Edmond Outlook SEPTEMBER 2011

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CLASSES START

September 2011

SEPTEMBER 26 ENROLL TODAY!

33 CYCLING FOR CHARITY Local 13 year old Luke Neafus is on a mission to fight cancer through racing. Read about his inspiring fundraising efforts in this month ’s My Edmond Outlook.

CAREER TRAINING IN:

FEATURES 20 Positive Tomorrows 26 Songs That Sell An amazing school that gives homeless Singer/Songwriter Erick Alexander children hope for the future and the does everything from recording and ways UCO is helping out. production to jingle writing.

22 Wonderboy

28 A Fallen Hero

In a modern day re-creation of the dime novel, an Edmond author has created a super hero with a super ego.

Honoring the life and service of one of Edmond’s fallen soldiers, 2nd Lieutenant Jered W. Ewy.

DEPARTMENTS 6

ARTS

11 SHOPPING

Comedian Misty Looman

8

SPORTS

Running Coach Mark Bravo

16 BUSINESS

Kreggers Floors & More

10 LOUISE

Señorita Bell Zen Asian Dining Get Your Game On

$

Stanley Steemer

18 HOME

12 FOOD

Fabulous Fall Finds

Recycling in Edmond

33 MY EDMOND OUTLOOK

13 Year Old Cyclist Luke Neafus

To advertise, call Laura at 405-301-3926

4 www.edmondoutlook.com

Practical Nursing BSN in Nursing A.S. Nursing (LPN to RN) Pharmacy Technician A.S. Medical Laboratory Technician A.S. Culinary Arts Pastry Arts Dental Assistant Medical Assistant/Phlebotomy A.S. Respiratory Care Surgical Technologist

Day or Evening Classes Available!

Programs offered vary by campus.

Licensed by O.B.P.V.S.

749-2433 946-7799 912-3260 North Campus

Central Campus

Moore Campus

www.plattcolleges.edu

For important program information-go to www.plattcolleges.edu/Disclosure.htm.

13431 N. Broadway Ste. 104 OKC, OK 73114 Office: 405-341-5599 Fax: 405-341-2020 www.edmondoutlook.com info@edmondoutlook.com

PUBLISHER Dave Miller EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING MANAGER Krystal Harlow EDITOR Erica Smith ADVERTISING SALES Laura Beam Lauren Wheat PRODUCTION DESIGNER Chad Phillips PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com DISTRIBUTION The Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct mail to 50,000 Edmond homes and businesses.

(Volume 7, Number 9) Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc. Š 2011 Back40 Design, Inc. Articles and advertisements in Edmond 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 Edmond 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. Edmond Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

www.edmondoutlook.com 5

SHE'S FUNNY

by Radina Gigova

M

isty Looman loves to make people laugh. In fact, that is her job. Looman is a professional stand-up comedian who grew up in Edmond and now lives in Los Angeles. “It’s an opportunity for me to share a part of who I am, the funny person I am, and just kind of make people happy,” she said. “People come to comedy shows and they have a lot in their lives, and if those eight minutes that I’ve been on stage brighten their day, then I’ve done my job.”

After graduating from Edmond Memorial High School, Looman attended a small college about 30 minutes south of Dallas called Southwestern Assemblies of God University. The school didn't offer any performing degrees. The closest “match” was a degree in preaching. “Funny enough, I trained as a minister,” she said. “The parts of the preaching where I made people laugh were the most appealing to me.” After graduating with a degree in youth

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ministry and video production, Looman decided to move to California to follow her calling.

Her parents always knew she would become an actress or a performer, because she often imitated the characters she watched on television. “I was dancing, making everyone laugh,” said Looman.

“I'm a pretty good hip-hop artist just from learning from the neighbors,” she joked.

In high school, Looman’s passion for the performing arts grew even more while directing several comedy sketches. When she got to college, Looman continued writing sketches. “We would do what’s called Southwestern Live, like ‘Saturday Night Live’,” she said. The school often asked Looman to give orientations for the new students. “I always made it really funny and they kept asking me to come back and do it again.”

Looman got her first real audition right after she graduated from college and joined an improv troupe. After four years she realized she was ready for another challenge and decided to move on to stand-up comedy. She took a class, worked with a mentor, and started developing material for her sets.

“I find it more challenging than improv because I have to find out what makes these people laugh,” she said. “It’s kind of more rewarding when you have thought in your head, oh, this is funny, and they confirm it for you when they laugh really hard.”

A lot of Looman’s jokes are based on her own experiences and often feature friends and family members. So be careful if you have comedian friends, because you might end up in their jokes, she warned. Often, Looman gets her best joke ideas in the middle of the night and has to jump out of bed to write them down. A little tradition she has kept from her days as a preacher is writing key words on a piece of paper and sticking them in her back pocket before the performance.“It’s just there

for comfort even though I know my jokes inside and out,” she said.

Looman has performed at all the big clubs in Los Angeles, including Hollywood Improv, the Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store. She is a regular at the John Lovitz Comedy Club at Universal CityWalk Hollywood and has performed at the Loony Bin Comedy Club in Oklahoma City. “That was fun. It was really great to come home. Pretty much half of the club was my family and friends.”

During a set anything can happen and comedians have to learn how to control the crowd.

Looman luckily hasn’t had more than a couple of negative experiences. One time, a lady who had too much to drink asked out of the blue if Looman

Misty Looman doing stand up at the Haha Cafe

wanted to marry her son. “The good thing about a comedian is that you can turn that into a part of your comedy,” she said.

Looman is currently working with a writing partner on a full comedy show. They hope to get it picked up by theaters and eventually TV. Even though comedy is Looman’s priority at the moment, she wants to have a family and possibly even move back to her hometown. “I definitely love the values I got being an Okie girl and I pride myself on that.”

For more on Misty, visit www.myspace.com/ mistyloomanisfunny.

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MARK BRAVO

by Nathan Winfrey

Running coach Mark Bravo running in Downtown Oklahoma City

H

ow you identify a glass of water, as half-empty or half-full, is said to determine whether you are a pessimist or an optimist. Someone who considers his life to be like a glass half-empty might feel overwhelmed or even depressed, focusing on what he doesn’t have, while someone who looks at life as a glass half-full might have an unrealistic appraisal of his predicament.

What would happen if someone looked at life like a glass three-fourths full? That’s the approach championed by runner, coach and author Mark Bravo. He and his wife, Leslie, live in Edmond. “Don’t compare yourself to others; it can be a losing game. In running, there’s always someone faster. If you can’t get over that, you can never be satisfied,” he says.

To put that approach into action, one must look at his own situation and, instead of looking at what’s missing, accept the chasm between what’s ideal and what’s actual. “No matter how easy or difficult our world is, I have to consider myself the luckiest guy in the world,” Bravo says. “It doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park or it’s easy all the time.”

Life demonstrated how uneasy it could be for Bravo four years ago when he was forced to have hip-replacement surgery. To a runner, especially one who is a coach, such a surgery can be devastating. “It shook my foundation,” he says. Two days after the

Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in 2007, after 30 years of running, Bravo went in for the surgery.

“I was rarely the fastest runner there,” Bravo says of his life before the surgery. “I was never trying for the Olympic Games or anything like that.” But still, people turned to him as a coach because they found him approachable. “People migrated to me and I appreciated that,” he says.

"Success stories are when folks realize it's not about what anyone else does" Bravo has been a color commentator for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon since the first one 11 years ago. “It just fit from day one,” he says.

His family’s 88-year-old business was one block away from the Alfred P. Murrah building. He sold the family business in 1999 and became a personal trainer.

In coaching, Bravo chose to focus on personal growth instead of being solely concerned with hard driving and the clock. “The normal definition of ‘personal trainer’ never fit me. I found that what really drove me was to affect folks,” he says. “Running has formed my personality more than any single thing.”

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Bravo enjoyed the camaraderie of races and running, and the accountability. “You meet folks for a long run, groups meet, and it becomes more a lifestyle than the literal miles,” he says.

The four tiers of Bravo’s viewpoint are “stick-to-itiveness,” gratitude, a kinder and gentler approach and the glass three-fourths full view of life. These are the roots of having a positive outlook, staying on course, being the best you can be and giving back.

His book, “Momentum: 77 Observations Toward A Life Well Lived,” enumerates his philosophies. “The book has some legendary runners contributing to it, but the book is by no means a running book. It’s 90 percent non-running,” Bravo explains. “It gets to things that running helped teach me and observations from others.”

“There are three non-negotiables we all have, no matter how easy or tough our plight is – our efforts, integrity and compassion. If we approach those three words properly, I feel that most of the time we arrive at our potential, which is the subtitle of the book – a life truly well-lived.”

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Following his hip replacement surgery, Bravo made the most he could of his situation. He started running again three months after the replacement and considers himself to be very fortunate. However, the surgery was not without lasting repercussions. He’s toned down his running, not caring as much how fast he is. “In the toning down, I don’t call it a compromise,” he says. “I call it maturity that I’ve chosen not to do any more marathons.”

Bravo says recalibrating his sights to conquer half-marathons can be just as gratifying as tackling the full marathons before the surgery. A marathon is 26.2 miles, and the longest race he’s ran since the surgery was 18 miles. “Success stories are when folks realize it’s not about what anyone else does or where you were 10 years ago,” Bravo explains. “It’s you reaching your potential.”

When Bravo coached for the “Train to End Stroke,” a program to fight heart disease and strokes, a man came in weighing 290 pounds. “He had let the last 15-20 years go by with a very sedentary lifestyle,” Bravo says.

The man decided to participate in a half-marathon Bravo was coaching that was just a few months away. “In five months, he came down 55 pounds and walked a half-marathon at a really good pace,” he says. A week before the half-marathon, he and Bravo were walking and the man confided that he had once been in the Olympic trials in cross-country skiing. “He had gone from being an elite athlete to this. It can happen to any of us,” Bravo says, stressing that it doesn’t matter how someone gets into a bad situation or what the nature of it is, “All that matters is that if you deem it worth changing; start now.”

“Momentum: 77 Observations Toward A Life Well Lived” is available at select bookstores and at www.runbravo.com.

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~ SENORITA BELL

by Louise Tucker Jones

M

entors are often known for their eccentricities. Zella Bell was no exception. She portrayed the perfect image of an old maid with her tall, lean stature, wire-rimmed glasses and mousey brown hair pulled back in a tight little roll at the nape of her neck. But even though she was unmarried and in her middle years, one should never mistake Señorita Bell, as she preferred to be called, as a lonely, old woman.

She had more energy and zest for life than anyone I knew.

As a young student teacher, I observed Miss Bell’s Spanish classes daily and was enthralled with how she held her students’ attention, never worrying about making a spectacle of herself in front of the class as she yanked at her hair and exclaimed, “pelo” to the group. She had a vast knowledge and love of the Spanish language and a desire to share it. She seemed to live, eat and breathe teaching, so much so that it took an intervention to get her to turn her classes over to me as the semester progressed. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust my skills; she just couldn’t let go of her students.

But every Friday after school, Miss Bell would climb into her car with the excitement of a teenager and head to her parents’ home, just an hour away, to spend the weekend. It was a weekly ritual and she loved it. On Sunday evenings, she was just as anxious to get back to her own place, which was a rented room with kitchen privileges in a private home. She felt no need to own a house. Spending every weekend with her parents and weekdays at school, a house would simply be a burden.

I had an interesting semester with Miss Bell and never expected to see her after my college graduation. But our paths were destined to cross again. About five years later, I was doing substitute teaching in the Tulsa school system, having retired from full-time

About the Author Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author and inspirational speaker.

Author and co-author of four books, her work has been featured in numerous publications. Contact her at: LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.

teaching to be home with my son. Miss Bell saw my name on the substitute list and wanted me to take her classes while she took an extended medical leave. It was during those weeks that I learned how much faith and trust she had in me as a teacher.

Her principal told me that she came to him and asked that I be her sub while she was gone, feeling certain I could keep her kids on track in Spanish. The principal emphasized to Miss Bell that subs were hired by the district, not him, but she insisted.

She just wouldn’t take that medical leave if he didn’t see to it that I was the teacher in charge. He called and I accepted.

I have never known another Zella Bell. Not anyone even remotely like her. She was spontaneous and seemed forever young, even in the assisted living center where she retired. We had sporadic conversations through the years and I always sent her Spanish Christmas cards, which she enjoyed immensely.

Some thought she may have missed out on life, never having married or had children, but if you asked Zella, she didn’t miss a thing. She enjoyed every minute of every day and gave every ounce of her love, knowledge and wisdom to family, friends and students. She made an impact on every person who crossed the threshold of her life. I counted it a joy to be her friend and a privilege to be her colleague. I dare say that others who encountered Señorita Bell during their lives would agree with me, either in Spanish or in English.

“She had a vast knowledge and love of the Spanish language and a desire to share it.”

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Join us Saturday, September 10 for a Warehouse Trunk Show 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with over 50 different vendors offering an amazing selection of clothing, decor, purses, hand-made jewelry, children’s items and doorprizes! • 14400 N. Lincoln • 242-6451 (between Memorial & 33rd) www.beaucoupboutiques.com

Pet Medical Center of Edmond is hosting the 2nd Annual Pet Health Fair on October 1, 2011 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This event is free and open to the community. A silent auction will be held to raise money for the Edmond Animal Shelter. There will be food, fun, Edmond K9 unit demonstrations and live pet adoptions. Many thanks to all our generous donors who made this event possible. • 1001 W. 15th Street • 348-6580

Loabi Boutique carries the latest in women's and children's apparel, shoes, gifts and handbags from brands like Fossil, Haute Baby, Aden & Anais, Toms, Miss Me & Hannah Banana. Open M-F 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

454 W. Main Street in Yukon 494-7447 • Find us on Facebook!

Anabelle’s Galleria

Beautiful flameless Scentsy warmers are the perfect gift for any occasion. With more than 80 luxurious scents and 70 warmers to choose from, you're sure to find one to fit every personality and decor. And coming soon, a new premium collection of warmers as well as a new line of perfume sticks. Visit www.elegantcandlegifts.com for monthly specials and to order online. Or call Nancy Dobbs - Super Star Consultant at 341-3107 to host an online Scentsy party and receive free and 1/2 off products!

Bloomin Outdoors is Yukon's newest boutique opening in September and featuring brands like Teva, Lucky, Silver, Marmot, Mt. Hardware, Patagonia, Keen and Old Gringo.

Open Mon-Fri 10-6 & Sat 10-4 • Located at 451 W. Main St. in Yukon Find us on Facebook!

494-7676

Are you ready for football season? Not without shopping at Anabelle's!

We have all the cutest game day tees and scarfs from Cool Chicks Wear and Pink Armadillos. Plus amazing jewelry, gifts and decor. 1201 NW 178th (2nd & Western) • 359-1189 • Find us on Facebook!

Call Melissa, Amy or Jordan at Edmond's newest and cutest salon, Cut'n Loose, for a great new look. Men's and kids cuts are just $10. Bring in this ad for a Women's cut, color & style for only $75 or enjoy $50 Off a Keratin Complex treatment!

Exp. 9/30/11 • Located at 708 W. 15th between Kelly & Broadway.

Call 340-HAIR

Oasis Pools & Spas offers quality maintenance, repair and remodeling for your swimming pool or spa.

Whether you have an inground or above-ground pool, our trained technicians will keep it running beautifully.

Stop by our store and enjoy 15% off all toys, pool floats and games with this ad. Exp. 9/30/11 • Located at 1333 www.edmondoutlook.com N. Santa Fe • 340-6442

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MONDAY - FRIDAY 4-6 p.m.

1/2 Off Sushi Some restrictions apply

ET’s BBQ Catering & Custom Smoking Mon - Thur 11am - 9pm Fri & Sat 11am - 10pm

$5 Mojitos

2080 E. 2ND ST • 285.8300 • KANGSOK.COM 12 www.edmondoutlook.com

330-4343

121 E. Waterloo

ZEN ASIAN DINING

Z

en Asian Dining, in Edmond, is a rare dining

experience presenting a variety of authentic Asian cuisine under one roof. Owner Lesly Tran explained how Zen is distinguishable from the ordinary. “People have different cravings for Asian food and if the husband wants Chinese food but the wife wants Vietnamese, they can come to Zen and have both,” said Tran.

The menu boasts Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese dishes made fresh from traditional family recipes born from more than 25 years in the restaurant business. “We have tweaked the recipes from the Grand House originals from almost 30 years of fine dining,” said Tran. The restaurant design uses the principals of Feng Shui, creating a relaxed, soothing atmosphere that belies typical casual dining.

Some of their most popular items include Pad Thai (rice noodles stir fry in a sweet Thai sauce) and Thai basil tilapia. “We make our sauces from scratch. The fresh, spicy, sweet Thai sauce transports you to Thailand,” said Tran. Another favorite is the Mongolian Beef tossed with a sweet, caramel soy sauce.

Tran says Zen Asian uses only high quality ingredients. “Our sesame chicken is unlike anyone else’s. We use all-white chicken

Buy 1 Entree Get 1 FREE! *LUNCH ONLY*

of equal or lesser value with ad & purchase of 2 drinks Mon-Fri 10:30 am - 4 pm One coupon per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Exp. 9/30/11

844-7667 M - Th: 10:30 am - 8 pm

Edmond F - Sat: Rd. 10:30 & amSanta - 9 pm Fe Serving Ice Cold Beer!

by Melanie Phillips Clemens

tenders or breasts with a light breading. When you taste our food, you taste the quality, healthy and authenticity that makes us different. We believe each person can only eat so much and they owe it to themselves to eat the best,” she said. “Customers tell us they can taste the difference in our food, that we have a quality that you would find in New York. Our regular customers brag about us to their friends then they try us and become regulars.”

Tran shared, “We have a lot of wonderful customers that become friends. I hear about their marriages, the birth of children or someone who passed away. When you enjoy what you do, it’s never work and I love what I do. I want to thank our customers for their support over the past six years.

We hope to continue serving them for years to come.” Happy hour is from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. every day and features half-price appetizers and discounts on domestic beer, wine and sake.

Zen Asian Dining is located at 3209 S. Broadway, Suite 127 in the Edmond Exchange Shopping Center. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For take-out orders, call 285-2396. Browse their menu at www.zenasiandining.com or find them on Facebook.

BUY ONE

SAND WICH GET ONE $ 3.99

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Lesly Tran, Owner

www.edmondoutlook.com 13

GET YOUR GAME ON

by Krystal Harlow

Mr. Sushi

Buffalo Wild Wings

Hosting your own game day festivities is a snap with Wingstop's incredible line-up of award-winning regular and boneless chicken wings. Create your own combo from nine tempting flavors like Cajun, Hickory or the famous Original Hot, sauced and tossed to juicy perfection. Always made fresh to order, their 10-100 piece party packs come complete with creamy dips and sides. Dine in or phone ahead at 755-4411 for take-out orders. Open Sun.-Thurs.

11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight at 12225 N. Penn. Visit wingstop.com.

You've got the game day spread covered with Mr. Sushi's unbeatable party trays. As much a feast for the eyes as the appetite, these sumptuous platters delight hungry fans with a variety of crab, tuna, salmon, crab stick and shrimp rolls. Choose small, medium or large trays to feed from 3-10 people or create your own custom tray. All items are made fresh to order so call ahead at 285-7310 for party trays.

Enjoy great sushi, Sashimi, Temaki and specialties Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 214 S. Santa Fe or visit mrsushiok.com.

With Buffalo Wild Wings powerhouse menu and high-octane crowd, it's the next best place to the stadium on game day! Push some tables together, stay a while and catch the game on TV as you feast on traditional and boneless chicken wings spun fresh in your choice of 14 sauces or dry seasonings. Better than tailgating, their full bar and menu of wings, wraps, ribs and burgers always rev up the fun. Call 340-9647 to create a custom take-out order, too.

Open 11 a.m. to 1:45 a.m. daily, so stop by 1333 N. Santa Fe or visit buffalowildwings.com.

Let's Do Greek

Tropical Cafe

Red Velvet Bakery

Treat your hungry fans to a feast of Olympic proportions with the Zeus sandwich from Let's Do Greek. Ready to feed 4 for $19.95, this masterpiece packs 3/4 lb of sliced Gyros meat on three pitas, piled high with hummus, falafel, Feta, Basmati rice, onions, tomatoes, black olives, lettuce, french fries and Tzatziki sauce. Create your own sensation with Gyros meat by the pound, bags of pita and familystyle servings of all your favorite dishes. Catering and a private party room are available too. Dine at 180 W. 15th Street, call 285-8898 or visit letsdogreek.com.

Tropical Cafe's hot and cold appetizer and food platters will steal the show at your next party. Call in a platter of crepe, croissant or Grilled Panini sandwiches or a sushi tray for easy drive-through pick up. For specialties like meatballs, kabobs, cheese balls or crab cakes, call a day ahead. Whether you stop in for breakfast, lunch or frozen yogurt or kick back with a glass of wine or fresh fruit margarita around the flat screen TVs, this versatile cafe is always a crowd pleaser. Call 340-8956, stop by 304 S. Kelly or visit oklahomatropicalcafe.com.

Wing Stop

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Nothing pleases a hungry crowd like a tasty dish fresh from the oven. Pick up Red Velvet's delicious beef and chicken meat pies in a buttery crust, ready to heat and serve 6-8 people. Or take home their new Greek items like savory flatbreads topped with chicken and artichokes or spinach and onions, along with to-go servings of hummus, tabouli and Baba Ghanoush -- perfect for all-day noshing. Finished with their renowned cookies, cupcakes, brownies and cobblers, your party is always a hit! Stop by 2824 E. 2nd, call 330-8127 or visit redvelvetbakery.net.

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www.edmondoutlook.com 15

KREGGERS

Setting the Standard in Flooring

by Melanie Phillips Clemens When Kregger’s Floors & More opened in Edmond, two generations of hard work and expertise came together under one roof. Paul Kregger, along with sons Chris and Sam, wanted to make a greater impact in the industry that’s been a part of their family for generations.

“I previously worked for a major flooring company doing extensive commercial projects. While attending a Mohawk convention, a speaker informed us that our industry lives off of subcontractors. The problem with that is 90 percent of customers were reported saying they would purchase the same flooring again but only 30 percent would use the same installer,” said Paul.

However, this wasn’t the case with Chris Kregger, who’s been installing floors since before he graduated high school. As a certified floor covering installer, Chris brings the same pride and excellence to Kregger’s that he maintained in his own installation business.

“I’ve installed flooring for most of my life and I enjoy making things and seeing the finished product,” he said.

With their crew of 10 installers, Kregger makes

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customer service and satisfaction top priorities. “We like making our customers happy. They tell us they like dealing with honest people who do honest work,” said Chris.

“We realized customers would rather have a hands-on flooring professional take care of everything directly. We’re not a broker who links customers with installers to get the job done. We install everything we sell,” said Paul. Kregger’s Floors & More offers namebrand flooring including Mohawk, Anderson and handcrafted, Italian-made Bella Cera hardwood floors.

With today’s technology, consumers have begun educating themselves before making major purchases.

At Kregger’s, employees aren’t salespeople trying to earn a commission; they’re a family building a legacy of integrity that’s paramount to their success. According to Sam, “Many times customers have already made up their mind on wood, tile, or carpet. We help them choose wisely because we know flooring.” Paul agrees.

“When you shop with us we want to help you make the right choice for you, not for us,” he said.

Kregger’s is also a general contractor for a

Paul Kregger, Owner of Kreggers Floors & More national pizza chain, so they’ve built restaurants from the ground up. “Because we know every aspect of construction, we know if a floor will be good or if it’ll mess something up later on. We’re going to tell the truth no matter how pretty or ugly it is. People can always deal with that,” said Paul.

“Our biggest challenge has been keeping our operation small and local. We enjoy Edmond and 99 percent of our jobs are within the Edmond area.

We want the American dream, but with keeping our family in harmony,” said Paul.

Kregger’s Floors & More is located at 2702 S. Broadway. For more information, call 348-6777 or visit their website www.kreggers.com.

STANLEY STEEMER Delivering the Meaning of Clean

by Melanie Phillips Clemens What began in 1947 with one man and one truck has become one of the foremost carpet cleaning companies in the country known as Stanley Steemer.

The OKC location serves 71 cities and towns across central Oklahoma, including Edmond and Arcadia.

Stanley Steemer is known for its outstanding carpet and upholstery cleaning services, but offers much more. Their array of residential and commercial services includes tile and grout cleaning, leather cleaning, hardwood floor cleaning and maintenance coating, air duct cleaning, water damage restoration, flooring sales and installation and auto, boat and RV detailing. From their proven hot-water extraction method for carpets to their industry leading wood floor cleaning, each service is designed to improve the quality of life in your home or business.

According to Shawn Burkhead, branch manager, “Quality is extremely important to us. Our ultimate goal is that customers call back and tell their friends about us. Word-of-mouth is our best form of advertisement.” And with Stanley Steemer, the estimate you see is the price you get. “Our crews may

recommend some of our other services that may be beneficial to that customer, but they don’t do anything unless it’s customer approved. With us, there are no surprises. We don’t charge extra for things like spot treatment or furniture moving,” said Burkhead.

Customers can expect top-notch service when technicians arrive to do the preliminary walk-through.

“We make sure all furniture is safe to move, if the carpet has been protected, time of last cleaning and if they know what a particular spot is from. The more information we have, the better job we can do. Also, we do quality checks daily to ensure they’re getting the job done right,” said Burkhead.

Their commercial program offers the same professional services as their residential. “Most businesses can’t clean during the middle of the day so we adjust our crew to be there after hours or on Saturdays,” said Burkhead.

Although Stanley Steemer is nationally owned, it’s a local company with local employees. “We have regular customers who request certain employees. We have employees who’ve been with us over 10 years,”

Shawn Burkhead, OKC Branch Manager said Burkhead. And all employees undergo extensive background screenings and ongoing drug testing.

With 32 employees and 16 equipped vans, sameday services are available at no extra charge. According to Burkhead, “We send out an extra truck every day because we always get last-minute calls.” And for emergency water damage, Stanley Steemer is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Not only that, but they have a 10-day, 100%, no-questions-asked guarantee.

“We want customers to be impressed enough to ask us back. We value them and thanks to our quality service, we’re continually growing,” said Burkhead.

For more information, call 745-1078, visit www.stanleysteemer.com or find them on Facebook.

www.edmondoutlook.com 17

ONE PERSON'S TRASH...

by Rachel Dattolo

A

Waste disposal is considered a utility in Edmond, so the city handles waste disposal, keeping costs down.

All materials turned in for recycling are taken to the Recycle America Recycling Center in Oklahoma City to be processed and shipped out. Recyclable materials include aluminum cans, empty aerosol cans, glass bottles, newspapers, magazines and plastic milk jugs. Plastic food containers marked with a 3 through 7 on the bottom are also accepted. However, egg cartons, Styrofoam, chemicals, oil, packaging materials, cardboard, cereal boxes, tissues and used paper towels are not accepted through this program.

For a complete list of what can and cannot be recycled, go to edmondok.com/utility/solidwaste/services/ recycling.

For apartment-dwellers, UCO students or those outside the city limits, a recycling center is located at 5300 Recycle Trail, at the corner of I-35 and Covell. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, the recycling center provides a drop-off point for those not able to participate in the curbside program. Cardboard boxes also can be dropped off at the recycling center.

Edmond has a separate recycling Wesley Dedmon, Superintendent of Edmond's Solid program available for household Waste Management Department hazardous waste. This waste includes the same day as trash pick-up, though with different paint, herbicides, aerosols, batteries, fluorescent tubes, trucks and at different times. Residents can request oil and gasoline. Electronic waste (known as e-waste), a recycle bin when they set up their waste account. such as televisions, VCRs, computer monitors and ccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American throws out 4.5 pounds of trash every day. Only about a quarter of that waste is ever recycled. The EPA says recycling protects and expands manufacturing jobs, reduces the need for landfills, reduces pollution, conserves natural resources and saves energy.

Thanks to Edmond’s curbside recycling program, residents can do their part to help the environment.

All residents within Edmond city limits receive an 18-gallon recycling bin along with their regular trash bin. The $2.32 fee per month to recycle is included in the basic waste rate, and the recycle bin is collected

18 www.edmondoutlook.com

kitchen appliances are also included in the hazardous waste recycling program.

Each residence gets one free pick-up per year, as part of their solid waste service. Call (800) 449-7587 or email hotline@curbsideinc.com to request a collection time. To dispose of hazardous waste more than once per year, additional pick-ups can be scheduled. There also is a drop-off center in Oklahoma City, but fees will apply. For more information, click on the household hazardous waste link on the city’s website.

According to the website “Improper use, storage and disposal of household hazardous waste is dangerous, and that’s why Edmond Solid Waste Services wants to partner with you to make our homes and neighborhoods safer.”

The Edmond curbside recycling program has a 70 percent participation rate which is high for Oklahoma.

Edmond also has an annual curbside program for used Christmas trees. Pick-ups can be scheduled or the trees can be dropped off at E.C. Hafer or J.L. Mitch parks. The trees are chipped and turned into mulch,

which is given away on a first-come, first-served basis, usually by midFebruary. About 15,000 Christmas trees were mulched last year, according to Wesley Dedmon, solid waste superintendent.

In the event of a destructive storm, residents also can also have their tree limbs picked up by Edmond’s field services department, in the event that the mayor declares the storm worthy of a storm collection. Residents are advised to check the city’s website to see if their area is scheduled for a storm collection.

Dedmon said the curbside recycling program has been in place in Edmond for 10 years and has a 70 percent participation rate, which is high for Oklahoma. Dedmon, who was born and raised in Oklahoma and has lived in Edmond for eight years, says, “We’re pretty proud of that.”

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POSITIVE TOMORROWS

by Melanie Phillips Clemens

Josh Beasley, Director of Development at Positive Tomorrows in OKC

F

or many of Oklahoma’s children, the end of summer signifies the beginning of a new school year. Yet, for as many as 6,000 children in Oklahoma, getting an education often takes a backseat to basic needs like food and shelter. According to the 2011 OKC Point-In-Time homelessness count, homeless families with children have become the fastest growing subpopulation in the past five years.

While the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures educational rights and protection for homeless children, the stresses these children endure often hinder their ability to learn. Positive Tomorrows began in 1989 as a publicly funded transitional school for homeless children in OKC. Josh Beasley, director of development, shared the school’s vision.

“Homeless children experience things not typical for most children. This causes academic and social developmental delays because of their unstable environment. Positive Tomorrows is a resource for homeless families to help students reach the right academic level. Our goal isn’t to replace the public school system but to prepare students to be successful in that environment.”

Unfortunately, most children of homeless families

because we know that no one can learn on an empty stomach,” said Beasley.

In the past five years, students aren’t the only ones who’ve experienced transition at Positive Tomorrows.

When No Child Left Behind passed, the school lost more than half of its funding and closed the doors to everything except an after-school program. “Our board looked into the community and found there was still a need for homeless children to have a safe and stable learning environment. In 2007, we reopened as an elementary school because the earlier we can put a child on the right path, the better. Of the reported 1700 homeless children in the Oklahoma City School District, just over 100 will go through our school within a year,” said Beasley.

Positive Tomorrows is a partner agency of United Way but receives most of its funding from private corporations, foundations and individuals. This year, the University of Central Oklahoma’s homecoming

don’t know where they’ll spend the night or when they’ll get their next meal. Positive Tomorrows offers family support programs to help parents obtain shelter, receive job training or find job placement. “Homelessness, in general, is misunderstood in the community. We see a lot of families on the other side of bad luck or a couple of bad decisions. Once a family falls into that scenario, it’s so hard to get out. Those families just want a hand up, not a hand out. Children should be able to focus on learning and when their family is stable, they can.” Even though every student qualifies for the federal free lunch program, the school provides beyond those requirements because they may be providing the Written by a Positive Tomorrows Student child’s only meals.

“When I first came on staff, a teacher told me about celebration bonfire will incorporate their Rock the a little boy who kept coming back for more food at Block fundraiser to benefit Positive Tomorrows. breakfast. When he asked for thirds, she commented According to Courtney James, assistant director for on how hungry he was. The boy simply said, ‘Yeah, we campus activities, this will be a rarity in UCO history. didn’t eat this weekend.’ That’s a sad reality for many of “The bonfire has never been about fundraising, it’s all our students. We provide them with three meals a day about homecoming. But this year when the students

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on our homecoming activities board investigated the philanthropy opportunities in OKC and Edmond, they visited Positive Tomorrows and were overwhelmed by what they saw. There was an emotional connection and they believe they need UCO’s help as well as the entire communities.”

"The stresses homeless children endure hinder their ability to learn."

Rock the Block will be held on Monday, September 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. and will host a variety of activities including inflatables, live music and food. Playing on inflatables is free, courtesy of the Oklahoma National Guard. A band from the UCO Academy of Contemporary Music will open for the high energy, headlining Arkansas band Boom Kinetic. The bonfire will begin at 8 p.m. All-you-can-eat food, donated by local vendors, is available with the purchase of a wristband for three dollars. For seven dollars, a T-shirt is also included. However, attending the event isn’t the only way the community can get involved with supporting Positive Tomorrows. James explained, “We need donation items that will benefit the school. Our students always bring so much stuff that it fills two

(moving trucks). This year we are collecting hand sanitizer, toilet paper, Clorox wipes, paper towels and 1 gallon Ziploc bags. But Positive Tomorrows also needs items such as: full size bottles of shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, alarm clocks, pots and pans, sheet sets, pillows, bedspreads and gas cards.

Individuals can bring all donated items to the Positive Tomorrows table at the Rock the Block event and bonfire.”

Rarely does the staff at Positive Tomorrows witness firsthand the long-term effect the school has on a child’s life. But, just one glimpse can make a difference. “We had a couple of students from UCO and OU volunteer at the school. They told us they came to give back because they’d been here when they were 10 years old,” said Beasley. “Through the power of education, we can end the cycle of homelessness.

Positive Tomorrows isn’t just a name, it’s our mission.

We want to give a positive tomorrow to all homeless children.”

To get involved with Positive Tomorrows through donating time, supplies or money, go to www.positivetomorrows.org or call 556-5082.

(left to right) Ashley Castleberry, Buddy the Broncho, Leigh Archer & Kelsey Jordan at the UCO Homecoming bonfire last year.

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WONDER BOY

by Lindsay Whelchel

Edmond author Charles Martin with wife Karen

H

ere’s the good news: A handsome superhero is to thank for a world without crime. The bad news?

He’d be the first to tell you so.

In a modern day re-creation of the dime novel, Edmond author Charles Martin, who also writes under the name Will Weinke, has created Wonderboy — a superhero with a super ego, who, despite his flaws, is trying to do good deeds. And Martin could be considered a sort of “wonderboy” himself.

He first began writing in fourth grade and has always been fascinated with storytelling. “Writing is more compulsive for me than it is anything else. It’s really a way for me to keep my mind straight. If I don’t write, then I have issues,” Martin laughs. And when it comes to the writing process, “I guess I like playing god. I like being able to create a world and control everything inside of it,” he says jokingly.

And so it was only natural that Martin should pursue the craft professionally. He studied journalism and creative writing at Oklahoma Baptist University and worked in journalism before attempting to publish his first novel. “I waited until I felt like I was

writing at a level where I could justifiably charge somebody to read it,” he laughs.

That first venture was a novel that told the story of a musician-turned-cult leader. When the writing was complete, the next step was getting the book out to readers. And like many authors, Martin sought publication in the traditional ways and found it in a local publishing house. But circumstances forced him to change his game plan.

When that publisher fell victim to the economy, the company essentially had to give Martin back his book and send him out on his own.

Martin explains that he made many mistakes in the early days of self-promotion but adopted an “indie” style and learned how easy it could be to push the book on his own. “It’s a lot easier and a lot cheaper than people realize,” he says.

“Everybody growing up, myself included, thinks you

need a publisher to make this kind of career work, and I’ve just found out over time that’s not the case.”

And throughout the process, Martin has had a chance to write several books. Two of these, “Charles and the Island” and “The Dominant Hand,” have been released and two more are on the horizon. But the time is now for “Wonderboy.” The first and second issues have recently been released with a third issue releasing September 9.

The fictional narrative is styled in a serialized comic-book format and is currently seeing success in the online world of e-books. “I’ve wanted to write a superhero novel since I started writing. It’s kind of something that’s been banging around in my head for years and years,” says Martin. But Martin didn’t just want to write a typical save-the-world story. He wanted to embrace the real-world strains of being a hero. So, the character of Wonderboy was born.

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“The world has depended on him to keep the peace, dispense justice, all of the kind of stuff you’d expect from a superhero, but after 20 years of doing it, he has started to emotionally degrade, just as any person who is worshipped for that long,” Martin says and likens this premise to that of our real-life tendencies toward celebrity worship. It’s the story of a superhero that has spent his life saving the world and now finds himself put in the position to do the greatest harm.

“As Wonderboy starts to evolve into a less thoughtful person and really, in many respects, a selfabsorbed jerk, there is really nothing that the world can do about it, because he is still all-powerful,” Martin says. And he explains that this type of storytelling is not always easy. “The story itself is a very different challenge because it’s not something that I’ve ever tried before.”

But Martin likes unusual ideas and “Wonderboy” is certainly a new take on things.

“I haven’t seen people do dime novels directed at a more mature

reader, especially with a superhero motif. In comic books you see it all the time, but you don’t really see it in fiction as much.” He adds that this story allowed him to create and experiment with a whole different world.

And speaking of worlds, Martin’s literary-worldsaving efforts through subculture publishing venture Literati Press come at an interesting and innovative time. The Oklahoma-based publishing company was developed more like an artist co-op, according to Martin, and it came about from his experiences as a struggling writer. “We do a lot of outreach with young authors coming up, whether or not we’re going to work with them, we just want to do everything we can to promote more of that ‘do it yourself’ culture,” Martin says of Literati Press’ mission. They work with authors who are exploring unique ways to tell stories and they model the idea of self-promotion in a way similar to that of artists in the independent music scene, Martin says. He sees Literati as a stepping-stone for writers who will move on and find bigger publishers and successes.

The organization tries to “build up the awareness within the Oklahoma reading populace to the interesting and innovative voices that are out there right now and just don’t know quite how to get their work out to the public,” says Martin. And part of getting the work

out there will no doubt involve embracing the new technological world and the vast sea of online readers.

So, like many authors, Martin is pairing his own work with the power of the Internet. The “Wonderboy” series is taking advantage of the ease and accessibility of e-books. Amazon’s Kindle and Apple’s iPad have started to offer the downloadable books at a lesser cost than print books.

He sees the future to be in this type of medium but is quick to explain that there will always be value in the print books. “The benefit of art being a physical product is, not only is it something you consume, but also display,” he says of the ability to get to know a person by the books they read. “When guests come over, they spend a little time looking through your bookshelves and get a little slice of your soul.”

For more about Literati Press and their upcoming work, visit www.literatipressok.com.

www.edmondoutlook.com 23

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SONGS THAT SELL

by Radina Gigova

N

ot many Edmond residents have met Erick Alexander in person, but they sure have heard his jingles. Alexander is the composer, producer and voice of some of the most popular commercials broadcast across the Oklahoma airwaves. “I’ve had people calling me and asking, ‘Did you sing on this one spot because it sounds just like you?’ I think it’s really neat,” he said.

Alexander lives in Edmond with his wife and two children. He grew up in southern Oklahoma and studied music at Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma Christian University. Alexander plays guitar, piano, drums, and bass as well as other “instruments” that he uses in the recordings. “keychains, styrofoam, tin cans — all sorts of things that make noise,” he joked.

Alexander was fascinated with music since an early age and learned how to play guitar by ear.

His neighbor was a member of a rock band and Alexander often could hear loud music coming from the house. “I was so interested in what was going on over there and that’s what got me into learning how to play the guitar and to sing,” he said.

While in high school, Alexander dreamed of

being able to play with the band that performed at the camp he attended each spring. Several years later, his OSU professor finished an evening class early because he didn’t feel well. It was the night when that same band, affiliated with OC, was auditioning for new members. “I flew in my car and got at the back of the line,” said Alexander. “There were probably a hundred or so people. I was the very last one to try out and I got the spot.” He received a full scholarship and transferred to OC. There he met his wife, who was the violinist of the band.

After graduating, Alexander worked different jobs. He did voiceovers for the demo of a friend who was a radio DJ. Later, he and the friend started a jingle recording company. When the friend moved on to different ventures a few years later, Alexander started his own company, EAMSounds. He does everything from recording and production to jingle and music writing. His work speaks for itself and he

gets most of his clients through word-of-mouth. “I used to make a joke saying I would be happy to do your jingle for you if you can find me,” he said.

Alexander's list of clients is long: Edmond Hyundai, Bob Moore, Richardson Homes, St. Anthony's Hospital, Norman Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Swadley's Bar-B-Q, Visual Image, the Made in Oklahoma Coalition and Amtrak, just to name a few. Alexander has worked on projects featuring Toby Keith, Wayne Coyne from The Flaming Lips, Mayor Mick Cornett and former Governor Brad Henry. He has also produced jingles with the voices of Glenn Beck and Dave Ramsey for a broadcasting company in San Antonio. “I thought it was just going to be a guy at the radio station talking or singing on top of the music,” he said, “but when they sent it back to me, it was Glenn Beck. And then they sent me another one, and it had Dave Ramsey speaking on top of it.”

Every project is completely different from the next, and even though the job is fun, it often involves a lot of work. Alexander first talks with the clients to find out what their goal is and then starts recording the music and the voiceover. “There have been times when I’ve left a meeting with a client, and I already have the jingle written in my head on the way back to the studio,” he said. Sometimes he makes different versions of the same jingle or tagline. The process can take anywhere from a few hours to more than a week.

Alexander would be glad to compose jingles at a national level but said he already got his recognition several years ago.

Alexander and his former business partner drove to Austin to try out for a show called “Jingles” produced by Mark Burnett, the producer of shows like “Survivor” and “The Voice.” They ended up among the top five jingle writers in the entire audition.

“We beat out guys that had won Grammys,” said

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Erick Alexander at work in his EAMSounds Studio Alexander. “Even though the show never aired, that told me everything I needed to know about my ability to make something good.”

Besides jingles, Alexander also writes and produces songs.

His latest record is called “Cavity” and features ten tracks that are available on itunes. “Music captures all those feelings in between the ups and the downs, and people can relate to music in that sense,” he said. “If you are doing it for money or for some kind of recognition, then you are in it for the wrong reasons.” He added, “music is very powerful and should come from the heart.” To contact Alexander, or for more information about EAMSounds, visit www.eamsounds.com.

www.edmondoutlook.com 27

A FALLEN HERO

by Dena A. Edwards

Jered Ewy with wife Megan and daughter Kyla - Photo provided by: Katie Christy Photography

I’m coming home, I’m coming home. Tell the world I’m coming home.

Let the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday On August 11, amidst the first downpour of rain Edmond had seen all summer, Second Lieutenant Jered W. Ewy was laid to rest.

Henderson Hills Baptist Church resonated with peals of rolling thunder as full military honors were given to the fallen soldier, who was killed July 29 in Afghanistan during his third tour of duty. The funeral service was conducted as Jered lived his life — with honor, dignity and some humor. Multiple awards were bestowed upon his family on his behalf and given by top military officials and Governor Mary Fallin.

Stories and photos of Jered’s life reminded all present that this was more than a military statistic. This was someone’s husband, dad, son,

28 www.edmondoutlook.com

brother, coach and friend. This was Jered— the guy who loved snakes, gymnastics and hunting; the man who loved his country, his wife and infant daughter.

A native Oklahoman, Jered was born June 9, 1978, and graduated from Putnam City North High School. He enlisted in 1998, to become an Army Ranger — an elite member of the U.S. Army. On September 11, 2001, he was told to pack his bags and was one of the first troops on the ground in Afghanistan following the terrorist attacks. He served two tours of duty before transferring in 2003 to the Oklahoma National Guard as an instructor so he could earn his criminal justice degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. A college degree is a requirement to become an Army officer, a feat which Jered accomplished when he graduated from Officer Candidate School in July 2010 as a second lieutenant.

His long-term plan was to retire from the military in another 10 years, to spend more time at home raising his family, and converting his hobby of raising, breeding and selling snakes and reptiles into a business. But all who knew Jered knew the military would never be far from

his life or his heart.

One of the last photographs taken of Jered shows him sitting against a dirt wall in his fatigues, looking off the photo, laughing. (see cover) Fellow soldier Mike Okey was the photographer, and said what wasn’t in the photo was the group of Afghanistan children Jered was talking and laughing with.

“He was genuine and caring, and he really thought he could make a difference (in their lives),” said Megan Ewy, Jered’s wife.

During Jered’s time with the National Guard

"He taught them honor, and that it was honorable to serve your country" while in college, he once again joined the gymnastics world—a world in which he had competed in for many years growing up. He started coaching the beginning levels of the men’s competitive team at Oklahoma Gold Gymnastics in Edmond, working for Steve Hoehner, a man

that had once been Jered’s own coach. Coach Jered immediately bonded with his team members and their families.

“He was great with the kids,” said Kristen Squires, whose two sons were on his team. “He didn’t just want to teach them gymnastics. He wanted to teach them life lessons as well.” Coach Jered taught the boys by example. He was disciplined, but he was fun. Always smiling and laughing, he would line his team up like soldiers for fitness drills. He taught them honor, and that it was honorable to serve your country.

Also on staff at Oklahoma Gold was Megan Lynn, who was one of the girls’ team coaches, and who Jered instantly fell for. Their first date marked the beginning of their lives together. They got engaged on a memorable trip to Hawaii, when Jered planned to propose in a hidden lagoon. But the lagoon was so hidden, they never found it, yet the frustrated Jered was undeterred and proposed anyway.

The couple wed June 27, 2009, and didn’t wait long to start a family. Megan dealt with the latter stages of pregnancy as Jered was in Mississippi attending pre-deployment training. Her doctor had scheduled her labor to be induced on June 9, so Jered could plan a military leave to coincide. But baby Kyla had other plans. On the afternoon of June 3, Megan’s water broke. She notified her husband immediately, but as labor was not considered an emergency, he was not instantly granted the ability to leave.

Meanwhile, Megan refused any means to speed up her labor and delivery, as she wanted to give the expectant dad the time he needed to arrive. Fifteen hours later, he was on his way home, and made it to the hospital less than an hour before his precious daughter Kyla was born.

The 10-day paternity leave Jered with his new baby Kyla the soldier was granted was his Photo provided by: oasis of happiness. The family spent Katie Christy Photography time together, took family portraits together, and celebrated Jered’s 33rd birthday together.

“I am so blessed,” he wrote on his Facebook wall. “Thank you,

continued on page 30

www.edmondoutlook.com 29

continued from page 29 God. I have a wonderful wife, a beautiful healthy daughter, a great family, and two awesome loyal dogs. Doesn’t get much better than that.”

Little did they know, this would be the only time the family would ever have together — the only photographs Kyla would take with her dad. Jered arrived in Afghanistan the first week in July. Megan and Jered had a Skype “date” in mid-July, and then talked on the phone on July 28. The next day Jered’s unit was attacked while on patrol by a group of insurgents with an improvised explosive device, and Jered and fellow Oklahoman Pcs. Augustus Vicari of Broken Arrow were killed.

A fellow Oklahoma National Guard member stationed in Afghanistan sent a letter to his father, telling of Ewy’s and Vicari’s send-off from the base. The soldiers had only 10 minutes of notice. “It was literally hundreds of soldiers from all over the base that had stopped everything and chose to attend the ceremony.

We all snapped to attention and, like dominoes, saluted the two fallen soldiers as they passed by in the ambulance on their way to the plane that would take them home for the last time.”

Full military honors and treatment were given during the dignified transfer of Second Lt. Ewy upon his arrival at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, and again at the Air National Guard base at Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City, where the plane taxied under two sprays of water coming from a flanking pair of fire trucks. A third fire truck displayed a large flag. Megan was given a moment of silence with her husband, then a full military escort led them through two long rows of soldiers.

“They were standing shoulder to shoulder, all the way from the runway to the gate (of the airport),” Megan said. “As the hearse drove by, each one saluted, one after another.” Utmost honor was given to an honorable man, each and every step of the way, until Jered Ewy was finally laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery, with “Taps” playing, the echo of the 21-gun salute still ringing.

“He definitely got the respect and honor he deserved,” Megan said. “Thank you to everyone that made it possible and participated. Bringing Jered home was incredible.”

I’m coming home, I’m coming home.

Tell the world I’m coming … home.

30 www.edmondoutlook.com

(Above) Jered with one of his boas teaching kids about proper snake handling techniques (Left) Jered spotting Easton Edwards on rings at the OK State Gymnastics Meet in 2006

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Visit us during our Open House September 28-30. Call to reserve your FREE Two Week Trial!

Call today to schedule an appointment.

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340-9191 Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2801 S. Bryant in Edmond www.FineHearingCare.com

MY EDMOND

OUTLOOK

by Emily Anderson

Name: Luke Neafus, 13 years old Cyclist and Charity Champion You've been cycling for a few years now. How'd you get started?

My mom had knee surgery and I started riding with her for fun. It was then I discovered how much I loved it. I asked to quit baseball and focus only on cycling. My mom started searching around for a juniors team and was contacted by my coach Rob Green with Team Rad Racing out of Norman, OK. I was too young to race with them in 2009 so I spent a year just getting use to my bike and moving into clipless pedals.

Are you involved in competitive racing?

Yes, that is my primary focus. I am a three time Oklahoma State Champion. I won the 2011 State Time Trial Championship and in 2010 I won both the State Time Trial Championship and the State Criterium Championship. I have raced in over 22 competitive races and have not placed out of the top 10 in any of them.

What do you do to train?

I spend anywhere from 6.5 to 8 hours a week training. I do interval and hill training, and workout on an indoor trainer. My coaches give me a plan for the week depending on upcoming races.

Do you have any heroes in the biking world?

I have several: Lance Armstrong (cancer survivor & 7x TdF winner), Fabian Cancellara (great time trialist), George Hincapie (great leader), Levi Leipheimer (great American cyclist-just won Tour de Suisse), What made you decide to bike for charity?

I lost my Poppy to prostate cancer in 2007 and I wanted to do my part to put a stop to cancer. I have been raising money for LIVESTRONG since last year, and have raised $3,316 to date. My goal initially was to raise $5,000, but now my goal is to raise $10,000 by September 23.

Why $10,000?

I'm racing in the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin, October 15th & 16th and those who raise $10,000 get a private ride with Lance Armstrong.

A friend of mine has put together a fundraising barbecue in Tulsa on September 23 with celebrity chef Biju Thomas to honor a friend who recently passed from pancreatic cancer. We're selling raffle tickets and giving away some amazing prizes like an autographed OU jersey signed

by Adrian Peterson, Roy Williams, Mark Clayton and Tommie Harris.

How can people get involved?

To purchase raffle tickets people can email me at bluey19@cox.net or make donations through my blog www.lukeisthebikeman.blogspot.com or at http://austin2011.livestrong.org/lukeisthebikeman.

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