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340-8226 2320 S. Kelly
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edmondoutlook.com
You may have noticed
the Edmond Outlook is now simply—the Outlook. Just in case you’re asking Why? I’ll explain. While
we’ve always had “Edmond” in our title, we’ve always encompassed more than Edmond. For the past eight years we’ve mailed our publication to folks within Edmond city limits, as well as reaching north and
west of Edmond to places like Deer Creek and Oak Tree. So now
we’ll be mailing our 50,000 magazines to an even larger area as we
extend our coverage east to Arcadia and past the Kilpatrick Turnpike into Oklahoma City.
We’re still all about local stories and local advertising. Our team—
31 Hands-On History
Laura, Bethany, Karen and Andrea all live in the Edmond and north Oklahoma City area. And the magazine is published by an Edmondite, me.
Discover local treasures at the Edmond Historical Society.
What’s going to be different? Not much. We look forward to reaching new readers and some new advertisers. It’s always been our mission to
publish great features about local people, organizations and events—
May 2013
no need to change that.
Any other changes we should know about? Glad you asked. We brought on a new account executive, Emily Adler. We first met
8 Facts & Figures
the Heartland, in January of this year. Emily is looking forward to
Avon Calling
Emily when we profiled her non-profit organization, Hounds of
telling our advertisers how well this publication works. Hounds of
the Heartland experienced increased donations and adoptions since
being featured. Oh, all of her greyhounds, her husband and herself— they’re all local too.
Dave Miller,
12 Louise
10 Round Up Club
15 Food
22 Jazz & Blues Festival
18 Business
25 Route 66 Bucket List
Roma’s Gelato Food Faves The Balanced Life Clinic Grand Casino
Publisher
FEATURES
28 Summertime Camps & Activities
40 Marketplace
42 My Edmond Outlook Barbara Caprilli
Rodeos are a family affair.
Music in Motion on Memorial Day Weekend
A Local Couple’s Last Chapter
34 I’ve Been Everywhere, Man Edmond Student Travels the Globe
41 Common Ground Celebrating Life & Literature
5
To advertise, contact Laura at 405-301-3926 or laura@edmondoutlook.com. Front Cover Photography by Marshall Hawkins
EDMOND OUTLOOK
80 East 5th Street, Suite. 130, Edmond, OK 73034
405-341-5599
www.edmondoutlook.com
info@edmondoutlook.com
Volume 9, Number 5 Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. © 2013 Back40 Design, Inc.
PUBLISHER Dave Miller
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Karen Munger
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Laura Beam PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com
PRINT PROJECT MANAGER Bethany Scott
Account Executive Emily Adler
DISTRIBUTION The Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to 50,000 Edmond homes.
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.
edmondoutlook.com
7
7
o
u
t
l o
o
k
f a c
Edmond recently
purchased 7 new
BMW motorcycles for
Department to replace the HarleyDavidson motorcycles currently in service.
There are about
6900
Did you know that
shares the intimacy of saying “I love you” in other languages on page 12.
Oklahoma has the most miles of the original Route 66,
400!
over Merry & Ken Schaapveld have traveled all of them while completing their Bucket Lists. Read more on page 25.
8
edmondoutlook.com
f
i
g
1000
May 12th
jelly beans weigh approximately 29.1 pounds?
30
Edmond Historical Society has been established for
years
Learn what the museum is doing to educate about Edmond’s history on page 31.
6900 languages spoken around the world. Louise
&
The first Mother’s Day was observed in 1907 after a letter writing campaign! Don’t forget to celebrate your mom on
The city of
the Edmond Police
t s
On May 11th, Zachary Stanley turns
21
and has already been to countries! Be a part of his worldwide adventures on page 34.
21
The UCO all-girls and stunt cheerleading squads placed first at the 2013 NCA/NDA Collegiate Championships. This is the 10th time in 11 years that the cheer & pom squads at UCO have proven they’re the best in the nation!
u
r
e
s
Around Town
The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond honors Executive Director Mitzi Hancuff in her retirement by selling personalized bricks to build a walking path from the FAI building to Mitzi’s Park. To learn more about purchasing a brick, visit edmondfinearts.com. Stamp Out Hunger. The 21st annual National Association of Letter Carriers National Food Drive is taking place on Saturday, May 11th. Help feed those in need by collecting and bagging non-perishable food items and leaving the goods by your mailbox. The city of Edmond will be building a new public safety center in downtown Edmond at 1st and Littler. This is the start of a 20-year plan to improve and develop the city. For more information on Outlook 2013, visit edmondok.com.
edmondoutlook.com
9
sports In the world of youth sports, rodeo is perhaps the most time intensive for youngsters, but it’s a sport and a
Round Up Club
lifestyle that is enjoying growth and popularity in places like Edmond.
The Edmond Round Up Club, a non-profit organization, promotes family involvement through junior rodeos in an effort to involve children in the activity while preserving Western heritage. A bucking success, rodeo families are extended families and the
Edmond Round Up Club plays a big role in by Heide Brandes that. “We hold junior rodeos starting in March through August every year, and this club is for children 18 years and younger,” said Round Up Club member Kimberly Benne-Gray. The youth rodeo club has a long history in the red dirt of Oklahoma. In 1966, when the club needed a new site to hold rodeos, Carl Benne stepped up and worked with another member to design the current Round Up Club arena while club members put their blood, sweat and tears into building it. In January 2003, the Edmond City Council recognized the hard work and voted to name the arena for the club’s long-term member and former president, Carl Benne. Since its conception, the rodeo club does more than teach children to ride horses and put on events. It helps form youngsters into strong adults through a unique experience unlike any other. “The values kids learn in youth rodeo are so important. They learn sportsmanship, compassion and responsibility,” said Krissy Bamberg, president of Edmond Round Up Club. “It’s really cool when you sit
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PHotos by jessica hulsey, reflections photography
outside the arena and listen to the kids all cheer for each other. They aren’t rival competitors—they are each other’s biggest fans!” Rodeo is unlike any other sport, according to Bamberg. Unlike baseball or basketball, rodeo becomes a daily commitment to not only learning the skills, but to the other living creatures that make up rodeo. “Sure they all practice often, but in rodeo you have the horse. It’s nothing like a ball-glove you toss in the truck,” she said. “My kids wake up at 7am, seven days a week to feed horses and clean stalls. Then they take care of them again at night before dinner. Their horses are their best friends and they know all their secrets. Winning with your best friend? Well, there is nothing better!” Laughing, crying and working together, the members of the Edmond Round Up Club become family. Events play a big part in the interest of the club. Each member has stories to tell about the rodeos and the moments that changed their
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lives. “My favorite times were team roping with my son when he was growing up,” said Carl Benne. Kimberly BenneGray said her favorite memories are of the kids themselves. “I have to say my favorite thing of all is being able to watch all the kids grow up over the years and have them as a part of my life,” she said. “When the rodeo season ends each year, I always miss thm until the next season rolls around.” The Edmond Round Up Club has meetings every second Thursday of the month at the Edmond Community Center. The club welcomes new members and since it is a non-profit organization, it relies heavily on donations and sponsorship involvement. “Hopefully the future of the club will continue to be as great as it is today,” said Bamberg. “We would love to have more families join us and we want everyone to experience the fun. The arena has been renovated; we have a very fun and hard working group of families. The kids who have been rodeoing for a long time will help the kids who are just beginning. It’s really a neat thing. We want every kid to finish the year feeling like a champion.” To obtain a sponsorship form to help support The Edmond Round Up Club or to become a member, contact Kimberly Benne-Gray at (405) 264-3685.
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11
Louise
Ich liebe dich Je t’ a ime Love
Languages
Te amo
I did it! After forty plus years of speaking hardly any French, I signed up for a refresher course. Believe me, it is difficult to pick up a forgotten language. Pitiful, in fact! I studied Spanish and French in college, even teaching both languages in high school for a few years. But the old cliché, “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” is proving all too true in this new venture of relearning French. On the first night of class, my mind kept going to Spanish, having had the opportunity to use that language through the years. I actually did graduate work in Spanish, even going on a weekend immersion trip. Have to admit it was a little scary not to be able to speak English for a few days. We stayed in cabins, shopped for groceries and cooked meals but also ordered at fast food restaurants—all in Spanish. Evenings, we sat together and chatted casually in the language our minds had now adapted to speaking. On my way home from the retreat, I stopped to get something to eat. When the young man asked for my order, I automatically uttered a few Spanish syllables before my brain kicked in and screamed, “English! Speak English!” I stuttered a bit with this tug-of-war going on in my mind before quickly switching to my native tongue. But the best I can tell, it will be a good while before I am asked a question at a restaurant or any other place and my natural response will be in French. The good thing is that we have the Internet today where we can see and hear French conversations, all in native accents. The bad news—my brain is much older than it was when I did my college studies and not as pliable in learning new things. In fact, I often have to search my thoughts for the right word to say in English! My son, Aaron, assuages my self-esteem by telling me my mind is overloaded and overwhelmed most of the time, which causes this minor glitch in memory. Makes sense to me and I’m claiming that explanation for my own.
by Louise Tucker Jones
So I will push forward on relearning the French language, mainly because of sweet memories from long ago. While I was studying French and Spanish in college my husband was overseas, stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army Rangers, so we often wrote letters with special love sentiments in different languages. I might write, “Te amo muchisimo.” Carl would answer, “Ich liebe dich.” And while we were separated we both wore identical charms around our necks that read, “Je t’aime plus qu’heir, moins que demain,” even
I love you more today than yesterday but less than tomorrow. ending our letters with that phrase in French or in English. I love you more today than yesterday but less than tomorrow. In fact, we often repeated those words to each other and wrote them on anniversary cards throughout our 45 years of marriage. So as I approach this second anniversary of my husband’s death from pancreatic cancer, I write letters to him in heaven, sending him precious love messages in every language I know. Te amo mi esposo. Je t’aime beaucoup. Ich liebe dich, and other tender expressions. No need for translation. He understands them all and whispers them back to my heart and my soul, even adding his precious P.S. from long ago letters, “I will be with you forever!” A promise then and now. I add my own special P.S. to my beloved. “Love you forever! Even beyond the beyond. Miss you just as much!”
About the Author
Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author and inspirational speaker. Author and co-author of four books, her work has been featured in numerous publications. Contact her at LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.
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FOOD FOOD
Roma’s Gelato & Café by Laura Beam
Ask anyone who has strolled along Italy’s famed cobblestone streets and sampled culinary treasures galore and they’ll likely tell you about
angelo caprilli, Owner
a sumptuous little treat called gelato. Amid the ancient splendor of breathtaking sculptures and sidewalk cafés, artisan gelato shops on every corner spill over with wandering tribes of tourists and locals who crowd in for a cool, creamy taste of the signature creation. Now Edmond has its own authentic spot to savor this delicious tradition.
Literally translated, gelato means frozen. Known as the precursor to American ice cream, gelato is actually kept semi-frozen and is distinctly different than the icy version of our commonly known indulgence. With less fat, less air and no high-fructose corn syrup, gelato achieves that wonderful contradiction we crave—rich and creamy yet incredibly light. Just ask Angelo Caprilli, owner of the newly opened Roma’s Gelato and Café in Edmond, and you can’t help but be enthralled with the fascinating history of this decadently smart treat. With origins dating back to the 16th century in some cultures, gelato was first concocted as a delicacy exclusively for the elite. Servants collected snow from mountains and painstakingly preserved it deep below ground. In hot summer months, chefs served the rare ice with honey and goat’s milk or fruit, much to the delight of aristocrats and their esteemed guests. Despite its regal inception, gelato’s appeal eventually spread throughout Europe, thanks to the genius of Italian entrepreneurs. Today, America’s appetite for global tastes and desire
for healthier sweets alternatives are fueling the growing popularity of gelato in the United States. Caprilli, who was born in Milan and spent 23 years in Rome, staunchly protects the excellence of his country’s prized gelato. “While gelato contains between 4-6% butterfat, ice cream cannot be sold with less than 10% butterfat and most often contains 15% or more,” he explains. “Also, gelato is mixed slowly, with less air, giving it a denser volume and more intense flavor. Most importantly, gelato’s use of cane sugar, versus the high fructose corn syrup of ice cream, makes gelato a healthier alternative,” Caprilli adds. Every silky spoonful of Roma’s gelato is pure bliss. With a daily, freshly made, rotating selection of up to 24 different gelato and sorbet flavors, from well over 100, some of the favorite choices are Tiramisu, Pistachio, Almond, Stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate shavings) and Strawberry Sorbet. Roma’s also proudly serves Espresso, Cappuccino and Latte “as only we real Italians can make them,” Caprilli
chuckles, “served in true European fashion and in heated china cups.” A glance at the imported Italian ingredients at Roma’s takes you on a journey in mere moments. Beautifully labeled, authentic containers of Torrone (nougat), Arabeschi Nocciola (praline hazelnut), Cacaopat (dark chocolate) and Cocco (coconut) instantly transport you to those scenic cobblestone streets a world away where time is enjoyed like gelato— a little more slowly. Visit Roma’s Gelato & Café Tuesday through Sunday at 2nd and Bryant in Edmond and look for exciting new pastries, Panini, gelato cakes and more to come. Find more at romasgelato.com or call 708-6111. Laura Beam is a business and food writer and 20-year advertising and marketing executive in radio, newspaper and magazines. Share new business tips and trends with her on LinkedIn or email Laura@edmondoutlook.com.
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FOODFAVES
by Laura Beam
Running Wild Catering
Millie’s Table
Hobby’s Hoagies
When you put this creative catering company to work on your special event or corporate function, expect great things! From casual gatherings to major affairs, Running Wild’s legendary reputation for excellence has earned them top status as a full service caterer of choice. They’ll guide you through every detail of food selection, serving options and professional bar service, and can even help plan the theme, décor, venue and entertainment. Choose from hundreds of favorite appetizer, entrée and dessert menu items or let their acclaimed chef create special items for you. Treat your guests to Chicken Salad Cream Puffs or dramatic Shrimp and Snow Pea Skewers or create a fun mood with a taco bar or comfort foods. Served in abundant proportions or elegant nibbles, every presentation is exquisite!
Bring back the Julia Childs-style sophistication of a well-planned meal with the prepared foods from Millie’s Table! Millie and her staff of moms have long been cooking with love for their own families, bringing people together with delicious food. What better time than Mother’s Day to celebrate that tradition? Treat mom to the ‘Brunches of Love’ Mother’s Day special with four servings of the tasty Hash Brown Frittata, a fruit tray and scones for $38.97 including tax or eight servings for $77.94 including tax. Order by May 8th and pick up May 11th. Enjoy Millie’s for your special catered events or a home-cooked meal at the end of a hectic day, too. Hand-prepared meals are ready to pick up from the freezer any time or order their hot meals to-go Monday through Friday
Planning a graduation party? Get the fun started with a six-foot party sub or party tray from this renowned family hoagie shop! Order meat, cheese, fruit or sandwich party trays in small, medium or large to suit your hungry crowd. Prepared fresh daily with the family’s East coast flair, made-fromscratch Italian rolls are loaded with the finest meats, cheeses and veggies and finished with crushed hot cherry and sweet peppers shipped from Delaware. Try favorites like the Philly Cheesesteak hoagie, Reuben on Rye or Hot Pastrami. Don’t miss their incredible New York Style Pizzas with homemade dough. Through May, buy one hoagie, get one free, with the purchase of two medium drinks (not valid on deli menu).
Plan now for weddings, reunions and summer grilling parties. Call 751-0688 or visit runningwildcatering.com.
Visit 1333 N. Santa Fe at Danforth, call 330-9156 or visit millliestable.com.
Stop by or call either location for delivery! Edmond Rd. & Santa Fe, 348-2214 or downtown OKC at 325 N. Walker, 605-3131. Find more at hobbyshoagies.com.
Make Mother’s Day. Oklahoma City • (405) 751-8066 • 2520 W. Memorial Rd. Suite B 16
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BUSINESS
Tina Shelly, owner
The typical American diet consists of processed foods, sugars and starches. This type of diet leads to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, or metabolic Syndrome X. With all the information available related to diets, diet products and supplements, it’s easy to get confused and end up doing nothing or trying to eat a “more balanced diet” without any results. This can lead to feeling hopeless. But there is hope! Tina Shelly, RN at The Balanced Life Weight Loss Clinic is here to help. The clinic’s Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program has brought many dieters hope, health and the weight loss that has been so elusive to them in the past. Tina works closely with each participant to ensure success. “Over the past 25 years in the medical field, I’ve seen patients being prescribed pill
18
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The Balanced Life Weight Loss Clinic after pill with no improvement in their health status,” Tina says of her inspiration to start the clinic. “With no mention of education for a diet change, the health problems just escalate.” No pill will stop the damage of a poor diet. The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program consists of a four-phase protocol—weight loss in the first two phases and weight maintenance in the latter two. The program offers protein foods which have a high-nutritional value, are low in calories and fat, and contain eight essential amino acids. This protocol not only ensures weight loss, but also the stabilization of blood sugar levels and other obesity-related issues. To ensure success and compliance, weekly weigh-ins and measurements are an important part of the protocol. Tina coaches dieters on compliance, dieting tips and the importance of drinking enough water each day. “This is the
best part of my job—I love helping people reach their goals. It makes me feel like I am a part of the solution and not a part of the problem and it makes me happy,” Tina said, smiling. After having lost 40 pounds on this diet herself, Tina is its strongest supporter. “The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program has made it possible for people to lower their blood pressure, blood sugar and even decrease or stop medications,” she states. “All of my dieters have reported more energy, less joint pain and an increase in general well-being” “This is what it’s all about—helping people feel better, lose weight and live the life that they were meant to live.” To learn more about The Balanced Life Weight Loss Clinic, contact Tina Shelly at 330-6800 or at TheBalancedLifeClinic.com.
Grand Casino Hotel & Resort by Emily Anderson a rendering of The upcoming 14-story hotel & Casino
For a Vegas vacation, there is a great deal of added costs and hassle of arranging travel. However, right in Oklahoma City’s backyard, you can enjoy all the luxuries of a high quality casino without any trouble. Only a 25-minute drive from Bricktown, the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort in Shawnee provides excellent entertainment, accommodations and dining without having to hop on a plane. A 262-room hotel complete with sauna, spa and retail shopping will be available for anyone wanting to escape the world without having to travel too far. Opening this spring, the Grand Hotel will be 14 stories with state-ofthe-art meeting facilities, a fitness center and an outdoor pool. There will also be a Brazilian steakhouse and a 24-hour Grand Café. General Manager Steve Degraffenreid wants the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort to
be known for the best customer service. His goal is for everyone who visits to enjoy their experience, be entertained and feel like they received the best treatment possible. “We will offer a stay-at-home vacation where we greet you at the door, bring your bags to your room and have 24-hour service available to make people feel special,” Degraffenreid states. Grand Casino Hotel and Resort is expanding to provide an even greater experience. The casino is also building a new state-of-the-art event center that will hold more than 2,500 people. With the two-story layout, there will not be a bad seat in the house. From walking in the door to the floor of the casino, excellent customer service is consistent throughout your experience. The casino also offers first-class entertainment
ranging from nationally known comedians, bands such as Eli Young Band, traditional gaming and much more. Of course it is not a true vacation without good food and there are many options throughout the resort. The Grand Buffet is considered by many to be the best in town featuring an endless supply of entrees, desserts and more. A casual but delicious choice for dinner is Embers Steakhouse, which boasts unrivaled steaks and entrées to suit every taste. The Grandstand Sports Grille is a prime location to watch the game while enjoying juicy burgers, hearty appetizers and more. The Grand Casino Hotel and Resort is a great vacation close to home with excellent service, entertainment and gaming. To learn more about Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, visit grandshawnee.com.
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What Can 50,000 Coffee Tables Do for Your Business? Great stories, local advertising and direct-mail distribution to 50,000 Edmond and north OKC area homes. The Outlook has been the answer to local print marketing every month for the past eight years.
To advertise, contact Laura at 405-301-3926 or laura@edmondoutlook.com.
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The Edmond Jazz & Blues Festival by Lance Evans
Two days, multiple bands, thousands of people & hours of fun—that’s the breakdown
might surprise you.
When Mark and his
right-hand man Jason
for the annual Memorial Day weekend event!
Gilliam begin to talk
it’s made crystal clear that the large event
When looking at pictures of the event, you might think that it
about the Edmond Jazz & Blues Festival,
takes an entire team of workers to pull off the massive show each
enjoyed by thousands is put together solely by
music and a feel-good time that will keep Stephenson Park packed
says Mark. “We wanted to give back something
year. It’s really just the hard work of two men and the shared love of
the dynamic duo.
during the free festival.
got a committee that pulls it off—it’s us two,”
look into his office will give you a small indication of just how busy
to the city because we’ve been so blessed by
After walking into Parkway Men’s Wear, one of Mark’s many busi-
with the growth that they’ve seen in the event
in comfortable chairs
merchandise. The garments are carefully placed on shelves and lined
about 1,000 to 2,000 people. Now it runs about
musicof the festival.
ries. Once you head behind the staff-only door, you move into Mark’s
makes the festival one of the biggest annual functions for the city of
Bruce Wayne. As Mark sits comfortably behind a desk full of paper-
Neighbors insists that the drama-free event only brings music lovers
can expect from it all. But, it’s not Mark’s words about the festival that
though we do have security at the festival.”
Mark Neighbors is a busy man and that’s putting it lightly. One
“We’ve got it down to a science. We’ve
So many friendly faces
the big guy is, especially while planning for the Jazz & Blues Festival.
what the city has done for us.” Mark is happy spread across large lawns
ness adventures, you’re immediately drawn in by all the high-end
since 2000. “When we took it over, it had
ready to take in the
properly on racks and the tables are filled with eye-catching accesso-
15,000. It’s grown a lot.” That number alone
bat cave and get a small peek into the life of Edmond’s version of
Edmond. While that might seem like a huge undertaking to handle,
work, he quickly opens up about the Jazz Festival and what attendees
ready to have a good time. “We’ve had almost no crazy happenings The minimal amount of chaos can be mainly attributed to the
family-oriented crowd that the Edmond Jazz & Blues Festival draws.
Pictures from previous years show many friendly faces spread across large lawns in comfortable chairs ready to take in the
music of the festival. “There’ll be kids up dancing
with grandparents,” says Jason. “We see multiple
generations at the park and, to me, that’s one of the
coolest things—the people.”
Fans will be thrilled about the 2013 lineup. This
year’s headliner is Bill Homans, known to his legions of
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F e a t u r in g W a t e r m e l on S l im
Stephenson Park 140 East 5th Street, Edmond
Artist Spotlight Kent Kidwell, Trombone Jeff Kidwell, tuba Lee Rucker, Trumpet
The Civilized Tribe
devoted fans as Watermelon Slim, who has released a number of albums and
Saturday, May 25, 4-10:30pm Sunday, May 26, 2-10pm
been nominated for 17
Blue Music Awards. Slim is an Oklahoma resident
who actually got his name from harvesting watermelons. “It’s pretty impressive that an Oklahoma [resident] can make it in the blues scene like he has,” says Jason.
Attendees can also chow down on fried pies, corn dogs, turkey legs and all the other festival
favorites that Oklahomans love. The duo hopes to expand the festival for years to come by including more headliners for music lovers to enjoy. They continue to find success by always keeping in mind
the reason that they first decided to coordinate the music fest. “We really didn’t want to see the Jazz and Blues Festival die,” says Gilliam. “The park becomes a melting pot for two days.”
It’s been said that music is the universal language that helps connect people. Two local music
lovers continue to prove that theory every year by helping the people of Edmond jam together in perfect harmony. (edmondjazzandblues.org)
Let the music play!
There are a number of reasons to come out to this year’s Jazz Festival—the vendors, people and, of course, the music help draw thousands to the annual event. Jeffrey Kidwell, founder of The Civilized Tribe, is mostly looking forward to entertaining the large crowds. “We just like to get together and play,” says Kidwell. The Civilized Tribe was started 30 years ago when a group of student musicians headed by Kidwell decided to enter a nationwide talent search for the top collegiate Dixieland Jazz Band. The band has been jamming worldwide ever since. After winning the contest in 1983, the band traveled and performed in Europe, Canada, Mexico and all across the U.S. They have also been featured on a number of high profile televisions shows including the “Today Show,” “The March of Dimes Telethon” and “The Tonight Show.” When they’re not gearing up for a large event, the band can be found playing regularly at the UCO Jazz Lab. Although the group has played at a number of various events, they’re excited about returning home where it all started. “We’re looking forward to another great Edmond Jazz and Blues festival,” says Kidwell. “It continues to be
one of our favorite performances each year.”
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Bucket List
by Heide Brandes
The first thing you may notice about Edmond’s Schaapvelds is the car. Or van. Or motor home… or whatever it is. A Ford Fusion pieced together to create a small motor home, the unusual vehicle is M&M yellow, and down both sides winds a map of the “Mother Road,” Route 66. Painted with landmarks and cities along the famous American highway, it’s hard not to notice the sunshine yellow custom-made travel wagon that the Schaapvelds travel in. “We drive down the highway and people are taking pictures,” said Merry Bennett-Schaapveld. “Everywhere we stop, people want pictures of the car and of us.” The travel vehicle, while in itself has a personality all its own, isn’t what the real story is. Behind the yellow exterior and jaunty paint job is a love story that was both unexpected and just what was needed for a couple who had both lost their spouses within two months of each other. The “Route 66” carries a tale of an older couple in their “last chapter” who share not only the understanding of grief, but a love of the open road and all the mysteries, charm and quirkiness that America has to offer.
A Match Made in…the Internet?
Three years ago, two grieving spouses signed up on Match.com. Merry Bennett, a spry engaging woman with a head of strawberryblond hair, wasn’t looking to get married–she just wanted a companion. A Lawton resident, she had formed Compassionate Friends in Lawton after losing her adult son, but she was uncertain about the men she met on Match. Until Kenneth Schaapveld’s picture came up. “I looked at his profile, and started to melt; I sent him an email to say how I felt,”
she wrote in a poem about their romance. “Only one problem, that I could see; He was no ‘Spring Chicken,’ he was 73!” Still, those pretty blue eyes stared into her soul, and the couple met at a casino for their first date. “My first impression was Wow! I fell in love real quick at the age of 73,” Kenneth said. Ten hours of talking and laughing sealed the deal, and the two started what they called “The Last Chapter,” an adventure in romance, travel and bucket lists. “She said she likes to ride, and I like to drive, so we took our first trip,” said Kenneth. “We drove Route 66 to California, Reno, San Francisco and back down through Las Vegas. It took us six weeks. That first trip was before the van was built.” The two began shopping for a motor home, but the price was just too high. Kenneth, who had built and rebuilt custom vehicles in the past, decided he would just make what they needed. “Route 66” was designed by the two and was built in four months. Completed in May 2012, the van is a 2008 Ford Fusion front with a 2007 Ford Fusion rear wheels and floor pan. The body in the back, which holds the bed and more, is a 1994 GMC Van body. The van includes an all-wood interior, a 20” flat screen TV, a built-in microwave, a sofa bed and more. “I knew how to do body work, so I just built an inexpensive motor home for us,” Kenneth said. “I built it for under $10,000, but it was just something to travel in. We didn’t know we’d get so much attention.” That van, with artwork from Rick Knight, has since been featured in magazines, thousands of tourist photos and took first
“She likes to ride, and I like to drive, so we took our first trip…Route 66 to California.”
continued on next page
edmondoutlook.com
25
PHotography by sundancephotographyOKC.com
Since the van was made, the Schaapvelds have seen the sights from Maine to the Redwoods of California, choosing Route 66 whenever they can. place in both the Clinton car show and the Elkhorn National Van Show. “We want to travel as long as one of us can drive,” Merry said.
Travel Forever
Since the van was made, the Schaapvelds have seen sights from Bangor, Maine to the Redwoods of California. They choose Route 66 whenever they can, reliving their own childhood trips down the iconic highway, but are also planning road trips to Canada and the south. Since traveling together, the two can claim visitation to nearly all of the lower 48 states. “To us, our van is just a car,” Merry said. “The first time we noticed it attracted attention was when people would pull up alongside of us on the highway to take pictures. We
have a lot of people stop us to take pictures.” If it weren’t for Merry trying to sell her home in Lawton, the two would still be on the road traveling. The Schaapvelds long ago decided they would complete their bucket list together, and all that is left is Kenneth’s desire to have his van featured in a national magazine and on Good Morning America. “My bucket list was to ride a train, which I did at the Royal Gorge in Colorado,” said Merry. “I’ve done everything on my bucket list. We are in our last chapter— we don’t have any obligations. When you travel, you just get away from the real world. It’s different because the companionship is wonderful.” From the Grand Canyon to New York City, the Schaapvelds take their yellow Route 66 van to explore America. And although Merry never intended to marry again, she was convinced about their second marriage based on understanding, love, adventure and travel. “Every time we take a trip, it’s our honeymoon,” said Kenneth.
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edmond
History in the Making
Hands-On Learning by Paul Fairchild
Thirty years ago, Edmond history buffs recognized a huge hole in the city’s cultural landscape— a museum dedicated to its past. A group of dedicated volunteers partnered with the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust to fill the historic National Guard Armory building on Boulevard with a collection of exhibits that bring the city’s history to life. Alongside the exhibits, a robust research library was developed, giving unparalleled access to information about the city, from its founding in 1889 through the present day. The museum’s mission is simple to understand but difficult to execute. “I want visitors to have a history experience because when they experience something, they remember it. If they just read it or see it, maybe it’ll stick. But if they touch it, feel it, smell it and do it, they’ll remember it forever. It will find its way into a visitor’s memory,” says the museum’s Executive Director, Jena Mottola. The emphasis on the history experience sets the museum apart. The museum’s interactive exhibits are especially fun and effective for kids and Mottola and her staff love targeting them with lesson after lesson about their hometown’s history. In that vein, the museum is currently taking reservations now for its popular 1889 summer camps. In the one-room Territorial Schoolhouse at the corner of 2nd and Boulevard, kids enjoy the opportunity to travel back in time and learn about learning—the way it was done 120 years ago. Campers dress, learn and play like their historical predecessors. It is a fully immersive experience that makes learning fun and engaging for Edmond’s youngest students.
Visitors can participate in another example of the museum’s history experience when the “Legacy of Gettysburg” exhibit opens June 20th. The 150th anniversary of the battle inspired the exhibit, which will highlight the stories of Edmond soldiers and pioneers that fought in the famous Civil War battle. The exhibit, provided primarily by a local collector, brings the battle to life by telling stories in the voices of Edmond’s first citizens and their families both during and after the battle. The museum also houses an enormous library with answers to questions about everything Edmond. Who was the mayor in 1958? Why is Kickingbird such a popular name for landmarks around the city?
The museum’s popular 1889 summer camp gives kids the opportunity to travel back in time in the one-room Territorial Schoolhouse. (We’re not giving up the answers. If you want them, make a trip to the museum and thumb through its records—all of which are available to the public.) Mottola is especially proud of the museum’s pioneer records. A research collection that is constantly expanding, the pioneer records house information about the city’s founders and its beginnings as a coal and watering stop on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in the 1890s. “We have a vast resource of pioneer files,” Mottola says. “People can use our resource library and sit and dig to their heart’s content for information about the city’s origins and the people that
PHotos by sundancephotographyOKC.com
edmondoutlook.com
31
Celebrating Edmond History, Through Preservation & Education made it all happen. The pioneer files are probably one of the biggest kept secrets of the museum. We don’t want them to be a secret. We want people to use them,” she says. Many cities the size of Edmond don’t think to support museums dedicated to their own history. A permanent celebration of a city’s history is rare. “Edmond is a city that’s very valued by its citizens—that’s what makes it unique. Edmond’s residents tell us what’s important…by coming through our doors. They tell us what’s important by how they spend their money. And what they spend their money on is education. We’re known for our schools…they are very
important to the community. To me, that’s just another extension of what we do. We educate,” says Mottola. The museum’s singular approach is working. The biggest problem they face is growth beyond its founders’ expectations, a happy problem that any museum is glad to wrestle with!
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(minimum of 300 sq. ft.) Time to say out with the old tile and carpet and in with new wood floors. Are you dreaming of new wood floors, but dread the mess associated with tearing out your tile? Are you tired of your 70’s carpet, but the thought of working with unreliable installers stop you in your tracks? Kregger’s Floors and More is here to help. Not only does Paul Kregger and his crew offer outstanding friendly and dependable service, but they have also created a system that elimnates many of the hassles most associated with tile removal. Their new dust collection system minimizes the dust. Although their technique is not dust-free, Kregger says it is “light-years ahead of the rest.” With most companies, replacing tile can take a week or more. Besides eliminating much of the dust, with Kreggers, your floor can be free of tile and prepped for new flooring in no time. “Most people think that the task of replacing tile is more construction than they want to deal with. With our manpower and no ‘middle man,’ your tile can be gone in as little as one day!” said Kregger. The installers are what set Kregger’s apart. This ensures customers are getting someone who knows and shows skills he’s familiar with to install their flooring. “In some stores the installers are folks the
store has known maybe a day, mabye a year. It’s hard to say. At Kregger’s all of our installers are long-time employees or family members.” Edmondite Christy Dowell says, “We have a home full of Kregger’s floors! New wood floors, tile floors, rugs, a shower and soon to be carpet. Paul and Chris and the rest of their crew have been a pleasure to work with; always courteous, respectful and punctual. They are also very trustworthy. We left our home to them for a week and came back to beautiful wood floors. It seems to me that ‘satisfaction’ is their number one goal... and I am completely satisfied! I highly recommend Kregger’s Floors and More.”
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Zachary Stanley is no secret agent. But he’s been around the world more times than James Bond. At the age of 20, this New York University biology student may be Edmond’s biggest globetrotter. In his two years at NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus in the United Arab Emirates, Stanley has traveled to 16 different countries—from Argentina to Laos. By the time he turns 21 this year, he’ll have visited five more countries. “I’m a walking billboard for Edmond. When I travel, I’m usually the first Oklahoman who people have met. “In addition to getting a There are 140 of us in the new perspective on the world, school’s inaugural class. We represent 40 countries. I love to see how people At the beginning of the from other places think.” semester when we introduce ourselves to other students, we say who we are and where we’re from. There are students from around the world in the class, but when I say I’m from Oklahoma, they turn around and tell me that’s the most exotic place they’ve heard of. It makes me feel like an ambassador and I’m constantly talking up my hometown.” From his dorm room, Stanley sees a mind-boggling mixture of history and progress. The Abu Dhabi skyline is peppered with skyscrapers, most still under construction—a sign that his home away from home, Abu Dhabi, is growing rapidly and moving into a new, global era. But in the middle of this skyline
an petra, jord th friends in e sunset wi enjoying th
in egypt the grea t pyrami ds
Taj Mahal in india
Everywhere” Man
by Paul Fairchild
is an excellent view of the Qasr al Hosn, Abu Dhabi’s ancient palace. Everyday, as Stanley awakens to the sound of the Muslim call to prayer, he sits on the edge of history, watching the growing mix of traditional Muslim culture
and new landmarks demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s rush to a newer, bigger, cosmopolitan way of life. He credits the support he received as a student in Edmond with his place in NYU’s new program and his deep desire to get out there and see the world. Teachers—too many to name, he says—at Edmond North pushed him to excel academically and meet the high standards set by NYU for its applicants. After transferring from North to the Oklahoma School of Science and Math, his counselor there fielded the initial phone call from an NYU admissions officer looking for the best and brightest. The counselor took the officer up on his offer and picked Stanley as a top candidate, nudging him mercilessly to give NYU’s program serious consideration. shanghai, china Stanley bought in, was accepted and launched his globetrotting career. For most people, travel is “I’m a synonymous with entertainment. walking billboard Stanley’s thinking on the subject is unusually different. “It’s been really for Edmond. great to broaden my horizons,” he When I travel, says. “In addition to getting a new perspective on the world, I love to I’m usually the see how people from other places first Oklahoman think. That’s something I love to think about. What do others think who people
The 21 Countries that Zachary has visited to date: USA Mexico Belize United Arab Emirates Egypt Jordan Thailand China Laos India Spain France Switzerland Germany Austria Czech Republic Slovakia Hungary Morocco Argentina Portugal
have met.”
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Elepahnt nature park in Thailand
“Don’t waste your time trying to plan out your life.
God is much better at it and will take you exactly where you need to be. That has been my experience and I am all the more blessed for
sitting back and letting Him take over and guide me.” —Zachary, 2013 about America? It’s so interesting to me. I want to see fresh perspectives. I want to see America the way other people see it.” Stanley’s quick to say that even with his love of new cultures, new people and new places to visit, he does get homesick for Edmond. Though he has no trouble making friends around the globe, he does miss his hometown friends. Living in the desert, he misses Oklahoma’s green grass. He also misses Edmond’s unique mix of food. Being in a place where pork doesn’t show up on the dinner table, he’s looking forward to a visit to Steve’s Rib, where he can also find a good fried chicken sandwich and a plate of fried okra.
After graduating from NYU, Stanley plans to bring his global experience back to Oklahoma to pursue a career in medicine. “I’m applying to medical school this summer. I’ll be applying to OU, but regardless of where I attend school, I feel a huge amount of indebtedness to Oklahoma. For me, it’s incredibly important to get back. I’m interested in maybe practicing medicine on reservations,” he says. “But my plans are open. We’ll see how it goes.”
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iCelebrate Diversity by Gina Dabney
In the early 90s, Edmond resident Tracy Jackson became a mother. Like all new mothers, she wanted her daughter to have the best experiences growing up—those that encourage high self-esteem, love and acceptance. But it quickly became apparent to Jackson that there were areas of inequality for her bi-racial daughter that she couldn’t ignore. Although America’s mindset had progressed by the mid-90s—in terms of the availability of products and toys featuring multi-racial children— Jackson decided the color wheel still needed some adjusting. With that as her motivation, the young mother and entrepreneur was driven to create her own online company, iCelebrateDiversity.com. Though she had no prior business knowledge, Jackson had a mission. Today her company works with individuals as well as large corporations across the country to accomplish exactly what the company name suggests—celebrating diversity. “I really noticed the lack of products that respected diversity. At that time, it was hard to find toys, children’s books, artwork
Blast from the Past An adventure through time
or anything that showed different colored children together on products.” Jackson explains that for years she would keep a keen eye out for the products and businesses that featured such items and she would file their information. “I kept a little folder and then finally, in 2001, I built my website and started on my own,” she says. Embracing the emergence of the digital age, she captured the idea that technology could send the message of cultural diversity and acceptance to everyone. In keeping with her charge of combating diversity issues for children, much of Jackson’s initial inventory involved toys and children’s items. She was surprised to realize the amount of work her mission needed to accomplish her goal. “I’ve always thought my market includes everybody that has children. At the time I started it, I would have people say, ‘I know someone who’s in an inter-racial marriage,’ and that wasn’t my product. Really it was for everybody. I didn’t want it just to be toward my family, but for every family,” she says, adding, “I was worried about my daughter being included in everything. Until you’re affected personally by it, you don’t even notice the void in the market. So I think that’s where I still have a challenge—educating people that these are products that everybody needs in their home.” The reason behind the large growth in Jackson’s business is actually very small, the size of a jelly bean to be precise. Diversity Beans are jelly beans which appear one flavor on the outside, but taste like a completely different one. “It’s really something that kind of landed in my lap,” she says. Thinking that iCelebrate Diversity would be a good fit, the creator of the beans approached Jackson about becoming
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a supplier in her business. Upon their collaboration, corporations like Verizon and Disney began inquiring about using the products in their training sessions. These companies became some of The reason Jackson’s biggest clients causing her inventory growth behind the to include a large selection of products for corporations. “I always get comments on the jelly beans. large growth [Diversity] is a serious subject and people take it in Jackson’s personally. It’s just a fun way to start the conversation business is that might be difficult for corporations to have.” Jackson says that she receives positive feedback about actually very how much the employees loved them and how they small, the size are great teaching tools. of a jelly bean Conflict occurred recently when the creator of the Diversity Beans announced she was closing to be precise. up shop and asked if iCelebrateDiversity wanted to take over the production. “This past year has probably been the most challenging—wondering if things were going to pan out,” Jackson says. To keep the product alive, she had to buy the jelly beans directly from the manufacturer at a 10,000-pound minimum. She began working right away to raise funds on an entrepreneur site called Indiegogo.com. Jackson’s efforts were a success. She now has 15,000 pounds of jelly beans in stock and a limitless level of excitement and possibility. “I’m just excited to see what I can do with them now…to see what this next year brings,” Jackson says. In stride with the business challenges and hectic schedule, Jackson’s main purpose is still very much alive. Her mission extends beyond
her own company to volunteer work which includes educating adoptive and foster families with multi-racial children through Angels of Oklahoma City, a private foster care agency. “Parents need to know that if you’re adopting a child of another race or your home includes a child of a different race, you’re going to have different experiences,” she says, adding that parents need to learn how to talk to their kids about race, culture, racial identity and racism. Jackson also brings the message directly to children by speaking about diversity in schools through the Edmond-based non-profit organization Respect Diversity Foundation. “I’m just happy to be a part of something that makes things a little better in my own little way,” she says. For more information, visit www.icelebratediversity.com.
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3224 S. Boulevard (off 33rd) 340-1519
In Oklahoma, people are just friendly. The messages that they have It isn’t hard to find something in common with come from everyday inspiration. by Meg McElhaney the person standing next to you in the grocery Christy, for example, pulls from the loss store line or the local coffee shop—small talk of her son and other obstacles in her life is welcomed just about anywhere. For the women of Common to see the good. “As a decorator, I love to repurpose vintage treasures Ground 5, they have taken these “small-talk” similarities and built collected at garage and estate sales,” Christy said. “Collecting broken, a support system for each other, other women and the community. cast-off rejects reminds me of God because He sees beauty in the broken.
What started out as a gathering of acquaintances has grown into a group that has helped strengthen each other and allows them to use their talents to encourage others. The idea of a women’s group is nothing new. Ladies often gather for lunch, Bible studies and around reality TV shows to converse, laugh and relate to each other. What makes this gathering different is who is part of Common Ground 5. It is made up of a variety of local writers and speakers—successful ones at that. It started as a way for a few women that were writers and speakers to help sharpen each other’s skills and play off their strengths and weaknesses. Composing the group is Rachel Sinclair, author and speaker; Stefne Miller, author; Christy Johnson, speaker and award-winning writer; Diane Stout, author and speaker; and Jenny Broughton, speaker and former English teacher. While they all have similarities, it is easy to see how diverse this group still is. Even though they all have a talent for writing and speaking, each of them have their own backgrounds and other careers that provide unique perspectives. Such differences only enhance what is Common Ground 5.
In a similar way, God repurposed my life after my son died in a car accident. Adversity and tragedy have taught me how to choose joy and forgiveness in spite of my circumstances.” Common Ground 5 isn’t simply about talking—they are constantly working to do more, be more and help more women find their faith, their voices and their inner strength. “I love mentoring and connecting with others in these areas. Mentoring is a concern for all of us, so who knows how we will influence the community! In May, we will conclude our series, ‘A Night of Inspiration—Faith & Fun with Common Ground 5’ at the Inspirations Tea Room. We’ve enjoyed hosting five events where women connect with one another and hear a faith-based message from each one of us.” For more information on the group, visit commonground5.wordpress.com for upcoming events, links to speaker information, book listings and personal websites of each of the five women.
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MY outlook
by Bethany Scott
Barbara Caprilli
Opera Singer, UCO Professor How did you get involved in opera singing? My father, Theodore Francis Fox (who was a Southern Baptist Minister of Music), was a big fan of opera, and had dreamed of becoming an opera singer. We listened to the Texaco Met Broadcasts together and I got hooked. Friends from high school tell me that I always said that I would sing opera, even back in those days. I don’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t sing.
How long have you sung opera? I have been singing professionally for over 30 years.
What has been your favorite role to play? Hands down, Norma in the Bellini opera of the same name. My most performed role, however, was Abigaille in Nabucco, with Turandot and Aida close seconds.
What was it like touring Italy with Aida? While living in Italy for about 16 years, I didn’t just tour with Aida, I also sang many operas. Other places I sang include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, South America, Japan, Taiwan, Norway—all over the world, in other words. I loved living in Italy, and I still have many friends there. I also met the love of my life, Angelo Caprilli, while living there.
Did you ever want to quit? No, but I did reach a point a few years ago when I decided I would like to sing a bit less and dedicate myself to teaching. At the time I was traveling all over the world and my wonderful husband Angelo was not with me; I decided to take a career path that would allow me to spend more time at home.
How do you take care of your voice? Professional singers are elite athletes, and we have to take care of ourselves just like other athletes—lots of rest, exercise (both singing and physical exercise), healthy food and lots of water. I’m thrilled that my husband is opening a gelato store in Edmond.
What do you do before a performance? I warm up my voice slowly, and also warm up my body with running in place or fast walking. I get a good night’s sleep, and avoid alcoholic beverages both before and after singing. It is also a good idea to eat a plate of pasta the night before, just like long-distance runners do, because singing an opera expends the same amount of energy as running a marathon.
What has been your greatest achievement as an opera singer? I’ve sung in many of the great opera venues; La Scala, Verona, Caracalla, Zurich, to name just a few. Now I teach a wonderful group of young people at a school where I love to work, and that is, I think, the best achievement of all.
Does Edmond provide opportunities to exhibit your talent? Yes, absolutely. I have already performed in three concerts in the few months that I’ve been here, and I have many more opportunities ahead of me. One of the things I like about being back in this part of the country is that I have opportunities to sing both classical and music theatre gigs.
What is your favorite part about teaching? What I call the “light bulb” moment, when the student finally “gets” what I am trying to explain and feels the joy of the release of the voice. I love working at UCO! It is truly a wonderful place to work, and the faculty is immensely talented. It is a collaborative, supportive and nurturing environment.
T he 2 7 th A nnual N ative A merican C ultural F estival
June 7-9, 2013
• Cox Convention Center, OKC
More than 1200 American Indian artists and dancers from throughout North America gather to celebrate the richness and diversity of their heritage with the world.
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edmondoutlook.com
edmondoutlook.com
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80 East 5th St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73034