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Outlook January 2017
January 2017
What I Learned in 2016
I can find the humor in almost everything. Even in a year of loss and grief, I’ve found reasons to smile. Here’s to 2016 and some stuff I learned... • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Interesting facial hair doesn’t necessarily make you interesting If you live alone, there’s no one to give you the Heimlich maneuver (scary moment) People you love may die but you must go on Friends can help you get through sad times. Thanks Kevin, Tim and Andrew Turns out I like convertibles (so I bought one) The only way to deal with mean people and keep your sanity is to heap love on them People can and will flock to downtown Edmond. Thanks Heard on Hurd I can play video poker and not become addicted to gambling You are never too old for a PlayStation 4 It’s totally valid that I’m leary of people who use the word “hence” Going on coffee dates in your 50s is really strange I should have bought property on 5th street when I had the chance I need help with my fashion choices (some pants CAN have too many pockets)
21 A Grand Family
Donald Bowen shares his story of what it’s like to raise his grandchildren 8 Louise
Heart Friends
11 Food
Locally Brewed
14 Business
Swanson’s Fireplace & Patio Clothes Mentor Edmond Springs to Life
• • • • •
Less management is better management Walking is an excellent form of meditation It’s okay to spend more money than you should on experiences Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello are awesome in concert I’m more of a touring motorcycle guy than a sportbike guy I can go a year without eating bread Mid-century furniture makes me happy There’s enjoyable sushi eating experiences beyond California rolls Not only can I keep plants alive, they actually thrive with regular watering (I once watered a plastic cactus for a year)
16 Winning Again
Retiring from coaching the Oklahoma Christian basketball team hasn’t stopped Dan Hays from making an impact on the sport
24 Trending in
the Kitchen
30 City • • • •
FEATURES
Local businesses share how to improve the epicenter of your home
28 Defying Disability
Kimberly Hill may only have the use of one thumb, but she hasn’t let it stop her from living a full and impactful life
Front cover photography by Marshall Hawkins To advertise, contact Laura Beam at (405) 301-3926 or laura@outlookoklahoma.com
Dave Miller, Back40 Design President
OUTLOOK
80 East 5th Street, Suite 130, Edmond, OK 73034 Volume 13, Number 1
PUBLISHER Dave Miller
405-341-5599
Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.
Creative Director Bethany Marshall
PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com
www.outlookoklahoma.com © 2017 Back40 Design, Inc.
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ADVERTISING MANAGER Laura Beam
DISTRIBUTION 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.
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Louise
by Louise Tucker Jones
I have been blessed with wonderful friends in my life. Some I’ve known forever. Others are new friends that I’m just getting to know. And some are in that middle category, but nearly all have a special story. How we connected and remained kindred spirits through the years. That’s where my friend, Pat Whitworth, comes in. My “Heart Friend” as she refers to us. Back in 1994, Pat, who lives in Madison, Alabama, read an article I wrote for Guideposts Magazine and felt a connection. I had written about my son, Jay, who has Down syndrome. I wrote how Jay requested that we pray for an angel on the first night that he began sleeping with oxygen because of an inoperable heart condition. Pat’s son, Shane, also had Down syndrome and was on oxygen. She quickly wrote a letter, sending it to Guideposts who forwarded it to me. Pat says I returned a l-o-n-g letter. I remember calling her and chatting for an hour as if we had been friends forever. We found that our boys had a ton of things in common. Not only did they have Down syndrome but they also had identical heart defects that were extremely rare. They also liked many of the same things. Both boys loved macaroni and cheese as well as helicopters and “weather” stuff. I actually found someone whose son loved to hear about tornadoes and twisters for bedtime stories as much as Jay did. Pat and I spent hours on the phone. I learned so much about her friends that I felt sure I could move to Madison, Alabama, and feel right at home. A few years later, we finally met in person. Pat and her husband and Shane were on their way to Texas to visit their grown daughter’s family and decided to make a stop in Edmond, Oklahoma. We felt like old friends coming together. The next time they made the Texas trip, they came through Edmond again. Then when I spent a week in Atlanta, Georgia, Pat and some of her friends drove over to visit with me. Of course, seeing each other helped seal our friendship but it
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was already very strong, spending hours on the phone. We laughed and cried together over so many happenings. I remember the day she called to tell me her husband, Homer, had died. We cried on the phone together. Seven years later, I called her with the same sad news about my beloved husband, Carl. Pat already knew what it was like to be widowed while raising an adult son with special needs so she was very supportive. Through the years, we have been prayer warriors for each other when our kids were hospitalized or had any type of illness. Tragically, in May of this year I received the shocking call that sweet Shane had left this world for heaven. My heart was broken, knowing how Pat loved and protected her son. Our friendship has now passed the 20-year mark and our lives are so intertwined that today when I call, I still expect to hear Shane in the background asking his mom who she is talking to. She would always reply, “It’s Miss Louise, Jay’s mother,” with that Alabama accent. Sometimes, God places people in our lives for special reasons. I feel like that’s what he did for Pat and me, knowing we would share our unique lives and be “Heart Friends” forever. I hope the New Year brings lots of “heart friends” to my readers. I’m certainly thankful for all of mine.
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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An Evening with
DIONNE WARWICK JAN 7 7PM Tickets Starting at $30
RODNEY CARRINGTON FEB 14 8PM Tickets Starting at $55
GRANDBOXOFFICE.COM I-40 EXIT 178 | SHAWNEE, OK | 405-964-7263 10
Outlook January 2017
FOOD
Locally Brewed The brewers at the 405 Brewing Company in central Oklahoma say they make art out of alcohol. A project brewery, the 405 Brewing Company is among the newest craft brew businesses that have opened in Oklahoma, and with specialty beers found nowhere else, they are quickly becoming a favorite. The new interest and laws in Oklahoma are paving the way for an industry that is coming into its own. “Our business model was different enough that we would have pursued our business anyway, but it helped knowing there is such a consumer demand for craft beer,” said Trae Carson, who opened 405 with Jonathan Stapleton. “Had craft breweries not been sustainable, we may have thought twice about it. But the market was right.” Within the decade, Oklahoma has brewed up an award-winning craft beer culture, and this movement is forming a flourishing industry that combines great taste, entrepreneurship and community throughout the state. For years, Oklahoma ranked 48th in breweries per capita, but thanks to more forgiving liquor laws and a heady desire for locally created brew, Oklahoma now boasts of more than 20 local breweries and numerous brewpubs. “Oklahoma has traditionally been grossly underserved in craft brewing,” said Charles Stout, owner of the Bricktown Brewery and president of the Oklahoma Craft Brewers Guild. “But Oklahoma is home to a lot of great breweries now that are producing some exciting products.” From the pioneer breweries like Choc, Coop Ale Works and Marshall Brewing Co. to newcomers like Twisted Spike Brewing Co., 405 Brewing Co. and Vanessa House Brewing Co., brewers are toasting the success of craft beer in Oklahoma.
Toasting Success
“I think others are seeing the success of the established breweries and are encouraged,” he said. “Right now, craft beer is trendy and sustainable. People want to consume products that are created locally, and they are being educated that craft beer is much fresher and much more interesting in taste than what they’ve been used to.” This past summer, Gov. Mary Fallin signed into law a bill that allows craft breweries in Oklahoma to sell full-strength beer for the first time. In November, Oklahoma voters approved a much debated proposition, which among other things, allows full-strength beer and wine to be sold in convenience stores and grocery stores. “We are experiencing the best of times right now,” Stout said. “Being able to sell our beer cold will have a huge impact
by Heide Brandes
on the industry. This can be a huge game changer.” Having access to additional markets like convenience stores and grocery stores will also boost sales of locally created beer, he said. “Will Oklahoma be able to sustain an influx of new breweries?” Stout asked. “I think so. It will be tougher to do a mediocre job, and having new breweries increases competition and forces all of us to stay on top of our game to produce quality, interesting beers. I think having more breweries in the state naturally increases the desire for the product. More breweries means Oklahomans have more options to enjoy craft beer.”
Try a New Brew Twisted Stache Holy Beer Grapefruit Sour FDR 401K
Milk Stout by Twisted Spike Belgian Quadruple by Twisted Spike Sour Beer by 405 Brewing Imperial Coffee Stout by 405 Brewing Cream Ale by Vanessa House
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Twisted Spike Brewery
New Breweries On Tap
The success of Oklahoma’s established craft breweries is now inspiring others to create their own frothy businesses. Vanessa House Brewing of Oklahoma City officially hit the market with their first beer the last week of September. Founded by Andrew Carrales, and six others, the company was inspired by a love of craft beer. “We started home brewing, but that became very expensive,” said Carrales. “We started to research breweries in Oklahoma and
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Locally Brewed. Cont’d
what it would take to open a brewery. We took nearly five years to start the brewery.” Since Oklahoma isn’t oversaturated with breweries yet, Carrales said the partners saw an opportunity to make an impact on the market. “With the new laws, I think we have a real opportunity to introduce a lot of people to craft beer,” he said. “If we were in someplace like Denver, we would have a tougher road as far as shelf space and marketing. In Oklahoma, we have a chance to really get into the market.” Twisted Spike Brewing Co. is another brand new brewery, located in the heart of Oklahoma City, which opened in December. Offering a Belgian Blonde, a saison and a milk stout, the brewery fills its own niche in downtown Oklahoma City. “I’ve always had a huge passion for beer,” said founder Bruce Sanchez. “In the last few years, there has been a growing beer culture here. We saw a big movement to have our liquor laws change, and when we saw the changes coming, we began timing things out so we could open our business. It’s nice that we can now focus on our passion and share great craft beer in Oklahoma.”
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BUSINESS
J.C. Swanson’s Fireplace & Patio by Morgan Day Beverly Swanson Hayden, Manager of JC Swanson’s Fireplace & Patio
J.C. Swanson’s Fireplace & Patio Shop isn’t in the business of creating the same type of patio over and over. Instead, the folks behind the patio furniture store are dedicated to curating an environment that’s completely and totally you. “Sometimes it can be overwhelming when you see all the different styles of furniture available,” manager Beverly Hayden said. “What’s helpful to our customers is that we have a history with all the different types of furniture, fabrics and materials from companies we represent, therefore we can help customers create a space where it’s not ‘cookie cutter,’ but an expressive and beautiful grouping of furniture that comes together and looks just smashing.” The fireplace and patio furniture store, located at 17 W. 1st St. in Edmond, offers
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everything from aluminum, teak, wicker and wrought iron patio furniture to outdoor cushions, hammocks and umbrellas. Customers also will find an assortment of fire pits, gas logs and fireplace accessories. Items can be purchased off the floor or special ordered to the customer’s liking. Oklahomans start planning additions to their outdoor spaces as early as January, and that works out just fine for Swanson’s Fireplace & Patio Shop because the store keeps its merchandise on the sales floor all year long. A family owned and operated store from the beginning, it was the late J.C. Swanson and his wife Mary Alice, who, in 1961, purchased the indoor furniture store, Montgomery Furniture, after working up the ladder from delivery to sales. The fireplace and outdoor furniture store was opened in 1994 with Beverly joining them in
1997. J.C., who passed away in September, was quite the conversationalist, never met a stranger and set his customers at ease with his ornery sense of humor. It wasn’t uncommon for the former Edmond city councilman to spend two or three hours with his customer as they browsed the shop together. And that “gift of gab,” Beverly said, was not unique to her dad—it definitely runs in the family. “This has always been a great place to come and laugh and enjoy and create neat spaces,” Beverly said. “Once a customer comes in and we have developed a friendship and a relationship with them and we serve them—hopefully at a quality level each and every time—that relationship ends up being the best part about it.” Visit swansonsfireplaceandpatio.com or call (405) 341-2770 to learn more.
Clothes Mentor by Morgan Day Melanie Harris, owner of Clothes Mentor, with manager Jeniffer Nou
Just a few months into its newly developed personal shopping program, Clothes Mentor in Edmond is already seeing a steady rise in women who appreciate the styling advice tailored specifically to them and ease of having a stylist do the shopping so they don’t have to. Melanie Harris, franchise owner of the three-year-old women’s resale boutique at 3208 S. Broadway in Edmond, said customers are raving about the new, free service. It allows clients to fill out a short information sheet online, talk over the phone with a Clothes Mentor stylist about their goals and budget, and then come into the store to try on a clothing rack full of custom curated outfits suited just for them. “It’s been amazing to see how people will try on and buy things they never would have picked up if on their own,” Harris said. “And
my staff just loves it too. They love that they have a person to put the outfits together for.” The program is gaining popularity among women who have specific needs and aren’t sure how to dress for them. For instance, Harris has helped women who want to find styles that work for shorter strides, recent weight loss and the body of a new mom. The Clothes Mentor staff has a real knack for pulling together the perfect outfit from their floor of current, on-trend clothing not just for their customers, but for the dozens of mannequins located around the store modeling merchandise. One of the best compliments, Harris said, is for customers to buy the outfits right off the mannequins. In fact, it happens so frequently, it’s become a running joke among her staff. “It’s a thrill for our mannequins to be
stripped and bought,” she said. “In fact, just last week the mannequin outfits were bought four times in one hour.” Clothes Mentor, with locations around the country, is no consignment shop or thrift store. Customers sell their gently used, namebrand clothing and accessories to the store, no appointment required, and walk out with cash immediately. Clothes Mentor accepts women’s clothing, no juniors sizes or styles, and accessories of any season as long as they are less than three years old, ensuring customers find contemporary styles. “We’re here to meet the needs of all women,” Harris said. “Helping women look good while on a budget, that’s what it’s all about.” Visit clothesmentor.com/edmond or call (405) 285-8867 to learn more.
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Winning Again Oklahoma’s “winningest” coach continues to play ball
When Dan Hays, one of the “winningest” coaches in collegiate basketball, retired from his 33rd season at Oklahoma Christian University, he never said he was retiring from the game of hoops. Hays is ranked 42nd in all-time career coaching wins with more than 720 victories—earning more wins at an Oklahoma college than any other coach. He finished his run as OC’s head coach in February 2016. Previously coaching at Northwestern Oklahoma State as an assistant coach at Southeastern Oklahoma State and at Eastern Washington University, Hays is a legend in collegiate basketball. But, times had changed. Now 70, Hays said it was time for a new chapter in his life. “They say age is just a number, but it’s more than just a number,” he said. “I had coached for 48 years, and I wanted to step back as far as decision making. It’s different now than how it used to be. But I had a great run. Oklahoma Christian was so good to me for a long time.” Today, Oklahoma’s most “winningest” coach has a new role and a new avenue of mentoring and coaching young basketball players that keeps his talents close to home.
Rock Solid
In September, Craig and JoAnna Wiginton, along with Brandon and Katie Troutman, opened a new basketball facility
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Outlook January 2017
by Heide Brandes
in Edmond specifically geared toward developing young players with not only skills, but values as well in a single all-inclusive facility. Solid Rock offers training, skills academies, leagues, tournaments, camps and court rental, but the real goal is to provide young athletes a place where they are excited about basketball year-round. The 32,000-square-foot facility has four fullsized courts, but also a curriculum that goes beyond physical skills. Values are stressed as much as playing ability. For a long-time coach of a Christian university, Solid Rock offered a new home and opportunity for Hays. “Craig worked in my basketball camps and was an outstanding high school coach,” Hays said. “JoAnna was an outstanding player. Brandon played for me and was my graduate assistant. They had this vision to build their own basketball facility and develop this program that included individual lessons, clinics, camps and leagues with a base of teaching
My greatest achievements have been mentoring and watching my players succeed
people to play the right way.” Hays helped the founders during the summer with the basketball camps. Shortly after he retired, Hays approached them about becoming involved. “I thought they were doing a good thing, and I told them I was willing to help, if they wanted me around,” Hays said. “I’m a hired hand. They bounce ideas off of me and are very good about working as a team in skills development.” Solid Rock is geared for students in grades K-12 with summer college prep camps and specialized programs. Hays brings his expertise in coaching and basketball skills development to Solid Rock. “When I grew up in Albuquerque in the 1950s, our summers were spent in the sandlot and the playground, and that’s where we learned to play sports,” he said. “We want to bring that sandlot back to basketball with three-on-three basketball. We add a little old school to the program. The burn out rate for youth athletes is so high, and I would guess 75 percent of students quit sports by ninth grade. We’re trying to stop that. We are trying to inspire kids to grab a basketball, go in their front yard and just play.” In addition to coaching at Solid Rock, Hays also helps out as an assistant coach at Mustang High School as well. “I never said I was retiring from basketball,” Hays said. “The only other promise I made was to my wife of 48 years, JoAnn, and that was that we would not move. She has been so unbelievably good, and throughout my career, I moved her all over. I know she doesn’t want to leave Edmond.”
We are trying to inspire kids to grab a basketball and just go play
the court inside the Eagles’ Nest gym as the “Dan Hays Court.” While Hays has the most wins under his belt as a collegiate coach, his top pride is the fact that 90 percent of senior players on his team earned their degrees, and many of his teams were named NAIA Scholars Teams due to the grade point averages they earned. “I have been blessed,” Hays said. “My greatest achievements have been mentoring and watching my players succeed.”
Solid Rock Basketball is located at 140 W. 15th Street in Edmond. Learn more at www.solidrockbasketball.com.
Still A Legend
Hays was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1998 and was named to the OC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. He also was inducted into the athletic hall of fame at his alma mater, Eastern New Mexico University, in 1996. In addition, Hays was Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year five times and was the NAIA District 9 Coach of the Year twice. In April 2011, OC named
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A Grand Family
by Austin Marshall
Donald Bowen shares his story of what it’s like to raise his grandchildren
A senior citizen wakes up, says his prayers and rises to meet a day he already knows will be challenging. Instead of enjoying retirement from the comfort of his porch, he’s raising two teenage grandchildren without any other family support. Every day he makes sure the children are fed, go to school and stay out of trouble, and every day he does so while dealing with a physical disability. Donald Bowen of Oklahoma City has been doing this routine for nearly a decade, and he’s not alone. Nearly 3 million grandparents nationwide are raising their grandchildren without support from the children’s parents, according to the United States Census Bureau. Nearly one in four of these grandparents is disabled. Together, these statistics create challenges for grandparents, who obviously want the best for their children but at times are limited by circumstance. Bowen is 64, on Social Security and disabled—and charged with raising a 14-year-old girl and a 16-yearold boy. Like so many other grandparents, Bowen cares for his grandchildren because their parents are either unwilling or unable to do so themselves. “My son was in trouble and on drugs and I didn’t want my grandkids going into state custody,” Bowen explains. “I wanted to make sure they’d be raised right.” When asked what grandparents raising their grandchildren need from the state, he was succinct. “We need help. It’s really hard to raise grandkids when you don’t have the means, but I sacrifice a lot and do what I can because it’s what I’ve got I sacrifice a lot and do to do. People don’t realize what what I can because it’s these kids go through when their what I’ve got to do parents aren’t with them.” Bowen thinks the state can do more to help grandparents raising grandchildren. “Right now, it’s not enough. I pay taxes for the downtown development, but I can’t afford to go downtown and take my grandkids to a ball game,” Bowen observes. “That’s money I could be using to pay for a few meals. I understand we’re making progress, but we’ve got to slow down and help those in need.” Raising his grandchildren is not easy, Bowen says, but he says he hasn’t ever had an easy life. Born in Langston and raised on a cotton farm, Bowen said his family was poor but always happy. “That’s just how I was brought up. We didn’t make any money, but we were
Donald Bowen with his grandchildren
always content with what he had.” He’s believed in hard work his entire life. “Growing up, I picked cotton in Langston. I worked for 75 cents an hour at the Holiday Inn in Stillwater to support myself when I was 16 and I’ve been on my own ever since.” Bowen says his faith is important to him and he credits it for giving him the energy, patience and dedication to raise his grandchildren. “God gives me my strength and I thank him every day for it.” Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of grandparents raising grandchildren in the United States. The state Department of Human Services—like many other agencies of state government—struggles in the face of consistent budget shortfalls as oil prices remain low and income and sales taxes decline. The clothing allowance for foster families has been frozen for years; DHS is still working in compliance with the Pinnacle Plan, a 2012 settlement agreement to overhaul its child welfare division; preliminary forecasts show Oklahoma to be facing yet another budget shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. The costs of raising a grandchild can be staggering. School supplies, clothing, health care and other expenses are additional challenges, especially for grandparents like Bowen who do their best with limited income. Another pervasive problem is that many of the biological parents are behind in child support payments, which means Bowen must provide even more money to help raise his
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A Grand Family, Cont’d
Donald Bowen with his grandchildren
grandchildren. Oklahoma’s nonprofit community does tremendous work to help fill the gaps in the system. Sunbeam Family Services— an Oklahoma City nonprofit providing early childhood education, foster care, counseling and senior services— operates a program tailored specifically for grandparents raising grandchildren. Bowen, like hundreds if not thousands of other grandparents, turned to the nonprofit in a moment of desperation. “Sometimes you just need help when things get out of hand. I can call Sunbeam and if they don’t have a way to help me, they’ll find another agency that does.” Sunbeam helps grandparents with school
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supplies for their grandkids and has done so for nearly two decades. “My kids were ready for the first day of school because of Sunbeam,” he says. “I wish we had more people like them!” Bowen says. “The entire organization has gone beyond my expectations.” Although he is exhausted at the end of each day, Bowen knows his hard work is worth it. “I don’t ask anyone for pity—I do what I have to do to make it work. I do everything—clean, cook, mop—and I do it because that’s what family does. I’m blessed to be able to take care of these children. I just wish we had a little more help.”
Resources for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Sunbeam Family Services sunbeamfamilyservices.org | (405) 528-7721 Youth and Family Services yfsok.org | (405) 262-6555 Center for Children and Family ccfinorman.org | (405) 364-1420 New Covenant Christian Church ncccokc.org | (405) 722-7445
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Trending in the Kitchen
by Lance Evans
More and more families are beginning to call Edmond home. On any given Sunday, it’s easy to stumble upon on an open house sign directing you towards the latest house or neighborhood in the city. However, with all the “new,” it’s important not to miss out on the value hiding in your own home. There are a plethora of small upgrades that will help your home resemble a new build. Many designers recommend starting in common areas. Look no further than the heart of your home—the kitchen. Brenda Helms of Edmond Kitchen and Bath enjoys helping homeowners rediscover love for their homes, and has been doing it for more than 15 years. She is a licensed interior decorator with an extensive knowledge of the design industry working in her favor. “We offer professional, licensed services,” Brenda said. “We have lots of options—we don’t have just have one style that we do.”
Color as an accent
Color is a direct indicator of personal style. Brenda mentions using your favorite color to plaster your entire kitchen is a novice mistake that many homeowners make. “Never put your favorite color on a permanent backdrop,” she said. Wondering what color to paint instead? Greens and neutrals are currently trending in kitchens, so think twice before brushing warming tones over your entire kitchen. “Those favorite colors can be accents or even an island,” Brenda said. Haggard’s Furniture is also helping their customers find innovative ways to mix personal style with the latest in designer
trends. “Current trends focus on designs inspired by nature,” according to Earle Haggard of Haggard’s Fine Furniture. Think natural colors and bold woodgrain designs. “Designers agree that textures and lines combined with favorite colors help to create a desirable personal space, especially in shared spaces like dining areas.”
all in the countertops
Installing the wrong countertops in your kitchen is similar to putting the wrong shoes on an otherwise perfect outfit. An attractive kitchen starts at the foundation. “Update your countertops,” Brenda said. “That’s something that people are always looking for. Right now we’re in a vein of quartz countertops. That’s a marketable item in the kitchen as opposed to granite.” Quartz is a mixture of mineral, color, and resin. It offers low maintenance during installation and over time. It is also heat and bacteria resistant. Quartz is available in a wide variety of styles and colors and will give your kitchen the brilliance of Italian marble without the blemishes and spots that naturally occur over time.
Functionality is key
The kitchen is one of the most important areas of the home. Buyers are not only looking for beautifully designed kitchens, but also design qualities that lend themselves to busy families. “People are looking for function out of their cabinets,” Brenda said. “People want
re the angels? WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE? What do angel Is there an afterlife? Will our pets live forever? What plan? WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DIE? Will I see my relatives? What happens to the soul when we die? Does God have a plan? IS THERE A HELL? Is there an afterlife? WHAT DO ANGELS DO? Will our pets be in is heaven like? DOES GOD HAVE A PLAN? Will I see m WE ALL HAVE SIMILAR QUESTIONS JOIN THE CONVERSATION JANUARY 8-FEBRUARY 12 AT FPCE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF EDMOND SUNDAY WORSHIP AT 8:15AM & 11:00AM ALL 1001 S. RANKIN ST. (NORTH OF YMCA) www.fpcedmond.org | 405.341.3602 24
Outlook January 2017
THINGS
NEW
adjustable shelves at a minimum. Kitchens are going towards more drawers with a just a few doors. We do a lot of bucket pullouts.” Look for something that is well beyond the builder basic. Brenda mentioned that a number of homes that she updates started off with the builder-basic kitchen. “You want a better box that has a back, adjustable shelving, soft-closed and hidden hinges on the doors, and drawers as a basic. That is the new entry-level cabinet.” Once you have these as a foundation for your cabinets, Brenda suggests customizing the cabinet to your personal style.
the right contractor
According to Brenda, asking to see actual work a contractor has completed is imperative. “I would say seeing their work is one of the main components,” she said. “Do some form of a background check!” Also ask for a reference list—including both peers and consumers—to see how other community members are rating their work. Brenda noted the main difference between a contractor and her team at Edmond Kitchen and Bath: “We provide a full design-build service where the homeowner can go to work and not worry about anything. All of the design work is done at the beginning, all materials are ordered. There are no back-orders to deal with.” Suzanne Burget of Don’s Floor Gallery encourages her customers to start with smaller projects that don’t lead to unachievable budgets.
“Many families don’t have the funds for a complete remodel to an aged, outdated home,” she said. “However, gradual updates over time are more manageable and budget friendly. The kitchen is the hub and heart of the home and if it needs a little update, new tile can really make the difference.” Suzanne said that wood-like tile continues to be a best seller at Don’s. “Lighter and brighter continues to be the theme with shades of gray, taupe, and white tones.” These local businesses take the pressure out of the design process. They have all established quality reputations in the community and can truly make your home stand out. Edmond Kitchen and Bath will be showcasing their work at the upcoming Home & Garden show this month. Find more details at edmondkitchen.com, haggardsfinefurniture.com and donsfloorgallery.com.
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Defying Disability by Amy Dee Stephens
Mister Rogers, famed children’s television host, once said that the only “real disabilities” in life are disappointment, bitterness, loss of hope and lack of joy. Kimberly Hill faces incredible physical challenges—but “disabled” does not accurately define her attitude toward life at all. Hill is cheerful, positive, and highly-educated. She has a successful career helping people through emergency situations. And she manages this
with the use of one thumb! Hill was born with a genetic disorder that weakens her muscles, including those that are used for swallowing and breathing. Because of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type II, Hill has little use of her limbs, is on a ventilator, and uses a tracheostomy and feeding tube. “My life expectancy was two years,” Hill said. “They missed that by a few miles! I’m 32 and proving people wrong about what I can do. In my condition, everything I do is a challenge, but living my life the best way I can has always been my motivation.” Unwilling to live a life of inactivity, Hill attended Oklahoma State University to complete a degree in Political Science. “I am a total
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nerd. I love learning about anything and everything! I was drawn to political science because I’ve basically been a disability advocate my entire life. We’ve seen how ugly politics can be, but we seem to have forgotten how much it helps people—and that is what I was drawn to,” Hill said. Hill also calls herself a “weather geek.” In the aftermath of the 2013 tornadoes, she volunteered to help people communicate after the disaster through social media. “I realized that I could specifically help people with disabilities by giving them a voice in an emergency situation,” Hill said. “So, I decided to earn a master’s degree in Fire and Emergency Management.” Although she won’t graduate until May, Hill has already landed a job in her field of study. She is the Disability Integration Specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management—and she absolutely loves her job! “Helping people is what I’ve always wanted. Now I get to help people with disabilities before, during and after disasters occur,” Hill said. “It’s my job to bridge the gap between emergency management and the disabled community in order to make it more inclusive for everyone. Disabled people can be unintentionally overlooked during the disaster of chaos, especially if they can’t speak for themselves. I bring a different perspective to the table so that emergency plans can be modeled around the most vulnerable citizens.” Hill works remotely from home by using a specially-adapted home computer that she can operate with her thumb. She also has a robot that represents her at the office, which Hill describes as, “a big FaceTime on wheels that I can control from my computer at home.” Such technological advancements allow Hill to accomplish more than expected, even if she does things differently than most people. She is very hopeful for even further improvements as doctors close in on a first treatment for her disease.
“I hope that a future treatment and cure will help me regain strength,” Hill said, “but I am OK with whatever happens. I’m an eternal optimist, and I never give up!” Besides work, she has a busy life that includes family, friends and social media. Hill enjoys college sports and the Oklahoma City Thunder. She goes to movies, musicals and concerts, and she adores spending time with her Maltese dog, Elphie, who is named after a character from her favorite musical, Wicked. “I have to work harder at everything I do, but I don’t really mind. Obviously there are many things I can’t do, like run marathons, but I try not to dwell on those things.” Hill said.” I love my life most of the time. I hope to start dating, because I think I have a pretty I’ve always believed that I amazing life to share with someone. had a bigger purpose for Because of her work interests, being here. I’m grateful Hill rallies Oklahomans to pay close attention to government that I have SMA. Yes, it’s decisions regarding health care, brutal, ugly and completely which can greatly affect those with disabilities. Someday, she devastating, but it has hopes to get her PhD so she can given me the worst days so further improve life for disabled people. that I can truly appreciate “I’ve always believed that I the best days. had a bigger purpose for being here. I’m grateful that I have SMA. Yes, it’s brutal, ugly, completely devastating, and I want it completely eradicated from the planet. However, with everything that it has taken from me—which is mostly everything—it has been my greatest teacher. It has given me the worst days so that I can truly appreciate the best days.” “Now, would I chose to have SMA if I could? Of course not, but I didn’t get a choice in the matter. I did, however get to choose to make something that is truly terrible into what I consider to be a pretty beautiful life. Now…I am ready for that cure!” Kimberly Hill is an inspiration to anyone who takes walking, talking and eating for granted. If Mister Rogers had met Kimberly Hill, with all her joy, optimism and achievement, he likely would have set her up as an example of someone who took the “dis” out of the word “disabled.” To learn more about Spinal Muscular Atrophy, visit www.curesma.org.
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Edmond Springs to Life Edmond welcomes Poag Shopping Centers to expand and transform Spring Creek Plaza.
By 2018, Edmond plans to be the home of a new mixed-use lifestyle center at the northeast corner of 15th Street and Bryant, a massive undertaking that would combine unique upscale retail, dining options and luxury apartment living into one community gathering space. Poag Shopping Centers of Memphis is proposing a development called the Shops at Spring Creek on approximately 25 acres of land that would be an expansion and transformation of the existing Spring Creek Plaza Shopping Center, currently owned by Ward Construction. Poag has an option to purchase the existing Spring Creek Plaza Shopping Center and combine it with this new development. At a November 14th City Council meeting the development received zoning approval. The Shops at Spring Creek would not only include high-end retail, but a proposed specialty grocery store anchor tenant and a boutique theatre as well. A pedestrian bridge would connect the development to Hafer Park and green space and walkways would be included. The project, including the existing Spring Creek Plaza, would encompass approximately 320,000 square feet in an upscale lifestyle shopping center that would be the first of its kind in Oklahoma. “Oklahoma has nothing like this,” said Janet Yowell, executive director at Edmond Economic Development Authority. “The total investment of this development is $150 million. This is a very expensive piece of land to develop. The development would also include up to 325 luxury apartments.” This project has had some opposition. Residents had the opportunity to voice concerns at city council meetings. Some of the issues raised included traffic concerns and the effect the development would have on the adjoining Hafer Park. Yowell said Bob Rogers, a Poag Principal, approached the city two years ago to discuss the development, based mostly on studies that show that central Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City metro area is under-served in retail. “He loves how the existing shopping center looks and wants to continue that theme,” she said.
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by Heide Brandes
“Poag Shopping Centers specializes in developments with high end stores and boutique shops. As Edmond’s population grows, so should the amenities we have to offer. Cities are funded by sales tax revenue, and this has the potential to significantly impact our sales tax base through its regional draw of shoppers and diners.” Luxury apartments would be above portions of the retail, with some buildings being four stories. The apartments would be marketed to empty-nesters, young professionals and more. An underground parking area would serve residents’ needs. According to Poag’s website, Dan Poag and then business partner Terry McEwen, began their company with the idea to transform retail real estate. Poag took the concept of easily accessible stores to the next level by designing centers that offer national specialty stores, restaurants, top architecture and landscaping, park-like gathering areas and other amenities to create open-air environments that reflect the communities in which they are located. The company has developed lifestyle centers throughout the country including Town Center Plaza in Kansas City, Kan.; Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park, Ill.; Aspen Grove in Littleton, Colo.; Briargate in Colorado Springs; the Promenade Shops at Centerra in Loveland, Colo.; The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Central Valley, Penn.; and more. Bob Rogers told Edmond leaders he felt the community was perfect for Poag’s mixed-use lifestyle center concept with a main street design. “Right now you’ve got to go to Penn Square or somewhere else—you deserve to have it here. The only thing you’re missing in Edmond is this piece,” Rogers said in a recent public meeting. “When we came here two years ago looking at the entire Oklahoma City metro, this is where we landed. Everything you need will be here.” Construction on the development could begin as early as fall 2017, and the developers have indicated they will ask the city to create a Tax Increment Financing District. The development has complied with all the city requirements. “Right now, Poag is in the process of locating retail and restaurant tenants for the development,” said Yowell. “I believe this development is a good fit and will be a regional draw. Once it’s constructed, the development will have a grand opening, tentatively set for late 2018.”
Renderings provided by Poag and Dorsky + Yue International
80 East 5th St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73034
J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7 SERMON SERIES It's easy to see the Bible as a book of "answers," but the Bible is actually a book full of questions—questions we rarely attempt to answer. The fact that God asks us questions is further evidence of His desire to be in relationship with us. We are going to spend some time in the New Year wrestling with many of the great questions God has posed to us. Discover a deeper dialogue with God as you journey to answer His questions.
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