Shawnee Outlook by Shawnee Outlook

Shawnee Splash | Second-Act Careers

Let It Fly At Cornstock

MAY 21

Vol. 18 Number 3

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SOPHIA MASSAD

PAUL BENJAMAN

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BRYON WHITE

WADE HAYES

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CONTENTS

MAY 2021

21 FEATURES 9

SSM Health Opens Doors Of New Harrison Street Facility On May 3

Some Pott County Residents Enjoying 2nd-Act Careers After Reirement

Over the Fence: Making a Choice When the Truth Stinks

Shawnee Splash To Open May 21 With 100 Percent Capacity, Lifted COVID-19 Restrictions

Cornstock 2021 Cornhole Tournament Set For June To Raise Funds For Cops N Kids In August

Art Of The Matter: Drip Painting

Mobile Markets Help Close Local Food Insecurity Gap

Publisher

Okie Icon Media

Managing Editor

David Dinsmore

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Creative Direction

Kelsey Walker & Fawn Wilson-Olivarez

Cover Photo

David Dinsmore

Writers

Andrea Beck Jamie Bergsten David Dinsmore Brandon Dyer Abby Flood 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.

DEPARTMENTS 6 KEEP THE CHANGE 6 NUTRITION 101 22 HELPING HANDS 24 SONIC CONTEST 25 SHAWNEE HISTORY 29 THE BRIGHT SPOT 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

Know When (and Where) to Spend 'Em

have worked hard for years to save all the pennies I can. This is still a goal for me, but I’ve also learned the importance of being responsible with my spending on a different level. In the wake of a worldwide pandemic, I have focused on the businesses I care about and want to support. This means learning where I should penny-pinch and where I am willing to spend a little more to support the hard work of others. This philosophy comes into play in many ways. • Restaurants. While I have spent years favoring home cooking to eating out, in recent months I have preferred to support local individually run restaurants so businesses in our community can stay open. • Clothing. The idea of “fast fashion” has become a growing concern among the environmentally conscious, but beyond the environment, turning toward “slow fashion” also means considering whether workers can earn a fair wage. Look for brands that are American made or operated by small business owners. You won’t save money immediately but investing in quality pieces also means creating a wardrobe that will last longer than a season, which will impact your budget over time. • Toys and Household Items. Again, saving money is great, but if the items we’re buying cheaply become disposable, we’re spending more over time. As with fashion, buying high quality items may feel expensive initially but will save money as we replace items less frequently. In addition, when we’re investing in quality, we’re rejecting the need for quantity, leading to less-cluttered lives. As you turn your focus toward quality items or experiences that may have a higher price tag, you can definitely still keep your eyes open for deals and discounts while being sure your spending is a reflection of your priorities.

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

Save Time, Money With Meal Prepping

here are so many reasons that I find prepping food beneficial. Some days I walk in the door later, and I feel starved. It is helpful to me to come home and the meal already be prepared or even partly prepared. That way, I am not snacking while cooking. Some nights, there are multiple sports happening, and it could just be easier to go through a drive through. When I know there is already a meal at home ready to go, we don’t need to spend the money or get in the extra fat. I find it also saves on money. I am not going to the store multiple times throughout the week, and I am not buying just whatever looks good at the store. If I have an actual plan before going to the store, that helps me to not spend money on unnecessary items. You can prep one item for multiple meals and just add sides throughout the week, or you can prep the whole thing. I find it best with my schedule to do four days at a time. It keeps me from wondering at 5 p.m., “I wonder what I should cook for dinner tonight.” To save on time, you can take whatever you are planning to cook that night and batch cook it. When you are cooking multiple servings at once, you don’t have to be in the kitchen nightly. As much as I love food, I honestly don’t enjoy cooking every single night. I also don’t want the mess every single night. The recipe below is just one example of something you could easily batch cook and have enough of for what you need for the week.

Steamed Broccoli So many different options for seasoning that are salt free. There are a couple of brands that offer a whole line of salt free seasonings but still have a lot of flavor. You don’t have to add salt to your food for it to taste good. Ingredients: 2 cups of raw broccoli Salt free seasoning blend Directions: Place a small amount of water in a pot. Just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot, about 1 inch. Place a steamer basket in the pot, sitting on top of the water. Place the broccoli into the steamer and cover with a lid. Boil for 3-4 minutes and remove from heat. Nutritional Information per serving: Makes: 4 servings, ½ cup each Calories: 27 Total Fat: 0g Saturated Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 32mg Carbohydrates: 5g Dietary Fiber: 3g Protein: 2g Nutrition 101: Steaming your vegetables offers a quick way of cooking. All you need is the pot and a cheap steaming basket. There are multiple fancy gadgets out there that you could use, but they aren’t necessary. You really want to only boil the water for 3-4 minutes so you don’t lose out on nutrients. The longer you cook the vegetables, the more the nutrients leach out into the water. If you have ever noticed the water you cooked the vegetables in change color, that is because those nutrients are now in the water. Getting your vegetables in doesn’t have to take a lot of prep time at all. Steam – season – enjoy. 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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You might know marijuana as “weed” or “pot.” The marijuana plant produces a mind-altering chemical called THC, (or Tetrahydrocannabinol) which makes you feel “high.” Marijuana can be smoked, vaped, or eaten in foods or drinks. A lot of people think that since medical marijuana is legal, it’s safe for anyone to use. That’s not true, especially for those under the age of 21.

Your health is in your control... Young people’s brains aren’t done developing until the age of 25, which means that using marijuana at a young age could get in the way of reaching your full potential. You’re in charge of building your future, so take responsibility for knowing how marijuana can impact your health.

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Whether you’re a musician or an athlete, you should know that weed can impact how well you do the things you like doing. That’s because weed can affect your reaction time and coordination. This is particularly true when it comes to doing everyday things you love like playing an instrument, skateboarding, and even driving. By not using marijuana, you can focus on the moments that matter the most.

SSM Health Opens Doors Of New Harrison Street Facility On May 3

by David Dinsmore

SM Health hosted a celebration in late April to mark the opening of its new location at 4651 N. Harrison St. just south of I-40. Officials with the health care organization joined other members of the community to mark the occasion and tour the new building just a few days before providers began welcoming patients on May 3. The two-story, 33,000 square foot building will house a variety of care services to serve the growing north and east sides of the city as neighborhoods and businesses continue to grow in the area. “This facility is a new, innovative model for outpatient and physician office services not seen before in our community,” said Dr. Kevin L. Lewis, president of SSM Health Medical Group. “The SSM Health Medical Group providers and staff are committed to providing a soothing, upscale environment for a wide range of services for the benefit of our patients.” Familiar faces from other SSM Health’s facilities around town have made their new building to provide services to new and established patients. Drs. Kacey Cassaday, Jeremy Holter, Kelli Koons and Ajay Varughese offer family medicine services for all ages at their offices on the first floor of the new facility. “We are blessed to offer more convenient access to our services throughout the community,” Koons said as part of an invocation during the ribbon cutting ceremony on April 29. Occupying the second floor will be the Women’s Health Services department with specialty offices for OB/GYN providers, Drs. Paul Jennings, Darin Sparkman, Elise Slaybaugh, Alex Avila along with Jessica Strong, APRN, and Shannon Plumb, PA-C. Joining the family practice on the first floor will be physical therapy services as well as the SSM Health Express Clinic, which relocated its urgent care and minor medical emergency care there from its previous location on Medical Park Drive. The Harrison Street facility will also house areas for providing aesthetic procedures along with sports medicine services. At the April 29 ceremony, Lewis gave considerable credit to Chuck Skillings, who served the facility now known as SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee for 42 years before retiring as chief executive officer in February 2020, for the vision of a facility that could serve the east side of Shawnee. Skillings first expressed his

ABOVE: SSM Health Medical Group opened its newest Shawnee location at 4651 N. Harrison St. offering primary care, women’s health, urgent care, sports medicine, physical therapy and aesthetics in a 33,000 square foot, two-story facility. RIGHT: SSM Health Medical Group president Dr. Kevin L. Lewis cuts the ribbon for the new medical complex at 4651 N. Harrison St. along with SSM providers and administrators and the developers and contractors involved in the construction of the facility. Photos by David Dinsmore

desire to offer access to care in the area the first time they met in 2016. “I’m thankful for his dream and his vision that started years ago,” Lewis said. “It’s really cool to see that come to fruition.” Current Shawnee president for SSM Angi Mohr will carry that dream forward, Lewis said. Lewis also acknowledged the hard work and partnership with those responsible for giving the innovative Harrison Street location physical form, including Miller Architects, developers Darin Miller and David Neff and general contractor Miller-Tippens Construction. This building is the second new facility SSM is opening this month with the help of Miller and Neff, who also designed the newest location in El Reno. SSM Health Oklahoma president and CEO Joe Hodges told the story of the Fransiscan Sis-

ters of Mary who came to Oklahoma 120 years ago to raise money for their health ministry in Missouri. Ministers in Oklahoma negotiated with the nuns to help establish a health ministry locally as well, and it has grown ever since. “They would be ultimately proud of the expansion of their ministry into the Shawnee community,” Hodges said. “This (building) is one more visual that shows we are here to help improve the health of this community.” SSM Health Medical Group will continue to offer services at its locations on Kethley, near SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee, after the opening of the location on Harrison. “We are pleased to reaffirm our commitment to serving Shawnee and surrounding communities by expanding convenient, high-end services,” Lewis said. www.shawneeoutlook.com

Some Pott County Residents Enjoying 2nd-Act Careers After Reirement

by Jamie Bergsten

or many in the workforce, retirement seems like a distant but longed-for dream. Visions of rest, travel and free time loom large on the horizon as a career nears a close. However, for some ambitious “retirees,” one career simply wasn’t enough, and before their days of relaxation ever began, they’d moved on to another place in the working world. Such is the case with these longtime Shawnee residents who’ve found themselves still on the job – just in a new field. Brooks Malone graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1984 ready to begin a job in education. He worked construction for a while “until the right job came along” and accepted a position at South Rock Creek School. “Thank the Lord it was the best place to land,” Malone said. “I can’t imagine anywhere else.” Malone spent 27 years there in various roles, including middle school science teacher, girls coach, dean of students, archery coach, hunter education instructor and bus driver. Upon his retirement from South Rock Creek in 2016, he waited just three months before beginning a new job with Langley Management at age 55. “I’d known I was going to work for them for some time before retirement,” he said. “The strangest thing about it is being out and about during the day and realizing there’s a world going on. Being at school was like a micro-environment, with little contact to the outside world. Your whole focus there is confined to the school building. “Teaching and coaching was more of a routine for me, and the job I have now consists of so many different types of work. There really isn’t a ‘typical’ day, and that’s part of the enjoyment.” Malone’s new duties include doing carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tile, tree pruning and fence building among other things. “I never know for sure what it’s going to be, but most of it is in this area,” he said. “It’s pretty much an 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. thing. Teaching school taught me a lot about establishing relationships on the job, showing up and being dependable.” Coincidentally, one of those work relationships he’s been able to foster is with a former South Rock Creek student and longtime friend, Carey Barron, who went to work with Malone about three months ago. “Since I’ve known Brooks for more than 30 years, it’s been fun to now work with someone who’s been my buddy for so long,” Barron said. “He’s a great guy to be on the jobsite with. That’s the thing about working with someone a little older; he knows what to do and does it better than many younger workers would.” 10

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After 20 years with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Will Arnett has joined other Pottawatomie County residents enjoying their retirement years in new careers. Photo by Jessie Newell

An avid outdoorsman, Malone said, “A guy can only afford to fish and hunt so much.” Beth Hatley, another retired educator, also began her career at South Rock Creek as a teacher’s aide in 1990. She continued working but returned to college part-time the next year to begin the path toward obtaining her certification, graduating in 1995 from East Central University. She was hired at Grove School the next year and remained there for the duration of her 22 year teaching career, retiring in 2018. Beth and her husband V.A. Hatley along with her sister-in-law Mary Ruth opened an art studio in downtown Shawnee in 2015. “Anytime I wasn’t at school, I was there, fulltime all summer and after school each day,” Hatley said. “I’ve been there full-time since I retired.” She now opens the business each day, cleans, assists customers, schedules art classes, takes print orders, updates the studio’s social media accounts, arranges for new art to be displayed, plans the third Friday Block pARTy each month and makes sure artists receive their checks for things they’ve sold. “Being there ready to go when we open is like being at school on time and ready for the day,” she said. “There’s a certain amount of preparation that goes into both. However, I don’t have to spend hours each night grading now like I did when I was teaching. There are no lesson plans to prepare at the studio.” Lessons from her days as an educator, however, do inform her new career. “A person learns so many life lessons while teaching that are good for any profession,” Hatley said. “Treat others with respect. Be honest and trustworthy. Work hard. Be responsible and de-

pendable. I’ve been in the public all my life from the time I started washing dishes at the (Benton’s Café downtown that her parents owned)at five years old. Staying home is something one doesn’t do when involved with a family business. You get up and go to work whether you ‘feel’ like it or not. I’m not one who can just stay home; I have to be going somewhere. And I need a purpose. Running the studio gives me a purpose to get up in the morning and carry on. “I loved my time in the classroom … but I felt as if it was time to move on. I’ve done several different things in my life, from café work to a job in a grocery store, being a preschool teacher, substituting, getting my degree and teaching, starting an online skincare business and running the studio. All of these things have allowed me to grow as a person as well as affording me the opportunity to learn new things, and I’m grateful for all of those experiences.” Will Arnett, a Tecumseh High School graduate, recently retired after a 20-year career with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. “I initially was hired at the Capitol Patrol in April 2000 and entered the OHP Academy in June of the next year,” Arnett said. Arnett served in several capacities with the patrol, beginning his career as a trooper and spending multiple years as the armorer and firearms instructor in the firearms division. He taught in four OHP academies, served as the Highway Safety Liaison and ultimately retired working the road in Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties in September 2020. “I believe there’s a reason why there’s a 20-year pension in law enforcement,” he said. “It’s a hard job, and it’s hard on your family. In the current

climate of our country, it’s become increasingly challenging to keep positive morale in departments, and sometimes you just know it’s the right time to walk away.” Arnett didn’t stay retired for long though. As one who’s always enjoyed the outdoors and working in the yard, the next natural step was to open his own business, Okie Lawn Patrol. “I used to spend a lot of time alone in my patrol car, and now I spend a lot of time on my mower,” Arnett said. “I really enjoy the finished product of making someone’s lawn look nice for them. “My years as a trooper had many gratifying moments of being able to help people, but they also came with a lot of traumatic times, hard conversations about losing loved ones in accidents and situations that aren’t nearly as pleasant as hopping on my mower and doing what I do now.” After years behind the wheel of cars capable of high speed pursuit, Arnett has enjoyed bringing it down a gear in his new job. “What I’m enjoying most is the slow pace, the ability to set my own schedule and not missing my kids’ activities anymore,” Arnett said. “I’m also

really getting used to a good night’s sleep. We spent most nights on-call before, and 20 years of that gets old fast. “I’m a natural-born worker. I’m just hardwired to it and will probably always be that way. When my wife and I first married, I started ‘moonlighting,’ as police call it. You have to have another income to survive. I started picking up mowing jobs, side security jobs and anything that would help my family, even back then. We have kids still at home now, one headed to college in the fall and one in middle school.” Arnett likes that even with the pace of his new line of work comes with a lot of variety to keep things interesting. “Honestly, every day is a new one,” Arnett said. “Before I retired, I would’ve worked sometimes two or more hours before daylight. Now, I spend a few days mowing lawns and a few days helping my wife with her insurance business.” For those willing to re-invent themselves in the work world, there’s never a shortage of opportunities. These and many other retirees now in their second careers are proof that those who want to work will find a way, even if it’s in a completely different field.

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Over the Fence:

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

Making a Choice When the Truth Stinks

uring a weekend last month, my son invited a group of his friends and their parents over to take pictures of them all fancied up in their prom attire. They looked amazing, such a beautiful and handsome group. Dazzling dresses, suits and smiles lit up our backyard. The parents took pictures of every pose and combination of people imaginable, because that’s what we do, of course. It’s a memory worth preserving. Each parent was equal parts glowing pride, nerves and nostalgia knowing these soon-to-be adults were about to drive themselves to the city for dinner before returning for the prom. In the process, they would be creating a snapshot in time worth remembering. That’s when things abruptly changed. A gentle south breeze brought with it an overwhelming reminder that our septic tank needed replacing. Pronto. With teeth clenched, an uncomfortably large smile and the skill of a ventriloquist I whispered to my wife, “Is this really happening?” In retrospect, I probably should have checked her pulse instead, because I know her heart stopped. Let’s just say it was an unpleasant experience for all. In a moment like that, you really only have two options: ignore it and hope it goes away, or just lean into it and say, “Yep. That’s what you think it is.”

Brandon Dyer

We chose option two and immediately expedited the photo opportunity. The truth is I had already called the septic tank guy, and it was scheduled to be replaced. I’ll spare you the unsavory details, but when he came for the inspection, he explained that after 50 years of operation the system was failing. Its environment underground had gradually changed. A new system would be required for the future. Change is inevitable. You don’t need me to tell you that. Try as we may, we cannot avoid it. With any luck, we see it coming and can prepare. However, it can also be abrupt.

Sometimes it is relatively mild, and we can easily adapt, much like having to hold one’s breath during prom pictures. Other times it may be serious, like the loss of a job or even the loss of a loved one – or maybe the sudden loss of life as we know it at the hands of a global pandemic. Changes of environment can put such pressure on our systems that it sometimes causes them to fail. This can happen both at a micro, personal level and also at a macro, societal level. In any case, what’s interesting is that we always have those same two choices. Ignore it. Or lean into it. Recently, it became clear that I could no longer manage my hectic, sometimes unpredictable schedule. Stress was trending up and relief down. Normal methods of coping with stress were failing. Something had to give. My existing, some might say missing, system of organization that had mostly served me well my whole life was buckling under the pressure of a changing environment around me. For a while, I ignored it thinking I could tough it out and outlast the changes. It was a defensive move. I fought like my back was against the wall to avoid change. Finally, I heard a wise person say that as leaders, we are our organization’s capacity. For whatever reason, a lightbulb went off. I chose to embrace the changes necessary to remake my system. Now I wish I had done this

years ago. How many opportunities did I forfeit from my stubbornness to change? Have you ever been there? Systems can also fail at the macro, societal level. As we know, these systems can be much more difficult to change. If any of us is paying even a modest amount of attention these days, we can see that many of our systems are buckling. Perhaps it’s time to consider something new. New collective solutions for our evolving future. My purpose in writing this is not to suggest what those changes should be. Rather, my purpose is to offer a suggestion for how we ought to get there. Systems that work for all of us require all of us to be engaged in the process. As we work for solutions together, especially at the local level, we must hear each other as equals. Instead of starting with explosive differences that engage our defenses, perhaps we should begin with common hopes, common dreams. Isn’t this how healthy relationships begin? Very little effort is necessary to become an enemy. One simply has to decide it to be so, but to be a friend requires intention. That means we have to go out of our way. It means leaning into the challenges and the differences and creating something new that works for all of us. Let’s not ignore it. Let’s lean into it. That would be a snapshot in time worth taking.

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Shawnee Splash To Open May 21 With 100 Percent Capacity, Lifted COVID-19 Restrictions

by David Dinsmore

his year, Shawnee Splash will be ready to party like it’s 2019 when it opens the gates on May 21. Officials with the city’s water park announced at the end of April that Shawnee Splash would operate as it has in the past without many of the restrictions put in place last summer as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The park also planned to have some of these in guidelines in place for this summer as well with information about the changes listed along with its operating details. The plan now, however, is to open with 100 percent capacity said Kerri Foster, recreation manager with the City of Shawnee. Cleaning and safety breaks will still be a focus as they are every year, but they will not be as frequent as last year. There will also not be such stringent and separate entry and exit procedures. The decision came after examining the plans of similar water parks around the state, restrictions lifting locally and communities around the country and recent guidelines released by health officials as vaccinations increase and infections rates decrease or plateau. Shawnee Splash will keep one element from last year’s guidelines aimed at regulating the number of patrons at the park will remain as a perk for those with season memberships, Foster said. Last year, members could access the park during its first hour from noon to 1 p.m. before the general public came to play, and amid all of the other changes last year, that particular one received a lot of positive feedback. Given the timing of the decision to forego the restrictions for this season along with other challenges stemming from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some regular programs that occur throughout the summer will not happen this year, but the following special days will happen: • May 22 – Glow Dance Party – Avedis Health Week • May 27 – Water Safety Night –

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Shawnee Splash put measures in place last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but following the example of similar facilities and easing restrictions around the state and country, the water park will welcome guests at 100 percent capacity and fewer pandemic-related restrictions starting May 21.

Avedis Health Week • June 4 – Good Grade Entry Day • June 6 – Moms Day • June 15 – Teacher Appreciation Day • June 20 – Dads Day • July 2 – Teen Night • July 16 – Disney Day • July 25 – Christmas in July • Aug. 1 – Grandparents Day • Aug. 6 – End of Summer Teen Night • Aug. 9 – Shark Week Kickoff Day Also, Wednesdays will feature Rep You School at the Pool with each week dedicated to a different school in Pottawatomie County, Foster said.. Students who come to Shawnee Splash rocking a T-shirt or other gear from the school of the week will get a discount on admission. Though the more staunch restric-

tions from last year may not be present, swimmers at Shawnee Splash will still be subject to the park’s normal rules, including no outside food or drinks, patrons required to wear swimsuits (no street clothes or underwear), no tobacco use at Splash or the surrounding Woodland Park surrounding it, no re-entry except season members, children under 12 needing adult accompaniment and a 48-inch height limit to ride slides alone

Children 17 years old and younger will still need to exit the pools for 15 minute safety breaks at the top of every hour, and the park will still close for lightning activity within 10 miles of the park in increments of 30 minutes after last activity. On its website, Shawnee Splash also listed that patrons can bring lawn chairs into the park for use. “We’re ready to party and have a great summer,” Foster said.

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Cornstock 2021 Cornhole Tournament Set For June To Raise Funds For Cops N Kids In August

by David Dinsmore

fter tossing around a few ideas about raising funds for its annual Cops N Kids event in August, the Shawnee Police Department bagged a unique fundraising concept for this area with Cornstock 2021 sponsored by Ford Insurance Agency. The department will host a cornhole tournament with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m. and the first game starting at 1 p.m. on June 19 near the intersection of Main Street and Broadway featuring up to 100 two-person teams with prizes for the top four finishers and commemorative cornhole boards on the line with all the proceeds going to Cops N Kids event happening in August. “We had to think outside the box to come up with something that will help equal what our sponsors could donate,” said Cpl. Vivian Lozano, public information officer with Shawnee Police Department and the driving force behind planning Cops N Kids and Cornstock. “We have several fundraisers in town and have several golf tournaments. I noticed a lot of people playing cornhole in their backyards and thought that would be something different for a fundraising event in Shawnee.” Following the economic impact of the response to the coronavirus pandemic on businesses and organizations in the area, Lozano realized

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that supporters of previous Cops N Kids events may not be able to contribute as much to the sponsorship-driven event as they have in years past. However, with the event not occurring last year, and given the political climate nationally surrounding community policing, she felt it was even more important to host this event and emphasize how important it is to law enforcement officers to connect with the people they serve. She reached out to previous organizations and agencies that had participated in Cops N Kids in the past to gauge their level of interest and ability to participate in an event this year. Overwhelmingly, she received positive responses from public safety agencies at different local, state and federal levels, so she knew there would be plenty of participation to host the event. “Most people were like ‘We’re there. Put us down for it,’” Lozano said. Lozano began asking people within her department and other organizations with whom she works about what kind of fundraiser they could plan to make up for possible gaps in sponsorship to ensure Cops N Kids are able to deliver the same experience families have come to enjoy during the last few years. The timing seemed right for a corn hole tournament given its rise in popularity during tailgating, camping trips, backyard barbecues and other casual events. Moreover, when major

The Shawnee Police Department will host Cornstock 2021, a cornhole tournament sponsored by Ford Insurance Agency, with registration at 11:30 a.m. and the first game at 1 p.m. on June 19 near the intersection of Main Street and Broadway that will take place alongside Blues on Broadway hosted that day downtown by Safe Events for Families. Proceeds from Cornstock will help fund Cops N Kids happening in August. Photos by David Dinsmore

sports shut down last year, many people found themselves watching nationally televised cornhole tournaments on networks like ESPN. To ensure the competition offered an equal and level playing field, Lozano wanted to make sure that all boards used for Cornstock have the same dimensions and characteristics. While many people have their own sets, they tend to vary by size, weight, material and other characteristics. She also wanted to make sure that they had enough to host the desired number of teams in the tournament, which could open the door for future tournaments hosted in partnership with an official governing body like the American Cornhole Association. The standardized boards also open up opportunities for individuals and organizations to sponsor customized and personalized boards that they could then keep for themselves after the

tournament ended and reuse in future events. The police department also commissioned its own pair of Cops N Kidsthemed boards featuring the shields and logos of participating agencies that would feature in the final rounds of the tournament and be available as a giveaway to those who buy raffle tickets. Teams can register prior to the event for $50 and will compete in the double elimination format for prizes for the top four finishers along with recognition for best team shirts and best team spirit. There will be food and beverages available that specifically will benefit the Cornstock event. Lozano also wanted to ensure that not only participants come out to enjoy the first ever corn stock event but also spectators and other community members. They looked at a few options that came with crowd concerns due to the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She reached out to Safe Events for Families about hosting Cornstock at the Blues on Broadway event happening on June 19 in downtown Shawnee. “I love teaming up with (SEFF),” Lozano said. “I really look forward to continuing the partnership.” The Cops N Kids event happening in August brings together law enforcement and public safety agencies on local, state and federal levels to interact with children and their families to demonstrate a variety of tools, technology, techniques and stories that help them keep communities safe, Lozano said. It gives some children

their first interaction with law enforcement and helps try to reinforce a positive experience that will help them understand that public safety personnel are there to help them when they need it. During the uncertainty of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, Lozano and the Cops N Kids committee needed to make a decision about proceeding with the 2020 event. She said given its emphasis on helping make kids feel safe through positive interactions with law enforcement representatives, it seemed counterintuitive to host an event that may put them at unknown risk at the time while control measures were still unclear. Now with more than a year of experience in living amid the conditions stemming from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and loosening of guidelines for outdoor gatherings put forth recently by the Centers for Disease Control, Lozano is looking forward to once again bringing Cops N Kids back to Shawnee with a focus of participants health and safety. “Things will still be a little bit different this year, but some things aren’t as strict as they were last year,” Lozano said. “It’s an outside event, so that helps too.” For more about registering for Cornstock 2021, scan the QR included in this article. For more information about Cornstock and Cops N Kids, contact Lozano at vlozano@shawneeok.org and (405) 501-3357.

www.edwardjones.com

The Shawnee Police Department will raffle a pair of Cops N Kids cornhole boards that will feature in the final rounds of its Cornstock cornhole tournament

Member SIPC

Left to Right: JACOB RUSSELL, Financial Advisor CHRIS JONES, Financial Advisor DAVID SPIRES, Financial Advisor BRENT MORRIS, Financial Advisor Logo with Registration Marks GARBUTT, Financial Advisor MICHAEL JIM SMITH, Financial Advisor

To contact a local Edward Jones Financial Advisor please call 1-800-ED-Jones www.shawneeoutlook.com

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.

Enriching the lives of our patients and their families every day. Heartland Home Health Care • Accredited by Accreditation Commission for Health Care • All RN On Call Staff • Home Care Elite 2004 - 2016 • Best of Shawnee Award 2016, 2017 and 2019

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Heartland Hospice Services • SHP Best Hospice Caregiver Satisfaction Superior Performer Award 2016, 2017 and 2018 • All RN On Call Staff • Volunteer Program Supports Families and Veterans • Bereavement Programs open to the public year round

Phone 405-214-6442

Art of the Matter:

Drip Painting

Submitted by Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

ave you ever been to an art museum and looked at modern art? Perhaps you saw a painting where the paint was poured onto the canvas with no discernable image. Perhaps you said to yourself, “I could do that!” The point is that you didn’t do it. Neither did I, but we can all learn from visiting an art museum. Jackson Pollock poured paint onto canvas and became a world-famous artist. His paintings can teach us physics. A team of engineers and scientists examined Pollock’s paintings and his drip technique. They discovered that the artist knew how to avoid what engineers and physicists call “fluid coiling instability.” Sam Gilliam’s “As Kids Go” at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art incorporates many techniques including drip painting. Every human culture and civilization has created art, and we still do today. You can learn history by studying the suits of armor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or learn about dimensionality and geometry by visiting the “WalkIn Infinity Chamber” by artist Stanley Landsman at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Many museums have developed virtual activities and tours during the COVID-19 pandemic. A good place to find them is Google’s Arts and Culture platform: artsandculture.google.com. You can also find virtual content via an art museum’s website. The Mabee-Gerrer Museum’s website is www.mgmoa.org. Prior to the pandemic, thousands of Oklahoma students visited the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee each year, where they learned science, language arts, history and math. The museum is preparing for the day that large groups can visit again, according to Amber DuBoise-Shepherd, Manager of Education and Outreach at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum. During the pandemic, the museum has added free content to its YouTube channel, including behind the scenes tours featuring some of the 96 percent of items not on display. Recently, schools from as far away as Brooklyn, New York; San Diego, California; and Ontario, Canada have virtually visited the MGMoA. Art museums are meeting the needs of everyone craving creative inspiration and cultural awareness. It’s easier than ever to bring amazing art into your home or classroom, and as the world re-opens, museums are waiting for you to experience their collections firsthand.

“As Kids Go” by Sam Gilliam incorporates many techniques including drip painting, a style that many associate with artists like Jackson Pollock. Gilliam’s piece is on display at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art and can provide some inspiration for this month’s at-home drip painting project.

Create Your Own Drip Painting MATERIALS NEEDED: • • • • • •

Large white paper Rocks or tape to secure the paper Washable paint (such as tempera) Water Paintbrushes Cups for the paint

4. Start with a darker color, such as dark blue. Start dripping paint in a variety of ways over the "canvas" like Jackson Pollock or Sam Gilliam. 5. Use other brighter, more contrasting colors next to drip and splat. Keep layering the colors and drips until you feel that your masterpiece is finished. Be sure to take photos of your work and share on social media using hashtag #MGMOAart.

DIRECTIONS: 1. Place paint in cups and add some water to make the paint the thickness of pancake batter. 2. Lay out large paper and secure in place with rocks or tape depending on where you are painting. We recommend you do this outside. 3. Try to drip and splat the paint onto the paper only. You might get some paint on your clothes or feet, so make sure to wear clothes that can get dirty.

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

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HELPING HANDS

Local Organizations Respond To COVID-19 Pandemic Local businesses and organizations have not only found creative ways to operate while navigating the response to the coronavirus pandemic, and many have also found ways to give back and lend a helping hand to their neighbors in the community. Here are a few some people told us about and some others who are still offering any assistance they can. If you are part of a group or know of a group who has been working to help locally, please email editor@shawneeoutlook.com or contact us via facebook.com/shawneeoutlook.

Salvation Army The Salvation Army is still providing all social services – including vouchers to its Family Store for clothing items – along with food pantry, shelter services and Boys & Girls Club activities. For more information about details about the Salvation Army’s local response to the public health crisis, call (405) 275-2243. Those needing emotional or spiritual help can also reach out to (844) 458-4673.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church/United Presbyterian Church Throughout the pandemic crisis, Emmanuel Episcopal Church has continued its daily lunch program. Hearing that patron numbers were increasing and that some supplies were becoming more difficult to obtain, United Presbyterian's Session decided to contribute to Emmanuel's efforts. In November, the Session of United Presbyterian Church of Shawnee voted to contribute $5,000 to Mission Shawnee to support their food pantry and

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any special food baskets prepared for the holiday season.

OHCE Oklahoma Home and Community Education chapters around the state responded to the call for masks as soon as the need became apparent. From mid-March through early June, OHCE groups worked together to produce 42,000 masks, including 2,500 from chapters in Pottawatomie County. These masks have gone to several medical facilities, firefighters and military personnel as well as many family and friends. Those who would like to help OHCE’s efforts with community projects such as this and others including assisting women’s shelters, church organizations and more, contact the county OSU Extension Office at (405) 273-7683.

Gateway to Prevention and Recovery Any community member can contact our Shawnee office at 273-1170 ext. 0 Monday-Thursday, between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-3p.m. and speak to a behavioral health professional free of charge.

Community Renewal Community Renewal is providing a list of resources that it updates every weekday. Visit communityrenewal.org to find a link to its resource page.

Immanuel Baptist Church Visit ibcshawnee.org/serve-coronavirus or call (405) 273-2105 for opportunities to serve, such as:

From staff reports

• Signing up to deliver groceries, prescriptions, DVDs and other essentials to those in need. • Sew face masks for health care providers. • Make care packages for health care providers. • Providing free to-go meals from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday at Mission Shawnee at 126 S. Center St.

Shawnee Forward The organization is gathering and posting information for local businesses to help understand the impact of the current crisis and where they can find help. Visit shawneeforward.com.

United Way United Way Worldwide is operating its COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund and has already helped provide resources for local organizations providing relief to families. Visit unitedway.org/recovery/covid19 for more information.

Oklahoma Blood Institute Blood donation typically takes only about an hour, and one donation saves up to three lives. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-340-8777 or clicking here or visiting a donor center listed below: • Ada – 1930 Stonecipher Blvd. • Central OKC – 901 N. Lincoln Blvd. • Edmond – 3409 S. Broadway, Ste 300 • North OKC – 5105 N. Portland Ave. Please be aware of and observe all local distancing guidelines and social restrictions when deciding how to donate.

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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. Identify the 6 SHAWNEE OUTLOOK advertisers by their logos. 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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SHAWNEE HISTORY

Brick Production In Shawnee Fired Up Around Turn Of 20th Century

By Ann McDonald, Courtesy Pott Co Historical Society Member

fter members of the tribes living in what became Pottawatomie County chose their 160 acres, government officials declared the remaining land surplus and purchased from those tribes. County B, which was later named for one of the tribes, was opened for further settlement on Sept. 19, 1891. It’s reported that some 20,000 hopefuls lined up on the borders prepared to race for the homesteads. The government had earlier designated Tecumseh to be the county seat. After a couple of years, some of those whose claims were on the north side of North Canadian River were recognizing the hardship of having to cross over to conduct business. Their solution was to draw up a portion of their own property into city lots then sell them for homes and businesses. They marked off streets and soon the area was swarming with new residents. At first, many building supplies had to be brought in from outside sources. Because much of the area was thick with forests, there was wood available once sawmills were built. But brick? Especially for the downtown buildings? Because of more land donations by local citizens, railroads soon followed the development of the new community, so some brick could be hauled in from outside sources, but the entrepreneurial spirit of Shawnee’s early citizens overcame the problem. Reports are that the first kiln of brick was burned in Shawnee in 1898. The plant was located on S. Market Avenue where it dead-ended at the high bank of the river. Edward Danal owned and operated it and built his home from the plant’s yield. The materials were obtained below the bank southwest of the house. H. B. Dexter, a carpenter who lived at 9th & Bell, was also reported to have used the brick from this plant to build his residence, and some reports were that there was a brick plant near where the Santa Fe deport was later built, also using the river bank as a source. By 1901, there was a brick plant at the corner of N. Philadelphia Avenue and Park Drive, still noticeable today by the depression about

Some houses like this on S. Park Avenue were built from bricks manufactured in Shawnee. Photo submitted

a block long where there’s now a park. Early citizens are quoted as remembering a mule pulling the mixer to mix the clay. About 10 years later, the largest brick factory in the young community was the Shawnee Pressed Brick Works about a half mile southwest of town. The red shale was plowed loose, hauled to the plant in wheeled scoops, grounded in a nine-foot dry pan and molded on a Freese-Union machine. Three rectangular updraft kilns with a capacity of 200,000 each were used, and the dryer was heated by gas. The output averaged 18,000 common and pressed bricks per day. Supposedly, during the plant’s operation many of the early downtown buildings were constructed with these bricks. The town’s first brickyard that had started on S. Market Avenue stopped operation about 1912. The house that was built of the bricks was demolished, but another domicile one block north and a block west, according

to the memories of old timers, was built of bricks from that plant. The second house of the original bricks sat at 801 S. Park across from Farrall Park and in the early days was occupied by the Dunn family followed by the Mercers and later by a Mrs. Doyle. It stood for more than 80 years, according to current residents in the area, until falling into disrepair and was also taken down. Many of the bricks are still found around the now vacant lot. The current owner of the property reports that he used some for other purposes and disposed of many by dumping them in the creek to the east, which he says can still be located with a little digging. Likely, there were many other homes and businesses built in Shawnee with bricks from early local manufacturers, but within a few years, especially with freighting available by the railroad and even later by trucks, brick manufacturing in Shawnee ceased. www.shawneeoutlook.com

GATEWAY TO PREVENTION

Mobile Markets Help Close Local Food Insecurity Gap A ccording to Feeding America, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 7 people struggle with hunger in Oklahoma. In August of 2020, the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) Board of Directors approved funding for seven grants to address food insecurity and increase Oklahomans access to healthy and nutritious food. In partnership with Community Market of Pottawatomie County, Gateway to Prevention and Recovery received one of the seven grants. Along with several partnerships within the community, Community Market and Gateway have developed a coordinated food assistance network impacting food deserts in rural Pottawatomie County along with the entirety of Seminole county and parts of Hughes County. They are providing emergency assistance to those in need and addressing the root causes of food insecurity in the region by forming a Food Policy Council in Seminole County. Community Market, Gateway staff and many volunteers dispatch a mobile food market to highneed areas in the targeted counties, helping alleviate immediate hunger needs. This happens twice per week at different locations within the service area. Due to COVID-19, food distribution has looked differently than initially planned. A mobile food market was donated to the project by SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee and will hopefully be utilized this summer. For now, food is distributed by volunteers at each location. The food is placed in the vehicle of the participant, and families are safely served. “The need for a mobile market or delivery system is great,” said Sonya McDaniel with the Pottawatomie County OSU Extension office. “Being able to reach our rural neighbors would help address the issue of food insecurity and alleviate some of the problems for people living in a food desert. “During the summer of 2020 – in the middle of a global pandemic – a solution and amazing partnerships fell into place. Using the resources and talents from each partner, the Mobile Market became a reality. For many in these rural areas, this is the first time they have been able to access the variety of fresh and frozen foods available through the 26

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Along with several partnerships within the community, Community Market and Gateway have developed a coordinated food assistance network impacting food deserts in rural Pottawatomie County along with the entirety of Seminole county and parts of Hughes County. They are providing emergency assistance to those in need and addressing the root causes of food insecurity in the region by forming a Food Policy Council in Seminole County.

Community Market system.” “The mobile food distribution has served 769 families in rural Pottawatomie County from November to the middle of March,” Claudia Willis, food system field representative and Gateway staff member said. “This grant has had a direct impact on the residents who live in rural areas that are identified as food deserts.” Many families cannot or do not access the market in Shawnee due to the limited number of trips they are able to make during the week. Often, these trips are saved for scheduled appointments or weekends, which may not allow them the time to use the Community Market during open hours. Sometimes this is due to only having one vehicle or not having the extra funds for gas. The mobile food distribution within the targeted rural areas has been effective in allowing families in need to not have to travel far to access fresh food that is free of charge. “This is such a blessing; times are so hard right now,” one participant shared. “God bless you for bringing this to our community.” “The grant has not only provided immediate relief for food during the pandemic but also developed further partnerships,” said Lisa Cobb, food grant field representative and Gateway staff member. “These partnerships seek to increase the availability of healthy foods in rural communities. Engaging community support in this effort is key to supporting health in our communities.” Mobile food distribution mirrors what community members would receive if they came to the physical location of Community Market in Shawnee. “We are now in eight communities and can

likely grow to 12 during the summer,” said Daniel Mathews, executive director of Community Market of Pottawatomie County. “We are currently serving Seminole, Asher, Maud, Konawa, Wewoka, McLoud, Tecumseh and Holdenville. We can serve up to 100 families during each two-hour distribution. Since the start of the mobile food distribution in November, we have served 2,026 families representing 6,515 people.” The food distribution is very welcomed in the rural communities that it serves. “I was watching from my porch, all of the cars lined up on the street, and I want to say thank you,” one community member said. “So many in this community need the food, I hope it never ends.” For more information about food distribution dates, times and locations and how to volunteer, please visit ‘Our Community Market of Pottawatomie County’ Facebook page or email aflood@gatewaytoprevention.org.

Abby Flood is the Director of Prevention at Gateway to Prevention and Recovery and has worked for Gateway for three years. She and her husband and two teenagers have lived in Shawnee for 15 years. She is a mentor for young families at a local nonprofit and loves to kayak.

Protect your family. Prepare for their future. Don’t let weed distract you from your team, your club, class, or anything else... If you’re caught using marijuana, it can seriously impact you at school. You can be kicked off sports teams and banned from extracurricular activities...you can be suspended or expelled. School is already stressful enough on its own, so to avoid losing things you love, don’t use marijuana in the first place.

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

I Pause

By Sheila Hughes As I pause and be so silent And go before God's throne I must give my thanks to Him For preparing me a home.

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CALENDAR

Upcoming Events

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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

May 27: Kickball at the Y will welcome competitors for a co-ed tournament for youth, adults and seniors starting at 9 a.m. at 700 W. Saratoga as part of Avedis Health Week. Information: (405) 273-4386

May 21: Shawnee Splash at 100 E. Highland will kick off its opening weekend with full capacity and perks for season members. Information: (405) 273-0700

June 5: The 55th Faith 7 Basketball Bowl game and charity event will match 10 of the best graduating seniors (boys and girls) from Texas and Oklahoma to benefit the local special needs work center. Games start at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Oklahoma Baptist University at 500 West University. Information: www.faith7bowl.org

May 21-27: The Avedis Foundation is highlighting a variety of events around the community as part of its annual Health Week, which aims to celebrate healthy and fun fitness activities for the whole family. This will include fitness classes led every day during this week by the YMCA’s director of health and wellness Ladawn Hladik on Facebook Live. Other events listed below. May 22: Shawnee Splash will be the site of a Neon Dance Party 8:30-10 p.m. as part of the Avedis Health Week. Information: (405) 273-0700 May 23: Country icons For one night only, Clay Walker and Tracy Lawrence will be sharing the stage and performing with a full band at 7 p.m. at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center at 1700 W Independence. Information: shawneeexpo.org May 25: The Avedis Foundation will host an event with guest speaker Terri White, CEO of Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, 10-11:30 a.m. at Life.Church at 5113 N. Harrison as part of the organization’s health week. Information: avedisfoundation.org/rsvp or (405) 273-4055 May 25: Heat things up with a Summer Cooking Class and Tasting with registered dietitian Andrea Beck 6-7 p.m. at Boy Scout Park at 1500 Main St, presented by SSM Health and Blue Zones Project of Pottawatomie County as part of Avedis Health Week. Information: (405) 570-1845 May 26: Celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day with free fitness activities and giveaways from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center at 401 N. Bell as part of Avedis Health Week. Information: (405) 878-1528

June 11: The Senior Recreation Center will host a bingo event for folks 55 years and older 1-3 p.m. at 401 N. Bell. First card is free with all others just 25 cents. Prizes and snacks available. Information: (405) 787-1528 June 12: Insider: A Tom Petty Tribute experience will play 8-10 p.m. at The Ritz Theatre at 10 W. Main St. Information: facebook. com/theritzofshawnee June 12-13: Red Earth's signature summer event, the Red Earth Festival features American Indian artists and dancers from throughout North America. Celebrate the richness and diversity of their heritage with the world each June at the Grand Casino Hotel & Resort. Information: www.redearth.org/ redearth-festival 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 twoperson 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 If you know of events you would like to see featured, email editor@shawneeoutlook.com.

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Shawnee Outlook

Articles inside

Art Of The Matter: Drip Painting

Some Pott County Residents Enjoying 2nd-Act Careers After Reirement

Shawnee Splash To Open May 21 With 100 Percent Capacity, Lifted COVID-19 Restrictions

Cornstock 2021 Cornhole Tournament Set For June To Raise Funds For Cops N Kids In August

Over the Fence: Making a Choice When the Truth Stinks

SSM Health Opens Doors Of New Harrison Street Facility On May 3