June 2026

JUNE 2026

Painted Rocks Powerful Purpose A Mission Born from Heartbreak Limbs for Life Rodeo Roper World Champion SWAT Supercop Officer Dennis

See outdoor spaces before & after page 3

2

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 3

4

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 5

6

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

His name was Winfield Miller, and even after 50 years, Father’s Day still brings back vivid memories — his little black Corvair with red interior, building model tanks and airplanes together, laughing over the Sunday comics, and the heartbreaking progression of Lou Gehrig’s disease. I was 14 years old when he died.

I was adopted as a newborn, but I never once questioned whether I belonged to him. I always felt completely and unquestionably like his son.

Even after my parents divorced, our time together mattered to him. We went to movies, played chess at his apartment, visited parks, and threw Frisbees. When I got bullied at school, he taught me how to box. He told me stories about serving in Korea, some funny, some frightening, and we laughed a lot together. We loved watching Abbott & Costello.

As I grew older, though, I watched him disappear a little at a time. First, he moved more slowly. Then came the cane, then crutches, then the wheelchair, and eventually the hospice bed.

One memory has stayed with me all these years. My dad wanted to take me to see Jaws. We arrived late because by then, he could barely walk. I remember us moving slowly through the crowded theater while people squeezed past. Before we reached our seats, he fell. I stood there, embarrassed, sad, angry, and scared all at once while strangers helped him into a theater seat. That was our last outing together. My father died at just 48 years old.

I didn’t fully understand it then, but years later, while helping raise a stepdaughter, two godchildren, and then a granddaughter, I realized what Winfield truly gave me. He taught me what love looks like. He modeled steady, intentional love that shows up, stays present, and makes a child feel wanted. As an adopted son, I would say that was the greatest gift he could have given me. And it became the example I carried into my own life and family.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad.

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

18

PRCA File Photo by Click Thompson

10 14

Features 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 26 30

405 Lacrosse Alchemy Cocktail Lounge Painted Rocks, Powerful Purpose Steps Toward Hope FoodLook: Local Favorites Andrew Ward Wins it All Supercop, Dillon Dennis Where Jazz and Home Meet A LOOK Back: Blue Hippo

Business 22 24

HEW Fitness Be Well Acupuncture

Columns 7 28

In Other Words with Dave Louise Tucker Jones

On the Cover: Ally Goad. 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 JUNE 2026 Volume 22, Number 6 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 Kasey Toliver ADVERTISING DESIGN Anne Richardson l PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins sundancephotographyokc.com

l

Articles and advertisements in the Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Art, Link & Letter. Art, Link & Letter does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising JUNE EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM 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 assumes2026 no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

l7

FEATURELOOK

A New Rhythm on Local Fields

By Taylor Bollinger

On any given evening, fields across Edmond and Oklahoma City might look a little different than what most would expect. Rather than shoulder pads crashing and whistles stopping and starting play, there’s continuous action, constant motion, sticks in the air, and players sprinting the full length of the field in a rhythm that feels more like fastpaced conversation than a touch-and-go game.

That’s the draw of 405 Lacrosse, a growing local program led by head coach Brandon Newman. He stepped up in November 2024, bringing 17 years of experience to expanding the game and ensuring every local athlete who wants to play has a place to do so.

“We’ve been around three or four years,” Newman said.

“When I came in, the goal was to get more kids involved.”

That goal is already gaining traction. “We have about four times as many kids playing this spring as we did my first fall,” he said.

Newman started playing as a freshman in Tulsa. He went on to earn all-state honors and played four years in college.

Coaching was a natural progression, as he was tasked with helping younger players develop. “Even when I was playing I was always helping coach younger kids,” Newman said.

Lacrosse’s appeal is how it blends elements from other sports into something entirely its own. “You get the physicality people love from football and hockey, but with far less risk of concussions,” Newman said. “It’s a full-field, up-and-down game like basketball, with the conditioning of soccer. And there’s a finesse side to it too.”

That mix creates opportunity for athletes of all levels. “I was a late bloomer athletically,” Newman said. “Lacrosse is one of those sports where if you’re willing to work, you can find a spot on the field and be successful.”

That mindset has clearly shaped the culture at 405 Lacrosse. The program welcomes players from beginners to college athletes home for the summer. Practices range from once a week in the off-season to multiple times a week for more committed players.

And there’s no single path. Some kids try something new, while others sharpen skills for another sport or prepare for college-level play. “We have a spot for you whether it’s your first day or your 13th year,” Newman said.

For many families, the biggest impact goes beyond the 8

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

The program welcomes beginners to college athletes, home for the summer.

field. Newman says watching kids find confidence and community stands out. “I love getting a text from a parent when their kid finally finds their fit,” he said. “They find their people, and they fall in love with the game.”

Through donated equipment and parent involvement, 405 Lacrosse is making it easier for new players to jump in without a major upfront cost.

“When I started, I was handed used equipment,” Newman said. “We’re trying to do the same thing now so more kids can have that opportunity.”

Girls lacrosse is expanding locally through Endurance Lacrosse, which recently launched its first youth in-house league. Looking ahead, Newman hopes to see lacrosse continue to grow across Oklahoma, with long-term goals of school involvement and potential OSSAA recognition.

For now, the focus is simple. Get a stick in a kid's hand and let the game do the rest. “First, you just help them fall in love with it,” he said. “Everything else builds from there.”

Learn more or sign up for the summer season at 405lax.com.

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 9

FOODLOOK

Alchemy Cocktail Lounge

By Laura Beam Something new is brewing in downtown Edmond. Bringing together equal parts hospitality and excellent music, plus carefully curated cocktails and food, Alchemy Cocktail Lounge will open in mid-June.

Tucked in the historic former Weathers Appliance building at Main and Broadway, the striking, newly renovated gathering spot invites couples and friends to linger over great conversation and memorable concoctions. And if the buzz around town is any indication, Edmond residents are more than ready for it!

Owner Mical George, a 27-year Edmond resident who also owns Edmond Motorwerks, says the Alchemy concept began when he and his partner and collaborator Liz Warren saw the need for it downtown. “We noticed there wasn’t a place that had all the elements we enjoyed – a hospitality-focused bar, where you can have good conversation and great drinks all in one place,” Mical explains. “We decided we could create something we loved, and that hopefully, others would too.

I’m essentially opening the bar I would want to go to.” Mical credits Liz as being instrumental in the concepting and design of Alchemy. “I have loved creating this space together with her,” he says.

The Mood, the Message Upscale yet approachable, Alchemy will offer an elevated experience without feeling exclusive. Guests can expect dim lighting, great music, and a cozy atmosphere. The space embraces the building’s nearly century-old character while layering in medieval and Victorian imagery with a modern twist. The original brick has been restored outside and in, while a handcrafted walnut bar top anchors the room.

The lounge’s namesake draws inspiration from alchemy as an early form of chemistry and craft-making. “It came from the idea that we’re crafting something special and unique for 10

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

Photography by Sarah Myrick Photography

everyone who walks in. From the drinks to the lighting and music, it's a full experience,” Mical notes. Alchemy will also integrate the history of mixology by hosting events centered around drink-making.

Signature Drinks & Small Bites Boasting an extensive spirits collection of 350 bottles, including close to 100 different bourbons and whiskeys, Mical is proud to offer a wide selection “not found in many other places in the metro. For the menu, we wanted certain signature drinks based on our personal favorites,” he says, “and a good variety of high-end bourbons, including a great Old Fashioned.” Reflecting their love of coffee, the line-up will also feature excellent espresso martinis. Bringing the signature menu of cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine to life is general manager Kaden Fetter, who brings a long history of bartending and hospitality expertise. Equally well-crafted is the food selection, designed by acclaimed local chef Robert Black who owns several downtown Edmond eateries. His elevated small bites menu and consulting guidance have steered the overall direction of the project, and Mical is extremely grateful for his guidance throughout.

“We want Alchemy to be a community hub,” Mical says. “A place where people feel taken care of from the moment they walk in. We’re so excited to open and be able to contribute to the growth in downtown Edmond.”

Check Instagram and Facebook for the official opening planned for mid-June. Visit 2 S. Broadway, Edmond, or alchemybarok.com. Private event space is available.

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.

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 11

FEATURELOOK

A Daughter Remembered, A Community Inspired

By Taylor Bollinger

“If someone didn’t drink and drive, Ally Goad would still be alive.”

“If someone didn’t drink and drive, Ally Goad would still be alive.” This single sentence sits at the core of one family’s heartbreak, and now, a global movement.

Strangers might stumble across it written on rocks in parks, along hiking trails, near coffee shops or tucked into corners of Disney World and Universal Studios. For Danette Goad, founder and executive director of Ally Rocks 405, it all traces back to her daughter, Allyson Renee Goad.

Ally was 22 years old when a drunk driver crossed four lanes of traffic in Texas and hit her head-on in the early morning hours of September 11, 2021. Just hours earlier, Ally was doing what she always did: showing up for people.

“She lived a life of service and passion,” Danette said. “She always had a smile on her face. She was always the person who lit up the room.”

In the days before the crash, Ally had dropped everything to help a friend in Texas care for her children, visited an ex-boyfriend’s grandfather in hospice, and made lasting memories with others, often alongside her beloved Great Dane service dog, Padfoot.

Then came the knock on Danette’s door. She recalls seeing Edmond police officers standing in her home after her husband collapsed in grief. “The officers told me the news, and I told them they were liars,” she said. “They said it again, and I thought this must be an awful elaborate prank. But reality eventually sank in.”

Weeks later, while preparing for a family trip to Disney and Universal Studios that Ally was meant to be on, a friend of the family dropped off 20 painted rocks and encouraged the Goads to hide them around the parks.

On the back of each rock was Ally’s story in that single statement, as well as direction to a Facebook page telling more of her story. Without thinking too far ahead, the Goads placed the rocks throughout the trip. Once they were home, Danette and her daughter-in-law Emileigh reflected on the experience.

“Did that feel therapeutic to you? Because it did to me,” Danette recalled asking Emileigh. She agreed, and the two kept painting rocks along with Ally’s wide circle of family and friends. A couple of rocks turned into a couple of hundred, and then strangers started asking to hide rocks in Ally’s memory, too.

Today, Ally Rocks 405 has reached all 50 states, 43 countries, and nearly 800 destinations worldwide. “It was never planned,” Danette said. “It just organically became what it is today.”

With the overwhelming interest and demand, the nonprofit officially formed in 2022 and has since expanded programming for drunk driving prevention through education, victim impact panels, law enforcement training, and legislative advocacy.

Danette travels across Oklahoma and Texas speaking with offenders, training officers, and sharing Ally’s story anywhere she can.

“What started as a family’s grief painting rocks turned into something where people across the globe are telling her story through art,” Danette said. Community members can get involved by creating and hiding art with Ally Rocks 405 tags, volunteering at events like Heard on Hurd, sponsoring the nonprofit’s annual softball tournament, or donating to support education and outreach efforts.

“No one is paid for this,” Danette said. “Every cent goes directly toward the mission.” And for Danette, that mission is bigger than statistics. “What is most important to me is that the world knows my daughter lived, and that her story is changing lives.”

Paint a rock, attend an event, or get involved by visiting allyrocks405.com or following @AllyRocks405 on Facebook and Instagram.

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 13

FEATURELOOK

Restoring Independence

From Life-Changing Loss to Renewed Confidence and Hope

By Taylor Bollinger Think of the last time you dressed yourself or walked across a room. Then consider your last trek across a parking lot or up and down a set of stairs. For most, these tasks barely register as a thought. But for amputees adjusting to life without a limb, such seemingly simple tasks can seem monumental. For those without access to a prosthesis – impossible. That’s where Limbs for Life Foundation steps in.

The Oklahoma-based nonprofit helps provide prosthetic care for uninsured or underinsured amputees across the United States, restoring not only mobility but also confidence, independence, and hope.

“We’re building a legacy, not just physically but spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically,” Executive Director Randy Titony said. “This isn’t a hobby for me.” Titony first became involved more than a decade ago while practicing physical therapy. He joined Limbs for Life first as a board member, then later as executive director.

We’re building a legacy, not just physically but spiritually, emotionally and psychologically.

“I have a really strong affinity for this type of work and everything that goes into helping amputees,” Titony said.

That need continues to grow. According to Titony, Limbs for Life receives three to four applications every day. Costs for prosthetic devices can range anywhere from under $10,000 for some below-the-knee prostheses to more than $100,000 for advanced above-the-knee devices.

Even for insured patients, coverage gaps are common.

“What people might not consider is that the event that causes them to need the care in the first place could be the thing that also causes them to lose coverage,” Titony said. “They get sick, they have an accident, they lose their job. Suddenly, they don’t have access to something they desperately need.”

The organization works directly with prosthetic facilities across the country, helping approved recipients receive customized devices at significantly reduced costs. But Titony says the mission goes far beyond simply paying invoices.

“We don’t want any of this to be transactional,” he said.

“We just want these people to be successful.”

One of Limbs for Life’s many inspiring connections to the Edmond community comes through the Endeavor Games.

14

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

American Paralympic athlete Derek Loccident ran his first race at the Endeavor Games using a prosthetic provided through Limbs for Life.

That same spirit and her heart for people is what drew Edmond prosthetist Amy Skuta to the organization nearly 15 years ago. Now clinic director at Martin Bionics, Skuta first volunteered with Limbs for Life as a resident, helping inspect and refurbish donated parts while offering clinical guidance to ensure recipients received safe, appropriate products.

“The team has such a huge heart,” Skuta said. “They’re out there trying to do the most good possible and help people become the best version of themselves.”

Skuta also helps patients navigate the emotional realities of limb loss, especially in an age where social media can create unrealistic comparisons. “You see amputees online running and jumping and doing amazing things,” she said.

“But you don’t know the journey they took to get there.”

She encourages patients not to compare experiences and reminds them that while life after amputation can still be full, it will look different. “It doesn’t mean you can’t do things,” she said. “It just won’t ever be the same as it was before.”

For Limbs for Life, every donation, volunteer hour, and refurbished component represents another step forward for someone rebuilding their life. The organization is able to provide a below-the-knee prosthesis for $3,000 and an above-the-knee prosthesis for $4,000. With overhead costs covered, this amount translates directly into a limb for someone in need.

“Every penny, every dollar, every caring person counts,” Titony said. “Eventually, it turns into a leg.”

Learn more about their mission at limbsforlife.org.

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 15

FOODLOOK

TASTE OF EDMOND

— A LOOK AT LOCAL FAVORITES — By Laura Beam LA LOBA CANTINA + GRILL

Since its opening a few months ago at the Edmond Railyard, La Loba Cantina + Grill has been a hit! And now, this Mexican-inspired dining spot has just rolled out a new Happy Hour that’s perfect for lazy summer evenings. Tues.Thurs. from 4-6 pm, enjoy house margaritas or house white or red wine for $5, or select draft beers or sipping tequila for $3. Catch up with friends while you share $3 chips and salsa or $5 stuffed jalapeno peppers or taquitos. Check out the full menu of delicious dishes too, plus inventive margaritas, craft cocktails, and a curated tequila selection. Visit 23 W. 1st St. at The Railyard or lalobaedmond.com.

BOHO BERRY

Fuel your body and indulge your taste with refreshing and nutritious all-organic soft serve style acai, and the new protein power bowls.

The key difference that sets Boho Berry apart is that their options are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, with no water! This makes each serving rich in antioxidants and omega fats, and it is always cold-pressed to preserve the nutrients. Bursting with flavor and packed with clean ingredients, each creation is a satisfying treat. Try the Rose Rock (a customer fave for a reason) topped with bananas, raspberries, goji berries, granola, and raspberry puree.

With a variety of toppings like toasted coconut, cashews, cacao nibs, and bee pollen, customizing your own bowl never gets old! Visit 3400 S. Bryant or check out the menu items on Facebook at Bohoberryok.

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 or vignolaskitchen.com.

RIVIERE MODERN VIETNAMESE

Now open in Edmond, this delicious Vietnamese fusion restaurant has been a favorite for nearly six years in Midtown. Locally owned and operated by the Nguyen Family, Riviere features a number of traditional Vietnamese dishes like pork filled egg rolls, Mama’s delicious meatballs, and their incredibly popular Vietnamese Pho–a must-try! For those new to Vietnamese cuisine, their fusion dishes offer the perfect introduction.

The grilled steak and kimchi fried rice, wok-fried green beans, and Viet-Creole pasta with grilled chicken and blackened shrimp are always a hit. Take the family or meet up with friends and enjoy a full bar and seasonal cocktails.

Visit 3624 S. Broadway, Edmond, or riviereokc.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.

16

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 17

FEATURELOOK

PRCA File Photo by Mallory Beinborn

Chasing the Gold Buckle

Andrew Ward Reaches Rodeo’s Highest Stage

By Taylor Bollinger

PRCA File Photo by Click Thompson

It’s not Andrew Ward’s first rodeo. Not even close.

“It might not be romantic, but I am living my dream. You get The 35-year-old Edmond native started roping around to make a living with your rope, which I wanted to do since I the same time he learned to walk. Hundreds of rodeos, was little.” thousands of runs, and decades of dedication later, Ward As with most dreams that come true, Ward notes that now holds one of the sport’s highest honors: 2025 PRCA there’s a lot of work involved. Unlike many professional World Champion Team Roper. athletes, rodeo competitors fund much of their own careers.

“When you win the world title, Ward credits sponsors and supporters it’s something special. It’s like the who helped him early on, saying their superbowl of the rodeo world,” Ward investment made it possible for him to said. “There’s not a lot of gold buckles continue competing professionally. out there.”

Ward’s wife, Hayli, travels alongside The six-time National Finals Rodeo him throughout much of rodeo season, qualifier and 2021 WNFR Average especially during the summer stretch Champion has spent nearly his entire when they’re often gone from June life in and around the rodeo arena. His through September. Together, they journey started thanks to family, horses manage the demanding lifestyle that from neighbors, and a childhood spent comes with competing at the sport’s in Deer Creek and Edmond. highest level.

“My dad's oldest brother got us Despite the competition, Ward all started,” Ward said. “I think I won says rodeo remains deeply rooted in my first check when I was seven.” community. “A lot of the guys I compete Growing up, Ward learned to ride on against now, I’ve been rodeoing with for older horses that neighbors gave the years,” he said. “As far as rodeo people, family. Later, his dad bought him a rope I don’t think there’s any better group of horse named Jack, which Ward still people in the world. Salt-of-the-earth remembers fondly. kind of people.”

Today, he owns eight quarter Still, once the competition starts, horses traveling the country full-time, friendships take a backseat. “We all want Andrew Ward with the PRCA World competing professionally through to win,” Ward said. “There’s no handouts Champion Gold Buckle the PRCA circuit. Though the runs when it comes to competition time.” themselves often last only four seconds, the preparation Thankfully, Ward didn’t need a handout. He relied on hard behind them is constant. work and experience to take home the World Championship.

“There’s not a lot of thinking going on while you’re doing Following this victory, he paid a visit to the White House – a it,” Ward said. “That’s where you put all the hours in before surreal moment for the humble Oklahoma cowboy who still you get there to have your horse right and your roping ready. calls Edmond home.

It’s instinct.”

Through it all, Ward remains grateful for the life rodeo has Professional rodeo may look glamorous from the outside, given him, the people, the purpose, and the chance to live but Ward says the reality involves long drives, expensive out a dream he started chasing as a little boy in Oklahoma. entry fees, injuries, equipment issues, and months away At the end of the day, Ward says, “All glory goes to God.” from home. “Everybody romanticizes the rodeo,” Ward said.

18

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 19

FEATURELOOK

Precision Under Pressure

Edmond SWAT Officer Wins Supercop Competition

By Taylor Bollinger Beneath overcast skies on April 23, Sergeant Dillon Dennis sprinted between shooting stations, climbed walls, crawled through obstacles, and transitioned between pistol and rifle drills for 20 straight minutes, all while trying to stay accurate under pressure.

By the end of the Oklahoma State SWAT Competition’s Supercop event, the Edmond officer had earned first place in the individual category. “This Sergeant Dillon Dennis, Supercop Competion Winner competition is a chance to test your skills and test all the work you’ve been putting in,” Dennis said. “Our job requires us to respond well under pressure, so it’s a chance to test that and perform.”

The statewide SWAT competition, now in its nearly twodecade run, brings tactical teams from across Oklahoma together to compete in events that challenge marksmanship, endurance, teamwork, and decision-making under stress.

This year, the Edmond Police Department’s SWAT team earned third place overall, with top finishes in multiple categories, including first place in the team obstacle course and second place in both the officer rescue and team pistol competitions.

Although I won the individual competition, it was a team effort.

For Dennis, though, the individual Supercop event may have been the toughest challenge of all. The event combined repeated running intervals with shooting drills, pull-ups, obstacle climbing, and low crawls, all while competitors raced against the clock to complete as many successful rounds as possible in 20 minutes.

“You’d run roughly 80 yards to a shooting line, shoot pistol rounds, then go through obstacles, climb over beams, go over a 15-foot wall, low crawl, do pull-ups, run again, and transition to rifle shots,” Dennis explained. “You just switch back and forth between pistol and rifle the whole time.”

20

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

Hits counted more than misses, rewarding accuracy under fatigue. “Since only hits count, you’re just trying to get as many rounds in as you can. The more times around the track, the more chances you get,” he explained. “I was able to get 10 rounds in, which ended up being enough.”

Dennis has been with the Edmond Police Department for nearly 11 years and joined the department’s SWAT team in 2017 after completing a rigorous selection process that included firearms qualifications, physical testing, scenarios, and oral boards.

“Law enforcement becomes a brotherhood,” Dennis said.

“On a specialized team, those bonds grow even stronger. You have to trust them, and they have to trust you. Although I won the individual competition, it was a team effort,” he said.

“Having the guys putting our training in, pushing me, and wanting to represent my teammates well, none of us could do it by ourselves.”

Outside of the badge and competitions, Dennis says his greatest motivation is much simpler: his family. He says his wife and two young daughters help drive both his work ethic and desire to keep improving.

For young people considering a career in law enforcement someday, he encourages them to think beyond individual achievement. “Think about the team you want to be a part of,” he said. “Think about how you can challenge yourself and start developing that now.”

To learn more, go to edmondok.gov/549/police-department.

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 21

BIZLOOK

HEW Fitness HEW Fitness Ironstone is bringing a results-focused approach to functional fitness to Edmond, backed by a mission that has guided the company since its founding in 2008. HEW, which stands for Hard Exercise Works, was created

by Matthew Hunt and Randall Greer with a straightforward purpose: helping people become stronger, faster, and more confident through consistent training, hard work, and community support.

The new Ironstone location marks the company’s 14th gym as the brand continues expanding into communities across the country. General Manager Heather Evans has been involved since the beginning of the Edmond expansion, helping establish the new facility after the contract was signed in 2025. According to Evans, Edmond stood out as the ideal community because of its strong work

22

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

ethic, patriotic values, and supportive atmosphere.

HEW Fitness specializes in coach-led functional fitness classes designed for “HEWmans” of all fitness levels. The workouts are structured to provide full-body training while removing the guesswork that often discourages people from sticking with a fitness routine.

Members simply show up for their scheduled session while coaches guide them through the workout.

What sets HEW apart is its belief that everyone has an athlete inside them, regardless of age, experience, or fitness background. The gym’s coaching philosophy focuses on helping members compete with the only person who truly matters: themselves. By encouraging consistency, accountability, and personal growth, HEW aims to create positive change that extends beyond the gym and into the surrounding community.

Community involvement is also central to the company’s culture. HEW Fitness supports charitable initiatives throughout the year and is a proud supporter of Trident House Charities through the Navy SEAL Museum, helping support the families of fallen Special Operations Forces

Heather Evans and Autum Meeds

warriors. The gym also honors deployed military members through its weekly R.E.D. Friday workouts, which stand for “Remember Everyone Deployed.”

HEW Fitness Ironstone is located at 16000 Ironstone Pl., Suite A in Edmond.

Classes are currently offered Monday through Friday with five sessions per day, and additional class times launching soon.

For more information, visit hewfitness. com/ironstone or call 405-655-5067.

To promote your business with a BIZLOOK feature, contact Laura at laura@edmondoutlook.com.

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 23

BIZLOOK

Be Well Acupuncture When patients arrive at Be Well Acupuncture in Edmond, many have already exhausted their options. They have tried medications, procedures, and therapies without lasting relief.

For Dr. Toni Twitty, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and founder and lead clinician of Be Well Acupuncture, that experience is deeply personal and central to the clinic’s mission.

Before opening Be Well Acupuncture, Dr. Twitty worked in Western Medicine and often saw patients trapped in a frustrating cycle of treatments that failed to address the root of their pain. Her perspective changed even further after developing debilitating neck pain herself. After finding little success through conventional

24

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

methods, she experienced firsthand how acupuncture could restore function and improve quality of life.

That experience inspired her to create a clinic focused on helping people who felt they had run out of answers.

Today, Be Well Acupuncture specializes in chronic and difficult-totreat conditions, including neuropathy, migraines, fibromyalgia, digestive disorders, fertility challenges, and nervous system dysfunction. Many patients seek out the clinic after years of unsuccessful treatment elsewhere.

Dr. Twitty says the practice stands apart because of its research-based approach, doctorate-level expertise, and use of advanced technology designed to support measurable results.

As interest grows in natural, nonsurgical treatment options, Be Well Acupuncture remains focused on evidence-based care rather than trends. The clinic combines current research with extensive clinical experience to create individualized treatment plans aimed at improving long-term outcomes.

The impact extends beyond symptom relief. Patients who once

struggled with daily activities are returning to work, spending more time with family, and reclaiming routines they thought they had lost. Education is also a major focus, helping patients better understand their health and recognize that there may still be effective options available.

Be Well Acupuncture is also expanding its Outpatient Optimization Program™, allowing patients to continue treatment plans at home or while traveling for greater consistency and convenience. To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Be Well Acupuncture in Edmond at 405-697-5121 or visit bewellokc.com.

To promote your business with a BIZLOOK feature, contact Laura at laura@edmondoutlook.com.

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 25

FEATURELOOK

Max Holm’s Life in Jazz

By Taylor Bollinger Jazz pianist Max Holm recently traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, as one of only five finalists selected for the prestigious Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition — a career milestone arriving just as his Oklahoma story continues to unfold.

The Edmond-based pianist is also a producer/composer whose work has reached more than 131 million listeners worldwide through film, television, games, and international brand campaigns. His jazz arrangements of Bach appear in the feature film Mothers' Instinct starring Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain.

He now teaches and performs and is completing a Master of Music in Jazz Studies and Music Production at the University of Central Oklahoma, both of which are cementing his place as one of the most compelling young musicians in American jazz.

Recovery in Rhythm Holm came to jazz in his early teens after a serious health crisis. As he puts it, “Seven blood transfusions from seven strangers saved my life, and jazz gave me a reason to live it.”

Following his recovery, Max practiced obsessively.

He earned a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where he graduated summa cum laude and has been studying under NEA Jazz Master Joanne Brackeen since 2016.

When Oklahoma Spoke Jazz Though he’s graced hundreds of stages across the United States and Europe, his craft always leads him back home.

“Oklahoma chose me before I chose it,” Holm says.

He arrived in Oklahoma when his mother won the Tulsa Remote Digital Grant. On the very first ride from the airport, his Uber driver had jazz on the radio. “It was not as background noise,” Max notes. “But with the passion of someone who knew its history cold. I hadn't even checked into the hotel yet and this place was already speaking my language.”

For Holm, Oklahoma was supposed to be one stop among many. Instead, it became home. “I’ve made 23 moves across the United States and Europe,” he says. “Among all of them, Edmond ranks as one of the safest and most culturally alive cities I’ve ever lived in.”

What he soon discovered is that Oklahoma had been speaking jazz for generations. Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Muskogee produced legends most people outside the state do not realize were Oklahomans: Charlie Christian, the pioneering electric guitarist who transformed the genre; Chet Baker, the cool jazz trumpeter whose influence still 26

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

resonates worldwide; and Jay McShann, the Muskogee pianist who launched Charlie Parker’s career.

In the Company of Legends The deeper he dug, the more he found jazz woven into his own family history. His father, Lars Holger Holm, is a Swedish classical violinist who toured with Max Roach, one of the most important drummers in jazz history. And before Keith Jarrett recorded The Köln Concert, the best-selling jazz piano album ever made, Jarrett spent a month as a houseguest of Holm’s grandfather Sven in France.

When Max later played his original composition “Gran Via” for legendary pianist Chick Corea, the response was immediate. “You make that piano sound good!” Corea told him. “Play that chorus again!”

The Next Generation of Jazz “I wish people outside Oklahoma knew what a cool place this is to live,” he says.

Fresh off his appearance at the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, Holm hopes jazz continues finding new audiences and new musicians willing to carry the tradition forward. “The world needs more jazz musicians,” Holm says.

“Jazz teaches you how to listen, adapt, and tell the truth in real time. We need more of that.”

Follow Max at maxholm.com or on Instagram at @officialmaxholm.

Deckworks

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 27

LOOKBACK

The Cookie Jar

By Louise Tucker Jones Recently, a friend and I spent a couple of hours at an antique mall. What a fun time. Not only did we find old treasures that neither of us had ever seen before, but I also saw things I grew up with.

I guess that sort of makes me an antique also.

But I especially enjoyed the glassware.

Some were identical to glasses that I was gifted years ago as a new bride. And some pieces, that don’t seem ancient to me, still find a place in my kitchen cabinets along with special dishes from older generations.

Many of the “antique” dishes in my home were passed down from my mother, mother-in-law, and even grandmothers and great aunts. I have several Jewel Tea pieces that belonged to my late husband’s grandmother.

28

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

Since Carl was an “only child,” those exquisite old dishes were passed down to us, and we used them.

When our children were young and already in bed, I would often brew hot tea in the Aladdin teapot, then serve it in vintage cups and saucers given to me from my great aunt. It was a relaxing time for Carl and me.

But my favorite Jewel Tea piece was the cookie jar, which I filled with homemade cookies. I always enjoyed baking and loved having that cookie jar full of goodies when the kids got home from school.

Of course, I knew the cookie jar was old, but I wasn’t antique savvy until a friend noticed it and mentioned its significance. She was appalled that I let the kids use it. Hmm. Isn’t that what a cookie jar is for? Well, we eventually learned that the Jewel Tea pieces had a small value, but it made no difference to us.

Carl and I continued to have hot tea at night with the Aladdin teapot along with Aunt Maggie’s cups and saucers, and the kids continued to grab cookies from that old, familiar cookie jar.

Louise's antique dishes

For me, “family” far outweighed any monetary value. And yes, I still have those lovely Jewel Tea pieces, but the best part — I also have beautiful memories from actually using them.

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.

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 29

Photo provided by Edmond History Museum. edmondhistory.org

LOOKBACK

a look back The Blue Hippo Former Edmond Mayor Dan O'Neil poses with Happy the Hippo during his mayoral campaign in 2007. The Blue Hippo has been popular with locals and Route 66 travelers since 1991 when Bud Fisher placed the hippo on South Broadway in front of his glass business. In the 1990s, Happy was “hippo-napped” several times as a prank, appearing atop Memorial High School, in a pond at Oklahoma Christian, and even at a wedding before being filled with concrete to prevent future pranks. The Edmond History Museum will celebrate the landmark with the Blue Hippo Festival on June 6 in Stephenson Park, featuring Route 66-themed games, music, and plenty of blue.

30

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l JUNE 2026

JUNE 2026

l EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM l 31

PO Box 3878 Edmond, OK 73083