February 2022
Mary Nhin’s Ninjas Simply Indie Film Fest Kangwa’s Greenwood Opera Chazlen’s Unique Instruments
My wife, Alison, kept something from me when we started dating 5 years ago. At that time our “dating representatives” were on their best behavior - doing their best to not scare off a prospective future mate with some obsession or really strange behavior. I get it, we all have secrets. Fast forward a few years and on a beautiful beach in Maui, unbeknownst to me, I married a diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. Oh, yeah. Alison kept this a secret for a while. But when that ring went on her finger and the most beautiful sunset faded over the horizon, she was probably thinking about one of those “second and goal” trick plays the Chiefs are famous for or maybe one of those precision Mahomes screen passes to Travis Kelse. She’s crafty, my Alison. Our first season together, I mean year together, started out with us casually watching a game. As I remember, she didn’t seem too excited about it - but she did know quite a bit of player history, stats, and exactly what a “touchback” is. I’m still a little confused about those. Since then, season after season, she consistently amped up her fandom - and her volume when she deems a Chief’s penalty unjust. So her our favorite team is in the playoffs. We’re on the couch watching - you guessed it, the Chiefs. Alison’s in her Chiefs pajamas yelling at refs. Me - I’m still a little confused about touchbacks. My funny valentine. I like the Chiefs - but I love her.
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Features 8
Simply Indie Film Festival
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Local Eats: The Lab Bar & Grill
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True Frenemies: The Game
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Mary Nhin’s Ninjas
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Bonnie’s Purse?
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Kangwa’s Greenwood Opera
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Deer Creek Transition Center
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Fleeting Moments in Nature
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Chazlen’s Unique Instruments
Business 22
Lock It Up Safes
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JMR Realty
Columns Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President
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In Other Words With Dave
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Louise Tucker Jones
Cover Photography by www.sundancephotographyokc.com
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Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.
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© 2022 Back40 Design, Inc.
PUBLISHER Dave Miller l EDITOR Jennay Wangen l ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Angie Clemens Byers l GRAPHIC DESIGN Adrian Townsend, Anne Richardson PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com l DISTRIBUTION Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to over 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
Simply Indie Film Fest
Weekend of Independent Films!
Thursday, February 24
Friday, February 25
Saturday, February 26
Commonplace Books 21 S Broadway
ShowBiz Cinemas 3001 Market Street
ShowBiz Cinemas 3001 Market Street
10:00 am - Block 1 Assisted Living Down Seafaring Way Knights When We Dream A Long Road to Liberty Zareen The Jessicas If Any Closed for the Weekend Retirement Day
10:00 am - Feature Attic Trunk
5:30 pm - Badge Pick-Up 6:00 pm - Filmmaker/Screenwriter/ Photographer introductions and press 6:30 pm - Screenplay Finalist selected readings The Patriarch Craft Beer House & Lawn 9 E Edwards St 8:00 pm - Kickoff Party
Simply Indie Film Fest is proud to bring over 100 films and screenplays to the ShowBiz Theater (3001 Market Street) February 25-26, 2022. The festival is open to anyone who likes movies - it is geared toward adults. Weekend passes can be purchased at SimplyIndieFilmFest.com or at the door during the event. Passes range from $15-$40.
1:45 pm - Block 2 The Real Picture! Great Mistakes The Music Store The Gate That Night Transition Marshmallows The Paradox A Real Friend Maybe Tonight Sardis 3:45 Feature Sakthi Vibrations 5:45 pm - Feature Human Resources
Stick Up
8:00 pm - Block 3 Before You Woke Kalamiti Across Her Mind Cook With The Heart Hang Up Rose Royce At the Strawberry Stand Lilly Pap Trap Household Demons He Wants To Know My Number The Monster Within Love Me Tinder Edmond Railyard 23 W 1st St 10:00 pm - After Party
Javelina Run
11:45 am - Block 4 On/Off Strawberry Toast Something Kiss Me Ca Va? Javelina Run The Guy Next To Me Paranoia Underdogs Torn Kathy with a “K” Goodnight Mr. Vincent van Gogh 1:45 pm - Feature Fighting for Daybreak 3:30 pm - Block 5 Welcome to Forever Do Mi Sol Incurable Be F*cking Weird Fire in Little Africa-The Doc Eviction Conviction Sibylline Turtles 5:30 pm - Block 6 Stage Fright Falling South Manufactured Luck June 652=0 Curb Service 7:30 pm - Block 7 Exit Package Disposal Mirror Pathfinder A Bit of Colored Ribbon Ruby Eyes Food Apnea Death Offers Life Stick Up 9:30 pm - Award Ceremony Frenzy Brewing Company 15 S Broadway 10:00 pm - After Party
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FOODLOOK
Niraj Aryal, owner By Laura Beam
The Lab Bar & Grill Chicken Tikka on a sizzling cast iron plate. An Angus beef burger on a premium bun. Locally sourced produce. And 28 beers on tap in a spacious, sleek bar and lounge. Welcome to The Lab Bar and Grill, Edmond’s coolest new addition to the neighborhood! More than just wings, beer, and TVs with a view from every seat in the house, this modern eatery sports a fusion of American, Mexican, Italian, and Indian fare like no other. Re-imagined concoctions like the Onion Ring Burger with queso and mushrooms, Tikka Tacos, and Chicken Chipotle Pasta, appropriately inspire the restaurant’s name, The Lab. Here, spices and ingredients are carefully mixed and tested to exacting standards before making their menu debut. “I train the staff to create dishes just the way I envision them so customers consistently get their favorites just the way they like them,” says owner Niraj Aryal. Go Global Retired Aerospace Cybersecurity professional, Aryal, opened The Lab in November 2021. “Food is my passion. I’ve studied it all over the world and wanted to bring the spices from India and blend them with southern cuisine,” Aryal explains. Hints of cumin, cardamom, turmeric, and coriander 10
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meld seamlessly in dishes, punching up traditional foods with exciting flavor. The Tikka Tacos are made fresh each day in batches. Chicken, pork, and beef are marinated in garlic, ginger, coriander, and sour cream to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, then placed in a tortilla and topped with pico de gallo, cilantro, and Ranch dressing. Wildly flavorful without being overly spicy, these tacos have become a huge hit. Wing It “People are adamant about their hot wings,” Aryal notes, “and I create one-of-a-kind sauces that make them unique.” In one sauce, high-altitude chili peppers from Nepal are blended with hot sauce and honey, delivering a robust bite without a full burn. The Honey Sriracha, Garlic Parmesan, and BBQ Honey are other favorites on the traditional or boneless wings. Fusion Meets Function Even The Lab’s setting is a comfortable blend of tastes, attracting both families and night-lifers. A convenient place to enjoy excellent burgers, pasta, chicken sandwiches, salmon, and steak, The Lab also has a large separate bar and lounge area with karaoke, a Friday night DJ, trivia, and live concerts. Complete with artistic epoxy tables designed by Aryal himself, moody blue underlighting, and pool tables, it is the perfect spot to unwind. Just try not to have fun with a drink like the Tesla-tini, Einstein on the Beach, or Lab Goggles in one hand and a fried pickle appetizer in the other! Check out their Sunday brunch, too! Visit 1333 N. Santa Fe Ave., Edmond (former location of Buffalo Wild Wings) or thelabbarandgrill.com. Party space and on and off-site catering is also available.
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FEATURELOOK
By Amy Dee Stephens
True Frenemies: The Game
In the game of life, designing a board game was not in the cards for Derek White’s family–at least not until a Sunday conversation after church in 2018. “Did you enjoy Bible class today?” Derek asked his two tween-aged children. “Not really, Dad. You talked too much.” The following Saturday, Derek, who was co-teaching the class with his wife, Lucy, had a last-minute idea to approach the class with less lecture and more play. Derek made a game on a poster board and put action prompts onto the back of business cards. He didn’t know he was creating the prototype for his future board game. “That first Sunday, the game was a little rough. We spent three Sunday mornings playing it and tweaking it, but we recognized the potential,” Derek said. “After that, we started play-testing it. It was definitely a family effort, because we played it so many times, with so many people--especially my daughter and her friends.” Board Games in the Basement Fast forward to December 2019. The Whites had spent countless hours finalizing the artwork and production of their True Frenemies board game—just in time for Christmas. Two trucks arrived at the White’s home in Iowa with their first order of 5,000 games. “Twenty thousand pounds of games!” said Derek. “They got unloaded into our garage, and then we moved them down into the basement. Sales were just taking off when Covid hit, so a lot of our marketing plans and church game nights were thrown out the window.” True Frenemies has experienced a rebound this season, the first sales came from local stores in Derek’s hometown of 12
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Pictured from left to right: Karen, Sydney, Derek, Lucy, & Sean White Edmond and nearby Guthrie, since then the game has been picked up by Mardel and Christian Books. “The game is high quality,” Derek said. “I was stunned when I got the demo copy. The board feels heavy, the colors are vibrant. It’s like a work of art. Dug Campbell and Chris Wells created the visual elements, which is a Fortnite-inspired design of climbing a mountain.” Keep Your Frenemies Close When Derek developed the Bible-based game, he was teaching the concept of choosing friends wisely and being a good Samaritan. The premise of True Frenemies is similar to The Game of Life. “But it’s not enough to roll-and-move to the finish. The unique twist is that you have to covertly help a “secret friend” to reach the Tree of Life with you,” Derek said. Derek, a quantitative analyst, built a simulator to test portions of the game thousands of times and help calibrate every situation, which includes various consequence cards. “I knew it couldn’t be too complicated, so there are simple instructions and extra notes if needed. We’re a busy family, and we don’t want to read a ton of rules either.” Although Derek never planned to design a game, he played Dungeons and Dragons during his childhood and even created a poetry game for his wedding reception. “I don’t know if it was in my DNA to create a game, but it all came together,” Derek said. He just never predicted that a Sunday school lesson would be the impetus. Visit Mount21.com to learn more.
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FEATURELOOK
Joseph, Mary, Kang, Kobe, & Michael Nhin By Amy Dee Stephens
Mary Nhin’s Ninjas Mary Nhin takes a Ninja approach to life. “You need grit and mental toughness!” These are the values that she taught to her children and is now teaching to children around the world through her successful book series, Ninja Life Hacks. “When my three boys were young, I would teach them to deal with problems by making up stories about ninjas who had special problem-solving powers,” Mary said. “Right before the pandemic, I started writing the stories down and began self-publishing them.” Two years later, Mary has over 100 titles in print, which have sold over eight million copies! Additionally, she has a merchandise line with everything from ninja costumes and t-shirts to lunch boxes and bedding, and a television show and toy line are under negotiation, as well. What has made Ninja Life Hacks such an instant hit? “The books deal with very relatable emotions that all children face, like frustration, loneliness, or fear,” Mary said. “I think the stories resonate with children because they are told from a friend point of view in a way that normalizes emotions and teaches coping strategies.” The books also address modern topics. For example, Unplugged Ninja learns techniques for moderating screen time, and Hangry Ninja discovers how to regulate eating times. Some of the books address the development of 14
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positive qualities such as kindness or focus, and in Funny Ninja, children learn how to tell three kinds of jokes. “My boys were kids with BIG emotions, like anxiety, jealousy and anger. One day, my youngest was struggling with something, and I asked him if he could control it. He said, ‘No.’ So I took a dandelion from the backyard and had him blow his worries away. It was a strategy concept that eventually made it into my first book, Worry Ninja, which is a best-seller.” Mary’s 65 Ninja Life Hacks books are illustrated by an artist from Croatia named, Jelena Stupar. The new 2022 releases cover what Mary calls, “executive functioning skills,” such as flexibility and adaptability. A different illustrator is working on Mary’s newest series about real people who have overcome challenges. “A lot of people ask me how my background qualifies me to write these books,” Mary said. “I’m not an educator or mental health counselor, but the life lessons have come from my experiences as a parent and business owner.” Mary and her husband, Kang, own five Oklahoma sushi restaurants, including Nhinja Sushi in Edmond. “Being a business owner, especially in the restaurant industry, takes a lot of mental toughness—which is a valuable life skill in every aspect of life. That’s why toughness is a recurring theme in my books.” During the pandemic, Mary saw a growing need to empower children to express their emotions during isolation. Titles on anger, loneliness and calmness became go-to titles for parents. “I became isolated, too, sitting in my living room writing books on my laptop—but the ideas are still coming. My core mission is to help children develop confidence and belief in themselves so they can go out and reach for the stars.” Based on Mary’s incredible success, her ninja-tough approach to life is helping create ninjas of the future. Visit ninjalifehacks.tv to learn more.
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FEATURELOOK
By Sarah Ward
Bonnie’s Purse? The University of Central Oklahoma’s W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute, in collaboration with the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, is using its nationally ranked expertise to solve a mystery involving one of the nation’s most notorious outlaws. Through a donation, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum received a purse believed to belong to Bonnie Parker of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo, who committed dozens of robberies and burglaries while running from law enforcement between 1932 and 1934. While the purse, which is stamped with Parker’s name and features what is presumed to be a single bullet hole, is believed to belong to Parker, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum staff wants to make sure. “It’s a mystery and we are going to use forensic science to solve that mystery,” said Caitlin Porterfield, instructor of forensic science at UCO. “The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum wanted to verify that it was her purse, so they approached us and asked if there were any forensic science techniques to authenticate this purse. We will try a number of techniques to assist with this process,” said Caitlin Porterfield, instructor of forensic science at UCO. Faculty members from UCO’s FSI conducted DNA tests and fingerprint scans on the purse in hopes of finding indisputable evidence. Rhonda Williams, Ph.D., associate professor of forensic science at UCO, formerly worked for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and is leading the DNA screening on this project. Williams said since no DNA sample from Parker exists, they will compare DNA from her last known living relative. “I think it’s very possible to pull DNA off this purse,” Williams said. “The question will be, who’s is it? If we find DNA and we can somehow link it, that’s amazing and the museum can use it for their exhibits.” Melissa Owens, interim chief curatorial officer, and registrar for the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum said the purse was donated to the museum but it didn’t have direct provenance to prove its authenticity. “We decided to turn to science and contacted UCO, who graciously accepted to help us on this quest,” Owens said. “There are not many items directly associated with either Bonnie or Clyde. If it is Bonnie’s then as a historical piece it’s priceless.” Regardless of the DNA results, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum plans on displaying the purse in an exhibit about outlaws and lawmen set to open in 2022. For more information about the FSI at UCO, visit www.uco. edu/fsi.
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FEATURELOOK
Kangwa Mundende By Amy Dee Stephens
Kangwa’s Greenwood Opera
Kangwa’s opera, named Greenwood, is a fictionalized retelling of the Tulsa race riots. “The opening is a negro spiritual called Nobody Knows, based on my own discovery that ‘nobody knows about this story,’” Kangwa said. “Next is a discussion amongst the black community about how to deal with the growing racial agitation, which ultimately leads to the confrontation and aftermath.” Edmond native, Kangwa Mundende, had no idea that “It’s not just a white versus black story--that would a middle school orchestra class would direct the musical be a dishonest conversation because it’s more complex course of his life. He was that “normal” kid without a musical than that. It’s a power structure that includes economy, background who is now composing a landmark opera about media, and societal failures. I’m trying to humanize the the Tulsa Race Massacre. He was also that kid who never interconnectedness of being American and codify what learned about the Tulsa riots in history class. happened; a collective unburdening, so that we can assure “I was playing pickup basketball, and a college teammate that such violence never happens again.” mentioned it,” Kangwa said. “I was like, ‘Dude, I’ve never “Opera wasn’t widely used for political or nationalistic heard of this!’ He said, ‘Look it up, man—it was terrible.’ I did, purposes until the 19th century and more recently in and I was shocked that it happened and shocked that the the 1980s in America,” Kangwa said. “American opera is story had been so hidden. That was May 2020 when things embracing composers and performers of color who can got real, so I decided that as an artist, the give light to historical stories that aren’t story of Greenwood needed to be taken normally told. I’m not the first black opera Kangwa’s video anthem composer, but opera is less known in the seriously by society-at-large, through the grandiose nature of opera.” to honor his late mother, black community, so I’m having to create Kangwa committed to writing his first those bridges.” Grace, was a first-round opera, and he’s been singularly focused on Finessing such a large work of music has learning the business of opera production become more manageable in segments. Grammy nomination. ever since. At each step, from soliciting Kangwa created a video of a choir singing a grants to writing the storyline and meeting chorus from Greenwood, and he’s gathered with musicians, he’s immersed himself in the project that will instrumentalists to record other excerpts. “It’s honestly an likely take two more years to complete. incredible experience to hear my music come to life, and it “I had this stereotypical notion about the lonely starving helps me pinpoint what is and isn’t working.” artist, thinking and toiling over his magnum opus—but In 2019, Kangwa composed an anthem to honor his late it takes a lot of people to bring an opera to life,” Kangwa mother. Kangwa was humbled to learn that the video, Grace, said. “I wasn’t raised with classical music. It was introduced was a first-round Grammy nomination. “Music is such a to me at school. I transferred to Edmond North High community thing. I’ve studied hard to try and capture the School just to be in the orchestra led by Peter Markes. He magic that would lend credence to my opera. Tulsa’s story brought out something in me that I didn’t know I had. It was deserves to be told in a way that makes a cultural impact, and transformative. Now I have incredible guidance from Painted so far, the people who know about it are really, really excited.” Sky Opera at the University of Central Oklahoma.” To learn more, go to kangwamundende.com 18
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FEATURELOOK
By Maggie Murdock Nichols
Deer Creek Transition Center Pictured from left to right: Debbie Kuykendall, Jack Fry, Kenneth Dennis (former board member), Mary Jane Fry, James Edwards (CFO), Nick Pettit (teacher), Ranet Tippens (outgoing Superintendent), Dr. Jason Perez (Superintendent), Brighton Squires (in front), Dr. James Rose (Director of Student Services), Heather Squires (in front), John Robertson (former board member), Olivia Seefeldt (teacher), Monique Dodd (in front), Janice Gales, Luke Gales Asa Shannon is a junior at Deer Creek High School. He’s looking forward to having a place where he and other students can learn how to work and live. When asked what he’d like to tell those that were involved in the process of creating Deer Creek Transition Center (DCTC), he says, “I just want to say thank you.” A Place like Home, at School The Deer Creek Transition Center will be the first of its kind in the state, meeting developmental and transitional needs. Special education teacher Nick Pettit, or “Coach Nick” as his students call him, says, “A classroom versus a real-life setting where I can teach essential life skills will be a game-changer for my students.” When completed the 4000 square foot DCTC will be equipped with a bedroom, bathroom, washer and dryer, kitchen (a cross between commercial and home kitchen), a work simulation area, and recreational space. Many regular education students will benefit from the center as well. The high school has service learners who give up an elective course to be paired with a special education student. They accompany a special education student, modeling appropriate behavior and making sure they complete assignments. Dr. James Rose, Executive Director of Student Services says, “Many regular education students don’t know how to do laundry or cook for themselves, so they’ll be learning right alongside special education kids. Our goal is to equip every student with the tools they need to eventually live on their own. They’ll be taught how to take care of themselves and their homes, but finding hobbies and ways to fill leisure time is also key to quality of life.” 20
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A Legacy for Future Students Heather Squires is involved in the Deer Creek Parents Support Group, a physical therapist and mother of Brighton, a special education student who just graduated from Deer Creek. Though her daughter has graduated, she is committed to seeing this project through, “My younger daughter is still at Deer Creek and is a service learner.” There are many involved in the project who know firsthand how vital the center will be to future students and their families. The center is over ten years in the making and took many hands for it to come to fruition. Ranet Tippens, the former superintendent, leaves a legacy of ensuring students were offered the resources they needed to succeed after high school. Dr. Rose estimates over ten thousand people were involved in funding the project. The student-led fundraising week, Wonderful Week of Fundraising, has historically donated 10% of funds to DCTC. The center itself was funded by a bond, but the inside and supplies needed for programming will come from the efforts of the Parents Support Group. The Parents Support Group is a nonprofit that raises funds for Special Olympics, offers support to special education parents, and continues to fundraise for the DCTC. Nick says, “We‘ll need things like bedding, furniture, board games, pots, and pans; things to make it feel like a real home.” They also hope to acquire a food truck and teach the students to run it for football games and other special events. For more information about the DCTC find them on Facebook or deercreekschools.org.
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BIZLOOK
Lock It Up Safes
big enough, they also sell vault doors. All products are high quality, able withstand high temperatures and equipped with durable locks. “We carry safes we would use in our own homes,” says co-owner Sam Hixson. If you’re concerned about supplychain issues, Lock It Up Safes has you By Maria Veres covered. They use only established, reliable vendors, and they buy at high Nobody wants to think that a fire, volumes to ensure a healthy inventory. burglary, or other disaster might happen “We’re doing everything we can to keep to them. But if it does, the experts at the showroom full and our warehouse Lock It Up Safes will make sure your stocked,” says Sam. treasured possessions stay protected. Expert Delivery and Ongoing The Protection You Need, When You Customer Support Need It Once you’ve chosen your safe, the The four co-owners of the Edmondnext challenge is moving it. Lock It Up based business have many years of has that part covered, too. The same experience, and their goal is to find experts who sold you the safe will exactly the right safe to meet your deliver it and set it up in your home or needs. They offer products in all sizes, business. If you need to move it later, starting with a one-foot model that’s they’ll help with that as well. perfect for documents or jewelry. If their “Our customer service is second to largest six-foot by five-foot safe still isn’t none,” says co-owner Stephen Hall.
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If you have any problems after your purchase, the team is always there to help. They’re also happy to talk with anyone in the community who has questions or wants information about purchasing a safe. “Everyone has possessions they’d be upset to lose,” says Sam. “A safe can provide peace of mind.” Visit Lock It Up Safes at 716 West 15th Street in Edmond and online at lockitupsafes.com.
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BIZLOOK
JMR Realty By Maria Veres
When you sell your home, it’s frustrating to watch hard-earned equity disappear into high realtor commission fees. At JMR Realty, you don’t have to. The Edmond-based realty offers two money-saving options for sellers, as well as expert service for home buyers. Serving Homeowners Throughout OKC Sellers listing with JMR choose between a $999 flat fee and a straight 1% commission. There are no add-on fees or hidden costs for either option. With the flat-fee option, JMR arranges for photos and provides an MLS listing, a yard sign, and access to a digital platform for scheduling showings. It’s an
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affordable solution for sellers with the time and expertise to manage the details of the sale themselves. Homeowners wanting more help can choose the full-service 1% commission option. “I walk them through the process from start to finish,” says owner Jimmy Hughes. That includes negotiating the price with buyers, receiving offers, guiding the seller through the home inspection, and much more. As a licensed broker, Jimmy has lower overhead costs, allowing him to pass savings on to homeowners. Buyers agent fees are separate. If you’re buying a home, Jimmy will represent you as a full-service buyer’s agent. Meeting the Need for Affordable Realty Services Born and raised in Oklahoma, Jimmy worked for several years as a home builder. When he sold his personal home, he had trouble finding an agent who would offer the same 1% rate he
Jimmy Hughes
was charged as a builder. Seeing a need for this service, he became a realtor himself. Licensed in 2020, Jimmy already has a base of satisfied clients who appreciate the transparency he brings to the process. “The sellers are the ones who worked hard for their equity,” he says. “To be able to help them is what it’s all about.” Visit JMR Realty at jmrrealtyok.com.
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FEATURELOOK
Fleeting Moments in Nature By Maggie Murdock Nichols
Dave Strozdas’ goal is to remain incognito, blending in so he can capture his subjects relaxed in their natural habitat. Dave stands at six feet, six inches about six inches shorter than the hump of a moose, one of his favorite animals to photograph. He says, “They’re massive animals found in the most scenic of places. They’re easygoing until they’re mad. I’ve learned to keep my distance.” Arcadia Lake’s first Park Ranger Dave was hired as the first park ranger at Arcadia lake in 1986. At that time, the lake was under construction, a giant hole soon to be filled with 14,500 acres of water. Dave spent time walking the perimeter of the lake and observed various types of wildlife. Soon after the lake was completed and open to the public, Dave joined the Edmond Police Department. He had a front-row seat to the development of Arcadia lake and the wildlife that has thrived there over the years. Early last fall, he sat at a picnic table in Central State Park and watched as two eagles soared above him, swooping down to catch fish. A Childhood Fascination turns Career From an early age, Dave was fascinated by wildlife and made a career of keeping a watchful eye on the animals that inhabit wide-open spaces. After working at Lake Arcadia, Dave became an employee of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, while holding a dual commission as a US Deputy Game Warden. He had long hair and grew a beard, seamlessly mingling with hunters and fishermen. He made relationships with those in the field and investigated their activities, mostly watching those who participated in the illegal interstate transport of wildlife across state lines. Dave was given a camera as a teenager and took photographs as a hobby throughout his life, but became serious about photography in 2008. Dave has visited all fifty states. He participated in research projects involving the Jaguar in the Sierra Madres of Sonora, Mexico, and desert bighorn sheep and mountain lion interaction in the Chihuahuan Desert of south-central New Mexico. He has photographed tropical birds in Ecuador, where the Amazon jungle meets the Andes Mountains. Rhinoceros and Elephants were among the big game animals he photographed in South Africa. Locally, Dave has photographed beavers, deer, eagles, herons, and various other types of birds.
Dave Strozdas White Mountains, Arizona 26
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A Sharper Focus on the Future It’s Dave’s goal to stay out of the animal’s sight saying, “If an animal knows someone is near, they get stressed and tense.” It’s Dave’s passion to capture fleeting moments in nature without interrupting the animals. He plans his photography excursions around weather, seasons, migration patterns, and even breeding patterns. He says, “Big game animals let their guard down during breeding time. Their focus is their mate so they don’t care if I’m there or not.” This often creates an opportunity to get amazing shots. Dave is working with other nature and landscape photographers on international guided trips. Dave says, “As I’m retiring and winding down my career, I’m winding up my photography career.” To view his work and learn more about Dave visit mywildlifepix.com.
Bighorn Sheep, Black Hills, South Dakota
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ALOOKBACK
A Valentine Blessing! By Louise Tucker Jones Recently, my non-digital-batteryoperated clock quit working. A small, pewter one with little pigs on it. I know, sounds pathetic, but it’s truly cute. I picked it up at a garage sale years ago and it sits on the hearth, near my chair, so I always know what time it is. Granted, my cell phone is close by, but the years have trained me to glance at that little clock when watching TV or reading. When the room is silent you can actually hear a gentle “click” as the second hand moves forward. I missed hearing that sound so I decided my outdated timepiece was definitely worth fixing and did a Google search for places in Edmond that fix
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clocks. A Moment In Time popped up immediately and so did a memory. I wrote a story about the business owner, Mike Gilliam, several years ago. I copied that long ago article and took it and the clock to his shop. Mr. Gilliam was still there. I introduced myself and showed him the article. A fun remembrance for both of us, and yes, he fixed my little clock. That meeting brought up memories of so many people I have met and written stories about here in Edmond. I’m thankful to Dave Miller for starting Edmond Outlook Magazine many years ago and for asking me to come on board as a writer. I had the joy of interviewing so many wonderful people and writing about the amazing things they do before I ever wrote a column. And no, I’m not penning a good-bye article. I’m simply offering my thanks for your friendship and support through the years. Writing this column has not only been fun for me, but it was a lifesaver when my husband, Carl, went to heaven.
I loved having an outlet to express my grief, and many of you shared your hearts with me through emails. You have also prayed for the health of my son, Jay, and have touched my life deeply. You are truly a Valentine blessing and I hope I can be the same for others. God Bless and Happy Valentine’s Day! 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.
FEATURELOOK
By Amy Dee Stephens
Chazlen’s Unique Instruments about--I was intrigued by their sound and how they were Chazlen Rook finds it extremely satisfying to play a musical originally used.” instrument from her personal collection that audiences have As Chazlen explored music, however, she found herself in never before seen or heard. “Everyone takes it for granted the uncomfortable position of being too reliant on reading that we know all the instruments--so when I bring out my sheet music. “I couldn’t walk into a jam session and play nyckelharpa, with its little wooden pegs and 16 strings, they along. People would say, ‘Oh, you’re paper trained. You’ve got react with such curiosity!” to feel the rhythm and internalize the music.’” So, Chazlen The nyckelharpa is a Swedish folk instrument dating back began her quest to make music, not just play music. She to medieval times. For Chazlen, it is one of her most prized studied abroad in a mountain village in Norway, learning their purchases. “It has opened new worlds for me, as a historical folk music traditions, and now she carries a mouth harp in interest and a way to perform, because instruments are her pocket, often known as a Jew’s harp. “It’s simple, but you storytelling devices.” can take it anywhere for a short burst of Chazlen’s growing collection of Chazlen said. historical instruments also includes In her quest to make music, not entertainment,” A tenor banjo from 1924 is one of a mechanical organette from the mid-1880s, which is like a miniature just play music, Chazlen studied her recent acquisitions. She taught herself to play it during a family road player piano in a box. “Imagine a street abroad in Norway, learning trip, by listening to the banjo recordings performer wearing suspenders with a of an early coal miner. “The banjo is monkey on his shoulder, cranking out a their folk music traditions considered very American. It’s used in melody,” Chazlen said. folk entertainment and vaudeville, but it Chazlen did not come from an actually has African origins and was played by slave workers.” extremely musical family, but when she took middle-school Although Chazlen is still in school, she gives violin lessons orchestra, her love for violin took off. “My grandparents and performs. Last year, Chazlen bonded with other local bought me my first violin, and although they’ve passed away, musicians to form the group Rauland, named after the I’m continually discovering their musical culture through the Norwegian village where she studied. Rauland means ‘red antiques they left behind. My dad occasionally brings me a earth,’ so it has an obvious parallel to Oklahoma. For Chazlen, box of their things, and I learn about the kind of music they it’s an opportunity to share original compositions and play enjoyed, such as Vivaldi, Celtic music or big band music. When the historic instruments from her personal collection. I got into jazz, Dad brought me another box and said, ‘See, “I love playing to small audiences, because there’s nothing they loved jazz too.’” like seeing the wonder in the eyes of people who experience When Chazlen decided to study music at the University of a historic instrument for the first time. I often see tears,” Central Oklahoma, she was thrilled when the school loaned Chazlen said. “It’s a completely genuine emotional response her a student violin from 1867. “I started researching the to hearing a new form of music for the first time.” traditions of instruments. When I came across the nonstandardized instruments--the ones most people don’t know 30
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