Shawnee Outlook March 2026

GROCERIES ON A BUDGET, PART 2

Last month, we looked at how to make a plan so we could go to the grocery store for dinners, but obviously evening meals aren’t the only ones we eat. What decisions can we make at the store to eat well while preserving the budget?

Focus on produce. Produce can be tricky because it spoils quickly, so we may need to shop more often. Yet, pound-for-pound fruits and vegetables cost significantly less than chips or crackers. They’re also more filling, so we don’t have to eat as much to satisfy our hunger. Wash and store your produce properly when you get home to help them last longer. Research the proper storage techniques for various items to get the most life out of them.

Choose affordable proteins. Protein is a key to eating well and staying satisfied so that you’ll eat less. Eggs are a great option for any meal. Hard boil them to have a ready-made option for lunch, or whip together a frittata for a different kind of dinner. Beans are also a great, affordable choice. Use your slow cooker to turn dried black beans into a main dish with rice, or blend them to create a bean soup to be served with cheese and/or avocado. To take it a step further, you can drain the cooking liquid before blending to create a healthier ‘refried bean’ option to serve alongside homemade tacos or atop nachos.

Make your own soups. The weather may be starting to warm up, but soup is often a less expensive choice and can be made in large batches, meaning leftovers can be saved for either lunches or cooked for two nights at once by doubling your batch and saving half in a gallon-size freezer bag for the future.

Having basics on-hand make last-minute meal and snack choices a breeze.

Angela Rowland is an OBU graduate and a stay-at-home mother of four. She enjoys finding new ways to stretch the paycheck and sharing her favorite tips and deals.

CELEBRATE ‘NUTRITION MONTH’ WITH SMALL CHOICES, LASTING IMPACT

ach March, National Nutrition Month shines a spotlight on the powerful role nutrition plays in overall health and well-being.

Created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this nationwide observance encourages people of all ages to make informed food choices and develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

National Nutrition Month 2026 is a great reminder that nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Small, consistent choices — such as eating regular meals, incorporating fruits and vegetables at most meals, choosing whole grains more often and staying hydrated — can make a meaningful difference over time. These habits support energy levels, heart health, blood sugar control, digestion and mental well-being.

This month also highlights the importance of understanding how food connects to daily life. Busy schedules, rising

Oven-Roasted Sweet Potato, Mushroom & Yellow Squash

Talk about adding some color to your plate. This combination of sweet potato, mushroom and squash makes a meal look so appetizing.

Ingredients:

1-pound sweet potato

8oz package mushrooms

1 medium yellow squash

1Tbsp olive oil

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

Pinch of rosemary or thyme is optional

Directions: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss the sweet potato, mushrooms and squash with olive oil and seasonings. Spread vegetables in a single layer — use 2 pans if crowded. Roast for 20 minutes. If still not fully browned, stir and roast for an additional 20 minutes. Sweet potatoes should be fork-tender with caramelized edges. Mushrooms should be browned. Squash should be tender but not soggy.

Makes: 3 ½ cups cooked Serving size: 1 cup

Nutrition facts per serving:

Calories: 150 Total Fat: 4.5g Saturated Fat: 0.5g

food costs and increased stress can make healthy eating feel challenging. National Nutrition Month encourages practical strategies like meal planning, grocery shopping with intention, cooking at home when possible and learning how to read food labels to make smarter choices.

Another key message is personalization. There is no onesize-fits-all approach to nutrition. Age, activity level, health conditions, cultural preferences and access to food all play a role in what works best.

I am here to help individuals and families create realistic plans that fit their lifestyles while supporting long-term health goals. As we celebrate National Nutrition Month 2026, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on how food fuels our bodies, connects our communities and supports overall wellness. By focusing on progress — not perfection — we can build healthier habits that carry us well beyond the month of March.

Try the below recipe to get started on small changes.

Nutrition 101 Tip: Cut sweet potatoes slightly smaller than squash so everything finishes together. If squash releases too much moisture, add it halfway through roasting. For extra browning, turn on broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely to keep it from burning. If preferred, this same recipe can be cooked in the air fryer instead of the oven. As always, change up the ingredients if you would prefer other vegetables instead of the ones I listed. Other vegetables that would go well with sweet potatoes are peppers, onions, zucchini, asparagus and much more. Use what you have on hand and what your family prefers.

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 and nutrition education through an online platform, StrongHER along with functional nutrition and labs through Laser Focus. For inquiries, visit strongherwithandrea.com, or the Facebook page, Nutrition and Exercise 101 with Andrea.

art of the matter

Collection

Features World-Class

Work Of Dynamic Women

SUBMITTED BY DELAYNNA TRIM, CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS AT MABEE-GERRER MUSEUM OF ART

W WOMEN IN ART MGMoA

ith March 8 marking International Women’s Day, I have been thinking about the works of art created by women in the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art collection.

Many years ago, it was decided that the MGMoA would focus on collecting Oklahoma artists since Fr. Gregory Gerrer was such a big supporter of Oklahoma arts. Many of our contemporary art pieces were created by women.

One of those women was Michi Susan who was a prolific artist and donor of art. She was born in Tokyo, Japan, and studied visual art at Japan’s Women’s University and Hosei University. After moving to the United States, Michi continued her studies at the University of Arizona. She briefly lived in Shreveport, Louisiana, but she spent the rest of her life in Oklahoma. She mostly created art using paper and mixed media.

Another female artist featured in the gallery is Jean Richardson. An Oklahoma native, Richardson is best known for her abstract horse

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art has in its collection a wide variety of work from prolific artists with Oklahoma ties and international training.

paintings. Born in Hollis, Oklahoma, Richardson studied art at Wesleyan College, the Art Students League in New York, and in France. For several years before exploring the icon of the horse, Oklahoma history was the subject of her paintings. Our painting is an early one that features a man and a wagon.

Laurie Spencer creates contemporary whistling pots. “Organic” is based on South American whistling pots like

the one on display in our Central and South American gallery at the MGMoA. When one blows through a tube on the vessel, the air blows over a hole in a small, walnut sized hollow sphere of clay inside the vessel, and it makes a sound. Her work is based on this ancient technique. “Organic” is meant to look like an amalgam of different plants and vegetables.

These are just a few of the pieces on display in the contemporary gallery. We have many more wonderful pieces in collection storage. For example, we have three colorful ceramic plates by Elizabeth Hahn. Two of these plates feature colorful snakes winding around each other. Hahn was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and received her Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma City University and her Master of Fine Arts from the University of Oklahoma.

Celebrate the wide variety of arts created by a diverse group of artists by visiting the museum.

In honor of Michi Susan’s work, let’s create some art with paper.

For videos on more art projects with paper, visit mgmoa.org/ art-projects or scan the QR in this article.

Japanese Paper Fish Kite

Supplies: Colored paper 12x18 or similar size, markers or crayons, tissue paper strips or crepe paper, glue, hole punch, scissors, string to hang it from, toilet paper cardboard tube

Fold paper in half lengthwise.

Draw your fish with scales, eyes, on the paper.

Roll the paper into a cylinder and glue together.

Glue the tissue paper strips or strips of crepe paper as the fish’s tail.

You can glue some cardboard or a tissue paper roll into the mouth to keep it open.

STRONG COMMUNITIES START WITH US

At Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County, relationships are the foundation of a thriving neighborhood Through programs like Everyday Dads, Block Leaders, and neighborhood events, we help people reconnect, rebuild trust, and renew hope one relationship at a time

over the fence

WARM BISCUITS

Sometimes Caring Looks Like Inconvenience

BY BRANDON DYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNITY RENEWAL OF POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY

Looking out my Nashville hotel window, I could see the line. It was coming from the doorway, and it wrapped around the corner. There must have been 100 people in that line, and they had come from all over for the same thing. They came to eat at Biscuit Love.

Biscuit Love started in 2012 serving delicious Southern brunch out of an Airstream food truck. In 2015, it opened its first storefront in the Gulch, an up-and-coming corner of Nashville. It expanded to three locations in the area by 2020, and the lines streamed outside each location daily with hungry patrons.

I can attest; the food was delicious. While I was in Nashville for a conference, I ate there three times. Each biscuit dish was plated perfectly and cooked to perfection. The food really was incredible. However, they aren’t my favorite biscuits.

astounded at her thoughtfulness. She even followed with this gift a couple of more times.

When was the last time you inconvenienced yourself on behalf of a neighbor? If it’s been a while, don’t feel bad. We can’t all wake up early to make scratch biscuits, but what can we do?

Years ago, we bought a fixer upper in a neighborhood we love. I’m not sure what we were thinking because it needed a lot of work, but we put in the time and sweat to make it a home. Perhaps the thing we loved most about our home was our neighbors.

A few months after moving in, my phone rang early one morning. It was my neighbor. Her kiddos were all adults now, and she had come to love my kiddos and enjoyed seeing them play in the backyard. She knew a new school year had just begun, and she wanted to make sure my kids were off to a great start. So, she had prepared something for them. She made them hot biscuits for breakfast. Who doesn’t love hot, homemade biscuits? The thing I loved most is that she asked me to meet her at the fence in the backyard, where she had the plate wrapped with towels to keep them warm. The kids devoured them with a little help from me, and we were off to school.

I’ll admit that I’m biased, but I’m quite certain those were the best biscuits I’ve ever eaten. I mean, can you believe it? My neighbor met me at the backyard fence with homemade biscuits. You’re probably a little envious. I would be, too.

Like most gifts, what made them special was not always the gifts themselves but the thought behind them and the effort it took to offer them. Even as I wrote this article, it dawned on me that my neighbor had the audacity to wake up early to mix the ingredients, roll them out, cut and bake them and call me before I had even poured my first cup of coffee. I was honestly

It seems to me that our broken, fractured world is held together by the glue of love. The thing about love is that it doesn’t do much good unless we express it, unless we offer it to someone else. That requires intentional effort, which is often inconvenient. Love has to cost us something to be valuable. It requires a little skin in the game, and it’s the only way to assuage the entropy of life.

Good doesn’t just happen. Good must be brought forth. If we don’t bring it forth into existence, then it can’t be experienced by others, and we can’t make the world a better place. So, let us look for those moments to bring forth good into our world for others to enjoy. Odds are that it will enrich our lives as well.

WHAT TO KNOW?

Teenage girls are more susceptible to substance misuse and suicide ideation when experiencing dating violence.

Nearly 1 in 11 female & approximately 1 in 15 male high school students report having experienced physical dating violence in the last year

Source: CDC https://bit.ly/3iWCv9gr)

SIGNS OF TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

Excessive jealousy, Invasions of privacy

Unexpected anger, rage, moodiness

Blame for problems in the relationship

Controlling tendencies

Explosive temper Preventing you from going out with or talking to other people; Always tracking your phone or checking in to see what you are doing and who you are with at all times.

WHAT TO DO AS A YOUTH?

Reaching out to a trusted friend, teacher, parent, or mentor

Get involved in activities allowing you to associate with positive people

Seek the guidance of a school counselor or therapist

AND FOR ADULTS....

Build Knowledge by educating youth healthy vs unhealthy relationships.

Empower Youth to trust in what they know and to listen to their inner voice.

Take Action to promote the growth of healthy relationships and discourage engagement in unhealthy and unsafe relationships.

Access Resources by directing youth to safe adults and resources.

community MAD HATTER

Library Fundraiser To Take Guests Down The Rabbit Hole SUBMITTED BY PIONEER LIBRARY SYSTEM FOUNDATION

The Pioneer Library System Foundation invites the community to enter Wonderland at the 4th Annual Mad Hatter Tea Party fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28.

The event returns to the Shawnee Public Library at 101 N. Philadelphia, transforming the space for an evening of food, specialty cocktails and mocktails, live entertainment, raffle packages and the popular Maddest Hat contest.

Inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll, the Mad Hatter Tea Party celebrates imagination, creativity and community while raising funds to support the Pioneer Library System’s Pottawatomie County locations. Guests will enjoy lively entertainment, interactive surprises and a hands-on Maker Lab experience, where creativity takes center stage.

The 4th annual Mad Hatter Tea Party invites attendees into the zany world of Lewis Carroll’s classic, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” with a night of food, drinks, creative activities and popular hat contest. Tickets are available for the event happening at 6:30 p.m. on March 28 at the Shawnee Public Library via plsfdn.org or by calling (405) 801-4521.

Past events have featured appearances by the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and the White Rabbit – and this year’s Wonderland character will remain a surprise until the night of the event.

“We love bringing a little Wonderland magic into the library,” said Carmen Wolf, event co-chair. “Part of the fun is not knowing exactly who you’ll meet when you arrive, and all of it helps support our Shawnee, Tecumseh and McLoud libraries.”

Attendees are encouraged to wear their most extravagant hats to compete for the title of Maddest Hat, with a prize awarded for the most creative design. With live music, immersive details and surprises around every corner, the evening promises an unforgettable trip to Wonderland. While proceeds from the Mad Hatter Tea Party

specifically support Pottawatomie County libraries, the Pioneer Library System Foundation also advances library programs and services across the system that benefit community members of all ages.

Founded in 2010, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Pioneer Library System Foundation has dedicated its efforts to supporting literacy and a love of learning throughout Pioneer Library System communities. Through donor support, the Foundation helps expand programs and outreach beyond what public funding can provide and has generated more than $2.8 million for library initiatives.

“The Foundation’s work goes far beyond any single event,” said Amanda Johnson, Foundation board member and event co-chair. “We support programs across the system, including the Summer Learning Challenge and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, that help families and learners of all ages connect with their library.”

The Foundation’s work shows up across local libraries’ programs offered to participants of all ages, said Mary Sims, branch manager of the Shawnee Public Library, such as helping provide books to nearly 1,000 local pre-k and kindergarten students as part of the Read Across America national literacy initiative.

“The Pioneer Library System Foundation plays a vital

role in sustaining and expanding many of our most popular programs and services,” Sims said. “The Foundation also makes it possible for the library to host beloved community events such as BugFest, bringing families together for hands-on discovery and interactive learning experiences. Throughout the year, its funding supports a wide variety of innovative, engaging and educational presenters and performers, ensuring dynamic programming for all ages.”

Its support has an impact on the physical environment inside the branches as well, Sims said, through its support of a vibrant children’s area filled with toys and early learning resources, creative Maker Lab projects that inspire exploration and problem-solving, and public art initiatives that beautify and energize our shared spaces.

“Thanks to the Foundation’s commitment, the library continues to be a hub of creativity, literacy, and lifelong learning for our entire community,” Sims said.

The Mad Hatter Tea Party is made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including First United Bank, Avedis Foundation and other community partners.

Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available for those who wish to be part of this memorable evening in support of local libraries.

Learn more at plsfdn.org or by calling (405) 801-4521. S

STILL BURNING

Threepeat Champion Potawatomi Fire Ready For 2026 Season

SUBMITTED BY CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION NEWS SERVICE

Following three consecutive seasons of dominating play in The Basketball League (TBL), it’s fair to ask what’s next and what’s left to achieve for the Potawatomi Fire.

“We want to keep our championship streak alive. That’s goal number one,” said Fire general manager David Qualls. “Beyond continued success on the court, we want to continue building the Fire brand in the community and growing our brand outside of the Shawnee area. We strive to give the Shawnee community and surrounding areas different types of events to choose

from, including concerts and other sporting events. Fire games play a vital role in our overall community outreach effort. We are confident in the product that we have on the court and the experience we give our fans. We have seen growth every year and we want to keep building on that this year.”

As Qualls mentioned, the success the Fire have seen off the court can be directly traced to the success on the court. The Fire have seen unprecedented success over the last three seasons. Not only are the Fire back-to-back-to-back TBL champions — something never

achieved in TBL before — but they have also won those championships in dominant fashion.

Since the start of the 2023 season, the Fire are a combined 84-5 overall and 53-1 in the last two seasons. The Fire are also an astounding 47-0 at home inside FireLake Arena since the start of the 2023 season. Dating back to their inaugural season in 2022, the Fire have won a TBL record 52 consecutive games at home, which is something that head coach Mark Dannhoff does not take for granted.

“We have the most incredible fans

in TBL,” said Dannhoff, the reigning three-time TBL Coach of the Year. “There have been games where we didn’t play up to our standards, and our fans empowered us. They pushed us to victories we might not have achieved elsewhere. We’re incredibly fortunate to play in front of such a passionate fan base every night, and that passion truly energizes our players.”

As the Fire get set to embark on their 2026 season and a potential fourth straight title, they know it won’t be easy.

“Teams are gunning for us,” Qualls said. “Ever since we won our first championship, we’ve had a target on our backs, and I think our players relish that. Just like the last three years, winning another title won’t be easy, but I am confident that Coach Dannhoff and the players we have this season will be ready for the task and will leave it all

on the court.”

The Fire have plenty of reason for confidence going into this season. They return arguably the best player TBL has ever seen in Chuck Guy. Guy — who is the captain and unquestioned leader of the Fire — is coming off back-toback MVP seasons and is looking to continue to prove he is the best allaround player in TBL.

Also back is 2025 Finals MVP Ricardo Artis II. “Ricky” – as he’s known to the fans – is one of the most entertaining players in TBL with his showmanship matching his level of play.

The Fire also return big men Jay Hedgeman and Isaiah Wade. Both players were key for the Fire last season and will likely take on a greater role this year.

Following a year in Great Falls, Montana, K.D. Moore is back with the Fire for the 2026 season. After spending

2023 and 2024 with the Fire, Moore played for the Great Falls Electric last season and averaged career highs pergame in points (28.9), rebounds (6.6), assists (5.6) and steals (1.6) on his way to being named a TBL All-Star for the first time in his career. Moore’s return gives the Fire another playmaker and scorer that can take over a game on any given night.

On top of those familiar names returning for 2026, the Fire are also adding another 2025 TBL All-Star in Corey Boyd, 2025 TBL Rookie of the Year Cam Williams, 2024 TBL leading scorer Jahmal McMurray, former Los Angeles Clipper and OU basketball star Willie Warren and versatile forward Jeremiah Gilliam.

While the Fire are still finalizing their roster, Coach Dannhoff is confident this team will be ready for the start of the season.

“It’s important for us to understand that anything focused on the past pulls you out of the present and any focus on the future does the exact same,” Dannhoff said. “We need to stay in the present moment; that’s where our attention must be every day. With that being said, I know we will put in the work and position ourselves to succeed. The leadership on this roster is second to none, and if everyone comes in ready to work, we’ll have a chance for another amazing year.”

They begin their 2026 TBL season on March 5 when they host ADS Sentinels inside FireLake Arena.

Tickets for the season opener and all other games are on sale now at potawatomifire.com/ tickets.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

OBU Engineering Program Growth Centerpiece Of Thurmond Hall Reopening

SUBMITTED

BY

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY

Oklahoma Baptist University planned a celebration for the grand re-opening of Thurmond Hall with a ribbon-cutting on March 6, marking a milestone for a rapidly growing engineering program now in just its third year.

Thurmond Hall’s future shaping renewal was driven primarily by the need to house OBU’s expanding electrical and mechanical engineering programs. Though the building sustained some tornado damage on April 19, 2023, the event gave university officials the ability to implement renovations that reflect the continued investment in hands-on engineering education as well as in the Paul Dickinson School of Business’s computer science program and cybersecurity education as part of its Shape the Future campaign.

The engineering program has grown well beyond early projections. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the program enrolled 37 students, far exceeding the projected 12. Enrollment increased to 56 students in 2024-2025, surpassing a

Oklahoma Baptist University will celebrate the grand reopening of Thurmond Hall with a ribbon-cutting at 11:30 a.m. March 6, marking a milestone for a rapidly growing engineering program now in just its third year. — Photos submitted

projection of 40. For the current 2025-2026 academic year, enrollment has reached 84 students, ahead of its projected total of 67.

“We’re not building engineers; we’re building future leaders,” said Chuck Baukal, director of the OBU engineering program.

The renewed Thurmond Hall brings aerospace, engineering, computer science and cybersecurity education together in one space. New features include an Aerolab Educational Wind Tunnel capable of producing wind speeds up to 145 mph. The wind tunnel was generously provided through a collaboration between OBU and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. Thurmond Hall also features

a ground-display Firejet drone built and donated by Kratos Defense.

It will also serve as home to computer science and an exciting new cybersecurity lab designed for hands-on instruction using physical servers, firewalls and routers.

“The renewal of Thurmond Hall reflects OBU’s four institutional pillars,” Baukal said. “The updated facility supports rigorous academics through hands-on engineering, computer science and cybersecurity instruction while fostering a connected and engaged learning environment among students, faculty and industry partners.”

Its applied focus is designed to prepare students for what’s next by equipping them with practical experience tied to growing workforce needs. As part of a faith-forward education, the space also supports OBU’s commitment to developing engineers who approach their work with purpose, integrity and service.

The March 6 ceremony planned to recognize the completion of the Thurmond Hall renewal and its renovation as the latest facility project completed under the Shape the Future campaign.

In October 2025, the venerable Shawnee Hall reopened its doors after a complete overhaul necessitated by tornado damage and long-needed updates and improvement. The

building is home to the Henry F. McCabe Family School of Education, the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the Marriage and Family Therapy program.

It will also serve as the on-campus center of new programs comprised of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology (MS-SLP) and Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies (MMS-PA) as OBU adds these new degrees, which will have a mix of online and inperson immersion components.

Shawnee Hall is also the new home of the OBU admissions team, where they welcome new students, families and guests to Bison Hill.

Raley Chapel — a towering symbol of OBU’s spiritual and cultural commitment — is the next campaign milestone. Raley Chapel has been a cornerstone of OBU campus life since its dedication in 1961. Although the iconic structure withstood the April 2023 tornado, it sustained significant damage, which led to the longest closure of its doors in nearly 62 years.

The restoration of Raley Chapel stands as a powerful symbol of OBU’s resilient spirit and vibrant future.

For more information about OBU’s Shape the Future Campaign, go to okbu.edu/giving/shape-the-future. S

MEDICAL HISTORY

Home-Based Hospitals From Early Days Of Shawnee Still Standing Though Unoccupied

BY ANN MCDONALD, COURTESY POTT CO HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBER

Shawnee has been well served by medical personnel, clinics and hospitals almost since its founding. Once it was decided there was going to be a town at the site where trains crisscrossed, people flocked in and began to build. Bankers, builders, lawyers, business owners and medical professionals arrived and were part of building a new town.

By 1898, there were seven doctors with offices in various buildings. The first location described as a “hospital” was at 312 N. Bell in 1905 when most doctors provided services at patients’ homes.

In 1910, Shawnee citizens used bonds and taxes to begin construction of City Hospital on Center Street.

During that year, Dr. Edward Brooks also came to town with the goal of establishing a hospital to provide medical care for the Black community in Shawnee. He opened a clinic at 122 E. Farrall, and he later began operating an undertaking business.

Research into Shawnee’s early days indicates that Black physicians practiced in the Shawnee area prior to the opening of the 122 E. Farrall facility. Though some of the records do not precisely identify these physicians, it appears they may have been with a group that traveled through this state and possibly others to identify local health needs. This may have helped encourage young physicians like Dr. Brooks to set up practices in locations where they could provide services.

By 1912, Shawnee completed construction of the City Hospital at 126 S. Center.

In 1927, three doctors — Robert Anderson, Frank Carson and J.E. Hughes — partnered to construct a clinic and hospital on 9th Street just west of the Aldridge Hotel. The A.C.H. hospital building remains but is now unoccupied. The doctors there helped establish the Shawnee Medical Center that eventually became today’s SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee.

The City Hospital closed in the early 1950s and moved to the county’s Mission Hill hospital.

Meanwhile, a doctor’s office and hospital continued to serve the Black community at the Farrall Street location. The

In 1910, Dr. Edward Brooks identified a home at 122 E. Farrall St. that could serve as a hospital from which he could serve the Black community among other facilities established in Shawnee around that time. — Photo submitted

two-story house remains today but has been vacant for some time like its 9th Street counterpart that housed the A.C.H. Hospital.

The area around the former Farrall Street hospital has seen much change with the construction of nearby highways connecting to I-40 and Tecumseh. Farrall Street itself now connects to Harrison, and Beard Street just one block east of the former hospital saw a great increase in traffic after the completion of a bridge across the North Canadian River that also helps connect Shawnee to Tecumseh.

The building at 122 E. Farrall that served as a hospital also shows to have been a residence used by Dr. Cosby Elwood Ford and his wife Annie during their time in Shawnee. In 1924, the couple first lived at 810 S. Bell but moved to the large two-story house on Farrall Street that served as a

hospital. There was also a boarder at that address, Londy Menser, who worked as a public school teacher.

Records indicate that Dr. Ford took over the practice founded by Dr. Brooks, and he continued providing care for residents and neighbors near the building that also served as his home.

Dr. Ford was born in 1896 in Webster City, Mississippi and attended the University of Tennessee College of Medicine & Surgery in Memphis. Annie Dolphin and he were married in 1922 in Okemah.

Ford is listed among 31 other physicians in local records from 1930, but he appears to have left Shawnee by 1935 when the family moved to Boley.

After leaving Shawnee, Dr. Ford also worked at the Taft State Hospital. He died of cancer in Muskogee in 1961.

Though the landscape of how Shawnee citizens receive medical care has changed since the early days of the city, there are ample records that show that there have always been medical professionals willing to serve residents who needed them. If inclined, one can still find today some of the places that housed these services and wonder how many lives were improved, preserved, and changed by those practicing in these places of healing. S

NOTE TO SELF

‘Self’ And ‘Us’ May Not Be An Either/Or In Relationships

BY PAULANN CANTY, MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST, MS, LMFT

Paulann Canty is a licensed marriage and family therapist and longtime Shawnee resident whose practice, Growthlines LLC, has decades of experience helping community members with a range of issues. She believes seeking therapy takes courage, and she will be answering questions from the community in the Shawnee Outlook every month. Have a question for Paulann? E-mail your question to editor@shawneeoutlook.com with the subject line, “Ask Paulann.”

Ithink I need to break up with my girlfriend and forget about relationships. It seems like I either have to lose myself completely to focus on her or focus on myself and be completely alone. I care about her, and I also want to be true to myself. I don’t know what to do. — Stuck and confused

Feeling stuck and confused is uncomfortable to say the least, and when we feel uncomfortable, we are at greater risk of making knee jerk reactions.

Reacting reduces thinking time and often leaves us with no resolution and a bigger debris pile. Taking action without adequate time to think is like taking a corner on two wheels because we didn’t slow down. To avoid that outcome, I encourage you to slow down. Pause. Stretch the space between what pushed your button and when you respond. Give yourself the gift of time to think. What if “stuck and confused” come just before the learning curve?

Here are some things to consider at 25 miles per hour:

• Two of the strongest drives humans have are the desire to be a self and the longing to connect with people of our own kind. If we’re not careful, we pit them against each other rather than allowing them to be two parts of a whole. We make being a

self and being a partner an either/or proposition instead of seeing both as an important part of evolving as humans like counter balances that stretch us to grow. Learning to be both a self and a partner pushes us to recognize what is negotiable and nonnegotiable in our life. That clarity helps us know when to prioritize our individual personhood and when to focus on being a part of an “us.” It is a process of being stretched toward becoming a person that manages yourself and engages with others from a place of consistency, accountability and courage.

• It is probably not the first time you have struggled with these conflicting feelings. As humans we tend to repeat patterns of behavior, almost like dance steps. I may experience something as a unique moment, but if I step back for a more panoramic

view, I can see I am doing the same dance in a variety of situations, re sulting in the same outcome – and feeling stuck and confused. What if growing as a person isn’t a one and done project, but an ongoing series of births that seldom hap pen without the discomfort of be ing stretched, pulled and formed? Birth and growth in the world around us suggest that “becom ing” is a cyclical process across time. What if I’m being stretched, not broken? Evolving, not failing?

• We are at risk of assuming that healthy relationships are always smooth. In fact, our primary relationships often look like two people wrapped in sandpaper in a small shared space where all they have to do is move, and they are scratching against one another. They do not intend to do harm, but by just being who they are, that sand ing helps each one become more and more clear about the ways they are willing to grow by changing and when growth means standing firm. The willingness to tolerate that discomfort in order to grow is a sign we are inching our way toward maturity and personal integrity.

March 1-29: The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is proud to host its 6th annual High School Juried Art Exhibition, celebrating the creativity and talent of young artists from across the state at 1900 W. MacArthur. Open to students in grades 9-12, this dynamic showcase provides an unparalleled opportunity for emerging artists to display their work in a professional museum setting and win cash prizes. With a range of artistic styles and mediums, the exhibition highlights the diverse voices and perspectives of the next generation of creators. Information: mgmoa.org

March 6: Nashville recording artist Jason McPhail returns to his central Oklahoma roots with a show starting at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theater at 10 W. Main. Information: facebook.com/theritzofshawnee

March 7: Community Renewal will host its annual We Care-aoke fundraiser with an evening of dinner, drinks, games, karaoke and fun starting at 6 p.m. at the Grand Casino events center at 777 Grand Casino Blvd. Tickets and information: givebutter.com/wecare-aoke2025 or travis@ communityrenewal.org.

March 7: Come support emerging young talent with the recently formed band, The Shawp, featuring up and coming musicians with a love of classic blues and rock. The show starts at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theater at 10 W. Main St. Information: facebook.com/theritzofshawnee

March 11: Join Work Ready Shawnee at the Worklahoma job fair for a chance to meet with local employers and community resources, get a free professional headshot, network with other job seekers and learn how the Work Ready program can support your next step. The event happens 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center’s Avedis Conference Center at 1700 W. Independence. Information: (405) 754-6005 or workreadyoklahoma.com

March 13-14: Join the Community Art Gallery for its annual Spring Fling art show featuring some of the area's best artists and artwork and enjoy activities, demonstrations, and a mallwide gallery walk with specially featured award-winning artists from 10am to 5pm at the Shawnee Mall located at 4901 N. Kickapoo Ave. Information: facebook.com/ShawneeOKArts

March 17: Enjoy pure creative joy with big messes, big imagination and big smiles at Art Mania at Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a free hands-on art program designed for kids and adults with or without any previous art experience.Young artists explore famous artists, experiment with fun techniques, and create their own masterpieces in a welcoming, energetic environment at 1900 W. MacArthur. Information: mgmoa.org

March 19: The Third Thursday Poetry Reading welcomes the multi-talented Janice-Francis Smith, current Managing Editor of Oklahoma City's Black Chronicle newspaper. She has widely published and performed her poetry and songs. She has recorded five albums of her award-winning music. She is co-coordinator of the Last Sunday poetry readings at the Full Circle bookstore in OKC. The reading will begin at 7 p.m. at the Lunch Box at 217 E. Main St. followed by an >

open mic session for attendees to read up to two poems of their own or from a favorite poet. The Lunch Box will have desserts and drinks available.

March 20: Death by Magic presented by John Shack is a highenergy, interactive magic murder mystery where the tricks are impossible, the comedy is relentless and the audience becomes part of the crime. The night begins with three jaw-dropping magic performances, but after intermission everything changes when a magician’s assistant is murdered, clues appear out of thin air and audience members become suspects and investigators to determine the culprit. The mystery begins at 7:30 p.m. at Sarkey’s Performing Arts Center at 1900 W. MacArthur. Information: www.ticketstorm.com/e/32418/t

March 26: Join Shawnee Educational Foundation for an inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating local educators and supporting them through the organization’s annual fundraising banquet, featuring The Art of Education theme. Creativity, imagination and heart will be honored as proceeds from the banquet support classroom grants for Shawnee, Grove, Pleasant Grove and South Rock Creek schools, which received more than $33,000 in grants from the foundation in 2025. Information: givebutter.com/vWh4Xp

March 28: Community Renewal's Easter Block Party will feature an egg hunt, music, free food, games and prizes 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Boy Scout Park at 1400 E Main St. Churches interested in getting involved can email michael@communityrenewal.org. Information: communityrenewal.org/home

March 28: Enjoy a night of country, classic rock and soul when Ross Clayton and Auston Dixon take the stage with a show starting at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theater at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzshawnee.com

April 1: The annual Kiwanis Pancake Feed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center at 1700 W. Independence serves as a heartwarming gathering that fosters fellowship within our community and plays a vital role in supporting the children of our community. Information: shawneeokkiwanis.org

April 3: Songwriter Night @ Music Unlimited is back with a collection of featured artists every month starting at 7 p.m. at 1109 W. Kickapoo Spur. Information: www.mu1978.com

April 5: Locomotive Operators of Central Oklahoma will host its monthly public run 1-4 p.m. at 29626 Lake Drive in McLoud. Ride the rails on powered ⅛-scale locomotives right outside of Shawnee Twin Lakes. Information: locotrains.org

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April 10: Get ready to dance and shout with us at Glow in the Dark Boogie Bingo at 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 16 at 522 W. Saratoga. Benefitting Worrel's Haven sober living homes, this night of fun mixes the classic thrills of bingo with groovy beats and a glow theme. Dancing is not mandatory but definitely encouraged. Information: facebook.com/ WorrelsHaven

April 11: Bring the kiddos to Touch-A-Truck and Beyond from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Raymond Peltier Park at 1702 S. Gordon Cooper to get a chance to get up close to some of their favorite big vehicles, ask questions, visit booths and learn all about emergency preparedness in this free familyfriendly event presented by the Pottawatomie County & Citizen Potawatomi Nations' emergency management teams. Information: facebook.com/PottCoOEM

April 13: Prolific songwriter Jackson Taylor with special guest Temple202 take the stage with a show starting at 8 p.m. at the Historic Ritz Theater at 10 W. Main St. Information: ritzshawnee.com

If you know of any events you would like to see featured, email editor@shawneeoutlook.com.