Shawnee Outlook by Shawnee Outlook

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JUNE 21

Vol. 18 Number 4

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CONTENTS

JUNE 2021

Publisher

Okie Icon Media

Managing Editor

David Dinsmore

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Creative Direction

Kelsey Walker & Fawn Wilson-Olivarez

Writers

Andrea Beck Jamie Bergsten Taylor Bivings David Dinsmore Brandon Dyer Ann McDonald Angela Rowland Delaynna Trim Carmen Wolf

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

Blues On Broadway Replaces Trail Days In Hopes Of Return To 'Normal' Annual SEFF Events

School Leaders Highlight Successes, Lessons From COVID-19-Defined Academic Year

Over the Fence: Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear Up

Formerly The Sentinels, VIPS Seeks Volunteers To Assist Police With Safety As Planned Events Increase

MGMOA Brings Back In-Person Creative Arts Camps For Kids, Teens This Summer

Art Of The Matter: Japanese Prints

Shawnee Youth Coalition Provides Voice, Platform, Activities for Local Students

DEPARTMENTS 6 KEEP THE CHANGE 6 NUTRITION 101 24 SONIC CONTEST 25 SHAWNEE HISTORY 30 CALENDAR

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

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KEEP THE CHANGE

Camping On A Budget

ith summer here, there’s a strong need to just get out of the house, but sometimes budgets don’t always cooperate with vacations. I love the idea of camping, which seems low-budget until you consider the gear required. For years, that hidden cost has prevented me from taking the leap, but if you’re ready to take on the great outdoors, there are ways to do so affordably. • Buy a little at a time. As you find items at a good price, snatch them up. Build up your supply over time rather than all at once in order to spread the cost. • Sign up for sporting goods emails. Dunham’s in Shawnee Mall has a great selection of outdoor gear and regular sales to go with them. Sign up for notifications and grab what you need when the price is right. The same can be done for other local shops that specialize in camping and hunting. • Check out discount sites. Check woot.com regularly for discount prices on outdoor supplies. They partner with Amazon, so it’s almost like checking the clearance aisle at one of the biggest retailers in the world – and Amazon Prime benefits like free shipping also apply. • Think outside the box. Grocery stores or hardware stores also carry great seasonal gear at lower prices, so be sure to check in regularly to see what’s new. • Think outside the tent. If you still don’t have much stocked up, check national and state park websites for cabin options. Often, these are still more affordable than a hotel but require fewer things to pack – namely tents, cooking gear or lanterns. The amenities vary, so you’ll want to check with the park you’re heading to before deciding what to leave at home. Now go get some fresh air.

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

Shop With Plan, Not Just Perimeter

ou may have heard the saying, “Shop the perimeter of the grocery store for healthy foods.” I actually don’t fully agree with that statement. The next time you walk into your local large grocery store, I want you to walk in and just look around for a minute. Really look around and see what you are surrounded by. Typically you will see cheap processed foods that are being promoted – pop, chips and cookies to start off with. As you make your way around the perimeter you will more than likely run into the bakery section where you can find cupcakes and white processed bread products. Keep walking and you will find high fat dairy and processed meats like bologna and hot dogs. Yes, you will also find the produce section, which is where I would like for you to do the majority of your shopping. As you may notice, though, the produce section and “real” food is not all that you are finding on the perimeter. Go further into the store, and you can find unsalted nuts, olive oil, almond butter, popcorn kernels, whole grain bread, frozen produce, beans, lentils, oats, seeds, quinoa, brown rice and so much more. Instead of having the mindset of avoiding the inner part of the grocery store, it can be more helpful to go into the store knowing what you are looking for. Looking for real ingredients and a short ingredient list is key. Understanding what is actually in your food and what those words mean on the ingredient list. You will have to go into the middle of the aisles to find ingredients for this next recipe.

Coconut Chicken Curry We love curry in our house, so getting to come home to it after working all day is always a great way to end a work day. Ingredients: • 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken tenderloins • 1 Tbsp minced garlic • 1-15oz can unsweetened coconut milk • 4 Tbsp green curry paste • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1/8 tsp salt • 1 Tbsp chili powder • Fresh lime juice to taste • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced • ½ medium purple onion, sliced • 1 Tbsp olive oil • Garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper to paste • Whole grain jasmine rice (optional)

Directions: Place the minced garlic, coconut milk, curry and seasonings into the crockpot. Place the chicken into the sauce, coating the chicken. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 2-4 hours. When there are about 20 minutes left of cooking time, prepare the onions and peppers. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add the sliced vegetables with seasonings and saute for about 5 minutes. When chicken is done, serve on top of vegetables, squeezed lime juice and optional jasmine rice. Nutritional Information per serving Makes: 5 servings (does not include the optional jasmine rice) Calories: 431 Total Fat: 26g Saturated Fat: 13g Cholesterol: 62g Sodium: 874mg Carbohydrates: 26g Dietary Fiber: 1g Protein: 25g Nutrition 101: When deciding what grain to pair with this meal, remember to look for a “whole” grain and not an “enriched” one. Those are words to look for on the ingredient list. Brown rice, quinoa and couscous are other examples of whole intake grains that you could pair together with this meal. You may have noticed that there is saturated fat in this meal. I don’t typically share meals that are high in saturated fat. Coconut milk is a high saturated fat source, which is why I don’t use it often. Make sure to portion your meals out correctly. 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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Blues On Broadway Replaces Trail Days In Hopes Of Return To 'Normal' Annual SEFF Events

by David Dinsmore

iven its name, it comes as little surprise that last year’s public health emergency and the subsequent guidelines and restrictions changed the way Safe Events for Families operated. Organizers had to completely redesign favorites like Boo on Bell and the Christmas parade as the Shawnee community began to see impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic take a heavy toll locally. In April, Safe Events for Families hosted its outdoor Redbud Festival community dinner event on a brisk spring evening downtown. The event took place as the uncertainty stemming from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic loomed from last year even as vaccinations continued rising and health officials were trying to measure its impact on infection and hospitalization rates on local, state and national levels. As restrictions have begun easing since, SEFF’s upcoming Blues on Broadway festival has some planners hopeful that annual events will begin to look closer to familiar to those attended by locals and visitors in years past. Blues on Broadway starts at 1 p.m. on June 19 near the intersection of Broadway and Main with wine tasting, music, beer garden, food, vendors, balloon animals, face painting, bounce house and more. “It’s exciting to be able to get back out and try to get back to life as normal as we possibly can,” said Dell Kerbs, president of SEFF. “I like getting outside and enjoying the live music at events like this.” Though in some ways this month’s celebration signifies a slight return of familiar Shawnee fun, Blues on Broadway somewhat ironically replaces SEFF’s traditional Trail Days event held in June and puts front and center some elements that had been incorporated into those festivities in recent years. Part of the reason to focus on the food, drinks and music this year was to give some elbow room for the heritage and Western-themed Santa Fe Depot

Homecoming event hosted by the Pottawatomie County Museum. “We felt it was a good time to change the style of this event,” Kerbs said. “Trail Days was more of a Western theme, and we wanted to change it up to provide more variety for our region.” SEFF worked with wineries like Canadian River, Cotton Blossom, Stableridge, Okie Ozark, Native Spirits and Vernost Wine Co. as well as microbreweries to help bring tastes from around the state of Oklahoma to Blues on Broadway patrons. “(These businesses) have had a very challenging year during the Covid pandemic,” Kerbs said. “We’re hoping to bring them back and have them involved like we have in the past.” Another new element to the activities this year will be Cornstock, a cornhole tournament hosted by the Shawnee Police Department to benefit its Cops N Kids event coming up in August. Operating the historic Ritz Theatre venue at 10 W. Main St. for the last few years has afforded SEFF good resources and contacts to put together events that have a heavy dose of live music and presents a wide pool of talent from which to draw. “We get folks that call us and send us their demos for all kinds of different music styles,” Kerbs said. Looking deeper into the calendar toward the big fall and winter events like Boo on Bell and the Christmas celebrations, SEFF members hope that this year’s fun will continue resembling something closer to what people anticipate each year, Kerbs said. In addition to his own eagerness to see community members getting together more than they could during the last 15 months, SEFF and local businesses will be glad to welcome festival attendees downtown again to help support the local economy and rediscover what places have to offer. “That’s why we do our events down there,” Kerbs said. “We really enjoy the area.” For more information, visit facebook.com/SEFFShawnee.

Safe Events for Families is reconfiguring its annual Trail Days event – which had featured live music as part of it festivities in recent years – to Blues on Broadway with food, drinks and music on June 19 in downtown Shawnee, and planners are looking forward to welcoming back attendees to annual celebrations that look closer to what they have been in the past following heavily modified events last year. Photo submitted

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School Leaders Highlight Successes, Lessons From COVID-19-Defined Academic Year

by Jamie Bergsten

o say that this school year was challenging for students and school personnel would be a major understatement. Districts dealt with quarantines, new regulations, hybrid schedules, sanitation issues and more. Despite all of this, local administrators now reflect that things went much more smoothly than they might have anticipated. All in all, the 20202021 school year is one that’ll never be forgotten, but they consider it to have been a success. Dr. April Grace, superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools, said that the district’s overall enrollment didn’t significantly change, thanks in part to the variety of options offered for local students. SPS families could choose an in-person, virtual or blended option for their students. “There are a lot of takeaways from this year, and I’ve learned that we can definitely do hard things,” Grace said. “Our staff was nothing short of amazing. I’ve learned that our school community can thrive even when faced with challenges no one ever imagined would occur. We also learned about the renewed value of relationships and that the human spirit is even more resilient than we imagined.” Many Shawnee families chose the 100 percent virtual learning option during the first semester but decided to have their children attend in-person for the second half of the year. “I’m proud of the way our students and staff handled the Covid mitigation efforts we had in place,” Grace noted. “Our custodial staff did an outstanding job of keeping learning and high-touch areas sanitized. The nursing staff went above and beyond to keep people healthy and to conduct contact tracing when needed. I never heard any complaints about wearing masks or following our other safety protocols. Students and staff alike were all ready to do what was necessary to be back in school.” Some in the district did have to quarantine multiple times due to exposure, Grace explained, while others never had to stay home at all. “I’m grateful that in those instances when people were in quarantine, students could still learn because of the distance-learning technology we could provide,” Grace said. “The number of students quarantined was highest among secondary school students, while sometimes an entire elementary classroom had to quarantine. Less than 10 percent of our total staff population and less than 15 percent of our students had to quarantine over the course of the entire year. “Sadly, we’ve all been affected in some way by this pandemic. All of us at Shawnee Public Schools can likely name an acquaintance, friend or family member who was either seriously ill or who died 10

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Students, staff and faculty faced unique challenges during the 2020-2021, but local district leaders applauded the efforts and successes of all those who made the school year possible. Districts are weighing different options ahead of next year’s academic year. Photos submitted

due to this terrible virus. We did have a board member who lost his life as a result of difficulties from it. “The sheer number of decisions I had to make on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis was challenging,” Grace noted. “Often, I would make a decision based on then-current information and would have to make a new decision soon after, when the information changed. I’m thankful for our staff and parents being understanding and flexible when I had to make decisive changes quickly.” Shawnee plans to offer in-person and virtual/ blended options in the next school year. “We’ll continue to follow safety protocols as recommended by our local and state health officials,” Grace said. “As more people are vaccinated, there have already been shifts in the protocols necessary. Masks are now optional and welcomed but not required. Social distancing has been relaxed. We’ll know more about what steps will be necessary as we approach the new school year, but we believe they’ll be greatly reduced from this past one.” Ryan Rosser, newly-appointed superintendent of South Rock Creek School, said that approximately 10 percent of SRC’s student population chose an alternative virtual learning environment this year. “Even though the pandemic presented many challenges, I feel SRC did a great job following the CDC’s guidelines and recommendations while doing what was best for our students and teachers,” Rosser said. “Our maintenance and custodial staff did a great job taking on the responsibilities of extra sanitation procedures, including fogging classrooms, locker rooms, and buses; wiping down door

knobs and handrails, etc. “The most challenging aspect of this school year was for our students and faculty handling quarantine situations,” Rosser said. “We definitely learned not to take anything for granted.” SRC has not made firm choices about offering online or hybrid educational options for the 20212022 year, but Rosser hopes to see his district start back as normally as possible. “We’ll make those decisions based on the safety of our students and faculty as we approach August,” he said. South Rock Creek had both teachers and students who faced COVID-19 illness, including one staff member who was hospitalized for several days, but school administrators were grateful never to face a full shutdown due to exposure. Mark Bowlan, superintendent at Grove School, said they had a slight decline in enrollment this year, as some families elected to keep their children home and utilize a virtual or home school educational option. “Most of these students will be returning to our building in the fall,” he noted. “We will offer an online option again next year if there’s demand, but at this point, all of our families are requesting inperson learning for their students. “Our staff and student body did an outstanding job following our safety protocols this year,” Bowlan said. “We were able to remain ‘in-person’ for the entire school year, which we consider a blessing. I greatly appreciate the hard work of our staff and the support of our parents.”

Hello 2022 Senior, This letter is to inform you to schedule your Senior Session at Flora Photography. Please go over all information with your parents/guardians. According to your school, you will be photographed in dress code for school panel and yearbook. Men are required to bring their own white shirt. Because of Covid, we are no longer allowed to provide white shirts for men. (We do provide jackets and ties if you do not have your own.) Ladies are required to wear an outfit to your school’s dress code. (Nothing that is sleeveless) or feathers. There is a school that requires seniors to wear gowns. However, in addition we till take some poses with casual clothing and/or formal outfits if you desire. Please remember to ask your senior sponsor or yearbook sponsor what the dress code is from the school for the yearbook and/or panel. WE ASK THAT YOU CALL AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR ALL SESSIONS. BASIC SESSION: This session is limited availability and may only be booked Monday-Thursday 9am to 3 pm, from the last day of school to June 30, 2021. We will do 4 yearbook poses with NO RETOUCHING and no proofs printed. You will see your images that day on a monitor and make your decision. You may order from any of these poses. Session FREE. BASIC PLUS: Same as a basic session and may only booked Monday-Thursday 9am to 3pm, from the last day of school to June 30, 2021. We will take 6 yearbook poses and the pose that you pick for the yearbook WILL be retouched. You may order from any of these poses. [$10 session fee] STANDARD SESSION: Approximately 8 to 12 head and shoulder poses will be taken. You may order from any of these poses. There will be digital retouching to the yearbook image. Bring an extra outfit for some nonyearbook casual images. Some of these images can be taken outdoors in our portrait area. Cost [June-July 2021 $15.00] [August 2021-May 2022 $20.00] ALL SESSIONS LISTED BELOW REQUIRE MORE TIME AND WE ASK THAT WHEN YOU CALL TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT, PLEASE CALL AT LEAST A WEEK IN ADVANCED. DELUXE SESSION: Bring 3 outfits for this session: 1 for the yearbook (*) and 2 for casual inside or outside. Bring your own props such as trophies, sports equipment, friends, pets, musical instruments, etc. Cost [JuneJuly 2021 $30.00] [August 2021-May 2022 $35.00] THIS IS OUR MOST POPULAR SESSION PERSONALITY SESSION: Bring 4 outfits for this session: 1 for the yearbook (*) and 3 for casual inside and outside around the studio and/or around Shawnee. Bring your own props such as trophies, sports equipment, friends, pets, musical instruments, etc. Allow 1 hour for this session. Cost [June-July 2021 $40.00] [August 2021-May 2022 $50.00] (*) If you have already taken a yearbook pose by the time you do this session, just add another outfit. Flora Photography

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This program is funded by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services and Administration, and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.

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Over the Fence:

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

Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear Up

couldn’t believe it. When I woke up this morning, the sun was actually shining. It seems like it has been weeks since that has happened. Gloomy, Seattle-like weather has been our daily reality for some time around here. Periodically, I’ve checked the forecast only to be bummed by days and days of similar weather on the horizon. I have felt a little like Bill Murray in the movie “Groundhog Day” wondering when this recurring dream would come to an end. A bit of perspective came a few days ago when I had the opportunity to catch up with a dear friend of mine via Zoom. He moved to Ketchikan City, Alaska about a year ago and has been adjusting to life there. Ketchikan is a small community of about 8,000 people and is actually a little closer to Seattle than it is to Anchorage. I was bellyaching about all this gloomy weather and rain we’ve been having lately. He listened patiently. Oklahoma’s average annual rainfall is about 37 inches. My friend informed me that Ketchikan’s average annual rainfall is 175 inches. I stopped whining. I don’t know about you, but gloomy weather affects my mood. To be honest, I’m much more likely to feel down when the sun isn’t shining. I get bummed. Depressed even. He says everyone there knows to take their Vitamin D and to get outside anytime the sun is shining to help prevent mild depression. Because guess what? Seasonal depression is a real thing, whether you live in Ketchikan, Alaska or Shawnee, Oklahoma. For years, nobody liked to talk about depression. I don’t suppose any of us ever “like” to talk about it, but there really is a stigma associated with depression, isn’t there? Mental health in general is a subject that seems to make people feel uncomfortable. There are many reasons for this I’m sure, but I think there is at least one that makes sense to me. Humans tend to steer clear of what we do not understand. The average person doesn’t have a good handle on the ins and outs of mental health issues, and so we tend to make light of such things, which is another common human response. Or worse, we shame those

Brandon Dyer

honest enough to speak up. We even shame ourselves. I am by no means an expert, but in recent years, I have worked to learn more. Our culture has often associated mental illness with being crazy, and it’s just not true. No one says that a person struggling with an illness of the heart is crazy. We know there are treatments for that, and in fact, we encourage loved ones to seek treatments when necessary. The heart is an organ of the body. So is the brain. A heart can become unhealthy when there is a blockage of blood supply. A brain can become unhealthy when chemical balances are not in check. Brain health is as important to our physical health as heart health or any other organ. Who would ever shame a person for heart disease? Recently, I attended the Avedis Speaker Series featuring Terri White, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma. Formerly, she served as commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for 13 years. Needless to say, she knows her stuff. Let me share just a few bits of information she brought to our attention. About 11,200 Pottawatomie County adults experienced symptoms of “any mental illness” in this past year. About 3,175 children are experiencing depression in Pottawatomie County. Mental health is the leading health reason for work performance loss and second for absenteeism.

During COVID-19, there has been an increase in the number of people reporting mental health concerns. There are also new individuals who – as a result of isolation or stress or loss of a job – experienced mental health concerns for the first time. More than 315,000 people took Mental Health America’s anxiety screen from January to September 2020, a 93 percent increase over 2019. Nearly 535,000 people took the depression screen, a 62 percent increase over 2019. These numbers broke my heart. At the same time, I wasn’t surprised. It’s been a tough year, folks. Really tough. Because of the fact that one one in five Oklahomans suffers from some form of mental illness, it’s time to take this seriously. 2700 N Mental Kickapooillness does not equal crazy. NotOK only is it inaccurate Shawnee, 74804 to believe that585-2907 narrative, perpetuating (405) it is thestore6963@theupsstore.com very reason the stigma exists, which often discourages people from theupsstorelocal.com/6963

seeking the help they need. Nobody would tell a person with heart disease to suck it up. It just wouldn’t make sense. For those among us experiencing anxiety, depression or even more severe forms of mental illness, it’s no different. There are treatments available to make things better. How do I know? Because I take medication to help alleviate my symptoms of depression and anxiety. I regularly see a therapist to help me process the emotions of life that can sometimes seem overwhelming. Many of you do as well. If you have asked for help, I’m proud of you. It’s not always as easy as it might seem. Let’s change the culture surrounding mental health in our places of work, Hours:our schools and our families. Perhaps was a time PM we didn’t Mon - Frithere 08:00 AM-06:30 know but now we do.PMAnd now Sat better,09:00 AM-02:30 that better, we ought to do Sunwe know Closed better.

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Formerly The Sentinels, VIPS Seeks Volunteers To Assist Police With Safety As Planned Events Increase

by David Disnmore

hough many know them locally as the Sentinels – and sometimes the more informal “red shirts” – the Volunteers in Police Service still have the same goals of providing extra eyes and ears for the Shawnee Police Department in helping keep local events safe and fun for residents to enjoy. During the last 15 months, however, there have not been many occasions for the VIPS to don their signature red T-shirts to help police because there have not been many events of considerable size where they could assist. However, as organizations begin setting more and more dates for events as restrictions stemming from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic begin to ease, the demand for the services of the VIPS program will increase and with it the need for more volunteers to lend their time. Dawn Ramsey came to what was then called the Shawnee Sentinels more than 10 years ago after a career in law enforcement with several different departments, and she now coordinates the volunteers who work with the program. After taking a medical retirement from law enforcement, she was looking for a way to get back into helping her community as she could. “I live in this community, and I’m going to be here probably for the rest of my life,” Ramsey said. “I want to make it better. I want to make it safer.” Though Ramsey has extensive experience in law enforcement, that is not a requirement to serve with VIPS. Most people who get involved do not have that background, but they all share the same desire to serve their community and the people within it by helping where they can. One of the primary functions of VIPS has volunteers working with on-duty police at large events by observing the happenings at large events and reporting anything that may need the attention of trained law enforcement personnel, Ramsey said. They also are visible for people to approach who may need to contact police, but volunteers do not take any direct action.

“We just call in anything we see that may be a little bit off,” Ramsey said. “Then an officer comes and checks it out for us.” VIPS do receive a couple radios on police frequencies to use if needed, but volunteers also communicate with each other and officers via their personal phones, whether by text or simply calling 911 in an emergency. Most times, shift supervisors with the department will drive by locations routinely to check in with volunteers at large events to make sure everything is going well and to be available for any issues that may occur. “They look out for us, and we look out for them,” Ramsey said. From a police perspective, having community members step up to assist them even in observational roles provides a great service not only to people attending the events but those who also need help from police away from the gatherings as well, Cpl. Vivian Lozano with the Shawnee Police Department said. Officers are able to take calls away from the events throughout town as they normally would while the VIPS continue to keep an eye on things. “It’s a tremendous benefit for us,” Lozano said. “It puts another set of eyes on the street for us. “I really appreciate them coming out and volunteering. It shows their support and belief in us as officers.” In addition to high-attendance events like the upcoming Blues on Broadway on June 19 – which also features the Cornstock cornhole tournament benefiting the department’s Cops N Kids event coming up in August – the VIPS also assist with other events like block parties and various 5Ks that take place within the city limits. In lieu of working at events, some volunteers prefer to put in time helping with administrative functions of the department itself, Ramsey said. They have even functioned in roles that help with traffic or assisting officers at accident scenes. VIPS also works with organizations interested in

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hosting fingerprinting events for kids, which allows parents and guardians to have their children’s vital information added to databases that can help law enforcement in the event of a kidnapping or missing persons investigation, Ramsey said. There is also an optional app where parents can update their children’s information as they grow. Right now, Ramsey is working with 17 volunteers, but there is a need for more especially as more things begin to “open up” to what they may have looked like prior to last year’s shut down as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Until the response to the COVID-19 pandemic shut many things down or moved things to an online setting, VIPS sent its volunteers to an instructional course to prepare them for helping in their new roles. As events ramp up this summer, Ramsey said they will use the VIPS monthly meetings for some training purposes as well as a more on-the-job training format for the new volunteers she has lined up right now and hopes to get in the near future. “They’ll be placed with another volunteer that is already trained,” Ramsey said. “We’re not going to put anyone out there that can’t do it and have an idea of what’s going on.” Volunteers must pass a background check, and currently the age requirement is 21, though Ramsey said they have been looking at lowering it by a couple of years due to some interest from college students interested in volunteering. Ramsey has been pleased with the work her volunteers have done in her time overseeing the program, but she said she appreciates even more their attitudes toward it. “You’ve got to enjoy what you’re doing,” Ramsey said. “We don’t have the basic responsibilities or authority of police officers … but the safety factor of looking out for their community is what brings people into this.” For information or to volunteer, contact vlozano@shawneeok.org and (405) 501-3357.

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MGMOA Brings Back In-Person Creative Arts Camps For Kids, Teens This Summer

by David Dinsmore

s an artist, Amber DuBoise-Shepherd knows the value of getting hands-on with a project during the process of creating. As the manager of education and outreach at Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, she understands the importance of this type of learning when trying to instill a love of art through experience and expression. That’s one of the reasons she said she is glad the museum will once again offer in-person creative arts camps for children and teens – and also some workshops for adults as well – after more than a year of virtual programs. “I have a fine arts background, so I’m a very hands-on person myself,” DuBoise-Shepherd said. “With Covid this last year, it’s been really tough. A lot of museums here in Oklahoma and around the country have been doing virtual programming. “Having classes virtually was hard … because you want to help students right there if they’re having a problem. To have these camps in person again is really exciting.” The camps will break down by age groups and offer a wide variety of themes, media, experiences and more as they take place in the museum at 1900 W. MacArthur St. The Primary Partners program aims at bringing kids ages 3-6 accompanied by a guardian or sibling age 15 or older into the museum for a tour, art activity and story. The sessions take place between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on June 29 and July 1, 6 and 8. “They work with someone here at the museum, and we read a book and tour the gallery,” DuBoiseShepherd said. “It’s a very fun way to introduce young children to the museum.” The weeklong camps will occur from late June through July and will feature one of three themes each camp. The camps will have morning sessions from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for ages 5-8 and afternoon sessions for ages 9-12. The first with Exploring Ancient Egypt on June 21-25. Participants will get a closer look at ancient Egyptian culture through art as they get the chance to create their own pieces based on elements like mummies – and mummy cats. The next camp running July 12-16 will have kids working alongside DuBoise-Shepherd as she shares her knowledge and experience as a Native American artist. Experiencing Native American Culture Through Art will give participants the opportunity to create artwork based on traditional and modern Native American techniques and styles. The last camp for the age 5-12 group from July 26-30 will let attendees get their own hands dirty as artist John Bartos leads Ceramics, Funny Faces, 18

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After more than a year of virtual art programs as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will be hosting in-person creative art camps at its 1900 W. MacArthur location for kids and teens, and they are also offering art therapy workshops for adults this summer as well. Photos submitted

Creatures and Things. Kids can use their imaginations to shape clay creations and learn some fundamentals of ceramics. Teenage art enthusiasts can also try their hand at ceramics with a weeklong teen clinic for ages 1318 happening 10 a.m.-12 p.m. from July 19-23. Bartos will lead participants through the creation of ceramics using concepts like hand building, forms and sculpting. In addition to in-person instruction to help stretch and strengthen their own artistic abilities, kids attending the creative arts camps will again be able to experience the museum’s permanent collection and receive inspiration that is unique to seeing art live. “They get to interact with art programming and art supplies and get to get messy and have fun,” said DuBoise-Shepherd, who recommended that attendees wear “play clothes” each day that they may get dirty during projects. “It’s especially important for young kids – and even adults – to have fun in art. Not just have it be a concrete idea, but having fun and experimenting with different media.” The tuition for each camp includes all supplies, and museum members receive discounts. There are scholarship opportunities available for children re-

ceiving assistance for those who would like to contact the museum for more information. Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is also hosting new art, nature and healing workshops for adults led by art therapists from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on June 19, July 10 and Aug. 21. Participants ages 18 and older can come as they are to reduce stress and feel uplifted as they enjoy a guided art project. No previous art experience necessary, and all supplies are included as well. Organizers were looking at offering more camps this summer, but schedules of staff members and instructors were still in flux stemming from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic while they were planning these camps. As they put programs in place for the fall and next year, DuBoise-Shepherd said they are eyeing the return of program schedules that more closely resemble those offered in years past. “Hopefully next year, we’ll have even more,” she said. “Spending time with art releases creativity … and introducing kids to art at a very young age is very helpful in their development.” To learn more or to register, visit mgmoa.org/ engage, email education@mgmoa.org or call (405) 878-5605.

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Art of the Matter:

Japanese Prints Submitted by Carmen Wolf, Board Member, & Delaynna Trim, Curator of Collections, MabeeGerrer Museum of Art

his month, we are going to take a trip to the other side of the world. We’re going to Japan! Did you know that Japan is a series of islands in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of China? The Olympics are going to be held in Japan this year starting at the end of July. How exciting! More than half of Japan is covered with forests, and the country has a lot of mountains and volcanoes. Japan is located on the Ring of Fire where several tectonic plates come together and is known for having lots of earthquakes. Japan’s most famous volcano is Mount Fuji on the island of Honshu. The mountain was created by the volcano centuries ago, but it hasn’t erupted in over 300 years. Mount Fuji has become a symbol of Japan and is seen in Japanese artwork as far back as the 1600s. Japan is also known for its stunning cherry trees that bloom in the spring. When they are in bloom, there is a sea of pink blossoms that is breathtaking. Many Japanese prints include something called a pagoda. This is a stylized building made of wood or stone that holds ceremonial items. Pagodas typically have an odd number of floors with an iconic red roof at each level. Japanese artists developed a type of printmaking called Ukiyo-e – or woodblock prints – in the 8th century to print Buddhist scriptures. Ukiyoe translates to “pictures of the floating world.” In the 1700s, they discovered new technologies that added a whole range of colors to the prints. Each print required the collaboration of four experts: the designer, the engraver, the printer and the publisher. Throughout the centuries, the prints included images of Mount Fuji, Japanese landscapes, cherry trees in bloom, pagodas, warriors and Kabuki actors. This printing method made it possible for all

An example of Japanese prints on display at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art that inspired this month’s home project.

people to afford art because the prints were similar in price to a bowl of noodles. The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art has several beautiful Japanese prints that include Japanese landscapes, warriors and Kabuki actors that were created in the 1800s. They are beautiful examples of Japanese printmaking. There is free admission to the museum this summer, so you can go to see the prints for yourself along with centuries-old sketchbooks of designs for ceramics. We are going to make our own Japanese inspired drawing this month. We start with a blue colored piece of paper. If you don’t have blue paper, you can use a piece of white paper, and we’ll add the sky later. We are going to start with the mountain, because that is the farthest away from the viewer. Take a white crayon or oil pastel and create the top part of the mountain. That is the part of the mountain that is very high, cold and covered with snow. Next, take a medium gray crayon or oil pastel and sketch in the lower part of the mountain. Don’t fill it all in yet, because we want to see what other elements we are going to include. Now that we have the mountain in our drawing, let’s think about what else we want to add. Some ideas are cherry trees in bloom, pagodas,

1 2 3 4

pagoda inspired gates, a path, a sun or maybe some Japanese lettering. You can add the Olympic logo and some athletes or sports. Don’t be afraid to be creative. You can even make your volcano erupt. Once you have your elements added, you can fill in the rest of the mountain and sky. You can make this a multimedia project by cutting out colored paper or other materials for different elements and gluing them to your drawing. Maybe some cherry blossoms, red pagoda roofs or Olympic athletes. When you are done, don’t forget to sign your masterpiece! Take a photo and post it on Instagram with the hashtag #MGMOAart. I hope you have fun with this project, I can’t wait to see your drawings!

5 6 7 8

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

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We express our gratitude for our dedicated team of healthcare providers for continuing to work and see patients during these difficult times. We commend our teams willingness to keep seeing patients as their need arises and that we are able to provide both Home Health care and Hospice throughout the COVID crisis.

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3 WINNERS will be chosen at random from correct entry forms. Each WINNER will receive a $10 GIFT CERTIFICATE for Sonic. DIRECTIONS 1. Unscramble the 4 scrambled SHAWNEE OUTLOOK Advertisers 2. Fill out this entry form and mail to: Shawnee Outlook P.O. Box 1365 Shawnee, OK 74802 3. Winners will be announced in the next issue of the Shawnee Outlook. 4. If you are a winner, we’ll mail the gift certificate to the return address on your envelope! (Make sure you include one)

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To keep your stash safe and sound, invest in a lockbox. Kids, pets, or even visitors can get into marijuana if it’s not locked up and out of sight. It’s always best to keep marijuana in the child-resistant packaging from the retailer, and invest in a safe or lock box to ensure the only person who can get to your marijuana is you because even as your kids get older, it’s important to keep your stash locked away safe and sound. If a child accidentally eats marijuana in any form, immediately contact a medical professional or call the poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222). You may know if someone has accidentally used marijuana if he has problems walking or sitting up, difficulty breathing and becoming sleepy. If the reaction seems more severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.

Sharing is not caring. Not only is sharing marijuana with people under 18 is against the law, it can hurt their health, get them in trouble, and put their future goals at risk. You could be charged with a felony if you share with anyone under age, even if they’re family members or friends.

For more information about safe storage of marijuana or youth substance abuse prevention, please call 405-275-3391 or email aflood@gatewaytoprevention.org. THIS PROGRAM IS FUNDED BY THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND ADMINISTRATION, AND CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION

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SHAWNEE HISTORY

Becker Theater Brought Top-Notch Culture, Entertainment to Early Shawnee

By Ann McDonald, Courtesy Pott Co Historical Society Member

n 1906, Oklahoma was on the threshold of statehood, and Shawnee was in the running to be the state capitol. The city’s population had leaped from 200 just 15 years earlier to more than 20,000. The coming of the railroads brought other industries to the community. The future was bright. It was that year that William G. Becker built his showplace – an opera house to rival any in Oklahoma City. Becker had been a storekeeper and butcher in Shawnee’s early days before his career as theater manager began in 1902 when he rescued a stranded stock company at the old Shawnee Opera House on Bell Street. He renovated the opera house and booked well-known stars from New York touring companies. His success prompted him to build a grand new theater on the corner of Main and Market streets three stories high with gilded box seats and a seating capacity of 1,200. Steam heat added to the comfort, and music was furnished by a resident orchestra. The main floor had 14 rows with seven rows in the first balcony and five in the gallery. Becker advertised that Shawnee would have a quality, high class theater as grand as that in large eastern cities. At least in the beginning, it appears he was true to his promise. The greatest name to appear was likely the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt. She arrived for her show in April 1906 in her own special train car that even carried a private dressing room which was unloaded for her use in the theater. Reportedly, tickets were $5 – an amount that would have fed a family for a week back then – but there was still a full house. The Becker Theater shows catered to the elite with ticket prices from 75 cents to $1.75, which was a considerable sum in 1906 dollars. Indications are that Becker began to experience financial difficulties. The size of the theater may have created a large overhead, and the quality of the shows he signed likely demanded substantial guarantees. Competition from other theaters and various

The Becker Theater at Main and Market streets opened its doors in 1906, and for five years brought in high quality acts from places like New York to entertain citizens of Shawnee. Photo submitted

forms of entertainment began to siphon support from Becker’s theater. Benson Park was soon in full swing, and especially in the summer, Shawnee citizens preferred the outdoor entertainment provided there. Silent movies were beginning to encroach on the high-priced live shows at Becker’s. William Becker hung onto his dream for five years. To stay afloat financially, he offered the stage as the city’s municipal auditorium, community theater, high school graduation, class plays and amateur theatrical productions. Finally in 1909, the Becker Theater was sold at auction to the Interstate Mortgage Co. of Parsons, Kansas, for $15,000. Under the management of Ernest George, who remodeled and reduced ticket prices to 10, 20 and 30 cents, the theater continued to operate by that name until 1915. No advertisements

JUNE

for events at that address are found after that year. The building suffered some damage by a tornado in the 1920s. That address indicates that it later became a service station and automobile warehouse, and in 1927, it suffered some fire damage. The fine building was razed the following year. The only thing that survived of the once elegant Becker Theater was a brick garage that was used as a storage house just north of Main Street on Market. For a few years in the early days of Shawnee, the Becker Theater was the town’s showplace. New York shows, vaudeville attractions, lecturers, hypnotists, sports figures, musicians and local entertainers once packed the stage. It filled the citizens’ thirst for culture and education, and for a time, it helped put Shawnee on the entertainment map.

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NOTICE JUNE 2021

Shawnee Youth Coalition AFTER HOURS COVID-19 CLINIC: TESTING, ANTIBODY TESTING & VACCINES Provides Voice, Platform, LITTLE AXE HEALTH CENTER LITTLE AXE Activities for Local Students405.447.0300 For Your Visit…

hawnee Youth Coalition started in 2002 after youth felt like they did not have a voice in the community. Throughout the existence of SYC, there have been events focusing on underage drinking prevention, community outreach, mental health and youth leadership. Things are continuously changing based on what young people currently want to focus on. The coalition is youth-led featuring coleaders who are juniors and seniors in high school, and the membership of the coalition consists of middle and high school students. This is possible through the funding of United Way of Pottawatomie County and other community grants for specific projects as well as the work of the youth. In April 2021, SYC was able to host a virtual Youth Speak Out event where adult community leaders were given the opportunity to hear presentations from local youth about topics that they are passionate about. Speeches included topics around suicide, mentor programs, reading resources and walking trails. This was a great way to give youth a platform to speak to adults and feel heard. SYC does many of their events during the school year, however some of the biggest projects happen in the summer. It can sometimes be difficult to find things to do during the summer, and SYC works to help give youth something to do while also helping their community. A major summer event that SYC organizes is Sports and Arts Camp. This is a free, two-week camp for elementary school kids to experience activities they may have never done before. Many camps and programs during the summer have a cost to attend, and equipment and supplies are not always provided. By eliminating these barriers, SYC provides its campers with

For Your Visit, Please... TestingHEALTH CENTER Wear a mask ••Wear a mask. 405.447.0300 the chance to try out different activities5:30pm-6:30pm: • Bring identification • Bring identification to see what might interest them for the rd June 3 future. The staff of the camp are middle • Thurs., All clinics are open ••All clinics are open to TESTING NOTICE EFFECTIVE SEPT 1, 2020 and high school students that lead the th to the public,walk-in walk-in the public, • Thurs., June 17 5:30pm - 6:30pm camper teams and also run the workshops.

only, no appointment Thursday, June 3 The staff members all volunteer their time needed. needed. and give a piece of their summer to spend Thursday, June 17 it with elementary students. The relationships that are built during the two weeks For Antibody Testing... th For Antibody Testing… ANTIBODY TESTING continue on, and many campers become • Be prepared to have • Be prepared 5:00pm - 6:00pm (LA only) staff when they are old enough. This also blood drawn to have blood drawn. creates layers of leadership from elemenThursday, June 24  •Wear a mask tary all the way up to high school. This type of available testing •Bring Testing is to COVID-19 testing held  Camp this year will be held 2:30-5 p.m. is available to st rd anyone ages 10+. VACCINATIONS 3 Tuesday on the 1 & rd identification on June 14-17 and June 21-24 as well as 8 anyone ages 10+. from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm  Remain in your 5:00pm 7:00pm a.m.-5 p.m. June 25 at Jefferson Elementh vehicle tary at 800 N. Louisa Ave. We are still lookThursday, June 3 For Vaccine Clinic… th For Vaccine Clinic... ANTIBODY testing held ing for youth and young adults to help make Thursday, Junerd10 •• Vaccine is available for Vaccine is available T hursday on the 1st & 3th camp the best it can be. Thursday, June 17 ages 12 12 and older. for ages and While I was in middle and high school, from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Thursday, June 24 older. • Vaccine will be SYC was a valuable resource for me to gain  Be prepared to SHAWNEE CLINIC leadership skills and make friends. It led administered in two have blood • Vaccine will be me towards my passion for community work405.878.5850 shots 3-4 weeks apart. drawn administered in two and my current position as the youth coor •Those not being You 3-4 willweeks be monitored shots dinator. There are adults in the community tested will not beafter apart. 15-30 minutes who support youth and want to work alongallowed entry into COVID-19 testing held side them. There are no requirements for receiving. nd th the clinic on 2 & 4 Wednesday • You will be attending meetings and activities in hopes TESTING  Testing is 15-30 from 5:30 pm 7:30 pm monitored that we can involve as many youth as we available to 5:30pm 6:30pm minutes after can. Our young people are the biggest reanyone ages 10+ For inquiries Tuesday, June 1please call receiving source for addressing youth issues, and SYC will continue being a platform for this. 405.695.1787 Tuesday, June 15 Throughout the summer, we have many In the event of rain or other activities and work to keep engageVACCINATIONS adverse weather, testing will ment while youth aren’t in school. All ac5:00pm 7:00pm not - be conducted. tivities are open to middle and high school students and are free. Thursday, June Testing is open 8to the public. The best way to stay connected is Thursday, June 29 through our social media pages which can For inquires please call 405.695.1787. In the event of adverse weather, be found at https://linktr.ee/ShawneeYtesting may not For be conducted. Follow the Shawnee Tribal Health inquiries, please callAbsentee 405.695.1787 outhCoalition or by contacting Taylor BivSystem on Facebook or visit our website at asthealth.org for updates. ings at (405) 837-8893.

Taylor Bivings has been working as the youth coordinator for the past four years at Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. She works to build leadership and give youth a voice when addressing community change. 26

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ANTIBODY Testing 5:00pm-6pm (LA only): • Thurs., June 24

only, no appointment

Vaccinations 5:00pm-7:00pm: • Thurs., June 3 • Thurs., June 10 • Thurs., June 17 • Thurs., June 24

TestingSHAWNEE CLINIC 405.878.5850 5:30pm-6:30pm: • Tues., June 1st • Tues., June 15th Vaccinations 5:00pm-7:00pm: • Tues., June 8th • Tues., June 29th

In the event of rain or adverse weather, testing will not be conducted.

Follow the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System on Facebook or our visit our website at asthealth.org for updates.

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CALENDAR

Upcoming Events All events subject to change and incorporate a variety of guidelines regarding public health standards. Please contact each organizer for complete and up-to-date information June-July: Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will host weeklong creative arts camps featuring a wide variety of themes, techniques and media. Information: mgmoa.org and (405) 878-5300 June 11-20: The girls are back and ready to party on as The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On takes the stage at the Shawnee Little Theatre with 7 p.m. shows on those Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. The musical will bring to life favorite pop hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Information: shawneelittletheatre.com and(405) 275-2805. June 19: Cornstock 2021 cornhole tournament – a fundraiser for the Shawnee Police Department’s annual Cops N Kids event in August – will kick off same-day registration at 11:30 a.m. with its first games starting at 1 p.m. Pre-registration for up to 100 two-person teams taking place now. Spectators are welcome to come enjoy the tournament as well as the Blues on Broadway event taking place downtown that day. Information: vlozano@shawneeok.org and (405) 501-3357 June 19: Blues on Broadway will sound off downtown near Main and Broadway with great music, wine tasting, music, beer garden, vendors, bounce house and plenty of fun for everyone. Event is slated to play 1-9 p.m. Information: https:// seffshawnee.org

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June 19, July 10, Aug. 21: Reduce stress and feel uplifted with new art, nature and healing workshops from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Come as you are, ready to play and enjoy a guided art project. No previous art experience necessary. Intended for ages 18 and older. All supplies included. Information: mgmoa.org and (405) 878-5300 June 26: Get ready to roll with Hot Rods on Harrison cruise-in from 8-10 a.m. with breakfast, coffee and cars at First United Bank at 2675 N Harrison St. July 9-10: The OK Classics Muscle Cars & Collectibles Auction will rev up at 6:30 p.m. at the FireLake Arena at 18145 Old Rangeline Road. Information: (405) 2736699 July 10: Singer-songwriter acts Tommy Joe Smith & Friends will perform 7-9 p.m. at The Historic Ritz Theater at 10 W. Main Street in Shawnee. Information: 405) 4321810 July 11-16: The International Finals Youth Rodeo rides back into town in all its glory with events including cowgirls barrel racing, cowgirls pole bending, cowgirls breakaway roping, cowgirls goat tying, team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, saddle bronc riding and bareback riding. Events run simultaneously in three arenas at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center at 1700 W. Independence. Information: ifyr. com and (405) 275-7020 If you know of any events you would like to see featured, email editor@shawneeoutlook.com.

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