October 2022

New Beginning for Stephenson Park

Who says you can’t go back? Earlier this month Alison and I took a trip to the Big Apple… You know, New York City. Note to self: no one uses the term Big Apple anymore.

We were uptown, downtown, from Riverside Drive to the Brooklyn Bridge. Alison had never been to NYC. I’m sure I impressed her with my street skills and knowledge of all things New York. Don’t tell anyone, I’m a displaced Yankee. Born in NYC, raised in New Jersey. Oklahoman by marriage. Twice. Things I learned from my trip to NYC:

• New York is friendlier than I remember, but not as friendly as Oklahoma.

• New York Bagels are amazing. That is all.

• Traffic in Edmond may be annoying, but traffic in NYC brings you closer to God.

• Clothing is apparently optional in Times Square, even on Sunday.

• Pizza in NYC… pizza in Edmond… it’s a tie.

• A bottle of water at Heard on Hurd is one third the cost of a bottle of water in NYC.

• No place in Edmond smells like the New York Port Authority.

• There’s nothing like a view from 100 stories high.

• Edmond has more bronze statues per square mile than NYC.

• You can pack smart and light, but there’s always room for Covid.

That’s right, we came back with Covid. We thought of it as an extended vacation - if you count laying on the couch binge-watching Ted Lasso a vacation.

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

Cover photography by Eriech Tapia

Stephenson Park Remodel

By Amy Dee Stephens

Edmond’s Oldest Park

For 130 years, the people of Edmond have enjoyed recreational activities at Stephenson Park, near downtown Edmond. The 2.5 acre lot was donated by Col. E. B. Townsend in 1892 in response to encouragement from Milton “Kickingbird” Reynolds, who promoted the benefits of trees and parks in his newspaper, The Edmond Sun.

The park has changed names and undergone several minor revisions in the last century, but the only major renovation occurred in 1934, a result of the Great Depression. As part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration, the rock walls and bridges were constructed, and a tennis court was added.

At the time, it was called South Park, but was renamed after Fred M. Stephenson, the city manager. North Park, platted in 1889, was located on the land now used by the downtown post office, so Stephenson Park holds the honor of being Edmond’s longest-standing park.

Time for a Face Lift

Now, 88 years later, Stephenson Park is slated for its second major renovation. “For five years, Edmond has hosted numerous meetings with city leaders and the community to determine the best way to upgrade Stephenson Park,” said Bill Begley, Edmond’s Marketing and Public Relations Manager. “The final plans, which begin construction in late September, honor the park’s history, while adding needed features for the future.”

New amenities will include more greenspace, a new playground, and a grand pavilion suitable for both daily use and large events. Infrastructural changes include new underground drainage, over 50 additional parking spaces, improved lighting, food truck access, and level greenspace and sidewalks.

“The park will be more walkable, boost the businesses around the area, and provide easier entry to the Edmond History Museum,” Begley said. “We can all look forward to more events, festivals and concerts, too, as the new Stephenson District develops.”

Remembering the History

Those who feel nostalgic about the park will continue to see the history of the site honored. The rock bridges, entrance, and Veteran’s Plaza will remain, as will most of the trees, including the cypress grove.

The park’s most iconic, beloved structure since the 1960s is the Rocket Ship slide. As safety standards progressed beyond possibility for the 60-year-old playground equipment, city leaders struggled to balance children’s well-being and parent’s emotional attachment. To honor its legacy, the Rocket Ship will become a permanent feature at the park’s entrance, but the slide is being donated to the museum.

City planners believe that Townsend, Reynolds, and Stephenson would appreciate that the now-urban park has continued to renew itself; providing public leisure space and trees, while adapting to the modern needs of society.

“Our oldest park is due for an upgrade,” Begley said, “and when these renovations are complete, future generations can better use the space, while still seeing the historic foundations of Stephenson Park.”

Stephenson Park is located at 431 S. Blvd., at S. Littler Ave. & E. 4th St.

Kara Lampe and granddaughter Aurora Lampe

Photo by Eriech Tapia

Gabriella’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria

By Laura Beam

There’s something about long-standing traditions and recipes handed down through generations that are a staple in excellent Italian cuisine. Like, without the family secrets and vibrant personalities, the food just wouldn’t have the same depth and delicious appeal. It’s as if the story is part of the flavor, and you’re getting the inside scoop with every bite.

A Hearty Heritage

For the Muhs family, owners of Gabriella’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria in Edmond, their story started in the Castiglione region of Italy. After they migrated to Oklahoma in 1895 for the booming coal business, food became a central part of their lives. Granny Rose provided for seven children, cooking pasta and fried chicken, and even brewing a homemade beer, ‘choc,’ which she sold to people who came to eat in her home. Granny had spunk…and skills.

In 1953, the family established a restaurant in Krebs, OK, then launched Gabriella’s in S. Padre Island in 2003, and then brought Gabriella’s to OK in 2009, opening on 63rd St. in OKC. Outgrowing that space brought the family to Edmond in May this year, and loyal fans and excited newcomers lined up to get their fix of the country-style, homemade Italian fare.

Handcrafted and Homemade

For most of us, if we open a package, assemble something in a pan and apply heat to it, we’ve cooked! We might even call it ‘homemade.’ For Gabriella’s, handcrafted ingredients take ‘homemade’ to an entirely different level. Chef Vicki’s son Brandon says, “We use 25 natural ingredients, made fresh daily, that form the foundation of everything we make.” Just as their grandparents and great-grandparents did it, they make their own Alfredo and marinara sauces, pizza dough, meatballs, ravioli, Italian sausage and even their own mozzarella. “Many of our recipes come from our Krebs, OK restaurant,” Chef

Vicki notes. “These are fourth-generation items, our signature dishes.”

Feast by Land and Sea

One of the most popular dishes is Gabriella’s Five Layer Lasagna, with everything except the ricotta made in-house. Their brick oven pizzas are another must-try, featuring specialties like hand-cut pepperoni, homemade mozzarella and sausage, and honey truffle oil. Their Shrimp Fra Diava is another winner—literally. It was the 2nd place winner in the 2004 Shrimp Cook Off in Port Isabel, TX. With your first bite of the gulf shrimp in tomato and white wine broth, you’ll know why. New to the menu, the Spaghetti Western is spaghetti on chicken fried steak. Yes, it’s a real thing–a tasty combo you’d never imagine! Brandon recalls, “Vicki served it to us as kids every Wednesday night before church. It’s the food she raised us on.”

A Family Affair

At Gabriella’s, no family member is left behind! At the helm of the operation, momma Vicki is the chef, and husband, Duane, is the master craftsman. He designed the Edmond restaurant with impeccable functionality and nostalgic charm. Michael, the oldest son, makes the pizza dough and has made the Italian sausage in-house for over 20 years. Son Brandon handles marketing and operations and daughter Ashton Gabriella has been making brick oven pizzas since she was 14 years old. Behind the large, comfy bar at the heart of the restaurant, daughter-in-law Heather crafts distinctive cocktails.

At Gabriella’s, even the staff members who don’t share the Muhs name are considered family, and you won’t leave without feeling a little like family yourself.

Enjoy Gabriella’s for dinner Tues.-Sat. 4pm-10pm at 3601 S. Broadway in Edmond or visit gabriellasokc.com.

Heather Branam, Ashton Gabriella Muhs, Duane Muhs, Vicki Johnston-Muhs, Brandon Johnston, & Michael Branam

Cosplay for Charity

By Amy Dee Stephens

As a child, Angela (Fae) Mullens enjoyed playing dress up. By junior high, she was altering thrift store clothing and sewing costumes. Fae was a married adult before she learned about the cosplay (costumed play) community, but now, she’s turned her hobby into a community service, recreating beloved characters to entertain at charity events or provide atmosphere at parties.

“It’s so rewarding, because I love being able to see magic come to life when you walk into a room as the character someone loves,” Fae said.

Life is a Costume Party!

Fae’s early charity experiences included attending movie premieres with the local JediOKC group, and she’s been a mermaid at the Medieval Fair in Norman, OK since 2001. “The mermaids are purely magical creatures. We give out gems from the sunken ship playground. Our tails are fully functional in water, though, so I’ve been to a number of swimming pool parties, too.”

For Fae, attending parties is rewarding. “It’s always worthwhile. Last week, I visited a two-year-old going through chemotherapy. Then, I went with my superhero friends to a Sweet 16 Party for a girl with special needs,” Fae said. “This beautiful girl decided to donate all her gifts to the Real Okie Superheroes charity group.”

She describes the cosplay community as a tight-knit group. “We enjoy visiting conventions together, but if the message goes out that somebody needs Spiderman or Princess Moana for a party, we jump into action to see who’s available. If I have a costume available, I try to help,” Fae said.

Clothes, Makeup and Wigs

After years of character creation, Fae feels she is not “typecast,” because she’s open to being any character. She was once the creepy Weeping Angel from Dr. Who, she’s been a Valkyrie, various anime characters, Harry Potter characters, and many superheroes. Fae is currently developing Nightwing from DC Comics, and she’s working on an elaborate photo-shoot that brings a forest to life.

Sewing costumes by hand, for which she’s won many awards, is Fae’s hobby, but she’s a hairdresser and cosmetologist by trade, working as the owner of Pin Me Up Salon. She also enjoys the creativity of finding thrift store wigs and giving them a “style and dye,” so that they have new life for costumes. Recently, she did a commissioned wig for SoonerCon, in which she dyed a beehive wig “swamp green.”

“You don’t have to sew your own costumes. They can be purchased. It’s all about using imagination and recreating a character that resonates with them,” Fae said. “It works well with kids, but also adults, especially if you are the book or movie

“If you feel too old to dress up or enjoy a character, then you’ve lost your magic.”

a little old for this kind of thing?” Fae answers by saying, “No. If you feel too old to dress up or enjoy a character, then you’ve lost your magic. Look inside, find your inner child again, and suspend reality for a few minutes.”

Occasionally, Fae sees grown adults become like kids again when they see their favorite character. Children, on the other hand, can be a skeptical audience. “I just don’t break character. But overall, there are so many moments when children think you really are that princess or superhero--and that’s magical.”

“I once dressed as Frozen’s Elsa for a Christmas party attended by kids who had witnessed or been victims of terrible crimes,” Fae said. “In the eyes of one little girl, I was Elsa. She held my hand, we danced, we read books together—I was her best friend. It broke my heart when she said, ‘I know you miss your mommy and daddy. I miss mine, too.’ It was a moment where I knew I’d made a complete difference in her life. She believed in that character, and it provided her the comfort she needed.”

In addition to satisfied audiences, Fae admits that cosplay appearances also benefit the performer, because, “It’s amazing for your mental health to step away from reality and do something that brings joy to other people.”

For more information, visit the individual charity organizations, @PinMeUpSalon or @MrsFaeMullens on

(l-r) Fae as Rogue | Bane Grimm Photography ; Fae as Original Character Elf | Photo by BeautynDark

The Crafted House

By Amy Dee Stephens

A two-story concrete structure stands out amongst the sea of wooden houses along the east side of the University of Central Oklahoma campus. The modern house with its curved roof is the brainchild of architect, George Winters.

“Smaller houses are needed in Edmond,” Winters said. “I don’t build homes for a living, but I wanted to experiment with various materials––and the best way to experiment is on yourself.”

Winters owns the housing lot, which is zoned for multiple rental units to accommodate college students. He designed the concept of the house, and then spent four years building it as time allowed. He and his daughter did much of the work, and they hired quality tradesmen to work on the house during their gaps between other projects.

Almost “Green” House

Although Winters doesn’t describe the house as a true “green” house, it has many environmentally-sensitive aspects. “Most of the materials are natural, with combinations of wood, concrete and metal,” Winters said. “The exterior walls are composed of concrete, which is a good insulator for helping with Oklahoma’s great temperature swings. Environmental concepts were not the driving factor behind the house design, but I think this house is a good example of how to be conscious of the environment and be good stewards of our resources.”

Winters lived in the completed house for a while before he rented it out. “The house suits my personal style. I like midcentury modern design, which is experiencing a comeback. The design is really more akin to commercial construction than residential. It’s durable and aesthetically pleasing, but for me, a weakness of modern design is that it can be a bit cold and not cozy. I tried to incorporate elements that would warm the house up and feel more comfortable and inviting.”

Modern AND Warm

Some of those personal touches include the wooden ceiling and the stairs made of harvested, Eastern red cedar. One of the interior doors is made of industrial felt, which makes the space acoustically softer. The windows allow for plenty of natural light.

“I believe that buildings should be designed to respond to where they are constructed,” Winters said. “The orientation and location impacts the design, and window placement should adjust so that you get nice views. This house is in a tightly-spaced urban environment, so the windows are relatively small for privacy, but they are carefully placed to catch the light and control the views both from the inside and outside.”

Experimental Lifestyle

As one of the co-founders of Studio Architecture, Winters often works with unique building projects––but usually on a much grander scale. Some of his important projects include Roman Nose State Park Lodge, Quail Springs Baptist Church, and New Covenant United Methodist Church in Edmond.

“Architecture is not just a career, it can be a lifestyle filled with exploration,” Winters said, describing the ongoing learning process. “The genesis of this house was an opportunity to experiment. When things didn’t work, we relied on the skill of the tradesmen and women to help determine a new course of action. I don’t desire to rebuild this house over and over, but I will reuse certain aspects and apply lessons learned toward future projects. That’s part of the fun and excitement of designing. It’s a house that was crafted.”

Learn more at StudioArc.com.

Pat Becker: Speaking Up for Animals

By Maria Veres

We need more kindness in the world, and Pat Becker Wallis is on a mission to help create it. Through Pat Becker Books, she publishes stories that help children gain a better understanding of dogs and other animals. “If a child can learn to care for an animal, they also learn to care for people,” she says.

Inspiring Kids

Through Books

Pat has loved animals all her life, and over the years she has welcomed dozens of pets into her household. She has also helped many more animals by using her platform as a singer, actress, and television personality to advocate for responsible pet ownership. A former dog obedience trainer, she still speaks to groups about dog training and care.

Pat Becker Books grew out of her desire to help children become more familiar with animals, especially different breeds of dogs. She has written several books herself and sponsored other authors to write more. The catalog includes picture books and coloring books for little ones as well as books for older children, all professionally edited and illustrated.

Most of the books tell the stories of remarkable dogs, including several rescues. Pat has also published two horse stories, and she hopes to add books about other animals.

Singer, Actress, Animal Advocate

Long before she became an author, Pat built a successful career as a singer, then worked as an actress under contract with Twentieth Century Fox. Some of her credits include A Guide for the Married Man, In Like Flint, and the Batman TV series. “As contract actors, we were either working on our craft or booked

in movies and TV shows. It was like a fantasy life. We were a big family,” she recalls. That family included stars like Paul Newman and Tom Selleck, but it’s the camaraderie within the whole group that Pat remembers most fondly. “I made so many friends, and my happiest times were when we were together,” she says.

She left Fox to focus on her singing career, then went on to produce a national PBS show, The World of Dogs Biography Series. After relocating to Edmond, she hosted “Dog Talk” television shows on channels 43 and 52, as well as a radio show, SPEAK. She also stayed active as a performer, singing with the Ukie Hart band.

Pat and her husband moved to the Little Rock area four years ago so she could pursue another recording opportunity. When she’s not writing and publishing, she sings with a jazz group, the Rex Bell Trio. She still advocates for animals in every way she can.

Making a Difference

Around the World

One of the books closest to Pat’s heart is Sam and Uno, the story of two guardian dogs at Heifer Ranch in Little Rock. The ranch is run by the nonprofit Heifer International, which creates micro-business opportunities for families worldwide by providing them with farm animals. Many of those animals are raised at Heifer Ranch. Sam and Uno stay with the herd 24/7 to protect them from predators.

Pat first became interested in the dogs because of their unusual pedigree. Both of them are Akbash, a rare breed from Turkey. When she visited the ranch and saw the canine team in action, she was so impressed that she knew she had to write their story. All proceeds from the sales of Sam and Uno go back to Heifer International.

Pat remains passionate about the need to take better care of the animals around us, and she encourages others to help however they can. “Volunteer at rescues and shelters,” she urges. “There are so many in OKC. It gives you a one-on-one view of what it’s really like. Or get involved in dog therapy work. We can all find a way to make a difference.”

Learn more about Pat Becker Books at dogtalktv.com. Visit Heifer International at Heifer.org.

Pat Becker

Foundations

By Maria Veres

Your workout doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. At Foundations, owner TJ Gipson delivers simple, fun, science-based workouts and nutrition plans that can help anyone achieve better fitness.

Workouts that Get Results

TJ has worked with athletes, influencers, and public figures like Miss Oklahoma Alex Smith and local rapper Jabee Williams. But his door is open to beginners, too. He guides clients to better fitness through one-on-one training, group sessions, and classes. More than a studio, Foundations is a supportive community where everyone

is welcome, no matter what their skill level.

“People come to me because they know the workout will be what they want,” he says. “They’ll be able to look better, feel better, and move better by the time they’re done with me.”

A Passion for Fitness

TJ played basketball and ran track at Edmond Santa Fe High School, then got even more serious about working out after graduation. He had a successful career in marketing and advertising before realizing his true calling was helping people achieve their fitness goals. He opened Foundations in 2018, and growth has been explosive ever since.

One challenge many people face is weight loss. TJ guides clients through a strategic, science-based 12-Week Body Shred plan guaranteed to help them lose at least 18 pounds. He’s never had to give a refund yet. He also offers a free, downloadable 5-Minute Makeover

guide containing all the information you need to get started with weight loss.

For everyone, at any stage of ability, he has the same message.

“Keep moving. You don’t have to have everything figured out. It doesn’t have to be pretty or perfect. If you incorporate fitness into your life on a regular basis, you’ll get results.”

Foundations is located at 14401 North Lincoln Blvd, Edmond. Contact TJ at 405-916-6946 or online at foundations.work

Member Brooke R. with owner T J Gipson

Local Medicare Advisors

By Maria Veres

With Medicare enrollment starting soon, now is the time to be sure you have the right coverage. Local advisors Andy Archer and Stephenie Woody can help you find the options that best meet your needs and budget, at no cost to you.

Enrollment Advice You Can Trust

There’s no lack of information about Medicare, but not all that information is reliable. Each state’s requirements are different, so it’s vital to understand

local resources. Stephenie and Andy are licensed with every insurance carrier who provides Medicare coverage in Oklahoma. This lets them offer a full range of options and work in the best interest of their clients, not themselves.

Stephenie and Andy serve people all over Oklahoma, and they’re also licensed in Texas. They will meet clients in their homes or at any location the client prefers. Loved ones and family members are encouraged to come, too. Both Stephenie and Andy can explain the latest changes and which plan is right for you.

Expert Guidance Year Round

If you’re already on Medicare, the enrollment window to change coverage begins on October 15th this year. If you’re about to turn 65 or are eligible for Medicare early, Stephenie and Andy recommend meeting with an advisor 6-3 months before you become eligible.

Medicare enrollment season is their busy season, but Stephenie and Andy

meet with clients all year long. They’re also happy to speak to organizations or visit with smaller groups in places like churches or senior centers.

Their advice isn’t limited to Medicare. They also help clients find other assistance they may be eligible for, including disability benefits, Medicaid, and more.

Stephenie and Andy are Edmond residents who have both been licensed advisors for six years. All their services are free to clients.

You can contact Andy Archer at andyarchermedicareadvisor.com or 405-808-2904. Contact Stephenie Woody at stepheniewoodymedicare.com or 405-830-4966.

Andy Archer and Stephenie Woody

Visiting Mama

By Louise Tucker Jones

Louise continues to watch over Jay who had emergency surgery in August and is still critically ill in ICU. Louise thanks you for your prayers. This column is from two years ago – a fitting tribute to Louise’s mother who passed away in September.

Yesterday, I went to see Mama. I have always enjoyed our visits and phone conversations, but a few months ago, my 102 year-old-mother had a bad fall as well as a stroke and her life changed forever. She no longer shuffles along with her walker or sits in her living room chair watching TV with her caregiver. She is now bedfast and sleeps a lot. I miss those visits and phone calls. I miss hearing her messages on my voice mail telling me to pick up the phone.

The last time I made this two-hour trip to my mother’s home, she slept the

whole time I was there. But I talked to her anyway. I smoothed her hair away from her face and watched her sleep, wondering how many times she watched me sleep when I was young.

Yesterday, she woke up soon after I arrived and talked a little. She smiled when my son, Jay embraced her in a gentle hug. They’re buddies. They have a special love for each other. Jay tends to bring joy to anyone who is fragile, and Mama is definitely fragile. Even frail.

While I was there she ate lunch then I put cream on her dry skin and a warm compress on her eye. She told me she hurt so I prayed for her. How many scrapes did she kiss away when I was a child? How many prayers did she pray over me through the years? Hundreds! Thousands!

But Mama didn’t stay awake long. In fact, it took me longer to travel to her house than the time she was awake while I was there. But love isn’t measured in waking hours or miles traveled. Love comes from the heart and Mama’s heart has always been full of love.

So while my mother slept, I sang over her. I sang, “Jesus Loves Me,” feeling

certain she sang that to her baby girl while I slept in her arms. I believe she heard my song, and I definitely believe she felt my kiss on her cheek and heard the words I whispered before leaving…. “I love you, Mama!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.

Stephanie Tolson and Roughhouse Athletes

Don’t Box Me In Expanding Oklahoma’s Boxing Stance

By Laura Beam

Seven years ago, an aspiring boxer asked a coach what she could do to become a better boxer. “Move out of Oklahoma,” was the answer. Fortunately, Stephanie Tolson sought to change that narrative rather than change her address. “The boxing community in Oklahoma is small,” Stephanie explains. “I had to travel a lot and keep getting in peoples’ faces because there were very few females in boxing. Unless I wanted to keep boxing the same three females, I had to create new opportunities.” Now, with 21 boxing matches under her belt, the petite powerhouse is making great strides in expanding boxing prospects for other Oklahomans.

Influenced by her father, a 7th degree black belt, Stephanie started martial arts at the age of 12 and competed at the youth Sooner State Games. At 19, she began working at the YMCA, teaching exercise classes and sailing lessons and racing sailboats. “My whole life has been a series of being put in charge of things,” she laughs. “I had so many amazing mentors at the YMCA who taught me how to be motivating, exciting and safe in my teaching.”

Beyond the Ring

After graduating from UCO with a degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology, and working at a boxing club in Edmond until it closed, Stephanie’s love of boxing was cemented. In Dec. 2014, she and fellow boxer Joe Garcia opened Roughhouse Boxing and Fitness in Edmond and both pursued competitive amateur boxing. “It’s intimidating as a female in a male-dominated sport because you wonder if anyone is taking you seriously,” she says. “You’re just a novelty so you really have to prove yourself—walk the walk and talk the talk.” The lively, ever-growing Roughhouse gym not only cranks out exhilarating daily boxing workouts for people of all ages and fitness levels, but has also become a hub for producing dynamic amateur boxers and officials.

Voted Vice President, Secretary and Athlete Representative of the Golden Gloves KS/OK franchise this year, and Registration

Chair in OK for USA Boxing, Stephanie is setting new standards in boxing leadership. “For the last year, I’ve been recruiting and training people to be officials,” she says. “These volunteers handle ringside tasks including timekeeping, judging and refereeing. It’s given many more people the chance to be involved in the sport.”

Ready to Fight

Achieving yet another milestone, Roughhouse was the beta gym for the ‘Ready to Fight’ Parkinson’s specific boxing program founded by Aaron Sloan in Tulsa. The OK Parkinson’s Alliance-endorsed program can help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. “I’ve been teaching these classes for several years,” Stephanie recalls, “and it’s still one of my proudest accomplishments that I feel privileged to do every time.” Stephanie has also worked alongside Chaplain John Cook of the Edmond Police Dept. who runs the Parkinson’s Disease support group at the Edmond Police Station once a month.

Punching it Forward

As Stephanie’s mission has expanded into community outreach, new doors have opened. Together with School Resource Officer, Demetrius Kirk, at Central Middle School in Edmond, she co-coaches ‘Tiger Time,’ a boxing class for 8th-grade girls. “I want to take my enthusiasm and expertise into the community to empower others and tell everyone about boxing,” she says. “There’s something in it for everyone and it can take you anywhere in life.”

The next place it will take Stephanie in 2023 is Philadelphia for the National Golden Gloves Tournament. In the meantime, as VP of Golden Gloves KS/OK, she will embark on another new realm-hosting boxing events to raise funds for the franchise, in hopes of sending 10-20 boxers to the national event.

To learn more, visit roughhouseboxingandfitness.com. For info on sponsorship opportunities, call or text (405) 426-9699.

Lilli and Dad’s Great Adventure

A Journey Across America

By Lilli Myers, Back40 Design Digital Marketing Specialist

As my dad and I pulled into Mitchell, Oregon, we saw a small espresso shop on the side of the two-lane highway. Enjoying our fresh peach smoothies, we chatted with a friendly gentleman and inquired about the town’s attractions and sleeping accommodations. He told us about a haunted motel in the middle of town that had appeared on Ghost Hunters. We quickly dismissed that option and considered his other suggestion–camping in the city park in the middle of town. I was a little skeptical and asked him for reassurance. He said, “Well I would know, I am the mayor.”

My 61 year-old dad has always been an avid adventurer, putting his body through extreme tests of endurance. When he asked me to join him on a 40-year bucket list item, to bicycle across the country, from the Oregon coast to the Virginia beach, I dropped everything to follow him in the chase car on this adventure. We had very little insight about what we were in for. Scenic Byways. Treacherous heat. Freezing rain. No Wi-Fi. Small-town America. Could we make it?

The Transamerica Bicycle Route was founded in the 1970s by two couples wanting to explore our country. The route covers 4,228 miles and features 220,000 feet of elevation gain with significant fluctuations in weather. Around 1,000 people worldwide bicycle across the Transamerica Bicycle Route each year.

We departed for Astoria on June 1, leaving the comforts of home behind for eight weeks. Our journey got off to a wet start in Oregon as we camped in the chilling rain for four days. It became apparent very early on just how dangerous this expedition was. There was almost no shoulder on the two-lane byways, making cycling incredibly risky in the wet conditions.

The route continued through central Oregon, along the Salmon Rivers of Idaho, guiding us upward to Montana. We were greeted in Wyoming by the breathtaking Grand Tetons and continued to head south through the brutal mountainous terrain of Colorado.

Roughing it in our tents was challenging. We camped on a community center lawn in Oregon, through forty-mile-an-hour winds in Montana, in a chuckwagon through a 29-degree night in Wyoming, and on top of a fire ant community in Colorado.

The Kansas plains were a break from the high altitude, but with temperatures over 100 degrees, we finally ditched our tents in favor of air conditioning at hotels and hostels. After we left Illinois, the steep hills of the Ozarks in Missouri were as difficult to cycle as the mountains in Colorado. Visibility was severely compromised by the morning fog, followed by 95% humidity that plagued Missouri on most days.

Kentucky offered white-fenced rolling farmlands that took us through the Appalachians in Virginia. Other cyclists warned us that dogs would be a significant obstacle in Kentucky and weren’t exaggerating. Thankfully, my Dad succeeded in pedaling faster than the dogs could run. He rode about 70 miles daily, or six to seven hours. We reached the East Coast as the mountains morphed into gentle slopes and ended in Virginia’s low, historic cities.

Witnessing small-town America set the tone for the trip. We met small business owners with a lot of heart, and their establishments reflected that. We got to know the compassionate individuals who made these communities feel like home.

Finally, after pedaling 4,228 miles, we made it to Yorktown, VA. We thought about quitting more times than I care to admit. Still, each day we decided to look past discomfort and embrace the growth that comes with any adversity. We took a step back from everything we knew, fully ascended into a new way of life, and discovered how to thrive. My Dad has always taught me that growth does not come from comfort. I witnessed this firsthand and discovered just how much grit and determination he has. I learned to have fun in challenging times and see the beauty that those challenges can bring. Thanks, Dad!

Bill Myers

Lilli & dad at Cannon Beach in Oregon