Half-Court Hero
Imagine snapping your forearm as you reach into your mailbox or shattering a few vertebrae during that perfect golf swing. Or simply rolling over in bed and fracturing your ribs. Fractures and bone pain are common ways people discover they have multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer.
The rib fractures happened to me. One minute I’m sleeping soundly and a few hours later, I’m in the ER, looking at a scan of lesions scattered all over my chest, back, neck, and ribs. The doctor didn’t mince words: Cancer. No cure. Only treatment. Not exactly the best day.
Multiple myeloma accounts for less than 2% of all cancers and only 10% of all blood cancers. The average age of diagnosis is 69, and the disease is more prevalent in individuals of African descent. Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells in bone marrow. These cells become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood cells and damaging bones and organs.
Five years in, my remission continues; I’m treatment-free and feeling great. The “feeling great” part took years of weekly chemo and medications, along with two stem cell transplants. I am optimistic about the future— both for myself and for many others affected by this disease, as research continues to bring promising new treatments.
All this to say, March is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month. Please consider yourself… aware. To learn more visit themmrf.org.
Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President
Back row (l-r): Penelope Harris, Oliviah Harris (holding Nova), and Hayley Harris
Aktion Club Serving with Heart, Changing Lives
By Taylor Bollinger
In the heart of Edmond, the Aktion Club meets twice a month, bringing together a remarkable group of individuals with a shared passion for giving back.
Courtney Harris, the club advisor and president of the Edmond Kiwanis Club, has been guiding the organization for over a year. With two loyal dogs by her side and a heart full of compassion, she helps shape the club into a place where its members—adults with disabilities—find purpose and belonging.
Alan Dean, the club’s proud president, takes his role seriously. His mother, Charlotte, a dedicated volunteer, stands by his side. “This club means the world to Alan,” Charlotte says. “He loves being part of something bigger, something that makes a difference.”
[Aktion Members] want to contribute to their world and help people, not always be the ones being helped
The group has already accomplished so much—from painting with the Edmond Art Institute to delivering handmade cards to nursing homes. Most recently, they gathered to assemble Birthday Cake Kits for Boulevard Academy students.
Boulevard Academy serves students who face challenges that make traditional school difficult. Some are homeless, some are emancipated from their parents, and others just need a few more credits to graduate. The Aktion Club wants each student to feel special on their birthday, so they create kits filled with cake mix, frosting, sprinkles, candles, and a heartfelt card.
“It’s about letting them know they’re loved,” Charlotte says as she and Alan pack kits. “Everyone deserves a special day.” This sentiment highlights the selflessness that is so evident within the group. Although each member faces their own individual battles, the highlight of their month is gathering to look
Front row (l-r): Monique Sitton, Courtney Harris (holding Stella), Alan Dean with mother Charlotte, Becka Doyle with mother Pam, and Steve Brooks
outward. They are continually looking past their own needs to ask, "Who can I serve?"
This commitment to service extends beyond the school. Aktion Club visits senior centers like Tealridge, where they play games, host costume parties, and they even put on a Hawaiian luau at the Providence House in Guthrie. Though each effort is servicefocused, they are never short on fun.
For many members, the group is a sort of lifeline. Club treasurer, Becka Doyle, was once a high-functioning student athlete, who had always lived with cerebral palsy but defied expectations, running track and cheering competitively. Then, during her senior year, everything changed. A medical complication from a brain surgery left her unable to walk or read or communicate as she once had.
Becka’s mother, Pam, shared, “There is not a lot out there for people with disabilities after graduation. This truly gives Becka and the rest of the members something to look forward to. They want to contribute to their world and help people, not always be the ones being helped.”
The club’s impact extends to parents and caregivers as well. “It is wonderful to meet with people who are walking the same road,” Pam shared. “We get to meet regularly with people who understand, or who can share resources – what’s worked for them, what hasn’t – it makes you feel less alone.”
A more welcoming group can hardly be found, and they invite locals to drop in on a meeting, or better - get involved! The club welcomes more volunteers and community connections. The next opportunity for the public to step into Aktion is an upcoming Indian Taco Night, one of the club’s meaningful – and mouthwatering – fundraising events throughout the year. The club’s Indian Taco Night will be held March 27 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 101 E. 5th Street in Edmond.
Follow Aktion Club on Facebook at /EdmondOkAktionClub.
Atkion Club creating birthday packages for Boulevard Students.
The Old Icehouse
By Laura Beam
Downtown Edmond’s dining scene has a new treasure that’s steeped in history and brimming with chic charm. Built in 1921 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016, “The Edmond Ice Company” originally manufactured and delivered ice for the Edmond community in the early 1900s. The creamery, the last piece of the former complex where dairy goods were made, is now home to The Old Icehouse restaurant. Opened in November 2024, this warm, rustic gathering spot has quickly become a vibrant local hub serving up classic comfort food with bold, contemporary twists.
Timeless Taste in Downtown Edmond
Owner and managing partner, Ryin Jones, a 15-year Edmond resident along with his wife, Jen, says, “The Edmond Ice Company was the perfect setting for a concept like this – something with old bones rooted in tradition, but ready for new life. The Old Icehouse restaurant is a mix of my wife’s and my favorite travel destinations – a little bit Old World, a little bit southern, and more than a little bit Texas Hill Country."
Executive Chef Zach Hutton, a recent James Beard Award nominee and winner of Food Network’s “Chopped,” and Chef Tim Scarberry are the menu masterminds, crafting dishes that feel familiar yet unexpected. “We wanted to highlight Oklahoma roots but add layers of flavor that make each dish stand out,” Chef Zach explains. One star in the lineup is their Cavatappi mac & cheese, featuring a rich veal demi-glace and braised short rib. “It’s a best-seller for a reason,” Chef Zach comments. The chicken-fried steak is another can’t-miss dish with a perfectly crispy crust and delicious gravy. Guests often enjoy special seasonal and weekend dishes too, like prime rib, house-made Tiramisu, chicken pot pie, and sausage and cornbread stuffed quail. For a sensational vegan option, the chef prepares a cast-iron cauliflower “steak” loaded with flavor and seared to perfection.
Brunch at The Old Icehouse has quickly become a weekend tradition. Served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, the menu offers indulgent choices like cinnamon-apple
French toast made with thick Texas toast, a biscuit basket featuring house-made seasonal jams, and the ever-popular chicken-fried steak and eggs. “Our fry bread is another top hit for brunch and dinner,” Jones says. “Chef Zach nailed that one!”
Of course, an excellent meal deserves a fantastic drink, and Bar Manager Kayla Hutton delivers. Her handcrafted Bloody Mary is already legendary among locals, and the restaurant’s budgetfriendly mimosa carafe is a hit for groups looking to linger over brunch.
Destination: Food & Fun
Beyond the menu, The Old Icehouse treats guests to a laidback atmosphere, decor that honors the iconic space, and a patio and lawn to soak up the seasons over a craft cocktail. “You’ll see nods to its history throughout the restaurant,” Jones reveals, “from the exposed brick walls to the carefully restored beams and exterior.” The lively space also bustles with exciting events like live music and happy hour from 4-6 p.m. all week. The restaurant is also family-friendly, with half-priced kids’ meals every Wednesday and a space where little ones are welcome to play. “We love seeing kids run around the courtyard and dance on stage when it’s not in use,” Jones smiles. “It’s about creating a place where everyone feels included.”
Visit 101 W. 2nd St., Downtown Edmond or online at theoldicehouse.com. Open Tuesday-Saturday 3 p.m. - 11 p.m. Enjoy Brunch Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcomed or reserve a spot online via @resy.
LAURA BEAM
Account Executive, editor, and writer with experience in radio, newspaper and magazines. Interested in what Outlook can do for your business? Contact her at laura@edmondoutlook.com
Weed Free Lawns
What's the homeowner's advantage to using a professional weed control service?
As professionals, we have licenses that allow us to buy more robust products and we have licensed applicators who know how to professionally apply these products. Weed Free Lawns is a Nelson Landscaping Company, and we have 15 years of experience in lawn management and weed control.
What’s the best time of the year to begin treatment?
The earlier in the year the better. The "pre" in pre-emergent means that we apply products that prevent weeds from germinating in a yard. It's a really important step. It's much easier to prevent weeds from coming up than using a post-emergent where we have to kill an existing weed. And while your grass is dormant in the winter, it's more susceptible to getting winter weeds like crabgrass in it.
Why is testing the soil important before treating the lawn? For lawns that have recurring issues, it is a service we can provide to help diagnose an issue. Then we know what to apply to the yard to achieve what the client wants.
Brad Lake, Weed Free Lawns Manager
How do you determine what type of weed control and fertilization are needed?
The type of grass and it’s microclimate will determine what products are best suited for a specific yard.
What grasses grow best in Oklahoma's climate?
The grasses we see most in Oklahoma are Bermuda and Fescue. We have clients who also have Zoysia grass.
What can homeowners do to better maintain their lawn after a treatment?
The most important thing to do after a treatment is to water it in. The liquid applications we apply have 60 days of residual if the client will water the product into the soil. It's a very important thing to do to achieve the best results. It’s also essential to water after we apply a granular fertilizer, starting in early spring and throughout the summer.
How many applications will I need to see results?
We offer a “weed free guarantee” when you sign up for our 8-applications program. With this, we offer free service calls to come out and spray those stubborn spots that even with regular treatment just won’t go away.
by
Nothing but Net and $20,000!
By Taylor Bollinger
Edmondite turned OU student, Jake Amy woke up on January 23 expecting an average day—studying for tests, tackling organic chemistry homework, and later cheering on the Thunder from the nosebleed section at the Paycom Center. But his night took an unexpected turn when his friend Dillon led him toward their seats.
“When we turned toward the lower level, I was shocked," Jake recalled. "I thought we were in the nosebleeds!" Just as they were getting settled, a tap on the shoulder changed everything. The pair had been selected for the free throw contest. Dillon, not eager to showcase his basketball skills, passed on the opportunity, but Jake was in.
success rate for the shot is 1 in 20.
With a smooth motion, he launched the ball. Time seemed to slow as it sailed through the air—and then, swish! The crowd erupted. "I had no thought I’d make it," Jake admitted. "But when I saw it go in, I was just in shock."
Swish! The crowd erupted. "When I saw it go in, I was just in shock."
Jake spoke briefly with the announcers, soaking in the already surreal moment. When the contest began, his free throws weren’t perfect—he sank two or three—and that was enough. Then, the real challenge came: a half-court shot for $20K from MidFirst Bank.
Jake stepped onto the court with Thunder’s mascot, Rumble. He listened carefully to the instructions: no stepping over the line, no running toward the players, and no celebrating too wildly with the fans.
Despite the thousands of eyes upon him – and the thousands of dollars on the line – Jake says he felt an odd sense of confidence about the shot. "I’m surprisingly good at those," he said. "I went yesterday and made four or five out of twenty." The science major coming out in him, Jake added that the average
Even some members of the Thunder bench reacted with disbelief, and the entire arena was on its feet.
As he returned to his seat, the walkway became a high-five line. "Everyone wanted to celebrate. It was surreal." The fanfare continued well after, with texts from elementary teachers, old neighbors, and even his barber. “I think everyone I’ve ever spoken to sent me a text,” he joked.
In the aftermath of his surreal shot, Jake was quick to snap back to reality. "I had organic chemistry homework due that night," Jake laughed. "I was 80% done before the game, but in the middle of all this, I was thinking, ‘I gotta finish when I get home.’"
Now to the inevitable question - what will Jake do with his newfound fortune? "Most of it’s going straight to an index fund. The rest, I’ll spend responsibly—taking my girlfriend out to dinner, maybe a nicer birthday gift than usual."
As he reflected on the moment, he summed it up perfectly: "The crazy part is, you never think you’re going to be the one in that situation. It’s something I’ll never forget."
Photo provided
Oklahoma City Thunder
A Hero's Welcome
T he Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight
By Amy Dee Stephens
If you have vacationed in Washington D.C., you might have visited the monuments that pay respect to America’s military fighters who triumphed and sacrificed during war. Many veterans, however, have never seen these memorials erected in their honor.
Jeff Barsotti and his family have dedicated themselves to changing that by leading Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight. They have flown nearly 1,000 veterans, at no cost, to see their specific memorials.
“Affection and appreciation are at the forefront of what we do because it’s important to honor our veterans,” Barsotti said. “We do everything possible to make it special because they are so special.”
Whirlwind Trip to Washington
At least once a year, Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight charters a special flight to D.C., which comes with much pomp and circumstance. Veterans who are selected receive a night’s stay at a hotel in Tulsa, with all food provided. Early the next morning, they are escorted to the airport in grand style by police officers and motorcycle-riding veterans.
Upon arrival at the nation’s capital, charter buses whisk the veterans off to Arlington National Cemetery and to the memorials. That evening, the veterans are flown back to Oklahoma and are greeted by hundreds of people who are cheering and welcoming them home.
“For Vietnam veterans, especially, this is a very different greeting than they received after the war,” Barsotti said. “Many were treated so negatively back then. A lot of them have lived with that bitterness. For this arrival, they get to see that they are appreciated.”
Tenacious Veterans
If the honor flight sounds like a monumental task of organization—it is! Besides the logistics of hotels, buses, and air flight, each veteran is assigned a “guardian” to manage his or her needs
throughout the day. About ten medics travel with the group, as well as journalists and photographers who document each veteran’s experience.
“We prioritize sending WWII and Korean vets first since their numbers are thinning out. They need to get there as soon as possible,” Barsotti said. “We’ve had 100-year-olds go, and they do incredibly well. It’s an action-packed day, but you wouldn’t believe the tenacity of these veterans!”
Barsotti and his wife, Ginger, have witnessed many rewarding moments in the decade since they took over the Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight program, which is affiliated with the national Honor Flight Network. Once, they even flew a father and son together, who had fought in different wars.
“I’ll never forget one Vietnam veteran becoming very emotional at the memorial wall. He found the names of his 22 friends who died during a dangerous mission. Moments after he dropped out of a helicopter, the rest were slaughtered in an ambush,” Barsotti said. “He was facing his ghosts and demons that day.”
A Family Focused on Flight
Although Barsotti is president of the Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flight, the 15-member board also includes his wife, daughter, niece, and son-in-law, Kyle Hyden, who toured Afghanistan and Iraq with the Army Reserves. Their goal is to add an additional flight next year, flying out of Oklahoma City.
“It’s a tremendous responsibility that we do voluntarily––but we take it on wholeheartedly,” Barsotti said. “Each flight costs about $130,000, which we raise through corporate and personal donations, but it’s an incredible honor to show love and gratitude to our veterans. We want them to feel like the heroes that they are.”
To learn more or donate, visit OklahomaWarriors.org or call 405-627-7221.
The Hidden Cost of Food Color How the Absence of Food Dyes is Transforming Lives
By Amy Dee Stephens
“If your child is labeled as aggressive, then it could be dyes,” Kay Robinson said. “Just try eliminating them and see if your life gets better by the end of the month.”
Parents who are baffled or frustrated by a child who swings wildly out of control at unexpected moments might relate to the story of Kay and her son, Rex. His terrible twos were a bit rough, but when Rex entered pre-school, Kay was getting regular calls from teachers.
“Some days he was
“It was a steep hill to climb at first, but even Rex reads ingredient labels because he hates the way dyes make him feel,” Kay said. “For most products, you can find other brands without dyes.”
Kay also joined an influential Facebook page called Dye Free Family: Swaps, Recipes, and Resources, which helped increase her awareness. She learned that blue dyes help marshmallows look brighter,
fine, other days he was slapping kids, punching teachers, knocking over bookshelves, running out of the building,” Kay said. “One day, I found him under a table, maniacally laughing and crying. He said, ‘Mom, my brain feels fuzzy.’”
In desperation, Kay began an online hunt to find what caused the “fuzzy.” She learned what scientists have known for years; red dyes can cause immediate adverse reactions ranging from hyperactivity to explosive anger. Kay scoured her pantry ingredients, eliminating everything with red dye—and the difference was evident within days. Kay was ecstatic, but her dye journey was just beginning.
Beware the Red… and Yellow and Blue and Green Rex was better, but Kay still saw behavior spikes. Her quest revealed that Rex also had reactions to blue, yellow, and green dyes. The main culprit? Rex was receiving a colorful breakfast cereal at his daycare. By providing alternative foods and educating the teachers about his dye allergy, Rex’s behavior became more consistent, and the phone calls stopped. “My mom heart was so happy,” Kay said.
Putting Rex under close scrutiny, Kay noticed anytime he had a flare-up. She was shocked to learn that dyes are used in children’s medications, too, including Rex’s prescription for ADHD. Ever since, she has become an advocate for the removal of these unnecessary dyes.
pickles often have green dyes, and many kinds of children’s toothpaste include dyes.
To Dye For: The Documentary
Two years ago, the founders of the Dye Free Family page, Brandon and Whitney Cawood, asked Kay to share Rex’s story in a documentary they were creating. The film, To Dye For, was released on streaming platforms in January to good reviews. The film covers science, history, and current events relating to synthetic dyes, which remain prominent in America, although some countries have switched to natural fruit dyes. The prevailing reluctance to diminish the brighter colors is product attractiveness.
“Finding alternative brands can intimidate people in the beginning, but I tell parents that going dye-free takes effort— but it’s not expensive or just for rich people,” Kay said. “I’m not trying to be an all-organic mom. I’m a single mom on a budget. Sometimes we eat junk food, but it’s dye-free junk food.”
Kay shudders to think about nine-year-old Rex’s aggression if he was still consuming dye in his diet. “What if he couldn’t get through the day without hurting someone or himself because of a neurological reaction?” Kay asked. “If you are in this situation, just try. It’s changed our entire life. We will never go back.”
For more information, visit todyeforthedocumentary.com or the Facebook group /dyefreefamily.
Rex and Kay Robinson
Nelson Landscaping
By Maria Veres
A home is a long-term investment, and so is its landscaping. The team at Nelson Landscaping specializes in creating one-ofa-kind outdoor spaces that will add value and beauty to your property for decades to come. The locally owned, family-run company serves commercial and residential clients throughout the state.
Custom Designed Outdoor Spaces
“Anywhere I travel, I’m obsessed with landscape design,” says owner Andy Nelson, who has collected hundreds of photos of designs from all across the country. He brings these ideas and inspiration to the landscapes he creates for OKC area clients. But Nelson Landscaping’s designs are uniquely local, too. As a lifelong Edmond resident, Andy has firsthand knowledge of Oklahoma’s climate, soil, and weather. He knows what it takes to build a landscape that will thrive in our state’s demanding conditions.
Each outdoor space is different, and the Nelson Landscaping team can offer expert advice for how to make the most of the natural features around your home. Soil quality is poor in most of the OKC metro area, so many Nelson Landscaping projects begin by adding rich, robust soil that keeps plants healthy season after season.
Nelson Landscaping is one of Oklahoma’s largest design-and-build landscape companies, offering everything from landscaping and hardscaping to outdoor kitchens and pergolas. The team works with each client to customize a design that fits their needs and budget.
For many clients, a dream outdoor space includes a pool. To meet that need, Andy founded Nelson Pools in 2017, inviting established experts in pool design and construction to lead his team. Pool Professional Asa Pelman honed his craft in California, bringing that state’s meticulously high standards to OKC homeowners.
Rooted in Oklahoma
Andy grew up in east Edmond and started his landscaping career at age twelve, mowing
lawns to save money for baseball cards. Although he never expected to grow his side job into a thriving company, he soon discovered he had a passion for business. His parents were also entrepreneurs, and he learned many of his most important lessons from them. “I got to see firsthand what running a business was like,” he says. “I also got to see behind the curtain and learn what could go wrong. I especially learned the value of discipline and consistency.”
members of the sales team who attended his alma mater, Edmond Memorial High School. “I love Edmond so much,” says Andy. “It’s a beautiful town, and I love having the opportunity to add to that.”
Preparing for Spring
As winter ends, many homeowners are venturing outdoors again and making plans for landscape renovations. Nelson Landscaping’s busy season is right around the corner. “We always strive for efficiency, but occasionally we do get backlogged,” he says. Doing projects right takes time, and he encourages clients to get started sooner rather than later. “Don’t hesitate if you want to get a project going, especially if it’s design work,” he says.
By the time he reached college, Andy’s company included several employees and served clients throughout the city. Andy struggled to balance classwork with the growing needs of his business, until he finally walked out of a dull statistics class and never returned. Since then Nelson Landscaping has continued to grow and thrive.
Andy is now raising a family of his own in Edmond. Many Nelson Landscaping team members live here, too, including two
Nelson Landscaping and Nelson Pools offer free consultations, which can be scheduled at any time. “If you’re looking for value and quality, we’re the ones to call,” says Andy.
Nelson Landscaping serves residential and commercial clients across the OKC metro area and throughout the whole state. To learn more or schedule a free consultation, contact Nelson Landscaping at (405) 202-4120. Visit them online at NelsonLandscapingOK.com.
Owner Andy Nelson
Seniors Helping Seniors
By Maria Veres
If you need a little extra support for yourself or a loved one, Seniors Helping Seniors is ready to help. This unique, locally owned agency specializes in peer-to-peer home care for seniors, by seniors.
Trusted Caregivers, Personalized Care
Nobody understands an elder’s needs like another elder. All Seniors Helping Seniors caregivers are 50 or older, with a passion for helping others. Caregivers receive comprehensive training
and meet all Oklahoma licensing requirements.
Whether you’re seeking occasional help with errands, full-time in-home care, or something in between, Seniors Helping Seniors provides the flexibility you need. Caregivers assist with many non-medical services, from light housekeeping and medication reminders to bed-bound and end-of-life care.
Seniors Helping Seniors is now a licensed VA Community Care agency. “We just started an initiative called Veterans Helping Veterans,” says owner Kevin Richardson. “We are hiring retired veterans and their spouses to help our veterans.” Kevin is the son of a veteran, and this work is especially close to his heart. He also helps senior veterans apply for VA benefits, whether or not they choose to become clients of Seniors Helping Seniors.
A Heart for Senior Care
Kevin is looking for active older adults to join the Seniors Helping Seniors team. Training is provided, and there’s no upper age limit—their oldest caregiver is 94 years young. “Nobody’s too old if you’re active and interested
and have a helping heart,” says Kevin.
A longtime Edmond resident, Kevin’s passion for senior care grew from his experience serving as a caregiver to his father. He knows firsthand how hard the road can be. “Don’t feel guilty about getting help,” he says. “When you’re a caregiver it can feel like a lonely journey, but you’re not alone.”
Contact Seniors Helping Seniors at 405-562-6000 or visit them online at shscentralok.com.
Owner Kevin Richardson with his parents Pam and Blaine. Kevin was a caregiver for his dad.
Preserving the Past with Abandoned Atlas
By Taylor Bollinger
For many, abandoned buildings are eerie relics of the past, but for Emily Cowan and Michael Schwarz of the Abandoned Atlas Foundation, they represent a rich history worth documenting and sometimes saving.
Originally founded in 2009 as Abandoned OK by Cody Cooper and Justin Moore, the project shifted ownership in 2019 when Schwarz and Cowan took the helm. Seeking to expand its mission beyond casual exploration, they helped transform the initiative into a nonprofit, rebranding it as the Abandoned Atlas Foundation. Today, the organization spans half the country, dedicated to researching, documenting, and even restoring forgotten structures. As Michael says, “Just because the building is abandoned doesn’t mean it’s the end of the story.”
Emily Cowan serves as the Foundation’s president and primary researcher. “At any given time, I’m working on 60 to 90 articles across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri,” Cowan says, emphasizing the sheer volume of historical work the team undertakes.
Beyond research, the Foundation has seen tremendous growth through its YouTube channel. What started with a few hundred thousand views has exploded, with a single video surpassing 3.5 million views in the last six months. This platform has allowed them to share in-depth stories about neglected sites, helping to generate awareness and appreciation for their historical significance.
The Foundation isn't in the business of making money—its true mission is preservation. Their projects span Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas, where they’ve been brought in to document restoration efforts. They strive to honor the memory of these structures rather than exploit them for sensationalized ghost stories or unauthorized visits.
“We invite people to see the building for its story and demonstrate respect for it as well,” Cowan asserts, pointing to past instances where sites like Edmond’s Gandini’s Circus fell victim to careless visitors at best and criminal activity at worst.
One of the Foundation’s most rewarding aspects is uncovering personal histories through community connections. “Researching sites involves scouring dozens of historical sources, reaching out to owners, and gathering firsthand stories. Sometimes, it’s just about knocking on doors,” Cowan says, recounting a time when a simple inquiry about an old school led to a ride in the back of a truck to feed cows with a stranger.
Beyond documentation, the Foundation actively encourages public involvement. “Preservation is not just about buying and restoring a building. You can help in so many ways without spending a dime,” Cowan explains. Photographing, researching, and sharing information keeps history alive. Their History Rescue Program has rallied 400 volunteers to assist property owners with lawn maintenance, headstone cleaning, and structural preservation efforts. Sites like the W.S. Kelly General Store, known from the movie, “Rain Man,” have directly benefited from these initiatives.
The preservation world is bittersweet—many structures disappear before they can be saved—but for the Abandoned Atlas Foundation, every successful restoration and every story shared is a victory. “There’s so much you can do and have fun doing it,” Cowan encourages. “As long as you’re being safe and respecting the building, the history, and the owners, you’re making a difference.”
Through their passion and dedication, Cowan, Schwarz, and their network of volunteers continue to ensure that the past isn't forgotten, but rather given a second life in the present. Get involved, or at least be entertained when you visit abandonedok.com.
Emily Cowan at the Cherrydale store in Albert, OK
Michael Schwarz at the downtown bank building in Marshall, OK
Photo by Júlia Anastasia
What I Learned From My Grandmothers!
By Louise Tucker Jones
Someone recently asked me what I learned from my grandmother. Well, I was fortunate to know all four of my grandparents, and that question took me down memory lane.
My paternal grandparents lived in a three-room house in the country with no modern facilities. My grandmother still cooked on a wood stove. But that didn’t bother Grandmama, who often sang songs around the house that she wrote herself.
As a child, I didn’t know she was a brilliant poet and also wrote editorial pieces for the newspaper during World War II, having three sons overseas. I just thought writing poetry was what
grandmothers did since she wrote a poem for me when I was in grade school. That poem actually started me on my own writing journey.
I can’t tell you how many poems I’ve written through the years, but my family says I have Grandmama’s gift. I treasure that, and I still have that handwritten poem she wrote especially for me when I was ten years old.
My maternal grandmother was an accomplished seamstress and quilter, making quilts for her children, grandchildren, and even greatgrandchildren well into her nineties.
When I was young, I spent a week with my grandparents every summer. I loved their big yellow house in town with indoor plumbing, something we didn’t have in our little farmhouse. Grandmama would sew aprons and clothes for me, and being a fashionable lady, she often let me peruse her jewelry box and choose the necklace and earbobs she would wear to church.
a seamstress and made a quilt for each of my children, using fabric from the clothes I made for them during their growing-up years.
But the main thing I learned from my grandmothers was “love” and how to “grandparent” in my later years. I’m not sure what my grandchildren will eventually say they learned from me. I just hope they say, “I was loved!”
When I got married, she made a wedding ring quilt for me with fabric she had used through the years to make those clothes. I treasured that quilt and still cherish it to this day. And like my grandmother, I too became
is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Louise Tucker Jones
Edna Tucker Marie Farrill
a look back 1915 Campus Gardening
A group of students at Central State Normal School (now UCO) work in the school garden on campus around 1915. The 1914 Bronze Book (yearbook) commented on school gardens and agriculture professor, Fred Ives:
"The man you see most frequently in overalls on the campus is Mr. Ives, head of this department. He is sometimes alone, digging around some bush or flower, but more often with a group of students, all working like farmers. Much of the beauty in flowers, grass, trees, whitewash, etc., on the grounds comes from such labor, not because it saves money for the state of Oklahoma but because students best learn to do by doing."
Photo provided by Edmond History Museum, edmondhistory.org
