Edmond Outlook - July 2021

July 2021

Lost & Found:

40 Year Sibling Reunion

Miss Oklahoma Ashleigh Robinson

LibertyFest Event Calendar

6 Summer Activities for Kids

Head out on the highway, looking for adventure (Steppenwolf, Born To Be Wild lyric). Yep, that was us. Alison and I took a road trip to Florida. Was it an adventure? Sure there were some moments.

The road trip allowed us to put some miles on a car we purchased pre-pandemic. Our gray coupe ate up miles and an assortment of bugs native to Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Splattered bug guts harden to the consistency of concrete when blown dry by somewhat legal highway speeds and cured by the southern sun.

Is it really a vacation if you have to haul your company laptop and large screen monitor up to every hotel room, VRBO and condo rental? To us, Wifi connectivity is just as important as thread counts of the bed sheets. And a suitable in-room workspace is just as important as a quality complimentary breakfast buffet.

Our multi-day stay on Florida’s gulf was wonderful. Rain was forecasted, but we beat the odds and had sunshine every day. We also beat the odds at a casino hotel in Alabama.

Honestly, I’m not much of a gambler, unless you count owning your own business, consuming gas station lattes, and dating in your 50s (how I met Alison).

Night after night, a different town and a different place to stay. Fun and exhausting at the same time. We experienced a leaky ceiling, some roaches, a limited supply of towels, TVs we couldn’t figure out, a variety of lumpy pillows and several instances of a most disturbing interior design trend: bathrooms with barn doors.

We arrived home on a Friday night after nearly 2 weeks on the road. As we pulled into our driveway, we were looking forward to sliding back into our nice, controlled, predictable life and relaxing for the weekend. Unfortunately, life had other plans. One of our air conditioner units was near death and the dogs picked up a case of the fleas. Oh joy, welcome home, so nice to be back.

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

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Features 8

LibertyFest Event Calendar

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Miss Oklahoma

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Local Faves: 6 Summer Activities for Kids

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The Missing Sibling

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Jude’s Joy of Dancing

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The Edmond Way of Honoring Veterans

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Kentucky Daisey’s Legendary Locomotive Leap

Business 22

Car-Mart

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The Exercise Coach

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Memorial Road Church of Christ

Columns 7

In Other Words With Dave

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Louise Tucker Jones

Cover Photography by Marshall Hawkins

ADVERTISING l 405-301-3926 l sales@edmondoutlook.com MAILED MONTHLY TO 50,000 HOMES IN THE EDMOND AREA 1024 W Covell, Edmond, OK 73003 l 405-341-5599 l edmondoutlook.com l info@edmondoutlook.com July 2021 Volume 17, Number 7

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Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.

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© 2021 Back40 Design, Inc.

PUBLISHER Dave Miller l EDITOR Jennay Wangen l ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Angie Clemens Byers l GRAPHIC DESIGN Adrian Townsend, Anne Richardson PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com l DISTRIBUTION Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to 50,000 Edmond area 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.

EVENTLOOK

LibertyFest 2021 Events libertyfest.org/calendar-of-events

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Concert in JUNE Park at UCO

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Rodeo

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Rodeo

UCO Campus adjacent to Old North

300 N. Kelly Carl Benne Arena

300 N. Kelly Carl Benne Arena

7:30 PM

8:00 PM

8:00 PM

Free Event

Tickets Necessary

Tickets Necessary

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JUNE

KiteFest

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Car Show

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KiteFest

West side of Mitch Park on N. Santa Fe and KiteFest Lane

Hafer Park

West side of Mitch Park on N. Santa Fe and KiteFest Lane

9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Free Event

Free Event

Free Event

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Road Rally

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ParkFest

Earl’s Rib Palace 2121 S. Broadway

Mitch Park – N. of baseball fields 1501 W. Covell Rd.

10:00 AM

2:00 PM -4:30 PM

Entry Fee Required

Free Event

JULY

Parade

Downtown Edmond 9:00 AM Free Event

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Fireworks

E. C. Hafer Park – 1034 S. Bryant Parking Lot for the baseball fields 9:30 PM Free Event

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FEATURELOOK

Miss Oklahoma

By Amy Dee Stephens

When Ashleigh Robinson was crowned as Miss Oklahoma in June, she didn’t react the way she expected.

“I’ve always watched pageants, and I thought, ‘If I’m ever crowned, I won’t act like them; I’ll smile, and wave prettily, and be gracious.’ Then, it happened, and I mentally blacked out! There was so much going on. They were moving me here and there. It was an out-of-body experience.”

Ashleigh, who attended Santa Fe High School in Edmond, decided to become a competitor while attending Oklahoma City University. She began entering contests and losing. “I wasn’t placing, but I was gaining many things: meeting people, advocating for causes, and representing people of color.

After one pageant, a man approached me and said, ‘Hey, I see potential in you. You should keep working at it,’” Ashleigh said. It turned out that man was Joe Chappell, the producer of Miss America.

Ashleigh is hearing the phrase “lucky number seven” bandied about, since she could become the seventh Oklahoman to achieve Miss America. For Ashleigh, a different number – the number four – resonates, because she’s the fourth black woman to win Miss Oklahoma and she’d be the fourth woman from Oklahoma City University to win Miss America.

Not having grown up in the pageantry world, Ashleigh had a late start to many aspects of competing – especially interviewing, which is now a large portion of the judging.

“It’s a lot of talking, but it’s talking about things I care about,” Ashleigh said. “My platform is inclusion, and not just for the black culture, but for those with different intellectual or developmental disabilities. My sister has Down syndrome, but she has so many goals in life. She’s capable of many things.”

Ashleigh is advocating for a cultural shift, in which individuals make the decision to make space for all people, regardless of their culture or abilities.

For Ashleigh, the bittersweet aspect of training for the Miss America pageant is that she will miss her students next year. Ashleigh just completed her first year as a Language Arts teacher at F. D. Moon Middle School in Oklahoma City.

Navigating the technology curve during the pandemic was fairly easy, and she enjoyed getting to know the students, even if it was via a screen. “When we got into the classroom, I could only see the kids’ eyeballs—but still they lit up at seeing me in person. I knew we’d connected.”

As Ashleigh moves forward, she carries her love for Oklahoma with her. She easily brags about Oklahoma’s scenery, the LibertyFest parade, Mitch Park and those Oklahoma sunsets. Most importantly, she brags about the Oklahoma Standard, in which people do overcome their differences to help those in need during tragedies. “I love Oklahoma with my whole heart. I’m very proud to represent our state and serve our community,” Ashleigh said.

Pictured from left to right: Anthony Robinson, Courtney Robinson, Jennifer Robinson, Craig Robinson, Danielle Robinson, Ashleigh Robinson

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FEATURELOOK

6 Summer Activities for Kids

By Maggie Murdock Nichols

As the temperatures rise into double digits and the summer storms roll in, we rounded up some local area favorites for indoor summer play: Blocworks is an indoor bouldering gym and climbing community in downtown Edmond. Blocworks offers climbing for the whole family anytime with day passes or memberships. On Wednesdays from 10am to noon, the gym is reserved for kids eleven years and younger during Little Blocs. Little Blocs was created to give littles the chance to climb and explore the gym.

Blocworks offers climbing classes for kids year-round, but has two four week summer sessions for kids 5-15 years old. The next session begins July 5th. Visit their website for details. www.climbblocworks.com 104 S. Broadway Edmond Kidz Funtown is the destination for burning off pent up energy and playing with friends. Targeted for ages 1-12, Kidz Funtown features three multi-level playgrounds with exciting slides, climbing, tunnels, swings, trampolines, foam pits and two forty foot zip lines. Funtown has charming playhouses for imaginary play, an arts and crafts table, lego station for creative building and an enclosed area for babies and toddlers. Parents or caregivers can join in the fun or observe from comfortable seating with wi-fi access. A full snack bar with kid and adult friendly snacks is available.

Bring your own grippy socks or purchase a pair when you arrive. www.kidzfuntown.com 14424 N Lincoln Blvd. Edmond Surge Adventure Park will keep kids running around for hours. Surge has a ninja course perfect for aspiring American Ninja Warriors, soft play that’s great for all ages, dodgeball, 12

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a zip line and exhilaratingly tall climbing features. The main court has ultra springy trampolines that will send jumpers flying high. Surge has recently added an arcade center and has a full snack bar. Offers and discount days are offered frequently. Watch their social media for calendar and specials. www.surgefun.com 24 E 33rd St. Edmond The UCO Boathouse is a hidden gem at Lake Arcadia. With extended summer hours, the UCO Boathouse is ready for adventurers! Single and double kayaks, stand up paddle boards and mountain bikes are available for rent with all gear included. The towering zip line is open by reservation and perfect for thrill seekers of all ages.

Call ahead for details. The UCO Boathouse offers ample opportunity for fun on the lake! Hourly rates or memberships are available. www.uco.edu/offices/wellness/ucoboathouse-arcadia-lake 2nd & Midwest Blvd Edmond A short drive from Edmond, Chicken N Pickle is an indoor/ outdoor complex with a fast casual restaurant, bocce ball and shuffleboard, outdoor game yard, ping pong and of course the highly sought after pickleball courts.

Pickleball courts can be rented on an hourly basis with the choice of indoor, covered or outdoor courts.

Pickleball is a racquet sport with a quirky scoring system. Two, three or four players use paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball back and forth over the net. This game requires some stamina, quick feet and will induce lots of laughter. Kids will likely pick it up quicker than adults. www.chickennpickle.com/oklahoma-city/ 8400 N Oklahoma Ave. Oklahoma City Pelican Bay Aquatic Center, under new management, is the best spot to stay cool this summer. Pelican Bay boasts of two 150 foot water slides, high and low diving boards, deep and shallow swimming options and a climbing wall. All ages and abilities will enjoy the splash playground. The cafe has new and improved food offerings. Watch for news about twilight hours and movie nights. www.pelicanbayaquatics.com 1034 S Bryant Ave. Edmond

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FEATURELOOK

By Amy Dee Stephens

The Missing Sibling Grammy-nominated composer Kitt Wakeley, has succeeded despite a repressive childhood.

He and his younger halfsister, Kitty, suffered abuse and trauma. Kitt and Kitty were shuffled through the foster system and eventually separated.

“We only had each other,” Kitt said, “Then, one day her stuff was packed into a grocery bag, and she was taken out the door crying.” That was the last they saw of each other.

Kitt grew up and became a musician. His orchestrations have made it to #1 on the Billboard chart three times, and he’s recorded with some of the biggest names in music. In late 2019, he was preparing for a concert at Carnegie Hall (illfatedly scheduled for the spring of 2020) when he received the shock of his life.

Facebook Message “I got a Facebook message from someone named Tasha Henderson, claiming to be my sister,” Kitt said. “I didn’t believe it because I’d been told my sister had died in a car wreck.”

One forgotten detail clicked into place, however, prompting Kitt to ask some clarifying questions: he is white and Tasha is biracial.

“I had stopped looking,” Kitt said. “I had it locked in my brain that she had died, so when something different popped up out of the blue, I was in shock. We met at a restaurant and continued to compare stories of what we remembered.”

“Honestly, since Kitt is older, and I was only about three, he remembered more – but we started figuring some things out,” Tasha said. “When I was adopted and put in school, my name was changed from Kitty to Tasha, so I wasn’t responding when the teachers used my new name.”

Another poignant memory for Tasha was constantly asking for her missing brother. “The foster parents would tell me, ‘You don’t have a brother,’ but I knew I did,” Tasha said. “When my late parents adopted me, they told me I would get to see my brother – and I was so excited. We marked the days off 14

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on the calendar, then a guy got out of a car, bent down and said, ‘I’m your new brother.’ But it wasn’t Kitt. It was their son who came home from the military. I cried, and they felt awful.

They didn’t know that I really had a brother.”

Throughout Tasha’s lifetime, she took opportunities to look for her brother. “I never stopped looking for him. I vowed I would find him. He was all I had back then.” So, when DNA testing and research led Tasha to Kitt, she looked him up on Facebook and immediately recognized his smile.

Face-To-Face Reunion At Tasha and Kitt’s first face-to-face reunion, they discovered they lived less than a mile from each other in Edmond—and had for years! “How many times had we crossed paths?” Kitt wondered. “We run into each other all the time now: at the pharmacy, at restaurants, at stores.”

“We have kids one year apart who went to Edmond Memorial High School together, not knowing each other or that they were first cousins,” Tasha said. Her children are all grown now but were excited to meet their newfound family members.

“We have even more family to spend holidays with,” Kitt said. “It’s a new chapter in our life.”

Kitt’s statement has extra meaning, as his reunion with Tasha was shortly followed by the addition of even more family members. In the spring of 2020, instead of playing at Carnegie Hall, Kitt and his wife, Melissa, adopted three foster children into their family, for a grand total of seven children.

“We planned to adopt an older child, but when the call came – it was for three siblings who hoped to stay together. Considering what happened to me and my sis, I psychologically understood the value of keeping these children together.”

After enduring over 40 years of separation, Tasha clearly understood. “Wondering about Kitt was one of my biggest concerns my whole life. I’m so happy to know my brother’s safe and okay.”

“Sis texts me every night to say she loves me,” Kitt said.

“Because too many days passed when he didn’t hear from me,” Tasha said.

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FEATURELOOK

These renderings, produced by Beck Design and SWA Group, are preliminary concepts for the proposed veterans memorial project and are subject to some modifications.

By Amy Dee Stephens

The Edmond Way of Honoring Veterans Military veterans have been part of Edmond’s population since its founding. Some of the original homesteaders were former Civil War and MexicanAmerican War soldiers. Edmond’s college students have been heavily recruited for every major conflict, and Edmond’s location near Tinker Air Force Base and the National Guard headquarters has resulted in an on-going military presence in Edmond in recent times.

Although 10 individual statues pay tribute to the military services, citizens have long discussed building a substantial memorial in Edmond; a destination honoring all branches, in wartime and in peace. So, in June 2018, an advisory group was formed, comprised of both military and non-military citizens.

This committee began to grapple with the monumental task of designing a monument--one that felt right for Edmond.

“The late mayor, Charles Lamb, said that he hoped the veteran’s memorial would pay tribute to Edmond veterans, and do it in an Edmond way,” said Natalie Evans, City of Edmond representative on the task force.

Uniquely Edmond But what makes the memorial uniquely Edmond? After two years of engaging with citizens across Edmond, a clear consensus emerged: Edmond does not want a lot of concrete!

First, Edmondites want something more than just a wall etched with names. Instead, interactive technology in a covered plaza will list the names of people who have served.

It can be searched, and it can be updated. “If there’s a different conflict, which it seems there will always be, then that can be added,” said Casey Tarp of Beck Architecture, the firm hired to design the memorial.

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Second, Edmondites do not want a concrete-paved park.

They prefer to pay homage to the nature and walking trails of the existing Bickham-Rudkin Park at 33rd and Boulevard, the location designated for the memorial.

“It’s a beautiful park, and based on feedback, we are keeping the memorial to a minimal amount of paving,” Tarp said. “We’ve kept the original trails, and we’ve only added 1.6% concrete paving to the entire project.”

Flags, Flowers and Blackberries The design, which will not affect the current dog park, includes a few simple pieces: a flag plaza, gathering pavilion, a history walk that includes panels of Edmond’s military story, and a Heroes Journey path that meanders through a grove of trees. Each trail leads to the lake’s edge and a new fishing dock.

“We want the park to be experienced in all seasons. We’re retaining the naturalness of the park; enhancing the perennial gardens and keeping the wildflower meadow and blackberry bushes,” Tarp said. “We plan to add over 200 new trees, planted like a regimented row of soldiers.”

“There are thousands of veteran parks around the country, but this one will be uniquely Edmond,” said Mustafa Koprucu, a veteran on the committee. “We’ve engaged Edmond historians to tell, not only the story of the enlisted men and women, but also the citizens who stay home.”

Mayor Darrell Davis, who served on the Parks and Recreation Board for 15 years, applauds the work of the citizen-led committee so far. “It pays homage to our veterans and to the natural attributes of that location. And we’re keeping the blackberry bushes—so I can still have pies.”

“We’ve planned areas of quiet and formality, and areas to gather within the park,” Tarp said. “Our concept is not a morgue, it’s a place of celebration, of gathering, and of Edmond history.”

It will be uniquely Edmond.

To learn more, visit www.edmondok.com/vets

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FEATURELOOK

By Amy Dee Stephens

Jude’s Joy of Dancing Jude Flurry dances with a nimble precision that impresses audiences. His fancy footwork of Irish tap steps and kicks draws the eye, but the genuine smile on his face is equally captivating.

Jude began Irish dancing in Edmond at the age of six, joining some friends and his sister, Vienna. In Jude’s teen years, he spent five years in the United Kingdom training under John Carey, a world-renowned dancer who was in the first Riverdance cast – the most iconic Irish dance production of all time. Now, nineteen-year-old Jude has a stellar track record of leading roles and competitive awards. Within the first year of working with Carey, Jude moved from twentieth place in the World Championship to third place, and he has also placed in the top ten in almost every major Irish Dance competition.

Jude returned to Edmond in 2019 to attend college, and the rest of his family followed shortly. Jude reunited with many of his former dancing friends—and the idea for a show emerged.

What about a Riverdance-style performance highlighting the talents of this crew of young dancers who grew up training together?

Jude’s parents and another dancer’s father developed the storyline about Irish dancing through the millennia, calling it Celtic Throne. They asked Brian Byrne, a Golden Globenominated composer to write the musical score. Next, Jude, Vienna and their cousin Alexa Turgeon each choreographed the different dance numbers and began teaching them the cast, whose ages range from four to twenty-one.

Covid-19 delayed production nearly a year, but the cast spent time perfecting the show, costumes and lighting.

Celtic Throne is now nearing the end of an 11-show tour of the southwest, with the final show at Armstrong Theater in Edmond on July 11th. Audience reaction is a driving force for all the dancers, but Jude, who is the lead in the show, particularly enjoys connecting with the people he is entertaining. “It’s especially satisfying when the audience erupts into cheers, and it’s a number you’ve choreographed yourself.”

According to Shane Granger, one of the show’s publicists, Jude is not only a talented dancer, he’s a 4.0 student, he’s an accomplished piano player, and he’s humble. “Much of an Irish dancer’s life is spent in isolation, either practicing, traveling, or competing in front of a judge. The fact that Jude has worked with his friends to create an artform that thousands of people can enjoy is uniquely special.”

Jude loves being on tour. “All my closest friends are in the show, and we all treat each other like family – even the ones I’m not related to. We worked together to create a cohesive show that works, because we are all dancing together,” Jude said. “We get on a bus, go to a hotel room and head to a theater to do our job—and it’s really fun!”

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BIZLOOK

America’s Car-Mart

By Maria Veres

Without a strong credit history, it’s tough to buy a good used car. April Renfro and her team at America’s Car-Mart are here to help.

Keeping You On the Road “We work with a lot of first time buyers,” says April, General Manager of the Edmond business. “We can help many customers who went through bankruptcy or have credit problems, even if other dealers turn them down.” Before every purchase, team members discuss financing options with customers and determine a payment plan that fits their budget.

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Car-Mart is new to Edmond, but the company is well-established. Car-Mart will celebrate its 40th anniversary this August. They’re the largest “buy here, pay here” car dealer in the U.S., with a strong tradition of customer and community service.

Car-Mart’s relationships with customers don’t end when a buyer takes the keys.

They offer optional service contracts and roadside assistance, and the Edmond store even plans to add an in-house mechanic. If a customer’s financial picture changes, Car-Mart works with them to help them keep their vehicle.

Honest, Expert Service April brings many years of experience and a caring heart to her leadership role.

“There’s not a customer who buys a car here that I don’t meet personally,” she says.

She became a Car-Mart customer herself at age nineteen. Soon afterward she took an entry-level job with the

April Renfro, General Manager

company, and she worked her way up to managing several locations before opening the Edmond store. An Oklahoma native, she’s delighted to be back in her home state.

She loves helping customers who are struggling through hard times find a way to keep their cars, as well as mentoring her associates and team members. “When you love your job, it’s easy to get up and go to work every day,” she says. “We really are here to make a difference.”

Visit Car-Mart at their location, 909 South Broadway in Edmond, and at www.car-mart.com.

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BIZLOOK

The Exercise Coach

If you’re ready to experience the future of fitness, check out The Exercise Coach.

This low-sweat, high-tech personal training studio delivers great results in just two twenty-minute sessions per week.

At your first session, you’ll do a fitness test to establish your baseline. The smart technology software stores your settings for future sessions. There’s no time wasted planning your routine, setting up, or stacking weights. “Every second of your workout is maximized,” says Valero Aquino, a veteran and fitness enthusiast who co-owns the Edmond franchise with his wife, Dr. Jodilyn Caguioa-Aquino.

You’ll get real-time feedback that lets you know if you’re exerting the optimal amount of force. The platform tracks your progress, and your coach customizes each workout to meet your changing needs.

A Workout Like No Other Unlike a traditional gym, The Exercise Coach offers a personalized workout in a private, clean setting. Trained coaches lead one-on-one and group sessions using proprietary Exerbotics® equipment.

Each machine is scientifically designed to work the muscles thoroughly, quickly, and efficiently.

Strength Changes Everything We all lose muscle mass as we age. The good news is that we can get it back. And it doesn’t take hours of sweaty cardio. “We believe strength is the key to everything,” says Valero.

Strength training focuses on muscles and not joints, so it’s very accessible.

The Exercise Coach’s long list of satisfied

By Maria Veres

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Owners Valero Aquino and Dr. Jodilyn Caguioa-Aquino

clients includes elders, growing children, athletes, patients finishing physical therapy, time-crunched professionals, and people who hadn’t worked out in years.

The Exercise Coach offers two free introductory sessions. Through July, there’s also a special 15 percent discount on fees.

“Everyone can do this, no matter what fitness level you come in at,” says Valero.

“You have to try it to believe it.”

You can reach The Exercise Coach studio by calling (405) 562-9800 or visit 130 NE 150th St., Suite 300, Edmond, or www.exercisecoach.com/edmond.

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BIZLOOK

Unpacking the Boxes

By Maria Veres

Moving is never easy, and many women need a little extra support to thrive in their new home. The Unpacking the Boxes class at Memorial Road Church of Christ offers a safe, welcoming space for women who are new to the Edmond/OKC area.

Forging Connections The leaders of Unpacking the Boxes know what it’s like to be the new girl.

They’ve all been through a move, too.

Now they’re committed to helping others navigate this tough transition.

“The class was a game changer for me,” says former coordinator Amy Chapman, who enrolled in Unpacking the Boxes

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eleven years ago. “It gave me a chance to connect with other women who were going through the same thing.”

Moving Forward The free ten-week class features speakers who address different challenges of moving, such as, overcoming loneliness, finding contentment, and helping children adjust. Representatives from community organizations share ways for newcomers to plug in. The program offers plenty of chances for women to get to know each other, from potlucks to show-and-tell times to a Christmas brunch. “We share a lot of laughter and the friendships that form are amazing,” says Amy. The class is faith based, but it’s not a Bible study or religious program. The focus is on helping newcomers form connections. All women in the community are welcome, and participants range from young singles to grandmothers.

“It takes courage to step into a building

Unpacking the Boxes class members

where you don’t know anyone,” says Amy. “We appreciate the ladies who take that chance and come. It always pays off.”

Unpacking the Boxes will meet Wednesday mornings, September 8th through November 17th, at Memorial Road Church of Christ, 2221 East Memorial Road, Edmond. Free childcare is available for children age five and under.

Sign up or learn more at www.unpackingtheboxes.com.

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ALOOKBACK

Giving Grace

What? Grace? For myself? What did that even look like? I was so paralyzed by my own self-imposed expectations that I couldn’t see that the really

By Louise Tucker Jones important things, like taking care of my son and keeping my home in order were getting done. But all the responsibility Sometimes life brings challenges. that comes with being a widow and a Circumstances beyond our control single mom had crashed down on me, or even misguided expectations for especially on this 10th anniversary of my ourselves. husband’s journey to heaven.

I recently found myself in that position I was exhausted, and my overloaded with an extensive “to do” list. After schedule left me feeling hopeless and agonizing over my situation, I had a long unfulfilled. That’s not how I wanted phone conversation with Claudine, my life to go. My son, Jay, deserved more. sweet cousin-by-marriage, and I’m so He was dealing with an eye infection, glad to have her in my family. physical therapy for his knees, as well as While lamenting my woes, I listed a loneliness, and all he wanted was a trip multitude of things I needed to do, was to see his brother and grandmother. expected to do, in fact, had to do—NOW. I Yes, we definitely needed a little grace. didn’t have to tell her I was overwhelmed. I was putting way too much pressure on It was obvious! Claudine listened patiently myself to accomplish every single task. then totally surprised me with her So what if the trees don’t get trimmed response. and the garage looks like a storage “Lou, why don’t you give yourself a little area? What if the house isn’t spotless grace?” and closets are cluttered? What if the

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Jay and his Grandmother

book I’m writing never gets finished or published? Life goes on and God is still on His throne.

Thankfully, Jay and I were finally able to visit my 104-year-old mother, just two hours away, and we are planning a trip to Arkansas to see my eldest. This past pandemic year has been difficult for everyone. Perhaps we could all use my cousin’s advice. “Give Yourself A Little Grace!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows.

LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.

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FEATURELOOK

By Gina A. Dabney

Kentucky Daisey’s Legendary Locomotive Leap During the Oklahoma Territory land runs, Nanitta R.H. Daisey jumped off a train, staked her claim just north of Edmond Station, and jumped back on the train. Not only did this attract attention from local and regional newspapers but international newspapers as well. Some say she shot a pistol in the air before hopping back on the train, others say she tied a section of her petticoat to the stake. The Director of Education at the Edmond Historical Society and Museum, Anna Studstill, uses the life of Daisey as an educational tool to teach the importance of how legends are born. “Daisey was the most captivating woman of her time, and people are still writing about her,” Studstill said.

Just the Facts Ma’am From all that has been written about Daisey, Studstill explained that sometimes, “it is tough to distinguish what is true and what is embellishment.” For instance, there are articles and writings with various name spellings. “There are 36 different ways to spell her name,” Studstill said.

Prior to her Edmond land claim, Daisey was a teacher in Kentucky and ran for Kentucky State Librarian. An 1892 newspaper was the first time “Kentucky” appeared in an article, and the name Kentucky Daisey stuck. Later, Daisey was a correspondent for the Dallas paper. After staking her land claim, Daisey was a school teacher and lived in her homestead. She was married for a time and had no children.

“She divorced in the late 1800s,” Studstill said. “That was mind-blowing for that period of time.”

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Trailblazer Daisey walked her own path during a time when women’s paths were narrow. She led and taught women to stake land claims. Studstill referred to a newspaper article, which said Daisey led a group of 11 unmarried women who participated in the El Reno land run. Many of the women Daisey helped, Studstill commented, were college graduates from refined homes. They were willing to defy social norms to make a home in the new frontier, and Daisey led the way. “She captured that pioneer spirit,” Studstill said.

The Sculpture Kentucky Daisey is memorialized in a sculpture entitled, “Leaping into History - Kentucky Daisey”. The bronze sculpture, located at Edmond’s Farmer’s Market, was created

by Mary Lou Gresham. “That leap she made is what made her different. She was a character. She was a strong, self-reliant person,” Gresham said.

“That was pretty gutsy,” proclaimed Cinda Covel, City Clerk for the City of Edmond, who has served as the Visual Arts Commission staff liaison since 2012. “The incredible movement captured in the piece invites visitors to leap back in time with Kentucky Daisey into early Oklahoma history,” Covel said.

On display at the Edmond Historical Society and Museum is a miniature version of the sculpture. Call 405-340-0078 or visit www.edmondhistory.org.

1024 W Covell Rd., Edmond, OK 73003