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Outlook November 2013
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Outlook November 2013
November 2013
Life Lessons at Excessive Speeds
A few years ago, I allowed myself to get a little sport car. Yes, I’m a cliché. But the way I figure it, I’ve done my time. I’ve owned two minivans and drove the wheels off a beige Ford Taurus. Plus, with the kids grown and out of the house, it was the right time to downsize (vehicularly speaking) and increase fun-size. I like to upgrade my little car with equipment that increases the performance and handling. The more expensive upgrades increase sideways looks from my wife. And since I no longer get enough enjoyment from simply driving on metro streets, I’ve started taking my car to track events. Insert several sideways looks from my wife here. When I say track events, I don’t mean open-wheel fender-to-fender racing. What I like to participate in is called High Speed Touring at Hallett Racing Circuit in Jennings, OK. It’s not Indy or LeMans, but it might as well be for this amateur track enthusiast. This past Saturday, as I was idling on the starting grid with a dozen other weekend warriors, I was feeling an intense mixture of anticipation and adrenaline (and hopefully some increased T levels). Instinctively, I began to control my breathing—something I’ve learned to do in situations like this. That got me thinking about other life lessons that might apply here. Here are a few I thought of: •Visualize. Before any action starts, I picture what I want to happen. •Focus. When it all starts, I’m not thinking of running a business, clients or picking up some dog food on the way home. I’m completely in the moment. Bliss. •Go your own way. Others will zip and zag, but if I have a plan and the confidence to outdrive others, I do it. Follow your own line. •Have an exit plan. If something goes wrong, I know what I’m going to do. At the track, they have a saying, “in a spin, both feet in.” Press down on the clutch and brake pedals and let the car do what it’s gonna do. In life, when things go wrong, have a “next move.” •Enjoy the ride. When I am out there, sometimes I look around and have thoughts like this: Oh my, this is fun! What a gift! I’m grateful! I could never do this in a minivan!
Dave Miller, Publisher Back40 Design President Amateur Track Enthusiast
12 Exotic Animals
A mother-daughter duo lives on the wild side.
8 Facts & Figures 10 Louise
Surprise for a Salesman
15 Food
The Sushi Bar Food Faves
18 Business
Immediate Care of Oklahoma Ray the Painter
22 Tis the Season
25 Edmond: Public Safety Center 38 My Outlook
Giblet the Great, Turkey Trot Mascot
FEATURES
20 Reason to Believe Ranch
Horses can change lives!
29 Creative Guthrie From painting to knitting, Guthrie has it all.
31 Home Brew MYOB: Make your own beer!
32 Meals from the Heart
Local churches count their blessings and reach out to others for the holidays.
35 Tactical Protection Protecting yourself, your family and your home.
To advertise, contact Laura at 405-301-3926 or laura@outlookoklahoma.com. Front cover photo by Marshall Hawkins
OUTLOOK
80 East 5th Street, Suite 130, Edmond, OK 73034
405-341-5599
www.outlookoklahoma.com
info@outlookoklahoma.com
Volume 9, Number 11 Edmond & North OKC Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. © 2013 Back40 Design, Inc.
PUBLISHER Dave Miller
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Karen Munger
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Laura Beam PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com
PRINT PROJECT MANAGER Bethany Scott
Account Executive Emily Adler
DISTRIBUTION The Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to 50,000 Edmond & North OKC homes.
Articles and advertisements in the Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Back40 Design. Back40 Design does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by the Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.
outlookoklahoma.com
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The National Turkey Federation estimates that
46 Million turkeys were eaten last Thanksgiving.
t s
The Public Safety Center being constructed in downtown Edmond will have a new and updated
Around local and exotic animals live, play, and grow with Extreme Animals! Learn how these crazy critters can come visit your home or office on page 12.
9-1-1 emergency operations center. The Edmond Turkey Trot
Read more on page 25. All month long, men around the world will be celebrating
5K & 1 Mile
Movember
Family Wobble will begin at 8am Thanksgiving Day. Proceeds benefit Turning Point Ministries. Read more about the fun on page 38.
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Outlook November 2013
Oklahoma was admitted to the Union on November 16th,
1907
by growing mustaches to raise awareness and understanding of the health risks men face.
Last Thanksgiving, Waterloo Road Baptist Church packaged
108,432
meals which were delivered to starving people in South Africa. See waterlooroad.org for information about how you can help!
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Around Town
On November 9th, Reason to Believe Ranch will invite the public to an open house and fundraiser for the new classroom and activity center. For more information about RTB or to learn how to help, visit reasontobelieveranch.org. Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma is currently recruiting all girls between the ages of 5 and 18. For more information on how to join, call 405-528-GIRL or check out gswestok.org. Now in its third season, Edmond Outdoor Ice Rink will open the week before Thanksgiving! Skate from noon–10pm daily, Nov. 22nd– Jan. 5th at The Festival Market off Broadway & 2nd. Eat, drink and make history on Nov. 14th with Edmond Historical Society & Museum as they celebrate their 30th anniversary! The 5th annual “Wine Through Time” fundraising auction & wine tasting is from 6-8:30pm. Purchase tickets at edmondhistory.org.
outlookoklahoma.com
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Louise
Surprise for a Salesman In the year 1972, Fuller Brush salesmen roamed the streets, selling their wares of household items. Much like the Avon lady, the Fuller Brush man went door to door and was welcomed by multitudes of homemakers. Though this occupation is now extinct, some of us remember those traveling salesmen well. I was in my sixth month of pregnancy when we moved into a small house in a new neighborhood. It was cozy with two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bath. I was content to spend my time fixing up the little rental, making a new cover for the day bed, which also served as a sofa, and cushions for an old-fashioned Morris chair. Though we had little money, I was enjoying being a stay-at-home mom to my four-year-old son, Aaron, and the expected arrival of our second child after three years of teaching school. But rental houses have surprises. Yes, they do. That’s why they are rented! And I found that ours was no exception. As I was washing dishes one day, the entire kitchen faucet suddenly fell into the sink. Water spurted upward like Old Faithful. With no spigot to turn off the water, I stood and watched as the geyser soaked the little red carpet tiles covering the kitchen floor. What to do? My husband worked clear across town and where is the landlord when you need him? Suddenly, I remembered that my neighbor had mentioned having a plumber coming and I had seen a man enter her house just minutes earlier. I sent Aaron running across the street for help, telling him to let my neighbor know I had an emergency. Within minutes Aaron ran back into our house breathless. “Mommy, I got the man across the street,” and sure enough, he did. A middle-aged gentleman trailed into the house behind my son. I ushered him into the kitchen to gaze on the gushing geyser while telling him what happened.
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Outlook November 2013
by Louise Tucker Jones
“Do you know where the shut-off valve is?” he asked. “The what?” “Do you know how to turn the water off to the house?” “No, we just moved here. Don’t you know how to do that?” After all, he was a plumber. Looking around, he grabbed a towel and threw it over the fountain of water to try and avoid getting soaked as he looked under the sink. “Nothing,” he muttered, then hurried outside and somehow found a way to turn off the water. Back inside the house, we discussed what happened to the faucet and what to do about the soaked carpet squares, which were now peeling off the floor. “Well, I’ll let the landlord worry about that,” I said, then added, “I’m just glad I remembered that Cindy had a plumber coming today. Thank you so much for your help.” The gentleman turned to me, and for the first time I noticed he was wearing a white shirt and tie, which were now soaked in spite of the towel slowing down the deluge of water. “Lady,” he said gently. “I’m not a plumber. I’m a Fuller Brush salesman.” My jaw dropped. My mouth opened, but I had no idea what to say. Finally I replied, “I’m so sorry. I would gladly order something except I have no idea what products you carry.” He was kind. He smiled and said, “No need for that. Just glad I could help,” then trudged out the front door. I never saw that man again, but I figure at some future Fuller Brush convention, a brand new recruit probably asked this seasoned salesman for advice and if anything unusual had ever happened on his job. I have to wonder if the gentleman smiled and said, “Well, one day there was this pregnant lady who had a plumbing emergency….”
About the Author Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author and inspirational speaker. Author and co-author of four books, her work has been featured in numerous publications. Email LouiseTJ@cox.net or visit LouiseTuckerJones.com.
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outlookoklahoma.com
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by Lance Evans
Your version of extreme might look pretty normal to Shana Witt. She’s been surrounded by exotic animals since she was a little girl. While most mothers were trying to keep the wild things out of their homes, Shana’s mom was busy inviting them in! “She kept taking in rescued animals,” says Shana. “One day, a friend asked her if she could bring some of her animals to their child’s birthday party.” After agreeing to the first party, Shana’s mom, Melissa Meadows, continued to get more requests from friends and, before she knew it, Extreme Animals was born. Twenty years and 100 animals later, Shana and her mom are continuing to rescue animals and have also created a way to educate the public on their extreme family members. “We do everything from small birthday parties to schools and huge corporate events,” says Shana. Extreme Animals isn’t your typical business. In fact, Shana and Melissa never set out to start a business. Their primary objective was to provide a humane sanctuary for rescued and donated animals to live. Today they have a 10-acre exotic farm where the animals can fully lead healthy and productive lives.
erica anglin brings exotic animals to a birthday party.
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Outlook November 2013
Dr. Trevor Courouleau, Au.D.
With so many different animals living on the farm, a typical day at Extreme Animals is full of laughs and a little chaos. Minus the fur and extra set of legs, these animals aren’t very different from the average American family. They spend all day fighting over the important things in life—attention and food. “We have a bird that is my mom’s baby,” says Shana. “Since I’m my mom’s daughter, she views me as competition!” These two add an entirely new level to sibling rivalry. The umbrella cockatoo is constantly laughing and chasing Shana around the farm hoping to win the attention and affection of her mom. When Shana isn’t busy running from her bird/sister hybrid, she’s trying to keep the other animals out of her snack drawer. The ring-tailed lemurs love sweets and carbohydrates, and are constantly on the hunt for food. “They go right where the snack cabinet is and they’ll stuff their faces with marshmallows, chips and anything else that they can find.” Shana makes sure to keep an extra eye on the lemurs at birthday parties. They’ve been known to ruin a cake or two. “At birthday parties, they’ll jump right into the cakes if you let them,” says Shana. It’s not just fun and games on the farm. Shana takes time to educate kids and adults about the animals that reside at her home. No matter what event she’s attending, Shana says that one animal
Quentin Sizemore is excited about his exotic birthday party!
A typical day at Extreme Animals is full of laughs and a little chaos.
continues to take the spotlight all because of a popular song and movie. “The lemur because they relate it to the movie Madagascar,” says Shana. “People always say ‘Ooh, that’s the animal that likes to move it, move it.’” Kids and adults also fall for the baby kangaroo and the 10-foot albino python is always a crowd shocker. The last two decades have been pretty busy for this family. Shana doesn’t see herself or her mom slowing down anytime soon. Their door is always open for displaced animals and she’s excited about the latest additions to the farm. “We just got two baby girl porcupines.” Shana plans to keep sharing a piece of her life with anyone hoping to learn more about the animals that she calls family. Her website helps people schedule a zoo for their parties or events. “It’s an awesome and wild time. We try to make the experience unforgettable!” For further information, visit extremeanimals.org.
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Outlook November 2013
285.8880
FOOD FOOD
The Sushi Bar by Laura Beam
Cory Copeland, manager, and Tak, Master Chef
Few foods have the instant cool factor that sushi does. Inherently exotic, wildly artistic and begging to be shared, sushi is a tried-and-true trendsetter reigniting today’s fashionable food scene. Just try ordering a Triple Bypass, OMG or Naughty Girl Roll without summoning a bit of your inner swagger. Glamorized as a celebrity food of choice, this chic delicacy and its urban fanfare have spawned an almost cult-like culinary following in recent years. As rookies and connoisseurs flock to metro havens in a quest for the freshest nibble of this succulent cuisine, knowing the hottest spots to nosh is paramount. One local neighborhood haunt quickly earned the loyalty of sushi devotees after its opening a few years ago in Edmond. Tucked in a comfy strip-mall setting, The Sushi Bar delights at first sight with big city sizzle. Sleek bamboo, amber lighting, spacious seating and oversized, lounge-like chairs set an easy demeanor by day and a moody ambience by night. Serving up the freshest seafood flown in several times each week from Japan and around the world, The Sushi Bar also delights non-sushi diners with a superb offering of steaks, panseared duck, chicken, rack of lamb and vegetarian and noodle dishes. Whether you’re dining as a family of five, cozy couple, group of friends or clan of colleagues, the diverse lunch, dinner and late-night menus appeal to a variety of tastes. The New York Strip, Garlic Fried Shrimp
and King Crab are favorite dinner entrées, along with the generously portioned Chicken Teriyaki—delicious when paired with a side of wasabi mashed potatoes and baby bok choy with shiitake mushrooms. One of the restaurant’s two managers, Cory Copeland, notes that The Sushi Bar is ideal for business lunches and family dinners because “even those who don’t want sushi can enjoy a truly excellent meal. With six chefs on staff, each with their own specialty, it leads to a well-rounded menu.” Even the appetizers are exquisite, including their sensational, oversized crab cakes with the perfect crab-to-crunch ratio. For lunch, a selection of salads, sushi and Bento Boxes—featuring select entrées served with miso soup, salad, rice, fruit and gyoza—are served from opening to 4pm. Seafood-lovers know that quality isn’t just a catchy buzzword but a defining necessity in the world of sushi. Master Chef, Tak, who was trained by a chef from Japan and has 30 years of expertise to his credit, remarks that his style focuses on “quality prep with lots of technique over showiness.” Yet watching him sculpt each luscious ingredient into a mosaic marvel is pure
artistry. Take a seat at the sleek, curved bamboo bar and enjoy a chat with the chefs who are happy to help with your selection. Restaurant co-manager, Henry Lee, explains that “sushi rolls can be made with or without certain ingredients, cooked or uncooked, giving the customer full control.” By night, this sophisticated hot spot really comes to life with Late Night Happy Hour Thursday–Saturday from 10pm-1am and live music Friday and Saturday. With an extensive late night menu of sushi and appetizers starting at just $2, the Sake Bombs aren’t the only afterhours attraction.
The Sushi Bar is located at 1201 NW 178th St. in Edmond. For more information, call (405) 285-8484 or visit thesushibarok.com. Open Mon.-Wed. 11am to 10pm, Thurs.-Sat. 11am-1am and Sunday noon-9pm. Laura Beam is a business and food writer and 20-year advertising and marketing executive in radio, newspaper and magazines. Share new business tips and trends with her on LinkedIn or email Laura@outlookoklahoma.com.
r py Hato.u p a H t s-S igh Late Nm-1am Thur 10p
outlookoklahoma.com
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FOODFAVES Tisha Michelle Photography
by Laura Beam
Southern Okie
Inspirations Tea Room
Roma’s Italian Restaurant
Nothing satisfies your deep comfort food cravings this time of year like the taste of pumpkin— pumpkin anything, pumpkin everything! Tap your inner gourmet with the easy touch of this nostalgic flavor in exciting new recipes featuring Southern Okie Gourmet Pumpkin Spread. All the same rich taste and goodness you love in their renowned Apple Spread is now available in this seasonal delight. Enjoy pumpkin spread recipes like mini cheesecake bites, pancakes with pecans or ravioli with brown butter sage. Locally made, using no preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup, the delicious apple and pumpkin spreads created by owner Gina Hollingsworth infuse a saucy taste of Oklahoma goodness into every bite.
It isn’t officially the holidays until you’ve shopped, lunched or enjoyed an event at this festive Edmond gathering spot! Plan your holiday party in one of their exquisite dining rooms or meet family and friends for an incredible holiday lunch. Feast on soups, salads, sandwiches and quiche, complete with Inspirations’ signature scones, desserts and, of course, amazing tea. You’ll love their famous chicken salad, scrumptious cakes and cobblers and homemade dressings blended with their own Teaoli olive oils and vinegars. Shop the impressive Teaoli collection of fine teas and global selection of olive oils and balsamic vinegars imported to the shop and bottled on the spot—superb for gifts and holiday cooking! Come by the Teaoli store at Spring Creek Village in Edmond, too. inspirationstearoom.com
Just in time for holiday parties and big group dinners, Roma’s has an expanded new dining space you’ll want to reserve for your special occasion! Enjoy the private room with warm wood décor and a flat screen TV while you feast on traditional Italian dishes, house specialties and fantastic seafood entrées. For generations, the Roma family has perfected its exquisite sauces, homemade pastas, pizza dough and rolls into a menu of exceptional variety. Along with favorite dishes like lasagna and Stromboli, guests also enjoy delicious chicken, veal, rib eye, shrimp and scallop entrées. Whether you’re planning an office party or catering an event for up to 300 people or simply ordering a holiday meal to serve your family, Roma’s is always a crowd-pleaser.
Visit Inspirations at 2118 W. Edmond Rd. for lunch Mon.-Fri. 11am-3pm & Sat. 11am-4pm. For party planning, call 715-2525.
Visit 1202 S. Division in Guthrie for lunch or dinner or call 260-1552 for parties and catering. See more at romasitalianrestaurant.com.
gourmet spreads
Find Southern Okie Gourmet Spreads at gourmet and gift shops throughout the metro. For more info and recipes, visit southernokie.com.
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Outlook November 2013
lunch & events
in guthrie
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | BURGERS | CHICKEN FRIED STEAKS | FLOATS
Beaujolais Nouveau Available November 21! Perfect for holiday dinners.
Limited arrival!
Great selection of wine & spirits for holiday celebrations & gifts.
511 S. Broadway in Edmond • 513-8590
outlookoklahoma.com
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BUSINESS
805 W. Covell rd. (at Kelley)
1265 E. 33rd st., east of boulevard
It’s two o’clock on Friday afternoon. The tickle in your throat, periodic cough, flushed and feverish feeling seem to be getting worse; it’s time to call your doctor. You do, but getting in next Tuesday isn’t going to help you feel Better. Sooner. And you do not want to go to the ER. What are your alternatives? “Family doctors manage long-term conditions and promote long-term health,” says Dr. Kevin Penwell, CEO and founder of Immediate Care of Oklahoma. “Our clinics handle short-term illnesses and injuries.” Immediate Care of Oklahoma (ICO) is owned by local physicians and opened their first facility on South May Avenue in October of 2008. Since then four other facilities have been added in Norman and Edmond and number six is scheduled to open near Tinker AFB at I-240 and Sooner Road in August 2014.
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Open seven days a week from 8am-8pm, Immediate Care serves a wide range of patient needs as well as offering services for business and industry. With advantages such as on-site labs and x-ray; occupational, work comp and drug testing; and doctors with over 85 years of ER and family practice experience, ICO should be your first choice when urgent care is needed. In addition, many patients take advantage of the on-site prescription service that saves them from having to stop at the pharmacy when they really just want to get themselves or their children home. “With respect to continuing care with your primary care doctor after your ICO visit, we have spent time building relationships with area doctors so they know and trust that we will care for their patients when they aren’t available and then provide their offices the
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Outlook November 2013
treatment information so that they can continue with long-term care.” Dr. Penwell shared that he has found this solid referral system to and from fellow practitioners continues to result in exceptional health care for the patients. “Our mission, both in statement and action, is to set the patient care bar very high. When we have new patients or patients waiting on lab results, we have a ‘three-day call back’ procedure,” he explains. “This service is to ensure that patients are improving after their visit and say to them one more time, “We Care.” As you might imagine, this extra level of personal attention strongly resonates with our customers.” For more information, see their ad on page 9, or call 216-5373 (Covell and Kelly) or 513-6300 (East 33rd Street).
Edmond Women’s Club Presents Merry Marketplace
Tickets: $15 Mon-Fri 10-5:30 Saturday 10-2
Immediate Care of Oklahoma
ewc.org
2801 S. Bryant M-F 9am-5pm finehearingcare.com
Ray the Painter by Paul Fairchild amy Wewers, owner of ray the painter
In 1991, Ray Wolf established his new painting business, Ray the Painter. The concept was simple: one guy, lots of brushes. His commitment to detail and craftsmanship earned him a reputation that enabled him to grow his business into a 15-person operation. Since Wolf passed away in 2009, president Amy Wewers and her staff carried his legacy forward, eventually purchasing the business from Ray’s wife in December 2012. Today Ray the Painter boasts commercial and residential clients from Williams-Sonoma and Southern Nazarene University to homes in just about every neighborhood of the metro area. “Ray was always good about quality craftsmanship and good customer service. Our mission statement lays out our continuing commitment to those ideals. We stay until the job’s done right…satisfaction guaranteed—
that’s what we shoot for,” said Wewers. Though Ray the Painter handles both interiors and exteriors, the services don’t stop there. They also offer cabinet refinishing, fence and deck staining, sheetrock repair and wallpaper removal—all of which are time-intensive hassles for even the best DIY enthusiasts. In addition to the work done, they offer a two-year guarantee—rare in this industry. The company doesn’t just care about their projects after they’re finished, but is committed from start to finish. Their painters are neat and dependable, arriving at job sites at 8am and leaving at 4:30pm. They thoroughly clean the area and put away tools before leaving. Your house or business won’t look like a construction site while waiting for the job to be completed. Their large selection of green products, including low volatile-organic-compound (VOC)
paints is unique. Ray the Painter is also EPAcertified in lead paint removal. Wewers doesn’t like surprises, so she’s especially vigilant about not surprising clients with the bill. The staff carefully reviews each job site to provide clients with an estimate that includes a detailed scope of the project. “We’re not the cheapest painters in Oklahoma City. We’re not the most expensive either. Part of what people pay us for is the experience. From the bidding process on down the line, the customer comes first. We provide a good experience. That’s a big deal when you’re working with a painter,” said Wewers. Not shy when asked why homeowners and businesses should choose Ray the Painter, Wewers simply said, “We’re the best.” For more information, visit paintokc.com or call (405) 605-3563.
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prim giving riding lessons to Luke
Reason to Believe …Reason to Achieve ive-year-old Luke Mays of Guthrie sways with a natural rhythm as the giant white-and-gray horse beneath him trots through the soft reddish dirt in the barn at the Reason to Believe ranch. He looks tiny on top of the show horse—his jeans-clad legs barely reach the stirrups and his little hands grab the reins as his hips roll in harmony with the horse’s gait. The expression on his face ranges from seriously solemn to a wide grin of pure joy. Luke is autistic. Before, he couldn’t communicate like other fiveyear-olds. His balance and body control were sporadic. He’d randomly scream or babble out gibberish, as some autistic children do. “A friend of ours with an autistic daughter recommended horse therapy for Luke,” said father Todd Mays, a young firefighter from Guthrie. “We started searching and we heard about Prim and this ranch. We’ve been coming out here for six months.” Prim Cockrell is the director of the Reason to Believe Ranch just north of Edmond. Her patience and skill have trained hundreds of show horses and champion riders, and now she guides troubled children and adults. However, she rarely worked with autistic children before Luke. “He was real skittish of the horses at first,” Todd said, “and has never been comfortable around animals. Before, he had trouble communicating and concentrating. But now, when he’s on the horse, he’s really calm and relaxed with a natural balance and rhythm. He’s really happy.” Reason to Believe exists to help at-risk children and teenagers, developmentally-disabled adults, troubled young women and victims
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Outlook November 2013
by Heide Brandes
of human trafficking to develop skills to heal, to trust again, to gain the confidence necessary to make positive choices in life. “Horses are unique about sensing things that we as humans overlook,” Prim said. “Because of that, they have a unique ability to interact with humans. They are God’s creatures.”
Horses don’t lie.
Reason to Believe, formerly the Equine Therapy Center, started in 2002 when Prim came to Edmond. An expert in show horsemanship, she has been an instructor for more than three decades. She excelled at teaching and had dreamed of opening a place where horses could help others heal. Today, the center uses eight championship show horses and six miniature horses to reach out to souls who suffer. On Wednesday nights, a dozen inner-city children ages four and older work with the miniature horses to learn skills such as confidence, teamwork, trust and more. Lost, addicted and troubled girls from the Four Winds Ranch for Adolescent Girls bond with the horses, learning to control the harsh emotions and heal the deep wounds they carry. Gina*, a gorgeous and vivacious blonde 17-year-old, is one of those girls. As a young teen, she battled a difficult family, alcoholism, drug use and other behaviors that she vowed she would never do. After rehab efforts failed, her mother knocked her out with Valium one night and she woke up in Edmond’s Four Winds Ranch. “I was broken, angry and so hurt and scared,” Gina said. “I wouldn’t let anyone touch me. I couldn’t trust human touch because touch meant pain. When I first came here, the horses scared me. I was terrified, and the first thing they did was put me on one of the biggest horses blindfolded.” But she learned to trust the horses. She learned to trust herself enough not to give in to the anger.
Luke enjoys a wagon ride with his dad.
“One day, I was yelling at the horses, and they were scared when I did that,” Gina said. “I realized I was repeating what my father did to me. But horses still love you. They don’t lie to you. The horses don’t know you, but they love you anyway. When I’m with them, I feel calm, loving and at peace. I don’t have to understand how. I just accept that they help me, understand me and they love me.” Prim believes that God expresses Himself through horses, and that they have an uncanny bond with humans. Her horses help the children and adults see value in themselves while working with the majestic creatures. “God made horses gorgeous,” said Prim. When the kids or the girls saved from human-trafficking see how big and huge these animals are, but also how gentle they are, they learn that not everything hurts them. “We show them that they deserve acceptance and unconditional love. Horses will never lie or betray them.”
A Reason to Succeed
Bethany Boatright is a beautiful, energetic, blue-eyed blonde 17-year-old and deals with a learning disability, ADHD and epilepsy. She’s been with Reason to Believe for years. Bethany began working with Reason to Believe, the ranch’s namesake and largest horse. Standing 17 hands tall, Reason was a gorgeous beast. He was the horse that brought her out of her shell and filled her with love, hope and the ability to set boundaries. “Horses sense something in you. They’re good horses, and I know they aren’t going to hurt me,” said Bethany, who engages daily with the horses as part of a work-study program through her school. “I was terrified, because I fell off a horse at the other riding school and got kicked in the head. This very special horse helped me gain my confidence back.” “I feel like they listen. If they know you are upset, they come and put their head on your shoulder,” said Bethany. “When I was having a hard time with my friends at school—horses helped me get through it.” Bethany’s parents, Rex and Mary, are believers in the healing power of horses. They saw their daughter transform from a meek, scared, unconfident girl to a young woman with an inner strength and a gifted way with horses.
children laugh with prim after a session with the horses.
Front cover: Bethany and Reason to Succeed have a special bond. Left: Bethany “Our vision is with Angelo on the ranch to challenge children in non-threatening ways and break down defenses,” said Prim. “We try to improve communication, problem-solving, anger management and relationship skills. We also help children build character by developing spiritual gifts like kindness, gentleness, patience and self-control.” Sadly, Bethany’s mentor horse, Reason to Believe, died this past May from a ruptured stomach. Despite the best efforts of the surgeons at the Oakridge Equine Hospital, the mighty creature passed away, leaving behind a legacy of souls healed. Bethany mourned. Because of her success, however, her parents purchased a new horse, Reason to Succeed, for the young lady. Now, Bethany leads other youth along the same journey. Reason to Believe Ranch’s programs and horses steer kids away from substance abuse and bad choices that trap them in a life of despair. “We’ve got something special here that works,” Prim said. “We want everyone to come out and see it. God works through these horses.”
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You’re in vited to our Op en House on Sa turda y, N ov. 9 th a t am!
* Name changed for privacy.
Come see why the Reason to Believe Ranch is so special!
Take I-35 north, exit east on Seward. Turn right on Pine Street and drive south for one mile and look for our sign. See you there! Inspired by the story? Help the ranch help others by donating online at reasontobelieveranch.org.
• Meet Our Champion Horses & Miniature Horses • Dedication of Our New Classroom Facility • Ranch-Style Lunch • Silent Auction • Riding Demonstrations outlookoklahoma.com 21
Season Tis the
A fundraising wine tasting, auction & local restaurant samplings benefiting the Edmond Historical Society.
Thursday, November 14th 6:00-8:30pm For more information or to purchase tickets, visit
edmondhistory.org
SORGHUM MILL
Christmas Tree Farm
Choose & cut your own fresh Christmas tree or select a beautiful pre-cut Noble, Grand, Douglas or Fraser Fir.
Complete Homemade anksgiving Feast without the stress and mess... Pick it up—cook it at home! Feeds 6–8 for $115 or 10–12 for $175
Meal includes turkey, herbed gravy, cranberry compote, mashed potato casserole, cornbread stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls & dessert.
Order by Nov. 22nd. Pick up Nov. 26 or 27.
330-9156
Limited availability of pre-cooked meals on anksgiving Day: $20 extra
1333 N. Santa Fe www.milliestable.com
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Outlook November 2013
• Living Christmas Trees • Shade Trees • Wreaths • Garland • Stands
Open Friday after Thanksgiving Weekdays 1-7 • Weekends 10-7
7121 Midwest Lane Edmond • 340-5488
I-35 to Exit 143 (Covell Rd) • East 1.5 miles to Midwest Blvd • North 1.75 miles to Midwest Lane
Our rentals help you plan the
Perfect Event Holiday Parties Corporate Events Weddings & Showers
Banquets & Festivals
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Outlook November 2013
Edmond
Public Safety Center
It’s a question of space. The answer has been seven years in the making. Right now it’s just a hole in the ground at the intersection of First and Littler. Upon completion in early summer of 2015, it will be one of the most important spaces in Edmond. That space, the new Edmond Public Safety Center, will be filled primarily with the Edmond Police Department and the city’s mission-critical Emergency Operations Center. On the surface, new space doesn’t seem like a lifesaver. But it is. New equipment and improvements for important services like the city’s 911 center need more space. More space means room for the people who operate the equipment for emergency services and provide cutting edge, responsive service. Edmond’s population has more than doubled since 1980, when the existing police department was built. In that time, Edmond’s land area has quadrupled. The police department staff has grown but the room needed to operate in hasn’t changed. “Our 911 center runs into space issues frequently because there are only five positions inside. If five people are working in that space, there’s no more room for anything else to happen there,” said Edmond’s Director of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management, Matt Stillwell. “An important example was the activation of the Emergency Operations Center this past spring during the May tornadoes. Already very busy and crowded, the 911 center filled up quickly because Edmond was actually hit by a tornado. The additional, critical staff reporting in to help had no workspace.” Edmond Mayor Charles Lamb is frustrated with the existing facilities. The 911 center’s operators, he says, work in cramped conditions in a leaky basement. The current center has reached the limits of its existing space. There’s so little of it, in fact, that the actual emergency management control room isn’t even in the same building as its various department managers. “The new facility consolidates personnel and management, and provides superior working conditions and equipment for critical employees who work in high-stress jobs,” said Mayor Lamb. “Our jail was built for a city population of 35,000 in 1980. Edmond has more than doubled in population since then and our jail hasn’t been expanded accordingly. There are six usable cells allowing us to jail eight people at one time. We arrest many more than that on a typical weekend night.
by Paul Fairchild
We’re forced to get the judge out of bed at 3am to release them on an Own Recognizant Bond. The other option is to transport prisoners to the county jail—taking an officer out of his district for at least two hours,” says Steve Thompson, Deputy Chief of Police. A major improvement for the Edmond Police Department will be private rooms where victims of crimes can give reports without being in close proximity to prisoners. “Currently, there’s no accommodation for victims, placing citizens in uncomfortable conditions when they need to make reports and maintain some privacy. This is a situation I have personally had to deal with and it is not what Edmond citizens expect or deserve,” said Mayor Lamb. The new space also offers a few key technological advantages. What engineers call “redundancy” is one of them. In plain English that means more than one. The existing 911 center has only one line coming in for 911 calls. If something happens during a disaster and that one line goes down, local 911 calls are rerouted to a different location, potentially slowing the response times of emergency responders. The new center will feature multiple lines coming in. If one goes down, there are two others waiting to handle the load and therefore 911 calls are routed appropriately. The new space has to be adequately powered as well. Electrical power comes in from two locations. If those both fail, there are two backup generators in place. If one of those fails, officials will be able to choose the mission critical functions that will be powered by a single generator. That’s backup after backup that the existing Emergency Operations Center doesn’t have. In growing cities, space comes at a premium. So do critical services like 911 responses and a police department equipped to deal with everything that comes its way. The new Public Safety Center will cost almost $35 million when finished. Saving lives, however, is a return on investment that can’t be measured in dollars.
A lifesaver for the police department and the citizens of edmond
For more information, visit edmondok.com.
outlookoklahoma.com2525 outlookoklahoma.com
(minimum of 300 sq. ft.) Time to say out with the old tile and carpet and in with new wood floors. Are you dreaming of new wood floors, but dread the mess associated with tearing out your tile? Are you tired of your 70’s carpet, but the thought of working with unreliable installers stop you in your tracks? Kregger’s Floors and More is here to help. Not only does Paul Kregger and his crew offer outstanding friendly and dependable service, but they have also created a system that elimnates many of the hassles most associated with tile removal. Their new dust collection system minimizes the dust. Although their technique is not dust-free, Kregger says it is “light-years ahead of the rest.” With most companies, replacing tile can take a week or more. Besides eliminating much of the dust, with Kreggers, your floor can be free of tile and prepped for new flooring in no time. “Most people think that the task of replacing tile is more construction than they want to deal with. With our manpower and no ‘middle man,’ your tile can be gone in as little as one day!” said Kregger. The installers are what set Kregger’s apart. This ensures customers are getting someone who knows and shows skills he’s familiar with to install their flooring. “In some stores the installers are folks the
store has known maybe a day, mabye a year. It’s hard to say. At Kregger’s all of our installers are long-time employees or family members.” Edmondite Christy Dowell says, “We have a home full of Kregger’s floors! New wood floors, tile floors, rugs, a shower and soon to be carpet. Paul and Chris and the rest of their crew have been a pleasure to work with; always courteous, respectful and punctual. They are also very trustworthy. We left our home to them for a week and came back to beautiful wood floors. It seems to me that ‘satisfaction’ is their number one goal... and I am completely satisfied! I highly recommend Kregger’s Floors and More.”
Must mention Outlook magazine. Exp. 11/30/13 26
Outlook November 2013
Kreggers is now offering an unbeatable $5.99 psf on genuine Mohawk hand-scraped wood floors installed. “What every customer is looking for is great quality at a great price. With our low overhead environment, they always get a great price and workmanship that’s second to none.” For more information call 348-6777 or stop by the store at 2702 S. Broadway in Edmond.
If wood’s not what you’re looking for, come browse through our amazing selection of carpet and tile! Also ask about our complete bathroom remodels.
www.kreggers.com
500 Not Valid With 12-Month-No-Interest Offer. Must mention Outlook magazine. Exp. 11/30/13
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Outlook November 2013
Creative Guthrie
by Heide Brandes
outside of the big city. “Businesses are moving into places that were unoccupied and they are bringing these places to life,” Lucy said. “They have stimulated the movement of getting the 20- to 40-yearold crowd to pay attention to Guthrie and realize there are exciting things to do here.”
W
alk into Hancock Creative Shop in Guthrie, and you’ll find a tiny mouse skeleton wearing a hat, mowing his patch of sunflowers. Next door at Prairie Gothic, the quaint and familiar country art mixes with leering skulls and jaunty oddities. Nearby, the Gallery Graziozo displays local art ranging from realist to abstract, and Hoboken Coffee becomes the hot spot where hipsters and businessmen alike chat over subjects of the day. Welcome to the younger face of Guthrie’s downtown business movement. Long admired for the Victorian architecture and quirky feel of old and new, downtown Guthrie is the new hot spot for artists, dreamers, young entrepreneurs and music. A new wave of inventiveness is flowing into this historic city, bringing with it an ocean of fans eager to explore the growing community and art scene. But talk to the old-timers—those who have lived in Guthrie for decades— they’ll tell you Guthrie has always been that way.
Grand Old Guthrie Keely Stuever of Sealed with a Kiss yarn shop in downtown Guthrie envisioned the possibilities mortared into the old impressive buildings 14 years ago, knowing Guthrie always had the promise to be a hot spot. “I saw the potential and saw the beginning of an emerging community,” Keely said. “It’s always a slow process and it takes a while for an area to develop. When I first started my shop here, half of the stores that are here now were not here. We’ve come so far.” Even before the new group of creative businesses called Guthrie home, the prairie town was known for its arts. “Guthrie has always had a strong thriving arts community,” said Lucy Swanson with the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce. “But, in the last two years, we’ve been getting a lot of younger people looking for a community. They want the small-town feel without giving up the creative lifestyle.” Storefronts that were once sadly vacant now host art, crafts, oneof-a-kind wares and more as young artists discover a creative town
New Faces
Christie Clifford and her daughter Shirley Clifford walked by the old buildings and dreamed of opening shop there. “We opened our shop in December of 2012,” said Shirley, one of the owners of the strange and popular store Prairie Gothic. “I think Guthrie is a quaint place and really folksy. The community is great here.” Soon after, Missy and Shawn Hancock moved in next door, bringing with them their family’s far-flung variety of art and imagination. “We love the energy of
this place,” said Missy. Gary Good, owner of Gallery Graziozo, likes the new influx of ingenuity coming into his town. “Guthrie is turning around. People are getting into the downtown energy,” said Gary. “It’s hard to put your finger on it, but it’s a good energy for music, creativity and art.”
downtown guthrie offers unique shopping & events
Make Guthrie Weird
It only made sense to attract others to taste the vision of the new downtown Guthrie. “We’ve been using the theme ‘Make Guthrie Weird,’ and we want people to know the artists and creative types who are here,” said Missy. Many of the other businesses are on board to “Make Guthrie Weird” too. Every month, Guthrie hosts a block party featuring live bands playing in the streets and the stores are open late to welcome others to the exciting new trend in Guthrie. “Some people are a little nervous about the word weird, but the way I see it, the sky’s the limit,” said Missy. “The more great people we bring to Guthrie, the better!” Visit guthrieok.com for more information about the monthly block parties and the unique businesses Guthrie has to offer. outlookoklahoma.com
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3
$
30
Outlook November 2013
OFF
FULL SERVICE OIL CHANGE With this ad - Exp. 11/30/13
Chehcankg!e t n e m n with oil c Free Alig
Home Brew by Mari Farthing
In the fifth century BC, written records in Egypt described beer.
In fact, historians state that before humans learned to cook grain into bread, they learned to ferment it into beer. This tradition has carried forward through the ages, and individuals today are still experimenting with brewing their own lager, ale or malt. The craft of brewing grows in popularity each year—and is currently thriving in 21st-century Oklahoma. Oklahoma, a state known for 3.2 beer, also boasts a thriving home-brewing community and a growing number of craft breweries. Both home brewers and craft breweries share a love of all things hops and an interest in investing in the community created by smallbatch brewing. “It’s a hobby that people take pride in,” says Scott Windsor, part owner of Learn to Brew, a locally owned and operated store that sells supplies for brewing wine, beer and cider. “There’s a lot of camaraderie between home brewers—a real community. People are always interested in brewing—they want to come over and look at the beer you’re fermenting, and brewers are always happy to share the beer they’ve made.” Chris Milum opened Learn to Brew in 2007. Originally from Moore, Milum went to school for brewing and fermentation sciences and worked at a Vermont brewery and a Little Rock brew pub before he returned to Oklahoma City and decided to open the store. Windsor became partners with Milum about three years ago when he bought into the store. “A friend bought me a home brew kit,” says Windsor. “I needed a hobby and became a customer of the store.” A former musician, Windsor had settled in Oklahoma with his wife. “We considered opening a small brewery but the growth of this store kept us here.” And that’s okay with both of them. The store offers a diversity that isn’t offered in a brewery, where the craft can become too much like work. “I love helping people at breweries,” says Windsor, “but to work at a brewery, it’s a matter of making the same
product the exact same way every day. Home brewers can be creative.” Learn to Brew offers supplies to help anyone get started brewing not just beer, but also wine and cider. “Home-brewing customers include anybody and everybody, there’s no specific demographic,” says Windsor. That’s a great part of this hobby; the community it brings together that may not exist outside of home brewing. Windsor and Milum work closely with many of the local craft breweries, which have boomed in Oklahoma in recent years. “Many of these small breweries have started out as home brewers, and have been customers of the store. We’ve helped brew and worked with them,” he continues. “Since there’s not a lot of competition among small brewers, they band together to create a high-quality product” and will help one another create new flavors. While Windsor and Milum are happy to help home brew hobbyists troubleshoot problems with their beer batches, they’re also happy to celebrate successful batches with customers. “We are always available to sample your home brewed beer,” jokes Windsor. Learn to Brew stores are located in northwest OKC and Moore. Visit learntobrew.com for more information.
Flavors in beer follow trends
just like flavors in fashion or food.
Some of the popular trends today:
• “Hot” flavors now: Chili pepper beer. “Some are balanced and work well,” says Windsor. “Some are just like biting into a pepper— which some people really like.” • Summer flavors: Wheat beer. “It’s light, crisp and refreshing,” says Windsor. “Fruit is popular to add to beer, and usually turns out good, especially in a wheat beer. Wheat beer is always very popular in Oklahoma.” • Fall flavors: Pumpkin beer. • Winter flavors: Dark and stout varieties. “Vanilla and coffee flavors are popular to add to dark beers,” says Windsor. outlookoklahoma.com
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by Lance Evans
Th e E d mo n d C o m mu n it y Th a n k s g iv i n g D i n n e r
32 years and 3,000 plates. That’s what the upcoming holiday is looking like for the staff of the Edmond
Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Each year they cook for the community and serve thousands of meals made with tons of love. It all started in 1981 on Thanksgiving Day. Frank and Pat Paradise wanted to extend the gift of Thanksgiving Dinner not only to their six children, but to anyone else who wanted to join. It was a small act of kindness that would eventually turn into a huge yearly event. The first year, 20 people showed up for dinner and those numbers nearly doubled the next Thanksgiving. More than 30 years later, the dinner is still going on and thousands of plates are being served on Turkey Day. “At this point, there are four churches involved,” says staff member Mike Laska. The four churches on the official committee are: First Presbyterian Church of Edmond, New Covenant United Methodist Church, Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church and Southern Hills Christian Church. There are a number of additional churches that also provide helping hands for the dinner as well. Last Thanksgiving, the staff helped pass out over 3,000 meals. “The growth has been exponential,” says Laska, “and can be attributed primarily to the fellowship that the community has when they attend the meal.”
3000
meals served last year
Number of turkeys prepared:
50
The dinner gives an opportunity to fellowship for those who have little to no options for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s one of the primary reasons why Laska and his team are still going strong 32 years after the first event. The staff welcomes the opportunity to meet with community members each year and looks at the fellowship as a way of giving back. Laska and his team members reveal the kind hearts behind the mission through their humility, “We’re just volunteers.” This year’s Edmond Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at the Nigh University Center at the University of Central Oklahoma from 11am to 3pm on Thanksgiving Day. Laska and his team are already preparing for the feast and they are happy to welcome volunteers to help with the event. The staff starts working months in advance in preparation for the big day. Donations are accepted to help cover the costs of the meal and any leftover funds are used to donate to a charitable cause. “Last year we donated approximately $1,200 to three different organizations,” says Laska. While many free dinners are offered during the Christmas Holiday, Laska is happy that the dinner continues to provide options for everyone to enjoy a warm meal on Thanksgiving and he has no plans to slow down. He makes it clear that this event belongs to the community and will continue as long as there is a need. “We hope to continue as long as we can get support from the community.” The staff encourages people to come even if they don’t partake in the meal. While the turkey may bring hundreds of people rushing through the doors, it’s the warm fellowship that leaves guests with the warmth of the season that sustains well beyond a single meal.
150
gallons of gravy
First community Thanksgiving dinner:
600
1981
volunteers needed each year
For additional information on the dinner and volunteer opportunities, please contact the First Presbyterian Church of Edmond at 405-341-3602.
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Outlook November Nov2013 2013
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34
Outlook November 2013
Tactical Protection at Home
by Heide Brandes
If anyone is ever crazy enough to break into Matthew Moulton’s home, they will find themselves facing not only a man with weapons training and tactical expertise in his blood, but a wife and a gaggle of kids who are also more than trained in self-protection. Moulton’s wife prefers the shotgun. His kids have been educated about guns and have been taught respect for them. They have a plan in place for any kind of emergency, and Moulton knows where his home’s weak spots and strong spots are. And he’s an expert in weapons and in dealing with an enemy. As owner of OKC Tactical, Moulton’s goal is to train other families on safety and tactical knowledge as well. Part of that comes from the popularity of gun ownership by civilians who may not know how to store, use or care for their guns properly. Too many times in his life while serving in the U.S. Army and as a police officer, Moulton has seen families incorrectly store their weapons—and he knows that can lead to tragedy. A career military and weapons specialist, Moulton knows his way around guns, personal protection, disarming dangerous enemies and protecting his family, but he also shows other families how to do the same. For instance, removing the “taboo curiosity” children have for guns is a vital way to ensure they never “play” or have an accident with them. Properly storing and locking up dangerous weapons correctly is another way to make sure children are unable to get their hands on those items. Moulton also says the safe storing and handling of firearms helps ensure that the bad guys are not able to find them and use them against you.
He asks, “Where do most people keep their personal home protection firearm?” In the bedside table, right? “Right… and that’s the first place a burglar will go. If that weapon is not secured, then that burglar is armed with your gun,” he says. He fires off another question, this one about leaving young kids home alone. “If someone knocks on the door, what do we teach kids to do? To not answer it and not let strangers know they are inside,” he said. “That’s wrong. Burglars will case a house because most do not want to break into an occupied home. So, your child stays quiet, and this guy thinks the house is empty. He makes a call, and his two buddies break into the back doors because they think the house is unoccupied.” So what’s a kid to do? “The child should ask who it is, and then tell them to come back later because ‘Dad is in the shower’ or ‘Dad is taking a nap.’” Everyone who talks for just 20 minutes with Moulton about personal protection training ultimately wants to take his course. He only wishes every gun owner could do so.
Genuine Tough Guy
Born in Norman, Moulton grew up surrounded by family in the military and police force. His great-grandfather, grandfather and father all served in the U.S. Army and as police officers. There was never any question that he would follow in their footsteps. “I’ve been in the Army for 21 years total and was a police officer for eight years,” he said. “I loved helping people when I was a police officer.” Additionally, Moulton has activated with the Army Reserves since 1997, serving in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Central America throughout his career. He worked his way up from private to master sergeant continued on next page
outlookoklahoma.com
35
OKC tactical, cont.
and was commissioned as an officer with up to the full effect with the sound and the rank of captain. He specialized in the kick of the gun,” he said. “Crawl, Civil Affairs. walk, run—that’s how we teach.” When Moulton returned to Edmond, Women are common clients for Americans were buying guns left and Moulton and among his favorite right. His friends kept asking him to teach students to teach. “They are attentive, them how to use those guns, and an idea serious, have no machismo and are was born. “I got NRA [National Rifle better shots,” Moulton said, laughing. Association] certified, and started OKC In addition, being properly trained Moulton demonstrates gun safety with Outlook in handling and using a firearm is the Tactical in April,” Moulton said. “We start magazine’s Andrea Shanks and Emily adler. with a beginning course in home firearm best way a woman can level the playing safety. Many people do not know the difference between storing their field against an attacker, he said. “The whole point is to create space sport guns and their home-defense guns. They aren’t securing their and time. You never want to have to shoot anyone, but being trained guns properly. Other courses are okay, but I can expand upon that makes it safer for you. I do this because I want people to be able to training because of my experience in the military and police.” take care of themselves.” OKC Tactical does more than just gun training. Moulton also OKC Tactical instruction is tailored specifically for each client’s inspects homes to find and negate security weaknesses. After recomknowledge level, and a variety of courses makes it easy to create a mending an alarm system, he teaches families how to respond in package that matches individual training interests and skill level. any emergency, from severe weather to armed intruders. “It includes Sessions are offered in the comfort and privacy of the clients’ homes everything from securing glass door entryways to cutting down on throughout the Oklahoma City area, with practical shooting taking the ability to do recon on a house,” he said. “All this is information place at a local indoor or outdoor range of the client’s choice. we pass on to our clients. It’s all about how to maximize safety.” “We take the hassle and fear out of firearms training by providing instruction in the privacy of the client’s home and handling every The Big Guns “I always start with basic shooting and how to use aspect of the trainee’s training request,” Moulton said. For more information, visit okctactical.com. your firearm properly. We start with no noise, no kick and then work
36
Outlook November 2013
Child Care Providers of Edmond FREE assistance to parents looking for home-based child care in the Edmond area. All child care providers are DHS licensed in Oklahoma and are certified in CPR and first aid.
330-HOME www.childcareofedmond.com
outlookoklahoma.com
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MY outlook
by Bethany Scott
Giblet the Great, Turkey Trot Mascot Where are you from? I magically appeared from the lower 40 of the Cross Timbers Forest. How long has the Turkey Trot been going on? What is new this year? This will be our 4th year and we are so thankful that it just gets bigger and better! A couple of new happenings to announce this year: first, we are offering a $10 registration for all school-age children for the one-mile wobble. We love to see kids and families exercising together! Second, we are joining other trots around the country in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest multi-venue running event to take place in one day. How cool is that! What’s your favorite part about the Turkey Trot? Wow, I have at least three favorites! I like all of the smiling faces! I like that all of the proceeds go to Turning Point Ministries to help create affordable housing in Edmond! And, I like the cool music that the DJ plays! Who is this event for? We welcome all ages of runners and walkers. Strollers, festive costumes, and friendly dogs on a leash are also encouraged to attend! Will there be other activities or events featured? If so, what? Another one of my favorite things about the event is the “Ham It Up” costume contest. The best Turkey Trot costume will win a delicious prize. So ham it up! Will you be running the 5K, or simply doing the wobble? Oh I’ll be going the distance this year. I’m actually throwing out a racing challenge to Rumble the Bison. I hope he shows up! He thinks he’s so cool because he gets his hair done before all of the Thunder games and he gets to shoot the big t-shirt gun and all. I’ve got news for him, this Turkey can Trot! How many people normally come out to race? Do many people dress up in costume? Last year we had over 2,000 participants, an Edmond record! We’re thrilled that the number of costumes keeps growing each year! Large families are now coordinating their own shirts and funny hats. Kids are dressing up and acting goofy. Do you prefer stuffing or dressing? Let’s cut to the chase, I prefer pumpkin pie with whipped cream… after running at the Edmond Turkey Trot, of course! Ben Franklin thought that the North American wild turkey should be the national bird. Are you a little upset the Bald Eagle stole the namesake? You know, I’ve never met an eagle I didn’t like. I’m happy for them. They’ve got that big wingspan working for them and they always have the best jokes when we meet up at Arcadia Lake for the annual fish fry. Do you think you will get that presidential pardon this year or are you a little worried? My people are talking to their people. Carpe diem, my friend. We turkeys live every day like it’s our last because it very well could be! In case you don’t get the pardon, any last words? Support a great cause on Thanksgiving morning and register now at edmondturkeytrot.com.
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Outlook November 2013
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80 East 5th St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73034