March 2020
Features 8
ASK EDMOND
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VISIT EDMOND CALENDAR OF EVENTS
I checked Facebook this morning, and there’s one of those “On this Day” memory posts at the top of my feed. It’s of my wife, Alison, doing her best Vanna White impression in a furniture store. She’s standing next to a media console we almost bought. The post was from a year ago. And we still don’t have a media console. I have this indecision problem when it comes to certain things in my life. And this piece of furniture is one of them. Sure, I’ve looked, shopped and surfed. This console is not the right color. That one is too tall. Oh, that one is too expensive and so on. So for the last year, an exposed tangled cluster of cables, modems and assorted wireless technology sit there between me and my netflix mocking me nightly. Is this a serious problem like global warming, homelessness or Edmond traffic? No, it’s more of a metaphor that makes me pause and ask - why am I like this? Is it about a fear of completing something? Is it about the possibility of making a mistake? Is it about perfection? Compromise? Oh no, I need furniture therapy. I’m sure I’m not alone. Doesn’t everyone have issues in their lives that remain undone, ignored and need to be completed? What about that annoying little noise coming from your car it’s always there but never a priority. Or that mystery charge that appears on your credit card statement every month - when are you going to get to that? Or that friend you keep meaning to reconnect with - but never do. Or that little patch of skin that doesn’t look right - when are you gonna get that looked at? We all have our media consoles, what’s yours? Dave Miller Back40 Design President
Lucky Coyote 5K, Piano Festival and Art Camp
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ARTIST STUDIO TOUR
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LOCAL EATS: CAFE ICON
Sharing Spring Break Memories
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Five Edmond artists open their studio to the public Patrick Mock prepares sushi, sashimi, katsu, hibachi, salads LUNCHBOX DAD
Creative lunch and kitchen ideas drive this local influencer BOOKS OF LOVE
Connecting inmates and their children through reading
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SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
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PLAYCATIONS
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RECIPE: ANIMAL BUNS
Frost Automotive wins on a foundation of values Must-dos around Edmond for spring break week Cute little critters are tasty and fun to make
Business 22
LARRY JONES AAA INSURANCE
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KERR3 ARCHITECTS
Experience to find clients the coverage that suits their needs
STEM classroom space reimagined for Summit Middle School
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ZACH MARTIN & ADEPT COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Deep Edmond roots and even bigger Edmond dreams
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LOUISE TUCKER JONES
Younger or Older
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 March 2020 Volume 16, Number 3
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Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.
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© 2020 Back40 Design, Inc.
PUBLISHER Dave Miller l ADVERTISING MANAGER Leslie Mahan l GRAPHIC DESIGN Adrian Townsend, Anne Richardson l PRODUCTION Rachel Morse 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.
LOCALLOOK
Ask Edmond
What is your best Spring Break memory?
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Michelle Anderson Principal Prairie Vale Elementary School
Chris Scully Account Executive Dell Technologies
Ginny Rahme Revenue & JIB Supervisor Martindale Consultants, Inc.
My favorite spring break was in 2019. My college daughter, Quinn, was studying abroad in Italy. It was amazing to be able to travel with her and see her favorite places. I love, love, loved Venice… and Capri was so amazing. Juliet’s balcony was probably my favorite, though.
Last year was our best! My wife, Leigh, and I took our 17 year old son, Shawn, skiing with our best friends to Wolf Creek outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. The snow was amazing, and we had the best time together. It was our son’s first time to go, and he was a natural on the snowboard!
My best childhood spring break memories include trips to see my grandparents in Breese, Illinois. My family would travel and stay for a weeklong visit. I have wonderful memories of picking strawberries and staying up late to play bingo with them. I remember wanting to win that grand prize - a handmade quilt. Corny, but true.
Marshall Hawkins Owner/Photographer Sundance Photography
Adam Payne Owner Ultra Botanica
Rachel Morse Client Success Manager Back40 Design
Not long after getting engaged, my now wife, Amy, and I tested our relationship by taking a spring break road trip to Disney World, Memphis, Savannah, Cocoa Beach, Orlando, Destin, New Orleans… we survived! And it was unforgettable!
We spent last spring break whale and dolphin watching at Dana Point, CA. A passenger jumped off our boat to try and rescue his mother-in-law’s jacket containing a family diamond heirloom. “Man Overboard” was not appreciated by the sea captain.
My favorite spring break was this year. This February marked 10 years since my dad passed, so my mom and I went on a cruise to get away. We spent the week sight-seeing, relaxing, drinking fruity drinks and laughing. It was the perfect disconnect!
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March Events @visitedmond | visitedmondok.com
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Spring Sing Various times Oklahoma Christian University Baugh Auditorium 2501 E. Memorial Rd. $15.50-$17.50
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Art in Public Places Tour 10 a.m.-2 p.m. MAC in Mitch Park 2733 Marilyn Williams Dr. $15
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Various times University of Central Oklahoma Radke Fine Arts Theatre 100 N. University Dr. $10-$75
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Lucky Coyote 5K 10 a.m. The Patriarch Craft Beer House 9 E. Edwards St. $25-$35
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Spring Break Art Camp
Open Art Studio Tour
9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Edmond Fine Arts Institute 27 E. Edwards St. $55/day, $220/week
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Edmond artists will open their studio doors to the public March 27th through April 4th. The first annual Open Studio Tour came to fruition through the collaboration of Edmond artists and studio owners. The artists will welcome art enthusiasts to watch as they create, providing an open forum for discussion. Artists from Edmond, Oklahoma City, Guthrie, Wynnewood and Norman will participate. Media will include sculpture, painting, drawing, collage, jewelry, photography and ceramic. New work will be on display and available for purchase.
Kuleshov International Piano Festival and Competition
Various times Lazy E Arena 9600 Lazy E Dr. $25-$50
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Studio Tour
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Cinch Timed Event Championship
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Artist
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Various artists’ studios, including many in Edmond Free
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Artist Jerry Bergin
Edmond Artists Piper Bridwell, Jerry Bergin, Karen Renfrow, Janie Tigert, and Reian Williams will participate. The Edmond Fine Arts Institute, Silver Leaf Gems, and Edmond’s more than 200 pieces of public art will be highlighted on the tour as well. Open Studio Tours are 10am to 5pm daily March 27th through April 4th. The driving tour is self guided, free and family friendly. Visit www.oklaopenstudiotour.com for full details and interactive map.
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FOODLOOK FEATURELOOK
Café Icon By Maggie Murdock Nichols
The Cause Behind the Cafe
Café Icon offers an invitation to slow down and enjoy a meal with the people around you. In a city where counter service and fast food are plentiful, Café Icon is a gem. Late into the evening after most restaurants have closed or have begun to clean up, Café Icon’s soft lights glow. The why behind Café Icon is what makes it true to its name, an Edmond icon. Owner Patrick Mock is no novice restaurateur. He and his wife Joanna began their venture into food service with their former restaurant, Tropical Café. Decades earlier, Patrick’s first taste of hospitality was on the bustling streets of Hong Kong. His grandparents were the owners of a grocery store and modeled the importance of quality products and exceptional service. He moved to the United States in 1991 to attend the University of Oklahoma. He soon met his wife and has called Oklahoma home ever since. The couple opened Café Icon 8 years ago with intention. Patrick says, “We’ve somehow lost the value of connecting around the dinner table. Walk into any restaurant and you’ll find a family of six, all with phones in their hand. It’s different here, by design.” Patrick speaks of the importance of values, in work and life. For him, personal values overflow into the way he leads business. Patrick is highly involved, ensuring high standards at every step from selecting the best fish from Hawaii at auction or choosing the perfect cut of steak from Chicago to simmer on signature lava rocks. The menu offers something for everyone with masterfully-prepared sushi, sashimi, katsu, hibachi, salads, creative cocktail menu and more.
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Investing in the lives of his team is important. Patrick goes above the call of management and engages with his employees. One is his own child and many of them are college students. He offers financial management courses, guidance, and prepares a shift meal, sometimes offering the crew Mexican or Italian. His staff loves the opportunity to gather around, talk and eat family style before or after their shift. As he prepares for his oldest child, Vivian, to go to college and his younger son, Kenneth, to graduate middle school, Patrick reflects on the importance of their primary education. He believes a strong foundation is built in the elementary years. As a result, Patrick has built in a way to support elementary schools through Café Icon. The restaurant is a great place for moms’ groups, formal or casual, to gather. Patrick hosts “Moms’ Night” and donates 10% of the group’s order to the school of their choice, writing the check on the spot. He also gives businesses the option to designate an elementary school to which he will donate 10% of the cost of their catering order. Patrick has a loyal base of diverse customers. Although it’s a great spot for a date night or college students, families love that their young children are welcome at Café Icon. In a world of many choices, Patrick invites Edmond families to dine with intention and has provided the perfect place to do so. Visit www.thecafeicon.com to learn more.
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FEATURELOOK
Lunchbox Dad By Maggie Murdock Nichols
Beau Coffron looks back on the day he sent his daughter to kindergarten as a bittersweet occasion. In effort to connect with her during the school day, he designed a Hello Kitty lunch. Too young to read a note, he knew she’d light up when she saw her favorite character. The small gesture, and just a little extra time in preparation, gave his daughter something to look forward to. Her lunch box would soon draw a following not only in the lunchroom but online. Beau came to be known as the “Lunchbox Dad,” posting photos and tutorials on his blog. The blog went viral. Beau has been featured on many national television shows, magazines, and websites. Lunchbox Dad has more than 36,000 followers on Instagram, 28,000 followers on Pinterest, and 46,000 followers on Facebook. The brand has garnered the attention of national sponsors like Babybel, who took his family on an all-expenses paid trip to Disney World. Beau accepts sponsorships from products he actually likes and uses. His desire is to encourage parents to be thoughtful about what they feed their kids, giving them a way to connect while also making lunch fun. Beau says it’s hard to top the Disney World experience, but a meaningful experience has been the opportunity to contribute to Kraft’s Birthday Party Project. This opportunity brings the magic of a birthday party to homeless youth who would otherwise not have a party. Beau celebrates with the youth and leads them through the process of creating a well-balanced and, of course, fun lunch. Beau has two younger sons. His middle child wasn’t so sure about the attention his lunchbox drew at school. He carefully opens it as to not draw much attention. His younger son doesn’t mind the attention but can be a little picky. Beau says, “Using characters to introduce foods has encouraged him to try something new.” Not everyday is a special lunchbox day. He works full time in addition to running Lunchbox Dad. His kids don’t expect Mickey Mouse or Star Wars at every meal. Creative lunches are set for Mondays and prepared on Sundays after dinner. Mealtimes are very important at the Coffron house, no technology is allowed at the dinner table. Beau is aware that he’s setting an example for his children when it comes to technology use. Although his jobs require him to spend time online, he strives to set boundaries when it comes to screen time. He seeks out opportunities through Lunchbox Dad that either benefit or include his family. Visit www.lunchboxdad.com or @lunchboxdad on social media to learn more. 14
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FEATURELOOK
Books of Love Connecting inmates and their children through reading. By Amy Dee Stephens “Let’s read a story…night-night, I love you. Go to sleep.” This is the evening ritual for most parents and children, but 100,000 Oklahoma children miss out on this familiar bonding experience because their mommies or daddies are in prison. These children are not only going to bed without a story, they are stressed, wondering if their parents are okay, and questioning their own role in the incarceration. It’s a serious problem that Cheri Fuller decided to do something about. “I couldn’t turn a blind eye to the heartbreaking statistics about the emotional damage these children experience when their parent is absent,” Fuller said. Visiting Prisons So, Fuller resigned from her job as a writer and educator to create the Oklahoma Messages Project. She and her volunteers visit prisons to film parents reading bedtime stories to their children. The child then receives the book and DVD—which can be watched every night. Kambyr is one of the children who receives reading videos from her dad, which she watches whenever she misses him. According to Kambyr’s mom, “When your child is hurting and
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super sad and not understanding why her dad’s not there for story time, she can read right along, and it makes it hurt a bit less.” “You can’t imagine the joy on these kids’ faces when they get this gift. Sometimes they haven’t seen their parent in years—but now they can read with them every night,” Fuller said. “We coach the parent to pick a book and coach them on some things to say to assure their child that, ‘Mommy loves and misses you, but I’m okay. It’s not your fault I am here.’” Touch My Hard Anna is another video recipient who said, “I love getting packages from my mom. I love when she reads to me, and I can follow along. I love it when she puts her hand on the screen and says, ‘Touch my hand. I’ll be here if you’re lonely or down, and know that I love you so much.’ It makes me feel very happy.” “Reading at bedtime is not a silly little tradition,” Fuller said. “It is proven as one of the most important predictors of a child’s success in reading in school. Without strong reading skills by the 4th grade, they are 75% more likely to end up on welfare or in prison. These kids have been in the shadows far too long, but they aren’t just statistical data. They are real, and we care deeply about them. Reading together is one of the most powerful family rituals in existence. Reading with parents, even by video, wraps the children in parental support until the day they are reunited.” Visit www.okmessagesproject.org to donate and learn more.
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FEATURELOOK
Small Business of the Year By Maggie Murdock Nichols
Frost Auto Accessories & Design was awarded the title of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce 2019 Small Business of the Year. Wayne Frost, owner and founder, doesn’t take the win lightly. He attributes the win to the support of his family, friends and customers. Wayne took time to reflect on the early days and the simple, yet meaningful, motivation that led him to start his business. Though not without challenges, small businesses allow owners to build their brand on a foundation of their own values. Wayne Frost came to Edmond in 1977 to attend the University of Central Oklahoma. He began working at a local car dealer cleaning cars. His positivity and strong work ethic led to promotions, landing him a position as a car salesman. Wayne says, “I was told that I was the first African American car salesman in Edmond.” As time went on, Wayne saw the value that extra flair brought to vehicles. When Wayne and his wife Amy found out they were expecting their first child, an opportunity arose to purchase equipment to white wall tires. Wayne loved his job but wanted to be home in the evenings, a present father to his children. The opportunity to own his own auto accessories and design business was an answer to his prayer. Wayne recalls the first few years balancing a new business and new babies being hard financially. He asserts, “They were worth it.” He traveled and completed jobs on site, though never far enough to miss dinner, playtime, bath and bedtime routines. As 18
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Wayne Frost
his daughter, Devin, and son, Taylor, grew older, he was there for track meets and football games. With a flexible schedule that he controlled, he was able to contribute by coaching at his children’s school. The auto industry changes frequently. Wayne has had to adapt and adjust. In 2017, he moved from his first brick and mortar into his current location off Memorial, just east of the car dealerships. He has a small but hard-working team of two working alongside him. A larger space was needed to keep up with demand, offering window tinting, graphics, paint protection film, window art and banners. In the beginning, his primary customers were car dealers. It is now split evenly between individuals and dealers. A majority of his business is made up of repeat customers. This speaks volumes about the quality of work and kindness that comes out of Frost Auto Accessories and Design. Although the industry has changed, Wayne has not wavered when it comes to his values and work ethic. On occasion, Wayne prefers to hit the road on two wheels, no engine. Wayne can be seen cycling to and from work on warmer days. He rides as much as he can, and enjoys it when his wife, Amy, joins him. The couple is training for a hike of the Grand Canyon. They’ve made the trails beyond the Lake Arcadia dam their training grounds. Visit www.frostautoaccessories.com to learn more
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FEATURELOOK
P laycations
By Maggie Murdock Nichols
For those who want to avoid travel crowds, a staycation is ideal and an invitation to explore your hometown! Edmond has many options to not just entertain, but engage families as they take a break from school and work. I’ve rounded up my top picks for Spring Break in Edmond.
Camps and Classes
For parents looking for not-your-average childcare or families interested in learning a new skill, camps and classes are a great option!
Edmond History
The Edmond Historical Society & Museum will offer “Making History Crafts” at no charge and always offers free admission. Nature themed crafts and story time are open to all ages from 10am-2pm. The 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse will invite children to experience school as it would have been in 1889. The “School’s Out Day Camp” will be held on Wednesday, March 18th from 8:30am-1:30pm for ages 6 and up.
Indoor Play
For cooler spring days and fun in a safe environment, Edmond has a variety of indoor play options. Visit Unpluggits and let your child choose their own path! Make and take crafts are available as well as imaginative play opportunities and an indoor playground. Make a stop at Okie Kids for indoor play suited for younger kids, 6 and under. They have great coffee!
Camp Cadence at Cadence Equestrian invites campers to learn the full spectrum when it comes to riding and caring for horses. No prior riding experience is necessary. Half day camp is offered during Spring Break for ages 5 to 15. The Edmond Fine Arts Institute Spring Break Camp is perfect for blossoming creatives. Little artists will rotate between classes and create a variety of projects using methods like drawing, painting, clay, and mixed media. Classes are open to kids kindergarten through fifth grade at a per-day rate or a discount for those who sign up all week. These classes fill up, so don’t delay! Oops, I arted will soon open a new location in the Shoppes at Cheyenne. Risa Wilkins McKinney will offer new projects to celebrate her brand new space! Kids will enjoy painting, clay, and mixed media. Watch Facebook & Instagram for daily craft announcements. They are suited for ages 5 and up. Classes will take place in the afternoon and can be purchased by day. Edmond Parks & Recreation offers a variety of classes and workshops year round. Spring Break classes are offered at various times and locations and encourage families to enjoy the outdoors or connect with their artistic side. Choose from archery, fishing, mountain biking, fire building and campfire cooking, kayaking, crafts, music classes, a family ceramic bisque glaze studio, and a Spring Break Camp focusing on photography.
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Kid’s Galaxy is the largest indoor playground in the state. It’s a great fit for a family outing with play structures, food court, parents lounge and separate toddler area. They’ll host a variety of special offers during Spring Break discounts, giveaways, face painting and visits from Frozen characters and Marvel superheroes. Sky Zone is perfect for all that pent up energy. Check their website for discount days. They divide jumpers by age and offer a special toddler time on Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30am. We Rock the Spectrum is offering a spring break day camp daily from 9am to 3pm for ages 5 to 10 in addition to regular operating hours. They’ll host a special St. Patrick’s playdate. Breakaway encourages adults to join in the play with tall play structures, exciting slides and climbing opportunities, a great snack bar and a play village. They offer discount toddler times on Tuesday 9am to 2pm and on buy one get one free admission on Thursdays from 9am to noon.
Heard on Hurd
The Heard on Hurd season opener is a great way to end Spring Break, March 21st. The fun will begin at 6pm and will include live performances, kid’s activities, shopping area and, of course, food trucks!
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BIZLOOK
Larry Jones AAA Insurance By Maria Veres
With 87 years of combined experience, the team at Larry Jones AAA Insurance has the expertise to help clients find the coverage that suits their needs. The agency represents many leading insurance companies, allowing them to tailor the best fit for each customer’s needs. The Best Policy for the Best Price Comparing insurance policies can be confusing. The policy with the lowest premium may not cover everything you need. The agents at Larry Jones AAA Insurance know how to untangle the maze and match each client to the best policy.
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The agency represents many wellknown insurance carriers, including AAA, Mercury Insurance, Progressive, Safeco, and more. “Let us do the shopping for you,” says agent Debbie Pybas. “Although AAA is our main carrier, we have several other companies we can quote through. So with one phone call we can shop several companies at once.” An Experienced, Local Team Larry Jones AAA Insurance has been providing auto insurance for more than 100 years. Having an “A” (excellent) rating from AM Best. The agency takes the time to help make sure you’re taking advantage of all discounts you’re entitled to. “We are very familiar with the Edmond area,” says Debbie. The team takes pride in outstanding customer service, and they serve many of the same clients for years and receive many referrals.
(l-r) Debbie Pybas, Larry Jones and Traci Sarani
Customized to Meet Your Needs Larry Jones AAA Insurance specializes in automobile, home, and life insurance, as well as recreational insurance for vehicles like motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, and boats. The agents are happy to work with clients in person, over the phone, or via e-mail. They’re open through the lunch hour for added convenience. “We strive to provide superior customer service from quote to claim,” says Debbie. Larry Jones AAA Insurance is located at 1312 North Kelly Avenue in Edmond. Contact them at 405-513-6500 or online at ok.aaa.com/larryjones.
BIZLOOK
Before
Kerr 3 Architects By Maria Veres
“The Studio” at Summit Middle School is a reimagined classroom space that came about from a passion for Edmond Public Schools and appreciation for teachers. The school received a bond to purchase science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) equipment, but they faced the challenge of making it work in a defunct computer lab. Kim Kerr, 2018-2019 Summit Teacher of the Year, sat on the STEM classroom committee and told her husband, James Kerr IV, about the project. A Passion Project James was inspired by his wife’s passion and decided to step in, turning the defunct computer lab into an open format classroom now known as “The Studio.” He and his father’s architecture company Kerr 3 Architects and their construction arm, Red Sky Constructors, transformed the conventional classroom into a STEM studio. Principal Lisa
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Adams is thankful for the adaptable classroom. She says, “The furniture and tables can be pushed aside, leaving lots of space for collaborative work.” The ceiling of “The Studio” is raised and designed with an open format that fosters creativity. A Family Business James Kerr III “Terry” founded Kerr 3, and began working in Edmond in 1978. Many changes and projects later, roles have changed. James Kerr IV has taken on a leadership role as Terry enjoys the opportunity to focus on specific projects. James has deep roots in Edmond; his family moved to the city James & Kim Kerr in 1977, his second grade year. James completed his education in Edmond schools and two of his children have graduated from the system with a third graduating in 2021. James expresses gratitude for the opportunity of working with his dad, and tells of his patience: “When he hired me, I had been out of college for about three years and was pretty sure I knew everything. I once deleted an entire project from our server – so it turned out, I didn’t know quite everything.” His father, Terry, built a place where James could learn. A safe place to make mistakes and get creative. The environment Terry built for his son is similar to what Kerr3 and Red Sky do everyday. A large portion of the firm’s work is focused on design and construction of educational facilities across Oklahoma. Visit www.kerr3.com and www.redskyconstructors.com to learn more.
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FRESHLOOK
Animal Buns Imagine setting aside an afternoon with your kids to bring these little critters to life as a fun activity. From drawing the animals to choosing the filling, there are plenty of ways to get creative with these. My recipe calls for a common Asian dessert filling: sweet red bean paste. It may sound odd, but I’ve never met a soul who didn’t like it, and it can be found at most Asian markets. Makes 15
• 2-1/2 cups bread flour + 3 Tbsp for roux • 1/2 cup water + 2 Tbsp • 2 tsp active dry yeast • 4 Tbsp granulated sugar • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
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1/2 tsp salt 1 egg 1/2 cup milk + extra for wash 1 package sweet read bean filling 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
Directions: 1) For roux: In a small saucepan over med-low heat, combine 3 tbsp bread flour and 1/2 c water. Whisk until it thickens. Set aside. 2) Whisk together 1/2 c milk and egg, then pour into a bread mixer*. Add roux, butter, remaining bread flour, sugar and salt. Use finger to make a small divot in the flour and pour the yeast into it so it’s not touching wet ingredients. Set bread mixer to dough setting and let it run. 3) Place red bean filling package in fridge to firm. Prep a cookie sheet with a silicone mat. Once dough is ready, plop onto a clean surface dusted with flour. Divide into 16 pieces and roll to 1/4 in. thick. Set one aside for animal features. Dust a small prep bowl and place one piece of dough inside. Place a scoop of sweet red bean filling in the middle and pinch closed. Place seam-down on pan. Repeat for all dough. 4) For animal features**: with remaining dough, cut triangles for cat ears and roll balls for bear/pig ears. For bear mouth/pig nose I cut circles using a large pastry tip. Dampen the pieces with a bit of water and gently adhere them to buns. Cover buns with tea towel, let rise 30-60 min. 5) Heat oven to 335F. Pour a few tbsp milk into a small bowl. Brush milk onto buns. In separate bowl, combine cocoa powder and slightly less than 2 tbsp water to create a paste. Pour into a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip (or fill the corner of a sandwich bag then make a small snip in the corner). Pipe eyes, whiskers, etc. onto buns. Bake 15 minutes. *If no bread mixer: skip step 2 and instead, combine remaining flour and water, roux, yeast, sugar, butter, salt, egg, and 1/2 c milk, and knead 10-15 min. Let rise in warm, dry place for 1 hour, punch down, then rise again for 30 minutes. **Find more example photos on my blog, www.ginachongblog.com/2016/05/02/animal-buns 26
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Gina is a long-time food blogger, Back40 Design web developer, professional eater, and new resident of Oklahoma. Find more of her recipes on her Instagram @gina.chong.
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ALOOKBACK
Younger or Older? By Louise Tucker Jones
I recently started physical therapy for my back and shoulder. Jane, my phenomenal therapist who has treated this aching body in the past, took my January article to heart about giving compliments, and told me I looked twenty years old. Wow! We both got a laugh out of that. But that comment got me to thinking about a time soon after my 20th birthday when I actually wanted to look older, not younger. Fresh out of college, I applied for a teaching position in the Tulsa Public Schools. I had done my intern
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teaching at a high school there, teaching Spanish and French, and hoped to find a permanent position. Much to my dismay, the director was not open to the idea of my teaching high school, telling me I looked as young as the students. However, she would definitely hire me to teach junior high. No! Who wants to teach 7th to 9th grade? I remembered my own experience and it was the worst of my school years. I begged and pleaded to no avail. So much for my “mature” hairstyle and clothes to help me get the job I wanted. But at least I had a job. What I didn’t know was that she was placing me in one of the roughest schools in the district. Students were disrespectful and there were frequent knife fights in the courtyard. Definitely a new experience for me, and I desperately wanted to ask that director why she thought I was old enough to handle THIS assignment. I made it through the semester, teaching Spanish and English to some
rowdy, reluctant students, then took a maternity leave. A few months after my sweet son was born, I returned to work and finally got my dream job, teaching high school French and Spanish, and yes, I loved it. But these days, long since I retired from the teaching profession, I never protest when someone guesses me to be younger than my years. And I’m hopeful this weekly PT and Jane’s magic touch will soon have me pain free and feeling strong and healthy again. Maybe even younger!
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.
BIZLOOK FEATURELOOK
Adept Commercial Real Estate Zach Martin has deep Edmond roots and even bigger Edmond dreams. Zach Martin launched his career in the real estate business in 2005 when he worked as an office broker at Sperry Van Ness, which later merged with Newmark LSB. In 2018, he started his own company called Adept Commercial Real Estate. Adept CRE is an investment firm that acquires, owns and operates commercial real estate properties in the greater Oklahoma City area. They own and operate in excess of 600,000 square feet of commercial space. Zach was born in Edmond, a graduate of Oklahoma Christian School and University of Central Oklahoma. Today, Zach owns a number of investment properties in Edmond, both residential and commercial. He operates in the capacity of an owner of commercial real estate, and in the capacity of a commercial real estate broker.
When did your interest in commercial real estate begin?
Perhaps I was a weird kid. From the age of 8, I knew I wanted to own and operate commercial real estate. I grew up on a farm in north Edmond with the closest sign of civilization being a shopping center a few miles from our house. The center was anchored by a restaurant/convenience store by the name of IB’s. I met the man that owned the place and knew that’s what I wanted to do when I grew up. At the age of 15, I got my first job working at IB’s. My goal was to save up and start buying rental houses. Shortly thereafter, I started mowing lawns. My lawn business, Martin Lawns, INC grew to have 5 employees and regularly service over 100 properties in Edmond. I bought my first house when I was 21; it had three bedrooms. I quickly rented out the 2 of the bedrooms. I then rented out the third bedroom, which was mine. I moved into the attic. Trying to make extra money, I went so far as to install a coin operated washer/dryer in my house. My roommates were less than thrilled.
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When I was 25, I finally rounded up enough money to buy my first rental houses. I also became a commercial real estate broker. I spent the next several years brokering office buildings throughout the Oklahoma City Metro. I used brokerage commission to buy smaller investment properties.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I’ve been attending Life Church since it was just one campus located at 178th and Penn. I’ve volunteered in numerous capacities over the years, and I currently lead a Life Group and serve coffee on the Life Church Host Team. I also serve on the Board of Directors at the City Rescue Mission. I’ve been studying Spanish since I was in high school, and I continue to go to conversational Spanish classes once a week. I played soccer throughout high school and college, and I still play on an indoor team.
What’s an exciting project you’re working on in Edmond?
In August of 2019, I purchased a 19,000 square foot industrial building along Broadway Extension in Edmond. It was an old automotive service center. We just finished the renovation and are working on marketing the property for lease. The already-popular Broadway Extension corridor has a bright future.
Has work brought any unexpected surprises?
Last year, I found a dog at one of my industrial buildings, and I hoped he would find his way home. After asking around, I learned that someone dumped him and didn’t want him. I ended up adopting him and naming him Barney. Barney goes to work with me everyday.
Adept CRE
My business partner Andrew Hwang and I started Adept 2 years ago. I had previously been with the same commercial real estate firm for 12 years. Andrew had a similar background; he is also an attorney. The timing was right for both of us. we are 50/50 partners. We have been fortunate to add other industry veterans to our team. Adept is a full service brokerage company offering comprehensive buyer and seller representation, landlord and tenant representation, and property management.
405.602.2591 www.adeptcre.com
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80 East 5th St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73034