Edmond Outlook JULY2010

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22 departments

features

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ARTS & Entertainment For the Fallen

26 Seven Days in Ethiopia

Edmond Mom Tells Her Story

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Letters from Louise Celebrate Life!

28 On the Tip of Her Toes

Young Ballerina Heads to New York City

10 Sports

2010 Worlds Sitting Volleyball

31 Shopping Guide

Summer Sensations

12 Best of Edmond

Tribble’s Driving School &

Homestead Construction

32 CASA: A Voice for Children

Court Appointed Child Advocates

15 Dining Guide

Chuck House

Follow Us On Twitter

18 Home & Garden

Overhaul Your Man Cave

Become a Fan on Facebook

22 FINE LIVING

Dog Days of Summer 24 Health & Fitness

Age is Just a Number 30 Around Town

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Publisher

Dave Miller

Operations Manager

Stacy Brasher

Production Manager

Joshua Hatfield

Advertising Director

Krystal Harlow

Art Director

Advertising Sales

Laura Beam JR Ross

Production Design

Chad Phillips

Managing Editor

Photography

Writers

Distribution

Edmond Outlook

Joshua Hatfield

Rebecca Vidacovich Randall Green Chad Phillips Radina Gigova Krystal Harlow Louise Tucker Jones Rebecca Vidacovich Lindsay Whelchel Nathan Winfrey Mindy Wood The Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct mail to 50,000 Edmond homes and businesses.

Additional copies available at the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau, & Back40 Design office.

13431 N. Broadway Ext., Suite 104 Oklahoma City, OK 73114 405-341-5599 Fax: 405-341-2020 Website: www.edmondoutlook.com E-mail: info@edmondoutlook.com

To Advertise Call 341-5599

Design Group www.back40design.com (Volume 6, Number 7) Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. © 2010 Back40 Design, Inc. Articles and advertisements in Edmond Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Back40 Design. Back40 Design does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by Edmond Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Edmond Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

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A rts & Entertainment

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ith a melodic hard rock sound and a vocal-centric aesthetic, For the Fallen channels legends like Breaking Benjamin and Chevelle, while maintaining a style that is distinctively their own.

“We have pretty heavy riffs and breakdowns, but with words you can understand, which is hard to find nowadays,” said bassist Nate Adams, a UCO graduate.

“There aren’t really any words to express how it feels to be on stage, performing for people, and to see them enjoying your music."

Formed in 2006, the local four-piece has made an impression on audiences and repeatedly wowed battle of the bands judges. They’ve made it into 94.7 The Buzz’s March Bandness, placed third at Shawnee’s Sac and Fox Casino competition last year and

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by Nathan Winfrey rose to the Sweet 16 in this year’s 100.5 The KATT’s Band Beatdown.

For the Fallen has also enjoyed continued radio play on the KATT since the concert. “It’s a really good feeling when people call to tell you they heard your song on the radio,” said singer Tyler Corr, Edmond resident and UCO graduate.

In addition to Corr and Adams, members of the band include guitarist Nic Ysiano and drummer Joe Cantrell, also an Edmond resident.

Ysiano is originally from California. He traces his own musical interest back to his late father who was a musician. He started off with the cello, moved to bass and finally to the guitar, which became his focus.

Cantrell was born in Anadarko and has been drumming since a very young age.

For the Fallen began with only three members – a rhythm guitarist, bassist and drummer. Corr joined to take on vocals. Adams and Ysiano joined as other members cycled out. “That’s where we are today, and we don’t plan on changing anything,” Corr says.

Off the stage, Corr has a great interest in adventure and the outdoors. Originally from Chickasha, he fronts the band with a strong voice and high energy.

Adams grew up in Stillwell before moving to Edmond. He has been playing bass guitar since eighth

grade and dabbles in a variety of other instruments, including the ukulele.

The band partially recorded a six-track extended play (EP) in 2009, but due to lineup changes, they started over from scratch. They hope the debut album, Until the Lost Becomes Found, will be released by the end of the summer. The CD will feature old tracks recorded with the new roster, as well as brand new songs written collaboratively by the foursome.

“We are currently writing new material and we hope to get into the studio as soon as possible,” Cantrell says.

“Lyrically, we cover a lot of bases, but overall, our songs have a pretty positive meaning,” said Adams. “Some are about overcoming obstacles and dealing with hurt. Others are about just doing your own thing no matter what. There is a lot of feeling behind our words with how Tyler sings them, and I think that’s what people enjoy about our music.”

“Most of the songs come from past experiences,” Corr says. “We like to sing about stuff that people can relate to. We’re tired of hearing bands you can’t understand the lyrics to.”

While the band works on the CD, they will continue to do what they love most. “We just love playing rock music and writing music that others can relate to and enjoy,” Adams says. “We’ll pretty much play anywhere because we love to do it and get our music out there.”

“There aren’t really any words to express how it feels to be on stage, performing for people, and to see them enjoying your music,” Corr says. “Hard work goes into everything, and support from fans really helps.”

Relatable, meaningful lyrics drive For the Fallen, as they strive to write songs that not only entertain, but convey something important. They’re a pure rock band that loves the songs they play, and hope listeners take something away from the experience.

To learn more about For the Fallen or hear their music, visit www.myspace.com/forthefallenrocks.

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13431 N. Broadway Ext, STE 104 • Oklahoma City, OK 73114

L etters from Louise

H

by Louise Tucker Jones

ard to believe that half of 2010 has passed. Some highly organized people are probably already shopping for Christmas. Thanks, but no thanks on that. Being a procrastinator, I will wait until I feel the icy blasts of cold weather and winter snow before I hit the malls.

So far, this year has been filled with extremes—good/bad, happy/sad, fun/fearful. The first part of the year brought a trip to the ER and ICU for me, followed by a reflective time of healing. The following months, two of my children celebrated birthdays. We had a major celebration for our youngest, the child doctor’s never expected to live into adolescence. Jay turned 34! A miracle! And his older brother, Aaron, passed 40!

Singing “Happy Birthday” to these grown sons reminded me of the lullabies I sang to them when they were babies. Where did the time go?

In May, our family gathered in beautiful Bella Vista, Arkansas, where we celebrated my granddaughter’s 5th birthday as well as Mother’s Day. What a precious gift to be with my sons, husband, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, Alexandria and Axton, on such a special day.

However, on the trip home that following Monday, we ran into the outreaching sphere of a violent storm. Less than an hour from home, we found ourselves in the path of a tornado.

If we didn’t get off the highway, we would collide. We were able to exit I-40 to Shawnee and take shelter at the Comfort Inn, a welcome respite from the strong winds that nearly blew our van off the highway.

The hotel staff welcomed us and other travelers to the safety of a mattress-lined hallway, then after the storm, invited us for free coffee, donuts and juice while we waited for the interstate to open. What gracious Oklahoma hospitality!

It was late when we finally got home, nearly eight hours after leaving Bella Vista, rather than the projected four, but we

were a thankful crew. Thankful for protection from the storm.

Thankful to finally relax in our own home, yet sad for those who lost everything, even their lives.

Just ten days later, on another stormy day in May, my 19-year-old granddaughter, Monica, gave birth to my first great-grandchild, Jaylen Dale Hervey. While holding this 6 pound, 12 ounce bundle from heaven, God reminded me again that life can and does follow tragedy in all kinds of storms and it is always precious.

And now with July upon us, my thoughts turn to parades, firecrackers and homemade ice cream. It reminds me that life is always a celebration, in spite of the hard times we face.

So many things to look forward to this summer—vacations, high school and family reunions, more birthdays and summer festivities. Yet, in the midst of these happy times will be bittersweet things like my middle son’s 37th birthday. Instead of a party, I will be putting birthday balloons on his grave and releasing a shiny helium-filled one toward heaven with a message that reads, “Travis, I Love You!” A different kind of celebration.

In this changeable and sometimes scary economic and social climate, where jobs are at stake, homes are lost and tragedies take the lives of loved ones, we can easily forget to thank God for the good things in our lives.

Things like a country where we still have the freedom to voice our opinions and worship as we please. Things like wonderful neighbors, great friends and precious family members who love us deeply.

I invite you to make your own “thankful” list. Then as the fireworks explode on Independence Day, count it as your own grand gala. Dance to the music in your heart. Rejoice with the song in your soul and sing the lyrics of life. Celebrate!

Celebrate life! Celebrate freedom! Celebrate the birthday of our country!

God bless you and God bless America!

“It reminds me that life is always a celebration, in spite of the hard times we face."

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about the author Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author and inspirational speaker.

Author and co-author of four books, her work has been featured in numerous publications. Mother of four and grandmother of four, Louise resides in Edmond with her husband, Carl and son, Jay. Contact her at: LouiseTJ@cox.net or www.LouiseTuckerJones.com.

Friends of Louise, Pam & Del Humphreys and Mary Lou Schwada, helped celebrate Jay’s Birthday at Johnnie’s.

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13431 N. Broadway Ext, STE 104 • Oklahoma City, OK 73114

by Mindy Wood

O

n July 10, UCO will host the 2010 Worlds Sitting Volleyball Championship games. For a university that regularly meets the needs of athletes with physical impairments, it seems only fitting that they would enjoy the honor.

The university is home to the Endeavor Games and is a Paralympic Training Site, designated in 2005 by the U.S. Paralympics. The honor of hosting the world tournament is especially meaningful to Mark Herrin, Assistant Vice President of Wellness and Sport. He remembers how one conversation started it all.

In 2002, Herrin was head coach for the women’s volleyball team while his assistant coach, Bill Hamiter, was working with a sitting volleyball team. Every month, Hamiter took them to the Colorado Springs Paralympic Training Site to practice.

“It was a huge burden for him to travel out there, and really in order for the team to be successful they needed to practice more,” said Herrin. “The program needed a home. Bill said, ‘do you think UCO would be interested in housing the paralympic volleyball program?’ I told him, ‘you never know, anything’s possible’.”

Over the next few years, Herrin accepted the task of launching the Wellness Center and became the Director. Shortly after, they began plans to host

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“When you’re part of something from the beginning and you see it grow, you become attached and personally invested into it.” the Endeavor Games. Herrin was thrilled when the sports group who owned the Endeavor Games accepted his invitation to house their offices in the Wellness Center. A few years later, they were courting the U.S. Paralympics.

Planning a world sized event doesn’t happen overnight. “We knew about it three years ago and started planning then,” said Herrin. “There are multiple layers to putting on this event. We created a number of key committees for food services, safety and security, medical services, just to name a few. Each group had a plan and worked to stay within budget.

We did a lot of fundraising so we worked to bring on a lot of corporate sponsors.”

When organizing an international event of this magnitude, considerations have to be given to cul-

tural differences, language barriers and national tensions between warring countries. Catering needs to be taken into consideration when planning meals for international tastes.

Herrin believes hosting the event is a compliment to the Edmond community. “For Edmond, we’ve always touted ourselves as the sports capital of Oklahoma and this is just another piece of that, which frankly no one else has,” he said. “We’re unique in that respect because few communities in the nation can boast that they have as comprehensive a program as we have here. We’re the only university in the U.S. that is an Olympic Training Site. Without question, it’s an honor to be associated with that group.”

For Herrin and his team at the Wellness Center, their work is deeply seated in their hearts as they watch their athletes succeed.

“When you’re part of something from the beginning and you see it grow, you become attached and personally invested into it. They know we’re all in this together to help them succeed,” Herrin said. “The bottom line is we’re affecting lives. UCO’s been doing that for over 100 years as a university, but we’ve been able to reach out to another group in a way that no other university can and impact their lives.”

Watch UCO’s athletes take the world stage July 10 through the 18. For tickets or more information, visit www.2010worlds.com.

Go Mobile or Go Home UCO’s

2010 Sitting Volleyball Team

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13431 N. Broadway Ext, STE 104 • Oklahoma City, OK 73114

Best of Edmond

by Rebecca Vidacovich

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uss Tribble has been teaching area residents how to drive since 1978.

A former high school coach and driving instructor, Tribble now owns Tribble’s Driving School in Edmond. He says the best part of his job is that he’s teaching life skills.

“It’s not something they’re going to study for and forget; they’ll use what they learn here for the rest of their life.”

Like many driving schools, Tribble’s course satisfies the state mandated requirements, but what makes his class stand out from the rest is his OSBE certified accreditation and personal attention. “I handle all the class work and all the driving so no one gets mixed messages,” he said. “I’m the Lone Ranger.”

Tribble is certified with the Oklahoma State Board of Education, which means he is certified with the school board to teach drivers education. “It’s an accreditation that few in the private sector can claim,” Tribble said. “It requires 24 college credit hours, which is three times the number of hours required for private driving school accreditation.”

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His course allows teens to get their license six months earlier and provides a discount on car insurance, which he says will easily pay for the class. Tribble offers classes for international students, and Spanish classes will soon be available. He can also schedule an appointment for the driving exam - eliminating the long waiting line.

One of Tribble’s fondest memories is from his time coaching and teaching driver’s education to special needs students at UCO. “I’ve always felt special needs kids were protected by their parents,” Tribble said. “They go from an extremely guarded environment to driving down the highway. It was a most liberating experience for them - you talk about a big smile on their faces!”

Tribble taught Kate Kuleshov, wife of famous pianist Valery Kuleshov, how to drive. “She acted just like a teenager – very excited to learn to drive,” he said.

An avid biker, Tribble owned a bicycle shop before opening Tribble’s Driving School in 1998. He still enjoys restoring old bicycles and even took a train ride up to Oregon to custom make his own bicycle.

Russ Tribble,

Tribble’s Driving School

In addition to riding and restoring bicycles, Tribble teaches recreation education at Summit Middle School and is a chess club sponsor. He also teaches “yoga for old fat guys,” he jokes. “You don’t have to be old, fat or a guy to join. We are inclusive of all...even imperfect bodies.”

To enroll in Tribble’s Driving School, call 3412984 or visit www.tribblesdrivingschool.com.

by Rebecca Vidacovich

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cott Lubert’s passion for the construction industry started when he was old enough to swing a hammer and climb a tree. He built his first tree house at the age of nine and has been designing and building things with his hands ever since.

As the owner of Homestead Construction, Lubert now provides roofing, remodeling, restoration and general contracting services. His company specializes in roofing, but they can take care of anything from room additions, kitchen and bath remodels, outdoor kitchens, flooring, painting, plumbing, electrical, fencing and more. “We are a one stop shop,” said Lubert. “There’s no job that’s too big or too small.”

After more than 10 years in the insurance industry, Lubert decided to trade-in his suit and tie to pursue his dream of starting his own construction business. Naming the company after the street he grew up on, Lubert launched Homestead Construction in 2008.

“It was a huge leap of faith,” Lubert says. “I wake up every morning knowing I get to do what I love do-

ing. I don’t think there’s a lot of people who can wake up and say they love what they do.”

According to Lubert, the biggest hurdle of owning a construction business is trying to overcome the stigma that construction companies carry. “A lot of people have had a bad experience or heard of a bad experience,” he says. “I know they won’t have that with me. I don’t like not being able to meet someone’s expectations. I think people know that in the end.”

With a construction education from the University of Kansas and background in remodeling, it was the years of processing weather damage claims and working with policy holders where Lubert learned the importance of customer service.

“My philosophy is that my ad budget is referrals,” Lubert said. “I spend my time and energy in making the customer satisfied. They‘ll tell a friend or a neighbor. That’s where I try to invest my resources. It’s about taking care of the customer so that they’ll turn around and tell people about the positive experience they had with our company.”

With two children and another one on the way, Lubert says the biggest job he has is the responsibil-

Scott Lubert,

Homestead Construction

ity of being a parent. “Raising my children to become good, Christian adults comes first in everything I do. I spend as much time with the family as I can. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

You can reach Scott Lubert with Homestead Construction at www.homesteadconstructionok.com or 514-9456. “I’m here, we’re growing and life is fun and exciting every day.”

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Dining Guide

by Rebecca Vidacovich

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ith a claim like, “home of the best chicken fry in the universe,” you’d expect to find some pretty tasty clucks at Chuck House.

“Chicken fried steak and chicken is 70% of our business,” said Jay Thurber, owner of Chuck House in Edmond. “We use fresh meat - never frozen – and its hand-breaded.”

The chicken fried steak dinner is made with 1/4 pound real beefsteak, breaded with their original steak breading and deep fried. It’s smothered in creamy gravy, served with Texas toast and a choice of french fries, mashed potatoes or a baked potato.

In addition to their chicken fry, Chuck House also makes their ranch and house salad dressings from scratch. “It’s a labor intensive business,” Thurber says.

“It’s getting harder and harder to find restaurants that make food from scratch.”

Chuck House is frequently adding new menu items. Thurber says management will often review the menu and try to find 10% that isn’t selling, remove it and add new items to give their customers a variety.

“In the near future we’ll be adding fried green tomatoes and fried pickles,” Thurber said. “We’re experimenting with wraps, such as chicken fried steak or chicken cut into strips. We’re trying different items that we can put in wraps - graded squash is testing really well.”

Other delicious items on the menu include the Fish Platter, Boneless Chicken Strip Dinner, Hickory Burger, B.L.T. and more.

Thurber’s parents started the Chuck House restaurants in the 70’s. After graduating from OSU in the 80’s, he went to work for the family business, “It was going to be temporary, but I found out that I

Jay Thurber,

Chuck House

really liked it.” Soon after he began work, his brothers followed suit.

“I enjoy my employees,” Thurber said. “I feel like their job is to put my customers first, and my job is to put my employees first. I get to meet a whole lot of people every day and I enjoy interacting with them and talking with them.”

Stop by Chuck House in Edmond at 700 S. Broadway, or in Oklahoma City at 4430 N.W. 10th St. or at their third location in Midwest City, at 2400 Midwest Blvd.

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D ining Guide

peace, love &

by Krystal Harlow

“There’s no disgrace in getting sauce on your face.”

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Earl’s Rib Palace has been voted Best Barbecue in Oklahoma for the past 10 years. Start with Earl’s delicious wings, available in two temperatures – Smoldering Prairie Fire or Third Degree Burn.

Then choose from an array of slow-smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, turkey, chicken or hot links.

Their tasty side dishes include seasoned curly fries, baked beans, potato salad and the always popular fried okra. Wash it all down with an ice cold beer, lemonade or sweet tea. You’ll find Earl’s Rib Palace at 2121 S. Broadway in Edmond, Monday Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Billy Sims is Oklahoma barbecue with a Sooner attitude. Try The Heisman, your choice of chopped brisket or pulled pork piled high with a slice of bologna and hot link, or The Triple 20 which is pulled pork drizzled with Billy’s Secret Sauce and topped with coleslaw and provolone. You won’t find anything fried on this menu. Instead, try Billy’s smoked corn on the cob, fresh potato salad or the Sooner Slaw. Call in your order and pick it up at the drive thru, 562-1330. Or, stop in for a bite at 924 W. Edmond Rd. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’s not just barbecue, it’s Boomer-Q!

The Rib Crib BBQ and Grill has an extensive menu which includes their signature ribs in three different flavors – Original Dry-Rubbed, Sweet and Sticky and their new Spicy Carolina, which is basted and seared in a vinegar-based hot mustard sauce. The pulled pork is slow-smoked, seasoned and hand-pulled to order. Or try their golden Crib-spiced catfish served on seasoned fries with fresh made coleslaw. The CribFire Burger is a great choice, complete with a crispy onion ring, fire-grilled beef patty, spicy split hotlink basted with barbecue sauce and finished with cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. The Rib Crib is located at 2601 S. Broadway.

Steve’s Rib & Sports Grill has long been a local favorite for tremendous fall-off-the-bone ribs that remain so moist they don’t even need sauce. Watch the game on one of their many TVs or sit outside and enjoy the patio. Try Steve’s Stacker, a juicy brisket and polish sausage sandwich with a side of steak fries. Or drop by for one of Steve’s great lunch specials; a delicious sandwich, side of your choice, homemade cobbler or brownie and a soft drink - all for under $10. Steve’s Rib is open Monday - Thursday 11a.m. - 9p.m., Friday & Saturday 11a.m. - 10p.m., Sunday 11a.m. - 8p.m. located at 1801 W. Edmond Rd (between Kelly and Santa Fe on Edmond Rd.)

Barbecuing at home? How about grilling some local beef from Epicurian’s Pantry? Season with bourbon pepper and espresso rub and prepare on a Himalayan Salt Block and then finish it with Raclette cheese melted on a Barbeclette and grilled vegetables. Epicurean’s Pantry has it all - seasonings, sauces and spices as well as imported and domestic cheeses, fresh pressed olive oils and unique cookware. Don’t miss their 1 year Anniversary Party Saturday, July 17th from 1-5 p.m. featuring local artists, live music, food samples, and great sales.

RSVP for a free gift by calling 471-5777! Located at 1333 N. Santa Fe.

3 Off Lunch $5 Off Dinner $

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H ome & Garden

by Rebecca Vidacovich

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t’s comforting to have a special area in your home to call your own – the room where you can relax and be surrounded by things you love.

Many men fondly refer to this room as their “Man Cave,” filled with special items like that homerun ball you caught, the mounted deer head from a youthful hunting trip and your old record collection. Not to mention the first lamp you ever purchased as an adult, your antique ammunition collection and the football from your game-winning touchdown. These all hold special memories that make your space more enjoyable.

Unfortunately, one man’s “memory” can be a wife’s irritation. If your Man Cave looks like a cluttered and disorganized mess, it can be difficult to convey the importance of these items to other family members in your household. Tastefully showcasing your prized belongings to look as treasured as you feel they are could be the key to achieving a more peaceful family life.

Here’s to taking the man cave up a notch.

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f you have a large collection of memorabilia that’s lying around the house, banned to a closet or sitting in storage, consider displaying the best pieces in a lighted hutch. Open shelves will keep your items looking attractive, while the cabinets will hide any unsightly messes. A cherry finish with nickel hardware will portray the masculine look you’re going for in your home office or study. You can find this 62” Easton hutch at Haggards Fine Furniture located at 3415 N. May in Oklahoma City.

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ive your old high school and college yearbooks an appropriate surrounding, sandwiched between two sophisticated football player bookends. The rich gold of this set will add elegance to your room and blend right in with your old trophies. You can find these bookends at Elks Ally, located at 1201 S. Broadway.

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eplace your aged college dorm chair with a stylish and comfortable Eames lounge chair and ottoman. Perfect for a study, this classic design from 1956 oozes with luxury and sophistication. Companies like Herman-Miller are using rich grain veneers made from sustainably managed forests and recycled materials to modernize this mid-century design. This Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is available from Herman-Miller or through Workplace Resources by calling (405) 752-9696, or by visiting their location at 13431 Broadway Extension.

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or many golfers, heaven is on the green.

Lighten up your study by bringing a piece of the golfing experience home with a soft lamp. You’ll reminisce those triumphant shots through gloomy winter months and after dark when you’re unable to escape to the course.

Stop by Elk’s Ally at 1201 S. Broadway to see more sportsmen’s lamps.

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Continued from page 19

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ntertaining your best buds in the family kitchen might not be your ideal spot for relaxing with the guys and throwing back a few. Kids running through the house and your wife’s floral decor doesn’t exactly convey a strong sense of masculinity. Get the same kitchen effect in your Man Cave with a free-standing bar equipped with a refrigerator cavity, shelving, wine chillers, dry sink, glassware rack and bar top. Perfect for your game room, this Madison bar is on display at Amini’s Galleria at 6627 N.W. Expressway.

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f your knick knacks, sports cards, game photos and team flags are shoved in a drawer somewhere, a professional framing job will do wonders for your forgotten memorabilia. The special jersey and scattered collection of small mementos, like ticket stubs will look unified in a contemporary frame. These two pieces were framed at the Framin Gallery at 416 W. 15th Street.

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ost men would define paradise as a comfy couch and a big screen TV. If those beat-up guest chairs and that outdated couch from your bachelor days aren’t cutting it anymore, update the seating in your TV room with some sleek theater recliners.

Leather will resist stains and large cup holders with removable inserts will add to your total comfort. Try out these theater chairs at Amini’s Galleria, located at 6627 N.W. Expressway.

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F ine Living

by Mindy Wood

M

ove over Beverly Hills Chihuahua, there’s a Rodeo Drive for pets in Edmond that rivals any posh pet boutique in California. Edmond dogs are lapping up the good life with daycare centers and spa resorts designed to indulge the most pampered pets.

Max and Elsie’s Pet Resort and Spa Boutique caters to dog owners who enjoy pampering their pet with high-end services. For smaller breeds under 35 pounds, Max and Elsie’s provides the ultimate in grooming, everything from facials to shampoo massages.

Owner, Crystal Yascavage said pets start the day off with spa treatments, like the blueberry facial. “It brightens the white of a dog’s face, removing any stains around the eyes caused by bacteria. It’s also

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an aromatherapy.” Other dogs enjoy a deep shampoo massage or the “Furminator” treatment, which drastically reduces shedding. Then it’s off to a lively play session, a frozen treat and naptime in one of their themed suites.

“We have a play area that encourages agility with tennis or large balls and other toys. They’re exhausted by naptime and lights out is at 6:30 pm. Classical music really soothes them,” said Yascavage.

As owners become more educated about the science of a dog’s life, many are turning to these luxury facilities to make their dog a better behaved pet. According to local experts, man’s best friend has many of the same needs as humans. Fulfilling their need for socialization, exercise, and a proper diet makes them better pets, while high end treatments like facials and

massages endear them to their owners and handlers.

According to Camp Bow Wow owners, Kevin and Lauree Houghlan, pets become like children to the sensitive owner with an empty nest. The most common reason owners bring in their treasured best friend to Camp Bow Wow is that hardworking owners do not want to return home to a hyper, under stimulated dog left home alone.

“A lot of two income families don’t have children and they bring them to us so their dog will be tired

Playground

area at Camp Bow Wow

at night,” said Houghlan. “They eat better and sleep better, but the main benefit is the way socialization makes them a better dog.”

“Dogs can have a bad day and get cranky, especially when they’re tired,” said Houghlan. “You see a lot of the same tendencies in dogs as in people.”

Both Houghlan and Yascavage agree that dogs are calmer, more social and less likely to be overweight, even for older pets. Their services are in high demand, with both facilities keeping a waiting list up to four

weeks, especially during summer when overnight care is frequently needed.

Owners who don’t want to make the trip to a pet care facility opt for in-home services. Pet Talk owner, Jim LePree will feed and play with your dog at home and even collect the newspaper and water the house plants. He visits up to three times a day and said the intimate, familiar setting creates a bond between caretaker and pet while providing a better day for pets than a kennel cage.

“I tell people it’s my job, but it’s really a pleasure because they’re all looking forward to seeing me, wagging their tales and ready to play,” said LePree. “After I meet the animal with the owners and observe their behavior and moods, they usually recognize me by the second visit. Once I break the ice with them and they know I care about them, it turns into something really nice.” Mostly servicing older pets and small dogs, he frequently cares for the famous family-friendly breed, Golden Retrievers.

Both dog lovers and professional caregivers agree that dogs are smarter than most people realize and their needs are not so different from our own.

“Their society and realm may be different than ours,” said LePree, “but those two worlds come together with the awareness of love and care.” For these dogs and their owners, there is little doubt about how much love and care they deserve.

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H ealth & Fitness

by Radina Gigova

S

earching for the much sought-after “fountain of youth” has exhausted the resources of countless pioneers in hopes of delaying the inevitable. Efforts have proven to be futile. Aging is an unavoidable fact of life that we all must face.

As we advance into older age, it’s essential to know what to expect out of our bodies. Researchers and doctors agree that even though genes play a significant role in a person’s overall health status, daily choices like diet, exercise and reducing stress are crucial factors in living a long and healthy life.

“The number one thing is to realize that your body is the framework, it is very much like a building,” says Edmond health educator Sherry Ross, owner of Sherry’s Drug. “If you don’t maintain the internal structure of the building, you age faster.”

The main reason for aging is the decreasing levels of different hormones in our bodies, Ross says. Men age slower than women as they continue to manu-

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facture testosterone, even into their 80s. Women on the other hand, start loosing significant amounts of hormones, especially after menopause, and therefore age quicker.

Ross recommends testing hormonal levels in your 20s or 30s, rather than later in life. This gives a person a better idea of what their natural levels are, and some may even consider hormone replacement therapy.

Scientists have observed that a person’s cells age at different rates, and as a result they make a distinction between chronological and biological age. One of the best ways to positively impact your biological age is through diet.

Michele Menzel, doctor of naturopathy at Energetic Wellness, says to avoid refined, processed, dead or devitalized foods. White flour products, white sugar products (including artificial sweeteners), high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil and dairy products that have hormones and antibiotics should also be avoided.

“Whatever the condition is, you have to go back to what you put in your body,” says Dr. Menzel. A well-balanced body will have energy and vitality well into old age.

Another means to restoring the internal balance is to eliminate stress, Menzel says. “If we solve our problems, then we don’t bring the stress over to the next day.”

Dr. Kamla Knight, chiropractor at Knight Wellness says to take care of health issues as they occur, rather than at an older age when it’s more difficult. As metabolism slows down in the late 30s and 40s, the result is weight gain, which affects joints.

“Basically your health is really in your hands,” said Dr. Knight.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), technology and science advances have increased life expectancy around the world. They estimate the 2 billion people who are 60 and older will be alive in 2050. Researchers say most of the disability associated with elderly adults is the conse-

We can really slow the aging process with the choices that we make on a daily basis. quence of preventable chronic diseases rather than aging itself.

Health promotion throughout the lifespan is essential to healthy development and affects all areas of the human body, including eyesight and hearing.

Other than age, hearing loss among people in their 60s and 70s often occurs from not using hearing protection at work. “In that generation, we have a lot of noise-induced loss because it was before there were guidelines in the work environment,” said Dr. Leslie Te, audiologist with Fine Hearing Care.

“Wearing hearing aids can actually slow down the deterioration process.”

A short, loud sound, like a gunshot next to the ear, could be as damaging as prolonged noise from a concert that lasts several hours, Dr. Te says.

While loud noises will often impair hearing, overexposure to the sun can harm eyesight. Dr. Julie Moore with Premier Eye Care says people should be careful with the sun and always wear 100 percent UV protection glasses to prevent damage to the eyes.

Regular eye exercises are always a good idea, especially for people who spend a lot of time in front of computer screens. “Look at something that is 20 feet away every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, and it relaxes the focusing system,” says Moore.

Even if you don’t have vision problems, Moore recommends yearly checks so diseases can be treated in their earliest stages.

“Aging is a slow process,” says Knight, “but we can really slow this process with the choices that we make on a daily basis.”

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W here T here Is No C omfort:

by Radina Gigova

W

hen Juliann Troi was asked to write an article about the life-saving work of a humanitarian organization in a small village in Ethiopia, she knew it would be extremely difficult. What she didn’t know was how much the experience would touch her heart.

The article evolved into a book; “Where There Is No Comfort: Seven Days in Ethiopia,” which was released February of this year.

Troi, a writer, artisan and Edmond mom was sponsored by International Crisis Aid, a St. Louisbased nonprofit. They serve areas where other organizations “cannot or would not go.” Angacha was one of those places. The small town is situated about 20 miles south of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.

From the challenging three day trip, to the extreme living conditions, everything was a total shock from Troi’s comfortable life in Edmond, Oklahoma.

“By the first day I felt that I had reached my physical and emotional limit,” she said.

“I was heartbroken watching these mothers bring dying babies and knowing they can’t do anything about it."

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Troi’s emotions resembled hues of the Ethiopian landscape. “It was very brown, lots of shades of brown. Even the green was dusty green and everything looked tired,” she said. “The land itself feels ancient and the people look very weathered.”

The people of Angacha live in small round houses made of mud and dirt, about 15 feet in diameter and 8 to 10 feet tall. All of their possessions, including their animals, stay inside. The roads are just dirt paths and most people walk bare foot.

“I thought, ‘there are so many things they don’t have, they don’t even know they are uncomfortable’,” said Troi. “From my point of view, that is a place where there is no comfort.”

Angacha has a population of about 100,000 people. It is one of the hardest hit areas by famine.

According to the most recent UNICEF estimates, Ethiopia has a mortality risk of more than 1 in 10 for children under 5 years of age. About one third of children under five suffer with moderate to severe underweight issues.

Extreme poverty, AIDS and sex slavery plague the region. Soon after Troi’s arrival, she began to experience these heavy burdens first-hand.

While she was working at the ICA clinic, mothers were bringing in hundreds of babies, many of which were starving.

“I was heartbroken watching these mothers bring dying babies and knowing they can’t do anything about it,” Troi said. In one instance, she just started crying, but the interpreter told her she had

to be strong and smile because the people needed her positivity.

“They are so lighthearted. They’re amazing and resilient,” Troi said.

Her impressions were piling up as she witnessed everyday life of the village people. “They still live the way they lived thousands of years ago,” Troi said. She saw women mashing grains on big round mats; kids playing in a pond and drinking, while a donkey was a few feet away in the same water. She even played with a little girl who pretended to be a soccer goalie.

One of Troi’s most memorable experiences, however, was one of her first interactions with the locals. On her way to church she found herself alone, surrounded by a large crowd. The people started pressing against her, trying to get closer and she got scared. Then Troi realized the people were just reaching out to touch her as a way to get to know her better. She shook their hands, smiled and answered questions.

“I felt part of their life and started seeing things with their eyes. That was just a huge day for me,” she said.

Now, back home and thousands of miles away from Angacha, she is determined to make a difference. Troi hopes that her book, “Where There Is No Comfort: Seven Days in Ethiopia,” will raise awareness, challenging readers to help those in need.

“Don’t sit back and watch it happen. Get involved,” Troi said.

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by Lindsay Whelchel

T

he first thing you notice about Roma Kathlin Catania is her joy. She embodies the emotion perfectly. Joy saturates her speech when she talks about dancing and it overflows when she performs.

The 11-year-old Edmond ballerina is jetting off to New York this summer to attend the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School.

Catania began dancing at the age of four. As she has gotten older, her love for ballet has only grown.

“It’s really graceful and you can do a lot of things with it,” she says.

She practices five times a week and works hard to balance the demands of being a dancer and a student, while maintaining time for friends, family and the daily fun of being a kid.

“Roma’s at the age where children, if they have stayed committed, this is where it opens up for them,” says her mother, Mandilyn Canistelle O’Neal.

Her commitment to dance has helped shape her ethics in other areas. Practice is paying off with opportunities like the upcoming trip to New York.

On stage, Catania moves with the grace of someone twice her age. It is evident that dancing is in her blood. Her Grandmother, Katha Bardel has been dancing all of her life. After high school, Bardel attended ballet school in New York before feeling called to teach dance instead.

Bardel spent several years as a soloist for Ballet Oklahoma and owns Arts Revealing The Son, a dance studio in Edmond where Catania currently studies.

Catania has gained a solid foundation from which to build her dance career.

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Of the students in their program Bardel says, “We not only teach them physically as far as class work, but we work with their spiritual growth and maturity.” She adds that she has really seen her granddaughter blossom in the past several years with her dancing.

Catania is inspired by the studio’s missionary work and hopes to use her own dancing for humanitarian ventures when she is older.

“I probably want to travel around the world like my mom did and I want to teach,” she says. Catania is exercising her teaching skills already by helping her younger sisters dance and put on shows for her family and friends.

Catania credits her wide variety of instructors and their individual techniques with her success. She considers her teachers great role models.

Viktoria Page is the school director of the Dance Center of Oklahoma City Ballet and has taught Catania for the past five years. Page emphasizes the benefits of dance for a child. “They get discipline. They get a lot of self-esteem. It goes much further than the ballet studio.”

Page also has high hopes for Catania’s experience in New York. “I think she’s going to have a great opportunity. I think you just grow a lot when you get into other environments.”

Catania is continually expanding her dance experience. She has recently started the partner dance Pas de Duex and is excited about aerial dance. “It’s like dancing in the air,” she says. Catania also looks forward to learning modern and character dance at Joffrey Ballet School and hopes to take in some of the Broadway shows that New York has to offer.

“On stage, Catania moves with the grace of someone twice her age. It is evident that dancing is in her blood.”

She wants other kids to know how rewarding dance can be. “You just really have to use your strengths and believe in yourself. You do it because you want to do it, not because your parents tell you to do it.”

Though she has tried other sports and activities, Catania is clearly passionate about her path. “My real thing to do right now is dance and that’s where God has put me,” she says, sounding much wiser than her age reveals. It is clear that no matter what, she is headed into a promising future.

Catania has received a half scholarship to Joffrey Ballet School. The remainder of the cost is currently being raised through donations. Please contact Katha Bardel for more information or to donate at 313-7060.

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July 10-18: Worlds 2010 Sitting Volleyball

July 30: KC and the Sunshine Band

The volleyball tournament will bring over 600 athletes from over 20 countries to compete. Visit www.2010Worlds.com for tickets and schedules.

Come out to Firelake Grand Casino at 7 p.m. and watch KC and the Sunshine Band perform, celebrating their 37th anniversary. Purchase tickets online for $19 to $54 each at www.firelakegrand.com.

July 8, 15, 22, 29: Summer Concert in the Park Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. at Hafer Park. Admission is free, call 359-4630 for more information.

July 8 & 22: Movie Night at Pelican Bay Take the family to a night at the movies. Concessions will be available and patrons may bring rafts. Cost is $5, doors open at 8 p.m.

For more information, call 216-7647.

July 13: Amateur Talent Night Come out to Hafer Park at 6:15 p.m. and watch local performers showcase their talents. Call 359-4630 for more information.

July 25 – August 8: Playhouse Parade Come by Penn Square Mall to purchase a raffle ticket for a playhouse. Proceeds go to The Oklahoma Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children Association. To learn more about CASA, visit www.okcountycasa.org.

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July 30 & 31: Downtown Krazy Daze Over 100 artists, music, food, children’s activities and a silent auction. Located in Downtown Edmond from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. for one weekend only.

Business Briefs Going Mobile: Back40 Design Group released new mobile website technology that makes websites readable for mobile device users. The more simplified design loads websites quickly, finds information faster, eliminates zooming and clicking through pages and displays a phone number and map link on every page with large buttons. For more information about how to create a mobile version of your site, call JR Ross at 4784080.

Giving back: Lifetouch is offering free replacements of school pictures for Edmond families affected by flood damage. If your child attended an Edmond school and was photographed by Lifetouch, call 340-8363.

See more events: www.edmondoutlook.com

Check out our amazing selection of summer tanks, tees and dresses as well as hats, jewelry and all the latest in accessories. Take 20% off one item with this ad. Look for us during Krazy Days July 30th-31st.

1247 E. Danforth (Kickingbird Square) www.hipandswanky.com • 341-3066

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by Radina Gigova

M

( 405 ) 340-9191 32

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any circumstances can make a home unsafe for a child. In some cases of abuse and neglect, children are removed from their home and have to cope with the loss of family, comfort and security.

The Oklahoma CASA Association (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) provides trained volunteers who represent the best interest of abused and neglected children in the juvenile court.

“It’s an extra set of eyes and ears for the court to make a decision that’s in the best interest of the child,” said Lee Ann Limber, Executive Director of CASA in Oklahoma County.

According to DHS, Oklahoma is among the top 10 states in the nation with the highest number of abused and neglected children. CASA helped more than 3,000 cases last year.

“CASA is an incredible opportunity to be a voice for a child that doesn’t have a voice, and that’s priceless,” said Edmond resident, Susan Conway who has been a volunteer for 10 years. “I think that’s the main thing that kept me in the courtroom because it is, in some ways, the only voice they have,” she said.

In Oklahoma, only about one third of children get a CASA volunteer assigned to their case. “If we can get more CASA supervisors and volunteers, then more children can have a CASA. Not every child gets one,” said Lane.

The CASA case managers are those who assign volunteers to the specific case, after receiving a referral from a judge. CASA reviews each case individually to explore all sides of the issue. Specially trained volunteers interview the biological parents, foster family, teachers and doctors while getting to know the child in order to determine what is best.

Pam Lane, a volunteer from Edmond, joined CASA in November and is now working on her first case. While she was still in training, she realized that a lot of kids are placed in very difficult situations.

“We just expect them to go on, to recover, and we are talking potentially horrible things that have happened,” she said. “We expect all these children

to bounce back and recover, and they do a lot of the times, but I just think that they need all the help we can give them,” said Lane.

CASA has attracted the attention of two Edmond builders for an event in late July at Penn Square Mall.

Matt Wilson with Matt Wilson Custom Homes and Craig Brudzinski of Remodeling Concepts have designed a playhouse to be raffled off that will allow four children to play comfortably.

“CASA is an incredible opportunity to be a voice for a child that doesn’t have a voice, and that’s priceless.”

“We think it’s a great idea to sell raffle tickets at Penn Square to give everyone who is there an equal chance at winning a fun and uniquely designed Playhouse for their children,” said Wilson.

The Playhouse Parade is presented by Chesapeake Energy and part of a CASA initiative to raise funds for the program.

“We were asked to help out and be one of the pioneers of this event and were glad to do it,” said Wilson. “Although this is our first time to work with CASA, we are aware of the good work they do for our community. We know our time has been well spent as it will benefit the children who need advocates.”

Visit the Playhouse Parade at Penn Square Mall, July 25 through August 8. Anyone interested in volunteering or sponsoring, contact Joy Short at jshort@oklahomacounty.org. To learn more about CASA, visit www.okcountycasa.org.

CASA

playhouse designed

by Matt Wilson Custom Homes and Remodeling Concepts.

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