. South. be seeing thelast OHH South patients foratthe 20at years and is OHH cliniclocally in Shawnee. Dr. Haddad has proudly Call 405.608.3800 forserved an appointment. excited to continue your care atShawnee OHH South. Call 405.628.6535 forlast an appointment. patients locally for the 20 years and is

Call 405.608.3800 for an is appointment. Oklahoma Heart Hospital nationally recognized excited to continue your care at OHH South. as a top-performing facility Call 405.608.3800 for an appointment. Oklahoma Heart Hospital is providing nationally exceptional recognized patient satisfaction. We’re proud to welcome as a top-performing facility providing exceptional Oklahoma is nationally recognized Dr. HaddadHeart to theHospital OHH team! patient satisfaction. facility We’re proud to welcome as a top-performing providing exceptional Dr. Haddad to the OHH team! patient satisfaction. We’re proud to welcome Guardian of Excellence Top 100 hospitals & health systems Dr. &Haddad the OHH team! Pinnacle of to Excellence 6 consecutive years with great heart programs

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www.ClassenMedicalComplex.com Jeanie K. Johnson Simpson, PA-C PA Simpson received her Bachelor of Science degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Biology and Chemistry. She received her Masters of Medicine from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Physician Assistant program in 2005. PA Simpson resides in Shawnee with her husband, Chris and two daughters, Gracyn and Evy. PA Simpson has been practicing Family Medicine for over 14 years. She moved her practice to Shawnee in February of 2018 from Seminole. She treats all aspects of family medicine and especially enjoys pediatrics, diabetes and dermatology. For the past several years, PA Simpson has also been performing cosmetic procedures such as Botox and Juvederm injections as well as laser therapy, through her own company Lily Kate Aesthetics, LLC. CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 4

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CONTENTS 21

JANUARY 2020

Publisher

Okie Icon Media

Managing Editor

David Dinsmore

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Creative Direction

Kelsey Walker & Fawn Wilson-Olivarez

Writers

Andrea Beck Jamie Bergsten David Dinsmore Brandon Dyer Carolyn Lawrence Danielle Mason-Rains Ann McDonald Angela Rowland

Distribution

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

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

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

FEATURES 9

13 14

First United Focusing on Faith, Health, Growth, Financial Well-Being With New Location's Resources Over the Fence: Friendships Make Riding Ups, Downs Of Life Easier Former Shawnee Teen Makes Broadway Debut Alongside Kristin Chenoweth South Central Industries To Host 'Night To Dream' Prom For Those With Special Needs OBU Basketball Player Learned To 'Embrace The Journey' While Battling Injuries

DEPARTMENTS 6

KEEP THE CHANGE

NUTRITION 101

SONIC CONTEST

SHAWNEE HISTORY

MENTAL HEALTH

THE BRIGHT SPOT

CALENDAR

Volume 16, Number 11 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Okie Icon Media. ÂŠ 2020 Okie Icon Media

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

Get Healthy This Year I

usually use this time to remind us all it’s time to get back on the budget track, but research tells me this is the time some also worry about getting back in shape. Did you know you can do that on a budget, too? • Save on a gym membership. If you’re the gym-joining type, shop around and be sure you’re getting the best gym for your needs at the lowest price. The YMCA no longer charges a joining fee, so you can get started at a lower price than previously. If you don’t need a pool or childcare, Planet Fitness is an affordable option. There are also many others, so look into your choices and select the one that works for you. • Not into gyms? Work out at home. There are plenty of “personal trainer” options online that offer video courses for a lower cost than a gym membership. My favorite is TheBettyRocker.com, but there are free options as well. Check out YouTube for free workout videos requiring little to no equipment. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, check out their workout video options. There are plenty to choose from. • Eat healthy. The best way to get your body on track is to feed it well. There are so many “diet” programs vying for your attention but focus on eating non-processed foods – whole fruits and veggies with high quality protein. There are many well-eating plans to follow, so if you need help, do a little research and find a plan you can put into action. There are many meal-planning blogs offering free resources. Eating healthy can cost more, so watch grocery sales. Aldi is also a good option for healthier options at an affordable price. Make a healthier version of you this year. 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

Understanding Triglycerides

ardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for almost a century, according to the Centers for Disease Control. You may have heard your doctor use the word triglyceride but not really understanding its meaning. Triglycerides store excess energy from the diet. Excess calories are converted to triglycerides, transported to fat cells and stored as a source of energy that the body can use later between meals. Triglyceride levels are measured by a blood test. The National Cholesterol Education Program classifies a normal range as under 150 milligrams per deciliter. In addition to heart disease, multiple studies have shown high triglyceride levels also may increase a person’s risk of developing sexual dysfunction, pancreatitis, prostate cancer, diabetic nerve loss and stroke. A variety of factors influence triglyceride levels. Research has connected these high levels with uncontrolled diabetes, a high-sugar diet, obesity, physical inactivity, hypothyroidism, excessive alcohol intake and tobacco use. Studies have linked the primary source of added sugars in the American diet to soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages. Various treatments and medications have been shown to help lower triglyceride levels. To get more information on medications, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can also order these labs for you if this is something you are concerned about. A registered dietitian can talk with you about alternative or additional methods to help, such as increasing physical activity, losing 5-10% of body weight if overweight, adding Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet and replacing simple sugars with whole grains and high-fiber foods. Opt for making your carbohydrates come from foods such as beans, lentils, fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Filling at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables can ensure that you obtain the recommended amount of fiber of 25-35 grams daily. The below recipe is a delicious way to fill your plate with fiber.

Winter Kale Salad Who said salads were only for the summer? It has been a great season for pomegranates, and they are so gorgeous and colorful. You can make the dressing ahead of time to make the meal time easier. If the salad is not going to get eaten all in one setting, you can serve the dressing on the side. Ingredients: For the dressing: 1 cup cooked quinoa ¼ cup olive oil 6 cups chopped kale 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 cup pomegranate seeds 1 ½ tsp Dijon mustard ½ cup dried cranberries 1 Tbsp honey ½ cup chopped walnuts Pepper to taste Directions: In a large bowl, mix the kale, quinoa, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries and walnuts. To make the dressing, whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Pour dressing over the salad and toss together until evenly coated. Nutritional Information per serving (Makes: 6 servings): Calories: 295 Total Fat: 17g Saturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 65mg Carbohydrates: 34g Dietary Fiber: 5g Protein: 6g Nutrition 101: Pomegranates can look a little daunting to buy. You may not have a clue how to buy them, how to cut them, how to eat them or how to serve them. With the pomegranate, once you cut it down the middle, it will open where there are a ton of seeds. You can then scoop the seeds out of the shell itself. The seeds are great on salads, mixed in with other fruits, on oatmeal or even just eaten by themselves. The seeds are the only edible part of the fruit. As with all produce, pomegranates offer a lot of nutrition. They provide fiber, vitamins and phytochemicals. The vitamins in the seeds include folate, manganese, phosphorus, iron, potassium, copper, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin E. An article from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discusses how pomegranate helps decrease oxidative stress and decreases our bad cholesterol (LDL). The seeds have been known to reduce the immune response to inflammatory triggers, helping reduce pain and irritation. 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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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.

Call 405-273-5801 to schedule an appointment.

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Ian Cassaday, DO, General Surgeon

First United Focusing On Faith, Health, Growth, Financial Well-Being With New Location's Resources by David Dinsmore

s a child, Paul Bass watched the construction of the new bank at 912 E. Independence that eventually would house First United Bank, but he had no idea the impact it would have on his life. “I remember driving by here and seeing the building going up in the mid-70s,” said Bass, First United Bank’s community bank president in Shawnee. “I had no idea I would be (working) here and in charge of the bank.” That’s why in the week before First United Bank moved to its newest location at 2675 N. Harrison in mid-December, one special request struck a chord with him. Bass got word about a single mother whose son had a growing fascination with the building as the family drove by it every day during construction. He remembered his own interest watching the construction of the Independence Street location and thought of something special to offer the interested kid. “Let me see if we can get the key and give him a private tour,” Bass said. So, one evening before the official move, the bank president met the boy and his family at the new, modern facility. This tour exemplifies the

kind of community engagement that Bass and his staff aim to offer at their new location. In addition to a wide variety of financial services, the new building can also provide a place to implement First United Bank’s four pillars of its Spend Life Wisely strategy: faith, financial well-being, health & wellness and personal growth. “It takes people by surprise when a bank mentions those other three things and not just financial well-being,” Bass said. Helping people focus on goals beyond just their finances helps create stronger communities that continue to improve, Bass said. This, in turn, provides the bank with more opportunities to help continue developing the people and places they serve. “It’s being mindful of the whole person,” he said. Helping create a successful and healthy Shawnee provides a special motivation for Bass, who spent about half his life here as the son of an Oklahoma Baptist University faculty member, as an OBU student himself and finally returning in 2002 to work with the local First United Bank. “When I got a chance to come back to Shaw-

Community bank president Paul Bass, right, meets with a few staff members in the lobby of the new First United Bank, which features an open floor plan, private customer offices, large meeting space, educational resources and more. Photos by David Dinsmore

nee in this capacity, it was pretty exciting,” said Bass, who has worked in banking for more than 30 years. Now that the city has taken over the bank’s former location at 912 E. Independence – where they plan to move the police department – the First United Bank staff has begun offering a wide variety of activities and events that focus on the company’s four pillars. “It was absolutely built on the concept of engaging the community fully in those ways,” said Bass, who added that these values led to some of the decisions made about where to place the new building and provide the resources that it offers. “We’re happy to host people for an event we’d be leading in one of those spaces, or we’d happy for you to use the space for whatever community need there might be.” www.shawneeoutlook.com

The 2675 N. Harrison location centers on an open floorplan where people can take advantage of the various resource centers or enjoy some coffee and refreshments along with conversations with employees and other customers at the bank. The building also features an education and seating area with reading materials and more information about the four pillars. The private office spaces allow employees to work with customers in addressing challenges like developing a budget, planning for needed cash flow or just opening a checking or savings account. It also contains a technology table with wi-fi and relaxed group seating for online banking or research of information. Beyond banking and education, the First United Bank building offers a large community room, kitchen area and adjoining outdoor space that is available for customers or organizations for meetings and events. First United built a new location at 4439 N. Kickapoo Ave. a couple years before Bass came back to Shawnee to serve, and he has enjoyed watching that nearby corridor between 45th Street and Interstate 40 develop and thrive. He said he would like to see that kind of growth fill in the available spaces along Harrison Avenue near the bank’s new location in the years to come. With the roots he has in Shawnee, Bass said the efforts he sees his bank putting into the community adds a special component to this new chapter in First United’s local history. “It’s a matter of deep pride,” Bass said. “Having been raised here, having raised my family here … if you’re from a place, you want it to be somewhere you’re proud of. 10

www.shawneeoutlook.com

First United Bank’s new location at 2675 N. Harrison will host a grand opening event on Jan. 30 in addition to a calendar full of other events reflecting the company’s four pillars of faith, financial well-being, health & wellness and personal growth. Photos by David Dinsmore

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“What we are attempting to do with the investment with this new facility, I’m very proud and humbled that we get to be at the helm of this new opportunity.” Moving forward, the staff at First United Bank will have the resources provided by the new building to continue to expand programs, classes and events offered to the community that are in line with the values set forth by the company. Whether it’s a health-focused class or a lesson in cake decorating, Bass said he is excited to see the kind of enrichment offered to members of the community via the bank. “It’s not just a space; it’s going to be a conduit to help put together all of the ideas we’ve been wanting to do,” Bass said. In addition to a calendar full of events leading up to it, First United will be hosting a grand opening celebration to invite the community to experience its new facility. The grand opening will take place on Jan. 30 at 2675 N. Harrison. There will be bank tours, photo mosaic, food, entertainment from Inspyral Circus and more from 3-6 p.m. Established in 1900, First United has more than 85 bank, mortgage and insurance locations throughout Oklahoma and Texas, according to information provided by the company. It is one of the largest, wellcapitalized banking organizations in the Southwest with assets of more than $7 billion, and it is among the largest privately held community banking organizations in the United States. First United provides a full range of financial services including banking, mortgage, insurance, and investment products and services, and is dedicated to inspiring and empowering others to Spend Life Wisely. Learn more at firstunitedbank. com.

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Over the Fence:

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

Friendships Make Riding Ups, Downs of Life Easier

he day after Christmas I received a somewhat panicked call from my wife around lunchtime. She was at her office in a large historic building downtown and was leaving to meet me for lunch. She hopped in the elevator on the third floor to go to the lobby and out the door to her car when it happened. She pressed the button to take her downstairs, the doors closed, and the elevator headed downward. But just a few seconds later the elevator came to a jarring stop. Uh oh. It was completely still and hauntingly quiet. She pressed the buttons, but they would not respond, although she tried and tried. The elevator simply would not budge, and it was trapped between two floors. That was the moment she realized she was stuck. What a helpless feeling that must have been. Have you ever been stuck in an elevator? I have not, but I have one friend who was stuck for hours on an elevator alone. It wasn’t a good experience as you can imagine. This is a legitimate fear for some folks. I mean, we’ve all seen the movies. Elevators getting stuck is a tool often used to create suspense. Sometimes people magically open a convenient hatch door in the ceiling and dangerously scale their way down to safety, often escaping bad guys in the process. Other times the cable snaps,

and the elevator plunges downward to certain doom until a hero manages to stop it at the last second and saves lives. It’s important to note for those that are fearful of this happening in real life that very, very few elevators, if any, operate on an old-school cable system anymore. They’re all hydraulic these days, so the odds of them suddenly malfunctioning and plunging downward are quite low. Almost zero in fact. Nevertheless, my wife was in that elevator, and she was stuck. She called me, as I mentioned, and asked what to do. I assured her there was no danger and told her I would make a few calls before we alerted the fire department. Now some reading this may disagree with that decision, and I wouldn’t ordinarily argue with them. It’s just that one of my friends happens to be

a fireman. I got in touch with him, and he relayed the information to the closest station. But first I had contacted two other friends. One friend I always contact in these sorts of situations – not because he could necessarily do anything about it, but because we always keep each other in the loop when crazy things happen in life. I guess you could say for support. I contacted him while I was waiting to hear back from another friend. You see, there is a wonderful man who works in this historic building that more or less knows every single thing about that building. However, I didn’t have his number, but I knew exactly which friend to call to get it. Soon, the right person was on the scene, and moments later my wife was safely on her way. We were eating lunch in no time, carrying on with our day as if nothing had happened.

Why was it important to mention the friends I contacted for help? I’ll tell you why. Because most days, we all go about our lives and take for granted the important social connections that we have. We take for granted the value that those relationships add to our lives. It’s easy to see their value in an emergency. That’s why I told this story. There is a hidden value that is at work behind the scenes of daily routines and the stressors of life that makes life meaningful. There is comfort in knowing that I have friendships. Meaningful friendships. I have people I can lean on. I have folks in my corner that care about me. They care about my family – and not just in times of emergency. These relationships that bring joy and meaning to our lives must be cultivated. I am as guilty as anyone at not always investing in relationships at the level they require to be meaningful. Too often, we unknowingly assume that these relationships will always be there. However, the truth is we must work at them. So, make time to care about the people in your life. Stop and listen to them. Pay attention to what is going on in their lives. Strengthening our relationships will help us have the kind of community we all want. A safe, caring and connected community. It might also get you out of a jam once in a while.

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Former Shawnee Teen Makes Broadway Debut Alongside Kristin Chenoweth

by Carolyn Lawrence

rom Shawnee, Oklahoma to the bright lights of New York City, Tatum Hopkins has performed her way to Broadway. “Tatum is the fourth generation of her family to be actively involved in Shawnee Little Theatre,” mom Shelli Hopkins said. “She was in her first production at SLT when she was 4 (years old in 2009) and went on to be on stage in many productions and also to work behind the scenes. Some of the roles she has played at SLT are Mowgli in ‘Disney's Jungle Book’ and Cruella D'Ville in ‘101 Dalmations.’” After moving from Shawnee to Oklahoma City in 2017, Tatum became involved in the Thelma Gaylord Lyric Academy – where she was in “The Music Man” – and Lyric Theatre where she was in “Disney's Newsies” in the summer of 2019. In addition to her theatre experience, Tatum has actively trained as a dancer for most of her life. She began dance lessons with Kristi Gibson at Grace Dance Center in Shawnee when she was 2 years old. Tatum began dancing with Block 16 Studios in Edmond after moving from Shawnee. For several years, Tatum has competed in regional and national dance competitions, where she has excelled. “As parents involved in the arts, we always believed Tatum was a naturally talented performer,” Tatum’s father Matt Hopkins said. “Our move to Oklahoma City and her corresponding success in more regional theatre and dance experiences began to show us that her natural talents could be fed by broader and higher-level training.” This summer, Tatum was involved in numerous dance competitions and theatrical performances in Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Branson and New York City. One of the most significant experiences she had was at the Kristin Chenoweth Broadway Boot Camp in Broken Arrow, OK. This camp brings Oklahoma kids together with Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winning artists – including directors, musical directors, choreographers, actors and vocal coaches – for mentoring and training. After having a “wonderful experience at the KCBBC” and making several connections via the staff there, including one that would eventually lead to Tatum’s move to New York. As Tatum and her talents prevailed, she also formed a strong connection with Oklahoma’s own Kristin Chenoweth, who is a modern-day Broadway legend. Chenoweth committed to an eightnight concert at Broadway's Nederlander Theatre in November. She invited different special guests to perform with her during each performance. These guests included many Broadway and opera 14

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Originally from Shawnee, Tatum Hopkins is currently studying theater performance in New York, where she made her Broadway debut singing a duet with Kristin Chenoweth on Nov. 16. Photo submitted

professionals, including numerous Tony Award winners and even the legendary composer, Stephen Schwartz. Chenoweth invited Tatum to be her guest star for one of the performances. Tatum appeared in the concert, “Kristin Chenoweth: For The Girls” at the Nederlander on Nov. 16. “Together they brought the house down,” Tatum’s parents said. It was one of the best experiences of Tatum's life and was a night she’ll never forget. During the concert in which Tatum performed, Chenoweth introduced her as a future star of Broadway. “This is going to be my star,” she said. They sang a duet from the musical, “Wicked,” in which Chenoweth starred in the original cast. They sang the song “For Good,” which is about the impact that two friends have on each other and celebrates how we can impact each other in real ways. After Chenoweth “shooed” Tatum off the

stage, she cried and told the audience they should keep an eye out for Tatum – that they would be seeing more of her down the road. Tatum is in New York for training in singing, acting and dance. In addition to her vocal training with Celeste Simone, she studies dance at the Coupe Theatre Studio founded and run by the longtime Broadway dancer and choreographer, Diane Coupe Frankel. As she settles into her new life, Tatum will begin acting training with teachers in New York. “She is not in NYC to try to break into a career in theatre,” Tatum’s parents said. “She is there to learn and to develop the skills that she will need if she decides to pursue a career in performance. “Tatum is an unusually humble, almost shy kid. We have embraced this adventure with her specifically because she is grounded and focuses most of her attention on others. Though shy in person, put her on a stage and she stands out.”

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8:00 AM

WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT TO USE YOU TO FINISH THIS YEAR? The Olympic Games, Mexico 1968: The marathon is the final event on the program. The Olympic stadium is packed and there is excitement as the first athlete, an Ethiopian runner, enters the stadium. The crowd erupts as he crosses the finish line.

Matthew 17:20

Way back in the field is another runner, John Stephen Akwhari of Tanzania. He has been eclipsed by the other runners. After 30 kilometers his head is throbbing, his muscles are aching and he falls to the ground. He has serious leg injuries and officials want him to retire, but he refuses. With his knee bandaged Akwhari picks himself up and hobbles the remaining 12 kilometers to the finish line.

9:30 AM

An hour after the winner has finished Akwhari enters the stadium. All but a few thousand of the crowd have gone home. Akwhari moves around the track at a painstakingly slow pace, until finally he collapses over the finish line. It is one of the most heroic efforts of Olympic history. Afterward, when asked by a reporter why he had not dropped out, Akwhari says: “My country did not send me to start the race. They sent me to finish.” Lay aside every weight, and the SIN which does so easily beset us, let us run with patience the race that is set before us, LOOKING UNTO JESUS!

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Citizen Potawatomi Nations gives back for the holidays As the largest employer in Pottawatomie County, Citizen Potawatomi Nation recognizes the need to give back to the community during the holidays. In November 2019, one of CPN’s biggest community partners, the Salvation Army, awarded Vice-Chairman Linda Capps and the Tribe with the Doing the Most Good award. They presented it at the kickoff of the Christmas season’s Angel Tree program for Pottawatomie, Lincoln and Seminole counties, hosted at CPN’s First National Bank building in Shawnee, Oklahoma. “Early on in my husband and I’s arrival here in Shawnee, we realized that CPN played a crucial role in the ministry of the Salvation Army here in Shawnee, through your generosity, through your in-kind donations, through so many other ways that CPN blesses us,” said Salvation Army Captain Stacey Connelly during her presentation. “I would hate to think of how we could remain open without CPN.” Enterprises, employees and several departments across the Tribe collect and supply food and gifts through other programs in addition to the Salvation Army every fall.

Food FireLake Discount Foods remains one of the Nation’s most charitable enterprises. The staff and leadership work with a wide variety of organizations and donate to those otherwise unable to afford a holiday meal. They have partnered closely with the Salvation Army throughout the last decade, providing storefront space to ring their signature bells as well as providing between 300 and 600 bags of holiday groceries each year during their drive. “We’ve always had the phrase that we want to make a difference in our community, and this is really the main way we do that is by giving back,” said FireLake Discount Foods Director Richard Driskell. “And a lot of times, it’s not giving back in the form of donations. It’s giving back in the form of our time.” The store encourages employees to volunteer with charities and community organizations, including CPN Workforce Development and Social Services. The department coordinates its own Thanksgiving and Christmas program that provides 200 baskets to families in the area on both holidays. Intensive and Social Service Counselor Gina Bundy led the drive for the seventh year in 2019. “Everybody that works here is so great because they support everything we do as far as community-wise goes. They want us to help the community,” she said. “They don’t want us to stop with just one project. It’s, ‘Let’s do this. Let’s see how many people we can help.’” Workforce collects donations largely from CPN employees, but community organizations and individuals provide groceries as well. Volunteers organize baskets with everything for a feast, including meat, potatoes, milk, butter and more. Bundy feels a special connection to the project. About a decade ago, she received a basket before working at the Nation. Now, she enjoys giving back. “I did really need some help. Single mom, kids at home. Holidays. You can do the math on that. You don’t want to admit it. I was working three jobs,” she said. “And then I end up coming to work here and find out what this is all about; I had no idea all this hope was here.”

Presents In addition to the Salvation Army Angel Tree, FireLodge Children & Family Services and FireLake Discount Foods also sponsored similar programs — a way for children and elders with limited funds to

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Volunteers organize more than 200 Thanksgiving baskets as part of the CPN Workforce & Social Services’ annual food donations. receive Christmas gifts from those with the ability to give. FireLodge connects CPN employees with wish lists for Potawatomi foster children in Oklahoma Department of Human Services or Tribal custody. This year’s 30 kids named specific items and toys they wanted, and the department distributed the wrapped packages across the larger Oklahoma City metro area in time for Christmas. Foster care and adoption manager Kendra Lowden says the gifts show those in the system the Tribe cares and remembers them. It also supports foster families who took the children into their homes. “Plus, it’s fun,” she said. “It’s fun to see them open gifts and see them smile and be happy because all the kids we work with have been through traumatic situations. So, to see them be able to just be a kid and be in that moment, it’s really rewarding for us.” FireLake Discount Foods provided space for an Elders Elves tree and collection site as well. FDF Cash Office Manager Melanie Wren worked with the organization to include more than 300 names and wish lists from elders in central Oklahoma. This is FDF’s fourth year participating. “I’m very excited about getting to help with dispersal this year, especially incorporating the CPN elders,” Wren said. “Getting to give back to them, because they let us do this in the first place; they let us go with this idea, and it keeps getting bigger.” Elder Elves sends the presents to those in retirement homes and care facilities across the greater Oklahoma City metro. Many of the participants ask for basic, household goods such as laundry detergent, socks, deodorant, stamps, sandwich bags and more. “Just everyday necessities that we take for granted — that’s what they’re needing. And that’s all they ask for at Christmas,” Wren said. Many customers and employees come into the store and grab a cart as soon as the tree goes up. They shop immediately and quickly fill the boxes in the lobby. “There’s absolutely no stopping us when it comes to who we’re going to help. It doesn’t matter who you are,” Workforce’s Bundy said. “Nobody is going to say, ‘Oh, we can’t help you because of whatever reason.’ It’s, ‘Yeah, we’re going to help you because you need it.’ It’s that simple.” Visit FireLake Discount Foods online at firelakefoods.com and on Facebook at FireLake Discount Foods. Find more information about Workforce & Social Services’ programs at cpn.news/workforce and FireLodge Children & Family Services at potawatomi.org/firelodge.

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South Central Industries will host its first Night to Dream prom event for individuals with special needs 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 7 at Life.Church Shawnee at 5113 N. Harrison Ave. The organization is also looking for volunteers for a variety of tasks that will help make it a fun experience for participants. Photos submitted

South Central Industries To Host 'Night to Dream' Prom For Those With Special Needs by David Dinsmore

outh Central Industries is providing its clients and other individuals with special needs in the Shawnee community the chance to put on their dancing shoes and enjoy a Night to Dream prom. This prom event will be the first undertaken by the organization and will happen 6-9 p.m. on February 7 at Life.Church Shawnee at 5113 N. Harrison Avenue. It is open to the South Central clients along with any other people in the surrounding community with special needs who would like to attend. The prom will be free for participants ages 18 and older through the help of financial partnerships and sponsorships. The event has been in the works for about a year and a half, said Lacie King, marketing and special events coordinator with South Central. South Central clients have attended similar events out of town in the past in places like Tulsa that hosts events like the Tim Tebow

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Foundation’s Night to Shine prom. “Our clients always had to travel quite a way to go and participate in these other events, and for some of our clients that can be a little difficult,” King said. “It’s always been a really great experience and joy for them, and it’s one thing we were really excited to bring home for Shawnee to enjoy.” Some of the fun things that go along with getting ready for the prom like getting hair, makeup and nails done became a challenge when also trying to figure out the logistics of traveling a couple hours to get to the event and back. The clients of South Central receive vocational training as part of the organization’s original mission, but they also get the chance to volunteer with local groups like Legacy Parenting and Community Market and participate in lifestyle enrichment opportunities like exercise and cooking classes.

The capacity for the event will be 200 participants, but South Central is also seeking to pair each attendee with a prom buddy to serve as an escort for the evening along with 200 volunteers, King said. Some of the tasks needed staffing are set-up & tear-down, check-in & registration, photography, dinner service, activity hosts, parking assistance and greeters & ushers. Volunteering is open to anyone in the community, whether via a group or individually.

“We strive to provide a full opportunity for all of our clients to be a part of the community and live a full and satisfying life,” King said. Providing a Night to Dream prom falls in line with these goals. Planners took notes from other events as far as what they wanted to provide at the event. Planners worked with community partners to determine what was available and what they needed to acquire to put together an unforgettable evening. South Central ended up finding a lot of help from local groups and business, such as Life.Church lending them the space, Chick-Fil-A providing the meal and Dillard’s donating dresses for any participant who needs assistance in finding something to wear for this magical evening. “Being a part of this and seeing how much work and involvement the community is interested in having is amazing,” said Kaylee Jones, executive administrative assistant with South Central. “People are so excited to give back to our clients and people across the state who haven’t been able to participate in a prom before.” Some of the activities on tap for those attending the prom will include walking the red carpet, a personal crown or tiara, boutineer or corsage, dancing, karaoke, dinner, desserts, shoe shine, beauty room, photo booths, glow room, magicians, balloon art, dinner and more. Through the generous support of the Shawnee community, these activities and accoutrements are all free to every participant. “Even if you’re not into dancing, there are also a lot of other exciting ways to have a great time,” King said. The capacity for the event will be 200 participants, but South Central is

also seeking to pair each attendee with a prom buddy to serve as an escort for the evening along with 200 volunteers, King said. Some of the tasks needed staffing are set-up & tear-down, checkin & registration, photography, dinner service, activity hosts, parking assistance and greeters & ushers. Volunteering is open to anyone in the community, whether via a group or individually. The deadline for applying to be a volunteer is January 24. Like the participants, volunteers must also be age 18 and older. South Central is also offering sponsorship opportunities at a variety of levels, King said. From sponsoring one participant and prom buddy volunteer to meeting a more expansive need, monetary donations or in-kind sponsorships are all accepted. The biggest challenge in planning has come from getting the message out that the Night to Dream Prom is not just a South Central event but is a special opportunity for any individual with special needs over the age of 18 in the surrounding Shawnee community to experience and enjoy an event that is one of life’s highlights and treasured memories. “Night to Dream allows the Shawnee community to show support for this population that is sometimes overlooked,” King said. “The support, advocacy and encouragement we have received on their behalf for this program is overwhelming.” The nonprofit South Central Industries got its start in 1981 after a meeting to establish an organization with the purpose of providing vocational training to individuals for competitive jobs in the Shawnee community. At the time, Tecumseh School served

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as the primary location for the South Central Sheltered Workshop, which received its first work contract to produce survey flags for the State of Oklahoma's Department of Transportation. In May 1985, South Central Sheltered Workshop moved to 1221 N. McKinley to a donated building until September 1990 when it moved to its present location at 130 N. Louisa. The agency has since purchased five other downtown locations for vocational purposes, constructed an above-ground storm shelter and two nearby properties for residential group homes. The renamed South Central Industries Inc. now provides services to more than 60 individuals with a staff of 43 to assist with one-on-one and small group needs. The organization has nine separate contracts with the State of Oklahoma along with private business contracts, which has allowed it to provide jobs that include city beautification, janitorial, lawn care, pallet construction, product offerings, food

truck services and community integrated employment at the Lunchbox, Wystle and Shawnee Beauty College in addition to volunteer opportunities with the Community Market, Legacy Parenting and Meals on Wheels. South Central also provides self-enrichment programs through the Senior Center and Blue Zones. All these components allow South Central to try to meet its clients' needs vocationally, residentially and socially. “Prom is a rite of passage that most of us take for granted,” King said. “Most of us have participated once or a couple of times. Being able to create that experience for someone who wasn’t able to participate or comfortable participating prior to now is a really exciting thing for us to do and worthwhile.” For more information about South Central services and/or the prom, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit https://www.southcentralindustriesinc.com/night-to-shine or call (405) 275-3851.

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OBU Basketball Player Learned To 'Embrace the Journey' While Battling Injuries

by Jamie Bergsten

uffering just one major injury during a college sports career is devastating to an athlete. Enduring multiple surgeries and season-ending maladies is worse. And yet, with the right mindset and support system, that athlete can choose to see the bright side of the circumstances. Such is the case with Oklahoma Baptist University basketball player McKenzie Cooper. Her talents on the hardwood were evident early on. A high school standout for Coach Wendi Wells’s Shawnee squad, Cooper helped lead the team to a 108-6 record in her four years, including the Lady Wolves’ first-ever basketball state championship. However, her bout with injuries had also begun, as she tore her ACL during the state tournament of her junior campaign. “Coming back from that injury was more mental than anything and having people around me who pushed me out of my comfort zone everyday helped me to be successful,” she said. The player-coach relationship that Cooper and Wells built is still strong today. “She taught me how to be disciplined, patient and demanding, and what it means to be a champion on and off the floor,” Cooper said. As it turned out, she’d need all those qualities to survive her collegiate career. Cooper had visited Division I schools before deciding on OBU. “(The other schools) just didn’t feel right,” she said. “When I stepped foot on OBU’s campus, I knew it was different. The people, the coaches, the atmosphere, everything. It felt like this is where God had called me to be. I also knew I could make an immediate impact on the floor as well as in the community.” Cooper comes from a long line of successful collegiate athletes, some of whom enjoyed success on Bison Hill. Her mom Leslie Cooper and aunt, Jennifer (Cooper) Seymour, also played hoops for the Lady Bison, and her father Jeff Cooper and brother Austin Cooper played baseball there. Her sister Taylor Cooper enjoyed a successful hardwood career at Texas A&M, and paternal grandfather Rick Cooper played for famed Coach Henry Iba at Oklahoma State. Though McKenzie started her playing days at OBU healthy, that didn’t last. She suffered an injury in 2014 during her freshman year. “I battled that all season and wore a boot when I wasn’t playing,” she said. The following August, she had surgery on her left foot but admits she rushed back too soon and wound up back in the boot, thus cutting her soph-

McKenzie Cooper has faced more than her share of setbacks during her career at Oklahoma Baptist University, but the journey back each time has made her a stronger person in addition to a great basketball player. Photo by Jamie Bergsten

omore season short. “That offseason, I worked hard on and off the court to prepare for my junior year,” she said. “Four games into it, in 2016, I went down with an ACL tear, the second one to that knee. It ended my junior season, and I started the long six-toeight-month rehab journey.” Approximately three weeks after surgery to repair her ACL, another setback struck. “I got an infection within my knee joint and needed emergency surgery to clean that out,” Cooper said. “They sent me home from the hos-

pital with a PICC line to get IV antibiotics for six more weeks.” A subsequent surgery in April 2017 cleaned up meniscus damage likely caused by the infection. “After three surgeries in five months, I was mentally and physically drained,” she said. “My athletic training staff and I came up with a goal to have me ready and in game-shape by Nov. 1, 2017. If you know me, I’m super-competitive and set my own goal to be back by September. “At the start of November, I was in the best shape I’d been in since I arrived on campus,” Coowww.shawneeoutlook.com

per said. “I went on to have an amazing redshirt junior season and was the first OBU Lady Bison to be named first team all-conference in the Great American Conference.” Following that year, she was finally able to enjoy a normal offseason but continued to do rehab on her knee and work on her overall game. “Coming into my senior season in the fall of 2018, I still had some restrictions from my athletic trainer but felt good,” Cooper said. “Then, on Oct. 14, the day before official practices began, I went down. I did a step back that I probably do 20 times a practice and felt my knee shift and pop. This one hurt the worst because I already knew. I knew I was done. I knew it would be questionable if my doctor would even let me play again given the trauma to my left knee.” Cooper admits the situation seemed bleak at the time. “It was such a rough time in my life,” she said. “I was mad. I questioned why God continued to let things get in the way of me playing the game I love, if it was worth it to put my body through another six-to-eight-month rehab process.” Her parents had bought her a bracelet during a prior hospitalization that reads “Embrace the journey,” and its motto stuck with her. “I wear it almost every day,” Cooper said. “I knew I wasn’t ready to give up basketball, but I also wasn’t sure my body was going to hold up either. I continued to do the work every day, and with the help of God, my family, athletic trainers, physical therapists, coaches and teammates, I made it through that process and have one more semester in my senior season.” Now a sixth-year senior who completed her Master of Business Administration degree in December, Cooper is working toward a certificate in project management and interviewing for what she hopes will be a job in sales once her basketball career is complete. As of mid-December, she was also averaging over 16 points a game for the Lady Bison and led the team in minutes played. Not bad for an athlete who was sidelined this time last year. “I’m still doing therapy at least once a day … to maintain my strength as well as keep my legs strong” she said. In her free time, she’s also got a great side gig doing private basketball lessons with 19 area kids. “I love them so much and watching them grow every week brings me so much happiness,” Cooper said. When asked what helped her persevere through so many injuries and keep wanting to play, Cooper focused on the positive. “Always wanting to be great and being able

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to share my story so others know that it’s not the end of the world,” she said. “It’s just a minor bump in the road. It might seem like your world is crashing down; it’s not. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life’s greatest blessings often come on the other side of the most significant trials. “The highlight of my college career has nothing to do with my success on the basketball floor. The highlight is seeing how far I’ve come as a person, my relationship with Jesus and growing with my teammates. These have flourished since

the day I stepped on campus. Taking a step back to see how far I’ve come is one of my favorite things. “Looking back, I think my injuries stand out as significant moments, but they’ve taught me so many life lessons that if they hadn’t occurred, I probably would’ve never known. I’ve realized that life really is about embracing the journey. I’ve learned to be thankful for every obstacle thrown at me, because they’ve made me so appreciative of the fact that life really is a journey, not just a destination.”

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SHAWNEE HISTORY

North Broadway Building Provided Families, Hospital and Theater a Home Over 80 Years by Ann McDonald, Courtesy Pott Co. Historical Society Member

hawnee is full of buildings and houses with interesting stories, some long gone and others still in use. Such was the property at 622-624 North Broadway. It’s not exactly clear who the men were that built the fine duplex at the location not long after 1900, but some records indicate that it was real estate developer Stephen T. Pierson and John E. LeBosquet, who was involved in coal mining. The builders envisioned a fine dwelling for their families that would replicate those they had seen in big cities. This area of Broadway along the trolley line was a prime area for new homes during that time. By 1910, it was filled with dwellings on both sides of the street of the 600 block. By then, the duplex – now registered as 624 – had changed hands. The LeBosquet family left for Tulsa. The Jesse W. Rubey family came from Colorado and moved into their side of that large home. During his brief stay in Shawnee, Rubey was involved in the First National Bank. After Stephen Pierson’s death in 1912, Mrs. Pierson remained in their home for several years before moving to live with her sister – the librarian at the University of Missouri. It was then that 624 N. Broadway ventured into a new era – one designed more as business. After being vacant for a while in the mid-1930s, chiropractor Dr. Ruth Payton changed the building. She moved her offices from a downtown bank building to the first floor of 624 N. Broadway. She occupied apartments upstairs, so her son was able to come to Shawnee after living with his grandparents in South Dakota. She maintained her clinic there while also renting

The building originally designated 622-624 N. Broadway began as a multifamily home before becoming medical offices, a hospital, a theater and general offices during the nearly 80 years it stood. Photo submitted

several rooms until sometime after World War II, when she moved to Oklahoma City to continue her medical practice there. George S. Baxter and his colleagues, Frank Keen and Charles Haygood, then moved their medical offices from the American National Bank building and opened the Baxter Clinic. The clinic was part of Shawnee’s landscape until Baxter’s passing in 1955, and after that, it became the Broadway Clinic. In the mid-1960s, a one-story building was added on the south end to serve as a hospital. In December 1967, Broadway Clinic and Hospital merged with A.C.H. Clinic and Hospital to form the Shawnee

Medical Center on West MacArthur. The fine old structure sat vacant for a time until the early 1970s when the supporters of Shawnee Little Theater acquired it for their productions. The group used other places around town – such as churches and bank buildings – but now had their own building. For the next several years, Shawnee citizens were able to enjoy many events at their renovated home. As enjoyable as it was to have a permanent location, the former family home and medical clinic was not the best for presentations. After six seasons at that address and through various fundraisers, the group was able to construct their

own building near the airport. In 1975, they sold the buildings to the Central Area Tribes for their use. They turned the newer hospital structure into offices, and after nearly 80 years, the old mansion was bulldozed down to make way for a parking lot. Those offices were also used briefly to house city offices after the 1970 tornado damaged city hall. Other homes and buildings in Shawnee have had colorful and varied histories but may not be as unusual as the multi-family home turned hospital turned theater originally located at 622-624 North Broadway. www.shawneeoutlook.com

MENTAL HEALTH

The Stories of Shawnee.

Workplace Wellness Programs Could Make For a Healthier New Year

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Danielle Mason-Rains is a consultant for the TSET Healthy Living Program in Pottawatomie County. She works with businesses and worksites to help them develop health and wellness policies for their employees. Danielle holds a Master of Arts in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. Her community involvement includes serving on the executive board of the Shawnee Rotary Club, volunteering with Community Renewal and teaching group fitness classes.

At Your Fingertips.

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A workplace wellness program can also help alleviate the costs associated with health insurance by keeping employees in the “low-risk” category. The benefits of a wellness program can extend beyond the workplace too. Healthy behaviors adopted by the employee tend to carry over into their home life as they are often cooking more nutritious meals and incorporating physical activity with their families. Employers do not have to create a complex program to impact their employees’ wellbeing. Some employers, especially small businesses, worry that wellness programs are too expensive or require too much time dedicated to it. There are many steps that employers can take immediately to ensure that they are encouraging healthy practices in the workplace. Some examples include offering healthy snack choices, offering cool drinking water at no cost to employees and encouraging physical activity throughout the day by providing short breaks. Finally, the most effective way to ensure health and wellness in the workplace is by implementing policies around it. Most workplaces already have policies in place that address issues like dress code, attendance and paid time off. Creating a workplace wellness policy just formalizes the program and ensures that health practices are sustainable long term. New Year is a great time to start thinking about health and wellness goals, not just for yourself but for your organization as well. There are numerous resources for you to access for ideas including ShapeYourFutureOk.com and the CDC’s Workplace Health Promotion. Whether you are a small or large business, the TSET Healthy Living Program in Pottawatomie County can also help you with your health and wellness program and policies. If you are interested or have questions, please email Danielle Mason-Rains at drains@gatewaytoprevention.org.

orkplace wellness programs have gained popularity recently and for good reason. With American employees spending one-third of their day at their workplace – many times in a sedentary job – employers are starting to realize that they have a golden opportunity to incorporate programs and initiatives that encourage health and wellness. It is no secret that the United States has seen an increase in unhealthy lifestyles over the last several decades. Tobacco use, poor nutrition and physical inactivity are driving up the prevalence of obesity and chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Not only do these chronic illnesses lead to a decrease in quality of life and premature death, but they are impacting the workplace in a major way. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, $36.4 billion dollars are lost each year from employee absences due to complications related to obesity, chronic illnesses, smoking and physical inactivity. Chronic illnesses are also a major contributor to an increase in both health insurance premiums and employee medical claims. The good news is that workplaces really have an opportunity to change these statistics by adopting workplace wellness programs and policies. A workplace wellness program is going to look different for every employer, but it is essentially a strategy that incorporates benefits, policies and support that meet the health and wellness needs of the employees. Examples of ideas for workplace wellness include onsite nutrition classes, company tobacco-free policies, access to free drinking water and physical activity breaks. Companies that do have a workplace wellness program have reported many benefits, including increased productivity, fewer employees calling in sick and a greater percentage of employees at work every day.

MAY 19

Vol. 16 Num

ber 3

Art of the matter

Timmy Young

NEAL’S

A Heavenly Taste, LLC

EST.

304 W Main St. Shawnee, OK 74801

Founder

405-347-1825

HOME FURNISHINGS C

1965

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Monday 9 AM - 6 PM Tuesday 1 PM - 7 PM Wednesday 8 AM - 5 PM Thursday 8 AM - 5 PM Friday 7 AM - 2 PM

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. Just Love

By Melissa Teslow Sometimes ... most times ... love is all we need It pours itself out in Sunday evening moments with the most unlikely of human souls, Surrounding a tiny table with laughter and inappropriate conversation ... yet abundantly adequate to be considered love, Or in the midday moments of losing our grip when a message comes in the form of a song you didn’t even know your heart needed to hear until it did, and then it did, and then love. Love comes in, sweeping, all at once, in the small hand you hold from the back seat; when you notice the daydream in the tiny eyes that make you a mom. It’s the Norman Rockwell moments that love has the most love. When dogs are barking, and the pot roast is burning, and the kids are just fighting, and the home is a mess, and all you can do is laugh because love is there and love lives there, and that ... is the secret of a good life, and love is all we ever did need.

Picture Words from the Heart

By Patrick Breen A gentle brook whose flowing waters go so slow, Or a gentle breeze in the swaying trees, to and fro, Or a summer swing, empty, rocking on a porch by the little brook. God's sky-blue heaven moving above, And below, the soft green earth, Gently turning in space, we move and go, As down under, the grass grows higher as it sows. The children dance as the ice cream man sings and plays his bow… “Who wants an ice cream Moonglow?!”

Grandma

By Rickey Dale Crain A long time ago, God did create, well he did make A wonderful girl you see. A Godly follower,

Who gave her time, and herself, for her family. And every time we go out, she’d introduce us you see, ‘These are my sons and daughters and my family.’ A little bit further, on down the road, God did sow A wonderful lady you see. A Godly follower, Who gave her time, and herself, for her family. And every time we go out, she’d introduce us you see, ‘These are my sons and daughters and my family.’ Later in life, through toil and strife, she was a wife, A wonderful mother you see. A Godly follower, Who gave her time, and herself, for her family. And every time we go out, she’d introduce us you see, ‘These are my sons and daughters and my family.’ She never forgot a birthday, a time, she was so kind, A wonderful grandma you see. A Godly follower, Who gave her time, and herself, for her family. And every time we go out, she’d introduce us you see, ‘These are my sons and daughters and my family.’ Grandma told us to never not see, to worship fully, The God who made you and me. A Godly follower, Who gave her time, and herself, for her family. And every time we go out, she’d introduce us you see, ‘These are my sons and daughters and my family.’ And every time we go out, she’d introduce me you see, ‘This is my oldest grandson and my family…’

To You Who Have Problems

By Rrose Tiffany Gere To you who have problems, or feel lost, or have lost someone or something close to your heart; May you learn to give your burdens to the Lord; so that you will not be overwhelmed. May you be stronger from day to day with Jesus on your side. May your road be guided with your God-given wisdom, and your thoughts be renewed. Then you will know how wonderfully you were made, just like the way you are. May God’s loving arms embrace you as He protects you and gives you the comfort of His love.

May God’s grace carry you through whatever struggle or challenge you are going though. May He provide you with your needs and give you the desires of your heart. May you remember His promise that as we delight in Him, we receive. May He speed His help towards you and grant the grace to wait. May you recall that He is never too early nor late; He is just preparing you to receive. May you know that the right time is not in our hands. May you not grow weary of doing what is right. These problems shall pass away. May you receive greater strength for greater challenges, for your God is Almighty.

Be of Good Cheer

By Kay Lynne Vance Lovely pictures of the mind, Help us, Lord Jesus, be always kind. Help us to love You more each day, As we laugh and share along the way. (Amen)

Souls Repair

By Sheila Hughes At times like these we open Medicine boxes for souls so fair. So grateful ours is stocked up With precious memories and self-aware. And glad, so glad for toughness Of open wounds that now are healed, and also in the knowledge that By the blood, our fate was sealedThis storm is awful mighty, And we're drenched and beaten well By the events of this, another yesteryear And a new injury for us to feel. When we are cut this heavily, All that brings us real relief Is the promises of our God Written in His pages that we read. Even greater still, the remedy Of earnest honest prayer. When injures are this dire, I know our Master brings repair. So, we grab another Band-Aid, Knowing all our people share Loving thoughts and special wishes In so many hearts that care. Lord, lead us through the battlefield Of broken lives and empty chairs. I know angels are dispatched for us. So, thank you all for all your prayers. If you know of any events you’d like to see featured, email editor@shawneeoutlook.com. www.shawneeoutlook.com

CALENDAR

January Events Jan. 1-19: Biblical Stories Re-imagined will feature works on paper from the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art’s permanent collection from the 19th-21st centuries that illustrate Biblical stories as depicted by Marc Chagall, Jean Charlot, Rev. John Walch and Stephen Gyermek. There will be a gallery talk and reception at 7 p.m. on Jan. 17. Information: mgmoa.org

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405-598-2124

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Jan. 7: Oklahoma Baptist University's Division of Music welcomes the regional junior and senior high school honor band students to rehearse with three distinguished guest conductors for the presentation of a concert at 6:30 p.m. in the Potter Auditorium of Raley Chapel on the OBU campus. Information: okbu.edu/music. Jan. 16: The Shawnee branch of the Pioneer Library System will host Money Smart Resolutions at 6:30 p.m. at its 101 N. Philadelphia location. The beginning of the year is a great time to set smart financial goals. This workshop shows participants ages 18 and older how to use net worth, emergency savings, consumer debt and 401k contributions as a benchmark to set realistic goals and measure progress in these areas throughout the year. Information: pioneerlibrarysystem.org. Jan. 17: 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.

presents in concert

OKLAHOMA CITY PHILHARMONIC

February 28 | 7:30 p.m. OBU Raley Chapel TICKETS $5 Reserved Seating

$15 Premium Reserved Seating PURCHASE ONLINE: okbu.edu/okcphil

www.shawneeoutlook.com

Jan. 17: The Arts@317 will host Jeff Gullett, owner of Catchlight Creations, who will be demonstrating how he makes his stained-glass birds. This event will happen during the third Friday Downtown Block Party 6-9 p.m. at 317 E. Main St. Jan. 18: Blue Zones of Pottawatomie County is hosting its Find A Friend event to encourage people to form small groups of people to meet over the course of 10 weeks to engage in a commonly enjoyed activity. These groups are typically five to eight people. The event matching groups of friends will happen 10-11 a.m. at the Shawnee Mall. Information: facebook.com/ BlueZonesProjectPottawatomieCounty. Jan. 24: Bret Michaels will give the audience nothing but a good time when he brings his Unbroken World Tour to the Grand Casino at 8 p.m. at 777 Grand Casino Blvd. Tickets and information: grandresortok.com.

Jan. 25: Dwight Yoakam will turn it on, turn it up and turn concertgoers loose when he plays the Firelake Arena starting at 6:30 p.m. at 18145 Old Rangeline Road. Tickets and information: www.firelakearena.com. Jan. 30-31: Oklahoma Baptist University’s Division of Music will present Mozart’s opera, “The Magic Flute.” The performances are under the direction of Dr. Louima Lilite, associate professor of music and take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Yarborough Auditorium in Raley Chapel on the OBU campus. Information: okbu.edu/ music. Feb. 1: Gear up and test your grit during the Oklahoma Gravel Growler V bike ride/race hosted by spOKeLAHOMA starting at 6:30 a.m. at 113 N. Bell Ave. The event features multiple bike distances, various surfaces, a running ultra-marathon and a start/finish festival atmosphere. Information: facebook.com/ okgravelgrowler. Feb. 1: Those who just want to fly every morning will be floored when Sugar Ray takes the stage at the Grand Casino. The show is set to begin at 7 p.m. at 777 Grand Casino Blvd. Tickets and information: grandresortok.com. 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. 7: South Central Industries will host Night to Dream from 5-8 p.m. at Life. Church Shawnee at 5113 N. Harrison. This will be the organization’s inaugural prom event providing individuals with special needs with a prom experience to remember. There are sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available to help ensure participants have a great time. Information: southcentralindustriesinc.com/ night-to-shine. If you know of any events you’d like to see featured, email editor@shawneeoutlook. com.

Enriching the lives of our patients and their families every day.

Heartland Home Health Care

Heartland Hospice Services

• Home Care Elite 2004 - 2016

• SHP Best Hospice Caregiver Satisfaction Superior Performer Award 2016, 2017 and 2018 • All RN On Call Staff • Volunteer Program Supports Families and Veterans

• Best of Shawnee Award 2016, 2017 and 2019

• Bereavement Programs open to the public year round

• Accredited by Accreditation Commission for Health Care • All RN On Call Staff

Phone 405-214-6441

Phone 405-214-6442

heartlandhomehealth.com/Shawnee heartlandhospice.com/Shawnee www.shawneeoutlook.com