Edmond Outlook May 2010

In Flux

Life After Foster Care

Cancer Care Cleaning for a Cause

Mowin' Owen Fields of Green

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

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MAY 2010

20 departments

features

6

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Neil Callen Clarke Symphony

19 SHOPPING GUIDE

Moms, Dads & Grads

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LETTERS FROM LOUISE Happy Mothers-In-Law Day

26 IN FLUX

Life After Foster Care

10 BEST OF EDMOND

J&J Granicrete

& Nelson Lawn Service 13 DINING GUIDE

Colby's Grill 16 HOME & GARDEN

Spring Cleaning Tips 20 FINE LIVING

Summer Cocktails 24 HEALTH & FITNESS

Fitness for Your Lifestyle 31 AROUND TOWN

28 EDMOND SPORTS LEGENDS

Where Are They Now? 30 CANCER CARE

Cleaning for a Cause 32 MOWIN' OWEN

Instilling Values in Young Boys

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Publisher

Dave Miller

Operations Manager

Stacy Brasher

Production Manager

Joshua Hatfield

Advertising Sales

Design

Joshua Hatfield

Production Design

Krystal Harlow Joshua Hatfield

Managing Editor

Rebecca Wulff

Photography

Randall Green

Writers

Distribution

Edmond Outlook

Laura Beam JR Ross

Erin Cramer Rachel Dattolo Louise Tucker Jones Katie Smith Lindsay Whelchel Nathan Winfrey Mindy Wood Rebecca Wulff 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

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Become a Fan on Facebook (Volume 6, Number 5) Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. Š 2010 Back40 Design, Inc. Articles and advertisements in Edmond Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Back40 Design. Back40 Design does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by Edmond Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Edmond Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

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A rts & Entertainment

S YMPHONIC

REVIVAL

F

by Nathan Winfrey

or centuries people have enjoyed classical music. Mozart, Beethoven and Bach are household names from the past. Today, Oklahoma is turning out a new kind of orchestra that may redefine and revive interest in the symphonic experience.

Spirit Symphony debuted last month at the First Christian Church in Edmond. Callen Clarke, a composer with the UCO Chamber Orchestra, and violin soloist, Kyle Dillingham inspired the audience at the premier which celebrated UCO’s second anniversary for the Centre for Global Competency.

The symphony blends ancient Arabic, Jewish and modern Western classical music together for a very different presentation. Unlike a typical orchestra’s sound, the composition is innovative because it

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allows musicians to improvise. Instrument players who rigidly follow notes are invited to become spirited performers and bring unique creativity to the performance.

Dillingham says the symphony tells a story.

“Callen always told me, ‘symphonic music is narrative, like a novel without words.’ It has rises and falls, climaxes. What we want to do is let people experience music in a new way by inviting them to hear a story.”

Clarke’s fascination with ancient sounds changed the course of his music career. While on tour of the Holy Land, Clarke discovered Middle Eastern instruments in Jerusalem when he saw a Palestinian playing the oud (pronounced al-oud), a pear shaped stringed instrument. “The first time I heard the oud it changed my life forever. Here was 2,000 years of musical heritage I was completely ignorant of and it floored me,” said Clarke. He went on to discover that Arabic music is the same music played by the ancient Hebrew culture.

With a passion to bring the old sounds of the Middle-East to new life, Clarke quickly mastered the oud and created his first CD, Verse in 2003. His Spirit Symphony merges the improvisation element of Middle Eastern music to classical orchestra for an unusual twist.

“I’ve written sections in the piece where the orchestra improvises within a controlled context,” says Clarke. “I’ll give the violinists a chord, three or four notes and say, ‘now play these notes randomly, however you want and don’t play it like your stand partner.’ I want everyone to do it differently so you get this mass of sound. This challenges them to get away from the notes on the page and think as performers.”

Improvisation is music to Kyle Dillingham’s ears.

The world-renowned violin soloist can play virtually any genre of music and says he struggled in college with the confines of classical music. “My initial inspiration for the violin was western swing. All the music I first learned was by ear and requires improvisation, it has to be your strength.”

Dillingham is UCO’s Ambassador in Residence and works closely with the Centre for Global Compe-

"What we want to do is let people experience music in a new way by inviting them to hear a story." tency program, headed by Dr. Dennis Dunham.

The two travel together promoting international education for the state of Oklahoma. “Dennis always wanted music to be the key component of the CGC because music brings people together,” said Dillingham.

“When we go overseas to promote connections and we use Kyle’s musical performance to bring people together, it gets people excited, energized and connects the audience. It breaks the ice,” said Dunham.

While both men are increasingly popular for their work, they intend to remain in Oklahoma. “We want this to be birthed and grown here,” said Dillingham.

“It’s ‘Oklahoma’ symphonic music.” They hope to see a symphonic revival and inspire Oklahomans to new creative heights.

For mor information or to schedule a performances, visit www.horseshoeroad.net

Callen Clarke

and Kyle Dillingham

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L etters from Louise

HAPPY

MOTHERS - in -

LAW DAY

by Louise Tucker Jones

C ar l Jo ne s

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w ith his m ot he r Et ta M ae

M

others-in-law get a bad rap! They are the brunt of comedian’s jokes and are often vilified in movies and TV sitcoms. But in spite of such negative press, most moms-in-law have great relationships with their children’s spouses, some even becoming like a second mom.

I was blessed to have a mother-in-law who adored me. Being married to an “only child,” my husband’s mother lavished her love on me while my husband was overseas. Carl and I met in college, fell in love and were married at a little Army chapel just eight hours before he was sent overseas. A place where I could not go. I stayed in college and finished my degree.

"I have beautiful memories of a woman who loved me like a daughter. I just wish I had more."

On weekends, I often visited my parents. Fortunately, Carl’s parents lived in the same town. Not having grown up there, I didn’t really know his family so it would have been easy to put off building a relationship with his parents until after he was back in the states. But somehow it didn’t seem right to ignore my new in-laws so I got into the habit of visiting them when I was home on weekends. Since Carl’s dad did shift work, his mom and I were often alone on the day or evening of my visit. We baked cookies and made fudge to send overseas, then popped popcorn and watched the late movie on TV. We looked through photo albums and talked for hours on end about the person we both loved most—my husband and her son. We discussed religion, health and plans for the future. One night she explained the illness that

had been slowly robbing her of life since she was a young adult.

Growing up in a small coal-mining town, Etta Mae developed severe emphysema and was advised to never have children. She did anyway—just one.

Doctors told her she would never see that child grow up, but Etta Mae had a secret weapon. She trusted a powerful God and had long ago asked Him to allow her to live long enough to raise her son. We talked about it at length. Often when I spent the night in her home, I could hear her through the night, struggling to breathe those breaths that were getting harder and harder to take. She needed new lungs and in 1966 there were none to be had.

More than once she was at death’s door and finally, the doctor made the call that brought Carl home on a 30-day leave. The best medicine Etta Mae ever had was seeing her son walk into that hospital room and give her a big hug. She recovered enough to leave the hospital. We even took a short drive to view the future site of Lake Eufaula. All too soon, Carl went back overseas. A couple of months later, he was called home again. His mom was back in the hospital. Her last trip. I remembered her request of God–to raise her son before she died. Petition granted!

I am so thankful I didn’t put off building a relationship with my mother-in-law until my husband was back home. It would never have happened and what a terrible loss that would have been for both of us. Instead, I have beautiful memories of a woman who loved me like a daughter. I just wish I had more.

In case you don’t have this kind of relationship with your mom-in-law, do yourself a favor and get acquainted with the mother of your mate. You already have something in common–you both love the same person. And the best I can tell, we can never have too many people loving us in this lifetime.

Happy Mother’s Day, Etta Mae. Wish you were here!

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

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

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Best of Edmond

Granicrete

by Rebecca Wulff

Jim & John Morrison,

A

J and J Granicrete

fter 35 years of military service, twin brothers Jim and John Morrison, found their calling in Granicrete.

The brothers decided to open their own business after John was introduced to the Granicrete product in 2008 while traveling through Utah.

He noticed a countertop in a clothing store that he thought was stone. After commenting on the beauty

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of the stone he was surprised to learn the product was in fact Granicrete, a decorative concrete overlay.

Upon returning to Oklahoma, John called his brother Jim to tell him that he’d found their next calling. Less than a year later, they opened Oklahoma’s first Granicrete distributorship, J and J Granicrete. A year after that, they were recognized by Granicrete International with the Distributorship of the Year award.

“We both spent a career working for someone else,” says Jim. “The goal of becoming successful small business owners and working for ourselves was both alluring and very challenging.”

Granicrete is a resurfacing system that replicates the look of granite, marble or any other kind of custom concrete. “With increasing concerns of radon and radiation being emitted from granite, Granicrete is not only a wise choice, but also a safe choice,” said Jim. Instead of replacing the countertop, Granicrete simply resurfaces it. It can be installed over almost any surface, including laminate, Formica, tile, wood, cement, walls or showers. Installation is quick and

efficient. They do not have to perform the demolition associated with providing most countertops and flooring surfaces.

“Our flooring product is a cement overlay which can be made to look like any type of traditional flooring surface to include brick pavers, flagstone, tile and even wood,” John said. “Among the many benefits are the strength of our cement - twice as hard as traditional cement, versatility of the product, low cost of installation and maintenance and the elegant look.”

J and J Granicrete recently started offering authentic Italian Venetian Plaster, which is a very rich looking finish that’s similar to marble. “This plaster is relatively new to Oklahoma but is very popular in sections of our country and in Europe,” John said. “The product and process is thousands of years old and was traditionally installed in public buildings and the homes of the wealthy.”

For More information or for examples of these various finishes can be found at J and J Granicrete at 15020 Bristol Park Dr. in Edmond or call 608-0684 to schedule an appointment.

Lawnscaping

by Rebecca Wulff

Andy Nelson,

F

Nelson Lawn Service

or some business owners, the inspiration to start their own company might be the idea of an independent lifestyle, or greater income potential or just a desire to ‘be the boss.’ For Andy Nelson, the inspiration to start Nelson Lawn Service was a fondness of cars.

“I love cars more than anything else, as far as worldly possessions go,” said Nelson. “When I was 12

years old, I knew I’d have to save up for my first car and I was already counting down the days.”

In an attempt to make extra money, Nelson went to the local newspaper to see if they’d let him deliver papers. He was too young, so he resorted to mowing yards. Nelson lived on five acres and had been mowing since he was nine years old.

Although Nelson started his business at a very young age, it wasn’t his first. “When I was in elementary school I started a candy selling business,” Nelson laughed. “My mom and dad would take me to Sam’s and I’d use my allowance to buy candy in bulk. I’d then take it to school and sell it. You’d be amazed at how big my customer base was!”

Nelson’s candy company led to bigger and better things for him in middle school. “I was co-founder of ‘The Candy Clan.’ Me and three of my best friends sold candy all day, every day,” he recalled. The clan met after school to add up sales and take inventory.

“However, my profits may have been offset by my dentist bills.”

Today, business is booming for Nelson. Despite major growth, when you call Nelson Lawn Service,

Nelson answers the phone. “It is very important for me to treat each customer as if they were my only customer. I plan for this to continue to be the case as time goes on.”

Regardless of the down economy, they’ve grown substantially every year since their inception in 1995. Last year was the first year to establish middle management. “It was a huge learning experience for me. Now that our infrastructure is in place, we’ve really been able to tackle a lot of new business. I feel very blessed at how much God has shown favor in my business,” he said.

“I can thank my dad for teaching me how to run a business and stand behind my work,” Nelson says.

When it comes to the kinds of services Nelson Lawn provides, Nelson's rule of thumb is, “If it’s outside, we can do it.” They service everything from lawn maintenance, weed control, landscape design and installation, hardscapes; such as flagstone work and retaining walls, sprinkler installation and repair, landscape lighting and Christmas lights.

For a free quote, call Andy Nelson of Nelson Lawn Service at 202-4120.

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D ining Guide

Colby's Grill A

t Colby’s Grill, everything is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. “Nothing is frozen or kept,” says owner, Colby Mason. “Fried foods are hand-breaded and meat patties are hand-rolled, which really separates us from other restaurants now days.”

Burgers are one of the most popular items on the menu, most notably the Mushroom Swiss. It’s made with sautéed mushrooms and onions, melted cheese, mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato. The Cowboy ranks high with patrons too - made with barbecue sauce, bacon, cheese and fried onion strings.

If you’re more of a breakfast person, try the popular Meat Lover’s Omelet made with eggs, bacon, sausage, ham and cheese.

The restaurant recently added shakes and even offers Free Float Fridays with the purchase of a meal.

Floats are just 99 cents any other day of the week.

by Rebecca Wulff

They have an array of soda options to create a delicious float and a wide variety of ingredients to add to your chocolate or vanilla shake.

Colby’s Grill is in the process of adding more menu items this summer, including breakfast burritos and more burger variety.

Although it’s taken some getting used to, Mason wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to start breakfast. “It’s not normal to wake up before the sun is up,” he joked.

Although he has to endure some early mornings, he’s able to be home by 2:30 to spend time with his young son and daughter.

For Mason, one of the biggest rewards of owning his own restaurant is seeing people enjoy his food.

“I’m surprised at how many people come in each day,” he says. “I enjoy getting to know people, seeing them all the time and getting acquainted with them. I would’ve never thought people would be that consis-

Colby Mason,

Colby's Grill

tent.” With gratitude, Mason humbly says, “Thanks for coming and I hope you keep on enjoying.”

Colby’s Grill is located at 511 S. Broadway. They’re open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and offer a drive-thru as well as carry out. They can be found on Facebook where they post daily specials, printable coupons, pictures and videos.

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D ining Guide

celebration

STATIONS

by Rebecca Wulff

May is a month for celebrations. Visit these Edmond eateries for your special occasion.

Othello's

Super Suppers

Othello’s of Edmond is a family-owned Italian restaurant offering casual dining in a family atmosphere, serving pizzas, pasta and seafood. Many menu items are customer creations, like Helen's Baked Chicken Ravioli, Jimmy's Toast with an Attitude, Tammy's Homemade Italian Cream Cake and Nancy's Coconut Cream Pie. Othello's features a full-service bar, made-to-order espresso drinks and free wi-fi. For more information visit www.othellosofedmond.com or for any unadvertised specials, like half price pizza every Sunday or Martini Mondays. Othello’s is located at 1 S. Broadway and open at 4 p.m. daily.

If you’d rather dine at home instead of battling the crowds, pick up a gourmet meal at Super Suppers.

The Asian Flank Steak is made with soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, brown sugar and other flavors. For a lighter entrée, try the Asian Salmon - marinated in a slightly sweet sauce. Both dishes are perfect for grilling. Serve alongside with Tri-Color Squash, Super Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese or Asparagus with Dill Sauce. For dessert, bake a Berry Apple Crisp, made with berries, apple slices, cinnamon, allspice and topped with crunchy oatmeal and brown sugar. Stop in to Super Suppers at 1333 N. Santa Fe Ave., or call in your order to 330-9156.

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Selma's Cakery

Boulevard Steakhouse

Instead of using one of those grocery store mixes, treat your mom or grad to a tasty delicacy from this full-service bakery. Everything is made from scratch using natural ingredients, like real butter, fresh dairy cream, high quality chocolate and pure vanilla. All cakes are made to order and custom decorated. The shop’s selection of cookies, cupcakes, muffins, pastries and other goodies changes daily.

Stop in for fresh baked bread every afternoon at 16317 N. Santa Fe Ave., or visit www.selmascakery.com. Selma’s Cakery is offering $5 off an order of $25 or more to Edmond Outlook readers through May.

All steaks are fine, custom-aged, hand-cut USDA Prime Beef fully seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper and butter. Prime steaks are perfect for a dinner with mom, your graduate, special date, anniversary or birthday. Enjoy your steak along with one of their many fine side dishes, like lobster macaroni, or au gratin potatoes. Menu specials are updated often and prepared using fresh and seasonal foods.

Their award-winning wine selection continues to be recognized each year with the Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. The Boulevard Cabernet is created especially for the restaurant. For reservations, call 715-2333 or visit 505 S. Boulevard.

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H ome & Garden

Spring CLEANING

by Rebecca Wulff

S URFACES: Blinds: Fill up your tub with warm water and detergent. Soak your blinds and you’ll be amazed how quickly the built up dirt and dust will come right off. Drain your tub and let them dry before re-hanging.

Electronics: Use the brush attachment of your vacuum to remove dust. Put a dab of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball and rub to remove smudges.

Fireplace: Wearing safety glasses, open the flue and use a dustpan and brush to sweep up the ashes. Use an art gum eraser, available at craft stores, to remove soot marks from around the fireplace.

Furniture: To remove scratches, use touch-up markers sold at fine furniture stores and paint stores.

Hardwood Floors: Steep two black tea bags in a quart of boiling water. Cool to room temperature then mop the floor.

Silver: Place silver in a large pot with two teaspoons of salt, two teaspoons of baking soda and a piece of aluminum foil. Cover with boiling water and wait three minutes.

Rinse silver and dry well.

Tile and Grout: Make a paste out of baking soda and water. Use a toothbrush and scrub well to remove grime.

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F AMILY & P ETS: Use stain removers, like OUT! that are made up of natural bacteria and enzyme solutions. They remove stains and odors without hurting the carpet or upholstery.

If your dogs like to lounge on the furniture, have it treated with a product like Scotchgard for easier cleaning.

For carpet pet stains, blot as much as possible with clean white towels until no more color shows on the towel. Then treat with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water. Absorb as much as possible again before the final treatment - a mixture of 1/4 tsp. liquid detergent and 32 oz. water.

Many non-electronic stuffed animals can be cleaned right in the washer.

To safely clean and disinfect toys, use one gallon of water to every teaspoon of bleach.

FABRICS & CARPETS: The best cleaner for carpet stains can sometimes be a 1/4 teaspoon of liquid detergent mixed with 32 oz. of water. Never rub or agitate any stain, always blot.

Carpet should be vacuumed weekly, depending on traffic. Prolong the life of your carpet by vacuuming north to south, and east to west.

Have carpets professionally cleaned every 18 months to keep your warranty in effect.

Vacuum drapes weekly, or at least once a month, using a handheld vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

When you draw your drapes in the evening, gently shake them to keep dirt and dust from lodging in the fabric.

DIFFICULT STAINS: To remove blood or wine out of fabric and carpet, use club soda or vinegar on material that isn’t labeled ‘dry clean only.’ Blood on clothing can also be soaked in cold salt water.

Dried latex paint, tar, oil, glue and sticky residues can be effectively removed with a product like Goof Off. Magic Erasers are very effective when removing ink on painted or vinyl surfaces.

Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) removes grease, dirt and soap scum. When mixed with bleach and water, it will clean mildew off exterior surfaces. It will also dull finishes on wood and some tiles, so read the instructions before use and test a small, inconspicuous area before applying.

"When moving heavy furniture out of the way, use a product that slides furniture across surfaces with little effort."

Spritz hairspray on makeup stains, then rinse with vinegar.

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G ENERAL T IPS: Create a cleaning action plan and make a checklist for each room. Focus on the task at hand by sticking to your list.

Knock out the easy things first. It will give you a sense of accomplishment and get you motivated to keep going. Don’t let the big projects overwhelm you.

Get the family involved and make it fun. Any job will get done faster and be more enjoyable with a group.

Clean from the top to bottom. Dust will fall and can be vacuumed off of the floor at the end.

There are thousands of cleaning chemicals and they all have different uses and guidelines. Before you use any chemical, you should thoroughly read the label. If you have any doubts or questions, check for a customer service number.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR SHARING THEIR EXPERTISE: Kevin Calmes, Legacy Painting Earle and Jean Haggard, Haggards Fine Furniture Tony Kauk, Factory Direct Carpet Jim LePree, PetTalk Valerie Riley, The Riley Group Nancy Frame, Oklahoma Tumblebus

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F ine Living

by Erin Cramer & Rebecca Wulff

B

lended, shaken or stirred. Vodka, Rum or Tequila. However you prefer your drink, you’re sure to find a refreshing cocktail in the recipes that follow. Try your hand at these summer spirits poolside with friends, or leave it to the experts and head to their place for a cool drink.

MARTINIS

LOVE MARTINI

1 1/2 oz. Malibu Rum 1 oz. Peach Schnapps 2 oz. Cranberry Juice Shake and strain into a martini glass and garnish with two strawberry slices.

Courtesy of The Melting Pot at 4 E. Sheridan Ave.

OTHELLOTINI

1 1/4 shot Captain Morgan Rum 1/4 shot Orange Caraco 3/4 shot Sweet and Sour 1 tsp Sugar Shake and strain into a martini glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar.

Courtesy of Othello's at 1 S. Broadway.

RASPBERRY FLIRTINI

2.5 oz. Stoli Raspberry Vodka 1/2 oz. Pineapple Juice 1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice 1/4 oz. Champagne Shake and strain into a martini glass with a lime wedge and a cherry pick garnish.

Courtesy of CafĂŠ 501 at 501 S. Boulevard.

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MARGARITAS THE BELLINI

1/3 part Peach Nectar 1/3 part Rum 1/3 part Champagne Pour all ingredients into a blender with ice and blend until smooth.

Courtesy of Bellini’s at 801 E. Danforth Rd.

STEVE’S SOUTHWEST MARGARITA

1/4 part Jose Quervo Gold 1/3 part Triple Sec Gringola 1/3 part Sprite Shake and strain into a margarita glass.

Courtesy of Steve’s Rib at 1801 W. Edmond Rd.

MASCULINE LUNCHBOX

1 Beer 1 Shot Amaretto 1/2 Shot Orange Juice Pour the orange juice into a glass of beer and drop the shot of amaretto in. Courtesy of Edna’s at 5137 N. Classen.

RAT PACK MANHATTAN

1 1/2 shot Makers Mark Whiskey 1/2 shot Sweet Vermouth 2 dashes of bitters (alcoholic citrus flavoring) Shake and strain over ice in a rocks glass with a cherry garnish.

Courtesy of Othello's at 1 S. Broadway.

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COSMOS

BOULEVARD COSMO

2 oz. Absolute Citron 3/4 oz. Cointreau 2 oz. Cranberry Juice Shake and strain into a martini glass with a lime wedge garnish.

Courtesy of Boulevard Steakhouse at 505 S. Boulevard.

BRAZILIAN MIXED BERRY CAIPIRINHA

2 oz. Le Blon Cachaca 6 Assorted Berries 1/2 of a lime, cut into wedges 1 tsp Brown Sugar Muddle berries, lime and brown sugar in a shaker.

Add Le Blon Cachaca and fill the shaker with 12 oz. ice. Shake vigorously. Pour into a highball glass and garnish with a mint sprig, blueberry and a raspberry.

Courtesy of Zarate’s at 706 S. Broadway.

FRUIT COSMO

1/2 oz. SKYY Infusions Pineapple Vodka 1/2 oz. Cointreau 1 1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice 1/2 oz. Lime Juice Orange Slice Muddle orange wheel. Pour all ingredients over ice, shake and strain into a martini glass.

Courtesy of Interurban at 1301 E. Danforth Rd.

NON-ALCOHOLIC DRAGON BERRY NOJITO

5-8 Fresh Mint Leaves 1/2 oz. Monin Blackberry 1/4 oz. Monin Mojito Mix 2 Lime Wedges or 1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice Sprite, to fill glass Tear and drop mint leaves into mixing glass, add Monin Blackberry, Monin Mojito and fill half full with ice. Squeeze in two lime wedges and discard. Shake and pour into a Pilsner glass and fill with Sprite. Pour back into the shaker to mix, then back into the Pilsner and garnish with one fresh blackberry, mint sprig and a lime wedge.

Courtesy of The Melting Pot at 4 E. Sheridan Ave.

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H ealth & Fitness

by Katie Smith & Rebecca Wulff

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With 24/7 access, Anytime Fitness members can work out any time, day or night, every day of the year with their own security-access key. Once inside, members have full use of state-of-the-art strength training and cardiovascular equipment.

Every cardio machine comes equipped with its own 17� flat screen TV. Members are able to visit any of the 1300+ clubs in the United States with the membership reciprocity program. 24-hour tanning and personal training is also available. Club tours are always available during staffed hours. Visit www.

AnytimeFitness.com for more information.

Join by May 31 and receive a 24-hour access card, one month of membership, a t-shirt and a one hour personal training session for only $89!

Jennifer Gwyn Davis, LMT, CNMT is a wellness coach and owner of Mind and Body Fitness Connections located in the The Obvious Group Self Care Studio in Northpark Mall. She is also the site manager of Active Duty Fitness for Women and has the only corporate all women's boot camp in OKC. Davis is the only Certified CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach in OKC and a Licensed Massage Therapist, certified in Neuromuscular Therapy which focuses on restoring the body to its proper alignment by addressing muscle imbalances.

Davis is offering 10% off any package if you mention this article. For more information about her services, visit www.mindandbodyfitness.net or call 589-0969.

Discover how easy it is to fit personal training into your life in just 30 minutes or less with the Koko Smartraining System at Koko FitClub. This system provides all the benefits of personal training by planning your workouts, guiding you through each exercise and tracking your progress. This patented technology makes sure you're always doing precisely the right exercise, the right way, at the right pace, for the best possible results. This focused workout is ideal for busy professionals.

Koko is offering Edmond Outlook readers six free sessions and/or $50 off the sign-up fee (a savings of $49). Visit www.kokofitclub.com or call 285-2FIT for more information about Koko’s annual or month-to-month membership rates.

Get moving! Red Rock Fitness provides their members with an array of amenities, including tanning, spin classes, basketball, personal training, treadmills, elliptical, childcare and more. The center provides clean facilities with attention to detail and superior customer service. Committed to the customers, the owners have a passion for people and a desire to help improve lives.

Red Rock is offering Edmond Outlook readers their first month’s membership for free, and $29 per month after that. Small group personal training is less than $6 per session, three times a week. Call 748-4544 or visit www.JoinRedRockFitness.com for more information about their no contract, zero down memberships.

If you’re unable to get to the gym, Jared Health personal training will come to you. With regular fitness assessments, you will see results both in the mirror and on paper. Jared Haley says one of his clients lost 42 lbs and has kept if off for more than a year. “Stay active, keep moving and challenge yourself physically every time you work out,” says Haley.

“It is very easy to fall into a routine and stall-out in progression to your fitness goals.”

Through the month of May, when you sign up for two months or more of training, you will receive two weeks of training for free, just by mentioning this article when you call 740-4603.

Also, take advantage of Jared Health’s free fitness consultation.

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In

by Lindsay Whelchel

F

or many young people, May is a time of hope and new beginnings. It is about celebration and achievement. In the scholastic sense, it is a culmination of years of hard work. May is graduation month.

And for most high school students, though they have indeed accomplished an incredible thing, they have done so with support from their families and a stable home.

Many children in Oklahoma have earned a high school diploma or GED while in foster care. In a lot of ways, these kids have accomplished this without the day to day guarantees of housing stability and the family guidance that many students take for granted.

With recent budget cuts in the DHS system, a large celebration for graduates in foster care may have seemed out of the question. Not for Lisa Feist, an Edmond resident who has taken on the task of planning a graduation party worthy of the level of achievement for 159 foster care youth graduating in Oklahoma and Canadian County this year.

“I couldn’t think of those kids going to the shelter and eating cake in a conference room. I thought they

“Only 54 percent of children in foster care graduate high school and only two percent continue their education to earn a Bachelor’s degree.”

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deserved so much more,” says Feist, who learned about foster care while helping a friend put together an orphan care proposal.

“Through that, I really found this tragedy. When I think of what the word ‘orphan’ means, I think of a family-less child,” says Feist. A foster child who has reached age 18 exits the foster care system and many have to fend for themselves, simply because they’ve reached an age-limit for their services.

Feist has been working with the Spero Project, an Oklahoma City-based organization that seeks to network humanitarian ventures in the metro and also make an impact on a global scale. Her work specializes in the Legacy section of Spero which targets Oklahoma foster care and adoption. Feist came on board when DHS contacted The Spero Project for help with this year’s graduates. She feels the need for community involvement and support of our foster care kids is crucial, based on the statistics alone.

According to the Foster Care Alumni of America, only 54 percent of children in foster care graduate high school and only two percent continue their education to earn a Bachelor’s degree. This is why Feist has envisioned not only a graduation party, but also some form of continued support for the graduates.

“In Oklahoma, we’re really blessed with some awesome opportunities for the youth. I don’t know if some of them don’t know about it, or they’re tired of being in the system or they don’t feel cared for.” says Feist. “They don’t have someone coming alongside them helping them make those choices that would benefit them in the long run.” She hopes to connect

Get Involved A list of donation items Flux needs can be found at www.fluxokc.wordpress.com. Donations are tax deductible. Contact Lisa Feist at lisafeist@gmail.com for more information. Monetary donations can be mailed to: The Spero Project ATTN: FLUX P.O. Box 18743 • OKC, OK 73118 the kids to opportunities for them to get housing and college tuition assistance and even medical coverage, which can be available to kids formerly in foster care.

Right now, Feist is focusing on planning the graduation party. She has decided to call the event Flux in reference to a guidebook written by former foster kids within the Foster Care Alumni organization.

Already, the party has had a great response from the community. A local church donated the location and they’ve had an anonymous donor agree to provide food. All of the attendees will receive a copy of the book “Flux” and they will have door prizes to give away.

Feist says they still need sponsors for various items; graduation t-shirts, netbooks, luggage and door prizes are at the top of the list. They are also in need of transport volunteers certifiable through DHS, which offers free training.

Additionally, Feist encourages everyone to “think about what your gifts are” and get involved. One prime example is a local group of talented photographers who have agreed to donate their time to do senior portraits.

Feist believes everyone has a part they can play in helping out and this party is only the beginning. It’s about developing resources available to the kids and expanding ways for the community to get involved. It’s a new chapter in the lives of many deserving children.

To the kids Feist says, “We really just want to tell them that ‘we believe in you, and we know you’re going to continue this progress in your life’.”

Lisa Feist,

Edmond Resident coordinates graduation parties for foster kids.

Amy Hathcox, 18 (above) and Angel Perez, 18 (below), both "aged out" of foster care this year.

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WHE RE ARE THE Y NOW?

by Nathan Winfrey

I

t’s no secret that Edmond has produced a host of world-class athletes. Though they may be scattered across the country now, they’re still firmly rooted in their hometown.

Shannon Miller graduated from Edmond North High School in the mid-1990s and became one of the world’s most decorated gymnasts, winning two gold medals in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, and many more in the World Championships and Pan American Games from 1993-1995.

“My most vivid Olympic memory is from the 1996 Olympics,” Miller says. “It’s the moment my feet hit the ground after my balance beam dismount during event finals on my last day of the Olympics competition. I felt my feet touch the floor and when I realized I was standing up and had just stuck one of my best routines ever, it was such an overwhelming mix of emotions.”

After Miller retired from Olympic competition, she graduated from the University of Houston.

Then, she earned a law degree from Boston College Law School. During those years, she did sports broadcasting and hosted her own TV show, “Gymnastics 360 with Shannon Miller,” and began speaking professionally.

In 2007, Miller started the Shannon Miller Foundation, dedicated to fighting childhood obesity.

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In 2009, she and her husband, John Falconetti, had their first child.

Miller spent most of her pregnancy writing a series of fitness books, cookbooks and she filmed fitness DVDs. She will launch a new business in July, www.shannonmillerlifestyle.com. “This is a place where women can get great information from experts on everything related to health and fitness,” she says. “I am also including a special section on mommyhood.”

"There is no doubt he had a bigger impression on me than I had on him. He was an outstanding kid and a great player."

Miller now lives in Florida with her husband and son. She is president of Shannon Miller Enterprises, which focuses solely on women’s health and wellness. She also continues to be a broadcaster and

Bill Self,

Head coach of the University of Kansas basketball team.

(Edmond Memorial High School, 1981)

television host, as well as an author and professional speaker. “However, my most important job is Mom,” she says.

Her parents still live in Edmond, and she makes it back to see them when she can. “I also try to stay involved in the community as much as possible. I have been honorary co-chair of the Oklahoma City Memorial Kids Marathon for several years now,” Miller says.

“I have spoken to many groups in Edmond over the years and always make sure to hit Braum’s and Steve’s Rib when I come to town.”

Matt Roney graduated from Edmond North in 1998 and went on to play professional baseball for the Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays. He is currently a free agent.

Rick Nordyke, Roney’s high school coach, says, “He was a great young man that all the kids looked up to.”

Nordyke says he taught Roney that through hard work, you can do anything. He says Roney was very humble and helpful in high school. “Even though he was a superstar, he would be the last one to leave and would help me with the field work after everybody else had left. He was a team player,” Nordyke says. “He has a God-given talent and great work habits. He was very coachable.”

Nordyke says Roney comes back to Edmond often to work with pitchers. “Matt is one of those once-in-

Shannon Miller,

Matt Roney,

Most decorated gymnast in U.S. History.

(Edmond North High School, 1995)

Free Agent with the Toronto Blue Jays.

(Edmond North High School, 1998)

a-lifetime kids that come through your program,” Nordyke says.

Bill Self, head coach of the University of Kansas basketball team, was Oklahoma’s Basketball Player of the Year in 1981 while playing at Edmond Memorial High School. He later received a scholarship to OSU. Mike De La Garza, Self’s high school basketball coach, remembers him fondly. “He was kind of the big man on campus. He’s maybe the best coach in the country, but people forget what a good player he was. He simply was not going to lose.”

De La Garza says Self delivered game-winning plays at the buzzer six times his senior year. “As a high school basketball coach, you want to impact every player and hopefully it will be in a positive way. There is no doubt he had a bigger impression on me than I had on him. He was an outstanding kid and a great player. It was a real privilege and honor to coach him.”

Self regularly comes back to Edmond to visit, De La Garza says. “He not only hasn’t forgotten his roots, he cherishes his roots. He still hangs out with his high school friends and loves his parents,” he says. “Even though Bill lives in Kansas, he’s still an Edmond guy.”

These are just a few Edmond residents who have gone on to become household names. There are many less familiar Edmond citizens who have stayed and helped Edmond become the town it is today.

• Kelly Gregg, Baltimore Ravens' Noseguard was an All-State Football player and wrestler for both Edmond Memorial and Edmond North. He graduated in 1995 and attended the University of Oklahoma.

• National Football League player Reggie Smith graduated from Edmond Santa Fe High School in 2005.

• Blake Griffin, forward for the Los Angeles Clippers graduated from Oklahoma Christian School.

• Pro BMX rider, Mat Hoffman, was born and raised in Edmond and has broken many world records on Edmond soil, including the highest BMX vertical jump.

• Several stars of golf's PGA Tour call Edmond home. Among Edmond's top golfers are Bob Tway, Doug Tewell, Scott Verplank, David Edwards and senior’s golf legend Gil Morgan.

LITTLE BALLERINA CAMP AGES 3-7, MAY 31-JUNE 3 9am - 12pm MON-THURS T h u r s . Pe r f o r m a n c e a t N o o n

POM AND DANCE CAMP JUNE 7 - JULY 1, MON-THURS

Call for rates and enrollment

3 4 8 - 3 74 2 825 Centennial BLVD • Ed m o n d , O K www.epicdancestudi o. c o m

POM CAMP: AGES 6-10, 8-10am AGES 10-13, 10am-NOON Choose first 2 weeks or last 2 weeks

DANCE CAMP AGES 8-UP, 2-6pm C h o o s e b y t h e cl a s s o r b y t h e w e e k

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cleaning A

dmit it, you hate to clean but love a clean house. You feel much more at ease in a clean home and ready to take on whatever challenges the day brings.

What if that challenge was cancer? What if, as you fought the hardest battle of your life, the day to day responsibilities like dishes and dust piled up around you like a heavy weight on your shoulders?

For an increasing number of cancer patients, this is a reality. More than 3,000 people are being helped by the non-profit Cleaning For a Reason.

The organization began in 2007 after founder, Debbie Sardone, who owns a maid service in Texas, got a call from a cancer patient who was inquiring about cleaning rates. Upon hearing the information, the caller remarked that she was in treatment and could not afford the service. Unfortunately, she hung up before Sardone could look into other options.

From that point on, Sardone began a policy that her maid service would attempt to clean homes for

“Balancing work life and home life is challenging enough. To be undergoing treatment would be really hard, especially when you don’t feel well."

by Lindsay Whelchel free, or at a discount for those undergoing cancer treatment. Sardone spread this idea at a cleaning service convention and Cleaning For a Reason was born.

“The backbone of our foundation are the maid services that participate,” says Executive Director Mike Farney.

The organization relies on regular, local janitorial services to clean one cancer patient’s home once a month, for four months. They then match these services with patients who are currently undergoing treatment.

The number of people in need of cleaning services is heartbreaking. Mary’s Maid Service is currently the only service that donates cleanings to the organization in the area. “We feel we’re helping somebody that desperately needs it,” says Laura Elledge of Mary’s Maid Service.

While their commitment to Cleaning For a Reason is two patients at a time, they are currently cleaning for three. Two of those are Edmond residents.

“This is actually a labor intensive organization.

It’s a way to give back and that’s the way our partners feel also,” said Farney. “When you go into a cancer patient’s home and you clean it for free, they’re absolutely ecstatic that somebody would give back in this way and help them in a time when they need the help.”

“Probably the biggest complaint you hear from patients who are receiving chemotherapy or radiation, is fatigue,” says T.J. Crosson, a nurse in Oncology at Mercy Hospital.

A young mother herself, Crosson understands the day-to-day struggles of being a parent and can’t imagine the strain of doing it while sick. “Balancing work life and home life is challenging enough. To be undergoing treatment would be really hard, especially when you don’t feel well. When you do feel well and get your energy back, the last thing you want to do is spend all of that time and energy cleaning,” she said.

Due to a cancer patients white blood cell count being low, they are more susceptible to infection. “To be cleaning a dirty bathroom, where there are so many bacteria, it could potentially be unsafe,” she said.

To apply, patients need to go through Cleaning For a Reason’s website for more information. Mary’s Maid Service is currently at full capacity, but Cleaning For a Reason is seeking more local businesses willing to join the cause. Patients may also be able to find helpful services through their hospital’s cancer resource center, such as the one at Mercy Hospital.

Cleaning For a Reason is still a small organization seeking to grow in the Edmond area. “The demand will always exceed our capability,” says Farney.

“Our number one requirement is recruitment of maid services.”

Please visit www.cleaningforareason.org for more information.

T.J. Crosson,

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Mercy Hospital Oncology Nurse

EVERY SATURDAY: FARMERS MARKET Held every Saturday in May from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Edmond at the NW corner of 2nd St. and Broadway. Free admission.

MAY 1-30 HISTORY OF EDMOND'S MEDICINE This Edmond Historical Society exhibit will cover the unique medical history that has been a part of Edmond. Admission is free, donations are appreciated.

For more information, call 340-0078.

MAY 10 DENNIS JERNIGAN Worship artist, songwriter and author, Dennis Jernigan will be in concert at 7:15 p.m. at Henderson Hills Baptist Church. This is a free event, open to the public. For more information, contact Chuck Robinson at 513-7459.

MAY 15 ARTINI

MAY 29-30 EDMOND JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL Come listen to local Jazz and Blues performers on Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. at Stephenson Park. Free admission and parking. Call 341-3321 for more information.

JUNE 4 AN AMERICAN TOURIST An annual fundraising event in which proceeds go to assisting and sustaining the homeless. Live and silent auctions, wine pull, food, raffle and dancing. For reservations, call 232-5507.

JUNE 7-11 CHILDREN'S CHESS CAMP Learn skills to play casual or competitive chess. Held at Heritage Hall School.

For more information or to register, visit www.chesscamp.com.

JUNE 10 MOVIE NIGHT AT PELICAN BAY

Support the Arts Council and sample a variety of new martini's from the finest local restaurants. Held at the OKC Farmer’s Market from 7 to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $75 at the door or $65 in advance by calling 278-8944.

Gates open at 8 p.m. for open swim until the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Concessions will be available. Patrons may bring rafts. Cost is $5.

MAY 29 "CRUISE TO THE PARK" CAR SHOW

Join Arise Ministries for a weekend of renewal and refreshment for single mothers. Conference is $25 and childcare is free. Register for Survive 'N' Thrive at www.ariseministries.net.

Open car show at Hafer park. Registration is from 8 to 11 a.m. Awards will be given to the top 20 vehicles and the trophy presentation will be at 2 p.m. For more information, call 348-7527.

JUNE 11-12 SURVIVE 'N' THRIVE

For more events, please visit www.edmondoutlook.com.

www.edmondoutlook.com

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W

hether on the field or off, football coach turned business entrepreneur Owen Wilson, Jr., says he will make sure the job’s done right. “I teach my employees that it’s important to do things right, and not be in a rush to finish.”

“I love to coach football, and I love the game,” Wilson says. “I love teaching technique and the right way to do things.” It’s a mentality that carries over from the football field to lawns. “It’s important to do things right and not be in a rush to finish,” he says.

A native Oklahoman and football player in high school, Wilson went on to coach football in Oklahoma City and Edmond until he became an assistant coach for Santa Fe High School’s football team in 2001.

Now, Wilson is also owner and president of the aptlynamed Mowin’ Owen Lawn Services.

“The name kind of stays with you,” says Wilson.

“You’re not going to forget Mowin’ Owen.”

It started in 2000 when the school football coach decided he couldn’t go another summer day at home not working. He went out that very day, bought a lawn mower, a weed-eater and designed and printed flyers. His foster son “rounded up a few of his buddies” to help pass the fliers out and Mowin’ Owen Lawn Services was born. Now, he has over 70 customers and business is booming.

Each year business picks up in the spring, when Wilson’s weekdays and evening practices are still

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by Rachel Dattolo crammed with coaching football. Thankfully, he is able to draw upon some of his own players for help.

They are always ready to trade in their football for a lawn mower to earn some extra cash. By picking up four or five guys a weekend, Wilson cycles through his team to give everyone a chance to work for him. The best workers get to stay on and help him throughout the summer months.

It’s about honest work for an honest dollar, Wilson says. He still gets the occasional call from young men who used to play for him, now in college, asking to work a weekend or two.

His own foster son, once reluctant to get out there and work, now can’t wait for lawn season to come, which also gives him the chance to supplement his allowance money.

Wilson takes pride in the business and its ability to teach young men responsibility, hard work and learning how to make and save money, which he says is another factor that makes his business unique.

“It’s helping teach young people how to work. People notice that.”

Hard work creates a sense of accomplishment and pride for the boys and shows them that with extra effort, they can have a good quality of life.

The hardest part, Wilson says, is “teaching young men that just because they have money in their pocket today doesn’t mean they’ll have money tomorrow.” The solution? Keep working. When the

“Once you get a yard done, it’s like artwork. It’s great to pass by later and see how happy the kids are about what they’ve accomplished.” boys understand the value of a dollar and how much work it took to get that money, they’ll value their purchases far more.

Even more important than money earned, though, is pride in a job well done and in giving back to the community. Among Wilson’s many paying customers are a few elderly ladies who benefit from Wilson’s services for free. While the paycheck is important, Wilson also stresses to his young employees that they truly are more blessed to give than to receive.

“Don’t look to get paid on everything,” Wilson tells them. “We’re not going to make money on this one, we’re just giving back.” By teaching the boys to do something for someone for the public good, he’s instilling values in them that can’t be taught in the classroom.

Seeing the job well done is the biggest reward, Wilson says. “Once you get a yard done, it’s like artwork. It’s great to pass by later and see how happy the kids are about what they’ve accomplished. They can say, ‘Yeah I did that—it looks good doesn’t it?’”

With strong standing, a stronger work ethic and a little bit of money to invest at the start anyone can have the same success in starting their own business.

Wilson adds, “As long as they keep building houses, the lawn care business will always be around.” And if you can get a few helpers to occasionally deluge a yetuntouched neighborhood with your flyers, well, that wouldn’t hurt either.

“With just word of mouth and a sign on the back of your truck, you’d be amazed what you can do,” Wilson says.

Owen Wilson resides in Edmond and can be reached at 314-1466 for lawn service.

Owen WIlson Jr., Owner of Mowin' Owen

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