May 2022

May 2022

Art of the State

Alice Wolf Creates Oklahoma-Inspired Art

Law Enforcement Torch Run Arise Ministries Celebrates Twenty Years Children’s Business Fair

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As she walks across the stage to receive her diploma, I can recall her first steps. It’s been a long strange trip. In 2004, my late wife, Sandy, and I took emergency custody of my granddaughter. She was 6 weeks old, and it was the right thing - and the best thing - to do at the time. We took her in and raised her as our own.

Grandparents raising grandkids. Nothing new, you hear of it a lot, but it was not what I had planned. Reflecting back, I count those times we had together as some of my best memories. She was a joy to raise. Funny, loving, and kind.

As the years went by, this little girl and her mom were able to re-engage again - eventually living full-time with her mom. Those times were bittersweet, but it really was what we had hoped for.

This little girl just turned 18 years old last month and is now graduating high school. Wow. She still lives here in Edmond, and I am super proud of her. She’s a smart kid and heading to UCO in the Fall.

She’s had an interesting path growing up and hopefully, her experiences will continue to shape her for the better.

They shaped me. I miss her, but I know I gave her a solid foundation of love and security. It was an honor to help raise her.

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

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8 Features 8

Edmond Children’s Business Fair

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Crumbl Cookies

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Alice Wolf: Edmond Inspired

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Arise Ministries Celebrates Twenty Years

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Law Enforcement Torch Run

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Last Place; First Place

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Pinball Wizard

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Business 22

Clothes Mentor

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Lightly Construction

Columns 7

In Other Words with Dave

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Louise Tucker Jones

Cover art by Alice Wolf ADVERTISING l 405-301-3926 l sales@edmondoutlook.com MAILED MONTHLY TO OVER 50,000 HOMES IN THE EDMOND AREA 1024 W Covell, Edmond, OK 73003 l 405-341-5599 l edmondoutlook.com l info@edmondoutlook.com May 2022 Volume 18, Number 5

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Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.

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© 2022 Back40 Design, Inc.

PUBLISHER Dave Miller l EDITOR Amber Plaksin l ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Angie Clemens Byers and Laura Beam l GRAPHIC DESIGN Anne Richardson PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins sundancephotographyokc.com l DISTRIBUTION Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to over 50,000 Edmond area homes.

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

Penny Heiniger holding product from her business, “Flowers by Penny”

Dutch Anderson, Hannah Pham, Jack Heiniger, Calvin Heiniger, Van Marisseau, Penny Heiniger, and Sarah Basore

Hannah Pham with an item from, “Hannah’s Fun Box“

Edmond Children’s Business Fair

By Maggie Murdock Nichols The first annual Edmond Children’s Business Fair will be held on June 4th from 10 am to 1 pm at the Edmond Railyard.

The Chisholm Creek Academy, an Acton Academy Affiliate, will host the fair. All Edmond children between the ages of six to fourteen, regardless of where they attend school, are invited to enter. The young entrepreneurs who participate will develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and sell their product to customers at the one-day fair.

Hannah Pham, the eight-year-old founder of Hannah’s Fun Box, will sell her miniature clay art. She creates very intricate figurines and charms, which are inspired by some of her favorite things, like sushi. When asked who inspires her, Hannah says, “My mom and dad own their own business, Kid’s Fun Town.” Her mom Thuy says, “We saw this creative spirit very early in Hannah.” Hannah says some of her more intricate pieces can take up to three hours to finish. Hannah is going to save the money she makes at the fair in hopes of one day buying a car.

Penny Heiniger, age six, will sell flowers she has grown from seeds. She describes the process: “I planted the seeds and I water them every day. For the fair, I’ll cut the flowers and wrap them up and tie them with ribbon.” Her brother Calvin, age 12, will source goat milk from his family’s farm for his business C&G Co. “We have thirty-six goats, I’ll use their milk 8

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to make cheese and ice cream. People love ice cream!” Calvin will use honey as the sweetener and make flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and mint. He says, “Right now it’s our birthing season so I plan to bring a couple of baby goats along with me to the fair.”

Van Marisseau created Fortuna Jewelry. She hand makes jewelry of all varieties. Van says, “I never make a duplicate piece. I believe everyone is their own unique person and they deserve a piece of jewelry that’s as special as they are.” Each piece will come with a sticker and a handwritten fortune.

Dutch Anderson wants everyone to know: “This was my mom’s idea.” Dutch has created DA Water and will sell ice-cold water to those who are thirsty. He says, “It’s going to be a hot day and people will need to stay hydrated.”

Sarah and Dave Heiniger are the founders of Chisholm Creek Academy and brought the Children’s Business Fair to Edmond. Sarah says, “We call our kids learners, not students. We want to encourage a spirit of lifelong learning.”

The Children’s Business Fair puts children in a real-life situation, fostering creativity and independence. She says, “They’re in charge of the whole process. We offer Saturday coaching sessions to all participants.” Each child makes a pitch, creates a business plan, and gets a loan to cover product costs and the $5 entry fee. The children are excited to sell their products to attendees. The Children’s Business Fair is free and open to the public. For more information visit childrensbusinessfair.org/edmond-oklahoma.

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FOODLOOK

CJ Roundy and Jefferson Palmer

Crumbl Cookies

By Laura Beam

What started as a side hustle for two cousins in Utah on a quest to create the perfect chocolate chip cookie, quickly turned into the fastest-growing and largest cookie company in the nation. And in January of this year, Edmond got in on a delicious piece of the action with the opening of Crumbl Cookies on I-35. Handcrafted and freshly made to order, Crumbl’s shareable-size gourmet cookies are pure comfort and satisfaction by the mouthful. With an iconic rotating menu that debuts four specialty flavors each week, a signature pink rectangular box that looks like a party in itself, and exciting social media energy that feeds the craze, this is one smart cookie company.

Tech Meets Taste Crumbl franchise owners in the OKC Metro, Jefferson Palmer, and CJ Roundy, saw the bakery’s popularity skyrocket overnight after a Crumbl video went viral on TikTok with a million views. From the beginning, social media and technology have been the heartbeat of the company, in and out of the kitchen. “We’re a tech-driven bakery,” Palmer comments, “and we can turn someone into a master baker in hours.” An open concept kitchen gives customers a full view of the mastery in action as cookies are mixed, baked, iced, and artistically packaged, still warm, in their pretty pink 10

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boxes. There’s something so satisfying about that warm box in your hands.

Beyond the metered and measured technology, pure gourmet goodness kicks in to create the most unique cookies that live up to their hype. “Everything is made fresh from scratch every day, with high-end ingredients like special vanilla extract and Guittard chocolate chips,” Roundy explains. “Nothing is frozen or bought.”

Rotating Menu Each week on Sunday, the one day the store is closed, Crumbl announces on social media the upcoming week’s four new flavors – and a fresh batch of excitement starts all over again. “People are eager to see what comes next and they have fun being part of the trend and posting about it,” Palmer remarks.

In addition to the four featured flavors each week, Crumbl’s famous chocolate chip cookie, on which the company was founded, and a chilled sugar cookie, are staples on the menu.

“The rotating specialty flavors are carefully tested at stores across the nation and must pass customers’ approval before making it onto the menu,” Palmer notes. Recipes are inspired by foods and desserts of all kinds. Think cornbread, waffles, Key Lime Pie, Carrot Cake, churros, Red Velvet Cake, NY Cheesecake, Sour Patch candy and a classic to-die-for peanut butter cookie with a pool of creamy milk chocolate on top.

As Roundy says, “With so much uncertainty and unrest in the world, it’s nice to just take a minute and enjoy a cookie.

If I can provide that moment of happiness every day, that’s a good thing.”

Visit Crumbl Cookies at 925 W. I-35 Frontage Rd, Edmond or crumblcookies.com. Takeout, delivery, catering, curbside pickup, and nationwide shipping are available.

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FEATURELOOK

Alice Wolf:

Edmond Series at Edmond VIBES

By Maggie Murdock Nichols Alice Wolf is a Japanese American whose family chose to call Edmond home. Alice graduated from Edmond Public Schools and studied Graphic Design at The University of Central Oklahoma completing a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts & Design. She currently works at Oklahoma City University full-time as an in-house graphic designer and studies Studio Art to continue her education.

Paying Homage to Home As a child on a family vacation, Alice could be found browsing gift shops with a meticulous eye. She was enamored by the National Park series featured on magnets, spoons, posters, and other souvenirs. She collected these pieces to keep the memories with her while at home. These trinkets inspired her to create a series that paid homage to the places she explores in her own hometown. “I want people to know that Oklahoma isn’t just a place to pass by, it’s a boomtown.

There is so much to see and experience,” she says.

Alice’s art is inspired by childhood travels with a nod to vintage styles like Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and WPA Style, and while her pieces are easily identifiable, they offer a bit of whimsy to reality. Alice has created art to pay tribute to Oklahoma City with pieces inspired by Midtown, Paseo, Uptown, Wheeler District, The Boathouse District, and Asian District, as well as the Gold Dome, Streetcar, Myriad 12

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Botanical Gardens, The National Memorial, and other OKC icons. Bringing it home, Alice has created a piece featuring Downtown Edmond, Pop’s, Shannon Miller Park, the Centennial Clock, and the University of Central Oklahoma with more on the way.

Edmond Illustrated Alice’s creativity invites curiosity and sparks adventure.

Her art can be found on water bottles, bags, bike jerseys, and calendars, and are perfect for a framed series display. Alice is also a Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga instructor and avid traveler while splitting her time between central Oklahoma and Miami Florida with family. Her art and inspiration can be found on Instagram at @doodlesbyayogi. She will display and sell her art at VIBES, Edmond’s first Thursday art walk in Downtown Edmond.

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FEATURELOOK

Arise Ministries Celebrates Twenty Years

By Maggie Murdock Nichols

Arise Ministries is a global non-profit organization that strives to empower and provide a Christ-centered community for single mothers, offering them the resources they need to grow spiritually and develop as single parents. Arise Ministries focuses on the emotional and spiritual well-being of single mothers.

After an unwanted divorce while in the trenches of raising two toddlers, Pam Kanaly was given the vision for Arise Ministries, also known as Arise Single Moms. Pam wasn’t sure how it would come to fruition, but she knew that someday she would speak truth over thousands of single mothers. In obedience to her call from God, in 2002, Pam and her co-founder Shelley Pulliam created Arise Ministries in Edmond, Oklahoma; a thriving ministry reaching single moms throughout the United States and in 141 countries.

Pam acts as President and Shelly serves as Executive Director. Shelly joined Pam while also raising children as a single mom and an educator. Over the past twenty years, the ministry has grown and changed, adapting to meet single moms where they are.

Pam Kanaly and Shelley Pulliam, Arise Ministries

Thrive Gathering for Single Moms Thrive Gathering for Single Moms is a two-day event that offers an opportunity for connection among single moms; equipping them with practical and biblical tools for everyday life. Thrive, an Arise Ministries event will be held on Friday, June 10th, and Saturday, June 11th held at Crossings Community Church. Single moms can attend for only $30 and childcare is just $5. Many events can leave single moms feeling isolated due to the various challenges they face, but Thrive is tailored to their needs.

Pam says, “We’ve had single moms say that for them, Thrive is not an event, but an experience. We had one mom say that Christmas is for her kids, Thrive is for her.” Moms can register at ariseministries.net. Those who wish to support a mom who would like to attend can donate a scholarship to the gathering.

Equipping Single Moms Arise Ministries offers various resources online including crisis support, books, videos, Bible studies, and a podcast “The Single Momcast” with more than twenty-one thousand downloads. There are approximately 15.3 million children living with a single mother in the United States and the numbers grow each year. Both the numbers and a call from God compel the board of directors and hundreds of volunteers to continue their efforts in supporting single moms. Arise Ministries can be found on Facebook, on Instagram @arise.ministries, and at ariseministries.net.

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FEATURELOOK

Edmond & OKC Police Officers serve at Tip-A-Cop

Law Enforcement

Torch Run

By Amy Dee Stephens

Deputy Chief Brian Jennings with a Special Olympics athlete

banter on the golf course, all competitors are cheered along, and there are no winners or losers.

According to Brian Jennings, Oklahoma City Deputy Chief, watching Evans and Tyler is a motivating force behind his continued involvement with Special Olympics.

He first volunteered in 2012 and is now the director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Jennings has witnessed the positive benefits of having police involvement with the Special Olympics, from creating positive relationships to showcasing the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The downside? Tired smile muscles.

“You can’t help but grin when you are handing out medals,” said Jennings. “There’s so much joy. The athletes just love police officers. We can spend hours getting our photos taken with the kids.”

Since 1986, police officers in Oklahoma have volunteered at Special Olympics, and the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run is their largest, most-visible event.

Volunteers from over 180 police agencies carry torches, running routes that ultimately end at the opening ceremony held in Stillwater.

“Edmond police department participants run to the Oklahoma State Capital, uniting with other agencies,” said Tom Evans, Captain at the Edmond Police Department.

“We all meet in Stillwater where there’s Supporters Needed a huge police presence along the parade Traditionally, Oklahoma has the largest route to the lighting of the torch, kicking off Summer Games in the United States, with the event.”

Capt. Tom Ev ans and son Tyler over 12,000 athletes. It’s an expensive Evans started volunteering for Special undertaking, so police officers spend Olympics in 2001 when his son, Tyler, was born with Dandymonths fundraising. In addition to the torch run, officers Walker Variant. Consequently, the father/son team has participate in Tip-A-Cop, in which officers gather at local participated in Special Olympics for Tyler’s entire life. “Tyler restaurants to serve drinks to customers in exchange for loves being outdoors. He wanted to start golfing when he tips. Another annual fundraising event is the Polar Plunge, was really young, so I got certification as a Special Olympics where officers jump together into cold water. One incentive golf coach, but truthfully, he’s a better player than me!” for police units to participate was Jennings offering to jump Evans said. “The Olympics is a super-special time for our in with them, and in February, he plunged 13 times. “I was family, and we’ve both made lifelong friends, too.” all numb, but everyone who did it said they would come Anticipating This Summer back,” Jennings said.

Because of Evans’ long-term contributions to the torch It was recently announced that Jennings will carry the run, he was selected for the 2020 Tim Stafford Unsung Hero Flame of Hope torch at the USA Games in Florida. Until Award, which comes with the honor of lighting the Flame then, he’s raising donations and recruiting volunteers of Hope at the Special Olympics ceremony. Although the for Stillwater. “It’s fun and easy to help, or just go watch,” event was canceled due to Covid, Evans was honored by the Jennings said. “What really gets to me is watching the family nomination. After a two-year delay, he and Tyler are greatly members. They are so proud and excited. Their thankfulness anticipating this summer’s Special Olympics on May 11th. and appreciation at the event keeps me going.”

Evans admits that while there might be some good-natured Visit sook.org to learn more.

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Last Place; First Place

FEATURELOOK

Triathlete Steve Lovelace Pushes Through the Pain

By Amy Dee Stephens When Steve Lovelace crossed the finish line in last place at the 1986 Triathlon, he had a secret. He had not revealed that he was disabled from a spinal cord injury for fear of elimination from the competition. Steve had not entered the race for glory, he’d entered it for himself. It took him nearly four hours, but crossing the finish line was reward enough.

In the 1980s, the Triathlon, as we know it, was in its infancy, as were paralympic sports. Steve was unaware that he’d made history as one of the first-ever para triathletes! The fact that he pushed himself so hard in an endurance competition is astonishing because of his debilitating pain, but it also reveals his strength.

Choosing to Walk He was in his twenties when a tree split in half and pinned him down for two hours, leaving him with many injuries and the diagnosis of life in a wheelchair. Although he was paralyzed from the waist down, he was determined to walk out of the hospital. It was only a few steps, but he walked. “I couldn’t feel my legs, but I believed I could walk again,” Steve said.

He first learned to walk, then run, then cycle, then lift weights– which all helped him “push through the pain” in ways most people can’t understand. For nearly thirty years, Steve has suffered the daily inflammation of nerves around his spinal cord, a rare condition called arachnoiditis. It’s known as one of the most painful diseases in existence.

“I guess triathletes are gluttons for punishment,” Steve said with a laugh. “It’s a suffer-fest, but I find that exercise helps me manage the pain without taking pills or pain meds—and trust me, I’ve been on a slew of them. I finally took a stand that from now on, I‘m going to take a healthy and holistic approach instead.”

Telling His Story Steve is currently training for the Triathlon again and competing in the Endeavour Games, an event for challenged athletes hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma. Additionally, the USA Triathlon Foundation recently named Steve as a team ambassador in its fundraising efforts to support budding triathletes and future Paralympians. He’s ecstatic to aid and improve the sport that he unwittingly pioneered.

“I hadn’t shared my story about competing in 1986 much until recently, but crossing that finish line was a moment that changed me forever in a positive way,” Steve said. “I decided that I should encourage others, foremost my own kids, to realize that nothing is insurmountable, regardless of adversity.”

“I could write a book about my life, and it would be a great Disney movie. My life has been a roller coaster, and not just from my accident. I had the unfortunate honor of being a pediatric X-ray tech for the medical examiner during the Oklahoma City Bombing. Identifying child victims has left me with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I’ve also had several heart attacks, too,” Steve said, “but instead of making me bitter, it’s fueled me to push past barriers. I set an athletic record, but what I really want is to set an example.” To contact Steve, visit @splovelace on Instagram.

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BIZLOOK It’s win for the community, too, because all the clothing in the store is purchased directly from local residents. “We’re giving our money right back to the women who live and work here,” says owner Shalon Wilbanks.

The Edmond store has a robust selection of office and work wear, as

By Maria Veres well as designer bags, active and casual wear, and elegant evening dresses.

You can shop in person or buy online.

If you’re an Edmond woman who In-store pickup is always free, and the loves beautiful fashions but not designer store offers a generous return policy if a prices, Clothes Mentor has you covered. purchase doesn’t work out.

The high-end resale store specializes in If you’re looking to refresh your top quality, recent clothing and features wardrobe and earn extra income, Clothes a wide range of brands.

Mentor always pays cash for your designer bags and nearly new fashions.

Sustainability Made Beautiful Everything at Clothes Mentor sells for Friendly, Personalized Service a fraction of what you would pay new, Shalon recently took over the Edmond with most items priced under $20.00. store when previous owner Melanie Each piece is rigorously inspected to Harris retired. She has owned the South make sure it’s in excellent condition.

Oklahoma City location for more than Since clothing makes up a large five years, along with her business portion of landfill waste, buying partner and uncle, Mike Higgins, and she pre-owned is good for the environment. divides her time between the two stores.

Clothes Mentor

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Owner Shalon Wilbanks

Longtime manager Jenny Nou remains at the Edmond location.

“I look forward to the days I’m in Edmond,” says Shalon. “All our customers have been very welcoming to me. My goal is to make shopping a fun and valuable experience for everyone.”

Clothes Mentor is located at 3208 S Broadway in Edmond and online at edmondok.clothesmentor.com.

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BIZLOOK

Lighty

Construction

By Maria Veres

With decades of expertise in roofing and construction, Don Lighty knows exactly what it takes to build a roof that will last. Lighty Construction is a master contractor for Duro-Last, a top-rated material that stands up to all Oklahoma’s challenges, including wind, rain, and even fire.

Roofs Built Right Most roofs are vulnerable to damage at the shingle seams, where water and wind can penetrate over time. But Duro-Last roofs are made of custom fabricated polyvinyl, with the seams welded into a solid unit so nothing

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can get through. It’s ideal for flat and low-slope roofs. Duro-Last is energy efficient and stays close to the ambient temperature, resulting in lower AC bills.

With a Class A fire rating, Duro-Last won’t catch on fire, which sets it apart from most roofing materials. As a retired Edmond firefighter, Don knows firsthand how important this is. “People don’t realize how flammable some roofing materials are,” he says.

Lighty Construction’s contractors are fully insured and factory-trained for Duro-Last installations. Every finished roof is inspected by a Duro-Last technician and graded. Don’s goal is a grade of 100. “I won’t install anything that I wouldn’t put on my own home,” he says.

A Lifetime of Experience Don grew up in the construction industry. His father began taking him and his twin brother on jobs when they were barely old enough to lift a hammer.

After coming to OKC for college, he worked for a trim carpenter. “It taught me to be extremely attentive to detail,” says Don. “Everything had to be square, straight, and perfect. That’s how I approach my roofing jobs.”

Don Lighty

With his construction background, Don can also take care of other issues that might surface during a roof rebuild, such as water damage or rot.

“Sometimes it takes more than a roofer to build a roof,” he says.

Lighty Construction serves residential and commercial customers in the Edmond and OKC area. Contact them at (405) 831-6874 and online at lightyconstruction.com.

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ALOOKBACK

TORNADO!

By Louise Tucker Jones

May is a busy, spring month. Along with Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, there are weddings, graduations, reunions, and birthdays. But May often brings a little more than “sunshine” when you live in tornado alley.

When I was young and attending my older brother’s high school graduation, someone suddenly announced there was a tornado coming our way. The gymnasium, where the service was being held, was quickly evacuated.

Living in a small farming community, we had a huge cellar on school property where people could take cover.

That night, it was almost a fun event to join my friends in the cellar. We scooted toward the back, away from adults, to talk and even play games. Our

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mothers sat toward the front, saying prayers and discussing recipes by the light of coal oil lamps.

There were no sirens to alert folks or meteorologists to follow storms, so the men stood outside watching the clouds. They learned at a young age to predict weather patterns. I remember many “middle of the night” runs to that community cellar, which was open to everyone, with Daddy driving wildly over dirt roads while Mama described low hanging clouds.

But this night, as we sat in the shadowy darkness of the cellar, someone outside yelled, “There’s a tornado!” To my surprise, several people inside the cellar ran up the stairs and outside to get a look at the phenomenon rather than curl up in a corner for safety.

Of course, our moms stayed put with the oil lamps and refused to let us kids go out the door. Then within minutes, all those who had run up those steps were quickly back inside, along with the men, as the storm roared past without damage.

I’m not a fan of tornados. That’s why I have a safe room and a generator.

But on stormy evenings I sometimes

miss those long ago nights when dozens of friends gathered together in that old community cellar. It was like a mini reunion with each family being welcomed inside. Their laughter and love melted my fear, and the Lord always kept us safe!

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.

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FEATURELOOK FEATURELOOK

Pinball Wizard

By Amy Dee Stephens

Mark Schwisow likes to say his enthusiasm for playing pinball is a story in three acts.

Act One: As a young adult in the 1970s, Mark played lots of mechanical pinball at bowling alleys and convenience stores.

Act Two: As a father, Mark introduced his children to pinball machines in the mid-80s as something they could play together.

Act Three: As a retiree, Mark remembered his enjoyment of playing pinball, so he bought a machine four years ago, and then another, and then another, and now he owns 20 machines and hosts pinball tournaments.

“The first one I bought, King of Diamonds, was special because it was one of my favorites when I was young. It came out in the mid-sixties, and the goal was to hit all the card targets,” Mark said. “The machines were mechanical then, with switches and relays. Now, they have circuit boards and digital displays.”

Pinball machines have advanced, but the goal remains the same: keep the ball “in play” for as long as possible and hit various targets to score points. According to Mark, a game can last a few minutes, but experienced players can keep the ball moving for half an hour.

“Controlling the ball is a practice in physics,” Mark said.

“Pinball ownership also takes mechanical skills, because the games sometimes break or a fuse goes out, but I’ve gotten pretty good at fixing them.”

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That Pinball Sound When Mark hosts a tournament, he said it sounds like a full-blown arcade. The sounds and music are part of the appeal of playing a pinball game. New machines are still being made, and they have more robust sound systems, video screens, and even touch screens.

“For example, the Godzilla machine plays old sixties movies on its screen,” Mark said. “The theme is part of the storyline. The most popular games are about music or movies that people are familiar with, like Guardians of the Galaxy, Terminator 2, Guns N’ Roses, or Led Zeppelin.”

Mark has begun hosting tournaments in a climatecontrolled garage he owns in Edmond. Other tournaments are held once or twice a month in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, which have started attracting players from other states. In the competitions, four people are paired up at a machine, and whoever scores the highest after playing several machines moves to the next round. All experience levels are welcomed.

Mark recommends that anyone interested in becoming involved with pinball tournaments visit the Oklahoma Pinball Enthusiasts Facebook page. For new players, he suggests visiting Cactus Jacks, an Oklahoma City arcade with about fifty games from a variety of eras for people to experience.

“There’s definitely a nostalgia factor involved,” Mark said.

“I remember the older games, but I enjoy the new ones, too.

People of all ages seem to enjoy pinball because there is such a variety.”

To learn more, search Oklahoma Pinball Enthusiasts on Facebook.

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1024 W Covell Rd., Edmond, OK 73003