February 2023

Years ago when I wrote my very clever online dating profile, there was no mention of future caregiving. No mention of my weekly chemotherapy treatments, or a schedule of medications that make me grouchy, amped-up, forgetful, or nauseous. My profile didn’t close the deal with “and if you like to self-quarantine, away from germs, I'm the ‘low immunity’ guy for you.” Nope. But somehow, whatever I wrote back then worked. I met a lovely lady named Alison.

The diagnosis came later, after years of trips, concerts, fancy meals - and a beautiful wedding on a beach in Maui. What I didn’t know then, as we smiled and curled our toes in the sand, was what a wonderful, loving and patient caretaker Alison would be.

She’s amazing at organizing my doctor appointments, keeping track of my medications - scheduling them into their little daily plastic pods. She analyzes my bloodwork results every week. She understands Myeloma better than I do. She patiently puts up with my medication moods, and has an unshakable faith that we’ll get through this. We have another year of this routine, then we’re told I’m off weekly treatments and free to live my life again.

My Valentine is sitting beside me here at chemo centralholding my hand. We hear a patient a few chairs away say, “If you have your health you have everything.” I’m gonna doubledown on that and say, if you have your health and someone who loves you - you have more than everything.

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

l info@edmondoutlook.com

FEBRUARY 2023 Volume 19, Number 2 l Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. l © 2023 Back40 Design, Inc.

Cover photography by Marshall Hawkins

Bringing HOPE to Edmond

By Maria Veres

Despite Edmond’s upscale reputation, many residents struggle financially. Since 1984, the HOPE Center has given a helping hand to clients across the community, providing food, clothing, utility bill assistance, and much more. “People don’t always realize how many services we offer,” says Executive Director Chris Sperry.

Meeting Emergency Needs

One recent client was a retired local pastor. Struggling with multiple life-threatening health issues, he also faced an eviction notice. The HOPE Center stepped in with assistance that allowed him to remain in his home. Later, he asked to speak to the Board of Directors about his experience and thank them personally. “It drove home to the Board what a difference we make in the community,” says Chris.

The acronym HOPE stands for “Helping Our People in Emergencies.” The agency was founded by members of the Ministerial Alliance, with a grant and volunteers from the Edmond Women’s Club. Many churches who helped start the nonprofit are still involved today. “This is a unique agency in that it’s always been community supported,” says Chris.

It can be tough to ask for help. The HOPE Center honors the confidentiality and dignity of all clients. People can apply for assistance online at home or at the local library, and food pickup for established clients is quick and discreet. Grocery packages have been designed by a registered dietician and contain enough nutritious food to provide meals for six people for at least a week.

Serving Our Most Vulnerable Residents

Along with meeting emergency needs, the HOPE Center helps clients find long-term solutions. When a recent client on Social Security couldn’t afford his prescriptions, his caseworker encouraged him to consult their onsite Medicare specialist. The client was skeptical, but he agreed. The specialist helped him find a better Medicare package that included prescription coverage.

Over time, caring relationships form between team

members and clients. One established client has limited mobility and needs extra help with food pickup. Her caseworker helps carry groceries to her car, and they’ve developed a warm friendship. “We do this because we love people,” says Chris. “We want people to come in and ask for help. That’s why we’re here.”

In hard times, young people are especially vulnerable. On cold days, it’s not unusual for the staff to get a call from a school counselor, requesting a coat for a student who came to school without one. “It happens more often than you’d think,” says Chris. Counselors also make referrals to the HOPE Center as a resource for families in need or high schoolers struggling to live on their own.

The HOPE Center serves many local families through WIC (Women, Infants and Children), a federal program that provides nutrition classes and counseling and breastfeeding classes and support. The center’s WIC clinic is independent, meaning clients aren’t required to visit a health department office to receive assistance. It books more than a thousand appointments a month.

Along with its own resources, the agency has an extensive referral network. The staff participates in monthly lunch-andlearn sessions with guest speakers from various organizations. "When we make referrals, we want to make sure the agencies will be there for our clients,” says Chris.

Everyone Can Make a Difference

The HOPE Center welcomes volunteers to help in the food pantry, clothing room, reception area, and more. Children under fifteen must be accompanied by an adult.

As a local, privately funded 501(c)3 nonprofit, the agency depends on donations from the community. People can also make a difference by shopping at the Hopefully Yours Resale shop, which helps fund the food pantry and other services.

“Edmond has grown tremendously, and the needs have grown with it,” says Chris. “We’re grateful to the community that they continue to support our services.”

The HOPE Center is located at 1251 N. Broadway Avenue, Suite A. To learn more, apply for assistance, or make a donation, visit them online at hopecenterofedmond.com.

Aspen Coffee

By Laura Beam

With a coffee shop on every corner these days, you might think loyalty is a thing of the past. But at Aspen Coffee, Oklahoma’s first small-batch roaster, a ground-breaking approach and robust sense of community have fueled a 28-year coffee culture.

In 1994, longtime friends Matt Johnston and Kelly Lyda tapped into the emerging coffee shop phenomenon and opened the first Aspen Coffee in Stillwater, OK. Little did they know, they were pioneering the craft coffee movement in Oklahoma. “It’s interesting how the coffee industry has evolved,” Matt reflects. “Early on, it seemed like a lot of shops opened simply because it sounded cool to have a coffee shop, even if coffee wasn’t really their passion. Now, there are incredible independent coffee shops everywhere. I’m a big believer in supporting all local coffee.”

Cool Beans

Four Stillwater locations and two Edmond cafes later, this buzzing coffee shop still gives you all the feels of the original magic they stirred up 28 years ago. There’s a reason their lattes are legendary, with full, rich flavor and no burnt taste or harsh after-bite. Not only do they source the best beans from all around the globe, but they micro-roast them to keep the coffee as fresh as possible. Business partner Kelly Lyda, under the nickname Fast Eddie, is the Master Roaster in Stillwater. “Kelly can really distinguish the tiny nuances of each variety of bean–color, temperature, sound and smell–when the batches are smaller,” Matt explains.

Smooth Operator

A great bean deserves a great brew, and each Aspen Coffee drink is handcrafted by enthusiasts who proudly obsess over every step in the process. Using semi-automatic LaMarzocco espresso machines, they’re kickin’ it old-school with nothing preprogrammed into the machine. The baristas can completely control and monitor each shot of espresso and each pitcher of steamed milk.

“Since there are so many really good local coffee shops in Oklahoma, we strive to create an overall experience at Aspen. We want to build relationships along with serving great coffee,” Matt says. The new Edmond location on 150th St., which opened in 2022 after moving from the 15th St. location, is a spacious hangout that also offers easy grab-and-go access, especially with a drive-thru. Inside, the sun-drenched café invites you to spread out and do homework, meet with clients or curl up on the couches for cozy conversations with friends.

Love at First Shot

Life is just better with espresso. And when Aspen meticulously melds it into tasty lattes, it’s a slam dunk, especially with an endless variety of flavor options. If you’re feelin’ chill, the Granita frozen latte is your new best friend. The Cortado is another top choice, with equal parts espresso and steamed milk.

Aspen’s baked goods are the perfect soul mate to your favorite drink. Cookies, scones, breads and more are made from scratch and baked fresh daily at each location. The breakfast burritos and biscuit sandwiches are available all day. And for the ultimate treat, try the chocolate-covered espresso beans—yum, and oh yeah!

Aspenheads

Over the decades, Aspen has developed a fun following of fans known as “Aspenheads.” Even before social media, loyal patrons proudly wore their Aspen t-shirts and took pics while traveling and enjoying great adventures. “It’s incredible,” Matt admits. “We are completely humbled that Aspenheads would think of us while visiting amazing places all over the world. People really get a feeling of community when you hang their pic on the wall.”

Stop by Aspen Coffee in Edmond at 2450 NW 150th St. or 3649 E. 2nd St., or visit aspencoffeecompany.com.

From Edmond to Hollywood: James Austin Kerr

By Taylor Bollinger

How does the shy kid from high school become a successful Hollywood actor? If you ask James Austin Kerr, the answer is "good relationships and hard work." The Edmond North graduate now lives in L.A., and you’ve probably seen his work.

Best known for “Queen of the South”, “Awake”, “13 Minutes” and “Dauntless: The Battle of Midway”, James’ 14-year career also includes household hits like “NCIS”, “The Mentalist”, “Criminal Minds” and a number of Hallmark Christmas movies.

With credits this long, some might assume James was a natural in front of crowds and cameras. But the actor says this was not always the case.

“I was just kind of a shy kid,” James said. “I was good at drums and skateboarding, and part of the ‘outcast scene’. I was introverted and terrified when it came to giving presentations or being in front of people.”

His first performance experience was as the drummer for a band. “As the drummer, you kind of have a shield in front of you – a barrier between you and the audience.”

By his senior year in high school, James decided to face his fear of the spotlight. “I just decided I was tired of feeling this way,” James explained. “I figured there was no better way to gain confidence than to be thrown into the lion’s den of acting, where everyone is focused on you, and people are counting on you to deliver.”

So, James joined an acting class in Norman. Taught by Oklahoma actor, casting director, producer and director, Chris Freihofer, James identifies the class as a turning point both personally and professionally.

“Without knowing a soul, I packed up my car and headed west.” With his “Hansen brother hair” and “California look”, James was quickly picked up by a modeling agency. He began shooting ads for brands like Target, TJ Maxx and various shoe companies while also taking acting classes.

“I knew finding success in acting would take trial, error and hard work,” James said. “But it took me a long time before I realized I had the talent for it.” Around five years into his pursuit, it clicked.

“Casting directors began to ask for me, and even if I didn’t get the role, I was gaining the experience and reading for roles and auditioning.” Through this process, James realized it was “sometimes less about talent and more about choices.”

“I began to look at each word as an opportunity,” James said. “It’s important to figure out what works on camera, and little things like a wink, nod or exaggeration of a word can make a scene unique and signature to you.”

Though intended for aspiring actors, James’ advice may actually apply to all: “The most unique thing you have to offer is yourself,” he said. “Use the particular gifts you have. That’s what is going to stand out.”

As his acting career continues to unfold, James hopes it will include writing, producing and the creative freedom that comes along with them.

In the meantime, Edmondites may keep an eye out for the actor at his favorite local spots like Kickingbird Cinema (where his love of film began) and Around the Corner Restaurant (where his love of the pancake sandwich began). Follow James on Instagram @jaustinkerr.

Without knowing a soul, I packed up my car and headed to L.A.

The Start of Something Sweet

By Taylor Bollinger

For many, baking is a hobby. For Alicia Taylor, it’s a lifesaver. When her husband died unexpectedly in 2019, Alicia was faced with the urgent need to provide for her household. The mother of two turned to her childhood pastime to provide for her family. She is now celebrating three years as the sole owner and operator of Rori Paige Sweets.

“My grandmother baked cakes back before it was cool,” Alicia said. “I remember sitting at the bar in her kitchen while she was decorating cakes for people, and I fell in love with it. My grandma and my mother taught me all that I know.”

Alicia credits a casual Facebook post for fueling her business idea. “One day I posted a cake I had made on my personal Facebook page,” she said. “It got a lot of attention and comments and it really got my mind going. I thought, ‘Why not?’ And that’s how it started.”

Though opening a business at the beginning of a pandemic sounds daunting, Alicia says Oklahoma’s amended Cottage Food Law and an influx of Valentine’s Day orders gave her a strong start. “It was a steady take off because Valentine’s Day is a big one for bakers,” Alicia said. “Spring slowed a bit, but by summer I started doing letter and number cakes, which have become my specialty.”

Building from her grandmother’s sheet cake creations, Alicia has adapted her skillset to meet modern trends and demands.

Ornately decorated with flowers, French macarons and fruit, Alicia’s number and letter cakes are a festive way to celebrate birthdays and milestones. Her delicate chocolates, over-the-top cakes, and skillfully decorated desserts are beautiful to look at. Her steady flow of customers say they are delicious to eat.

In the colder months, Alicia’s hot chocolate bombs are a popular pick. She started making them in October of 2020, and by Christmas she had made over 2,000. Though tedious, Alicia says it is truly a labor of love. Alicia says Rori Paige Sweets, named after her 15-year-old daughter, saved her life after loss.

“Once you get past the shock of a tragedy, you just get up and put one foot in front of the other. I didn’t have a choice,” Alicia explained. “Baking has always been a stress reliever for me, and through this business I’ve really found myself again.”

Alicia also enjoys how her baking opens the door to bless other people. “I am honored when someone contacts me to be a part of any celebration in their life,” she said. “It’s just my thing. Some people have art. Some people have music. I have baking.”

Find Alicia’s pies, cakes, cookies and more on her website roripaigesweets.com, on Facebook @RPSweets, or Instagram @RoriPaigeSweets.

Some people have art. Some people have music. I have baking.

Happy Dog Farm Foundation

A nonprofit sanctuary for dogs

By Amy Dee Stephens

Helping dogs find good homes brings joy to the many Oklahomans involved in animal rescue efforts. Patty Lane is one of those people working with adoptable dogs, but she’s gone one step further by also caring for old and dying dogs—a sort of dog hospice.

“I’ve rescued dogs since I was a girl,” Patty said. “After my dad passed away in 2006, I used my inheritance to buy an acreage and build a property for myself and seven dogs. I included two fenced areas and a room designed specifically for the dogs. In hindsight, it wasn’t enough.”

Sick, abused or dying dogs continually entered Patty’s world. As her heart expanded, so did the number of dogs in her home. In 2012, she started the Happy Dog Farm Foundation, a nonprofit dog sanctuary for unwanted dogs, especially smaller breeds.

“I usually have about 20 dogs at a time who are either ill or have aggressive behavior issues. Sometimes it's puppy mill dogs who’ve been in horrific situations. I work to give them a regular life, or at least comfort and quality to the end,” Patty said.

Helping Happy Dogs

Although the condition of these animals is often sad, Patty herself is upbeat, willing to make time sacrifices to feed, nurse, and manage her canine friends. She manages this around her full time job working with special education children in the Edmond Public Schools.

“I couldn’t do it without the help of other people,” Patty said. “Karen Jackson is my right-hand person and Board member. Dr. Sara Rowland at the Deer Creek Animal Clinic is our incredibly compassionate veterinarian. She’s cried more tears over these dogs than I have!”

Patty is grateful to the many people who donate money and supplies for her dogs.

“I’m so incredibly humbled that people feel Happy Dogs is worth their money. Dog food alone is so expensive, but I’ve stopped worrying about funds, because God always provides everything we need at just the right time,” Patty said.

One outstanding canine is Cooper, who became a valuable companion to a shutin friend. "I began taking Cooper to visit my friend Margaret,who couldn’t have a dog. Once a week, Cooper would go over and sit in Margaret’s lap for an afternoon. Even though Cooper’s care was expensive, it was worth every penny to save his life, because of Margaret.”

Dogs With Stories

When Patty retires in 2024, she plans to form a coalition of rescue organizations to push for stricter regulations in Oklahoma regarding stray animals. “We’ve got to do a better job of keeping these poor animals out of horrendous conditions. We have too many illegal puppy mills and we don’t have a place for dogs whose owners pass away or go to a nursing home.”

I work to give them a regular life, or at least comfort and quality to the end.

Jim Jackson, Patty Lane, and Karen Jackson

Recently, after appearing on KFOR’s Pay It Forward segment, Patty received a call from a gentleman going into a nursing center. He cared deeply for his aged dog and was seeking a home for him. “The poor man thought he’d taken good care of his companion, but he was actually terribly sick and blind—so he’ll live the rest of his life with me,” Patty said.

During the last winter storm, a small stray dog was seen around the Chimney Hill area, but no one could catch him. The dog, nicknamed Wishbone, became a social media sensation, and everyone wanted updates. Eventually, a neighbor found the dog freezing on his patio. He’d been hit by a car. Money was quickly raised for the vet fees, and Karen rushed him to intensive care. Wishbone had eight broken ribs and lost his leg, but is doing well. He’s now been adopted into his forever home by Karen.

Adoption is a best-case scenario. When Patty works with a dog who becomes healthy or has overcome behaviors, she posts it on her Facebook page. Because Patty also practices what she preaches, she has recently adopted her own special friend, who is more than a mission dog. She’s a wire fox terrier named Clara Bell.

“My friend, Teresa Randall, rescued and rehabilitated three puppy mill dogs who became adoptable. Now, Clara Bell’s all mine. She’s my dog. She has my heart,” Patty said.

Patty is currently at full capacity and is seeking foster homes. Maybe you, too, have room in your heart for a Happy Dog. Visit Happy Dog Farm Foundation on Facebook to learn more.

Nikki’s Journey to Judge

By Taylor Bollinger

From a young age, Oklahoma County District Judge Nikki Kirkpatrick knew the path she would pursue, but the road was far from easy. She says the strong sense of justice and empathy that direct her life today are largely because of the challenging circumstances of her early life.

“I was born into a family where my father struggled with drug addiction and was sadly more of a drain on the household than a contributor. My mother worked two or three jobs to provide for us, and sometimes even that was hardly enough,” Nikki said. “I learned what it was like to live in plenty and in want.”

Witnessing the extreme effort it took for her mother to escape the effects of her father’s addiction inspired Nikki to be a support for others. She found her first opportunities to serve as a teenager in church. “My first church experience was at 13, and that was the first time I was around people who truly cared about me, not where I came from,” Nikki said. “They began to pour into me and help me recognize my gifts. Even though I was an extremely shy child, I found myself counseling others, leading worship, and even addressing the congregation.”

These experiences revealed Nikki’s propensity toward public service. During law school, she interned for the district attorney’s office and also had her first child. Upon graduation Nikki says she worked hard to implement integrity into every element of her legal practice. Her hard work paid off.

In 2021, Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Nikki to serve as a District Judge for Oklahoma County.

At the end of that term, she was reelected by the public, making her the only current Oklahoma County District Judge to be appointed by both the Judicial Nominating Committee and public election.

Though her age and gender were not always a benefit in the legal field, she says the past decade has marked a turn in the demographic tide. Ten of the 15 Oklahoma County District Judges are women. Additionally, all six currently assigned to the criminal docket – which includes Nikki – are women. More important to Nikki than these statistics, however, is seeing justice served in her courtroom.

“We have the best justice system in the world. I want justice to be delivered, and for the public to be confident that the system is serving them,” Nikki said. “The work can be heavy but everyday I try to help someone get the closure and resources they need to succeed.”

Oklahoma County carries 60% of the state's crime and more trial cases than any other county. Because of the nature of her work, Nikki jokes that she is incredibly boring at home, where she is a wife, mother and active member of her church.

Nikki believes that you don’t have to wear a robe or hold a gavel to make a difference. “I think the most important thing every person can do is find what gift God has given them – and everyone has one – and put it to use to help other people.”

Learn more about Judge Nikki Kirkpatrick at nikkikirkpatrick.com.

“You don’t have to wear a robe or hold a gavel to make a difference.”

The Knotty Ladies

By Amy Dee Stephens

“Community service is possible at any age, even into our seventies or eighties,” said Judith Head, spokesperson for a group of compassionate women who’ve made nearly 1,000 knotted fleece blankets for children in need..

Since 2013, ladies from Touchmark Retirement Center have set out to comfort homeless elementary children who are being served by the Positive Tomorrows social service agency. Former resident, Louise Haaland, kick-started the program when her son, a banker, secured $500 in start-up money.

“Soft blankets can serve so many needs for kids,” Judith said, “from sleeping to hugging or even hiding under it when they need to pull away.”

A Knotty Name

The blankets are made of two layers of fleece, which are knotted together around the edges, no sewing required. The knots are only part of the reason for the Knotty Ladies’ name.

“You might also call us 'naughty' ladies,” Judith said with a laugh. “We knew we’d need more funding for the fabric, so we spread the word among the other residents. A group of men at Touchmark brainstormed over dinner and offered to host a Best Looking Legs contest! For $1 a vote, we voted on anonymous pictures of the men’s legs. We got a big kick out of that, and my husband was the winner. So, that’s how we picked the name. I think anyone who’d do a leg contest must be a little naughty.”

Although that unconventional fundraiser was a one-time event ten years ago, Touchmark residents continue to support the Knotty Ladies with money whenever supplies run low. Judith is the fabric purchaser who visits Hobby Lobby regularly on 40% off sale day to pick the colors and patterns for the blankets.

“I’m well-known by the staff there,” Judith said. “They wave at me and help carry the fleece to the car. I always get compliments on the color variations I pick. I try to pick things for all age groups and different interests, not just for little kids.”

Cutters and Knotters

While the construction of fleece blankets is simple, it is not without challenges for the Knotty Ladies, who face various limitations. Arthritis is the biggest factor, making cutting or tying difficult at times. Because of health issues or doctor’s appointments, attendance and ability varies weekly—but the reputation of this group does not.

“There’s about a dozen of us who meet every Wednesday. Our meeting room is off a busy hallway, so people are constantly waving or dropping by to visit. Knotty Ladies is only open to women, but the men always stop by to socialize,” Judith said. “Most of us did community service in our younger years, but opportunities often diminish once we lose mobility. A lot of people here don’t have cars, but that doesn't mean we can’t be helpful.”

Comfy Cozy

A Touchmark driver delivers the blankets to Positive Tomorrows whenever twenty or thirty blankets are ready to go, but occasionally, the Knotty Ladies make the trip themselves. “It is so gratifying, because we see our blankets in their rooms or being held by the kids. One little boy had fallen asleep hugging one of our blankets after a rough night,” Judith said. “We want the blankets to help them feel secure and comforted, and know that someone cares about them.”

And just to make sure these children know their blanket is made with love, each one is labeled: “This comfy blanket is a gift from the Knotty Ladies at Touchmark.”

Waneta Todd, Marilyn Fairbairn, Betty Flinchum, Shirl Yancey, Judith Harris, Carol Bogardus, and Poppy Hok

Statewide Insurance Agency

By Maria Veres

You’re never just a policy number at Statewide Insurance. With decades of expertise, the team at this locally owned agency will work with you personally to find the home or auto coverage you need, at a price you can afford.

Personalized Coverage That Meets Your Needs

Sorting through insurance options can quickly become overwhelming. Owners Von and Cheryl Nix and their team know the territory well, and they’ll help you find the best fit at no cost to you.

Unlike many agencies, Statewide isn’t a “one-stop shop” offering every type of insurance. They focus on home and auto, along with related products such as policies for rental properties, boats, or RVs. Their indepth knowledge as specialists ensures you’ll get coverage that’s right for you, without overpaying.

Statewide is an authorized agent for ten highly respected companies, and they’re committed to finding the policy that best meets each customer’s needs. “We always put our customer’s interests above our own,” says Von.

Ongoing Customer Support from an Expert Team

The agents at Statewide have an average of 24 years of experience in the insurance industry. Von and Cheryl are native Oklahomans who know the needs of Edmond residents well.

Your call will be answered by a real person, not a voice mail or auto responder. You can get a quote in whatever way is most convenient for you, including visiting the office, calling, e-mailing, or requesting a

quote online. Once you’ve purchased a policy, a Statewide agent will stay by your side and help you make any changes that are needed over time.

Statewide Insurance Agency is located at 2814 N Kelly Avenue in Edmond. To get a quote or learn more about your insurance options, call or text them at (405) 285-2929 or visit them online at ok statewide.com .

Owner Von Nix

Results Fitness and Nutrition

By Maria Veres

Whatever your fitness goals are for 2023, the Atteberys and their expert team at Results Fitness and Nutrition are committed to your success.

Family owned and operated by Brian and Jennifer Attebery for nearly 20 years, Results welcomes clients of all ages and fitness levels, offering workouts, classes, and personal training that will take you to the next level.

Affordable Workouts and Training

“If we’ve learned anything in the last few years, it’s that health is important,” says Brian. With student memberships starting at just $25 per month, Results

is committed to making fitness opportunities available to everyone. There are no hidden fees or deceptive contracts, and group fitness classes are included with memberships. The gym is open evenings and weekends, so you can work out at times that fit your schedule.

Results also excels at personal training. All trainers have college degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field, and each one has special areas of expertise. Brian is the official Miss USA and Miss Teen USA trainer for a six-state region.

“Whenever someone doesn’t succeed with fitness, there’s a reason,” says Brian. “A good trainer is a problem solver. They help you see what’s right for you and help you evolve.”

Committed to Serving Edmond

Brian and his team are deeply invested in the community, sponsoring several service events. Their annual Edmond Police vs Firefighters Powerlifting Tournament is the top fundraiser for Oklahoma Special Olympics.

Results Fitness and Nutrition puts the community and their customers first, and they’ve achieved a consistent top rating with the Better Business Bureau. “We love working with different groups of people,” says Brian. “Everyone is welcome here.”

Results Fitness and Nutrition is located at 801 Signal Ridge Drive in Edmond and online at resultsok.com.

Brian & Jennifer Attebery, with their son Cannon and daughter Caris who also work at Results

My Journey

By Louise Tucker Jones

Several years ago, after my husband’s death, a woman informed me that she was tired of reading about my grief. I was shocked! It had only been a few months. I was glad she had never experienced such a loss, but sad that she lacked compassion for others.

I have been honored with the many cards, calls, texts, and e-mails I have received from friends, family and readers I’ve never met. It touches my heart to know that others hold my sweet son, Jay in their memory and offer heartfelt words and prayers.

My grief journey continues, as it does for anyone who has lost a loved one, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t happy moments. I spent some time in Arkansas during the holidays,

close to my oldest son, Aaron and his family. My two teenage grands lift my heart and bring smiles with their fun stories. My grandson even convinced me to try his virtual reality game and I enjoyed hearing my granddaughter’s excitement about starting college in the fall. Then Aaron gave me the precious gift of “time.” A day of shopping and lunch together, just the two of us.

Yes, there was still much grief without Jay. Yes, I missed him every minute of every day. It was my first trip without him so I sang along with his favorite CDs as I drove, just the way he always did. His brother brought out a Christmas tree, still full of decorations that Jay had placed on a previous Christmas, and we added new ornaments in memory of Jay.

Later, I wept alone for my husband and son at Cooper Chapel where the beauty and Spirit are so strong it touches your very soul.

Yes, I am still on a long, lonely journey. I still grieve daily, but I also anxiously watch for the moon each

night. Jay loved throwing kisses to the moon for his Daddy in heaven and it always made me smile. So now, I throw kisses to the moon for Jay. Life is still very fragile, but I’m thankful for friends, family and faith to help me along the way.

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.

Aaron, Louise, Amy, Alex, and Axton

Bruce of the Bagpipes

By Taylor Bollinger

Bruce Robertson describes his hobbies as ‘pretty normal.’ He likes playing golf, watching baseball, and winning the occasional bagpiping world championship. This not-soaverage accomplishment is more than a hobby. For the second-generation American, bagpiping is a meaningful medium that honors his family history.

Bruce’s parents immigrated from Glasgow, Scotland to Edmond, Oklahoma a year before his birth. His father worked a number of jobs before reentering his former profession, printing. In 1984, Bruce’s mother and aunt opened McLaren’s Pantry, the well-known Edmond gem still serving fresh-baked treats today. While his parents worked hard to establish a new life in the states, their heritage remained an important part of their lives, and now Bruce’s.

Boyhood Beginnings

“I was interested in playing the bagpipe from an early age,” Bruce said. “My grandfather bought me my first instrument when I was six and I haven’t stopped playing since.”

As a beginner, Bruce managed to learn the basics of bagpiping under his father’s instruction, and his own self-teaching. In order to advance, Bruce needed formal teaching, but proper bagpipe training isn’t easy to come by in Oklahoma.

“My father was my original instructor, then I received tutoring from top instructors in Scotland and Canada,” Bruce said. “It’s a difficult instrument. Learning to play the bagpipe was like learning to speak a new language.”

If it’s a language, then Bruce is fluent. As part of Houston’s St. Thomas Alumni Pipe Band, Bruce has won the Grade 3 World Piping Band Championship in 1998, and placed in

the top six every other time he’s traveled to Scotland for the competition. He has also won seven US Open Pipe Band Championships and one North American Pipe Band Championship – all impressive feats for a Texas-based band.

Bruce plays locally in connection with the Oklahoma Firefighters Pipes and Drums and he created the Westminster Pipe Band, which he led to place highly in North American competitions. Bagpiping has brought adventure to Bruce’s life, including 14 trips to Scotland. But one of his favorite memories happened right here at home.

Playing Above Par

“During the US Senior Open, I visited a friend who lived on the golf course. Colin Montgomerie of Scotland was leading the tournament,” Bruce explained. “So when he was coming up to the 12th hole, near the house, I struck up and played my pipes on the back patio. Colin was very excited, pointing my way and waving his towel in the air.” Though he bogeyed that particular hole, Montgomerie did go on to win the tournament. Perhaps bagpipes played a part. Though not a mainstream instrument, Bruce has noted an increased appreciation and inclusion of bagpipes in modern music. He says the bagpipe has come a long way over the last twenty years and he hopes to see that trend continue.

“People think it sounds like cats in a bag,” Bruce joked. “And it does when it’s not properly played. But when done well, it can sound really beautiful. I am proud to continue my family’s bagpiping tradition.”

Some people think it sounds like cats in a bag - but when done well, it can sound really beautiful.

Meet Ms. O klahoma Senior America

By Maria Veres

Over the years, Roxanne Parks has set many high goals for herself. Becoming a pageant queen in her sixties was never one of them. For the reigning Ms. Oklahoma Senior America, it’s not about the crown and the sash. It’s about embracing opportunities to continue the work she’s been doing for decades, serving and lifting up other women.

A Lifetime of Servant Leadership

Growing up in a family with modest income, Roxanne and her siblings were expected not only to go to college, but also to graduate debt-free. Not realizing there was anything extraordinary about this, Roxanne did it, cheerleading for the Sooners at three Bowl games along the way. She survived a 90% dropout rate to graduate from the petroleum engineering program at OU and broke new ground as one of the first female petroleum engineers in Oklahoma. From there, she pivoted to a successful career in an international marketing business with her husband, speaking and training others all over the world.

Then her life took another turn she didn’t expect: She became a homeschooling mom to her four children. “I thought I could never homeschool because I wasn’t smart enough and wasn’t patient enough,” she says. A homeschooling friend urged her to at least investigate the possibility, and she and her husband realized they were meant to take that path. As her children grew, she paid it forward by founding Winter Summit Ministries, Inc., and led encouraging women’s events for more than fifteen years.

Today, she works as a speaker, author, and life coach. She leads women’s coaching retreats and serves as a corporate chaplain. She’s written two books and twenty Bible plans for the YouVersion Bible App.

Representing Oklahoma with Honor

Roxanne’s journey to become Ms. Oklahoma Senior America took several years. It began when she convinced a widowed friend, an international concert pianist, to enter the pageant. Her friend won and later encouraged a reluctant Roxanne to enter, too. She finished as first runner-up, then hung up her evening gowns and continued her other work.

Covid-19 disrupted the Oklahoma pageant for three years. Pageant officials reached out to several first runners-up during that time, asking them to carry the title for a year. Roxanne was invited to become Ms. Oklahoma Senior America in 2022. “I wasn’t sure how others would respond. I felt a bit embarrassed,” she recalls. “I didn’t even tell anyone at first.” But as the national pageant grew closer, she stepped into her role publicly. In September 2022 she competed at the nationals in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and achieved her goal of finishing in the top ten.

Roxanne is more comfortable without her crown than with it, but she’s learned to see her new role as a gift. “I don’t think of myself as a queen,” she says, “but I’m the daughter of a King.”

Roxanne will pass her crown to the new Ms. Oklahoma Senior America at the 2023 state pageant, which will take place Sunday, April 15, at the Mustang Performing Arts Center. The event is open to the public.

Bringing a Message of Hope

As Ms. Oklahoma Senior America, Roxanne travels all over the state to give back in any way she can, free of charge. “I’m happy to speak and emcee events, but I don’t mind taking out the trash,” she says. “My hope and honor is to serve Oklahoma in any capacity.”

Her title and role as queen dovetails naturally with her other speaking and ministry work. She continues to lead two coaching events for women, a one-day session and an intensive four-day retreat. She’s also working on more YouVersion BibleApp plans. “My goal is to offer a life-giving perspective to anyone,” she says. “I want to give a positive message in a world that is not always encouraging. What I want most is to make a difference in people’s lives.”