Outlook June 2015 by Outlook Magazine

AND OUR #1 MISSION IS FIGHTING WOMEN’S #1 CAUSE OF DEATH

As women, we feel responsible for the well-being of our families, but keeping our kids healthy starts with our health. Many of us count calories, get regular exercise and never miss our yearly wellness exams, but you might have overlooked the largest threat to your health – heart disease. We tend to think of heart disease as a man’s disease, but the fact is it kills more women each year than anything else. And for women, the symptoms are different: in addition to chest pain, shortness of breath and upper body pain, unshakable fatigue and sleeplessness can also be signs of a heart attack. Whether you’re a patient of INTEGRIS Health Edmond or Lakeside Women’s Hospital, you have access to cardiologists from INTEGRIS Heart Hospital, and you can make an appointment now to see a cardiologist at either location. To schedule an appointment at the location most convenient for you, call 405.951.2277.

INTEGRIS Health Edmond lakeside-wh.com

integrisok.com/edmond-heart 405.951.2277

Outlook June 2015

No one stacks up to

Stuck in the middle of your friends’

marital

struggles? We can help!

We’re the one store you can trust to have the exact battery and light bulb you need, right when you need it. All topped off by helpful experts who can repair your smartphone, tablet, and iPod®.

1601 S. Broadway

Edmond

405-796-7587 Mon-Sat 8 - 9, Sun 9 - 7

Visit one of our other 5 locations!

NORTH OKC

SOUTH OKC

MIDWEST CITY

NW 63rd & May Ave.

I-240 & Santa Fe

NORMAN

LAWTON

Mid-America Blvd. in Town Center Plaza

24th Ave NW & Main St.

NW Cache & Sheridan Rd.

9.99

Lifetime Watch Battery & Installation

No Limit. Reg Price - $12.99. Some makes, models and styles may be excluded. Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations. Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply. Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases. No cash value. See store for complete details. Expires 7.31.15. DM009

DM009

10.00

06.27.15

projectrelate.com

Rebate on Duracell® Ultra Marine/RV Batteries

Limit 2. Save $10 by Mail-In-Rebate. Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations. Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply. Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases. No cash value. See store for complete details. Expires 6.30.15.

15.00

Off Smartphone or Tablet Screen Repair

Presented By Limit 2. Offer valid on in-stock products at participating locations. Not valid with other offers or business pricing. Some exclusions may apply. Must present coupon in-store; not valid for online purchases. No cash value. See store for complete details. Expires 7.31.15. DM039

© 2015 DURACELL, a division of the Gillette Company, Bethel, CT 06801. DURACELL is a registered trademark of the Gillette Company, used under license. All rights reserved. All registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

outlookoklahoma.com

Outlook June 2015

June 2015

Marginal Accommodations

If you sleep past 7am there’s no hot water. The old tube TV displays faded color on one side of the screen and black & white on the other. There’s no hairdryer, microwave or chocolates on your pillow. Some outlets work, some don’t (we’ve learned to pack an extension cord). And then there’s that ever-present pit bull eyeballing me. The hotel/restaurant combo is called The HUB and it sits on a hilltop overlooking an abandoned amusement park. These are by no means luxury accommodations. Yet Sandy and I can’t wait to stay there every year to attend the Ozark Mountains Rat Raid. The Rat Raid is a loose affiliation of more than a hundred British motorcycle enthusiasts spending a few days doing exactly what their parents told them not to do— riding motorcycles. Sandy and I don’t have English bikes, we ride ones of the Italian variety, yet somehow they keep inviting us back every year—technically they invite her back and I just get to tag along. At least that’s what they tell me. The group Sandy and I ride with is an interesting cross section: three retirees, a physical therapist, a few business owners and some oil and gas industry guys. Some are from Edmond, some from out-of-state. Our ages range from late 20s to early 70s. Sometimes we ride a little too fast, sometimes we get lost, but we always have a great time. It’s hard not to— NW Arkansas has some of the best riding in the country.

28 On the Air

Scotty Brink reflects on his star-studded past as a radio DJ

8 Louise

It’s the Little Things

11 Food

Let’s Take it Outside

14 Business

Memorial Road Pet Hospital Edmond Women’s Club

24 Summer

Activities

FEATURES

16 Golfer with a Goal

20 A Glass Act

22 Bring on the Sun

26 SoonerCon

Local golfer Fiamma Felitch helps high school girls pursue sports scholarships

Two artists find joy in a beautiful & breakable medium Metro boutiques are bringing the heat to Oklahoma fashion Comic fans, artists and gamers find the perfect forum for their fandom

About the accommodations, I need to disclose that Randal and Debbie who own The HUB are about the nicest people I know. And the reason the pit bull won’t leave me alone is because I feed her prime rib scraps. Her name is Happy—a perfect name for our annual pilgrimage.

Front cover photo by Marshall Hawkins

To advertise, contact Laura at 405-301-3926 or laura@outlookoklahoma.com.

Dave Miller, Publisher/Back40 Design President

OUTLOOK

80 East 5th Street, Suite 130, Edmond, OK 73034

405-341-5599

www.outlookoklahoma.com

info@outlookoklahoma.com

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Laura Beam

PRINT PROJECT MANAGER Bethany Marshall

Account Executive Emily Hummel

PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com

Graphic Designers Ryan Kirkpatrick & Robbie Knight

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

Louise

It’s the Little Things June marks many events. Weddings. The beginning of summer. Father’s Day. Vacations. Family reunions. Summer camp. The list goes on. We plan for some of these things all year long. They become our complete focus. Yet when all these events are over and you look back, it’s often the little things that mean the most. Somehow, the ordinary exceeds the extraordinary. For instance, think of your last vacation. What stood out more than anything else? Was it the place? The people? The scenery? The travel? Perhaps it was “all of the above.” Vacations are exciting and wonderful. I remember traveling across half a dozen states in a van with my husband and three kids years ago and it was fun. But oh, the comforts of home after that two week jaunt. Just stepping into your own house after an extended trip, surrounded by familiar things and people you love, is one of the sweetest parts of a trip. It’s not that there weren’t great highlights on those vacation adventures, it’s just always good to get home. It’s the same with life events. Take birthdays for example. My son, Jay, just celebrated his latest and he absolutely loved the gifts and cake and blowing out the candles, but what he enjoyed most were the friends who shared the celebration. The smiles and the hugs. It’s often the things we take for granted that become the most important parts of our lives and we don’t always realize it until it is over. It’s the little things that make us happy. It’s the little things we miss most when life takes a difficult turn. Last year, Jay was in the hospital for a week with pneumonia. As I sat by his side, praying for his health, I kept wishing we were home, taking our daily trip to Sonic for a Coke. I just wanted the “ordinary” back. A daily routine quickly loses all monotony in the face of an illness or tragedy. Of course, we all know that June is famous for weddings. But no matter the date, every bride has a secret memory. I was married

Outlook June 2015

by Louise Tucker Jones

in March and one of my sweetest memories is something no one else saw. It was the way Carl looked at me when we stood face to face in the cold, blowing snow in front of his Army barracks and said our goodbye just eight hours after we were wed, knowing we would be separated for several months. Only I could interpret the love in that glance. A little thing that spoke volumes. And now with Carl in heaven, I definitely miss all the big things in our life. I miss the celebration of anniversaries, the trips we planned and more. But what I miss most are the little things. The conversation at the dinner table. A phone call in the middle of the day. Carl’s arm around me at Sunday morning church. His strong voice that held great pride when he said, “This is my wife.” I miss his touch, his smile and his gentleness with our children and grandchildren. Sometimes people can help us with the big things in life. Money for education. A car for transportation. Perhaps even a new house or a surprise trip to the Bahamas. But no one can replace the little things in our lives that eventually become our most important moments. So today, I challenge you to stop and take notice of the ordinary, everyday things in your life. Embrace them. Enjoy them. Appreciate them. Then thank God for those “little things” that will forever make your life special.

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.

THE MUSIC OF

PINK FLOYD JUNE 19 8PM Tickets Starting at $15

DWIGHT YOAKAM

JUNE 12 8PM Tickets Starting at $40

GRANDRESORTOK.COM I-40 EXIT 178 | SHAWNEE, OK | 405-964-7263 outlookoklahoma.com

your entire purchase! With this ad. Expires July 3rd. Not valid with other offers

1325 N. Bryant

285-4932

Outlook June 2015

FOOD

Let’s Take It

OUTSIDE Escape the indoors with summer grilling

Call me old-fashioned, but there are times and places when I love traditional gender roles (and as a woman, I reserve the right to pick and choose which ones). The outdoor grill is one such place. I want no part of leaping flames and a face full of billowing smoke. I leave that honored task to the guys. They seem to love it, so why rob them of that glory? Besides, when someone else offers to take over the dinner duties, you don’t exactly complain. You sit in your patio lounge chair a little longer, savor the aroma of the grill from afar and whip up some side dishes at the last minute. It’s a system that works. But today’s user-friendly grills and clever accessories are making it harder than ever to resist getting in on the action.

by Laura Beam

If you’ve had the same hand-me-down grill for several years, you’re in for some surprises when shopping for a new one. While you’ve been busy trying not to singe your arms over crude flames or burn half of the steaks, technology has ignited a whole new world in outdoor cooking. These grills are nicer than your kitchen appliances and are loaded with convenient options that give you the ease and versatility to create entire meals outdoors. As owner Scott Grigsby of Everything Barbeque in OKC notes, “Foods ranging from meatloaf, stuffed pork and beef tenderloin, to all kinds of seafood and desserts are being prepared outdoors now.” As outdoor entertaining areas continue to become more sophisticated, homeowners consider their outdoor appliances a key investment. The biggest trend seen by Scott is incorporating both continued on next page

outlookoklahoma.com

Let’s Take it Outside, cont.

gas and charcoal grill options into outdoor kitchens. “The most common charcoal grill, due to its versatility, is the Big Green Egg. It is the nation’s leading ceramic charcoal cooker. It bakes pizzas with results like true brick oven fired pizzas and also delivers slow and low smoking for the holiday turkey, brisket, ribs and chicken.” One trendy grilling food right now is the tri-tip, a flavorful sirloin cut, according to Ben Hoza, General Manager at The Meat House in Edmond. “It’s great with an herbed pesto and this time of year is ideal for using fresh herbs.” Ben says grilling is a year-round activity and people want fresh, easy options. The steak and chicken kebabs at this specialty butcher and gourmet grocer are marinated with the house marinade and are ready to take home and grill. “Grilling is one of the most popular ways to entertain at home,” says Gina Hollingsworth, owner of Southern Okie Gourmet Spreads.

Outlook June 2015

“My husband and I entertain frequently and just recently, we grilled salmon on cedar planks with, of course, one of my products: Southern Okie Gourmet Apple Spread. The apple spread created a perfect glaze for the salmon with the cedar giving it a sweet-smoky flavor. Our guests absolutely loved it.” Another hot advancement that has revolutionized barbecuing is the pellet grill. Finally, seasoned grillers can forget the ‘charcoalversus-gas’ debate because the pellet grill delivers extraordinary flavor, convenience and versatile cooking in one genius contraption. Jokingly referred to as “the lazy man’s grill” by Rick, owner of Rick’s House of Fire in OKC, the pellet grill is fueled by all-natural compressed wood pellets that allow you to grill, smoke, bake, braise, roast or barbeque low and slow. “You can put all your items on the grill and head off to the lake to swim and boat for hours,” Rick says. Flavored pellets like hickory, mesquite, maple, oak, cherry and apple offer endless ways to punch up the taste of favorite foods. Handy accessories like griddles, turkey fryers, rotisserie cookers, pizza ovens, warming racks, burners for side dishes, meat probes with digital thermometers and halogen grill lights are transforming backyard barbeques into gourmet gatherings. These might just be worth getting out of my comfy lounge chair to check out the action! 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.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good day to be a dad. Oklahoma City 2520 W. Memorial Rd. Ste. B (405) 751-8066 Order Online NothingBundtCakes.com | Franchises Available

outlookoklahoma.com

BUSINESS

Memorial Road Pet Hospital by Austin Marshall Dr. Larry Woods, Dr. Rosemarie Strong, Dr. Erik Eldridge, Dr. Steve Quillin & Dr. Beth Parsons

For animal lovers, few things in life are more essential than the health of a family pet. Choosing a veterinarian is an important part of ensuring your animal receives the care it needs to live a long, happy life. The veterinarians and staff at Memorial Road Pet Hospital [MRPH] in Edmond provide first-rate care to thousands of animals in the metro and recently added new services to make sure your pet gets the treatment it needs and the affection it deserves. Dr. Larry Woods started the practice in Edmond 23 years ago, and his passion remains. “Many of us have been able to treat pets for their entire lives. What’s special is treating a family’s pet, getting to know the owner’s children, and then seeing them as adults with their own pets,” said Dr. Woods. The team at MRPH has seen all manner of animals throughout their careers, while the hospital is primarily for small animals. One of the veterinarians on staff, Dr. Erik

Outlook June 2015

Eldridge, believes he and his colleagues at MRPH deliver one-of-a-kind service to animals and their owners. “We make a point to spend a lot of time with our clients, answer any questions they may have and follow up with clients to make sure their pets are doing as expected, or to see if they have any further needs.” MRPH opened a new facility in December, 2014, which includes the Bed and Biscuit Pet Hotel and Spa. The pet hotel is 4,000sf of comfortable space and features large rooms with soft beds, large windows and quick access to a fenced play area. The pet hotel has licensed veterinary technicians on the premises during business hours to provide any care the animals may need during their stay. “We wanted to be able to offer our clients and patients top notch boarding, also with the comfort of having a veterinarian on site to aid in any care needed, or look after pets that have special health concerns,”

says Dr. Steve Quillin. The facility requires that all animals be current on internal parasite exams, free from fleas and ticks, and are up to date on vaccinations. Dr. Eldridge, who is a new partner in the practice speaks about this special group: “My partners Drs. Woods and Quillin, are wonderful men and doctors as many who have walked through our doors will tell you. Additionally, I am inspired daily by Drs. Rosemarie Strong and Beth Parsons who are second to none in their concern for the pet owners and their advocacy of their patients. Dr. Woods started this practice with a philosophy of taking care of our staff, taking care of our patients, and taking care of our clients. Thats our goal every day.” Memorial Road Pet Hospital and Bed & Biscuit Hotel and Spa are located at 13535 N Bryant in Edmond. Visit mrphhome.com for more info.

Edmond Women’s Club by Morgan Day The Officers of Edmond Women’s Club

What’s more powerful than a talented woman with the drive to give back to her community? Ninety of them. The Edmond Women’s Club is full of women who enjoy using their skills to give back to their community— and making friends along the way. The group, which formed in 1983, has nearly 90 active members from around Edmond and 60 sustaining members. The organization’s mission is twofold: to support their city through fundraising as they award scholarships and grants each year, and to provide volunteers to Edmond groups and businesses that address community issues. Patti Wynn, Vice President of Communications for the Edmond Women’s Club, has been a member for five years and always looks forward to the end-of-the-year awarding of grants. “When the year culminates and you see

these organizations getting the money that they need so desperately to continue their programs in helping our families, children and seniors— that’s the most rewarding thing for me,” she said. In addition to awarding scholarships and grants, club members volunteer at organizations such as U R Special, helping give clothing to children in need; Edmond Mobile Meals, providing hot meals to the elderly and disabled; the HOPE Center of Edmond, helping those facing emergencies; and The Anna’s House Foundation, supporting families caring for children in foster care. The group’s objective is to raise $100,000 a year through two fundraisers: the Merry Marketplace, which features around 20 vendors offering gifts for holiday shopping, and a gala that features live and silent auctions, dinner and live music. This year’s market takes place

Nov. 20, while the gala is Feb. 27, 2016. In April, the Edmond Women’s Club kicked off its new membership year, which runs through September. Membership commitments include attending at least 50% of scheduled meetings a year, volunteering at the group’s fundraisers and at the community organizations. Those interested can register online to attend a new member open house at 6:30pm on July 30 at the home of Megan January, 4317 Slate Bridge Road. “Once you get involved in that giving spirit, it’s rewarding and it’s fun. You’re making friends,” Wynn said. “For the most part, our members end up giving much more than they’re obligated to.” Visit ewc.org to learn more about the Edmond Women’s Club.

The Visiting Veterinarian DAVID NEWSOME, DVM

ALL CARE PET HOSPITAL

Puppy Special Kitten Special $ 39 9. 5

VISIT, EXAM & VACCINATIONS for pets up to 16 weeks old.

Call Today!

$ 299. 5

Exp. 6/30/15. Must present ad. Not valid with other offers.

341-0000

“Old Time Personal Care”

visitingvetedmond.com | 2825 S. Broadway

outlookoklahoma.com

Golfer with a Goal by Austin Marshall

The life of a professional golfer looks ideal to fans. The pros compete on the world’s most pristine and challenging courses and execute spectacular shots on command. They travel throughout the United States and get to play with the world’s best athletes. The life of a touring pro, however, isn’t just glitz and glamour. Behind every professional is years of training, practice and discipline. However, only a select few, like Oklahoma City’s own Fiamma Felitch, use their athletic gifts to improve the lives of others and serve as ambassadors to a future generation of golfers. Felitch is an excellent example of how professional athletes can use their success to help others. A former standout at Bishop McGuinness High School, Felitch was a Class 4A State and Regional Champion in 2007 before attending the University of Tulsa. She turned pro after two years of college, playing on the Cactus Tour and Symetra

Outlook June 2015

Tour. Felitch joined the LPGA Futures Tour in 2014 following a secondplace finish on The Golf Channel’s Big Break Florida contest. Her professional and amateur accomplishments are only part of Felitch’s passion for the sport. This summer, she is preparing to launch a golf academy for the state’s best female high school athletes and hopes to connect them with the resources they need to take their games to the next level. “No one teaches high school athletes how to contact coaches and get golf scholarships. Many female scholarships are available yet they go unused every year,” Felitch says. “It’s important for them to have some experience going into college golf so that they can chase their dreams of playing professional golf. I’ve gained a great deal of knowledge about the golf industry over the years and I plan on sharing it with young ladies who may want to pursue a college career or even a professional career.” The academy will be held at Rose Creek Golf Club in Edmond from June 29th to July 3rd. Felitch expects fifteen of Oklahoma’s top high school golfers to participate. “I want it to be small enough that I can spend one-on-one time with each girl to work on their games,” she explains. She hopes that the academy is successful enough to become an annual event. The academy will be a chance for Felitch to share her passion for the game with the state’s most promising amateurs. She understands how overwhelming the pursuit for a scholarship or sponsorship can be and wants to help others learn from both her mistakes and successes. The academy will give Felitch a break from the non-stop life of a touring professional. Often, athletes get so caught up in the glitzy lifestyle that they forget to give back to those who are still chasing their dreams. Felitch hopes to inspire a new generation of young women and give them the information they need to take their games to the next level.

Felitch was first introduced to the game by her father, Frank. There was one problem: Felitch was naturally left-handed, and most starter club sets are made for right-handers. “He cut down a right-handed golf club and had me chip around in the backyard. Come to find out I had very noticeable natural talent,” Felitch recalls. “I chipped in the backyard until I started hitting it over the neighbors’ fence. They were tired of finding golf balls in their yard so my dad starting taking me to the driving range. I eventually fell in love with the game and bonding with my dad on the golf course.” Felitch grew up playing at The Greens Golf and Country Club in Oklahoma City, but loves playing at courses throughout the metro. “Most of the courses have been very accommodating to me and I appreciate all of them helping me along the journey.” Her favorite memory from her amateur career was her 2007 state championship, which she won by a commanding 12 strokes. Felitch’s typical day is hectic. “An average day consists of practice, playing and working out. I’d rather play all day than stay on the driving range and hit balls.” While many amateurs are worn out after 18 holes, that is typically just a part of a pro’s daily routine. “I will practice for a couple hours on the range then go play either nine or 18 holes. After the round I will work on my short game or whatever I am working on at the time. I believe that being in good shape is an important aspect of the game as well. I work out with a trainer twice a week and do cardio on my own.” While the life of a touring pro may seem like a non-stop golf vacation to fans, it can be very expensive to play on tour. “Our sponsors and endorsement deals are what pay entry fees, hotel rooms, flights and other expenses,” Felitch explains. She recently obtained a sponsorship from Flirtee Golf, which manufactures golf apparel, and hopes to add many more sponsors as her career develops. Felitch says her appearance on Big Break Florida has helped her professionally and convinced her she could compete at the highest level. Helping young female golfers is important to Felitch because she remembers the uncertainty of being able to pursue golf in college and as a career. By using her considerable athletic skills to assist and inspire younger athletes, she’s improving her community and the game of golf. Felitch can be found on Twitter and Instagram as @LPGA_Fi. Her golf academy will be held June 29th-July 3rd at Rose Creek Golf Club in Edmond.

Fiamma Felitch has gained a great deal of knowledge about golf over the years and wants to share it with young women interested in pursuing a future in golf.

outlookoklahoma.com

A Glass Act

by Heide Brandes

Creating art with glass has been around for centuries. Medieval Europe used the miraculous art stained glass on churches and cathedrals across the continent, and glass artists today are keeping the time-honored skill alive. At Edmond’s Artistic Glass Studio, Gretchen Schadegg and Tim Brown still create beautiful glass art for commercial clients and art lovers everywhere. They are among the few who still use glass as a medium. The skill is dying. It’s a time-consuming and difficult trade to learn, artists say, but for Brown and Schadegg, glass art is still worth the effort. “Most people don’t take the time to learn it,” said Brown. “But I haven’t gotten tired of doing it yet. After 31 years, I’m never tired of it. Every project is a little different, a unique experience.”

STAINED GLORY

Tim Brown is one of the most sought-after stained glass artists and repair professionals in Oklahoma. His work adorns homes and churches throughout the state, and he even created the stained glass Oklahoma State Seal on the State Capitol Dome. However, his talent with glass art wasn’t planned. While attending Oklahoma State University on a Young Talent scholarship for painting, sculpture and multi-media, he started a summer job at a workshop that specialized in glass art. “I loved the color of glass art initially,” he said. “Every day, I would stay after and work with the glass. I got into sand blasting first, then beveling glass.” Brown specializes in creating and repairing stained glass, though he does glass blowing as a hobby. He also enjoys computer programming and now creates designs on the computer instead of by hand. “I can Photoshop a stained glass window into a house design and show the homeowner what it will look like,” Brown said. “I think that gives me an edge.” At the Artistic Glass Studio, Brown’s workspace is covered in geometric, colorful pieces of glass of all shapes and sizes. He has one antique Parisian stained glass piece taken apart to repair and a giant stained glass lamp cover waits to be given new life. Some of his work includes touching up century-old windows and custom designs. “If a design has fewer pieces, it might take me a week to finish,”

Outlook June 2015

Brown said. “I did a peacock window that had 5,000 pieces, and that took eight months to complete.”

LIGHT IT UP

On the opposite side of Artistic Glass Studio, Gretchen Schadegg works with a completely different style of glass art. Her art includes 25,000 volts of electricity, gas and mercury. Schadegg is one of the only neon glass artists in Edmond, and one of only a handful left in the state. From beer signs to softlyglowing hearts, she creates wildly bright works of art while also repairing existing neon signs. Neon is a noble gas that produces a bright light when an electric current goes through it. Combining it with other elements through glass tubing, Schadegg can create glowing designs. “I’ve done glasswork since my 20s, like stained glass and lamp work, but one day I saw a small ad for the School of Neon,” Schadegg said. “I was shocked. I hadn’t realized there was a school for that. So I called the number.” Schadegg learned the skill during the 1970s at the Central Oklahoma School of Neon from Ray Lopshire. “I love doing the fun stuff, but I also love doing the repair work,” she said. “I work on a lot of commercial signs, and I do my own designs too. I love the color in neon, and I also love that I can bend that glass into the shapes I want. It’s like an instant reward to get a hard bend in the glass. You can melt glass, sculpt glass and bend glass.” Unlike the delicate feel of Brown’s studio, Schadegg’s space is more industrial—machines and tools line the walls, along with signs warning about the danger posed by the electricity pouring into her art. “These 25,000 volts of electricity could kill someone,” she said. “But it also helps me create beautiful things.” However challenging stained, blown or neon glass can be, the art created from this unique medium is worth it to Brown and Schadegg. The works of art created are one-of-a-kind and each project holds a special place in the artists’ hearts. Learn more about Artistic Glass Studios at www.artisticglassstudio.com.

Call for Free Estimates!

Kitchen Remodels • Bathroom Remodels Custom Cabinets • Theater Rooms • Outdoor Kitchens Complimentary Design Service • Room Additions

Primrose School of Edmond

15000 N. Western Ave., Edmond, OK 73013 405.285.6787 | PrimroseEdmond.com

outlookoklahoma.com

n O

r i A e h t

Scotty Brink’s star-studded radio career spans five decades by Amy Dee Stephens

Scotty (Don) Brink started as a radio DJ in 1958 and went on to “My number one love is music,” Brink says. “I appreciate good rub elbows with the greatest personalities in the music industry, from song writers and musicians. I seemed to gravitate toward them, Elvis Presley to Carly Simon. Later, as a radio programmer, he helped because I was more interested in where they came from musically than mainstream Aerosmith, Jim Croce, The Doobie Brothers and more. He whether or not they were a hot act.” hand-picked the first three singles for the Eagles, and he introduced Brink was also well-connected with his listeners and had a good radio listeners to a song called, “Stairway to Heaven” ear for hit songs. Performers began to ask his opinion about their by Led Zeppelin. Brink was personal friends songs. Case in point, when Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina teamed with people like Dick Clark, and Joe up in 1972, they hadn’t managed a hit song. Walsh performed in his living room. “I told Jim that what we lacked on the music charts was For Brink, age 73, famous a good rock-and-roll ‘feel good’ song,” Brink said. “A people are simply part of his month later, Messina showed up with Your Mama life story. Brink, a child Don’t Dance. He said he wrote the song because of singer, stumbled into the our conversation.” music industry when a When Brink looks back at his 50-year career, radio producer heard he can see that he was part of many important his voice and suggested moments in musical history—but at the time, he that he audition as an was just having fun. announcer. He was hired “When Elvis Presley first performed in Las at the age of 16, and by 19, Vegas, he invited me to come backstage with he had an all-night radio some friends, so I invited Dick Clark, host of show at a top radio station in American Bandstand, and Bobby Vee, a 1960s pop Philadelphia. singer. My name was on the backstage list, but theirs Scotty Brink with The radio industry was weren’t, so I was having a hard time getting them in. Diana Ross in 1979 different back then. Brink remembers Then Elvis answered the door. He gave me a big bear hug, when disc jockeying was all done live, and I introduced him to Dick and Bobby. By that time, it was so not pre-recorded. Brink recalled that “The radio natural, so normal for me to deal with these extremely famous people stations secured the best talent they could find on the planet—then the that I thought little of it. A few years before Dick passed away, he ratings told you if you were loved or you weren’t.” reminded me that I was the one who introduced him to Elvis!” Along with playing vinyl records, and later, cassette tapes, Brink In the 1970s, Brink did a two-year run as a morning show host in selected new music for audiences to hear. In his business dealings, he New York City with comedian and actor, Richard Belzer. They often met many of the musicians. had guests from Saturday Night Live, including Dan Akroyd and Bill

Outlook June 2015

Murray. “It was our job to make other people laugh,” Brink said, “but I spent a lot of my time laughing too.” Brink later went on to own radio stations and produce music, helping Scotty Brink in his singers break into Edmond home the industry. He’s been approached about writing a book about his celebrityinfused life, but he is reluctant. “Many of my best stories are crazy stories. I can’t share them because I don’t want to embarrass anybody.” Celebrity parties were a routine part of Brink’s life, and he has many memories that he describes as “moments when I felt like I was in a movie.” Like the time he sat across from Zsa Zsa Gabor, Bob Dylan and Dick Cavett at Mick Jagger’s 30th Birthday party. And there was the private party for Paul McCartney… Brink is now retired, happily living the past twelve years in “friendly, hospitable” Edmond with his wife who was relocated to Oklahoma as an executive at a large local company. He occasionally does contract work from his in-home studio, the place where he feels most comfortable in the world—but he admits that he’s lost his connection with today’s music. “Radio DJs used to be part of everyone’s life. I was a household name in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Chicago, much like Danny Williams and Ronnie Kay were household names here in Oklahoma City. In some ways, DJs are dominating the airwaves again with national syndicates like Ryan Seacrest—but it’s not the same. With live broadcasting, I was sitting in the room listening to the same music that my listeners were hearing, and my voice reflected the mood of the song that was coming on or was ending. Now, you can tell when prerecorded tracks are used. It isn’t quite as real.” Brink reflects fondly on his star-studded career. “I’ve lived a charmed life, and a life full of historical moments. I’ve been incredibly blessed to hobnob with such big stars,” Brink said. “They changed the music and broadcast industries—and they were my friends.”

A SHORT TRIP WELL WORTH YOUR TIME

Total Health. Total Wellbeing. Dr. Kamla Knight, Chiropractor

UMBRELLAS • REPLACEMENT CUSHIONS IN STOCK

Applied Kinesiology • Spinal Decompression Hormone Saliva Testing • Ionic Foot Detox Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Nutritional Counseling • Cold Laser Therapy Neuro Emotional Technique

KNIGHT WELLNESS CENTER

405-285-9454 | 3209 S. Broadway, Ste 217

17 W. 1st St.

DOWNTOWN EDMOND

405-341-2770

www.swansonsﬁreplaceandpatio.com

Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred Provider • Most other insurances accepted • Open MWF 9-5

outlookoklahoma.com

Summer Activities

june15-18 Monday-Thursday, 9 am-Noon K-5th (completed)

FAMILY NIGHT Wed. June 17th 5-7:30 pm, Free Food, Games, Fun & Worship!

I-35 & 15th in Edmond

HHBC.COM/VBS

HAVE A

Birthday Party AT OUR HORSE RANCH!

2-Hour Party Package Includes: • 1 riding horse for hand-led horse rides • 2 mini-horses to decorate (costumes, decorations & glitter provided)

• Use of our newly constructed classroom as “party central” • Large indoor arena for less-than-perfect weather

$250 / All proceeds go toward our equine therapy programs!

I-35N & Seward Road • 282-9997 • reasontobelieveranch.org 24

Outlook June 2015

SORGHUM MILL

7121 Midwest Lane Edmond • 340-5488 I-35 to Exit 143 (Covell Rd) • East 1.5 miles to Midwest Blvd • North 1.75 miles to Midwest Lane

outlookoklahoma.com outlookoklahoma.com

25 25

Summer Fashion

Bring on the Sun

by Lance Evans

Fashion, like Oklahoma weather, can be everything but predictable. Instead of waiting for the light to peek out through the clouds, sometimes you have to actually become the sun. Local boutiques are helping Oklahomans everywhere turn up the heat. Summer is all about color. No one knows this better than the staff at Edmond’s Deer Creek Boutique. The boutique brings threads exclusively for the woman who’s ready to paint the Oklahoma sky. “The Deer Creek Boutique woman isn’t afraid of a little color, fun patterns

Outlook June 2015

or playful silhouettes,” owner and manager Brittany Thompson said. “Whether she is running errands in her boyfriend jeans, graphic tank, and amazing statement necklace, or enjoying a night out in one of our stunning dresses, she always looks classy and put together.” Deer Creek Boutique is combining the color of summer with the re-emergence of the jumpsuit—one of this season’s flashback surprises. “We are OBSESSED with jumpsuits this season,” Brittany said. “For a long, thin silhouette go for a solid color. Pair a wide leg jumpsuit with your favorite strappy heels and glittered clutch for a glamorous evening look. For a chic day look, try a jumpsuit with a tailored ankle, playful wedges and a fringe trimmed cross body handbag.” Beyond the full coverage appeal of the jumpsuit, Brittany said that women shouldn’t be afraid to show a little skin this season, whether with a flirty dress or while at the pool. There are ways to cover up and still show off! “Doll up that bare bod by layering fun bracelets and multistrand necklaces,” she said. “If you are feeling extra daring, try some metallic temporary tattoos! The most important spring accessory is beautiful skin! We carry an amazing line of organic body scrubs

and bath bombs by Bath Couture and customers love to schedule personalized hand-held spray tans.” Oklahoma City’s Lush Fashion Lounge is also all about neckpieces and temporary tattoos this season. “We currently are loving layering necklaces,” owner Carrie Boevers said. “Small dainty necklaces layered with longer chain necklaces. We also have Flash Tattoos in stock that are super trendy this summer.” Lush offers fashionable clothing options for the budget savvy shopper. “A lush girl wants to look fabulous without breaking the bank,” Carrie said. “She loves to look good while staying comfortable. She’s always on the go. She loves all things Oklahoma.” Lush is making it easy for Oklahoma girls to stock their wardrobes with must-have items that will last well beyond one season. “Piko tops, tunics, and tanks are essential for your wardrobe and we carry the largest selection of piko products in our region,” Carrie said. “Not only are they made of a super comfortable bamboo/spandex blend, they also look great layered under kimonos. Any piko product is sure to become a go-to item in your closet.” More than anything, Carrie said that fashion is all about self-expression. Regardless of what’s on the in or out list this season, Carrie said to make sure that your wardrobe always reflects your personal style. “Fashion is a way to express yourself! Do so freely.” The Plaza District’s Collected Thread is helping working momson-the-go express themselves this summer. For the mom hoping to show off a little skin this season, the boutique is offering vintage style dresses with a little something extra... or less! “We are huge fans of tasteful cut outs in dresses so that will be a big feature this summer,” owner Lindsay Zodrow said. “We have a thing for vintage inspired

clothing, so a lot of our summer dresses will reflect a 50’s style.” Lindsay is mixing her store full of items that are on trend for summer, but she’s also helping influence fashion must-have lists everywhere by incorporating her own spin on classic looks. “We are carrying a lot of found stone jewelry, such as gold dipped quartz, druzy, and turquoise,” she said. This is the season to try something new. With a little help from some of Oklahoma’s secret gems, you’ll have all the right ingredients for a hot and spicy summer. Visit Deer Creek Boutique on their Facebook page, peruse Lush online at shop.lushfashionlounge.com, and check out Collected Thread at collectedthread.com.

Brittany Thompson of Deer Creek Boutique modeling some favorite summer trends.

Celebrate

FATHERS 3224 S. Boulevard 340-1519

OPEN Mon-Fri 10-5:30 Saturday 10-2

outlookoklahoma.com

by Heide Brandes

From June 26 to 28 at the Reed Center in Midwest City, thousands of fans, gamers and attendees dressed in costumes ranging from fantasy to science fiction will descend on the suburb for SoonerCon 2015. Drawn together by the lure of the unusual and the fantastical, SoonerCon is Oklahoma’s science fiction and fantasy convention. Klingons from Star Trek could stroll side by side with characters from Game of Thrones and Steampunk aficionados. Conventions like SoonerCon attract thousands of fans and participants, but who are these people who attend? Who are these individuals who spend big money to dress like their favorite character or spend hours on board and card games. If you plan to attend SoonerCon, welcome to the people of cosplay, gaming and fandom.

THE FANS

Many of the visitors to SoonerCon won’t be dressed in costume or spend hours playing games. Many attend for the sheer pleasure of being around what they love. Count Gregor has first-hand knowledge of the power of fandom. As a local television personality who reigned with a late-night show from the 1950s to the 1980s, he’s still recognized and revered by fans old and young. “I have a lady who has been a fan for decades,” he said. “She grew up with me, and she’s still a fan.”

Outlook June 2015

Thanks to the mainstream popularity of shows like HBO’s Game of Thrones and AMC’s The Walking Dead, the general public is leaning toward the fantasy and sci-fi worlds. Theaters in Oklahoma City hosted the season premiere of Game of Thrones earlier this year and bars are hosting watch nights for the shows. Dr. Who alone has a small empire of enthusiastic fans purchasing everything from T-shirts to keychains. “Fans are a big part of what makes this successful,” said Count Gregor. “People want to be around what excites them. There have always been horror and science fiction fans, but today, we have people living their stories and wanting to interact with that. They enjoy it so much, and when they have the opportunity, they want to be part of it.” Shawn Wilson of Oklahoma City is one of those fans who likes to attend SoonerCon. “As a teen, some of the games gave me a moral compass of sorts. The role-playing games allow one to be something or someone different for a few hours,” he said. “I would like to go to a cosplay event sometime as a citizen in the game universe.”

COSPLAYERS

Kory Gilliam Lewis is a fan of cosplay, or the act of dressing in character to become a character. Though she leans towards Steampunk trends (Victorian times mixed with modern machinery), she says all cosplayers—including those who dress as video game, comic book, superhero or popular culture characters—are looking for the same experience. “There’s something about putting on an outfit you’d never wear in regular life, acting like someone else and forgetting real life for a while,” she said. “You have fun, relax, forget about all the problems of real life and look really good doing it.” “We show up to be around other people who enjoy the same thing. There are usually classes, costume competitions or just social time,” she said. “Just being around like-minded people who appreciate what you’ve put into it is a big deal.” Cortney Stone is also a cosplay enthusiast as a member of JediOKC, a Star Wars fan club, and Central Oklahoma Whovians, a Doctor Who fan club. She regularly associates

with other fan clubs like the Star Wars 501st and the Oklahoma Ghostbusters. “These groups do cosplay, or as we call it, ‘cause-play,’ because we use cosplay for charity events like MS Muscle Walk, Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, etc.,” said Stone.

by Heide Brandes

GAMERS

“Gaming is a portal that leads to a place where the dragging nuisance of reality does not exist,” said gamer Brian Sanders. “Finances are always a must to balance in every day life, but at the end of day, I’ll take a board game amongst friends over paying for cable.” Bill Thompson, who runs the gamer room at SoonerCon, says the game segment at SoonerCon keeps growing. Gamers tend to be a loyal lot, many times playing for years with the same groups of people, trying different modules or board and dice games. It’s the social aspect that attract so many. “I started playing D&D with friends three decades ago,” said Jeff Knudslien. “I still play to this day. We started with 1st edition, but now the guys I play with use 3rd edition. So I’ve been playing for 34 years.” Gamers are one of the biggest segments of SoonerCon, said Philip Grimes, one of the organizers of SoonerCon’s gaming room. Tabletop gaming as a whole has exploded over the past decade, he said. “Over the past five years, gaming at SoonerCon has grown dramatically to include a ballroom with 24 tables all weekend, additional conference rooms in the evenings for two different LARPs and a spaceship bridge simulator, outdoor games in the morning like Muggle Quidditch and Nerf Wars, retro video game consoles and much more,” said Grimes. Stepping into a fantasy world and a convention that celebrates such imaginative realities can appeal to those who aren’t hard-core enthusiasts. “It is fun and it’s different, and you might just find something you like,” said Thompson. “If you’ve never been, you should try it at least once.” Oklahoma SoonerCon will be held June 26 to 28 at the Reed Center in Midwest City. For more information, visit www.soonercon.com.

Nancy Dobbs INDEPENDENT C O N S U LTA N T

INDEPENDENT SUPER STAR CONSULTANT

341-3107 elegantcandlegifts.com outlookoklahoma.com

Summer is too Much Fun to Spend it Cleaning Weekly, bi-weekly, special event & deepcleaning services.

Let me ta care of it ke all !

Call 330-6157 for a free estimate! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait! Limited amount of spaces available!

Outlook June 2015

80 East 5th St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73034