outlook december 2015

Jim Thorpe Edmond Now Open

Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation

LESS TIME GETTING HERE.MORE TIME GETTING STRONGER.

4509 INTEGRIS Parkway, Suite 100

Visit integrisrehabilitation.com to learn more.

405-657-3800

People travel from all over the region for INTEGRIS Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation’s roster of unique therapies and

specialists. But now, if you live in the Edmond area you hardly have to drive at all, because we have moved

across campus to a 6,000-square-foot facility in our newly constructed second medical offi ce building.

The new outpatient facility boasts new equipment for physical, speech and occupational therapy, a heated

aquatic therapy pool and special outpatient programs for neurological, orthopedic, hand, cancer and pre/

postnatal patients. The building will also soon house primary care physicians and specialists.

Learn more about how Jim Thorpe gets you back where you want to be at integrisrehabilitation.com.

UNI_15-INED-027_FY16_JT_Moving_MiscPub.indd 1 11/13/15 10:13 AM

4 Outlook December 2015

outlookoklahoma.com 7

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.

PUBLISHER Dave Miller CREATIVE DIRECTOR Bethany Marshall ADVERTISING MANAGER Laura Beam PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com DISTRIBUTION The Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to 50,000 Edmond & North OKC homes.

80 East 5th Street, Suite 130, Edmond, OK 73034 405-341-5599 www.outlookoklahoma.com [email protected] 11, Number 12 Edmond & North OKC Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. © 2015 Back40 Design, Inc.

FEATURES 18 The Earl of Curl While not the typical Oklahoma sport, curling is fun for all ages

23 Sniffing for Safety Providence Working Canines keep people safe by sniffing out illicit substances before they can do harm

26 Opening Night OKC It’s the biggest New Year’s Eve event in downtown OKC

30 Bundle Up In Style From ruanas to fringe, discover the season’s best winter fashions that keep you warm

8 Facts & Figures

10 Louise Guardian Angel

13 Food Local Motion Made in Oklahoma Coalition breeds community spirit

16 Business Haggard’s Fine Furniture Royal Ironworks

28 ‘Tis the Season

34 My Outlook Tom Phillips, Salvation Army Bell Ringer

To advertise, contactLaura at 405-301-3926 or [email protected].

Front cover photographyby Peter Dolese

32 Alyson ApprovedLiving by example, Alyson Fendrick inspires others to lead healthy lives

OUTLOOK

Super 8mm GiftIt’s a wonderful life—not the Christmas film with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, but our own Miller family classic. This season I had all our Super 8mm videos converted to DVD as a surprise for Sandy. So we’ve been

reliving our wonderful life on our big screen TV.

We watched the kids go sledding for the first time, me dropping that huge oak tree in our front yard with my chainsaw skills, and Jessie, our little Kolache Princess, doing the Chicken Dance. Plus, a hundred other things we haven’t thought of in years. The videos captured conversations we’ve forgotten, relatives we rarely think of and possessions that seemed so important that are long gone.

These movies were transferred directly from the tapes with no editing. Sometimes the footage moves along kind of slow—maybe even a little boring. But there’s something mesmerizing about these extended videos—

I feel transported to that time, opening up memories I haven’t tapped for years, like visiting an old

familiar place.

The not-so-great thing about video (besides documenting some very questionable fashion choices) is that it captures events without the soft lens of perception. Not long into the first DVD I found myself thinking—dang, did I really say

that to the kids? I wish I could go back and re-do some of the things I said or did in those

tapes. I could have been more patient. I can see how I’ve grown as a parent and as a person. But concerns like those quickly fade as I watch that “younger Dave” take on little Jessie and Juston in a classic bedtime tickle

fight. Even when presented with some awkward video moments, I focus on the good times. Isn’t that the human condition?

My takeaway from 28 hours of family movie binge watching? It’s time to get the video camera rolling again. If I’m not documenting with a video camera, all our memories will be the length of short burst cell phone videos. And that would be a shame because it truly is a wonderful life.

Dave Miller Publisher, Back40 Design President

December 2015


o u t l o o k f a c t s & f i g u r e s

Each year there are approximately 20,000 “Rent-A-Santas” across the United States

AroundTownCelebrate Christmas Eve with three unique services at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church at 14700 N. May Ave., OKC. First, gather around the Creche at 12 noon in the side chapel. The Children’s Pageant will take place at 5pm featuring Christ’s Story Told by Children. At 10pm, attend A Candlelight Christmas, a traditional communion service. Specal music and a reception will follow each service. Call (405) 751-7874 or visit staugustine.episcopaloklahoma.org.

Start a new family tradition this holiday and head to Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree Farm! Choose and cut your own fresh Christmas tree or select a beautiful pre-cut Noble, Grand, Douglas or Fraser Fir. Quality greenery is available, too. Open weekdays 1-7pm and weekends 10am-7pm. Visit 7121 Midwest Lane in Edmond or call (405) 340-5488 for details.

Sunbeam Family Services & Catholic Charities OKC are sponsoring A Very Giving Christmas, a Christmas store Dec. 16-20 at Catholic Charities, 1501 N. Classen Boulevard. Unwrapped & tagged donations of new gift items for children and their parents can be delivered to Catholic Charities Dec. 6-8. Volunteer opportunities are also available. For more info, visit www.AVeryGivingChristimas.org or call (405) 609-1755.

SpIRIT STATS

All the gifts in the Twelve Days of Christmas would equal 364 gifts

Christmas trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold

Each year more than 3 billion Christmas cards are sent in the US alone

It is estimated that the single “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin is the best selling single of all

time, with over 100 million sales worldwide

Christmas purchases account for 1/6 of all retail sales in the US

STATiSTiCS PrOViDED By “ChriSTMAS TrEES AND MOrE.” UNiVErSiTy OF iLLiNOiS ExTENSiON. 2010. ACCESSED: DECEMBEr 6, 2010. GULEViCh, TANyA. 2000. ENCyCLOPEDiA OF ChriSTMAS.

DETrOiT, Mi: OMNiGrAPhiCS, iNC.

Call us today to learn about our unique approach to quality home care.405-285-4191 I HomeCareAssistanceOklahoma.com

• Contract-free in-home care services ranging from short-term to 24/7 care.• Experienced with advanced care needs, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.• Compassionate, reliable support for meals, transportation, personal care,

and more.• The only home care agency with Cognitive Therapeutics™, an activities-based

program to promote brain health.

Help Your Senior Loved One Live Safely and Independently at Home with Edmond’s Home Care Assistance


Louise

About the AuthorLouise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author,

inspirational speaker and founder of the organization, Wives With heavenly husbands, a support group for

widows. Email [email protected] orvisit LouiseTuckerJones.com.

have no birth or death date. So why wouldn’t Jay’s angel be present at Christ’s birth? I was absolutely in awe. Maybe he was among the angels who appeared to the shepherds. Perhaps he was the one who spoke the message, telling them to go into the city of David to see the newborn King. Maybe he was in the host of heavenly angels who sang,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will

toward men.” I don’t know what part Jay’s angel played in Christ’s

birth. I only know that I went to bed that night with thoughts

and questions I’d never had before. I lay awake a long time just letting this

profound news sink into my heart and touch the very core of my soul. My son had looked on the face of one who had looked on the face of Jesus. The wonder of it all was more than I could comprehend. This mighty angel who once

guarded my Lord was now guarding my own son. Christmas has never been the same since that

happening long ago. Every time we put out the Nativity set, I’m reminded that Christ came to earth

as a Savior, the holy Son of God. And every time Jay places the ceramic angel in front of baby Jesus, I remember that we all have angels watching over us. For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11. Wishing you a blessed Christmas!

Several years ago, my son, Jay, casually mentioned that an angel stood by his door at night and sometimes spoke to him. Jay has Down syndrome and a severe speech articulation disorder so his words did not come that easily. Most of it was with gestures and sign language. Now, I have to admit that I had never met anyone who had seen an angel so I was curious. I asked what color the angel was. Jay wiggled his thumb and pinkie in sign language and said, “Yellow.” I asked about the angel’s clothes, hair and face. All sign language yellow. Then he added, “Yellow, like the sun.” Wow! I got it! Jay had no signs for bright, golden or shiny so his definition made sense. Time passed and Jay would sometimes mention the angel. In fact, we prayed for him every night—still do. If God sent a guardian angel to watch over my child, especially one that interacted with him, I certainly wanted to thank Him. Then came Christmas. We bought a new Nativity set. Jay was enthralled with all of the pieces and placed them in strategic spots around the Christ child with the angel kneeling right in front of baby Jesus. We talked about that night and what we knew from the Bible. The shepherds who came to worship. The lambs they may have carried and were now lying peacefully beside the baby in our manger scene. Then it was bedtime and Jay went to his room but wanted to talk more about his angel. I listened carefully but was having a hard time following the conversation. The articulation was just not there and his signs were limited. He tried over and over. Refused to give up. Finally, I prayed for clarity, asking God to let me understand what this child so desperately wanted to tell me. The message became crystal clear. With words and signs, Jay told me that his angel was there the night Jesus was born. Yes, he was present at the birth. Shivers ran down my arms. I know from the Bible that angels are immortal. They

Guardian Angelby Louise Tucker Jones


RODNEY CARRINGTON

DEC 26 7PMDEC 27 6PM

Tickets Starting at $55

DEC 31 • 9PM-1AM

80-‘z Enuff SuperFreak

GRANDRESORTOK.COM

I-40 EXIT 178 | SHAWNEE, OK | 405-964-7263


FREE $10giftcard!

All they want for Christmas is

900 S. Kellyjosfamouspizza.com 340-7070

with purchase of$50 in gift cards

Fifteen years ago, many of us only thought of terms like ‘organic’ and ‘locally sourced’ as horticulture facts we once learned in a classroom, things that had nothing to do with our personal lives or eating habits. We gobbled down meats, veggies and packaged foods out of convenience and didn’t think twice about the origin, production or economic value of our choices. Fast forward to today and we can’t get enough, learn enough, do enough to be more savvy consumers who make healthier and more environmentally sound food choices. Thanks to the pioneering spirit of a handful of local food manufacturers, the Made in Oklahoma (MIO) Coalition was formed in 2000 and something brilliantly futuristic was set into motion. At the time, mushroom farms and grains milled in nearby counties were but an enigma, a vague curiosity to us personally. But the movement grew. Something civic and territorial caught fire. As the MIO Coalition promoted the expanding variety of foods produced in Oklahoma, a trend towards healthier eating and environmental awareness also took root. And with that, the locally sourced food movement shrugged off its niche persona and became a burgeoning industry. Today, the MIO Coalition provides marketing and promotional assistance for more than 45 member companies. A variety of food manufacturers, processors and distributors, from specialty meats to

FOOD

major dairy producers, are now MIO members. Kerry Barrick, MIO Coalition Coordinator has seen a boost in both membership and consumer awareness as the local food movement has grown. “I think when people learn that Coalition members bring to the state $4.1 billion in sales and employ 27,000 Oklahomans, they want to continue the momentum by purchasing their products.” Not only is the impact of this powerful organization helping to

by Laura Beam

CONTiNUED ON NExT PAGE

LocaL MotionMade in Oklahoma Coalition breeds community spirit


edmondok.com/jobs7 North Broadway | 359-4648

Apply Today for Full-Time, Part-Time & Seasonal Positions.

Put a little extra Jinglein your Christmas

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 [email protected].

and specialty stores, on menus at local restaurants and on home dinner tables everywhere. As we host guests from in and out of state at our holiday tables, there’s no better time to showcase Oklahoma’s famed indigenous fare. Shawnee Mills cornbread mix is a tried-and-true base for stuffing. JC Potter sausage and Griffin Foods syrup make for hearty breakfast staples. Braum’s and Hiland dairy products bring an endless array of food and beverage options to the holiday menu, as do Bama pies and hundreds of other must-try foods. Inspiration abounds with MIO’s online recipes and their ‘Tastefully Oklahoma’ cookbook brimming with contest-winning recipes. Try your hand at crowd-pleasing creations like smoked corn pudding, bacon maple rolls, candied bacon or black-eyed pea cakes with pepper jelly. Gift-giving takes on new meaning, too, when MIO products are wrapped up in festive baskets and gift sets. Who could resist an assortment of delectable gourmet apple and pumpkin spreads, beef jerky, hot dogs, energy bars, chocolate, salsa, craft beer or pasta? There’s nothing better than delighting someone with a meaningful gift that, in turn, supports the local economy. In the true spirit of Christmas, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Now that’s something to celebrate!

For more information about MIO products and recipes, visit www.miocoalition.com.

ensure Oklahomans have an extensive choice of MIO products in local grocery and specialty stores, but at numerous local restaurants as well. Menus tout creative entrées infused with cheeses, meats, sauces and produce proudly bearing the MIO brand. And consumers are eating it up. Chances are, most of us have regularly enjoyed beef, pork, baking mixes, barbecue sauce, salsa and hundreds of other delicious foods manufactured

in Oklahoma, without even knowing we were also supporting our local economy. Many people are surprised when they learn that some of their favorite foods they’ve enjoyed for years are made right in their own home state. Yet behind the scenes, the MIO Coalition has been diligently making these phenomenal products a mainstay in grocery

LOCAL MOTiON, CONT.


Call for Free Estimates!

Kitchen Remodels • Bathroom RemodelsCustom Cabinets • Theater Rooms • Outdoor Kitchens

Complimentary Design Service • Room Additions


When it comes to shopping at Haggard’s Fine Furniture, there is no question about the quality of the merchandise, and no worries about whether you’re just another commissioned sale. The folks at the family-owned business—owner Earle Haggard in particular—just want customers to walk away with well-made furniture they’ll love for a lifetime. “Earle sees himself as an advocate for customers, ensuring that they get a quality product at a fair price,” said Jean Murphy, advertising manager. “He wants to be able to stand behind his furniture.” The quaint store, which sells American-made furniture, has been in the Haggard family since John W. Haggard (Earle’s grandfather) founded it in 1916. It owes much of its longevity to word-of-mouth referrals—those customers who had such a memorable experience that they recommended Haggard’s to family and friends.

Earle made sure to keep up with the times as he realized quality was diminished or non-existent when furniture manufacturing went overseas. Ten years ago, he added American-made solid wood furniture from several Amish lines in traditional, craftsman and contemporary styles. Customers get prime products and appreciate the opportunity to buy “Made in the USA.” “Our sales staff helps people as though they were our friends, Jean said. “We give them fabric and wood samples to take home in order for customers to consider lighting differences, color coordination with existing furniture, wall colors, carpeting, and tile. Haggard’s makes the extra effort to help people, which translates to positive customer satisfaction.” Throughout its 100 years, the company has maintained its intimate, welcoming atmosphere in a showroom that is small by design. Haggard’s trusted sales staff are ready to give customers

JEAN MUrPhy AND EArLE hAGGArD OF hAGGArD’S FiNE FUrNiTUrE

haggard’sFine Furnitureby Morgan Day

BUSINESS

helpful information which leads them to choose pieces best suited to their needs. “We love helping people. Regardless of how big a sale, Earle gives us the freedom to treat all customers equally,” said Murphy. The company rings in its 100th anniversary in January 2016 with a one-month sale on one of the store’s finest product lines, Simply Amish. Customers who buy a dining room table and five chairs will receive their sixth side chair free. In addition, throughout 2016 customers will receive $100 off a qualified purchase of $1000 or more on all lines store-wide. The Haggard’s team is thankful for its longstanding relationship with Oklahoma City metro area and state-wide families, and hopes to keep meeting their needs with fine furniture for another 100 years.Visit Haggard’s Fine Furniture at 3415 N. May Ave.

in OKC or online at haggardsfinefurniture.com.

Sponsored By:

Please join the EEDA for drinks, hors d’oeuvres and networking.

Featured Speaker:Treasurer Ken Miller, Ph.D.

When:Thursday, Jan. 283:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Where:University of Central Oklahoma

Nigh University Center

Cost:$40

For more information, visit www.eeda.com.


riChArD QUEEN, OWNEr OF rOyAL irONWOrKS

Royal Ironworks began as a hobby. Richard Queen was living in California, working in sales and marketing, a single parent who needed a job that would accommodate his family responsibilities. He’d been attracted to ironwork for a while—the process of creating something unique—and it led him to an apprenticeship with one of the most renowned blacksmiths on the West Coast. “People would see things I’d made and tell me, ‘That’s great, you should sell it,’” he recalls. “One day I just decided to do it.” He began Royal Ironworks in California in 1999, and continued after relocating to Oklahoma in 2008. From his shop in Edmond, Queen and his crew create and manufacture ornamental iron for new home construction, historical restoration and other projects throughout

Oklahoma. He specializes in staircase rails, gates, and at this time of year, fireplace doors are a large segment of his market. One of the most important aspects of Queen’s business is that each piece is custom designed and built. Everything he creates is distinctive. “We make everything custom,” he says. “A lot of people can build staircase rails, but very few of them have the ability to custom-create unique things. A lady brought me a picture of some iron work she’d seen in Europe and asked, ‘Can you do this?’ I told her I could. That’s not something you can get out of a catalogue.” Royal Ironworks serves not only homeowners, but also builders and interior designers. Queen’s work has been featured on HGTV’s “Bath and Kitchen Expo” and in

royal ironworksby Kent Anderson

Architectural Digest. With new home construction still on the rise in Oklahoma, Queen’s business is thriving. He takes pride in offering one-of-a-kind designs and quality service and construction to both residential and commercial clients. But for Queen, the most satisfying part of the hobby that evolved into his life’s work is being able to point to something physical, something tangible, that he created and that is completely original. “It’s a great feeling to go back and point to a project you worked on and say, ‘I made that,’” he observes. “I love being able to build things that will make people happy.”

For more information about Royal Ironworks, call 471-3470, or visit www.royalironworks.com.

Imagine your space, tailored to the way you live.Let Tailored Living® personalize your space today with a variety of

customizable solutions for your entire home.

Call for a FREE In-home Consultation! 405-531-0855

garages • closets • home offi ces • pantries • murphy beds

$200 Off Your Next Project!*Call for Details

405.531.0855 | TailoredLiving.comAt participating franchises only. Offer valid at time of initial estimate only. Offer not valid with any other offers. Some restrictions appply. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Ask for details. © 2012 Tailored Living, LLC. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Tailored

Living featuring PremierGarage is a trademark of Tailored Living, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts brand.


international curling competition. The rules were first formally adopted by the Grand Caledonian Curling Club in Edinburgh in 1938, and the sport today keeps to its Scottish roots. Still today, official curling stones used by The World Curling Federation are manufactured only in Scotland, from the granite found at Ailsa Craig. “The Spirit of Curling” makes the sport unique. According to the World Curling Federation’s website, The Spirit of Curling “refers to the respect curlers show, not only to one another, but also to the sport itself. It is encapsulated by the saying that a curler would rather lose than win unfairly.” The Oklahoma Curling Club was formed in 2010 to promote curling in Oklahoma. The club can be found at Edmond’s Arctic Edge Ice Arena most Sundays, where they hold classes for beginners and bonspiels—curling tournaments. Even though ice sports aren’t common in Oklahoma, the passion and energy behind curling is palpable. “This is a sport you can do at any age, just like bowling or golf,” says McGhee. “We’ve had high school students and retirees play here in Oklahoma City. We even have the college team at OU as a part of our club“ The club has curling leagues that compete in the fall, winter and spring. “The leagues usually run on Sundays for eight to nine weeks, depending on how many teams sign up.” There are usually two leagues with eight or nine teams each competing each season. The OK Curling Club has about 60 members—and the membership always surges during the Winter Olympics. “I first discovered curling during the Torino Olympics on 2006,” said McGhee. “My college roommate and I thought it sounded fun, so we attended an open house at a club in Dallas. We both liked it, but didn’t want to drive that far to play. Fast forward four years and the OK Curling Club was founded and I jumped at the opportunity to play locally.”

Theicesparkles,lightglitteringoffthepebbledsurfaceastheleadthrowerstepsuptothehack.Ashegathershisbreathandstepstowardthehoglinetodeliverhisstonetowardthehouse,histeammates—thesecond,viceandskip—preparetosweeptheice,assistingthedeliveryofthestoneascloseastheycantothebuttoninthecenterofthehouse,assuringtheleadthemostpointspossiblebeforesteppingoutofthewaytoallowtheopposingteamtheirturnatdelivering. ThisiscurlinginOklahoma. AccordingtoClubCommunicationsDirectorRyanMcGhee,“CurlingisaScottishgamedeeplyrootedinsportsmanshipthatstartswithahandshakeandendswiththewinningteambuyingthe

firstround.”What’snottolikeaboutthat? LongaWinterOlympicsstaple,curlingisplayedontheice,wherefourplayersperteamthrowhandledstones,usuallymadeofScottishgraniteandweighingbetween38and44pounds,towardthehouse—abull’s-eyeonthefloor.Theclosertheplayergetshisorherstonetothebutton(thecenterofthebulls-eye),the

morepointsthatplayergets.Ofcourse,thereisalwaystheriskofyourstonegettingknockedoutofthehousebyastonefromtheotherteam.Thisiswhatmakescurlingagameofskillandstrategy,oftencomparedtochess. Curlingcanbetracedbackasfarasthemid-1500s,whenreferenceswerefoundinpaintingsandnotaryrecordshighlightingagameplayedonfrozenpondswhereastonewasthrowndowntheicethreetimes.Curlingspreadtotherestoftheworldinthe1800sasScottishpeoplesettledtootherpartsoftheworldandbroughttheirfavoritepastimealongwiththem.CurlingwasincludedinthefirstWinterOlympicgamesin1924,whichmarkedthefirstofficial

by Mari Farthing

The Earl of Curl

Curling is a Scottish

game that starts

with a handshake

and ends with the

winning team buying

the first round.


Learning to CurL SeSSion$25 to pay for ice time. Wear warm, loose-fitting clothing

(all special equipment is provided by the club). Next Session

is scheduled for December 6, 4-6pm at the Arctic Edge ice

Arena in Edmond. Visit www.okcurling.com to get started.

CurLing terminoLogy Button: The small circle at the center of the house, where the

most points are.

Delivering/Throwing: Sliding a curling stone down the ice.

Hack: Where players push off from to deliver stones.

Hog line: The line at which the stone must be released.

House: The 12-foot wide circle at the end of the ice where

stones are delivered for points.

Lead: Player who throws first.

pebble: water droplets applied to the ice to give it texture and

provide a more effective sliding surface.

Second: Player who throws second.

Sheet: The ice where a match is played.

Skip: Team captain; player who throws last and makes strategy

decisions.

Sweeping: Using a synthetic broom on the ice to impact

direction and speed of the curling stone.

Tee: The center of the Button, the exact center of the house.

Vice: Player who throws third; player in charge when Skip is

throwing.

It’s not all concentration and hard stares on the ice; yes, there may be yelling and shouting from the skip (team captain) throwing out instructions, but it’s a social game. “My favorite part is the social aspect,” says McGhee, “I’ve met some of my best friends through Oklahoma Curling Club. It’s a friendly sport and everyone is made to feel welcome.” Worried about slipping on the ice? “I have been playing for six years and I still fall on the ice. It’s part of the game and shouldn’t keep someone who is interested from playing,” said McGhee. “Curling has something for everyone,” says McGhee. “It’s fun, it’s great exercise and you can be as competitive as you want.” And it’s an easy sport to get started in. The Oklahoma Curling Club holds learn-to-curl sessions, usually prior to each league. “There, you can come get a hands-on introduction to the sport from USCA-certified instructors.”


.com

821 W. Freeman Ave., Perkins, OK 74059 405-547-5352 • LIKE US ON

OPEN 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK!

OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE IOWA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA.

Cimarron features over 600 slot machines in

addition to live tables like Blackjack and

Ultimate Texas Hold ‘em. Need a break from winning?

Stop in for a bite to eat at the Eagles Nest Café or grab

a drink and watch a game at the 4th Quarter Sports Bar.

So much to do, you don’t want to miss out!

Fun and games are closer than you think!

NEW PLAYERS WELCOME! 18 TO ENTER. 18 TO PLAY.


Primrose School of Edmond15000 N. Western Ave., Edmond, OK 73013

405.285.6787 | PrimroseEdmond.com

Away in a manger,no crib for a bed

Since 2012, we have partnered withHope Chest OKC to provide hundreds ofchildren across Oklahoma County a safeand warm place to sleep.

Learn how you can help out athopechestOKC.org

1650 NW 220th / Edmond, OKwww.coffeecreek.cc


CONTiNUED ON NExT PAGE

When Stephen Mortensen of Providence Working Canines takes one of his working canines into a school or business, he knows he is potentially saving lives. The proof is in the number of illicit drugs, pills, alcohol, and weapons his working canines find before the substances can cause injury or death to people. “The poor choice of one can affect the populace. Providence assists in creating a safer environment in which to work, learn and serve,” Mortensen said. Mortensen has been working with canines since 1987. He and his wife, Julie, formed Providence in an effort to combine their love of dogs and the dog’s amazing olfactory ability—by training them to identify safety concerns in everyday settings. Their handlers and working canines are hired to work in all types of settings, including schools, oil and gas industry, aviation, entertainment and sporting venues, commercial entities, corrections, healthcare and more—anywhere contraband may be present. Mortensen trains the highly skilled working canines of Providence to accurately detect illicit narcotics, alcoholic beverages, commonly abused medications and firearms. Providence also deploys explosive detection canines as well. New designer and synthetic substances are always emerging, so Providence is always adapting. “Concerning the principle of scent discrimination, it can be thought of like this: people have an olfactory lobe in their nose the size of a nickel and can tell the difference between an apple pie and a cherry pie. Dogs, however, have an olfactory lobe running from their occipital stop to the end of their muzzle and can accurately discriminate the type of flour used in both pies,” Mortensen said. “We tap into their inherent drives and teach them to focus on certain imprinted odors. What we call work, they call play. At

Providence, we are succeeding where man alone never could,” Mortensen added. Even though disaster scenes receive high profile publicity, the Mortensen’s have built their core business upon non-invasive “Safety Sweeps” for every environment. Providence will not contract with a client who desires to “lock down” upon the arrival of the working canines. They literally train with lockers slamming and bells ringing, encouraging both students and staff to interact with the Providence pups while on campus. “Our dogs even wear tuxedo ties while working school proms and the girls prefer having their pictures taken with our dogs over that of their ugly ol’ boyfriends!” Mortensen said. Providence owns several German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, however they are utilized for different applications. It is the friendly Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and English Springer Spaniels that arrive at the learning facilities of Providence. Students see these “nice guys” as belonging to the school and welcome them warmly. “To be certain, not every student appreciates our presence. Those

Sniffing by Amy Dee Stephens

forSafety


making poor choices in the learning environment would prefer that the skill set of our working canines were not in their school,” Mortensen said. Poor choices come in a variety of colors. Sadly, alcohol remains the number one killer in the learning environment. Providence

witnesses school districts that lay to rest students involved in DUI related deaths each academic year. “Those cars and trucks move way too fast and those trees and poles never jump out of the way,” Mortensen sadly proclaims. Science has proven that the marijuana of the 1960’s is not the same as today. It is highly potent and addictive. Additionally, the abuse of pills in schools is nearing epidemic proportions. Mortensen shared a disturbing story where his working canine alerted on three separate backpacks in a middle school. Upon inspection, numerous prescription medications were discovered. However, none of the students were prescribed the meds. The leader among the three students shouted,

“I can explain! I only stole the pretty pills from my grandma and shared them with my friends!” Mortensen cited. Mortensen explained the students poured the variety of pills in a popcorn bowl while the student danced to videos in one of the homes. As each student passed the popcorn bowl, they would take a pill and ingest it. Mortensen stated it is called a “pharm party.” “Sadly, one of the pills taken from her grandmother was her Nitroglycerin medication,” Mortensen said. It is one more instance in which Mortensen knows he may have averted a severe situation. He uses such moments to educate students in well-renowned “Safety Assemblies” he conducts in school districts throughout several states. However, Mortensen quickly declares that education begins in the home. He believes school administrators, faculty and coaches inherit what parents “do and not do” in the home. “In any calculation, that’s not fair,” Mortensen added. Following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, where twenty-seven lives were lost, Mortensen was invited by Lt. Governor Todd Lamb to address a newly formed Oklahoma Commission on school security at the state Capitol, simply because Providence successfully discovers so many firearms in schools each academic year. The Lt. Governor later called Mortensen to reveal that his presentation assisted in the drafting and ultimate passing of SB 259 into law, requiring all school districts to report to law enforcement any firearms discovered on school campuses. Quoting Albert Einstein, Mortensen shared, “The world is an increasingly dangerous place. We will not look on and do nothing.”

Visit www.providencek9.com to learn more.

SNiFFiNG FOr SAFETy, CONT’D

STEVE MOrTENSEN WiTh A WOrKiNG CANiNE


OKCOKC Ring in the New Year in style by heading to downtown Oklahoma City for Opening Night, the New Year’s Eve Celebration hosted by the Arts Council Oklahoma City. A tradition since 1987, Opening Night is a family-friendly event that features performing arts, children’s activities, street performers, a festive 5K and one of the largest fireworks shows in the state. This year, however, visitors will notice a few new changes that are designed to improve the experience of Opening Night. “We have five venues across downtown, which include the Downtown Library, the OKC Museum of Art, the Civic Center, City Hall and Bicentennial Park, where the big finale is,” said Christina Foss, Director of Communications, Arts Council Oklahoma City. “The layout is quite different from in the past. Before, we were more east downtown, but we moved the event west to center it around Bicentennial Park. There will be less walking distance in the cold, and everything is next to the park where the big countdown will happen.” New Year’s Eve in downtown Oklahoma City will begin with a festive run, the Finale 5K. In it’s third year, the run winds through downtown and over the Skybridge. “We will have entertainment all along the route,” Foss said. “We will also have original artwork as the awards. The top three finishers in each age group will receive a pottery medal while overall finishers receive an original sculpture. “It starts at 4pm, so you can come enjoy the run and then stay for Opening Night, which begins at 7pm” Foss said. The Children’s Area in the Civic Center Hall of Mirrors is one of the most popular venues at Opening Night. Families can enjoy face

painting, an interactive art project, a giant game area and lively music performances within the safety of the Civic Center. “The face painting is always so popular,” said Foss. “The family-friendly environment is what attracts people to Opening Night. We have the entire city involved in making sure people feel safe and comfortable. In addition to the new locations, Opening Night unveils Finale Alley this year. Some of the city’s best food trucks will line up along the alley of Bicentennial Park to serve food of all sorts until midnight. “Bicentennial Park is where the night ends,” Foss said. “We will

do the countdown to midnight, the fireworks show and raise the ball. The fireworks display is definitely the most popular event of the night.” The event begins at 7pm and wristbands can be purchased for entrance into all venues. If purchased before New Year’s Eve, cost is $8 or $10 the night of. Wristbands are available at 7-Eleven stores, metro Homeland Stores, MidFirst Bank locations, and Science Museum Oklahoma. Performances by Urban Addiction,

Bricktown Clowns, Abby Lauren, OKC Improv, Michael Kin, Edgar Cruz, Tequila Azul and Shortt Dogg will be held at the various venues during Opening Night. Every year, 25,000 to 75,000 attend Opening Night, presented by the Arts Council Oklahoma City. “We hope everyone comes out to celebrate Opening Night,” said Foss. “It truly is one of the best family-friendly events in the state.”

For more information, visit www.artscouncilokc.com/opening-night

by heide Brandes

Photo By Peter Dolese

Opening NightOpening NightMusic, fireworks & a 5k—it all adds up to the perfect New Year’s Eve in OKC


‘Tis the Season


stop fantasizing about this coat until you have one of your very own. If only we could all be as effortless as Audrey. If looking to layer underneath a coat, the balmacaan coat is perfect. Shelby explains the balmacaan coat similar to the wedge shape, with its raglan sleeves and tapered bottom. “This is a roomy coat that is perfect for those super cold days when you not only want to wear a large coat, but two long sleeves and a sweater underneath too,” said Shelby. This coat sounds like the ideal style for those ladies who are always cold. Another favorite this season is the clutch coat. Named clutch for a reason, this coat doesn’t fasten with zippers, buttons or ties; you have to clutch it together to keep it wrapped around you. This coat gives off a Hollywood vibe and is perfect if you have a beautiful sweater underneath that you still want to show off. However, sometimes it’s just a little chilly and you don’t need a heavy winter coat, but something to protect you from the crisp air. Enter the ruana. A ruana classifies as a wrap, shawl, poncho and/or cape. The ruana is versatile and you can wear it under a coat, in lieu of a coat, or keep it on all day with a simple tee. Furs are also big this year, think of it like the star of the red carpet. “It doesn’t matter whether you go with the real or faux, just get some,” said Shelby. ”Whether it’s a fur-trimmed coat, full length fur coat, or just fur trimmed gloves, it’s a must for the holidays.” Fringe came into the scene a couple years ago and isn’t going anywhere. Fringe is similar to fur in the way that the style works on a range of items. From fringe booties, to fringe purses, the options are endless. However, it’s best to limit it to one item at a time so you don’t look like you just stepped out of an old Western movie. So what colors should you go for this holiday season? The fall season brought a lot of darker colors and shades of grey, but this winter stand out more with pops of color in those key items. Or try the fresh, beautiful winter white. Moms with kids still in their sucker years, perhaps try this look at a later date. Sparkly earrings, bejeweled scarves, and sheen skirts. Furs and fringe. Coats on coats on coats. Don’t be afraid to try out new things, play with patterns and bundle up in the finest fur this holiday season.

by Chloe Shelby

Bundle Up In Style With the arrival of winter comes the season of something special, almost magical. It’s a time to let go, feel a little lighter and be a little brighter. In other words, it’s time to sparkle and shine, wear those extravagant pieces and not care about “overdoing it” with a fun holiday look. Make a point to be bold this season, both in your life and style. In Oklahoma, winter will surely come when least expected. One day you will be prancing out in a skirt, while the next you’ll be covered head to toe in wool, and it still won’t be enough. So, whether winter comes full force in December or holds off until February, be ready. One of the most excellent benefits of a new season’s entrance is getting to change up a look and add more pieces to the repertoire. In winter, it’s more

than the same old top and

pant debate each morning, but one

must also consider the gloves, the coat

and the hat. Fashion is never boring and

there are many new trends to play with

this holiday season. Coats are huge this

season. “Specifically, there are three coats

that have caught my eye this year,” said Cindi

Shelby, owner and buyer for R Meyers. “There is

the trench, balmacaan and clutch coat. Outerwear

isn’t just for warmth, it’s an opportunity to make a

statement and add some fun to your wardrobe.” R Meyers,

a high-end boutique located in Nichols Hills Plaza, offers a

wide range of clothing for every body type and every look. They

offer fabulous gift options for the holiday season.

So let’s have a quick lesson in coat terminology to get through the

season and help with any future coat purchases.

There is always the classic, a tried and true trench coat. Its fit is

more slender and definitely not the coat to choose if you’re vacationing

in Canada. It is meant to be snug and there is not much room to bundle up

underneath it. Think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Odds are, you won’t

The coat doesn’t fasten with zippers, buttons or ties. You have to clutch

it together, giving it a Hollywood vibe.


405-341-277017 W. 1st St.

A SHORT TRIP WELL WORTH YOUR TIME

NORMAL - NATURAL GAS ONLY

DOWNTOWN EDMONDwww.swansonsfi replaceandpatio.com


Nancy DobbsINDEPENDENT SUPER

STAR CONSULTANT

elegantcandlegifts.com

Now offeringdiffusers & oils!

341-3107

Nancy DobbsINDEPENDENT SUPER

STAR CONSULTANT

diffusers & oils!

I N D E P E N D E N T CO N S U LTA N T

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” –Hippocrates The foods we eat will do one of two things: improve our health or detract from it. Many of us think of healthy eating as a chore, something we are obliged to do so we don’t develop chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Alyson Fendrick, a Registered Dietitian who lives and works in Oklahoma City, has dedicated her life to showing Oklahomans that healthy eating doesn’t have to be a burden. Fendrick is the corporate dietitian for Homeland, which has dozens of grocery stores throughout Oklahoma. She developed Homeland’s “Get Healthy Challenge,” an annual event that encourages participants to improve their health. The 2015 challenge kicked off in October of this year with a two-day Wellness Camp at Ambassador Hotel in Oklahoma City. Attendees at the wellness camp received advice on meal planning, exercise, and how to incorporate healthy eating as a routine part of their lives. Fendrick accumulates participants’ biometric information over the course of the challenge so they can see the difference that a healthy lifestyle makes in their lives. She’s also on Fox 25 every Thursday morning, where she offers healthy recipes and lifestyle choices for Oklahoma families. Fendrick’s desire to help people improve their health started at an early age. “I was inspired to be a Registered Dietitian after attending the World Food Prize Youth Institute as a junior in high school. After learning about global hunger issues, I knew that I wanted to make a difference and ensure everyone had access to safe, healthy food.” According to Fendrick,

healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up every indulgence. “All foods can fit into a healthy diet and lifestyle. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods to have a balanced diet.” She offers a few guidelines for people wanting to improve their nutritional intake. “I recommend people follow the federal MyPlate guidelines. First, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables. Next, make sure you get a variety of colors on your plate to ensure you are getting a variety of vitamins and minerals. Be sure that fifty percent of your grains are coming from whole grain sources and that you’re getting three servings of low fat or non-fat dairy products every day.” Follow those rules, Fendrick advises, and your

by Austin MarshallAlyson ApprovedLiving by example, Alyson Fendrick hopes to inspire others to lead a healthier lifestyle


diet will definitely progress. Educational outreach is a big part of Fendrick’s work as a dietitian. “Homeland has many community partnerships throughout the year. Our biggest is our Sponsorship for NBA Care’s Thunder Fit Program. The program promotes moving more and eating healthy to middle school and high school aged kids in our community,” Fendrick explains. “We have been a sponsor for the past 8 years; they allow me to provide nutrition education to the students during Thunder Fit programs.” The diets of many Oklahomans are the product of environmental factors; many were raised in households where parents never made healthy choices and passed those unhealthy habits on to their children. As a result, Fendrick spends a lot of time instructing people on how to make healthy choices, even on a budget. “For example, most people don’t know that frozen, canned, and dried fruits and vegetables provide just as much nutrient density as fresh ones,” she explains. Improving food choices doesn’t have to be complicated, she adds. “The simplest thing people can do to improve their diet is to include more fruits and vegetables. When you are filling up on wholesome foods, there’s less room for junk food.” She also cautions against placing too much faith in one diet over another. “Many of the trending diets have focused on eliminating food groups. I do not believe this is a healthful way to eat, as each food group provides quality nutrition for our diets. There is no such thing as ‘one best diet.’ Each individual is unique and has unique nutrition needs. What works for one person, may not be the best for someone else.” When asked what community leaders can do to improve the state’s health, Fendrick focuses on promoting physical activity. “I think the best thing lawmakers can do is to help provide recreation spaces that encourage physical activity and ensuring we have safe and usable sidewalks.” She understands that changing your lifestyle all at once can be intimidating, and that it’s not easy to talk to loved ones about improving their health. “Be encouraging and set a good example. Be the one who brings a healthy option to the party or keep fruits and veggies on hand for snacks. Most people will follow the lead.”

Follow Alyson’s healthy living tips on her facebook page, Alyson Approved.


What is your favorite part about bell-ringing? Watching as parents give a dollar to their little children to put into the kettle and the smile on the kids’ faces

How much money do you think you as an individual raise while bell-ringing? Very difficult to come up with an average on money raised by an individual since there are so many variables involved such as location, weather, time of day etc. At our location in Edmond it may be around $150 an hour. Volunteers are usually more effective than the paid bell-ringers, especially if they bring their children to help ring the bells.

Why is this important to you? it is the major annual fund raiser for the Salvation Army and the Army does incredible good works the whole year long

What do you do when the weather is bad? Unless the weather is dangerously cold we ring rain or shine

Where do you typically bell ring at? I ring for three organizations, The Advisory Board of The Salvation Army, the Downtown Rotary club of OKC and my Sunday school class. Two of those locations are in Edmond and one is in the Belle Isle shopping center.

Do you notice anything about the people who donate? you can never tell who will put money in the kettle and you cannot judge a book by its cover. Sometimes the folks with the nicest clothes and fancy cars give nothing while people who look like they can barely spare the change are generous givers. This is not a generality however as those roles can also be reversed.

Approximately how many bell ringers are there in Oklahoma? The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma will have 100 kettles in its three-county area during the Christmas season.

How much money is raised in the Central Oklahoma region each year through this program? Last year $544,000 was raised through our red kettle program. The Salvation Army never has a guaranteed amount of money that will be raised from year to year. We pray and trust in God that the community will support us during this fundraising period.

Where does the money raised go to? Not only does the Red Kettle campaign help fund the Angel Tree program, it also helps The Salvation Army fund its programs and services year round. Programs like The Salvation Army’s Client Choice Food Pantry, Emergency Shelter, Boys and Girls Club, and Disaster Services. Each and every penny given at the red kettle helps us meet the needs of families in Central Oklahoma. About 82 cents of every dollar goes to our programs and services.

How many volunteer bell ringers are there? in 2014, we had 260 groups volunteer at the red kettle. We don’t register every individual so these groups could represent up to 1,000 individuals who gave of their time to ring the bell.

Anything else you would like our readers to know? The Salvation Army would like to thank the community for their support through our 115 years here. We are so grateful and feel it is our privilege to serve families in need in Central Oklahoma.

Tom phillips, Salvation Army Bell RingerMY outlook by Bethany Marshall

80 East 5th St., Ste. 130Edmond, OK 73034

outlook december 2015

Documents