Edmond Outlook - May 2021

May 2021

A Space Force First Santa Fe’s Hunter Brash Joins the Military’s Newest Branch

Paul McCartney Sighting Cycle 66 Bright Sky Ministries

It’s been a long year away from people and events. Alison and I are eager, but cautious to get out there and re-engage. We’ve been extra careful because of the cancer and my low immune system, but we’ve both been double “vaxxed,” so it begins. Some of our “new again to us” experiences include: • Talking to neighbors and friends without mentally measuring that 6 foot radius of safety around ourselves.

• Celebrating our 2nd wedding anniversary by - gasp - dining at one of Edmond’s fancy steakhouses.

• Scheduling in-person, non-zoom meetings in the office again.

We have a sign by the door that says “Masks Optional - Pants Required.”

• Visiting with my in-laws. Alison’s parents hibernated for a year at their place on the Texas Gulf. They are still the same except both of them needed haircuts.

• Hosting an Edmond Chamber event at our Edmond Outlook/ Back40 office. The event was well attended. Some people wore masks; some people didn’t.

• VIBING - we are looking forward to the next VIBES event, Edmond’s First Thursdays Art Walk, on May 6th. We both need art, music, and entertainment.

• Shopping. I’m not a big bargain shopper, but that’s my wife’s favorite sport and she came home with new shoes this weekend after a trip out. She spent a whole year without new shoes. That’s something.

• Meeting new people. The ratio of handshakes to fist bumps is increasing. That’s still a little weird after a year of “don’t touch me,” but the awkwardness is fading.

Still, I don’t mind putting on a mask when someone requests it or if the situation calls for it, like my visits to Mercy. It’s not a big deal to me. I’m easy going like that.

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Features 10

The Creek Nutrition & Energy

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Cycle 66: Historic Route Ride

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Engineering New Fashion

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A Space Force First

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Bright Sky Ministries

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Paul McCartney Sighted in Arcadia!

Business 22

Dermatology & Aesthetics of Oklahoma

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Shine

Columns 8

Ask Edmond

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Louise Tucker Jones

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President Cover Photography by Marshall Hawkins

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LOCALLOOK

Ask Edmond What’s the best piece of advice your mom has given you?

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Amy Townsend Herbalist Living Little Ways

Matthew Boydstun Funeral Director / Location Manager Baggerley Funeral Home

Chris Purget App Admin University of Central Oklahoma

“Real adults ask for help. I had a bad habit of trying to do it by myself and getting in over my head. She helped me realize that no one does things by themselves. Instead of trying to “prove” that I can do it all by myself, I now surround myself with people who I trust and can rely on for help.”

“‘Don’t back up, when you can go forward.’ She was mostly talking about driving, but applies well to life in general.

Keep moving forward.”

“The best piece of advice my mom has given to me is to treat other people like I like to be treated. I am kind to others and I try to help people when I can.”

Sharla Shirley Domestic Engineer The Shirley Family

Keelie Cargill Lead Martial Arts Instructor Pride MMA

“My mom always told me to trust my instinct. I didn’t notice it until I got older but my mom was and still is very intuitive. I have tried to always follow her advice, which I think leads to healthier relationships and life.”

“She always told me you can let nerves work for you or against you. The only thing that can ever stand in your way is you.”

Brett Ritz Payment Services - Business Consultant Card Connect

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“My mother has always been my rock in my life when things were tough, I got discouraged and needed to hear the right thing to steer the course.

She’s always said: Always be yourself, stay humble and never lose your faith.

Words I’ve always lived by.”

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FOODLOOK FEATURELOOK

The Creek Nutrition and Energy

By Maggie Murdock Nichols The Creek Nutrition and Energy offers energy teas, vitamin shots, meal replacement protein shakes, protein waffles, pre and post workout options, hydration drinks and more. Owner Olivia Brinlee has a menu full of nutritious and delicious offerings made with flare.

Family Friendly Nutrition Olivia’s 4 year old son Zavien loves the Caramel Apple Protein Shake and Blue Tea. Zavien refers to The Creek as “Mommy’s Shake Shop”. Olivia designed The Creek to be inviting for the whole family with a kids area and kid inspired snacks and drinks.

Olivia can be found at The Creek seven days a week.

She leads with the philosophy of treating others the way she would want to be treated. She goes by “The Nutrition Mixologist” and welcomes the input and ideas of customers.

“I’ve added customer creations to the menu and enjoy giving customers exactly what they want!” The Creek offers classics and trend themed specials that refresh on a monthly basis.

Growing up, Olivia recalls her mother dealing with health and energy issues. She says, “I noticed a huge difference after my mom started making healthy nutrition choices and began exercising. I soon began exercising with her and it changed my life too.” Olivia continues to be inspired by her mother who runs a similar business in Oklahoma City. Olivia watched her mom follow her dreams and go from a single mother and teacher to being in the top 1% of their nutrition company. She hopes to inspire her son in the same way.

Olivia Brinlee

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Driven to Succeed Olivia decided to put her passion into practice and pursued her Exercise Science degree. Olivia soon found herself as a single mother in college with a newborn. She lacked support but not drive. Olivia pushed through and graduated a semester early. From there, Olivia began working a corporate job. Dissatisfied, she asked herself, “Is this really all there is?”, and began planning to open The Creek. Olivia had her eye on Edmond. “I love the Chisholm Creek area. It’s beautiful and it brings people together.”

The pandemic presented some challenges, but Olivia has found that many people have made new or have recommitted to their health goals as a result. Her degree and passion equips her to guide customers in pursuit of their best life.

Olivia loves the flexibility of owning her own business. The Creek has received a warm welcome from the community and is riding the momentum. Olivia says, “We like to have fun here at The Creek and I’m honored to serve the people of Edmond.

Come see me!”

The Creek Nutrition and Energy is located at 1020 NW 192nd St., Suite G. Follow The Creek Nutrition at @thenutritionmixologist.

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FEATURELOOK

Cycle 66

Historic Route Ride

By Maggie Murdock Nichols

The inaugural Cycle 66 will be held November 7, 2021.

Cycle 66 is an urban and rural bicycling tour along Route 66. The ride offers three routes: 10, 33 and 66-miles each beginning and ending in downtown Edmond. The annual, all levels cycling tour will raise funds to promote better health as well as honor the legacy of the Route 66 highway. The 2021 ride will commemorate the historic highway’s 95th anniversary. Route 66 was established on November 11, 1926.

Representative Mike Osburn and Mayor Darrell Davis

Cycling for a Cause OU Health Edmond Medical Center will champion the ride with $66,000 in seed money. President Lisa Wilson says, “The Medical Center has witnessed firsthand the phenomenal growth of Edmond over the past five decades. We want to celebrate and recognize the impact of Route 66 on our community.”

A portion of proceeds from the ride will be dedicated to the Oklahoma Route 66 Association and the Autumn Life Behavioral Health Center, a geriatric psychiatry inpatient program. Cycle 66 is a be revealed board governed nonprofit. The health charity will change, but the Route 66 Your Kicks beneficiary Association will remain a recipient each year.

New Take on a Historic Route Cycle 66 will bring the nostalgia Routes will of Route 66 into a new century. The at the Get bicycle tour will ride the momentum of a growing interest in cycling and Party on Saturday, May Get your Kicks highlight the vibrant communities and 15th from 6-9pm at the Routes will be revealed at the Get Your businesses along the Mother Road.

Kicks Party on Saturday, May 15th from One of Lieutenant Governor Matt Edmond Railyard.

6-9pm at the Edmond Railyard. Registration Pinnell’s primary platforms was an will open and Cycle 66 gear will be unveiled intention to place a renewed focus on and available for purchase. 1884 at the Railyard will offer Route 66. The ride capitalizes on that effort.

Route 66 inspired cocktails. Matt Stansberry & The Romance Founder of the ride, Representative Mike Osburn says, “We will provide live rock and soul music. Lissa Wohtlman will lead brought this idea to several community leaders and cycling a kick off training ride beginning at the Littler Lawn, departing enthusiasts. We received lots of positive feedback and great the morning of May 15th at 8am. Both the party and ride are ideas were brought to the table. This group really jumped in open to the public. to bring the event to life. It’s a great story of collaboration and Follow along on social media and find more information as civic pride.” well as volunteer and sponsorship opportunities at Cycle 66 was set in motion through a partnership with the www.cycle66ok.com.

City of Edmond, the State of Oklahoma, Visit Edmond and Route 66 stakeholders. Mayor Darrell Davis says, “Cycle 66 is a perfect fit for Edmond. Our history and future are strongly connected to Route 66. We are happy to host this ride for years to come.”

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FEATURELOOK

Tamra Gould, Juan Aguilar, and Tressa Gould

Engineering New Fashion

Trafford Gould

Now, it’s a family business. Tamra designs and sews, Juan manages the social media and screen printing, and Tressa cuts the fabric, manages logistics and engineering concepts.

They named the company after their great-great grandfather, Lewis Nash.

Their younger brother Trafford was next invited to join the company. He’s artsy, too. “Trafford has Down Syndrome, but

By Amy Dee Stephens he draws these cool robots and he’s a brilliant engineer in his own way,” Tamra said. “We use his artwork, and he screen Tamra Gould was born into a family of engineers. Her prints the garments.” dad, sister and cousins are engineers. Even her great-great Students at Edmond North High School selected the Down grandfather, who patented over 100 inventions, was an Syndrome Association as their charity of choice—and hosted engineer. But Tamra? She’s artsy. a clothing fashion show of Trafford’s drawings. “Twenty-two “I studied fashion design,” Tamra said. “But I guess growing individuals with Down Syndrome modeled his clothing— up around engineers inspired me. For my senior project last and they rocked their outfits!” Juan said. “They didn’t do year in Georgia, I decided to create textiles that also have the traditional walk, they did whatever they wanted; some problem-solving aspects.” danced, did cartwheels, and one even did a breakdance For cyclists, she added a turn signal light into a puffer routine.” jacket. She created a new waterproof Nash Engineered Fashion moved into a “Trafford has Down fabric using Flex Seal. In response to store in Oklahoma City this spring, where Covid, Tamra invented a jacket with a Syndrome, he draws these they design, print and sew clothing in thermometer system for reading the front of their customers. “Most people cool robots and he’s a wearer’s temperature and alerting him don’t know how clothes are made. They or her of fever. it’s all done by machines, like a brilliant engineer in his assume After Tamra graduated in January car, but clothing is still guided by hand. own way.”

2020, she accepted a New York fashion If you buy one of our garments, it’s job, which was promptly rescinded been touched by all of us, and it looks as because of the shut-down. So, she and her husband, Juan professional as something you would buy from Nike,” Tamra Aguilar, moved to her parent’s house in Edmond and said. “We try to be sustainable, too, recycling all our fabric wondered what to do next. They decided to invest their life scraps into bucket hats or hang tags.” savings and fabricate Tamra’s clothing designs.

Their current clothing line is “athleisure,” which is “Engineers don’t typically collaborate with fashion comfortable streetwear, but Nash hopes to expand further designers,” admitted sister, Tressa Gould. But in this case, the into smart clothing. “Our great-great grandfather published sisters combined their skills to form a new clothing company, an essay that said, ‘An engineer is not limited to someone who Nash Engineered Fashion. studied engineering, but comes down to being a leader and “My dad let us take over the upstairs as a sewing room,” an inventor in your chosen field,’” Tressa said.

Tamra said. “Soon, industrial sewing equipment arrived by For this family of artists and engineers, no doubt, more semi-truck, and we spent the summer learning how to use it, patents will be added to the family legacy. but on Christmas Eve, we launched our first collection.”

To learn more, visit www.nashengineeredfashion.com.

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FEATURELOOK

A Space Force First

By Amy Dee Stephens

U.S. Space Force--It’s a term so new that most minds jump straight to Star Trek. Hunter Brash of Edmond, however, is very aware that as a Space Force recruit, he will not be visiting a galaxy far, far away. Instead, he will likely be doing mechanical work for cyber security or satellite communications.

Space Force is the new military branch, begun on Dec 20, 2019, for the purpose of protecting America’s interest and equipment in space. Hunter, freshly graduated from Santa Fe High School, did not expect the history-making call from his Air Force recruiter that would land him on the Space Force roster.

“He said that because my test scores were so high, especially in electrical engineering, that I was the very first Space Force recruit to be selected from the Oklahoma City area,” Hunter said. “I had an hour to decide the next four years of my life.”

Hunter’s mother, Krista Brash, clearly remembers her son’s phone call that day. “Hunter called me on lunch break, which he rarely does, and asked what he should do. We got his dad on the phone and talked about it. Hunter had never anticipated moving so far away. He always assumed he’d eventually land at Tinker Air Force Base after basic training and be close to the family. Space Force means being stationed in California, Colorado or Florida, not Oklahoma. I said, ‘Buddy, just pray about it. This might be the path God is sending you down so you can pursue your dreams.’”

Twenty minutes later, Hunter called back and accepted. He reports for duty on May 4th.

“I hope I might become an electrician setting up satellites,” Hunter said. “I’ve always been around construction and 18

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mechanics because of my dad and grandpa. Right now, I’m working as a glazer at a glass company, so I’m pretty good at hands-on kinds of things.”

“He’s so smart,” his mom said. “Hunter always took Advanced Placement classes by choice, but college wasn’t really the path he wanted to take. He was more interested in working on airplanes.”

Joining the Air Force has interested Hunter and his younger brother, Dakota, since childhood. Although they spent little time with their grandparents, who once served on active duty, Krista described her sons as naturally patriotic. Hunter’s high hope of joining the military was starting to look possible, however, then he broke his leg and blew out his knee the summer before his senior year. It was one more recovery to face after a lifetime of sports injuries. He feared that his physical record might keep him from the military.

“We provided all his medical records to the recruiter, and they eventually cleared him. I’m so proud of him, because even when he was discouraged, he never gave up,” Krista said.

“My ‘mom heart’ knows it’s going to be hard to let him go, but he’s always been meant to do something special. He’s well beyond his years, and this is such an awesome opportunity for him.”

“I’m glad my family is excited for me,” Hunter said. “It’s all so new. I’ll be going through regular Air Force training, plus some extra course work that’s being developed. History in the making. I’m glad to be involved in something this important from the beginning. Keeping the United States cyber-safe is pretty cool!”

To learn more, visit www.airforce.com/spaceforce

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BIZLOOK

Dermatology & Aesthetics of Oklahoma

By Maria Veres Stubborn skin? She can help!

Dr. Stacie Rougas loves a challenge.

She’s one of the few physicians in the area whose practice includes both Medical Dermatology and cosmetic procedures.

Whatever the patient’s needs, she is committed to helping them look and feel their best.

Dr. Rougas trained in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, completing an accelerated residency program at OU School of Medicine that combined both disciplines. Her husband is also a Dermatologist, and reading his medical

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journals inspired her to specialize in the same field. This self-discovery became the pivot point that identified Dermatology as her true passion and led her to become a Board-Certified Dermatologist. Her Med Ped’s background gave her the chance to see both children and adult patients.

Her background in Internal Medicine gives her unique insight into how the body’s systems work together. “Our skin often reflects what’s happening inside our bodies,” she says. She and her team treat everything from Acne and Psoriasis to different skin cancers. They take time to ensure patients understand both their condition and treatment options.

Dr. Rougas offers a full range of treatments centered around the patient’s needs and desires. She recently told us, “I love working hard for my patients. It’s all about taking care of them from the inside, out. It’s about what’s important to the patient.” There are many excellent cosmetic technicians who aren’t doctors, but getting procedures done by a trained health care provider adds another layer of protection. “Safety is our top concern.

Dr. Stacie Rougas

We won’t perform or recommend any procedure that isn’t completely safe for the patient,” Dr. Rougas assured us.

She considers each patient’s unique health history and medications in all her treatment plans. Her practice is busy and her days are long, but her passion is evident in her patient-centered care model. “You will always leave knowing we did everything to take care of you.”

Dermatology & Aesthetics of Oklahoma is located at 13301 N Meridian Avenue, Suite 201, and online at www.okcdermatologist.com.

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BIZLOOK

Shine

By Maria Veres

If you’re looking to refresh your living space this spring, professional window cleaning is a great place to start. The experts at Shine proudly serve the entire metro OKC area, and they’re ready to help you make your home sparkle.

Brightening Customers’ Lives “When customers get their windows cleaned for the first time, they’re amazed at the difference it makes,” says Shine owner Tyler Cox. Windows can build up a layer of dust and grime even when homeowners don’t think they look dirty. Clean windows let in more light, boosting mental and physical health.

Regular cleaning helps windows last longer, too.

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Customers can opt for a one-time cleaning or sign up for repeat service at whatever time interval fits their needs.

The service is more affordable than many homeowners think. Shine offers free quotes and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Putting People First Shine is about much more than making windows brighter. The company seeks to brighten people’s lives as well.

From the moment the team drives up in their cheerful, eye-catching red Shine van, meeting their customers’ needs is their highest goal.

“A home is a family’s most valued possession,” says Tyler. “We take seriously the trust people place in us by allowing us to serve them. All our team members are professionals— uniformed, bonded, and insured.” Since opening in 2019, Shine has already developed a reputation for outstanding

Tyler & Emily Cox, local owners of Shine of OKC Metro

customer service and received many positive reviews.

“Customer satisfaction is our highest goal,” says Tyler. “I tell my team not only are we in the window cleaning business, but we are also in the customer service business. We love our community and are very thankful for the opportunity that we have to serve them.”

Contact Shine at 405-351-6359 or www.shinewindowcleaning.com/okc-metro.

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FEATURELOOK

Bright Sky Ministries

By Amy Dee Stephens

The Davis family

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It’s hard for foster parents to truly prepare for the unknown children who suddenly arrive in their lives.

Justin and Jessica Davis learned this first-hand when their close friends from church became instant parents to some boys who showed up with just the clothes on their backs.

“They had nothing, so our family decided to buy them some essentials,” Justin said. “Our own children had so much fun picking out shirts, socks and housecoats for these boys. We realized that we wanted to do more, so we formed the non-profit, Bright Sky Ministry, to raise money to buy new, needed items for foster families.”

Bright Sky is made up of the Davis family and six board members who create awareness and raise funds online and through an annual turkey trot in Piedmont and a golf tournament in Edmond. Foster families fill out a simple request form, and Justin and Jessica review it within 24 hours, after which they make online purchases quickly to assure that the items arrive at the family’s home within a few days.

“Timing is so important,” Jessica said, “because the things they need--they needed yesterday!”

“Especially the rural cities,” Justin added. “Big cities have more resources, but a rural family might drive several hours to get what they need, and larger items are hard to transport. So, having items shipped straight to their home makes me really happy. We personally call every family to let them know we are here for them and other foster support programs as well,” Justin said. “We hear their relief and gratitude in their voices.” According to Jessica, the two essentials that parents struggle with most on short notice are beds and car seats. “Last year, a case worker reached out to us because a foster family with two biological children was taking on five foster siblings to keep them from being separated. That hit me hard. It warms my heart to think there are people that selfless.”

When Bright Sky Ministry began in 2018, the Davis family was thrilled to help 50 families, but the number continues to grow. In 2019, they helped 300 families nationwide, last year it was 400 families. Next year, their goal is to raise enough funding to help 1,000 families!

“I know that sounds crazy, but we have a passionate board and growing community interest,” Justin said. “We have our process down, so it doesn’t take an inordinate amount of time, since we both work other jobs—but we enjoy it so much. One of my favorite moments was delivering a handmade wooden bunk bed, made by one of our donors, to a family. Those kids were so excited, it made a big impact on that family.”

On a personal level, the Davis family is pleased to model generosity and empathy to their own children. “Hopefully, they will grow up knowing that helping other people is our biggest calling in life,” Justin said. “Foster parents are the real heroes here. They are living on the frontline, caring for these kids and facing the real challenges. We are here to support them and remind them that they are loved.”

To learn more, visit www.brightskyministry.com.

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ALOOKBACK

Super Moms

By Louise Tucker Jones I had planned to write a tribute to mothers in general for my May column then “life” happened. On Easter Sunday, my son, Jay twisted his knee badly and fell. When I got to him, he was ghost white and clammy. Since he has a history of syncope, I got him flat on the floor with oxygen so he could breathe with the pain. Jay has had bad knees for years and wears flexible Velcro braces, but didn’t have them on at that time.

By morning the knee was swollen and too painful to walk so I grabbed the “transport” wheelchair that I keep for such occasions and carted him around, assuming he would use his walker for a day or two then life would go back to normal.

However, the next day Jay also complained of a sore throat, and by the time we had a virtual visit with the doctor,

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Jay was vomiting and diagnosed with strep. By Wednesday evening I had him at the ER for IV fluids since he could keep nothing down.

Oh, and did I mention it was his birthday? What a way to celebrate!

Thankfully, the IV fluids stopped the vomiting but the knee required an ER visit to McBride Orthopedic Hospital. As I write this, Jay still cannot put weight on his leg and was recently fitted with a hip to ankle knee mobilizer so we continue with the wheelchair. Believe me, I have a new respect for moms who do this on a regular basis. Lifting your child onto a chair, a bed, or whatever on a daily basis is difficult. God bless you and your back!

I’m praying Jay will soon be back to dancing and singing to his Christian music. But I salute the moms who daily care for and advocate for their challenged children, whether it be for your child’s health, school, speech, church, dance, sports, or even with friends. Please know you have a kindred spirit in me. The journey is sometimes

hard but blessings abound in our kids with special needs.

Happy Mother’s Day to those whom I call “Super Moms.” You are a Blessing!

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.

FEATURELOOK

Paul McCartney Sighted in Arcadia!

By Amy Dee Stephens

It’s true! Singer Paul McCartney was actually sighted

by Arcadia resident, Toby Thompson. The scene unfolded like this: Toby was weeding in a culvert next to the road near historic Route 66. He was covered in mud, wearing a t-shirt and calf-high socks with his work boots. “I looked like a goofball hillbilly,” Toby said.

A 1989 Ford Bronco, color green, pulled up alongside the ditch. The passenger window rolled down, so Toby went to offer his assistance—and the world-famous Paul McCartney asked how to get back onto Route 66. Toby assured him and his then-future bride, Nancy Shevell, that they were driving along the original Old Highway 66 from the 1920s, but they were probably seeking the newer, nearby Route 66 from the 1950s.

“Are you who I think you are?” Toby asked. “Probably.” was the answer.

That was in August of 2008, but Toby vividly recalls that moment when he met one of his musical heroes—and that he didn’t get an autograph.

Although Toby lacked proof of his celebrity encounter, the likelihood of his story was confirmed as other people made sightings, which included McCartney’s overnight stay at the Skirvin Hotel downtown. Not that Toby told many people, because announcing that you’ve just spoken with one of the Beatles “is like saying you saw a UFO.” He did, however, tell his neighbors Jim Ross and Shellee Graham, Route 66 historians—and that came into play 12 years later. But first, why was Paul McCartney spotted in Arcadia, Oklahoma? He was traveling Route 66 for his 66th

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birthday, of course! (And probably choosing not to focus on his memories of 1966, as that year was the Beatles’ last U.S. tour, which ended rather badly).

Meanwhile, Toby’s neighbor, Shellee Graham, “percolated” on the McCartney sighting for several years. She reached out to county commissioner, Kevin Calvey, for permission to install a road sign marking the exact spot where McCartney’s green Ford stopped that day. Calvey approved, thinking it was fun and touristy.

Toby was on-hand for the sign installation on November 16, 2020, and happily shared his story. Linda Simonton of the Arcadia Round Barn got busy looking through visitor log books to see if Paul McCartney might have signed in that day in 2008. Sadly, “three searches by three different people” came up empty, but she is optimistic that he probably did stop without signing in. Unlike Toby, Linda does have Paul McCartney’s autograph, because she once bid for a signed copy of the Abbey Road record and won. It hangs on her wall.

So now, Route 66 tourists have yet one more roadside stop along the mother road. After all, isn’t stopping to take photographs at quirky and nostalgic sites the whole point?

Just know that if you drive east past Pops and the Arcadia Round Barn, you’ll need to start looking for Hiwassee Road.

Turn south and travel about 300 yards. The sign will be on your left.

If you’re lucky, you might see a man in long socks pulling weeds along his property. Ask him, “Are you who I think you are?” He’ll say “probably,” and then he will tell you about his brush with fame first-hand.

1024 W Covell Rd., Edmond, OK 73003