100 Greatest Miles of Route 66 Whack, Thump, Bump with Twister City Roller Derby Hope, Healing, and Horses
The web marketing company that creates this magazine, Back40 Design, is celebrating 25 years this January. That’s right, folks—a whole quarter-century. Not bad for a start-up consisting of a folding table, a spare dining chair, a wellloved Mr. Coffee Maker, and a beige Mac connected to the internet via a shaky dial-up connection.
Back in the early 2000s, not everyone had a website and if they did, it needed help. My first project? The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum—a major break for a budding business. At the time, my business plan was as straightforward as it gets: Cover the mortgage, create cool stuff, and hope someone notices.
Well, it turned out that more than a few people did. Hundreds of local businesses trusted us to craft their websites and marketing campaigns. Before we knew it, Back40 had outgrown the folding table, moved into a real office, and brought on a team of talented designers and developers. We became trailblazers in the digital frontier, embracing the wild and ever-changing landscape of web design and marketing.
The beauty of hitting 25 years is having stories to tell. Stories of success, growth, and yes, some delightful chaos along the way. But through all the ups and downs, one thing has never changed: our unwavering commitment to helping our clients shine.
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning (and yes, some clients have) or are just now considering a project with us, you are the reason we love what we do. Sure, the coffee and endless internet tinkering help, but mostly, it’s you. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President
On the cover: Terrill Davis celebrates after a touchdown reception against Fort Hays State. Photography by UCO
100 Greatest Miles of Route 66
By Amy Dee Stephens
Ed Gochenour, owner of Chicken Shack in Arcadia, was driving along Route 66 when inspiration struck. He had just left a meeting in Sapulpa, where the first Sapulpa Christmas Chute was experiencing unprecedented success. As he headed back to Arcadia, he encountered other small towns about every 10 to 15 miles.
“I thought, why not unite all these towns and do something that would excite visitors about traveling through Oklahoma?” Gochenour said.
So Gochenour did what good Okies do to bring people together—he offered free food! On May 4, 2023, he invited tourism-minded people from the 11 communities from Sapulpa to Edmond for a meeting at his restaurant. After guests enjoyed The Chicken Shack's famous mouthwatering chicken, he presented his idea for collectively creating and marketing experiences in central Oklahoma, which is placed smack dab between Chicago and Los Angeles on Route 66.
The right people gathered, and a movement was born that day. Suddenly, the Midpoint Corridor: The Greatest 100 Miles along Route 66, existed.
First: Focus on Christmas
Attendees walked away with the clear mission to start developing Christmas experiences. The 2023 year’s goals were simple: Develop a storyline theme for each town and have as many Christmas lights in the downtown areas as possible.
“Edmond was excited to be involved because we have 13.4 miles along the route,” said Jennifer Thornton, director of Visit Edmond. “My team decided on the Miracle on 2nd Street theme to create the atmosphere of an old-fashioned American Christmas.”
“We ARE the greatest 100 miles, but it ultimately comes down to branding,” said Gochenour. “The State of Oklahoma does a great job with tourism, so we are giving the state more cooperation for marketing Route 66.”
As planned, the City of Edmond ramped up its Christmas lighting and enhanced events. Luminance at Mitch Park was already going strong, along with downtown activities and Holiday
Hop at Stephenson Park, but Thorton encouraged new events. She began marketing Christmas opportunities collectively, making it easier for tourists to identify Edmond’s holiday offerings at a glance. Next: Year-Round Focus
Following the successful partnership of the Midpoint Corridor communities, Gochenour hosted more free chicken meals and launched the next phase of events. Last summer, the Route 66 Road Rally was born, followed by the Route 66 Balloon Festival in September.
“Our second goal was to get ‘wheels on the road,’ said Gochenour. “We didn’t have the road rally participation numbers we hoped for, but that inaugural event helped us build the infrastructure--so we’ll just keep our foot on the pedal. The Balloon Festival attracted a lot of people, but we had wind issues, so we’ll make modifications. By the 2026 Route 66 Centennial, these will be well-developed events.”
Always tenacious, Gochenour next inspired the Midpoint Corridor communities to begin clean-up efforts along the roadside easements and ditches beside Route 66. In 2024, volunteers removed 4,234 abandoned tires from along the road in Edmond, Arcadia, Luther, Wellston, and Stroud; an effort that earned a Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Best Community Partner award from Lieutenant Governor Pinnell in November 2024.
“I started a new initiative to keep cleaning the Route 66 roadside every Saturday in 2025, and everyone’s invited to help beautify our state,” Gochenour said. “My next goal is to tap into Tulsa and Oklahoma City, our big end caps, to be the 12th and 13th cities on the Midpoint Corridor.”
Some people are calling Gochenour a visionary for thinking big for the benefit of Oklahoma’s Route 66 communities. “A visionary?” Gochenour paused. “I think I’m just a creative guy who’s willing to try new things and endure the peaks and valleys. We still have a long way to go on Route 66, but I believe in the Midpoint Corridor.”
For more information and upcoming events, visit midpointcorridor.com.
Route 66 Midpoint Corridor Board: Ray Strauss, Ed Gochenour, Jennifer Thornton, Kristin Weaver, and Bob Pearman
Hobby’s Hoagies + Dan’s Pizza East Coast
By Laura Beam
& Italian Fare in Edmond
There’s something truly satisfying about dining at a local, family-owned restaurant with its special homemade touches and recipes handed down for generations. When the Hobson family opened Hobby’s Hoagies in 1991, they not only brought authentic East Coast hoagies and pizza to Edmond, they sparked a lifelong, family-wide passion for creating delicious food and serving their community.
When George Hobson moved from Delaware to OKC in 1978 as part of the management team to help open the new GM plant, he missed the Philly Cheesesteaks and sandwiches from the East Coast and began making his own. They quickly became a sensation among friends and GM workers. In 1991, his wife Patricia and daughter, Kim Nixon, opened Hobby’s Hoagies, where George later joined them when he retired. “At one point,” Kim recalls, “all three of my brothers and I were working here with mom and dad.” The family’s love of excellent food and service didn’t stop there. Today, with Hobby’s Hoagies in Edmond and Downtown OKC operated with the help of grandson Chris Nixon, Dan’s Pizza in Edmond, owned by Danny Hobson and run with the help of granddaughter Lainey Hobson, and an Italian ice stand - Ice Ice Baby - at Waterloo and Broadway, food is truly a three-generation family affair!
A Sub for the Win
This time of year when you gather indoors to watch the big games with friends, nothing brings home the win like a 6-foot party sub or loaded pizza–and Hobby’s Hoagies and Dan’s Pizza do it right! Homemade Italian bread is layered with choice ingredients like prime, juicy ribeye steak, premium Boar’s Head lunch meat, fresh veggies prepped in house daily, and crushed hot cherry peppers shipped in from Delaware. “Other than adding some new sandwiches over the years, we haven’t changed anything,” Kim reflects. “Everything is made the same, with mom’s recipes.”
From classic comforts to bold flavors, the diverse menu caters to all cravings. The Philly Cheesesteak is a top pick, with thinly
sliced steak, or chicken and hamburger on a homemade Italian roll. The Reuben is another big hitter, and the Special Italian Hoagie is a show all its own with ham, salami, Provolone cheese, capicola, all the toppings, and an extra kick with oils, spices, and spicy cherry peppers.
With such a stellar sandwich lineup, you might not make it past the deli creations on the menu, but if you do, check out the New York-style pizza. That famous, foldable pizza with Hobby’s Hoagies homemade dough just gets better with every bite. The Philly Cheesesteak pizza is a fan fave. Stromboli, wings, pasta, and soup round out the menu selection.
Dive in at Dan’s!
Serving up handcrafted pizzas in Edmond for 15 years, Danny is true to the Hobson name with a delicious menu of pizza, calzones, wings, and hot sandwiches. Featuring the signature Hobson pizza dough and sandwich bread made daily from scratch, Dan’s creations promise “a slice of happiness in every bite.”
For the Hobson family, a sense of connectivity and gratitude extends to the whole Edmond community. Kim and Danny recall generations of diners who have come back again and again.“We can’t thank everyone enough. Edmond is truly a great community.”
Visit Hobby’s Hoagies in Edmond at 222 S. Santa Fe Ave or order online at hobbyshoagies.com. Visit Dan’s Pizza at 121 E. Waterloo Rd., Edmond, or order online at danspizza.biz. Follow both restaurants on Facebook for Super Bowl hours and specials on pizzas, party subs, and hoagies!
LAURA BEAM
Account Executive, editor, and writer with experience in radio, newspaper and magazines. Interested in what Outlook can do for your business? Contact her at laura@edmondoutlook.com
Edmond Kitchen & Bath
How long has EKB Home been designing kitchens and baths, and do you design other rooms as well?
Over 23 years now, and we have all kinds of projects and rooms in our portfolio. As my husband Robert and I merged our skillsets, along with those of our team, we grew into the luxury kitchen and bath design build firm that we are known for today, where we contract everything from whole home remodels to stand alone kitchens/baths, and design work for new construction.
What are some current top design trends for kitchens and baths?
Grey is out (except as accents)! A move toward warm stains and even browns is trending, along with light stained rift-oak cabinets and black accents. You will also find darker ash-stained walnut cabinets and painted cabinets in burgundy and emerald greens. Large statement veined and “brechiated” marbles and natural quartzites for countertops are driving trends too. In bathrooms, we have been doing a lot of Robern style medicine cabinets that maximize storage, curbless shower designs, and floating vanities with underlighting to give that luxury hotel feel.
What is the design process? Do clients initially come to your showroom?
Yes, we start with a meeting in our office. It’s a no charge, no obligation opportunity for us all to meet and discuss the basic
desires and goals of the project. From there, we work through the design, estimating, and contracting. We provide firm pricing with fully estimated projects before signing a contract. This allows materials to be ordered well ahead of time and generates efficient installation schedules with projects completed on time!
How do you collaborate with contractors on new construction builds?
Many times we are hired to function as the design team for the whole home. We strive to be an asset to the builder, his subs, and the homeowner as part of the team. The use of our CAD program (Chief Architect) allows the client to “see” their home and confirm design choices and features. From there we are able to produce working floorplans, elevations and full color electrical, plumbing and countertop drawings.
What products do you offer in your showroom?
In addition to our custom and semi-custom cabinet lines of Bentwood/Harmoni and John Michael metal cabinets and vent hoods, we also offer a range of custom products: The Galley Workstation, PITT Burners, Graber Motorized Shades, Surya Rugs, and Grothouse wood countertops. We also offer access to a number of designer product lines like Hammerton Studio Lighting and Mitchel Gold Bob Williams furniture.
What's your top advice for someone redesigning their kitchen? Bath?
Number one is to take the time up front to work out all the selections and their associated costs, including labor. Otherwise, you may find yourself living in a remodel for twice as long as it should have taken and quite possibly twice the cost. Also, don’t neglect the estimating process.
Designers Megan and Brenda
T he Good Ol' Central Blue UCO Broncho's 2024 Winning Season
By Chris Brannick
"The best team in the nation, the good ol' Central Blue." That’s how the chant ends. The chant bellowed out by players, coaches—alums too—following a victory on the football field for UCO Bronchos. And it happened a lot in 2024.
Central Oklahoma posted an 11-2 record this season, winning the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) championship, earning a spot in the NCAA Division II Football Championship, and even hosting a first-round playoff game at Chad Richison Stadium. The Bronchos set 19 school records this season and were considered one of the best teams in the nation with a high-powered offense that put up better numbers than any other squad in the country.
Fall Camp
“It really started in January when this group got together for offseason workouts,” third-year head football coach Adam Dorrel said, reflecting on the season. “They worked really hard all spring and did more on their own in the spring and summer to be ready for fall camp.
“When we got to August, there were signs,” Dorrel continued. “From a measurable standpoint, this was the biggest, fastest, and strongest team we’ve had here. But also, more importantly, there was just a strong sense of camaraderie in the locker room. These guys really embraced the team mentality and that’s just as big as anything else.”
UCO started the 2024 season with a highlight-reel victory over Langston. Renewing a storied local rivalry, Central and LU met Sept. 7 in Edmond before a likely school record of 9,374 fans. The Bronchos returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and raced away from Langston from there to the tune of a 72-0 victory.
Blocked Field Goal
While Central Oklahoma fell short for the first time all season on Oct. 26 against Pittsburg State, the Bronchos got right back to winning following the midseason game. Central Oklahoma beat Missouri Western in St. Joseph, Mo. with a 47-yard field goal in overtime to win 37-34. The following week, on the road again, UCO blocked a field goal as time expired to secure a 28-27 win at Washburn in Topeka, Kansas.
First MIAA Title
Those two wins set the stage for Central Oklahoma to win its first MIAA title since joining the conference in 2012. The Bronchos needed a win against Emporia State in Week 11 to take the title, and there wasn’t much question it would happen. UCO sacked the opposing quarterback five times in the first quarter, forcing a change in the lineup by the opponent. All the while, Central’s offense continued to put up its record-setting numbers, and soon enough, the stage was being assembled on the field for the trophy presentation following the win.
Central Oklahoma kept with the trend in the early part of the season, winning 57-40 over Central Missouri to improve to 2-0 on the season. The Bronchos won on the road in Week 2 at Nebraska Kearney and then started piling up the wins. UCO beat Fort Hays State, Missouri Southern, Northwest Missouri, and Northeastern State to improve to 7-0 on the season.
With the conference championship, Central Oklahoma moved into the postseason for the first time since 2003 and hosted a playoff game for the first time since 1998. The Bronchos beat Ouachita Baptist 38-31 in overtime before traveling to Ferris State for the second round of the playoffs. That’s where the historic season would come to an end for the Bronchos with a final record of 11-2.
Following the season, UCO ended the year with 19 new school records. The Bronchos had 18 players earn All-MIAA honors, five of whom earned All-Region accolades, and two of those were selected as All-Americans.
Head Coach Adam Dorrel
Jett Huff drops back to pass against Ouachita Baptist
Kendall’s Craft Takes Center Court
By Taylor Bollinger
What NBA legends are to basketball, Kendall Ross is to knitting. Her mastery of the craft is elite, and what she creates – needles in hand – has deservingly drawn a crowd. This season, Kendall’s handcrafted work has found a surprising home in the heart of Oklahoma City Thunder fandom. Through a collaboration with the Thunder and sports apparel brand Round21, Kendall’s fiber art designs have been transformed into limited-edition merchandise—one-of-a-kind designs now celebrated at every Thunder "City Nights" game.
"My grandma taught me to crochet when I was really little," Kendall shares. "I grew up in a family where the women were always making things—embroidery, knitting, you name it." But her journey to professional knitting wasn’t seamless. "I tried learning to knit from YouTube, and it went really poorly. It wasn’t until I took a class at a local yarn store that I really picked it up."
After college, Kendall turned her passion into a full-time career, honing her craft with daily practice. "Knitting is like muscle memory," she explains. "Things come to you as you’re working. There’s almost an unknown magic to it—the process itself is inspiring."
Her designs, which often include off-beat text incorporated into the fabric, carry a personal, journal-like quality. "The text is therapeutic, like a diary entry. You can be dramatic and over-thetop. It’s all validated because it’s part of the piece. Knitting lets me express emotions and experiences even without the words."
This opportunity was really exciting, both as a fan and as an Oklahoma artist.
Her intricate pieces can take hours and sometimes months. But the product is well worth it, earning the attention of celebrities like Kate Walsh. More importantly, awarding Kendall with an immense sense of artistic accomplishment.
When the Thunder and Round21 approached her for this collaboration, it felt like a full-circle moment. "I’m a huge Thunder fan—I share season tickets with my brothers—so getting this opportunity was really exciting, both as a fan and as an Oklahoma artist," Kendall says. Round21, which was founded by Oklahoman Jasmine Maietta and featured on Shark Tank, partners with artists to create unique sports merchandise, often for the WNBA.
The collaboration resulted in a hand-knit, one-of-one piece by Kendall, which inspired a pullover and a hat now sold at the Oklahoma City Thunder’s City Nights. "It’s rare to see fiber art in these types of collaborations. Usually, they work with graphic designers or painters because it’s easier to mass-produce. So, it’s cool to see them embrace a more unconventional medium."
For Kendall, seeing her work celebrated at the arena was a surreal experience. "My whole family got to go to the game, and
we all got our little hoodies. It was such a special moment." More than just a personal milestone, Kendall hopes her collaboration sends a message to other artists. "If you’re doing something a
Kendall Ross
Hope, Healing and…Horses
By Taylor Bollinger
Founded in 2020, Willow Ranch was born out of a mother’s grief, a daughter’s legacy, and their shared love of horses. A licensed counselor since 2015, Christa Malcolm established the nonprofit in memory of her daughter Jessica, who was lost to cancer in 2011.
"Jessica and I shared a love of horses," Christa explains. "I know the healing power of equine therapy on a personal level, so I started Willow Ranch to promote hope, healing, and wellness for others walking through trauma or grief.”
Willow Ranch focuses on helping families process a wide range of traumatic experiences—divorce, addiction, grief, deployment, and more. The ranch is home to nine horses, seven of which Christa owns personally. Two others have recently retired from riding programs and come from the 3F Ranch in Guthrie.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, Willow Ranch uses equineassisted therapy to help clients process their emotions. Christa highlights the unique value of working with horses: "Horses, as prey animals, are naturally attuned to their environment. They have a fight-or-flight response and often reflect the emotions of our clients. This helps people understand what they’re going through or identify what they might need."
The bond between horse and client accelerates healing. Christa recalls one particularly powerful story of a woman who had lost her son. "She was stuck in grief for over two years, unable to care for herself or her family. Through her work with the horses, she was finally able to process those emotions and reunite with her loved ones."
Another family, devastated by a father’s death, found a safe space at Willow Ranch. "We worked individually with the youngest child to process grief without triggering other family members. Eventually, they all came together, recognizing and supporting each other's healing journey."
The therapy at Willow Ranch uses multiple approaches, including the Eagala model, faith-based Spur modality, and PATH training, tailored to each client’s needs. Sessions are often held outdoors to leverage nature’s calming effect, providing a beneficial contrast to office-based therapy. "Being in nature with animals eliminates many discomforts of a clinical setting," Christa notes.
Most of the ranch’s staff are dedicated volunteers trained to ensure the safety of both horses and clients. "It’s heavy work," Christa acknowledges, "but it’s worthwhile. Plus, the
I know the healing power of equine therapy on a personal level
horses benefit from having a purpose and staying socialized through groundwork sessions."
Whether it’s processing grief, overcoming addiction, or healing from divorce, Willow Ranch offers a place of solace. Participant Amanda Hampton shared her experience, ”I am a survivor of suicide loss, having lost my husband four and a half years ago. The loss brought my two daughters and me to Willow Ranch Equine Therapy. Together, we embraced the healing power of horses, working as a team to navigate our pathways through grief. This experience allowed us to communicate openly, share our feelings, and support one another in our healing processes.”
Amanda says her youngest daughter continues to attend horse camp, “where she finds solace and strength in her connection with the horses, allowing her to express emotions that would otherwise remain unspoken.”
Learn more about how Willow Ranch continues Jessica’s legacy at willow-ranch.com.
Jessica
Christa Malcolm
Elevation Health
By Maria Veres
Elevation Health offers new ways to treat Depression and Anxiety.
If you or a loved one has major depression, anxiety, OCD, or PTSD, there is new hope. At Elevation Health, a new clinic here Edmond, Dr. Tate Woodward offers innovative, proven options that don't involve swallowing another pill (and indicated for patients as young as 15 years old). Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), along with ketamine infusion, are new alternatives for those who wish to decrease their reliance on prescription medications that are so often ineffective.
How TMS Works
Transcranial magnetic stimulation uses a magnetic pulse similar in strength to an
MRI. It targets the left lateral prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that's responsible for much of our emotions. "In people with long-standing depression or anxiety, that part of the brain becomes deficient," says Dr Woodward. "TMS helps bring neuronal activity back online and gets healthy neurotransmitters signaling again. It's like physical therapy for the brain!"
This FDA approved treatment involves daily sessions, each lasting only about 20 minutes, for 36 sessions. It has little to no side effects, and patients can resume normal activities directly afterwards (like working and driving). "About 86% of patients have improvement in symptoms, and 63% achieve complete remission of their depression and anxiety," says Dr Woodward.
Pioneering New Treatment Options
Dr. Woodward is a certified family practice physician and a veteran. He spent years seeing patients in hospital settings, where he witnessed firsthand the devastation that untreated mental illness can cause. When a colleague opened a TMS clinic in Kentucky, Dr. Woodward knew he wanted to bring this technology to Oklahoma.
Along with TMS, Dr. Woodward also offers ketamine therapy, a fast-acting infusion
shown to improve depression symptoms in 70% of patients.
TMS and Spravato, a nasally-inhaled version of ketamine, are covered by most insurance carriers. Patients can also use HSA and FSA funds to pay for treatments. Dr. Woodward offers consultations to help determine what treatments are best for you.
“If you're tired of meds and tired of being told there's nothing else out there that can help, there is. It's called TMS," says Dr. Woodward.
Elevation Health is located at 1745 West 33rd Street, Edmond. To schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Woodward at 405-826-2256 or online at elevationhealthok.com.
Hearing Care by Hough
By Maria Veres
Choosing the right hearing aid can be complicated, but the mission of Hearing Care by Hough is simple: to help people hear better. Led by audiologist Dr. David Hough, the clinic’s focus is helping each patient find the device that best meets their needs.
Personalized Solutions for Hearing Loss
“Hearing loss is like a fingerprint. No two are alike,” says Monica Lewis, audiology technician. To find the right device, the clinic’s audiologists look at more than the degree of hearing loss. They consider the patient’s ear anatomy, lifestyle, and manual dexterity. Budget matters, too. Hearing Care by Hough offers devices at a wide range of price points.
The clinic provides hearing aids from the six top manufacturers. They receive no commissions or kickbacks from sales of hearing aids. Devices are never locked, meaning you can go to any other hearing aid provider to have them serviced. Financing is available, and if you purchase devices directly from them, lifetime follow-up is included.
Expert, Medically Based Care
Hearing Care by Hough is medically based, not retail based. Patient care is provided by three highly experienced audiologists, each
with at least a master’s degree in their field. The clinic's founder Dr. David Hough is the son of worldrenowned ear surgeon Dr. Benjamin Hough.
Anyone interested in a hearing aid can come in for a thorough, one-hour screening to assess their needs. The consultation is free. Patients can bring hearing test results from their healthcare providers, or they get tested at the clinic for a small charge.
“Gathering information is the first step,” says Monica. “If you’re not sure whether you need a hearing aid, come and talk to us.”
Hearing Care by Hough is located at 100 NW 150th St, Suite A2 in Edmond. Contact them at (405) 513-6465 or online at hearingcarebyhough.com.
Whack, Thump, Bump with Twister City
By Taylor Bollinger
On the outside, Edmond’s Arctic Ice Edge arena appears calm. But inside, it is a high-energy combination of “athletic excellence and hard-hitting action” – at least during derby season. That’s just how Twister City Roller Derby rolls.
The Oklahoma City league offers competitive and recreational teams. While the three recreational teams play against each other, the competitive teams are pitted against teams from across the region, nation, and – if they succeed at those levels – the world. Currently, Twister City ranks seventh of 70 teams in the region.
The fast-paced, full-contact sport is played on roller skates, where two teams of five players each battle it out on an oval track. The game is broken into short, intense rounds called jams. Each team has one jammer — the player with a star on their helmet — who scores points by lapping opposing team members. The other four players, known as blockers, form a pack, working to clear paths for their jammer while blocking the opposing jammer.
If the structure of the sport doesn't click on paper, a few minutes of watching the high-powered action will solve that. And for the even more adventurous in spirit, tryouts are around the corner, says Twister City Roller Derby President, Cheyenne Riggs (known as "Professor Flex" on the track).
The league holds tryouts at the start of each year. Over a three-month process, candidates are trained in the essential skills of the sport: elements like skating (obviously), stamina,
and strategy. By the end of that period, a skills assessment determines whether players are added to a team or invited to spend more time in training. The goal, Cheyenne says, is to ensure players are equipped to play safely.
“Learning to skate is the biggest challenge,” said Cheyenne, who came into the sport via the Austin, Texas roller derby scene. “Then, it comes down to core strength and stamina. We do a lot of conditioning because the play is non-stop. And you take a lot of hits.”
While the sports’ bad-girl persona is warranted (they are tough), Cheyenne says a more inclusive group would be hard to find (they are kind). “The sport has some very punk-feminist origins,” she said, “and today it’s really a very inclusive place where people who struggle to find belonging can fit in.”
In addition to offering an outlet for physicality and competition, Cheyenne says there’s something about the game that changes you. “In life we so often find ourselves needing to be smaller or take up less space, but on the track, it’s the opposite. You have to take up space and not concede.”
Find the Twister City schedule and 2025 recruit class at twistercityderby.com. Or, follow them on Facebook or Instagram at @TwisterCityRollerDerby. The recreational league is open to all genders.
Submitted / John M. Blood
The Ancient Life of Renaissance Man Will Arnett
By Amy Dee Stephens
How do you describe a man who loves Scottish culture, Vikings, and medieval history so much that he begins to skillfully replicate those lifestyles?
A Renaissance Man!
Will Arnett has such an incredible thirst for learning that he dives into cultural studies with fervor. He can speak dead languages, craft leather into shoes, carve timber into dragons, and tournament fight - wearing plate armor.
“I like to recreate how people used to do things in order to understand why they did them. It’s called Experimental Archaeology,” Arnett explains. “Once I learn it, I can then teach other people, sharing my love of history and heritage.”
Viking Ventures
Arnett describes his historical hobbies while sitting in his home library. The room has a gothic appearance, with ancient books and artifacts lining the walls. Each shelf is broken into sections of interest, such as classical literature, the Middle Ages, and mythology.
“My brother owns an escape room and haunted attraction,” Arnett begins. “I was helping him build the storyline about Norse Viking mythology. To immerse myself, I went on a weekend camping trip themed around the Viking Age. I was learning from passionate people who were serious students, so I dove in too.”
Soon, Arnett was hand-stitching clothing from linen and wool, which are dyed in vibrant colors using berries and flowers. “Hollywood has made the Viking era dark and dirty,” says Arnett, “but it was actually more like Snow White’s Seven Dwarves from the Disney classic. The more colorful, the more affluent the Viking.”
During the pandemic, Arnett leaned into woodworking. For his “Covid project,” he built a Viking-inspired canvas tent with heavy timbers carved into dragons. The tent includes a bed of wooden planks and ropes lined with pelts. Arnett exhibits the tent at medieval fairs as a member of a reenactment group called Glomesdal – Vikings in Oklahoma.
Scottish Studies
Medieval festivals introduced Arnett to his next passion: the United Scottish Clans of Oklahoma, an organization that preserves Scottish culture in Oklahoma.
“Most people are unaware of Oklahoma’s tremendous Scottish heritage,” Arnett says. “Heard of the Chisolm Trail? The Chisolm family originated in Scotland, working with cattle. A variety of Oklahoma places have Scottish names, like Glencoe, McCloud, and McIntosh County.”
Many Scottish people came to early America to escape the British government’s efforts to anglicize them, making it illegal to wear tartans or speak Gaelic. They moved into the Appalachian Mountains of North America, which resembled the highlands of their homeland.
Ancestry Discovered
“Oklahomans studying their ancestry or doing DNA tests often discover their Scottish or Irish heritage,” Arnett says. “My family is largely intertwined with the family of Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots during the 14th century.”
As the current president of the United Scottish Clans of Oklahoma, he is eager to help with their genealogy research, has taught Scots Gaelic classes, and hosts heritage festivals, like the Oklahoma Highland Gathering. Members often “kilt up” to attend Celtic-based events like wine tastings, museum activities, and musical performances.
“Since Scottish and Irish events often lean toward an adult audience with drinking, we’ve made our festivals more familyfriendly,” Arnett says. “This year we held our first Kiddie Highland Games. Instead of using a pitchfork to hurl a stuffed bag of straw, called the sheaf toss, the athletic tradition was modified into a children’s sheep toss - utilizing a toy stuffed sheep.”
Although Arnett expects he will continue to adopt an array of hobbies, his intention of seeking factual history remains at the root of all his time travel adventures.
Gesturing to a section of books in his library with titles about the Old West, Arnett offers a hint about his next foray into the past. “I relish dispelling the myths of television and film to teach the factual history,” says Arnett. “I may have a myriad of interests, but in all cases, I take pride in teaching authentic history to other people who are on their own paths of discovery.”
Visit unitedscotsok.com or search Glomesdal Vikings in Oklahoma on Facebook.
Will Arnett
Broken and Blessed
By Louise Tucker Jones
I have a passion for broken things. The cuckoo clock that no longer calls out the hour. A music box that doesn’t play. I identify with such things. On the outside they look perfectly normal but inside they are damaged. I often feel that in my own life. I look in the mirror and identify with those toys whose fur has been loved off and that makes me smile. The love part that is. But mirrors don’t reflect the inside splintered pieces of our lives. The shattered heart from failed relationships or the eternal grief from loved ones gone too soon. Broken by life’s hard times.
But in the midst of it all, I also feel blessed that I got to experience all those beautiful missing things. Love of a husband, children, parents, friends and more. Fun times at sandy beaches and sweet times sharing a meal or dancing close. Goodnight kisses and bedtime prayers and watching children grow inch by inch—choice by choice. I miss the laughter that used to bounce off the walls of my house and the joy of waiting on the front porch for a yellow school bus to deliver my precious cargo home. I miss happy back door greetings at just the right time, feeling the love as my husband walked inside before I even saw his face.
I miss joy in these moments and sometimes feel totally broken. But thankfully I have a God who specializes in broken things. He uses love as the power of healing. Inside my heart is a place where Jesus lives. He calls to me in the lonely night saying, “I will never leave you or forsake you. You are mine. No one can take you out of my hands.” My name is tattooed on his hand and he calls me “Daughter.” He blesses all the broken parts of my life. Holding me
as I cry, even treasuring my tears in a keepsake vessel. Healing me with love.
However, my heart and mind can’t always sense this. But strange as it may seem, with my Savior’s love, I can feel “broken and blessed” at the same time.
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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
a look back Full Service on Route 66
James McConnel and Leamon Shaver pose for a photograph at Shaver's Standard Service Station in 1959. Located on Route 66 at 113 E. 2nd Street in Edmond, service stations like this were popular with locals and Route 66 travelers. Leamon Shaver operated the service station from the early 1950s until the 1970s.
