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N T O F M E N T A L H E A LTHIS T HPROGRAM A N D IS SFUNDED U B ST T BYA H THE N I OKLAHOMA C S E A P B R U DEPARTMENT S O EG SE R R OFA V MENTAL IM C E HEALTH S I ,S SU AND F BS U SUBSTANCE TN AN D CE ABUSE E D AB SERVICES, B US Y E A SUBSTANCE T N H DE MABUSE E O NK T AND AL L MENTAL AHOMA DEPAR ISTRATION, AND CENTER FOR SUB HEALTH STA SERVICES N C E AND A BADMINISTRATION, U S E P R E VAND E NCENTER TION FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION HEALTH SERVICES AND AD

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CONTENTS

NOVEMBER 2020

18 FEATURES 9

Local Author's Books Selected By Science Museum Oklahoma For Story Time Program

Over the Fence: Playing Outside, Looking In

Mabee-Gerrer's Virtual Gala Offers Chance To Win

18 21

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

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 24 SONIC CONTEST

Craftsman Finds Coin Art After Search For Custom Keepsake To Remember Mom

25 SHAWNEE HISTORY

Sweet Pea Boutique To Offer 4D Ultrasounds, Photography, Clothing For Maternity, Baby

29 THE BRIGHT SPOT

The Value Of Truth In Our Community

27 HELPING HANDS 30 CALENDAR

Volume 17, Number 9 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Okie Icon Media. ÂŠ 2020 Okie Icon Media

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

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KEEP THE CHANGE

Taking Advantage of Plastic Perks

redit cards can be a touchy subject, but I believe they can be used responsibly. If you do have a credit card or two in regular use, be sure you’re getting full advantage out of it. Most credit card companies now offer “perks” on top of regular rewards. These perks can include discounts at popular merchants either online or in person or rebates on purchases made. A recent card offered $5 back on any purchase at a small business, which could be used up to 10 times. Simply by using my card at local merchants, I saved $50. However, these perks are not typically automatic. Often, they require the user to “load” them onto the card. If you have an online account for your credit card, be sure to check the website for any current perks offered and add them to your card for future purchases. Of course, always be careful with your credit cards to pay the balance in full monthly. Some cards even allow the user to set up an automatic payment, so you don’t forget to pay. Be sure to check on that while you’re logged into your account. If you are not a credit card user, there are still perks you can find. Many online cash payment services like PayPal and CashApp also offer debit cards that can be used to withdraw from your online account. CashApp also offers boosts similar to the perks offered by credit card companies. Often, they are percentages back on purchases at grocery stores and restaurants. Thus, you can still save on everyday purchases even without the potential debt. Sign up for CashApp with the code WCNPMDV to get an automatic $5 to spend. You can use the app to add money to your card and apply a boost moments before a purchase.

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

Determining The 'Whys' Behind Motivation

otivation. Determination. These are such big words when you really think about it. How does one get motivated? How does one stay motivated? How do you become so determined to achieve something that no obstacle is going to get in your way? Maybe you have accomplished something big in your life. Maybe you have run a marathon, won an award, improved your job title or lost weight. All achievements take mental and physical motivation and determination. I can give clients all the nutrition education in the world, but if that motivation light is not lit, I can’t do that for them. A person can be really excited about the idea of change while we are talking, but then go out the door into the real world and try to make it happen around everyday obstacles. It can be easy to stay motivated when working towards something like a wedding or reunion, and then the motivation can be lost. How can we keep that feeling going? So many different tricks work for different people. For some, I think we have to ask ourselves, “What is my why?” Some great “whys” I have heard are getting off a certain medication; being able to fit into one airplane seat; preventing diabetes; getting a certain lab number down; being able to walk a certain distance without getting out of breath. All of these whys are big – not just a number on the scale. When trying to decide your why, think big. Write down your why where you can see it, such as the mirror, the refrigerator, your desk, your car, etc. Share your why with someone that you can really talk to about it and will help support you in your journey. If you need to change your why along the way, that is ok too. Just keep pushing and striving for a healthier you so you can do all you were made to do. In the meantime, this is a perfect time of the year to have a caramel sauce you don’t feel guilty for having. You don’t have to wonder what all the ingredients are on the package because they are all simple. I have only tried this with apples, but I am looking forward to adding this to my oatmeal as well this fall.

Caramel Date Sauce Ingredients: 8 Medjool dates, pitted ½ tsp salt ½ tsp vanilla extract

½-¾ cup unsweetened almond milk

Directions: Add all ingredients (starting with ½ cup of the almond milk) into a food processor or high-powered blender and blend until mixture is smooth and no date chunks are detectable. If needed, add more almond milk 1 tablespoon at a time to get the consistency you desire. Keep stored in the fridge. Makes: 5 servings, 2 Tbsp each Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories: 115 Total Fat: 0g Saturated Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 257mg Carbohydrate: 29g Dietary Fiber: 3g Protein: 1g Nutrition 101 Tip: This has been my first recipe to post about using dates. They are fairly new to my diet. I first tried slicing them and having them with an apple, and it was amazing. It truly tasted like a caramel apple. Multiple people suggested trying to make a sauce out of it. I love caramel apples so much, so I just had to try. I am glad I did. Dates have been proven to help with brain health, gut health, prevent heart disease and aid in bone health. Dates are also a great source of iron. Dates are higher in natural sugar, so even though they are high in nutrition, you still have to watch your serving size. 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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Local Author's Books Selected By Science Museum Oklahoma For Story Time Program By David Dinsmore

very week, Science Museum Oklahoma hosts Storytime Science as part of its early education programming. At 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and 2 p.m. on Saturdays, museum staff read a story to participants and then lead them through a fun, hands-on scientific activity related to the book. Storytime Science moves for each story to a different location within the museum’s campus at 2020 Remington Place in Oklahoma City. One of the goals of the event is to feature Oklahoma-based authors and share their work with the children and their guardians, said Linda Maisch, vice president of community engagement with Science Museum Oklahoma. “We love the idea of celebrating the literary community here in Oklahoma,” Maisch said. “We're looking for high quality children's books that we can integrate with science and that are created by Oklahomans.” The search for new authors to feature led Candace Barrios – the museum’s early childhood educator – to two books written by Shawnee author, Bryce Barfield. Participants at the Oct. 20 Storytime Science read “Jo and Her Blue Block,” and the museum will feature “Jo and Her Green Chair” on Nov. 20 as part of that week’s event. “I enjoyed the simplicity of his books,” Barrios said. “It was the perfect length for young readers.” Barfield was excited to hear the museum had worked with his publisher, Yorkshire Publishing, in picking his books to feature as part of its story time program. “It's a tremendous honor for me to have my published work out there helping kids,” he said. In the first story, the title character explores the world around her using a blue block in her possession that she then compares to objects of other shapes and colors. Science

LEFT: Local author Bryce Barfield – pictured here with daughter, Jordan – had his children’s books, “Jo and Her Blue Block” and “Jo and Her Green Chair,” selected by Science Museum Oklahoma to feature in its Storytime Science program in October and November. CENTER and RIGHT: The depiction of Jo in Bryce Barfield’s children’s books was inspired by his daughter, Jordan, when she was around three years old. Photos submitted

Museum Oklahoma used the themes from this book to create an activity in which children compared and contrasted chocolate bars using a Venn diagram to understand their differences. “When choosing an activity for Storytime Science, we do have a lot of activities we can pull from,” Barrios said. “However, we try not to repeat activities too often with this program. “This is not an activity we have done before with Storytime. So, we were excited for it.” The idea for the book first came to Barfield in 1992, and he originally wrote it as “Fred and His Blue Block.” Between the first concepts of the book and its publication in 2015, Barfield’s daughter, Jordan, was born, and he watched her learning to explore the world around her. When he sent in a photo of Jordan and he to the publisher to use as his author’s photo, the discussion

arose about using her as the basis of the illustrations by Louise Pulvera that would follow, and thus the book became “Jo and Her Blue Block.” In addition to the Jo books, Barfield has co-authored another book with Jordan titled “Eliza Meets a Kind Traveler,” which they worked on together when she was six years old. Barfield said he began writing in general in the early 1990s when he was working through recovery from alcohol abuse. “It was therapy with my writing to understand me and understand the world,” he said. Since then, Barfield said he has tried to focus his life along the lines of this quote by motivational author and speaker, Wayne Dyer: “You can't accumulate anything, because anything you get you have to give away. We all know this. We watch our bodies go through the aging process. We know we came in here with

nothing, and we know we're going to leave with nothing. There's nothing to own. There's nothing to get. The only thing you can do with your life is give it away. The best, happiest moments in your life are always when you're giving something away.” No matter what task or project he undertakes, Barfield said he tries to keep in mind how he can use it to help other people, whether it’s other people trying to figure out how to publish their writing or children he’s never met getting a taste of science at a storytime event. And Science Museum Oklahoma was glad to use his books to pass that helpful spirit on to the kids participating in its story time program. “I especially love when our guests enjoy the book and activity,” Barrios said of the Storytime Science program. “Science Museum Oklahoma reaches its goal when guests have a fantastic and educational time at Storytime Science.” www.shawneeoutlook.com

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Over the Fence:

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

Playing Outside, Looking In

f you’ve read very many of my columns, you may know that my family loves to go camping and fly fishing. We go at least twice a year to a state park in Missouri, which has become a happy place for us. Our favorite campground there is right next to the river and offers a peaceful environment and a beautiful view at the base of a very large hill. There is no cell service there because of this deep ravine, and believe it or not, our kiddos love it. Without the constant distraction of our phones, they have come to love the unplugged life. More intentional conversations. More active listening to each other. More observation and enjoyment of nature. Whenever we get a week or two away from a camping trip, they just get giddy with excitement and anticipation, which makes our hearts proud as parents. We just returned from a trip to our happy place a few weeks ago and traveled there with some good friends of ours and their kids. The weather was great. The fishing was outstanding. We had lots of laughs and great conversations. But there was a moment one evening before dinner that I’ll never forget. As the adults were preparing dinner, the kiddos had made friends with some younger kids across the

Brandon Dyer

street. Our kids were taking turns teaching their kids how to longboard. They had the absolute cutest set of identical twin boys, maybe five years old. Our boys were teaching them to throw a football and ride a scooter. They picked it up rather quickly, and we adults had the best time just watching and laughing and admiring the moment. Pretty soon a couple of more kids showed up, this time with bikes and another ball. So, they were all taking turns throwing the new ball and riding the bikes. The older kids were playing with the younger ones and

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having a blast. Then a few older boys showed up and wanted to play football with our kids. So, the big kids were hurling the football back and forth across the growing group of little people in front of our campsite, which attracted a few more kids. At one point, we looked up and there were 19 children playing ball, riding bikes and longboards, throwing frisbees and racing each other. They were all laughing, cutting up and genuinely enjoying themselves. The adults were sitting at the picnic table watching in amazement as if we had just witnessed OneEyed Willy’s pirate ship set sail at the end of “The Goonies.” What a magical moment it was. It reminded me of how my neighborhood was when I was growing up. Kids always managed to find each other and play outside. Mostly staying out of trouble but not always. As we were taking it all in, we knew we were witnessing a special moment. We knew there was something genuinely good that was taking place. Human beings coming together to experience healthy social interaction without a worry in the world about what may divide them, experiencing goodwill and collaboration, forming basic levels of trust. These are the raw materials necessary for

building community. As I prepare to submit this column, we are less than a week from Election Day. Division and enmity can be felt in the very air we breathe. I am reminded that idealism is not always achievable. Discovering our differences is perhaps inevitable, but is it possible for us to envision a future in which we celebrate what unites us in such a purposeful and powerful way that our appetite for discord is suppressed in favor of honoring what is good and shared in each of us? Can we pursue our immutable points of commonality with the same fervor and passion with which we actively work against our enemies? Despite our differences, which at times seem overwhelming and immovable, can we learn to reweave the frayed fabric of our society? Children seem to know intuitively that which we have given up on long ago, as if it were a fairy tale that we simply outgrew. Human beings possess intrinsic value deserving of our recognition. No human shall be my enemy but instead is my sister, my brother. We all have something to offer, something to contribute. Remembering these things as truth will help us right the ship and gather in front of our eyes the world we all want, like children going outside to play.

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O MabeeGerrer's Virtual Gala Offers Chance to Win by David Dinsmore

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ne of the aspects of art is its ability to persevere during the most troubling times – in some cases it is adversity that inspires many artists to create. Still, another characteristic highly regarded in the art community is innovation and using available resources to create something unique. With these principles in mind, it should come as no surprise that given the circumstances surrounding the response to the coronavirus pandemic that organizations like the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art have found new ways to deliver their services to students in this community as well as continue the traditional the events that help support these efforts. This includes pressing on with the museum’s annual gala in a different way than in year’s past. Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will host a virtual gala starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4 using livestreaming technology

that will allow the event to feature the entertainment value of past galas with trivia along with the ability to bid on prizes and art. In keeping with its mission of bringing the world to Oklahoma, the event’s theme will center on the country of Italy, which inspired several pieces in the collection of the museum’s founder, Fr. Gregory Gerrer. “The preparations are definitely very different because we're not having to do all the decorations,” said Tonya Ricks, the museum’s director of development. Seasoned gala-goers will still enjoy some of the aspects of the event to which they have grown accustomed. The masters of ceremonies, Trevor Mastin and Melissa Kamm, will keep things fun and rolling throughout the event, and participants can bid on auction items and experiences – most of which come from local donors – such as a Brazilian dinner hosted at the museum, Persian

Trevor Mastin and Melissa Kamm will serve as masters of ceremonies during the virtual gala hosted by Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, which will feature trivia, online bidding for auction items and experiences and a raffle featuring a weeklong trip to Cortona, Italy. Registration and attendance will be free. Photos submitted

rug, paintings, artistic charcuterie boards, Wisconsin-brewed beer, restaurant gift cards, vintage Christmas wreaths, pharmacy gift certificates, house cleaning services, a leaf blower, family movie night kit including a projector and handmade jewelry. There will also be a raffle drawing for a prize that relates directly to the gala’s theme: a trip to Cortona, Italy. The winner of the raffle will receive a package good for three years from purchase for a weeklong stay in a four-bedroom vacation home on the top two floors of a former 16th-century palazzo overlooking the town and valley below. Gala planners are drawing on their experience hosting the annual Off The Wall event virtually in June during which participants selected donated pieces of art and played a bingo-style game to help raise money for the museum’s special exhibits. For all the planning museum staff and volunteers are putting into hosting the gala, they are also looking for ways to encourage participants at home to make a night of it as well. “We’re asking people to sit back, get their Italian dinner or do something special to watch it,” Ricks said. As of late October, planners were gathering ideas and techniques to share on the museum’s and event’s Facebook pages that people could use to make their own gala experience unique at home. One positive aspect of having to adapt the annual gala in this way will be the opportunity to bring it to those who can’t attend it traditionally because of its accessibility online. “It could reach a wider audience,” Ricks said. “So, we're kind of excited about that. We might be able to reach so many people because it's going to be free and accessible from anywhere.” This could mean former gala attendees who have

moved away from the area can participate once again or give those who have worked with the museum on other projects from afar the chance to help support its mission to inspire. Proceeds from the annual gala help the museum continue to provide its educational programs offered via classes, lectures, tours, projects, workshops, scholarships and more. The museum has found ways to continue offering these services despite the challenges presented by the response to the coronavirus pandemic. “The donors to the annual gala make education programs at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art possible to a wide audience,” Ricks said. “They provide thousands of children and lifelong learners the opportunity to be amazed and educated about ancient cultures and so much more. Many public schools in Oklahoma do not have the funds to provide access to these types of learning experiences for their students who desperately need it. The gala donors fill in this gap and open our Oklahoma students eyes to an entire new world.” Online attendance for the gala is free. Tickets for the vacation raffle are $25 each and $100 for a set of five. Visit mgmoa.org/gala and follow the link to the Facebook event for more information and to register when it becomes available. Information is also available at facebook.com/mgmoa and (405) 878-5604.

The country of Italy inspired the founder of the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art to paint several pieces, including these two. During its Italian-themed virtual gala at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4, the museum will offer participants the chance to win a weeklong vacation to Cortona, Italy as one of the many prizes and auction items offered. Photos submitted www.shawneeoutlook.com

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Craftsman Finds Coin Art After Search For Custom Keepsake To Remember Mom

By Jamie Bergsten

John May began creating custom crafted coin jewelry and bells as a part-time business, Dragons Fire Creations, after trying to find a keepsake to honor the memory of his mom. Photos submitted 18

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love of dragons. The search for a keepsake. A great deal of self-education. This diverse trio has led John May to create some beautiful art from what may seem like a common medium. His unique coin jewelry and bells are far from the norm though, and he hopes they are just the beginning of what he’ll be able to design. May’s Dragons Fire Creations made its public debut at a Shawnee gun and knife show in December 2017, but its roots go a little deeper. “My journey into creating custom crafted coin jewelry began about a year before that with the desire to find a keepsake in remembrance of my mother,” May said. “She was born in 1928 and grew up in a small town north of Munich, Germany. As I searched for a coin minted in that year in Munich, I noticed references to coin rings and started to watch YouTube videos about forging them. My interest began to grow, and I soon decided to try my hand at making coin rings myself.” May has had no formal arts training and said that everything he’s learned about his craft has been from videos and experimentation. “I also belong to a couple of Facebook groups created for people that like to do what I do in terms of making things out of coins,” he said. “The largest group, (Coin Ring Crafters), has almost 4,000 members from around the world.” In those groups, artisans will post their projects and offer tips, ideas, successful new creations, assistance for anyone having issues making rings and even failures. After acquiring his own tools, May began to practice what he was learning and gave away his first rings to friends and family. “As my skills improved, I began to gather more tooling and branched out from just making rings out of everyday quarters.” The name for May’s business comes from a combination of his love for everything dragons and the fact that he uses a torch when creating his items. “Learning new skills allows me to increase the number of items that I can offer,” May said. “My newest addition, coin bells, is something I just began making for purchase last year.” Many of May’s pieces are on display in the gallery at The Arts @ 317 on Main Street in downtown Shawnee. He also

tries to booth at least one show of some sort per month, but the challenges of 2020 have adversely affected that. His next appearance, a threeday show in Ardmore, will be in mid-November followed by a mid-December show in Mineola, Texas. “The process of making a coin ring is basically the same for most coins,” May said. “If it’s a new coin that I’ve selected, the first thing I have to do is decide which side of the coin details I want to showcase on the outside of the ring. The size of the coin will normally dictate the maximum size of the finished product, and that will determine how big the center punch will be.” May uses a self-centering punch tool to punch out the center portion of the coin, creating a centered hole. Once this is done, he places the coin into a tool called a die and presses down on a bearing placed in the hole, thus creating the start of the eventual ring. A torch is then used to heat up the coin, followed by an immediate cooling with a mild acid-based solution as May begins to soften the metal and create the ring’s appropriate size and shape. About 25 percent of his orders are custom, and he’s fashioned some very special pieces because of them. “By far the most challenging and complicated item I’ve created is a pendant that included a pair of angel wings,” May said. “They were cut into a clad Kennedy half-dollar. I also occasionally get to make a custom order for a special event or remembrance. For example, I recently did a set of silver Kennedy half-dollar rings for a couple that

was celebrating their 10,000-day wedding anniversary.” May has worked full-time at Eric’s Pharmacy since 2012, so Dragons Fire Creations is just a part-time business for him. “I’d like to be able to someday open a small storefront and workshop,” he said, “But that’s a long way off.” He’d also like to learn more about silversmithing and be able to set stones into his rings. “I’ve taught myself how to weave chainmail,” May said. “I’ve learned several different patterns and now offer bracelets and necklaces. One day I plan to incorporate the chainmail patterns with coins and cut coins.” May said that he gets compliments on his work, including many about the level of detail and quality. Shoppers are often surprised to discover that the bells he creates are made from two coins soldered together. Furthermore, customers want to know how he’s able to include the details of the coins after he’s heated the metal. “Occasionally, I also get someone who comments that it’s illegal to deface U.S. currency,” May said. “When this happens, I politely explain what the law states about this. Essentially, it’s against the law to alter, deface, modify or change for the purpose of fraud. Once altered, it can’t be used as legal tender. “I have or have access to many different coins, so I can create a ring based on a customer’s wishes. Customers will sometimes bring me coins to create their rings from too. Those coins often

have sentimental value though and sometimes high numismatic value as well. Because there is risk in making a coin into a ring, I make sure that they understand the risk and will try to convince them to let me make their ring from a coin that I have or can reasonably obtain. Many times, they understand the risk and ask me to make the ring anyway. Not trying to jinx myself, but so far I haven’t had any negative outcomes on those special requests.” May has called this community home on multiple occasions in his life. His father spent his career in the Army, and that led their family to live in several different states as well as overseas. He graduated from Tecumseh High School, however, before attending college in Indiana. He returned to Oklahoma in 1978 and began a long career at the then-Mobil Chemical films plant in Shawnee. He eventually graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University while continuing to work and later obtained a master’s degree from Oklahoma City University. His job with Mobil moved him and his wife Terry to both Georgia and New York over the years – as well as sending him on regular trips to Mobil plants all over the world – but they eventually settled here once more. He left ExxonMobil in 2006 to work briefly in a manufacturing venture he started and as a casino dealer, and then made the transition to his current job as a pharmacy employee. For more information on May’s unique creations, visit his website, www.dragonsfirecreations.com or his Facebook page, Dragons Fire Creations. www.shawneeoutlook.com

Residential Clean up Shawnee Effort: Central Disposal Options

3-foot bundles for each regular pickup

1 level truck bed at 45th lift station with water bill

Loads larger than a level truck bed can be taken directly to land fill

Contact Central disposal at (405) 275-0900 or info@centraldisposalok.com

City of Shawneeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plan The City will set up a central location to drop off debris (Exact location to be determined)

The City will be sending out crews to pick up curbside storm debris.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Please cut limbs into sections no longer than 10 feet and stack them at the curb away from obstructions such as poles, mailboxes, overhead wires and trees. Do not mix ice storm debris with normal curbside pickup items

Do not place debris over your water meter. This service will be at no extra cost to Shawnee residents. For major or dangerous tree removal and trimming, consider hiring a professional licensed and bonded tree trimming and removal company.

BURNING STORM DEBRIS Burn permits are still required from the Fire Marshall; however, fees will be waived during ice storm relief. Contact the Fire Marshall to obtain a burn permit at: (405) 878-1675

For more information, please visit: http://www.shawneeok.org/news_detail_T12_R73.php

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www.shawneeok.org

Sweet Pea Boutique To Offer 4D Ultrasounds, Photography, Clothing For Maternity, Babies by David Dinsmore

Licensed sonographer Lindsay Dyer will offer 4D ultrasounds at Sweet Pea 4D Boutique in a comfortable, spa-like atmosphere with enough space to accommodate families who want to get an early peek at their newest member. The boutique at 106 E. Main St. will also offer clothing and merchandise for maternity and baby as well as a photography studio. For information, call (405) 765-3548. Photos submitted

aving a baby can be an exciting and special time for a family. This is something Lindsay Dyer knows from her experience not only as a mom herself but after working for 10 years in sonography providing ultrasound services to expectant mothers. “I really got to know a lot of the patients,” Dyer said. “I got to develop a relationship with them, and you got to be a part of a really big event in peoples’ lives.” That was one of her main motivations for starting the Sweet Pea 4D Boutique at 106 E. Main St., which will officially open its doors this month. The boutique will provide opportunities to see high resolution images of the baby in three-dimensional, live motion in a setting that is large enough and comfortable for mom and the whole family to enjoy. Her concept became a luxurious 1,800 square-foot space with plenty of seating and a mounted 82-inch television that displays live images of the baby for mom and all to see during the ultrasound. “I wanted it to be a very spa-like environ-

ment,” Dyer said. “When the moms come in, I want them to be pampered. “This was intended to be very laid back and give larger families or extended families the opportunity to gather and enjoy seeing the baby.” Dyer graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in radiologic technology and specialized in sonography. She spent a decade sharing special moments with expectant parents and giving them the first glimpses of their growing bundle of joy. Meanwhile, the Dyer family itself was growing in numbers as well, and she wanted to spend some time with her kiddos at home full time. She continued working on the side in a different kind of imaging as a photographer, and as the kids grew older and more independent, Dyer decided to get back into the full-time workforce. Dyer joined the United Way in 2015 and served as its director, where she helped support the services of businesses and organizational partners that benefit locals in a variety of ways. In some ways, she said this work lined up with

her previous experience in that she got to share special moments in families’ lives. “I loved the relationships that I made (at United Way),” Dyer said. “But I loved ultrasound. I always did. It was my passion.” She kept an eye on opportunities to get back into that field but was not sure which avenue would be the best fit for her family, whether it was in a private or clinical setting. Since leaving the world of sonography, the popularity of 3D and 4D ultrasounds had grown based on technology that had been improving since its inception in the 1990s. These types of images not only provide a way to gauge the baby’s growth as with traditional, two-dimensional ultrasounds, but they can also provide a glimpse of the child’s features in a three-dimensional way. With 4D ultrasounds, the images create a live video effect like a movie that can capture a baby’s actions, such as smiles or yawns. The increased detail can also help determine the sex of the baby sooner than traditional ultrasounds and sometimes help monitor more www.shawneeoutlook.com

details about his or her development in utero, though most performed outside of a clinical setting are done for nondiagnostic purposes. Having these types of imaging performed has become popular among expectant families, especially in large markets where standalone businesses offer the chance to have them performed in a setting that is often more comfortable than the standard clinic or hospital environment. These independent businesses often allow more than just the usual one visitor – and sometimes no visitors – in with mom, so families can plan events around getting to see the baby and perhaps having a party to reveal the gender of the baby, which is another type of event that has gained popularity in recent years. Dyer had watched these services grow during her time working in sonography and in the years since then, and she said it began to intrigue her more as she started to look at moving back into the world of ultrasound. Dyer spoke to local physicians and clinical personnel who said they increasingly get asked by expectant families where they can have 3D and 4D ultrasounds performed for nonmedical reasons, and they have to send them to places in other communities like Oklahoma City to get these done. However, sometimes the distance and scheduling of these procedures made it difficult for the family to get everyone there for the big moments like they would prefer to do. “There’s nothing like that in this area,” said Dyer, who grew up in Shawnee all her life and has a desire to help the community continue to grow. She brought the idea back to her family, and they all thought it would be a great idea and the right path for her as she was looking to get back to her love of sonography. Sweet Pea 4D Boutique will also offer ways to take these first glimpses home by saving the images on a variety of media, such as printed and framed images or a digital storage device. They can even add the sound of the baby’s heartbeat to a stuffed animal for families to take with them. With her experience in photography, Dyer also wanted to offer imag-

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ing services of a different kind at Sweet Pea as well, so she set up a separate space as a photo studio for newborn, maternity and family sessions. Additionally, she will dedicate a storefront portion of the space to clothing and merchandise for maternity and newborns as well. Beyond the services and merchandise, however, Sweet Pea can also serve as a resource for new and experienced moms who may also just want to get an idea of what to anticipate when their child arrives. “I had a first-time mom tell me recently, ‘I don’t know about these things,’” said Dyer, who also has maternal experience from four children of her own upon which to draw. “It’ll be nice to be able to walk into a store and have someone help with questions and what you need and maybe don’t need right now.” Before officially opening, Dyer offered ultrasound sessions to pregnant mothers she knows personally, and it reminded her of how much she loves the work. Establishing Sweet Pea 4D Boutique will allow her to continue sharing the special moments in families’ lives, which is something she has loved about her work both with the United Way or in ultrasound. “Whenever I worked in the hospitals, that was probably my favorite thing,” Dyer said. “I’m so excited because now I can do that in our community.” She also is looking at using Sweet Pea 4D Boutique to find ways to continue serving the community and its needs, which is a family tradition with her work with United Way and her husband Brandon Dyer working as director of Community Renewal to help build relationships within neighborhoods in Pottawatomie County. Dyer said the connections she has with organizations like Legacy Parenting from her time at United Way could provide ways to serve some needs of the former organization’s clients. For more information, call (405) 765-3548, email lindsay@sweetpea4d.org, visit sweetpea4d.org or search Sweet Pea 4D Boutique on social media.

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SHAWNEE HISTORY

County Fair A Staple For More Than 100 Years Except During Depression, COVID-19 Response

By Ann McDonald, Courtesy Pott Co Historical Society Member

he county fair is another longtime event fallen victim to COVID-19. A staple in Pottawatomie County almost as soon as the area was occupied, it’s another event that had to be changed. Because of our rich agriculture, the stock being raised and the industrious people in the new county, early leaders began selecting committees and sites to show off the citizens’ wares. By the turn of the century, an annual fair was a part of the Shawnee landscape. The first fairgrounds location was northwest of downtown Shawnee but was soon inadequate as the number of exhibits and crowds grew. In 1910, awards went to the best livestock, including “coach horses,” the best needlework, canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables – such as eggplant, castor beans and turnips. There was even a contest for the “Best Looking Lady,” and the award was five pounds of candy given by Jake Jones, owner of a candy store before he got into the movie business. Fairs were also being held in other nearby communities, and officials decided it was best to combine and have an actual county fair. Benson Park – between Shawnee and Tecumseh – was chosen after the manager of the amusement park agreed to put a floor over the indoor swimming pool to make an exhibit area. The Pott County Fair was held at that site until 1926 when Benson Park was closed. With the loss of a home location and the onset of the Great Depression, there was no fair for about 10 years, but citizens found a way and a place to resurrect the event. In 1937, the newly constructed Athletic Stadium (now known as Jim Thorpe Stadium) became a temporary site. The space beneath the stands was enclosed for a display area. Livestock was brought in just one day for judging. A carnival was set up outside the stadium. The event proved a county fair was needed, but the site was less than ad-

The 1963 Pott County Fair was held during a time of fast expansion of the event that eventually led to its relocation to the area now known as the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center. Photo submitted

equate. That location was school land. The Works Progress Administration was active in Shawnee, so in the next couple of years, the “fairgrounds” grew just a few hundred yards west of the stadium. Two new stone buildings were constructed on the corner of Ford and Kennedy with plans to add cattle barns, and by 1942, the county had a permanent home. More improvements were made in 1953 with the addition of more show barns. In September of each year, the Pott County Fair was the place to be. Schools throughout the county were dismissed, Future Farmers of America and 4-H youngsters showed their animals, women wandered through the “ladies’ barn” to observe the homemade products and be tempted by the salespeople in various booths. There was a tractor competition and a carni-

val. By 1965, officials were signing up 1,000 individual exhibitors. At first, small rides were set up across north of the display barns, but the fair grew so much that in the 1960s the carnival moved across Kennedy Street. It offered not only rides but games, corn dogs and cotton candy. By the early 1970s, the Pott County Fair buildings needed major renovations and more room as the event continued to grow. Shawnee school officials were also discussing plans to construct a new high school immediately north of the fair buildings. County commissions began to look for a new location. In 1976, the Shawnee Civic and Cultural Development Authority finally chose a site at Independence and Highway 177 for the new fairgrounds complex, but it was

several more years of discussion and redeveloping plans before the project was finally built and ready for use as the new Pott County Fairgrounds. Now, it’s more than just the fairgrounds. Known as the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, the annual county fair is not the only activity held annually at that location. It is also home to the Youth Rodeo Finals and many other events from sales to church services. Campsites are available, and it is adjacent to a walking trail that circles the airport and connects to neighborhoods, the hospital, college and park areas. Still, youngsters bring their animals and ladies bring their canned goods and quilts to compete for ribbons. The site has changed, but the Pott County Fair is still a part of the local culture … except this year. www.shawneeoutlook.com

MENTAL HEALTH

The Value Of Truth In Our Community

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hawnee Youth Coalition was created in 2002 and has been going ever since. This is possible through the funding of United Way of Pottawatomie County and other community grants for specific projects. The activities and projects vary every year depending on what the group would like to focus on. One thing, however, always remains the same: youth creating change. Youth are so valuable when dealing with youth-related issues and can help adults address them. They know what is going on with their peers and can have honest conversations. Shawnee Youth Coalition has been tackling issues like underage drinking, suicide, community involvement and poverty. Participants are working to not completely solve but improve and educate on these topics. I work as a support to the coalition, helping bridge the gap between youth and adults. It can be challenging to get youth to the table, but it is so rewarding. Thankfully when I was in middle school, a friend invited me to volunteer at Sports and Arts Camp. This is a free, two-week camp for elementary school kids put on by the Shawnee Youth Coalition. After the first day of volunteering, I was hooked and wanted to participate in everything they were doing. After graduating high school, I was given the opportunity to work with the coalition at Gateway to Prevention and Recovery. Being able to have my voice heard and feel like my ideas as a youth mattered made a huge impact on my life. I am so grateful to work for an organization that sees the value that youth have. I have been given many opportunities to learn and grow as a person and a leader through the Shawnee Youth Coalition and Gateway. It has been my goal and passion for the past four years to give current youth the same voice I was given. We all need a place to feel like we matter, and I hope many young people can feel like the Shawnee Youth Coalition is that place. Shawnee Youth Coalition is youth-led by juniors and seniors in high school that work to create community change. We currently have five co-leaders: Kayla Casteel, Jordyn Sateren, Paige Iddings, Audrey Flood and Payton Greenwood. Co-leaders show up early, leave late and help get

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Their mailbox.

The Shawnee Youth Coalition assisted Legacy Parenting in September during Diaper Need Awareness Week as part of its overall mission to empower local youth to help create change.

things accomplished at the meetings. They learn leadership skills themselves while also working to build leadership within their peers. The coalition decides what projects they would like to work on and what steps they need to take to make that happen. Currently, we are working on a coat drive for the winter. For more information, check out our Facebook page, Shawnee Youth Coalition. The great thing about social media is that coalition members do not have to come to every meeting to participate in what is happening throughout the year. There are no attendance requirements to be in Shawnee Youth Coalition. Youth can start attending mid-year or only volunteer at events. We know life can be busy, and there are many extracurricular activities. Partnering with other nonprofits and

community organizations is a priority for the coalition. Shawnee Youth Coalition recently worked with Legacy Parenting during Diaper Needs Awareness Week to get diaper donations. We are always looking for new ideas and opportunities to help, so reach out if with ideas how Shawnee Youth Coalition could help. Mother Teresa said it best, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can do great things you cannot, you can do great things I cannot; together we can do great things.â&#x20AC;? Meetings are every other Monday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at 36609 W. 45th St. and are open to all middle and high school students in Pottawatomie County. To see upcoming events and meetings, follow us on Facebook or contact Taylor Bivings at (405) 837-8893 or tbivings@gatewaytoprevention.org.

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.

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Call Brad at (405) 445-3033

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. From mid-March to mid-June, UPC has contributed $9,000 to the program, through lines of credit to purchase prepared lunches from three local restaurants – The Lunch Box, The Owl Shoppe and

Van's on Highland. The goal was to help both the lunch program and restaurants that were limited to carry out during the general shutdown.

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

From staff reports

(405) 273-2105 for opportunities to serve, such as: • 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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6/15/20 3:23 PM

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

By Mary M. Goad-Chase I view captured memories today, as my yesterday's tomorrow, and I've had lots of them. Look in between the wall of my now and yesterday – called the past; you'll see my life in vivid hues, as if a watercolor scene – beautiful shades of happiness bright joys of life, but look more closely among the caverns of my soul – you'll see some fear even despair in deep, dark shadows of heartache. Take another look though, for among it all, there shines shades of happiness and always a glimmer of joy and hope. To us all – our yesterday's are gone our tomorrows may come, but our today – is now to enjoy.

Who Can You Become?

By Patrick Breen If we can truly be honest with ourselves, then ask yourself this question: “Who can I become?” Some of your friends or family members may have a low opinion of you. Others may think you're a workaholic who goes to church on Sundays.

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Maybe you've become unemployed and feel very discouraged. You may have been bullied or mistreated in the past. Keep remembering: God is Love, and God never changes. We always go through changes, and we continue to change from who we are even today. We can only trust ourselves so far, but we will always be limited. Jesus Christ is the only Shepherd we can trust all the time. Our human nature is frail. Only our Abba Father, eternal God, is consistent; we can always go to Him. Whether others fail us or whether we fail ourselves, He remains faithful; we can always find rest in His perfect Love!

From “Eventyrhistorie: a Fairytale Story” By Melissa Teslow High

Published by Dorrance Publishing Co.

I write this for you ... tiny little loves Now ... is a thing You hold this now in your beautiful little eyes Don’t let the life break your little amazing beauty You have a thing inside your little enormous souls that can change the world It’s an enigmatic beauty that only your tiny hearts can feel You lose it with age and even more with the need for you to conform to the wants of the everyone else’s who have lost this light Don’t listen Don’t run away from magic Don’t stop looking to the stars Don’t stop remembering the dreams you had the night before You are the secret we are searching for in our adult conquests Your imagination is what we lack Stay Stay sweet Stay full of love for bumblebees

Bethel Acres Tag Agency

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-1pm North of Hardesty Road & Hwy 102

Highway to Paradise

By Sheila Hughes At long last, let it be by all decided That no one's life need be divided Between sadness, sorrow, pain, or fear. The second coming of Our Lord is drawing near. At Heaven's Gates, the unknowing do stand Like Moses, just a stone's throw from the Promised Land. Shout to the masses, Jesus came to die To save – conquer death, brought grace with his life. Highway to Paradise, just a decision away. Ohm the Holy Spirit fills all unto divine change. Sing praise and worship to the lamb that was slain. Life-giving power is his blood and his name. God’s miracle source that conquered death When he gave his life, paid then was our debt. Healing, dry bones, and issues of blood can live. Speak scripture, claim victor as love always wins! Oh, glory day, he’s coming again! He calls his own royal, beloved, and friend. He sees us white as snow, washed away is sin. He will never leave, he's the beginning and the end. And we can do all things, yes, through him. Custom poems for any occasion, email Sheila at heavenlyexpressions2019@gmail.com.

Visit WWW.TCPSHAWNEE.COM to sign up for the Mobile App!

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And spiderwebs in the morning And blooming sunflowers in the summer Keep the love God placed inside you Never stop daydreaming in the middle of life’s seriousness Always search for the sunbeams when life gives too much Never let your soul be too far away from the wind that can take you away from the mundane life at hand Stay a feather in the wind ... always

The Clinic Pharmacy Tim Barrick, DPh.

405-273-9417

3210 Kethley Road Shawnee, OK 74804

Cell: 405-740-2898 Fax: 405-273-8849

email: srprx@sbcglobal.net

THE CLINIC PHARMACY (SHAWNEE) www.shawneeoutlook.com

CALENDAR

November & December 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. Nov. 12: The OBU Symphonic Winds, under the direction of Teresa Purcell, and the Bison Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Justin Pierce, will perform in concert starting at 7:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend the free performance. Reservations are required for all fall 2020 College of Fine Arts events at okbu.edu/fine-arts/ events.html.

SERVICES INCLUDE: Heartbeat Check Sneak Peek 2D/3D/4DHD LIVE Black and White Prints Color Photo Prints Heartbeat Animals Gender Reveal Ultrasound DNA Gender Testing Baby Boutique Maternity Wear Newborn Photography

Nov. 20: The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held in conjunction with the November Downtown Block Party starting at 6 p.m. In addition to the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, there are vendors, live music and entertainment, and food trucks. Information: facebook.com/seffshawnee.

GRAND OPENING EVENT NOVEMBER 21ST - 10:00-2:00PM 4D ULTRASOUND BOUTIQUE (405)

765-3548 - 106 E. MAIN ST, SHAWNEE, OK BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.SWEETPEA4D.ORG

www.shawneeoutlook.com

Nov. 14: OK Classics Car & Memorabilia Auction will be offering all different types of vehicles and memorabilia like neon signs, gas pumps, road signs, and much more from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the FireLake Arena at 18145 Old Rangeline Road. Information: visitshawnee.com/events

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Nov. 20: Block pARTy at the Arts @317 is from 6-9 p.m. Featured artist Larry Peery will be showing his wooden pieces ranging from bowls, to pens, to tops, to Christmas trees and ornaments. Ann McDonald and other authors will be signing books. Nov. 21: Larry the Cable Guy will perform live at Firelake Arena at 18145 Old Rangeline Road. The show headlined by multi platinum recording artist, Grammy nominee, Billboard

award winner and one of the top comedians in the country will start at 8 p.m. Information: firelakearena.com. Dec. 3: The annual Christmas parade on Main Street has been scheduled with the theme of "Christmas in Toyland," though an announcement from Safe Events for Families in early October said the organization is looking at adjustments to the event as a result of the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Check out facebook. com/seffshawnee for the latest updates. Dec. 4, 11: Community Art Gallery will host a few Christmas-themed craft workshops during these dates. Keep an eye on Shawnee Mall's Facebook page as details are available. Dec. 12: Trent Smith and The Rip it up Band will play The Ritz of Shawnee starting at 7 p.m. at 10 W. Main St. Dec. 12-24: Santa Claus is scheduled to come to the Shawnee Mall this year for 12 days with health-focused protocols in place. Check out shopshawneemall.com for information and reservations when they are made available. Dec. 18: Merchants around Shawnee will have their Christmas cheer on full display during the Shawnee Christmas Crawl from 4-8 p.m. Many will be offering discounts and hospitality. Tickets are free and unlock special deals all night long. Search "Shawnee Christmas Crawl 2020" on Facebook and Eventbrite for tickets and information. If you know of any events you would like to see featured, email editor@ shawneeoutlook.com.

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

Phone 405-214-6441

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

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

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PATRONS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR ONLY ONE GIFT CARD AND FREE PLAY. PLAYERS MUST REPORT TO PLAYERS CLUB FOR VERIFICATION. ONCE IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT THE POINTS WERE EARNED PROPERLY, THE $10 FREE PLAY WILL BE PUT ON PATRON’S ACCOUNT AND PATRON WILL BE GIVEN THEIR GIFT CARD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. IF THE PATRON EARNS THE NECESSARY NUMBER OF POINTS BUT ALL GIFT CARDS HAVE BEEN DISPERSED, THE PATRON IS STILL ELIGIBLE FOR $10 FREE PLAY. Must be a Hot Rewards Club member. Must be present and wagered on the day of the drawing. 18+ to enter. Valid ID required. FireLake Casino reserves the right to cancel or change promotions without advanced notice.

www.shawneeoutlook.com

Thanksgiving Special Ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and rolls

$4.99