Edmond Outlook JANUARY2011 by Outlook Magazine

13431 N Broadway EXT, STE 104 Oklahoma City, OK 73114

www.edmondoutlook.com

10 departments

features

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Blending Paint & Cultures

24 BACK TO LIFE Architect Firm Restores Building

LETTERS FROM LOUISE A Special Party

26 THREADS OF COMPASSION Crocheting Scarves for YWCA

10 SPORTS Lacrosse: The Fastest Game on Two Feet

28 HAYLEY MCFARLAND From Hometown Actress to Primetime TV Star 31 SHOPPING GUIDE Cool Deals

12 BEST OF EDMOND Draelos Metabolic Center & A Cleaner Place

online exclusive

15 DINING GUIDE Running Wild Catering

16 SOUTH OF THE BORDER space 18 HOME & GARDEN Home is Where the Heart is 20 FINE LIVING Create Your Own Wine Cellar 32 AROUND TOWN

FRANCIS TUTTLE COMING TO EDMOND www.edmondoutlook.com

Publisher

Managing Editor

Art Director

Advertising Director

Advertising Sales

Photography

Writers

Distribution

Edmond Outlook

Dave Miller Stacy Brasher Joshua Hatfield Krystal Harlow Laura Beam Randall Green Radina Gigova 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

Become a Fan on Facebook facebook.com/EdmondOutlook

(Volume 7, Number 1) Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. ÂŠ 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.

33 MY EDMOND OUTLOOK Peggy Brennan

www.edmondoutlook.com

A rts & Entertainment

“I like the Japanese culture because they have really ancient history that we don’t have in the United States,” said Robertson. “I love the intricacy of the traditional clothing and the attention to detail and focus on beauty.” Robertson said the response she has gotten from Oklahomans about her international style has been positive. Her work caught the attention of Edmond residents when it was shown at a local bank last fall.

“I’ve always been interested in art. Ever since I could hold a pencil, I was always drawing something.”

rtists are familiar with duality. They see the same things we all see. Yet, their eyes are automatically morphing the image into a unique color or concept. Factor in what it would mean to be an artist living with a dual-cultural identity and you better understand Julie Robertson. Robertson was born in Tokyo, Japan to a Japanese mother and an American father. They came to the United States when she was six, moving to Oklahoma at the age of eight. Art was a constant in Robertson’s life. “I’ve always been interested in art. Ever since I could hold a pencil, I was always drawing something,” she said. For a long time, American culture dominated Robertson’s life. “I didn’t really think about the Japanese culture that much growing up in America,” she said. Then, as she got older, Robertson was drawn back to her roots. “During college, I started going back to Japan every summer to spend time with my grandma and I really started loving it more,” she explains.

www.edmondoutlook.com

by Lindsay Whelchel It was only a matter of time before where she came from and who she was as an Oklahoma artist fused together. These days, Robertson paints under the name JUURI, which is the Japanese word for ‘Julie’. Her work immediately calls to mind the splendor and color of a place a world away from Oklahoma, while still managing to connect to the American viewer. “It’s kind of interesting because I’m kind of a mixture of both cultures and I see both sides in me. I think you can see that in my art,” Robertson said. Her media is a mixture as well. She uses a combination of acrylic, watercolors and colored pencils, to create her captivating characters. To get ideas for her paintings, Robertson watches Japanese films and reads Japanese magazines. “I just get inspiration from all of those things for beautiful subjects and beautiful ideas,” she explains. Echoing this idea of fusion, even time seems to mix together in her work. With her affinity for the past spurred by Japanese antiquity, her work is both very modern and beautifully classic.

“It’s a little bit unusual, the Japanese style, in Oklahoma,” she said. “It’s not unusual in California, but in Oklahoma it’s a bit of a novelty and people respond to that.” With each piece, Robertson starts by making a sketch and then shifting to watercolor. If she likes the piece, she will continue. The entire process usually takes around three days. “I can tell if it’s not going to work if it’s taking a long time,” Robertson said, adding that she is picky about the paintings she likes and decides to complete. Robertson credits her education with helping mold her technique. She majored in Graphic Design at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. “It’s just a little school but they have some of the best teachers,” she said. Her advice to anyone wanting to expand their career as an artist is to get involved in some type of class. “If you love it, you should totally do it or you’re not going to be happy in anything else,” she said. Robertson is currently busy creating a new collection of paintings for an upcoming show in the Plaza District in May. “I’m supposed to have 15 new pieces for the show, so I’m going to have to work hard,” she said. For more information on upcoming art shows, or to view her work, visit www.juuriart.com.

www.edmondoutlook.com

L etters from Louise

he New Year sneaked up on me again! Just when I finally relaxed enough to enjoy Christmas, January came skidding around the corner. While the ball was dropping in Times Square, I was wondering where Christmas went. Each year I promise to be ready for both celebrations, but it hasn’t happened lately. And even though I didn’t get to attend every Christmas program I planned for December, I definitely made it to the best show in town— the annual Special Ministries Christmas Party at Henderson Hills Baptist Church. Every year, dozens of people with special needs are treated to a banquet, a portrait of themselves with family or friends in front of the Christmas tree, along with a special gift. But the best part comes after the meal, when the audience kicks back and enjoys a talent show put on by the guests of honor.

“But the greatest thing of all is the love our students have for others and for the Lord." For over an hour, individuals sing, dance, or play musical instruments. One young lady even twirls a baton. Joe Stone, our oldest member at 77 years young, entertained the group with a rendition of White Christmas, inviting the audience to sing along. Lee Ann brought a reverence to the program with O Holy Night, Brain sang The Christmas Song, and a young Elvis impersonator got the crowd clapping along while he sang and played the guitar. There were thirty or more jaw-dropping, aweinspiring performances.

www.edmondoutlook.com

by Louise Tucker Jones It was a marvelous night and as you might guess, it took a multitude of volunteers to pull off this feat. Teachers, parents, friends, family and people from all walks of life — old and young alike, members and non-members of our church — made this gathering the best of the best with an attendance of more than 200 people. And in case you’re wondering, yes, HHBC presents lots of other opportunities for challenged individuals throughout the year. There are special events in the spring and fall, camps for teens and adults during the summer as well as Vacation Bible School for the young ones. A choir performs at numerous venues throughout the year, not to mention the many opportunities provided for all age groups on Sunday mornings. But the greatest thing of all is the love our students have for others and for the Lord. Each Sunday I am greeted with hugs, smiles and happy conversation. Some have known me so long they call me their second mother. One man is especially fond of brochures and books from Texas. He waits at the door each Sunday to see what my husband brings him and often exclaims, “I love Carl Jones.” Joe always asks about my mother, having met her at church a few times. Robert hands me my bulletin. Preston sometimes hugs me and tells me he is praying for me, while several other adults help with the offering. So, if you missed their big Christmas show this year, you might want to grab an apron, a camera, a cart

of drinks or some decorations and show up next year as a volunteer. Better yet, find someplace to volunteer right now. It doesn’t have to be at my church; it can be anywhere. Make it your New Year’s resolution to become friends with a challenged individual this year. One caution — don’t think you will be the one doing the blessing — you will definitely be the recipient. It’s amazing what a difference one person can make. If you don’t believe me just look at the large group of people with special needs at HHBC. And it all started more than 25 years ago with only one child — my son, Jay! Happy New Year!

Jay Jones

and Preston Olson at their Christmas party.

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER IN 2011 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.

t’s the year 2011 – everyone’s online right? But is everyone being smart about their online presence? As I meet with business owners throughout the Edmond community, I often find that some have a Content Management System for their website, but don’t like it. Others are burdened by having to call their web company to make changes. I enjoy helping them each discover a better way - the Javelin way. As I describe how easy Javelin is to use, I often encounter the same key questions from CEOs, Business Owners, Marketing Assistants, and IT Managers alike. What is Javelin? Javelin is a powerful Content Management System that gives you control of your website content. No more waiting on developers to make changes to your website for weeks at a time. Just hired a new employee? Upload their photo, bio, and contact information all by yourself in less than 5 minutes. What is a CMS? Our Content Management System (CMS) is online - no software CDs to install,

no fancy equipment needed. You simply log on to your website, and “click” to add, edit, or delete right there on the webpage. A major advantage of using a CMS is that it requires almost no technical skill no HTML, no CSS, and no other “code languages” to decipher. What are the benefits? Unlimited editing is included. You can change your content every day, or every month. It’s your choice. Need a new web page to highlight a big Valentine’s Day sale? Add as many new web pages as you like at any time throughout the year - the sky is the limit with Javelin. Do you currently manage a blog site and a website? Why? Javelin will put your Blogs & Twitter Feed right on your homepage so clients have access to the latest information in one spot. It will even take the hassle out of separate e-commerce systems. Javelin is an all-in-one offering to all your website admin needs. How do I get started? We can transfer your current website, or create a new one. Call me at 405-478-4080 to set up a quick, free demonstration.

www.edmondoutlook.com

by Nathan Winfrey

acrosse has asserted a feverish hold on Edmond with astounding speed, growing from 93 players just four years ago, to a projected 400 players in 2011. “It’s been a phenomenal new sport to bring to the community,” says Edmond Lacrosse Club President Marc Anderson. In 2006, Edmond Parks and Recreation opened an instructional program to teach the sport, while a parents’ organization raised support and maintained the fields. When the number of kids interested skyrocketed, Edmond Lacrosse incorporated as a nonprofit organization and took over as the managing body. “We have a great group of volunteers who give a lot of time to the sport,” Anderson says.

www.edmondoutlook.com

Lacrosse integrates the best aspects of more traditional athletics, like the hand/eye coordination of baseball, the running and field presence of soccer, and the strategy plus positioning of basketball. “It’s all the sports I love combined into one,” says 15-yearold lacrosse player Ryan Nielsen. The object is to put the ball in the opponent’s goal, and players use uniquely-designed sticks to move the ball from one end of the field to the other. It would be wrong to call lacrosse a hybrid sport though, because it predates most others by a few hundred years. A millennium ago, lacrosse was played by up to 1,000 Native American men on fields like a rehearsal for war to keep warriors strong and athletic. Field lacrosse today has 10 players on each side; the field is 110 yards by 60 yards; and the opponent’s goal is a net that is 6 feet high and 6 feet wide. A team consists of a goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three attackers. Box lacrosse is the indoor version, played on an iceless hockey rink, with six players on each team. “There’s a lot of strategy,” Anderson says. “It’s very similar to soccer in that the defenders have to stay on their side of the field and the attackers have to stay on their side. The ‘middies’ are free to roam the whole field.” Edmond Lacrosse offers activities for kindergarten-age kids up through high school. In the boys’ program, the organization governs four high school teams, four fifth and sixth grade teams and four third- and fourth-grade teams. The girls’ program has one high school team, two middle school teams and two elementary school teams. Middle school and high school teams play against teams from Arkansas, Tulsa, Kansas and Texas. “I think the sport is really great for kids. They’re able to adapt to it easily,” Anderson says. “Kids seem to really love the equipment, they love to suit up and they love the competition.” Boys wear shoulder pads, helmets, gloves, and arm pads, among other gear. Girls wear goggles and mouth guards. Girls get to go lighter on the protective gear because while body-checking is

“It’s all the sports I love combined into one."

allowed in the boys’ program, it is forbidden in the girls’ program. “I like lacrosse because it’s fast-paced with lots of action,” says Edmond high school team member Damon Young. Lacrosse is often called “the fastest game on two feet” because of the pace at which it can be played, but Anderson says the sport is great for any kid at any skill level. “If a kid likes to play sports, there’s a role for them on a lacrosse team,” he says. Edmond Lacrosse offers a starter program, called “Scoopers” for kids in kindergarten through second grade. “It’s a fundamental, skill-based program, but the main thing we want to teach the kids is to love the sport,” Anderson says. “We have some really dynamic people out there who make it a lot of fun for the kids.” The lacrosse season lasts from March through May. Edmond Lacrosse teams practice at Cheyenne Middle School, on the southeast corner of Kelly Avenue and Covell Road in Edmond. Registration for the spring season began December 15 and will end in mid-February. A reduced fee is offered until January 16. For more information, visit www.edmondlacrosse. com or become a fan on Facebook by searching for “Edmond Lacrosse.”

www.edmondoutlook.com

Best of Edmond

A Balancing Act by Rebecca Vidacovich

hose living with diabetes, thyroid issues or struggling to lose weight know how difficult it can be to reach their health and wellness goals, but now, they have

a partner. Edmond’s Draelos Metabolic Center was founded two years ago by long-time Edmond resident, Dr. Matthew Draelos, MD, who wanted local residents to find the most advanced care for their diabetes, thyroid, obesity, and other endocrine issues. “I saw a critical need for a center to help people lose weight, including those who have metabolic issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol – because losing excessive body fat is the key to ultimately controlling all of these conditions,” said Draelos. Draelos brought together a team of health care professionals, specializing in weight loss, nutrition and diabetes. They work together to help patients achieve and maintain their best metabolic profile in terms of weight and overall health.

www.edmondoutlook.com

“We have patients who have lost 70 pounds and more, and kept the weight off. They come in smiling and able to do things they had not been able to do in years because of weight or health issues. It is rewarding to see the life-changing impact our care can have,” he said. Among the unique care offered at Draelos Metabolic Center is their ability to measure both resting and exercise energy expenditure, which is important information used to individualize care. The experts on staff choose the best nutrition plan and medications for patients in order to start them on the path to living healthier, more productive and fulfilling lives. “We can help patients learn how to manage their disease rather than allow it to manage them,” Draelos explained. Draelos, who is board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, knows all about living with a chronic illness. He’s had Type 1 diabetes for 42 years. “After all of these years, I am proud to say I am in excellent

From left to right,

Danielle Zachery, RN, MS, CCNS, Matthew Draelos, MD, Karon Potter, RD, LD,CDE, and Sharon Bolton, PA-C

health, which shows that you can live well, even with diabetes,” said Draelos. “We love helping our patient’s look and feel better. It sounds simplistic, but it really makes your day when patients, who lacked energy and self-esteem, return to thank you for helping them change their appearance and their overall outlook on life.” Draelos Metabolic Center Edmond Clinic is located at 200 N. Bryant in Edmond. Call their office at (405) 330-2362 to schedule an appointment, or visit www.draelosmetabolic.com for more details.

A Fresh Perspective

“I

n my childhood I loved to take things apart and fix them, or just see what made them work,” said A Cleaner Place owner, Steve Fuhrman. “Sometimes they didn’t work when I was done, but I learned from that,” he chuckles. Little did he know that his childhood tinkering would lead him to a 25-year-long career in the vacuum industry. Fuhrman began by selling Kirby Vacuum cleaners door to door for several years. Later, while working as an electrician, he continued his fascination by working in a vacuum repair shop. After a short while, Fuhrman had grown weary of cheaply made, imported, disposable vacuum cleaners that were filling landfills and making customers unhappy. Fuhrman felt that in return for the cheap prices, many of these vacuums offered poor quality, little to no customer service and produced unhealthy chemicals. Many of these vacuums were sold in big box stores, with just one lonely aisle to select from, with minimum wage workers who simply couldn’t answer questions about the product. He had a better idea.

by Rebecca Vidacovich Fuhrman opened A Cleaner Place in 1995 in Tracy, California with the goal to provide specialized products and personal customer service. The business was moved to Oklahoma City soon after Fuhrman married Jeanie Jones. Oklahoma was home to his wife; it was centrally located for his vacuum business; and it provided an affordable cost of living. Jeanie was sensitive to chemicals and had been using non-chemical methods for cleaning for years. The couple began to get more involved in selling Miele Vacuum Cleaners and decided to make a shift in products as they made the move to Oklahoma. “I think you will be surprised that we are more than vacuum cleaners. We help people,” she says. “It is sad that most people have to be disappointed by mass merchandisers and cheap imports before they come to us. But when they do finally come around, we get to help them with allergy symptoms, chemical sensitivities, and even cleaning advice.” A Cleaner Place offers excellent customer service by engaging with the customer, solving their problems, and offering quality products and services. They aim to provide eco-friendly products that are

Steve Fuhrman and Jeanie Jones, Owners of A Cleaner Place

sustainable, free from harmful chemicals, and healthy for families. They offer quality vacuum cleaners, floor care machines, personal care products, kitchen products and household products all with you in mind. A Cleaner Place takes pride in offering items that are made locally, regionally, or by responsible American and European companies. The store even posts signs, boasting the states of each of their vendors with most map pinholes right here in the USA. Stop by A Cleaner Place at 2409 N. Rockwell Ave. in Oklahoma City or visit www.acleanerplace.com or www.vacshack.com to learn more.

www.edmondoutlook.com

Dining Guide

Teresa Walters,

Executive Chef of Running Wild Catering

Running Wild Catering

fter 13 successful years as Johnnie’s Catering, co-owners Debbie Lowery and Teresa Walters decided it was time for a change. The company is now known as Running Wild Catering. They still have the same great staff and fabulous food, the only thing that’s changed is the name. “I went to work for Johnnie’s Catering in 1997,” Lowery said. “We bought into the company several years later. This past October, along with Thomas Deutsch, we bought the whole company after one of the owners retired.” Running Wild offers a wide variety of menus including Italian, Mexican, BBQ, Holiday, Classic Favorites and more. They even provide “Smart Eating” options for those looking for healthier alternatives. “I feel our specialty is our weddings,” Lowery said. “We set up really beautiful displays with great food everyone likes.” For your next event, start with one of their delicious salads, like the Chicken Artichoke Pasta Salad or the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad. The salad is made with mixed greens topped with diced

by Rebecca Vidacovich Ancho-rubbed grilled chicken breast, diced tomato, black beans, corn, green onions and cheddar cheese. For appetizers, try the baked pesto artichokes, smoked salmon or the brushetta bar, which includes garlic baguette rounds, basil pesto, olive tapenade, diced tomato, fresh basil and buffalo mozzarella. For your entrée, Running Wild has many delicious menu items. Some of the more popular include Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Caribbean Pork Carnitas, Grilled Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper Cream, Italian Chicken Breast and Cheese Tortellini. For a flavor south of the border, try the Taco Bar, Ancho Rubbed Chicken Breast or the Fajitas. Executive Chef, Teresa Walters, is very versatile, Lowery says. She feels they excel at comfort foods like pot roast, turkey and meatloaf. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary though, Running Wild has a menu just for you. Choose from Panang Shrimp, Coconut Lobster Tail, Spanakopita, Tandoori Chicken Satay and many other unique options. Running Wild will finish your evening with their extensive dessert menu. They offer everything from

chocolate fountains, Gelato Italian ice, gourmet cookies and lemon squares, to cheesecake, cobblers, pies, bread pudding and more. “Catering is a unique business,” Lowery says. “There are several great caterers in the metro. We all share a passion for creativity and customer service. I think a potential client should keep in mind what catering is. We don’t just offer food, we offer a service of full set up and decor along with staff to take care of all their needs and desires. When you see a restaurant that offers catering, make sure that it is not just delivering food and dropping it off. That is not catering.” Lowery says the company promises to exceed expectations and provide legendary service. Their mission is to have each and every client experience the highest quality food and service possible at reasonable prices. Running Wild Catering truly offers anything you could possibly want for your next event. For more information or to place an order, call 405751-0688, Or you can view their entire menu at www.runningwildcatering.com.

www.edmondoutlook.com

D ining Guide

south of the

BORDER by Laura Beam

“Mexican food is my weakness. Thank God I live in Washington where it`s horrible. They put in some tomatoes and bell peppers and call it salsa!” — Lynda Carter

www.edmondoutlook.com

El Parian Shake winter’s chill with hearty Mexican soups that warm you to your toes. Taste El Parian’s authentic flair in every spoonful of chicken tortilla soup, pork or chicken Pozole, Menudo or Caldo res—a tasty beef and vegetable soup. Their diverse menu features selections like homemade tamales wrapped in banana leaves, Mole enchiladas, Mole with chicken, rice and beans and chicken or beef sopes with lettuce and red or green salsa. Wash it all down with a refreshing Horchata rice drink blended with pineapple and other fresh fruits. Stop by 315 S. Broadway for lunch or dinner, or call 359-1068.

Beef Jerky Emporium & Gourmet Foods

Mama Veca Mexican Restaurant

Zarate’s Latin Mexican Grill

Take home specialties from Beef Jerky Emporium & Gourmet Foods like their delicious tamales handmade by the Posa family in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Choose pork and red chile or chicken or cheese and green chile wrapped in stone-ground corn masa. Fully cooked, they are ready to warm and serve. Complete your feast with salsa, queso, tortilla soup mix, and over 100 hot sauces. You’ll find hundreds of specialty items like Cajun foods and grain-fed, dry-aged steaks with a hefty 2” cut, plus an amazing jerky selection! Visit www.tbje.com or stop by Mon.-Sat.10am-6pm at Britton & May, Danforth & Kelly or I-40 & Meridian.

Discover the exceptional foods and bright, upbeat atmosphere that have made Mama Veca a Norman favorite for years. Now in Edmond, this familyowned Mexican eatery offers exceptional dishes like the popular house tacos with fajita meat and Chile Rellenos with Poblano peppers. Don’t miss their exiting Peruvian menu, too. Competitive prices and attention to the quality taste you crave, make this an outstanding dining value! Bring this ad in for $5 OFF your $25 food purchase through 1/31/11. Dine at 840 W. Danforth Rd. next to Hobby Lobby, visit www.mamavecarestaurant.com or call 844-8782.

Zarate’s exciting Latin Mexican fare is as colorful as its blue building on Broadway! Lunch and dinner, this savory Edmond hot spot serves up best-loved Mexican entrees like enchiladas, fajitas and tacos. Relish the flavors of real Latin food with dynamic dishes like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Cuban Pork Chops, Diablo Shrimp and Seafood Saltado. Relax with friends at the bar over a Sangria Swirl or one of their many inventive drinks. See their coupon for great dinner specials! Dine at 706 S. Broadway, call 330-6400 or visit zarateslatingrill.com. Open Sun.Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. & Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

www.edmondoutlook.com

H ome & Garden

by Radina Gigova

aitlin Kelley’s MommaCounts is an Oklahoma grown company that offers more than just simple deals and discounts – it is her life’s dream come true. Recently, the 25 year old took a leap of faith, leaving her position at a local non-profit to become a homebased entrepreneur. Born and raised in Edmond, Kelley graduated from Edmond North High School. She is a proud mom and very involved with helping others – a combination which served as the inspiration for her new online business venture, www.MommaCounts.com. Kelley was working as community relations coordinator at Infant Crisis Services when she got the idea to start MommaCounts, combining the things she loves the most: giving back to the community, shopping, and being a mom. “We are such a niche, we are so different than any other ones,

405-887-4121

I saw an opportunity there, and I just went after it,” said Kelley. She launched her website on Cyber Monday in November 2010 with over 140 online coupons sold her very first day. “I thought it was a great way to combine shopping local, but also shopping online,” said Kelley. “I was really thankful and excited about the response that people showed.” MommaCounts offers deals of the day for local businesses where moms and their families like to shop, eat, workout and relax. But Kelley prides herself on being more than just another Groupon, or Daily Deal website – MommaCounts has heart. A percentage of each coupon sold is donated to her featured non-profit of the month. Each agency mission is featured on her website to help raise awareness. The non-profits are always local, and their missions are geared toward helping children,

405-974-1174

www.heritagerenovations.net

www.edmondoutlook.com

promoting education, or eliminating hunger – all things that are important to moms, according to Kelley. “It’s great to give a non-profit money, but really, there’s nothing like raising awareness,” she said. After leaving her job to launch MommaCounts, Kelley started working from home. She said being able to spend more time with her family is a blessing. Her husband, who is a firefighter for the city of Moore, has been extremely supportive and understanding. “That’s a huge help,” she said. “There isn’t literally a day that goes by that I am not thankful for the privilege to be able to work from home and to spend more time with my family.”

Working from home is certainly different than working at an office. “When you work from home, you become a master of multitasking,” she said, adding that when she’s working, she tries to concentrate 100 percent on work, but when she is with her family, they get her full attention. Sometimes, Kelley admits she tries to incorporate the best of both worlds, for example engaging her 5-year-old son in work-like activities. “If I’m at my computer, he is at his little desk near me, maybe drawing a picture, or doing something just like we work together,” she said. Kelley is getting used to her new routine, but still misses her former colleagues. “I miss being able to share excitements, disappointments, or anything with a group of people who deeply care for a cause,” she said. However, when her business expands, Kelley hopes to hire staff and build her own team. While she misses her co-workers, working from home does have another added benefit — you can decorate your office any way you like, she says. Kelley’s office incorporates a very creative atmosphere with a lot of colors. “It’s inspirational, with pictures everywhere, lots of colorful files, with a very eclectic feel,” said Kelley. Her husband built the desk from an old door that has Plexiglas over it and cinder blocks holding it up. “It looks awesome,” she said.

MommaCounts.com, Caitlin

Kelley’s website

When you have your own company, the to-do list almost never ends. But Kelley wants to encourage everyone who has a good idea, an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to start their own business, to follow their dream. “I would say anybody can do it. I don’t care who you are, what type of personality you are, basically if you want to do this, the only thing that’s stopping you is that you think that you can’t,” said Kelley. For more information on the local businesses or non-profits Kelley features, visit her website at www.mommacounts.com.

www.edmondoutlook.com

F ine Living

he more a wine enthusiast learns, the larger their collection grows, often leaving a crowded refrigerator or dark cabinet competing for space. Most people think proper wine storage is costly and the techniques to maintain good wine are complicated, but according to some local experts, it’s easier than you think. Storing wine is all about control. With the proper materials and equipment, you can achieve the right temperature, humidity and light setting needed for optimal preservation and taste. It’s easy to do this if your home has a cellar just waiting for the perfect wine rack, but with a little effort you can also create the same control above ground in your home. Dr. Gary Strebel, owner of the award-winning Strebel Creek Vineyard near 122nd and Macarthur, started out as a hobbyist winemaker 14 years ago. When he ran out of room, he decided to rethink his mud room rather than building a wine cellar. “It was a small mud closet near the kitchen, only about four by eight feet. We stripped the area and built some wine racks to go around two walls. Then I installed a split system air conditioner and ran the lines outside to a condenser to cool the room,” he said. “I keep it on the lowest room setting and I store about 500 bottles of wine there.” While sparkling white wines and dessert wines are often served chilled, red wine is usually served at “room temperature” (no less than 60 degrees) in

www.edmondoutlook.com

by Mindy Wood order to deliver its full flavor. However, storing and serving are two different concepts. Experts agree that both red and white wines should be stored between 50-60 degrees, because even a red wine can simply be set out a couple of hours before serving. Strebel recommends evaluating wasted space in your home, such as underneath the stairway. “Usually this is unused space, especially with older two-story homes,” he said. “Open the space and install a door, some insulation and a cooler. Keep the space dark because light will cause the wine to deteriorate more quickly. The temperature should be kept between 50 and 60 degrees.”

“The rule is keep wine cool, dark and free of humidity." Jennifer Hodgens agrees. As the sales manager of McCaleb Homes in Edmond, she explains, “A popular design is to build a wine room in the home with a bistro and grotto surrounding the area, but we also build homes with the walk out basement so the wine storage is underground.” They recommend using cedar or redwood to control humidity so the cork won’t mold and as much stone as possible to keep the temperature down.

Continued on page 22

www.edmondoutlook.com

Continued from page 20 There’s always technology for those who want to make wine storage a priority without ever lifting a hammer. WineEnthusiast.com is a great place to shop for wine coolers and cabinets that are visually appealing, precisely functional, and offer a lot of storage for very little space. Many of these refrigerated, free standing or installed “wine cellars” hold at least 20 wine bottles at two different temperatures while the “N’Finity Wine Cellar” holds 170 bottles and looks like a sleek side-by-side refrigerator. The prices range from $300 to $3,000. Accessories abound in many Edmond wine shops, like the “rabbit corkscrew” that lets you open a bottle of wine without exertion and vacuum pumps that allow you to store an opened bottle for days without losing any quality. There are wine cork kits, wine glass racks, sophisticated and chic decanters, as well as special cleaning accessories for the wine enthusiast! If you’re just beginning to collect wine, keep in mind the general rule is to preserve your wine as you would in an underground cellar: cool, dark, and free of humidity. As you build your collection, your knowledge and tastes will grow. Begin to familiarize yourself with accessories that optimize storage and harness quality control so you’ll be hailed as a connoisseur at your next dinner party.

www.edmondoutlook.com

he Small Group Architects, a firm that specializes in historic preservation, is bringing a century old building back to life. Located at 108 South Broadway, it was built in 1906 and holds a few secrets inside its long history in downtown Edmond. The firm’s founder and director, Thomas Small eyed the building less than a block away from his former location in downtown Edmond. “We were tenets at the time and had pretty well maximized that space. We have a growing staff and really needed more room so we decided to consider owning. This building was for sale and it seemed to fit us pretty well,” said Small. Whitney Williams, marketing and business developer for The Small Group Architects believes the purchase made sense because the renovation is a true act of integrity. “It was important to maintain our location for our employees who work here and live close to Edmond,” said Williams. “We wanted to be good neighbors and keep the spirit of downtown Edmond by maintaining century old architecture.” Several businesses have occupied the building over the years prior to The Small Group Architects’ renovation efforts. The building first functioned as a hardware store on the first floor and a funeral parlor on the second. Most recently, it had become a restaurant on the first floor, and studio apartment on the top floor. “It was pretty raw,” said Small when he surveyed the building for the first time. “We did discover where there had been a wood stove and a fire at one time,” he recalls. “We discovered charred materials on the roof structure where apparently it got out of control for a little while before it was put out.”

www.edmondoutlook.com

by Mindy Wood Restoration will continue on the first floor to accommodate a larger conference room, waiting area and additional professional staff. Small also plans to restore the exterior soon after the first floor project is completed. He was pleased to see it in such good condition. “The lime green stucco was probably added in the sixties but when I pealed some of it back, I found it preserved the original masonry pretty well,” he said. “The exterior walls are a foot and a half thick rubble stone, built up from loose stones from the ground to the top of the second floor. They kind of hold themselves up,” laughed Small. “They’ve lasted 100 years and we decided they’d probably last another century.” The Small Group Architects’ plan to restore the exterior to its original appearance, as pictured in photos from 1906. “The existing windows are not historic, replaced probably two decades ago, and we’re planning to install replica wood windows,” Small explained. “We have photos of the way the old building used to look and we’re going to restore it back to that look as best we can.” The firm’s other historic renovation projects include the Journal Record building, The Edmond Sun, the Chickasaw White House, the Seay Mansion and the Oklahoma Territorial Schoolhouse. They were awarded the Oklahoma City Historic Preservation’s “Citation of Merit” in 2007 and Small continues to serve on the preservation commission. Although they have won awards, and completed many historic renovations throughout Oklahoma City, it’s clear this project in Downtown Edmond comes from the heart, for it will serve as their homebase of operations for many years to come.

www.edmondoutlook.com

by Lindsay Whelchel

s an Edmond group of women affected by sexual assault themselves, Threads of Compassion goes beyond providing a simple, material item to someone. They are crafting a connection to fellow survivors of this terrible ordeal. This local group of volunteers offers support to victims of sexual abuse through their talents of crocheting and knitting. By weaving empathy into scarves, they hope their efforts show rape victims they are not alone. Rape is a violent crime that occurs once every two minutes in the U.S., according to the Young Women’s Club Association (YWCA), and an attempted rape occurs every three minutes. Statistics can only be formed from rapes that were actually reported though. The YWCA says that most rapes and sexual assaults are in fact, never reported. The idea behind Threads of Compassion began in Chicago several years ago, according to Edmond resident Jessica Estes, who is a survivor of rape herself. Estes learned of the efforts in Chicago and decided to take action here. She began by crocheting six scarves over the holidays last year. She then reached out to the YWCA in Oklahoma City and they were interested in helping facilitate the program. “It’s just grown from there really,” Estes said. Since starting up this program, 28 people have donated scarves and another 14 have donated money or supplies for the cause.

“The scarves are a literal link between survivors. Compassion is indeed in every thread." The group has a meeting once a month at the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, where volunteers can meet and talk, while they start on scarves. Estes says that the scarves are then completed by the volunteers on their own time. This combined effort is perhaps as therapeutic for the volunteers as it is for the recipients. “One part that I didn’t necessarily expect to happen is just the encouragement that comes from being part of something that other people are doing too,” Estes said. She explained that the effects of sexual assault can last long after the incident. Estes sought help within her church as well as the YWCA after her assault nearly 10 years ago. “Traumatic experiences take some time,” she said. “I had a good support group.” Estes now hopes to reach out and offer her own support in return. After being knitted by a volunteer, the scarf is only the beginning of a meaningful journey as it’s handed over to the YWCA to become a part of a larger support program for rape and sexual assault victims.

www.edmondoutlook.com

Jessica Estes began by crocheting six scarves over the holidays last year

According to Estes, the YWCA sends an advocate along with a victim to one of three area hospitals where they can get an exam, as well as treatment for an assault. It is during this time that the advocate gives the victim a scarf. “It helps the victim, this provides them with hope that ‘I can get through this, these are people that have gone through this and they care about me,” says Karla Docter, Director of Crisis Response Teams for the YWCA. The YWCA is an organization that offers a wide range of crisis services, says Docter. Those services range from emergency shelter and a 24-hour hotline, to individual counseling. Grateful for the thoughtful donation, she says some victims will hold the scarves closely or drape the scarf around their shoulders in an equivalent to a hug. “I’ve had some of them well up in tears,” said Docter, who added just how thankful she is personally for the volunteers who knit the scarves. One such volunteer is Kayla Tur, an Edmond resident who wanted to use her talents to help others. She got involved with Threads of Compassion because she could relate to the victims. “I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse so I know how devastating it can be to feel like you’re alone. Just giving them something that says we care can help,” she said. The organization’s biggest need is for more people to volunteer and make scarves, said Estes. According to Docter, the YWCA helps between 30 and 40 people a month who have been affected by assault. Estes’ goal is to make enough scarves for each and every one of them. The scarves can be any color or pattern and can be either crocheted or knitted, but should be five inches wide and 65 inches long. “That is just kind of a base so that whoever receives it can probably wear it if they choose to,” Estes said. The scarves are a literal link between survivors. Compassion is indeed in every thread. For more information on how you can help, visit: www.threadsokc.org.

OUR SISTERS CLOSET Our Sister’s Closet, a resale shop of the YWCA, is now open at 101 E. Hurd in Edmond, Oklahoma from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday - Saturday. This 1,600 square foot boutique offers clothing and accessories for casual or business attire, serving as a revenue source for YWCA programs for women and children.

www.edmondoutlook.com

o follow your dreams takes a great deal of courage, especially when those dreams lead you far from your hometown of Edmond to the big city of Los Angeles. At the young age of only 19, Hayley McFarland’s bold move landed her as a regular on Fox’s hit show Lie To Me. But before she hit the big time, she was just a kid in Edmond dead set on her dream of being on stage. “I can’t ever remember not wanting to do this,” McFarland said, her voice filled with the joy of acting. She’s been hard at it for years now, despite her young age. Absent in her tone is any sign of strain or struggle – instead, she seems invigorated by the challenges of the business.

“I was always excited to do the plays at Lyric and it’s still my favorite thing to do."

by Lindsay Whelchel

www.edmondoutlook.com

McFarland began on stage in musical theater productions during the summers at Oklahoma’s Lyric Theater. She was in ACTS Acting Academy when owner Michelle De Long sent a tape of her and other young actors to a manager in Los Angeles. Soon after, her career began taking shape. By the time she was 12, McFarland was making regular trips to audition in California during pilot season. Her first major role came when she got a part in the dark, independent film, An American Crime, starring Ellen Page (Juno) and Catherine Keener (The Soloist). “I learned a lot just watching them [Page and Keener]. Just kind of being thrown into it like that was a really great experience,” said McFarland. Those trips out to Los Angeles became a permanent move for McFarland and her mother three years ago. “We went back and forth for quite a few years because my mom wasn’t really sure,” McFarland laughs. “She kept asking, ‘are you sure it’s worth going out there?’ Eventually, after I had gotten into stuff, we were confident enough to make a move and it was a good decision.”

Hayley

with actress Annette O’Toole (Smallville)

Hayley

in a scene with Tim Roth (Reservoir Dogs)

The move paid off with her recent primetime TV part on Lie To Me, which TV Guide confirms had an average 6.38 million viewers in December. The show has a strong market with a broad-base of 18 to 49-year-olds. On Lie to Me, McFarland plays the daughter of Dr. Cal Lightman, played by Tim Roth (Pulp Fiction). According to McFarland, Lightman’s character is based on a real life doctor, Paul Ekman, who has developed a scientific method for detecting lies in people’s physical actions such as facial movements. McFarland understands why people have connected to the show’s concept. “It’s a natural curiosity. People want to know whether people are lying,” she said, but added, “I don’t think I’d like that because I think some things we’re better off not knowing.” McFarland works a couple of days a week shooting her scenes on the show. “It’s mostly working with Tim

Continued on page 30

10%

www.edmondoutlook.com

Continued from page 29 Roth, he’s the best,” she said. “We get along real well and we have a good rapport. It still doesn’t seem like work and like a job to me.” Each time she speaks of acting, it seems as though a smile floats above her every word. Now that she’s permanently on the scene in L.A., McFarland is learning about the differences in interactions with people in Los Angeles compared to Oklahoma. “Most people out here, they’re busy. In Oklahoma, people just kind of make conversation with you; people are nice and they’ll just ask you how you’re doing. I’ve noticed, if I do treat people like that out here, they appreciate it and they want to do that too,” she said. McFarland hopes to expand her career with movie roles. However, she intends to stay true to her Oklahoma roots no matter how far her fame and success carry her toward Hollywood. “I don’t really go out to the parties. I don’t seek out media attention. I try not to put myself in situations where something I say or do could be misconstrued,” she said. Her drive and determination are positively refreshing and speak well for her future. McFarland still has family in Edmond and returns often. Her career advice for other Oklahoma youth is simply put: “If whatever you’re doing seems like work, then find something fun,” she says.

Call today – Now Enrolling!

www.edmondoutlook.com

TUESDAYS IN JANUARY Edmond’s Chick-fil-A restaurant at 2nd and Bryant is offering a free breakfast entrée every Tuesday in the month of January 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

JANUARY 3 Optima Weight & Wellness Center and Mariposa Medspa will be opening in the Spring Creek Shopping Center at 15th and Bryant on January 3. Losing weight and looking great has never been so easy or affordable. Call 405-759-7546 for details.

JANUARY 20 The Libertas Award will be awarded to Ronald Reagan in honor of his 100th birthday and accepted by his son, Michael Reagan at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum on January 20. Purchase tickets by calling 405-425-1080 or visit www.oc.edu/academyevents/libertas.

JANUARY 21 Enjoy Neil Berg’s “101 Years of Broadway” featuring a medley of 50 great Broadway tunes January 21 at UCO’s Mitchell Hall Theater at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and $40. For more information, call 405-9743375 or visit www.uco.edu/cfad/events.

JANUARY 23 For 84 tremendous years the Harlem Globetrotters have thrilled audiences around the world. See them live at the Oklahoma City Arena January 23 at 2 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit their website at www.ford-center-oklahoma.com.

JANUARY 28 Mark your calendars for a breakfast event at Oklahoma Christian’s Gaylord University Center featuring Edmond-area legislators This is the perfect opportunity for Edmond residents to have a voice on the issues impacting the community January 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Call 405-425-1065 to register, or visit www.oc.edu/academy.

FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT www.edmondoutlook.com/community/calendar-of-events

www.edmondoutlook.com

Name: Peggy Brennan Edmond Resident Since: 1960 What do you feel makes you unique to Edmond? I grew up in Edmond and stayed to participate in the culture of Edmond - I’m a Graduate of Edmond schools, including UCO, plus eight years of employment at CSU for the Dean of Students. While living in Edmond, I founded the Oklahoma Native American Basketweavers Association. I have taught basketry at the Edmond Fine Arts Center and at UCO. Tell me about your basket weaving. I prepare wood splints by scraping and cutting into 1/4th of an inch, or even narrower. Some of the splints are naturally dyed to create patterns. I use black ash, white oak and maple to weave Cherokee twill designs in plaited baskets. What is the most unique basket you’ve ever made? I collaborated with a friend to enter a basket in an art contest. I wove the Cherokee double-walled basket with honeysuckle. On the outside wall, I wove in her beaded deer skin strip. How did you first learn, or get started? Mavis Doering, a master basket weaver, taught a class on the Cherokee double-walled basket. I am self taught in other forms of basketry though. In fact, when I started weaving, the current two local basket weaving guilds were not even available at that time.

How does a buyer connect with you? They can find me on Facebook or they can visit my website at www.cherokeebaskets.org. If you had one big break – what would be your dream come true? To spend time with another Indian tribe learning their techniques of gathering, processing materials and weaving. What’s the greatest challenge you’ve faced in your life? Being a member of the curatorial team and a field worker for Carriers of Culture program with MSU, where our team assisted in choosing participants, in preparing literature, and in planning the 40th Annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival area in the D.C. National Mall. What’s the most daring adventure you’ve ever been on? A winter trip to Europe with Keith Secola and His Wild Band of Indians, and Native artists. Adventures included sleeping in a heated bomb shelter in Austria with only a cot and one army blanket, plus shared showers and toilets. We spent the last few nights in Germany, housed at an American Army Base, again with one blanket and only a cot.

Where are your baskets sold? My baskets are one of a kind, so I sell them in galleries and museum shops on request. I also sell by commission.