April 2024

Tips and Trends from Local Pros

Culinary Victory for Santa Fe

I recently had to come to terms with a particular reality: “No one wants your old stuff.”

In February we moved to a smaller office. Alison and I had 25 years of office stuff to pare down. We donated calculators, scissors, staplers, hole punches, and label makers (remember those?). Then we sold desks, chairs, couches, laptops, lamps, TVs, and even our coffee maker - all at bargain prices on Facebook Marketplace.

Of course, there were items I refused to sell “on the cheap,” like my 14-year-old conference room credenzaI was determined to get top dollar for that. It was custom-designed, in perfect condition and happened to weigh over 350 pounds. Surely, someone would see what an amazing buy this is. I posted it. No interest. Still, I was so convinced of its inherent value that on moving day, I paid extra to have the movers put it in my garage at home - right on top of the storm shelter. No worries, my wife’s car will be fine in the driveway. Surely it would sell quickly.

It did not. Days turned into weeks - still no interest. Deflated and depressed, I was about to call a donation center to haul it off when a prospective buyer messaged me. I cut a deal, and it was gone. Phew. Lesson learned. Sometimes, no one wants your old stuff. And my wife’s car is back in the garage. Things are better at home.

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

Photo: Tony Sikes

Photo: Shelton's Photography

The Terrific 10 New Miles of Mountain Biking Trails at Arcadia Lake

By Taylor Bollinger

The Oklahoma Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) invites riders to get out on the Dam Trails. No, that’s not a typo. It’s a reference to the 10 new miles of mountain biking trails they’ve created on the east side of Arcadia Lake.

Formed in 1996 to promote mountain biking in Oklahoma, the group is largely responsible for the creation and maintenance of trails across the state, including prime spots like Lake Stanley Draper, Bluff Creek Park, and the 29 miles of trails winding through the woods of Arcadia Lake.

“Arcadia Lake is one of the many trails the OMBA maintains,” said board member, Catherine Sharp. “It went from being about 18 miles of trails to now 29 miles, with the recent addition on the east side of the lake, known as the ‘Dam Trails.’”

The Dam Trails are the newest and most challenging trails at Arcadia, including a variety of “features” which are natural or man-made structures that add interest and a bit of adrenaline. Features may include rock formations, drops, jumps, half-pipes, or stretches of boardwalk structures.

The new addition is also home to “Postmortem Loop,” a winding loop through the trees that includes a fast and flowing half-mile downhill stretch with plenty of challenges – a rarity in the flat plains of central Oklahoma.

While portions of the new trails are built for intermediate or advanced riders, the barrier to entry is low when it comes to experience and cost. “All you really need to start is a bike and a helmet. It’s a sport that anyone who can ride a bike can enjoy,” Catherine said. And she, along with many of the OMBA board members, is always willing to introduce a new rider to the sport.

Catherine finds that once a new rider tries the sport, it “just clicks.” As a 65-year-old cyclist, she encounters many misconceptions about the sport that she is eager to dispel. “Mountain biking is not all rocky cliffs, high speed, and wild jumps,” she said. “We have grandparents out here putting in miles with their grandchildren, and a variety of trails to accommodate any skill level.”

For these reasons, Catherine believes mountain biking to be an ideal pastime for families looking for shared interests or new ways to experience nature. “It’s a chance to get outdoors with a more adrenalized appeal than perhaps jogging or hiking.”

Plus, many find that riding offers a form of peace. “The park is beautiful, and you’d be amazed at the absolute quiet you experience out there. And with the shelter of the trees, you aren’t limited by extreme temperatures, hot or cold.”

On April 28, Arcadia will host "The Dam Race" as part of the 2024 Tour De Dirt series. Catherine says this is the perfect opportunity for Edmond families to acquaint themselves with the sport, as spectators or even volunteers. Keep tabs on the trail riders on Facebook @OKEarthBike or online at rideomba.org.

Scouts from Edmond Troop 78 build a boardwalk feature for the Postmortem Loop with Joe Miller, Arcadia Trails trail boss.

Photo: Tony Sikes

A Taste of Culinary Victory

By Amy Dee Stephens

Pan Seared Bison Tenderloin with Native Berry Sauce and Arizona Mini Green Chimichangas: These mouth-watering dishes are awardwinning menu items created by Edmond high school students!

Edmond Sweeps Competition

Two Edmond high schools won statewide culinary competitions at the Ben E. Keith Oklahoma ProStart Student Invitational. Santa Fe (SF) won the Restaurant Management competition and Edmond North (EN) won the Culinary Cooking competition.

“For the first time, Edmond won both competitions!” said Cindy Conant, Edmond North instructor. “It’s impressive for students who are enrolled in these classes as high school electives.”

The students’ cooking experience varies greatly, but most can cook simple desserts, pasta, and chicken dishes.

“When my parents went to work, I had to feed me and my little sister, so I got really good at cooking eggs,” said Francisco Avelar (EN).

“I like to make sweets. Right now, I’m trying to perfect macaroons,” said Lluvia Carbajal (SF). “Cooking helps me de-stress.”

“I was forced to learn to cook. My mom is vegetarian, and I didn’t want to be, so I had to make my own meat dishes,” said Riddley Heim (EN).

“I grill with my dad and make homemade noodles with my mom,” said Zaine Collins (EN).

“I heard that culinary class was fun,” said Cell Welborn (EN). “Then I tried out for the competition, just to prove to other people that I could do it.”

Designing Winning Menus

For the Restaurant Management Competition, Santa Fe students had to design and pitch a full restaurant concept, including the name, menu, floor plan, décor and marketing materials.

“Our restaurant featured iconic dishes from around the United States,” said Lluvia. “We had a California Veggie Burger for the west

coast, Oklahoma Chicken Fried Steak for the central region, and Maine Lobster Rolls for the east.”

“Not only did they research regional foods, they had to cook all these dishes they’d never made before,” said their instructor, Kristen Harris. “These students beat out seniors. For four months, they came to my room between nearly every class.”

For the Culinary Competition, Edmond North students created a menu, and then had one hour to cook it for the judges. The students pre-selected First Americans Cuisine for their theme.

“Once they came up with their idea, we connected with Loretta Barrett Oden from the First Americans Museum. She taught us that the ingredients had to be pre-European, which meant no dairy or refined sugars,” said Cindy.

One twist for the culinary competition was that everything had to be made without electric tools, except for the burners. “Students learned, for example, to use a mortar and pestle,” said Cindy. “Each student was responsible for a certain part of the meal.”

“I had to focus and do my part well, and trust that the others did their parts well, too,” said Cell.

Taste of Victory

The students hoped to score in the top six, so when the secondplace winner was announced, they assumed that they were out of the running. Being declared the winners caused strong reactions:

“Shock! I was freaking out! It seemed impossible that we would win,” said Cell. “Culinary has opened a door that I could step into as a career.”

“Confusion,” said Lucy Escalona (SF). “Cooking is a hobby, and now I’ve won a scholarship.”

“I would have been happy with third, so first place was incredible,” said Zaine.

“We never told them they couldn’t win,” said Cindy. “They needed to create food and execute it with excellence. They did. Now, they are headed to Baltimore to compete for the national title.”

“The students gained a well-rounded understanding of the restaurant industry, including management and hospitality,” said Kristen. “Cooking is fun, but restaurant cooking and home cooking are different.”

“I’ve learned a lot of important life skills, and it’s made me a more confident person,” said Emily Schwartz (SF). “I think I’ll go into the restaurant business.”

Back row: Riddley Heim, Zaine Collins, and Francisco Avelar; Front row: Lucy Escalona, Cell Welborn, Emily Schwartz, Chessa Miles, and Lluvia Carbajal Instructors, Cindy Conant and Kristen Harris

Edmond's Guinness World Records

Since it was first published in 1955, the Guinness Book of World Records has named over 65,000 record titles. Each begins with an idea, is followed by an application—of which only 60% are approved—and finishes with a rigorous process to provide evidence and ensure honesty. At last, the recordholder's claim to fame is cemented, if only until someone does it better. As the 70th anniversary of the Guinness Book of World Records approaches, here’s a look at the times Edmond has earned global esteem as the home of Guinness World Records.

1986

Wow, What A Water Tower!

Chances are, if you live in Edmond, you've driven by the engineering marvel and 1986 Guinness World Record-holding tallest spheroid water tower, located near I-35 and 2nd Street. With a height of 218 feet and a capacity of 416,000 gallons, the tower was manufactured by Chicago Bridge & Iron Company and still holds the record to this day. For anyone looking to break this specific record, the sky is literally the limit.

With a height of 218 feet and a capacity of 416,000 gallons, the [water] tower… still holds the record to this day!

1994

Tallest Dinosaur

Long before Oklahoma existed as a state, it was home to the world’s tallest dinosaur, who probably foraged through Edmond, though his final resting place was Oklahoma City. Bones for a Sauroposeidon, standing 60-feet tall and weighing a whopping 132,277 pounds, were found by researchers in 1994 near Oklahoma City. Though larger beasts may have once roamed the earth, their remains have not yet been found.

By Taylor Bollinger

2011 Duck, Duck, Goose

In 2011, 1,624 students, faculty, and staff set the Guinness World Record for the largest game of Duck, Duck, Goose. The 15-minute game was held on the East Hall field as part of UCO’s annual homecoming celebration, Stampede Week. Notable participants included the university’s president at the time, Don Betz, and the 2011 Miss University of Central Oklahoma, Rachel Hill. This event displaced the previous record of 1,415 participants at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.

Lowest Golf Score 2012

Professional golfer and Edmond resident Rhein Gibson set the Guinness World Record for the lowest golf score on 18 holes achieved by a male in 2012.

2014 Heaviest Weighted Pull

UNIVERSITY

‘89er Days Ahead

By Taylor Bollinger

The official ‘89ers Celebration, including the oldest continually run parade in Oklahoma, is approaching its 95th year, while still sparking all the excitement of its first. Held in Guthrie—our state's original capitol—this year's festivities honoring our state's historic birth will launch April 16 with near non-stop attractions running through the 20th.

Committee chairperson – and 1994 ‘89er Queen – Carrie Fryar says Guthrie is a cool town anyway, but the traditions of ‘89ers week take it from cute to can’t-miss.

“I’d pack a bag and plan on being here the whole week,” Carrie said. “There’s so much to do every day all day.” The schedule kicks off with the Chuckwagon Feed and silent auction on Tuesday night, and continues with a carnival on Wednesday.

The streets will be lined with local food and craft vendors, providing shopping and dining options between events like barrel racing, “Geezer's Gassers and Hawgs” Car Show, two nights of rodeo, and oneof-a-kind competitions like The Great Bed Race.

Celebrations kick off on April 16th with the Chuckwagon Feed. The Parade is on Saturday, April 20 th at noon.

“Participants build mobile beds and just like it sounds, they race,” Carrie explained. Four team members push, while one brave contestant clings to the bed. “I have yet to win, but maybe it’s my year,” Carrie said, noting that she’s only wrecked once.

On Friday, the ‘89ers Day Rodeo takes place at the Guthrie Rodeo Grounds, followed by a Beard and Mustache Competition, U.S. Marshals Show, and fan-favorite, the Old Timers Baseball Game on Saturday.

“The beloved Old Timers Baseball Game is back,” Carrie said. “It will take place in The Flats following the parade. It’s basically a reenactment of an 1880s baseball game in old-timey uniforms, using wooden bats, and no gloves.”

The celebration culminates in a 200+ entry parade, featuring the Langston University band, Shriners from across the state, first responders, car clubs, and more, all geared toward this year’s theme of honoring the sacrifice of military members and their families.

The ‘89ers Celebration and Parade are sponsored by the American Legion Lebron Post 58, and are the product of nearly year-round planning of a dedicated committee and generous community.

“The reason it’s been going on for so long is because it really is such a cool tradition,” Carrie said. “It just brings everyone together.”

Explore the full schedule of events at 89erdays.com.

The Oklahoma City Bombing Rescue And Resilience

By Amy Dee Stephens

Rex Ice: First Responder

Rex Ice remembers the spring weather on the morning of April 19, 1995. As a career Army man, Sergeant First Class Ice was working at the National Guard Armory on 23rd Street when he suddenly heard a huge boom, and the ceiling tiles came falling down.

“Our first assumption was that the old boiler had blown up,” Ice said, “but then we saw a huge cloud over Oklahoma City. We initially thought a plane must have crashed into a building.”

The Major was called for assistance, and orders were quickly handed out. Ice’s assignment was to report to the scene and make communication with the Police Captain. Ice arrived at the bombing site just as word went out to retreat for fear of a second bomb going off--but he’d already witnessed the devastation.

“As you can image, the scene was horrific. Absolute chaos and pandemonium,” Ice said, pausing to relive the moment in his mind. “The wounded were everywhere. My heart hurt, seeing how humanity had been ripped apart.”

He also remembers seeing a truck axle embedded in a vehicle that he walked past. The next day, the FBI identified that same axle as the one from the Ryder truck that had held the bomb.

Once the “all clear” was given to return, Ice and his fellow crew members knew that their first job was to help establish a command center. “The police and firefighters were doing their best to start the search and rescue, but back then, no one except the military was trained to deal with mass destruction like this,” Ice said.

Unfortunately, managing a scene of destruction was not a new experience for Ice, who had experienced combat on a foreign battlefield. “Mass-casualty events are chaos, with everyone screaming, hollering, bleeding out. The Murrah building was flapping in the breeze. Big chunks were still falling down. It was so unsafe, and a secondary gas line explosion could have happened at any moment.”

After 29 years, tears still fill his eyes as he talks about it. “I remember looking up and seeing about 50 nurses and doctors

in scrubs rushing toward us from St. Anthony Hospital. They showed up and started helping those poor people. They were real angels that day.”

Ice made contact with Ted Wilson, the chaplain with the Oklahoma City Fire Department, about the best location for a logistical command post. It needed to be near the bombing site, but not block emergency equipment moving in and out of the area. The Southwestern Bell building was selected, which was ideal for communications. A large army tent was brought in, and Ice recalls it as the first of many unanticipated moments when Oklahomans solved problems on the spot.

“We couldn’t stake the tent into the concrete,” Ice said. “A guy with the street department just showed up and used his jack hammer to make holes in the parking lot. The Spirit of Oklahoma was evident in a lot of ways that day.”

Once the command post was established, various groups began setting up their temporary headquarters and directing operations, which included setting up safety barriers, choosing vehicle paths, directing volunteers, and figuring out how to refuel trucks—an endless list.

The first need, however, was one that few were prepared to manage. “I’m sorry to say this, but my top priority was to identify a casualty collection point. I remember sending to Fort Sill for body bags. We didn’t know, then, that we would need 168 of them,” Ice said. “Then, we needed a refrigerated truck to store the bodies in until medical examiners and legal authorities could do their job— because remember, it was a crime scene.”

Ice thinks it is important to talk about the bombing, which is still vivid in his mind 29 years later. Eighteen of the lives lost that day were Edmond residents, who are honored at Mitch Park.

“It was such a sad day,” Ice said. “Family members kept showing up to ask about their loved ones. One of the casualties was my cousin, Paul Ice, a former Marine. A good guy, gone.”

Ice also remembers the many heroes he encountered. “People responded so magnificently to every need. If we needed gloves or bracing materials or a jack hammer—whatever we needed, we got it. There was such support and heartfelt benevolence that day. The Oklahoma Spirit was truly evident that day.”

Rex Ice and Randy Ledger

Randy Ledger: Survivor

Randy Ledger was a maintenance worker at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building the day of the bombing. That morning, he was tasked with cleaning the lights in the building’s daycare center.

“I started my day up on a ladder, with all the kids running around below me,” said Ledger. “They would look up and ask things like, ‘What are you doing up there?’ I said, ‘I’m cleaning the lights,’ and they would go off to play.”

Ledger remembers a woman rocking a baby below him, and he remembers one-year-old Baylee Almon crawling around on the floor. At 9:00, it was breaktime. He had walked to the maintenance office to sign some papers when the bomb went off.

“I thought I was being electrocuted, and from that moment on, I was in and out of consciousness,” said Ledger. “I felt the weight of being buried under two feet of rubble.”

Next, Ledger heard the twangy voice of his co-worker, Mike Loudenslager. “Mike heard me tapping below the rubble and said he would get some help,” Ledger said. “In that split second, I went from elation at having been found, to horror that they were leaving.”

Ledger blacked out again, struggling to breathe, until he felt someone standing on his legs. “Ow! You are on my legs!”

Before that day, I was a miserable, cynical man. Now, I believe in miracles, because I was saved.

Ledger’s voice was heard by Terry Yeakey of the Oklahoma City Police Department. “There’s someone under me!” Yeakey shouted.

The rubble was removed and Ledger’s serious medical condition was visible. Much of his face was wounded, and a 5-inch shard of glass was lodged in his neck, through his jugular vein and carotid artery. “The only reason I didn’t bleed to death was because the wound was packed with powdered concrete and fiberglass from the blast.”

Ledger remembers thinking, “Don’t give up,” which was ingrained into him by his military father and his own Army training. The ambulance technician, Daryl Wood, kept Ledger awake by talking to him. “Daryl told me to sing a song. He said I sang Jesus Loves Me.”

In the hospital, Ledger was unable to speak, but he could write messages. He wrote many. He thanked the medical staff. He asked about his friends. He asked about the children.

What he learned was heartbreaking: Terry Yeakey was badly injured while rescuing him. Baylee Almon had died in the arms of a firefighter. Mike Loudenslager was counted among the dead.

“I know I heard Mike’s voice. I testified that he was not killed in the initial blast; that he died while trying to rescue me,” Ledger said. “Before that day, I was a miserable, cynical man. Now, I believe in miracles, because I was saved.”

Edmond Farmer’s Market

By Maria Veres

For many local families, a Saturday morning grocery-shopping trip to the Edmond Farmer’s Market is a cherished tradition. This year’s outdoor market opens April 20. As always, it will offer many chances to share the joy of local foods across the generations.

Involving Kids and Families

Interactions between farmers and shoppers of all ages are at the heart of the Farmer’s Market. “It’s wonderful to watch a seasoned farmer kneel down and talk to a kid about how to grow a potato,” says director Emily Harmon.

Some vendors bring their children or grandchildren along, making the market a true multi-generational adventure.

Young shoppers can discover locally made treats like cotton candy and colorful lollipops. They can see a fresh watermelon being cut open and learn about new foods like microgreens and kale. This year’s market also includes more food trucks and ready-to-eat foods for families to enjoy.

Celebrating Growth and Community

The Farmer’s Market experience doesn’t end when customers take home their groceries. This year, Emily and her team are introducing Monday social media videos to give busy families ideas for preparing their farm-fresh groceries. “We’re looking to create more interactions with the community,” says Emily.

“We’re very proud of what’s been accomplished so far,” says Emily. “We’re excited about the future and what the Farmer’s Market can become.”

The Farmer’s Market is free to the public, with a mix of beloved longtime vendors and new faces this year. More than half the vendors live in the Edmond city limits, and they’re deeply invested in the community.

The outdoor Edmond Farmer’s Market will be open Saturdays from 8:00-1:00 beginning April 20 at Festival Marketplace, 26 W. First Street. The outdoor Midweek Market runs from June 3-August 28, Wednesdays from 8:00-1:00 in Mitch Park, 2733 Marilyn Williams Drive. Learn more at edmondok.gov/365/Farmers-Market.

Kirkpatrick Bank

By Maria Veres

Serving Oklahoma for more than fifty years, Kirkpatrick Bank is a trusted local resource for home mortgages and refinancing. The Edmond-based bank offers personalized service with competitive rates.

An Enduring Legacy

If you’ve lived in Oklahoma for a while, you’ll recognize the Kirkpatrick name. The family has been serving and giving back to our community for five generations. Bank Chairman Christian Keesee, grandson of John Kirkpatrick, continues the tradition of philanthropy and community leadership.

Grounded in safe, sound banking practices, Kirkpatrick Bank endured the financial crises of 1982 and 2009, and it is still thriving today. It was renamed Kirkpatrick Bank in 2004 and reached $1 billion in assets in 2021.

The bank’s loan officers share the Kirkpatrick family’s deep commitment to serving Oklahomans. The team has worked together for many years.

Mortgage Loan Originator

Barbara Drake is now helping the next generation of original clients with mortgages for their first homes.

A Full Range of Mortgage Options

Kirkpatrick Bank has a strong tradition of helping first-time homebuyers. The bank’s website includes information about being mortgage ready, and loan officers can help clients uncover hidden problems that affect their credit. For buyers with good credit but low cash reserves, they offer 100% financing.

The bank also helps clients with investment properties, vacation homes, and refinancing. If you’re buying property outside Oklahoma, they offer loan origination from any state.

Tighter loan requirements and high prices have made it challenging to buy a home right now. The locally based, experienced team at Kirkpatrick Bank is committed to walking clients through the mortgage process and helping them find the best options.

Kirkpatrick Bank has several locations in Edmond, OKC, and Colorado. The main bank is located at 15 E 15th St, Edmond. Find them online at kirkpatrickbank.com.

Barbara Drake and Regina Lewis from the Kirkpatrick Bank Mortgage Department.

Outdoor Living Trends From Local Pros Who Know

By Laura Beam

Having fun outdoors has become a top priority for homeowners in recent years, and more than ever, people are feathering their nests with a variety of luxury additions and personalized creature comforts. Taking as much care with the outdoor style as the interior design of a home is a growing trend. Equally important, the functionality of the space reflects families’ entertainment styles, hobbies, and eco-friendly lifestyles.

Celebrating 30 years in business, Andy Nelson, owner of Nelson Landscaping in Edmond, designs and creates stunning outdoor havens throughout the metro. “Post-Covid, people are spending more and more time in their backyards, making memories that will last forever,” Nelson says.

Trending Friendly

Whether it’s conserving water, creating a low-maintenance landscape, using environmentally friendly grilling practices, or selecting sustainable materials, homeowners are embracing many energy-efficient and eco-friendly trends in their fresh air spaces.

Craig Yarnell, who has been the manager at Hahn Appliance Warehouse in Edmond for 15 years, has seen a rise in outdoor cooking overall in recent years. “Outdoor griddles and pellet grilling seem to be gaining momentum,” he says. “I don’t see many people charcoaling like they used to. Natural gas is a cleaner option and probably has the least maintenance of the different grill types.”

a return on your investment over time with water cost savings, and you’re helping the environment.”

Take it Easy

Post-Covid, people are spending more and more time in their backyards, making memories that will last forever.

Another energy-conscious trend is sprinkler systems that waste less water and are more efficient. Nelson says, “You get

While homeowners want beautiful landscapes, many also insist that they be low-maintenance. “It’s the number one thing we are asked for,” Nelson recounts. “Using ground cover like crushed granite and decorative rocks instead of mulch is a good option because mulch has to be replenished every year.” The use of boulders is popular too. “They can’t die, and they’ll look good in the landscape for the next hundred years,” Nelson laughs. Low-maintenance plants that need little trimming are also key to a manageable yard. “Some popular options are Nellie Stevens Hollies, Crape Myrtles, Taylor Junipers, and Yucca,” Nelson comments. Minimal watering is another low-maintenance must for many. Nelson suggests Yucca and sage. He says, “They’re great because there are many varieties of each, they require minimal, if any, watering, and they are sustainable in Oklahoma’s harsh climate. With a pallet of around 100 different plants we like to use, we can make a pretty bullet-proof landscape despite our harsh, cold winters and brutally hot summers.”

Indoors Out

Outdoor kitchens continue to proliferate and more people are grilling year-round. Yarnell says that choosing the right type of grill is the first thing to consider. “Gas and pellet are the two best-sellers,” he says. “Next, heating times and how many people you intend to cook

for will help determine the best grill size. What food you like to cook comes into play too. If you like to experiment with various flavors, pellets are ideal because you can change pellets and really get a different flavor.”

Bringing the same level of interior style to outdoor spaces is more prevalent than ever, even in hardscaping. “Lueder stone patios and walkways are the most high-end looking,” Nelson says, “followed by custom stamped concrete and pavers. You can build a pretty cost-effective walkway using a gold flake or gray decomposed granite. Custom stone edging is another natural element that when put together on a professional level can have a stunning finished look.”

Outdoors In

Incorporating a sunroom into outdoor living is a dominant trend this year, allowing homeowners to connect with nature and enjoy natural sunlight, fresh air, and scenic views while being shielded from the elements. Matt Durrett, Division Manager of Sunrooms & More in Edmond, says, “The most popular sunroom in Edmond is the studio style with quad doors.” It consists of a single-sloped roof and typically complements the architectural features of a home. “Black framing is also a big trend,” he adds, “and motorized screens and motorized pergolas are huge hits right now too.”

Sunrooms have become more versatile today, not only offering a tranquil spot to relax but also providing extra space for work, entertainment, or hobbies. Durrett says they have done some unique sunrooms over the 36 years, and adds, “We always love doing rooms for peoples’ fur babies!”

Memories of Jay!

By Louise Tucker Jones

It’s my son’s birthday. The second since Jay went to heaven. I’ve been anticipating this date, wondering how I might honor him. Jay had a phenomenal personality and was incredibly loving but also fun and joyful. Let me tell you a few “Jay” stories.

Years ago, my late husband, Carl and I taught a Sunday School class for children with special needs, including our son, Jay. One day a sweet little girl was wheeled into the room. Katie couldn’t walk or talk so Jay decided to take charge. He made sure Katie had anything she needed, hugging her gently, watching over her like a big brother, even wheeling her into the sanctuary. They developed a forever friendship.

In the same way, Jay and his grandmother bonded over and over through the years, especially after my dad died and she came to stay with us. Jay embraced anyone who was sad or fragile. Mama was both, but Jay drew her out with hugs and laughter. They snuggled together with family photos then laughed while watching WWE Smackdown on TV. He was her light in grief and became her joy.

But oh, there were many fun times. Once Jay and I visited a little church in Arkansas. Not knowing anyone, we found seats toward the back with Jay sitting on the aisle chair. He was excited when they carried the American and Christian flags down the aisle. To Jay, the flag represented his dad in the U.S. Army. After the pledges and prayer, the flag bearers marched toward the back.

As they passed our row, Jay gave them a thumb’s up and disrupted the silent congregation with “Good job!” The gentleman behind us chuckled aloud. Having already witnessed Jay’s hearty singing, he leaned forward and said, “I hope y’all come back.”

Music, dance, and worshiping the Lord were definitely Jay’s happy places.

He loved home, family, birthdays, Sonic Cokes, neckties and fun road trips. Jay was, and always will be a true gift of love and I am so thankful that God chose me to be his mother.

Jay Jones, my sweet son, your memory lives on forever!

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.

Jay on a fun road trip in Arkansas

a look back Mitch Park

Three unidentified people visit the water feature at Mitch Park in the 1920s. The park was established in 1890 near Edmond’s natural spring. With the encouragement of John L. Mitch, citizens planted more than 400 trees, as the area was then mixed-grass prairie. The park, located between Campbell and Edwards off Broadway, was used for celebrations, speeches, and town events. By the mid1950s, the land was mostly used as an athletic field by Edmond Public Schools, and town events shifted to Stephenson Park.

In 1992, city voters funded a new park of 278 acres at Covell and Santa Fe. In 1994, city council named the park in honor of John L. Mitch, celebrating him as the "father" of Edmond's first park and recognizing his many accomplishments as mayor and his efforts in helping develop the college.

Photo provided by Edmond History Museum, edmondhistory.org