All Paws, Big Impact
JANUARY 2026
The Art of Falconry Route 66 History Lights, Laughter, Oklahoma
See our ad on pg. 19
2
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 3
PROMOTIONAL
4
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 5
6
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
A friend of mine recently retired, so I asked him to lunch to see how this new phase of life was going. He gently corrected me. Retired guys don’t do lunch—they do early morning coffee. I’ve been officially schooled. We met for coffee. He’s turning 65 this year, the age when AARP follows up, and follows up again, just to be sure you didn’t miss the first dozen mailers. He told me he finally gave in and became a cardcarrying member, admitting that resistance is futile and the discounts are real. Sage advice. Retirement, he said, is treating him well, but he’s already itching for a second act. He’s fairly internet-savvy, so I told him, you’ve got a phone and strong opinions, you’re already halfway to becoming a social media influencer. Get a ring light and start lecturing the world about air fryers, snow tires, or why nothing has improved since 1987. Podcasting came up, but that would require talking to people. He shut that down quickly, saying he already gets enough of that over coffee, and besides, most people are only interesting for about ten minutes. Hmm, grumpy retired guy with interesting people 10-minute podcasts. There’s a niche. He floated the idea of becoming a life coach, but I explained that trend peaked in 2020, back when everyone was wiping down their groceries. Besides, “life coaching” is too broad now. It’s a specialized industry—executive coaches, mindset coaches, clarity coaches, burnout coaches, inbox-zero coaches, decision-fatigue coaches. You’re not that. You’re just a guy who’s figured some things out. Other options included Uber driver, poll worker, hardware store advice guy, or youth sports referee, which seems to require minimal running and maximum whistle use. For now, he’s sticking with coffee with friends and fully exploiting those 5% AARP discounts. Next stop: Denny’s. Honestly, it sounds like a pretty good second act already. Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President
20
10
Features 8 10 12 14 18 20 26 30
18
All Paws, All Heart Food: A Fresh Take on the New Year 1926: Edmond’s Route 66 Era Begins Rock Paper Cannon 100 Greatest Miles Documentary Taking Flight with Falconer Samantha Grayson The Model A Legacy ArtLook: Paint Pushers
Business 22 24
Prime Time Travel Starting Strength Gym
Columns 7 28
In Other Words with Dave Louise Tucker Jones
On the Cover: Front row: Mellini, Erika Warren, Percy the dog, and Sidney Suttles. Back row: Jennie Peterson, Fabrice Mooney, Jill Schneeberger, Sara Bohn, and Scott Bohn. Photo submitted. ADVERTISING l 405-301-3926 l laura@edmondoutlook.com DISTRIBUTION: MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 50,000 HOMES IN THE EDMOND AREA PO Box 3878, Edmond, OK 73083 l 405-341-5599 l edmondoutlook.com l info@ edmondoutlook.com
JANUARY 2026 Volume 22, Number 1 l Edmond Outlook is published by Art, Link & Letter l © 2026 Art, Link & Letter, LLC PUBLISHER Dave Miller l PRODUCTION MANAGER Alison Miller l ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE /EDITOR Laura Beam l GRAPHIC DESIGN Anne Richardson DIGITAL DESIGN Kasey Toliver l PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins sundancephotographyokc.com 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.
LOCALLOOK
All Paws, All Heart By Taylor Bollinger All Paws Rescue began in 2016 with a simple mission: Help as many animals as possible. Co-founder and President Jill Schneeberger says the founding team had already spent years in rescue work. “Our goal was to foster and adopt out as many animals as we could.” Exceeding all expectations, the nonprofit has successfully placed over 4,000 animals since its opening. Their focus primarily includes cats, small dogs, seniors, and animals with medical or behavioral challenges. However, following the pandemic, the situation changed dramatically, marked by a rise in surrender requests and a slowdown in adoptions. “Within the last four or five years, we’ve received more calls to take animals than to adopt animals,” Jill says. Fostering will always be part of their heart, but they realized the real change happens upstream. “We love to foster and adopt, but we know it’s a bandaid,” Jill says. “Preventing births through spay and neuter education and resources is where we can make the biggest impact.” The need is staggering, especially when considering the cost. In Edmond, a spay or neuter can run anywhere from $250 to more than $1000 for a cat. Many families simply cannot cover even the low end. All Paws now partners with a mobile spayand-neuter team twice a month and offers financial assistance to pet owners who want to do right by their animals. And the ripple effect goes far beyond population control. National studies continue to show the profound impact companion animals have on human health, especially for older adults. Recent research published by the American
Since opening, the nonprofit has placed about 4,000 animals.
8
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
Jill Schneeberger and daughter, Macy Schneeberger, who is an OK Humane Veterinarian
Animal Hospital Association found that pairing shelter cats with older adults not only reduced loneliness and depressive symptoms but also lowered blood pressure and improved overall well-being. It is the kind of mutual rescue All Paws sees in real time, a soft place for an aging cat to land and a companion for someone who may be navigating isolation. There’s hope on both sides of the equation. The urgent need is visible at every clinic. Recently, All Paws helped one woman with a situation that had grown beyond her control. “She started with one female cat,” Jill says. “This year she reached out because mom had kittens, the daughter had kittens, and while mom was nursing the first set, she got pregnant again.” Very quickly, one cat became fifteen cats, and more than half were female. “That’s just one person,” Jill emphasized, “I probably have 100 people on a waiting list.” Through it all, the volunteers keep showing up. Board Secretary Jennie Peterson first connected with All Paws in 2020. She began with short volunteer shifts, then moved into fostering. “I think some people worry they don’t have the time or space. I have a very busy life,” Jennie says. “But with fostering, I take two kittens at a time. They stay in our master bath, and it’s just making sure they’re healthy and socialized.” All Paws relies entirely on people like Jennie. There is no shelter building, only families willing to open their hearts and a bit of their home. “We can always find a way for people to help,” Jennie says. That includes temporary fosters for vacation relief, long-term fosters, and volunteers who simply come to cuddle cats. “It’s a labor of love,” Jill says. “We don’t get paid. Sometimes the hearts get tired.” Then a once-feral kitten purrs for the first time. Or a senior dog finds a quiet home. Or an older adult is matched with a cat that brings comfort and stability. Those moments keep the Edmond nonprofit changing stories on both ends of the leash. Learn more about All Paws Rescue on Facebook at allpawsrescueok and online at allpawsrescueok.org.
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 9
FOODLOOK
A FRESH TAKE — ON THE NEW YEAR — HOBBY'S HOAGIES If your goal is to eat fresh, nutritious foods packed with flavor, treat yourself to a taste of the East Coast at Hobby’s Hoagies! Since 1991, they’ve delighted customers with the finest ingredients such as prime, juicy ribeye steak, real chicken breast, premium meats and cheeses, fresh veggies prepped in house daily, homemade Italian bread, and their signature crushed hot cherry peppers shipped in from Delaware. Choose any of their hoagies or Phillys to make into a salad to keep it light. Don’t forget their 6-foot party sub and party trays for gatherings too. Visit 222 S. Santa Fe Ave., Edmond, or 325 N Walker Ave, Oklahoma City, or online at hobbyshoagies.com. Follow them on Facebook for fun Super Bowl specials to come!
BRICKTOWN BREWERY Along with signature comfort foods like Big Mike’s Meatloaf, Fried Chicken Mac & Cheese, and delicious sandwiches, burgers, and pizza, Bricktown Brewery serves up exciting options for a lighter bite too. Try their flavor-packed salads like the Asian Chopped Salad, Protein Salad Bowl, Cobb Salad, Chicken-Berries-and-Pecan, or Taco Salad. Or warm up with a steamy bowl of gumbo or tomato soup, soy-glazed salmon, turkey burger, grilled chicken sandwich, or side of veggies. Don’t forget party platters and Bricktown Brewery six packs for takeout–great for stocking the cooler with craft beer for get-togethers! Visit 1150 E. 2nd St., Edmond, or bricktownbrewery.com.
10
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
By Laura Beam
THE LOOKOUT AT KICKINGBIRD GOLF Set your tastes and your sights on something fresh! The Lookout is open to the public every day, yearround, offering cool views of the golf course and OKC skyline, along with a menu of American classics with a twist. Enjoy delicious specialties like blackened salmon with avocado crema and pineapple pico, fantastic salads, shrimp cocktail, a grilled chicken wrap, ribeye, or teriyaki protein bowl. Or stop in for breakfast or brunch and indulge in avocado toast, eggs, yogurt, fruit, and all your favorites. Generous portions and surprisingly affordable prices offer the perfect start to your new year! Visit 1600 E. Danforth Rd., Edmond, or thelookoutedmond.com. Event space is available, too.
VIGNOLAS ITALIAN KITCHEN Family owned and operated, Vignolas began as a firstgeneration Italian deli in the late 70s in Maryland. Three generations later, at The Railyard in Edmond, Giovanni Vignola and the team still offer Old World Italian comfort food done right. Pasta, gnocchi, soups, and sauces are made from scratch daily using delicious family recipes. Enjoy hot and cold subs and all your favorite pasta dishes, or lighter options like soup and salad, small plates, roasted veggies, shrimp, or chicken piccata. Treat your hungry crowd to their family meals, serving 4-6 people with an entree, two sides, and cheesy garlic baguette. Visit 23 W. 1st St., at The Railyard in Edmond, or vignolaskitchen.com.
LAURA BEAM Account Executive, editor, and writer with experience in radio, newspaper and magazines. Interested in what Outlook can do for your business? Email laura@edmondoutlook.com.
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 11
FEATURELOOK
From Dirt Roads to Destination
Edmond’s Route 66 Moment By Amy Dee Stephens A century ago, Edmond was ringing in the New Year of 1926. According to the front-page editorial by A.D. Dailey of The Edmond Sun, Edmond’s previous year had been a prosperous one. The town was expanding, with 50 new houses, another cotton gin, the expansion of Eagle Milling Company, and a new auditorium at Central State Teachers College. World War I was over, and the economy had rebounded. Still an agricultural town with a population of only 2,500, Edmond was largely independent of Oklahoma City, which was miles away across the prairie. Stores in downtown Edmond carried all the basic necessities. It cost 10¢ to buy a can of soup, $10 for a shotgun, $25 for a Philco tabletop radio, and $590 for a Ford sedan. Officials urged citizens to shop locally when possible, as a neighborly courtesy to Edmond business owners. Edmond’s Moral Standards The people of Edmond had high moral standards, befitting a college town focused on training future educators. Many students rented spare rooms or boarding houses in the community, so Edmondites felt integrally involved with campus life. Without the hint of a speakeasy, “roaring twenties” entertainment in Edmond meant that nearly every adult held membership in a variety of community service and
12
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
social clubs. Ladies met in the homes of individuals to quilt, arrange flowers, or plan charitable events, while the men met at lodges to improve their speaking skills, discuss politics, or raise money for various causes. One initiative on everyone’s mind going into 1926 was the need for improved roads. Paving the Way Edmond’s rutted dirt roads, shared by both cars and horse-drawn buggies, became problematic anytime it rained. The challenge of being stuck in the mud was not unique to Edmond. By the early 1920s, one in every 13 Americans owned a car, but Oklahoma had less than 300 miles of hard-surfaced roads. Edmond only had eight. Good Road clubs popped up across the country. Everyone wanted paved roads, but “who was going to pay for it?” In the mid-1920s, citizens pooled their money to gravel the roads along Edmond’s main streets. In 1925, Cyrus Avery, highway commissioner and “Father of Route 66,” found a helpful solution when his idea for a 3.5¢ gas tax passed the legislature, meaning that people who drove cars helped pay for better roads. As Oklahoma communities approved bonds to pave portions of their streets, they could also apply for federal matching funds allotted for towns along the newly created highway system. One of those highways would run right through Edmond! Once Route 66 was initiated in 1926, paving efforts ramped up as towns along the new highway began competing for federal dollars and bragging rights to see which towns would be paved first. The highway plan was applauded by most, but it would take about three years to completely hard-surface Edmond’s section of Highway 66. Traffic Woes Edmond soon began experiencing the growing pains that came with having a major thoroughfare routed through town, and not everyone was thrilled with the influx of traffic. Citizens complained about drivers ignoring the “stop stripes” at intersections and racing down 2nd street
at up to 50 miles per hour, although local roads still had a speed limit of 15 mph, and the highway speed was 35! Welcoming Tourists Aspiring entrepreneurs in Edmond saw their chance to escape farming and industrial life by opening services along 2nd street to accommodate motorists, including gas stations, repair garages, and diners. In 1924, Edmond had approximately five garages and eight grocery stores, and those numbers would triple by the end of the decade. New car owners suddenly had the freedom to “see the country” as never before, and families found pleasure in ambling across the country, stopping to camp alongside the road at night. Edmond established a free tourist camp off 2nd street with access to water, stoves, and picnic benches. By 1928, entrepreneurs had opened camp sites with cabins for rent, and since most tourists would pay a few dollars for a room, the free site, the future Fink Park, was shut down to overnighters. A Changed Town By the end of the 1920s, Edmond looked completely different. The advancement of paved roads — hardly imaginable in the early 1920s — became a reality. Dirt roads were largely a thing of the past, and a wide range of businesses had cropped up along the highway. Other things had drastically changed in Edmond, too. The town had gained an additional 1,000 people, bringing the population to 3,500, and enrollment at Central State had reached 4,000 in response to a teacher shortage. Edmond was starting to outgrow its “farm town” label. From 1926 until 1929, newspaper editor A.D. Dailey, had given Edmondites a steady diet of tangible reasons to support the highway through town. His predictions of economic benefit, personal advantage, and town growth all came to fruition. Route 66 was the game changer that literally put Edmond “on the map.” Americans were unaware of the looming Great Depression, but the diversity of work opportunities made possible by the highway helped
Automobile parade on 1st Street traveling west towards Broadway (UCO Archives & Special Collections, 1921)
Edmond weather the coming storm better than most towns. Without Route 66, Edmond might not have become the thriving city it is today. Visit Edmondhistory.org/Edmond-Route66 for a more extensive version of this article. From top to bottom: Bender's Garage on Broadway, c. 1922; unidentified woman in car, c. 1922; Jewell Minton, Alice Sherman, and "Bill" Sherman at the Edmond Tourist Camp, c. 1921; and Kernal's Service Station at 12th & Broadway, late 1920s.
Rock Paper Cannon
Photo: Charlie Neuenschwander
FEATURELOOK
Bringing the Laughter Home By Taylor Bollinger
Edmond’s own Rachel Cannon spent more than two decades in the world of live-audience sitcoms, working on iconic shows like Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, 2 Broke Girls, and more. Her life in Los Angeles was full and fulfilling, and now she’s bringing the best of that experience home. Enter Rock Paper Cannon, the independent television studio Cannon founded to develop and produce live-audience sitcoms that authentically tell the stories of Middle America. “Rock Paper Cannon has been a vision of mine for decades,” Cannon said. “It brings together twenty years in front of the camera in Hollywood and my work as Founder and CEO of Prairie Surf Studios, where I recruited major productions like Tulsa King and Twisters. This next chapter of my career is all about comedy with a new model for how sitcoms can be built, owned, and experienced together.” Her goal is clear and ambitious: to establish Oklahoma as a live-entertainment hub, much like Nashville became for country music. To help bring this vision to life, Cannon worked with state lawmakers last session to pass an innovative piece of legislation strategically focused on live entertainment, expanding our industry to include broadcast programming; the stabilizing force behind Hollywood studios for decades. Cannon has spent the last five years at the State Capitol advocating for policies that support a more sustainable film and television ecosystem. “I’m deeply grateful for a legislature that understands the value of a thriving entertainment industry,” Cannon said. “This work creates high-paying jobs, long-term opportunities for local vendors, and with sitcoms, we can now add live entertainment for residents and a new kind of tourism for Oklahoma.” With an experienced studio executive team in place and the first series already developed, Cannon launched Rock Paper Cannon’s inaugural slate fund in early December to finance and produce three original sitcoms. “While film funds are not new, ours is the first to focus exclusively on producing live-audience sitcoms,” Cannon said. Rock Paper Cannon will recruit A-list showrunners, directors, and talent to anchor each series while creating long-term career opportunities for Oklahoma’s creative workforce. The studio’s model includes bringing seasoned sitcom professionals to the state to help train and mentor Oklahoma-based crews as the industry grows. “This is an exciting time for our industry as we work together to build an entirely new sector of live entertainment,” Cannon said. Cannon sees Oklahoma standing at a familiar inflection point. “When Georgia made a long-term commitment to film, people moved there because they knew consistent work would follow,” she said. “Oklahoma has built an incredible foundation for entertainment and is now poised for that same kind of growth, 14
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
Rachel Cannon on set of Two and a Half Men with Jon Cryer, Enrique Iglesias and Charlie Sheen
with a deep bench of experienced, homegrown talent ready to meet the demand.” The sitcoms will cater to family-friendly Middle America. Cannon believes this audience is underserved and ready for stories that celebrate humor, hope, and heart, the things that connect us. “Comedy is an incredible gift,” she said. “The world is broken, and it needs more joy and laughter and love. I believe that joy should originate from the heart of the Oklahoma Standard. We deeply understand it here.” For Cannon, this work feels like a calling. “I’m not afraid of the hard work. And I’m not afraid of failure,” she said. “All my biggest rewards have been born from taking tremendous risk.” She calls this endeavor her “love letter to Oklahoma” and envisions a future where Oklahoma is known as the home of the American sitcom. Follow Rock Paper Cannon on Instagram @rockpapercannon and soon, from a seat in a live studio audience.
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 15
16
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 17
FEATURELOOK
A British Eye on Route 66
Documentary Puts Edmond in the Spotlight By Amy Dee Stephens
In 2026, the world turns its attention to a road that once crossed America. The “has been highway” continues to intrigue motorists, who travel its remaining portions with nostalgia in mind and cell phone in hand. Filmmaker Nik Coleman spent a year capturing footage of the sites, events, and people in towns from Sapulpa to Edmond, known as the 100 Greatest Miles of Route 66. His company, Coleman Television, is finalizing a 16-hour documentary series, which will be viewed worldwide. Almost an hour is dedicated to the stories of Edmond and Arcadia. While Nik Coleman, a native of Great Britain, might seem an unconventional choice to produce a film set in Oklahoma, his non-American perspective offers a fresh take on the story. He and his crew have become experts on the route through frequent travel, gaining an outside view of the road that is simply "everyday" to its local drivers. “Edmond has its own unique story, but it also represents most medium-sized towns along the road, like Amarillo, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. We could’ve had some B-list celebrity bobbing along the road, stopping at tourist attractions along the way,” Nik said in his British accent, “but we didn’t, because Oklahoma’s Route 66 is not just about the attractions, it’s about the community’s response to the road.” Coming to America Nik spent his early career as a radio DJ, using words to paint images in his listeners’ heads. Now, he adds pictures to the words. For years, the mainstay of his business was documenting aviation history, beginning in his hometown of Norfolk, England, where 250,000 Americans served in military bases during WWII. Aviation next led Nik to Oklahoma. “We attended an air show in Wisconsin and were invited to film at the El Reno airport,” Nik said. “After that, Oklahoma films kept coming, to the point that five years ago, we registered as an LLC in Oklahoma.” One of Nik’s films, about a special-needs community in Okarche called People Like Us: The Center for Family Love, won awards at 18 film festivals. ‘What most people see on the ‘telly’ about big cities in America is not the “real” American story,” Nik said. “I’ve found that the heart of America is everywhere else.” 18
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
CTV team member Luke Holiday with Filmmaker Nik Coleman
Finding Edmond Although aviation remains the core of the company, Nik is filming several series about Route 66. In 100 Greatest Miles, Nik covers both Edmond’s early history and the upcoming Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park. Nik is impressed by the artistic passion of Edmondites and amused by their “quirkiness.” “Edmond has lots of unexpected bits. There’s art at every corner in downtown,” Nik said. “It’s very American. I love it that the owner of Sherry’s Drug had a mural painted of herself, her vintage car, and her dogs. It wouldn’t work anywhere else.” Nik laughed. “I was fooled by the talk of the Blue Hippo. I’ve seen the Blue Whale in Catoosa, the new Weatherford Spaceman, and the Golden Driller of Tulsa. They’ve got scale. Edmond throws the Blue Hippo into the mix, and it’s only nine feet tall. Funny. A bit cheeky. I like that.” Nik enjoyed filming the 2025 LibertyFest parade. “People came just to wave flags and be joyful. Even when it started raining, people in the parade kept smiling, and the crowd stayed. Fantastic. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Since Nik spends “a good bit of time” in Oklahoma, he’s starting to absorb the culture. “I’ve got an American phone number! I’m proud of my 405,” Nik said. “I even have a membership to one of the big box clubs here, so I’d say I’m an Okie now, in my own British way.” His Route 66 documentary, however, is all American. To learn more, visit colemantelevision.com.
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 19
FEATURELOOK
Taking Flight with Falconer Samantha Grayson By Taylor Bollinger
Above: Falconer Samantha Grayson with a Harris Hawk. Below: Samantha in Mongolia working with an eagle. She has visited several times over the past seven years and has been welcomed by the family. Pictured is Bashu, who calls her his American daughter.
20
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
Falconry is not a pastime people casually stumble into. For Edmond resident Samantha Grayson, the path started long before she ever held a Harris Hawk on her glove. She worked as a registered vet tech and spent years bow hunting, so she was already drawn to animals and the outdoors. Falconry felt like a natural next step. “It really merged my passions together,” she says. “I’ve always enjoyed working with animals, and falconry combines that with my love of hunting.” Falconry in its truest form is far from the birds you see perched on stands at fairs. “That isn’t actually falconry,” Samantha explains. Instead, falconers use trained birds of prey to hunt game species. “Instead of a gun or bow, we use the birds. We train them to let us hunt alongside them.” Training is food-based and tailored to each species, with the goal of building trust and teaching the birds to fly and hunt cooperatively. Fast learners might be ready in eight to ten days. Others need three or four weeks. Samantha has flown many of Oklahoma’s native birds over the years, including her current Red-tailed Hawk. She also works with a Harris Hawk, a captive-bred species that is rare in Oklahoma. Daily life with these birds is not a casual hobby, it’s a lifestyle. Falconers feed, weigh, house, and monitor their birds every single day. “They can gain and drop weight quickly,” Samantha says. “It helps you know their flying range and maintain optimum health. If they’re too heavy or too skinny, they won’t want to fly.” The relationship is unique, not affectionate, but deeply connected. “The birds do not love or like you,” she says matter-of-factly. “They understand that you help them do what they want to do, and you help them eat.” Some birds bond to only one handler. “My Red Tail will not work with anyone else,” she says. Her Harris Hawk is more social and will fly with multiple people. Samantha, like many falconers, cares for her birds throughout the entire year, even during the summer rest period when the birds molt. Although some falconers release their birds in the spring, she does not. Falconers typically adhere to regular game seasons, with only a brief extension. Becoming a falconer takes commitment. “There is a government-required apprenticeship,” she says. First, you pass a state test with a score of at least 80%. Then you find a sponsor who teaches you for at least two years. “It is a lifelong apprenticeship essentially,” she says. “They are a well of knowledge, and if you have a good mentor, you are calling them all the time.” The Oklahoma Falconers Association helps connect falconers across the state. “One of the benefits is having a really good community,” Samantha says. “Several times people have lost a bird, posted about it, and immediately had five or ten people helping them locate the bird.” They also hold seasonal meet-ups to foster a sense of community. Samantha gives one educational talk each year through Edmond Parks and is open to taking people along on hunts if conditions and land access allow. “Most of the time I’m very willing to take people out,” she says. “I love to educate people of all ages about the beauty and benefits of falconry.” At the core of it all is the simple joy of the woods, open sky, and the movement of a bird doing what it was created to do. “Even if we do not catch something, if they are getting good flight, and we are out in nature, it’s a successful day,” she says. Learn more about local falconry at okfalconersassoc.com.
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 21
BIZLOOK
Prime Time Travel For more than 40 years, Prime Time Travel has been a trusted resource for Edmond-area travelers seeking expert guidance and memorable experiences. It was founded in 1980 by local entrepreneur William Keele. Today, under the ownership of Shane Lindstrom and the leadership of President Mendy Kooi, Prime Time Travel continues its long tradition of personalized service from its welcoming office just off Broadway in downtown Edmond. What sets Prime Time Travel apart is its commitment to making travel feel easy. Whether clients are planning a European river cruise, a family getaway, an African safari, or a luxurious honeymoon, Mendy and her team handle every detail—flights, hotels, transportation, itineraries, and the little touches that make a trip truly special. With decades of combined experience and extensive training with top
22
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
destinations and travel suppliers, the team knows how to match travelers with the experiences that fit them best. And if anything unexpected comes up along the way, a real person is always just a phone call away. Travelers today are seeking more meaningful experiences—slower itineraries, deeper cultural immersion, and memories that last longer than souvenirs. Prime Time Travel embraces these trends by designing intentional journeys that allow clients to savor destinations instead of rushing through them. Luxury, too, is evolving, and the agency specializes in the kind of comfort and personalization that makes travel feel effortless rather than extravagant. Prime Time Travel is proud to remain one of the few walk-in travel agencies in the metro. Clients are invited to stop by, sit down with an advisor, and plan face-toface—something refreshingly uncommon in a digital age of chatbots and phone trees. Their recently expanded office allows room for a growing team of specialists and more community events featuring preferred travel partners. The agency regularly hosts events to keep travelers inspired and informed. Their next event is a River Cruise Night on January 27th—a relaxed, informative event that
The Prime Time Travel team
gives people a chance to learn about river cruising. Enjoy refreshments, explore top destinations, and enter to win door prizes. RSVP required if you would like to attend, please call the office. After decades on Broadway, Prime Time Travel remains passionate about helping Oklahomans see the world. As Mendy says, “We’re here to help you create memories— not just check places off a list.” With deep local roots and unmatched expertise, Prime Time Travel makes every trip feel unforgettable. Prime Time Travel office is at 101 E Hurd St, Suite F and online at primetimetrvl.com. View more on Instagram @primetimetravelok or Facebook /primetrvl18. You can call the office at (405) 340-1120. To promote your business with a BIZLOOK feature, contact Laura at laura@edmondoutlook.com.
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 23
BIZLOOK
Starting Strength Gym For anyone who has ever walked into a gym and felt overwhelmed, lost, or unsure where to begin, Starting Strength Oklahoma City offers a refreshing and highly effective alternative. Led locally by Nick Delgadillo, Co-Founder of Starting Strength Gyms, the OKC location opened in April 2025 with one mission: to bring expert, no-nonsense strength training to everyday people—not just athletes. Starting Strength Gyms began in 2018 when Nick and his co-founders recognized a major gap in the fitness world. Most gyms rely on machines, novelty workouts, or flashy trends, but very few offer what people actually need: professional coaching on fundamental barbell movements, performed safely and progressively. The Starting Strength Method reduces training
24
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
to its most effective essentials—three barbell lifts, coached by experts, performed three times a week, with small, steady increases in weight. The result? Members see objective, measurable progress week after week, often for the first time in their lives. What truly sets Starting Strength OKC apart is the environment. There are no treadmills, no mirrors, no gimmicks—just focused coaching in a small-group setting for under $40 per session. Every lifter, from complete beginners to older adults seeking to regain lost strength, receives detailed instruction and real-time feedback. Apps and AI programs simply can’t replicate that level of supervision or accountability. In a fitness landscape full of confusion—from boutique studios to digital programs—Starting Strength OKC cuts through the noise with an approach rooted in science and simplicity. The gym is especially well suited to adults who want to maintain independence as they age. “Progressive barbell training is proven to improve bone density, muscle mass, balance, and everyday function, and the coaches here make it accessible for people who might never walk into a traditional gym,” Nick says. Beyond the barbell, Starting Strength
OKC is building partnerships with local businesses that prioritize health and longevity, creating a network of trusted resources for members. Nick says it best: “If you’ve ever felt confused or intimidated by fitness, you’re exactly who we’re here for.” Starting Strength Oklahoma City offers a free 30-minute session for anyone ready to see how simple—and life-changing— getting stronger can be. You can call or text (405) 591-5109 to schedule. Visit the gym at 14101 N May Ave., Suite 112 or visit them online at okc.ssgyms.com. To promote your business with a BIZLOOK feature, contact Laura at laura@edmondoutlook.com.
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 25
FEATURELOOK
The Memory-Making Model A Ford By Amy Dee Stephens The most recognizable “old timey” car in America is the Model A Ford. It’s a favorite of car collectors, parade attendees, and anyone who happens to see one being driven through town. Built from 1928-1931, it is estimated that 250,000 Model A’s still exist in the hands of collectors! It was among the most widely produced vehicles of its time, and Ford manufactured 5 million Model A’s during the four-year period. Because they sold for $500, it was affordable for the working man. A Model A Family To Will Langford, a Model A enthusiast, the car has come to symbolize family togetherness. Over the last 20 years, he has had many memories of riding in the car with his father, kids, and grandkids. The Model A has woven in and out of Will’s family history since coming off the production line in 1928. “It started because my dad had surgery that didn’t go well. I thought a father/son project might pull him out of depression,” Will said. “He was a Motor Pool sergeant in WWII, so I hoped that working on a car would focus his mind on something other than his health. I got us a Model A to work on, and two weeks later, he was back to his old self.” Will owns two Model A cars. He has a 1931 red coupe with a rumble seat, which he calls by his dad’s nickname, “Sarge.” The other is a two-door named “Buster,” after his uncle. Will also discovered that his grandfather drove a Model A Ford pickup truck to California to pick crops during the Great Depression. “Route 66 had just opened up, and when you look at historic photos from the 1930s, it’s mostly Model A Fords on the road,” Will said. “Think Grapes of Wrath; Model A’s with mattresses on top or livestock tied to the running boards. I think Henry Ford would be shocked to learn his car is still being driven.”
26
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
A Hobbyist’s Guide According to Will, people can expect to see more Model A Fords during 2026, because car clubs are making appearances along Route 66 like never before. “The best way to showcase these cars is by being seen in the public. You are never lonely when you drive a Model A Ford, because people wave and honk and take photos the whole time.” Will, who recently finished a two-year term on the National Board of Directors for the Model A Ford Club of America, recommends clubs for anyone interested in the hobby. There are hundreds of local clubs, including the Oklahoma City Model A Restorers Group. “Restoring the car is one thing, keeping it drivable is another, because everything is manual. There is a lot of expertise on how to find vintage or reproduction parts,” Will said. “Clubs provide technical support and emotional support. It’s a hobby that takes patience.” For Will, the hard work is paid back in the “innumerable smiles” he sees. “It’s the original car hobby. Younger generations have grown up with these cars, and they are being passed down from fathers or grandfathers who collected them.” What started as a father/son project for Will has continued as a father/grandson tradition. “My oldest grandson was just two when he first rode in the rumble seat at a parade. It’s been a real joy for me to watch him learn to drive the car, and now, he’s helped me put it back in driving condition. Model A Fords have provided us memories that will last forever.” Visit okcmarg.org to learn more and see a schedule of events.
Top photo: Will Langford. Bottom photo: 1928 Roadster restoration project
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 27
ALOOKBACK
A Godwink Moment! By Louise Tucker Jones Have you ever encountered something totally unexpected that felt divinely inspired? Some call that a “Godwink,” and I recently experienced one on my way home from Arkansas. As is my habit, I stopped at the Oklahoma Visitor’s Center. It’s a great place to refresh and I also wanted to buy a Christmas ornament for my sister. Finding a sparse selection, I asked if they had others. The lady said they just got new ones in and offered to take me to the back to see them. When we walked through the door I mentioned that I was familiar with this area. “I used to bring my son, Jay back here for a family restroom.”
28
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
“I know,” she said, looking at me with a smile. Then she added, “We used to say, ‘There comes mom and her fun son’ when we saw you coming.” I almost cried right there. I told her that Jay was now in heaven and thanked her for telling me that. Such a precious moment, knowing she remembered my son so sweetly. We went back to the front and she quickly put a map and book on the counter with a grin. I didn’t need them, but I grabbed them and commented, “Yep, Jay always had to have a new map and a book.” She knew that well. As I purchased the Christmas ornament, she told me it was her last day of work. She was retiring. I knew immediately this was God-inspired. What were the chances that she would be there exactly the day I stopped? And we wouldn’t have had the conversation about Jay had we not gone to the back to look at new ornaments. When I got to the car, I shed a few tears and thanked God for the moment and how my son had touched so many lives with his sweet smile, his love and joyful countenance. People I didn’t even know. It was definitely a “Godwink.”
Going into this new year, let’s look for some special “Godwink” moments. It can be as simple as a smile or something that truly touches your heart. Either way, it’s a blessing! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 29
ARTLOOK
Charlotte New
Cheryl J. Smith
Diane Goldschmidt
William Lentz
Clay Moore
Glen Thomas
Interesting Places, Interesting Faces Edmond Fine Arts is opening the new year with the EFA Gallery featuring the Paint Pushers Group Show: Interesting Places, Interesting Faces. The show includes works by Clay Moore, Diane Goldschmidt, William Lentz, Glen Thomas, Cheryl Smith, and Charlotte New. The public is invited to the opening reception on Thursday, January 8 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Edmond Fine Arts located at 27 E Edwards St. This group exhibition highlights the compelling perspectives of six Oklahoma artists who explore character, landscape, emotion, and story through diverse media and styles. Attendees are invited to meet the artists, explore the gallery, and enjoy community during this public event. 30
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JANUARY 2026
JANUARY 2026
l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 31
PO Box 3878 Edmond, OK 73083