AND OUR #1 MISSION IS FIGHTING WOMEN’S #1 CAUSE OF DEATH
As women, we feel responsible for the well-being of our families, but keeping our kids healthy starts with our health. Many of us count calories, get regular exercise and never miss our yearly wellness exams, but you might have overlooked the largest threat to your health – heart disease. We tend to think of heart disease as a man’s disease, but the fact is it kills more women each year than anything else. And for women, the symptoms are different: in addition to chest pain, shortness of breath and upper body pain, unshakable fatigue and sleeplessness can also be signs of a heart attack. Whether you’re a patient of INTEGRIS Health Edmond or Lakeside Women’s Hospital, you have access to cardiologists from INTEGRIS Heart Hospital, and you can make an appointment now to see a cardiologist at either location. To schedule an appointment at the location most convenient for you, call 405.951.2277.
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Outlook February 2015
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Outlook February 2015
February 2015
The Envelope, Please... Okay, I’ve got some big news. Back40 Design is a finalist for the 2014 Small Business of the Year award sponsored by the Edmond Chamber of Commerce. How cool is that? We’re one of three finalists. At the time of this writing (I like to get this column written before deadline), I don’t know if we’ve actually been selected as the winner—if we have, there will be an article on page 32 profiling our company. As I understand, the winner gets to make an acceptance speech at the annual banquet. If Back40 wins, I will probably be super nervous and forget how to use my words… So, since I have the space here every month, I’m thinking why not post my speech right here—I’ll try to make this short. [Walks to podium.] Wow, thanks… I’m floored, what an honor. [Dramatic pause as if I’m gathering my thoughts or thanking my higher power.] It’s such an honor to even be nominated for this award, but really this award is for all the small businesses in Edmond. We are the backbone of the economy. We are the job creators, we are the ‘local’ in local flavor. We are one of the many things that make Edmond great and unique. So, really, this award recognizes all of us. [Another pause, but not as dramatic as the first one. Picks up award, gently caresses it.] This is really a tribute to all the truly smart and talented designers, project managers, programmers, account executives and support staff who make working on web projects and this magazine so rewarding. And a special thanks to my lovely wife, Sandy, who shared the vision and long hours of starting this small business 15 years ago. And if we don’t win—I still mean all that stuff.
30 The Goats of Lake Hefner
A crew of unusual employees maintains the Hefner canal’s appearance
8 Facts & Figures 10 Louise
Finding True Love
13 Food
Sweet Spots Metro desserts worth the splurge
16 Business
Edmond Kitchen & Bath Camelot Child Development China Healing Massage
34 My Outlook
FEATURES
18 How We Met Four couples who met in unique ways share their love stories
24 Touch & Remember Tangible memories and keepsakes help Alzheimer’s patients reconnect with families
27 On Track
Local train hobbyists ride the rails in mini motorcars
32 Small Business
Marshall Hawkins of the Year Owner, Sundance Photography Edmond Chamber recognizes Outlook Photographer Back40 Design for outstanding community contribution and professional achievement Front cover photography by Marshall Hawkins
Dave Miller, Publisher/Back40 Design President
To advertise, contact Laura at 405-301-3926 or laura@outlookoklahoma.com
OUTLOOK
80 East 5th Street, Suite 130, Edmond, OK 73034
405-341-5599
www.outlookoklahoma.com
info@outlookoklahoma.com
Volume 11, Number 2 Edmond & North OKC Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. © 2015 Back40 Design, Inc. PUBLISHER Dave Miller
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Laura Beam
PRINT PROJECT MANAGER Bethany Marshall
Account Executive Emily Hummel
PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com
Graphic Designers Ryan Kirkpatrick & Matt Flick
DISTRIBUTION The Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to 50,000 Edmond & North OKC 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.
outlookoklahoma.com
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Crazy Little Thing Called Love Men are quicker to say “I love you” in relationships.
Norepinephrine and adrenaline cause the pitter-patter of the heart that goes with falling in love.
The average amount of times people fall in love before getting married.
Over time, kissing appears to lower your levels of stress.
On average, a man will spend one year of his life staring at women.
It only takes one fifth of a second to fall in love.
Penguins are among the few animals that mate for life.
Sources: Loyola University Health System, Medill Reports Chicago, The Telegraph, Syracuse University, LiveScience
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Outlook February 2015
u
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Around Town
Memorial Road Pet Hospital has moved to their brand new facility at 13535 N. Bryant in Edmond! Your most trusted comprehensive pet care facility is now also offering grooming and daycare at their unique “Bed & Biscuit” boarding wing. Call 478-3417 or visit mrphhome.com. Let’s Do Greek is celebrating the 4-year anniversary of their Edmond location! Serving fresh, authentic Greek fare, this family owned business is famous for their homemade oregano chicken, hummus and Greek salads. Visit them at 180 W. 15th St. or call in your order for pickup at 285-8898. The Central Oklahoma Humane Society is presenting My Furry Valentine, a free adoption event sponsored by Bobbie Bubridge Lane. Join them at 10am on Feb. 14, at the OK Humane Adoption Center, 7500 N. Western Ave. in OKC, to find your new best friend! All adoptable pets will be spayed or neutered, ageappropriately vaccinated, and microchipped. For more information, visit okhumane.org
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Louise
Finding
True Love
by Louise Tucker Jones
Valentine’s Day is all about love and romance. It’s red roses, heart-shaped boxes of candy and surprise marriage proposals. It’s the stuff that books and movies are made of. Recently, I watched a movie where a young woman was talking with an older gentleman who had been widowed after a lifetime of marriage. “You found your one true love,” she stated. I love the man’s response. “I know that now,” he said. “But it wasn’t always so clear. Loving someone is the hardest work there is. We messed up plenty…disappointed each other…but never let that keep us apart. It wasn’t true love because it was easy. It was because we worked at it. We fought for it.” Now that’s love! The kind of love that lasts “till death do us part,” as stated in most wedding vows. And isn’t it interesting that God set the precedent for this kind of love with the forgiving, merciful, selfless love of his son, Jesus Christ, knowing that “true love” would require the same kind of sacrifice. Otherwise, how could marriage possibly last? God knew how much we would need not only His love, but also that of a partner in life. Someone to hold us when this broken world in which we live falls apart and shatters our spirits. Times when we need the arms of human flesh to surround us as we hold on to the Divine and even the not so divine mate with whom we share a life. A life that can become mundane if we are not careful. Love. It makes us feel safe, secure and silly with delight. It’s champagne bubbles bursting into giggles in young, starry-eyed
romance. It’s mulled wine as you sit beside a crackling fire with that special spouse who has shared your life for 30, 40, 50 years. It’s a cup of coffee and toast served in bed or a glass of orange juice on the run from the hand that poured or even fresh-squeezed that golden liquid. It’s a malt and a burger as the two of you catch a quick lunch together when you suddenly find a small sliver of time to meet and de-stress. It’s the arm around you when no one is looking and the sweetness of knowing you belong to each other. Real love doesn’t come with a Webster definition. It’s a verb— an action word—as well as a noun. And this kind of love…well, it never dies. It doesn’t even grow old. It simply…grows. It stretches. It covers a multitude of hurts in our lives that were never supposed to happen—but did. True love takes us to worlds beyond anything we ever imagined. It trudges through the ordinary and soars through the extraordinary. It tiptoes quietly into hospital rooms and sits silently in cemeteries when that forever love leaves this earth for heaven, carried on angel’s wings. Love is the fragrance of the flowers that celebrate engagements, weddings and anniversaries. It’s the softness of a newborn and the wrinkled face of the aged. Love lasts. Love holds. Love lifts. If you read the Bible, you know that one of the names of God is “I Am,” meaning He was, He is and will be forever. Past. Present. Future. Love is like that. If you somehow fall “out of love” then it didn’t come from the Creator of love or His gift was treated shabbily. True love is precious, like a pearl in an oyster, waiting to be opened and cherished. And if you treat love the way God intended, then you will have a treasure to hold in your heart forever. Happy Valentine’s Day!
About the Author Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker and founder of the organization, Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. Email LouiseTJ@cox.net or visit LouiseTuckerJones.com.
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Outlook February 2015
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Outlook February 2015
FOOD FOOD
Sweet Spots Metro desserts worth the splurge
If you’re a sweets enthusiast, you probably live with a guilty little nag at your conscience. With the meteoric rise of organic foods, whole grains and lean proteins sweeping the nation, sugar can seem like the ultimate enemy. But today’s food trends are all about prioritizing. We know when to splurge, and we aren’t afraid to do it! So if you’re gonna do something wrong, do it right. Indulge responsibly at these delicious metro sweet spots. You can always exercise and eat brussels sprouts tomorrow.
Pie Junkie
If the name of this cool little pie shop doesn’t instantly make you smile, something’s wrong! Dessert should always be this much fun. Each seriously decadent pie that co-owners Leslie Coale-Mossman and Darcy Schein whip up is a testament to their grandmothers who never let them make boring pies. Mission accomplished! With rich, delicious concoctions like the Drunken Turtle—a sumptuous fudge
by Laura Beam
pie with pecans, drenched in salted bourbon caramel—boring is never on the menu. Other best-loved pies like their Bird Dog Buttermilk, Apple Crumble, Coconut Cream, French Silk and to-die-for Peanut Butter Chocolate keep guests lining up for more. Nestled in the heart of OKC’s historic Plaza District, the relaxed 12-seater café is an easy stop for co-workers, friends and families. Along with a splendid array of fruit, cream and nut pies made fresh daily, available by the slice or specially ordered in whole pies, they also serve up savory quiche for breakfast and frozen chicken pot pies to pick up for dinner. An open kitchen allows the owners and staff to visit with customers while they bake. Ahh, it’s just like home, but without the clean-up! 1711 NW 16th St., OKC | piejunkie.com
continued on next page
900 S. Kelly 340-7070 josfamouspizza.com
outlookoklahoma.com
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Sweet Spots, cont.
N D Foods
If this delightful hidden gem in the Village hasn’t been on your radar until now, you’re in for a treat! Here, regulars are greeted by name and new guests instantly find an easy go-to spot when nothing in the fridge will do. For years, mother and son owners, Deloris and Nick, have served up an amazing variety of deli and home cooked foods, including an eye-popping lineup of cakes, pies, brownies, cupcakes, cookies and more. The mile-high layered Strawberry cake and the perfectly tart and sweet lemon squares are longtime staples. Deloris’ daily homemade fruit pies line the counter like Christmas at grandma’s house, begging you to grab a fork and sample them all! Beyond the satisfying sugar fix, the cafe’s Greek Salad, Reuben sandwich and hot entrées like lasagna or broccoli chicken casserole are served up in generous portion. Customers also love the delicious selection of packaged homemade entrées—great to pick up for a quick, homemade dinner. 2632 W. Britton Rd., OKC | (405) 840-9364
Café 501
One step inside this chic yet cozy Edmond eatery and you know you’ve discovered something special. A glass case greets you, brimming with exquisite pastries, bread pudding, brownies, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, pies and enticing treats. Although this Edmond original has blossomed into six unique metro locations boasting everything from a sublime steakhouse and martini lounge to eateries at the Myriad Gardens, the dazzling sweets remain a supreme attraction. General Manager and Chef Gerry Reardon notes
that it’s the time and care they take in creating each dessert, as well as customer requests, that keep the evolving dessert line-up exciting. In addition to stellar sweets, the gourmet lunch and Californiainspired dinner selections make Café 501 a remarkable spot to dine. Scrumptious sandwiches, flavorful salads and hearty soups are mainstays. Sunday brunch and catering add to the many pleasures of this urban hot spot with its exciting, energetic vibe. 501 S. Boulevard | cafe501.com
Laura Beam is a business & food writer and 20-year advertising and marketing executive in radio, newspaper and magazines. Share new business tips & trends with her on LinkedIn or email Laura@outlookoklahoma.com.
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Outlook February 2015
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15
BUSINESS
Edmond Kitchen & Bath by Austin Marshall The Team at Edmond Kitchen & Bath
Robert and Brenda Helms are quite a team. The couple, along with their staff at Edmond Kitchen & Bath, has built a design and build firm that places creativity and quality at the forefront of their business model. In operation now for 13 years, Brenda attributes their success to a forward-thinking approach to design that yields unmatched quality in residential and commercial projects. Edmond Kitchen and Bath recently opened a 5,000 square foot showroom inside Hahn Appliance in OKC. The new facility “demonstrates our breadth of design and installation abilities,” Brenda explains. Edmond Kitchen & Bath worked with Hahn Appliance, a Tulsa company who recently expanded into the Oklahoma City market. This collaboration has yielded the largest kitchen and bath showroom in Oklahoma. While proud of all of her projects,
Brenda has particular fondness for the Hahn showroom. “To be given free rein to create multiple kitchens with a respectable budget is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Edmond Kitchen & Bath primarily focuses on residential projects, but takes on commercial projects when feasible. “Both Megan Greve, one of our lead designers, and I, are licensed and registered interior designers.” Brenda adds that Megan was recently chosen for the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 30 Under 30 Program, which highlights young interior designers of exceptional promise and skill. Before Edmond Kitchen & Bath, Robert wore a suit and held a corporate job. Brenda was developing her interior design business. When Robert was asked to take a promotion out of state, they declined and decided it was time to put their creative and entrepreneurial abilities
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Outlook February 2015
into action. He built a painting business while often taking on extensive contracting for Brenda. “He was able to bring to life anything I could dream up,” said Brenda. “As we did more and more projects together we decided to put a new name with what we found ourselves doing the most of—kitchens and baths.” “Our team regularly attends educational training through associations like our chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and national trade shows. Attending these events enables us to offer new and innovative products.” Edmond Kitchen & Bath combines the passion of its owners with a highly qualified staff. For an innovative approach to your next project, look no further than the exceptional capabilities of Robert and Brenda Helms and their colleagues at Edmond Kitchen & Bath. Call 285-1926 or visit 3947 W. Reno in OKC.
Camelot Child Development by Morgan Day Camelot Owners, Management and long term staff
The founders of Camelot Child Development didn’t just like the name Camelot, they created an environment where everyone matters and a management style that values every idea. Camelot Child Development has created its own version of a ‘round table.’ ”We listen to everybody. We respect everybody,” explained Debbie Barnes, who co-owns Camelot with Dr. Irvin H. Heller and his wife Frankie. “It’s a respectful, kind, welcoming environment.” Camelot administration follows a simple set of standards by putting children first, then parents, then staff and management. Now in its 10th year, Camelot employs kind, gentle instructors who are given everything they need to teach—starting with supplies and a provided curriculum. Administration and teachers work together
on the curriculum so that teachers, once in the classroom, can make the interaction with students their top priority. A provided curriculum also ensures consistency across Camelot’s three locations and increases program quality. Barnes describes Camelot Child Development as a full-circle and full-service facility, offering all meals, bus transportation to Edmond Public Schools and Deer Creek Schools, and reasonable rates with no extra supply fees. Camelot has large playgrounds and climbing units that are great for physical development. Camelot also provides a summer school age program complete with character building activities and field trips. Camelot offers an age appropriate curriculum that emphasizes mathematics, phonics, science and art, while challenging
children to use their imaginations to create without a predetermined end result. Camelot’s Pre-K program prepares children for the public school system mentally, socially and academically. The Deer Creek and Edmond Santa Fe locations cater to about 200 students ages six weeks through 12 years, while Quail Pointe serves 100 students ages six weeks through five years of age. “You know your director and they know your families,” Barnes said. Most teachers in the building know all the kids, not just some.” Camelot Child Development locations: 24 NW 146th Street in Edmond, 13925 Quail Pointe Drive (Memorial and May), and 19000 N. May serving Deer Creek. Hours 6:30am-6pm, M-F. Call 254-5220 for more information.
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17
How We Met
by Heide Brandes
Love at first sight? Unexpected chance meetings? Fairy tales come to life? Every couple has a story about how they met. Those sweet moments of meeting one’s future spouse become the stuff of legends because without that magical ingredient of timing, none of the happiness of marriage, home or family could happen.
Love After Loss
Love on the High Seas Jessica Alvarez always dreamed of performing as a dancer for a cruise ship. A dance major from the University of Central Oklahoma, Jessica’s dream came true when she was cast for Carnival Cruise Lines Entertainment. In February 2003, rehearsals were held in Las Vegas. One of the male dancers wasn’t catching on as fast as was needed, so a young performer named Victor Stacy was hired on as a replacement. Victor was offered a contract to entertain on the cruise, which landed him exactly where he needed to be to meet Jessica. “I instantly thought Jessica was attractive, but nothing came of it right away,” said Victor. On the cruise, the two became fast friends as performers and shipmates. “The contract on the ship lasted for 11 months,” said Jessica. “I really relied on Victor a lot because it was a challenging time—I was away from everything familiar. When we were deciding to travel home, Victor offered to come with me to see my family. It was then that I knew.” “I knew early on that Jessica was the one,” Victor said. “On the ship, my mom and aunt came to visit. My mom pulled me aside and said, ‘Don’t screw this up—we like her.’ That moment, knowing that my family approved, helped me recognize how I was feeling toward Jessica and that it was something bigger.” Though both hailed from Oklahoma, they had never met before. But on the cruise ship performance stage, love on the high seas blossomed. They were married Aug. 18, 2006.
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Outlook February 2015
Barbara Lee was devastated when she lost her husband of 17 years on Jan. 13, 2013. Life as she knew it turned dark and lonely. Garry Garner was 64 when he lost his wife of 39 years in December 2012, and he thought he would be alone until he died. Neither one expected to ever find love again. Yet, through the journey of grief, Barbara and Garry fell in love while learning to let go of sadness. The two met at a grief counseling class at the hospice center that cared for their loved ones. “I didn’t know that anyone else felt how I felt. I realized what I was going through was normal,” Barbara said. After the class ended, the grief group members met every Saturday for breakfast. Garry began helping Barbara with yard work while she in turn helped him around his house. Soon, the couple began meeting for dinner on Wednesdays. “I started counting the days until we could meet,” Barbara said. Falling in love again was confusing for both. Garry worried that he was going too fast. But the hugs lasted a little too long, and they felt a little too good, said Garry. “It was easier to accept it than to fight it,” he said. On September 4, 2014, Garry and Barbara married, finding a new life together. “I never thought God would send someone my way again,” said Garry. “We love each other,” Barbara said. “It’s amazing when something happens that you thought would never happen again.”
Happily Ever After
A Natural Attraction Who says camp romances are for teenagers only? Lexi and Justin Skaggs discovered romance in the woods of Maine as camp counselors for neighboring camps, but they certainly didn’t plan it that way. In fact, the two St. Gregory’s University students were actually playing matchmaker for another couple. In 2002, Lexi wanted to introduce her friend to Justin while Justin’s friend wanted to meet Lexi. By the end of the night, the two other friends hit it off, leaving Justin and Lexi on their own. “I actually went in for a kiss, but she pulled away and told me she had a boyfriend,” said Justin. However, under the expanse of stars in the deep woods of Maine, Lexi felt that spark. That night, she broke up with her boyfriend back home. “I didn’t want to be held back,” she said. “The next night, Justin was kind of mean to me. He thought I still had a boyfriend.” “The second time I tried to kiss her, she let me,” Justin said. The romance was born at the outdoors camp, and throughout their courtship, nature has always been their passion. They returned as a couple to that same camp as counselors for four years, and in 2008, were married. The Skaggs’ are one of many couples from that summer camp who met and married. “You’re in a beautiful place under the stars, helping kids and you have no worries,” said Lexi. “I think you are at your best in that setting, it’s perfect. We still spend a lot of time in nature.”
Caleb Everett was destined to be Prince Charming to “Cinderella” Sarah from day one. Sarah and Caleb Everett met at The University of Central Oklahoma during Greek Week when Sarah was cast by her sorority to play Cinderella in a play. Caleb was Prince Charming. However, Sarah’s prince had to disappear—Caleb was also the Buddy the Broncho mascot, and on the day of the play, his duties took him away from his princess. Two years passed before the couple found each other again and Caleb asked his princess for a first date. A true knight, Caleb took his Cinderella to dinner and a long walk around Lake Hefner. He didn’t dare steal a kiss on that first date, but through three years of dating, he did steal her heart. The couple hosted a Halloween party at Caleb’s house, and he called her in a panic because the house wasn’t ready. When Sarah rushed over to help, the house glowed with the light of hundreds of candles. The song the couple Gre en Photo Cre dit: Me liss a was supposed to dance to years ago as Prince Charming and Cinderella played softly in the background. Caleb, in a “knight in shining armor” costume, went down on one knee. “I know I couldn’t be your Prince Charming when I had to, but I want to be your Prince Charming for the rest of your life,” he said. On July 27, 2013, Caleb and Sarah Everett began their romantic fairy tale as husband and wife. “We are ‘happily ever after,’” said Sarah.
b e l a C + Sarah
Victor + Barbara a ic s s Je L + exi Garry Ju+sti n
outlookoklahoma.com
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Outlook February 2015
China Healing Massage by Amy Dee Stephens Tracy Lu, founder of China Healing Massage & masseuse
As modern society seeks healing and stress relief, more individuals are looking to the past for natural health alternatives. The staff at China Healing Massage goes beyond muscle massage, tapping into the ancient Chinese arts of healing. “We offer a variety of massage therapies, such as reflexology, that relieve pain, take toxins out of your body and improve overall health,” said Tracy Lu, founder of China Healing Massage in Edmond. The staff, originally from China, has intensive certified training in acupressure, which is often referred to as acupuncture without the needles. The therapists apply manual pressure to points on the body which target specific organs in distress. Reflexology, a type of foot rub, is one of
their most requested treatments. Customers’ feet are first soaked in warm water infused with Chinese herbs, then feet and lower legs are massaged to boost blood circulation and boost the body’s natural defense system. Patients claim that reflexology reduces stress, activates the immune system and can even ease pregnancy. “Our techniques help people get rid of headaches, lower back pain, exhaustion, arthritis and so much more,” Lu said. “In many cases, we are recommended by chiropractors, because the combined treatments have better results.” When Lu opened China Healing Massage three years ago, she was following in the footsteps of her parents, who moved from China and eventually owned a massage
business in Oklahoma City. Because of a recent life change, Lu is moving to California and has turned the business over to her uncle, Dehong Lu, who is also trained in Chinese therapies. Tracy Lu knows the family business is in good hands and is proud of the improvements her uncle has made. “The shop’s been repainted in calming colors that make the reception even more warm and welcoming,” Lu said. “Our service is superior. We have many repeat customers who refer their friends because they feel comfortable. They feel like they are part of our family.” China Healing Massage is located at 104 E 15th Street in Edmond. Call 285-8215. Hours are 10am-10pm Mon-Sat, Sun 12pm-8pm. Walk-ins are welcome.
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Oldest Arctic Cat ATV Dealer in the State
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Outlook February 2015
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&
Touch Remember Tangible memories & keepsakes help Alzheimer’s patients reconnect with family.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about two years ago, former U.S. Marine Stan McGilbray has some trouble remembering day-to-day activities but can always rattle off his military ID number and dates of service without hesitation. “They always say a marine is always a marine, and that is very true,” said his wife and caregiver Phyllis McGilbray. Stan served in the U.S. Marines from March 23, 1968, to March 22, 1972. He looks back on that time in his life with great pride and because of that, Phyllis, a registered nurse who retired to care for Stan, has filled their Oklahoma City home with visual reminders to trigger those cherished memories. As Alzheimer’s progresses, photographs and other visual reminders become more and more important for Alzheimer’s patients to remember family members and other relationships. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends using photos and thought-provoking items
by Morgan Day
to spark memories. One of Stan’s favorite items is a book of U.S. Marine history. The book has its own place on the couple’s nearly floor-to-ceiling living room bookcase. Other military memorabilia and family photographs line the shelves. Phyllis, 67, teaches part time at East Central University and is an adjunct professor at Moore Norman Technology Center. She often lectures at local agencies about caring for those with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia that accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Stan, 64, was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s just one day before his mother Vera McGilbray died of the disease. Like most Alzheimer’s patients, Stan’s symptoms started small. He would drive to an area he was fairly familiar with and call Phyllis, describing the
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Outlook February 2015
intersection to her and telling her that he couldn’t remember how to get back home. When caring for Stan, Phyllis said she focuses on visual cues and keeping Stan’s mind and body active, often through events at First Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. The great grandson of the Seneca tribe chief, Stan also has been active in the administration of the Creek Nation and keeps a photo album nearby to remember his heritage. According to Phyllis, caregivers and loved ones can become frustrated with Alzheimer’s sufferers, but they should never lose sight of what is happening to the person. “Sometimes you think, ‘Oh my gosh, how can you not remember this?’ Then you realize they can’t remember. Sometimes it’s hard to be objective with Alzheimer’s,” Phyllis said. The caregivers at Touchmark at Coffee Creek also know the importance of visual cues for Alzheimer’s patients. The independent living and assisted care living facility includes a memory care unit, and each resident has a “life story box” or “memory box” full of small keepsakes and tactile prompts to help bring back cherished memories. The life story boxes read like time capsules, containing trinkets that the person holds dear and that trigger memories of life events, loved ones and hobbies. The items also make it easier for caregivers to connect with those in the memory care unit, said Myra Smith, director of Health Services at Touchmark at Coffee Creek. “It gives us something to talk about with them,” Smith said. “It’s just ways to identify with him, to click a memory, to get something to come up, so that you can have a conversation.” Smith gave the example of a woman whose passion had been gardening. Her life story box might contain a packet of seeds, pretty
gardening gloves and some artificial flowers. That in itself provides valuable talking points between the caregiver and resident. “So we could talk about planting flowers in our courtyard next spring and ask, ‘What kinds of flowers do you like to plant?’ and start a conversation,” she said. It’s even an Phyllis & Stan fill their approach Phyllis takes home with memorbilia. in her own home. She stood before her bookcase and said, “This is like Stan’s memory box.” Melissa R. Mahaffey, executive director of Touchmark at Coffee Creek said it is still an invaluable tool to make Alzheimer’s sufferers feel connected. “I think it’s soothing for people to reminisce,” she said. “Mostly everyone has memory boxes here. We encourage families to bring things. And if they don’t have items at home then we will find things to put in there.” For more information about Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org or call their 24-hour helpline at 1-800-272-3500.
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Outlook February 2015
On Track
Local train hobbyists ride the rails in mini motorcars by Kent Anderson
Drake Rice with his motorcar
In
the years following the Civil War, the railroads brought America together. When the golden spike was driven at Promontory Point, Utah, in 1869, completing the Transcontinental Railroad, it symbolized the ability to transport people and goods from one end of the nation to the other. In essence, the railroads created the modern America. But times and technology change. In 2015, railroads are not the social and cultural force they were nearly 150 years ago. Of course, freight companies still move goods by rail, and Amtrak provides passenger service to many areas of the country. However, there are many individuals and organizations with a passion for the old ways and a desire to preserve the heritage of the steel rails. Drake Rice knows well the allure of the rails. “It usually starts with the train set around the Christmas tree and progresses from there,” he recalled. “I grew up in Sand Springs, and my first job after high school was at the power plant, which was next door to the Sand
Springs Railway’s engine house. On my lunch break I would go over and talk to the guys at the engine house, and got to ride some of the engines.” With time, Rice’s interest in railroads grew. He was one of the charter members of the Central Oklahoma Railfans Club, which later evolved into the Oklahoma Railway Museum. Today, he serves on the board for the museum. Still, it wasn’t until a friend in Kansas invited him on an unusual excursion that Rice found a highly specialized and immensely satisfying passion. The friend had purchased a railroad motorcar and took Rice for a ride. “I was hooked,” Rice remembers. “I said, ‘I have to get one of these.’” That passion has led to Rice’s role as the Oklahoma excursion coordinator of the North American Rail Car Operators Association, or NARCOA. Railway motorcars are small, motorized vehicles that railroads utilized to inspect tracks in decades past. They replaced hand-pumped cars after World War I, and were widely used until the 1980s, when the railroads began to phase them out in favor of Hy-Rail vehicles, which are Sharing the history of standard pickup trucks with retractable rail travel in Oklahoma wheels that can operate on either road is rewarding, and then or rail. So the railroads sold off all their there’s a camaraderie motorcars, and a hobby was born. Today NARCOA boasts more than 1,700 of simply going where members nationwide. Rice estimates most people don’t go. Oklahoma has about 15 licensed operators who regularly take excursions in the state and beyond. The motorcars vary in size, some being two-seaters and others which were designed to carry a railroad crew of eight to 10 people, plus tools. They sport four-cylinder engines, two-speed transmissions, a roof and windshield. Top speed is around 35 miles per hour, and the cars are much lighter weight than road vehicles—Rice’s car is 965 pounds. Enthusiasts buy motorcars from dealers, investing anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per car. They must pass a rules test to become licensed operators. continued on next page
The gift she’ll
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On Track, cont.
Rice, in his role with the Oklahoma Railway Museum, has developed relationships with most of the smaller railroads operating in Oklahoma. Larger lines, with heavy freight traffic do not participate, but the “short lines” are friendly to the group. Rice works with railroads based in Clinton, Wilburton, Hugo, Stillwater and Wichita Falls, Texas, among others. The excursions, usually scheduled on a weekend, draw enthusiasts not only from Oklahoma, but other states as well. Rice clears the dates with the railroad, coordinates the issuance of an insurance policy, and posts a notice on the NARCOA website, as well as sending out an email to notify
members of upcoming excursions. The operators meet at the designated loading point, and after a safety briefing from the railroad, they load their cars onto the rails. Lining up in a particular order, and with 100 feet between cars for safety, away they go. Once the engines are running and the cars are in gear and moving, the adventure begins. There is no steering wheel on a motorcar, and the operators can simply enjoy the ride. “You get to see a lot of pretty country,” said Rice. “Wildlife, too. Since you’re not along the highway, you see things you wouldn’t see otherwise.” Each route has predetermined stopping points and a lunch break, which is usually the turnaround point for the round trip. A recent weekend excursion saw the group taking a 126-mile round trip between Clinton and Snyder. NARCOA members come from all walks of life: engineers, office workers, electricians, machinists. They have a love for the bygone culture of the rails. “Our common bond is that we like railroads, we like motorcars and we like taking trips,” said Rice. But it’s far more than just taking trips. It’s a different way of looking at life in the 21st century. “It’s about preserving rail history and a mode of transportation that we really don’t have anymore, said Rice. “Today, when people think about travel, they only think of airplanes. But rail travel is very relaxing. Sharing the history of rail travel in Oklahoma is rewarding, and then there’s the camaraderie, a camaraderie of simply going where most people don’t go.” For more information about NARCOA or the Oklahoma Railway Museum, visit www.narcoa.org or www.oklahomarailwaymuseum.org.
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Outlook February 2015
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29
The
Goats
of
The Oklahoma City Utility Department has hired some
unusual employees—and they aren’t human. Thirty-five goats, two sheep and a donkey are filling the job of the Lake Hefner Lawn Crew quite nicely. City employees and the public have fallen in love with the idea of using animals to mow the grass. It’s an age-old agricultural practice that’s new again. In fact, the herd has reached celebrity status, with a fan-following on both Facebook and Twitter. This odd menagerie is living proof that animals outperform machines when it comes to safely mowing the grass along the steep slopes of the canal. Why? Maintenance workers were putting themselves at risk for injury when they drove the heavy mowing equipment along the lake’s canal slopes. “The grass was high, you could hardly see, and the bank was eroding into the canal,” explained Dr. Steve Hart, who works at Langston University’s American Institute for Goat Research. “Goats can handle steep places like that just fine.”
Greening Up the Clean-Up
Goats are also environmentally friendly and they reduce gas emissions and the need for weed killer and chemical fertilizers. Goats excel at eating and fertilizing! “Each goat takes his own path, eating as he goes,” Hart said. “This helps revegetate the land, because their hooves are spreading seeds with every step.” Hart credits recently retired city employee, Monte Hannon, for approaching Langston University over a decade ago with the idea of
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Outlook February 2015
Lake Hefner by Amy Dee Stephens
hiring goats. With 700 goats on campus and 35 years of research about vegetation management, Langston staff members were supportive of the idea—but the timing wasn’t right. “The timing was finally right when the city faced the purchase of a $300,000 mowing machine,” Hart said. “Someone remembered the goat idea—and goats are a lot cheaper.” Since the first five months of the project, the city has spent about $2,500 a month, with much of that applied to the initial cost of building shelters for the animals. “Even the National Parks system is using goat herds, because they are trying to keep their land pristine and clean,” said Debbie Ragan, marketing manager for the Oklahoma City Utility Department. In August 2014, the Water Utilities Trust approved the idea, and two days later, a herd of 19 goats moved from Langston to Lake Hefner. City employees fenced in a mile along the canal and built shelters for the animals. Eventually, the herd will be moved to other locations along a six-mile stretch of the canal. “There is already a noticeable difference in the amount of vegetation around the canal,” said Ragan. “Goats don’t just eat grass— they love leaves, woody vines, cedar and poison ivy.”
Guard Donkey
Employees from the utility department check on the animals daily, doing a head count, making sure they are healthy and providing supplemental food during the winter. Langston staff and students periodically clean their hooves and check for worms. But the real caretaker of the herd is a donkey named Samule, who was recently named in an online voting contest. His job is to herd the goats, protect them and watch for predators, such as feral dogs. By nature, donkeys are alert to danger, especially canines. Because they bray a loud warning, many farmers use them to guard livestock. The original 19-member herd has grown to 37, and may continue to grow. Both the utility department and Langston University have been pleased with the goat partnership. Hart hopes that more entities will embrace goats as effective, environmentally-friendly lawn mowers. “It’s been a community effort. Our employees love the goats, and the goats have done a good job at the canal,” Ragan said. “Oklahoma City has really embraced the herd as a positive thing.” Check out the Hefner Canal Goats on facebook.
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Small Business of the Year Presented by the Edmond Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Arvest Bank.
by Amy Dee Stephens
Sandy & Dave Miller, along with the team at Back40 Design & Outlook Magazine
For owner Dave Miller, the greatest honor in winning Small Business of the Year is the value placed on his company’s contribution to the community. Back40 Design offers web design services and publishes Outlook magazine, and in both cases, great emphasis is placed on assisting and promoting non-profit and community efforts. “I’m proud of the way we quietly contribute, and by that, I mean that we do a lot of discounted and pro bono work for nonprofits,” Miller said. “In addition, nearly every magazine issue we publish touches upon an individual who does good work or an organization that gives back to the community. We’ve grown our design firm by being loyal to causes we believe in.” For example, Back40 Design recently created the Swine Week website at no cost to Edmond Memorial High School to help students expand their fundraising outreach. Each year the students raise money for a designated cause in the community, and this year they plan to raise $350,000 for Angels Foster Family Network of OKC. Another organization important to Back40 Design is the Reason to Believe Ranch, where horse therapy promotes healing for handicapped and troubled children, developmentally disabled adults and victims of human trafficking. “It’s in our company DNA to want to give back,” Miller said. Several employees at Back40 and Outlook are involved in community efforts outside of work hours, including serving on boards for nonprofits and volunteering with various organizations. Meanwhile, Back40 Design continues to grow and work with some of Oklahoma City’s largest brands through their web design
We’ve grown our design firm by being loyal to causes we believe in.
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Outlook February 2015
services, from Water4 Foundation and Love’s to Frontier City and Sonic Corporation. Whether a company needs branding, a brochure design, a full website construction, or just ideas, Back40 Design offers all these services inhouse. Especially ideas. Creative ideas are the foundation of Miller’s career. Before he started Back40 Design, he was a designer who worked in creative industries, including cartooning and toy development. At the Rhode Island School of Design, he studied industrial design, and his first job was designing cars. Following that, he became a storyboard animation artist and director of Saturday morning kids shows in Hollywood. From 1992 to 1999, Miller drew a comic strip named Dave, which he describes as a 20-something single guy focused on work, pop culture, relationships and dating. The strip was syndicated daily in 160 national newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Examiner and the Dallas Morning News. “I created Dave for eight years, but being a cartoonist was a solitary existence. I missed interacting with other creatives and working with clients,” Miller said. In 1999, he decided not to renew his comic strip and went to work for Hasbro as a toy designer, working on recognized brands including Barney and Teletubbies. Unfortunately, he was laid off, right around the time he and his wife, Sandy, adopted their two godchildren from Oklahoma. They decided to leave their current home in New England and move closer to his wife’s family in Prague, OK. It was a leap of faith. “I came here with no job, but I wanted to work from home, so
Sandy and I started this company from our den. She took care of the accounting and I took care of the creativity,” Miller said. In 2000, the world of website design was relatively new, but Miller’s company started to gain a following. He also began a Shawnee publication very similar to Outlook magazine, called Shawnee Shopper. Within a few years, the business had expanded enough that he needed to get an outside office and hire a few employees. Moving to Edmond was in the back of his mind from the beginning. He’d fallen in love with the hills, trees and parks of southeast Edmond the first time he saw it. It reminded him of his home back east. In 2005, Miller was driving to Oklahoma City two or three days a week to work with clients, so it was a logical time to move closer. He and Sandy moved to Edmond, opened an office on Memorial Road, and started Edmond Outlook magazine, now called Outlook. “This is our tenth year publishing Outlook, and it’s been so rewarding. We tell stories that might not get told otherwise. It’s exciting, really. I can be at the store and start talking to someone, and suddenly there’s another story to tell. Oklahoma is filled with interesting people. The magazine has been a great way to quietly give back to the community.” In 2012, the office relocated to 5th and Littler. Miller wanted the space to foster creativity, so he designed large, open areas for the development team, as well as private offices. He describes it as, “An open, creative space on one of Edmond’s coolest streets. It’s a great place to bring clients and share ideas.” 2014 was a great year for Back40, the company grew its client base, revenue and staff—now at 18 team members. The goal? To accommodate the growing clientele while still providing the personal attention that Back40 has been known for. He’s proud that his familyowned company has blossomed. “Sandy and I started this business 15 years ago in our den, looking out at the back forty. We can’t believe how far we’ve come. I feel fortunate to have put together and work with such a creative team. We’ve built thousands of beautiful websites and shared just as many incredible stories,” said Miller. “We appreciate the Edmond Chamber and Arvest Bank recognizing Back40 Design as a vital part of Edmond and plan to continue quietly contributing to our community.” Learn more about the services Back40 Design offers at back40design.com.
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MY outlook
Marshall Hawkins, Owner, Sundance Photography Outlook Photographer
by Bethany Marshall
What has been your favorite shoot with Outlook? It has to be one of my first covers for the magazine. It was of a dance organization and it was just a really unique, striking cover—R.A.C.E. Dancing Towards Change (April 2011). What is the most challenging shoot you’ve ever done? The Fire Dancers (February 2014). Photographing dancers outside on a cold, January night, lit only by moonlight and the light from their swinging chains of fire is just about the biggest challenge a photographer can get. Do you have any funny stories about an assignment? Shooting the Hefner Goats this month! There was this photobombing brown baby goat that followed me around and right before each picture he’d sneak into the frame and smile—yes, he’d smile. That baby goat wanted to be a star! What subject do you enjoy taking pictures of the most? Seniors and engagement— and for the same reason. Both high school seniors and the newly engaged are about to enter a new phase of life and they are filled with an excitement and hope that you can’t hide. The emotions we capture in these shoots are genuine and it’s quite a sight to see. What is your favorite part about taking pictures? I thoroughly enjoy finding and capturing the qualities in a subject that make them beautiful. But helping people preserve the most special moments in their lives is a remarkable and important thing.
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Outlook February 2015
What has been your favorite shoot of all time? My wife’s bridal portraits and my two boys’ newborn sessions are undoubtedly the most priceless and most important images I have captured. When did you know that this could be a career and not just a hobby? Shortly after taking my friend’s senior pictures for a class assignment, I saw the way her pictures made her feel and I thought to myself, “I really need to do this again.” That was when I realized it could be a real career. What do you find most challenging about photography? Being able to adapt to an environment. Unfortunately, not every shoot can be shot at sunset at one of Edmond’s prettiest parks, so you learn pretty quickly how to manipulate light and make a lackluster location seem desirable. How do you help people feel comfortable in front of a camera? It is best to find some sort common ground with your subject—get them talking, or even better, laughing. Marshall’s Favorite Cover - April 2011 I’ve found that when they become comfortable with me, they forget about the camera. Any advice for those considering a career in photography? If you love it, just do it. Get to know your camera and take it everywhere. Shoot your friends, your dog, impressive architecture. Try to find the extraordinary in the most ordinary of things. Build a portfolio and make connections. Anything else you would like us to know about you? My wife and I established Sundance Photography in 2009 and we specialize in weddings, engagements, family & senior portraits and commercial photography. For the past four years, I have had the pleasure of shooting over 360 stories for Outlook Magazine. This incredible opportunity has opened doorways, created friendships, and given me photographic experiences that otherwise would have never been possible. Check out Marshall’s work at sundancephotographyokc.com or give him a call at 558-1615.
(minimum of 300 sq. ft.) Time to say out with the old tile and carpet and in with new wood floors. Are you dreaming of new wood floors, but dread the mess associated with tearing out your tile? Are you tired of your 70’s carpet, but the thought of working with unreliable installers stop you in your tracks? Kregger’s Floors and More is here to help. Not only does Paul Kregger and his crew offer outstanding friendly and dependable service, but they have also created a system that eliminates many of the hassles most associated with tile removal. Their new dust collection system minimizes the dust. Although their technique is not dust-free, Kregger says it is “light-years ahead of the rest.” With most companies, replacing tile can take a week or more. Besides eliminating much of the dust, with Kreggers, your floor can be free of tile and prepped for new flooring in no time. “Most people think that the task of replacing tile is more construction than they want to deal with. With our manpower and no ‘middle man,’ your tile can be gone in as little as one day!” said Kregger. The installers are what set Kregger’s apart. This ensures customers are getting someone who knows and shows skills he’s familiar with to install their flooring. “In some stores the installers are folks the store has known maybe a day, maybe a year. It’s hard to say. At Kregger’s all of our installers are long-time
employees or family members.” Edmondite Christy Dowell says, “We have a home full of Kregger’s floors! New wood floors, tile floors, rugs, a shower and soon to be carpet. Paul and Chris and the rest of their crew have been a pleasure to work with; always courteous, respectful and punctual. They are also very trustworthy. We left our home to them for a week and came back to beautiful wood floors. It seems to me that ‘satisfaction’ is their number one goal...and I am completely satisfied! I highly recommend Kregger’s Floors and More.” Kreggers is now offering an unbeatable $5.99 psf on genuine Mohawk hand-scraped wood
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