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Bluegrass Fiddlin’ Family: The Cynthia Ridge Band Holiday Events

LEGO Artist

Flora’s Boots

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In the early-2000s I remember our development team staying late one night after work and wrapping everything in their project manager’s workspace in aluminum foil. They wrapped his chair, desk, lamp, monitor, keyboard, mouse, pens, family photos - everything. That was a memorable “Happy Birthday” gag.

When I worked in auto design, I remember being on a team of junior designers working hands-on and over-the-shoulder of a world-class car designer. We were discussing, sketching and learning what Subarus would look like in the future.

Creating the future in real time.

Alison recalls that one time a co-worker wore a tux to work for no apparent reason. She also is still in touch with the friends she made playing cards at lunch while working at The Oklahoman.

Work stories. These were in-person, human interaction, three dimensional memories. Could these have been accomplished remotely, through dual 27” monitors?

Maybe - but the experience would not have been as rich.

Before you think - oh no, take grandpa’s column away, he’s on a rant about remote work - I kind of am. But I also understand, remote work has its advantages and is here to stay. I work remotely quite a bit, but as an agency owner, I care about our work, our clients, our team - and I care about providing an opportunity for the people I work with to have rich human experiences. And hopefully some fun memories.

Dave Miller Publisher & Back40 Design President

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8 18 Features 8 10 12 16 18 20 30

Holiday Events Local Eats: Texlahoma BBQ LEGO Artist Coffee the Old-Fashioned Way New Zealand to Guthrie: A Bootmaker’s Journey Downtown Apartments Family Medley: The Cynthia Ridge Band

Business 22 24

Four Paws Play Yard Running Wild Catering

Columns 7 26

In Other Words with Dave Louise Tucker Jones

Cover photography by Marshall Hawkins 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 DECEMBER 2022 Volume 18, Number 12

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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 PRODUCTION MANAGER Alison Miller l ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE /EDITOR 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

Luminance in Mitch Park

Edmond’s Can’t-Miss Holiday Events

By Taylor Bollinger From carols to karaoke, Edmond is full of opportunities to celebrate the holiday season. Mark your calendars and message your friends and family – it’s time to make some merry memories!

Edmond Ice Rink The Edmond Ice Rink at Mitch Park is open November 5 through January 15. Rent some skates – from toddler size 7 to adult size 13 – and enjoy a fun time outdoors with the family! For hours and pricing, visit edmondicerink.com.

Luminance Mitch Park invites you to ‘take an enchanted stroll’ with them this season. Visitors can enjoy a beautifully illuminated walk November 21 through January 1, from 5 to 10 p.m. daily. More information about Luminance is available at edmondlights.com.

On December 17th from 4-8pm, don’t miss a special event night! Visitors can shop at Merry Marketplace again, visit with Santa and his North Pole friends, get their faces painted, skate at the ice rink, and get a bite to eat with food trucks. There will also be a paper wreath-making project provided by the Fine Arts Institute in Edmond at this free community event!

Holiday Vibes Enjoy live performances and artwork from local artists at Holiday Vibes. Plus, check a few things off your holiday shopping lists with unique gifts from local artists and businesses. This free event takes place December 1 from 8

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5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Downtown Edmond. More details can be found at edmondvibes.org.

Holiday Hop Add some history to your holiday celebration with the Holiday Hop, hosted by the Edmond History Museum. On Saturday, December 3, you can hop to three of Edmond’s historical sites to enjoy free cocoa, crafts, Santa photos and more! Learn more at edmondhistory.org.

Boys Ranch Town Drive-Thru Christmas Pageant This annual event depicts the story of Jesus’ birth, complete with realistic scenes and live animals, conducted by residents of Edmond’s Boys Ranch Town. Load up the car and enjoy this free event from December 2 through 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. Visit obhc.org/about/campuses/brt/events/brt-christmas-pageant for more details.

Christmas Carol Karaoke Frenzy Brewing Company is hosting the second annual Christmas Carol Karaoke December 11 at 2 p.m. Don’t miss door prizes, handcrafted sodas, beer and games! Dress in your most creative Christmas costume and join in the family-friendly fun.

Merry Mitchmas 5K & 10K Walk (or run) through a winter wonderland with Red Coyote’s annual Merry Mitchmas 5K and 10K event held December 17 at Mitch Park. Each participant will receive an ornament race medal to commemorate the event! Sign up at redcoyoterunning.com/merrymitchmas.html.

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FOODLOOK

Texlahoma BBQ

By Laura Beam Leave it to a competition BBQ pitmaster with expert taste to level up the BBQ game in Oklahoma. Having lived in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, Brian Jones and his wife Jennifer sought to blend the best of the places they loved and bring Texas-style BBQ to the OKC Metro. Opening ‘Tex-La-Homa’ on Waterloo Rd. in Edmond in 2015 was an homage to Brian’s journey through those states. And last month, that fusion of tastes took another new road with the opening of the second Texlahoma BBQ on 2nd St. in Edmond. At both locations, top quality meats are trimmed, seasoned and smoked on site each day, using meticulous methods that create incredible flavor and tenderness.

Good Meat, Let’s Eat Exceptional BBQ has to start with great ribs and Texlahoma has elevated them to a whole new level. With a spiced-right rub that shows off Brian’s Louisiana roots, every bite of these ribs is superb. Even the bark is a perfect char that melts in your mouth. “In a BBQ competition, if ribs fall off the bone, you’re disqualified,” Brian explains. “My ribs are like tender pork chops.”

Another hallmark of excellent BBQ is the brisket, and at Texlahoma, it is hands-down a customer fave for a reason. “It is perfectly smoked Creekstone Farms beef with a rich, salty and peppery bite,” Brian says. Smoked bologna, pulled pork, sausage and turkey round out the meat selections. You can even get many meats and sides from the grab-and-go cooler. The meats are precooked and vacuum-sealed with easy heating directions.

Spin-Masters Introduced last year, the Havana, a Cuban inspired sandwich, has been a huge hit. “We’re always thinking of ways to put a BBQ spin on traditional items,” Brian comments. The toasted jalapeno cornbread with smoked bologna and pulled pork is a delicious surprise, especially with the tangy kick of Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard.

Any menu that includes the phrase, ‘garnished with a rib,’ is a winner! The Butler Potato is loaded with brisket, pulled pork, sausage, queso, butter, sour cream…and garnished with a rib, just so you don’t leave hungry! For lighter fare, the BBQ salad is accented with crunchy jalapeno cornbread croutons and your choice of meat. Ask about the ‘Turn-In,’ too–a secret, off-menu item that features an irresistible sampling of all the meats.

Where There’s Smoke…

There’s magic! If you’ve ever botched some BBQ in your backyard, you know it’s an art that has to be mastered. “It takes a pitmaster many years to perfect the craft,” Brian comments. “We’re very specific about the temperature markers that each meat needs to hit for peak flavor and tenderness.”

As with traditional Texas-style BBQ, the meals at Texlahoma are served on big aluminum trays lined with butcher paper—the perfect canvas for mixing, matching, saucing and sharing food. And what better way to sample the yummy side dishes than a big tray?! The okra is fried crispy and seasoned with a house-blend Cajun/BBQ spice. The beans and fries are delicious with a hit of Texlahoma’s prized BBQ sauce. And when was the last time you got excited about potato salad? It’s time! The whipped, creamy, mayo-based concoction has a traditional potato salad taste with a mashed potato twist that will surprise and delight you all at once!

Enjoy Texlahoma 7 days a week at 121 E. Waterloo Rd., Edmond, or dine or drive-thru at 2080 E. 2nd St., Edmond, or visit texlahomabbq.com. Ask about catering and the food trailer available for booking too!

Owner Brian Jones

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FEATURELOOK

LEGO Artist

By Taylor Bollinger

If you give Joseph Kraham 140,000 LEGOs, he’ll turn them into a masterpiece. For proof, check out the 96 square-foot mosaic of Mt. Rushmore he completed earlier this year. This piece took 1,000 hours to complete and is one of countless LEGO creations the artist has produced since launching his artistry in 2013. According to Joseph, there’s a Great Dane to thank.

“Back in 2013 we lost our family dog,” Joseph explained. “I decided to build a portrait of him for my wife using LEGOs. This was the piece that started it all.”

After a successful first try, Joseph immediately set his sights higher. He felt limited by LEGO’s existing color selection and soon developed a method of painting each individual block to produce the exact colors needed for each piece. Joseph has since secured a patent to protect this first-of-its-kind painting process.

“By painting each piece, I can control the shade, shine and finish until I have exactly what I need,” Joseph said. “For example, I might need 20 different shades of cream or brown to match someone’s skin tone for a portrait.”

An engineer by day, Joseph has his artwork down to a science. Using a computer program he created, Joseph carefully plots each piece before beginning the tedious work of painting the individual bricks by hand.

“I average about 10 hours per square foot. Most portraits will take anywhere from 100 to 200 hours,” he said. “It takes a lot of time and patience because if I make one mistake, I have to start over and repaint pieces.”

A quick look at his collection demonstrates the power of this process, revealing lifelike portraits of professional athletes, pets, and Joseph’s proudest work, a rendering of the Little Mermaid.

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“The Little Mermaid is very sentimental to me,” Joseph said. “I created it as a gift to my daughter and she says she is going to keep it forever. That makes a dad feel good.”

This piece boosted both his paternal pride and popularity, as Joseph’s work is featured in art shows across the country, including the Miami Art Basel, and an exclusive partnership with The White Room Gallery in the Hamptons.

Joseph also regularly completes commissioned work for individuals, businesses and charities.

His portfolio features familiar faces like The Rock, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, and many more. Still, he doesn’t consider himself a traditional artist.

“I have no background or formal art training,” Joseph said. “I’ve found that’s what makes art unique. You don’t necessarily have to be trained in something to accomplish your goals.”

Reflecting on Joseph Kraham and his his lucrative mosaic of Van Gogh’s Starry Night and fulfilling LEGO journey, Joseph offers a piece of advice to aspiring artists.

“Find what makes what you do unique, and build on that,” he said. “And remember, it might not happen on your timeline, but practice and patience will pay off eventually.”

Learn more about the Edmond LEGO artist and explore his work at josephkraham.com, or on Instagram @onebrickatatimelego.

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FEATURELOOK

Elizabeth, Fiona and Stan Engles

Coffee the Old-Fashioned Way

By Amy Dee Stephens Looking for that coffee shop that feels like your friend’s living room? Then the Engles family invites you to visit their second home at the Last Drop Coffee Shop. Stan and Fiona Engle, along with their grown daughter, Elizabeth, opened Last Drop five years ago in a 1952 Howard Johnson Restaurant that sat empty for 30 years.

Now, it has a cozy, eclectic feeling, decorated with personal items, travel souvenirs, and photographs from the Engles’ lives, which prompts curiosity and conversation.

“I have pictures of people I’ve met during my worldwide travels, like Margaret Thatcher,” Stan said.

A Gathering Place If the family atmosphere isn’t welcoming enough, Last Drop is known for one more unique ideal: no prices. “We don’t have a set price list, and that usually shocks people,” Stan said. “People can pay what they choose for the coffee, tea or pastries.”

In the Engles’ experience, many customers pay what they might pay for coffee elsewhere or give a little extra to support the shop. “And someone having financial issues can get a decent cup of espresso for less,” Fiona added.

“It’s not a chain coffee shop,” Stan said. “For hundreds of years, coffee shops were family-run businesses where people would gather to meet, network and share their lives.

People got to know their neighbors, discuss their faith, or chat with the local politicians.“ It might seem like an old-fashioned idea, replaced by drive-thru drink options on the way to work, but the Engles have seen the evidence of their successful concept. Their location, a few miles north of the State Capitol Complex on Route 66, is convenient to people traveling from Edmond to work.

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“It’s the only coffee shop along Lincoln. Once people discover us, it’s not uncommon for Last Drop to become a gathering place,” Stan said. “We’ve hosted writers groups, ladies Bible classes, employee meetings, homeschool parents, play groups, soccer families, piano and guitar recitals, medical students, Supreme Court judges, and, of course, travelers.”

“We’re told there’s a peaceful vibe here,” Fiona said. “I’d like to see more women’s groups come to knit or crochet, or mother’s groups. We have a child-friendly play area, too. We just want the space to be used!”

Owning a coffee shop isn’t new to the Engles. For 20 years, they ran Life House in downtown Oklahoma City, located in the original Cain’s Coffee Factory. Now, they are pleased to be closer to their house, serving fresh-daily, organic coffee provided by Leap Coffee Roasters in Oklahoma City.

Brewing Up Good Music Music is another integral aspect of Last Drop. The Engles do not hire musicians, they rely on the talent of their own family. Stan has played and recorded his trumpet music around the world, but the whole family is musical.

“We have many instruments around at Last Drop--which people are welcome to play,” Fiona said. “Kids can play the drums, shake maracas, or play the piano. We aren’t afraid of noise, which might be discouraged in other places. The customers often play impromptu concerts.”

On Thursday nights, the Engles host jam sessions, open to everyone, as a time to hear or play traditional favorites.

And don’t be surprised if Stan shares a few tales from his traveling days.

“Have you heard about the time Margaret Thatcher invited me to dance? No? Well, to hear that story, come by the coffee shop,” Stan invited.

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LOCALLOOK FEATURELOOK

New Zealand to Guthrie: A Bootmaker’s Journey

By Amy Dee Stephens For Flora Knight, making cowboy boots from scratch satisfies her interests in old-timey handcrafts and beautiful artwork. It’s a career steeped in tradition, and Flora moved from New Zealand to Guthrie, Oklahoma in her late twenties to train under some of the most respected boot makers in America.

“I love shoes, and the smell of leather is very nostalgic to me,” Flora said. “I’m continually amazed to hold a completed pair of boots in my hand, knowing that it started out as nothing.”

The first step in making a pair of boots is to do lots of brainstorming with the client. “Their vision and my artistic ability have to come together,” Flora said. “They have to decide on leather style, toe shape, heel height, stitch patterns and design motifs. After taking tracings and eight measurements from each foot and leg, a shoe form is made to mimic the customer’s foot.

Once the boot is done, it should fit like a glove.“ Music and Boots How did Flora discover her interest in bootmaking?

Rock ‘n’ Roll, of course!

“I came from a musical family, and although I wasn’t particularly interested in playing, I took violin lessons. I became friends with a family of fiddle players when I was a teenager. We started playing at square dances, and it suited me,” Flora said.

“But my real love was American Rock ‘n’ Roll. Since I have an interest in history, I started going backwards in time, researching the influences of music, which took me back to the early blues artists, and then back to old-time country music.”

In her early twenties, Flora rambled around the Appalachian Mountains, seeking old-timers to teach her original fiddle tunes—like one song about an old shoemaker using his awl and pegs. “That made me curious about shoes. See how music and boots go hand in hand?”

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Boot Apprentice Back in New Zealand, Flora became entranced watching YouTube videos on bootmaking by Lisa Sorrell from Guthrie.

“Lisa became a celebrity bootmaker to me. She’s known for her incredibly intricate designs,” Flora said. “It took a wild hair to write her, and I was blown away when she offered me an apprenticeship opportunity!”

In 2019, Flora went to Guthrie for the first time, pleased to learn that her bootmaking town was also rich in fiddle culture.

One of her earliest pairs of custom boots was created for the late fiddle legend, Byron Berline, in exchange for music lessons at his store down the street from Sorrell Custom Boots.

Flora returned to New Zealand and weathered the Covid season, but felt drawn back to Guthrie to pursue a romantic interest and to learn more about the craft of bootmaking.

Now, she continues to work under the tutelage of Ray Dorwart of Dorwart Custom Boots, where she is developing her own customer list.

“Ray Dorwart is a wealth of knowledge, and I’m so grateful to absorb it. Original bootmaking technique is archaic. It isn’t written down, it’s an oral tradition and a hands-on tradition,” Flora said. “I hope to take Lisa and Ray’s knowledge and be a link in the chain to keep the craft alive. Even though I’m not a beginner anymore, I still feel like an apprentice, because every pair of boots teaches me something. If I can learn it and pass it along to my own apprentices someday, that’s enough of a legacy for me.”

For more information, contact Flora Knight on Instagram @ floraknightbespoke or email flora.hastings.knight@gmail.com.

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FEATURELOOK

Rendering by Hufft

Downtown Edmond Welcomes Walkable Living Complex

By Taylor Bollinger An aqua lounge, yoga studio, ‘bark park’ and communal also expect the complex to benefit the community as a whole, kitchen are only a few of the features residents can expect creating consistent patronage for local vendors like the from the multifamily complex currently under development in Edmond Farmer’s Market, Railyard District restaurants and Edmond’s Railyard District. more.

Led by award-winning developer, Milhaus, the $68 million “With the addition of several hundred residents within complex will house 276 units. Its urban design and ample walking distance, these businesses will receive a huge boost,” amenities make the development a unique and luxurious Chapman said. “Not to mention the energy that will be option for a wide range of ages and lifestyles. brought to the streets with new residents who are engaged “We’re excited to be on the forefront and active in our downtown of Edmond’s growing downtown The pet-friendly complex will also community.” population,” said John McGurk, Vice From the start, this project feature a fitness center, lounge, President of Development at Milhaus. has been intentionally designed “As this project comes to fruition, it is tea and coffee bar and a dog park. with Edmond’s interest in mind. our hope that patronage will increase When developer Matthew at nearby retail tenants and boost livability throughout the Myers purchased the land, he knew he wanted to create a community.” multifamily complex. He also knew not just any partner would Residents can choose from studios, one-, two- or threedo. His care-driven selectivity led him to Milhaus. bedroom apartments, and enjoy access to communal areas for “Milhaus is different because they buy the land and do the outdoor eating and entertainment. The pet-friendly complex construction, but instead of reselling it like many others would, will also feature a fitness center, lounge, tea and coffee bar and they own and manage it themselves,” Chapman explained. a dog park. Still, the real appeal of this complex is not found in The walkability, extensive amenities and urban-style design its features, but rather in the lifestyle it lends its residents. are products of Milhaus’ high-end development standards.

“One requirement for this complex was that it be located Another prerequisite for the project was the implementation in a walkable community,” said David Chapman, Edmond of quiet zones which were approved by the city council in the City Councilman and founder of Realty1, LLC. “This means last few years. Now, Edmond residents and future occupants of that within a five minute walk, you can find restaurants, bars, the development can enjoy peace from the horn-blowing that haircuts, laundry, entertainment and all the services necessary previously plagued the city. for daily life.”

Edmond has also committed to partner on a parking garage A comfortable walk from Edmond’s blossoming food and shared by the public and residents of the new complex. entertainment scene and a convenient distance from the Paired with surface parking, the garage will add 377 parking University of Central Oklahoma and many local businesses, spaces to the area. The development is expected to be the location offers plenty of play and practicality. Planners complete in 2023.

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BIZLOOK

Four Paws Play Yard

By Maria Veres Every day is a new adventure at Four Paws Play Yard. Offering enrichment activities, games, and lots of TLC, owner Halie Parsons will lavish your best friends with the loving attention they need to thrive.

A Fun, Safe Place to Play “The dogs who come here are treated just like my own dogs,” says Halie. A lifelong dog lover, she offers clients much more than a place to drop off their pets. She’s on site full-time and coordinates fun daily activities, including a small agility course, hide-and-seek

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games with food, and even arts-and crafts-projects. In December she’ll help the dogs create paw-print ornaments and a gift bag for their parents.

The facility includes two spacious play yards, equipped with non-abrasive rubberized flooring that’s gentle on paws. There are comfortable beds for snoozing, a webcam so parents can check on their pets, and plenty of opportunities for dogs to run and play.

Expert Pet Care That Fits Your Schedule A third-generation business owner, Halie has four dogs in her own household, including one rescue. She’s certified in dog CPR and first aid, and Four Paws Play Yard is fully licensed by the state of Oklahoma.

All four-footed guests are screened to make sure they’ll get along. Newcomers must be spayed and neutered and have all their shots. Dogs can come every day or on whatever schedule works for the owners.

Once you’re an established client, Halie also accepts dropoffs. Four Paws Play Yard is the perfect place for your

Owner Halie Parsons

pup to come and have fun while you do holiday shopping or take day trips to see loved ones.

Four Paws Play Yard is open weekdays through 6:00 p.m. and has immediate half-day and full-day openings. They are located at 14330 N. Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 508. Find them online at fourpawsplayyard.com or on their Facebook page.

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BIZLOOK

Running Wild Catering

By Maria Veres Celebrating 25 years in business, Running Wild Catering offers an enticing array of food and drink options for gatherings of any size.

Owners Debbie Lowery and Teresa Walters serve corporate and individual clients across Edmond, OKC, and surrounding areas.

Delicious Menus for Every Occasion Running Wild Catering is well known for serving favorite comfort foods everyone loves. But if an elegant gourmet menu is more your style, Teresa and Debbie are trained chefs who provide choices to please any palate. When the big event arrives,

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your guests will be served by capable, dependable staff who have been with the company for years.

Along with special events, Running Wild Catering provides daily meals for a small hospital and a women’s crisis center. Debbie encourages customers to think outside the box. “We can fill many needs besides weddings and parties,” she says.

Making Your Holidays Sparkle Food and staffing shortages have eased this year, but Debbie cautions that prices have increased. She and Teresa are happy to work with clients to develop menus that fit their budgets. If you need an immediate catering quote, manager Arilla Broadus normally responds with a bid in a few hours.

If bar service is part of your holiday event, Teresa and Debbie can help through their sister business, Spirits a Go Go. Fully licensed, they provide many options including setups, hosted bars, and cash bars.

Christmas is also a popular time for proposals, and Debbie advises

Owners Teresa Walters and Debbie Lowery

Manager/Director Arilla Broadus

engaged couples to reserve catering promptly. “Lock in the date, then pick the menu later that suits your desires best. We can help you make those decisions easily,” she suggests.

After 25 years, Debbie and Teresa still love helping clients host great gatherings. “The satisfaction of knowing our customers are happy makes all the hard work worthwhile,” she says.

Appointments are available weekdays in person or via zoom.

Consultations and advice are always free. You can visit their website to view a full menu list. contact Running Wild Catering at 405-942-0381 or runningwildcatering.com.

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ALOOKBACK

Pondering Miracles!

By Louise Tucker Jones With Christmas almost upon us I’m thinking of miracles, since the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the Christmas miracle we celebrate.

But what do we really know about miracles? Recently, I spoke with a lady whose grown son survived an illness which almost took his life. She called it a true miracle.

Having just lost my son, Jay after 7 weeks in ICU, where he went through emergency abdominal surgery, a ventilator, cardiac arrest, ventilator again, oxygen crashes, heart problems and more, I wondered why her son got the miracle and mine didn’t. Now I count many of the things Jay survived as miracles, but he didn’t get that “last” one I prayed for—healed and home with me.

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I ponder such things. Are there big miracles and little ones? Great faith and small faith? What is a true miracle?

Most of us think it’s something only God can do. The doctor gives a devastating prognosis, then against all odds the patient gets well. We call it a miracle! And birth? To me, every baby is a miracle.

But what about daily things that we seldom contemplate, like breathing or waking up in the morning? We have amazing, complex bodies, but we can’t do the supernatural. That’s God! So here’s my dilemma. I’m now home alone while my husband and three of my beautiful children, whom I miss desperately, are in heaven. And I ask God why some get miracles and my loved ones didn’t.

In my prayers and ponderings, I didn’t find an answer. But I wonder if perhaps we “all” actually got the miracles. They just look different. Perhaps, in God’s eyes, the miracle of Heaven is higher than the miracle of health.

That’s hard for our finite minds and tearful hearts to comprehend. Our chosen miracle would be to have our loved ones healed and home with us. And when that doesn’t happen we mourn the

Jay at Cooper Chapel in Bella Vista, AR

cavernous loss in our lives. But in the midst of our grief, God carries us through the pain then helps us learn to live again.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s the real miracle!

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas!

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

Cameron, Kailon, Megon, Ryon, and Brandon Cheng

Family Medley: The Cynthia Ridge Band

By Amy Dee Stephens Remember the Von Trapp Family Singers from The Sound of Music? Edmond boasts its own musical family: The Cheng Family String Players. Actually, they call themselves the Cynthia Ridge Band, and much like the Von Trapps, these young musicians delight audiences with their energetic performances.

The Cynthia Ridge Band plays a variety of music, from bluegrass and gospel to contemporary worship. No one has a clear memory of how the band started, except that the older siblings, Brandon (18) and Megon (16), started playing together at home. In 2016, an opportunity arose for them to perform.

“We have friends that play in family bands, so we learned about a talent show called the Family Band Fest. We entered, and our interest in performing grew,” said Brandon. “Later, Kailon (14) joined us, then Ryon (11), and we started playing for lots of churches. In 2019, we were part of a youth band competition at Silver Dollar City.”

Cynthia Ridge Band members have no grand visions of becoming famous musicians—they are more focused on enjoying their time together as a family. “We’ll see where the Lord wants us to go with this,” Brandon said, “but for me, just getting to play with the family is fun. I’d rather do this, together, than anything else.”

The Family’s Musical Hobby The Chengs prove the adage that “a family who plays together, stays together.” Music is now the family hobby. Dad bought an RV to go with their passenger van, and the whole family travels together: Dad, Mom, and all eight kids. Yes, there are four more little Chengs!

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as the older ones move on and the younger ones join,” said Brandon, who recently graduated and is now managing the band. “Our next sibling, Cameron (8), is already starting to play mandolin with Cynthia Ridge. Addyson (6) is learning the fiddle and will probably be next.”

The Cheng siblings, who are homeschooled, have a dedicated music room. The band practices together daily, then they take turns on their individual instruments. Most of the Chengs play two stringed instruments each. Why strings?

“Because Mom doesn’t like drums and electric guitar—so we don’t do that!” Brandon said, and the other Chengs laughed.

Although the four oldest Chengs have taken music lessons off-and-on and attended music camps and festivals, they largely compose their own band arrangements. “Instead of using sheet music, we watch YouTube videos and slow them way down and figure out what works for us,” said Brandon.

Their natural musical talent comes from their mother’s side of the family. In fact, the Chengs selected the name Cynthia Ridge Band in honor of their grandmother, Cynthia, who died of cancer in 2019. “We chose “Ridge,” the flat part on a mountain, because it represents stability between the hills and valleys of life,” said Kailon. “Everyone goes through good times and hard times, but if we believe, the Lord will help us through.”

Although the Cheng’s musical journey continues to unfold, the family is very clear about their purpose: to provide uplifting entertainment, together.

“If you come to one of our shows, you’ll see how much we enjoy playing together. You’ll see lots of energy,” said Megon.

“And lots of kids!”

To learn more visit CynthiaRidgeBand.com.

DECEMBER 2022

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1024 W Covell Rd., Edmond, OK 73003