July 2023

I was up in the attic over the weekend and peeking out from behind a few boxes I saw my mountain bike - covered in years of dust, sitting on flat tires. I guess dragging it up the rickety foldable attic stairs seemed like a good idea at the time. Way back when I was really into riding, I had all the gear– clip-in pedals, full-suspension, skinny lycra shorts and of course all the bruises and dislocated shoulders that come with a hobby that punishes the occasional miscalculation. Now all that high-tech bicycle stuff is outdated - by decades.

Although I’d probably still fit into my lycra shorts (‘cause you know how lycra is), it’s safe to say at 60 years old, I’d rather not risk a tumble over the bars. The bicycle in the attic can only mean I’m not quite ready to let go of this identity, so it can stay up here with the other transitional items, like…

• A box full of licensed apparel from my years as a syndicated cartoonist. I will never wear these T-shirts with my characters saying clever things about 90s pop culture. Yet, the shirts are pristine and still in their factory shipping bags.

• About a dozen pairs of pants that I can’t wear anymore. I can fit in them, I’m just not “encouraged” to wear them. Alison calls them “outdoorsy pants.” Pants with too many reinforced zones, pockets and zippers. If I let these go, can I be rugged without them?

• My little convertible in the garage. It’s sporty, but I’m not. At least not when I crawl in and out of it. Maybe I need a more age appropriate daily driver.

I’m Dave. I keep a mountain bike in my attic. But I’m working on it.

Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

Photo: Youssef Hammoud

Donation Drive Helps Students Thrive

By Maria Veres

Nothing captures the excitement of back-to-school like the smell of new crayons and freshly sharpened pencils. But for some Edmond families, the cost of those basic supplies is out of reach. The Downtown Edmond Business Association (DEBA) sponsors an annual school supply collection drive to help bridge the gap. This year it’s happening from July 14-August 1, and anyone can contribute.

Supporting Students and Teachers

The donation drive began seven years ago and has grown every year. Community members drop off school supplies at downtown businesses, then they’re sorted and delivered to two local elementary schools, Sunset and Ida Freeman.

The donations not only make a difference for students, they’re a huge help to teachers as well. “Often teachers end up paying for items students need out of their own pockets,” says DEBA Executive Director Stephanie Carel. Receiving supplies makes the tough job of teaching a little easier. The supplies arrive before the school year starts, so teachers can ensure that their students begin the year with everything they need.

Donations come from all across the community. Many families with children in Edmond schools participate, but a large number of contributions also come from older people or single adults.

As Edmond has grown, needs have grown with it. “Some parents have to choose between feeding their family and buying all the school supplies they need,” says Stephanie. “We hope to alleviate some of that stress.”

How You Can Help

Community members are encouraged to donate anything on the Edmond Public Schools list of elementary school supplies, including items like crayons, notebooks,

and paper. There’s also a need for teacher supplies like copy paper and basic items of new children’s clothing, such as underwear and socks.

The donation drive accepts cash contributions. DEBA uses those funds to meet any special needs the schools have. For example, they recently purchased a microwave for one of the schools to replace an oven that had broken.

When you donate supplies, Stephanie hopes you’ll take time to explore the vibrant business community in downtown Edmond. “People coming to drop off supplies at a business may not have been there before,” says Stephanie. “When you support local downtown businesses, you’re supporting our community who gives back to Edmond year round.”

July 14-August 1

Every donation helps, no matter how small. “A box of crayons or a few folders may not seem like much, but it adds up,” says Stephanie. “We have a lot of people who can afford to buy supplies, but there are also a lot of people who can’t. Edmond is a very generous community, and this is another way to give back.”

The 2023 school supply drive will run from July 14-August 1. To find donation dropoff locations, visit downtownedmondok.com or DEBA’s Instagram and Facebook pages, or e-mail them at info@downtownedmondok.com.

Some parents have to choose between feeding their family and buying all the school supplies they need.

Neighborhood Provisions at Rose Creek Golf Club

By Laura Beam

After multi-million dollar course and clubhouse renovations, Rose Creek Golf Club now celebrates the opening of its refined restaurant, Neighborhood Provisions, to the public. Now everyone can enjoy a taste of resort-style dining with a warm neighborhood feel, right at home in Edmond! Spectacular, sweeping views of the manicured golf course and a bustling social scene are the perfect backdrop for award-winning Chef Jim Camp’s seasonally rotating menu of farm-to-table dishes. Developed by Alex Hammill and Chef Jim of Innovative Club Management, the menu proudly features every item made from scratch, from the creative dishes to the cocktail ingredients. As one of the few private golf clubs to offer a public restaurant, Rose Creek and Neighborhood Provisions have brought something truly unique to the table.

Time to Dine

Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, Neighborhood Provisions stirs your senses with all the foods you crave, elevated in the most delicious ways. On the menu year-round, the pork chop is a consistent favorite. Hand cut in house, the 14oz. bone-in chop is injected with bacon fat and finished with sauces or glazes that change seasonally. “We cut all our own meats and fish in house to ensure freshness,” Chef Jim comments, “and our seafood is shipped in three times a week.”

Another menu marvel is the pizza. All dressed up with tempting toppings like soppressata, fig jam, shaved prosciutto and hot honey, the 12-inch pizzas are prime for sharing. Chef Jim says, “I hired New York native and world class pizzaioli, Lee Hunzinger, to help me develop the dough and sauce and train the staff. It’s all about consistently presenting only top-notch pizzas, and we do it by the numbers.” The result is a Neopolitan and NY thin crust with a wonderfully crisp bite. Handmade meatballs, specialty burgers, sandwiches, salads and entrees like fish and chips, salmon, steak and chicken, round out the inventive menu.

Sips and Scenes

There is no better place to relax with friends over a cocktail than the spacious Sunset Dining Room at Neighborhood Provisions. Overlooking the greens and opening onto a sumptuous patio with ample lounge seating, it invites you to linger over great conversations…and great appetizers! The calamari strips are a crowd-pleaser, served with housemade tomato sauce and remoulade–a kicked up mayo-based sauce. The NP Trio charcuterie is a scrumptious sampler of Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese, Pepper Jelly Goat Cheese and Harissa Hummus with crusty bread and Ranch Chips. A carefully crafted wine and cocktail list offers “one of the best liquor selections in town, with many hard-to-find liquors,” Chef Jim explains.

Social and Pickle

In addition to the superb food and drink, you'll also find a buzzing social scene at this vibrant dining destination. Meet new people on the patio on Friday nights as live music fills the evening air. Book the event venue on the lawn or the banquet room or private dining room for special occasions. Or immerse yourself in the charismatic culture of Rose Creek with a Social and Pickle membership, giving you access to the indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, a 30% discount on food, invitations to member events like Easter brunch and access to the awardwinning, members-only speakeasy, Cachè, that transports you to 1920s France. Better yet, look into becoming a member at Rose Creek. In addition to a championship golf course, you can indulge in amenities like pickleball leagues and events and the Entertainment Zone with arcade games, gaming and a multi-sport golf simulator. Best of all, you’ll become part of an exclusive community of friends and fun.

Visit at 17031 N. May Avenue, Edmond, or provisionsokc.com or book your reservations on RESY.

Chef Jim Camp

From Egypt to Edmond Ali Khalafalla’s Olympic Journey

Ali Khalafalla’s journey from Egypt to Edmond is marked by skill, determination, and super fast swimming. Currently training for the 2024 Olympic Games, the Egyptian Olympian stopped to share about his past accomplishments, present outlook, and future goals.

Coming from Cairo

“I started swimming at six years old,” Ali said. “My mom took my sister and me to practice and I think she definitely had some hopes that we would become competitive. It was her dream that I would someday make it to the Olympic Games.”

Ali continued to swim competitively in Egypt until he was 15, when he came to America. “My family wanted me to be able to pursue different academic and swimming opportunities,” he said. “In our minds, America represented an opportunity to get better and take whatever I was already learning to the next level.”

Ali attended Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, a change he says was challenging at the start. “It was a big adjustment, leaving my family and coming here by myself at just fifteen,” he said. “My English wasn’t very good at the time, and I didn’t like being ordered around, so at first, I just wanted to go back home.”

Ali remained committed, applying his father’s wise advice. “Dad told me to continue to sacrifice and push through those uncomfortable moments. He said they’d serve me the rest of my life.” His father was right. Ali’s swimming career truly took off while at the academy. He says that is where his passion locked into place.

Swimming in the States

“There was one competition my senior year of high school where I was competing against very fast swimmers,” Ali said. “It was the first time I finished the 50 Freestyle in under 23 seconds, and my eyes kind of opened to the potential I had to one day represent Egypt in the Olympics.”

From there, Ali swam for the competitive D1 team at Indiana University. When he arrived, the school was thirteenth in the nation, but it was third when he left. It was there that Ali qualified for the Rio Olympics, representing Egypt in the 50 Freestyle event.

“The 50 is a fast race. To bring it into perspective, it’s like the 100 yard dash of track and field,” Ali explained. “It’s the

By Taylor Bollinger

rock-and-roll of swimming. Winners are determined by a 100th of a second.”

On to the Olympics

To qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Ali swam the 50 Freestyle in 22.25 seconds, two one hundredths of a second faster than the standard. “At the qualifying event, there’s a record board so you know as soon as you touch it if you qualified or not,” Ali said. “As soon as I got out of the water, I Facetimed my parents and told them to buy their tickets – we were going to the olympics!”

Ali was one of 130 Egyptian athletes to compete at the 2016 games. “It was surreal. You’re sitting in a dining hall right next to an olympian with thirty medals,” he said. “You see athletes from all sports – Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, and all the others you see on TV.”

The 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo were a slightly different, but equally exhilarating experience.

Though the stands weren’t full of fans, Ali pushed himself to place 23rd out of 115 swimmers, making him the highest ranking swimmer in Egypt’s olympic history.

Facing the Future

In 2021, Ali relocated to Edmond to train with a close friend and coach who lives conveniently close to the olympic-sized pool at Edmond Schools Aquatic Center at Mitch Park. Now, his sights are set on Paris.

He is currently training full time for the 2024 summer games and plans to qualify this summer. In the meantime, he teaches swim clinics and works as a realtor. “It’s important for me to have other focuses besides swimming,” Ali said. “Realty has been great because it enables me to connect to so many people with diverse backgrounds. Oklahomans are Egyptians at heart, with their hospitality and attitude toward life. I love being here.”

Optimistic about his future, Ali offered a piece of advice that applies as much to athletics as it does life. “There is no formula per se,” he said. “The notion that you can do things as a science is a myth. But there are three things I think about when working toward a goal: hard work, patience, and discipline. I always come back to those three things in the face of uncertainty.”

To follow Ali’s journey to the 2024 OIympic Games and beyond, follow him on Instagram at @alikhalafalla.ak.

Photo by Youssef Hammoud

Boom Town Creamery

By Laura Beam

Ice cream is always the answer. That’s the motto emblazoned on containers and neon signs at Boom Town Creamery. One taste of their handmade-from-scratch, small-batch ice cream and you’ll agree! Just when you thought there was nothing new that could be done to ice cream, boom! Boom Town did it. With inventive ingredients like goat cheese, balsamic vinegar, juniper, lemon curd, fresh carrot and lemon honey jam swirling in her mind, owner Angela Muir crafts some of the most unique flavor combos you can imagine.

Business is Booming

Just in time for summer, Edmond has its own exciting new spot to chill and indulge in this crave-worthy ice cream. Opened May 4 on 5th Street near downtown, the Edmond Boomtown Creamery is Angela’s third location. Including the first shop in OKC and the second shop in Moore, Angela has opened three shops within a year. In 2017, living in Kansas City, MO, she created Lilo’s Shaved Ice and fell in love with the dessert business. “When we moved to OKC in 2020, I couldn’t seem to find any ice cream that really hit the mark for me,” Angela admits. “There was a shop in Kansas City that we loved. My husband and I would say it wasn’t a date unless we ended up at Betty Rae’s.” Angela decided OKC needed some really good ice cream. “Soon after, I was in New York City learning how to make ice cream with Malcolm Stogo–an ice cream legend who invented Cookies & Cream in 1978,” Angela says. Coincidentally, at that time, she was also reading Boom Town by Sam Anderson. Falling in love with OKC’s rich history, the name of the ice cream shop was born.

Indulge with Intention

Boom Town’s mission is to be a fun place to celebrate life’s everyday milestones–a good report card, winning a softball game or just catching up with a friend as you dig into a pint. With their classic and seasonal flavor line-up, there’s a special taste for every mood and moment. “We are one of the only shops in OKC that serves super premium ice cream, which is determined by percentage of butter fat,” Angela explains. Everything at Boom Town is made in-house, from the brownies and hot fudge, to the waffle cones and cookies. They use as many local ingredients as possible and no false colors or flavors. From their production kitchen headquarters in OKC, Angela and Chef Kayli Bartnicki brainstorm, test and taste ice cream and release new flavors weekly.

One of the classics, the Chocolate Tornado, is a fan fave. With dark chocolate ice cream, gooey brownies, a fudge swirl and melty chocolate chips, what’s not to love? The Carmelita Crumble with salted caramel ice cream and the Espresso Crunch are other top picks. If you can’t decide what to get, order a flight of six small scoops and try unique options like Cherry Goat with goat cheese ice cream. It’s like cheese cake with a kick, and so good! Or try the strawberry and balsamic vinegar ice cream that will surprise and delight you with its extra zing. Many options are gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, like the What’s Up Doc with fresh carrot, mint and lime sorbet.

So next time you need a moment of fun or a little indulgence, remember, ice cream is always the answer, and Edmond store manager, Addi Lyon, is happy to serve you! Ask about the new “Turtley Rad” malted vanilla ice cream with chocolate, caramel and pecans–the perfect summer treat!

Visit at 17 E. 5th Street in Edmond or order online for pick up or delivery at boomtowncreamery.com.

Owner Angela Muir

Members of the Edmond Iris and Garden Society have planted Edmond’s landscapes since 1925. The gardeners gather monthly to share ideas and “grow” in their botanical knowledge. As the club approaches its 100th anniversary, they are determined to track and treasure the flowers that have stood the test of time in Edmond.

“Irises are hardy in Oklahoma, and they’ve grown here for more than 100 years. They likely came from other parts of the country during the Land Run,” said Anita Schlaht, current society president. “Our centennial committee set a goal to plant a garden of irises from Edmond’s history. Coincidentally, Mary Joe Fortuna, the past-president, discovered an Edmond Sun article from 1961 that proclaimed Edmond as The City of Iris!”

In their quest to identify historic blooms around the city, however, the garden members have unexpectedly found themselves in the “rescue and replant” role.

As older houses or acreages are sold, plowed and rebuilt, the historic irises are being lost, so society members are actively watching for opportunities to talk with property owners about digging up underground roots called rhizomes before the land is razed. They have rescued irises from aging neighbors, from homes in the downtown area and from dilapidated farmhouses.

“I was driving past some lots by the hospital on Bryant, and I noticed some beautiful irises blooming,” Anita said. “And then I saw a man on a tractor getting ready to mow them down. I ran up and asked permission to dig them up first. He said he was glad for us to save them. We rescued eight different iris varieties, which probably date back to the 1940s.”

Once irises are rescued, they need new homes. Last summer, the members dug up over 1,000 rhizomes from the property at 2nd & Bryant, which dated back to the 1960s. Having photographed

The City of Iris

Edmond’s Iris and Garden Society Flourishes for nearly 100 years

By Amy Dee Stephens

the blooms, they knew they had saved 16 varieties, but after replanting them, this spring’s bloom revealed 40 varieties.

“We are actively seeking new places to plant them. We have a large iris bed we care for at Hafer Park, and we are hoping to add some at Stephenson Park,” Anita said. “My neighborhood at Town Square has some large circular gardens, and I was allowed to plant about 1,000 rhizomes, with help from boy scouts, E. J. West and his friends.”

Besides planting the rescued irises, Anita has found a passion for identifying the different hybrids and tracking where they first grew in Edmond. Much like an iris genealogist, she has a thick journal in which she adds names, notes, and photographs.

“All white or yellow irises might initially look the same, but when you compare two together, you will see different heights, flower sizes, and leaf colors,” Anita said.

Anita is currently trying to identify irises that either didn’t bloom last year or flowered in unexpected colors. She’s created an “incubation garden” where she tracks the mystery irises. She was also inspired to write a devotional book, Gardening with God.

“God is so creative. I get so much joy out of seeing the beautiful blooms, especially the ones I didn’t even imagine or expect,” Anita said. “During May, when the irises bloom, I rush to my gardens to see what flowers opened up overnight, and then I run get my husband, Kirby, and say, ‘Come see!’”

The Edmond Iris and Garden Society welcomes new members interested in all types of gardening. Visit Edmond Iris and Garden Society on Facebook to learn more.

Anita Schlaht

(l-r) Christie Stoops, Merry Alexander, Anita Schlaht, Mary Jo Fortuna, and Noreen Clouse

Mez Men

Father & Son Create One-of -a-Kind Cutting Boards

By Taylor Bollinger

When Sean Gomez started Mez Woodworks in 2016, he was playing the long game. There was no guaranteeing his stepson, Caleb Calloway, would one day take ownership. He couldn’t ensure Caleb would have the time or interest to do so. But he saw enough promise to take the risk. It paid off in dividends. Today, Caleb is the proud owner and operator of Mez Woodworks and calls the business the greatest thing anyone has ever done for him.

"As I watch Caleb grow and learn and then come up with his own spin on the designs, I often keep a close eye and give my input,” Sean said. “Sometimes I believe he thinks I do that because I would do something different, but that's not it at all. I'm just proud of the work he does and I'm thrilled that I could pass something life-changing on to him."

The idea sprouted on a family trip to Colorado. “We went to an art show and saw someone making end grain cutting boards,” Caleb said. “We found them to be absolutely beautiful. We’d never seen anything like them. Sean asked me if I had any idea how to accomplish that kind of work, and at that point it seemed kind of overwhelming to me. I couldn’t wrap my head around the designs or process.”

But when they returned home, Sean didn’t hesitate. He invested in equipment and began putting their artistic abilities and light woodworking experience to the test. “We watched thousands of hours of YouTube and videos to see how people did these designs. But we really just wanted to understand the process. When it came to design, we wanted to create something no one had ever seen before.”

For the first two years, Sean took the lead while Caleb attended college. “I realized I wanted to work with my hands,” Caleb said. “So I dropped out of school and told Sean I was in. He was excited and probably not surprised.”

Since then, Caleb has continued building on Mez Woodworks’ momentum with designs so innovative and details so intricate, it can only be called art. “Some pieces of art are meant to be hung up and admired. Others are meant to be used. My work, when cared for properly, can be used for life. It is functional art.”

In addition to the beauty of his boards, Caleb says customers appreciate the durability, and antibacterial properties of his cutting boards. Caleb’s dream is for everyone to have a piece of Mez Woodworks. “If you love to cook, the quality will really pay off. You’ll have it for the rest of your life, and it may just outlive you.”

Caleb says he’s honored to be making a living doing what he loves, giving credit to Sean for that rare gift. “I have always admired Sean. He is smart, a workhorse, and he teaches me something new every single day,” Caleb said. “Sean knew the entire time that Mez was going to be for me. He sacrificed his time, money and energy for it. I’m extremely grateful for that. I will never be able to repay him, but I will keep trying.”

View Mez Woodworks one-of-a-kind creations at their website mezwoodworks.com or on Instagram at @mezwoodworks. His work is also available in person at DNA Galleries in The Plaza and Culinary Kitchen in Nichols Hills.

Caleb Calloway

Photos by Levi Wharton

Meet Kuna

Tulsa King’s Canine Star

By Taylor Bollinger

Much of the 2022 crime drama, Tulsa King, was shot in Oklahoma, bringing stars the size of Sylvester Stalone to our state. The hit show also featured a four-legged Oklahoman named Kuna. The German Shepherd rose to her role, largely by accident, but her owner hopes it’s just the start of a dazzling canine career.

“A friend of mine was bathing her dogs at a pet supply store when she ran into someone from Reride Animal Talent,” explained Kuna’s owner, Brenda Walker. “They told her they needed a German Shepherd for a show and so she connected them with me. At first, I didn’t think it was real.”

For Brenda, dog training started as a hobby. “It really started when I got Kuna in 2016,” Brenda said. “I needed something to do outside of work. I started watching a lot of YouTube videos, and learning from other trainers. I found what I liked, what I disliked, and I adapted my training style accordingly.” The hobby has since developed into a business, as Brenda trains her own animals and others in agility and everyday skills specific to each dog and its owner.

As production meetings progressed, Brenda realized the opportunity was genuine and Kuna was the dog for the job. The role required Kuna to complete a variety of

tasks—running across the street, barking from a window, and relieving herself on a character’s lawn – the last of which escalates into a fight between Kuna’s fictional owner, Larry, and mobster, Dwight Manfredi. These tasks were challenging, but Brenda felt confident that with her background in dog training, paired with the experts at Reride Animal Talent, it could be done.

“We ran some scenes as many as 15 times,” Brenda said. “There was a lot of back and forth, and of course certain elements they required had to be carefully timed, to put it delicately.” Ultimately, producers were pleased with Kuna’s performance, seen in season one, episodes two and four.

The experience left Brenda beaming with pride. “Kuna has done a lot for me. She is my ‘heart dog’,” Brenda said. “A lot of people think you only get one of those in your lifetime, but I hope not. I don’t know what I would do without her. Kuna is the first dog I bred, and she’s done so many amazing things with me and for me.”

While not all dogs are suited for the screen, Brenda encourages owners to remain optimistic about their dogs' abilities. “Don’t believe the saying. Old dogs can learn new tricks,” she said. “They learn new things all the time.”

Kuna with her fictional owner "Larry", actor Brian Shoop

Owner Brenda Walker and Kuna

Photo by Half Lime Designs / Shanna Rumburg

FirstMed Primary Care

By Maria Veres

Edmond and Oklahoma City residents already trust FirstMed for urgent care. Now FirstMed also offers accessible, patient-centered primary care at three convenient locations.

Quality Primary Care Without the Wait

All FirstMed Primary Care clinics welcome new patients, and same-day appointments are usually available. They accept most insurance carriers including Medicare, treat patients of all ages, and are open five days a week, including Fridays. For weekend and after-hours medical needs, FirstMed also has urgent care clinics across the metro area. Every

patient matters at FirstMed. Their mission is to uniquely connect patients to convenient, compassionate care in the communities they serve.

Meet Your FirstMed Primary Care Providers

Dr. Chesca Craig-Goodell leads FirstMed Primary Care at her clinic located just south of Memorial Rd. and Boulevard at 13310 N. Eastern. She is a native of Seminole who decided to become a physician after watching her grandfather battle cancer. She has practiced family medicine and urgent care medicine since 2002. Dr. Craig-Goodell strives to provide knowledgeable and compassionate care, focusing on each patient’s individual needs.

The Edmond FirstMed Primary Care clinic is led by Kassie Murray, APRN. A UCO graduate, her passion for health care grew from supporting her father through multiple health issues. Her goal is to serve patients with the same compassion and quality of care her family received.

The South OKC clinic is headed by Anny Dunham, APRN, who has almost two decades of clinical experience.

She loves caring for patients of all ages, especially children.

All FirstMed Primary Care providers are committed to offering the patient-focused care you need, when you need it. Contact them to schedule an appointment or learn more.

The clinic locations are: 1121 N. Kelley Avenue in Edmond, call 405-562-6900; the Northwest OKC clinic at 13310 N. Eastern Ave., call 405-513-7333; and the South OKC clinic at 7807 S. Walker Ave., call 405-691-3100. You can also visit them online at firstmed.health.

(l-r) Anny Dunham, APRN , Dr. Chesca Goodell, and Kassie Murray, APRN

Seniors Helping Seniors

By Maria Veres

Many people need a helping hand as they age. Seniors Helping Seniors offers compassionate, professional peer-topeer assistance from caregivers who are at least fifty years old themselves. “We want our care to feel like getting a little help from friends,” says owner Kevin Richardson.

Companionship, Personal Care, and More

The locally owned, family-run business strives to match caregivers and care receivers with common interests. Unlike many other agencies, Seniors Helping Seniors encourages friendships between clients and caregivers. “It’s a double

blessing for both the giver and the receiver,” says Kevin.

Caregivers are background checked, screened, and fully trained, and they meet all Oklahoma licensing requirements. Seniors Helping Seniors offers a wide range of non-medical services, including driving, housecleaning, shopping, personal care, and more. They have strong relationships with local healthcare providers and community organizations that serve seniors.

If you’re over fifty and want to work with Seniors Helping Seniors, Kevin welcomes new caregivers. The rewards include a flexible schedule, comprehensive training, and the satisfaction of making a difference.

Serving Seniors Across OKC

Kevin has devoted his life to serving others. He was a pastor for many years, then worked with Feed the Children. When his father became chronically ill, Kevin helped care for him. “Dad didn’t want outside care,” he says, “but I knew how valuable it was

because my grandmother had care 24/7 in her home.” His experiences with his grandmother and father led him to open Seniors Helping Seniors.

If you’re interested in giving or receiving help through Seniors Helping Seniors, Kevin is happy to talk with you.

“Our goal is to meet the needs of seniors in our community in any way we can,” he says.

Contact Seniors Helping Seniors at 405-562-6000 or visit them online at shscentralok.com.

Owner Kevin Richardson with a few of the caregivers.

A New Stage for the City

By Amy Dee Stephens

Artists and musicians are increasingly called upon to provide entertainment for events in the downtown Edmond area. It was during the first VIBES event that Craig Brudzinski had an idea after observing musicians performing on street corners.

“We needed a stage,” Craig said. “A quaint place with seating and atmosphere.”

By great fortune, Craig owned property along Campbell Street. He identified an unused spot, tucked behind a business, which would become the Kyle Dillingham Community Stage in August of 2022.

As the owner of Remodeling Concepts, a home improvement company, Craig had restored a 1930s bungalow-style house on Campbell, which has housed the Silver Leaf Gems jewelry store since 2016.

“Craig came to us with the idea of building the stage behind Silver Leaf Gems,” said Stephanie Carel. “We thought it was a fun idea, so then, he just took it on. He built the concrete seating himself and installed the lighting. Craig thought the backdrop should be whimsical, focusing on Oklahoma musicians, so he asked Thunderdome Tattoo, next door, to paint the mural.”

From start to finish, it took about three months to complete the stage. Craig then decided to name the stage in honor of fiddle player and musical ambassador, Kyle Dillingham, known for performing in 42 countries. Kyle was the very musician who had played on the grassy corner of Silver Leaf Gems when VIBES first started.

The intention for the stage is to serve as a free venue for a variety of artists, whether it be a singer, magician, a children’s performance, a poetry reading, or a family concert. According to Stephanie, it is not unusual for her to look out the window and see kids putting on a spontaneous show for their parents.

“We get a lot of store visitors who go out back to look at the stage and take photographs,” Stephanie said. “I’ve seen people acting like rock stars and all kinds of goofing off. It’s so fun that people can enjoy it in so many ways.”

The Kyle Dillingham Community Stage seats an audience of nearly 60, but it’s not uncommon for people to bring their lawn chairs and spread out into the grassy areas alongside the property as well. Craig is already dreaming about creative ways to decorate the fence on the west side.

“Ultimately, I just want it to be used,” said Craig.

To book the free stage, contact Stephanie Carel at Silver Leaf Gems or Stephanie Brudzinski at info@horseshoeroad.net.

SHOWS

Stan Carrier July 6 6pm Jeff Dodgen July 14 7pm

Josh Roberts Aug 3 6pm Nick Massey Sept 7 6pm

Photo by Eriech Tapia/VIBES

The Flag

By Louise Tucker Jones

Growing up in the 50s and 60s we started each morning of school with these words: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…” I have to admit I didn’t understand the gravity of that allegiance at the time. As a child I was not acquainted with “acts of war,” but Vietnam came during my teens and definitely got my attention when my fiancé was drafted out of college.

I trekked from NSC in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and got married in a little Army Chapel just eight hours before Carl was to ship out. I walked down the aisle in a borrowed wedding gown and exchanged vows with my handsome husband in dress uniform.

We spent eight hours together before his deployment. So yes, those Stars and Stripes meant a lot during our year and half separation.

But here is what I didn’t know about the flag all those years ago. I didn’t know how heavy it was. I learned that when a young soldier placed it in my hands while I sat next to my husband’s coffin. The weight surprised me.

As my tears fell, I quickly understood the reason. That flag holds the tears of thousands of moms, dads, and widows like me. It holds sadness, death, memories and even love. So many emotions held in the depth of that flag. You may never understand such things until a folded flag is placed in your own hands, but you can honor and respect the symbol of our country.

My son, Jay loved that his daddy was once a soldier and also loved the flag, proudly putting it out on holidays and saluting it in honor of his dad. He also loved Jesus with all of his heart.

Now that Jay has joined his dad in heaven, I put the flag out in honor of my courageous guys and all those serving

our country. If everyone were as proud of our flag, our country, and our Lord as Jay was, who displayed dozens of flags and crosses in his room, our world would overflow with kindness and love.

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.

a look back WWII Veteran

Edmondite Stanley Kunc poses with an unidentified woman sometime during 1945. Kunc was a member of the 45th Infantry Division and saw more than 500 days of combat during World War II. Kunc landed on Anzio Beach in Italy and fought his way north to Munich with the 45th Division. Outside of Munich, the 45th helped liberate Dachau concentration camp. After the war, Kunc returned to Edmond and worked in various family businesses. He married Kathryn Alcorn in 1980 at the age of 60. In retirement, Kunc was passionate about preserving Edmond history and was involved in the creation of the Edmond Historical Society & Museum in 1985.