Outlook October 2015

Heart Hospital

As women, we feel responsible for the well-being of our families, but keeping our kids healthy starts with our health. Many of

us count calories, get regular exercise and never miss our yearly wellness exams, but you might have overlooked the largest threat to

your health – heart disease.

We tend to think of heart disease as a man’s disease, but the fact is it kills more women each year than anything else.

And for women, the symptoms are different: in addition to chest pain, shortness of breath and upper body pain, unshakable

fatigue and sleeplessness can also be signs of a heart attack.

When you’re a patient of INTEGRIS, you have access to cardiologists from INTEGRIS Heart Hospital, and you can make

an appointment now to see a cardiologist at any of our metro facilities.

To schedule an appointment at the location most convenient for you, call 405.951.2277.

Visit integrisheart.com to learn more. 405-951-2277

AND OUR #1 MISSION IS FIGHTING WOMEN’S #1 CAUSE OF DEATH

UNI_15-IN-170_Womens_Heart_Health_MiscPubs.indd 1 9/9/15 10:35 AM

4 Outlook October 2015

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Join us for a unique opportunity to expand your Human Resourceexpertise and develop a better understanding of the legal and ethicalrequirements of having employees.

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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 PRINT PROJECT MANAGER 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 10 Edmond & North OKC Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. © 2015 Back40 Design, Inc.

FEATURES 18 Grief to Grace Local author and nonprofit provide emotional support to women after breast cancer

23 A 30-Year Affair A gathering spot for crafters and shoppers, An Affair of the the Heart has become an Oklahoma institution

26 Mystery & History Downtown Edmond ghost tours reveal eccentric and iconic links to the past

32 Bow Tie Guy Local designer finds acclaim with the latest men’s fashion neckwear

8 Facts & Figures

10 Louise A Ring and a Ride

13 Food Much Ado About Pumpkin

16 Business Covell Park Head Over Heels

28 Autumn Attractions

34 My Outlook Eric Lyons, Owner of Backyard Bounty Bakery

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

Front cover photographyby Marshall Hawkins

30 Ingenuity Goes Viral After a social media post, a shop class is gaining recognition for its projects

OUTLOOK

An end and a beginningWe all stood inside the very empty garage, which was attached to a very empty house. We did our best to have meaningful conversations, but the time for those

conversations had passed. We were now waiting for a moment we knew would come. I didn’t have much to say as I stared at the back of a well-packed U-haul truck.

Then the moment was here. Awkward turned into action. The big overhead door of the truck was latched and locked. Time for kisses, tears, hugs and goodbyes. And the big truck idled off down the street and out of sight. Sandy and I said goodbye to our little Aubrey that day.

Aubrey is our granddaughter and that day she moved off to Colorado with her mom, dad and little brother. Aubrey is very special to my wife and me. We helped raise her from infancy until a few years ago. This year she would have attended Central Middle School.

It’s quiet here on our first week without Aubrey. She didn’t get off the school bus. Have a snack. Play outside in the neighborhood. Or do her chores (actually she didn’t have any—hey, we’re grandparents). As Sandy and I peek in her room we feel a whole different type of goodbye.

As sad as we are sometimes, Sandy and I have to remember, this is a new beginning for Aubrey and her family. An adventure at a new school, new jobs for mom and dad, a new neighborhood and new friends. Most importantly—this is what Sandy and I always wanted for Aubrey—for her to have her own loving family. She’s gonna be just fine.

We already booked a flight to Colorado for fall break.

Dave Miller, Publisher/Back40 President

October 2015


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

Candy corn was originally called butter cream candies or “chicken feed” and had no association with Halloween or fall until after WWII

AroundTownSmall business owners, expand your expertise at the Human Resource Symposium, Thurs., Oct. 22! Held from 9am-3pm at the Francis Tuttle Business Innovation Center at I-35 & Covell, the informative workshop is $49 and includes continental breakfast and lunch. For details, visit launchpadft.org/events or call (405) 717-7777.

Join the Computer Club of OKC and SeniorNet for their Open House on Sat., Oct. 17 from 1-4pm! Located at 3000 United Founders Blvd., Suite 201 in OKC, the event will feature helpful presentations, great door prizes, tours and refreshments. For more information, call (405) 843-4300 or visit ccokc.org.

Don’t miss the new Pops Arcadia Corn Maze each Thurs.-Sat. in October! Located just east of Edmond on Hwy. 66 next to Pops Restaurant, the attraction features a Pops bottle-shaped corn maze with trivia and interactive challenges, bounce houses, fishing, face-painting, pumpkin patch, paintball shoot, hay fort, Pops food truck and more! Call (405) 233-2000 for details.

SPOOKY SwEETS

Chocolate candy bars are

consistently rated as the

#1 treat to get, with the

Snickers candy bar being most

preferred

Halloween candy sales average around $2 billion per year in the United States

Approximately 72% of people will hand out

candy

In 1985, candy makers supposedly lobbied to extend daylight savings time into the beginning of November to get an extra hour of daylight so children could collect more candy

STaTISTICS PROvIDED By REaL SIMPLE, NPR, BUSINESS INSIDER, NaTIONaL CONFECTIONERS aSSOCIaTION aND THE NaTIONaL RETaIL FEDERaTION



Maybe it’s just me but I seldom see a Greyhound bus on the road these days. At least, not the way I used to see them. Once upon a time it was the preferred mode of transportation. I remember riding a bus to see my older sister in Tulsa when I was in junior high school. My parents would see me off at the small Henryetta depot and Jerlene would meet me at the mega bus station in Tulsa. But my first long trip happened during my college summer of 1964 when I traveled to San Marcos, Texas on a Greyhound bus to work at my uncle’s restaurant. My mother snapped a picture before I boarded, trying not to act worried about her girl. It ended up being a fun summer, meeting lots of young people since San Marcos was a college town. The bus trip itself was an adventure, stopping at all the small towns along the way, sometimes just letting people on or off and other times for rest stops. It was at one of these depots that I encountered my first “pay toilet.” Who knew one would have to pay a dime to enter that private door? Then came the summer of 1965 when I again waited at the Henryetta bus depot. This time, my parents weren’t there to see me off. Instead, I waited with a dark-haired, blue-eyed young man who not only turned my heart upside down, but also begged me to stay in Oklahoma rather than spend my summer in Texas. I definitely would have preferred staying with him but my job paid for part of my college tuition so there we sat, waiting for the big diesel bus that would take me away. While we waited, Carl walked over and put a nickel in one of those gadget and gumball machines, just to have something to do. He came back and sat down beside me before opening the small container. Out dropped a silver, plastic ring with a pink set on top. We both smiled since we had talked

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.

about an engagement but decided to wait on a ring. We had pledged our love to each other, meaning neither of us would date while apart since we planned to be married, but an engagement ring would have to wait. Suddenly, Carl grabbed my hand and slipped that toy ring onto my finger and said, “This will be your engagement ring until we can get the real thing.” We both laughed at his actions. That ring wasn’t

meant to stay on my finger forever. It was simply a fun declaration of his love. Then before we knew it, we heard the air brakes of that long Greyhound bus that would whisk me away from my handsome heartthrob. The goodbye kiss was heartbreaking. The summer seemed endless, even with a couple of quick trips back home. Then finally, another bus brought me home for good. Two months later, Carl placed a real engagement ring on my finger before a bus took him away to Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Every time I encounter that familiar diesel smell, I remember my bus trips to San Marcos, Texas.

And every time I open my treasured little jewelry box from long ago and see a silver, plastic ring with a pink set on top, I remember a dark-haired, blue-eyed young man who loved me with all of his heart that special summer as well as the following 45 years of summers. Carl, how I miss you on this 50th anniversary of our engagement!

by Louise Tucker Jones

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A Ring & a Ride




While we’ve been busy each fall, carving our Jack-o-lanterns and cooking our pies, pumpkin quietly gained new status as a superfood. No longer a mere lawn ornament or latte flavor, its seasonal abundance on grocery store aisles and menus grows more prevalent each year, now gracing everything from almonds to Eggos and kettle corn to cream cheese. But beneath the frenzy and fluff, the great pumpkin is also being heralded as a healthy new head-turner. We should have known something was afoot when major coffee and donut shops announced they’d be using real pumpkin in drinks and goodies this year. Yet, this nutrient-dense earthen treasure packs much more than just a feel-good punch of seasonal flavor (though I’d have to argue that a pumpkin-spiced latte can have almost medicinal effects on a chilly fall morning). Chock-full of vitamins and minerals, yet low in calories and carbs, pumpkin boasts some impressive health perks. Its rich vitamin A and beta-carotene content benefits eye health and vision. As a source of fiber, it can aid in weight loss since fiber helps you feel full

FOOD

longer, on less calories. In addition, the fiber, potassium and vitamin C in pumpkin help support heart health. Even the seeds of this super-fruit are nutritional little powerhouses, containing magnesium for heart health, zinc for immune support, tryptophan for restful sleep and healthy fats, antioxidants and fiber which can benefit the heart and liver. No wonder nutritional experts recommend pumpkin as part of a regimen for cholesterol control and weight reduction. Before you steal the kids’ Jack-o-lantern and head to the kitchen to whip up

Much Ado About

by Laura BeamPumpkin

CONTINUED ON NExT PagE


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].

seasonal new life to soup, salsa, ravioli, risotto, pancakes, custard, pesto, fudge, yogurt, ice cream, lasagna, brownies, bagels, bread pudding and even pumpkin wedges with dipping sauce. Liquids are feeling the love, too, with smoothies, sparkling cider, seltzer, creamer, coconut milk, coffee and beer touting fall’s signature flavor. For a quick snack or special topping for soups, salads, oatmeal and more, roasted pumpkin seeds are a healthy add-on. Just toss them with olive oil or butter and spices and bake about 45 minutes at 300 degrees until crisp and golden. Spices such as cinnamon and sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, grated parmesan, dried oregano and chile powder are but a few ways to customize the kick of this nutritious seed. The pumpkin craze has even found its way into skincare products and spa treatments. Given that pumpkin is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids, has anti-inflammatory properties and contains natural UV protectors, why not extend its advantages to topical applications? In addition, pumpkin seed oil helps skin retain moisture and fight free radicals. Still, I’m not sure I want my face smelling like my kitchen. And after years of information, I still don’t totally get what free radicals are. Apparently, there’s not much the great pumpkin can’t do. What’s next? Pumpkin cleaning supplies, automotive products? Hmm. Food for thought. Soon the whole world will smell like a holiday candle. Things could be worse.

some tasty concoctions, consider the difference in pie pumpkins and carving pumpkins. Pie pumpkins, also known as sugar pumpkins, are the smaller variety found in produce sections at grocery stores and farmers markets. They are packed with flesh which is good for cooking, and the pulp has a less grainy texture and sweeter taste than the larger, carving pumpkins. Like food purveyors and chefs, home cooks are discovering endless ways to infuse pumpkin into an array of dishes. If you can name it, you can probably make it pumpkin flavor. Along with the traditional pies, cakes, muffins and breads, pumpkin has given

PUMPKIN, CONT.


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East meets west at Covell Park in Edmond, where Asian influences are fused with American dishes to create a menu without rival in the north metro area. Located in the rapidly expanding Covell corridor, Covell Park provides diners with unique options for any taste. “Being a restaurateur has always been something I’ve wanted to do. We are first generation Vietnamese-Americans, so our culture is deeply instilled in us. It was only natural to combine the two cultures within the dishes,” explains Truong Le, who operates the restaurant with Nam Nguyen and Jocelyn Tran. Imagine the flavors: mussels, paired with Chinese aged sausage in a lemongrass butter sauce; a pan-seared filet served with Chinese broccoli; the popular Covell Roll, which combines shrimp tempura, lobster, scallops and crawfish with an in-house spicy mayo. These

items are just a few examples of this synthesis found throughout the menu The presentation alone is worth the visit, thanks to the creativity of Executive Chef Daniel Pham. “He is full of energy,” Le remarks. “He pushes himself daily and cooks with love.” Combining the culinary influences of his native Vietnam with contemporary American fare gives Le tremendous satisfaction. “The food incorporates the history behind how our family arrived here from halfway around the world,” Le explains. He was first introduced to the Covell area by Hank and Susan Binkowski, who own the popular Uptown Grocery Co., which is a step away from the restaurant. “We felt Edmond needed something not so ‘cookie cutter’ and knew the area was going to embrace and appreciate what we were offering.” Covell Park’s sister restaurant—Uptown

TRUONg LE aND NaM NgUyEN, OWNERS aT COvELL PaRK

Covell Parkby austin Marshall

BUSINESS

23rd’s Guernsey Park—is similar to the Covell location’s Asian fusion concept, although the menus are very different. “About 85% of the menu at Covell Park is different from Guernsey Park and soon it will be even more different. We want each one of our chefs to really express themselves through the menu.” The menu also changes with the seasons. “As we continue to grow, we want to use the freshest ingredients, and we can only really do that by using produce that is in season,” Le notes. “No one wants to eat the same thing over and over. We want our guests to have the option of indulging in one of our staple items or to try something new. It is truly satisfying to know that our clients trust us to continue to create great dishes.”

Covell Park is located at Covell and Kelley Ave. in north Edmond. Find out more at covellpark.com.


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Most women enjoy going shoe shopping. However, when you’ve got hard-to-fit feet, shoe shopping isn’t always a fun indulgence, but a major frustration. Head Over Heels shoe boutique in downtown Edmond is giving those women a reason to celebrate by offering high-fashion styles for all types of feet. That means specializing in sizes as small as 4 and up to size 12, footwear that offers more or less arch support and shoes that fit a narrow or wide foot. “About 80 percent of women wear the wrong size shoe,” said Sue Krominga, who’s been catering to those hard-to-fit feet since the boutique opened in 2011. “If they have narrow feet, they wear a shoe that’s too short. If they have wide feet, they wear one too long to get room for their toes. You do what you have to do to get the shoe.”

First-time Head Over Heels shoppers get their feet properly measured to determine the proper length, then the width. Finding the proper fit is crucial, Krominga said; it prevents those unpleasant and painful foot-related maladies like bunions, hammertoes and neuromas, or pinched nerves, that come from wearing the wrong size for too long. “It’s fun to have those customers come in who have a really hard time finding shoes,” she said. “They’re almost determined they’re not going to find something because they have so much trouble. Then we narrow down their size and bring them out 20 pairs of shoes, where other stores might bring them out one or two.” “It’s like Christmas. They get very excited because they have choices. But they get distressed, too, because they have to make a choice.”

Head Over Heelsby Morgan Day

The small, intimate-feeling shop carries Brighton handbags and shoes in several styles from Clarks, Naturalizer, Mark Lemp Footwear, VanEli, Trotter and Munro American. Krominga runs the shop with her daughter Kelsey, a recent business graduate from the University of Central Oklahoma. When it comes to this mother-daughter duo, they’re the perfect pair to run the show. “We have a great relationship,” Krominga said. “We share the responsibilities and it’s a great pleasure for me to be able to work with my daughter. I love that.”

Learn more about Head Over Heels by visiting headoverheelsok.com. Visit their new downtown

location at 104 S. Broadway, Edmond.


Thanks to the iconic pink ribbon, breast cancer awareness and early detection are at an all-time high. Now, Sarah McLean, a cancer survivor, is ushering in the next stage of care for affected

women by providing services for dealing with the emotional aftermath. “During cancer treatment, you go into survival mode to deal with the physical effects. The emotional effects are often put on the back burner,” McLean said. “But the next critical step of the journey begins after the treatment—the recovery and restoration.” McLean, a two-time cancer survivor, remembers what it’s like to think, “I can handle this,” only to find herself, and her marriage, falling to pieces. The 38-year-old knows how it feels to worry that she won’t be there for her children. She felt weak and discouraged. She’s questioned her attractiveness after having a double mastectomy. Her heart was broken. Her faith was rattled. “I tried to coach myself through the emotional roller coaster, but the more I tried, the deeper I went into depression,” McLean said. Now that she’s on the other side of the disease, McLean is determined to help other women navigate the nightmare more successfully. In 2011, she created Project 31, a non-profit that provides financial aid for professional counseling and support groups for women battling breast cancer and their families. “The name of Project 31 was derived from the biblical passage in Proverbs 31 about ‘beauty is fleeting.’” McLean said. “That verse struck me because this disease strives to steal our beauty as women—but that is false, our beauty hasn’t been stolen.” To provide hope to others, McLean wrote a newly-released book about her cancer journey. Pink is the New Black: Healing the Hidden Scars of Breast Cancer—A Journey from Grief to Grace tells about her shock at being diagnosed in her twenties and addresses the real-life issues women face as they lose their hair, their intimate body parts and their identity. “I remember how it felt to have so much sympathy and attention placed on me. I felt like I had to be strong. I didn’t want to go to counseling,” McLean said. “That sounded so stereotypical. It was a step of courage for me to finally seek help.” Eventually, McLean met with a psychologist, a cancer survivor herself, who taught McLean to embrace the sadness. “She showed me how to work through the anger, bitterness, sadness and fear that a survivor needs to go through in order to truly grieve,” McLean said. Not only did McLean feel strengthened, but the counselor also met with her husband, Steve, to help him understand the emotional struggles women encounter as they undergo treatment. According to McLean, many men are unable to cope with the changes, so they turn to drugs or alcohol, they cheat or disengage, leaving their wives to deal with it alone. Fortunately, through counseling, McLean and her husband avoided becoming a divorce statistic. McLean is grateful for her husband’s steadfastness. He is her greatest ally

by amy Dee Stephens

Sarah & Steve McLean with their children

Colin and Tatum

Providing emotional support to womenwhile recovering from breast cancer

GriefGraceto


in developing Project 31 services for other couples in need. One of their most successful offerings is a new type of breast cancer support group that, “provides encouragement and education—not just a place to wallow in misery.” McLean knew from her own experience that patients feel safer in small, intimate groups. She objected to the typical hospital

formula of grouping all cancers together because, “People don’t feel vulnerable to share their intimate feelings when a man with prostate cancer and a woman with breast cancer are in the same room.” The support groups are led by peers who have experienced the breast cancer journey themselves and can relate to the new attendees. As the groups have specific requests best addressed by experts, such as an oncologist or therapist, professionals are invited as guest speakers. McLean asks that as patients become healthy, they “give back” by leading a support group themselves or by mentoring in other ways.

McLean’s husband took the lead in developing a group that offers advice and coping skills to the men who are caregivers of breast cancer patients—a service which is often overlooked. The Project 31 model for support groups has worked so well, that after four successful years of meeting at Integris Cancer Institute of Oklahoma, Integris is expanding the support groups into Canadian Valley Hospital and Lakeside Women’s Hospital. Individuals can also request private counseling. Project 31 provides financial assistance for families who are already strapped by medical bills. For fundraising purposes, Project 31 is hosting a Paint the Town Pink Gala on October 23rd. McLean’s goal is to defy the typical fundraiser formula in which attendees have dinner, watch an emotionally moving video and write a check. Instead, she wants to celebrate life by hosting an event that helps women feel beautiful again and spurs them toward emotional healing. McLean acknowledges that not everyone on the breast cancer journey is ready to commit to counseling, a support group or a fundraiser, but Project 31 invites all patients to take their first step toward emotional healing. Upon request, a free Handbag of Hope is provided. Each bag is filled with items that breast cancer survivors have found helpful, including a book written for male caregivers, who are often reluctant to seek formal help. “I know a lot of people become paralyzed by determining why they got cancer or why unexplained things happened in their life. During my journey, I realized how much hope I really needed in order to recover,” McLean said. “Project 31 exists to help heal the damage that will never show up on any scan or in the results of any biopsy.”

For more information about Project 31 visit www.project31.us.

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It’s an annual rite of passage for crafters, shoppers and antique lovers. On a special weekend in October and again in February, you can walk into any building at State Fair Park and be greeted with the smell of cinnamon nuts, the sound of cheerful chatter and the sight of thousands of people shopping for unique and creative items. It’s An Affair of the Heart and it is an Oklahoma institution. Founded 30 years ago, the semi-annual craft show boasts items that people can’t find at the average big box store. Beyond the amazing shopping opportunity, the event serves as a foundation for fellowship. It’s common to see gaggles of women, ranging in age from three to 90, all shopping, visiting and laughing together. Couples gather to witness the demonstrations of gadgets for the garage or kitchen. Families find common ground picking out a painted planter for the garden or watching a youngster find their favorite toy. At the Oklahoma City event you’ll see groups of people dressed in matching outfits and accessories, some of the apparel handmade—and always eye-catching. “People will have matching sweatshirts or funny hair barrettes—you can see them bouncing as they walk down the aisle,” said Stephen Harris, An Affair of the Heart’s sales manager. “It’s kind of how they keep track of each other at the show. It’s something we never even suggested people do, but it’s kind of become a thing.”

Eight Women, One Mission An Affair of the Heart has come a long way in its 30 years. It took root in Oklahoma in 1985 when eight like-minded women with ties to three different craft shops pooled $800 to start the show. Those founders are Lois Rogers, Eleanor Blakeman, the late Gayle Dyer, Anita Hinkle, Susie Crews, Connie Harris (Stephen Harris’ mother), the late Bessie Mae Smalley and Linda Jeary. The women started the show simply because they loved crafting and wanted to share their passion. Throughout its entire history, the show has followed the founders’ mission, the Bible verse Proverbs 3:5,

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart.’ That passion and joy of crafting has certainly spread about the Oklahoma City event. In fact, the show was named the 15th best craft show (out of 200) in Sunshine Artist Magazine. The show quickly expanded beyond Oklahoma City and An Affair of the Heart sprouted in Tulsa in 1995 and just this year, Conway, Arkansas held its first event. This year, the fall event will be taking place the second to last weekend in October, the 23rd through 25th.

Vendor Variety From hand-painted signs to antique furniture, vendors from Oklahoma and surrounding states gather to greet the thousands of people waiting to shop at An Affair of the Heart. The variety and novelty of the items vendors bring keep shoppers coming back for more, eager to discover the next creative trend. Harris said it’s not only the shoppers who return year after year, but the vendors seem to be just as loyal. The show has seen some vendors every year since the very beginning. Lana and Curtis Dougherty of CR T-shirts are a couple of those longtime vendors who never miss a show. They’ve been a part of An Affair of the Heart for 20 years mainly selling apparel representing the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the state of Oklahoma.

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“It brings the crowd,” Lana Dougherty said about why she stays involved after all these years. “That’s what makes it such an overwhelmingly nice show. And if you want to come back it’s because they advertise it so well. They bring the people in so you have the capability to sell.” Dougherty means it when she boasts of the number of shoppers. About 70,000 people show up each year to the October event to find food and crafts, often checking off several gifts from their holiday shopping lists. In addition to college apparel, you’ll find antiques, jewelry,

pottery, collectibles, gourmet food and accessories at the show. No one knows better than office manager Shirley Ling about the variety of vendors at the event. It’s her job to manage the nearly 1,000 vendors each year. Being so close to the action, she is able to see the

trends change with each passing season. According to Ling, popular and unique items the past few years have been decorated lazy susans, interesting ceiling tiles and artistic letters that spell out a family name. She’s always on the lookout for what’s new and interesting to bring into the event. “When I see someone with unique stuff, I get them in the show!” Ling said. Ling has also had the pleasure of working with the founders of An Affair of the Heart for the past 19 years. Their faith and strength is what makes her most proud to be involved with An Affair of the Heart. “They always say the show was inspired by God and their faith has kept it going,” Harris said. “Our tagline that we put on everything is ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart,’ Proverbs 3:5. That’s the basis of the show. They trusted in the Lord with all their hearts to make it work, and it did.”Learn more about An Affair of the Heart at anaffairoftheheart.com.


The crew at Fossil Stone Granite & Flooring enjoys making what other home improvement companies think of as the impossible, possible.The Fossil Stone “dream team” has all the skills they need to complete a home improvement project from start to finish. “We can handle every aspect of a project,” said owner Cary Small, an Edmond native. “If

the cabinets need altered or fixed, if you need plumbing hooked up, a backsplash—everything. We’re like a one-stop shop.” Fossil Stone eliminates the need to deal with multiple contractors, saving the homeowner the headache of juggling bills and timelines. While running his countertop business, Small realized homeowners found that dealing with a handful of contractors for one project was a nightmare. Seeing a need for better service, Small started growing his team and business to cover more of the homeowners’ needs. Not only do the home or business owners eliminate dealing with multiple tradesmen, they see a higher quality of work because the project is overseen solely by one company. Consolidating the construction and installation process ensures a more cohesive plan and fluid project completion. Small also attributes that high quality of work to his skilled team of eight full-time workers.

They have about 60 years of combined experience in granite, tile, cabinets and paint and special finishes. The company has seen such success in the past few years, it’s now moved into a new, larger facility in Edmond. The building will house a tile design center and more product displays, all with a professional atmosphere and on-site consultations. An official grand opening for the showroom will be happening soon. Small said customers are wowed by his crew’s attention to detail and desire to leave them with the best quality product. Plus, while other companies might slack on customer service after the sale is made, Fossil Stone shines. “Our service after the sale isn’t the standard one-year warranty,” Small said. “If you call three or four years after the sale with an issue with the workmanship, we’ll fix it. We really stand by our stuff long term.”

Fossil Stone Granite & Flooring | 1341 Fretz Dr. in Edmond | Call for Free Estimates: 203-1600

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In a certain building in downtown Edmond, the beauty of the architecture may draw admiring gazes from citizens, but the mysteries that lay behind its doors can send shivers up the spine. A scent of old perfume and a woman’s soft singing voice have been said to haunt occupants of this particular downtown

building. They say a woman haunts its hallways, and a strong smell of “Evening in Paris” perfume inexplicably fills the air. Customers have even remarked on the scent, but the lovely voice singing has also rattled occupants. During one of the louder singing episodes, three customers heard the singing and commented on how beautiful the voice was. The shop owner told them it was another business occupant, even though she knew they were alone in the building. No use in scaring them half to death. In this same building, footsteps, rustling fabric and moving merchandise occur frequently and have just become one of the many mysterious things occupants have become used to. But this Edmond ghost story gets scarier. One night, while working late in the building, several of the owners were in a meeting when an eerie feeling flooded over all of them. Something menacing and frightening was coming down the hall, and the people in attendance were overcome with horror. Unsure of how to respond, they stayed put for a couple minutes until, all of a sudden, the loudest bang they ever heard resonated through the building. To this day, no one knows what was down the hall or where the bang came from. No other humans or cars were out on the streets, and although the occurrence never happened again, the group also never met at night again. Is Edmond really haunted? According to historical evidence and eyewitness reports, yes! Find out for yourself during special historical tours held this month in downtown Edmond by the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust. The Edmond Historic Ghost Tours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 9, 10, 23 and 24. The Edmond Historic Preservation Trust will host the ghost tours in the downtown area where the city’s founding fathers lived and worked. Tour guides dressed in wardrobes reminiscent of the late 1800s and early 1900s will be on the tour to play the parts of the deceased historical figures and bring them back to life.

by Heide Brandes

Mystery & HistoryDiscover the history behind the hauntings in Downtown Edmond

Tour guides with the Edmond Historic Trust ghost Tours

Downtown Edmond, circa 1890Courtesy of the Edmond Historical Society Photographic Collection

If you’re lucky, or unlucky if the case may be, you might even run into the ghost of Carrie Nation, an ax-wielding prohibitionist who attacked saloons in order to stop the sale of liquor. Or you may hear the haunting sounds of old movies playing in the former Gem Theater. “This is our third year to do this,” said Stephanie Carel, publicist for the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust. “We have a few stories based on historical figures who founded Edmond. It’s a history tour with ghost stories mixed in.” The tours are popular, Carel said, not just in Edmond, but across the state. Oklahoma boasts 50 ghost tours, and Carel said mixing the spooky with the historical is a great way for citizens to learn about their towns. “We have people on the tours who have lived in Edmond all their lives yet never knew about the history,” she said. “Ghost tours are a very popular way to learn about the history of where you live.” In the past, the society hosted the ghost tours at Gracelawn Cemetery, but because many of the historical figures are not buried there, much of Edmond’s history was left out. “By moving it downtown, we have the ambiance and the lighting and we can tell many more stories.” The Edmond Ghost Tours run approximately an hour, and they are not too scary for children. Carel does suggest tour participants wear comfortable walking shoes. “There’s so much history here,” she said. Carel shares a favorite moment in history “Right after the first Oklahoma Land Run in 1889, there were two men who almost had a gun fight. One man was married, and the other fancied his wife. The wife kind of led him on, and they were going to have a gunfight in the streets. “Turned out they both decided she wasn’t worth it, so they moved away and left her here on her own.” Now what happened to that woman after she was abandoned? Take the tour and find out this and more. The Edmond Historic Ghost Tours will be from 6 to 8pm on Oct. 9,

10, 23 and 24. Call 715-1889 for more information.


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Autumn Activities



their work and realize they did it with their own two hands,” says Dunn. Historically, money has been raised by the class through selling their completed projects. Recently, a GoFundMe account was

started by Dunn. “I started the GoFundMe account in an attempt to buy additional equipment,” Dunn explains. “We received support from a few companies donating materials and time.” The project brought in about $280 of their $100,000 goal. “I am still not sure how Mike Rowe got the information,” Dunn continued. “It certainly helped. Around $36,000 was raised in a couple days following Mike Rowe’s post.” Rowe reposted the GoFundMe link to his more than two million worldwide followers with his own personal rant. “… we don’t reward real initiative and real work ethic where it matters most—in kids who

are trying to figure out how to be of use in modern society.” Rowe, who says he never reposts links to fundraising accounts, did just that for Dunn’s fundraiser. The GoFundMe fundraiser currently has about a third of donations required to meet Dunn’s goal. “We are going to purchase equipment so

“I like this guy.” A simple sentence, but when Mike Rowe (of Dirty Jobs fame) says it on Facebook, people take notice. In the case of Mark Dunn, that notice took the form of GoFundMe donations. We are trying to raise money for our Design and Fabrication Class that was started this year to buy equipment and tools. We are a small school district in rural Luther Oklahoma. The program was started this year with two Mig welders, a small plasma cutter, basic tools, and a handful of computers. (From Dunn’s GoFundMe page) Dunn, the foreman of Luther High’s Design and Fabrication class, works with his 7th–12th grade students on group projects. Through these projects, the kids learn skills and earn a sense of accomplishment. Their latest project was a big one. “The students wanted to build a smoker with a theme,” Dunn says. “We build everything from the ground up as a group.” The end result, a fully-functional train-themed smoker, was just the latest in a long line of impressive projects turned out by the students. “I love the look on the kids’ faces when they step back, look at

by Mari Farthing

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Ingenuity Goes ViralA social media post aims to reward initiative where it matters most

I love the look on

the kids’ faces when

they step back,

look at their work

and realize they did

it with their own

two hands.


that we can help additional kids,” says Dunn. With 122 kids in Dunn’s classes, this is a priority, and the money already raised is making a difference in the class. “My students will have a wider range of projects now and they will not be spending most of their time waiting in line to use a piece of equipment.” On his fundraiser page, Mark explains the passion behind the project and the request for funding. “Programs like this one have proven to keep kids in school. Several of these kids worked several

hours into the night on these projects. Our ultimate goal is to give these kids an opportunity to learn the skills to obtain a decent paying job. Our college bound kids will also benefit by being able to work their way through college earning enough to not have an enormous student loan debt.” In regards to the smoker, JT Holt with Land Loan Specialists purchased it and is donating it to Anna’s House Foundation in Luther. A check for $6,500 was presented to the students, who can continue to use the smoker for promotion for up to a year. Anna’s House Foundation supports foster families through support, training, resources and housing in Luther. When the excitement of a national

spotlight wears off, Dunn’s students will still be working hard, needing materials to build toward their future successes. “I am still not sure how we are going to get the word out on future projects,” continues Dunn. “I assume once the buzz of Mike Rowe sharing our train wears off we will be back to square one, but who knows.” No matter what the future brings, it’s clear that great things are still going to happen in this shop class.

The fundraiser can be found at www.gofundme.com/umbhes.

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STATEMENTMake a timeless

Mark Dunn and his Design & Fabrication Class with the meat smoker they designed and built


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It was love at first sight for Taylor Hanna. On a sunny summer day in 2010, he was headed to a friend’s wedding, but couldn’t choose an outfit to wear for the occasion. After reaching for his necktie to accessorize his ensemble, Taylor’s father made a small suggestion that would end up changing Taylor’s life. “My dad actually wore bow ties religiously,” Taylor said. “He never wore a necktie. He convinced me to try one on and as soon as I had it tied around my neck I instantly fell in love.” After a little convincing, Taylor was bowing down to the bow tie and five years later, he’s encouraging men to do the same. After his first experience in 2010, Taylor started searching for fun and creative ways to accessorize everyday looks with a bow tie. There was just one problem: his imagination exceeded the items actually offered in stores. We’ve all be there. You picture the perfect outfit: the color, style, accessories and fabric. You can never seem to actually bring your creation to life. Most people might end up settling and going for the next best thing. Taylor isn’t like most people. He took his ideas directly to the drawing board and started to design his own bow ties. “One day my wife said ‘I don’t think you’re finding items that you

by Lance Evans

like because no one makes them.’” Taylor’s wife then suggested that he make his own bow ties and with a little needle and thread, he started to sew his dream designs together. Then Taylor met his next problem: he couldn’t actually sew. Those early days were challenging for Taylor. “I used a needle once in Boy Scouts,” he said. “Other than that, I had never touched a needle before 2010. I literally just went to my closet, took out some OKC Thunder t-shirts and cut out squares.”

Bow Tie Guy


He started by teaching himself how to sew a straight line. “I moved on to making t-shirts, pocket racks, and then finally build up the courage to attempt my first bow tie,” he said. In January 2012, Taylor was ready to open his shop, The Clad Stache, and sell the items he spent years dreaming up. Taylor didn’t grow up with a passion for fashion. In fact, as child he was mainly interested in sports. His idea of dressing up was a good pair of denim jeans and a basic white t-shirt. That’s what’s truly remarkable about Taylor’s success story—he was able to turn his newfound hobby into a profitable business. It’s not hard to see why Taylor’s Clad Stache is successful. The online store features bow ties of various sizes, designs and fabrics. Taylor has done for men what the shoe has done for women. A basic outfit can be transformed with just a touch of magic. Taylor’s bow ties are one-of-a-kind pieces that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. “These items are handmade,” Taylor said. “The fabrics are different. We use fabrics that other companies won’t even touch.” What truly sets his designs apart are the individuals who wear them. They are designed to fit the ever-changing lifestyles of his customers. “We don’t just try to hit one market,” he said. “We try to hit several different markets by making versatile items that can be worn with anything from a tux all the way down to a denim shirt.” Taylor is now adding to his design success with a new a line of grooming products. His new beard oil line features appealing fragrances. He just started a kids and baby line. As more success comes, Taylor makes it a priority to give back to worthy causes. His work was recently featured in the Curbside Chronicle, a magazine sold by homeless and low income individuals in OKC. In the story, disadvantaged Oklahomans modeled his designs. He later gifted the items following the photo shoot. He’s hoping to partner with a nonprofit soon to consistently give back to causes that he believes in. After spending years of focusing solely on the bow tie, Taylor is ready to expand and will soon help more men re-envision their entire wardrobes. “We are looking to expand what we do and break into clothing as well,” he said. I eventually will be designing and manufacturing an entire outfit.”

Discover Taylor’s entire line of bow ties and more at thecladstache.com.


How did you get into baking? I grew up the son of a baker in upstate New York and some of my fondest memories are when I watched him create products with an artist’s touch. It was an inspiration that stayed with me through the years.

What did you do before opening your bakery? I joined the U.S. Air Force right after high school and served just shy of 10 years. I was stationed at Tinker AFB for my entire enlistment. I loved serving in the military but decided to follow my passion of baking and spend more time with my family—Liz, my high school sweetheart and wife, and my three amazing kids Kiley, Aiden, and Nolan.

How long have you been baking? Since I was a kid, but I never thought I would make it my life. Three years ago I fell in love with the art and science of baking. Something just clicked. Now I’m carrying on the family tradition.

What made you decide to turn your skill into a business?It actually started with the crazy idea to be an urban farmer in Midwest City. I loved raising chickens, but I quickly realized that I’m a WAY better baker than a farmer.

How did you start Backyard Bounty Bakery? The Oklahoma Food Cooperative allowed me a way to sell my baked goods without having a storefront, so I decided to give it a try. Since then, we’ve grown so much and are now sold throughout Oklahoma. We make traditional and custom bakery goods and specialize in bagels, bagel chips, pies, rolls and granola.

Why bagels? Growing up in New York there were so many great bagel places that I took it for granted. When I moved to Oklahoma I would bring back fresh bagels with me each time and asked anyone I knew in the Air Force to do the same. I realized how ridiculous that was, with me being the son of a baker, so with some recipes from home, practice, and creativity I created something I loved to eat and was proud to share with others.

What is your favorite bagel flavor? It probably sounds boring but I love a plain bagel with fresh strawberry cream cheese I make myself.

What is your favorite part about baking? The people. Everyday I’m surrounded by people who are filled with passion and love for what they do. I love meeting the customers who won’t settle for anything but the best. The chefs and business owners I meet through the bakery inspire me every day.

what makes your bagels different? The biggest difference is that for all our products we only use simple ingredients. No preservatives, no artificial flavors or colors. We take the time necessary to make a great bagel with simple ingredients. Each bagel takes three days to go from flour to finished bagel. The starter dough and formed bagels each rise for 24 hours before they are water boiled—all true bagels are boiled—and then fresh baked the morning they’re sold. Our willingness to take the slow path leads to the best bagel outside of New york. Perfection can’t be rushed.

How early do you wake up in the morning in order to start baking?That is by far my least favorite part of baking. Usually we start anywhere from 4-6am, depending on the day.

who do you sell to? We sell wholesale to restaurants, caterers, and organizations of all sizes. We also sell direct to our customers at Urban agrarian, through the Oklahoma Food Cooperative, and we have a limited selection at our website.

How can people contact you if they’re interested in your bakery?The best way is to email us at [email protected] or call us at (405)397-5388. People can also find out more information at www.ByBBakery.com and follow us on Facebook.

Eric Lyons, Owner of Backyard Bounty BakeryMY outlook by Bethany Marshall

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

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Outlook October 2015