November 2011

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November 2011

32 HOLLYWOOD IN OK

A backstage pass with 16 year old Madison Jolly who recently filmed a movie with actor/comedian Chris Kattan right here in Edmond.

FEATURES 20 Driving Miss Daisy

30 The Spero Project

Daisy the golden doodle visits schools, Sustaining hope in a global community hospitals and nursing homes bringing by serving local, international refugees a ray of sunshine to all she meets. and marginalized women.

22 Returning w/ PTSD

34 Lucky to be Alive

When Cynde’s son returned home from Iraq, she knew something was wrong, so she took action.

In a devastating oil tank explosion, local doctor Greg Walton’s life was forever changed.

26 Henrys at Home

37 My Edmond Outlook

We catch up with Brad Henry and find out what life is like after being Governor.

KFOR Managing Editor, Steve Johnson talks about his behind the scenes role in bringing us the news.

DEPARTMENTS 6

ARTS

Dr. Pants

8

SPORTS

Horse Racing

16 BUSINESS

Batteries Plus

10 LOUISE

My Gratitude Journal

12 FOOD

Smokin’ Okies Feed A Crowd

$

Fine Hearing Care

18 HOME

Antiques: How to Spot a Fake

24 TIS THE SEASON

Holiday Events & Attractions

28 SHOPPING

Holiday Shopping

To advertise, call Laura at 405-301-3926

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13431 N. Broadway Ste. 104 OKC, OK 73114 Office: 405-341-5599 Fax: 405-341-2020 www.edmondoutlook.com info@edmondoutlook.com

PUBLISHER Dave Miller EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING MANAGER Krystal Harlow EDITOR Erica Smith ADVERTISING SALES Laura Beam Lori Cathey PRODUCTION DESIGNER Tanner Yeomans PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com DISTRIBUTION The Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct mail to 50,000 Edmond homes and businesses.

(Volume 7, Number 9) Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. Š 2011 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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DR. PANTS

by Nathan Winfrey

Left to right: Kenneth Murray, Aaron Vasquez, David Broyles, Dustin Ragland (Devin Donaldson, not pictured)

I

t was a collision of technology, timing, and soda — or so Dr. Pants’ drummer Dustin Ragland explains one of the band’s many offbeat ambitions. The song was “Sarsaparilla Girl” and the video was hoped to be the first in the world shot entirely with the iPhone 4.

Local filmmaker Kyle Roberts hatched the idea and corralled the band for an intensive evening of nerd power groove rock under a giant neon pop bottle.

Roberts stayed up all night editing the video then posting it on YouTube. “He’s good at working hard and not sleeping,” Dr. Pants frontman David Broyles says. Despite a 48-hour concept-to-done turnaround, the video missed being first on the video-sharing website, but the attempt got the band mentioned in tech blogs and now the 3-minute, 20-second clip is edging toward 60,000 views.

Countless more ears have been exposed to Dr. Pants’ music on shows like “Jersey Shore” and “CBS Sunday Morning,” which featured the Dr. Pants song “Donuts,” much to the surprise of the band.

Broyles got two text messages and an email from keen listeners who spotted the tune.

So how does their music keep popping up on national TV? In 2007, MTV licensed their album, Gardening in a Tornado, for use on any show

of their choosing. Later, MTV was purchased by Viacom, which at the time owned CBS. That meant Dr. Pants songs could spring up anywhere on the network. “Of course, we always get our royalties on the back end,” Broyles assures.

It’s that type of industry-dealing that’s prepared Broyles for the two music business classes he teaches at UCO’s Academy of Contemporary Music. He says he plans to make some copies of his MTV agreement so his students can thumb through it. Broyles is also the proprietor of Little Weasel Records, which exclusively handles Dr. Pants.

In addition to Broyles and Ragland, Dr. Pants includes Kenneth Murray (guitar) and Devin Donaldson (bass). “We’re really serious about not being serious,” Broyles says. “We really have fun.

Our shows are fun and our records are fun, and they’re not fun at the expense of real emotion or passion.” Some of the more serious songs are about Broyles’ wife or disillusionment, but there’s also a lot of levity in the Dr. Pants catalogue. “Sometimes, I just want to write a stupid song about donuts.”

“Dr. Pants offers music that blends fun and whimsy with seriousness and thoughtfulness really well — one can dance and think to our music,” Ragland, an Edmondite, says. He joined the band

after drumming on Gardening in a Tornado. “The lineage comes from a line of bands that always intersected at places of humor and philosophy, from They Might Be Giants, to Zappa, to Weezer, to Phish, to whoever. Dr. Pants fills a bit of dearth of that kind of music right now.”

“There is plenty of room to improvise, and while I try to capture the vision of David’s demos, we are also all encouraged to take them to our own places,

"We're really serious about not being serious. We really have fun."

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especially live,” Ragland explains. “I do love very techie and crazy drumming, even when I don’t have the chops to accomplish what I often admire, but I also love and strive for the beauty of simplicity — of a laid back and pocketed groove. Hopefully, I occasionally accomplish this, but it’s tricky!”

Broyles started playing music, under his own name, in the early ’90s. The name “Dr. Pants” didn’t come about until 1999. “I waited until there was more than one person in the band,” he says. The band released their debut album, a two-disc set called Feezle Day, in 2000.

“I think that most of the seeds of the way we are now, you probably can hear on Feezle Day,” he explains. “I think it was weirder then, but there’s still plenty of weird to go around now.”

Since that eclectic, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink first album, Dr. Pants has evolved. “All of the different things that we do have just gotten way better. I think there has been a refinement and I feel like I, personally, have gotten better at writing for the band,” he says.

“Hearing those three guys play the stuff I write so well and do it with care and passion and all that, that’s definitely the best part for me. I’m lucky to have three people who are willing to put in that kind of effort.”

Their latest release, The Trip, is being released over time as four, five-song EPs. “We had 20 songs that we thought were album-worthy, but did not want to put out another double-album,” Broyles explains.

He wanted to find a way for listeners to digest the album without having to approach it all at one time. Two discs of The Trip are already available. The third will be released in December and the fourth in March of 2012.

“Each record has felt like a huge progression for the band, from sonics, to arrangements, to lyrics, to playing,” says Ragland. “The Trip continues this, and reflects on the goings on in the world at large, and the inner worlds we have, in such a unique and fun way.”

For news and updates on the band, visit www.doctorpants.com.

www.edmondoutlook.com 7

HORSE POWER

by Heide Brandes

A

s soon as the gates open, a wall of thoroughbreds comes barreling out with hooves flying in the red dirt at Remington Park. Bunched in a mass of horseflesh at first, slowly the winners peel ahead, breath bursting from silky noses as the crowd stands to cheer, curse or pray for their horse to come ahead.

The jockeys hover above the saddle with heads down and whips ready.

With the reinvention of Remington Park and Casino and Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame, the sport is becoming more popular with Oklahomans.

“Remington Park wanted to start a hall of fame for many years, and we are now finally able to establish it and give it the time and respect the great horses and horsemen from our state deserve,” said Dale Day, track announcer and communications manager.

And Edmond claims two of the best thoroughbred racing horses in Clever Trevor and Mr. Ross, both from owner and breeder Don McNeill. Both horses were inducted in October in Oklahoma’s inaugural class of the Horse Racing Hall of Fame. For Day, honoring a millionaire horse like Clever Trevor hits close to home.

He was the winner of the inaugural Oklahoma Derby, known in 1989 as the Remington Park Derby.

“He was a great ambassador for Oklahoma racing and its new racetrack, Remington Park, which opened in 1988,” said Day. “Clever Trevor’s success in major races around the nation in 1989 as a 3-year-old made national racing fans and media take note of the type of horse talent that was coming out of Oklahoma and

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Clever Trevor winning the 1989 OK Derby with jockey Don Pettinger made them take notice of the new track at the same time. Clever Trevor became a millionaire in earnings in 1989 and is still highly revered in retirement at the farm of his trainer Donnie Von Hemel at the happy age of 25.”

Clever Trevor won 15 races, including nine stakes, and earned $1,388,841 in 30 starts for McNeill. Mr. Ross raced in the late 1990s and also was trained by

"My first race was my first win, and after that I was hooked."

Von Hemel. Although he never reached the status Clever Trevor did, the horse did have an impressive record. “He was another Oklahoma-bred that helped draw attention to the state racing and breeding industries, and he made over a million in his career as well. He is in retirement at McNeill’s farm in Edmond,” Day said.

In the world of racing, having two millionaire horses is something to admire, said Day. “(McNeill and Von Hemel) put plenty of time, research and money into establishing their racing program, which includes breeding and purchasing horses at sale,” he said. “That doesn’t automatically mean every horse is going to have great success, but it helps with the type of commitment these owners have made to improve racing and to win. The popularity of horseracing in Oklahoma continues to grow with each season.”

Revenues from the casino help fund both the horseracing purses and the state’s general education fund. According to Day, Remington has contributed $63 million to state education and has raised the horseracing purses to levels that put the track on a level with some of the larger tracks across the nation.

“The higher purse levels draw higher-caliber horses, making the level of racing much more competitive and noteworthy nationally,” said Day. “Fans respond because they get to see many top horses and horsemen compete here.”

Jockey Bryan McNeil, of Edmond, is among those who compete in Oklahoma, as well as nationally. The son of a jockey, 20-plus-year veteran Tony McNeil, he began his career riding quarter horses under the tutelage of Jack Brooks, hall of fame quarter horse trainer. “My dad is a jockey and he’s still riding, so I grew up watching him and I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” he said. “I started galloping horses at Jack Brooks’ farm in Jones when I was about 17 or 18.”

For several years, McNeil worked with Brooks in galloping and breaking horses, but when Brooks retired, the young jockey switched to thoroughbreds.

His brother, Erik, also is a jockey. To this day, father and sons regularly compete in the racing circuit. “I ran my first race in 2004 in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and I won,” said McNeil. “My first race was my first win, and after that I was hooked. I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.” Together, the McNeils have approximately 1,200 combined career victories with the sons claiming a majority of recent wins.

(from left to right) Jockeys Bryan, Tony & Erik McNeil Still, racing isn’t all money purses and speed. For McNeil, the sport is a career, and one that takes up the majority of his life. “I work seven days a week,” he said. “From 6 a.m. to about 10 a.m., we exercise and welcome the horses every morning. In the afternoons, four days a week, we race them.

With the horses, you guide them and take care of them, and they take care of you.”

From August to December 15, McNeil races at Remington Park. From there, he’ll move on to Oaklawn Racing and Gaming in Hot Springs, Arkansas, through April. Then he heads to Dallas’ Lone Star Park to race through the end of July. “There’s really no off days, unless you get hurt,” he said. “You get a week or two around Christmas, and then you’re working again. We race four days a week, four to nine races a day on different horses.”

That’s a lot of horse-power.

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MY GRATITUDE JOURNAL

by Louise Tucker Jones

I

t has been nearly six months since I began my journey of grief. Half a year without my husband, Carl, beside me. Feels like an eternity. In these six months I have learned there is no right or wrong way to grieve and no one takes the exact journey as another. Grief is very personal and much of it is experienced alone except for the company of the Lord. Yes, my sons and I grieve together for the same loving person in our lives—my husband, their father—but we each have our own private pain. These last six months have been exceptionally sad and lonely. Some days I glance at the

“A person doesn't have to be walking in grief to need a word of encouragement or a smile.” clock, and for a split second wonder why my husband hasn’t called. Then I realize there are no cell phones in heaven.

In hopes of finding healing for my heart and a way to smile again, I began a Gratitude Journal. It’s nothing fancy, just a spiral notebook where I record anything

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positive about my day—something to be thankful for. Sounds simple but it isn’t. When overwhelmed with grief, “thankfulness” is not a natural emotion.

Anger, denial, fear, sadness and depression are your companions. When your home no longer holds the laughter and presence of your loved one, it is no longer a happy home and “joy” doesn’t sit on your doorstep and beg to come inside. Joy comes with people who care about you, a friend willing to sit with you and share tears, laughter and memories. It comes with a hug from someone dropping by and interrupting your loneliness.

It was a special joy when my son, Aaron climbed into the attic and searched until he found the love letters my husband wrote to me while overseas when we were first married. I thought they were lost forever.

That was a huge entry in my gratitude journal. On one occasion, my son, Jay and I both had medical problems and had to see different doctors at almost identical times and I couldn’t even drive because of my pain. Two friends came to our aid—one took Jay to his doctor while the other took me to mine. When I had to take a questionable medication (I have a long list of allergies to meds) a friend spent the night with me to be certain I was okay.

Those are the kinds of things I write in my gratitude journal. I jot down snippets like: “Carol

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. Contact her at: LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.

brought sandwiches for lunch,” “Dotti stayed with Jay while I went to physical therapy,” “Diane stopped by for a visit,” “I received a sweet card in the mail,” “My brother from Texas came for the weekend,” “The moonflower has a beautiful blossom today,” “Becky went to the grocery store for me,” “Nancy and Caleb watered my trees,” “Marqueeta brought a meal,” “Jay’s cardiac checkup went well,” “I received a few calls today.” As you can see, it doesn’t take a major event to be listed in my journal. It’s about finding something to be thankful for each day. I’m hoping this will help heal my broken heart and let others see how easy it is to help someone, even when you don’t know what to do or say. Acts of kindness are always healing to the heart.

A person doesn’t have to be walking in grief to need a word of encouragement or a smile. We all need them.

So with Thanksgiving just around the corner, maybe you could make someone’s day special by sharing from your own bounty of blessings. Who knows, your name just might make it into someone’s gratitude journal.

Better yet, it could be etched on their heart forever.

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SMOKIN' OKIES

by Melanie Phillips Clemens

Larry & Nancy Starns

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arry Starns has been in the catering business for two years but smoking meats until they’re tender and delicious has been his passion for more than 35 years. Starns praises his wife, Nancy, for ‘nudging’ him to share his cooking with more than just family and friends. “I used to cook for free for companies I was employed with. My wife, Nancy said ‘You’re not doing what you really want to do. People love the food you fix so let’s do something with it.’ We chose to start Smokin’ Okies Catering instead of a restaurant because we wanted more free time while doing what we love,” said Starns.

As a young boy in the Boy Scouts, Starns first learned how to smoke the meats that are now the highlight of Smokin’ Okies. “Back in the 60’s when Boy Scouts went camping, they learned to cook. Of course being outdoors meant learning to cook outdoors so we smoked whatever meats we wanted and I’ve been doing it ever since,” said Starns.

Smokin’ Okies specializes in smoked brisket and ribs though Starns’ homemade potato casserole is one of many items high in demand. “My potato casserole is so unique, my wife doesn’t even know every ingredient. Our old-fashioned green beans are like the ones’ grandma used to make,” said Starns. Nancy brings her own signature to the menu with homemade coleslaw, one-of-a-kind deviled eggs and cheesecake cupcakes that Larry declares “will knock your socks off.”

Smokin’ Okies’ homemade sauce has a spicy flavor that appeals to even the most delicate palate. “We have one sauce

and people love it. We sell so much that we now have a company that makes it for us. We’re working on marketing it and hope to have it in stores by this time next year,” said Starns.

Smokin’ Okies’ menu is much like a traditional barbeque restaurant but their mobility is an attribute that sets them apart. “We deliver food for business meetings or cater events on-site. We cook everything in our fully stocked 24 foot trailer. We’ll set up and serve or drop off and let them serve themselves, however the customer likes it,” said Starns.

As with any public food service, mobile food trucks are inspected. “The pictures you see on our website show how our trailer looks inside and out, we keep it clean,” said Starns.

Early days that end late are just part of the package that enable the Starns to do something they enjoy. “We’ve never had so much fun in our lives. When you do what you love, it never feels like work. Being a husband and wife team that works together is unique and it works well for us. We’ve become friends with other food truck vendors and attend festivals together. ” said Starns.

A loyal following in the Edmond community is one of many reasons Smokin’ Okies loves staying close to home. “I’ve been around Edmond since 1960. The community has been good to us and we love this area. We have a calendar on our website so our customers know where we are,” said Starns.

For your catering needs or more information visit their website at www.thesmokinokies.com or call 615-6830 and find them on Facebook.

www.edmondoutlook.com 13

FEED A CROWD

by Krystal Harlow

Purple Burro

Steve's Rib

Whether you're planning a party for 50 or an event for hundreds, this legendary catering company will make it a hit! Explore a diverse menu of appetizers, entrees & desserts, from comfort food to fine cuisine, or tailor your own sensational spread. Delight your guests with an exquisite presentation of gourmet chicken, shrimp or lobster tail or kick back with a fun taco bar. Professional servers, bar service, decor and entertainment assistance available. Order your complete turkey dinner for 8 for $99. Call 751-0688 or view menu options at runningwildcatering.com.

Delight your hungry gang at Edmond’s hot new spot for authentic New Mexico cuisine. Just opened, this cozy eatery serves exciting entrées made fresh to order, under $10, like the crispy, chewy tacos -unlike anything you’ve had! Try the Pollo Fundido, Tilapia Fish Tacos or Chile Verde Stew with Mexican cornbread and great sides like Mexican corn bean salad. Through November, bring this ad, buy one beef or chicken taco and get one FREE! Now open Sunday. Sunday brunch coming soon! Dine daily at 231 S.Coltrane or call 359-8400.

For special events or last minute parties, Steve's Rib is always a hit. Drive through and pick up a feast of meats by the pound like ribs, brisket and pulled pork or turkey, Polish sausage and hot links. Choose family packs for four or six with pints of sides like baked beans, cole slaw and potato salad. Finish with their freshly made cobbler or brownies. Steve's also has great daily specials, burgers, steaks and salads.

Visit stevesrib.com for a full catering menu or stop in and enjoy the new Glazed Baby Back Ribs at 1801 W. Edmond Rd. or 7202 W. Hefner Rd.

Millie's Table

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Red Velvet Bakery

Relatives and last-minute guests coming? Feed a hungry crowd fast with Dan's delicious pizzas, calzones, sandwiches and salads. Their masterful pizzas start with dough made from scratch daily, seasoned and loaded with fresh veggies and all your favorite meats, sauces and cheeses. Try specialty pizzas like the Philly Cheesesteak or Bacon Cheeseburger. Order up hearty meatball, Reuben or hot pastrami sandwiches, plus salads and cinnamon sticks with icing. Dine in at Waterloo & Broadway or call 359-3900 for carry out or delivery.

Make life easier this holiday season with Red Velvet Bakery. Place orders early for all your holiday desserts. From pumpkin, fresh apple & pecan pies made with locally grown pecans, to carrot cakes, pumpkin breads, cupcakes, cookies and more. While you’re there pick up some of their family size meat pies available in five flavors ready to heat and serve.

Also, don’t miss their new line of Mediterranean to-go foods made by Zena, formerly of the Garden Restaurant. Stop by 2824 E. 2nd Street or call 330-8127 or redvelvetbakery.net.

Running Wild Catering

Fill your home with the incredible aroma of a homemade holiday feast without the stress and mess! Order your Thanksgiving dinner from Millie’s Table by Nov. 17 and pick up Nov. 22 or 23. This remarkable spread feeds 6-8 for $115 or 10-12 for $175. Enjoy all your favorites—turkey, herbed gravy and cranberry compote, mashed potato casserole, cornbread stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls and dessert. Call 330-9156 and ask about catering, too! Stop by 1333 N. Santa Fe or visit milliestable.com.

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Batteries Plus Keeping Things Running

by Melanie Phillips Clemens Technology has made life easier, businesses more efficient and research convenient. However, culprits like power surges, system failures or dead batteries interrupt life and getting things back on track is crucial. This is Batteries Plus’ specialty.

Brandon Boozer and his mother, Marietta Dennis, joined forces in March 2002 and opened Batteries Plus in Edmond. Brandon shared the vision behind this venture. “My mom was relocating back home from overseas and I was returning to Oklahoma after finishing school. We wanted to be part of a successful company with a solid product line and a proven track record for taking care of customers and employees. We found that in Batteries Plus,” said Brandon.

Batteries Plus serves retail and commercial needs in more than 470 franchise stores nationwide. They offer many brand names to meet customer preferences, although their largest product line is exclusive to Batteries Plus. From one-of-a-kind batteries for ATVs or camcorders to simple AA batteries to commercial batteries for forklifts, Batteries Plus has more than 30,000 products available. “Our products come from

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all over but when given the option, we buy products made in the United States,” said Brandon. “Plus if we can’t pull it off a shelf, we’ll make it.”

They’ve also become the premier place in Oklahoma for light bulbs and ballasts. “Fluorescent bulbs have caused issues for consumers because they think they have one option,” explains Brandon. “We offer different shades to choose from for the level of light desired. We believe that you should buy what you want and need, not just what you can find.”

Batteries Plus goes above and beyond traditional customer service. “When someone needs a new car battery, we’ll test their battery, starter and alternator before we sell them a battery, then we install it for free,” said Brandon. “With the lowest prices on the highest-grade American-made car batteries, it’s a misunderstanding that specialty stores are expensive when usually our prices are less.”

Brandon and Marietta are devoted to every aspect of their business including their employees. “Every quarter we take our employees and their families to an event like a game at Bricktown Ballpark or a day at

Owners, Marietta Dennis and Brandon Boozer Celebration Station. We believe in family so we want to support and improve that with our employees. They are critical to what we do, we wouldn’t be successful without them,” he said.

Service doesn’t end when customers leave a Batteries Plus store. “Our products are covered by a nationwide warranty at any of our stores,” said Brandon. “No other company offers our breadth of product and service.”

Batteries Plus is located at 1601 S. Broadway, Suite B in Edmond. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 796-7587 or go to www.batteriesplus.com.

Fine Hearing Care Now Hear This!

by Melanie Phillips Clemens Since Fine Hearing Care opened in Edmond in 1991, its first priority has always been serving their patients. Former owner, Dr. Kris Watson, joined Fine Hearing Care in 1994 working with founder Dr. Gail Fine. Current owner, since April 2011, Dr. Lisa Irby values the mentorship Watson has provided during the clinic’s transition of ownership. “Kris and I worked together several years ago before I left to open a practice in Yukon. When Kris decided to sell Fine Hearing Care, she wanted someone that would keep the business in line with what it’s always been — premier hearing health care to the community. It’s who we are and who we’re going to be,” said Irby.

Irby’s desire for honesty and integrity envelops both business and home. “My husband and I began a re-evaluation of everything in our lives. In doing so we noticed businesses weren’t taking care of employees and families weren’t taking care of each other,” she said. “We’re in the business of service for a reason and we’re not giving in to the ‘it’s all about me’ attitude.

Any changes we make is to better care for our patients because that’s who we serve.”

Services for patients of all ages at Fine Hearing Care include evaluations for general diagnostic hearing, middle ear, auditory processing and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). “Our job is to help people hear better. We offer other services that a lot of people don’t realize a private practice can provide, such as custom hearing protection, musicians’ monitors, hunting plugs and swim plugs,” said Irby.

According to Irby, hearing loss is the fourth largest chronic disability in the country. “People are often afraid to get their hearing checked because they don’t want to be taken advantage of or not get the right help.

The ear is a mechanism for delivery so rehabilitation for hearing is not like putting on glasses for most people. It’s retraining or a journey to get them back to their full potential,” she explains. “Hearing loss is different for each person and how it affects their daily life. You can buy a hearing aid anywhere but if you don’t understand what your issues are, it’s just a device.

When you come to us, you get what you came for.”

While the staff at Fine Hearing Care is highly trained, each having received doctorate degrees

Owner, Dr. Lisa Irby in audiology, patient care receives the highest compliments. “We get comments all the time saying there’s an honest, comfortable feeling when they walk in and they don’t feel like they’re just a number to us.

Our patients become part of our family,” said Irby.

With more than 14 years’ experience as an audiologist, Irby has practiced in Minnesota, Arizona and Oklahoma. "God has given me great opportunities to prepare me for where I am now.”

Fine Hearing Care is located at 2801 S. Bryant in Edmond. For more information visit www.finehearingcare.com. For appointments, call 340-9191. Fine Hearing Care accepts most insurance providers including Medicare and Medicaid.

www.edmondoutlook.com 17

Home

ANTIQUES:

HOW TO SPOT A FAKE

A

By Heide Brandes

ntique shopping is a lure for those with a passion for history, but the occasional antique shopper may fear buying a fake. Even experts and antiques dealers are fooled at times, but according to Edmond antique enthusiasts, there are basic ways to avoid being taken.

“If you want a professional opinion, then talk to a licensed appraiser,” said Angie Newman of Elks Alley Mercantile, which specializes in European items more than 100 years old.

“We’ve been in business for 10 years, and we travel to Europe to buy our items from antique dealers there.”

For those shopping for items with a touch of history, especially furniture, Becky Crow of Broadway Antiques shares five tips to assessing authenticity:

if the dovetails on a chest of drawers look machinemade, then it’s probably not an antique. “Look for imperfections,” she said. “Each was handmade, so they shouldn’t look exactly alike. Look for real wood and be careful if it has veneers. Veneers have been used for a long time, but really be careful if you notice a veneer.”

2. Wear Lines - Even antiques that have been babied for decades will show certain signs of wear and tear. The wear lines should be where one might expect to find them, like around drawer or door handles, or along the arms of a chair.

Conversely, if the wear pattern is in a place that is difficult to touch, be wary. “Wear along the corners, called deterioration, are also signs of age,” said Crow. “Look for a crackled appearance, but watch out for modern crackle. Once you’ve seen true age crackle, though, it’s easy to determine which is caused by age and which has been added.”

"Give it a sniff test.

Older cabinets or cupboards will take on a distinct scent."

1. Age matters

- The style of a piece, especially furniture, will determine the age of the piece, said Crow, who specializes in “primitive” antiques that are handmade. For instance, she said

18 www.edmondoutlook.com

3. Mirroring - When

buying a piece of antique furniture especially, look at the piece as

a whole. Does the bottom match the top? Are there multiple styles in the piece? Does it look like two separate pieces put together? “If you have two different styles or types of wood on a single piece, it’s a pretty good giveaway that it’s not an antique,” said Crow.

“Also, look at the underside and insides. Many times, even antiques have different types of wood on the inside, but all woods change color after a time. Even if it’s different wood, it’ll get an age color.” Crow also suggests giving the inside of cabinets a sniff test. “Older cabinets or cupboards will take on a distinct scent,” she said. “If the cabinets do not have too much of a smell or has a chemical smell, then be cautious.”

4. Be aware of... re-cleaned wood. Even Crow has seen replicas made so well that she’s had difficulty pinpointing the exact age. Anything called “antique pine” should be inspected closely because a lot of fake antique pine furniture has been made from old wood from floors and paneling. “I’m sure people make furniture out of old wood to fool people, but most of the time they clearly mark that it’s ‘re-cleaned’ wood,” said Crow. She advises to inspect the joints, peg joints or dovetails. “Many times, they won’t take the time to redo the pegs, and they’ll just glue or nail it together.”

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Becky Crow at Broadway Antiques in downtown Edmond

5. Educate yourself - Although Crow and Newman specialize in furniture, most antique dealers say the best way to not be fooled is to learn as much as you can about what you are collecting. Also, be aware of the going price. If a piece is selling for much cheaper than what it is supposed to be, inspect it carefully. Dealers rarely make mistakes. “If you go to an antique fair and see several of the same items at different booths, then it’s a real good indication that it’s not old,” said Crow.

Although the list of possible tricks seems daunting, most antique dealers are passionate and honest about their items. Still, researching the collectibles is the best way to protect both investments and pride. “Do your research and get the books on whatever it is you want to collect,” Crow said.

“If you are doing collectibles, learn about that particular collectable. If you are collecting pottery, then become familiar with the stamps and the stamps that were used during certain time periods.”

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Tips for Consigning Antiques: • Before selling valuables in a consignment shop, call the Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints and ask for references.

• Do not sign a contract to sell a valuable if until you have all the information you need. Request an attorney to review it.

• Ask, visit and check on the item to make sure it’s still for sale.

• Take photographs and make a detailed list of what you’re selling.

• Have a trusted friend or relative witness the transaction.

www.edmondoutlook.com 19

DRIVING MISS DAISY

By Grant Zellner Daisy visiting students at Cross Timbers Elementary On the floor of room 113 at Cross Timbers Elementary lays a colorful round rug. The letters of the alphabet line the edge, marking places to sit for energetic youngsters. The rest of the class is on their way, but already a young strawberry-blonde has taken her place within the circle. She’s about seven years old. Soft curls frame big beautiful brown eyes.

Suddenly, the door bursts open and a dozen children pile into the room, jockeying for position next to their young visitor. Used to the attention, the girl calmly says hello to each child…with a tremendous kiss. Then, she stretches out and asks for a belly rub.

Two years ago, Keith and Sarah Montgomery began a routine. Their “golden doodle” Daisy seemed to have the perfect disposition for visiting those with special needs. And even though Daisy is not a fan of

cars, she would willingly hop into the back seat for the chance to meet new friends. As part of a thennew organization known as H.A.L.O. (Human Animal Link of Oklahoma), Daisy was helping to meet a growing need for willing owners and their furry family members to visit those in special education programs,

20 www.edmondoutlook.com

nursing homes and hospitals. Now, Daisy has her rounds, and everybody knows her name.

‘Daisy is spelled with a D! Everyone in the room, from the students to the teacher (to the visiting writer, hiding in the corner) is excited and engaged. Daisy crawls around the circle on her elbows, enjoying a personal “hello” from each and every child.

“Hi, Daisy!

My name is…” – a little boy’s greeting gets interrupted by the kind of wet kiss that kids love.

Even when the hugs are just a little too tight, Daisy patiently gives everyone a few moments of one-on-one time without a flinch. And, when Keith and Sarah lead an old tune about a boy promising a girl named Daisy a ride on a bicycle built for two, the whole class falls apart with laughter.

How silly — a bike-riding dog! And then the pleas come: “Do it again! Do it again!”

H.A.L.O. executive director Terri Smith says the organization began long before its official 2009 birthday.

There came a time during her 30-year career as a special education teacher when Terri began bringing her own dog, Shana, into the classroom to work with her students. The response Shana received was so positive, Terri began writing special curriculum for working with animals. Even

after retiring in 2005, Terri and Shana continued to serve with a variety of organizations, including the Department of Human Services, youth and family services, assisted living centers, nursing homes and hospitals. Eventually, Terri saw a need for a nonprofit organization with a focused objective —providing animal-assisted therapy for Oklahomans in need.

Others who shared Terri’s passion could join forces and make a bigger impact.

H.A.L.O. sells no products or services.

It is entirely funded by donations and operated by volunteers, and everything from insurance to the animals’ service vests is obtained from Oklahoma businesses. As a 501c3 170b nonprofit, no one working for, or with, H.A.L.O. gets paid.

“Oh, we’re paid,” Keith clarifies. “It’s just not in money.”

“People have health and mental conditions they didn’t ask for,” Terri says. “They want to withdrawal. They don’t want to bother people with their problems for a number of reasons.” But, people would respond to an animal, reaching a place of comfort they couldn’t reach with a

"Daisy crawls around on her elbows, enjoying a personal 'hello' from each and every child."

family member, friend or even a therapist.

According to H.A.L.O.’s website (www.yourhalofoundation.org), 50 dogs, plus a horse, are part of the team. Details on how to get involved and requirements for pets fill the site’s pages, and there is always room for those who want to serve. “The right animal and the right person — the perfect pair — find the right place to serve,” adds Terri. And some, like Daisy, serve three days a week or more, in a variety of locations. Others feel comfortable in only one or two

Sarah and Keith Montgomery with Daisy settings. But all are welcome, and all have a tremendous impact on the lives of those in need.

And for more than an hour, Daisy is the center of the world in room 113. The children perform a song they’ve been working on, complete with hand motions and lots of laughter. One by one, they ask questions or tell Daisy about their own dog at home. A few just want to tell Daisy what they’ll be doing after school today.

When the time finally comes for Daisy to say goodbye, it seems that Daisy lingers as long as the children. “Daisy doesn’t want to leave. Should we leave her here?” asks Sarah. And of course it only elicits one response: “YES!”

www.edmondoutlook.com 21

VETERANS' FAMILIES UNITED

by Emily Anderson

W

hen Cynde Collins-Clark’s son Joe returned home from his 2003-04 Iraq deployment, she knew something was wrong.

She didn’t know it then, but he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Like any concerned parent, Clark would do anything to help him, but she didn’t know where to turn. “When Joe first got sick, I did not know who to call or where to go to get help,” Clark said. “My first instinct was Internet searches. There were very few sites in 2005 that I could go to and none addressed what we were facing. The information was general in nature and/or impersonal.”

Throughout 2005, Clark wrote several articles about how difficult it was to understand what was happening to her son and to find out how and where to get help. She also wrote about the dramatic changes it was making in her family. Because of her tireless

22 www.edmondoutlook.com

efforts, she was nominated and selected as 2006 Oklahoma Mother of the Year, through the Oklahoma Chapter of American Mothers.

As 2006 came to a close, Clark genuinely hoped and believed that the fighting overseas would be ending. “It was my daily prayer, but when I realized that the conflicts may continue, I knew that I had to do something to help vets and families like ours,” she said. “I knew that if I had three college degrees, was a therapist by profession and I didn’t even know where to go or what to do to help my son, then there had to be many, many more vets and families facing the same challenges. In my heart, I knew that I could not, not do something.”

So in December 2006, Clark began the paperwork to create Veterans’ Families United (VFU), a 100

percent-volunteer nonprofit. She said when VFU formed, its goal was to “empower veterans and their families in the healing process.” As a former educator, she believed that empowerment comes from knowledge and access to knowledge. “Our first extensive endeavor was to develop a detailed website that would address the challenge of war brought home, primarily the invisible wounds of war like PTSD,” Clark said. “Our son in Dallas donated his time and efforts to create the website, where we offer compassionate and detailed information and resources for vets and families.”

Clark said if someone is too overwhelmed to read through the information, they can click on the “I need help” links to go directly to the comment box. “We are committed to personally answering questions

"I cannot know what I know and not do something."

within 24 hours,” Clark said. She also said all veterans are welcome and that VFU is honored to serve them and their families. Currently their board has vets and families from every major conflict from the Korean War on, as well as representation from most branches of the service.

Cindy Hood, president of the Oklahoma chapter of Blue Star Mothers, learned of VFU while attending and working the Yellow Ribbon events for the Oklahoma National Guard prior to their deployment.

She met Clark and they have had continuous dialogue on the issues that affect sons and daughters when they return from a deployment —especially when stationed in a war zone.

“I remember listening to Cynde speak at one of our meetings and something she said described exactly what we had been doing in our own household due to my Vietnam veteran husband and his now identified PTSD,” Hood said. “It gave credence to what I had been thinking for years but didn’t know how to explain or understand what was happening. I now have the information to help my husband after all of these years.”

Hood said the website gives a step-by-step process of identifying the issues that surround a service member and their family when they return from a deployment. “Often times we know something isn’t right, but are simply not trained or perhaps too close to

the situation to identify the problems with PTSD and TBI (traumatic brain injury). The stress can sometimes be incredible and our moms want to make sure their children are whole. VFU has worked tirelessly to make sure we have the tools to help them reintegrate back into society and be successful.”

When it comes to the number of vets affected by “invisible wounds of war,” Clark said the most comprehensive report was the 2008 RAND data which indicated that 19% of current vets would return with PTSD and/or depression and that 12% would return with TBI. She said that of the 24,513 Oklahomans deployed as of 2008, about a third could be affected by these conditions.

“When I decided to move forward to create VFU at the end of 2006, I said, ‘I cannot know what I know and not do something,’” Clark said. “While there was precious little time, energy or resources, my motive came from having faced great difficulties and sorrows as I tried to help my son who suffered from his sacrifice and service. It helped me to try to create something good from something that was very painful. It was my way of making sense of the suffering.”

Clark said every time she answers an email or phone call or speaks to other families or vets to let them know that they are not alone, she feels she answered the call of her heart. “As we state on our brochure,I am finding that despite the overwhelming sorrow of the

Cynde Collins-Clark & son Joe at a Yellow Ribbon Event loss of the son I once knew, there is opportunity for great healing, hope and change...for him, our families and our country,” she said.

Clark wants to give special thanks to her daughter Christy for her tireless work to support this effort and to the UCO chapter of Kappa Pi fraternity that donated their fundraising efforts to VFU which is the largest donation that VFU has received to date. “This is an amazing gift from the young men here at home to serve our military and families,” Clark said.

To find out more about VFU and all they offer, visit www.veteransfamiliesunited.org.

405-887-4121

or

405-974-1174

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www.edmondoutlook.com 23

e s h t i Tason

Se

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Pre-tag your Christmas Tree Now! Weekends in Nov. from 10-5 Choose & cut your own fresh Christmas tree or select a beautiful pre-cut Noble, Grand, Douglas or Fraser Fir. Living Christmas trees, shade trees, wreaths, garland, and stands available.

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24 www.edmondoutlook.com

presents...

Nov. 25 – Jan. 3 Noon - 10 p.m.

The Festival Market off Broadway between 2nd & 1st Tickets - $8

(including skate rental)

$5 for Kids 5 & Under Special rates for groups & private ice parties!

Enjoy food & drinks from

www.expressice.com • 405-274-1638 www.edmondoutlook.com 25

HOME WITH THE HENRYS

by Melanie Phillips Clemens

F

ormer Governor Brad Henry knew that life after being in office would involve a shift from the limelight to the private sector with a different career as well as a new home. What he didn’t expect was finding that home before his term ended.

“My wife, Kim, began looking at houses in January of 2010 and in April she found one outside Edmond that had everything we wanted. I wasn’t ready to buy because I was still in office. But when other people became interested in ‘our’ house we had to make an offer. They accepted and we owned this house for seven months before we could move in,” said Henry. Even though the Henry’s home is technically within Oklahoma City limits, they’re pleased to have an Edmond address and be serviced by the Edmond post office. “We love south Edmond with its trees and hills. We wanted a place with acreage and now we have it,” he said.

Although Henry enjoyed his time in the

26 www.edmondoutlook.com

Governor’s Mansion, he’s thankful for the direction his life has taken. “For the last eight years, it seemed as if my family was in a big fishbowl. It was difficult at times but the media was really great to not try to drag my family into things.

They gave my three girls privacy and they didn’t camp outside our house,” he said. “However, living in the Governor’s Mansion was very different because there’s always people in the house, such as staff and security. Even though it makes you feel secure, you’re constantly under observation. Now, I have less stress and a lot more time to spend with my family.”

With Henry’s 18-year political history, one might think politics is in his blood. Yet it’s not so much politics that motivates Henry, but rather a heart of

service. “My desire is to make a difference and help people,” he said. “I want my hand in something, whether implementing or developing policy, that can help Oklahoma families have a better quality of life. I’ll always be involved in public service in some form or fashion but not necessarily from an elective standpoint.”

With no plans to run for office, Henry enjoys working with his partner, former chief of staff Gerald Adams, at their general consulting firm, HenryAdams Companies, LLC. “People hire us to help resolve problems, and we’re pretty good at it because of the incredible relationships we’ve made over the years in the state, the U.S. and the world. Success in the business world is more about relationships than anything else. It’s not only what you know, which is important, it’s also who you know and the relationships that you’ve built,” explained Henry.

A medical facility in Edmond has benefited from the collective knowledge of Henry-Adams. “They were having problems becoming an in-network provider with insurance companies. As a result they weren’t paid directly by insurance companies for services and were always chasing millions of dollars and we helped them get credentialed,” said Henry.

With an Edmond home and Norman-based consulting firm, Henry’s position with Edmond’s own Lester, Loving & Davies law firm is ideal.

“I am of counsel at Lester, Loving and Davies. I’m not a partner or an employee because I don’t want to practice law full time. This firm is the perfect size. It’s big enough to handle any kind of legal matter but not so big they get bogged down in bureaucracy,” he said. “They’ve given me the freedom to do other things.”

Speculation that ‘other things’ would include becoming president of UCO were unfounded. “I

"My grandparents told me if I was lucky enough to have a free public education, I owed a debt back to society."

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don’t know how these things get started. President Webb announced his retirement about the time we bought our Edmond home and people assumed that a political deal had been made somewhere. My name was prominently mentioned so Kim and I gave serious thought to doing that. It would’ve been a wonderful position because I think UCO is one of the top universities in Oklahoma. They’ve got some really great things happening and they’re growing.

But by the time it came open I was so far down the road with other commitments. There were no deals. I never threw my name in the hat for consideration and was never a formal candidate. I think UCO’s new president will do an exceptional job,” said Henry.

Henry prides himself in following in his family’s heritage and striving to apply the wisdom of his grandparents. “My

grandparents told me if I was lucky enough to have a free public education, I owed a debt back to society. My uncle Lloyd said many times ‘Service is the rent you pay for the space you occupy’,” said Henry. With this type of legacy it’s no surprise to see his daughters pursuing leadership even on a small scale. “Both of my oldest daughters have expressed an interest in politics. They follow public policy and are fairly opinionated. My oldest daughter, Leah, is running for vice president of the freshman OU medical class. I want them to do whatever they want. Politics is a tough business and you have to have thick skin and a strong stomach.”

Although Henry isn’t seeking to serve from a government standpoint, he continues to spearhead ways to help improve Oklahoma. “I’m still interested in good policy, building my community in Edmond, in OKC and the state of Oklahoma.”

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Check out these rockin' hot boots for fall available atHip & Swanky!

You'll also find an amazing selection of trendy tees, hats, jewelry & accessories. Enjoy 10% off a pair of boots with this ad! Exp. 11/30/11 Located at 1247 E. Danforth (Kickingbird Square) www.hipandswanky.com 341-3066

One of L.A.’s hottest boutiques is now at your back door–our Edmond location is now open! Terra specializes in women’s designer brands in apparel, footwear, handbags, jewelry, gifts and more. Follow us on Facebook (Terra of Edmond) for new arrivals, coupons & specials! Enjoy 15% off your total sale with this ad. (Exp. 12/31/11) 17200 N. May Ste 200 in Edmond (across from Rose Creek) www.terraonthird.com • 367-0880

Stella & Dot is an amazing accessories line sold through independent stylists offering trunk shows in their homes. Host a party and indulge your friends with a casual, fun, no pressure evening and receive an average of $250 in free jewelry & shop 1/2 off! Mention this ad & get an extra $50 in FREE jewelry! Interested in becoming a stylist? Call me! Sara Michael 517-3081 or email me at sara.k.michael@gmail.com. • www.stelladot.com/sites/saramichael www.facebook.com/stellabysara

At Closet Moxie our passion is fashion.

Let us help you find your unique fashion style! Whether you're 20 or 80 or some where in-between we strive to have some thing for all ages and price ranges. Add a little moxie to your closet! Open MonSat 10-5:30 Located at 12036 N. May (Northpark Mall) • 286-3760 www.closetmoxie.com Find us on Facebook & Twitter!

The Lime Leopard is your holiday haven with designer fashion, gifts and home decor from Citizen's of Humanity, Ella Moss, Tracy Reese & Patterson J. Kincaid. Step out in style with Alice & Trixie & Paige Premium Denim. Open Mon-Sat 10-6 • 12204 N. May, in OKC (Northpark Mall) • 755-3456 www.TheLimeLeopard.net

Sacred Gardening has expanded beyond sympathy arrangements offering beautiful wreaths for all occassions! Celebrate the holidays, welcome a new baby, or show your team spirit-you name it, we can make it!

Find us in King Emporium on Danforth & Santa Fe, call Valerie at 818-3847, visit sacred-gardening.com, or find us on Facebook! Mention this ad in November and receive 10% off of your order!

The hottest new fashion craze Flaunt is now at Panthera. Plus Fossil, Outback Canyon Leather, Swan Creek Soy Candles & Willow Tree Angels.

Take 15% Off with this ad! (regular priced merchandise) Exp. 11/15/11 Located at 1489 E. 15th Ste 188 in the Spring Creek Shopping Center • 844-7771

28 www.edmondoutlook.com

Ladybugs and Lizards is an upscale children's clothing boutique where the whimsical and classic come together.

We offer traditional and classic lines like Biscotti, Cach Cach and Feltman Brothers and carry the newest lines out of Europe like KidCuteTure, Jottum, Scotch R'Belle and Dino e Lucia. Located in the Spring Creek Shopping Center, NW corner of 15th & Bryant • 348-2121 Find us on Facebook! www.ladybugslizards.com

Anabelle’s Galleria

20th Anniversary Sale Saturday, Nov. 19!

All the hottest looks for fall are at Anabelle's Galleria including Cult of Individuality & Anoname Designer Jeans.

You'll also find gorgeous home decor, gifts, jewelry, children's items, shoes & purses. 1201 NW 178th (2nd & Western) 359-1189 Find us on Facebook!

Enjoy great prices on fall floral arrangements, unique decor, re-styled furniture, must-have accents, jewelry and gifts for every room and every taste. New items arrive weekly so shop often! Next to Ted’s at 917 E. Danforth Rd. • 340-8869 www.serendipityofedmond.com

Discover the art of Italian-style glass blowing at this ultra-hip studio and urban eatery in historic downtown Edmond. Shop the exquisite collection of art glass in stunning designs and colors - perfect for any decor or holiday gift. Open Mon-Thurs 11-9 and Fri-Sat 11-10.

Call 285-8800 to book holiday parties or a romantic evening out complete with a custom crafted glass sculpture designed just for you. • 13 S. Broadway (just North of 2nd St.) • Find us on Facebook!

341-3107 Beautiful flameless Scentsy warmers are the perfect holiday gift! With more than 80 luxurious scents and 70 warmers to choose from, you're sure to find one to fit every person on your list. Visit www.elegantcandlegifts.com for monthly specials and to order online. Or call Nancy Dobbs- Super Star Consultant at 341-3107 to host an online Scentsy party and receive FREE and 1/2 off products!

Our Sisters’ Closet, is an upscale Edmond resale shop benefiting battered women & children receiving services at the YWCA OKC. Quality resale women’s wear, shoes, purses and jewelry at incredible prices.

Shop, donate clothes, money or volunteer. Located 3 blocks North of 2nd, between Broadway & Boulevard at 101 E. Hurd.

348-2442 Open Tues-Fri 10-5:30 & Sat 10-5 Also in OKC at I-240 & S. Pennsylvania www.ywcaokc.org

Call Melissa, Amy or Jordan at Edmond's newest & cutest salon, Cut'n Loose, for a great new look.

Bring in this ad for a Women's cut & color for only $75! Exp. 11/30/11.

Men's cuts are just $15. Enjoy a Keratin Complex smoothing treatment for a straight, sleek look for just $200.

Call 340-HAIR. Gift cards are also available and make a great gift!

Located at 708 W. 15th between Kelly & Broadway.

Child Care Providers of Edmond Child Care Providers of Edmond offers FREE assistance to parents looking for home-based child care in the Edmond area. All child care providers are Oklahoma DHS licensed and are certified in CPR & first aid. For help finding quality care for your child, call 330-HOME.

Pink Sugar has the largest selection of UGG boots in Edmond with many styles to choose from. UGG Australia uses only the finest, most luxurious Twinface sheepskin in the world. No other material so naturally keeps your feet cool and warm at the same time. Buy one pair of UGGs and take 30% off a regular priced shoe.

Exp.11/30/11 • 1389 E. 15th St. • 359-0044 (Spring Creek Shopping Center) www.PinkSugarShoeBoutique.com

Beaucoup Boutiques is Edmond’s newest boutique market with over 25 vendors offering an array of gorgeous clothing, purses, decor, hand-made jewelry & children’s items with even more vendors to come. Interested in renting booth space? Call us at 471-9127! Located at 14400 N. Lincoln in Edmond beaucoupboutiques.com 242-6451

www.edmondoutlook.com 29

A

by Radina Gigova

s an Oklahoma Baptist University student pursuing a degree in crosscultural ministry and anthropology, Brad Bandy has had the opportunity to travel the globe. He witnessed suffering and remarkable courage, and that changed his life forever. From Cambodia and Kosovo, to Nicaragua and Argentina, he shared the daily lives of people living in refugee camps, having nothing left but the hope for something better.

“I realized there are a lot of innocent people in the world that get caught up in situations they have no control of and become victims of political violence and war. And that deeply disturbed me,” said Brad. “That was a major motivation for me to become interested in bettering their lives.”

He and his wife, Kim, started volunteering with Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City and working closely with their Refugee Relocation Department.

They discovered there were hundreds of people from countries like Burma, Liberia, Somalia, Ethiopia, the Congo, Uganda, Iraq and Afghanistan within their own zip code.

“When we started volunteering with that community,” said Brad, “we just got more and more involved and it came to a point where if we wanted to serve the community better, we needed to quit our

jobs and start raising support.” That’s how The Spero Project was born. Their blog, initially intended as a platform to engage in conversation, evolved into a nonprofit organization with a clear mission in June 2009 and hasn’t stopped growing since.

“Our overarching theme is that we really want to equip and mobilize the church in the city to serve in under-resourced communities and we want to train them to do it well,” said Kim, who has a degree in nonprofit management from Oklahoma State University.

The Spero Project focuses its advocacy efforts in four main areas: international refugees, marginalized women, foster care and adoption, and combating poverty.

“We spent a year really trying to gauge what are the things in the city that no one organization or church can tackle alone, that require system change, one-on-one mentoring and the whole city to be engaged,” explained Kim. The task is not easy. According to U.N. statistics, in 2010 the United States was projected to resettle about 80,000 refugees, about 300 of them in Oklahoma. National Human Trafficking Resource Center Data shows that while Oklahoma is not among the states with the highest number of cases, last year there were 63 reports of sex and labor

"It came to a point where...we needed to quit our jobs and start raising support."

The Spero Project Directors, Brad & Kim Bandy trafficking in the state. The latest state Department of Human Services statistics show that in 2010 the Oklahoma Child Support Services division set a caseload record, of more than 200,000 cases.

Kim, who is from Edmond, said the organization is working with a lot of single mothers and foster families, particularly in the Edmond area. They are partnering with volunteers from several local churches, including LifeChurch.tv, Henderson Hills and Bridgeway. “We are really trying to increase the number of single moms that we address, because there are definitely single moms in Edmond that are working two jobs and trying to make it,” she said.

The name of the project, Spero, means “hope” in Latin. It also carries the biblical symbolism of the sparrow, which may not be the prettiest bird or the one with the best voice, but is the most common.

“That kind of represents our culture where everyday people, maybe they aren’t the wealthiest or most

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beautiful or talented, but they are still very valuable,” said Brad. “It’s hope for everyone.”

Brad said his involvement in the community, especially working and living among refugees, has developed from a project to a friendship.

“I tell people all the time I am the beneficiary of my relationship with refugees, because I learn from them what I couldn’t learn in any school about how to have hope and endure the most difficult situations this world has to offer,” he said. “That has really given me a perspective on life that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Jacquie Rodgers, who has been volunteering for about two years, works with refugee teenagers as part of the project’s Global Youth Leadership Initiative. “A lot of these kids have come from really traumatic experiences, so we are just giving them an outlet to communicate their story and teaching them to value the importance of their story,” she said. “There are so many opportunities in the Oklahoma City area and Edmond that are just right at our fingertips, and I think The Spero Project really helps people open their eyes to see that.”

Brad and Kim Bandy hope that in five to 10 years their help will gradually become less and less needed as churches take over the initiative. Kim joked she would be glad to say “Let’s move to another city or town, because Edmond and Oklahoma City have figured it out.”

She added, “If we move beyond volunteerism to sacrificially living with people in need, then our city is going to look so different, that anyone in the world will try to figure out what’s going on.”

For more information about the organization or to get involved, go to www.thesperoproject.com.

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BRINGING HOLLYWOOD HOME

by Radina Gigova

M

adison Jolly never thought she would be able to fulfill her dream of getting a role in a Hollywood movie before even turning 16. But this summer, Jolly was able to work with Hollywood actor Chris Kattan without leaving the limits of Edmond, her hometown. “Everyone is surprised that I landed such a major role,” she said. “I’ve been doing film classes for several years now, but this was an actual job and was such a big thing the first time.”

Jolly always felt that acting was her calling. Since an early age, she participated in plays and took acting classes. Her parents were her first audience. “She has always been a drama queen,” joked her father, Stuart. “She’s always been very bright and quick. She could memorize lines and do little performances for us off the top of her head.”

It’s also helped that Jolly has always been a voracious reader and can memorize lines with ease. “She would really delve into her books — from Harry Potter, all the way to … you name it,” said her dad. That certainly helped the young actress when she auditioned for her first big role.

The movie is a comedy called “Just Crazy Enough.” It depicts the everyday life of a family and all the challenges and funny moments they experience. The audition was a cold read, which means the actors didn’t have the script in advance. After the first audition, Jolly didn’t feel confident that she made the cut, but a few days later she got a callback. She was one of four finalists.

This time the actors read part of the actual script. “We all took chances reading it with the boy who had already been cast as the little brother.” Dalton Farmer, who played brother Freddie, also from Oklahoma.

In real life, Jolly has a younger brother, Alex, who is the same age as the character. She believes that certainly helped her re-create a real family relationship.

“They called me back and told me I’d gotten it and I was super excited; it was a dream come true.” The filming began and even though it was a lot of fun, it also

involved a lot of work. The crew often worked 12-hour days, filming several takes for each scene and frequently moving from one location to another.

Jolly said the crew and the director, Lance McDaniel, were amazing. “He gave us a lot of room to do what we wanted with the scene,” she said. “We, the actors, had a blast. We would do each take differently, say different stuff, and Chris is hilarious!

Every take he would do a completely different joke.” Jolly truly enjoyed working with Chris Kattan, who has a lot of experience with comedy — from “Saturday Night Live” sketches and a role in “The Middle,” to movies such as “The Year Without a Santa Claus,” “Corky Romano” and “Christmas in Wonderland.” “He was the star, the one to look up to,” she said.

And Jolly received her own share of praise. “She was very professional and prepared for her scenes. And, that preparation allowed her to improv more and play off of Chris Kattan and the other actors. I would happily work with Madison again anytime,” said McDaniel. He added that Jolly has a natural acting style that looks effortless on camera. “We had over 50 crew members on set. So, to be able to act natural in a setting that is completely fabricated is so much harder than it looks. And Madison was great.”

Chris and Madison with director Lance McDaniel Jolly played a 15-year-old teenager, Rose Mulberry, who didn't have a very good relationship with her father (Kattan). She was upset, because he was working too much and not paying enough attention to his daughter. Rose also was dealing with some boy drama. There were some moments that didn’t go as scripted. In one scene, Jolly had to run out of the house and hop on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle. Unfortunately, the motorcycle hit the sidewalk and both teens sustained minor injuries. Eventually the scene was dropped.

"Chris was hilarious!

Every take he would do a completely different joke."

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The filming took place in July throughout the Oklahoma City-metro area — from the state Capitol and Lake Hefner, to a house in Edmond. “It is amazing that people came from all over the United States here to Edmond to film a movie, and all we had to do is drive into town. It was kind of neat,” said Jolly’s father.

Madison Jolly with Chris Kattan Jolly’s favorite part of being an actress is acting itself. “I get to test myself and see if I can pull off the mean girl, pull off all these different roles,” she said. “I get to see if I can do all these different things and still incorporate my own life in it.” Between school, acting classes and a part-time baby-sitting job, she still finds time to read, paint and hang out with friends. They often joke that she should start taking them to movie premieres and introducing them to famous actors when she becomes famous. “They think it’s so cool.”

The young actress hopes to have many premieres in the future. “I am not sure what I would want to do other than acting.” Jolly’s advice to those who want to pursue an acting career is to work hard and be persistent. “It just takes so much trying out and failing before you finally get that one part that’s exactly right for you and you nail it. It’s an amazing feeling.”

“Just Crazy Enough” is still in production and will be released sometime in 2012. Along with Jolly’s performance in the movie, Edmonites can certainly enjoy the role their charming city played in it.

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LUCKY TO BE ALIVE

by Lindsay Whelchel

On Dr. Greg Walton’s 21st birthday, he was on top of the world. Summer was drawing to a close, as was his summer job in the oil industry. Senior year at Oklahoma State University was about to begin and after that, medical school. But all of that would change.

In a devastating oil tank explosion, Walton and another college student were seriously injured. Two were killed. What was not lost, however, was Walton’s determination to become a physician. Miraculously, his eyes and hands were relatively unscathed from the blast. He knows how lucky he is to be alive and has come a long way since that fateful day. Walton now is practicing bariatric medicine in Edmond and in turn, giving others a new lease on their own life.

But Walton will be the first to emphasize that it was a long journey from the accident to today. After the blast, Walton was left with burns over much of his face and body. He spent 55 days in the hospital and underwent 25 operations. He credits his friends and family with helping him cope but adds that it took time and a change of attitude to fully recover emotionally.

“When I think back about that and what made me get through it and what may help other people get through it,” he said, “is when I figured out no one was coming to the pity party I was throwing for myself every day, and that made a huge difference.”

People often say things happen for a reason and Walton would likely agree that his accident has helped him connect to patients with more empathy. “When I tell people I know what it’s like to be on the other side of the bed rail, they certainly believe me,” he says. And getting to the doctor side of the bed rail took a great deal of work. Walton returned to school a year after the accident and got into med school as planned. He

Dr. Greg Walton at his practice, WeightWise Bariatric Program in Edmond spent his residency in Alabama before working at the burns and ICU center at Ft. Sam Houston for a year.

It was during his residency that Walton learned about bariatric medicine but was decidedly against doing it in a private practice setting like the one he ran for eight years in Enid. But life had other plans in mind. “It sort of got out that I had done some of (the surgeries). People started working me over to do some on them and of course I thought that was ridiculous but finally they wore me down,” he laughs. When successful, bariatric surgery alters the amount of food a person can physically eat, thereby inducing weight loss for permanent or prolonged periods of time.

But it was when Walton started to see the change that bariatric medicine had in people’s lives that he knew it was his rightful place. “Being a general

"When I tell people I know what it's like to be on the other side of the bed rail, they certainly believe me."

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surgeon is as gratifying as it is but this was gratifying in multiples, to really help people regain their life.

Through my experience, it had a huge impact on me and seemed like it was a life calling,” he says.

Since opening WeightWise Bariatric Program in Edmond, Walton says they have done more than 2,000 operations and are working hard to reverse some of the negative stereotypes of bariatric surgery as being dangerous or not long-lasting. He says they have had no deaths in their practice and utilize a system of dietitians and exercise specialists to preserve the changes in a person.

He says that technology has greatly improved and the patients are seeing the changes as a result of that.

Walton explains that many patients do not realize how unhappy they were at their preoperative weight until after they have the surgery, because gaining the weight occurs over a long period of time. “They’re just very thankful that they’ve been able to regain their vigor with life.” And Walton certainly can testify to the ability to regain life with vigor.

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MY EDMOND

OUTLOOK

by Krystal Harlow

Name: Steve Johnson, Managing Editor at KFOR What exactly does a managing editor do?

Basically I'm in charge of the day to day news gathering operation. I help decide what we cover.

I assign reporters and photogs to stories and I'm also in the 4Warn Storm Center during severe weather. I help coordinate where the storm chasers and Bob Moore Chopper 4 need to be.

How long have you worked there?

I started working at KFOR in 1994. I left for a while in the fall of 1995, but came back in the spring of 1996.

What do you love most about your job?

I love that no two days are the same. I also enjoy the excitement of learning new things and new technology.

Have you met any one famous?

I've met several politicians and entertainers. Recently, Garth Brooks and his wife, Trisha Yearwood, stopped by the station to record some promos. They were very nice.

Describe your experience working through the OKC bombing.

It was tough. Extreme working conditions, long days & sad stories. I spent three weeks doing 12 hours on/12 hours off in one of our live trucks. The full effect of the event didn't hit me until several weeks later when I was reading a news magazine that had pictures of the Murrah site, victims, etc. I started to cry like a baby.

You also helped film the May 3 tornado. What was that like?

Wild, wild day. The Chopper pilot and I started off when the tornado formed near the towns of Cement and Cyril. We followed it up to Tinker AFB. At some point, I looked out my window and saw a neighborhood destroyed. I shouted to the pilot to look down. The sight was eerie. We saw people crawling through the debris, tending to neighbors, helping out. A sight I will never forget.

The video from the helicopters no doubt saved lives. People could see how bad the situation was. They saw the video, heard the warnings and lives were spared.

How have these experiences shaped you as a person?

I hope it's made me a stronger, yet more compassionate person.

What do you like most about living in Edmond?

My wife and I built our home in 2001. Most of the area around it was still farmland.

How it's grown in 10 years is amazing. Its a great place to raise a family. My wife and I are blessed with two girls. They both go to West Field. We love the school and love the area. Edmond has it all. Good homes, shopping and great places to eat.

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