April 2020
Trey Kennedy Trending Now Container Dwelling Nomso’s Mission Tennis Everyone?
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Features 8
ASK EDMOND
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NOMSO, INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN
“You’re panicking but that’s okay.” “I don’t know whether to take a nap or make a coffee.” “Are the board games in the attic?” Those are just some of the things I’ve heard around the house this week. If your household is anything like mine, it’s been an interesting time that will undoubtedly be imprinted in our memories - as well as world history. My mother could recount exactly what she was doing when President Kennedy was assassinated. Alison remembers experiencing the Murrah Building explosion so clearly, she was working in the Oklahoman tower and thought a helicopter must have crashed into the building. I experienced the 1992 L.A. Riots up close. I was downtown the night that event ignited. I remember driving west from downtown as carefully and quickly as possible. What we are experiencing now will undoubtedly be recounted to our children and grandchildren. Hopefully, some memories of this tragic event will include how the quarantine brought people together and allowed some of our best to shine through. I have observed families spending time together. I’ve seen this on my neighborhood walks, families out playing catch, shooting baskets, riding bikes - families being together. Families making memories. Once we grow tired of scrolling and Netflixing, this “new normal” can allow us time to pause, reflect and re-evaluate what’s important. For me, I’ve moved the treadmill into the living room, I retrieved the board games from the attic, my drawing pad and pens are now next to my favorite comfy chair. And I’m finally exploring that box of stamp and coin collections my dad left me.
Birthing kits saving lives in Nigeria
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TREY KENNEDY TRENDING NOW
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TENNIS EVERYONE?
What are you doing to stay centered?
Comedian and YouTube phenomenon with Edmond roots Family tennis and new tennis center
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RECIPE: TUNA RICE PORRIDGE
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CONTAINER DWELLING
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DISCOVERING CORDELIA
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Comforting cuisine from your cupboard Shipping containers make a home complete Local genealogist responsible for honoring Edmond’s first woman SEAMS LIKE LOVE MINISTRY
Donated hand-stitched quilts and clothes bring joy
Business 22
LAWNGEVITY
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COFFEE CREEK CHURCH’S CAMP IN THE CITY
Meet the local experts caring to local lawns Camp fun experience without the overnight stays
Columns 28
LOUISE TUCKER JONES
It’s A Small World
Dave Miller Back40 Design President
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PUBLISHER Dave Miller l ADVERTISING MANAGER Leslie Mahan l GRAPHIC DESIGN Adrian Townsend, Anne Richardson l PRODUCTION Rachel Morse PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com l DISTRIBUTION Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to 50,000 Edmond area homes. Articles and advertisements in the 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 the 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. The Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.
LOCALLOOK
Ask Edmond
What are you doing to stay centered, positive and encouraged during this difficult time?
Gabby Palacios Student and Advertising Sales Representative OSU and The O’colly
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John Wohlgemuth Lead Teaching Pastor Henderson Hills Baptist Church
Brian Johnston Director of Dining Services Lionwood Senior Living
I’ve tried to limit my news time every day and fill my days with books, journaling, and staying busy with my online classes and working remotely. Taking breaks to spend time with our pets keeps my spirits up.
I spiritually lean on Jesus. This world is a scary place right now, so to know that the unchanging and everpresent God loves me gives me great encouragement. I also connect with other Christians to remind me of that truth.
As Dining Director for a retirement community, I’m working long hours and my sense of purpose at work has kept me upbeat. My family and I are grateful for each other, a safe home, health, music, and good food.
Samuel Lincoln IT Director Phillips Murrah, PC
Leila Pepper Pilates instructor The Pilates Nook
Mandy Castillo Database/Calendar Manager Henderson Hills Baptist Church
Making sure I’m getting enough sleep, eating properly and doing some type of exercise to stay physically in balance. Focusing on the positive aspects and trusting that God is in control of everything keeps me from worrying too much about future, unknown, events.
Deep breathing and movement are medicine for our bodies and minds. I’m intentionally carving out time each day to quiet my mind, breathe and exercise— with my kids, on my own and out in the sunshine whenever possible!
My family is trying to keep things as normal as possible by keeping some sort of routine at home, including reading God’s Word and exercise. One of my favorite verses is “Be still, and know that I am God.” This is the perfect time to believe and put this truth into practice!
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FEATURELOOK
Nomso, International Humanitarian By Maggie Murdock Nichols
Nomso Ibe’s smile is kind. Her passion is persistent. Growing up in Nigeria as the daughter of a pastor, she spent most of her childhood living in fear of pregnancy. Unlike in America where pregnancy is celebrated, pregnancy too often results in death for the mother and her child. The country’s maternal mortality rate is one of the highest in the world. Nomso experienced the vast inequalities in healthcare firsthand as she studied to become a midwife. She once attended a home birth where she witnessed the mother-in-law of a young woman break a glass bottle and use it’s jagged edge to cut the umbilical cord.
Leading the Way
Instead of graduating with her class, she used her tuition money to pay for the care of pregnant women, giving them a chance at life. Delaying graduation by a year to save lives wasn’t a hard decision. With resolve and armed with knowledge, Nomso met with a prominent female Nigerian leader. Nomso confronted her with facts and suggestions related to the issue at hand. She was told to go home, get married and have children. Nomso felt defeated, but she didn’t quit.
An Organization Forging Better Outcomes
In 2007, Nomso founded the Traffina Foundation, a nongovernmental organization promoting maternal and child health programs in Nigeria. Traffina’s small staff and 80 volunteers provide door-to-door prenatal services, distribution of delivery kits, promote breastfeeding education and family planning, and also provide health education and training while respecting cultural beliefs.
One Delivery Kit Given, Two Lives Saved
In Nigeria, a woman in labor must bring her own medical supplies to the hospital. The Traffina Foundation gives women delivery kits with essential items like gauze, clamps, scissors, a drug to prevent hemorrhage, gloves, an apron for the attendant, soap, a blanket, hat and diapers. Without supplies, she will be turned away. Nomso recalls an image she can’t forget of a woman lying in the street outside a hospital with her baby lying between her legs. Each kit saves two lives: the mom and the child. Traffina has distributed 800,000 kits. They hope to reach one million soon and to purchase portable ultrasound machines to visit women in rural villages. Nomso is a midwife and fellow of the Maternal Health Program with the Maternal Health Task Force at Harvard. She has traveled the world, sharing knowledge. The Traffina Foundation is looked to as an example, its influence reaching far beyond Nigeria. Nomso has submitted for 501(c)3 status in America and works daily to raise awareness and funds to save women and babies in Nigeria. Nomso is a mother of two, living with her mother Jane in Edmond, OK. You can learn more at www.traffinafoundationfch.org or find them on Facebook.
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FEATURELOOK
Trey Kennedy Trending Now By Maggie Murdock Nichols
Trey and I spoke on an especially cloudy day, in a series of cloudy days. We practiced a very safe social distance by speaking over the phone, he at his home in Kansas City, I in my living room in Edmond. Although I was thrilled to speak to him, neither of us could muster much enthusiasm. When we’d scheduled our interview, Trey was just beginning a sold-out, nationwide comedy tour. The coronavirus outbreak had since demanded our nation’s attention, leaving no one’s plans untouched. I asked if it was cloudy there too, he said it was and that it felt appropriate. Trey Kennedy grew up in Edmond, but his roots in our city go deeper. Trey, his dad Tad, and his grandmother Etta Marie are all Edmond Memorial alumni. His grandfather, Tom, is a former Edmond city council member. Tom and Etta Marie opened the Edmond Tire Center on Broadway in 1974. In 1987, their son Tad purchased the business, changing the name to Kennedy Tire & Auto Service. The business was later moved to Edmond Road, and there it remains. They follow a motto of being the “Home of Family Values.” They serve with integrity and are committed to their community. This way of doing business has created generations of loyal customers. The strong business values are a spillover from strong family values. Trey fondly recounts nightly dinners with his mom, dad and sister and weekly dinners with his grandparents. When asked where his humor came from, he credits his dad as being “the funny guy”. What sets Trey apart as a comedian is his ability to tell stories with complexity that go beyond a clever punchline. There is finesse to his delivery and his impersonations are on point. He often imitates a mother figure (See his video titled “Moms”). His mom sighs and says “Oh, Trey’s home to get more material.” Trey says his imitations are with affection and merely an exaggeration of reality. The family understands. Trey’s father and his grandfather are both influences and inspirations for Trey. At family gatherings, they have an informal story time, each taking a turn. The more buildup to the story, the bigger the laughs. Trey may not have taken on the family business, but he carries on the Kennedy legacy of making people laugh. Trey described himself as a shy kid. He admits to being clever and always had a goofy side, but he wasn’t aiming for the stage. He said he was sure others were surprised to see his comedy videos go viral, but none were as surprised as him. While attending 12
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Oklahoma State University, Vine, the short-form video hosting service, gave Trey a platform for his comedy, at one point gaining more than 2.5 million followers. Vine has since been shut down, Trey says, “It got a little weird.” He adds that the platform’s extinction felt somewhat like a loss but more like an opportunity. His follower base began growing on other platforms as did the attention he got from national brands. He currently has 520,000 followers and 52 million views on YouTube, 2.2 million followers on Instagram, and 3.5 million followers on Facebook. Trey says, “At one point I thought comedy was a side hustle while I figured out my life, but then it became my life.” He was a little shocked but mostly delighted when this online comedy gig proved to have potential to be a full time job. After college, Trey moved to Kansas City for a change of scenery and to be with friends. He films most of his videos at home, so location didn’t matter. He says he has no idea where he could end up next. He will be married soon but doesn’t have immediate plans to relocate. His work requires travels but hasn’t necessitated a move, yet. When Trey posted a tasteful video titled “People during coronavirus be like...” on March 12th, he had no idea that he’d be canceling his tour because of the pandemic the very next day. The postponement of the “Are You For Real?” sold-out nationwide tour drew an outpouring of sadness and support on social media. Trey had two shows scheduled on April 17th at the Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City. He had the opportunity to perform two shows, one in Louisville, KY and one in Knoxville, TN. He said, “It was a big change for me to go from video to a live audience. People came up afterwards to tell me this was their first ever comedy show.” Without a doubt, Trey draws a different type of audience. Growing up in a suburb with close family ties and attending a baptist church will undoubtedly influence humor. He says, “You don’t have to cross lines or be offensive to be funny.” Trey keeps it clean, he knows his fan base can reach kids as young as middle school. Trey’s newest video series was inspired by the age group. “Middle School Maddox” went live on March 17th, just a few days into the coronavirus mass quarantine. My thoughts are with those quarantining with middle schoolers like Maddox. Comedy brings light to really dark times. Trey will take a step back from touring, but virtual comedy is not unfamiliar territory. Perhaps we can all take a note from Trey and harness the good of social media, using it as a way to share joy and laughter in uncertain times. If you need a laugh, follow him @treynkennedy or search “Trey Kennedy”, watch and share with a friend.
52 million views 3.5 million followers 2.2 million followers APRIL 2020
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FEATURELOOK
Tennis Everyone? By Amy Dee Stephens
Lisa and David Minihan
Edmond is home to a Power Couple in the Tennis World: The new Edmond Tennis Center, a 30-court tennis center in David and Lisa Minihan. They met at a tennis championship over partnership with Edmond Public Schools, is scheduled to open in 20 years ago, and since then have spent their careers working early May, with David as the director and Lisa as the contractor together in the tennis industry. They are foundational to many managing the tournaments. “We are working long days, but metro-area and nation-wide tennis activities. we’re so excited about the future of Edmond tennis,” David said. David was the teaching pro at Westwood Tennis in Norman in “We are excited that the new facility increases our resources to the late 1990s. When he and Lisa married, she also took a job at grow that sport,” Lisa said. Westwood—where they both worked happily for two decades. The Minihan’s daughters, Aspen and Chloe, have also “When our daughters were born, they grew up in a playpen in embraced the family business. Aspen is involved in high school the pro shop,” Lisa said. “All the customers knew our girls.” tennis, and Chloe plays tennis in middle school. Both are active in After 21 years at Westwood, and years their parents’ foundation, Play It Forward, which of commuting from Edmond where the The new Edmond Tennis helps under-served and special-needs children girls attended school, David and Lisa had Center, a 30-court tennis experience tennis. At the new facility, having the opportunity to switch facilities. “I loved center, is scheduled to more indoor courts offers increased opportunity Westwood and wasn’t looking to leave, but three for children with compromised health and open in early May years ago, the opportunity to be the director at temperature needs to try tennis. Following in the Kickingbird Tennis Court opened up. I saw the family’s service-minded footsteps, Chloe started plans for the new Edmond complex they planned to build, and I her own foundation called “Attire for a Smile,” raising money to felt I would regret it if I didn’t give it a shot,” David said. “I put the buy head-to-toe outfits for children serviced by the Hope Center. decision in God’s hands and took the job when it was offered.” “It’s been a blessing to raise our family in a tennis Lisa, meanwhile, was thriving as a tournament coordinator environment, and we are excited about the future of Edmond and winning national recognition. She took a job at the tennis,” Lisa said. neighboring Oak Tree Tennis Courts. Instead of competing, To learn more, visit www.playitforwardedmond.com or the two Edmond facilities work together to share their indoor www.kbtenniscenter.com. and outdoor courts. This has allowed Edmond to host larger tournaments, and it has also allowed David and Lisa to continue working together. 16
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FRESHLOOK
Comforting Cuisine from Your Cupboard I first shared this recipe on a rainy, miserable day in Brooklyn after my shoes were soaked through and my umbrella had been destroyed in the wind. I was feeling down, both physically and mentally, and couldn’t help but crave comfort foods to raise my spirits. With all that’s happening with COVID-19, it seemed appropriate to share a comfort food recipe this month, and rice porridge is one of my all-time favorites. If you have rice, water, and salt, you can make this recipe. Everything else can be substituted.
Tuna Rice Porridge Serves 2-3 • • • • • •
1 c uncooked short-grain rice 5 c water 1-1/2 T sesame oil 2/3 c carrots, finely chopped 2/3 c zucchini, finely chopped 1/4 c green onions, chopped
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1 can (4 oz) tuna 1 t fish sauce 1/2 t salt roasted sesame seeds (opt.) roasted seaweed (opt.), crumbled
Directions: Warm sesame oil in a large pot over med-high heat. Saute rice, carrots and zucchini for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until rice begins to turn transparent. Add water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice begins to break down and the mixture becomes creamy, about 40 minutes. Stir in 3/4 of the tuna, the green onions, and the fish sauce and salt. Taste and add more salt as desired. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat. Garnish with crumbled seaweed, sesame seeds, and the rest of the tuna. Serve warm.
Gina is a long-time food blogger, Back40 Design web developer, professional eater, and new resident of Oklahoma. Find more of her recipes on her Instagram @gina.chong. 18
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FEATURELOOK
By Maggie Murdock Nichols
Container Dwelling Realtor Greg Roberts has walked through a lot of houses over the past 25 years. He grew tired of seeing the same old thing. In an effort to move away from cookie cutter homes, Greg decided to think outside the box by building inside a box. Greg knows that home buyers want smaller homes with open layouts, they value energy efficiency, weather resistance, ample kitchen and entertainment space, and a bright and modern look. Years of knowledge and an idea that came about over dinner with his wife brought Edmond’s first container home to fruition.
Container Conception
The two-bed, two-bath home was crafted from three cargo containers, 40 feet wide, 8 feet long and 9 feet tall, bringing the square footage total to 940 square feet. Once the custom cut containers were in place, the construction of the home was similar to the process of a traditional home. From inception to completion, the home took two years to complete. This home, located in downtown Edmond, has been the talk of the town. Among many fans, there have been a few naysayers. As with any innovation, there are some resistant to change. Greg didn’t feel discouraged by the few negative comments. There were concerns about curb appeal, but the home was approved by the powers that be. Interest in the home proved Edmond was ready for a container house. It wasn’t difficult to find a tenant to live in the container home. In fact, Greg says there were hundreds of people interested in the home.
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Realtor Greg Roberts and Dr. Michele Menzel
Container Living
Dr. Michele Menzel, a local naturopath, has taken up residence in the container home. She says, “Greg showed me a few houses and none of them wowed me. He said he had one more to show me and brought me to the almost completed container home.” Dr. Menzel enthusiastically walked in and said, “I’ll take it!” A huge fan of HGTV, she was familiar with container homes, but had no idea there was one in Edmond. She says it’s not all that different from a regular home. It doesn’t feel narrow or tight. She highly recommends container homes for those who enjoy simplicity and don’t mind people slowing down to admire your home as they drive by.
Future of Container Construction
The container home building process produces far less waste than a traditional home. The home is extremely energy efficient. Greg laughed as he referred to the home as a giant yeti cooler. “We had to really focus on ventilation to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.” Greg says the building of a container home costs about 90% of what a regular home with the same square footage would cost. Not surprisingly, the tenant has seen lower than average energy bills. The home sits on a concrete foundation and is resistant to up to an F1 or F2 rated tornado. The home is built to last and will stand the test of time in Edmond. Initial talks for a neighborhood of container homes or commercial development are underway. The container house is located near the intersection of Hurd Street and Fretz Avenue.
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BIZLOOK
Lawngevity By Maria Veres
Coordinating lawn treatments, mowing, and landscaping can be a challenge. At Lawngevity, owners Cory Smith and Gary Crofford save you time and money by offering complete lawn care throughout the OKC area. Meeting All Your Lawn Care Needs Lawngevity’s primary focus is weed control. But the Oklahoma owned company also takes care of fertilization, mowing, and even landscaping. Lawngevity is headquartered in north OKC and serves the entire metro area. All work is performed by Cory, Gary, or one of their carefully trained employees. “We coordinate appointments so you don’t have to worry about mowers
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coming after the lawn has been treated,” says Cory. “It gives the homeowner peace of mind.” Oklahoma Proud Lawngevity is not a franchise. It is independently owned and fully Oklahoma based. As longtime local residents, Gary and Cory understand the challenges of maintaining a beautiful lawn in a difficult climate. Cory studied turf grass management at OSU and worked for several different companies before starting his own business in 2009. “I got to learn what to do and what not to do,” he says. “I learned some in school and a lot in the field. The combination is what gives me my knowledge.” Gary served his country in the U.S. Navy and also has extensive experience in lawn care. The two men began working together in 2014 and have coowned Lawngevity since 2017.
Owner Gary Crofford in the field
Fertilization Products You Can Trust If you want the best fertilization results and value, Gary and Cory have you covered. “We take pride in the products we use,” says Cory. “A lot of people don’t realize there are different types of fertilizer. We use newer products that do a better job.” The busiest season for lawn care is almost here, and Gary and Cory are happy to talk with home and business owners about their needs. “A lot of people like to have one company that does it all,” says Cory. “There aren’t many companies that do that.” Contact Lawngevity at (405) 650-5549 or www.lawngevityokla.com.
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BIZLOOK
Coffee Creek Church’s Camp in the City By Maria Veres
Is your grade-schooler eager for sleepaway camp but not ready for a week away from family? Camp in the City, a ministry of Coffee Creek Church in Edmond, gives kids in grades K-5 a taste of the summer camp experience—but they get to go home every evening. Focus on Fun Camp in the City has been a mainstay of Coffee Creek Church’s summer program for six years. The event is run by enthusiastic college students recruited from all over the country, along with adult leaders. They’re part of a Texas based ministry, Pine Cove Christian Camps.
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For one hectic, fun-filled week, the camp takes over the church buildings and grounds. Attractions might include bounce houses, Go-Karts, a Euro-bungee, and more. Inside the church, you’ll find popup “cabins,” each with their own assigned counselor and campers.
Kids at Camp in the City
Building Faith and Character The camp offers more than a good time. Counselors work with campers to model Christian values and teach enduring lessons in faith and character. A low camper-to-staff ratio allows strong relationships to form. A highlight is the end-of-camp ceremony, when counselors present campers with certificates highlighting three positive character traits they’ve observed in each child. “They take a lot of time to get to know them,” says Clark Frailey, Lead Pastor of Coffee Creek Church. Counselors also build relationships by staying with church families during the week of camp. “We have a waiting list of people who want to host the students,” says Pastor Clark. “It’s a double blessing.”
Something for Everyone Camp in the City is designed to help every child shine. “They are accommodating of kids of all levels of ability,” says Pastor Clark. The camp serves about 140 children, including a large number from outside Coffee Creek Church. Many campers and counselors return year after year. “They come back because it’s such a fun adventure camp,” says Pastor Clark. “A lot of kids say it’s the best part of their summer.” Coffee Creek Church is located at 1650 NW 220th Street. Camp in the City runs May 25 – 29. Learn more at www.coffeecreek.church/camp.
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FEATURELOOK
Discovering Cordelia By Amy Dee Stephens
Cordelia Steen saw only prairie and train tracks from her home in 1887. The town of Edmond didn’t yet exist; just the train stop. She fed crews while her husband, John, resupplied coal and water. For two years, until the Land Run, she was the only woman for miles. Few people have heard of Cordelia, the first woman of Edmond—but that’s about to change. “Here’s this woman who is part of the first family in Edmond— and yet nothing is named for her,” said Andrea Aven, the local genealogist responsible for bringing Cordelia to the forefront. Aven is regent of the newly-formed Cordelia Steen Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Although Edmond’s Samuel King DAR chapter is very active, the daytime meetings didn’t work for all members. With encouragement from the national DAR organization, a new chapter was formed in February to accommodate an evening meeting schedule.
New DAR Chapter Formed
Genealogist Andrea Aven
“The chapter needed to be named for a local historical event, person or place. We considered many names including the Territorial Normal School, Old North Tower and Catherine Rodkey,” Aven said. “As I did research, I was taken aback that our first family was completely forgotten. There’s no street, park or monument named for the Steens—and that really struck a chord with all of us.” Aven tracked down the great-granddaughters of Cordelia Steen, who live out-of-state. “They were so excited, sending us unseen family photographs of John and Cordelia, including John’s Santa Fe Railroad certificate. In exchange, DAR members researched their family tree and even found a Revolutionary Patriot in their family line, so they were just thrilled.”
Honoring the Founding Family
Now, Aven has reached out to Edmond leaders about finding new ways to honor the town’s founding family, possibly creating some form of memorial near the railroad where the family first lived. Because of Aven’s personal passion for local history, she’s energized by the interest in the story of this strong, resourceful pioneer woman. “I grew up surrounded with history. My family shared stories, and I started doing genealogy back when you still had to write letters to offices requesting information,” Aven said. Since coming to Edmond nine years ago, she has volunteered her research skills to the Edmond Historical Society & Museum and Edmond Genealogical Society, tracing the families of Edmond’s 1889 pioneers. She finds it rewarding to help anyone who needs help tracing their roots. “History is about sharing information and making sure people have access to it,” Aven said. “It’s been a pleasure to work with so many great people in bringing Cordelia back to life so that she won’t be forgotten again.” Visit www.DAR.org or www.oklahomadar2.weebly.com to learn more.
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ALOOKBACK
It’s A Small World
and one small enough for a stroller. Ah, to be that young and vigorous again. The greatest challenge was the heat. Florida is beautiful but it’s hot. Of course, Aaron and Paula wanted to ride everything in sight, and often dragged their dad along By Louise Tucker Jones while Jay and I rested in the shade. It was on one of those scorching, hot days when we all climbed aboard a boat for the “Small World” ride and floated Several years ago, my late husband, through a cool, cave-like wonder of Carl, and I loaded our three kids into colorful marionettes singing and dancing our van and headed to Florida for a fun to the music of different countries. It was vacation. After three days on the road, while stopping at historical sites along the lovely and definitely my favorite. Today, my son, Jay and I are selfway, we arrived at Cocoa Beach, Florida, isolating at home because of the corona where we rented a small apartment on virus and it definitely feels like a “Small the beach. It was a great place to dig our World” around us, quite unlike the toes into the sand and enjoy the surf theme park. But in the midst of this after a hectic day of sightseeing. We immediately hit the Kennedy Space isolation, I am overwhelmed by the number of friends who, knowing our Center where we were among the last situation, have texted and offered to group having the privilege of visiting the space shuttle site. We also made it to Sea shop for groceries, pick up medication and more. World, and of course—Disney World. Sometimes the worst situation brings Looking back, it’s hard to imagine keeping up with a young teen, a pre-teen out the best in all of us. And like my
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friends, I also want to help so I pray daily for an end to this pandemic. I pray for family, friends, the medical community, those fighting this illness and more. I also thank the Lord for health and protection and the wonderful people who are not only helping Jay and me, but serving others as well. What a blessing!
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.
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FEATURELOOK
Seams Like Love
has a different story,” Barbara said. “Comfort pillows are sent to a local school, and if kids are sad or stressed out, they can go to a ‘safe area’ to get a pillow, and sit and hold it.” The Seams Like Love participants welcome both fabric donations and new members. Even non-sewers are invited to learn basic sewing skills, starting with simple projects, because as easy as pillowcases are to make, they still make an impact. “So often, children in need have very little to call their own. Getting to pick out a new pillowcase, especially in a design they like, is exciting for them.” By Amy Dee Stephens The sewers also make lap quilts for homebound people, as well as patriotic Quilts of Valor for military veterans. Barbara, whose grandmother was a quilter, enjoys quiltIn this fast-paced world of consumerism and “We send items to a making so much that she makes additional ones inexpensive clothing, handmade items are a at home for people who need an extra blessing. variety of charities, rarity. For younger generations, how to sew on a from cancer centers to She calls them prayer quilts. button may be the extent of their sewing skills. A “I have the person’s loved ones pray over the homeless shelters.” group at Edmond’s First Baptist Church, Seams quilt, so when they use it, they know they’ve Like Love, has discovered that hand-stitched been prayed for,” Barbara said. “I have an quilts, pillowcases or clothes can bring great joy to other people. 80-year-old man who takes his to chemo treatments. Another “I remember giving a woman at the Hope Pregnancy Center one was given to a gentleman that has since passed away. His a sewn bag, and she was so excited. It was the first time she’d wife now uses it to hold him close to her.” ever had anything handmade,” said Barbara Dooley, who now “Last summer, we made over 100 dresses to send to Brazil organizes the Seams Like Love ministry. during a mission trip. After the Brazil trip, we got pictures of Seven years ago, two retired women who loved to sew, Anita little girls happily twirling in their new dresses, and that was Smith and Arvel White, began the sewing group. They assembled really a thrill for all of us. It was a blessing to make those people some sewing machines and invited others to join them in so happy. That’s why we do this! We like making people happy making hand-sewn items to share with people who might need through handmade items.” emotional support. They send items to a variety of charities, Seems like love! from cancer centers to homeless shelters. “Every piece we do Visit www.fbcedmond.org/sewing to learn more. 30
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EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM
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APRIL 2020
APRIL 2020
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EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM
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80 East 5th St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73034
