Edmond Outlook OCTOBER2010 by Outlook Magazine

Cold Cases Cracking Old Crimes

T V Laughter

Edmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hometown Stars

ATV Off-Road 4-Wheelers & Quads

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

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October 2010

32 departments

features

ARTS & Entertainment An Architect’s Pursuit

24 Fashionably Ambitious Crafting Shoes for the Stars

Letters from Louise The Power of Hope

27 Shopping Guide Autumn in the City

10 Sports Off-Road Madness

28 Battling Leukemia A Daughter’s Story

12 Best of Edmond Pendleton Woolen Mills & New Image Dentistry

30 Cold Case Files Retired Detective Helps Bring Closure

15 Dining Guide The Sushi Bar 16 Brilliant Brunches 18 Home & Garden Walking the Walk 22 FINE LIVING Bathroom Bliss 33 Around Town

32 Media Maniacs Breaking into Show Business

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Dave Miller Stacy Brasher Joshua Hatfield Krystal Harlow Laura Beam Randall Green Rachel Dattolo 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

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Design Group www.back40design.com (Volume 6, Number 10) Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. © 2010 Back40 Design, Inc. Articles and advertisements in Edmond Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Back40 Design. Back40 Design does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by Edmond Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Edmond Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

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A rts & Entertainment

An Architect’s Pursuit o f

s a UCO architect, Kevin Tero’s demure persona and structured career seem to have sparked a calling within. This architect’s pursuit of carefree contemporary paintings has him quickly rising to notoriety within the Edmond art community. He started painting seriously little more than a year ago, yet recently won the Oklahoma City Paseo Art Association’s “Best in 2D Art.” Tero’s work immediately won affection from enthusiastic collectors who love contemporary and impressionistic art, reflecting everything from Oklahoma landscapes to wildlife and even poignant human profiles. As a budding architect, Tero always drew and took art classes in school, but it wasn’t until a friend suggested he take his art seriously that he signed up for a painting class with Bert Seaborn, a renowned American Impressionist. “He’s a well known Oklahoma artist who’s 78 and painted for 50 years. His style of painting blended well with what I have a natural ability for,” said Tero. “He gives honest feedback, even though he may only say a few things while he paints during class.” Tero’s debut showing was in the Edmond Arts Festival where he sold 12 paintings, followed by the Paseo where he sold another dozen. He admitted to being nervous before the festivals built up his confidence. “I got a lot of positive reaction at those two shows,” he said. “When you sell the first painting,

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Art by Mindy Wood

there’s a relief – until you wait awhile and say to yourself, ‘ok I need to sell another one’.” As to his methods of painting, it’s very different from the rigid confines of architectural design. He plans less and sees more. “When I paint there is a composition sensibility that I’ve learned from architecture, but I try not to think too much and let it happen very spontaneously,” said Tero. “I feel totally involved what I’m doing at that point and not thinking of other things either. I’m not thinking, just doing.” Showing his art publicly provided personal growth for the quiet man behind the brush. “Before I painted, I was a very private person. I would show

my work to friends, and even when I wasn’t all that great, there were still interesting things happening when people looked at my work,” said Tero. “It’s been a pleasure, and now that my work is better, people can really have a personal reaction to a piece and that makes me feel good.” An admirer of his work at the Paseo festival was even brought to tears, a moment of emotion that left a lasting impression on Tero. “A woman was crouched on the ground looking at a painting I did of a Native American. She looked at it for a long time and said she was about to cry because she liked it so much. She told me all of the meaning the painting held for her, none of which I put into the painting but she could get so much out of it by things represented symbolically in the work,” he said. “It meant a lot to me that it moved her so much.” Perhaps another compliment to his work is the recognition and response he so easily wins. He has no agent, no gallery contracts; he just occasionally signs up for shows, allowing him the joy that comes with flexibility. “It’s both weird and liberating in that it’s totally your own, you’re in charge of it all. It’s on my shoulders to get myself out there but I get to do it the way I want to do it,” he says. “I started out by searching for festivals on the Internet and I also found an outlet through the Oklahoma Artist Guild.” Enthusiastic admirers, friends and family are especially helpful setting up for festivals. “My family has been the most enthusiastic, unpaid workers,” laughed Tero. “Although my mom does get first pick of the paintings. My parents are very supportive.” The same carefree demeanor goes for planning his future. Tero tries to not look too far ahead. Instead, he’s focused on honing his skills. “I want to keep getting better; I don’t want to stop working on this or think that I’ve arrived,” he says. “I try not to think about the future and just enjoy seeing people get a sense of joy or happiness in my work.” Tero’s art is now on display at Conversations Bookstore and Dean Lively Gallery in Edmond.

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L etters from Louise

the

Power of hope by Louise Tucker Jones

just returned from the orthopedic surgeon who informed me I have a 50 to 80 percent chance of my shoulder healing without surgery. I sat in the car and cried with relief before leaving the parking lot. Four months of pain, an erroneous report on my MRI and a previous shoulder surgery had me prepared for the worst. Yes, I will have to take anti-inflammatory meds. Yes, I will do weeks or months of strenuous physical therapy, but I have hope that I will get well without putting a tenth notch on my surgical history. Hope is a powerful emotion. I’ve seen it over and over again. When my oldest son and his wife were trying to conceive, the doctor ran a gamut of tests. No medical reason why they had not gotten pregnant during their years of trying. They were encouraged. No, they didn’t get pregnant immediately but they had hope and one day, when no one was expecting a miracle, the test proved positive. Our now five-yearold granddaughter was already snuggling into her mother’s womb. What an exciting moment! I have a friend who just completed several weeks of chemotherapy and heard her doctor say, “There is no sign of cancer.” She’s weak and she’s tired, but hallelujah, she has hope! Another friend’s cardiac condition improved instead of worsened as doctor’s had predicted. Hope! My 93-year-old mother is planning a trip to Montana next year. She doesn’t know how her health will be, but she has hope that she will make the trip. My son, Jay is counting the days until Disney on Ice comes to the fairgrounds. We have had tickets for several weeks and hope this show will be one of the best. Jay goes even further—he expects it to be the best. Hope is so important. There are people around

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us hoping to get a job, to buy a house, go on vacation, have grandchildren, write a book, retire from work, get married, become parents or just go out to dinner. Hope keeps our spirits alive. When the weather is hot and dry, we hope for rain. When the snow piles up to a dozen inches, we hope for sunshine. When we move to a new community we hope to find a friend. The dictionary says hope is a feeling that something desirable is likely to happen. We are not designed to live without hope. There are studies which show that children who were seldom touched or held in orphanages did not develop well physically or emotionally. The heart and brain do not know how to respond to a lack of love and hope. Depressed individuals take medication to up the serotonin

levels in their brain in order to give them hope and healing. Each day, I live with the hope that God will miraculously heal my youngest son of heart disease. The total healing has never come, but God has divinely granted a daily dose of miracles so that Jay has celebrated 34 birthdays instead of the few that doctors anticipated when he was born. A favorite scripture from the Bible states: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord… “plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Today, I pray you will find hope for whatever is troubling your mind, hurting your heart or distressing your body and soul. Today is a great day for hope. Grab it with all your might!

by Nathan Winfrey

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ll-terrain vehicles, or quads, can provide fun and safe outdoor recreation as well as serve as utility vehicles for activities like farming and hunting. Having access to private land on which to ride ATVs is always best, says Shawn Garrison of House of Kawasaki, a motorcycle and ATV dealer in Oklahoma City. There are also plenty of trails around the state, like at Sooner Off-Road Park in Norman and Lake Stanley-Draper. “Lake Draper offers miles and miles of trails, and it’s a great place to ride,” says Garrison, whose been riding ATVs for 30 years. Nikki Smith, with Mid America Cycle, located just 10 miles north of Edmond at I-35 and Seward Road agrees. “ATVs are great recreational vehicles and there are many great State parks and lakes that have trails. However, a large number of Mid America Cycle’s customers are farmers and ranchers,” she said. “ATVs have taken the place of the horse. Many use ATVs on their property instead of using their trucks because trucks can’t fit into tight places and aren’t as good on rough terrain.” Early ATVs developed in the 1960s were amphibious vehicles sporting six wheels. Honda introduced the world to 3-wheeled ATVs in the 70s which progressed toward the birth of the 4-wheeled ATV in the 80s. Modern ATVs range from 4-wheel-drive utility vehicles to full-on race quads, Garrison says. Two-wheel-drive sport quads are for closed-track competition and their engines can range from 50-700 cc. Utility ATVs are primarily 4-wheel drive and boast 250-1000 cc motors. Edmond resident Chad Dugan rides a sport quad, a Polaris Sportsman 550 xp. He’s been riding ATVs for about four years, enjoying everywhere from Crossbar Ranch in Davis, Oklahoma to A to Z Ranch in southeast Oklahoma. “It’s like wheeled freedom – the speed, the ability to go anywhere,” he said. “The rush is amazing, especially when you are on a new trail with cool, crisp fall air and leaves covering the ground.” Sport quads, popular for racing, accelerate quickly and can reach 80 miles per hour. The top off-road

racing series in North America is the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series. The ATV National Motocross Championship and Championship Mud Racing are also respected organizations. Garrison says the big difference between riding a dirt bike and riding an ATV is the difference in the weight of the machines. Quads tend to be a lot heavier than bikes and have a different riding style. It’s important for riders to make sure the quad doesn’t end up on top of them. As with any activity that involves metal and speed, it’s important to follow instructions and not become careless. “They are very safe, but like any motorized vehicle, you have to be smart about what you are doing and know your abilities,” Dugan says. “First and foremost, always wear your helmet,” Garrison says. “You’re 60 percent more likely to survive an accident if you’re wearing a helmet.” He also recommends goggles, boots, and jeans. “I don’t recommend wearing shorts and flip flops.”

“It’s like wheeled freedom – the speed, the ability to go anywhere. The rush is amazing."

A common mistake ATV riders make without realizing the danger is putting too many people on a quad at once. Most ATVs are intended to hold one person. Unless the quad is specifically designed to accommodate two people, Garrison urges riders to not take passengers. “There has always been a misconception that ATVs aren’t safe. It’s the people who don’t follow guidelines who are unsafe,” Garrison says. He also cautions that children under 6 years old have no business on a quad. Smith agrees. “The biggest concern with first time buyers is letting underage children operate an adult ATV,” she said. “The age needs to be appropriate for the size of the ATV.” It’s also important for ATV riders to know the terrain and be able to see clearly. Especially if not on a designated trail, the ground can quickly drop away and unexpected hazards like limbs and tree trunks can pop out of nowhere. “ATV-riding is a safe, fun activity, but you have to follow the rules,” said Garrison.

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Best of Edmond

World Class Wool by Rebecca Vidacovich

elebrating over 100 years of designing quality clothing, Pendleton Woolen Mills has recently opened its newest location in Spring Creek Plaza in Edmond, off East 15th Street and South Bryant Avenue. The new store features seasonal collections for men, women, misses and petites. Store Manager, Heather Teague is thrilled to head up the new opportunity and is planning a series of special promotions and events. Pendleton Woolen Mills is a Pacific Northwestbased company that manufactures and retails men’s and women’s classic lifestyle apparel and world renowned blankets. With over 70 retail stores nationwide, the company is now in its sixth generation of private family ownership since the opening of its 1909 mill in Pendleton, Oregon. “We have a strong customer base in the area and are delighted to be able to serve them through our new Edmond store,” says Pendleton President Mort Bishop III.

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Remaining true to its original roots, Bishop says Pendleton’s clothing is timeless. “It’s not unusual for our customers to pass along a garment to the next generation, long before they’ve had a chance to wear it out,” he said. Wool fabrics are woven in Pendleton-owned and operated woolen mills. They have invested more than $50 million dollars over the last 20 years to equip their USA mills with the latest technology to craft exceptional world-class fabrics. Besides allowing for precise tailoring in classic blazers, skirts, pants and shirts, these fabrics also have a natural luster, gentle drape and lightweight, comfortable stretch characteristics. “From purchasing the wool fleece, to delivering the final product to the selling floor, creating classics for men, women and the home has always been held to the highest standards,” said Bishop. Pendleton Spring Creek Plaza is located at 1452 S. Bryant Avenue in Edmond and can be reached at 844-7100. Store hours are Monday through Saturday

Heather Teague,

Store Manager of Pendelton

Woolen Mills

from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Pendleton merchandise is also available online at www.pendleton-usa.com, in Pendleton’s seasonal catalogs, or toll free at 1-800-649-1512.

Share A Smile by Radina Gigova

s you approach New Image Dentistry, you can’t miss their logo: a big tooth with a heart in the upper left corner, above the words “We Care” which is proudly displayed by Miriam Nosrati, D.D.S at 1900 E. 15th Street. Dr. Nosrati’s goal is to understand patient needs, while offering the care and treatment that best suits them. “In real life, not everything can be perfect, so we listen to patients and offer them different options and give them what they want,” she said. “Sometimes it’s easy. Sometimes it’s challenging. And in every challenging case, we learn something new and we get better and better,” said Nosrati. Nosrati found her calling at 8 years old. She had a severe cavity and was scared to see the dentist. The experience didn’t seem like much fun, but the attitude of the dentist taking care of her made all the difference. “She really impressed me,” said Nosrati. After she graduated from the OU College of Dentistry, Nosrati completed her residency

at Veteran’s Hospital. She also joined a group practice prior to opening her practice in Edmond in 2005. Nosrati uses the latest technology in the field—from a painless shot system to a laser that detects cavities in early stages, and even digital x-rays that use less radiation. New Image Dentistry offers a full selection of procedures, including crowns, cosmetic dentures, Invisalign (invisible braces), implants, surgical extractions and root canals. Patients can complete everything under one roof. Treating a patient’s chronic tooth pain, or seeing a patient’s new smile after a dental procedure is the most gratifying aspect of her practice. “I listen to patients, and give them what they want, what they can afford,” said Nosrati. “I have a very caring staff. We really take care of patients.” Along with Nosrati, New Image Dentistry has two dental assistants and an office manager to handle paperwork and insurance, and they are a preferred provider for a number of insurance companies.

Dr. Miriam Nosrati,

New Image Dentistry

Since 1999, Nosrati has lived in Edmond with her husband and three children. She says they have settled down in Edmond and consider it home. “We like the environment of Edmond,” she said. In the future, she plans to expand her practice to be able to see even more patients. If you need a dental procedure of any kind, call 405-285-8880, or visit her website at www.edmondnewimagedentistry.com to make an appointment.

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Dining Guide

The Sushi Bar

“M

y husband and I have always dreamt of opening a sushi bar in a classy setting in the heart of Edmond,” said Joyce Han. “We started out with tiny Mr. Sushi which served as the first stepping stone in opening this new place. We wanted to establish a good base of clientele and make a name for ourselves before we went ‘big’ and Mr. Sushi certainly helped us achieve just that.” The Sushi Bar has only been open for a few months, but they’re already seeing a constant flow of new and loyal repeat customers. The restaurant boasts a wide variety of sushi rolls and an assortment of fresh sashimi. They offer a separate kitchen menu with steak, lamb and duck, all served with an Asian flair. “We provide an intimate and cozy lounge area complete with comfy couches and plasma TVs for those 21 and over,” Han says. “We also have oversized dining tables that will seat big parties comfortably.” One of the most popular menu items at the Sushi bar is their signature 12-piece OMG Roll, which will

The Sushi Bar’s

sushi chef Tak

by Rebecca Vidacovich

feed two to three people and have everyone at the table proclaiming “Oh My Gosh” at the sheer size of the roll. It consists of tempura shrimp, avocado, cucumber, tempura crunchies, crab, cream cheese stuffed jalapeno and smoked salmon topped with parmesan baked shrimp, tempura crunchies and spicy baked seafood mix. Other popular rolls include the Captain Crunch, Volcano and Naughty Girl Roll. The Naughty Girl Roll is made fresh with tempura shrimp, avocado, and cream cheese topped with baked salmon, spicy mayo and scallions. The unique String Cheese Roll is made with fried calamari and cream cheese topped with crabstick and sweet sauce. Party trays are available for all functions and can be customized to fit any need. “You can pick and choose your own sushi rolls or we can customize the trays for you,” said Han. The Sushi Bar is open seven days a week and located at 1201 NW 178th St. #123 in Edmond. Call 285-8484 for dinner reservations, or stop by for a fresh-take on an elegant lunch.

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D ining Guide

brilliant

brunches Lottinvilles by Krystal Harlow

“I went to a restaurant that serves ‘breakfast at anytime’. So I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance.“ — Steven Wright

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Lottinville’s Wood Grill offers resort-style dining in a spacious dining room with soaring ceilings and impeccable service. Come enjoy the welcoming atmosphere with friends and family for Sunday brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy multiple brunch buffets complete with fresh fruit and salads, a salsa bar and made-from-scratch favorites such as omelettes, Belgian waffles, quiche and huevos rancheros. And don’t forget to top off your brunch with a delicious dessert, like a slice of their amazing key lime pie. Located at 801 Signal Ridge Dr. off 15th & Kelly. Call 341-2244 for more information.

Sophabella’s Sophabella’s Wine Bar & Bistro was recently voted ‘OKC’s Best Brunch.’ Enjoy $1 Mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys and complimentary homemade cinnamon rolls and blueberry muffins. Choose favorites from a diverse menu of Belgian waffles, French toast, Eggs Benedict, 8oz steak and eggs or the Egg Frittata prepared with fresh asparagus, sundried tomatoes, prosciutto and imported Fontina cheese. And don’t miss the chicken mushroom crepes topped with a white wine Parmesan cream sauce. Located at 7628 N. May, just south of Wilshire. Sophabella’s serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 879-0100 or visit their website at www.sophabellasrestaurant.com.

Rococo

Around the Corner

Ingrid’s Kitchen

Chef owned and operated, Rococo Restaurant & Fine Wine delivers a diverse menu with Italian, French and Asian influences along with delicious steakhouse and seafood fare. A few of their brunch specialties include salmon or crab cake benedict, French toast and a homemade quiche. All brunch menu items come with Rococo fried potatoes and fresh fruit. Brunch is served on Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rococo is located at 2824 N. Pennsylvania. A second location is scheduled to open in Northpark Mall off 122nd & May mid-November. Call 5282824 or visit www.rococo-restaurant.com for more information.

Around the Corner is a true Edmond classic, serving homestyle comfort food Tuesday -- Sunday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy breakfast favorites served all day such as pancakes, omelettes, biscuits and gravy and more. And don’t miss their great lunch specials like ham and beans, homemade stew and homemade meatloaf. Finish off your meal with a slice of delicious homemade pie or cobbler, just like mom used to make. Edmond’s oldest restaurant truly does ‘cook with love!’ Visit them at 11 S. Broadway in Downtown Edmond. For more information, call 341-5414.

For over 30 years, Ingrid’s Kitchen has been one of OKC’s favorite choices for the finest in German and European cuisine. Authentic recipes, old-world charm and hospitality are what set this restaurant apart. Drop in for breakfast Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. or visit the Sunday brunch buffet 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy the McIngrid, a bagel with a fried egg, bacon, tomato and cheese or the Farmers Breakfast, three eggs, oven roasted potatoes and Bavarian sausage all scrambled together. Buffet offerings include their signature oven fried chicken, bratwurst and sauerkraut, sliced roast beef, and a delicious full dessert bar. Located at 3701 N. Youngs Blvd. Call 946-8444 or visit www.ingridskitchen.com.

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H ome & Garden

hese days, the trend is “green”. Not the minty hue of dollar bills, more along the lines of your carbon footprint shade of green. With increasing attention being focused on energy conservation, experts say it is more important than ever to think about our personal impact on the earth. One Edmond businessman has taken energy conservation a step further by designing a home that serves not only as a highly functional living space, but as a model example for everyone who visits, that green living is not only possible, green is great. Paul Conrady has owned Edmond Security Inc. for the past 30 years. “I recently made some changes in my office that gave me the opportunity to build a house that I’ve wanted to build for 20 years,” he says. His desire to become a pioneer and build a home with groundbreaking green design began to take shape when Conrady learned of ICF construction – Insulated Concrete Form. This particular element consists of foam blocks with concrete poured inside, essentially giving a home a 13-inch wall, according to Conrady. Benefits of ICF include keeping indoor temperatures more constant and the air cleaner.

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by Lindsay Whelchel The walls were only the beginning. Conrady then formulated a plan to include green design tactics for everything from the flooring and windows, to the materials used within the home. Though the house serves as an superb living space for Conrady and his family, “I built it as a model home and classroom to teach other people how to build green,” he says. In preparation to put his plan into action, Conrady and his wife attended green festivals all over the country for three years prior to the construction of their home.“I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do. Going to the green festivals was just to confirm I was on the right track,” he said. Some of the things he saw and incorporated in his home include a geothermal system that provides heating and cooling with extreme efficiency. The temperature consistency definitely paid off over the summer for Conrady, who is often out working in his garage. “I keep my house at 74 degrees and my garage never got over 80, which is huge because that’s where I spend most of my time. That’s where I tinker,” he says. To achieve his temperature success, he utilized a high level of insulation with windows designed with hurricane glass. After 30 years of providing expertise

on local security needs, of course, one reason for this impact resistant glass is for security, but the decision ran much deeper. When storms hit, a house will likely lose its roof if it looses the pressurization inside. Pressurization is aided by having the glass intact, according to Conrady. “If you can keep your glass in place as long as possible, you’re more likely to keep your roof,” he says. The casement windows also aid in the airflow of the house, which allows Mother Nature’s cooling system to be not only pleasant, but free. “This morning, I opened up particular windows because of which way the wind was blowing and immediately exchanged the air inside the house and it was just awesome,” he chuckled. Conrady served as contractor on his home and lived out on the property, located in Luther, for two years while the work was being coordinated. An important aspect of the home is its ability to be easily accessible for his daughter, who is in a motorized wheelchair.

“I built it as a model home and classroom to teach other people how to build green.” “She had her own house and she didn’t really want to move home with Mom and Dad, so we created this totally independent apartment that she helped design,” he says. This space is located in the basement level of the home and includes an elevator and open floor plan. Conrady’s devotion to green features is apparent in the lack of dyes and formaldehydes in the interior. The floors are all stamped concrete and wood. There are many recycled or local components to the home, such as native stone from Conrady’s brother’s rock quarry.

Continued on page 20

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Continued from page 18 All of these additions are efforts which aid Conrady’s goal of having his home LEED certified. LEED, as developed by the United States Green Building Council, is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. As well as helping Conrady to become LEED certified, these green features are standing their true test – energy efficiency. A key motivation in building green was to save his family an exponential amount in utility costs over time. “The cost of power is going to continue to escalate,” says Conrady. “What drove me to do this was to protect my assets to go forward so that I don’t have outrageous utility bills.” Ultimately, Conrady hopes to move his house entirely to solar power and drive his utility cost to zero. He anticipates this to happen within the next year or two. “My whole goal is to get to zero energy,” he says. For more information on making your home a little more green, visit their website at www.greenhomeguide.com, the U.S. Green Building Council’s Home Guide with interactive Ask A Pro features and educational blogs.

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Paul’s energy saving features include a pressurized fireplace that helps keep out cold air in the winter, and a special water heater for his well water

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F ine Living

by Radina Gigova

fter a long day at work, taking a relaxing bath in an environment that is unique and personal could be the culmination of your day. And if you think that bathrooms are not considered places where people spend a lot of time and therefore a lot of resources, a team of local industry insiders can prove you wrong. If you can afford it, why not unleash your imagination. “The sky’s the limit these days, there are products and services being offered almost to the point of, if you can think of it, you can have it,” said Nickolas French, chief installer and partner with the Edmondbased building company J&J Granicrete, who has done remodels in 90 percent of the neighborhoods in town.

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French is no stranger to lavish twists in bathrooms. He’s seen it all--from electronically controlled showers, to customized vanities and extravagant finishes. “I’ve seen bathrooms that have body sprayers on almost every single wall,” he says. Higher end showers may have digital control panels that electronically control the water temperature, instead of oldfashioned knobs. Automated or frameless doors and customized plumbing features add to the feeling of luxury. Chris Mandrino, co-owner of Remodeling and Restoration Specialists of Oklahoma adds that glass mosaics are still in vogue. He says Travertine marble is a popular choice.

Another favorite shower floor surfacing is river stone, Mandrino says. It feels like you are walking on smooth river pebbles, warm and cozy. “When the hot water hits that stone, it kind of heats the stone and feels really good on the feet.” Mandrino adds, aside from the popular heated floors, there are also heated towel racks. “It’s a 2-3 foot towel rack that actually warms your towel, so your towel feels like it just came out of the dryer. It’s like your mom bringing you a warm towel.” He says the so called “Japanese toilet” is becoming a big hit, although its $4,000 to $6,000 price is still more than most families would spend on a toilet. The gadget, however, is worth seeing -- the heated toilet seat is made of soft material and works as a bidet. Brenda Helms, a certified interior designer and co-owner of Edmond Kitchen says, when it comes to bath tubs, the days of the Jacuzzi are almost gone. “People often don’t want their Jacuzzi tub any more, so they replace it with a solid tub because they can clean it easily.” Helms says pedestal tubs are a neat feature, “They are perceived to have little more style and are very pretty.” Flat-screen moisture-resistant TVs are a must in a luxurious bathroom. But who knew that they can actually be hidden behind the glass of a mirror, and with one click of the remote your mirror becomes a TV. There are all kinds of lights that can create spectacular effects in a bathroom, such as oversized chandeliers, keen lights pointed in different directions and under-cabinet lighting that adds just a pop of glow to the vanities. Surfaces are essential component as well. Concrete countertops for example, expand the possibilities of creative designs and textures. Granite, however, is till one of the most popular materials. French says more and more people lean toward natural finishes that are not only eco-friendly, but also look more natural. The “Stucco Veneziano,” a resin-based plaster, is the most durable plaster on the market and has superior moisture resistance.

“People often don’t want their Jacuzzi tub any more, so they replace it with a solid tub because they can clean it easily." Another bathroom trend is creating more of a furniture look when it comes to the woodwork. More actual furniture is being incorporated as well. Darker wood is the preferred hue as a lot of families go after “the old world” look. “The style is a little bit of a rustic glam, rustic chick. It works really well in Oklahoma where we mix some of the traditional with some of the more glamorous and modern styles,” says Helms. Mandrino says natural palette tones are still very popular, because there are so many colors you can use with a natural or earth tone. “Edmond is a traditional market. For the most part people want a neutral color pallet, something that blends in with the home.” As long as you have a clear plan, splurging may not always a bad idea-- especially if you are investing in something that will bring joy to the eye and the body for many years to come. For more information about the latest remodeling trends and technologies in Edmond, visit www.jandjgranicrete.com, www.edmondkitchen.com, and www.rrsofoklahoma.com.

749-2433 North Campus

912-3260 946-7799 Moore Campus

Central Campus

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F by Mindy Wood

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ormer Edmond resident and Edmond Memorial High School graduate, Joshua Bingaman is on a career path that he never guessed would grow so rapidly. His company, Helm Handmade, was born just one year ago. Bingaman’s passion for quality handmade boots is now in high demand by Hollywood stars and best selling music artists. Bingaman’s down-to-earth Oklahoma values shaped the nature of his business and his boots. His commitment to quality and eye for high fashion are tempered by practicality, comfort, and an unpretentious price of $300 to $500 a pair. Although his journey to popularity seemed to happened overnight, he refuses to mass market his product and remains dedicated to the quality and process in which he is so personally involved. It all began in high school. “My brother and I had a shoe fetish growing up. We started collecting sneakers and other styles, but I started wearing more boots in high school,” said Bingaman. “After my brother and I started the Shoe Room in San Francisco, I collected older vintage styles and wore CAT, Sendra, Wolverines, Red Wings, just the whole gamut. Then boots started to become fashionable.”

Bingaman later moved to Austin to open Progress Coffee, which grew to become one of the 10 best boutique coffee shops in the country, according to Bon Appetit. His brother bought him out of the California shoe business, but he continued to wear boots in the sweltering Texas summer heat, as he dreamed of something more practical.

Stars like Robert Downey, Jr., Matthew McConaughey and Andy Roddick are just a few who fell in love with Bingaman’s style. “I wondered if I could design boots here that were influenced by work boots, but would be comfortable and light weight, he said. “I named the company and our first boot, the Samuel after my son Samuel Helm. They’re not clunky, hot or heavy and they breathe.” The process is as unique as the boots themselves, which are designed in Austin by Bingaman and a design team. Those drawings

are sent to craftsmen in Istanbul, where they are made. The leathers, sheepskin, goatskin and calfskin, arrive from Holland, France and Australia with leather soles from Italy and rubber soles from Malaysia. The boots require five days to complete and every piece is done by hand. In the beginning, Bingaman wasn’t sure he would be able to pull off an international offering. “Finding all these people to work with me seemed like a farfetched idea – combining these styles, materials, and craftsmanship in one place – but it’s working,” he said. The company’s straightforward marketing idea also paid off. “While designing the boots, I often have someone in mind. I would think about Robert Redford’s style or Nick Cave from The Bad Seed – just different people I’ve watched over the years,” said Bingaman. “When we got our samples ready, we had a girl in our office try calling stylists, agents or managers for some high profile people, and just about everyone decided to buy them!” Stars like Robert Downey, Jr., Matthew McConaughey and Andy Roddick are just a few who fell in love with Bingaman’s style. Celebrity

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Continued from page 25 exposure and simple word of mouth soon created a viral demand that Helm Handmade is carefully trying to meet. “It’s been exciting and cool as an artist to see this happening but I’m so involved in the business side of this that it consumes me too. I want to keep it handmade and I don’t want to mass produce because I don’t want to compromise the quality,” said Bingaman. “I always have in my mind, ‘how can we be better, not bigger but better.’ I have to keep the passion and drive in this and succeed with it at the same time, no matter if a model or actor is wearing them or not.” As trends in niche retail markets appear to shift to handcrafted merchandise, Helm Handmade meets the challenge head on. In addition to accounts in Denmark, Copenhagen, LA, New York, and Chicago, Bingaman plans on expanding his line to meet new demands as they arise. He enjoys reading personal requests and stories about his boots through his blog. “The response from women has been a little overwhelming. When I was doing a show in Brooklyn, it was cool to see a girl in a skirt

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on the streets wearing a pair of Samuels and I didn’t design them for women. Girls are wearing these masculine styles, but they look great,” he said. “When the ‘work boot look’ was cool, girls wanted them, but the manufacturer would only size them down to a women’s 9 ½. I’m sizing ours down to a 7 ½ or 8 and I’m working on a women’s line; but I want to keep Helm masculine with a unisex bleed into our styles.” As he expands and grows, he hopes to keep the company and the product line personal, just like when his first boot was named after his son. “I love that aspect of Helm, because that’s how it started. I’m just hoping to open a college fund for my kids,” laughed Bingaman, “along with the success of it and having fun.” For more information, visit Helm’s website at www.helmhandmade.com.

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A Daughter’s Story

by Lindsay Whelchel

ife is filled with challenges we must face – some challenges are invigorating in their greater purpose. Still, others are heartbreaking. Melinda Meadows understands both. As a daughter, Meadows is challenging an illness that has crippled her entire family. Her mother, Mary Diggs, is battling leukemia. As Meadows represents her hometown of Edmond as Mrs. Oklahoma in the upcoming America Pageant, she is doing everything possible to use the competition to raise awareness for cancer research. “It wasn’t my intention to enter Mrs. Oklahoma at all,” says Meadows, who had initially set out to do volunteer work for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. But Meadows felt she was at the point she had to do something; she needed to act. Her mother had been fighting cancer for four years. “She has gone through every available treatment and nothing has worked,” said Meadows. The struggle has been immense, not just for her mother, but for the whole family. “Every other week we have gone through test results and bone marrow biopsies. Our world has just revolved around the Leukemia and the result of that,” she says. Meadows decidedly took a stand. “I felt like I couldn’t just sit around and watch it anymore.” Her plan to simply volunteer morphed into a greater undertaking to achieve awareness when Meadows met some of the inspiring women involved in previous pageants.

“I was trying to think of ways of putting the focus out there more,” she says. The last thing on her mind was a pageant. “I’m not your typical pageant person,” says Meadows, who will be 54 at the time of the pageant in January. She felt empowered by previous pageant winners. “I thought, ‘you know what, I think I could do that. I think I could use my title to raise awareness,” she said proudly. “I feel like I am just a part of this wonderful group of strong women and they have helped me tremendously in this journey that I’m on.” Among Meadows’ other greatest supporters is her devoted family, which has carried her through her mother’s diagnosis and treatment, as well as her quest to win Mrs. Oklahoma. “My family has been wonderful through all of this,” she says. Her son, who owns Meadows Oil and Gas, has been her financial sponsor, with her daughter cheering her on and her husband acting as her pageant photographer. The preparation for a competition like this can be a huge undertaking. “Physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, you need to be prepared,” she says. Of course, she is motivated by the strength she sees in her mother. “She has been so courageous this whole time,” says Meadows. “She has been such an inspiration to me.” It is clear that her pageant platform is where her heart lies. Cancer research is always on her mind. “I wake up every morning and think, ‘what if it’s today that they actually come out with something, because

“She has gone through every available treatment and nothing has worked."

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it could be,” she says, excited at the potential of research possibilities. Beyond raising money, Meadows says, “The families, sometimes they need someone just to talk to. It has really touched my heart talking to the parents of the kids who are going through that. These kids are so brave. I know I’m struggling and it’s my mother – I can’t imagine if it were my child.” Meadows has gained strength and resolve from her awareness efforts. It has helped her to face this challenge. “You have that helpless feeling when someone you love is going through cancer. You can’t help them; you don’t have the cure,” she says. But she has learned, “There’s so many things that people can do. This has really helped me deal with it. It’s given me something else to actually have an action and feel like making a difference that way.” Meadows’ next awareness event will be participating in the Light the Night Walk to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society held on October 10, 2010 with her team, The Walking Warriors. For more information on how to sign up, visit www.lightthenight.org/ntxok.

From left to right,

Colby Henrich, Melinda Meadows, Rylie Tran, and Morgan Snowden. Colby and Rylie are currently undergoing treatment, while Morgan is in remission.

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files

by Lindsay Whelchel

ometimes murderers get away with their crime. Time goes by. Evidence is destroyed. Witnesses die. These are the types of challenges cold case investigators like Mike Burke must overcome to bring heinous villains to justice, sometimes decades after the trails have cooled. In 2003, Burke retired from the Oklahoma City Police Department as a detective after 19 years of solving murder investigations. Three years ago, he went to work with the district attorney to track down killers who escaped the justice system. “There are a lot of them,” Burke says. He chooses most cases on a solvability factor — cases with evidence but no conviction are most attractive because they are the easiest to solve. Sometimes Burke will pick a case with no evidence, if there is a clue. He solved his oldest case just a few months ago. Virginia Keegan was found dead in October 1976. After more than 30 years, charges have been filed against her suspected killer thanks to Burke’s cold case investigation.

“I’m looking at a case from 1983, and I’ve spent days and days trying to find people who have disappeared all over the country." Burke is currently handling an open 1952 murder case. “The trouble is, a lot of the evidence has been destroyed. That makes it very frustrating at times,” he says. Right now, Burke primarily works alone. His partner with the OCPD recently retired, but he expects to have a new partner again soon. Burke also receives help from Barton Carl, a volunteer retired neurosurgeon who searches through databases to find records for key cases. At times, Burke focuses on only one case. Other times, he will investigate 10 simultaneously. “It just depends on if clues are coming in,” he says. Burke isn’t hindered by time restraints regular investigators face. When he was a detective with the OCPD, as time went by, new cases would arise and old cases would shuffle to the backburner. He had to give his attention to what was most pressing. These days, he can work long periods of time on one case.

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“I’ve even solved some of my old cases that I couldn’t solve before,” he says. The older a case is, the harder it is to solve. Simple tasks that would have taken five minutes years ago when the cases were new, can take five days today. “I’m looking at a case from 1983, and I’ve spent days and days trying to find people who have disappeared all over the country,” Burke says. “Sometimes, when I find out where they are, I find out that they’re dead.” Burke uses police databases, arrest records through the FBI and OSBI, and private databases to search for witnesses who have fallen off the grid. He also contacts family members, if he can find them. The OCPD has had cold case units off and on throughout the years, but a Federal grant to send cases off for DNA analysis allows the unit’s current iteration. “DNA is a wonderful thing that allows you to solve cases you couldn’t before,” Burke says. The UCO Forensic Science Institute sometimes assists in cold-case reviews, and often hosts the meetings of the Oklahoma Cold Case Investigators Association. Detailed information on numerous cold cases from across the state can be found at www.coldcaseokc.com. According to the website, Edmond resident Pamela Tinsley got on a motorcycle at Lake Overholser in 1986 and was never heard from again. There have been some developments in the case in the last couple years. Anonymous phone calls and a never-before-opened letter have injected new life into the search. Alan Rehrig, an Edmond High School graduate, was found dead in Oklahoma City in 1985. Rehrig was found in his vehicle, having suffered two gunshot wounds. Police initially assumed the cause of his death to be suicide, but they found no weapon in the locked vehicle. Burke encourages anyone with information regarding an ongoing investigation to leave a voice mail with the cold case unit at 297-1127, or an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 235-7300.

Mike Burke,

retired OCPD Detective now works with the District Attorney

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Media

Maniacs

by Rachel Dattolo

his isn’t a rags to riches story. Mainly because the stars of this story didn’t exactly begin in rags, and have not yet ended in riches. But for local TV personalities Lucas Ross, Ryan Bellgardt and Anthony Sedlacek, no matter where they end up once the final stage is set, it’s not about the money.

Tw o M o v i e G u y s

Ross and Bellgardt, who star as Edmond’s local “Two Movie Guys” on Channel OK-43 say it’s all about having fun and doing what they love. The Two Movie Guys’ comedy skits range anywhere from posing as brides in light saber battles (a spoof on the movie Bride Wars), to explaining Angelina Jolie’s special effects in a deliberately lowtech way that has viewers busting at their seams. “We just have fun doing it. … It’s about trying to be funny and make people laugh. We’re like little kids

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playing with a video camera and instead of getting to show it to the whole family, we get to show it to the whole state,” says Ross, who describes himself as the “deer in the headlights” of the pair, while Bellgardt is the “loose canon.” The duo even filmed an episode with Conan O’Brien and two of their videos have been featured on Will Ferrell’s Funny or Die website. Ross graduated from Oklahoma Christian University and studying for a year in California, where he interned for That 70s Show and Grounded for Life. Ross met up with Bellgardt at Channel 43 where the 20-somethings teamed up as the “Two Movie Guys.” Edmond Memorial High School graduate Bellgardt is also the production manager with Boiling Point Media, and creator of the well-known Edmond Hyundai jingle. Inspired by legends like Steve Martin and Jim Henson, Ross’s comic theater combines with Bellgardt’s audiovisual production and unique humor to make for some pretty funny television. Contrary to popular belief, the Two Movie Guys don’t actually pick the movies to mirror the skits, or vice versa. In fact, they’ve even gone so far as to make their skits as unrelated to the movie as possible to “see if people would notice.” The Two Movie Guys can be found Saturday nights at 7 p.m. on Channel 43, as well as in their movie review segments scattered within the Rise and Shine show on Friday mornings. Visit their website at www.twomovieguys.com to view their videos.

Emmy-Nominated Pitchman

Thirty-year-old Anthony Sedlacek has seen his face appear in the media ever since he was a baby when his great-grandmother mailed his baby picture into the National Enquirer, mistaking it for the local news. Now a local talent actor/promoter for CW34 and the John Vance Auto Group, Sedlacek continues to enjoy being in front of a camera. In his most famous performance, Sedlacek starred in a CW34 commercial announcing the afternoon line up in a style distinctly reminiscent of the SlapChop

pitchman. The 30-second “pitch” went on to win an OAB award and was even nominated for an Emmy. Sedlacek is “home-grown talent” — while born out of state, he grew up in Edmond, taking various news production and media classes while attending Edmond North High School and the University of Central Oklahoma. There are many exemplary people Sedlacek credits for his success, including his inspiring 11th grade English teacher Judy Ackerman, and KWTV News 9 helicopter pilot Mason Dunn. It was a TV news production class at UCO that first got Sedlacek started on the path to stardom. With a press pass to cover the April 19, 2000 dedication of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, he was surrounded by all the big networks including CNN and NBC, but he managed to align next to the White House media. Sedlacek even shook Bill Clinton’s hand while he was President. After UCO, Sedlacek went on to work as an associate producer for News9 until he was approached with the CW34 position. While his parents may not have pegged him a future “actor” as a child, they definitely knew he would use his outgoing personality for a job working with and relating to people. Sedlacek agrees. For him, Edmond will remain “home” even if his career someday takes him to his ultimate destination. “My dream is to one day host Saturday Night Live,” says Sedlacek. To see his commercials, search for “CW34 Pitchman” on YouTube. (Above) Ryan Bellgardt & Lucas Ross

Anthony Sedlacek, Emmy-nominated actor/ promoter for CW34

I-40 and Meridian. Bid on trips, jewelry, gift certificates, and merchandise from a variety of Metro area businesses. Ticket price includes dinner and drinks. For more information, call 282-8617 or go to www.freetoliveok.org.

OCTOBER 23 - 30

OCTOBER 9 Hockey is back! The Oklahoma City Baron’s season opener is Saturday, October 9 at 7 p.m. vs. the Houston Aeros at the Cox Convention Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.okcbarons.com.

OCTOBER 9 Visit the Guthrie Airport on Saturday, October 9 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate Airport Appreciation Day. All types of aircraft will be on display, including warbirds and gyrocopters. Meet Jim Gardner with Chopper 4. Free airplane rides for kids ages 8-17. Parent or guardian signed release form required. For more information, visit www.youngeagles.org.

OCTOBER 9 Mark your calendar for the Equine Therapy Center’s Barn Dance & Family Fun Night on the Ranch, October 9th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Enjoy a weenie roast, hayrides and the band, Easy Street, while benefiting disadvantaged and at-risk youth. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for kids and $50 for families. The ranch is located at 9601 S. Pine in Guthrie. For more information call (405) 590-5481 or visit www.equinetherapycenter.org.

OCTOBER 15 Comedian Rob Schneider will be performing at Firelake Grand Casino on Friday, October 15. The show starts at 8 p.m. To purchase tickets online, or to view other events visit their website at www.firelakegrand.com.

OCTOBER 17 Free to Live, a no kill animal sanctuary located in Edmond is having their annual auction on Sunday, October 17 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Clarion Meridian Convention Center at

Kids and their parents are invited to walk through the “not-so-scary” Storybook Forest at Arcadia Lake’s Spring Creek Park from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to collect candy from Storybook characters. There will be games, a hayride and a campfire for roasting marshmallows. For more information about Spring Creek Park’s “not-so-scary” Storybook Forest, visit their website at www.arcadialakeok.com

OCTOBER 23 & 31 Bring your flashlight and head out to Mitch Park for a Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt Saturday, October 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy a pumpkin carving contest, face painting, and spooky arts and crafts. And bring your carved Jack-o-Lanterns on October 31 at 2 p.m. to chunk them into the field. A catapult will be available, but you are welcome to build and bring your own.

OCTOBER 28 Dress your kids (Age 2 through 6th grade) in happy costumes and enjoy a free evening of games, food and inflatables from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N. Portland Ave.

OCTOBER 29 & 30 Grab a sleeping bag and spend all night exploring the Science Museum Oklahoma beginning Friday, October 29 at 6 p.m. Enjoy watching IMAX movies, solving a crime with hands-on science experiments and watching a Science Live performance. Breakfast is included. $45 per participant ($35 per member) and $20 per adult non-participant. For more information or to register, call 602-3760.

OCTOBER 30 The merchants of downtown Edmond will dress up and give out candy to little ghosts and goblins Saturday, October 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. build and bring your own. Refreshments available. For details, call 359-4630.