ALL IN ONE PLACE: Edmond’s Newest, Largest And Most Advanced ER. Level II Special Care Nursery. Edmond’s Only Dual Plane Cath Lab.
In a perfect world, no one would ever have to face a life-threatening injury or health crisis. But when those times do arise – and every second counts – it’s good to know the most complete critical care available in the area is also the most convenient. INTEGRIS Health Edmond is the first to bring a life-saving dual plane heart catheterization lab to the area, so intervention is moments away instead of miles away. Our Level II Special Care Nursery provides not just peaceful sleep for your baby, but peace of mind for you – with our electronic infant security system and automatic screening for congenital heart defects. And it’s all right here at INTEGRIS Health Edmond – with the shortest ER wait times in town and a location that’s not only close, but the most convenient by far. With claims like that, it’s no wonder we can now also claim Edmond’s highest patient satisfaction rating.*
The Most Challenging Healing.™ integrisOK.com/edmond *Press Ganey, 2013
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C O N C E R T – G O I N G
4
Outlook November 2014
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6
Outlook November 2014
November 2014
You know those dog walkers - the ones who are actually walked by their dogs? You see them getting yanked around Hafer or Mitch Park or around your neighborhood. That was me—but no more. Yes, I still have my dog, but now she’s trained. The old adage says you can’t teach a dog a new trick. My dog, Bailey, an Australian Shepherd (mostly, she’s a rescue dog), knows the standards—sit, lay down and rollover tricks my kids taught her—but as of lately, I’ve been on a mission to teach her more. Teaching her to walk obediently beside me—on or off the leash—was pretty easy. I used the clicker method. Essentially, I give a command, then I mark the desired behavior with a click, a treat and positive reinforcement. This really improves the quality of our relationship—not to mention my trip around Hafer. What else is this dog capable of? Time to take this to the next level. Here are some new activities I’m teaching her - admittedly with mixed results. • Picking up the free newspapers that get thrown on our driveway. She’s grown tired of this, as have I. • Pulling the cars into the garage late at night. She doesn’t mind doing it, except in the rain. • Getting her own 30 lb. bag of dog food. She doesn’t yet understand monetary transactions. • Going to the PikePass office every few years. She dislikes this as much as I do. This is a work in progress. • Doing annual reviews for my employees. This has worked out well because she’s a lot tougher than I am. • Cleaning out the fridge. One of her favorites. Go figure. • Flossing my teeth. Not bad for having no thumbs, but we are still working on not licking my face. • Attend my granddaughter’s school functions in place of me. We concur, 5 minutes of Aubrey on stage packed into a 90 minute format. Challenging. • Cleaning the cat box. It’s not gonna happen. Its a win-win. She’s figured out how easy it is to get me to give her treats and my quality of life has improved. She even wrote this column for me.
12 Creative Corners
Public art beautifies sidewalks and corners throughout Edmond
8 Facts & Figures 10 Louise
The Thankfulness Challenge
15 Food
Trending on the Fall Table
18 Business Zone 4 Fitness Certified Auto
28 ‘Tis the Season 38 My Outlook Don Dulnuan, Chainsaw Artist
Front cover photo by Marshall Hawkins To advertise, contact Laura at 405-301-3926 or laura@outlookoklahoma.com.
FEATURES
20 StoryLines
24 Repairing Hearts
30 Course of Food
32 A Home A
35 Trap, Release,
Inside the mind of comic artist Jerry Bennett and Homes Local volunteers repair aging homes for seniors in need
Andy Bowen, a local rancher, is featured in an upcoming documentary about sustainable farming
World Away Local families give comfort to international students by welcoming them into their lives Repeat Controlling Edmond’s feral cat population, one spay or neuter at a time
Dave Miller, Publisher/Back40 Design President
OUTLOOK
80 East 5th Street, Suite 130, Edmond, OK 73034
405-341-5599
www.outlookoklahoma.com
info@outlookoklahoma.com
Volume 10, Number 11 Edmond & North OKC Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. © 2014 Back40 Design, Inc. PUBLISHER Dave Miller
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Laura Beam
PRINT PROJECT MANAGER Bethany Marshall
Account Executive Emily Hummel
PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com
Graphic Designers Ryan Kirkpatrick, Matt Flick, Paige Speights
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
7
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f a c
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Turkeys can reach speeds of
16-18
SPEND THE NIGHT IN TREES! They prefer oaks.
pounds of turkey.
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about the size of a large dog.
,
Best & Worst The popular Christmas song,
Jingle Bells
was actually written
for Thanksgiving It was composed by James Pierpont, and was originally called “One Horse Open Sleigh.”
In 1789, President Thomas Jefferson scoffed at the holiday, saying
Thanksgiving is “the
Most Ridiculous
idea ever conceived!”
r
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s
Support Edmond Women’s Club at the 3rd Annual Merry Marketplace Friday, Nov. 14 at the Wings Event Center. Enjoy food demos & tastings, shopping, door prizes & more! Visit EWC.org or page 31 for more info.
Wild turkeys
miles per hour by foot!
u
Around Town
a F e f ath o s t er c a F Each year, the average American eats between
g
Join Alpacas of Oklahoma Nov. 15-16 at the Lazy E Arena to learn more about becoming an Alpaca Farmer! The event is free and includes Q&A, shopping & exhibits. alpacasofoklahoma.com Help raise Autism Awareness through the Refour Art Show “Somewhere in Between” Nov 7-29 at The Project Box, 3003 Paseo, OKC or visit theprojectboxok.com Experience an all new production of OKC Ballet’s The Nutcracker Dec. 13-22 presented by Devon Energy at the Civic Center. Featuring never-before-seen sets and costumes, this holiday classic takes the ballet to a new level of excellence and artistry. Visit okcballet.com or call 848.8637.
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8
Outlook November 2014
Louise The
Thankfulness Challenge by Louise Tucker Jones
November brings one of my favorite holidays. From the time I was very young, we always had lots of family present for Thanksgiving—grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. After I was grown and married, we celebrated Thanksgiving at my husband’s family reunion then shuffled over to my parents’ house to spend the evening with my siblings and their families. Those gatherings eventually ended, but I will be forever thankful for those celebrations. Thankful for family. Thankful for memories. After all, being thankful is what Thanksgiving is all about. Recently, I noticed friends challenging each other to post seven days of thanks on their Facebook page. The results have been awesome and it gave me an idea. Why just seven days of gratitude? Why not the entire month of November—the thankfulness month? I’m wondering how many of my readers might accept such a challenge. No, you don’t have to post it anywhere, but a 30-day journal might serve you well. If you don’t know where to start, just look around you. Think of the people in your life—your spouse, parents, children, friends, grandchildren, extended family, co-workers, teachers, physicians…. The list is endless. Then think of all the things in your life for which you are thankful; things you have probably taken for granted. Your home, car, food, clean water, clothing, schools, churches, books, hospitals, medicines…. These are just the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous things that help us live an enjoyable daily life. I remember the chorus of an old hymn we often sang when I was young. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done. How many times do we actually count our blessings rather than our needs? Are we thankful for our jobs or the time and health to volunteer someplace? Shouldn’t we be
thankful for the opportunity and ability to make a donation to a needy family or worthy organization? Do we thank God for rain, sunshine, sunrises and sunsets? Counting our blessings is a form of thankfulness and there are so many things to be thankful for in our lives. Yes, there are bad things, horrible things that happen and test our faith. There is sickness and death and we should take time to grieve such things—plenty of time. No one should be expected to list a litany of “thankful” things when their life has been devastated by the loss of a loved one. We need to mourn such a loss. Then one day, thankfulness for having been loved and cherished so deeply will override some of the grief. I am extremely grateful for friends, loved ones and a God who comes along side us and holds us through pain and sorrow as well as joy and happiness. Thankful that we can never drift too far from God’s mercy or grace. Thankful He is always there, loving us in good times and bad times. So maybe that is where we should begin this journey of thankfulness. Let’s thank God for His abundant love. I’m also going to do what that old hymn says. I’m going to count my blessings and name them one by one. A “thankful blessing” for each day of the month of November. It might be a challenge, but by the end of the month I expect an avalanche of gratitude. So, are you with me—ready to begin the thankfulness challenge? I’ll start with my own list. Today, I’m counting my readers as one of my blessings. Yes, today I am thankful for YOU! Now it’s your turn!
About the Author Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker and founder of the organization, Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. Email LouiseTJ@cox.net or visit LouiseTuckerJones.com.
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Outlook November 2014
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11
If you have ever had the pleasure of driving down a street, walking through a park or visiting a public building in by Kathleen Dupré Edmond, then you have undoubtedly noticed at least one piece of strategically placed artwork beautifying the sidewalks and corners all throughout the town. These pieces are not there by happy coincidence—they are the result of a meticulous collaboration between the Edmond Visual Arts Commission, local proprietors and the city itself. It began eleven years ago, with the passing of the Art in Public Places Ordinance. The Edmond Visual Arts Commission was created as a liaison between the city council and the people—a way for the citizens of Edmond to directly participate in the beautification of their city. What started as a project specifically designed to decorate the downtown area has blossomed into a full-fledged campaign to enhance the entire city. With the passing of the new ordinance, the EVAC was given an independent budget with which to purchase and install artwork all over Edmond. This has resulted in 154 installed pieces of artwork that have been carefully selected by the people of Edmond. Perhaps the most recognizable of all the artwork is the bronze sculpture of Humpty Dumpty by Kimber Fiebiger outside the municipal utilities building. But not all the artwork in town is bronze. In fact, the EVAC is making a concerted effort to encourage further diversity in medium. “As we open new buildings, there is encouragement to place pieces inside,” says EVAC liaison Craig Dishman. To that end, there are multiple kinetic sculptures that move in the wind and offer a colorful perspective on modern art, as well as several murals and even paintings displayed in public buildings. Locals will recognize the mural on the climbing wall at Hafer Park, or the kinetic “Wheel of Time,” a steel and stained glass sculpture by Jeff Laing at the dental building on Covell. Each collaboration piece features a plaque explaining the name and artist of the piece, as well as the contributor who joined forces with the city to bring the piece
to the public. Likewise, the cooperation toward public art does not end with the EVAC and the donors. The city earmarks a portion of all improvement projects to put towards beautification, and public art is generally a part of that. Dishman notes that “The city of Edmond puts forth quite a lot of effort on making the city clean and attracting world-renowned artists.” The caché of having internationally known artists has made Edmond not only a lovely place to live, but a tourist attraction as well. “There are people in the art world that want to come see our pieces in Edmond. It makes us feel good to know that people are interested in our art,” says Dishman. Some of the most beloved sculptures include “She Ain’t Heavy” by Walt Horton, a bronze sculpture of a little boy lifting his sister into an apple tree, which can be found on Bryant near 15th street, and “Cloned Cube” by Joe Slack on Boulevard. The EVAC encourages donors to patronize local and Oklahoma native artists, an effort that absolutely comes through in the pieces that genuinely reflect Oklahoma history and spirit. Local artist Shan Gray has created several works of public art, including the bronze tribute to Shannon Miller adjacent to the Edmond Public Library. Efforts are continuously in progress to commission or purchase new installments, and five new pieces are slated to join the already vast collection this year. Among the most recent, and a new town favorite, is a bronze statue of Sacajawea, which graces the entrance of Mitch Park on Covell Road. A complete guide to all the public artwork in Edmond, along with a map, can be found through the Parks and Recreation department. Individuals who wish to contribute toward the public artwork in general can add donations to their city utilities bills. For those who want to simply appreciate the art as they explore the City Owned Art Pieces. city, be on the lookout—it is everywhere!
154
1939
The Creation date of the Oldest art Piece. Mural inside Counsel Chambers
94
BrOnze Statues.
Triangles by Jim Stewart
Rejuvena te Before the Holida ys Michele Menzel, ND, D.PSc
BOARD CERTIFIED NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR
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Outlook November 2014
For more information about EVAC, call Parks & Recreation at 359-4630.
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Outlook November 2014
FOOD
Trending on the Fall Table by Laura Beam
I recently learned I can bake chicken and ribs in a crock pot. It changed my world. Where has this little tidbit of culinary secrecy been hiding all my life? Mom never did it. Sure, mainstays like soup, stew, chili and roast have always been slow-cooker hits. But who knew this handy vessel had undercover talents beyond its soup and cheese dip-warming capabilities? As it turns out, my accidental brilliance is no secret to real cooks. They’re on top of it and have seized one of the fall season’s tastiest trends – finding new ways to make anything and everything in the slow cooker. Fruit, pudding, cake, breakfast casseroles and endless meat and veggie combos laden with savory ingredients top the experimental list. Something about this delayed, deliberate form of cooking just seems to deepen the flavor of foods. And being greeted with a rich aroma from a bubbling crock pot when you walk in the door on a cold day -- priceless. It’s almost as gratifying as pulling on your favorite sweatshirt and spooning up the first bite of these one-pot wonders. On menus and in kitchens across the nation, several enticing food trends beg us to cozy up to a delicious new bounty of fall fare, ripe for enjoyment.
Ramen 2.0
Before you have a destitute college flashback moment at the mere mention of the ‘R’ word, give this Japanese noodle a second chance. After all, it got you through late night study groups, monstrous roommates and first loves gone bad. Ramen is due its rightful comeback. In the past couple of years, chefs in culinary-conscious cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles have spun this springy carb into a raging new delicacy, far from the slurp-simple sustenance of its bygone persona. Like a hearty blank canvas, Ramen noodles set the scene for a parade of flavorful show-offs to shine. Chicken broth, mushrooms, ginger, soy sauce, spinach, onions and pork offer countless ways to upgrade this familiar throwback into a fancy new invention. Clever chefs have even taken it to new heights with Ramen noodle hamburger ‘buns’ and Ramen-crusted chicken wings. continued on next page
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Trending on the Fall Table, cont.
Cauliflower, the New Superfood
Who says all things delicious have to be deep-fried or sugarcoated? We live in an era of refined, healthy delights where even veggies can rise above their side-dish role and take center stage. Heralded as the new kale, cauliflower is low-fat and loaded with Vitamins C, K and B6. It’s more fun than a Flinstones chewable. Even kale-loyal hipsters are discovering the meaty abundance of this versatile veggie. When roasted, cauliflower’s sugar content intensifies, caramelizing into a crunchy texture. Excellent when mashed and hearty when finessed into creamy soup, cauliflower brings a wealth of easy nourishment to the table.
Comfort with Class
Face it, there’s never a bad time for comfort food. Mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese – they cushion a rough day in the most medicinal way. This season, chefs are using gourmet ingredients to elevate the simple indulgences to classy new attractions. A dab of Grey Poupon or fancy salt, a handful of locally grown mushrooms, a wedge of fine cheese or some spicy sausage or salami adds exciting new layers of flavor to classic comfort dishes. I don’t know what happened to the fried chicken or cheesecake movements we once embraced, but healthy is an unstoppable new ‘norm,’ rippling through every cuisine in restaurants and recipes. The craze continues this fall with alternative grains like quinoa and spelt replacing potatoes, veggies like beets and parsnips showing up in desserts and everything finding its gluten-free alter ego, save only the complimentary breath mint after your meal. But don’t despair. One fun trend this fall is the cookie shooter -- a chocolate chip cookie cup lined with melted chocolate candy and filled with vanilla milk. The quintessential comfort, full of gluten and no veggies. Life is good again.
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.
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Outlook November 2014
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17
BUSINESS
Zone 4 Fitness by Morgan Day Nick Weinbrenner and Jonathan Bolding from Zone 4 Fitness.
If Zone 4 Fitness’ logo reminds you of the rise and fall of a heartbeat associated with electrocardiology, you’d be right. The slick logo design has everything to do with how the program operates. “Everything is heart rate-based,” said Nick Weinbrenner, vice president of sales and operations. “When you participate in a class, everybody wears a heart rate monitor, and a 60-inch screen shows you what percentage of your maximum heart rate you’re at.” A heart rate monitor has five different zones of heart rate performance. People who are exercising want to be in the fourth, where they’re at 80-90 percent of their maximum heart rate. In other words, it’s the optimal zone to burn the most amount of fat. Locally owned Zone 4 Fitness is very much the new kid in town, having just opened its doors in Edmond. Another
location is slated to open by the end of the year in NW OKC. Weinbrenner knows when you say your gym is “different,” you’ve got to deliver. That’s why they don’t just offer heart rate-based workouts, but they go above and beyond with their amenities, too. Members can sip on fruit-infused water or help themselves to eucalyptus-scented towels. They also offer full-service locker rooms and private showers. “You’re going to walk in and get pampered,” he said. “The other side of it is that you’re going to get your butt kicked for an hour. It’s the best of both worlds.” What’s more, Zone 4 Fitness solely offers classes so they can ensure members get personal attention from fitness coaches, like Jonathan Bolding. Workouts are designed around three components:
mobility, cardiovascular health and resistance training. Members use stationary cardiovascular equipment such as Woodway Curve treadmills, Concept2 rowing machines, circuit-style training and dynamic stretching for the most efficient and effective workout. Weinbrenner, Bolding and their two business partners pack a punch with 50 years of combined fitness experience. “We’ve worked in all sizes of gyms. We decided this small-group personal training is the trend that fitness is headed toward,” he said. “Everyone needs that education, motivation and accountability to make sure they’re doing all the right things.” To learn more about Zone 4 Fitness, visit their website at z4fit.com, give them a call at 1-844-229-4348 or stop by their Edmond location at 1300 W. Covell Road, Ste. 120.
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Outlook November 2014
1616 S. KELLY • EDMOND
Certified Auto Specialists by Amy Dee Stephens Tim Hayali and Kyle Deforest of Certified Auto
Car trouble is never good news, but visiting a mechanic doesn’t have to be an overpriced experience. The technicians at Certified Auto Specialists are successfully beating the stereotype that having your car repaired includes false or needless charges. Want proof? “Our ticket has no hidden costs,” said owner Tim Hayali. “You shouldn’t be charged for shop supplies, like rags—that’s part of doing business. And have you ever been charged an oil disposal fee? There are several companies that perform this service at no charge.” The greater proof, however, comes in the form of reputation. Hayali has been pleased by the number of customers who’ve followed him to his new shop, which opened six months ago. “My name is important to me,” said Hayali. “I’ve been working on cars in
Edmond for 25 years. When I work on your vehicle—if I touch it—my name is on that vehicle. And I want a good name.” An OSU graduate with an automotive technology degree, Hayali knows customers can be taken advantage of because they don’t understand the technology of their vehicle. He speaks in layman terms and will even email pictures to his clients so that they have a legitimate understanding of each repair. Recently, Hayali had a customer who was quoted a $2,000 part replacement by another shop, but once he looked at her car, he noticed a simple leak, repaired it, and charged $100. Now, her whole family trusts Certified Auto Specialists with their car upkeep. Unlike many auto technicians, Tim Hayali didn’t grow up watching his dad
tinker with cars. He stumbled into his career when he turned 16, and his car broke down on the highway. He decided to never pay another tow truck again, so he took a vocational course on basic car repair—and found his talent. He later spent two years training Kyle Deforest, a WYO Tech graduate, as his apprentice. Neither of them cared for the practice of adding upsell charges to earn a commission. The two ASE Master Technicians now enjoy working together and specializing in difficult repairs. Certified Auto Specialists is proud to offer a clean shop that isn’t a grease pit. But above all—they are proud of their reputation and their good name. Certified Auto Specialists is located at 13841 N. Lincoln in Edmond or visit certifiedautookc.com.
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By Amy Dee Stephens Comic books and superheroes-they aren’t just for kids! Adults love them, and Hollywood has introduced them to a whole new generation. Meet Jerry Bennett, an Oklahoman who is making a full-time living as a comic book artist. His designs have been licensed by the biggest companies in the industry, including Marvel Comics, Lucasfilm and Power Rangers.
N
o surprise—Bennett’s small home studio is an explosion of color. Movie posters, superhero drawings and inspiration pieces cover the walls. Boxes of his art prints line the floor, and action figures set on a shelf along with a very real-looking light saber. But Bennett isn’t outflanked by the kaleidoscope of supernatural memorabilia—no, it’s his joyful personality and booming laugh that captivate one’s attention. He has good reason to be joyful. He’s living an artist’s dream, rubbing elbows with some of the biggest names in the business, and gaining a following of fans—including Stan Lee, the creator of Spiderman, Iron Man and X-Men. Lee recently saw one of Bennett’s Spider-Man drawings at the Salt Lake City Comic Conference (known as Comic Con). He invited Bennett to create an exclusive print for the Stan Lee Foundation for literacy. Bennett calls it one of his greatest honors. Bennett’s career didn’t start with a BAM! “I went to art school, but like so many people who have aspirations for a dream job, I took a regular job,” Bennett said. “For 16 years, I worked at a door and plywood company, doing art as side work.” Then finally, POW! Bennett’s big break came six years ago when he drew a movie fan design which parodied Ghostbusters and Star Wars. A friend suggested that it would make a great t-shirt design—and 3,000 sold in 24 hours.
20
Outlook November 2014
“Someone told me my image had gone viral, and I asked, ‘What does that mean?’ because it was a new phrase then.” Shortly afterward, as Bennett was about to turn 40, he decided he didn’t want to work his regular job anymore. “So, I quit and took a leap of faith.” It was a leap without a cape or superpowers. Bennett created a portfolio and purchased table space at a Comic Con in order to gain exposure for his art. He entered contests. He took on small projects. Now, Bennett’s award-winning artwork is popping up all over, from a licensed Power Rangers t-shirt and Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team image, to the annual report cover for the Oklahoma Pioneer Library System. Currently, Bennett is serving as a fill-in artist for Larry Latham, author and illustrator of a popular online comic called “Lovecraft is Missing.” In former years, Latham produced cartoon television shows such as Disney’s Talespin and Hanna-
Barbera’s Smurfs. After a recent cancer diagnosis, Latham hired Bennett to carry on his comic book series during his recovery. “I’ve followed ‘Lovecraft’ since 2012, so I understand his vision and his art,” Bennett said. “Readers know that I’m filling in, so I’ve remained true to his style while infusing my own.” Bennett just wrapped up an art show at a gallery in the Paseo district. He is also working on two educational projects. The first is a non-fiction graphic novel called “Felix Faces His Fears.” It’s the true story of Felix Bumgartner, who skydived from outer space in 2012. Bennett is also designing college course booklets for a business professor at the University of Oklahoma who believes that students are more likely to read assignments written like a comic book. As glamorous as it sounds, the outgoing Mr. Bennett spends much of his working life in solitude. He listens to music or audio books while he draws, and he walks his dog each day. He uses this time to take a break from his contracted work to think about the personal projects he’s trying to pursue— an original graphic novel, an illustrated children’s book, a comic book version of a spiritual hymn. “I have so many ideas I’m playing with,” Bennett said. “Ultimately, I want to be known as a comic book artist, but my style is constantly growing and changing based on my interests or a client’s needs.” Several years ago, Bennett tucked away his drawing easel and art pens— replacing them with a high tech computer graphics program. A digital pen allows him to “draw” on a special monitor, like he used to do on paper. “Most people don’t realize that creating a commercial comic book page takes a team of people, because while I do the initial line drawings, someone else writes the scripts.”
When Bennett first gets a script, he visualizes each panel like a movie shot, making sure that each scene has action. He then allots space for written text bubbles and adds scenery details that keep readers grounded in the setting. After several digital pencil sketches, he draws the final lines and fills in details. “Art brings stories to life and gives them heart, soul and expression,” Bennett said. “I’m dying to tell emotional stories that make people laugh and cry,” Bennett said. That emotion is exactly why Hollywood has latched onto comics, Bennett believes. And it’s working, if the rising number of fans at Comic Cons across the country is any indication. Bennett enjoys socializing at the Comic Cons and meeting celebrity actors. More importantly, it has been his door into the publishing industry, and he has several big prospective projects on the horizon. He’s hopeful that in the future he’ll establish his own graphic novel series—one that might land on the big screen someday. Bennett may not be leaping tall buildings in a single bound, but that crucial leap of faith to pursue art full time has quickly escalated his career to enviable heights. “It seems like so many people give up on their aspirations—I’m blessed and fortunate to be one of the few living my dream.” WOW! See more of Jerry Bennett’s work at Facebook.com/thejerrybennett. outlookoklahoma.com
21
y by M organ Da
Volunteers from Boeing work at a home in Oklahoma City. This is part of a six week project with Rebuilding Together OKC.
Having grown up with nine brothers and sisters, Betty Jo HawkinsEmery knows a home isn’t just a place to lay your head. It’s more about the loved ones who dwell in it, who sometimes muddy the carpet and scribble on the walls, who make memories in every inch of the place that makes a house a home. The 60-year-old thought back to her days growing up in a full house and said it just wasn’t the same as an adult when she then bought her childhood home and settled back in. It was strangely empty without the buzz of energy that family brings to a home. Hawkins-Emery decided she and her husband (the late Theodore Emery) would take in foster children. Between 2007 and 2010, the couple cared for 17 foster children. But the foster mom was blindsided this past year when she learned the home that meant so much to her—that she’d lived in more than 40 years and that provided a place to care for children in need—had devastating and dangerous flaws. The most serious: five gas leaks below the structure. Rattled by years of earthquakes and Oklahoma storms, the 89-year-old house was in dire need of repair. Saddled with medical bills after her husband’s death, Betty connected with a contractor that referred her to Rebuilding Together OKC, a non-profit that makes home improvements, free of charge, to elderly, low-income homeowners. The volunteer group saved her home. “For little old ladies like me, the people at Rebuilding Together OKC are such a blessing,” she said. “Nobody wants to be put out of their home because it’s unlivable.” Jennifer Thurman, Rebuilding Together OKC Executive Director, says she sees similar stories play out over and over: a homeowner who does without home insurance because other needs are more pressing.
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Repairing Hearts and Homes, cont.
“They have to make tough decisions about how to use their limited funds and sometimes they prioritize things like food and medicine over home repairs,” Thurman said. The non-profit takes stock of what absolutely needs repaired in a home and tackles those repairs first—the less urgent repairs sometimes have to wait. But that’s how it often goes when an organization relies on donations. Thurman often comes across heartbreaking stories of homeowners trying to make do in a home that needs updating to provide comfort and safety. She recalled a man whose bathroom wasn’t large enough to fit his wheelchair so he “literally had to get out of his wheelchair and drag himself across the floor to get into his bathtub.” “No one should have to live that way,” Thurman said, adding
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the organization was able to widen his door-frame and install a “tub cutout,” or swinging door so he wouldn’t have to step over the tub wall. “Those are simple fixes that really help people stay safe at home.” With the coldest months approaching, Thurman said she anticipates hearing from several homeowners when they encounter emergencies. “The first cold night when they realize their heat isn’t working, that’s when they call us,” she said. Winterizing efforts take place year-round, with volunteers making repairs like replacing windows or making windows more energy efficient, repairing heating systems and adding insulation. The need for services is escalating throughout Oklahoma County, Thurman said. Rebuilding Together OKC applications increased 17 percent in last year. In that same period, the organization completed 224 home projects, not nearly meeting the demand of 323 applications. “We see that growth happening and also see it reflected in the number of older Americans,” Thurman said. “The population is growing and the need is growing. Right now the donations are not meeting the need. We have wait-lists for some of our services, especially for things like new roofs, which are very expensive.” They can always use more volunteers and donations to meet its growing need. Most people who give their time or money can imagine a loved one in these homeowners’ shoes one day. Spilling over with gratitude about her home updates this year, Hawkins-Emery is a walking, talking billboard praising Rebuilding Together OKC. “The spirit of giving is so great in Oklahoma,” she said. “People are there to help you.” Learn more about Rebuilding Together OKC, find volunteer and teambuilding opportunities, make a donation at rebuildingtogetherokc.org.
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Outlook November 2014
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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.” Kreggers is now offering an unbeatable $5.99 psf on genuine Mohawk hand-scraped wood
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Outlook November November 2014 2014 Outlook
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films, viewers will be able to meet a new main character in each episode, learning the story of who they are and how they’re connected to food. In the first episode, this main character is sustainable rancher Andy Bowen. His story, and his connection with food and culture, is presented as it is uncovered and explored by Dunham and a student from the Francis Tuttle culinary program. “Andy is the hog farmer, and this episode is about how he does it in a sustainable way with his father-in-law on a ranch, why viewers should care that he’s doing it that way and why it is important,” says Dunham. It’s an approach to storytelling that works, highlighting the importance of the personal Andy Bowen, rancher, is featured choices made in the raising of and in the upcoming documentary Course of Food. caring for the animals on Bowen’s ranch. After that initial introduction of the episode’s focus, Dunham and his student will start a dialogue with Bowen and talk about the connection between food and culture. “We want it to be entertaining but also educational and interesting to watch,” says Dunham. “With good questions and dialogue” between by Mari Farthing the episode’s main character, the student and Dunham himself, Sustainability isn’t just a trendy buzzword for people like Andy Dunham hopes to draw the viewer into the conversation. Bowen. A Waynoka, Oklahoma rancher, he focuses on being truly sustainable—meaning, he raises his animals with respect for the Bowen came to be passionate about sustainable ranching when land and leaves it better than he found it. Bowen is featured in the he looked at the quality of the ingredients coming into the Chickasha upcoming documentary film “Course of Food” by Executive Producer restaurant where he was kitchen manager. “It was fresh—it was Marc Dunham. good—it was what you would expect to get in a restaurant like that,” he says in the film. “I felt like I could do better.” And in early 2010, a “Course of Food is an idea that started about two years ago,” said family medical emergency put him on his father-in-law’s ranch sooner Dunham. “I’ve always been interested in film, and I’ve always been than he anticipated. interested in writing.” As the Director of Culinary Arts at the Francis “I spent our savings on chickens,” says Bowen in the film, Tuttle Technology Center Rockwell Campus, Dunham is especially explaining how he came to be the rancher he is now. When he speaks, drawn to storytelling as it relates to food. How are our traditions and the passion for what he does, the tangible product he’s creating, the values passed down through the generations? What does our culture understanding of this idea of sustainability, underscores his words. say about our food—and what does our food say about our culture? First came the chickens, next came the hogs “and then things just got After first hosting Francis Tuttle’s online cooking show out of hand,” he says, with a calm happiness in his voice that conveys “Oklahoma Cooks,” Dunham knew there were more stories he wanted to the viewer his connection to his work. to tell. He reached out to a few companies for support and moved Not only is Bowen living the life of a sustainable rancher, he’s forward to develop a film concept based on stories about food and fighting for the rights of others like him as the Mayor of Waynoka. culture. “I wanted to discover stories that were already out there, Bowen shows a passion for what he believes in, which is what led and tell those stories of those people that have a really close cultural Dunham to choose to feature Bowen in this film. “Things that we don’t connection with food.” Those people and their stories would serve as value just deteriorate. And if we don’t value this and behave like we the main character in his film, a different focus in each episode. value it, then that’s what’ll happen to it—it’ll deteriorate,” says Bowen. “I wanted to be able to show the importance of why food and “Course of Food” gives us all the opportunity to better culture are connected and how that’s being passed down from understand how we can value food and the people behind it. generation to generation,” says Dunham. In the proposed series of View the trailer for “Course of Food” at vimeo.com/87637201.
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Outlook November 2014
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Diabetes has taken Oklahoma by storm— ranking as the seventh leading cause of death in the state in 2012, and being listed as having the fourth highest diabetes death rate across the entire United States. Kevin Waldon has been working for 20 years to change the statistics. By launching “OK with Diabetes,” he is educating people with all types of the disease about the importance of proper management techniques through educational classes and consultations. He has managed his own Type 1 diabetes for 32 years. Kevin provides first-hand knowledge and honest insight to all his class participants. Kevin started “OK with Diabetes” to help people in Oklahoma with diabetes live a better life. He focuses on the mindset that “it’s OK to have diabetes, it’s not OK if it has you.” Understanding this disease and working with healthcare providers makes living a long, healthy and happy life a reality for the many Oklahomans struggling to balance their disease and lifestyle. Through “OK with Diabetes,” Kevin teaches
individuals and groups throughout Oklahoma City about how to manage their diet, how to maintain ideal physical activity levels and what can be done to reduce or prevent major complications. Mismanagement can be a person’s downfall. When not properly managed, diabetes can cause blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, foot problems, skin complications, dental disease and death. The right information, motivation and determination can prevent almost all complications caused from diabetes mismanagement. Diabetes education doesn’t have to be expensive. Kevin offers free monthly classes and individual consultations in Oklahoma City. If you’re ready to take the first step to living a fuller life while managing diabetes, call 405-888-1495 for class information or to schedule an individual session. Satisfaction guaranteed.
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A Home Away From Home by Amy Dee Stephens
Imagine traveling to a foreign country alone, without a tour guide. You are unaware of the customs, unfamiliar with the language and can feel lonely and disconnected. Hundreds of international students who fly to Oklahoma each year to pursue a better education find themselves in this situation. However, Heidi McKee puts out the welcome mat and gives them a hand to hold. A student herself, McKee works part-time in the Office of Global Affairs for the University of Central Oklahoma. Her job— and her passion—is to provide these students with a support group through a program called Community Responding to International Students Program (CRISP). “Heidi has a heart for embracing other people. She greets international students at the airport and connects them with local families who are willing to give them a taste of American life,” said Katherine Sanders, a woman who opens her heart and her home to students in CRISP. Unlike a foreign exchange program, the students don’t live with the host families. Participating families just commit to interacting with their student once a month. “It’s not a huge commitment, but it provides the students with a friendly face,” McKee said. “Let them see your life! Include them in regular family events. They want to know what it’s like to be raised here. Too often, their only American experience is campus life. This gives them a more rounded view of our country.”
Life in Oklahoma
“We take them to Bricktown or to the drive-in to get onion rings. This year, our girls want to try making an apple pie, and they can’t wait to see snow,” said Cyndi Schatzman, who has hosted several international students, including a young man named Cyril. “We invited Cyril to our house for the holidays last year, and he was interested in our traditions. We gave him Easter baskets and Christmas stockings filled with the same things our kids got.” Sanders enjoys helping the students learn about local customs. The CRISP “Their image of the United States is program gives very different from what they encounter when they arrive,” Schatzman said. “They’ve young adults a seen pictures of oceans and mountains, and hand to hold on they expect to see all that in Oklahoma—so they are always shocked by our flat land.” the other side Sanders, who sometimes helps pick of the water students up from the airport, is always interested in seeing first reactions to Oklahoma. “They’re amazed by our clear roads and the lack of people everywhere. Once they get over the initial shock, like the lack of public transportation or the August heat, they begin to learn about our culture,” Sanders said.
Culture Exchange
A benefit to introducing international students to Oklahoma life is that families find themselves learning about other parts of the world. Sanders once hosted several male Iraqi students who offered to cook a native meal. After a trip to a world market for special ingredients, the guys explained that they had never actually cooked before, since that was traditionally the women’s role in their country. But, “The food turned out perfectly and they were so proud to share it.” Sanders is pleased how her family has drawn closer together because of the CRISP program. “My whole family is engaged, talking about our differences and similarities at the dinner table. The students always connect with my kids on movies, TV shows and pop culture.
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Outlook November 2014
They love everything American.” In the fall, Schatzman took several students to the Oklahoma State Fair, and they were able to see Native American dancers for the first time. “Because of technology, they could send instant photos to their families back in Nepal and Africa—and share our culture with their families back home.” In addition, Schatzman has become increasingly aware of people from other nations in the community. “I recently told a cashier she had a beautiful accent and asked where she was from,” Schatzman said. “She teared up and said she was from Ethiopia, but most people treated her with anger because they didn’t understand her. I met her later for coffee and learned that she was an orphan who’d only been here for three months—she was so lonely and needed a friend. So we ‘adopted’ her into CRISP.”
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Currently, McKee has 130 families serving as host families— but she still has a long list of international students who didn’t get matched with a family, yet. “A sweet girl came up to me crying because she didn’t get a host family. She said she picked UCO specifically because of this program.” “The CRISP program gives young adults a hand to hold on the other side of the water, so to speak. And once we start holding hands and showing them that we are a loving people—we fall in love with them,” Schatzman said. “I once traveled to Sweden. My son was sick, and I couldn’t read the medicine bottle. I was so scared to give him the wrong thing and kill him. I remember that fear of isolation and insecurity and not knowing the language. These students come to America feeling that way, too.” “It’s a grand thought,” Sanders said, “But by making a difference in someone’s life here, we might impact the nations. It’s certainly been a blessing to my family.”
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Outlook November 2014
O K L A H O M A
David D. Minyard, D.D.S. 950 Medical Park Blvd. in Edmond
T H E R A P Y
by Heide Brandes
On a dark Thursday night that promised rain, MaryDoris Casey was creeping around some dumpsters behind a row of fast food restaurants and wading through overgrown lots filled with the detritus of empty soda cups and food bags. “There’s a colony of brown tabbies out here,” she said. After emptying a can of wet cat food, she places a wire live trap and heads across the street to an all-night gas station where she knows several wild cats roam. Within minutes, the gas station live trap has a large gray male tabby. Casey coos gently at the cat as she checks his ears. One ear has a perfect horizontal cut across it. “Ah, he’s been caught before,” she says, opening the trap to let the feral, but neutered, animal out to streak madly away. At other dark locations, more cats prowl, but that night, they stayed hidden. On that Thursday, two cats were trapped. On some nights, Casey can claim more than 10 cats. Every week, Casey and a group of volunteers trap feral cats. Once caught, the cats are taken to a local vet, neutered or spayed, vaccinated and then released back to where they were found. In three years, Casey’s organization, The Community Cat Coalition of Edmond, has trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and returned more than 1,200 feral cats in Edmond alone. “People don’t think Edmond has feral cats, but we do,” said Casey. “Cats aren’t the problem. Uncontrolled breeding is. Once you spay or neuter a cat, they become healthier and live longer. They have a right to live, but we have to keep them from breeding.” The Community Cat Coalition is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer
organization that works to change the way community cats are viewed and treated in Edmond. In the past, feral cats were euthanized. Today, these cats are fixed to control breeding and released back into their wild habitat. “It’s discouraging to see how the community views feral cats,” Casey said. “No one was doing anything to fix the problem. Spaying and neutering is the key. Our organization can control the population by reducing the number of kittens born.”
A Feral problem
Casey has always been fond of cats. While working at an animal shelter as a volunteer, her eyes were opened to the feral cat problem. “When I was volunteering, 60 to 70 percent of the cats in the shelters were killed. I wanted to stop the amount of killing.” Edmond has a low-kill shelter, and although the organization tries to adopt out healthy, friendly felines, the feral cats are hopeless. The wild ones were put to death, but the feral cat problem was still growing. In 2010, Casey and her partner Tina Williams started a trap, spay/neuter and release program. In June 2011, the Community Cat Coalition of Edmond, Inc. was born. And despite the community’s continued on next page
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Trap, Release, Repeat, cont.
skepticism about the feral cat population, it exists. Experts determine the feral cat numbers by dividing a community’s population by six. By this standard, the approximate 80,000 population of Edmond means at least 13,000 stray felines live in the city. But the TNR method—an acronym for trap, neuter, return—seems to be making headway. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy Shelter Statistics Survey, “euthanasia” in animal control shelters is the number one documented cause of cat deaths in the US with 72 percent of all cats at shelters being killed, and nearly 100 percent of feral cats killed. On the other hand, studies of Trap-Neuter-Return prove that the size of feral cat colonies decreases over time, up to 66 percent. Another study of a TNR program over a 10-year period proved colony size dropped by 16 to 32 percent. Opponents argue that the feral cats are abandoned to starve or freeze to death in the wild. In addition, some claim that feral cats lead the unchecked massacre of birds, lizards and small animals. Casey said she was aware of the arguments, but said no other solutions were being offered. “Most cats we work with are truly feral,” Casey said. “TNR can stop the behavior in cats that people find annoying.
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Outlook November 2014
When you fix the cats, they are less aggressive and the neutered males don’t yowl, fight or spray as much. The females stop having litter after litter after litter.”
LABOR OF LOVE
The Community Cat Coalition doesn’t work in a fancy building. All work is done out of Casey’s garage, and the $35 per cat spaying and neutering fee is covered by donations. Animals that are friendly are adopted out if possible. “We are 100 percent volunteer-based,” Casey said. “We have donation drives, and every penny donated goes back to the cats. Some of the neighbors who can’t afford food for the cats in their neighborhood receive help from us. Our only requirement is that we spay and neuter those animals.” Although the coalition pays $35 per cat, the service is offered free to the community. “We do this for free for Edmond for any cat,” Casey said. “I beg people to spay and neuter their cats. Cats can start breeding at four months old, and while nursing one litter, a cat can go into heat again and get pregnant. We have to stop the breeding.” For more information on The Community Cat Coalition, visit facebook.com/edmondcats or edmondcats.petfinder.org.
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MY outlook
Don Dulnuan, Chainsaw Artist by Bethany Marshall
How did you get started in chainsaw art? We moved here from the Philippines five years ago. I changed jobs a lot and never felt satisfied. But I loved creating something from nothing—like making old tires into sturdy flower pots and old barn wood into a nice coffee table. One day, I googled more ideas on how to recycle wood and chainsaw carving popped up. I checked out the videos and haven’t looked back—that was two years ago. How do you get such detail with such a large tool? There are actually bars and chains made specifically for carving. Like dime size tips and quarter tips for especially tight places to capture all those details. Furthermore, I use other power tools to refine the wood more, like angle grinders, die grinders and smaller rotary tools with different bits. What is your favorite part about creating art like this? From the time I start my chainsaw and until the finished product... there is a feeling I can’t explain where there is a connection between me and my chainsaw—that’s why I love doing it. What is your favorite animal to carve? I love anything that people want me to carve. I’m still searching for my next favorite project. How do you become a chainsaw carver? Many hours of hard work—practice, studying and researching what other chainsaw carvers are doing, and then develop your own style. I want to improve everyday. I like to challenge myself to carve anything a customer wants, even if it’s new to me. Have you ever participated in a competition? Last year I competed for the first time in Eureka Springs. I want to compete more so I can learn from other carvers, plus it’s good exposure.
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Outlook November 2014
What was the most challenging part about competing? Finishing my carving in a given time. I did finish my piece but wasn’t really satisfied with it. Do you have long term goals with your art? To become a procarver and win international competitions, establish my own store and expand to other areas of wood working services like log and rustic furniture making. What do you do when you make a mistake? I usually divert or change what I intended to do, still producing the same result. If I can’t fix it, I start all over again. What I’ve learned from my past mistakes is to go slow, especially if it’s new to me. Do you “see” the creation in the wood before you start? Yes, for the most part. Whenever I see a log I usually walk around it and look for what is the wood is “saying” to me. From there I create something out of it. But if it’s a commissioned work I just carve what the customer wants me to create. What type of trees are the best to work with? I really enjoy working with cedar, catalpa, sycamore, cypress and red wood. In Oklahoma we usually have oaks and elm or other hard wood. Any mishaps you could share? I almost cut my left leg with the chainsaw but was protected by the chaps. Do you do any other type of art? I want to combine my skill of welding with my chainsaw art to produce sturdier, more functional carvings and furniture. Check out Don’s Chainsaw Creations on Facebook, give him a call at (240) 538-1091 or email him at donschainsawcreations@yahoo.com.
80 East 5th St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73034