October 2023

Edmond’s 3rd annual Cycle 66 Ride is happening in early November. The event hosts a variety of bicycle rides on and around Route 66. There’s a 10-mile, 33-mile, and 66-mile ride - there's even a 1-mile ride for kids. The spectator favorite of the day is the competitive closed-course race around Downtown Edmond. These races draw enthusiasts from all over the country.

Alison and I - active adventure types that we are - recently purchased a pair of high-tech bicycles. Will this be our grand entry into the competitive world of two-wheel speedery? No, just a coincidence. We took advantage of an awesome clearance sale.

Our new bicycles are “e-bikes,” the kind with electric motors that assist with pedaling - or what I used to judgmentally refer to as “cheater bikes.” But once I gave that electric power a try, my knees quickly became a convert and I became a believer. Hills are hard.

Alison’s bike is a fashionable lime green color and my ride is finished in flat black - quite manly. We both have snappy new matching helmets. While I’ve been building my endurance, Alison is focusing her competitive energy on shopping… finding a stylish, yet functional handlebar basket to take our dachshund, Redford, along for the ride. He’s very athletic. And spoiled.

On Sunday, November 5th , we’ll pedal over to downtown and find a good vantage point to watch the racers speed by. And if Redford, Alison, and I are up for it, we’ll use some of that pedal assistance and ride along on the 10-mile route. Leisurely like.

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

Photo: Jason Qualls

By Taylor Bollinger Simone's

Simone Puccinelli says she grew up with a heart for kids and in a way, she now has hundreds. Since starting Simone’s Kids in 2010, the Arcadia resident has guided the non-profit to build a primary school, high school, and medical clinic in Nakaseke, Uganda, all as a means to give students hope for their futures.

“Growing up, I was always touched by children and orphans in need,” Simone said. “I would play orphans with my dolls. I knew there were kids out there in need, and it moved me.”

As she got older, her parents allowed her to go on several mission trips, including one three-week trip to Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. “I saw the extreme poverty and it just confirmed that was where I wanted to serve. Of course, there is poverty all over the world, but it was so unimaginably extreme there – kids were living on their own at 3, 4, or 5 years old.”

Kids

attend, as the non-profit seeks to relieve burdens for the children who attend, financially and otherwise.

“Every graduate leaves with a high school degree and a vocational certificate,” Simone explained.

“We educate in the traditional manner, but we also provide skill sets like building houses, electrical work, cosmetology, and mechanics.” The organization has also added a university program to assist students in pursuing higher education.

Simone was a sophomore in college when her ministry took shape. She received an email asking for financial support for a school in Uganda. If they couldn’t raise $500 for rent, the students would be sent away without education.

“I felt that God wanted me to do something, so I raised the money and went over there and met the kids,” Simone said. “It was as if it was tattooed on my heart. I had a vision for these kids' lives. I knew there was something better for them. That’s where Simone’s Kids was born, and over time it evolved to a much larger organization.”

Now, Simone’s Kids owns and operates two schools with a combined enrollment of 1,000. The school is free to

While many administrative roles reside in the states, the overwhelming majority of the work is by employees local to the mission. Of the 120 on-the-ground employees, only two are not Ugandan. Looking into the future, Simone’s Kids hopes to expand enrollment and housing options so more students can be reached.

“We bought 45 acres where we hope to build new housing and a vocational school,” Simone said. “This would allow us to expand the trade options that we teach, adding baking, cooking, and possibly technical skills like coding. We will keep working to reach as many kids as possible so they can believe in a better future.”

Learn more about Simone’s Kids at simoneskids.org or find them on Facebook or Instagram at @SimonesKids.

Simone Puccinelli and students

Four Friends & the Buddy Games

By Taylor Bollinger

Edmond dad and insurance salesman, Yue Pun Szeto, just went to camp with his three best friends. But unlike any childhood experiences at camp, they were in it for more than roasting marshmallows and making memories. They had bragging rights, trophies, and $200,000 at stake.

Yue and his friends, Brian Hudson, Craig Smith, and Justin Palmer were contestants on CBS’ reality competition series, Buddy Games . The show is the TV version of actor and host Josh Duhamel’s longtime tradition of competition with friends. Over the past 20 years, he’s reunited with his childhood friends for a weekend of games and good-hearted fun. Yue and his crew were among the first to recreate the experience for Buddy Games ’ premier season, which aired on September 14.

“My friend Hudson saw a tweet about the Buddy Game s looking for applicants,” Yue said. “He forwarded it to our group and told us – not asked us – that we were doing it. In true dude fashion, we were like, ‘Yeah, okay, let’s do it.’”

Hudson had already applied on behalf of his friends, and soon the group was contacted for interviews as part of the casting process. “It felt surreal, but we knew if we didn’t do it, we would regret it for the rest of our lives.”

So, Yue and his crew boarded a flight to Bogota, Columbia to

compete in the Buddy Games . Though the experience was entirely new, the relationships they depended on throughout it were true and timetested.

“Justin and I have been friends since middle school, and we met the others in college,” Yue said. “Now we have kids the same age that we were when we first met, so we’re going on two generations of friendship.”

The competition unites six teams of four friends to compete in an assortment of physical and mental challenges the show calls “absolutely absurd.” Yue says the tasks challenged but could not break his buddies.

“This experience solidified the value of our friendship,” Yue said. “Finding that core group of people is incredibly rare. We never bickered or argued, even throughout the challenges. It just showed us that we are going through life with the right people.”

Catch the details of each challenge on Thursdays on CBS, or streamed on Paramount+ where Yue and his team can be all-tooeasily identified by their western wear.

“We initially set out not to dress too stereotypically, and of course, we ended up in pearl snaps and cowboy hats,” Yue said. “We hope we made Oklahomans proud.”

Photos: Robert Voets/CBS ©2022 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Team OK: Brian "Huddy" Hudson, Stephen Craig Smith, Justin Palmer, and Yue Pun Szeto.

This experience solidified the value of our friendship.

Brett McPherson’s Yellowstone Style

By Amy Dee Stephens

If the room of your dreams includes leather, wood, stone, and antlers—then Brett McPherson may be the designer for you. Her “Luxury Western” style is found in prominent, but private, homes in Oklahoma and Texas--but her style has not escaped the eyes of some big names in the industry. If Neiman Marcus or a little show called “Yellowstone” resonates with you, then you may be familiar with Brett’s work.

Brett’s entry into the design field was not an accident. Growing up on a ranch, Brett decided on her career plan as a fifth grader, and then she took the steps to make it happen. “My first job was at a lumberyard and then a cabinet shop,” Brett said. “I wanted to learn how to fix and build things.”

Now, Brett has nearly 20 years of experience working behind the scenes with individual homeowners and celebrity clients for her business, Designer’s Brew & Co. Although Brett helps select colors, artwork, and furniture for her clients, she describes her work as much broader than decorating.

“I work with select clients, and we usually start before the house is built. I’m part of selecting the plumbing, the gutters, and the tile design. I’m ordering furniture before the cabinets get installed. It’s the whole process, from floor plan to furnishings.”

Furniture from Scratch

Leaning into her carpentry training, Brett began designing custom furniture a few years ago. She now has a private label of made-to-order furniture on her website. “I work with a factory in North Carolina called Old Hickory Tannery. They make my upholstered furniture from scratch. It’s all handmade and Americanmade, although we do import the leather from Italy.”

Brett particularly favors her olive-green leather sofa made in the classic Chesterfield style. Green often pops up in her design palette of earth tones, but she recently experimented with a less traditional look, a lime-green velvet couch trimmed in hot pink—which was successful enough to make it into her furniture line. The couch was designed for a model home in a community of luxury cottages in downtown Edmond called The Lark. Brett dubbed this foray into neon colors as her “Cheerful Western” style.

In addition to the green and pink couch at The Lark, her iconic swivel chair with long leather fringe quickly became a signature piece, and Neiman Marcus picked her upholstered bed design for its current collection.

Furniture from Films

Brett briefly entered the film world when she partnered with the producer of 101 Studios and the owner of Shop the Scenes—a site that allows customers to order items seen on their favorite television shows. Brett was hired to select furniture from Yellowstone that could be recreated for purchase. “The set was made of vintage antiques and estate sale furniture, but I selected seven pieces from the first season that could be made on demand.”

Designing her own heirloom-quality furniture that will last for generations is Brett’s true source of pride. “I enjoy creating design elements that can last a lifetime,” Brett said. “Working with clients and injecting their soul into the project is my passion because someone’s personal space should evoke the emotions they want to feel. Be it classic leather or neon velvet.”

Visit Brett’s design portfolio and customer furniture at DesignersBrew.com.

Brett McPherson

Photo: In’s and outs

Alexis Austin

Photo: Amy Shout, Turquoise Spur Photography

Photo: In’s and outs Alexis Austin

Suiting Up for the Senior Games

By Taylor Bollinger

Eighty-two-year-old Linda LaFleur claims she’s lived an average life. But three masters degrees, a doctorate, decades of military service, and present-day basketball pursuits add up to anything but average. Linda is currently training for her ninth Senior Games, with her sights set on nationals.

The Oklahoma Senior Games unite athletes ages 50 and up in sometimes fierce, but always friendly competition across 29 categories, including line dancing, pickleball, archery, triathlon, tennis, and Linda’s league – basketball.

“My daughter also plays basketball and competes in the games, and it’s a fun way for us to spend time together.” Though the senior leagues don’t allow players to play in older age brackets, Linda sometimes joins her daughter in a younger league. Though surprising to many, Linda considers her longevity a natural consequence of an active lifestyle and good genes.

Amidst her career, military contributions, and motherhood, Linda never strayed too far from the court. She played basketball in high school and then lettered as part of Oklahoma State University’s varsity women’s team in the 1960s. After college, Linda joined local leagues and later played on women’s teams in the military.

“My love for basketball has kept me active, not only playing but also the motivation to do other exercises and activities so that I can keep playing without being injured,” Linda said. “Running is another way I’ve been able to stay in shape.”

She readily recalled her first marathon experience. “My first marathon was in Berlin when it was still a split city. I was one of 25,000 runners and it was just thrilling to see the crowds lined up, cheering.” She later held the Women’s Masters Record for the Army Marathon and has since competed in the running category of the Senior Games.

Incredibly accomplished and equally humble, Linda didn’t want this article to be about her achievements, but rather the benefits that the Senior Games offer other adults. “There is such a wide variety of activities and interests at these games,” Linda said. “Find something you enjoy doing. Not only will it help you stay fit and active, but you will make friends, keep your mind active, and give you something to look forward to. It encourages you to just be alive!”

Learn more about the Oklahoma Senior Games, or explore categories and upcoming events at the website okseniorgames.com.

Linda LaFleur

Find something you enjoy doing. Not only will it help you stay fit and active, but you will make friends, keep your mind active, and give you something to look forward to. It encourages you to just be alive!”

Celebrating Life After Breast Cancer

By Maria Veres

I was just demoted, and I’m thrilled. I’ve moved down from semiannual mammograms back to yearly ones. As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m more than four years cancer-free.

I’m not back to my old self again, and I never will be. This journey has changed me in ways I didn’t expect, but many of those changes are good ones.

A Surprise Diagnosis

Cancer was not on my radar. I had a healthy lifestyle, good stress management skills, and no risk factors. When my mammogram showed a suspicious mass, the radiologist wasn’t too worried. “It’s probably benign,” he reassured me. Every doctor who treated me would repeat those words.

Further tests didn’t show malignancy, but they didn’t rule it out. I decided to watch and wait, hoping the tiny spot would disappear. It didn’t. The next step was a lumpectomy and biopsy.

The surgeon called a week later with the results. The scratchy phone connection made his voice sound far away. He told me my cancer was non-invasive, and the tumor was completely removed. He recommended radiation and hormone blockers to keep it from coming back.

Obediently, I scheduled follow-up consultations, but I felt lost at the big complex where I’d had my surgery. I decided to switch to a different provider closer to home. I’ve never regretted seeking the care that was right for me, and I encourage others to do the same.

What I Wish I’d Known

Looking back, I cringe at how judgmental I used to be about cancer. When a family friend was diagnosed, I remember thinking, “She should have taken better care of herself.”

The truth is more complicated. Lifestyle choices do matter, but there are no guarantees. Working out and eating leafy greens every day didn’t stop me from getting a tumor.

I was also lulled into a false sense of security because I didn’t have any family history of breast cancer. I wish someone had told me most new cases occur in people without a genetic risk. If I’d known that, I might have been more diligent about scheduling mammograms. I was years overdue for a screening when we found my mass.

I finished radiation on New Year’s Eve, 2019. “Now you can put this behind you,” everyone told me—everyone except other cancer survivors. They knew something else that nobody warned me about: I couldn’t go back to who I was before my diagnosis.

Most of the time, I don’t want to go back.

Embracing the Blessings

I was still recovering from treatment when the COVID-19 pandemic began. To cope with the isolation, I walked at local parks and took endless pictures on my dinosaur-age phone. I discovered I had a gift for capturing photos of tiny miracles I never used to notice: raindrops on a feather, the spiral knot in an old tree trunk, a heartshaped puddle reflecting the sky. Cancer gave me that gift. It taught me to slow down and pay attention.

I’ve noticed other changes, too. On the downside, I struggle with fatigue, and I’m at higher risk for certain health problems. But I’m also more compassionate and less judgmental (most of the time). Gratitude comes easier than it used to.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never seen cancer itself as a blessing. I hate this disease. I continue to have plenty of bad mood days and even more bad hair days (treatment made my hair thinner, and I am not grateful for this). Still, I’m thankful for everything I’ve learned and everything I’ve become since my diagnosis. My healthy, ninety-three-year-old father recently told me, “Every day is a gift now.” I couldn’t say it any better.

Maria Veres

Dr. Tracy Kuykendall, Dermatologist

By Maria Veres

Keep your skin healthy and beautiful with expert, close-to-home care from Dr. Tracy Kuykendall. Dr. Kuykendall is an Edmond-based, board certified dermatologist offering a full range of medical and cosmetic services at her clinic, Kuykendall Dermatology.

Protecting Against Skin Cancer

If you’ve never had a skin cancer screening, Dr. Kuykendall recommends scheduling a baseline check as soon as possible. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and most people don’t know they have it until they get a skin check. For people who have a history of skin cancer or are at high risk, annual screenings are essential.

Dr. Kuykendall encourages everyone to use sunscreen year round, re-applying every two hours when you’re outdoors. It’s also important to wear hats and clothing that have been treated with sun protectants. Any time you’re concerned about a change or new spot on your skin, she recommends coming in for an exam.

Comprehensive Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology Treatments

“We treat everything from acne to psoriasis to eczema and more,” says Dr. Kuykendall. That includes surgical procedures like removal of skin cancers or moles. Kuykendall Dermatology also provides cosmetic services such as chemical peels, neurotoxins, and fillers. They also offer science-based Skinceuticals products to keep you looking your best.

Originally from Arkansas, Dr. Kuykendall completed her dermatology residency at the University of Oklahoma. She practiced in Tulsa for eleven years before relocating to Edmond with her family in 2021. “We love Edmond,” she says. “The best part is that it’s small enough where you can get to know people.” Dr Kuykendall also holds the title of Medical Director of

Radiance Medical Aesthetics located in NW Oklahoma City.

Dr. Kuykendall works with patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, and she personally sees every patient at every appointment. Kuykendall Dermatology works with most major insurance providers and is currently accepting new patients.

Kuykendall Dermatology is located at 1218 E. 9th Street, Suite 1, Edmond, OK 73034. Visit kuykendalldermatology.com or call (405) 301-8010.

Dr. Tracy Kuykendall and team

Local Medicare Advisors

By Maria Veres

Confused about Medicare? Stephenie Woody and Andy Archer can help. With more than a decade of combined experience, they’re committed to helping each client find the plan that fits best.

Trusted Guidance from Local Experts

Based in Edmond, Andy and Stephenie are licensed brokers for all the Medicare insurance providers in Oklahoma. They meet with clients personally, go over the different options, and help clients choose coverage that’s right for them. All their services are free.

Not all the Medicare information out there is trustworthy. Most TV ads are for non-local insurance companies selling their own products, which may or may not meet your needs. People often turn to friends and family for guidance, but that’s not always the best choice either.  “What works for your Aunt Jill may not be right for you,” says Andy. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. That’s why it’s so important to sit down with a local advisor.”

Are You Ready for Medicare Enrollment?

The Medicare enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7. If you’re enrolling for the first time, Stephenie and Andy will guide you through the maze and help you choose coverage that works for your medical and financial situation. If you’re already enrolled, they will review your policy to make sure it’s still the best fit for you.

Andy and Stephenie are passionate about helping Oklahoma seniors find the best Medicare coverage in

a confusing, ever-changing insurance landscape. As well as meeting with clients year round, they offer educational classes and presentations.  “Medicare has so many moving parts,” says Stephenie. “It’s always a good idea to talk with a local agent and make sure you have what you need.”

Contact Andy Archer at (405) 808-2904 or andyarchermedicareadvisor.com.

Contact Stephenie Woody at (405) 830-4966 or visit stepheniewoodymedicare.com.

Stephenie Woody Andy Archer

Attic Conversions

By Taylor Bollinger

When James Howell renovated his own attic in 2001, he wasn’t starting a business, he was finding a solution. Rather than relocating, building on, or suffering for lack of space, James made the most of his existing attic space, creating a fully built-out extension of his house where his family and friends could feel at home.

As James' projects increased, so did word of mouth telling of James’ reputation for high quality work. So, he made the business official. Attic Conversions has now helped over 150 families heighten their homes' function and value.

“So often, people are needing more room for their family but can’t afford to buy or build in today’s economy,” James said. “I love being able to give homeowners what they need without the pain and cost of totally relocating.”

James helps his clients add to their square footage, and subtract from the stresses that come with needing more space. In today’s housing market, Attic Conversions saves homeowners the headache of selling, buying, or building on by allowing them to better use the space they already have. And if the time does come to sell, James enjoys knowing the completed attic has added tremendous value to the home, leaving each one more valuable than when the project began.

James’ experience in the industry enables him to advocate for his customers, connecting them with the best options in financing, function and finishes. “We work closely with our customers to find the best financing options for them,” James said. “We’ve recently begun partnering with RenoFi to connect our customers with loans using After Renovation Value, rather than their home’s current value. There’s a lot of different solutions we can help people find.”

More information, completed projects and free consultations are available at atticconversions.net.

“I love being able to give homeowners what they need without the pain and cost of totally relocating.”

Jay's Journey!

By Louise Tucker Jones

Hard to believe it’s the anniversary of my son’s heavenly journey, and no, it doesn’t feel like a year. It feels like yesterday and forever rolled into one.

Every day, in my heart and mind, I see Jay sitting in his favorite chair watching TV or working with his Rubik’s cube. Every night I picture our bedtime prayers.

Soon after Jay was born, doctors told us he would have a very short lifespan, probably not even living into his teens because of his rare, inoperable, congenital heart disease. And though Jay had some really scary and serious episodes that landed him in the hospital numerous times, he always survived. The birthdays kept coming—20, 30, even 46 wonderful years. Suffice to say I got

used to the “miraculous!”

Even doctors admitted Jay’s life was a miracle. Physicians from all over the world treated him during this last crisis and were shocked that Jay not only survived but actually thrived with his particular heart disease.

And no, life was not always easy for Jay. He dealt with pain on a daily basis from arthritic knees, frequent infections, corneal eye problems, as well as a speech articulation disorder. But Jay dealt with it all and kept singing, dancing and going to Sonic daily for a Coke.

So here I sit, thanking God for this wonderful gift of love that He gave me all those years ago. So proud and thankful to be Jay’s mother yet so very heartbroken without him. And for those who feel my life was limited by taking care of Jay, please don’t! My life was enriched by this young man who truly walked in the heavenlies, often seeing and talking with his guardian angel. Jay taught me more about loving Jesus and loving others than any teacher or preacher I ever sat under.

And if I missed anything, Jay made up for it with morning hugs, daily laughs and fun conversations. I lived in a world

that most can only imagine. A good world and it’s gone. So yes, there is sadness and tears. But the memories, the love, the joy, the “spirit of the miraculous” will never ever leave me.

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.

a look back Halloween 1952

a look back Halloween 1952

Students in Mrs. Dome's kindergarten class dress up for Halloween in 1952. The children are decked out in costumes of basic characters—rabbits, clowns, devils, cowboys, cats, and a pig, in the classroom which was located behind Mrs. Dome’s house at 403 College Circle. Although the street and the house are no longer there, and costume choices have evolved over the years, these Edmond children enjoyed celebrating Halloween by dressing up and trick-or-treating, which became popular across the U.S. in the 1930's. Photo provided by Edmond History Museum.

Students in Mrs. Dome's kindergarten class dress up for Halloween in 1952. The children are decked out in costumes of basic characters—rabbits, clowns, devils, cowboys, cats, and a pig, in the classroom which was located behind Mrs. Dome’s house at 403 College Circle. Although the street and the house are no longer there, and costume choices have evolved over the years, these Edmond children enjoyed celebrating Halloween by dressing up and trick-or-treating, which became popular across the U.S. in the 1930's. Photo provided by Edmond History Museum.