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OUR WOMEN’S SERVICES ARE A LOT LIKE YOU
There is truly not a single word to describe all that women are and all that they do. And that’s a beautiful thing. At INTEGRIS Health Edmond, we celebrate every part of your life and every phase of your journey. That’s why we’ve committed such a large part of what we do to helping you get healthy now and stay healthy in the future. For new moms and moms-to-be, our ten-room Women’s Center has every amenity you expect from a leading hospital, like peaceful, warm surroundings and experienced, board-certified physicians and specialists. But there are also reassuring amenities you might not expect – the Level II Special Care Nursery, the electronic infant security system and automatic screening for congenital heart defects. And for the rest of your life, we are here for routine mammograms, surgical services, urology services, health screenings and all of the things that keep you feeling like the strong, gentle … beautiful woman that you are.
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Outlook July 2014
Certified Auto Specialists Tim Hayali, ASE Certified Master 20+ years dealership experience
Complete Computer Diagnostics Complete Safety Analysis - Drivability Problems Tune-ups - Oil Changes - Tires Brake repair specialists - Steering & Suspensions Mufflers & Exhaust Systems Alignments - Fuel System Services Coolant Systems - Emission Repair Facility Engine Work - Air Conditioning Service Electrical Systems - Fleet Maintenance
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Armstrong
C O N C E R T – G O I N G
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Auditorium
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July 2014
The Art of the Party We’re a design firm—we create web marketing for
our clients. We also create and publish this magazine.
Last week we planned and executed a different kind of project - a client VIP party. Here’s a bit of our process.
Promote E-blast 600 of your favorite clients and tease them with
hints about the party—what we’ll be eating, drinking and giving away.
Decorate Differently We mounted
quotes, jokes and
12 Little Town Big Lessons
random sayings in large cartoon
The Children’s Safety Village is teaching kids real-life lessons in safety
bubbles.
Eats Hire a
great caterer like Running Wild and tell them
to go wild. Our
Check out more party pics at back40design.com/blog
guests ended up with bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers, pulled pork on sweet potato wedges and puffy cheese pastries that I cannot
8 Facts & Figures 10 Louise
Love & War
pronounce.
FEATURES
20 Time with Farrah Cherishing the moments that matter
Drinks Ice down at least four varieties of beer and hand select
15 Food
Fork Strawberry Rhubarb, Frostie Green Apple and Chubby Bubble
18 Business
25 10 Second Rescue Captain Brian Jordan performed a daring maneuver to save two soldiers’ lives
38 My Outlook
100 interesting sodas from Pops. Some of our favorite flavors: South Gum—actually that last one wasn’t one of our favorites.
Giveaways Who doesn’t like free stuff? We gave away gift cards to local restaurants, a variety of ads in this magazine and 2 iPad
minis. Having a well-caffeinated 10 year old (my granddaughter) pull the winning raffle tickets is fairly entertaining too.
Opposites Attract
Ree’s Housekeeping & Sweets 28 On Par St. Luke’s United A look back at the history Methodist Church of golf in Edmond
Lauren Heaton, Miss Rodeo Oklahoma
Pleasant Conversation Engage your guests. Ask questions. Small fibs are acceptable. Be interesting for 5 minutes (if I can do it, Sound like fun? We’d love to invite you to our next event. What? You’re not a Back40 client or Outlook advertiser? I’m sorry, lets
Front cover photo by Marshall Hawkins
fix that. Let me hold those jalapeño poppers while you sign this proposal.
36 Sights & Sounds Check out five favorite festivals happening this summer
To advertise, contact Laura at 405-301-3926 or laura@outlookoklahoma.com.
Dave Miller, Publisher, Back40 Design President
OUTLOOK
33 Coining A
New Craft Artist Shellee Graham sees the beauty in a dollar
you can do it). Above all be gracious—these VIPs pay our salaries.
80 East 5th Street, Suite 130, Edmond, OK 73034
405-341-5599
www.outlookoklahoma.com
info@outlookoklahoma.com
Volume 10, Number 7 Edmond & North OKC Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. © 2014 Back40 Design, Inc. PUBLISHER Dave Miller
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Laura Beam PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com
PRINT PROJECT MANAGER Bethany Marshall
Account Executive Emily Hummel
Graphic Designer Ryan Kirkpatrick
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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broadStripes Around Town brightStars When displaying the flag against a wall, the stars should always be in the top left corner. There have been 27 versions of the flag since 1777.
Red stands for hardiness and valor. White symbolizes purity and innocence. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice. 95% of American flags are manufactured in the US. The military folds the flag with 13 folds. The study of flags is known as vexillology.
Oklahomans have hundreds of festivals and events to choose from each summer. Learn more about
five favorites on page 36.
The city of Edmond was without a golf course for more than
30 years. Now, the city is home to some of the best courses in the country. Read more about Edmond’s history of golf on page 28.
July is National Ice Cream Month! On average, each American eats
5
1/ 2 gallons
The Mix of Six Art Show opening reception at Edmond’s Fine Arts Institute will be held on July 10th. This art show features paintings and sculpture by six area artists, collaborating to create one event exclusively at the Fine Arts Institute of Edmond. Visit edmondfinearts.com for more information or find the show on Facebook. Support Pets & People Humane Society at Sit. Stay. Art! Saturday, July 12 from 7-11pm in OKC’s Plaza District. 100% of art sale proceeds are donated to help raise awareness, adoptions & funding for shelter pets. Learn more at sitstayart.org. Interested in joining the Extreme Aquatics swim team or attending swim camp this summer? They have open tryouts all year! Contact Head Coach Krista Kezbers at kristakezbers@ gmail.com or visit the website at www.extremeaquatic.org for more information!
of the cold stuff per year.
’ Lucille s Restaurant
HWY 77 Closed; Take I-35 to Exit 170 Turn left, 3 miles down. Through July 17
In Mulhall, just West of Stillwater & North of Guthrie Open: Thur-Sat 11am–8pm | Sun 7am–7pm
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Outlook July 2014
649.2229
Louise
Love & War
by Louise Tucker Jones
This is a story I wish I could have shared on Veterans Day. It’s a story of life and death, beauty and horror, celebration and grief. You see this story took place in the middle of the Vietnam War. And though war is never pretty, there are precious moments, sacred things that often happen during those times. Carl and I were dating in college when he was drafted into the United States Army. We were already planning to get married so on the very day he left for Basic Training, Carl slipped an engagement ring on my finger. We planned to marry as soon as he got permanent orders, providing it wasn’t Vietnam. Otherwise, we would wait. Not my idea! Carl didn’t want to leave a young widow in case he died on the battlefront. I argued that I wouldn’t love him any less simply because we weren’t married, but Carl was adamant. We were young. We were in love and he wanted to protect me. Finally, word came at the end of AIT training—Carl got Europe. He called me at college and asked me to come to the base and get married. He was shipping out that weekend. No leaves for anyone not going to Southeast Asia. Not even a two or three-day pass, so I went. We were married in a little Army chapel at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri with a handful of soldiers as our guests. Carl in his dress uniform and me in a borrowed wedding gown. After the ceremony everyone gathered in the tiny kitchen for cake and coffee while Carl’s buddies told me how they planned to sneak him out of the barracks had his commanding officer denied him
a 12 hour pass to get married and spend the night with me. Suddenly, they realized this was the last event they would attend together. The next day, those not going to Southeast Asia would leave for their final destinations. Since most didn’t know exactly where they would be stationed, they wondered how they would keep in touch with each other. It was quickly decided that everyone would take my address and send me their permanent contact info and I would send it on to the rest of the guys. Carl was a bit hesitant to let these men write letters to his new bride, but only a little. So that’s how I came to hear from young soldiers in Vietnam, as well as the States and elsewhere. Some of them wrote to me (with Carl’s knowledge) the whole time they were overseas. They were lonesome and somehow, having attended our wedding, I seemed like a family member to them. I got letters telling me how bad things were in Vietnam. Everyone was always in a rush and one young man was injured by a grenade. In December, one of the soldiers wrote that his fiancée married someone else that Christmas. Another sent a letter near my first anniversary, telling me our wedding was one of his best memories. And some? Well, some never wrote. They lost their lives in Vietnam. Today, as I look at that wedding picture, with soldiers in the background, I thank God that I was able to marry the man I loved and spend 45 years with him. I also thank God for those young soldiers and remember that freedom is never free. It comes at a high price. Some paid with their lives and we should never ever forget their sacrifices. On this Independence Day, thank God for our freedom. Thank God for America!
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 July 2014
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The Children’s Safety Village opened in 2010 when Major Fitzgerald pitched the idea to his chief, based on a similar venue he’d seen in the past, where children came to learn hands-on safety lessons about personal safety. The lessons offered at the Safety Village are flexible: “Instruction is based on the time of year, the request of the groups attending and also trends in the community,” says Major Fitzgerald. “We’re here to make ambassadors of safety,” said Chief Barnes. “We want to make an experience—so kids don’t just come here to learn but also have fun with it.”
Red, Yellow, Green—What do they mean? by Mari Farthing
On a sunny day in July, the scaled-down streets of the Children’s Safety Village are filled with kids learning about fire and traffic safety. The village is complete with streets, buildings, power lines and a pond—all scaled down to a kid-friendly size to better engage and teach safety aspects. A donated school bus is also on-site to teach kids how to be safe around buses and to ensure the driver can see them. Led by Major Mike Fitzgerald, the kids seem to just be playing in the mini town, but while walking around the buildings, they learn when it’s safe to cross the street—after looking left, right and left again—and why it’s important to look both ways before stepping off the curb. When it comes to teaching our children to be safe, involvement is the best way to get that lesson to stick. According to Mike Barnes, Edmond Fire Department’s Chief of Fire Prevention, participation is the driving force behind the Children’s Safety Village.
After learning about fire prevention and how to find a safe exit (Feel the door; is it hot? Don’t open it.), how to low-crawl through the room (made more fun using tunnels) and how to safely exit through a window, the kids are unleashed to the streets for their hands-on moving safety briefing. What do these lights mean—red, yellow and green? What should you do at a stop sign? What about railroad tracks? What should you do if you see your parents texting while driving? These are all questions asked and answered by Major Fitzgerald— or “Firefighter Mike” as the kids call him—as the group winds through tiny streets acting as responsible pedestrians or safe drivers. While it may seem premature to teach four-year-olds how to be good drivers, knowing how cars and drivers are supposed to behave on the road will ultimately help to make them better pedestrians—and safer citizens. Finally, the kids each receive their own driver’s license and are unleashed onto a closed off parking lot filled with bicycles and
Drafty Old Doors? • Side Garage Doors • Rear / Patio Doors • Mechanical Doors • Front Doors
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Outlook July 2014
pedal cars. The newly-licensed kids are reminded that the helmets at each vehicle are to be worn on their heads at all times before taking off down the streets for a joy ride. While some lessons are a work-inprogress—many of the kids can’t help but use their push cars as bumper cars—the kids take pride in ensuring they are driving on the right side of the road, paying attention to the traffic controls and making sure everyone else does, as well.
Big Plans for the Future
Safety curriculum updates are being considered in the future, Firefighter M working with ike including poison, firearm, ki ds at the Safety Village construction site, electric substation and well site safety. The current classroom building is going to be remodeled into an apartment-like environment to reinforce home fire safety. “Cooking fires are the number one cause of fire deaths in our community right now,” says Chief Barnes, verifying why learning hands-on kitchen fire safety is important. Presently, the curriculum is geared toward younger children—up to first grade—but future plans may include curriculum for older kids, too. “Getting to middle schoolers will require a different approach,” says Major Fitzgerald. “Topics need to be more relevant to their age—not so much fire safety plans but more bullying and abduction information. We would also like to give kids input on how math and sciences are used in firefighting,” offering kids insight on how the subjects they’re learning in school may apply to their future careers. The Children’s Safety Village is free and open to the public for groups of at least ten kids. It is located adjacent to the Edmond Fire Department on Covell Rd, just east of I-35. Visit edmondok.com or call 405-216-7303 for more information.
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Outlook July 2014
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FOOD FOOD
opposites attract by Laura Beam
Somewhere between chocolate-covered pretzels and deep-fried twinkies we learned an important principle of life. Anything good can be even better when matched with its polar opposite...as if we didn’t learn that during our turbulent high school dating days. Food mimics life. The good, the bad, the ugly— it all finds delicious new purpose when paired with something different. Heat meets sweet. Fruit accents meat. Tangy melds with mild. We’re drawn to unexpected tastes that seem to contradict but somehow delight. And these clever combos are trending on menus everywhere.
Chic & Sweet
Widely celebrated for their signature layered Ribbon Cakes topped with fresh flowers, Nikkellette’s Café and Raspberries ‘n Crème Bakery in north OKC also attracts hungry fans with their show-stopping lunch menu. Recently remodeled into one fashionable space by sisters Nikki Griggs and Bridgette Close, this boutique eatery welcomes guests with chic decor and an amazing display of luscious cakes and bakery treats. The sisters continue the proud tradition and
recipes of their mother, Mary Jane Close, who originally owned the café. Headlining the menu at this fashionable bistro, spicy duck tenders are paired with raspberry chipotle, balancing bold flavor with a hint of sweet. Another must-try for variety-seekers is the Everything but the Kitchen Sink salad. With seasoned beef, grilled chicken, toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, cucumbers, pico de gallo, cheddar and blue cheese, hard-boiled eggs and raspberry chipotle dressing, this mega-salad eats like a meal. The Italian Nachos, Crab Monterey Dip and Fish Tacos with cabbage and peppers also offer the adventurous flavor combos we crave.
Pizza Perfect
No longer just the fall-back food when you’re too busy to cook, pizza has taken center stage as a cuisine of choice. After all, what better place than a golden baked dough to showcase today’s freshest, most creative food pairings? Upper Crust Wood Fired Pizza features continued on next page
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excludes Faves, Mini Murphs & Dessert Pizzas. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 7/31/14
Suvlakia Chicken
served with salad and pita bread
120 N. Robinson 1st National Center | 228-0017
Mon-Fri 10:30am-8pm Sat 10:30am-3pm
outlookoklahoma.com
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Opposites Attract, cont.
artisan-style pies with specialty ingredients like truffle oil, prosciutto, eggplant, capers and arugula. The Some Like it Hot pizza blends spicy Italian sausage and a medley of peppers topped with a balsamic reduction. Edmond Upper Crust proprietor, Matt Biard, comments that “the tangy and tart punch of the balsamic glaze cools the spice.” Other inventive combos on the menu include pan-crisped fish atop spicy orange vinaigrette and salsa and a breaded goat cheese appetizer topped with fig preserve. Even the drinks are creative, with signature sips like the Cucumber Gimlet and Pear-Grapefruit Fizz. On Monday and Tuesday evenings, their specialty pizzas and a bottle of wine are just $25. All day Sunday, a pitcher of draft beer and pie are just $20.
Tea with a Twist
Coffee and tea enthusiasts know all about enjoying the best, and in Edmond, they know All About Cha is a beverage paradise. Boasting an array of the finest hot and cold drinks, including many traditional oriental teas, this contemporary spot also dazzles customers with fun, fresh foods. Wraps, crepes, muffins and salads are staples, along with decadent mousse and cakes.
Morning and evening, one splendid treat draws oohs and ahhs as it is paraded across the café. The Ice Cream Waffle features a scoop of chocolate and vanilla ice cream and whipped crème on a Belgium Waffle. The Combination Waffle includes blueberries nestled in the deep pockets of the waffle. The tart and sweet flavors make this breakfast-style dessert a special attraction. Owner Chang Yi says, “People see it and start asking questions about what it is.” Look for downtown and Tulsa locations of this hip hangout coming soon!
Dining in, Done Right
Dining at home can be as rewarding as eating out when Millie’s Table does the work. Take-and-bake freezer entrées, veggies and desserts, ready to heat and eat, treat you to all the delicious options you demand, including home-style favorites and spiced-right specialties. Pick up Bleu Cheese Herb Biscuit Bites on a sweet yeast roll served with apricot preserve for a kick of sweet and tangy. Try savory raspberry, apricot or spicy orange-glazed pork chops. Or take home the Caribbean Pineapple Chicken infused with a curry and coconut milk sauce, topped with jalapeños. The Pecan Praline Chicken coated in Dijon mustard and spread with a pecan praline topping blends all the best food extravagances in an easy, pop-in-theoven entrée. Millie’s Table in Edmond offers sameday call-in meals and full service catering, too. Laura Beam is a business and food writer and 20-year advertising and marketing executive in radio, newspaper and magazines. Share new business tips and trends with her on LinkedIn or email Laura@outlookoklahoma.com.
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Outlook July 2014
Advertise your restaurant or business today!
Contact Laura or Emily
laura@outlookoklahoma.com 301-3926 emily@outlookoklahoma.com 315-1177
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BUSINESS
Ree’s Housekeeping & Sweets by Lance Evans Ree, Owner of Ree’s Housekeeping & Sweets
There are certain things that Ree comes to expect when cleaning a home. The mother of two is used to keeping a house clean, but there was nothing ordinary about what she recently found in one of her client’s home. “They kind of lived out in the middle of nowhere,” she said. After cleaning the living area and bedrooms, Ree moved into the bathroom area to finish the job. What happened next would cause a few screams—Ree reached to pick up the bathroom mat and discovered a little surprise. “I found a snake!” she exclaimed. Ree quickly got rid of the snake and is now able to laugh at the experience and chalk it all up to a day’s work with Ree’s Housekeeping and Sweets. Reanna “Ree” Bell is a single mother who started Ree’s Housekeeping and Sweets
out of necessity. “I had gotten divorced and I have two children,” she said. “I needed to have a second income. Housekeeping was something that I could do in my free time.” Since starting her business, Ree has found success not only because of her great housekeeping services, but also because clients began to crave the scrumptious baked treats that she leaves behind. “This last week we did macaroons,” she said. “We often do blondies, lemon squares and the triple layer brownies are always a big hit!” Ree is able to combine her skills as a chef and her love for clean houses into one unique hospitality service. “I had worked as a pastry chef and I made a lot of cakes and pastries,” she said. “I love cooking—I adore it. It’s a little niche that sets me apart from other people.”
In addition, Ree’s business is more than just a housekeeping service. It has become a single moms’ club of sorts. Ree believes that single mothers are the ideal employees for her business. They know what it takes to keep a home clean and they need a job that allows flexible work schedules. “It really fills in the gaps for a lot of people.” Ree is looking forward to growing her business and hopes to create a platform for other aspiring business owners. “I’d like to build a strong team and provide this opportunity to other people who are excited about being their own boss.” Start your home clean-up process and feed your sweet tooth at edmondoklahomacityhousekeeping.com.
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David D. Minyard, D.D.S. 950 Medical Park Blvd. in Edmond 18
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T H E R A P Y
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St. Luke’s United Methodist Church by Katie Dupré St. Luke’s Edmond team: Phil Greenwald, Savannah White, Josh Attaway, Edmond Campus Pastor, Dr. Bob Long, Senior Pastor, Rev. Drew Haynes, Rev. Wendy Lambert, & Tisha Tate
On the first Sunday after the Land Run in 1889, many Oklahomans came together to worship, and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church was born in the heart of downtown OKC. Now, 125 years later, St. Luke’s is expanding and opening a new campus in Edmond. The need for a new campus became clear when church attendance reached over 1,000 every Sunday, and many members from Edmond were no longer as engaged in the church community because of the distance between them and the church. Now, Edmond members of St. Luke’s can become involved with the church’s missions locally, and many have already started. The physical church building has not yet been built but longstanding Edmond members have already begun holding
community group bible studies in their homes. On Sunday mornings they gather for worship at their temporary location at Sequoyah Middle School. The importance of a satellite campus is that it allows the church to tailor its programs to be community-specific, and that is exactly what St. Luke’s plans to do. Future church activities may include daycare and mother’s day out, art and theater programs, basketball leagues and more. The agenda of events will depend on what the community asks for, says Senior Pastor Bob Long. The idea is to allow the people to choose what they need, so that the church can be a place for all residents, not just formal members of the church. This concept is a key part of the church’s mission statement, which is to
“share Christ, grow in faith, and serve the community.” St. Luke’s in Edmond plans to do all that by presenting services and programs that are both positive and practical, offering support and fellowship that will appeal to people who are already members, and those who aren’t. Getting people involved with church programs before they are church members is a great way to spread their message and encourage people to share their faith, while at the same time providing much needed community services. And that, says Reverend Bob Long, is the essence of what St. Luke’s is all about. To learn more about St. Luke’s, visit stlukesokc.org or attend their 11am Sunday worship services at Sequoyah Middle School, 1125 E. Danforth in Edmond.
UNCOMPROMISED WORKMANSHIP
outlookoklahoma.com
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by Amy Dee Stephens
Meet Farrah Love Sinclair, a two-year-old girl whose middle name is prophetic. Her life story is spreading a message of love to families across the country and causing parents to rethink their evening routines. Because of Farrah Love Sinclair, some children are spending more quality time with their moms and dads, who previously rushed them through dinner, homework, bath and bedtime. Step back and value your children,” said Farrah Love’s father, Daxton Sinclair. “Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles—you have such a short period of time with your kids. Think about saying ‘yes’ when they want to play catch or walk around the lake. Say ‘yes’ and realize that you can be tired later on.” Sinclair, who works in the oil industry, and his wife Jenna, a counselor, have adopted an unusual parenting philosophy—they never tell their daughter ‘no.’ Sound crazy? Read Farrah Love’s story and you’ll understand why… “Farrah has always been the perfect child,” Sinclair began. “Happy, good sleeper, only had one crying fit during her first year, the kind of child who springs around instead of walking.” That changed on April 1st. Farrah Love was eating cereal in her parent’s bed while they got ready for work. She crawled off the bed, walked into the bathroom and stumbled into the shower door. She took a few more steps and ran into the clothes hamper. “We looked at each other and said, ‘What’s wrong, Farrah? You’re walking around like you’re drunk,’”recollected Sinclair. That afternoon, the daycare provider also said that Farrah Love acted dizzy and kept falling. A severe ear infection was the obvious culprit—but after a week of antibiotics, the stumbling continued. And then, the Sinclair’s perfect child started throwing raging fits, rolling on the ground, inconsolable. She started tilting her head and couldn’t walk far without falling down. Traditional testing came back normal, so an MRI was scheduled for April 15th. “We anticipated that she was going to need tubes in her ears, so imagine our shock when our pediatrician said Farrah Love had a brain tumor. My wife and I tried to focus on the positive, so we decided to get her to OU Children’s Hospital immediately and get started on a treatment plan so she could get better.” The next day, a team of eight oncology doctors came into the Sinclair’s room and began the conversation with, “This
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Outlook July 2014
Farrah with her father, mother and grandmother
is the worst part of our job…” The diagnosis was that the rare tumor was growing deep in her brain stem, wrapping around her nerves. No known cure. An average of 9 months to live. “The doctor looked us straight in the eye and said that this cancer wins every time,” said Sinclair. “It was so devastating to hear that our child wouldn’t live to see her third birthday. Every parenting rule goes out the window when someone says nine months. She doesn’t hear ‘no’ anymore.” Amidst the shock, the Sinclairs had to make tough, quick decisions about how to proceed. Farrah Love’s brain tumor, called DIPG, only affects 2 or 3 Oklahoma children each year, so little is known about its treatment, and she is one of the youngest cases. She is currently undergoing experimental drugs and 30 radiation treatments, followed by a chemotherapy plan—and that’s just to keep the tumor from growing. “My wife and I believe in God and we’ve seen miracles happen, but we are also realistic. We know that the odds are stacked against us, but one thing is clear to us—the minute the bad outweighs the good, we’re pulling out and ending the treatment. We won’t watch her suffer to keep her on earth for another day. We hope for quality days in the time she has left.” Along with the torrent of emotions, Farrah Love’s condition has wreaked havoc on the family’s schedule. They arrive at the hospital each morning at 6:30am, after having administered medication at midnight. Because Farrah Love is only two, it is impossible for her to sit absolutely still for the 60-second radiation treatment, so she must go under daily anesthesia. Sinclair is thankful that he works for a family-oriented company that has allowed him to work from home when possible. Jenna is an independent contractor who had just taken off to prepare for the birth of their next child, due in July. Welcoming a new child while facing the loss of their oldest has created a new level of anxiety—especially realizing the amount of attention required by a newborn. Sinclair’s mother, who felt a calling to retire early, just one month before her granddaughter’s diagnosis, has moved in to help them manage the household so that Farrah Love’s parents can focus on her. The Sinclairs chose to stay in Oklahoma instead of moving out-of-state to a children’s specialty hospital for several reasons. First, they appreciate the care they have received from OU Children’s Hospital physicians. Secondly, they decided to remain among their support group. One friend set up a fundraising site to help with medical expenses, which will likely leave the family in debt for the rest of
their lives. They also have an online site to document their life’s journey without having to return the hundreds of encouraging emails and texts they receive daily. Eventually, Farrah Love will begin to stop eating and start sleeping more as the tumor takes over her nerves. They are told that she’ll have a final “burst of life” day in which she will be herself, play and have a great day. The next day, she will stop breathing and have a painless death. “I will never understand why my daughter is being taken away so early,” Sinclair said, “but I will always have two daughters. One just won’t be here. It makes you value every second.” “We watch her breathe at night. Every time she grabs my finger I study her hand. We try not to cry in front of her, because we’ll have plenty of time to cry in the future—but I want everyone to know that in my daughter’s two short years, she’s touched lives. I get messages from parents who are worrying less about housework and homework, and enjoying their children. Every moment they spend together is special. I want our sadness to have that positive impact. That’s what will bring value to Farrah Love’s short life on earth.” Visit facebook.com/Fighting4FarrahLove to learn more, or youcaring.com/medicalfundraiser/help-farrah-/166625 to help the Sinclairs with medical expenses.
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Outlook July 2014
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Outlook July 2014
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by Austin Marshall
Afghanistan’s Helmand province has been host to some of the most intense military exchanges in the Afghan war. The province, located in southern Afghanistan, is marked by jagged landscape, punishing weather, and perpetual gunfire. The province’s roads and hillsides are saturated with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and armed insurgents. Helmand is, to put it mildly, one of the most dangerous places on Earth. It is here that a former Edmond resident led a daring rescue mission and saved the lives of two wounded British soldiers. Captain Brian Jordan, a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross in February of this year. Captain Jordan, who pilots a UH-1Y Viper, received the award for his “exemplary gallantry in the air in presence of the enemy” after he rescued two wounded British soldiers who were under heavy enemy fire in June 2012. The United Kingdom limits the recipients of the award to those who perform “an act or acts of valor, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy,” and Jordan is only the second US Marine to be granted the award since World War II. Captain Jordan was on routine patrol in air support of British Grenadier Guards when he saw the detonation of an IED and received
a request for immediate medical support. Jordan’s instinct told him that the wounded couldn’t wait for medical support—he knew that his crew would have to extract the wounded if they were to be saved. After coming to this realization, Jordan and his crew moved quickly like a well-oiled machine. Crew chiefs spotted a landing zone for their brazen rescue attempt. Jordan’s helicopter flew below the tree line while sustaining hostile fire from several directions. Jordan and his men received aerial support from an AH1W Cobra and rescued the British wounded in ten seconds. MEDEVAC aircraft were just arriving as Captain Jordan and his crew escorted the wounded to the hospital on base. One solider had sustained a broken hip and significant shrapnel damage to his torso, eventually losing both legs at the knees. The other solider sustained a substantial amount of shrapnel to the stomach. Since the incident, the soldiers have had a full recovery and Jordan has stayed in contact with both of the soldiers and their families. “It is an extremely humbling experience and a great honor to receive this award,” Jordan said. He is quick to note the extraordinary composure and bravery of his crewmembers. “The overall actions that led to saving the soldiers could not be done on my own. It all comes down to the dedication that Marines give on a daily basis,” Jordan said.
It all comes down to the dedication that Marines give on a daily basis.
continued on next page
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All Photos courtesy U.S. Marine Corps. photos by Sgt. Justin M. Boling
10 second rescue, cont.
“Without the aircraft maintainers, we wouldn’t have had an aircraft to fly. Without the actions of the section lead in the AH-1W Cobra providing suppression as we landed in the hot zone, we may have been shot down,” Jordan explained, reiterating the importance of his fellow servicemen in the extraction. The award ceremony for Captain Jordan’s Distinguished Flying Cross was held at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. Jordan said that the event was a “very unique experience that was a great honor to be a part of.” Captain Jordan grew up in Corpus Christi, TX and always knew he wanted to serve in the armed forces. He comes from a family history of military service and chose the Marine Corps for its rigorous training standards. Jordan’s father was a Navy pilot and he has uncles who served in the Navy, Marine Corps and Army. Despite the flurry of media attention Captain Jordan received after receiving the award, he feels his life hasn’t changed. “I’m still a Marine pilot and a flight instructor—doing the job I love to do,” Jordan said. Captain Jordan’s story is one of thousands that encapsulates the bravery of the men and women who serve in the armed forces. His story reminds us of the selfless grit that defines our military and gives us all plenty to be thankful for this Independence Day. Capt. Brian Jordan and Lt. Col. William Chesarek, helicopter pilots, are the only two Marines to receive the British Distinguished Flying Cross since World War II.
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Outlook July 2014
202-4120
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by Austin Marshall
The Edmond Golf Club, a humble nine-hole course built in the city’s youth, opened in a time when Edmond was still a railroad town with a decidedly bluecollar streak. Now, nearly 100 years after the construction of Edmond’s first golf club, the city will host one of the most prestigious events in professional golf. The sport’s history in Edmond has changed as much as the city itself. Participation in a major event like the 2014
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Outlook July 2014
USGA Senior US Open is the latest in a series of positive developments for golf in Edmond. While the modern-day success of the sport is evident, less known is the fascinating history of golf in Edmond. It wasn’t always pristine fairways and undulant greens for as far as the eye could see. In anticipation of Edmond’s biggest golf event of the year, the Edmond Historical Society and Museum is showcasing a new exhibit—appropriately labeled “Fore”—which runs until September 27th. The exhibit will detail the history of the sport and provide plenty of unique insight into Edmond’s emergence as a golfer’s paradise. The Edmond Golf Club opened in April of 1923, explained Derek
Lee, Exhibit Coordinator for the museum. A modest nine-hole course was installed on land between 9th and 15th streets between Boulevard and Broadway, in what is now a residential neighborhood. A second course was built “west of town” at Edmond Road and Santa Fe Avenue in 1934. The putting greens used on these courses were composed of sand that would be soaked in oil and compacted, Lee explained. The rough surface meant that players were required to smooth their putting line before each stroke. Both courses had closed by the 1940s and Edmond went without a golf course until 1971. The opening of Kickingbird Golf Course was a turning point in the city’s golfing story. Built by the City of Edmond in 1971, it was the first municipal course in town and remains very active today. Before Kickingbird opened, residents traveled to Guthrie or Oklahoma City to play golf. Lee explained that having a successful municipal course allowed the game to grow in Edmond by giving people from all walks of life access to an 18-hole course and driving range in their own town. To this day, the course’s packed parking lot is a testament to how popular the game has become in Edmond. Generations of children have grown up hitting balls on the driving range and chasing errant shots all over the well-kept course. Kickingbird now boasts a successful junior program and has three golf associations for men, women and senior citizens. Few other cities in the state offer as many choices of public or
private courses. The area is ideal for golf course design—rolling hills dotted with trees, lakes and ponds make for some of the most scenic golf in the Sooner State. Playing in the notoriously constant Oklahoma wind guarantees a challenge on every shot and the unpredictable weather ensures that no two rounds of golf are ever the same. Oak Tree National will host the 2014 USGA Senior US Open this month. The tournament, which is sure to be a success for the golf community and city’s economy, will not be Oak Tree’s first time to host a major golf event. The club has previously hosted the 1984 U.S. Amateur, the 1988 PGA Championship, the 2000 PGA Club Pro Championship, and the 2006 Senior PGA Championship. Several renovations and upgrades have been done since the 2006 tournament in an effort to attract even more events in the future. The founders of the Edmond Golf Club would no doubt be amazed at what golf in the city would become. In that respect, Edmond’s golf narrative reveals many things about its history. The number and quality of Edmond’s golf courses improved alongside the city’s economic fortunes. The sport’s growing popularity is a microcosm of the rapid expansion the city has seen since the days of sanded greens and compact nine-hole courses. The “Fore” exhibit is open through September 27th at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum. Visit edmondhistory.org for more information. The USGA US Senior Open at Oak Tree National Golf Club is July 7th-July 13th. Tickets are available at www.2014ussenioropen.com.
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(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 elimnates 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
Must mention Outlook. Exp. 07/31/14 30
Outlook July 2014
floors installed. “What every customer is looking for is great quality at a great price. With our low overhead environment, they always get a great price and workmanship that’s second to none.” For more information call 348-6777 or stop by the store at 2702 S. Broadway in Edmond.
If wood’s not what you’re looking for, come browse through our amazing selection of carpet and tile! Also ask about our complete bathroom remodels.
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A SHORT TRIP WELL WORTH YOUR TIME
August Swim Camps August 4-7
August 11-14
Freestyle/Backstroke Camp Freestyle/Backstroke Camp Starts & Turns Camp Starts & Turns Camp Breaststroke Camp Butterfly Camp All practices & camps held at the Mitch Park YMCA Competition Pool Camp Times: Monday - Thursday, 5:30-7pm Additional camps may be added. Check website for details.
UMBRELLAS • REPLACEMENT CUSHIONS IN STOCK
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GrEAT by choice! We have open tryouts all year! Please contact Head Coach Krista Kezbers at kristakezbers@gmail.com
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32
Outlook July 2014
285.8880
by Katie Dupré
Walking into Shellee Graham’s house is a spectacular sight—one cannot help but be enveloped by the beauty of her numismatic photography displayed along the walls. Shellee is a professional photographer and graphic designer with a passion for cataloguing historical currency from all over the world. Hung prominently on a bright orange wall is the first piece she ever created, History Instructing Youth, which is based on the artwork of a rare dollar bill from turn-of-the-century America. The piece showcases an etching of the figure History directing a young boy to the US Constitution in brilliant, varying hues. It is such a beautiful piece—it’s almost easy to forget the bill was once used as currency. This is what Shellee loves about creating numismatic art. In her work as a photographer at APMEX, an online precious metal dealer, she has the privilege of personally viewing the money that comes through the archive. When
a bit of currency is particularly intriguing, Shellee begins her creative process. She captures a high-resolution image of the currency, adds color and definition, and selects other relevant historical accoutrements to accompany the money itself. The accessories can include portraits of historical figures, signatures, or phrases that enrich and illuminate the context of the currency. Every canvas that Shellee creates has its own distinctive story, and the inspiration for a piece can come from anywhere. “Early on, I became enamored with the artists, sculptors, and engravers whose creations appear on U.S. currency of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries,” she said. It is the history and personality of an individual dollar bill or coin that sparks inspiration. One piece is devoted entirely to the year 1926, when the historical Route 66 was established. The piece is rich in Oklahoma and national history, including a photograph of a Miss America contestant from that year, as well as photographic footage from the highway. While Oklahoma may be Shellee’s home, she doesn’t mind branching out of continued on next page
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Coining a New Craft, cont.
the Sooner state for inspiration. Her “Big Money” collection features pieces on Dwight Eisenhower, Abraham Lincoln and Queen Elizabeth II, among others. Shellee’s latest venture illustrates, what she calls, the numismatic alphabet. She takes extreme close-up photos of coins—and the letters on them—to create personalized pieces of art with the mint information and background of each coin. These close-ups are not only special because they are unique to the buyer, but also because each letter has its own form of beauty in the font, level of relief, and coin history. It is fascinating to learn where each individual letter originated—what year, what mint, and how it came to be a part of history, from all corners of the world. This is the crux of Shellee’s artistic endeavor—the myriad of connections between cultures, generations
and individuals that can be held in the palm of one’s hand. In her artist’s statement, Shellee says of money, “We see it often enough that we rarely look at it from an artistic point of view.” She takes the bits of paper and metal that we take for granted, and makes all of it into something beautiful, nostalgic and personal. Viewing her work is dazzling and humbling; the grandiose melds with the mundane in pieces that are full of color, texture and the vivacity of life. Shellee’s work can be found at www.shelleegraham.com.
Shellee Graham
Full-Time, Part-Time & Seasonal Positions
"There's no place like home" Saturday, June 12th | 7- 11pm
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Hosted by Graphite Elements and Design Free food and parking, cash bar Benefiting Pets & People Humane Society
359-4648 7 North Broadway edmondok.com/jobs
Patriotic Pets Love The Visiting Veterinarian DAVID NEWSOME, DVM
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visitingvetedmond.com 2825 S. Broadway
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Outlook July 2014
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by Lance Evans
There are two ‘musts’ that have to be on your summer list this season: sun and fun. However, don’t forget to venture beyond the pool and the backyard barbecue—there are a number of festivals happening around the city that are guaranteed to keep you entertained even once the fall winds sweep in. Take a peek at what the Oklahoma festival season has to offer this year!
Woody Guthrie Folk Festival July 9-13 104 South 2nd Street, Okemah The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival is a yearly festival hosted by the Woody Guthrie Coalition. The event is meant to preserve Guthrie’s musical legacy. This year’s festival will feature performances from Ellis Paul, Tim Easton, Monica Taylor and a host of other performers. For a complete schedule and list of performers, visit woodyguthrie.com.
Bricktown Reggae Festival August 1-2 Corner of Sheridan and Oklahoma Avenue, OKC What’s summer without a little music? The Bricktown Reggae Festival has become a premiere attraction of Oklahoma’s summer festival line up. Two days full of multiple acts and nonstop music, all in the heart of Bricktown. What more do you need? One Love Uprising, Ugly Lion and I-Drenz are just some of the acts that will serenade audiences at this year’s fest. For more information head to bricktownokc.com.
Storytelling Festival August 21-23 Oklahoma History Center, OKC The OKC Storytelling Festival has become an innovative staple of the Oklahoma festival scene. As one of the longest running events in OKC, for the last 30 years, it’s been produced by the Oklahoma Arts Council and has welcomed an array of award-winning writers to take part in the art of storytelling. “Throughout the festival we entertain audience with three electric evening performances, development workshops and outreach performances to the community,” says Storytelling Festival Director Christina Foss. “It celebrates the art of storytelling.” Foss says that everyone is connected to the art of storytelling and this event helps people, old and young, get lost in the wonder of a great story. “It’s just
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Outlook July 2014
a really fun time for audiences of all ages. Storytelling is an old art form that we all use, and probably don’t realize it.” This year’s event will feature four internationally known storytellers: Donald Davis, Syd Lieberman, Bill Lepp, and Lynette Ford. Get lost in a good story this summer! Find out more at artscouncilokc.com.
Midsummer Night’s Fair August 22-23 Lions Park, Corner of Flood & Symmes, Norman The night time is the right time! Midsummer Night’s Fair is the largest art festival in Norman. The fair features local and regional artists, art activities for children, a large tent area featuring live demonstrations and live music, offering an opportunity to keep the kiddos and parents entertained. “Midsummer Night’s Fair is one of the biggest community events of the year,” Douglass Shaw Elder of Norman Firehouse Center says. “It’s a community gathering place for the visuals arts. The firehouse highlights everything that we do in the house and the public schools.” Elder is most excited about the artwork from the event. He says that it will leave a lasting impression on the Norman community. “The work we do stays in the park to keep it beautiful and artistic all year long.”
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Blanchard Bluegrass Festival August 29-30 Lions Park, SW 7th St, Blanchard The City of Blanchard wants in on the party! All Bluegrass lovers should haul up their fiddle and favorite lawn chair for the Blanchard Bluegrass Festival. The festival features Gospel and Bluegrass acts and various workshops. Food vendors will also be on hand to keep all the stomachs happy! For a more detailed look at local summer and fall festivals, visit travelok.com.
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804 W. Edmond Rd. 405-844-4794 edmondfurnitureetc.com
2320 S. Kelly • 340.8226 donssoorgallery.com outlookoklahoma.com
37
MY outlook
Lauren Heaton, Miss Rodeo Oklahoma
by Bethany Marshall
What is your favorite part about being Miss Rodeo Oklahoma? Traveling across the country and state promoting a sport that I love and that helped make me who I am today. Do you participate in the sport of rodeo? I grew up rodeoing. I competed in barrels, poles, goat tying, and any other event my mom would let me enter. Currently, my job as Miss Rodeo Oklahoma is more about educating the audience and helping the rodeo committee—having experience and a thorough understanding of the sport has been crucial. What is your favorite rodeo event? Team-roping! Most of the rodeo events include two to three variables; the team roping includes five: the header and heeler, both of their horses, and the steer. That’s a lot of variables to make come together smoothly and quickly—the pros can do it in around four seconds, I think that’s really impressive. What all have you been able to accomplish as Miss Rodeo Oklahoma? This honor has provided many opportunities. I was invited to the White House to meet the President. I was asked to present the awards at the Western Heritage Awards—the Oscars of the western world—as well as share my love and passion of rodeo, and Oklahoma’s heritage around the country. What inspired you to try out for Miss Rodeo Oklahoma? I’ve always wanted to be the type of woman who would be a respectable role model for young girls, and Miss Rodeo Oklahoma gives me that opportunity. She is grounded, well-spoken, easy to talk to, educated and well-versed on the rodeo and western world. Why is Western heritage important to you? It’s who I am—I come from five generations of farming and cattle ranching on our land in Northwest Oklahoma that we claimed in the Oklahoma Land Run in 1893. Oklahomans are incredibly blessed to have such rich western heritage in our state. I believe our people are some of the hardest working, well-grounded people in the country. I’m extremely proud to be an Oklahoman. How did you first become interested in rodeos? I was four, and once I learned that rodeo meant getting to be competitive, ride horses and spend weekends outdoors, I was sold. What is something even avid fans don’t know about how rodeo is produced? Rodeo is the only professional sport to include animals, therefore the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association takes extreme precautions to make sure every animal is well taken care of—they’re how the cowboys and cowgirls make their living, so they’re top priority. Do you have any other hobbies? Baking. If I ever decided to not pursue a career in PR, I’d open a bakery. I’m also an avid fan of yoga and dance, which makes the yoga studios around Edmond my favorite places. As Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, you have quite the expansive Western wardrobe, are your clothes custom made? Probably 70% of my clothes are custom, which are made by a handful of designers across the country. But, the benefit to the rodeo queen world branching into more trendy styles recently is that it allows us to put a unique twist on the trendy western styles out there today. Filigree in downtown Edmond has been my go-to boutique for the trendier western styles rodeo queens love to wear. Is there anything else you would like us to know about you? I’ve been to 15 countries around the world and lived in New York City and London, but Oklahoma will always be my home. They call us Oklahoma strong for a reason—we’re like no other state or country in the world, and I couldn’t be more proud. What’s next for you? I’ll finish my year out by competing for the title of Miss Rodeo America, in Las Vegas, during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Whatever the outcome, I look forward to utilizing my advertising and public relations degree in the western industry.
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Outlook July 2014
outlookoklahoma.com
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80 East 5th St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73034