May 2020
Hope From Harlem
Nurse Kym Langford Joins the Fight against COVID-19 in New York
Local Eats: Hidalgo’s Sarika’s Desserts
Actress Rachel Cannon: L.A. to Edmond The Bee Investigator
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Features 8
ASK EDMOND
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LOCAL EATS: HIDALGO’S
What belonging has made your “safer at home” time more enjoyable? Celebrating 5 years of family dining
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QUALGEN PIVOTS TO PRODUCE SANITIZER
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HOPE FROM HARLEM
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Pharmaceutical company answers the nation’s call for safety Kym Langford serves at one of NYC’s busiest hospitals BEGINNER CHOCOLATIER SARIKA
Award-winning desserts from a home kitchen hobbyist SANDI PATTY’S GREAT GRATITUDE
Symptom free for weeks, Sandi shares her COVID-19 recovery TV’S RACHEL CANNON: L.A. TO EDMOND
Fresh Off the Boat Actress finds her way back home to Oklahoma BACKYARD GARDENING
Now is the time to plant tomatoes, peppers, okra and green beans THE BEE INVESTIGATOR
Retired IRS Investigator turns his focus to beekeeping
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CROSSINGS CHURCH
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SNORE AND SLEEP SOLUTIONS
New options for coming together online Treatments to help patients get a good night’s rest
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LOUISE TUCKER JONES
What do you call yourself?
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 May 2020 Volume 16, Number 5
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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 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Leslie Mahan l GRAPHIC DESIGN Adrian Townsend, Anne Richardson PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com l DISTRIBUTION Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to 50,000 Edmond area homes. Articles and advertisements in the Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Back40 Design. Back40 Design does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by the Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.
LOCALLOOK
Ask Edmond
What belonging has made your “safer at home” time more enjoyable?
Juan Jimenez Security Guard The Fountains at Canterbury
Noelle Perry Operations Coordinator Native Doodles
My grill! We’ve been smoking roasts and brisket and grilling lamb chops. Lots of AA meetings on Zoom and lots of TV. I try not to take things too seriously and have a sense of humor. Be safe and God bless.
We bought a turntable and opened boxes of records that had been stored away for decades. We have been dancing and singing our way through the “Safer at Home” experience and revisiting some great memories. So much fun!
Lori L. Engel, SPHR President/Owner Ultimate Human Resources
Avery Schick Student Oklahoma State University
I have continued my love of “adult coloring” on canvas; made some meals and shared with friends, and purchased way more plants and flowers than needed, but love the serenity of my little piece of the world!
Something that has made my time at home more enjoyable is the new addition to our family, Miss Mazie! Our two month old chocolate lab is always keeping us on our toes! never a dull moment watching her grow up and get her little personality.
Jim Quade Business Development Manager Kerr 3 Architects and Red Sky Constructors
Brittany Willison Director of Communications and Marketing Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce I’ve had a box full of old Edmond newspaper clippings and publications from the eighties. I put them in empty frames I had and hung them in our guest room. They make me happy every time I walk by!
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I bought 50 bags of mulch and shrub bed edging. Being able to work outdoors and still keep up with various yard projects has been great.
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FOODLOOK FEATURELOOK
Hidalgo’s By Maggie Murdock Nichols
Celebrating 5 Years of Family Dining
Hidalgo’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina celebrated its 5th year in Edmond last month. Juan and Mariel Hidalgo opened the restaurant on a foundation of strong family values and a commitment to paying homage to the original taste of Mexico. The newly remodeled restaurant reflects the flare and fun that Hidalgo’s brings to Edmond. The space is brighter, more modern and the playful decor pairs perfectly with creative flavors. Juan says the decision to open a restaurant in Edmond was easy. He says, “The people are kind and generous. They’ve become like family.” Juan recalls a customer that came in to pick up dinner for her daughter right after she had a baby boy. Juan has watched the little boy grow up, he’s now three years old and eagerly hops in his seat to enjoy the bottomless chips and queso. Juan shares ownership with his wife and his mom works alongside them. A father of four, Juan places a high priority on making sure families feel welcome by offering kids-eat-free offers and special events like face painters, magicians and Santa during the holiday season. Vegan, vegetarian and low carb offerings Hidalgo’s excels in the area of consistency in both food and hospitality. Guests rave about the cocktails, margaritas and ice cold beer. The menu has something for every dietary need and preference with vegan, vegetarian and low carb offerings. The lunch specials and senior menu are a great value and the kids won’t be stuck with subpar or overpriced options. Hidalgo’s
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jalapeno cilantro sauce is addictive and their housemade salsas and queso makes their setup far from average. From traditional entrees to Hidalgo’s specialites, just one visit creates a loyal guest. Family Enchilada and Fajita Packs “Hidalgo’s was one of the first restaurants in Edmond to come out with a solid plan to address the challenges faced by the pandemic,” Juan explains. They implemented clear ordering instructions, safe social distancing practices, and offered creative deals to further incentivize guests to pick up food. Juan says, “We truly felt cared for. Seeing our customers support us by not only ordering food, but by spreading the word was truly touching.” The Family Enchilada and Fajita Packs have been a great success. Juan says he’ll continue the family packs even after the restaurant is open for regular business. He knows firsthand the chaos that can accompany busy schedules on a normal basis. He hopes these meals have allowed families to gather and just enjoy each other’s presence without all the prep and cleanup. Safety guidelines Hidalgo’s greatest desire is to open their doors and welcome customers back inside to celebrate, but assert that following safety guidelines is of utmost importance. In the meantime, they invite Edmond Outlook readers to take a taste of Hidalgo’s home with them. Call in orders can be placed by calling 405-285-2424 and the menu can be viewed at www.hidalgosrestaurant.com.
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FEATURELOOK
By Amy Dee Stephens
Qualgen Pivots to Produce Sanitizer An international pharmaceutical company is quietly tucked would need to, since they normally do not sell to the public. The away in Edmond, complete with high-tech sterile rooms company specializes in hormone therapy pellets that are natural and state-of-the-art laboratory. The company has produced and biologically-identical to what is produced by the body. scientifically-advanced compounds for medical facilities around “Initially, most of our clients were gynecologists, but that the world since 2012. Last month, the company shifted gears and has slowly changed with a better understanding of how is now producing over 1,000 gallons of hand sanitizer a day! hormone deficiency affects whole-body health, mood and even “As you know, it was impossible to get hand sanitizer just a few sleep. Now, our hormone pellets are being used by general weeks ago,” said Shaun Riney, CEO of Qualgen. “Since we are a practitioners, urologists, men’s clinics and med spas,” Riney said. licensed, bulk manufacturer of drug products, the Food & Drug Riney, whose background is in finance, has an entrepreneurial Administration (FDA) is allowing us to temporarily compound spirit. He was introduced to the pharmaceutical world by a alcohol-based hand sanitizer during the shortage.” doctor who was gathering global data to develop a precise According to Riney, who was eager to help hormone compound. Qualgen is now the during the Coronavirus pandemic, it took producer of that product, and because of its Qualgen is also about two weeks to switch gears. Fortunately, producing emergency success, Riney has since opened a lab in Brazil he had some extra warehouse space and was and is developing another one in Holland. drugs related to even able to hire eight additional employees “Not only do we have the purest pellet in the COVID-19 recovery for the project, including some local Goodwill world, no other custom compounder in the employees who were laid off. United States has such a broad international “We’re a small company, but we’re working around the reach for a small company.” clock now,” Riney said. “Our first batch of hand sanitizer alone In addition to Qualgen’s temporary foray into hand sanitizer was 22,000 gallons—so this is a massive undertaking. We are production, the company is producing other emergency drugs servicing our regular customers, mostly hospitals and first related to COVID-19 recovery, such as a throat relaxer needed to responders, but we are also trying to help the community.” help patients on ventilators. “We just sent a large order to the Federal Aviation “It’s a blessing for Qualgen to fill this void,” said Good. “We can Administration and to the Tribes,” said Nikki Good, director of not only give back, but it sustains us financially while many of our sales. “But half of our sales are going to private individuals who usual customer clinics are closed.” are living in fear that they can’t get hand sanitizer.” To learn more or place an order, visit qualgen.us/hand-sanitizer Riney admits that few people have heard of Qualgen, nor
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FEATURELOOK
Hope From Harlem Interview by Maggie Murdock Nichols
Kym Langford and her family live in Edmond. She works as the Nursing Department Lab Coordinator at Oklahoma Christian University. Her husband Ben also works at OC as a professor. Kym is originally from Washington state, and their family spent six years in Uganda serving as missionaries. Kym and Ben have two sons, a freshman and a 7th grader, and a daughter who is in 4th grade. How did your time working in New York City come about? Well, there wasn’t work for me at home. My job at OC is centered around hands-on learning. All my students went home, classes moved to online and I was left with time on my hands. This opportunity came up and the timing was right for me to go serve, help and work. I volunteered to go, but I am paid. How long have you been in New York City? I arrived on March 27th and came into work at Harlem Hospital Center the next day. I was asked to stay here eight more weeks. I’ve currently committed to two more weeks. Honestly, I considered leaving after two weeks. It was total chaos. Things are getting better now. We’re at maximum capacity, but the influx is slowing down. Thankfully. What are your shifts like? I work nights. I leave the hotel, where 1,000 other nurses stay, at 6:25pm. We arrive in Harlem and I begin my shift at 7:30pm. We have four to five patients per room, and I provide collaborative care with other nurses. I desperately want to provide my patients with not only quality care but comfort. Many of my patients don’t have cell phones, so I use my personal cell phone to let them check in with their family. I’m really torn. I want 14
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to stay with them, but I really have to get in, do my work and get out. I try to minimize my exposure as much as possible. Outside of work, there isn’t a lot to do. I get on the bus shortly after 8am to head back to the hotel, shower, eat dinner and go to bed. What’s crazy is we were here last summer for vacation. It’s eerie to see a normally bustling place so empty. How is your family managing? My middle son, who is usually pretty reserved, told me, “Mom, I think you’re really awesome. What you’re doing is really cool.” That really helps. The first couple weeks here were really difficult. I try to FaceTime my family at least once a day. I am really missing them. This is probably hardest on my daughter, but I know my kids are in great hands with my husband. We’ve all heard about equipment shortages, how are you dealing with that? Monitoring equipment is crucial to the survival of these patients and we just don’t have enough. We don’t have sufficient oxygen delivery devices. We lack ventilators, pap machines, and simple oxygen monitors. It’s really scary to walk into a room and notice a patient that’s agitated due to lack of oxygen, there’s no monitor to otherwise alert me. I am given a new N95 mask every five days. Can you tell us about a case that stands out in your mind? There was a guy who came in, he was young, in his thirties. He and his wife were both sick. She was 27 weeks pregnant and being cared for at another hospital. They had three kids at home. I finished a shift and wondered if he’d be alive when I came in the next night. I was able to continue to care for him and see him go home. His wife is now home, too. What have you learned from this experience? You know, there is a lot of hope. I took a photo in front of a sculpture here that spells “HOPE.” People are rising up to help. I do feel like I’m back on the mission field and that my time in Uganda uniquely prepared me for this. What would you like to tell your Edmond community? Do you have any advice? It seems crazy that by the time this magazine comes out, businesses could be open. Seriously, hang on. It is too early. I know the curve is flattening in Oklahoma. I know the economy is struggling and that businesses are wanting to get their customers back, but it is not worth dying for.
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FEATURELOOK
Beginner Chocolatier “Takes the Cake”
Sarika and her sons, Samar and Manthan
By Amy Dee Stephens
When you see the chocolate masterpieces Sarika Alvekar creates, it is hard to believe that she’s self-taught. What’s even more amazing is that she just began to design “dessert art” three years ago. “I started watching cooking shows and competitions, like The Great British Baking Show and Zumbo’s Just Desserts, and I wanted to try it,” Sarika said. Shockingly, Sarika had never even baked in an oven until ten years ago! “I was raised in Mumbai, India, and we didn’t have an oven. Back then, it just wasn’t part of our culture to bake, although it’s fairly common now. When I was a kid, if we wanted a pastry, we either bought it from a bakery or we took our ingredients to the bakery and they would cook it for us.” In 2004, Sarika came to America to work as a computer engineer. She moved to Oklahoma in 2009 and became a stay-at-home mom to her twin boys. Sarika began delving into her artistic side, focusing mostly on portrait painting. While submitting paintings for competition at the Oklahoma State Fair, she became aware of the cooking categories. She felt creatively inspired. “I started checking out cookbooks from the library and realized I had an interest in the history of how desserts evolved over time.” Sarika put away her cake box mixes and started to experiment in her home kitchen. She checked out cookbooks from the library and compared recipe ingredients. “I’d try a recipe and then write notes about what I did or didn’t like. Then I’d make it again and again with minor changes. I have a college-sized notebook full of my notes.”
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Her experiments became growingly-complicated as Sarika tackled French pastries, mousse and meringues. Sarika entered the Chocolate Extravaganza at the State Fair in 2018. Her nervousness was enhanced as she saw the huge cakes and pies she was competing against. She felt almost embarrassed by her tiny dessert in a glass cup—but extremely proud when she won first place. The next year, she won the Chocolate Extravaganza again, and added a “Best in Show” win for her Chocolate Hazelnut Delight. She describes the preparation for that competition as “not delightful.” The joconde cake kept failing because of the summer heat and humidity. After two tries, she fell back on a familiar chocolate cake base. Then she dropped the cake on the floor. In tears, and with a few hours to go, she made yet another chocolate cake, rushed the kids to school, and raced to the fairgrounds. Her beautiful, award-winning submission is now a symbol of both pride…and stress. Nonetheless, Sarika is hooked on competitive baking, and she has begun entering national competitions. Sarika’s family, the benefactors of her weekly baking experiments, enjoy tasting the desserts and also helping her bake. “Last Christmas, I checked out a book on Christmas cookies from around the world. The boys and I made a different kind of cookie nearly every day in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. It was so fun, and we made so many memories. Baking is a never-ending journey of curiosity for me, and it challenges me as an artist. I’m amazed that four main ingredients can create such a variety of desserts.”
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FEATURELOOK
By Louise Tucker Jones
Sandi Patty’s Great Gratitude
Symptom free for weeks, Sandi shares her COVID-19 recovery Sandi Patty, renowned singer, songwriter, author, and illness and says if she can be that face then that is helpful. Grammy and Dove award winner many times over, has again Patty and her husband are now five weeks symptom free but landed in the spotlight. Only this time, it’s not for her incredible are so thankful for the support they received from friends and voice and stellar performances. In March, Patty tested positive their church family. Someone was often dropping off food so she for COVID-19. wouldn’t have to cook while feeling so ill. They might get a text She had been traveling the week prior to her illness and saying, “I left some chicken soup at the curb.” She laughed and assumes she picked up the virus at an airport. Her first said, “Of course they knew we were home.” symptoms presented with a cough and inability to take a deep Their faith is definitely their foundation, says Patty who is breath along with body aches. “My skin actually intrigued with Bible stories. She likes to tell how hurt,” said Patty, “and it felt like someone We have to be wise Noah’s 40 days on the ark were just the storm, pushed an elbow into my sternum. It felt like not the aftermath. Noah’s family actually and good stewards of spent twelve and half months in the ark. But weights all over my body.” Her doctor insisted the situation she test for COVID-19 and found that she and one verse that is especially dear to her says, her husband, Don Peslis, were both positive but And God remembered Noah. “We will have an did not require hospitalization. aftermath of this storm,” says Patty. “But God has given faith and Patty says she can definitely see how this could wreak havoc wisdom. We have to be wise and good stewards of the situation.” for someone with a pre-existing condition, saying it’s easy Patty and her husband are sheltering-in-place at home, seeing to underestimate it. She urges everyone to follow the CDC this as a way to care for others as well as themselves. “Love guidelines, saying you can be a carrier and not know it. She also means fighting for the highest good in another,” says Patty. has great compassion and concern for health workers. “If me “That’s how we can love our neighbor.” She also states that this staying home, social distancing, and wearing a mask will keep pandemic has made them more mindful of little things and they just one health care worker from getting sick, it’s worth it. We have great gratitude. can’t afford our front liners to get sick.” The couple is also celebrating the recent birth of their 5th One statistic suggests that 78% of people don’t know anyone grandchild whom they will visit when it is safe. But for now, these personally with the virus, and because of that, some tend to grandparents are doing FaceTime with their newest little angel. believe the crisis isn’t real. Patty suggests putting a face to the 18
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FEATURELOOK
L.A. to Edmond with Rachel Cannon By Amy Dee Stephens
You might recognize Rachel Cannon’s face from television. She’s currently starring in Fresh Off the Boat, and she previously acted in Two and a Half Men, Big Bang Theory, Mad Men and more. Now, you might recognize her around town. The Los Angeles actress has moved to Edmond, and she’s loving her new life. The conviction behind her need to move to Oklahoma came after twenty happy years in California. She had a great acting career and lived in a nice neighborhood--but motherhood changed her perspective. “When I had a baby, I realized that L.A. didn’t have a place for my son to ride a bike or climb a tree,” Cannon said. “The homelessness and drugs were out of control, too. A friend of mine with kids came for a visit, and we walked from my house to a coffee shop. He said, ‘Between your house and here, we passed a lot of scary things. There’s about seven large conversations I would have had with my child during this walk.’ And it’s true—I couldn’t grasp how to teach my child the importance of serving
Rachel Cannon with Jon Hamm on Mad Men
Rachel Cannon with Charlie Sheen and Enrique Iglesias on the set of Two and a Half Men.
Rachel Cannon with family. 20
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other people when I was training him to step over the itchy homeless man and not make eye contact with the guy doing drugs.” Cannon and her husband, Noah, had considered moving when their son reached school-age, but everything suddenly changed in 2018. “We had two break-ins in a six-month period. The second one scared me so bad, because my son’s window got busted out. I went all Momma Bear. I literally got online, picked two homes in Edmond, and put in offers, sight-unseen. A week later, we called a moving van and just left. It was the best, easiest, hardest decision I’ve ever made—but I regret nothing. We were looking for a place with a small-town feel that still has great amenities and schools. We’ve been pleasantly surprised.” The commute between Oklahoma and the film studio in California where she finished filming season six of Fresh Off the Boat was a surprisingly easy transition, too. “Even before Coronavirus, the audition process and film industry was going more virtual. It doesn’t matter where my address is anymore. No one at the studio even knew the difference.” Although Cannon had no former ties to Edmond, she does have Oklahoma roots. She was born in Tulsa, went to high school in Yukon, and attended the University of Oklahoma. As a returner, Cannon great potential in My creativity is being sees Oklahoma as the next big relit now that I’m film entertainment hub. back. Oklahoma was She’s using her expertise to work with state leaders calling me home. to continue increasing film incentives. “I’m hoping we can draw bigger projects through the new Oklahoma Tax Rebate package, because the Heartland has so much to offer. We have many beautiful ecosystems that are attractive settings to film makers,” Cannon said. “The economic impact is huge when a film crew comes to your town. As an actor, you don’t just sit in the hotel room at night. You explore the city, you eat, shop, go to the gym and do your dry cleaning.” She’s certainly speaking from experience, having filmed on location in Chicago, Atlanta, and now, Alva, Oklahoma. It was in Alva, last summer, where she helped produce and co-write a faith-based short film called Send Me Wings, which premiers in May at the Branson Film Festival. It’s a film that has also earned her a Best Actress nomination. “I’ve gotten more done during my time in Oklahoma than I’d ever have gotten done in L.A. This is such a ‘Yes, AND…’ type place. It’s my fiery spirit that sent me to California in the first place, but my creativity is being relit now that I’m back here. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything by moving back. Oklahoma was calling me home.”
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BIZLOOK
Crossings Community Church By Maria Veres
At a time when churches can’t gather physically, Crossings Community Church is finding innovative ways to bring people together. “You’d think our ministry would be less busy, but it’s the opposite,” says Ryan Brown, Pastor of Location Development and Connections. New Options for Worship Like many churches, Crossings offers a live feed of Sunday worship. And they’ve recently added new twist. Viewers can now choose whether to stream the contemporary or traditional service, which each feature a different style of music. Special children’s programming follows each service.
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The church even held an online Communion service on Palm Sunday, with members making their own bread at home and all partaking at once. “We’re being very creative in how we can still celebrate the sacraments,” says Ryan. Anyone can watch or listen to services on several different platforms, including the church website, Facebook Live, YouTube, and Zoom. Sermons and worship music are available to stream any time. Coming Together Online Fellowship is at the heart of any church community. Crossings gives people many opportunities to stay connected digitally. One of the first events to go online was The Gathering, a popular Tuesday night forum for young adults. “We’ve had a great response to that,” says Ryan. Members are now meeting remotely for small community groups, Bible studies, and support groups. The church’s regular Wednesday night classes are also continuing online. Serving the Community Crossings has reached out in many
Pastor Ryan Brown
ways to help those in need during the pandemic. They’ve arranged box lunch deliveries to front-line workers at OU Medical Center and the Edmond Police Department. The church’s counseling center, clinic, and other behind-thescenes ministries are also staying busy. For those who need help or want to offer help, there’s a place on the website to sign up. Crossings will continue to offer support as long as needs exist. “The spirit of Oklahoma comes through very well in times of trial,” says Ryan. “We’re proud to be a part of that community.” Crossings Community Church has campuses in north OKC and Edmond. Find them online at crossings.church.
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BIZLOOK
Snore and Sleep Solutions By Maria Veres
Sleep problems can seriously affect a person’s overall health. At Snore and Sleep Solutions, Dr. Fred Winters offers an affordable, convenient treatment to help patients—and their spouses—get a good night’s rest. A Dental Solution to a Medical Problem Snoring and sleep apnea often occur when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, blocking air flow. To hold the airway open, Dr. Winters creates customfitted appliances that position the lower jaw forward. “Comfort is the key,” he says. “When we find the therapeutic position, we’ll have a reduction of snoring and better sleep.” Patients with severe sleep apnea need a CPAP device. But for milder problems,
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an oral appliance can be just as effective, and it costs less. A Personal Success Story Dr. Winters discovered the benefits for himself ten years ago. “My wife kept elbowing me at night because of my snoring,” he recalls. Poor sleep left him so exhausted that driving became difficult. Then he attended a seminar about oral appliance therapy, and he was fitted with his own appliance. “I started sleeping better,” he says. “And my wife stopped elbowing me, so my ribs were better, too!” When he lost his appliance, Dr. Winters made a replacement and began crafting them for other people. Eventually he trained as a sleep dentistry specialist. Newly Located in Edmond Dr. Winters has been a general practice dentist in Okeene for fifty years. He recently moved to Edmond, and his brand-new office here focuses only on
Dr. Fred Winters DDS
sleep dentistry. “This is the only dental office we know of in Oklahoma that is one hundred percent dedicated to sleep solutions,” he says. He plans to open other Snore and Sleep Solutions practices throughout the metro area. Dr. Winters treats adults of all ages. “We’re seeing more people recognize that the quality of your sleep is as important as the quality of your food or exercise,” he says. “There’s no better time in history to be healthy than now.” Snore and Sleep Solutions is located at 1741 W 33rd Street, Suite 100, and online at drfredwintersdds.com.
FEATURELOOK
Backyard Gardening By Maggie Murdock Nichols
Jennifer and Chris Webster, Conscious Community Co-op owners
As we prepared for Spring Break, we unknowingly prepared for an extended break from normalcy. Our suburb was certainly not sheltered from the blow of the Coronavirus pandemic. In an attempt to gain some sense of control, many ran for food and supplies leaving shelves bare. In a time when the grocery store has brought anxiety for a variety of reasons, many have looked to their own backyard, hoping it can provide a sense of stability and security. Conscious Community Co-op owners, Jennifer and Chris Webster have catered to a niche, providing organically grown produce, products, seeds and supplies. The onset of a pandemic and subsequent strain on the food supply caused that niche to expand rapidly. Jennifer says, “We saw a lot of panic, a whole dichotomy of emotions.” The couple says they watched as panic transformed into something productive. Gardening has a two-fold benefit, while the growers reap its benefits in form of produce, they also reap intangible benefits like the sense of calm getting your hands in the dirt can bring. “Sunshine and vitamin D does wonders for the immune system and mood,” Jennifer says. In a time where there is nowhere else to go, a gardener can look to their own backyard to find escape. Container Gardening Chris and Jennifer have been bombarded with questions from novice gardeners and from more experienced gardeners who wish to grow their harvest. With an abundance of red dirt and bermuda grass, container gardening is a great option. Chris
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builds cedar raised garden beds in a variety of sizes. They can be purchased as Conscious Community Co-op or delivered for a fee. The Co-op sells locally sourced, high quality compost and soil that will make a great foundation for a successful planting season. When using a raised bed gardeners should consider that they aren’t absorbing any groundwater and need to be watered more frequently. Plan before you sow Chris urges growers to have a plan before they start sowing seeds. When planting towering and climbing vines like cucumber and tomatoes, plant them towards the outside of your chosen space. Take advantage of their shade by planting lettuces and radishes below them. Now is a great time to plant squash, tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, okra and green beans. Jennifer and Chris recommend using heirloom open pollinated seeds as opposed to hybrid seeds. Hybrid seeds were genetically modified and will continue to mutate. Heirloom seeds will give you a consistent harvest from year to year. Chris and Jennifer are farmers themselves, they own and operate Providence Farms, but focus on sourcing products from 40 local producers for Conscious Community Co-op. They are offering curbside and call in orders for those who wish to not come inside, and are open to the public. Conscious Community Co-op is located at 2900 East Waterloo Road in Edmond and can be reached at 405-726-2565.
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ALOOKBACK
What Do You Call Yourself? By Louise Tucker Jones
In the Old Testament book of Ruth, in the Bible, there is a character named Naomi. Upon losing both her sons and her husband, she returned to her home village and asked friends to no longer call her Naomi, but to call her “Mara,” meaning “bitter.” I understand that. I have also lost two children and a grandchild to death as well as my husband of 45 years. I carried the names, “Bitter,” “Sad,” “Angry,” “Lonely,” and more before finding peace. I have yelled at God and asked the “Why” question and cried more tears than I thought possible. Death is seldom expected. It comes by surprise and the shock of the loss leaves you wondering if life can ever go on.
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This month of May marks nine years without my late husband, Carl. Just like my love for him, my mourning has been deep, but my faith in God even deeper. And though I could list a thousand things that caused tears and heartache, I could list even more memories of the life we shared if you had the patience to sit and listen. So I now have nine years of new memories. Some absolutely wonderful, yet some still heart rending. First birthday without him. First anniversary. First Christmas. The “first” of many things. There will never be a day that I don’t think of Carl, and that’s okay. Our loved ones are tucked safely in our hearts forever. They make heaven a happier place. And as life moves forward, we rest in those memories as God heals our broken hearts. And like Naomi, who by the end of the book of Ruth found reason to rejoice, I also have found joy in life with my children, grandchildren, friends and family. I still miss my loved ones in
Carl and Louise Jones
heaven, especially my late husband on this 9th anniversary of his transition to glory, but I cherish our 45 years together. We loved each other well. In fact, I could say Carl loved me fiercely. So if I should take on a new name, as Naomi did, I think I would call myself “Blessed.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.
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FEATURELOOK By Amy Dee Stephens
The Bee Investigator Retired Special Agent turns his investigation to beekeeping
Beekeeper Mike Favors
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What do criminal investigators and beekeepers have in common? STING operations! And Mike Favors is the Edmond guy who’s done both. He’s discovered that tracking down both criminals and bees requires acute attention to detail. Favors spent 29 years as a special agent for the IRS, tracking down tax evasion and money laundering. After he retired at age 50, he needed a hobby—and he was inexplicably drawn to bees. He finds their organization and elusive communication fascinating. “I keep detailed observation notes on my honeybee colonies, just like I did as an investigator,” Favors said. “When I open a beehive, I make a video that goes something like this: ‘It’s Monday and I’m in Hive Six. I see eggs. There are no invasive beetles to report.’ I compile that information into a spreadsheet to review before I go out again.” Spring and summer are swarm season for bees, and this year, swarms or “balls of bees,” are being spotted at an unusual rate. “Why? Because people are home and spending time outside because of the Coronavirus,” Favors said. “They are noticing bee activity they would ordinarily miss.” Favors realizes that most people are not bee fans, but he’s enthusiastic about the value of honeybees as pollinators. “Most people mistake bees for hornets and call an exterminator. Call a beekeeper instead,” Favors said. “We are happy and eager to collect swarms so we can start new colonies.” “People misunderstand bees,” Favors said. “If you see a big ball of bees in a tree, on a car, or maybe on the ground--you are seeing a special act of nature.” “Each spring, bees divide to form a new colony. The new queen takes half the hive with her, sending scout bees out to find a new place to live. When the scouts return, they do a “waggle dance” that somehow communicates the new location. Then the swarm, some 5 to 15 thousand bees, fly together to their new home.” Because of Favors’ background in criminal investigation, he’s ‘on to’ counterfeit honey sellers. He shares his cautions against cheap (less than $8 a pound), rebottled, out-of-state honey that is labeled as local. “Buyers who want the raw honey from local pollen can look for two things: First, if the seller can’t stop talking about bees, you know it’s an authentic beekeeper. It’s like ‘talking football,’” Favors said with a laugh. “Second, bees are the ‘poopinest’ things! If you see tiny orange dots on the seller’s truck, that’s good proof.” Interestingly, Favors can’t exactly describe why he’s so drawn to beekeeping. He’s been stung many times, but it doesn’t deter him. “It’s an eerie feeling to stand in the middle of bees, but they are amazing! They are useful and mysterious, and I love learning about them. I didn’t used to pay attention to trees and shrubs, but now I’m constantly looking at plants—and that’s because of bees.” To learn more or to purchase honey, visit Honeys Honey OKC on Facebook.
80 East 5th St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73034
