The Scoop Oct. 11, 2008

Kim Rawls, who helps coordinate and is a mainstay in the annual March of Dimes Walk, tells me that wonderful weather and a great cause brought many walkers to Woodland Park two weeks ago today for the annual fund raiser in Shawnee. 
To date, the walk has generated $35,000 in revenue with money still coming in.
Kim says there were four preemies leading the walk, including Catie Clovis, Karter and Kolton Ipock and Jax Birth. The ambassador family consisted of Darrah and Zack Birth and Jax Easton Birth was the ambassador child for this year’s event.
Darrah and Zack Birth visited with the group as well.
Rep. Kris Steele, honorary chairman, welcomed the walkers.
Several local companies helped sponsor the Saturday morning breakfast, including the Sonic, Starbucks and Hiland. A representative from All American Fitness, and soccer players from St. Gregory’s University warmed-up the participants prior to the walk.
Kim tells me that Jimmy Criswell sang the National Anthem. After the walk, the team awards were given along with numerous door prizes. The top three teams were First United Bank, raising $7,000; Shawnee Medical Center Clinic, $6,569 and Arvest Bank which raised $4,243. The top three team captains were awarded with prizes. Kim, of Arvest Bank, was the top adult walker raising $2,180.00.   
Local committee members included Ryan Walters and Natalie Walck of St. Gregory’s; Peggy Rider of BancFirst, Kim Steen of Shawnee Medical Center Clinic. Gold sponsors were: Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Eaton, First United Bank, Shawnee Medical Center Clinic and First National Bank. Silver sponsors were: Unity Health Center, Pottawatomie Telephone Co., BancFirst, Arvest Bank, Three Buddies BBQ, Vision Bank and Sonic. 
Kim says the local committee thanks Rep. Steele for the job he did while serving as honorary chairman. Kris spoke at Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Club to help promote community awareness of this charity.
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Shawnee Mayor Chuck Mills has declared this week, Oct. 13–18, as “The City of Shawnee Main Street Week.”
Ronda White, executive director of Downtown Shawnee Inc., said that the Downtown Shawnee Main Street Program has made a tangible difference. “Since our program began in June of 1989, more than 250 buildings have been rehabilitated, over $29 million have been reinvested and more than 470 jobs have been created,” White said.
Downtown Shawnee Inc. Main Street Program is one of 43 Oklahoma communities and five urban districts actively participating in the Oklahoma Main Street Program.
According to information provided by White, Mills said community volunteers have made all the difference. “Numerous volunteers have spent countless hours working to preserve our downtown as the heart of the community,” the mayor said.
Statewide, Gov. Brad Henry indicates more than $639 million have been invested in Oklahoma’s Main Street downtowns, White said. White also noted that the governor pointed to more than 11,600 new jobs have been created and more than 3,700 businesses have started or expanded across the state thanks to the efforts of community volunteers who have taken back their downtowns.
The Main Street Program is a nationally recognized model for revitalizing historic downtowns and neighborhood business districts. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has provided training and technical assistance to participating programs since 1986 using the proven Main Street Four Point Approach® that emphasizes Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring. 
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This is a reminder about the third annual Community Health Fair being held today at the Bethel United Methodist Church. The fair is free to the public and it’s open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Activities Building. The church is located at 35500 Hardesty Road.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute will have a blood drive during the fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Organizers says that flu shots will be given from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. that day and pneumonia shots also will be available.
For more information, you may call 273-1205 and ask for Ann or leave a message if she is not available.
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We had a reader who wants to thank the Sac and Fox Casino for listening in person as well as the News-Star’s blog for the stop signs exiting onto Westech Road from the casino’s drive. The reader urges people to drive safely, noting “our children depend on us to protect them.”
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If you have ideas or something of interest for this column, please call me at 214-3922 or e-mail me at michael.mccormick@news-star.com, but please include your name and a phone number for contact purposes.