Alison’s a little bit Garth. And I'm a little bit Springsteen. She likes to shop local boutiques. I’d rather hang out at Cars & Coffee.
She’s into spicy, or as she calls it, “flavorful” food - hot honey, onion jam, balsamic this, reduced that. I’m fine with a chicken breast, but please go easy on the spices (salt and pepper).
When we go for ice cream, she gets a double scoop of salted caramel, Reese's Pieces, S’mores, and whatever else they can put on top. I’m fine with a vanilla cone.
If I can find a shirt that doesn't need ironing, I'm ready to go out in minutes. She needs two adjustable lighted mirrors, sprays, spritzes, something called “base,” little fluffy brushes, tweezers, and other implements that I have no idea what they do. I’ll be in the garage if you need me for the next hour.
She enjoys a glass of wine at ‘Round Midnight or a brew at Frenzy, I’m fine with a fizzy water.
I enjoy brisk walks in the fall and spring. If it’s below 60 degrees, I’m walking alone.
She’s all about having a plan and sticking with it. Me? I’ll figure it out as I go along.
Of course, there are things that we both enjoy: family, concerts, Maui, our work, NYC bagels, and our dogs, in no particular order and by no means complete. Over the years, we’ve learned to accept, enjoy, and even celebrate each other's differences. Except when I leave a cabinet door open. Apparently that’s very annoying. Somehow, we’ve made it work.
Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President
Cover photography by Jose Martinez Pictured: Emmitt Howle
Round Up Club Junior Rodeo
It’s not Kimberly Benne-Gray’s first rodeo. In fact, she’s been to hundreds. As the daughter of Edmond’s longest rodeo member, Carl Benne, Kimberly says she’s spent her entire life at the rodeo. She learned to count in the concession stand working alongside her mother and recently marked her 20th year as Edmond Round Up Club Secretary.
“My father was eight years old when he joined the Edmond Round Up Club,” she said. “The club honored him by naming the arena after him in 2003.” Carl passed in 2020 at the age of 87, but his legacy lives on.
The Edmond Junior Rodeo series, organized by the Edmond Round Up Club, runs from April through August, featuring 14 rodeos that cater to children aged 1 to 18. The events are designed to be a stepping stone for young rodeo enthusiasts, providing a nurturing and supportive environment.
By Taylor Bollinger
More advanced participants can compete in bull riding, steer riding, calf riding, mutton bustin’, break-away roping, team roping, goat undecorating on horse, goat tying, barrel racing, and pole bending.
While winners do walk away with special prizes at the end of the season, Kimberly says no one walks away empty-handed. “Rodeo kids learn great responsibility early on,” she said. “They have to get up every day and care for their animals, and many of them practice their skills daily. It really is a fun way for kids to learn discipline and how to care for something outside of themselves.”
It’s a great place to bring your family even if you’re not participating
While some participants go on to ride professionally, the Edmond Junior Rodeo remains a crucial foundation, providing a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can feel at home - spectators included.
“Some places focus on being really competitive,” Kimberly explained,” And while there is healthy competition, we really focus on being a stepping stone to get kids to the next level. We want everyone to feel like Edmond is a safe place to learn and grow – like it’s home.”
Each rodeo sees around 200 young competitors. “Participants can compete just about as soon as they can walk,” Kimberly said, going on to describe a spectator favorite: goat undecorating.
“The little ones toddle from the starting line to their designated goat. The goal is to remove ribbons from the goat’s tail, but there’s a lot of hugging and playing that goes on before that happens.”
“It’s a great place to bring your family even if you’re not participating,” Kimberly said. “We have an average of over 200 kids out there, and so it’s a very family-oriented, fun way to get out in the community and experience something that may be new to you.”
There are still opportunities to get roped into the Junior Rodeo this summer. Find them at edmondroundupclub.com/calendar.
Photos: Joshua Officer
Braxton Goodon
Aria Webb Gentry Beebe
Move Over, Pepperoni
By Laura Beam
Pizza has come a long way since America adopted this Italian favorite. With a world of different ingredients and styles that satisfy every taste imaginable, today’s pizza culture is fun to explore. Enjoy some of Edmond’s best for a fun night out or just relaxing at home.
YARDBIRD PIZZA at Bricktown Brewery
Saucy and oh so satisfying, The Yardbird Pizza checks all the right boxes in pizza perfection. This menu fave is lavishly layered with pulled roasted chicken, sweet peppered bacon, and mushrooms, all melting in mozzarella, cheddar and Pecorino Romano cheeses and a showstopping tangy BBQ mustard sauce. Having pioneered the craft beer movement in Oklahoma 32 years ago, Bricktown Brewery has set another standard with its kicked-up comfort foods. This summer, newcomers like the Rodeo Burger, Asian Chopped Salad, Chicken Salad Sandwich, Spicy Sausage Flatbread, and an Onion Rings Appetizer offer irresistible options. Enjoy $3.50 Bricktown Brews Mon.-Fri. 3-6pm and Half Price Pizza Wednesdays (dinein only, 2nd Street location only). Visit Bricktown Brewery in Edmond at 1150 E. 2nd St., or 5516 W. Memorial Rd., or online at bricktownbrewery.com.
CHICKEN SPINACH
MOZZARELLA PIZZA
at Donatos Pizza
SMOKEY OKIE PIZZA at The Frosted Mug
Warm up your tastebuds with every savory bite of the Smokey Okie Flatbread Pizza. Perfectly portioned to serve one or two people, it starts with either chicken or hot links, surrounded by jalapenos, spicy BBQ, cheese and onions–heat and spice,so nice! Choose from six different flatbread pizzas or explore a diverse menu of scrumptious appetizers like shrimp cocktail or a giant pretzel, plus steaks, seafood, wings, burgers, and tempting sides. This lively neighborhood sports bar with a 60-person bar is owned and operated by Edmond locals, Chad Shoemaker and Chet Richey, who are passionate about excellent food, superb drinks, and the coldest beer in town. It’s built right into the name, with all mugs served frosted to deliver the ultimatetasting beer. Visit 1333 N. Santa Fe Ave. in Edmond or frostedmugedmond.com.
Enjoy the Chicken Spinach Mozzarella Pizza on Hand Tossed Crust – chicken breast, baby spinach, smoked Provolone, mozzarella, Roma tomatoes, roasted garlic, Romano, and olive oil – one of many premium pizzas you will fall in love with at Donatos. Edmond natives Will and Matt McLain are celebrating one year in Edmond as the franchise owners of the first (but not the last!) Donatos Pizza in OK. Donatos also offers oven-baked subs, wings, and more. What makes Donatos so unique? Is it the Edge to Edge toppings, the 100 slices of pepperoni on every large pizza, premium provolone cheese, fresh hand-cut veggies, or the famous thin crust cut party style? YES to all of the above! Dine in, delivery or pick up at 1148 S. Bryant Ave. Visit donatos.com or 405-562-6263.
BURRATA
ME UP PIZZA at Neighborhood Provisions at Rose Creek Nestled in the heart of the Rose Creek Golf Club with a warm ambiance and some of the best views in town, Neighborhood Provisions is a culinary destination that redefines gourmet dining in Oklahoma City. Helmed by award-winning Chef Jim Camp, this eatery has become a haven for food enthusiasts who crave inventive, high-quality dishes and seasonal fare. The much-lauded "Burrata Me Up" pizza is at the forefront of its standout menu, blending premium ingredients and masterful technique. It features shaved prosciutto, creamy burrata, mozzarella, and artichoke, all topped with crispy fried arugula and Schmootz. This signature spread elevates the flavor profile and is topped off with cracked black pepper and a drizzle of Mike's Hot Honey. To make reservations, call 405-330-1638 or book on RESY. Located at 17031 N. May Ave, Edmond.
LAURA BEAM
Account Executive, editor, and writer with experience in radio, newspaper and magazines. Interested in what Outlook can do for your business? Contact her at laura@edmondoutlook.com
Lights, Camera, Edmond! Filmmaker
Rick Walker’s New Crime Thriller
Rick Walker is an energetic storyteller. As a longtime disc jockey on KATT radio, Rick used his voice to convey vivid images, but his favorite form of storytelling involves real-life visuals from filming people in interesting situations. Rick–Producer, Writer, and Director of State 46 Films–attributes his filmmaking career to an over-active imagination. He has written 31 screenplays and has produced nine movies, two upcoming documentary series, and thousands of commercials and music videos.
Rick filmed his first short film in downtown Edmond back in 1998. This July, he returned to produce his tenth movie, the award-winning screenplay named Masterpiece for Amazon Prime. The plot is a crime thriller, in which a police detective hunts for a serial killer after local piano players go missing.
The crew spent three days filming at Mitchell Hall, the police station, and a house on Fretz Avenue. Walker invited reporters to observe his team in action.
July 2, 1:30 PM, Edmond Police Department
“Hi Amy,” Rick says. “You’re with the press? We’ll talk between scenes. Right now, we’re headed to the jail cell to film an interrogation.”
The confined jail corridor is lined with people, mostly Edmond police officers who have volunteered to play as extras in the film. The film crew walks around with oddly-shaped cameras. Two actors sit in the interrogation room. People casually chat and await instructions.
Rick bounds onto the scene with enthusiasm, weaving through the crowd, greeting people by name, and making jokes. He brings energy to the room. Much like a conductor, his hands move as he points out the path for actors and cameras to follow.
“I’ve worked with the key people on my team for years. We trust each other. They are used to me and my movement,” he tells me.
“Is everyone ready to get started on this scene? Great! Action.”
July 2, 5:30PM, Conference Room
Rick and I are standing in the back of the room while the podium and flags are moved into position.
“We’re about to film the press conference where more pianists are declared missing,” he says. “Jennifer, your job is to introduce the mayor to the press. Remember, this is a stressful scene. London, whip the camera from face to face.”
Lowering his voice, he tells me, “The hardest part is helping the cast and crew visualize what I see in my head.”
Filming begins again. Rick sits, intently watching two screens that show what the camera is filming. Jennifer introduces the mayor. The mayor turns the floor over to Officer Emily for questions. Rick follows the camera’s movements with his hands, trying to guide the scene from his chair—he knows exactly where he wants the camera to go.
“No,” he says to himself. “Cut! That’s not quite right. Whip the camera more. Dart back and forth. Emily, say your line again. Okay, once more. Action!"
After the next take, he asks for a replay on the screen. “Yes, ” he mutters. “Nice Job!” he says out loud . “Now switch camera angles to film the reaction of the press.”
While the room is flipped, he shares more about his creative process. “Scriptwriting happens in my head, so I schedule time on my calendar just to think.” He chuckles. “So, here’s my Secret Pro Tip: I know the ending. Once that’s decided, I go back and find the path to get the story there.”
By Amy Dee Stephens
We return to the press scene, where a row of extras in business clothing are learning their lines. They each have a question to blurt out to the police officer. This scene only takes 15 minutes to film.
“That’s a wrap! Great stuff, everyone. See you tomorrow night.”
While the crew breaks down camera equipment, Rick shares his reason for selecting Edmond for this movie. “Edmond has vast diversity for a filmmaker. There are sketchy dark places and classy beautiful places. About 80% of American settings can be filmed right here. Obviously not oceans or a skyscraper city, but Edmond has fields, farms, businesses, parks, commercial properties, and houses from all eras. Being able to film so many locations in close proximity is invaluable because getting in a car and driving crew and equipment to another place costs hours.”
July 3, 9:30PM, House of the Crime Scene
The crew and extras arrive at 8:00PM to begin set-up, practice, and wait for nightfall. People are still ambling around, practicing their roles. A tall light is erected to cast a moonlit glow over the house. The murder victim is lying in the house. Hannah, the hair and makeup technician, has painted the actress with splattered blood and bluetinged lips. Officers and emergency crew are stationed outside. Teen extras are positioned to watch the scene from a fence line.
This scene has no dialogue—it’s only a visual walkthrough of the crime scene. The camera first shows the victim lying in the house, then moves onto the porch, where an officer is putting up caution tape. The camera then pans to the ambulance before returning to the porch in time to see a gurney exiting the house. This scene has no breaks—so the entire segment has to perfectly align with Rick’s vision.
Chad, the producer, calls out instructions. “When I say ‘Return to ONE,’ that means return to the position where you first start moving.” Rick makes a few adjustments and reminds the "dead" actress to stare at one spot without blinking.
Curious neighbors, out for late-night strolls, stop by to whisper questions. Drivers slow down to watch. During Take 3, a skunk ambles around the corner of the house. “Cut.” Everyone freezes, quietly waiting. The skunk sees the bright lights, turns around, and leaves. There’s a collective sigh of relief.
By Take 8, minor adjustments have been made, but Rick has a timing dilemma. “The poor guy carrying the body camera rig has done this scene seven times now. It’s heavy. His muscles are so sore he can barely move. And the police extras report for work in four hours,” Rick says. “We’re supposed to break for lunch at midnight, but we just need a few more takes, and I think we can wrap for the night.”
He visits with the crew and checks on the teenage extras. “Pollyann, Parker, you doing alright? Good. Okay everyone. We’re so close. Let’s really focus on this one.”
The set goes silent. Hopefully, this take will be perfect. Rick stares at the screen, hands directing the movement of the camera again. Everyone goes through their paces. Then, Rick shouts, “Cut! ” He starts clapping. “It’s good! We’re done. Nice job, everybody. Enjoy lunch.”
Still energetic after three days of filming, Rick shares his motivation for such a grueling schedule. “I get to observe other people’s reaction to the film and see if it resonates,” Rick says. “I love the creative process of putting together this big artistic jigsaw puzzle. Filmmaking is exactly what I want to do. It stirs me.”
To learn more about Rick Walker’s upcoming productions, visit state46films.com.
Left: Producer Gean Atkinson, Director Rick Walker and Production Designer Jacie Quillen watching a take during the filming.
Below Left: Director Rick Walker.
Below Right: Cinematographer Paul Arambula, Director Rick Walker and actor Blake Vanderpool film a scene at the Edmond Police Department.
Bottom: Actress Allison Gregory, actor Blake Vanderpool and Director Rick Walker rehearsing for the interrogation scene.
Poolside with the Pros
Adding an in-ground pool to your home can greatly enhance the quality of your outdoor living space. We asked the expert, Asa Pelman, at Nelson Pools for tips and trends to help make the best choices for your backyard oasis.
What type of pool is best for my backyard?
During your initial consultation, we carefully consider all aspects of your project: What space is available? How do you intend to use the space for recreation, exercise, relaxation, entertainment? What type of budget are we trying to stay within? What styles, colors, materials, plant life are you interested in?
Asa Pelman
How long does it take to build a pool?
A pool or pool/spa can take as little as 3-4 months, and a pool or pool/spa that includes landscaping, hardscaping, and outdoor living can take as little as 5-6 months. Of course, these timelines can vary.
Can you do all the concrete design and landscaping around the pool, too?
Absolutely, whether you're after turf accent strips, decorative cuts, overlays, designs and/or colors, we offer it all. We work with only the highest quality artisans and masons to provide a quality finish.
What are some new trends in pools?
Multi-functional spaces are the go-to build in 2024, combining the swimming space with a shallow lounging section, spas, fire pits and kitchen areas.
Plunge pools are becoming increasingly popular too. They are easier to maintain, but can also double as a spa, or a swim lane.
What are some mistakes to avoid when having a pool installed?
Planning for a swimming pool project can be exciting, but most people don't know where to begin. We offer a free consultation to go over relative costs, pros and cons, as well as provide insight for any questions or concerns you might have.
What is the advantage of having a Nelson pool built?
Having been locally and family owned since 1995, we bring years of experience to pool design and construction. We ensure high-quality materials, equipment, and features uniquely designed just for you. From our experienced sales team to our classically trained architects and incredible crews, we provide a custom experience. We also offer some of the best warranties available.
Retired Sergeant Ray McCormick Continues to Serve
Sergeant Ray McCormick was active as a Marine from 1965 to 1969, but his compassion and reverence for fellow service members continues decades later. In his role as Veterans Service Officer, McCormick has assisted over 600 Edmond veterans in receiving their governmental benefits.
“Veterans aren’t always aware of the benefits due them and their families,” McCormick said. “But they’re all my comrades, so I’d do anything to help them.”
McCormick grew up in the projects of Los Angeles. His neighbor’s dad was a Marine, and McCormick found his work exciting. “So when the day came, I did it. I signed up,” McCormick said. He enlisted in the mid-sixties, which landed him in the middle of the Vietnam War. McCormick was sent to Vietnam twice, and he fought in one of the most brutal battles of the war, Operation Utah. Although Marines killed 2,000 enemies in the midst of intense fighting, McCormick vividly remembers the 100 American soldiers who lost their lives.
“When you’re carrying out dead bodies, you realize that this is real,” McCormick said somberly. “That’s the day I became a man.”
After the battle, he was selected to receive a Bronze Star and a Medal of Valor for his unit in the Marine Corps. After McCormick returned to Camp Pendleton, he held the new role of combat trainer. He taught recruits about survival, jungle warfare, combat tactics, and chemical warfare. “It wasn’t fun and games, taking people through the gas chamber,” McCormick said.
The second time McCormick went to Vietnam he gained a Purple Heart. He spent three months in the hospital, and he learned to walk again. Upon McCormick’s return to civilian life, the Los Angeles School District was hiring painters, and McCormick worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming a painting inspector. Always athletic, McCormick
By Amy Dee Stephens
hosted Ray’s Karate Club at the high school. Several of his students then attended LA’s well-known Black Karate Federation and went on to act in the Bruce Lee Movie, Enter the Dragon.
When McCormick retired in 2015, he moved to Oklahoma to marry the woman who won his heart, Janice A. McCormick. “Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to leave LA, but I prayed about it and the Lord guided me here to Edmond.”
Shortly afterward, McCormick was selected for a Tour of Valor, in which Purple Heart recipients are taken to visit the countries where they fought. “It was the best trip of my life,” McCormick said. “Seeing Vietnam was excellent for me and brought closure.”
A few years ago, McCormick was at the UCO Jazz Lab when he noticed the American Legion building across the street. He walked over to check it out, and he found fellow comrades and a new purpose. “One day, I was sitting in the corner being cool, and the commander invited me to volunteer as the Service Officer. I said, ‘I’ll give it a shot.’ Now, it’s been four years.”
The American Legion not only helps Veterans or their spouses receive health, housing, or insurance benefits, the members actively volunteer in the community. Edmond’s American Legion Post at Stephenson Park has the 4th largest membership in the nation!
“It is so satisfying to help people sort out all the paperwork, and if they weren’t treated right in the past, I tell them, ‘As long as you’re breathing, keep applying,’” McCormick said. “It does me good to ‘help a brother out.’ I’m not looking for anything in return except the smiles on their faces when it turns out good for them.”
Edmond’s American Legion is open for assisting Veterans every Monday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is located at 101 E 5th St, Edmond, phone 405-341-3049, or online at legion.org.
Sergeant Ray McCormick
Infinite Care Homes
By Maria Veres
Infinite Care Homes combines the best of two worlds—medically supervised, full-time assisted living care in an intimate, family-style setting. Owners Christine Hauck, APRN, and Niaz Adu, RN, celebrated the opening of their second home in July.
Two Locations, One Standard of Excellence
Both homes are nestled in the same quiet Edmond neighborhood. Each location serves no more than five residents.
There’s a licensed caregiver on each site at all times. The homes meet all the same licensing requirements as larger facilities, but they offer a much
lower patient-to-caregiver ratio. In this homelike atmosphere, seniors receive the personalized care and attention they deserve.
Christine visits all residents once a week and is available to help with their primary care medical needs. Either she or Niaz is always on call. A physical therapist comes regularly. Residents enjoy home cooked meals, private rooms, and many enrichment activities like music therapy.
A Caring Family Atmosphere
Visitors, families, and even visiting pets are always welcome. “The families all get to know each other and the other residents,” says Niaz.
The small number of residents allows each person in the home to be celebrated. Father’s Day featured a steak dinner, at the request of the lone male resident. Mother’s Day festivities included manicures and an ice cream sundae tea party.
Some assisted living homes are only temporary addresses for residents, who are required to move on if their health worsens. At Infinite Care Homes, residents can remain in place even if their healthcare needs increase, with no increase in the allinclusive monthly rate.
Both Niaz and Christine have extensive experience working with seniors and a passion for offering elders the highest standard of care. “I love seniors,” says Niaz. “I love building relationships with families.” To learn more or schedule a tour, contact Infinite Care Homes by email at infinitealf@gmail.com or call 405-471-1947. Visit them online at infinitecarehomes.com.
Christine Hauck, APRN, and Niaz Adu, RN
Memorial Road Church of Christ
By Maria Veres
In a time of national strife, Memorial Road Church of Christ is re-focusing on Jesus’ central message: “Love one another.” The church will explore this powerful theme throughout the 2024-25 school year.
A Much-Needed Message in Tough Times
“We feel like 2024 is a great time to go back to the core of Jesus’ message,” says Preaching Minister Phil Brookman. The school-year theme, which runs August 11 through the end of May, has three parts. They’ll begin with the toughest challenge, loving our enemies.
The fall timing was prayerfully chosen to coincide with the election cycle. “We want to proclaim the reality of the Word of God—to be people of truth but do it in a gentle and respectful way,” says Phil.
Winter sermons will center on loving one another, and spring’s focus will be loving our neighbors. Sunday Bible classes will explore themes related to the sermons, using a curriculum the staff developed in-house. The series marks year three in a six-year cycle, with each year focusing on a different teaching of Jesus.
A Tradition of Service, Missions, and Love
MRCC began with a few families meeting on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University in the 1960s. From there, it has grown to 2,400 members. A truly multi-generational congregation, it emphasizes missions, children’s ministry, and Bible teaching. Phil has served since 2007, first as Youth Minister, and now as Preaching Minister.
Although he knows the teaching won’t be easy to craft and deliver, he believes the time is right. “Four years ago, there were so many friendships that eroded, churches and families that split,” he says. “We want to promote the message that we can love one another deeply even though we disagree.”
Memorial Road Church of Christ is located at 2221 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, and online at mrcc.org.
Preaching Minister Phil Brookman
Jean Richardson Painting the Heart of the West
By Maria Veres
Nationally acclaimed artist Jean Richardson is rooted in Oklahoma, but her vision of the American West has touched audiences far beyond our state’s borders. Her evocative, abstract paintings of horses hang in permanent collections and galleries from Tulsa to New York to California. Now in her 80s, Jean continues to create several large paintings every month.
Evoking the Spirit of the West
Jean’s paintings feature deep jewel and earth tones, a richly textured background, and large canvases. Focusing on imagery of the Frontier West, she uses the horse as a motif to express the themes of energy and motion.
She begins each work as a purely abstract painting. “I start by splashing color on it and then let the subject come up,” she says. “The image is there, but it doesn’t hit you in the face.”
Horses were a natural subject choice for her. A rancher’s daughter from Hollis, Oklahoma, she has known and loved horses her whole life. “As a child I painted everything I saw—flowers, bridges, trees,” she says. “By college, I focused on figures, landscapes, and horses.” Over time, horses became her primary subject.
It’s impossible to capture the full majesty of a horse in motion with a photograph. Jean’s free-flowing, atmospheric style suggests the animals’ power and spirit in ways that representational images can’t. She says that for her, horses function as a metaphor for the human spirit—unbridled, energetic, and sometimes heroic.
A Lifelong Passion
Jean took art lessons when she was growing up, then continued
her education out of state. She earned an arts degree from Wesleyan College in Georgia and studied at the Art Students League in New York before returning to Oklahoma.
“My parents begged me to learn to type so I could make a living as a secretary,” she recalls. “I never did.”
Instead, she worked for a few years as an art teacher before pursuing painting full-time. She quickly became established as a regional artist. From there, she went on to do solo exhibitions across the country.
She continued her work even while parenting a large family. She gave birth to three children and raised four more from her husband’s previous marriage. “It was perfect because I didn’t have to be away from the kids while I worked,” she says. When the children were young, she worked on the floor, while they toddled around her. Incredibly, they never touched her paintings.
As her family grew, her career did, too. She’s been featured in numerous magazine articles and an OETA documentary, and she is the subject of a book, "Turning Toward Home, The Art of Jean Richardson" by Joan Carpenter Troccoli.
Leaving a Legacy
Jean lives in Northwest OKC and has enduring ties to Edmond, especially the University of Central Oklahoma. A recent painting, Momentum, was an inauguration gift to new President Todd Lamb and now hangs in his office.
She keeps regular hours, showing up in her studio at 8:00 a.m. every workday. She never has to force herself to go to work. “I want to paint as long as Georgia O’Keefe did,” she says.
A lifelong champion of the creative artist, Jean served two terms
on the Oklahoma Arts Council. “I care deeply about the arts being available to children around the state,” she says. “Not just visual arts, but all the arts.”
For aspiring artists, Jean offers these words of encouragement: “Do what you love, keep your gumption, have something else to keep you going, and don’t let anyone crowd you out.”
You can connect with Jean online at jeanrichardsonstudio.com or find her work at JRB Art at the Elms, 2810 N. Walker, in OKC.
(From top) Momentum by 48" x 36" Jean Richardson; Jean signing her completed work; Magnus, 36" x 48"
Building Beds for Local Kids
By Maria Veres
Every night, children across the OKC metro area sleep on couches or even on the floor. Edmond resident Jim Gleason is working to change that. Partnering with a national charity called Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Jim and his team have helped build hundreds of new beds for kids who need them.
Jim hosts OKC’s largest annual bed-building event at his business, G&S Sign Company. “He’s been one of our strongest supporters, and I can’t thank him enough,” says Richard Moio, OKC chapter president for Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
A Team Effort
For most of the year, G&S Sign Company’s large OKC warehouse is filled with signs, manufacturing materials, tools, and equipment. However, during the annual Bunks Across America event each fall, the warehouse transforms into a bed-assembly factory. This event is Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s largest bed-building effort, involving chapters across the USA.
Using simple templates from the charity, Jim and dozens of other volunteers build as many beds as possible in one day. The volunteers sand, punch, drill, and assemble the bed parts. “It sounds like a bunch of bees buzzing in there!” says Jim.
“I felt like it would be a great fit for us,” he says. Jim has supported several local organizations that assist kids. His business had the warehouse space to hold a bed-building event, as well as large saws and other tools. They even had lumber from the containers that were used for shipping signs.
Along with providing the space, G&S Sign Company also helps support the event financially, organizes volunteers, and recruits businesses as local sponsors. “It’s a really rewarding project to be a part of,” says Jim.
How You Can Help
I’ve always felt like local businesses need to help their community. This is our way of doing that.
The team brands the beds with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) logo and stains them. Then the finished beds are delivered to families, complete with mattresses, sheets, blankets, and pillows—everything a child needs for a good night’s sleep.
OKC’s team built more than 100 beds last fall. The event has grown every year since it began in 2021. G&S employees, members of the Gleason family, and community members all step up to help. “Our employees love it,” says Jim. “We look forward to it every year.”
A Great Way to Give Back
Jim and his wife, Michelle, raised their family in Edmond and are dedicated to making a difference in the community. Jim learned about SHP through a news story about the charity.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is growing, but there’s still a need for more beds. The charity's OKC chapter holds bed-building events throughout the year. Richard is glad to work with churches, clubs, businesses, and any other group that wants to help. SHP depends on community donations to pay for the beds, which cost up to $250 each. Richard welcomes corporate sponsors and individual donors. The charity also accepts material donations from corporate sponsors.
Families who need beds for their kids can apply through SHP’s website. Right now, recipients must live in southeast OKC, but Richard hopes to expand to other areas in the future.
OKC’s 2024 Bunks Across America event will be held on Saturday, September 14, at G&S Sign Company. To get involved as a volunteer or sponsor, contact Richard and ask to be part of the G&S team.
Jim hopes that this fall his team can build even more beds than last year. “I’ve always felt like local businesses need to help their community,” he says. “This is our way of doing that.”
Contact Sleep in Heavenly Peace at shpbeds.org and the OKC chapter at shpbeds.org/chapter/ok-oklahoma-city.
Jim Gleason
Come Fly With Me!
By Louise Tucker Jones
Some years ago I did a lot of speaking events and I especially liked telling funny stories at the beginning of my talks. My son, Aaron thinks I should share some of those stories with my readers. So here’s one from way back!
First of all, I don’t like to fly. But here I was on a flight to Atlanta for a conference, along with my cousin and a writer friend. Our assigned seats were way in the back of the plane. Not a good thing to my way of thinking. In case of emergency, would I be the last one off the plane?
While waiting for final boarding, a man from the pit crew walked down the
aisle and out the very back of the plane. Call me naïve, but I had no idea there was actually a door there. The problem is, there was no “click” that you expect to hear with a door firmly closing so I assumed he was coming back inside. No! He did not return!
And just about that time the steward walked back to tell everyone to put away bags and prepare for takeoff. Being concerned about the possible open door in the back, I told the steward that I didn’t think that door was closed well. I thought he might check it but he totally ignored me and walked away. He came back a second time with the same announcement, mainly to my friend who had her laptop open. I repeated my concern about the door. Again, he acted like he didn’t even hear me and walked away. Well, so much for airline courtesy!
Then the agitated steward returned a third time—yes, my friend still had her laptop open. He repeated his message and stood beside her aisle seat while she stored her laptop. And for the third time I urgently stated, “I don’t think that back door is closed!” Again, the steward walked away without a word but the gentleman sitting behind me leaned
forward and said, “We’ll find out when we take off, won’t we?”
True story! Now you know why no one wants to fly with me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.
New Library + YMCA Facility Expands Community Living
By Taylor Bollinger
Readers, runners, and Edmond residents at large can look forward to a new library and YMCA location at 4701 E 15th Street. Or, more relatably, on the east side of I-35 next to Henderson Hills Baptist Church. The August 8th groundbreaking will mark the start of an anticipated 18-month construction process, landing the open date sometime in early 2026.
While Edmond’s existing library and two YMCA locations are well-loved and fully-utilized, Edmond’s Assistant City Manager, Andy Conyers, spoke to the need for this new development.
“We have one Metropolitan Library within Edmond’s city limits, and it’s the busiest in our state,” he explained. “And our Mitch Park YMCA is also the busiest of the 14 within the greater OKC metro area. We need more space because people are using the space – it’s a great problem to have.”
So, the YMCA and the City of Edmond partnered to meet this demand. “We have had such success in the last 15 years with partnerships between our city, schools, and in this case, the YMCA. We find that when we pool our resources, our citizens get better spaces.”
With that in mind, the solution arose to house both community resources under the same roof. The combined space will total 71,989 square feet. 52,974 square feet will be dedicated to the YMCA, 12,317 square feet to the library, and the balance of 6,607 square feet will be joint space to include the entrance lobby and meeting rooms.
As GH2 Architects and Crossland Construction bring the project to life, a key focus is maintaining the natural beauty of the area. “We aim to preserve as many of the trees as possible. Our partnership with Henderson Hills which allows us to share parking is helping us achieve that goal. It will blend beautifully with the area.”
The facility will feature an indoor pool, splash pad, basketball court, indoor track, sauna, fitness and equipment and amenities similar to those available at the existing location at Mitch Park. Members can also enjoy studio spaces, and locker rooms. Within the library, the public can access meeting rooms, a Maker Space or collaborate workspace, adult and children’s book collections, and a drive-thru book drop-off system for optimum convenience.
“This is really a multigenerational community space,” Andy said. “People of all ages can enjoy this space. What the City of Edmond loves about partnering with nonprofits is it lowers the barriers for people to utilize the space. This will be a tremendous quality-of-life asset for our community.”
Though a formal name for the facility is yet to be announced, progress is moving quickly. The YMCA, library, and name will be here in 2026.
