Edmond Outlook - August 2020

August 2020

Suma

Matching Moms to Careers

Overland Camping Edmond’s Taco Jedi Gower Cemetery Preservation

Features

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ASK EDMOND

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LOCAL EATS: CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY CAFE

When I was a little guy, I had a lot of operations on my ears.

Mastoid operations, tubes put in my ears, new eardrums - I have a lot of memories of doctor visits and hospital stays. My least favorite part of all this were the shots. I dreaded shots.

But my mom always told me if I was brave, we’d stop at the toy store on the way home and I could pick out a toy race car.

Here I am fifty plus years later thinking about what got me through back then - and what can get me through my “right now,” because I’m getting lots of shots. I’m in treatment for bone marrow cancer.

My diagnosis came as quite a shock. I was feeling a little off, but I figured I may have arthritis, some slowing down, low testosterone, year 2020 depression, who knows - just not feeling myself. Then I unexpectedly started breaking bones. Ribs to be exact. That’s how this type of cancer gets discovered. Weakening bones start snapping. Anyway, I’m set up to work remotely while a team of medical geniuses get me back to healthy again. And, Alison, my bride of one year, is getting a crash course in caretaking.

So now when I get my shots, I let my mind drift back and think of little Dave holding it together for his mom and trying to understand that it’s not always going to be like this.

And maybe, just maybe there will be something special for me after these rounds of treatments. By the way, have you seen the new mid-engine Corvette C8? Now that’s a toy race car.

Dave Miller Back40 Design President

What’s your favorite outdoor escape?

Co-op opens true farm-to-table restaurant

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OVERLAND CAMPING

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MOMS HELPING MOMS

Exciting mix of four-wheeling and camping Ally Myers and Suma helping moms re-enter the workforce

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GOLD THAT KEEPS GIVING

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HEAVENLY OVERSIGHT

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SANDWICHES WITH LOVE

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Former Olympic swimmer loves what he does The History and Preservation of Gower Cemetery Homegrown mission delivering sandwiches and other donated goods to the homeless EDMOND’S BONAFIDE TACO JEDI

Chef Chris McKenna brings his creativity and

experience to Edmond’s burgeoning local food scene

Business 20

FIVE STAR BATH SOLUTIONS

Providing top-quality bathroom renovations and service throughout the OKC area

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URBACH LAW FIRM

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EDMOND WOMEN’S CLUB

Specialized in personal injury law since 2000 Founded on service and friendship, the group begins a new club year

Columns 28

LOUISE TUCKER JONES

My Birthday Gift

Cover photography by Marshall Hawkins

ADVERTISING l 405-301-3926 l sales@edmondoutlook.com MAILED MONTHLY TO 50,000 HOMES IN THE EDMOND AREA 1024 W Covell, Edmond, OK 73003 l 405-341-5599 l edmondoutlook.com l info@edmondoutlook.com August 2020 Volume 16, Number 8

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Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.

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© 2020 Back40 Design, Inc.

PUBLISHER Dave Miller l EDITOR Jennay Wangen l ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Angie Clemens Byers l GRAPHIC DESIGN Adrian Townsend, Anne Richardson PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com l DISTRIBUTION Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to 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

Ask Edmond

What is your favorite outdoor escape?

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Will Daugherty Community Resource Manager FirstLight Home Care

Judi Brown-Startzman Marketing Consultant Judi Startzman Consulting

Brett Willison Creative Advertising Manager OG&E

Digging for crystals is a blast. The Great Salt Plains is the only place on Earth where selenite crystals form the hourglass shape. There is also a massive and diverse bird population including Sandhill Cranes, various shore birds, heron, egrets, and even Ibis.

We love Arbuckle Wilderness. It is so much fun for my boys and has tons of animals that come right up to your car.

The outdoor scenery and winding, hilly drive is a bonus. We also love walking around Lake Hefner.

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is my favorite Oklahoma escape. While my wife and I “hike” Mitch Park nearly every day with our dogs, nothing beats getting away from it all to WMWR. And I always take my dog, Caramel.

Reagan Adams Assistant General Manager Graco Roofing

Mylon Smith Law Student University of Oklahoma

Olivia Newman Intern FIT405 Magazine

I’ve really been enjoying Scissortail Park since it was finished but, my all-time favorite outdoor escape in the state is Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park in Hinton! The gorgeous natural rock wall structure makes it beautiful all yearround, but when the streams are full and the flowers are blooming, it’s like the canyon is glowing.

I love the Wichita Mountains! It’s an amazing area to hike in Oklahoma and to breathe in the fresh air. The scenery is terrific, plus there are lots of bison and elk to see while walking around the trails.

When looking for a little escape, I visit the Gathering Place in Tulsa. I’m a city girl at heart, and the Gathering Place is the perfect spot to hangout and enjoy the outdoors, while never leaving the city!

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Conscious Community Cafe

FOODLOOK FEATURELOOK

Serving up meals, music and togetherness

By Katie Standlee Edmond newest farm-to-table restaurant has deep roots in the farming community. Jennifer and Chris Webster own the Conscious Community Co-op, and they are pleased to bring fresh dining to Edmond at their Conscious Community Cafe. Their restaurant, which opened late July, is located where The Real Cafe used to be.

In a fresh, comfortable, and open dining space, this new cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving up some familiar and unique recipes, from biscuits and gravy and cinnamon rolls to pot roast and pork chop dinners.

Local Farm Fresh Ingredients

Jennifer said the co-op has over 120 providers, and all the ingredients are sourced from the co-op. She loves basing the cafe’s menu off of the farmers’ plentiful harvest.

“For a long time, farmers have been in the shadows underappreciated,” Jennifer said. “When you can sit down and know that everything we have for sale is being used in the restaurant, so you are paying your neighbor’s bills, not some big box corporation thousands of miles away. You are impacting people right here.”

The full menu goes live in August, which includes dishes on the current menu such as Ratatouille, Chicken Alfredo, and Burger Sliders. Truffles and cupcakes are also a highlight for the cafe, and they offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The cafe’s drink menu includes decorative lattes, hot and cold teas, juices from Beetroot OKC juices, and more. The cafe opens up to a wide dining area, with a pantry that leads out to an expansive patio where wood-crafted chairs are also sold.

Serving More Than Delicious Dishes

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The pantry serves as a small farmers market inside the cafe.

It features all of the ingredients in the kitchen and several of the co-op’s offerings. While customers wait for their table, or before leaving the cafe, they can purchase fresh produce, meats, cheeses, jams and jellies, salsas, coffee, granola, milk and cream, pies, and much more. The pantry also offers a selection of products from other local restaurants.

In the fall, Jennifer plans to expand the pantry, opening it up into a full outdoor farmers market. Future developments for the cafe also include building a community garden outside, near the patio.

“One of the things about farm to table is I want people to experience it, it’s not just come, pick up your menu, order your appetizer, your drink, eat for 30 minutes and get the heck out,” Jennifer said. “I want people to linger and enjoy the experience.”

The cafe is open daily for dining or carry-out at 2851 W Edmond Rd. For more information, visit Conscious Community Cafe & Co-Op on Facebook.

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FEATURELOOK

By Katie Standlee

Overland Camping Summer vacations thrive for campers when adventure leads the way, and with overlanding camping, the Steele family does just that.

Overlanding is a mix of four-wheeling and camping, where the campers drive to a desired destination and set up camp atop the vehicle. Mark and Jen Steele discovered overland camping about three years ago, and are not stopping anytime soon.

The inspiration came shortly after they purchased their RV, and their 8-year-old daughter Addison earnestly said, “Take me to see stars I’ve never seen before.”

Local Adventure Outfitting

Mark said it was an investment to make that dream a reality, but with the help of Edmond Pickup, they acquired the necessary equipment and rigs. Working with the owner, Will Rhoads, Mark and Jen built their own customized adventure trailer. Jen said it’s a one-stop-shop with everything a traditional overlander would need to outfit any vehicle, rig or equipment, and they have a multitude of camping supplies.

The adventure trailer is rigged with a generator, kitchen, refrigerator, rooftop rig, propane stove, storage, extra supplies, a kayak, extra gasoline, and much more. Mark and Jen rent out the trailer, as well as their RVs, through their company Adventure RV Rental.

For Mark and Jen, the driving motivator for overlanding is exploration. They can connect with their twin daughters, Addison and Kinley, without outside distractions. As often as possible, they embark all over the country to discover new worlds. “We wanted to teach them that there is a world out there outside of what they typically experience,” Mark said.

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Addison Steele enjoying the great outdoors

Jen and Mark love how much their daughters blossom when they travel. “I watch them go from creative to adventurous, and curious, and you see different sides of their personality shine,” Jen said.

Exploration without Reservations

Many trips are thoroughly scheduled out, but there are no reservations in overlanding. Jen enjoys being able to unplug from the world digitally and physically, let everything slow down, and truly relax with family. “You don’t make reservations, and that’s kind of the point,” Mark said. “You’re not dictated to a schedule of events, you go where the adventure takes you.”

A great way to start overlanding is through the Oklahoma Overland Trial and the Green Country Overland Trail, which are two nationally-known trails, Mark said.

The trails are not technical, which means an every-day car can make the trip.

Oklahoma has a growing overlanding community. Mark and Addison traveled to New Mexico for Father’s Day with 30 people, which was coordinated through the Oklahoma Overland Facebook group.

So far, the family has adventured all over the state, and to New Mexico, Colorado, Arkansas, Canada and Yellowstone. The family researches every trip together and learns as much as possible along the way. The family’s next adventure takes them to Arkansas to fulfill another dream of Addison’s, which is to sleep next to a waterfall, wake up, and jump into the cascading water.

For more information about Mark and Jen’s company Adventure RV Rental, visit adventurerentalok.com. For more information about Edmond Pickup, visit edmondpickup.com.

FEATURELOOK

By Amy Dee Stephens

Moms Helping Moms Ally Myers is a mom on a mission. Several missions, actually. She’s helping moms re-enter the workforce, and she’s supporting moms with sick children.

It started a few years ago when Ally’s baby experienced liver complications. Meeting with specialists opened her eyes to the world of women forced to leave the workplace to care for children needing weekly hospital visits. “This was their normal, and it was potentially my new normal. Having a child with serious needs is not the lifestyle any mom expects—and she can no longer fit into the traditional workforce,” Ally said.

Moms On A Mission

Ally felt called to help encourage these moms as they “walked through the fire.” She founded Moms on a Mission, providing encouragement and financial support to special needs moms.

As she helped different moms, she also noticed a need to help moms re-enter the workforce.

“At some point, 43% of women with children leave work for a time. Once moms are ready to go back to work, they face real obstacles, because they have a resume gap of five to eight years.

The technology and jargon has changed, too, so these bright, talented women have to catch up. And no mom wants to go into an interview and say, ‘I need to drop my child off in the morning.’”

Matching Moms to a Career

To tear down these barriers, Ally created Suma, a company focused on matching moms to a career, whether it be full-time, part-time or freelance employment. Suma helps moms prepare their application packets, find needed training, and even provide a personal stylist. “After dressing like a mom for awhile, that 14

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eight-year-old suit jacket might not fit anymore,” Ally said. “We want moms to put their best self forward.”

Employers pay just $75 for the Suma service, in which they receive three qualified applicants to review. Instead of focusing on a specific kind of career, Suma focuses on the mom—helping her enter the career that fits, whether she’s an accountant, writer or attorney.

“More employers are recognizing that women are talented and productive. Moms care for their children, but they have more to give. They’ve been gone awhile, but they are amazingly talented.

These women have drive.”

Making a Lasting Impact

Ally became emotional as she reflected on her journey to help moms. “I went to a restaurant and saw a mom sitting at a table working on her laptop. I’d never met her before—but I recognized her, because I’d reviewed her resume packet and video. We felt instantly connected. This woman was so happy with her work—and she had faced real obstacles to get there.”

Ally paused, wiping away tears. “I was so encouraged. It was like a stamp of approval that I was doing this for the right reasons. I think my seven-year-old daughter summed up what I do best one day when she said, ‘Mom, you’re finding the right people with the right heart.’”

Or maybe it’s that Ally has the right heart--especially for moms.

Learn more at www.Sumawork.com or www.Momsonmissions.org

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FEATURELOOK

Gold That Keeps Giving

By Amy Dee Stephens

Olympic Swimmer, Josh Davis, vividly recalls the moment he won the first of three gold medals; both the noise and the silence. “The roar of the crowd was deafening when they put the medal around my neck, and then it went silent for the anthem and the flag. My life flashed through my mind; the teachers, friends, and coaches that supported me, and then I felt so thankful to live in a country where these things could be accomplished. It was pure joy.”

That was in 1996, and now Davis finds himself in a very different place in life. He’s helping students work toward the successes he had as a competitive swimmer. Oklahoma Christian University (OC) hired him as the head swimming coach four years ago. “We started the first-ever OC swim team from scratch. It’s really taken off, and we have 40 men and 20 women from all over the country.”

Encouraging Competition

Davis’ approach to coaching is love-based, rather than shamebased, because he believes an athlete can better achieve excellence with positive encouragement. As a young teenager who entered the swimming field late, at age twelve, his school team coach pulled him aside and said, “Son, you’re not very good. You should switch sports. You’ll never make it.” Davis decided not to listen, choosing to switch coaches instead of sports. He later trained under the best coaches in the country.

“Swimming is mostly an individual sport where you are ‘thinking in your own head’ a lot,” Davis said. “When you reach the Olympics, it’s 99% mental, but I believe you determine your own destiny. The harder you work the farther you can go.”

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New Age. New Goals.

At age 48, Davis’ Olympic days may be past him, but he continues to go further, competing in a master’s league. “Now, it’s my goal to be the fastest old guy ever,” he said with a laugh. “It’s broken down by age category, and I already have records in the previous two age groups.”

In addition, Davis also competes against the “little swimmers” who are up-and-coming. For 23 years, he’s conducted youth swimming clinics. “I teach them everything I know, and at the end, I race them. I don’t like losing--but a few have beat me!

They win their money back and have bragging rights. Those are the ones on track to do big things in the future.”

Davis feels fortunate to have created a life that still revolves around his favorite sport. He’s not competing against Olympic teams anymore--now he’s competing for himself against kids, college students and “old guys.” Even so, Davis calls his wife the real Olympian, as the mother of their six children, ranging from young adults to a four-year-old, whom he calls their divine surprise.

Davis attributes his belief in the divine as the contributing factor to his swimming success. “When I raced for my first gold medal in the Olympics, I was so nervous, but I had meditated and prayed the whole season. It really freed me up to race without pressure, so that I could actually enjoy the process,” Davis said.

“Getting a gold medal is awesome. I highly recommend it!”

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FEATURELOOK

Heavenly Oversight

By Amy Dee Stephens

Sherrod Wall has no doubt his grandmother, Myrtle Gower Thomas, is up in heaven, directing operations at Gower Memorial Cemetery. “She was driven to protect this place and protect its history up to the very end,” Sherrod said.

In the late 1980s, Myrtle put her energy toward preserving the one-acre property along Covell Road that her grandparents, John and Ophelia Gower, had set aside from his Land Run settlement. As a stone cutter himself, John wanted a place in Edmond for the remains of his own family and other people of color, including buffalo soldiers, Native Americans, and even the homeless. Although cemeteries rarely achieve status on the National Register of Historic Places, Myrtle succeeded in adding it in 1992 because of the site’s unique historic value.

A 30-Year Mission

Myrtle’s next step, as she faced her end years, was to convince the City of Edmond or the Edmond Historic Preservation Trust to take over the care of the cemetery. This time, she failed in her task.

Both entities then lacked the manpower and mowing equipment to maintain the site. It was not meant to be. Not yet.

Thirty years later, a woman named Stephanie Carel attended the Black Lives Matter protest being held a few blocks from her downtown Edmond business. “I went to watch from afar, shocked by everything going on,” Stephanie said. “I told some City Council members present that, ‘This hurts my heart. I’m

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going to do something.’ Councilman Darrell Davis told me, ‘Then do something.’ So, that was my call to action. I just didn’t know what I was going to do yet.”

One week later, Stephanie, a historian at heart, learned about the mostly-forgotten Gower Cemetery. As she walked among the overgrown headstones, she became very upset. “This is a historic site. They are part of Edmond’s history. They can’t be forgotten.”

Myrtle had felt the same way. “My grandmother always said, ‘Never let weeds grow on my grave,’” Sherrod said. “She made me promise to take care of the family cemetery when I was just seven. I’ve done my best, driving my tractor three miles from my house for years, knowing that Grandma was watching me—but I know it’s not cared for to the extent needed for such a historical place.”

Passion Driven Community

According to Sherrod, his grandmother looked down on Stephanie as she stared in dismay at the aging cemetery and said, “She’s the one to get it done!” And by the next day, Stephanie, who said “something truly reached out and grabbed my soul,” called upon a network of friends and Preservation Trust members, pleading for help. She planned a cemetery clean-up day for the end of June. The response was overwhelming from an array of people who felt compelled to do something to honor the Black history dating back to Edmond’s beginning.

It had taken three decades, but Myrtle’s vision of honor for her grandfather’s graveyard finally came true. The Preservation Trust is now able and eager to take over the care of the Gower Cemetery for future generations. Besides general upkeep, plans include Photo by Samantha Reynolds repairing the gate, building benches, identifying graves, replacing missing markers, and creating a Wikipedia page--a myriad of projects to honor an almost-forgotten piece of land.

“How do I feel about this?” Sherrod asked. “Amazing isn’t a strong enough word. Grandma had a hand in this from above. I know she is excited and proud.”

Visit Edmond Historic Preservation Trust on Facebook to learn more or to volunteer.

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BIZLOOK

Complete & Affordable Bath Renovations

Five Star Bath Solutions

By Maria Veres

Customers of Five Star Bath Solutions OKC will enjoy quality customer service and professionalism. Five Star Bath Solutions OKC is a part of a respected national franchise that is owned and operated by Ellis Knight offering the kind of personalized customer service you can’t get at a larger firm. Purchased in 2019, Five Star Bath Solutions OKC provides top-quality bathroom renovations throughout the Oklahoma City Metro, Norman, and Edmond area.

Owner Ellis Knight grew up in Ardmore, OK with dreams of one day running and operating multiple successful business.

The former Division 1 athlete turned entrepreneur holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Education. Ellis is also a Sr. HR Manager for the Chickasaw Nation in which he oversees multiple properties in the gaming/casino industry.

Starting a business can be scary, but Ellis never shied away from the challenge. “I’m comfortable being uncomfortable,” he says.

“I’m willing to push the envelope.” I think you have to be in order to achieve different levels of success.

The Five Star Bath Solutions franchise model appealed to him because it allowed him the opportunity to bring his family into the business. “It was important for to be able to help provide my family with opportunities they may not have had otherwise.

I love seeing other people win and achieve their own personal greatness.”

Ellis handles the administrative side while his brother-in-law, Jorge Montanez, handles the entire bathroom project from start to finish. “Jorge is super talented and extremely detailedoriented in what he does. He takes great pride in his work and is

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Complete Bath Renovations at Affordable Prices

Five Star Bath Solutions OKC can take on projects of almost any size and scope. “We focus on tub-to-shower conversions and complete remodels,” says Ellis. In their expert hands, a worn-out and hazardous shower area can be replaced by a state-ofthe-art shower system in as little as two to three days.

Five Star Bath Solutions does many tub-to-shower conversions for older customers that may have mobility issues that make it difficult to navigate in a standard tub. They can replace bathtubs with walk-in showers or step-in tubs that are safer and more practical. Customers can choose from a wide variety of Ellis Knight, owner, Five Star Bath Solutions materials, colors, and surfaces.

Achieving Excellence

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one of the best contractors out there,” says Ellis. As an additional safety measure Five Star Bath Solutions OKC doesn’t contracted out any work, so the only faces the customer will see during the project are Jorge and Ellis.

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Focused on Customer Satisfaction

All the work done by Five Star Bath Solutions OKC comes with a lifetime warranty, and Ellis or Jorge will come back to address any problems a client might encounter. “We make sure to put our best foot forward each and every time we go out,” says Ellis “Our goal is to put a smile on the customer’s face.” They are committed to fair and honest pricing, and they strive to make every project as affordable as possible.

“We take great pride in our work,” says Ellis. “We do everything we can to make sure our customers are happy.”

Five Star Bath Solutions serves Edmond and the OKC metro area. Visit them at fivestarbathsolutions.com/oklahoma-city-ok.

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BIZLOOK

Urbach Law Firm

By Maria Veres

Dealing with an accident or injury is traumatic. Eric Urbach’s goal is to make the journey a little easier. “I lead a person through a tough time in their life and ensure that they receive the compensation they’re entitled to,” he says.

Winning Without a Fight

Many people see personal-injury claims as a battle against insurance companies. “People think they want a bulldog,” says Eric. “The reality is, that’s counterproductive.” Eric takes the more fruitful approach of negotiating with adjusters. “I use techniques that I’ve been trained in and that are proven to be successful,” he says.

Eric takes time to get to know clients,

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learning about their hobbies, their work, and the activities they can no longer enjoy because of their injury. His goal is to show the insurance adjuster who the client is as a person.

If a case needs to go to trial, Eric doesn’t shrink from that outcome. “Not all personal injury attorneys are willing to go to trial,” he says. “I will.” Most insurance companies prefer to avoid trials, so very few clients end up in the courtroom. Eric’s negotiation skills usually bring about excellent out-of-court settlements.

A Renewed Vision

Eric has specialized in personal injury law since 2000. He also practiced family law for several years, but last fall he returned to focusing exclusively on personal injury cases. “I decided to come home,” he says. “I’m excited about this new season in my law practice.”

Eric concentrates on three types of injuries—car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, and dog bites. “When someone is looking for a lawyer, it’s intimidating to pick up that phone and call,” he says, “but

Eric Urbach there’s no risk involved.” Consultations are free, clients aren’t charged unless they win a settlement, and there are no up-front costs.

When he’s not assisting clients, Eric enjoys pursuing his hobby of highdefinition photography and videography, which he has channeled into a thriving side business, Urbach Media. He’s also a busy father of three and stepfather of two.

Urbach Law Firm is accepting new clients. Contact Eric at 405-216-3404 or online at urbachlawokc.com.

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BIZLOOK

Edmond Women’s Club

By Maria Veres

If you’re a woman who wants to become more involved in your community, Edmond Women’s Club (EWC) may offer just the connection you’re looking for.

Founded on service and friendship, the group is welcoming new members as it begins a new club year.

Serving the Community

All through its thirty-year history, EWC has focused on giving back to the community. Members complete volunteer service hours. EWC supports local nonprofit organizations through annual grants, and they are proud to award scholarships to deserving young Edmond women.

Some events and volunteer opportunities may look different in 2020, but EWC remains strong in its commitment to

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partnering with nonprofits. “We recognize that our community may need us now more than ever,” says president Heather Langhofer. The club assists a wide variety of organizations, including the HOPE Center, Miracle League, UR Special, and many more.

Deepening Friendships

Another purpose of EWC is to encourage friendships. The club holds monthly meetings as well as volunteer events where members serve alongside one another. This year has had an increased focus on small group activities, such as a book club.

“What I love most is that it gives us an opportunity to get to know women that we may not have met elsewhere,” says Heather. “We all share that common cause of serving the community.”

Getting Involved with EWC

Membership is open to any woman who lives in Edmond or is connected to the Edmond community. Members come from all age groups, backgrounds, and walks of life.

Edmond Women’s Club Women can join any time, but it’s ideal to sign up at the beginning of the club year in August. Newcomers will bond by participating in extra meetings and activities throughout the year.

Anyone can contribute to EWC’s work by supporting their fundraising events. Follow EWC on Facebook for details about their next event in September 2020.

EWC is planning an open house on August 20th, 5:30pm at the Edmond Hilton Garden Hotel. All interested individuals are encouraged to register in advance at EWC. ORG under events. Any questions can be emailed directly to membership@ewc.org.

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FEATURELOOK

Mara Dearing (left), Jessica Anne Laster (center), Ashlee Voegeli (right)

Sandwiches With Love

By Amy Dee Stephens

This story is about sandwiches, but it starts with socks.

Last fall, Jessica Anne Laster’s son had outgrown his socks.

During a cold snap, she decided to visit downtown Oklahoma City to pass them along to the homeless. “And the need was mind blowing,” Jessica said. “There were so many people living outside with snow on the ground, frozen water, and no food. I ran to the store for sandwich materials to pass out, and so many people appeared out of nowhere. It was unbelievable. I knew I needed to do something.”

Her next step was to reach out through social media for donations and helpers. Now, Jessica visits downtown at least once a week delivering sandwiches to 50-75 people, plus a variety of other donated items.

An Increased Need “The hardest part is sending people away empty-handed once we run out of sandwiches,” Jessica said. “I’ve seen an increase in homelessness since the pandemic started, and some literally only have the clothes on their backs.”

Jessica’s heart goes out to the homeless because she, herself, was once homeless. Her uncle used to make food packages for her. “I model what I do after my uncle, because he made me feel loved during a difficult time in my life. So now, I feel called to give back--but I know that what I do is not for everybody.”

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For safety, Jessica doesn’t deliver sandwiches by herself, but has never felt in danger. “My experience with the homeless community is that these people are gentle, appreciative and thankful. I get prayed for all the time. Surprisingly, most homeless people do not hoard whatever they can get--they take just what they need.”

Last winter, Jessica witnessed the selflessness of two homeless men when she was downtown delivering donated blankets from a hotel. “It was raining ice, and I was down to one blanket left.

Two gentlemen asked for a blanket, but neither would take the last one from the other. I was standing there freezing, saying, ‘One of you take the blanket!’ I finally gave it to one man, and he turned around and gave it to the other. This story is the norm, not the exception.”

Removing Barriers Because Jessica’s charitable work is gaining traction, she is considering developing a non-profit. She was recently donated an office space to carry out her work, which she calls Sandwiches With Love. She was inspired by the name of a tea she drinks called Detox With Love. “It just felt right, because I do make these sandwiches with love—just like my uncle did for me.”

“Homeless people spend energy every day figuring out how to eat, get clean and where to stay. By taking away some of these problems, they can put more energy into getting out of their situation,” Jessica said. “I believe that by sharing some hope with these people that they can have a different life, it’s possible for them to come out of this.” What started with socks, ended in Sandwiches--with love.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ sandwicheswithlove

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ALOOKBACK

By Louise Tucker Jones

August brings a significant birthday my way. How significant? I’ll let you guess on that one. And being a “senior” with the COVID-19 crisis still going full force and my son, Jay, having a compromised immune system, I suspect a party will not be taking place. So I’m wondering what I might do to celebrate this milestone in my life without leaving home.

When my kids were young, I hung streamers in their doorway so they would wake to a celebratory day. They would also find a personalized, Happy Birthday sign and balloons in the kitchen in anticipation of an after-school party with cake, presents and special friends.

Of course, activities changed as they got older, but it was always a festive occasion

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for every family member. Birthdays deserve a celebration.

When our older children were grown and had left home, my late husband, Carl, would often get up early and put up a decorative banner and twinkle lights to greet me on my birthday. After his death, it took a while for me to again enjoy a celebration, but eventually, my son, Jay, and I began the tradition of visiting my oldest son, Aaron and his family in Arkansas. Grandchildren make any day special.

But since we will be staying home this year, I’m trying to figure out how to plan my own home-sheltered birthday party.

Definitely need a cake. I enjoy baking so will probably make it myself. Of course

it will be chocolate! I already have ice cream. Don’t need candles. Could trigger smoke alarms! And presents? Believe me, I have more books, trinkets and gadgets than I need. Keepsakes are special to me, but I already have a house and a heart full of them.

So I can think of only one request for my birthday. Prayer! Say a special prayer for me! For my family! For this amazing country I have always called home! Pray for friends, neighbors, leaders, and people everywhere. Pray for health, healing and harmony. Pray for God’s love and peace to reign over this world!

Now that, my friends, would be a perfect birthday gift!

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

Edmond’s Bonafide Taco Jedi

By Maggie Murdock Nichols

Edmond native Chris McKenna contributed to several iconic OKC restaurants. He’s returned home to lend his creativity and experience to Edmond’s burgeoning local food scene. Chris says, “Over the next five years, I predict a boom of quality restaurants in Edmond. Edmond people want good food, they’re willing to drive for it. I’m excited to bring the people what they want.”

Chris McKenna grew up in an immersive farm-to-table experience – before it became a trend. On his grandparent’s farm, Chris worked in the garden, gathered eggs and tended to the fowl. He recalls, “On a hot summer day, you really can’t beat a fresh tomato sandwich sliced and dressed with a dash of salt and pepper.” One of Chris’ first contributions to the family table was gravy to accompany homemade biscuits.

Chris attended Edmond schools and fondly recalls learning to chop and saute in home economics, but hadn’t yet considered food as a career. After he graduated from Edmond Memorial in 1992, his love for cooking continued to blossom. His friends devoured all his creations and assured him he could make a living out of cooking.

A Passion Turns Professional

Chris has worked for, managed, and led the openings of several restaurants like County Line BBQ, Carraba’s, Fish City Grill, Stella, Tamazul, Packard’s New American Kitchen, Hunny Bunny Biscuit Co., Oso and Frida. With a wide range of experience, Chris has brought a gem to Edmond with the opening of Taqueria El Camino. Chris’ convivial demeanor and creative incorporation of local and traditional ingredients has built him a reputation that’s worth following. Tacos are Chef McKenna’s sweet spot. In fact, Dave Cathey, The Food Dude, describes him as “a bonafide taco jedi.” Chris lives and cooks by the mantra “Inhale tacos. Exhale negativity.”

A Change of Pace

Chris connected with Happy Plate Concepts and entertained the option of returning to Edmond. He said it was an easy choice, “I feel grounded here. I love being back.” Shortly after the agreement was finalized, he, his wife Hailey, and corgi Gus moved to Edmond.

Happy Plate Concepts owns and operates the original S&B Burger Joint off 50th in Oklahoma City, Sunnyside Diners, has recently opened Taqueria El Camino in the Edmond Railyard, and has other Edmond concepts baking. Chris has a hand in each concept, but he focuses primarily on the Taqueria.

Notable Chefs are Migrating to Edmond

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“Many of us grew up in the OKC culinary scene and had a craving for something different,” Chris says. The experience of opening a restaurant in Edmond has made him appreciate his hometown. “Edmond has a lot to offer. It has it’s stereotypes, but the notion that there’s nothing here, just isn’t true anymore.”

He notes that the loyalty and kindness of customers in Edmond is refreshing. Chris says he wants to be part of something that betters the town that raised him and looks forward to contributing to the expansion of Edmond’s culinary scene.

For more information, visit www.taqueriaelcamino.com AUGUST 2020

1024 W Covell Rd., Edmond, OK 73003