Shawnee Outlook

United Way Finds its ‘Voice’ | Public Art Project Gallops into Library

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United Way of Pottawatomie County

WHAT United Way of Pottawatomie County Kick- Off Event WHERE Life Church Campus Shawnee 5630 N. Harrison Shawnee, OK 74804 DATE Thursday, September 14th 6:30 – Dinner 7:00 – Live Show

PLEASE COME OUT AND JOIN US FOR KICK-OFF! This year we will be having “The Voice” singing competition to raise money for the United Way of Pottawatomie County. This night will feature four live acts from our local community competing to make it to the next round! In addition to the show we will have food and fun for the entire family!

Please come out and join us!

ONE VOICE | ONE HEART | LIVE UNITED www.unitedwaypottco.org 4

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CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2017

Publisher

Okie Icon Media

Managing Editor

David Dinsmore

Advertising Sales

Brad Carter

Creative Direction

Kelsey Walker & Fawn Wilson Olivarez

Cover Photo

David Dinsmore

Writers

Jamie Bergsten

Andrea Beck

8

David Dinsmore

Ann McDonald

Angela Rowland

Cindy Stober

Thresa Swadley

Distribution

FEATURES 8 Saudi Arabian Women Give Glimpses into Their Lives in New Mabee-Gerrer Exhibit 11 New Teen Public Art Project Gallops Into Library’s Collection 12 United Way’s Fundraising Season Finds its ‘Voice’ 15 Top of the World: Views from the FireLake Firelight Balloon Festival 18 The American Experience: On the Gridiron 22 ‘More Matters’ When it Comes to Fruits and Vegetables 23 Local Group Continues Century-Old Legacy Using Pinterest Projects

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15 DEPARTMENTS 6 KEEP THE CHANGE 6 NUTRITION 101 20 SONIC CONTEST 21 SHAWNEE HISTORY

Volume 14, Number 7 Shawnee Outlook is a publication of Okie Icon Media. © 2017 Okie Icon Media

26 MENTAL HEALTH 30 ART GUIDE

27 The Little Things Matter in Boy Scouts’ Project to Help Red Cross 29 Fun Arrives for Citywide Event by Air, Land, Rail

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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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5

KEEP THE CHANGE

Reduce the Cost of Continuing Education Though the current school year has just begun – and if continuing education is your goal – now is the right time to begin thinking about applying to schools for the spring semester or even next fall. If cost is a factor, here are some options to consider: • Stay local. State and community schools often offer the best price for education with significant discounts for those living within the state or region. Locally, Seminole State (sscok.edu)and Gordon Cooper Technology Center (gctech.edu) offer multiple programs that would allow you to attend classes without the length of a commute. If you are a graduate of OBU, the LifeLong Learning (okbu.edu/academics) program gives alumni the opportunity to take up to four credit hours per semester at no cost other than a nominal program fee.

• Find a school online. There are multiple options for earning a quality education online. This is a great option for those who need a flexible schedule. This option also saves money on commuting costs. OEDB. org is a good resource for those still considering which degree to pursue and what online schools might match that degree. Even better, you’ll find a list of scholarships to consider connected to your chosen degree field whether studying online or not.

• File FAFSA. Whichever school you choose, you may qualify for federal financial aid if you are planning to be a full-time student, and filing your FAFSA (fafsa. ed.gov) is key. In addition, most schools require you to apply for federal aid before helping to find other financial aid options.

• Apply, apply, apply. There is money out there, particularly for “non-traditional” students. You just have to look for scholarships and apply for any you can find.

You can’t find the money you need without a little effort.

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 Everyday Actions Can Help Us ‘Move Naturally’ By now, you might have heard of a thing called The Blue Zones Project in Pottawatomie County. One of their nine principles to living a longer, healthier life is to move naturally. Many of us have it stuck in our minds that the only way to a healthy heart is through a certain amount of sweat-dripping cardio exercise a few times a week. Although that is a good way to get your heart pumping, there are many other ways to keep your heart and muscles strong.

Yardwork and gardening will get your body moving and provide natural stress reduction. Take your dog for a daily walk in the neighborhood and utilize the many sidewalks around town or the airport track. If you don’t have a dog, contact the Shawnee Animal Shelter or SPAR and rescue one – think of it as a win-win for everyone. Always choose the stairs over the elevator to add extra steps to your day. Ride a bike to work or after work in the neighborhood. Bikes are a great way to stay active and are fun for the whole family. Join a gym or go to an exercise class with a friend. Companionship can make exercise feel like more of a social event than a chore. All of these examples are ways to keep you naturally moving throughout your day.

Desk jobs or jobs that involve traveling are hard on the body when sitting for long periods of time.

Set a timer on your phone or download an app to remind you every hour to get up for 10 minutes and either stretch or walk around the building. If you are finding it hard to find time to exercise, try turning off that TV a few nights a week and all of sudden you’ll find the time you need.

If you would like more information on The Blue Zones Project in Pottawatomie County, visit communities.bluezonesproject.com. Below is a Blue Zones-recommended recipe to try out.

Sweet Potato Power Bowl As mentioned above, this is a Blue Zones Project-friendly recipe. The Blue Zones Project is focused on plant-based eating. Give this recipe a try to really increase your plant-based food intake.

Ingredients 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped into chunks ½ head cauliflower, chopped into small florets ½ medium red onion, diced 2 Tbsp olive oil ½ teaspoon chili powder ¼ teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ¼ cup quinoa, dry 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed 1 avocado Chopped cilantro Juice of lime

Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the three chopped vegetables on a foil-lined baking sheet. Pour the olive oil and seasonings over the vegetables then toss to distribute the oil and seasonings. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through. When done, remove from the oven and allow to slightly cool. While vegetables are cooking, cook the quinoa per package directions. Warm the beans and top with remaining toppings. Divide everything between two bowls and top with avocado, cilantro and lime juice.

Nutrition Information Makes: 2 bowls Calories: 561 Fat: 29 g Saturated Fat: 4 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 363 mg Carbohydrates: 65 g Fiber: 21 g Protein: 17 g Nutrition 101: It is actually recommended to get in seven to nine fruits and vegetables per day.

Most Americans lack in this area, especially with vegetables. Many research articles show the benefits for the heart by eating a plant-based diet. This can be a huge change for most of us living in a beef state where we have meat at almost every single meal. I suggest taking steps into this transition to maybe have one to two meatless meals per day. Your heart will thank you.

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

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Saudi Arabian Women Give Glimpses into Their Lives in New Mabee-Gerrer Exhibit For its newest exhibit, the MabeeGerrer Museum of Art is bringing in some perspectives from beyond the sea.

The Red Sea, to be exact.

A collection of artwork by students in Saudi Arabia titled “Women’s Point of View” will be on display starting Sept. 2 and run through Nov. 12 at the museum on the St. Gregory’s University campus at 1900 W. MacArthur.

The pieces featured were part of capstone projects by women graduating from the visual communications department of the all-female Dar AlHekma University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. They will include a mixture of photography, graphic design and other media mastered by the students preparing for careers in visually driven industries like advertising.

The exhibit comes to Mabee-Gerrer by way of a former featured artist, photographer Linda Schaefer, said Delaynna Trim, curator of collections at the museum. Schaefer – who formerly taught at East Central University in Ada – has gathered a wealth of experience internationally as a photographer and teacher.

After having her own work on display at Mabee-Gerrer, she kept her connection with museum director and chief curator Dane Pollei, Schaefer said. She sat down with him last summer to talk about bringing in some pieces from these capstone projects at Dar Al-Hekma, where she has been working as an assistant professor in the visual communications department for the last three and a half years.

“These are all women who are going out into the workforce, which in the Western view of Saudi Arabia is a little different (than expected),” Trim said.

A lot of the pieces – either subtly or overtly – focus on the roles of women in Saudi Arabia, Trim said.

“What you’re going to see up there 8

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Students from the all-female Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia contributed pieces to a new Mabee-Gerrer exhibit via their capstone projects prior to graduation.

Photos submitted

is their lives, their culture, their fashion and their religion,” Schaefer said.

Some of the pieces have satirical twists, such as a photo of a woman wearing a towel on her head as a shot at the derogatory slur used by some to describe people from Middle Eastern backgrounds particularly near the Arabian peninsula, Schaefer said.

Other statement pieces will need some explanation for Western audiences unfamiliar with Saudi Arabian culture, Trim said. For instance, the impact of one piece featuring a woman wearing a man’s head scarf might not be apparent to someone who doesn’t know to look.

“A lot of (the pieces) do have these pointed messages,” Trim said. “Some are a little more subtle.”

Many of the pieces combine elements from different media like photography and digital graphic design, Schaefer said. One such example is a collection of photos of a woman sitting cross-legged reading a book atop several different backgrounds,

including a set of wings, a forest and a world map.

A lot of what Americans and others in the West see and hear about Muslim women living in Saudi Arabia comes through different media filters here, Trim said, so the stories of everyday women living their lives, working in careers and even pushing back against some of the wellknown rules toward women can get

SEPT

by David Dinsmore

lost. Exhibits like this help illuminate the personalities, concerns and outlooks of women living there and help broaden the perspective of those who might not know.

As such, Schaefer and the museum staff are working to bring in six students for a reception at 7 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the museum during which they can discuss their art and lives in the context of where they live and work, she said.

Jeddah – the city housing Dar AlHekma University – has a population of about 3.4 million people located on the Red Sea, so there is a wide variety of people from other countries and cultures represented at the university and in the program from which these pieces came, Schaefer said. Even in that diversity – as well as the differences between cultures in and around the Middle East and beyond – there are still many similarities to which these women’s art speaks.

“They have the same desires, the same goals,” Schaefer said. “They want to achieve things … in their careers.”

After its debut at Mabee-Gerrer, the collection would ideally become a traveling exhibit, Schaefer said. It could help break stereotypes about women in Saudi Arabia.

For more information, visit mgmoa.org or call 405-878-5300.

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New Teen Public Art Project Gallops Into Library’s Collection

by David Dinsmore

When planning this year’s teen public art project, planners at the Shawnee branch of the Pioneer Library System decided it needed to be a horse of a different color.

About 40 teenagers grades 6-12 came together to create one cohesive visual theme on the surface of a large horse sculpture similar to those seen at businesses and other locations around the city. For weeks, the unpainted Horse in the City figure stood inside near the stacks with a sign calling for young artists to come out and create something unique to display outside the Shawnee library once completed.

Seventh grade student Gideon Morris came to the library to sign up for other summer programs when he heard about the Horse in the City project and wanted to get involved with it too, he said.

“It turned from a plain white horse into an amazing, colorful piece,” Morris said.

OBU assistant art professor Julie Blackstone developed a design incorporating eight famous characters from children’s literature, such as the Cat in the Hat, Curious George and the Velveteen Rabbit, said Mary Sims, teen programs coordinator with the Shawnee library.

“She always does such an amazing job,” Sims said.

Blackstone provided more than design ideas for the horse, Sims said. During this and past public art programs, she gave the kids involved instruction on the best techniques with which to approach the project. In this case she focused on vertical brush techniques to bring the design to life.

“I learned how to paint a lot better,” 12-yearold Morris said. “And my painting since then has been a lot better too.”

Blackstone also goes over the value and tenants of public art, Sims said. For instance, individuals don’t typically sign their name to projects like these as the piece is usually created as a group – though exceptions were made this year and can be found by inquisitive or diminutive viewers of the horse.

On Aug. 21, more than 150 people showed up at the library for the revelation of the results of the project, Sims said.

About 40 students grades 6-12 collaborated on the Shawnee library’s Horse in the City art project to be displayed in front of the Philadelphia Avenue entrance.

Photo submitted

The Shawnee library has organized public art projects annually since 2010, some of which include paintings, mosaics and murals, Sims said. Some are uniquely Shawnee, such as an image of the Santa Fe Depot tower in one of the murals that makes the piece specifically local to Shawnee and its branch of the Pioneer Library System.

The funding for these projects comes from generous partnerships with local organizations, Sims said. This year’s project was sponsored by the Cleo L. Craig Foundation.

Past projects remain on display inside the library in areas like the meeting rooms and near the Main Street entrance to the building. Perhaps the most visible for library patrons are the “Scenic Shawnee” paintings above the checkout and customer service desk when entering the library’s stacks area.

Work is taking place near the library’s front door at 101 Philadelphia Ave. to create a permanent space for the horse, Sims said. The horse will undergo a clear coat treatment the first couple weeks of this month so it will withstand the elements outdoors when it’s placed sometime around the middle of September.

Horse in the City is the largest, most complicated project undertaken by the teen public art program, but it will also be the most visible to anyone passing by the library, Sims said.

One patron actually mentioned to the staff that having an attraction like that might draw some people to come see what else the library has to offer.

For regular patrons like Morris, the library is more than just a building with a bunch of books. He said it is a “place of learning and somewhere to have fun and get together with family and friends.”

Teens were not the only ones interested in making their mark on the project, Sims said.

Visiting children who saw the unpainted horse in the main area of the library stopped and asked if they could paint it.

Many of these burgeoning artists did not meet the grade requirement of the project, Sims said. So the library staff concocted a coloring contest for the youngsters, and the submitted drawings will rotate through a wall display in the children’s play area. The staff voted on the winners in three divisions. The contest received 143 entries overall.

Horse in the City accomplished something Sims had not been able to do with previous projects, she said, and the timing for it seemed right.

“I’ve always wanted to have something outside,” Sims said. “With all of this Main Street revitalization going on … I just thought it was a great way to be a part of that.”

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11

United Way’s Fundraising Season Finds its ‘Voice’ One Voice. One Heart. Live United When Sarah Marchetti heard that theme put forward by United Way Worldwide for this year’s capital campaign, she knew exactly where to start putting together the local branch’s fundraising drive this year, she said.

Both Marchetti and United Way of Pottawatomie County executive director Lindsay Dyer were big fans of NBC’s reality singing competition, “The Voice,” so staging a similar competition among some of their partner agencies seemed liked the right way to go.

“We decided to really rejuvenate the United Way (of Pottawatomie County’s fundraising drive) this year,” Marchetti said.

As such, this year’s local capital campaign will kick off with a blind audition night free and open to the public starting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Life.Church’s campus at 5630 N. Harrison.

The kick-off event will feature at least 15 acts comprised of groups or individuals from the United Way’s partners and other community members, Dyer said. Presiding over the auditions will be four current and former members of the United Way’s fundraising team.

Each of these judges will impersonate – in either appearance or personality – some of the celebrities tapped to select contestants on the popular TV show, Marchetti said. She will be assuming the role of Christina Aguilera, and Dyer will take on the persona of Alicia Keys. Rounding out the panel will be the two men who have appeared on every season of NBC’s “The Voice” thus far with Blake Shelton played by Mike Shaw and Adam Levine played

by Michael Affentranger.

While those selected to play the judges have taken some efforts to look like their celebrity counterparts – including Affentranger taking to the Internet to buy slip-on tattoo sleeves to affect the real ink Levine sports – the main focus will be on the performers, Dyer said. During the hour-long auditions, a handful of acts will emerge to continue the competition online.

Throughout the eight-week cam12

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(Clockwise from left) Mike Shaw as Blake Shelton, Sarah Marchetti as Christina Aguilera, Michael Affentranger as Adam Levine and Lindsay Dyer as Alicia Keys will make up the judging panel for “The Voice”-inspired United Way capital campaign kick-off event Sept. 14.

Photo by David Dinsmore

paign season, weekly videos of the acts will appear on facebook.com/uwpottco and unitedwaypottco.org, Dyer said. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite acts via a small donation made under that team’s name.

The voters can set the donation amount, and contestants will move closer to winning the competition with each dollar they raise, Dyer said.

Even if voters are not donating much with each tally, every dollar donated can have a big impact on families in the community. For example, with $1 the Community Market of Pottawatomie County at 120 Center St. in Shawnee can acquire nearly 18 pounds of food to provide to low income families at its supermarket-style location.

The top acts will compete in a live finale in November for a chance to win some fun prizes, Dyer said.

“Not a recording contract; we can’t promise that,” Dyer said. “But we can give them a trophy that they can be proud of.”

Donations raised through the online voting do not take the place of the official capital campaign, but it is an easy way for everyone in the community to get involved in helping their neighbors as well as those vying for the competition’s title, Dyer said.

It acts as incentive for the competitors to help raise more funds for the United Way’s efforts by getting their friends, family and coworkers to donate to move them forward in the contest.

“We’re really hoping to encourage that friendly competition among different companies,” Dyer said.

The three pillars of the United Way’s local efforts include funding various local civic and charitable organizations, helping coordinate volunteer efforts and advocating for segments of the community who cannot easily do so for themselves, Dyer said.

One of the goals of the kick-off event

by David Dinsmore

this month is to get the United Way’s 21 partner agencies front and center to illustrate where funds raised during the campaign go within the community.

The 6:30 p.m. start time will include a pre-show gathering where attendees can grab some food and fun before the judges arrive and take to the red carpet, Dyer said. Attendees can grab a picture at a photo station set up on the red carpet while moving inside where booths for the partner agencies will be present to provide information about themselves and offer assistance if anybody needs it. The competition will begin at 7 p.m. and last until about 8 p.m.

The local United Way’s campaign kick-off is “a signal … that you’re going to be seeing us in your workplace (raising funds), but we also want everyone the community to understand where their money is going,” Dyer said. Though the kick-off is always open to the community, planners made it a focus this year to have community members attend the event for entertainment along with the chance to learn what it is the United Way does within the community.

Last year, the United Way exceeded the local goal with $490,000 raised through rallies and other efforts hosted by businesses and groups, Dyer said.

“What we want to do is make this community the best it can be,” Marchetti said. “With these donor dollars, we can do that and help people in our community.”

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Top of the World Views from the FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival

By David Dinsmore

The 2017 FireLake Fireflight Balloon Festival brought in an estimated 15,000-20,000 visitors to witness all the lights and sounds of the three day event, according to Citizen Potawatomi Nation officials.

The early August event featured attractions like hot air balloons from around the country, musical acts headlined by classic rock band Foghat, and high-flying BMX stunts at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Powwow Grounds. Attendees also perused vendors booths, took a look at the indoor art show, satisfied their taste buds at a variety of food trucks, bounced into the kids area filled with inflatables and grabbed a pole at the fishing hole during the weekend.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights from this year’s festival.

Photos by David Dinsmore and submitted by Citizen Potawatomi Nation

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15

Time flies: First eaglet hatched at CPN Eagle Aviary will soon soar Aviary staff has been working to prepare an American bald eagle hatched at the facility in May for release. In addition to securing permission from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to release the eagle, the staff prepared the aviary so that it can to come and go from the facility to ensure he’s healthy and that he has the hunting skills to sustain himself in the wild.

“We have spent the last month planning and completing the many things required by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to obtain the final go ahead to release the first eaglet hatched here,” said aviary managers Jennifer Randell and Bree Dunham. “One of those requirements was a veterinary checkup.”

At sunrise the morning of his examination, staff put on smoke, put down tobacco and prepared to catch the eaglet.

Assistant aviary manager Bree Dunham with the eaglet.

“We were excited, anxious and, quite honestly, a little nervous. Although we catch all of the eagles every year for their vet checkups and West Nile virus vaccinations, this would be the first time anyone had this eaglet in hand, not to mention he’s fully flighted,” Randell added. “We don’t want him to injure himself or damage his flight feathers in the process.”

Dr. Staci Robinson examines the eagle’s vitals as Bree Dunham holds him for the exam.

16

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Staff proceeded with the exam with the help of Dr. Staci Robinson from Nichols Hills Veterinary Clin-

ic. Within a minute of entering the enclosure, the staff had the eagle in hand and then proceeded with the exam. He received a clean bill of health.

“Kyla and Charlie did an excellent job of raising this eaglet. He is robust, healthy, strong and ready to go,” Dunham said. “Once we receive the final go-ahead from USFWS, we will have to catch him one last time to fit him with the same type of GPS backpack telemetry that Wadasé Zhabwé wears. But his release will be much different than what we did for Wadasé.”

The staff plan to “hack” the eaglet from the enclosure.

The process is much more natural than releasing the eaglet from the platform. The staff will hold him in the enclosure where he hatched until he can fly before opening a section of the enclosure so he can come and go while acclimating to his new environment.

“This type of release will be the closest experience to him being in a nest in the wild that we can provide while still offering food as he learns to hunt on his own,” Randell said. “Admittedly, that idea sounds a lot less exciting than the picture that comes to mind

when talking about releasing an eagle, but it is what’s best for this eaglet.”

While fitting him with the telemetry backpack and banding him, another team will make two modifications to his enclosure. First, a section of the slats will be removed to allow the eaglet to come and go, and then new perching will be added on the inside and outside of the enclosure opening. Once completed, he will be returned to his enclosure.

“He could fly straight to the new perching or he could wait days or weeks before he chooses to leave the enclosure,” Dunham explained. “Once he does venture out, there are no guarantees that he will continue to come and go like Wadasé did, but we suspect he will.”

The aviary is temporarily closed to visitors to allow the eaglet to become comfortable in his new environment.

“The smallest egg has certainly come a very long way,” Randell said. “We will monitor him and provide updates on his progress just as we have for Wadasé.

It is an incredible blessing to be able to return one of our prayer warriors to the sky and we are humbled to have the opportunity to share that with all of you.”

For more information about CPN eagle Aviary and updates, visit potawatomiheritage.org or facebook. com/CPNeagleaviary. Send your encounters with eagles in Oklahoma, or wherever you may be, to aviary@potawatomi.org.

Eagle watch becomes brush with bobcat Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Aviary had several surprise visitors at the aviary since January; unfortunately, none of them were Wadasé Zhabwé. She continues to wear her telemetry and she has spent the majority of this year in an area southeast of Chickasha, Oklahoma, between Tabler and Alex in Grady County on the Washita River.

Last month, there were reported and confirmed sightings of alligators along some of the same stretches the river where she’s been staying. That will be kept in mind the next time aviary workers go out to try and locate her or get a better idea of the landscape and habitat she’s chosen in that area.

Wadasé hasn’t been visiting, but a young bobcat has. He made several late-evening and early-morning visits to the aviary, and aviary workers watched him hunting in the tall grass in the pasture several mornings in a row. On a Sunday evening after feeding the eagles, he was spotted walking down the driveway along the edge of the creek.

At first, he was curious about his human audience and the camera as the shutter clicked. Everyone stood as still as possible with him less than 30 feet away. He took several steps in their direction, stopped and looked right at us before he turned to head for the cover of grass near the creek. It was a brief but breathtaking encounter.

Learn more about Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s Eagle Aviary at facebook.com/CPNeagleaviary. citizenpotawatomination | potawatomi.org | 405-275-3121 | 1601 S. Gordon Cooper Dr | Shawnee, OK www.shawneeoutlook.com

17

The American Experience: On the Gridiron

by Jamie Bergsten

Shawnee’s two universities, Oklahoma Baptist and St. Gregory’s, have become increasingly popular with international students in recent years. These young people have left exotic foreign locales to relocate to Oklahoma, and here’s why.

The National Hockey League is the most popular professional sports organization in Canada.

That might lead one to think that little boys growing up there dream of taking to the ice rather than the court, field or diamond. While that may be true for many, it wasn’t for Taylor Mante.

The dream he’s had since age seven – to play college football in the U.S. – has led this Canadian straight into Bison country.

Mante’s home in Abbotsford, British Columbia, is a city of 140,000 that lies about an hour’s drive from Vancouver.

“Whatever kind of person you are, you can find a group of people who share the same interest there,” Mante said. “Abbotsford is definitely full of different kinds of people. It’s very much a melting pot of many cultures and backgrounds.

I think it’s the perfect mix between city and town, and it truly lives up to the title of ‘City in the Country.’”

Abbotsford also lies close to the U.S. border, which Mante said he crossed often while living at home.

“It’s probably a 10-minute drive from my house actually,” Mante said. “I have an aunt who lives down in Washington, and we’d go there for holidays sometimes. My family has a timeshare in Washington too, and when the Canadian dollar was better, we’d go shopping in the states as well.”

Mante’s path from Canada to Oklahoma Baptist University hasn’t always been easy. He began his high school career in Swan River, Manitoba, where his family had moved at the start of his freshman year.

He played eight-man football because the town was so small, but his team won a provincial championship, and he became an All-Star his sophomore season. He also played on the Manitoba National Team, which won bronze at the Red River Cup – a competition featuring prep teams from all over Canada.

Before his junior year, his family moved back to Abbotsford, but he spent much of that season sidelined with a concussion before rebounding 18

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OBU freshman Taylor Mante looks to bring his football skills from Canada to make an impact for the Bison.

Photo by Jamie Bergsten

to stardom as a senior.

“That was definitely my best year of football yet,” Mante said. “I started every game on both sides of the ball at offensive tackle and defensive tackle, and I was named conference defensive MVP, provincial All-Star and voted team MVP by my coaches.”

That success led him to be in contact with OBU’s coaching staff, and the freshman said he is now eager to make his mark on the field here in the United States.

Transitioning to American football does have some interesting quirks for Mante. First, he said it gets much hotter in Oklahoma than what he’s used to, and “the weather can for sure be a challenge.”

Canadian football also has quite a few different rules from American football, including: • 12 players on the field instead of 11 • The defensive line must be one yard off the ball • The end zones are 20 yards deep instead of 10 • The field is 65 yards wide instead of 53 1/3 yards • There are three downs instead of four • There is a three-minute warning instead of a two-minute warning • All receivers and running backs can move freely behind the line of scrimmage • The goal posts are on the goal line A driving force behind Mante’s desire to do well here is his family back at home.

“I want to succeed at OBU because of them,” he said. “My dad is the manager of a recreation center in Abbotsford, and my mom is a life skills coach for people with disabilities. My older brother is majoring in business, minoring in law and will soon transfer to Simon Fraser University. He aspires to become a sports agent in the near future.

My family is the biggest motivating force in my life, and I want to mold myself into a man they can always be proud of. All they have done for me – I can never repay them enough.”

Though they’ll be far away on game days, Mante said “just knowing they’re supporting me through the computer screen is enough for me.”

He also hopes they can make the trip to watch him play here at least once, he said.

When asked what he misses about home so far, he said mostly just family and friends.

“I do occasionally miss the views of the mountains while driving, but Oklahoma has a certain country charm that I think I’ll get used to,” Mante said. “I’m new here and look forward to what it has to offer and more importantly what I can give back.

“Football isn’t everyone’s first choice of sport to play up in Canada. It doesn’t hold the same culture there as it does down here. People don’t put football on a higher pedestal than they do hockey and basketball in Canada, but that didn’t stop me from finding it. As a freshman, I don’t expect to play much this season, but my goal is to give my 110 percent effort. If I end up playing a lot or none at all, I’m going to give the coaches and my team everything I’ve got.”

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SHAWNEE HISTORY

Win and Baer It: SHS Sports Legend Fielded Impressive Career as Player, Coach

by Ann McDonald

Jack Baer didn’t have to go far to “make good.”

Born in North Carolina in 1914, his parents came to Shawnee not long afterward. His father Herman was employed by the railroad, and they lived at 832 N. Chapman while Jack and his sister Rosemary attended Jefferson School.

The 1934 Shawnee High School graduate was a star in most of the sports offered, especially in football, baseball and basketball – where he was captain of the squad. He was a state qualifier in track, competing in the relays and the pole vault.

Baer also served on the student council.

Baer then went to Norman to join the athletic department at the University of Oklahoma as the quarterback and kicker on the football team. He booted a 47-yard field goal, which was a school record for many years. His senior year he was named All-Big 6 his when the Sooners finished second in the league and went 5-2-2 overall.

In the spring, Baer played baseball for the Sooners. During the off-season he also played minor league baseball for various teams, including one in Shawnee that competed for the state baseball championship.

He also played semi-pro football briefly, and it was reported that Baer turned down a “fat offer” from the New York Yankees football team – separate from the baseball team of the same name – so he could return to OU to and continue playing baseball. Reports say that Baer “patrolled” center field during his playing days at Oklahoma. In his

Jack Baer accepts Baseball Coach of the Year award in 1952.

Photo submitted

last game as a senior, the former Shawnee boy tripled to drive in the winning run against Iowa State.

The university athletic department hired Baer as an assistant coach and recruiter. A couple of years later in 1940, he was named the university’s fourth head baseball coach to build up their struggling team. The war interfered not long afterward so Baer and most other coaches and their players entered the military. Jack Baer became a Lieutenant in the navy, his duty was as part of the athletic department.

He was first assigned to the pre-flight school in Del Monte, California, and later to the Bunker Hill Naval Air Station in Indiana where he finished his military service.

Once discharged, Baer returned to OU and his baseball coaching position. His teams got better and better due to his coaching ability, his recruiting and the influx of returning GIs. In 1951, Baer’s seventh year guiding the Sooners, he led them to their first ever national baseball championship.

OU knocked off Ohio State, Springfield, Southern California and Tennessee at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha. They ended the season at 19-9. It was 43 years before OU won their second title.

Baer was the Sooners’ head baseball coach until 1967, making his tenure there 26 years overall. He holds the record for the most seasons at the helm of any Oklahoma athletic team. Yet he didn’t retire; he simply slid into another position at his alma mater. Baer became the football team equipment manager until he actually did retire in 1985.

Leaving behind a daughter, Nancy, Jack Baer died March 8, 2002 in Norman at age 87. In 1970, he was one of the first athletes to be installed in the SHS Football Hall of Fame, and in 2009 he was also inducted with the first class to the SHS Baseball Hall of Fame.

Jack Baer’s legacy at Shawnee and at the University of Oklahoma will not likely be matched.

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‘More Matters’ When It Comes to Fruits and Vegetables Do you eat the daily recomStay stocked. Always keep mendation of fruits and vegetafruits and vegetables on hand. bles? If the answer is no, it’s the Wells suggested always washing perfect time to make a change and cutting up fruit and vegbecause September is Fruits and etables to keep in the refrigerator Veggies More Matters Month! as this makes it an easy choice “Eating plenty of fruits and when looking for something to vegetables is a cornerstone of Carrye Wells eat. good health,” said Carrye Wells, Keep some grab-and-go oplead registered dietitian at St. Anthony tions for your family. Make it convenient for Shawnee Hospital. your family to grab a piece of fruit from the According to ChooseMyPlate.gov, eating bowl on the counter. It’s a great option for a vegetables provides health benefits. People busy family. who eat more vegetables and fruits as part Swap salty or sugary snacks for fresh of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a fruits and veggies. reduced risk of some chronic diseases. VegFor kids, sometimes you have to be a etables provide nutrients vital for health sneaky chef. To sneak in some extra servand maintenance of your body. ings, you can grate or shred the fruits and “The more variety you add, the better for vegetables into a variety of dishes. your health and your waistline,” Wells said.

One of the easiest ways to add veggies “And eating more fruits and vegetables is have a salad as part of your menu for isn’t as daunting a task as you may think.” lunch and dinner. You can also add some Wells recommended eating fresh fruits berries or other fruit to your salad as a and vegetables, but if something is not in yummy treat. season, frozen produce is the next best opEven for those who like eating fruit and tion. Canned produce is an alternative, but vegetables, it can be a challenge to eat the Wells suggested that you read the labels recommended servings each day. and buy ones without added sugar, syrup or “You sometimes have to get creative to other ingredients that add calories. get the recommended amount,” Wells said.

In order to meet the daily recommenda- “The Internet is a great source of informations, families need to incorporate more tion for recipes.” fruits and vegetables into every meal.

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Local Group Continues Century-Old Legacy Using Pinterest Projects Oklahoma Home and Community Education’s Pottawatomie County chapter is combining more than 100 years of tradition with the modern tools of the digital age with its monthly Be PinSpired events.

These workshops take place one day a month – usually in the morning and again that evening – featuring a crafting project or concept inspired

by Pinterest and led by an OHCE member with years of hands-on experience.

“We’ve got some of the most talented ladies in the county,” said Jennifer Duncan, the county’s OHCE president. “We’ve got some of the best chefs, some of the best seamstresses … we can do just about anything you could possibly think of doing.”

Members search Pinterest and talk with local crafting stores to find a project that is gaining interest locally and online, Duncan said. Depending on the season, the free Be PinSpired workshops can cover things like making wreaths, gifts in a jar, jewelry, seed balls, plant markers and scrapbooks.

This month, the local OHCE will host a fourcraft workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept.

30 at Sharon Baptist Church at 19002 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Duncan said. The day will include lunch and will demonstrate how to make things like homemade spa treatments, barn quilts and more.

OHCE traces the roots of its existence to 1935, according to the organization’s statewide website. Yet, the origins of the group dates back decades before any official statewide organization existed.

“Originally, it was a bunch of ladies getting together to learn to make things like straw mattresses,” Duncan said. “It was to help increase knowledge on things like that.”

After extension services established in each state via the agriculture and mechanical colleges – including what has since become Oklahoma State University – in 1914, locations around the state were able to host demonstrations and classes for home economics and related subjects, according to information provided by OHCE. Often the lessons and information provided in these classes could mean survival in the early 20th century, such as food preservation, sewing and quilting.

Many of these meetings took place among

by David Dinsmore

Members and guests of Oklahoma Home and Community Education’s Pottawatomie County chapter meet for some lessons in jewelry making during one of the organization’s monthly Be PinSpired workshops at the OSU Extension.

Photo by David Dinsmore

the wives of farmers who traveled to OSU and its extensions throughout Oklahoma, Duncan said.

While the farmers met to discuss all things agriculture, their wives would share tips and tricks to help tackle domestic matters.

Clubs formed all over the state to further formalize these learning sessions, and in 1935, they organized under a statewide umbrella that underwent several name changes before becoming OHCE, according to OHCE historical information.

As the years progressed alongside technology and social dynamics, OHCE groups continued meeting to provide a way preserving and expanding their skill bases. The variety of skills and knowledge brought by the groups’ members allowed them to branch out beyond their own homes to help lead community initiatives.

Today, OHCE focuses on principles within subjects like leadership development, resource management, healthy living, cultural enrichment and family living, Duncan said.

Yet for many modern members, joining OHCE was about much more than learning about how to get things done around the house, Duncan said.

“We needed an outlet, and we wanted some camaraderie and just be around some other people with the same interests as us,” said Duncan, who joined a group with other stay-at-home

moms almost 20 years ago.

Currently, the Pottawatomie County OHCE has five different clubs that meet at different times and dates for individual activities on top of the countywide efforts like Be PinSpired, Duncan said.

The meetings were a time to get together and share some laughs while also practicing some fun new hobbies with help from people with years of experience, she said. It also gave them the opportunity to pool resources and help with local civic groups like Hope House and Project Safe to impact those in need in their community.

The Pottawatomie County OHCE also likes to invite non-members to join them for free activities and to experience some of the talent and companionship the clubs have to offer, Duncan said. Be PinSpired provides precisely that opportunity.

Another good opportunity this month to meet OHCE’s members in the county will be during the Pottawatomie County Free Fair Sept. 6-9 at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center.

Duncan said the members in their bright green shirts are easy to spot as they hand out ribbons, monitor displays and help with the judging in the home exhibit area of the fair.

For more information about the Pottawatomie County OHCE, call the OSU Extension at 405-273-7683. www.shawneeoutlook.com

23

The Little Things Matter in Boy Scouts’ Project to Help Red Cross

by David Dinsmore

A local troop of Boy Scouts took their famous motto beyond the campground by helping the Shawnee office of the American Red Cross “be prepared” to assist those recovering from a natural disaster pick up the pieces.

On July 10, a group from Boy Scout Troop 408 met with local and regional Red Cross leaders along with a contingent of volunteers to present 15 sifter boxes made by the scouts.

The Red Cross offers these sifter boxes to people going through their homes and possessions after an event like a fire, flood, tornado or other disaster, said Shelly Webb, disaster program specialist with the American Red Cross in Shawnee.

“Our clients, when there’s a tornado, and they’ve lost everything, and there’s just rubble … when they clear the rubble, they take these and sift through and they find small items like jewelry and important things to them,” Red Cross volunteer Pam Travis explained during the presentation. “It just makes a world of difference to them.”

After crews remove the large debris from damaged or destroyed homes, many people often stay behind to recover what possessions they can, Webb said. This can be a painstaking and time consuming task amid all of the other concerns families and individuals are having to face as part of the recovery process.

The sifter boxes allow those recovering to shovel in a load of debris and shake loose the dirt to separate fragments or whole items lost among the chaos, Webb said. Smaller items like wedding rings or pieces of china are easier to find using these sifter boxes.

In one recent instance, a family picking through their home after a 2015 tornado hit part of Pottawatomie County was able to find enough fragments of heirloom china to create a mosaic that they now have in their new home, Webb said.

“They have something they can touch and say, ‘that’s my old life, but we survived,’” Webb said.

The start of this project began almost a year ago when the troop joined Red Cross employees and volunteers in helping prepare materials for a smoke detector initiative last September, Webb said.

Troop 408 committee member Jimmy Burkey came to the office later to follow up with Webb and began asking what else the Boy Scouts could 24

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Boy Scout Troop 408 in July presented the local American Red Cross office 15 sifter boxes to use in recovering small items at the sites of disasters. Six scouts and six leaders completed all 15 boxes in a little more than two hours.

Photo by David Dinsmore

do to lend a hand in the community’s disaster preparedness and relief efforts, he said. As they were discussing ideas, a single sifter box at the Shawnee office happened to be sitting nearby.

After they talked about how all the sifter boxes in the territory with the exception of that one were housed in other locations in the area, Burkey offered to get hold of the scout leaders to organize a day to build a local supply of sifter boxes, he said.

Local Red Cross offices have access to materials and supplies located near their area, so if need be sifter boxes could have come in from somewhere else in case of a disaster near Shawnee, Webb said. Having supplies like this on hand locally, however, can be a big help soon after an event.

For the scouts, it gave them an opportunity to practice their motto in a couple of different ways, Burkey said.

First, they were able to contribute something that helps their community be ready to better deal with the aftermath of a disaster, Burkey said. Also, they came to the project prepared to

work with the right tools, materials and knowledge to complete it.

In fact, they prepared so well for the project that six scouts assisted by an equal number of dads were able to crank out all 15 boxes in a little more than two hours, Burkey said. The scouts involved in the building of the boxes were David Burkey, Daniel Germond, Devin Love, Aiden Rinish, Max Rinish and Michael Simon. They were assisted by Burkey, Adam Germond, Steven Love, Eric Rinish, John Simon and Jason Wilson.

The sifter box construction fell under a volunteer service component of scouting, but leaders are looking into whether any of the skills or experience might qualify for badges.

The Red Cross did not have any badges to present, but members of Troop 408 did receive a certificate of appreciation from the relief organization during the July 10 presentation.

“It made all the boys feel good … giving back,” Burkey said.

Those interested in volunteering or otherwise helping local American Red Cross efforts can call 405-273-8800.

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MENTAL HEALTH

Everyone Can Play a Role in Preventing Suicide Talking about suicide prevention is crucial for communities, and with National Suicide Prevention Week set for Sept.

10-16, now is the time to learn some tips for recognizing and preventing suicide in those at risk.

More than 40,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States, and suicide is the eighth leading cause of death overall in Oklahoma, according to the National Institute of Mental Health and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Suicide in this state is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-34, fourth for ages 35-44, fifth for ages 45-54, eighth for ages 55-64 and 16th for ages 65 and older.

Statistics show more than twice as many people die by suicide in Oklahoma annually than by homicide. Males die by suicide three and a half times more often than females.

Suicide can most often be prevented by taking care of mental health needs. However, there are far too many folks that are unable to access mental health care. There is also still too little awareness and understanding of suicide, which is preventable. When someone takes their own life, they are at a place of no hope, and the pain is more than they feel they can bear. It seems like the only option. How can we as a society, family members, friends, co-workers and teachers help someone before the act is carried out?

Take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It’s not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide; it’s a cry for help.

Watch for warning signs or signals that many contemplating suicide send regarding their intentions. Suicide prevention is most effective when people know how to spot warning signs and respond effectively. If a friend or family member even remotely seems suicidal, a loved one can play a crucial role in preventing it by talking with the individual about other alternatives, showing that others care and getting a professional involved.

Among the warning signs of suicide are people exhibiting behaviors like talking about killing or harming themselves, talking or writing a lot about death or dying and seeking out things that could be used in suicide attempts, such as weapons or drugs. These signals have an added measure of danger in people with mood disorders, those suffering from alcohol or drug dependence, those who have previously attempted suicide or those who have a family history of suicide.

Hopelessness can also be an equally dangerous warning sign even though it seems more subtle as studies have indi-

by Cindy Stober

cated that this trait can be a strong predictor of suicide. This attribute can manifest as unbearable feelings, predict a bleak future and state that they have nothing good to anticipate.

Dramatic mood swings or sudden personality changes – such as going from outgoing to withdrawn or well-behaved to rebellious – is another warning sign that can indicate a suicidal mind frame. These personality changes might also cause someone to lose interest in day-to day activities, neglect his or her appearance and make big changes in eating or sleeping habits.

Common suicide risk factors include: • Mental illness, alcoholism or drug abuse • Previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide or history of trauma or abuse • Terminal illness, chronic pain, recent loss or stressful event • Social isolation and loneliness If a person talks about: • Being a burden to others • Feeling trapped • Experiencing unbearable pain • Having no reason to live Behaviors: • Increased use of alcohol or drugs • Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online • Acting recklessly • Withdrawing from activities • Sleeping too much or too little • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye • Giving away important possessions • Aggression Though recognizing warning signs is not always a simple task – and knowing what to do about them when they are apparent can seem daunting – research shows clearly that taking action by talking to those in danger as well as professionals who might be able to help can have an impact on saving the life of someone you know.

In an emergency, always be sure to call 911. For local information or guidance about preventing suicide, contact Gateway to Prevention & Recovery at 405-273-1170 Other resources include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK and is available 24 hours a day.

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

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Fun to Arrive for Citywide Event by Air, Land, Rail

by David Dinsmore

Those attending the second annual Planes, Trains and Automobiles will find more to do at this year’s event than they can fit in a trunk, luggage car or overhead bin.

Helicopter rides, hot rods, living history, live music, food and games are just the start of what planners have in store for the all day event Oct. 7.

The event is free and open to the public.

The Shawnee Regional Airport kicks off the day at 8 a.m. at 2202 N Airport Dr. with a Lions Club breakfast, carnival games, inflatables, food trucks, rides and more. The activities culminate with the annual fly-in air show from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Around 11 a.m., activities will start spinning up downtown for the final two thirds of the theme as the Pottawatomie County Historical Society Museum at 614 E Main St. will serve as an anchor for all of the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the afternoon.

Classic cars will line the streets as more than 20 stations along Main Street, 9th Street, Minnesota Avenue and Oklahoma Avenue will present food, live entertainment, crafts, historical recreations, arts and train rides all free of charge.

Prior to last year’s event debut, these two venues hosted separate activities between the air show at the airport and Santa Fe Homecoming at the depot downtown, but combining the two met with great success, museum director Ken Landry said.

“It was beyond our expectations last year,” Landry said. “We’re expanding this year, and since the new museum is up (and nearing completion) it’ll be even better next year.”

More than 1,000 people signed the book inside the museum at last year’s event, which didn’t account for the larger crowds outside enjoying the activities or passing through the depot without signing in, Landry said.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles as a combined effort came from a conversation historical society board member Teresa Burnett was having with the Shawnee Mall administration last year regarding marketing ideas, she said. She mentioned the Pottawatomie County Historical Society was considering moving their homecoming event to the first weekend in October due to the timing of the state and county fairs, and it was pointed out to her that the airport traditionally held its fly-in air show at that same time.

“It was just a great idea to tie the north side and south side of town together and do some sort of big citywide collaboration,” Burnett said.

Suddenly it just clicked, Burnett said. The air-

All things wings and wheels are just the start of the activities and attractions in store for the second annual Planes, Trains and Automobiles Oct. 7 at the Shawnee Regional Airport and Santa Fe Depot downtown.

Photos submitted

port had planes. The depot had trains. There was only one element missing.

Landry began making calls to local car clubs and managed to recruit more than 50 hot rod, vintage and classic car owners to bring their gems downtown to complete the theme.

The result was a success beyond what they anticipated, Burnett and Landry said.

“This was one of the most successful air shows that I have been a part of, and I believe the partnership we had with the Pottawatomie Historical Society … was a big reason for that,” Shawnee Regional Airport manager Keenan English said in a press release about last year’s event. “I believe both events had record attendance.”

Last year, Burnett enjoyed watching the kids getting hands-on experience with the history of the county through the different displays and activities, she said. From corn husk dolls and butter making, hundreds of people got a chance to try their hand at some of the common tasks undertaken in the early days of the town.

“It helps them relate,” Burnett said. “They can see it, smell it, taste it.”

From gunfighters to saloon girls serving up sarsaparilla to the Santa Fe Revue telling the story of actress Lillian Gish and the Shawnee Queen, history will come alive on stage and on the street during the event, Landry said.

The historically focused event will also pepper

in some modern conveniences as well this year, Landry said. Vyve Broadband will be setting up WiFi for the event, and there will also be TVs on display at the museum “so the dads can see what the score of the ballgame is.”

Some of the great moments from last year came from watching the kids “pile onto the kiddie train” because there is no charge to ride, Landry said. For large families, this can be a big draw as having to pay per ride can get expensive and exclude some older kids who might still be at an age to enjoy it but have to yield to younger siblings who want to ride.

For many of the historical reenactors and event planners, the day comes down to having pride in their community – both historically and currently, Burnett said.

“In all the fun and entertainment, we can actually enlighten, educate, get you interested in history that you might not have realized you’d be interested in,” Burnett said. “As a Shawnee resident, I’d like for local people to come down and learn what’s here. Learn about the history, take pride in where you’re from.

“If you take pride in it and learn about your history, then hopefully you become more community-oriented and become more involved and, as a whole, it’ll make our community better.”

For maps, schedules and more information, visit PTandA.net or call 405-275-8412. www.shawneeoutlook.com

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ART GUIDE

September Arts Events Byron Perdue Jr. will be the featured artist for the “Totally Emerging” show that opens on Sept. 1 at Studio 112 and a Half at 112 1/2 East Main Street. The studio is open every Saturday and Sunday.

dio will host StumbleEast for the downtown block party on Sept. 15 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Check out other businesses on Main Street as well as Broadway Arts Gallery while you are in the area.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art will present “Women’s Point of View” from Sept. 5 through Nov. 12.

This is a rare opportunity to view art by young women from Saudi Arabia.

There will be a reception at 7 p.m. on Oct. 6.

Fiction author, Gina Ochsner, will read and talk about her works at 7 p.m. on Sept. 18 in the Tulsa Royalties Auditorium in the Bailey Business Center on the OBU campus and will give a writing master class at 7 p.m. on Sept. 19 in room 214 of Stravos Hall. Both events are free and open to the public.

Julie Blackstone will have her art on display at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art’s gallery at St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital through the month of December. The exhibit will include some of her textile work and paintings. Information: www. mgmoa.org/st-anthony.

Realistic Drawing with R.E. Carlberg will begin on Sept. 5 and run every Tuesday through Oct. 3 at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art. Classes are available for ages 7-18.

Information: http://www.mgmoa. org.

Join the Shawnee Public Library book discussion group the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

Books are available at the Information Desk at the library.

OBU College Players will present New Works Festival with an evening of short plays written and directed

by OBU students on at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8 in Sarkeys Black Box Theater on the OBU campus. Tickets: www. okbu.edu/theatre.

The Arts @ 317 gallery and stu-

Kathy Scherler will give a voice recital assisted by Benjamin Shute on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Yarborough Auditorium of Raley Chapel on the OBU campus. The recital is free and open to the public. Information: 405-585-4300.

Prepare to shop at Market on the Meadows Sept. 29-30 at 32597 Leo Road in Macomb. This is a fun family experience where you can purchase art, textiles, crafts and much more. Information: www.marketonthemeadows.com.

Shawnee Little Theater will open its 50th anniversary season with “Beauty and the Beast,” Sept. 30Oct. 8. This is a show designed to appeal to all ages. Tickets: www.shawneelittletheatre.com.

St. Gregory’s University will present “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde on at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5-7 and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 8. Tickets will be available at the door of Sarkeys Performing Arts Center on the SGU campus.

Thresa Swadley is a freelance cellist/teacher who has been active in the Shawnee Arts Community for 20 years. She is a member of the OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra and is a Suzuki-certified cello teacher. Please contact her if you know of an upcoming arts event. Email: tswadley@sbcglobal.net.

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Community Bereavement Services Sunday, October 8, 2017 2:00 pm First Christian Church 1625 N. Broadway Shawnee, OK 74804 Please join Heartland Hospice for our annual community bereavement service. We will be remembering those patients who have been lost in the past year.

Contact Jennifer Freed, Bereavement Coordinator to submit your loved ones’ name to be included in the candle lighting service. Photos may be submitted for a memorial slideshow if desired.

Jennifer Freed, Bereavement Coordinator, Heartland Hospice, 405.214.6442 For more information, about Heartland Hospice or our Bereavement services call:

405.214.6442 heartlandhospice.com/Shawnee

Š2017 HCR Healthcare, LLC

www.shawneeoutlook.com

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