Outlook January 2016

THE CALL YOU MAKE

AFTER 911Could Save a Life

Someone’s having a heart attack. You call 911. The ambulance arrives. Now you have an even more

important call to make: which hospital?

You could simply choose the closest hospital, or the best-equipped, but in Edmond you don’t have to

choose, because the best-equipped hospital is also nearby.

INTEGRIS Health Edmond has the only Level 1 Cardiac Arrest Center in the area, meaning life-saving

care is closer to home than ever. And you know you’re in good hands when your team of cardiologists

is among the region’s most respected: Drs. Amil, Daly, Garner, Prabhu, Reiter and Worcester.

Tell the paramedics: INTEGRIS Health Edmond.

integrisok.com/edmond | 405.657.3000

UNI_15-INED-26_Level_1_Cardiac_Arrest_Center.indd 3 11/10/15 2:53 PM

4 Outlook January 2016

outlookoklahoma.com 5

T H E S L E E P I N G

B E A U T YPerformed by the

Moscow Festival Ballet

Set to Tchaikovsky’s soaring score and choreographed by Marius Petipa, The Sleeping Beauty is the story of a young princess named Aurora who falls asleep after pricking her � nger. Only a kiss from the Prince will break the spell. The 50 dancers of the Moscow Festival Ballet weave the tale together with the trademark precision and exquisite grace of the great Russian ballet tradition.

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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 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Bethany Marshall ADVERTISING MANAGER Laura BeamPHOTOGRAPHY 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] 12, Number 1 Edmond & North OKC Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. © 2016 Back40 Design, Inc.

FEATURES 16 The Fight Life Julia Avila and Jon Hill see MMA fighting as an art form and an outlet

20 Heartline: Connect to Hope A life-saving liaison for those struggling with mental health issues

23 Perfectly Poised Premier Beauty Bar helps the Thunder Girls reflect their community & team spirit

27 Campbell Corner is Coming Downtown Edmond’s new shopping and dining destination

28 Iconic Okies Local authors chronicle the storied lives of famous Oklahomans

8 Louise The Hamster Hunt

11 Food Healthy or Hearty... Why Choose? Healthyfarefindscomfort food appeal

14 Business St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School Society of Wedding & Event Professionals

30 My Outlook The 405 Quartet, Barbershop Harmony Quartet

Front cover photography by Marshall Hawkins

To advertise, contact Laura at 405-301-3926 or [email protected]

30 My Outlook The 405 Quartet, a barbershop harmony quartet

OUTLOOK

Where Were You with R2D2In 1977, a youthful me was piloting a canoe down the scenic Delaware river. I was on a two week summer camp trip. We’d paddle all day, look for a riverside campsite,

cook out and camp out and do it again the next day. We were roughing it. About 20 adolescent boys working out our Lord of the Flies stuff under the supervision of two camp counselors.

I don’t recall a lot about the trip, but I do remember one particular day clearly. It was several days into our journey, and we were approaching the small town of Port Jervis, NY when our counselors motioned for us to head to the shore. We figured we were stopping for supplies or an early lunch. After stowing our gear, we all marched up Main Street. We stopped at the town theater. The marquee prominently displayed Star Wars.

The small town theater was just that—squeaky seats, stale popcorn and a flickering projector—not exactly an IMAX experience, but that dark cool theater transported us to a galaxy far, far away. Sitting there transfixed, I knew I was experiencing something special, a classic story of good versus evil, featuring creatures like we had never seen before—and of course, amazing special effects (for 1977).

Over the years, there have been plenty of films etched into my memory—like Jaws, The Godfather, Apocalypse Now—but I couldn’t tell you when or where I saw them. My introduction to Star Wars was a unique experience. That night as I slept under a sky full of stars, I had a whole new perspective of the universe.

Then some kid belched really loud and I gave him a wedgie. Hey, I was only 14.

Dave Miller, Publisher/Back40 Design President

January 2016


The Hamster Hunt If you raised a child like my oldest, you had lots of furry or slithery critters around your house. Thankfully, much of Aaron’s menagerie stayed outside, but who didn’t have a hamster or two through the years? Aphrodite was Aaron’s first teddy bear hamster. Cute and cuddly, she did all the things hamsters are supposed to do. She ran around her wheel in the cage or in a ball across the floor. She even played calmly in your hands without biting. I don’t remember how long Aphrodite lived but not long enough for my son. He came

home from school one day to find her collapsed in her cage. That was one of

those, “M-O-M!” moments, where you go running to the bedroom

with a baseball bat to make sure no one is trying to kidnap your kid. Now, I grew up on a farm but we didn’t have hamsters and I certainly didn’t know

how to resuscitate one so we grabbed Aphrodite and sped to the veterinarian.

Unfortunately, nothing could be done, and

of course Aaron wanted another hamster. What

good parent would refuse after

such a devastating loss? That’s how Athena came to live with us. Yes, Aaron was into Greek mythology at the time. I have since wondered if Athena realized she was taking another hamster’s place because she was never a happy camper nor was she sweet or charming. No. Athena didn’t like to be petted. She didn’t like to roll around in a ball and though she ran that treadmill in her cage

until it squeaked, she did not like being enclosed so she devised a way of escape. Strangely, she didn’t get out during the day. That was her sleep time. But at night, she would slip out of that locked and wired cage like Houdini. Not while you were watching, of course, but late at night so she could roam the house alone. One night I woke from a sound sleep to feel something crawling up my arm. Lying on my side, I lay perfectly still, praying it was Athena. Gently, I turned my head and saw two little beady eyes staring at me. Figuring I could catch her in the fold of the top sheet if I was fast enough, I quickly flipped the cover forward. But instead of capturing her, that quick flip catapulted her forward so hard that she slammed against the closet door across from the bed, slid to the floor, shook her head and ran out of the room. By then my husband was on his feet wondering what the heck was happening with me sitting straight up in bed babbling about something crawling up my arm then hitting the closet door. Athena was nowhere in sight, so the next hour involved Aaron and Carl going on a hamster hunt. They were like a posse heading the critter off at the pass then finally corralling and capturing her. Naturally, Athena lived to a ripe old age. So old and cranky that when Aaron went away to college the first thing I did was give Athena to some kids living up the street. Not sure Aaron ever got over that but I finally got some sleep at night. Today, Aaron has a little girl who is practically a clone of her daddy. She loves every creature on God’s earth. And though I would never wish any kind of calamity on my son, I just can’t wait until the guinea pig that Alex got for her birthday wakes Aaron in the middle of the night. Just sayin’!

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] or visit LouiseTuckerJones.com.

by Louise Tucker Jones




There are a handful of times in life when an everyday cook takes an ordinary recipe to a transcendental state of pure bliss. A just-right tweak of the ingredients, a bold addition of a new spice, a crafty technique that makes a recipe sing. Whatever it is, my mother-in-law achieved it last Thursday at our weekly dinner. I should be distraught that she has perfected the buttermilk biscuit to a level my husband now considers the standard in biscuit-making. But instead, I unashamedly savored each bite and buttery crumb with pure abandon. The steamy, flaky layers drizzled with honey or raspberry jam, the slightly salty bite, the crusty, golden brown top—it was absolute biscuit nirvana. When I got home, nirvana recipe in hand, I ceremoniously threw away my go-to canned biscuits in the fridge (they were expired anyway, but it felt like a powerful moment just the same). Besides, it’s January and we’re all supposed to be munching on broccoli after a

vigorous workout, not dreaming of baked goods. Biscuits aside, it’s somewhat easy this time of year to get excited about turning over a new leaf and eating healthier, especially since healthy food has nearly become a fashion statement. Next to a good handbag, you want to be seen carrying an eco-friendly container of fruits or veggies into the office each day. It just feels right, looks right. But despite our penchant for healthy, trend-setting fare, we eventually get bored or busy and go scrambling for a quick carb or cheesy fix to satisfy our craving. After all, we can only put so many fabulous fruits, nuts and luscious dressings on a salad before we want to gorge on a slab of pot roast to feel human again. In this foodie-centric, yet health-conscious age, we desire

FOODFOOD

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Healthy fare finds comfort food appeal

Healthy or Hearty...by Laura BeamWhy Choose?


Ideas for making healthy meals with comfort food appeal are endless. Turkey chili satisfies cold-weather

blues without devastating the diet, as does spinach and artichoke macaroni and cheese made with whole wheat pasta.

Recipes for whole wheat crust pizza dough are also a comforting

go-to on chilly nights, especially when topped with tangy tomatoes

and fresh veggies. To perk up other favorite foods

and keep versatility in your diet without getting stuck in a salad-and-grilled-chicken rut,

experts suggest experimenting with exotic spices and fresh herbs to add depth and flavor to roasted veggies

and meats. Try new sauces, make your own salad dressings or create something special with kebabs. They’re bite-sized,

portion-controlled and food is just plain fun when on a stick. A little creativity might yield a healthy nirvana all its own. And hopping on the treadmill afterwards won’t be so daunting.

Laura Beam is a business & food writer and 20-year

advertising and marketing executive in radio, newspaper

and magazines. Share new business tips & trends with

her on LinkedIn or email [email protected].

nutritious, earthy ingredients but still gravitate to dishes with a sense of comfort. I once marveled over a pan of perfectly seasoned, roasted cauliflower and swore I’d met my new food soul mate. But by the next week, after I’d roasted everything from sweet potatoes to asparagus, I was back into some creamy chicken concoction forbidden on my diet. It just seems easier to make a delicious casserole than to find a dozen ways to make Brussels sprouts exciting. Luckily, the popularity of TV food shows, the growing presence of specialty supermarkets and the continual, chic re-invention of under-discovered veggies and ingredients keep our heads turning year-round. With such a buffet of tastes and textures at our disposal, diet boredom may be an excuse of the past. Healthy food trend predictions for 2016 tout everything from bottled soups and floral-infused cheeses and chocolates, to root vegetables, seaweed and mushrooms as some of the style-makers to watch this year. Spiralized veggies that mimic pasta noodles will continue in popularity, too. Hyper-local sourcing of meats and produce is set to gain even more momentum in 2016, as is the interest in African and Middle Eastern flavors and ethnic cuisine and condiments. If you like the sound of a food trend that involves mushrooms but prefer that they are swimming in a creamy pot pie, don’t despair.

HEarTy or HEaLTHy, conT.



For Laura Gallagher, principal of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in Edmond, her work as an educator and her faith are inseparable. Indeed, the school’s Catholic affiliation is paramount to its mission. “Our Catholic identity is what we’re most proud of, that we are raising our church leaders of tomorrow,” Gallagher says. “Our faith is infused into every component of our curriculum. It permeates the walls of this building.” St. Elizabeth is affiliated with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and has just celebrated 25 years of Catholic education in Edmond. The school was founded by Fr. John Petuskey in 1990. “He believed strongly in Catholic education, and started the effort to bring a Catholic grade school to Edmond,” says Gallagher.

The school was named for Elizabeth Ann Seton, born in New York in America’s colonial days, who would go on to found the first Catholic school in the United States. She was the first American-born saint canonized by the Catholic Church. From its humble beginnings with 85 students, offering classes from kindergarten to third grade, St. Elizabeth grew, adding classes through eighth grade, and prekindergarten. Over time, athletics were added as well. St. Elizabeth also offers courses in music, art, physical education, foreign language, and technology. The school now serves more than 350 students. Gallagher points to the school’s rigorous academic standards, small class sizes and curriculum based on gospel values and Catholic social teachings, as being unique and

STudEnTS aT ST. ELizaBETH ann SETon caTHoLic ScHooL

St. Elizabeth ann Seton catholic Schoolby Kent anderson

distinctive in central Oklahoma. “We are deeply Catholic, and very, very proud of that,” she says. Gallagher is in her second year as St. Elizabeth’s principal, and she sets the tone every day. “The most rewarding thing about being here is that I have a chance to practice and grow in my faith at a job that I love. I go to a job every day that helps me along my spiritual walk, and I’m surrounded by people who share those values and beliefs.” Those values and beliefs fill the halls of St. Elizabeth’s, with the dedicated faculty and staff working daily to fulfill the school’s mission statement: “Awakening to the beauty of God by serving others with love, embracing our differences while seeking academic excellence, all in the spirit of Jesus Christ.”

More information about St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School is available at 348-5364,

or stelizabethedmond.org

BUSINESS


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THE TEaM aT THE SociETy oF EvEnT and WEdding proFESSionaLS

Marketing yourself and your business isn’t always easy. But for members of the Society of Event and Wedding Professionals, having nearly 50 reliable industry professionals to stand behind you makes it a lot less challenging. Stephanie Hill, owner and publisher of the Perfect Wedding Guide, and Robyn Martin, owner and operator at The Wedding Belle, teamed up to form the society and have recruited Edmond and Oklahoma City vendors steadily for the past 10 years. “We started to basically have an avenue for wedding professionals to network together and to co-market each other,” Hill said. “We have the education aspect of it, too, where we can educate brides and event planners to properly plan weddings and events.” The society, which goes by SEWP for short, not only connects wedding and event

professionals, but makes wedding and event planning easier for those in the Oklahoma City metro area. Because the group allows only one vendor per category (think jewelry, florist, videography, photography), the difficult choice of finding reliable vendors is made for you. “We’re a viable place where a bride or event planner who’s looking for these types of vendors can go and choose, with confidence, people who are industry professionals,” said Debbie Lowery, society president. “We have high levels of standards and ethics, and great talent among all our members.” The society is a large sponsor of Hill’s annual Perfect Wedding Guide bridal show, which takes place on January 10th from 1-4pm at the Embassy Suites in downtown Oklahoma City. Tickets are $12 at the door or buy one get one free when purchased online at okcpwg.com.

Society of Event & Wedding

professionalsby Morgan day

Hill said attendees can expect a fun, full afternoon of meeting SEWP members, learning about their services and participating in mini-seminars and sampling products.“We try to make it more interactive and an experience—more than just throwing stuff in a bag,” she said. For Hill, the biggest benefit of the group has been networking with vendors from around the metro and introducing them to her publication and how it can help them in their business. “You don’t have to be a member to benefit from being in the publication, it’s a go-to resource for wedding planning,” Hill said. “It’s about forming relationships and friendships over the years with all these fabulous event planners I get to work with,” she said. “It’s not really like work.”

Learn more about the Society of Event & Wedding Professionals and its members at sewpok.com.


Competitive fighting—it’s the oldest sport in the world. Although it is often misunderstood as brutal, participants describe fighting as both natural and honorable.

Meet two local fighters who are teammates in the sport: Jon Hill and Julia Avila. They are opposites in many ways. He’s a 264-pound male, she’s a 135-pound female. He’s a security officer, she’s a geologist. In both cases, they agree that the discipline required by a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athlete, also known as a cage fighter, has made each of them a better person. “It’s obviously not the entertainment choice for everyone, but I wish people would take the time to learn about the sport before they condemn it as barbaric,” Hill said. “It’s a very patient, calculating sport.” “It is hard to convince people to look past the blood and broken bones to see the art and science behind it,” Avila said, “but it’s really an art form, much like an interpretive dance.” Avila and Hill believe that most fighters have a high degree of integrity—and neither of them is the type to trash-talk or generate a feud with an opponent. Hill is a quiet “thinker” who plans to continue building his reputation with wins. He’s currently the 6th ranked heavyweight in Oklahoma and also holds two world titles. “It’s a sport like any other, but I’m not defined by the word fighter,” Hill said. “I believe the way you live your life and treat others is what defines who you are. I’m honest and loyal, and that’s mostly what you find in fighters.” Avila, who has a cheerful personality, dislikes the perception that fighters have to be “angry, grumpy Neanderthals.” For her, the sport

requires focused skill and quick thinking. “It’s honestly beautiful to me. God has given me this linebacker body, and it’s my job to test it to its limits. Competition is in my blood—so I guess if it wasn’t MMA, I’d be doing something like competitive chess,” Avila said with a laugh. Avila is currently preparing for her comeback, after having taken a break following a string of wins. Her goal is to continue toward an Ultimate Fighting Championship. She’s also gained the attention of the producers of the reality television show, “The Ultimate Fighter.” Of course, none of her MMA success comes without hard work. Avila wakes up at 4:30am to work out in her home gym. On her lunch break, she goes to her workplace gym or takes fitness classes. In the evening, she goes to another gym. In addition to weightlifting, she runs marathons, does yoga and competes in Jujitsu. She summed up her life by saying, “I like to move. It’s in my blood.” In high school and college, Avila was the kind of girl who ‘hung out with guys.’ They poked fun at her, until she started beating them in various forms of athletics. After that, it became her ‘thing’ to be the girl who could beat the guys. “With a smile on my face,” Avila added. “But first and foremost, I’m a scientist. Education is important to me, and whether I win or lose, it’s always a learning experience. I sense both science and nature behind the sport.” Hill attests that it doesn’t matter how many times Avila gets hit or kicked—she keeps going. The two are fairly new acquaintances at the Edmond-based gym where they both work out, American Elite Mixed Martial Arts. Their first meeting ended in a fight. Avila recalls that Hill was watching her fight a few practice rounds. She invited him to spar against her. “I’d never trained with any of the other women at the gym,” Hill said. “At first I refused, but I was

The FighT LiFe

by amy dee Stephens


finally like, ‘Alright, beat up on me.’” “So we started sparring,” Avila said. “He said he was impressed with my movement and that ‘for a girl,’ I could take a lot of damage. At the end, he said I fight like a dude. In this sport, that’s kind of a compliment.” After that fight, the two formed a relationship of respect. They describe it as a camaraderie borne from being teammates at the same training facility and from having similar goals. Hill, however, entered the sport for a very different reason than Avila. For him, it was a way to gain control in a world that felt out of control. “I’ve been through a lot in my life. I started wrestling as a kid, and fighting came naturally,” Hill said. “Now, they’re paying me to compete and do what I love.” Like Avila, Hill has a rigorous workout schedule. He describes it as 10% physical and 90% mental. “It’s getting out of bed, eating properly, forcing yourself to go the gym multiple times a day when you feel tired and broken. No matter where you are mentally—it can be the worst time in your life—you can get lost in Muay Thai or Jujitsu. It just makes life better.” Especially when it’s time to enter the cage. Hill compared the actual fight to getting a present at Christmas. “You wait a grueling month, training so hard. Then, the fight is the easy part, because you’ve been preparing for so long. The cage door shuts, the referee points at us to start, and I feel freedom. I feel free.” Avila agrees that the training is the hardest part. “The fight isn’t that big of a deal. Sure, the glitz and glamour can get to you—but I could care less if I have an audience of one or one thousand. I don’t do it for fame or because I have animosity toward any opponent. I do it because survival is so fundamental and primitive. It speaks to my soul.”



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.

A combat veteran grieves the loss of his wife, feeling trapped in depression and lacking anyone to talk with about his situation. He suffers in silence as mental illness slowly overtakes his well-being. He feels hopeless. Unable to cope with his loss, he begins to think of suicide. Fortunately, one Oklahoma nonprofit is able to give him an outlet for his grief and connects him with the resources he desperately needs. Heartline, based in Oklahoma City, has connected Oklahomans with social services programs for nearly 50 years. The organization administers the popular 2-1-1 hotline, a free phone service that connects Oklahomans with social services agencies throughout the state. Heartline also administers hotlines for suicide prevention and gambling addiction. More than 200,000 individuals are served by Heartline each year. That number may be alarming, but they are not without cause. Approximately 600,000 Oklahomans do not have access to mental health services, according to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The statistics only tell one side of the story, however. The true benefit Heartline provides is the human impact it has in the community. Its clients are from all walks of life: a teenager who

by Austin Marshall

Heartline:connect to hope

considers suicide after years of bullying by peers; a working mother overwhelmed by the demands of modern life; an elderly person unable to cope with the loss of friends and family. The organization also fights mental illness on two fronts, by intervening during crisis moments and connecting callers with resources for the future. Mental health is often overlooked in discussions of well-being. Physical diseases like diabetes, heart disease and hypertension are often discovered during routine medical examinations. The same cannot be said for mental illness—thousands of Oklahomans may not show physical signs of mental illness until it’s too late. Many Oklahomans suspect that a loved one may be suffering from mental illness, but are unsure how to help. “Mental illness has a lot of stigma around it and people are left to feel shamed and alone when what they really need is help and support,” says Kayley Saunders, Director of Suicide Prevention and Outreach. “Mental illness is treatable, but only if people seek out treatment and have the needed support to go through it.” Friends and relatives often avoid asking a loved one about mental illness because of the pejorative connotations surrounding the issue. “If you have someone in your life whose mental health you are concerned about, talking to them will show that you care and will encourage them to seek help,” Saunders adds. Mental health issues are prevalent throughout Oklahoma, and are found in all walks of life. In 2014 alone, Heartline served more than 30,000 Oklahomans with mental health and substance abuse problems. Heartline serves an average of 27 people per day reporting thoughts of

“Heartline connects those in need with

someone who cares about them and

knows how to help


suicide. Only 40% of Oklahoma adults received treatment in the past year for a reported mental illness. Heartline’s staff and volunteers’ compassion is matched by their extensive training. “Our staff and call volunteers receive 96 hours of training in order to most effectively help our callers,” explains Monique Scraper, Heartline’s Chief Development Officer. “We use an internationally recognized and evidence-based suicide intervention model known as Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).” The two-day, 16-hour seminar is open to anyone who wants to learn more about suicide prevention. “It teaches participants how to recognize warning signs that a person may be thinking of suicide, and takes the caregiver through a model from asking about suicide all the way to safety planning.” Oklahoma ranks near the bottom of all states for mental health funding, so Heartline callers often receive services that would otherwise be unavailable to them. “We believe that investment in strong mental health services is vital and is the foundation of community health in general,” says Kelly Nutter, Chief Executive Officer. “Substance abuse, incarceration, foster care, homelessness and suicide all have roots in poor access to mental health services.” Like many social services agencies, Heartline has been challenged by receiving less revenue even as demand for its services increases. Heartline’s suicide prevention hotline also includes a web-based chat service, which is most used by ages 14 to 24. Heartline also operates the Help Prevent Suicide phone app to reach younger Oklahomans. Other initiatives include the Healthy Education for Life Program (HELP), which targets youth ages 10 to 24, teaching the warning signs of suicide and how to seek professional help. HELP has served more than 85,000 youth since its inception 18 years ago. Mental health and substance abuse issues are subjected to a

stigma that doesn’t apply to physical illnesses. Many are simply unaware they are suffering from a mental illness, while others are too embarrassed to discuss their issues with a friend or relative. Heartline allows those in need to connect with someone who cares about their problems and is professionally trained to address them. The state’s budget may be declining in the coming year, but its mental health needs will not. Heartline and its services fill a widening gap between those with mental illness and the services they require, and will continue to be an invaluable part of the state’s safety net.

To learn more about the services Heartline provides, visit www.heartlineoklahoma.org.

Kaylee Saunders, director of Suicide prevention & outreach and Kelly nutter, chief Executive officer



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Hickenboth. “Premier Beauty Bar continues to be excited and honored to work with these inspiring girls.” From enviable lashes to the most impressive blowouts, no Thunder Girl walks onto the court without the established girl-next-door-meets-classic-beauty look. “They are confident, classy, sexy,” said Hickenboth. “They deserve the finest salon treatment and stylists to make them feel their absolute best before every event.” Typical services that the girls receive to get “the look” are eyelash extensions, hair extensions, blowouts, makeup and tanning. All of their prep work, including hair color, cutting and waxing is done at Premier prior to game night. Then before each game, Premier beautifies them

Whether performing on court or joining fans within the community, the Thunder Girls are highly regarded celebrities in Oklahoma, always radiating a contagious smile. They are immediately recognizable and consistently give off a confident, inviting aura. Known for their luscious locks, shiny lips and striking eye makeup, the Thunder Girl look is well known and coveted by many Okies. Being a Thunder Girl takes cheerfulness, commitment to Oklahoma, love of the game and a strong personal presence. To get their customary look, the ladies turn to Premier Beauty Bar for their savvy styling. Located in Edmond, the salon offers a large range of services, including haircuts and coloring, blowouts, waxing, eyelash extensions and more. Premier Beauty Bar serves as the official salon for the Thunder Girls this 2015-2016 basketball season. Paige Carter, manager of the Thunder Girls, and Laura Hickenboth, owner of Premier, instantly hit it off at their first meeting when they discovered how closely their vision aligned for the Thunder Girls and their zeal for service to Oklahoma. Both women agreed that the ladies needed to be brimming with confidence, because going out in front of a huge crowd on a regular basis leaves no room for doubt. Whether performing at a game or representing the team in the community, feeling beautiful makes a huge impact on the girls’ performance and interaction with fans. “Through Carter’s and my shared vision, and of course the incredible women who are Thunder Girls, we have established the girls as beautiful role models who are poised and community driven,” said

Premier Beauty Bar helps the Thunder Girls reflect their community and team spirit

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with hair and makeup in the Thunder Girl locker room at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. If a passerby gets too close, they will surely hear excited laughter and catch a whiff of styling products. “The girls must look striking from a far distance so it’s important to consider that when doing their hair and makeup,” said Paige Phillips, one of the Premier Beauty Bar stylists. “We always try to see just how thick, huge and luscious we can get their hair before going out and performing since we know the hair will fall throughout the game—hairspray is our best friend.” “Working with the Thunder Girls is always a fun experience, that’s

for sure,” said Hickenboth. Premier styled the ladies for their iconic Thunder Girls calendar, which is now available for 2016. Hickenboth laughs remembering a funny moment working with Thunder Girl Chelsie Cleary during the shoot. She was touching her up before each photo when Hickenboth popped up too quickly and was perfectly

captured wearing a shocked expression on her face. Who says that makeup has to be serious? “It’s so fun to put makeup on each girl because they each have such different features,” said Phillips. “For instance, I can’t get enough of Chelsie Cleary’s beautiful blue eyes and love working on her because she loves learning all the inside tricks of how to do her hair and makeup like a pro!” From the lightest hair and complexion, to the darkest, Premier has mastered the official Thunder Girl look, no matter the range in coloring, hair type, size or shape. Hickenboth explains how the salon works to give each Thunder Girl personal attention to make each one feel special and beautiful. While it’s important that the Thunder Girls look like a team collectively, each girl shines in her unique way. When asked what the most popular requested service was, Hickenboth stated without a doubt, “Extensions, either for your hair or your eyelashes.” Extensions are hugely popular among the girls and are a great way to add that desired “umph” to both hair and eyelashes. And the Thunder Girls don’t just stop at makeup and hair; they are also sure to work on their bodies to stand strong and proud in their uniforms. One Healthy Bod, a partner of both the Thunder Girls and Premier Beauty Bar, provides exceptional training and nutritional advice that gets the girls in tiptop shape. Because everyone knows toned arms are always a great accessory! It’s important that the Thunder Girls exude certainty in their bodies and aren’t afraid to move and shake in those sparkly, dazzling uniforms. The ladies are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. Their passion for the team and their state is evident. From signing autographs, to dancing with youngsters, the Thunder Girls bring that joyfulness and dedication with them to each and every event with gorgeous hair and makeup to match!

Learn more about Premier Beauty Bar at premierbeautybar.com.

pErFEcTLy poiSEd, conT’d.



It won’t be long now until the southeast corner

of Campbell and Broadway streets in downtown

Edmond becomes a hub of activity, with shoppers

having their choice of boutiques, dining and more—

all in one building.

Campbell Corner, the two-story, multi-use brick building is slated to open its doors to customers in early spring this year. Developers and downtown business owners think Campbell Corner at Downtown Edmond Plaza, 130 N. Broadway, might be the spark that ignites even more activity, more new business and more interest throughout Edmond. “Campbell Corner is generating interest and buzz in the community and about other developments coming,” said Koorosh Zahrai, vice president of business development for Plaza USA LLC, which is developing the project. “Now there’s even talk about a performing arts center and a parking garage in downtown Edmond. There’s some really cool stuff coming.” The name Campbell Corner might sound familiar to those acquainted with the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman. OU’s Campus Corner, located on the north side of the university, is a commercial district that’s home to a mix of cafés, bars and boutiques. Just four blocks down from Old North on the University of Central Oklahoma campus, Campbell Corner aims to have that same feel. Zahrai hasn’t announced any official tenants yet, but he said the 15,584-square-foot building valued at a projected $4.6-$5.2 million could hold up to 16 retailers and potentially more than 60 jobs. “We’re really trying to get as many local businesses in there as possible,” Zahrai said. “We want to keep it local, with boutiques both old and new. We’re trying to keep that commitment to everyone.” The goal with Campbell Corner was to make the plaza “stand out by blending in,” said project architect John Postic of Studio Architecture in Oklahoma City. He and partner George Winters began designing the building in April 2014. Postic said they wanted the building to match and complement the neighboring buildings and look like it had been at Campbell and Broadway for 100 years. “The construction is new, but the design details and the styles we borrowed from were from decades-old buildings throughout Edmond

and other early cities of the state,” he said. “We looked at architecture in Norman and Stillwater. We borrowed from downtown Guthrie and a number of buildings in downtown Edmond as well.” “It’s not an everyday occurrence that a large new commercial building is going up in Edmond,” Postic said. “I’ve been at the site and have seen people commenting to friends, ‘What’s it going to be?’ I have no doubts that the excitement is going to be even greater after it opens. It’s really going to be a remarkable addition downtown.” The building will feature a look of what Edmond represents today and what it wants to represent in the future, Postic said, adding he’s looking forward to seeing residents’ and customers’ reactions to the finished product. “The whole process of it, beginning on paper and building 3D computer models and design conversations that went back and forth, then finally seeing the brick and mortar building rising out of the ground… I can’t wait to see the tenants go in and the building come to life; it’s exciting,” he said. The new addition at Campbell and Broadway should extend the downtown area farther north. Zahrai said it’s a great time to be in downtown Edmond, specifically, because of newer attractions like the Patriarch craft beer house and Cafe Evoke, longstanding businesses like Othello’s, and popular events like Heard on Hurd, the spring arts festival and pop-up shops. “It’s really just a cool environment to be in,” Zahrai said. “Downtown is really transforming and we’re just excited to be a part of it and be a part of the community.”

Visit campbellcorner.com to learn more and follow Campbell Corner on Facebook to see the latest news and updates on the project.

The gift she’ll

3224 S. Boulevard | 340-1519Mon-Fri 10-5:30; Saturday 10-2

Campbell Corner is Coming

rendering of campbell corner, provided by Studio architecture

by Morgan day


4 7 8 . 016 6 m r c c . o r g / c r

When five friends came together to write about famous Oklahomans—it was out of desperation. Not for themselves, but for teachers around the state who lacked biographies

about important Oklahomans. Darleen Bailey Beard became aware of the issue six years ago while doing a local author visit. The elementary school librarian expressed her frustration that although it was required for her third and fourth graders to write reports about significant Oklahomans, she didn’t have any biographies at their reading level. As Beard continued to visit schools, she took an informal poll to see if other teachers experienced the same struggle—and had more than 50 affirmative responses. So, Beard shared her findings with her closest writer friends: Jane McKellips, Gwendolyn Hooks, Pati Hailey, and Cheryl Schuermann. Many of them had been writing together for more than 20 years. Collectively, the authors decided to create the series. Not only would they write at a third and fourth grade reading level, but would represent a diversity of ethnicities and talents, genders and represent different regions of the state. They would write books that gave students hope for the future and provided proof that some of the greatest Oklahomans came from the most humble beginnings. “People in our state have made significant contributions worldwide,” Schuermann said. “We have astronauts, scientists, inventors, ballerinas. Most children don’t even know the names of our most influential Oklahomans, so we wanted to introduce children to

by amy dee Stephens

Iconic Okiesthese important people.” Eachofthefiveauthorschosetowriteaboutanindividualtowhomtheyfeltapersonalconnection.ForCherylSchuermann,thechoicewaseasy.Shechosethemedicalresearcher,JordanTang,whodiscoveredthecauseofAlzheimer’sdisease. “Everyday,Ilivewiththerealityanduglinessofthisdiseasebecauseofmymother,”Schuermannsaid.“Dr.Tanghasspentthelast15yearssearchingforacure,methodicallylearningwhatdoesn’twork,sothathecanfindwhatdoeswork.” SchuermannwashonoredtomeetDr.Tanginhislaboratory.“He’sdiligently,tirelesslyworkingonacureformymomeveryday,eventhoughhe’sinhiseighties.” GwendolynHookschosetowriteaboutLeonaMitchell,theinternationaloperasinger.Atfirst,MitchellwasrefusedrolesbecauseshewasAfricanAmerican—buthertalenteventuallyallowedhertobreakthroughtheracialbarriers.“SofewbooksfeaturestrongAfricanAmericans,”Hookssaid.“InLeona’scase,shehadtoacceptthefaithandtrainingtogobeyondthegospelmusicshewasusedtosinging.” JaneMcKellipswasinspiredbyauthorBillWallace,whohatedtoreadasachild!Andyet,hewentontowrite38children’sbooks,includingA Dog Called Kitty. “Iassumedeveryonewhogrewuptobeawriterlovedtoread,”McKellipssaid.“IttookBillWallaceawhiletofindbooksthatkepthisinterest—thereweren’tmanyanimaladventurestoriesbackthen.”WhenWallacebecameanelementaryteacher,hisstudentsconvinced

Local authors chronicle the storied lives of famous Oklahomans


him to write down his own stories—tales much like Old Yeller. His books became an instant hit and inspired many reluctant readers. Darleen Bailey Beard decided to write about the most popular entertainer of the early 1900s. Will Rogers was a trick roper, writer, radio host, comedian and movie star. Most importantly, he had a heart of gold. He generously helped friends, raised money for the Red Cross and made people laugh during the Great Depression. “Throughout his life, he cared about people,” Beard said. “Will Rogers makes me want to be a better person, and I hope my readers feel the same way.” Pati Hailey wrote about the Chickasaw actress, Te Ata. In her one-woman show, Te Ata shared the beauty, wisdom and folklore of Native American cultures. She incorporated clothing, instruments and artifacts in order to defy the portrayal of Indians as savages. “She did a powerful service in helping Native Americans retain their cultural identity and traditions at a time when being Indian, like I am, was something to keep hidden,” Hailey said. After completing the manuscripts, the authors sought a publisher for the series. After many rejections, the non-profit Oklahoma Heritage Association Publishing, an arm of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, expressed an interest, but it took five years to find a funder. When the

books debuted in October, a free set was given to every public elementary in the state. Because of the books’ mature-looking design, many junior high and high schools are purchasing the books for their students with low reading skills. The impact of the books is already becoming evident as praise pours in from teachers and students. The titles are also beginning to appear on the local non-fiction bestsellers list for the public. The authors are anxious to find additional funding so they can begin working on new titles for their I Am Oklahoma series. “We are thrilled that children can read about other Oklahomans who struggled and overcame—whether they come from a big city or

a small town, or a low income area,” Hailey said. “It’s important for kids to see themselves in books, and see that they can beat their circumstances by having dreams, setting goals and staying focused,” Hooks said. “Oklahoma deserves to be known for what our people have done to advance society, through science or art,” McKellips said. “Or by changing the world with humor,” Beard said. “Because some child out there is going to read these books and solve future problems, or change the world with music, or write a book that changes lives,” Hailey said.

The biography books are available at many local bookstores or can be found online at www.oklahomahof.com or www.amazon.com.

People in our state have made significant contributions worldwide. We want to introduce children to these important people.


MY outlook by Bethany Marshall

The 405 Quartet, Barbershop Harmony QuartetFeaturing Greg Rogers, Caleb Henderson, Austin Smith & Joey Allen

How did you discover acapella music? Greg Rogers: We have all had a different road in getting here. Mine was through my father. He was a barbershopper since he was in college. i fell in love with barbershop listening to him sing. i started singing barbershop at the ripe old age of 14. Caleb Henderson: it was my last year of college and an old high school buddy was singing in a barbershop chorus in the city asked me to visit the group during a rehearsal. i was too busy then, after i graduated, i eventually showed up, and when i did, i auditioned and signed up that very night and have been hooked ever since.Austin Smith: i discovered acapella music when i was still in grade school. i was raised in the church by two musical parents. They introduced me to gospel quartets, i enjoyed it tremendously and continued to pursue that singing form since then.Joey Allen: i grew up singing acapella. The majority of my family is musical and we sang acapella at church. When i was a child my mom and aunts started singing with the Sweet adeline’s and when i was in my early twenties, i started singing with the oK chorale, the men’s barbershop chorus in oKc. it’s the most natural thing in the world to me.

Who sings which parts in the quartet? greg rogers sings lead. The lead delivers the melody and emotion of the song. austin Smith sings bass. The bass creates the foundation that the chords are built on. caleb Henderson sings baritone. The baritone sings a mismatch of notes that creates the chord. Joey allen sings tenor. The tenor adds the high tone to the chord. This is what creates overtones. With a good tenor it can sound like eight people are singing when you only have four.

How do you prepare your voices and keep them strong?Joey Allen: Like any other muscle of the body, it has to be used regularly and correctly. We sing a warm up before rehearsals and performances. But, it’s also being smart vocally all the time. For example, yelling at sporting events in cold weather, over-singing or talking until you’re hoarse aren’t good moves. Austin Smith: Water. Lots of water. However, the best way to keep the voice strong is to use it as much as possible. i probably sing for an hour a day at minimum.

How often do you practice?Greg Rogers: We try to practice at least once a week. it becomes two or three times a week about a month leading up to contest.

What kind of songs do you sing? Greg Rogers: The great thing about the barbershop style is it incorporates many different kinds of music. Most of what we sing is arrangements of 30s and 40s tunes. There are young arrangers doing some very cool things now days. There was a chorus that took a barbershop arrangement of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to contest! Man, it was cool!

What is your favorite part about performing?Joey Allen: Simple, seeing and feeling the audience react to what you’re doing. When the audience is “into” your performance, there is so much energy that comes back to you, it makes you want to give more of yourself. and that drives me to learn music, rehearse and perfect our craft.Caleb Henderson: it’s great being able to demonstrate the joy the music brings to each of us in the group, and performing well and changing any stereotypical idea of what a barbershop quartet is.

When did you form your group?Caleb Henderson: We all had gotten into singing at different stages of our lives. But this group started roughly five months ago. i wanted to find a good group to sing in and knew greg was a great lead and had considerable experience. i then called the best bass i knew would be

interested. Then we found a tenor and the rest is history.

Do you compete as a quartet?Greg Rogers: Every october, the Southwestern district of the Barbershop Harmony Society has its district contest. in 2015 we attended our first contest as a group. We were only together for three months before going. We made a top five finish out of 36 quartets.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about your group?We love to sing. We love to introduce more people to this style of music. This art form was started right here in the state of oklahoma by two men, o.c. cash and rupert Hall in 1938. people hear the name barbershop quartet and they think of old men standing around in straw hats. We have an influx of young men getting into the art form, because there is nothing like it in the world. The more young men who start singing this style of music, the better it gets. We would love to sing for anyone else who wants to hear the barbershop style.

Connect with The 405 Quartet on Facebook or via email at [email protected].

Photo By Edward Holmberg, Photography By Holmberg

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

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Outlook January 2016