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Art Meets the Sky at Eagle's Nest Korea Veteran Buford Ford On Location with Urban Sketchers Home is the Finish Line

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See ad page 10. See Page 21 of North Oklahoma City & Edmond

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Last month, I wrote about a little car I helped design in 1986 that unexpectedly came cruising back into my life. That column ended with, “It’s not every day that 1986 comes rolling back into your life.” Well, I'm on a roll, because this month, I went all the way back to 1985. Alison and I visited New England last month to see the fall foliage at its peak. It was spectacular. Yes, we're officially at the age where driving around to look at leaves counts as an exciting vacation. We started in Burlington, Vermont, and worked our way south through charming little towns that looked like Hallmark movie sets. Covered bridges, white steeples, colorful trees, and a seemingly endless supply of apple cider doughnuts. Along the way, I reconnected with a childhood friend and a former college roommate. After the initial shock of realizing we hadn't seen each other in 40 years, we picked up right where we left off. We spent an afternoon in Newport, Rhode Island, touring some of the famous mansions. Apparently, back then, a 70room summer cottage was considered perfectly reasonable. No, we did not see Taylor Swift. Our final stop was Providence, where we toured my alma mater, the Rhode Island School of Design. I graduated in 1985, back when I had more hair, fewer responsibilities, and absolutely no idea I'd eventually end up in something called “web design” and publishing a local magazine. It was fun to revisit familiar places, reconnect with longtime friends, and remember the guy I was back then. Turns out, I didn’t need a time machine to travel back to 1985. Just a rental car, a few good friends, and an excuse to go leaf peeping.

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

8 14 Features 8 10 12 14 18 20 26 30

CityLook: Start Here… Taste of Edmond Buford Ford Little Reporter, Big Voice Where Art Meets Sky Urban Sketchers Racing Home A LOOK Back: Armory

Business 22 24

National Academy of Court Reporting Kerri Your Passport

Columns 7 28

In Other Words with Dave Louise Tucker Jones

On the Cover: Eagles Nest at Uncommon Ground Cover Photography: 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

NOVEMBER 2026 Volume 22, Number 11 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

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 NOVEMBER 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.

CITYLOOK

Edmond Start Here… By Taylor Bollinger

Where do you go for dinner? Where do you shop for groceries? When was the last time you explored a new park or attended a local event? Whether you've called Edmond home for six months or 60 years, there's probably more to discover right in your own backyard. And the choices you make about where to shop, eat, and spend your time can make a difference in the community you call home. That's the idea behind Edmond Start Here…, a new citywide initiative launching Tuesday, November 3, appropriately designated Edmond Day. It's an invitation to explore more, experience more, and make the most of everything Edmond has to offer. Jennifer Thornton, the City of Edmond's Communications and Tourism Director, says even longtime residents may be surprised by the opportunities available right here at home. To help residents discover them, the city has created a yearlong guide to enjoying Edmond, with a different theme each month. January focuses on wellness, from local fitness options to a refreshing walk through Mitch Park. February highlights music, May encourages outdoor adventures, and December celebrates shopping. Each theme offers specific ideas for trying something new and enjoying the city. Residents can explore each month's featured activities and discover more ways to experience Edmond at EdmondStartHere.com. The themes will also be featured throughout Edmond’s popular annual calendar, available for free beginning Friday, November 20 at Edmond's Luminance event in Mitch Park. Copies will also be available at City Hall, the Edmond Downtown Library, Visit Edmond and Utility Customer Service. Jennifer Fields, a local Realtor who serves on the Visit Edmond tourism board and chairs the Arcadia Lake Commission, encourages residents to make exploring a 8

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monthly habit. "I encourage locals and visitors alike to explore someplace new in Edmond once a month," Fields said, suggesting a restaurant, shop, local attraction, community event, or spot at the lake. "You may find a new favorite, enjoy a free local experience, and meet someone who makes you feel right at home."

A citywide marketing initiative inviting residents to rediscover their hometown. And there's another benefit to exploring closer to home: Every dollar spent in Edmond helps support the city. Thornton emphasizes that spending locally goes well beyond shopping. Choosing an Edmond restaurant, grocery store, mechanic, or service provider generates sales tax revenue that helps fund parks, streets, public safety, and other city services. But city limits matter. Shopping and dining areas near Memorial Road and Pennsylvania Avenue may feel like part of Edmond, but they’re outside city limits, meaning purchases there don’t generate sales tax revenue for Edmond. Supporting Edmond doesn't have to mean spending more. Sometimes it's simply choosing a local business you already love or discovering a free experience you've been missing. As Edmond Start Here… rolls out, expect to see colorful graphics from local businesses and lively banners lining the streets. All unite under one simple message: What makes Edmond special starts with you. The campaign encourages residents to rediscover their hometown with a simple invitation: “Try the restaurant. Visit the park. Attend the festival. Discover one new thing in Edmond this month, and then do it again the next. You might be surprised how much there is to love right here at home.”

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PROMOTIONAL

FOODLOOK

LOCAL FLAVOR

— A LOOK AT EDMOND FAVORITES — By Laura Beam LA LOBA CANTINA & GRILL

Your holiday party or private event is sure to be a hit when you invite La Loba to host the festivities! For groups of 10 to 200, your place or theirs, catering pick-up or delivery, they bring the tastes everyone loves. Their vibrant Central, Coastal, and Southern Mexicoinspired dishes have been the talk of the town since they opened at the Railyard in Downtown Edmond earlier this year. Treat your party guests to saucy enchiladas or tasty taco feasts, complete with one-of-a-kind sides like their showstopping guacamole–don’t miss this highlight! Visit 23 W. 1st St. or lalobaedmond.com/catering for more. Minimum of 10 guests and 24-hour advance notice required for catering.

MOUNTAIN MIKE’S PIZZA

With its second Metro location now open in Edmond, Mountain Mike’s Pizza brings its legendary crispy, curly pepperoni, daily fresh-rolled dough, and 20” mountain-sized pizzas to town! Edmond locals and owners Jesse and Mona Kang are excited to be part of the familyfriendly destination. With nine big screens for sports fans, a patio, and arcade games, it is an ideal spot for families, team parties, and group events. Guests love the create-your-own and specialty pizzas, wings, and salads, and flock to the weekday all-you-can-eat pizza and salad bar. Whether it’s dine-in, carryout, or their own in-house delivery, they’re true to the Mountain Mike’s motto: “Pizza the Way it Oughta Be!” Visit 3629 NW 178th, Edmond, or mountainmikespizza.com.

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BRICKTOWN BREWERY

As cozy as your favorite sweater, Bricktown Brewery's limited-time seasonal menu warms you with savory and sippable must-tries! The fan favorite Chicken Pot Pie headlines the menu, along with delicious selections like Shepherd's Pie and the Mango Shrimp Rice Bowl. Dig into the Bricktown Sampler loaded with boneless wings, pretzel bites, fried pickles, and elote-style chicken dip. One sip of the famous Banana Bread Espresso Martini topped with French vanilla sweet cream cold foam, and you'll know why this has been an absolute smash hit! Don't forget Bricktoberfest on tap and the S'Mores Cookie Skillet for all the tastes of the season. Visit two Edmond locations: 1150 E. 2nd St. and 1000 NW 192nd, or bricktownbrewery.com.

EDMOND’S INDOOR WINTER FARMER’S MARKET

Colder weather doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the fresh foods and flavors you love from the Edmond Farmer’s Market! Their Indoor Winter Market, open each Saturday from November 7-March 20, buzzes with coffee, conversation, delicious samples, and 100% Oklahoma-grown and manufactured foods you love. From 9 a.m. to noon each Saturday, this community hub feeds your hunger for seasonal produce like hearty winter squash, potatoes, onions, and root vegetables, plus local meats and artisan baked goods. Throw on your sweatshirt and stroll through aisles of local honey, eggs, meats, spices, coffee, crafts, and handmade spa products you’ll love. Visit Saturdays, 9 a.m.- noon, at the Senior Center at Mitch Park, 2733 Marilyn Williams Drive or edmondok.gov/365/FarmersMarket.

YOLKIZZ CAFE

Make every day festive with Yolkizz Cafe’s seasonal fall menu! Enjoy Pumpkin Pancakes, Caramel Apple Waffles, and Chicken Dumpling Soup. Warm up with a selection of cozy winter drinks like a Pumpkin Spice Latte, Chai Latte, or Peppermint Mocha. They’re the perfect addition to holiday gatherings too. Ask about fantastic Holiday Specials for family get-togethers, office parties, and catering events. Everything you love about this family-owned cafe of comfort foods, from the signature homemade sausage gravy and chicken and waffles, to grilled pork chops and homemade soups, is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your gathering. Visit 737 W. Danforth Rd. or yolkizzcafe.com.

DONATOS PIZZA

Will and Matt McLain, Edmond natives and Donatos Pizza franchise partners, invite you to enjoy Donatos for your holiday parties or family gatherings. Try the thin crust with Edge-toEdge toppings, hand-tossed, thicker crust, or cauliflower crust pizza. They’re loaded with aged smoked provolone, Romano cheese, and your choice of homemade pepperoni, sausage, fresh veggies, or other toppings. Or go for oven-roasted wings, baked subs, crisp salads, and more. Visit 1148 S. Bryant or 2929 NW 178th St., Edmond. Get 15% off orders of $50 or more (code 030), 20% off orders over $100 (code 197), and $50 off orders over $200 (code 542). Eat in, pick up, or get it delivered. Order at Donatos.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.

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Buford’s Life of Safety and Service By Amy Dee Stephens Buford Ford, age 94, would not describe himself as a Korean War hero, but his life story clearly indicates his heroics. Buford’s military service, professional career, and even his decades of community service have all focused on the same thing: keeping people safe. Military Messenger Buford grew up on a farm in Guthrie. He expected to graduate in 1949, but was short by a few classes. Each day, he went to school for a few hours, and then he hung out at the skating rink inside the National Guard armory. One day, a National Guard recruiter came by and convinced Buford to join. “In September 1950, the Oklahoma 45th Infantry was activated, and I knew I was headed for Korea,” Buford said. “I was 18 years old, and I wasn’t scared. I felt I needed to protect our country.” His main job in Korea was as a messenger clerk. When information arrived at headquarters, Buford drove a “wornout jeep with usable tires” to the front line. The cryptic messages and maps he delivered helped officers make tactical decisions. “We were told we were there for police action. But it was a war,” Buford said. “I was fortunate. I never had a weapon, I was never in a battle, and I never got shot at.” Safety Operations After Korea, Buford returned to Oklahoma and worked several jobs, which included oil exploration, bakery deliveries, and painting jet engines. His main career, however, was at Tinker Air Force Base. For 18 years, he was a traffic controller for the Tinker police department. For the last 40 years, Buford has volunteered for Edmond’s LibertyFest parade. He held a variety of roles, but once again, safety was his main priority. Early on, Buford assisted with the parade queue line, helping floats and other entries join

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the parade route. He replaced a complicated numbering system by training everyone to fall in line behind the lead vehicle. Because of Buford’s training in traffic control, he managed the speed and distance of cars following people walking in the parade, and he insisted that people not ride on top of vehicles. “Safety is the parade’s top priority,” Buford said. Buford also became a licensed ham radio operator, communicating about logistics and safety over a specific radio frequency. “You couldn’t have a parade without that crew,” Buford said. “It takes a lot of communication to assemble and direct parade traffic.” In 2026, the LibertyFest committee established a Veteran of the Year award, and Buford was the first recipient. Home Safety In October, Buford again took charge of a safety situation—this time closer to home. “Since my wife died ten years ago, my daughter has taken care of me, but she just finished up cancer treatments, and so now I’m taking care of her,” Buford said. “My house was built in 1977, and it wasn’t compatible for getting a gurney in and out, so we’ve been living at an assisted living center while the house was being modified. We are getting ready to move back home, because now, it’s a safe house.” Buford continues to help other people, even as he approaches the age of 95. He is committed to volunteering at the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in Edmond, having formerly served as commander at both. “I’m still having a lot of fun in life, and I really enjoy handing out patriotic pins to other veterans I meet.” From Buford’s frontline military service to his years in traffic control at Tinker and LibertyFest, his focus on public safety has never wavered. It is clear that Buford truly is an American hero.

Photo Credit : Edmond History Museum

Photo Credit : Erich Tapia

FEATURELOOK

NOVEMBER 2026

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FEATURELOOK

Little Reporter, Big Voice By Taylor Bollinger Most 10-year-olds would like to snap a selfie with their favorite athletes. Edmond's Lyla Waugh would rather interview them. Armed with a bouquet of pom-poms serving as a makeshift microphone, Lyla recently found herself interviewing football players following Oklahoma State University's game against Oregon. While other fans were hoping for photos, Lyla was busy asking questions. Her impromptu interviews would soon lead to an unforgettable experience behind the scenes of television broadcasting. But it wasn't her first time behind a microphone. The young sports enthusiast has already announced numerous junior high football and high school soccer games. One of her favorite responsibilities is introducing starting lineups, an opportunity to break out her booming announcer voice, one so commanding that you have to hear it to believe it. When she's not talking about sports, she's playing them. Her mom, Gena, describes Lyla as "the most joyful, funny, big-hearted girl" who keeps her family entertained with her quick wit and endless energy. "If there's a ball, she's kicking it, bouncing it, or finding something in my house to whack with a racket," Gena shared on Instagram. Whether she's on the field or behind a microphone, Lyla approaches sports with the same enthusiasm. And while most kids her age are still figuring out what they enjoy, Lyla has already discovered a passion for sports announcing and isn't shy about putting herself in the middle of the action. That confidence was on full display when she approached Oklahoma State football players after their game against Oregon. Her makeshift microphone may not have been professional equipment, but that didn't stop her from stepping into the role of sideline reporter. The interviews caught the attention of News 9, which invited Lyla to tour the station and featured her in its Something Good segment. During the visit, she got a firsthand look at television broadcasting and met Oklahoma State's game-day hype announcer, Les Thomas. She even FaceTimed the Oklahoma City Thunder's in-arena emcee, Malcolm Tubbs. For a young girl who already loves announcing sporting events, the experience offered a glimpse of where that passion might someday take her. It also gave her the opportunity to meet people who have turned their own enthusiasm for sports into careers behind the microphone. Gena shared her appreciation for everyone who made the experience possible, adding, "I don't think I've ever seen a happier 10-year-old." And there may be more opportunities ahead. Her family has hinted at something exciting involving Oklahoma State's homecoming festivities, although the details have yet to be revealed. For now, Lyla isn't waiting for a television camera or a college stadium to pursue what she loves. She's bringing that same confidence, enthusiasm and unmistakable announcer voice to local sporting events, whether she's introducing a starting lineup or interviewing players on the sidelines. At just 10 years old, Lyla has already found something she loves, and she's not waiting to grow up to pursue it. You might just hear her voice at an upcoming Edmond junior high sporting event. And judging by her enthusiasm, it probably won't be the last place you hear it.

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FEATURELOOK

An Eagle’s View By Amy Dee Stephens Hundreds of years ago, before buildings filled the landscape, wildlife freely roamed the area now called Edmond. It was here, where the prairie met the ancient oak forest, that the bison was hunted by the First Americans. Watching over it all was the majestic bald eagle. He perched on the tallest tree and surveyed the land. From there, the eagle observed the first evidence of change, when a black ribbon of iron cut across the land, from north to south. The railroad brought with it both smoke and people. As the eagle built his large nest atop the tree, he next watched a ribbon of pavement laid from East to West. Along it, moving machines of metal caused a never-ending rush of noise on the new highway named Route 66. In 1964, Charles Johnson bought nearly a mile of land next to the highway at 2nd and Coltrane—and the eagle saw that horses had replaced the bison roaming across the land. The Johnsons ran the horse farm for 50+ years. When Charles’s daughter-in-law, Hilde, was ready to sell the farm, she felt selective about the buyer. She did not want the property to become an apartment complex or a row of chain stores. Her nature oasis along Route 66 was meant for something special. The View from the Ground Finding the land’s special purpose took time, and it took a visionary thinker. In January 2020, philanthropist Hal French proposed a partnership with the City of Edmond to build a sculpture park on the Johnson’s land. As the idea marinated and dirt began to move, the park’s purpose emerged: a combination of art, nature, and play, which Melissa Pepper, executive director of The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park, describes as “a testament to Oklahoma’s creativity and spirit.” Over 60 art pieces are already slated for the park, but the largest is the Route 66 Eagle’s Nest. At first glance, the tall, disjointed-looking structure of rusty metal pipes looks unfinished up on the highest hill. Upon closer inspection, and with a little context, the interpretation of the structure becomes clearer. The over 60-foot-high Eagle’s Nest represents the most impressive bird’s nest in the world: that of the bald eagle, whose large nests can reach 10 feet across and weigh thousands of pounds. By building the nests high in the trees, eagles have a clear view of the landscape below. The idea for the Eagle’s Nest sculpture emerged as stakeholders considered the park’s location along Route 66. What if visitors could get high enough to have their own eagle-eye view of the famous road and the beautiful park? Could the flagship sculpture also be interactive? Could people perhaps “climb” to the top?

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The Eagle’s Nest concept was brought to life by architect Rand Elliott. A viewing platform was designed so visitors could, indeed, enjoy a panoramic view of the Mother Road and the 100-year-old canopy of trees found in the park. To make the platform accessible, a caged spiral staircase winds to the top. As an additional layer of meaning, repurposed oil field pipe was donated for the project, paying homage to Edmond’s oil field history. Although steel support was eventually needed, the iron pipe represents another surprising bit of Edmond history: the “cast iron forest” of the Cross Timbers, as described by America’s first author, Washington Irving, who traveled through Oklahoma Territory in 1832. As visitors journey to the top of the Eagle’s Nest, they are both observers and participants in the art, nature and history of the sculpture that once seemed haphazardly designed. “Architecture never exists without context,” said Rand Elliott. “It’s imperative that we acknowledge and embrace the place, purpose and the poetics of the project.” An Uncommon Change This year, when the eagle returns to Arcadia Lake to overwinter, he will soar over a changing landscape. From the treetops, the eagle will see oversized animals and unmoving people made of bronze and metal, tucked amongst the grasses and trees of the park. People will be roaming the land, instead of horses or bison—and the place will have found its special purpose. Visit uncommonground.org for more intormation.

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FEATURELOOK

Seeing the World One Sketch at a Time By Taylor Bollinger Most of us have walked past the same building a hundred times without giving it a second thought. But have you ever stopped long enough to really see it? William Lentz has. He takes the time to get to know a scene. He notices the scalloped details around the window. He studies the woodworking on the front door, and the charm of a slightly crumbling brick on the left-hand side. He sees it all and puts it to paper from a point of view that is entirely his own. That's what urban sketching is all about. In 70 countries and nearly 600 cities worldwide, groups gather and sketch on location, leaving with unique depictions of the same scene. Armed with sketchbooks and art supplies, members capture the world around them, one drawing at a time. Lentz founded Urban Sketchers’ Oklahoma City chapter in 2017. The local group meets monthly at different locations, from parks to festivals to downtown streets. Typically, eight to 12 artists attend, bringing everything from pencils and watercolors to oil paints. One participant even created a collage. "That's the beauty of urban sketching," William explained. There's no specific medium, artistic style, or experience level required. Beginners are just as welcome as seasoned artists.

Just get yourself a journal and start doodling. "You can go find a beautiful old building in downtown Edmond, but it’s not until you sit down in front of it and spend some time with it and start trying to draw it that you really see all of it," he said. Suddenly, the familiar becomes something worth discovering. He appreciates this perspective after spending much of his career in business and accounting. Although he originally hoped to pursue art professionally, he was encouraged to choose what seemed to be a more practical path. Art remained his weekend escape, and now he's teaching it full time in retirement at the Edmond Fine Arts Institute and at the MAC. His favorite medium is watercolor, partly because of its unpredictability. "Friends say you can't control it, and I say that's the beauty because you can't control life either," he laughed. The group's work has grown beyond monthly gatherings. Artists from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and cities across the country recently featured sketches of Route 66 landmarks in an exhibition at the Edmond History Museum, with plans to move the collection to a Norman gallery. But Lentz says the greatest reward comes from the experience itself, one he encourages everyone to try while traveling. “A sketch can often capture more than a photo,” he said. “It lets its artist reexperience the moment years down the road – how it felt, how it smelled, how the colors all blended together.” And you don't need to travel far to begin. "Just get yourself a journal and start piddling around and doodling something in your backyard," William encouraged. "Then throw a splash of color on it, and you'll be so surprised by what you can create." Follow on Facebook @UrbanSketchersOklahomaCity or join for free at urbansketchers.org.

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BIZLOOK

National Academy of Court Reporting After nearly four decades in court reporting, Tracy Thompson is excited to introduce others to a profession she loves and to career opportunities they may have never considered. Thompson, RDR, CRR, CRI, founded the National Academy of Court Reporting (NACR) in 2026 after years of working as a court reporter and teaching and training both students and working professionals. As owner and director, she created the academy to provide accessible, practical education led by professionals who understand the demands of the field. “Court reporting has been my career for nearly 40 years, and I still love this profession,” Thompson said. “Creating

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NACR gives me the opportunity to take what I have learned throughout my career and use it to inspire and prepare the next generation of court reporters.” NACR offers online education in both stenographic court reporting and voice writing, with classes held in the evenings. Programs combine theory and speedbuilding with technology, transcript preparation and practical skills students will need as working professionals. The online format and evening schedule enable students to pursue specialized career training while balancing work and family responsibilities. Technology continues to reshape the profession. Realtime reporting, voice writing, advanced software and emerging technologies are changing how court reporters work, but Thompson says the need for highly skilled professionals who can create an accurate record remains. NACR’s approach emphasizes a solid foundation while preparing students to adapt as tools and practices continue to evolve throughout their careers. NACR is now accepting enrollments for its first stenographic and voice writing

Tracy Thompson

classes, beginning January 4, 2027. Seats are limited, so prospective students are encouraged to reserve their place now. Students interested in learning more about the National Academy of Court Reporting and its online programs can visit nacracademy.com or contact Tracy Thompson at tracy.thompson@ nacracademy.com.

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

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BIZLOOK

Kerri Your Passport For many older adults, the desire to travel does not disappear with age. What can change is the comfort level of navigating airports, long flights, cruises, immigration lines, and unfamiliar destinations alone. Kerri Your Passport LLC helps make those journeys possible with personalized travel companionship and support. Owner Kerri Matlock formally launched the Edmond-based business in 2025, building on more than 20 years of experience supporting older adults as a personal assistant and travel companion. After years of quietly accompanying seniors on trips, Kerri recognized a recurring need. Older adults still wanted to visit family, take cruises, and see bucket-list destinations, but many did not

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want to make the journey alone. Kerri Your Passport provides one-onone and group travel companionship for domestic and international trips, cruises, and family visits. Kerri helps clients manage the details and challenges of travel while providing a familiar, reassuring presence throughout the journey. She has also added realtime translation technology to help make international travel easier and is developing partnerships with travel planners. For families, communication is an important part of the service. Kerri stays in close contact with loved ones, providing reassurance while focusing on each client’s safety, comfort, dignity, and independence. Her business is licensed and insured, and each trip is tailored to the individual. Support does not stop at the airport. In the Edmond area, Kerri Your Passport also offers personal-assistant services that help seniors remain independent at home. Services include errands, meal preparation, organization, assistance with appointments, and companionship. For Kerri, the work is about building

Kerri Matlock

trusted relationships. Clients often discover that a trip that once seemed too difficult or stressful feels possible again when they have someone dependable beside them every step of the way. Kerri Your Passport is based in Edmond and available year-round by appointment. To learn more about travel companionship or local personal-assistant services, visit KerriYourPassport.com, email kerriyourpassport@gmail.com, or call 405-916-7368. To promote your business with a BIZLOOK feature, contact Laura at laura@edmondoutlook.com.

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Photo: Steve Mattocks

Photo: Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

FEATURELOOK

Racing Home

The surprising world of competitive pigeon racing By Taylor Bollinger It begins before they can fully fly. The pigeons make small circles, tiny loops above their loft, barely venturing out of sight. Soon those circles become mile-long trips, then journeys measuring tens of miles. In a few short months of practice, the birds are ready to race. For Edmond resident and Pigeon Racers of Oklahoma Club President Joshua Hayes, it all started with his grandfather. "When I was a little kid, my grandpa and I raised banty chickens," Joshua said. "We went to a show in Shawnee that had chickens on one side and pigeons on the other. When my grandpa found out people raced pigeons, we got rid of the chickens, bought some pigeons, and never looked back." Today, Joshua maintains a racing team of about 50 birds, plus another 30 breeders. Each pigeon wears a permanent identification band linking it to its owner. Raised in the loft they'll eventually return to, the birds develop a remarkable attachment to home. Training starts with short flights around the loft, followed by releases farther and farther away. Eventually, the birds compete in races covering hundreds of miles, sometimes flying 50 miles per hour or faster. But how do they know where they're going? That's a question even experienced pigeon racers can't fully answer. Researchers believe pigeons use a combination of Earth's magnetic field, the sun, eyesight, hearing, and smell to navigate. Longtime racer Rick Mardis has spent decades studying the birds. Now 78, he's been raising pigeons since he was 12 and has competed internationally, including five years racing in Belgium, considered a center of the sport. Rick compares developing champion pigeons to breeding racehorses. Genetics matter, but so do conditioning, nutrition and a little luck. 26

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Left to Right: Joshua Hayes, Steve Mattocks, Rick Mardis, and Tom Beard.

The competition itself is surprisingly high-tech. Birds are transported to a designated release point, then race back to their individual lofts. Each carries an electronic chip that records its arrival when it crosses a scanner at the loft entrance. Software calculates speed in yards per minute, accounting for the distance traveled. Some races covering 300 miles have been decided by just seconds. Club members can follow results on their phones, adding to the excitement as birds begin arriving home. Oklahoma's unpredictable winds and summer heat can dramatically affect the outcome. For fellow Edmond resident Steve Mattocks, pigeon racing is a hobby worth returning to. Steve raised pigeons when he was younger but eventually stepped away from the sport. Years later, while traveling with his wife, he encountered a large gathering of pigeons that rekindled his interest. His wife asked if he'd like to race again. When Steve enthusiastically said yes, she encouraged him to get some birds. He did, and today he maintains his own pigeon lofts in Edmond. The club races young birds in the fall and older birds in the spring, with each season lasting approximately 10 weeks. Not every pigeon makes it home. Predators, storms and other hazards make the sport unpredictable. For Joshua, the connection with his birds goes beyond competition. "We spend a lot of time with these dudes," Joshua said with a laugh. "They know who I am. If someone else goes into the loft, they get nervous. But when I go in, they're calm because they know me and feel safe." Anyone interested in the hobby can connect with local enthusiasts through the Pigeon Racers of Oklahoma Club Facebook page.

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LOOKBACK

November Celebrations! By Louise Tucker Jones It’s November, which welcomes one of my favorite holidays—Thanksgiving! I have so many great memories of family reunions with loved ones now in heaven. And I hope to make more memories this year with my eldest son and family, especially my college-age grandkids. But I have a couple of other November celebrations. First of all, I now proclaim myself a two-year breast cancer survivor. I am more than grateful and praise my Lord and Savior for this miraculous healing. I’m thankful for all who have continued to pray for me along this journey. Another celebration is the release of my new devotional book, Broken and Blessed, Finding God in Life’s Hard Places. A 31-day collection of devotions

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that features both the broken parts of life as well as the beautiful blessings. I have written online devotions for several years and decided to take some of those writings along with new ones and put them into a book. So you will definitely see a little of my son Jay’s fun personality in some of these stories because we shared so many years at home, just the two of us, after my late husband’s journey to heaven. And God definitely taught me many spiritual lessons through Jay. But mostly, you will see “life,” which means you might shed a tear or laugh out loud with these stories because that’s how life is, both hard and happy. There are times in our lives that break us to a point that we wonder if we will survive. But we also have moments where God literally showers us with blessings. And that’s what this book, Broken and Blessed, is about. Finding a God who walks with us through every heartache and hardship. Through every day’s tears and fears and deep valleys, but still blesses us in the midst of life’s storms. It’s a privilege to share this book with my readers and to remind us all that

no matter where we find ourselves this Thanksgiving season, may we remember to give thanks for all we hold dear. Our homes, family, friends, freedoms and all of God’s bountiful blessings. Happy Thanksgiving! Louise’s book is available at amazon.com/dp/1946887250. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. LouiseTuckerJones@gmail.com LouiseTuckerJones.com.

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Photo provided by Edmond History Museum. edmondhistory.org

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a look back Edmond's Armory Built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Edmond’s historic armory originally housed the Headquarters Company, 179th Infantry Unit of the 45th Infantry Division, known as the Thunderbirds. The building also hosted community dances, concerts, basketball games, and even a traveling circus. When the National Guard outgrew the facility, a new armory was built on Bryant Avenue in 1972. The original building served various nonprofit organizations until 1995, when the Edmond History Museum took over the entire facility. Today, the 90-year-old landmark at 5th & Boulevard continues to preserve Edmond’s military heritage and serve the community.

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PO Box 3878 Edmond, OK 73083